Category Archives: boxing

boxing

Heralded Prospect Ruben Villa Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision this Past Friday Night in Ontario, California

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2017)- Heralded prospect Ruben Villa (10-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. made it ten straight wins to start his career by outpointing veteran Juan Sandoval (15-18, 5 KOs) of Mexico. Scores: 59-55, 60-54 twice.
The bout was the co-feature this past Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa, 20, capitalized on his southpaw stance by landing a strong jab and countering with a right hook that routinely found its mark. Sandoval often looked confused and never managed to find any angles against the busier Villa.
“I just tried to keep the pressure on him from start to finish,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I think he fought a cautious fight, but I was still able to land a lot of punches in every round.”
Villa was most impressive in the fourth and fifth rounds when he delivered numerous sets of combinations that stunned the taller Sandoval. While Villa kept his unbeaten streak alive on Friday night, another, less recognizable streak ended. In his previous unanimous decision wins, Villa had won every round on every scorecard. On Friday night, one judge failed to give Villa all six rounds (59-55).
“That streak was bound to end sooner or later,” Villa said. “I’ll have to start another one.”
“Once again Ruben had a terrific outing on Friday night,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
“Ruben continues his progression and development, and we are extremely pleased at where he is at.  2018 is going to be a big year for Ruben, as we will see him fight for some regional titles in the next 12-18 months.”
“Ruben looked impressive yet again against a veteran opponent,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “Ruben is developing and maturing quicker than we anticipated. He’ll be back in the ring very soon.”
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
boxing

‘Great Lakes King’ Ja’Rico O’Quinn to Face Kenya’s Nick Otieno This Friday in Warren, Michigan

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2018 is shaping up to be an important year in the budding boxing career of undefeated Detroit-based bantamweight Ja’Rico “The Great Lakes King” O’Quinn.
“I’m looking to make my TV debut this year,” said O’Quinn, finishing up training for Friday’s fight. “From there, the sky is the limit. When I get on TV, I’m going to looks so good I’ll become an attraction that people want to see again and again.”
This Friday, February 23, on a show called “WAR IN WARREN,” at DeCarlo’s Banquet and Convention Center in Warren, Michigan, O’Quinn (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will kick off the year by facing Kenyan veteran Nick “Kanyankole” Otieno (31-12, 13 KOs) in a six-round showcase.
“Training went well,” he continued. “I’m putting the finishing touches on camp and making sure my weight is good. I know Otieno is a tough veteran who’s not coming to lay down. He’ll put up a good fight and I’m pretty sure he’s got some veteran tactics he’ll try to use in there. I’ll use my youth and skills to come out on top.”
A former number-one ranked national amateur champion, O’Quinn turned professional in 2015 and soon signed with the ever-growing promotional stable of Dmitriy Salita. Flashy and quick-fisted with good power, O’Quinn’s popularity with hometown fans seems to grow with every impressive performance.
“It’s a great feeling. I get a lot of love in Detroit. They chant my name. The crowd loves it. If you can make it out of Detroit, you can make it out of anywhere.”
O’Quinn says he won’t predict what will specifically happen against Otieno, only that he will continue to build his name.
“If it goes the distance, I see myself being dominant and showcasing my talents and skills for all six rounds. If it doesn’t go the distance, I’ll show them what I can do for a while and then get him out of there.”

 

 

 

 

 

Tickets for “WAR IN WARREN” are priced at $35/$65/$100 and are available by calling 313.655.7631. On fight night, doors at 7 pm. Action starts at 8. DeCarlo’s is located at 6015 E 10 Mile in Warren.
boxing

Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Sign Undefeated Lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan to a Co-Promotional contract

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Hamazaryan wins American debut by unanimous decision this past Friday night in Ontario, California
PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2018) – Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of undefeated lightweight prospect Zhora Hamazaryan to a co-promotional contract.
Hamazaryan, 22 years-old of Gyumri, Armenia, improved to 9-0 with 6 knockouts as he won his American debut this past Friday night when he scored a 4-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sergio Ramirez in Ontario, California.
Hamazaryan is a three year-professional who had his previous eight victories in Russia.
In the bout against Ramirez, Hamazaryan dropped his opponent with
a hard left hook in the second round.  Hamazaryan was very impressive as he displayed heavy hands and had a crowd pleasing style.  
“I’m pleased with the win,” Hamazaryan said. “He was a bit awkward, but it wasn’t enough to throw me off what I wanted to do.”
“Zhora had a terrific performance, and I am very pleased with his fight,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
“He has only been in the United States for a couple weeks, and he will have a full camp here for his next fight, so I expect that he will be even better in his next bout.  We feel that at 22 years old, he has a bright future, and I look forward to his watching his development.”
“Zhora made his U.S. debut a memorable one,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing. “He fought a very awkward fighter and was able to dominate him from the start. We like that he comes from an extensive amateur background and look forward to developing him further.”
 PHOTOS BY Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
 
