Category Archives: boxing

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS V WILLIE MONROE JR, SEPTEMBER 16TH IN LONDON

    

THE WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON (JULY 17, 2017)–WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders will make the second defense of his crown against New York’s Willie Monroe Jr. on Saturday, September 16th at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Hatfield’s Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) defeated Irish hero Andy Lee to take the WBO strap in a close and absorbing fight back in December 2015 that saw the undefeated star floor the former Champion twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

A series of injuries led to a frustrating 2016 for Saunders, but he eventually defended his belt last December against Artur Akavov in Glasgow. Saunders was not at his best, but outpointed the game Russian. He was due to take on Avtandil Khurtsidze before the Georgian’s arrest in June.

Monroe Jr (21-2, 6 KOs) has a second chance at winning a World Title after a sixth round stoppage loss against IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin back in 2015. Since then the 30-year-old has won two decisions over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado and holds a number five World ranking with the WBO.

“I am happy for this World Title opportunity,” said Monroe Jr. “I’m always in the gym and I’m ready to go now; I live the life. I can’t wait to show up and show out in London. Saunders is a good fighter and a worthy World Champion but I’m coming for that belt.”

“I gave a good account of myself against Golovkin, but I will admit that I got caught up in the moment. Billy Joe has had a lot of luxuries throughout his career that I haven’t had. All of his fights have been here in his own backyard, he hasn’t had to go into the Lion’s Den to prove himself. He calls me mentally weak but we’ll see on September 16th.”

“Willie is a good fighter and a good boxer,” said Saunders. “This is his big chance and he isn’t coming over here just to make up the numbers. He has been in with some of the best fighters in the World including Golovkin where he came up short.”

“I think it is going to be a very close fight but I already have the mental edge over him. He said he was done against Golovkin and that’s not what a warrior would do. I’d rather get knocked out cold than quit. I haven’t had the chance to show my true skill and talent as of yet as a pro. I can’t afford to overlook him and I’ll be in the best shape of my life on September 16th. I’m 100% going to get the win.”

Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions said: “I am very happy for Willie; this is a great opportunity. A lot of things had to fall into place for Willie to get this fight. Saunders is a great fighter, and this should be a terrific event. I want to thank tthe WBO as well as Frank Warren and Billy Joe Saunders for this opportunity.”
Press Conference Video Highlights courtesy of BT Sports

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said: “Bill will have to be at the very top of his game to get the win on September 16th. The winner of this fight will have the missing piece on the Middleweight jigsaw, Canelo and Golovkin both want that WBO belt.”

“If Bill comes through this fight we are pushing hard for the winner of Canelo vs. Golovkin. If Golovkin wins I hope we can do that fight in December, if Canelo wins it could be in the New Year. Bill has to go out there and prove a point, there is a lot on the line.”

Ilford Light-Heavyweight knockout king Anthony Yarde and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will feature on an action-packed undercard. Yarde picked up the WBO European strap with a first round KO win over Richard Baranyi last time out at the Copper Box Arena while 19 year-old Dubois claimed the WBC World Youth Heavyweight belt in only his fourth contest.

Full undercard details will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Saunders v Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £300 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

Welterweight Jamal James Earns Unanimous Decision Over Former Title Challenger Jo Jo Dan in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Saturday Night from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island