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves

Former USA boxers to hold private meet-and-greet at New England Tournament of Champions Open Division Championships

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1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association Event in N.E.
 

Thursday, February 22
Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Mass.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 19, 2018) – USA Boxing will host a private USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet this Thursday night (Feb. 22), prior to that evening’s open division finals of the New England Tournament of Champions, part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Feb. 22nd USA Boxing Alumni Association also being held, in part, to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Monday, March 12, at the newly renovated Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and concludes March 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including hometown hero and three-time New England champion, “Irish” Micky Ward. Others include Jose Antonio Rivera, John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, Travis and Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Joe Alloj, Lawrence Clay-Bey and Troy Wortham.
All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Ticket prices start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com.
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing

HUMBERTO “TITO” VELAZCO SCORES SENSATIONAL KNOCKOUT IN EL PASO, TX

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Photo by Mario Serrano – Prince Ranch Boxing
AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 19, 2018) – This past Saturday, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, TX, Sugar Promotions light-heavyweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 14 KOs), scored the knockout of the night, against Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr. (20-4, 14 KOs).
Velazco, who hails from Aguascalientes, Mexico, rallied from an early first round knockdown, which was more of an off-balance circumstance. Velazco wasn’t hurt and evened the score in the second round with his own knockdown, catching Williams with a short right to the face, a punch he didn’t see coming. Williams survived the round but was walking on wobbly legs. Now in a rhythm, Velazco’s timing was on point as he sent Williams to the deck for the second time in round three, this time hurting him badly with combination of punches. Williams survived once again only to be stopped in round four when Velazco, a heavy-handed southpaw, blasted him with a straight left, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:37 mark.
“It was a great feeling to get a knockout in my first fight in the united states,” said Humberto Velazco, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “When I got up from the knockdown I wasn’t hurt, but it definitely woke me up. When I dropped Williams, I knew he was hurt, but the round ended. I knew I had to step it up and I got him out of there. I’m ready to fight all the big names at light-heavyweight and super-middleweight. Adonis Stevenson, Sergey Kovalev, Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are at the top. I want their belts, so they are on my target list.”
A genetic freak, Velaszco stands slightly over 6″1, and has a rare combination of speed and power. His athletic pedigree runs in the family as his brother is a professional basketball player.
“When I first saw Velazco in the gym, I knew he was something special,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “He has great feet for a big man and showed he can bang with the best of them. I’m very grateful to the folks at PBC, who gave us the opportunity to fight on this card. I believe Velazco will be the next big star to come out of Mexico.”
“Velazco is a super athletic fighter with a great personality.” said Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannley. “His final knockdown was amazing. We have big plans for Tito and everyone on boxing will know his name soon.”
Velazco vs. Williams Jr. was showcased on the PBC card headlined by Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander. Look for Velaszco to be back in the ring by summer, most likely in his hometown of Aguascalientes, Mexico.
boxing

William Silva headlines March 3 in Clearwater, FL

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March 3 Fight Poster.jpg
Tampa, FL (February 18, 2018) – Lightweight contender William “Baby Face” Silva returns to the ring Saturday, March 3 to face rugged Rogelio Casarez at Banquet Master in Clearwater, FL.
The eight-bout card is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and tables can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461.  Fans can also watch the card live for only $9.99 at Fite.tv/watch/lightweight-battle/2mzhw/. The first bout is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Hailing from Sao Paolo, Brazil but residing in Florida, Silva has an excellent 24-1 professional record with 14 of those victories by knockout. The former WBO Latino Lightweight titlist fought highly-touted Felix Verdejo on HBO in 2016 but came up short in a gutsy performance. Silva is looking to get back into the limelight but must first pass a tough test on the 3rd.
Known by his moniker “El Loco,” Casarez has proven his willingness to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere. The Arkansas native, who is 13-6 with 5 KO’s, fought 2012 Olympian Jamel Herring, undefeated Louis Cruz and two-division world title challenger Cesar Seda. In 2016, Casarez traveled all the way to China to capture the NABF and IBU 130 pound titles by outpointing previously unbeaten Ronnakit Boontree over twelve rounds.
The Silva-Casarez showdown is slated for ten rounds and is for the NBA World and IBO Continental 135 pound titles.
Popular Tampa cruiserweight Nicholas “The Showstopper” Iannuzzi returns to the squared circle for the first time in nearly four years to face Lemarcus Tucker of Arkansas in a six rounder. Known for his larger than life Personality, Iannuzzi has a solid 18-4 record with 10 KO’s. Tucker, 5-3-1 (3 KO’s), had all nine of his professional fights during Iannuzzi’s hiatus and looks for a second consecutive victory.
Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson of Thonotasassa, FL meets unbeaten Ernest Hall of Baltimore, MD in a four round featherweight contest. Tomlinson, 5-3-2 (3 KO’s) is a big local draw and fought his entire career in the Sunshine State.
Middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver Jr. of Orlando, FL looks to run his record to 5-0 when he meets Dallas, TX based veteran Carlos Dixon in a four round contest. Tarver Jr. is the son of former unified champion Antonio Tarver.
“We at Fire Fist Boxing are looking forward to an explosive night of boxing with championship bouts and a great undercard,” said Promoter Jody Caliguire. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the boxing fans for another great evening filled with international and local talent.”
In other undercard bouts, Joseph Fernandez meets Thomas Amaro in a six rounder, heavyweight Jordan Sanders challenges Rodriguez Cade over four rounds, Ozodbek Aripov faces Chaklit Ali Redwood in a four round junior middleweight tilt and Rufat Huseynov battles Emilio Rivera.
For more information, go to Firefirstboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.
boxing

Impressive victories by Subriel Matías and Alfredo Santiago against world title challengers in Fajardo, PR 

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Las Night, before a packed house in the Fajardo Municipal Equestrian Park in Puerto Rico, Subriel Matías and Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago, both from Fajardo, were victorious against former world title challengers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the main event, Subriel Matías (9-0, 9 KO) defeated by technical knockout at 33 seconds of the third round, Colombian and former world contender, Daulis Prescott (31-7, 23 KO) in a 10-round fight in the 140 pounds. Prescott visited the canvas twice in the second round and once in the third to end the fight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his resume, Matías has impressive victories by knockout on rising prospect Jeffrey Fontánez, former Venezuelan Olympian Patrick López and Brazilian puncher, Joaquim Carneiro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the co-main event, Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago (9-0, 2 KO) defeated by unanimous decision the former world contender, Juan Jose Montes (25-7-2, 15 KO) of Mexico, in a 10 round at the maximum weight of 133 pounds. The three judges scored 100-90.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his short career, Santiago has notable victories by decision over: the former Mexican Olympian, Arturo Santos Reyes, the world contender and current FECARBOX CMB champion Jayson ‘La Maravilla’ Vélez and the always seasoned, Andrés ‘Pajita’ Navarro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In other matches (all scheduled to four rounds):

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the middleweight, José Villarán (3-0, 2 KO) of Loíza won by unanimous decision to José León (0-2) of San Juan. The three judges scored 40-36.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the welterweight division, Patrick Cora (2-0, 2 KO) San Juan defeated by technical knockout at 1:26 of the fourth round to Fernando Semidey (0-3-1) of Trujillo Alto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the bantamweight, Jonathan ‘Bum Bum’ Lopez (2-0, 2 KO) of Humacao def. Kenny Julián Agosto (0-1) of Vega Alta by technical knockout to a second of the third round. Agosto visited the canvas in the second round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lightweight division, Darrell Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of San Juan defeated by technical knockout at 2:56 of the third round to Carlos Diaz (0-1) of Bayamón.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the flyweight, Oscar Marrero (1-1, 1 KO) Luquillo won by technical knockout at 2:20 of the second round over Christian Santos (0-5) of Mayagüez.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

  DANNY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT BRANDON RIOS IN WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

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David Benavidez Remains Boxing’s Youngest World Champion With Unanimous Decision Over Ronald Gavril In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
Watch The Replay Monday, Feb. 19 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
 