 
Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision Victory over Fatiou Fassinou
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
LONG ISLAND, NY (July 16, 2017) – Once-beaten Jamal James (21-1, 9 KOs) scored a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Jo Jo Dan (36-5, 19 KOs) inPremier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes actionSaturday night from thenewly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Standing 6’2″, James was intent on using his length to move around Dan and deliver jabs and power punches off of it it. He had success snapping the head back of Dan throughout the early rounds and built up a lead on the scorecards.
“My range was working perfectly,” said James. “I knew he was going to be tough and he was a little tougher than I thought.”
Dan got himself back into the fight after focusing on the body throughout the early rounds and was able to break through James’ guard to land effectively. The southpaw temporarily rocked James late in the sixth round and was able to pick up some momentum for the following rounds.
“I was catching him with nice clean shots, but he kept coming,” said James. “I knew he was going to keep coming forward. He started moving his head and made me miss a couple times. I was trying to avoid a big shot but he did get me with some body shots.”
However, James was able to stick to his game plan and had success over the final couple of rounds while fighting Dan in the trenches. After 10 rounds of welterweight action, the judges scored the bout 99-91-, 98-92 and 97-93 all for James.
Fighting on the undercard of his older brother Omar, Brandon Figueroa (13-0, 8 KOs) used high volume punching to dominate Fatiou Fassinou (28-7-3, 15 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision victory in their junior featherweight contest.
“I knew that he was a flashy fighter that was going to have a lot of speed and movement,” said Figueroa. “I tried to attack the body. He was a really tough opponent. He took all my best body shots.”
Figueroa had no problem trying to stand and trade with Fassinou as his superior speed and length allowed him to consistently land first. Fassinou’s awkward style included switching stances almost nonstop throughout the bout, and made it tough for Figueroa to sit down and deliver knockout blows.
“This was my first fight back in a while and I was happy to get the rust off,” said James. “Now I’m going to get back to work. I want to get at least one or two more fights this year and then really explode next year and set myself up to be a top contender.”
As the fight went on, Fassinou slowed down enough to where Figueroa was able to trap him in the corner and deliver powerful blows throughout the last two rounds. Fassinou ended the night on his feet but all three judges gave the bout to Figueroa by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice.
“I wanted to break him down,” said Figueroa. “He took my punches well. I think he won a round or two. I needed to catch my breath and I was hoping to stop him late. Either way, I got the win and I’m happy.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 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.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and was promoted by DiBella Entertainment. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

Unbeaten Omar Figueroa Drops Former Champion Robert Guerrero Five Times On His Way to Third-Round TKO in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island

Unbeaten Omar Figueroa Drops Former Champion Robert Guerrero Five Times On His Way to Third-Round TKO in the Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday Night from NYCB LIVE’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island
 
Unbeaten Marcus Browne Scores Dominant Second-Round Stoppage of Previously Undefeated Seanie Monaghan in Light Heavyweight Battle
&
Adam Kownacki Remains Unbeaten With Fourth-Round TKO Over Artur Szpilka in Matchup of Polish Heavyweights
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
LONG ISLAND, NY (July 15, 2017) – Unbeaten Omar Figueroa (27-0-1, 19 KOs) returned to the ring in emphatic fashion with a third-round stoppage of former champion Robert Guerrero (33-6-1, 18 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX andFOX Deportes Saturday night from the newly-renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The show was the first major boxing event to take place at the Coliseum in 31 years.
The former world champion Figueroa returned to the ring after a 19-month layoff and hardly missed a beat, as he sent Guerrero to the canvas five times over the three rounds and became the first fighter to ever stop Guerrero.
“We knew that it was going to be tough to accomplish but I had obviously trained to get the knockout,” said Figueroa.” With my hands finally being healthy, we knew that it was actually possible.
After winning the first round on all three judges’ scorecards, Guerrero continued to fight Figueroa from the inside and attempted to punish him with power shots. However, it was Figueroa who landed the first decisive blow of the fight, a scorching left uppercut that sent Guerrero immediately to the floor.
“I haven’t fought this way in a long time because I didn’t have the power in my hands,” said Figueroa. “I’ll always find a way to come out on top though.”
Figueroa continued to attack, putting Guerrero down for a second time with a body shot and once more with a glancing shot right before the end of the round. Guerrero looked to blitz Figueroa to start the third round and immediately had Figueroa cornered.
“After the first knockdown I knew that the instinct would kick-in for him and he’d go all out,” said Figueroa. “I thought it was going to be over after the first knockdown of the second round but the ref let it keep going.
“I’ve been working since January so I’m going to take some time off,” continued Figueroa. “Then I’m going to get back into camp to get back to 140-pounds. I want to be back in the ring by the end of the year.”
The unbeaten fighter was able to turn the tide quickly however, putting Guerrero down twice more with strong flurries before referee Ron Lipton waved off the bout 1:34 into the round. After the bout, Guerrero was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for precautionary reasons.
Unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne (20-0, 15 KOs) continued to solidify his status as a world title contender with an electrifying stoppage of previously undefeatedSeanie Monaghan (28-1, 17 KOs) in the second-round of their light heavyweight battle.
Despite fighting in front of a friendly crowd in his native Long Island, Monaghan struggled from the start as a blistering left hand from Browne sent him to the canvas early in the first round. Monaghan was quickly in survival mode and was aided when referee Steve Willis halted the bout after deeming that Browne had connected with an accidental low blow while looking to finish his opponent.
“”I could tell that I hurt him, but I didn’t want to rush and walk into anything,” said Browne. “I just took my time and allowed everything to fall into place.”
“It was an honor for me to represent Long Island,” said Monaghan. “I knew that it was a big task tonight. Marcus is even faster than in sparring. I’ll be alright though, I’m happy that if I had to lose, it was to a guy the quality of Marcus Browne.”
Monaghan was able to recover and eventually make it through the round, but Browne put his foot on the gas pedal to begin round two. Browne was able to trap Monaghan against the ropes and delivered a crushing series of body blows and chopping shots that caused Monaghan to hunch over. The onslaught eventually forced the referee to call a halt to the bout 40 seconds into the round.
“I’m honored and blessed to be a part of this event and I just want to move upwards and onward from here,” said Browne. “I want a date with Adonis Stevenson next. It’s amazing to have this kind of exposure on FOX and FOX Deportes. I loved the opportunity to make new fans tonight.”
“Marcus has always been a fast starter,” said Monaghan. “He always comes out very fast. I thought I was ready for the speed, but he is very skilled. I think he’s going to go a long way.”
In front of a large contingent of his hometown fans, Adam Kownacki (16-0, 13 KOs) put on an impressive performance against his best opposition to date by scoring a fourth-round TKO of former title challenger Artur Szpilka (20-3, 15 KOs) in their heavyweight showdown.
“I always knew that I had him,” said Kownacki. “From the first shot I hit him in the body, I knew he didn’t have enough. My pressure was too much.”
The fight began with both men looking to impose their styles as Szpilka attempted to establish his jab and evade his opponent, while Kownacki tried to trap Szpilka in a corner where he could tee-off with power punches.
Despite his left eye swelling up after two rounds, Kownacki was able to take the first bit of momentum by connecting late in round three with a series of power shots that appeared to at least shake Szpilka up.
As the fourth round began Kownacki wasted no time, landing a big punch that caused blood to start pouring out of the nose of Szpilka. While the former title challenger tried to keep his distance, the heavier Kownacki was able to land a series of power punches that put Szpilka on the canvas.
“I have a great trainer and a great team that has gotten me into great shape,” said Kownacki. “I have to give them all of the credit. Whatever he was doing, I was ready for.”
While Szpilka was able to get to his feet, Kownacki continued to keep the pressure on as another series of power punches, led by a strong right hand, sent Szpilka into a heap and forced referee Artur Mercante to stop the bout 1:37 into the round. Kownacki landed 42 percent of his power punches in the decisive fourth round.
“It took Deontay Wilder and Bryant Jennings a lot longer to get him out of there,” said Kownacki. “But I still have things that I’m going to go back and fix. Once I improve those aspects of my game I think that a lot of people are going to know me.”
“He hit me once with a good shot and after that I just never recovered,” said Szpilka. “I think it was a left hook. I’m going to rest now. This was not how I wanted this to go and I’m very disappointed.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 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.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina and was promoted by DiBella Entertainment. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

HOMETOWN FAVORITE IVAN BARANCHYK DECISIONS KEENAN SMITH IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLA.

 

Rolando Chinea Upsets Previously Unbeaten Kenneth Sims Jr.

Glenn Dezurn and Adam Lopez Fight To a Split Draw

Joshua Greer Jr. TKOs Leroy Davila After Round 5

 

Catch The Replay Monday, July 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, Okla. (July 15, 2017) – Ivan Baranchyk went the distance with Keenan Smith in front of Baranchyk’s adopted hometown in the main event of a quadrupleheader featuring eight returning fighters on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generationfrom Buffalo Run Casino & Resort.