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
Click HERE for Photos from Chris Farina/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 17, 2018) – Former two-division world champion Danny Garcia returned with a vengeance, knocking out Brandon Rios in a WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday on SHOWTIME from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Returning for the first time since dropping a close split-decision to Keith Thurman in a welterweight world championship unification fight in March of 2017, Garcia reminded fans of his position amongst boxing’s elite at 147 pounds with an early candidate for 2018 Knockout of the Year.
Garcia (34-1, 20 KOs) did his best work in the center of the ring, where he was able to box at a distance and fend off Rios’ furious pace.  Rios, who returned in 2017 from a brief retirement, was most effective against the ropes where he gave Garcia trouble with his constant pressure and his favorite weapon – a wide overhand right.
In the ninth round with the fight where Garcia wanted it – in the center of the ring – the Philadelphia native landed a huge counter right to the chin that sent Rios flat on his back.  Rios beat the count, but was clearly wobbly on his feet, forcing referee Kenny Bayless to halt the contest at 2:25 of the ninth.
“I felt the ring rust a little bit in the beginning,” said Garcia, who recorded the 20th knockout of his career.  “He’s a good inside fighter and he was giving me some good uppercuts.  I felt good, it was a good nine rounds.  He came to fight.  I came to box, I did that.  I came to bang, and I gave the fans what they wanted – a knockout.
“I just noticed when I was getting my punches off he was standing right in front of me and I just let it go.  As soon as I got the fight in the middle of the ring where I wanted I landed good shots.  I was just letting my hands go and the punch landed.”
After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray asked Garcia how the loss to Thurman affected him.
“The loss was tough.  I have the mindset of a winner,” Garcia said.  “I hate losing.  I took it like a true champion and I bounced back like a true champion.
“I would love the rematch with Keith Thurman.  It’s on him.  Whenever he’s ready we’ll fight.”
WBA and WBC Champion Thurman isn’t the only potential blockbuster on the horizon for Garcia. Former welterweight champion and the WBC’s No. 1 ranked contender Shawn Porter looms for what would be a massive showdown between the former champions.
After the fight, Rios (34-4-1, 24 KOs) was frustrated with the stoppage and promised to return.
“I’m mad.  I don’t like going out like that,” Rios said.  “I’m a warrior, I got back up and I wanted to continue.  I guess they stopped it but I’m mad.  I’m mad because I got up.
“I was doing good.  I got lazy with the jab and he came over with the right hand and he caught me.  I’m a warrior.  I’m still in the game.  I didn’t think he did much to hurt me.  I think it was closer than what he thought it was.  He just caught me with a lucky punch.  I was ready to continue.”
Boxing’s youngest world champion, David Benavidez, left no questions in a rematch with Ronald Gavril, defending his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship with a dominating 12-round unanimous decision in Saturday’s co-feature on SHOWTIME.
The 21-year-old Benavidez and Gavril had fought to a close split-decision in one of 2017’s best fights that saw Benavidez drop to the canvas in the final minute of the 12th and final round.  The Phoenix native had no trouble in the immediate rematch, utilizing a stiff jab and a steady diet of combo shots to win a near-shutout over the game Gavril.
Benavidez (20-0, 17 KOs) wore down Gavril with an intelligent body attack, pounding the midsection to open up power shots and jabs to the head.  Benavidez had his best round in the fourth, connecting on a huge right uppercut that nearly floored Gavril – who appeared to be saved by the ropes – and then pounced with a series of damaging combo shots.
Benavidez appeared to hurt his right hand in the second half of the fight and stepped off the gas in the 10th, 11th and 12th.  But Benavidez, who connected on 41 percent of his power shots, still landed the harder shots and utilized a stiff left jab to keep Gavril largely at bay.
“I knew he was going to come aggressive.  He’s a one-trick opponent,” Benavidez said.  “I knew I could jab and box him all day.  When I saw the opening I took it.  I didn’t knock him out though – he’s a tough son of a gun.
“Both my hands hurt but I have that warrior’s mentality so I kept pushing.
“I want to be the best in division. So whoever they put in front of me that’s what I want to do.”
Gavril (18-3, 14 KOs) didn’t make any excuses for dropping what was an action-packed affair that was scored 119-109 and 120-108 twice.
“He tried to box me on the outside,” Gavril said.  “It was good fight.  He was the better man tonight. What can I say?  I want to go back in the gym and come back stronger.”
In the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Yordenis Ugas scored the biggest win of his career, knocking out Ray Robinson in the seventh round of an IBF Welterweight Eliminator.
Ugas (21-3, 10 KOs) now holds the IBF’s No. 2 position to undefeated champion Errol Spence Jr.
Ugas, a former amateur standout who is now 6-0 since moving up to the 147-pound class, set the tone with a knockdown in the closing minute of the opening round.  Robinson (24-3, 12 KOs) survived and was later deducted a point for hitting after the bell as the fourth round came to a close.  The illegal punch floored an unexpected Ugas, who rebounded and continued to dominate the subsequent rounds.
In the opening minute of the seventh, the 31-year-old Ugas landed a massive right that floored Robinson, who beat the count but was clearly hurt.  Ugas unleashed an onslaught with a series of combos, forcing referee Robert Byrd to step in to halt the contest at 1:05 with Robinson defenseless against the ropes.
Ugas landed 51 percent of his power shots and was comfortably ahead on all three judges at the time of the stoppage.
“I felt like I was the stronger fighter by far and he didn’t hurt me,” said Ugas. “He lost a point for hitting me after the bell sounded, and knocked me down, but even that didn’t hurt me. He was very awkward and his style threw off my timing.
“Luckily I was able to land body shots that I knew were hurting him. I was able to dictate the pace and we never in trouble.
“I want Errol Spence next.  Everyone wants Errol.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports  and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, and @MandalayBay or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/ShoBoxing, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Premier Boxing Champions was presented by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.
boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE SERIES OPENS FACEBOOK WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER WITH CES LIVE FROM RHODE ISLAND ON FRIDAY, FEB. 23