 

In a battle of undefeated fighters, the hard-hitting Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) took advantage of a one-point holding deduction against Sims in the fifth round to earn the decision in his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series and six consecutive fight out of Miami.

 

“I’m happy to be fighting back home in Miami, I love to fight here,” said Baranchyk, who was happy with his win but displeased with his overall performance. “I came out too hard and tried too hard to knock Smith out. I really wanted to knock him out which is why my punches were wild.”

 

Smith (11-1, 5 KOs) sealed his fate when he was deducted a point by officials after excessive holding throughout the first half of the fight. He became the 166th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

 

“They weren’t playing fair,” Smith said. “Anything that I did, the referee was on me. I was hitting him with clean body shots, and he kept telling me to keep them up, and then he took a point for holding. I don’t know what fight [the judges] were watching.”

 

The fight was a hard-hitting and physical affair from the beginning. Baranchyk came out swinging, landing just 21% of his jabs and 29% of total punches, edging out Smith who landed just 22% of his total punches.

 

“I came out too hard and tried to knock him out, which is why my punches were wild,” said Baranchyk.

 

In the co-feature, Rolando Chinea upset previously unbeaten former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. in a close majority decision.

 

“I was most confident after the second round of the fight, when I noticed he was sticking his tongue out and making certain gestures that showed he was tired,” Chinea said. “If I had to grade myself I would rate my overall performance as a B… I have a lot to improve on and my job here is never finished.”

 

Like Smith, Sims (12-1, 4 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career, becoming the 165th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

 

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

 

“My body just didn’t respond tonight,” Sims said. “I am done at 140 pounds. I just did not feel right from the opening bell. I am going to 147 pounds.”

 

In the sixth round, Chinea took control and was the busier fighter against a fading Sims. While both fighters exchanged numerous punches in the seventh and closed the fight out with a flurry of activity, Sims clearly struggled at 140 pounds.

 

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

 

In the second fight of the night, Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the 121-pound super bantamweight division to go the distance with ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-2, 8 KOs) in an action-packed eight-round slugfest that ended in a split draw. Both fighters were visibly disappointed by the judge’s decision.

 

“I thought I did enough to win,” said the still-undefeated Dezurn, who spars with his wife, women’s pro fighter Franchon Crews. “I’m just fortunate for this opportunity and hope [Lopez] and I can come back strong and fight again someday.”

 

The first round was a round of give-and-take where both Dezurn and Lopez landed and sustained an impressive amount of body punches. It was Lopez who originally appeared more subdued, foregoing the counterpunch as Dezurn worked the jab.

 

By the fifth round it was clear Dezurn was losing steam when Lopez began to break him down and force him against the ropes. Lopez went on to dominate the sixth and seventh rounds, when Dezurn, clearly out-fought, looked tired and began to lean over.

 

“After the first round, I dominated the action,” said Lopez, who has now fought on ShoBox a record-tying six times. Maybe [Dezurn] won the seventh, but I whipped him. I should have won the fight, this was a redemption for me. Once I got used to his speed, I feel I won rounds six to two. The whole fight, his back was against the ropes and I beat up his body.”

 

Trained by the famed Coach Barry Hunter, the still-undefeated Dezurn made a valiant comeback in the final round, where he came back to life.

 

“I thought it was fair,” Hunter said. “We came on in the middle rounds, and Glenn won the seventh and eighth to get us the draw. It all came down to the stretch and I thought we did enough to win those rounds.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, former knockdown-of-the-year candidate Joshua Greer Jr. (14-1-1, 6 KOs) stopped Leroy Davila (5-2, 3 KOs) after five rounds, when Davila’s corner called the fight at the conclusion of the fifth.

 

“The game plan was to box and hit hard, and that’s what I did,” said Greer, who earned a memorable knockout against James Gordon Smith in his last ShoBox appearance. “I had to put on a good show. I will fight whoever has the belts. I want to fight for a world title.”

 

The 23-year old Greer landed a number of aggressive combinations that had Davila against the ropes from the onset. While Davila appeared to come alive in the second round, the 29-year old southpaw became stationary and had trouble recovering from a shot to the face that had him bleeding out of the left side of his nose and struggling for the second half of the fourth and the fifth. His corner called the fight just after the bell sounded, ending the fifth round.

 

The event was co-promoted by GH3 Promotions and Holden Productions.

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, July 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

JOHN VERA BATTLES DANIEL ROSARIO FOR NABA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE ON FACEBOOK FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

     
Former World Champion Rico Ramos takes on Tony Lopez for NABA Super Bantamweight title; Abel Ramos squares off with Emmanuel Robles.
PHOENIX (July 14, 2017) – What’s hotter than Phoenix in July? Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook series will answer that question this Saturday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET) when the tech-forward, fan-friendly broadcast platform delivers once again – this time with a stacked fight card featuring championship action live from the desert.

Promoted by Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre, Saturday’s event will bring fans back-to-back championship action. The event will showcase a main attraction featuring NABA Super Welterweight Champion John “The Phenom” Vera Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) as he takes on the former WBO Latino Champion Daniel Rosario (11-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round contest live from in Chandler, Ariz. Super bantamweight standout and former WBA World Champion Rico Ramos (25-5, 13 KOs) will go toe-to-toe with Tony Lopez (12-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight title as part of a stacked fight card filled with Arizona-area heroes.

“Roy and I have always felt that live streaming would take the place of the old platforms of delivering fights,” stated Veltre, CEO and Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “To partner up with Linacre Media and showcase our talent live with Facebook is years ahead of anyone else in the industry. This will give us the ability to reach millions of boxing fans around the world and enable us to deliver our sponsors triple the exposure we would normally get from traditional TV. Mark Fratto, the brains behind this envisioning series, is giving fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world and gain a fan base. We are thrilled that his vision lines exactly where Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions wants to be.”

Vera, of Fort Worth, Texas, has a perfect mark of 16-0 with ten knockouts, and is ranked No. 7 by the WBA and No. 14 by the WBO.

The 28 year-old southpaw has built that mark on the strength of beating good competition. He has defeated Alberto Robles (3-0) and Radmir Akhmediyev (7-0). He won the NABA title with a sixth-round stoppage over Joey Rueles (10-1-1). He has defended the title successfully twice with a second-round stoppage over Milorad Zizc (12-1), and in his last bout when he won a 10-round split decision over Salim Larbi on January 27 in Phoenix.

Rosario, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has a record of 11-2 with 10 knockouts. Like Vera, the 29 year-old Rosario has built his record with impressive victories over Carlos Ramos (1-0), Jordan Wisenfeld (4-0-2), Alphonso Black (8-1-1), and won the WBO Latino Super Welterweight title with a second-round stoppage over Aaron Garcia (14-3-1). Rosario is coming off an eight-round split decision loss to Norberto Gonzalez on November 18, 2016, in Las Vegas.

Ramos, of Watts, Calif., has a record of 27-5 with 13 knockouts. The 30 year-old won the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a seventh-round stoppage over Akifumi Shimoda in 2011. After losing the title, he fought for the world championship again, but lost to Jesus Cuellar. Ramos is on a three-fight win streak with his latest victory coming via a 10-round unanimous decision over Erik Ruiz on March 11 in Las Vegas.

Lopez, of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 12-2 with four knockouts. Lopez has defeated three undefeated fighters; included in that is a win over highly regarded Jerren Cochran (11-0). Lopez is coming off a fifth-round technical decision over Ranel Suco this past April 27 in Dallas.

The stacked undercard includes an eight-round welterweight clash between Abel Ramos (17-2, 12 KOs) of Phoenix battling Emmanuel Robles (15-2, 4 KOs). Four more undercard fights will start the bill off with fights featuring undefeated bantamweight Max Ornelas (8-0-1, 3 KOs) rematching fellow undefeated warrior, Leopoldo Martinez (6-0-1, 3 KOs) – their last bout ended in a technical draw following a headbutt. Super featherweight Randy Moreno (8-1, 7 KOs) takes on local favorite Ivan De La Madrid (3-1) and welterweight Vernon Brown (4-0, 3 KOs) of Chicago puts his undefeated slate on the line against fellow unbeaten battler Daniel Castro Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) of Durango, Mexico.