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Ten month-old fan-friendly fight series averages 88,952 views per show, recently eclipsed 1,000,000 view milestone.
NEW YORK (Feb. 16, 2018) – Beginning next Friday, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE serves up tripleheader action inside the squared circle. To open the weekend, the fan-friendly boxing and MMA streaming service partners once again with renowned promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. for a red-hot CES Boxing card to start the boxing year in New England. Fans from across the globe can catch all the action beginning at 8 p.m. ET live from Twin River Casino in Rhode Island on any device wherever Facebook is available.
“This is an exciting main event between two deserving championship contenders and there’s no better partner than FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to provide fight fans all around the globe a front-row seat to the action. Ray Oliveira Jr. has paid his dues though the years while other fighters in New England have had the opportunity to see their name in lights. Now he gets his shot to headline for the first time in his career while competing for his first championship,” said Burchfield, Sr.
Recently hitting the 1,000,000 views mark, Friday’s show rings the opening bell on FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s Feb. 23-24 back-to-back-to-back Friday and Saturday shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City.
“At this point, CES and FIGHTNIGHT LIVE are family,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “We know each other, we love working on shows with the Burchfield and CES Family and have relationships with the promoters and fighters that extend long past the bell. These are great people and great athletes and we’re excited as always to give them a platform to showcase their talent and tell their stories. What a great way to open a jam-packed weekend of Facebook fights.”
CES Boxing kicks off the 2018 Twin River Casino Fight Series on Friday, Feb. 23, with Fall River, Mass., junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (9-1, 1 KO) headlining for the first time in his career and vying for the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Welterweight Canadian-American-Mexican (CAM) Championship in an eight-round showdown against New Haven, Conn., veteran Edwin Soto (11-2-2, 4 KOs), plus a six-round heavyweight co-feature between Sicilian Juiseppe Cusumano (13-1, 11 KOs) and battle-tested Pittsburgh, Pa., native Fred Latham (9-1-2, 5 KOs).
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Friday night, Feb. 23, live from live from Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and The Ring and analyst Xavier Porter of BrooklynFights.com and Notorious Boxing. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
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boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Former World Champions Victor Ortiz & Devon Alexander Fight to Majority Draw in Action Packed Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from Don Haskins Center in  El Paso, Texas