Fights and fighters are subject to change; limited tickets are still available at www.WinGilaRiver.com. A tape-delayed version of the live show will air on BeIN Sports one week after the live show on Facebook.

Supporters of the Sweet Science can take advantage of the multi-camera FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcast on Facebook – completely free wherever Facebook is available – and also check out all of the action in ULTRACAST 360˚ or ULTRACAST VR by downloading the ULTRACAST app and subscribing to the PPV feed for only $.99. Available for IOS and Android, fans simply need to download the ULTRACAST app in the App store or by visiting www.ultracast.com/app.

“We’re excited to be able to capitalize on cutting-edge technology to give the Roy Jones Jr. Boxing audience a ringside seat, live from the greater Phoenix area,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Our Facebook Live series continues to keep fight fans at the forefront, now with not just one – but three – high-quality viewing experiences available.”

The numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform. The May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago drew audiences of 44,000 and 31,000, respectively, with more than 3,000 of hours of LIVE video consumed by Facebook users. In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 15,000 collective live post engagements, including more than 9,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 5,000 comments and 800-plus shares.

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

On Saturday night, July 15, live from Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, Ariz., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience – now also available in ULTRACAST 360˚ and ULTRACAST VR – complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Miguel Flores of Premier Boxing Champions and analyst Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and The Ring. Joining the broadcast team once again will be world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee. University of Notre Dame alum Lee (19-0, 10 KOs) is ranked No. 12 by the WBO, No. 12 by the IBF, No. 13 by the WBA and No. 14 by the WBC, and will be ringside with Flores and Woods to provide expert analysis. 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 multiple camera angles, 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.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE strap season continues on Saturday, July 29, in Raleigh, N.C., as Tar Heel State undefeated super flyweight Dewayne Beamon competes for the IBO Inter-Continental and UBF World Junior Bantamweight titles. More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV. Follow Roy Jones Jr. Boxing on Instagram at @RoyJonesJrBoxing and on Twitter at @RoyJonesJrFA.

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR WORLD TOUR CONCLUDES IN LONDON AFTER WHIRLWIND THREE-COUNTRY TOUR TO ANNOUNCE AUGUST 26 BLOCKBUSTER ON  SHOWTIME PPV® AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

More Than 50,000 Fans Packed Four Sold-Out Venues In Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and London
 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Esther Lin/SHOWTIME Sports
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LONDON (July 14, 2017) – Four days of a contentious international world tour came to a fitting close on Friday when global superstars Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor faced off for the final time on their three-country excursion at London’s Wembley Arena.
After 98 hours, over 14,000 totaled miles traveled, four sold-out venues, and more than 50,000 raucous fans in attendance, the Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour has concluded.
What follows next before the boxing legend and UFC superstar meet Saturday, Aug. 26on SHOWTIME PPV live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas?  Forty-three days of grueling preparation, speculation and pundit analysis as the world’s best combat fighters continue their collision course toward an event that has become a global phenomenon.
In front of a capacity crowd at a famed venue that has hosted acts ranging from The Beatles to the Olympic Games, Mayweather and McGregor capped off nearly a week of intense gamesmanship that grew with each tension-filled face off.
“You’re the student and I’m the teacher,” said Mayweather, a once-in-generation talent who has dispatched at least five future Hall of Famers en route to an unblemished 49-0 professional record.  “On August 26, I’m going to take you to school.”
McGregor, an unrivaled figure in mixed martial arts who has transcended his sport to become a must-see attraction, answered, “In six weeks, I’m going to sleep this fool. And when I sleep him, I’m going to bounce his head off the canvas as well.”
The World Tour may be over, but the show has just begun.
# # #
MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup pitting the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, Aug. 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Miguel Flores Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Featherweight Prospect Battles Former Title Challenger Chris Avalos Tuesday, July 18 in Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Main Event from Rapides Parish Coliseum in 
Alexandria, Louisiana
 
Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull – iRULL FOTOS
 
HOUSTON (July 14, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Miguel Flores returns to the ring looking to show that he still has what it takes to be a contender in the featherweight division when he battles former title challenger Chris Avalos in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes July 18 from Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated Ahmed Elbiali(15-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round showdown against light heavyweight prospect Leo Hall (8-2, 7 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Keep Punching Entertainment, are priced at $150, $80, $50, $30 and $22, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Rapides Parish Coliseum Box Office.
Here is what Flores had to say about training camp, his matchup and more:
 
On his recent training camp:
“I’ve had a tough training camp with a lot of hard, but smart training.  I stepped up my strength and conditioning, in addition to going back to the basics.  My coach, Aaron Navarro and I, agreed that it would be best to focus on the fundamentals of boxing.  I’m in great shape and plan on performing at a high level.”
 
On his matchup with Chris Avalos…
“At this level in my career there are no easy fights.  Chris Avalos has been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and I’m expecting a grueling fight.  I know he’s coming to win, but I believe I have the skills to come out on top.  It’s going to be one of those hard-fought fights that the fans can appreciate.”
 
On returning to FS1 and FOX Deportes in another tough fight after suffering his first defeat:
“Fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes is exactly what I need right now.  It was definitely a hard learning experience suffering my first loss, but one that I took in stride.  No fighter ever wants to suffer defeat, but it’s what that fighter does to get back on top that matters.  Looking back, I know what I must improve on and everyone will see that improvement against Avalos. It’s very important for me to be fighting in front of a nationally televised audience, because I want to show the world that I have what it takes to get back into world title contention.  This type of fight brings out the best in me and my warrior spirit will be shinning on fight night”
#          #          #
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 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.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna takes on George Sosa for the WBC Silver Latino title on Saturday, August 19th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey

CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON THE BOARDWALK!!!
Former world champion Imamu Mayfield tangles with Lamont Capers in co-feature bout
Anthony “Juice” Young takes on Carlos Winston Velasquez
Plus undefeated Joshafat Ortiz, Yurik Mamedov, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Frederick Julan & Malik Jackson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (July 14, 2017)–Welterweight contender, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on George Sosa for the WBC Silver Latino Welterweight championship in the ten-round main event that will headline a great night of championship boxing on Saturday, August 19th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The show is expected to be the 9th sold-out show at the Claridge promoted by Rising Promotions.
“Rising Promotions  is looking forward to ending the Summer with another great show here at the Claridge.   We have a good line up on the card so we are hoping for a packed house, and we are looking forward to staging our first championship bout,” said Debbie LaManna of Rising Promotions.
The championship bout is the first major sanctioning body championship bout in Atlantic City in almost three years.  (Kovalev vs Hopkins, November 8, 2014).
LaManna will be looking to win his first belt in the welterweight division.  A win will propel him into the rankings as he looks for a high profile bout later this year.
The 25 year-old LaManna has a record of 23-2 with nine knockouts, and he is currently riding a two fight win streak, and is undefeated in 2017.
The six-year professional is 4-1 as a Welterweight and has credible wins over Kendal Mena, and Ayi Bruce as well as his last two victories, which have come over Eduardo Flores and Carlos Winston Velasquez, who stepped into the ring with 52 and 54 fights under their belt.
LaManna dropped a ten-round unanimous decision to undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (30-0-1 16 KO’s) on September 15th, 2016 in a very high intense battle that was contested for the USBA Title. The LaManna/Harrison fight is a candidate for Fight of the Year for local Philadelphia boxing award “Briscoe Award”
This will be LaManna’s 6th fight at The Claridge, and his 16th fight in Atlantic City.
“This is a great blessing for me. I get another shot at a meaningful title that will place me in the right spots with a victory. I have seen Sosa fight on our last card and he is very game, durable and strong so I cannot take him lightly. Training camp is intense, we know what we are gunning for so come August 19th, it’s going to be dark places for George Sosa,” Said Thomas LaManna.
Sosa of Philadelphia, PA has a record of 15-9 with all victories coming by way of knockout.
The 30 year-old Sosa is a high energy fighter, who has fought the likes of Emmanuel Taylor, Sammy Vasquez, Wilkens Santiago, Javontae Starks, Terrell Gausha and Ray Robinson.
Like LaManna, Sosa is a six-year professional, and is coming off a grueling eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Anthony Young on June 10th at The Claridge.
In the eight-round co-feature, former world cruiserweight champion, Imamu Mayfield will take on upset minded Lamont Capers.
Mayfield of Freehold, New Jersey has a record of 26-10-2 with 19 knockouts.  At a young 45 years-old, Mayfield is making the 3rd start since taking an eight-year hiatus from the sport.
In 1997, Mayfield captured the IBF Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Uriah Grant.  He made one defense of the crown with an 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated Terry Dunston (17-0).
Over his 23 year-career, Mayfield has racked up wins over Rayco Saunders (Twice), Okello Peter (11-2), Gary Wilcox (15-2-1), Ernest Mateen (23-5-1), Ismael Gneco (3-0) & Lew Chester (1-0).
Mayfield is coming off a sixth-round stoppage over Anthony Caputo Smith on November 12, 2016 at The Claridge.
Capers of Hawley, PA has a deceiving record of 7-10-2.
The 26 year-old is a five-year pro, and already has produced upset victories over Nick Kisner (16-2-1), Josh Himes (3-0), Dave Valykeo (4-0) & Earl Platt (4-1).  Capers also has a draw with previously unblemished Alvin Vermall, Jr. (6-0).
Capers is coming off a four-round unanimous decsion defeat to Garrett Wilson on June 9thin Tannersville, PA.
In six-round bouts:
Anthony “Juice” Young (17-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Carlos Winston Velasquez (25-29-2, 14 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a welterweight bout.
Yurik Mamedov (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Taiwo Ali Sulaimon (21-5-1, 16 KO’s) of Lagos, Nigeria in a welterweight fight.
 