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Unbeaten Caleb Plant Dominates Rogelio Medina on His Way to Unanimous Decision in Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator
&
2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas Scores Unanimous Decision
Over Jorge Rojas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
EL PASO, TX. (February 17, 2018) – Former world champions Victor Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs) fought to majority draw in the exciting main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
Both fighters believed they had done enough over the 12 rounds to earn the decision.
“I absolutely thought I won the fight,” said Alexander. “The last few rounds I probably gave him, but I thought I out landed him in the 12th. I thought I did enough to win. I gave him three rounds.”
“I thought the decision was a little off and I thought I did enough to win,” said Ortiz. “The first few rounds were a little complicated. He’s a great boxer and he was timing me just right. I wasn’t leaving the line of fire.”
The fight turned out to be a back-and-forth affair, with Alexander dominating much of the early action. Alexander frequently caught Ortiz charging in with right hands and combinations. The attacks opened up swelling in Victor’s left eye beginning in round three.
“The eye was tough to overcome,” said Ortiz. “I can’t really see out of it. I really had to listen to my corner. I tried to stay composed as I could, but he’s a really good fighter.”
“My game plan was to be smart,” said Alexander. “Victor always has problems with people that are faster and have more ring IQ. I wanted to put him in the state of mind that he can’t win.”
Alexander won five of the first six rounds on two judges’ scorecards and all six on the other’s. Ortiz began to have more success in the second half as Alexander’s output slowed slightly and Ortiz remained persistent charging forward. This effort allowed him to win five of the final six rounds on two judges’ cards and all six of the final frames on the third judge’s card.
After 12 rounds, the judges scored the bout 115-113 for Ortiz and 114-114 twice, resulting in the majority draw. After the bout, both former champions expressed interest in a possible rematch.
“I would love a rematch,” said Alexander. “That’s up to my team to see what’s next, but I’ll fight anybody. I’m a real fighter.”
“A rematch would be awesome,” said Ortiz. “If both teams agree and the fans want it, let’s make it happen.”
The co-main event of the telecast saw unbeaten Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs) score a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (38-9, 32 KOs) in their IBF Super Middleweight world title eliminator.

“It was a tough fight tonight against a tough competitor who puts everything on the line,” said Plant. “I’m happy we got the job done tonight.”
Plant established his style early, landing several flush jabs in round one to control the distance. The Nashville-born fighter showed the superior footwork from the outset that would lead him to the victory.
“I stuck to the game plan and I did exactly what I said I was going to do,” said Plant. “I boxed his ears off for 12 rounds.”
“He never had me hurt, but I found his style very difficult,” said Medina. “He moves a lot and he’s pretty quick, so that was tough to deal with.”
While Plant has now become the number two rated contender in the IBF 168-pound rankings, Medina was not eligible to achieve that ranking due to missing weight Friday.
“I think I felt the struggle to make weight a little bit,” said Medina. “I was a little tired in the later rounds and it probably was due to the drain to make weight. But it is what it is.”
Plant was able to mix in lead left hooks and straight right hands to continue to damage Medina throughout the action. The consistent jabs caused blood to begin pouring out of the nose of Medina beginning in round three.
While Medina continued to fight hard and occasionally land single clean punches on Plant, he was unable to follow-up with much effective offense and never was able to hurt his opponent.
After 12 rounds of action, the judges scored the fight 120-108, 119-109 and 117-11, all in favor of Plant.
“I want (IBF 168-pound champion) Caleb Truax,” said Plant. “He was calling me out when I was 12-0. I’m on the doorstep knocking now, let’s see if he still wants it. He can either ship me the IBF belt to my doorstep, or I’ll come take it off his waist.”
Additional televised action saw 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (4-0, 3 KOs) remain undefeated as he cruised to a unanimous decision over Jorge Rojas (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in their lightweight bout.
The four-round bout was not only the first time Balderas had gone the distance as a pro, but the first time an opponent made it through more than one round against him. Balderas staggered Rojas early in round one with a counter left hook, but Rojas was able to survive the round and the subsequent stanzas.
“I felt good in there,” said Balderas. “I need to learn to relax a little bit more in the ring. I hurt him in the first round and I could have finished him quickly. My corner reminded me to slow down, but I was still throwing everything with power. I’m going to keep working on my composure in the gym. I can’t kill everyone in the first round.”
After four rounds of action all three judges scored the fight in favor of the Santa Maria, California-native Balderas by the score of 40-36.
“I’m going to keep picking up my opposition this year,” said Balderas. “Rojas had a really good chin. I’m going to stay in great shape so I’m ready whenever the call comes. I’m going to keep working and aiming for that world title shot down the road.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by TGB Promotions.