Frederick Julan (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be announced in a light heavyweight bout.

Alvin Vermall, Jr. (11-0-1, 9 KO’s) will see action in a cruiserweight bout against an opponent to be named.

In four-round bouts:
Joshafat Ortiz (1-0) of Reading, PA will square off with Sidell Blocker (1-8-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a lightweight fight.
Emmanuel Rodriguez (1-0) of Newark, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight affair.
Tomas Romain (3-1) of Brooklyn, NY will take on pro debuting Marcos Lugo of Vineland, NJ in a lightweight bout.
 
Malik Jackson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Edward Kakembo (10-2, 3 KO’s) of Lugogo, Uganda in a super bantamweight bout.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor World Tour Hits  Fever Pitch at New York City Press Conference

 

(Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME)

 
Quotes & Photos from Barclays Center Event in Front of
Over 13,000 Fans
 
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Rosie Cohe /SHOWTIME
 
NEW YORK (July 13, 2017) – Day three of their blockbuster world tour sawboxing legend Floyd Mayweather and UFC superstar Conor McGregor continue to trade verbal jabs as the global stars went face-to-face in front of over 13,000 fans at Barclays Center ahead of their Aug. 26 showdown on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After filling venues in Los Angeles and Toronto, an electric crowd greeted the two fighters Thursday as Mayweather and McGregor picked up right where they left off, building on the two increasingly combative press conferences held Tuesday andWednesday.
The world tour concludes on Friday when the fighters travel to The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“I knew that this was going to be a huge event. We had to give the people what they wanted to see and if we break the PPV record, all I’ll be doing is breaking my own record.
“I’m just thankful to be in this position. To be at this age and compete against young guys, it’s a blessing. He’s bigger, he has a longer reach and I’ve been inactive. Plus, we’ve never seen him lose standing up. He feels like he’s the best. I was the best when I was competing. So I think I had to come back for this last hurrah.
“Even though I haven’t been competing in boxing, you still have young guys calling me out all the time. Even the MMA fighters call me out.
“My thing is that either I’m going to get him, or he’s going to get me. The outcome is going to be what it’s going to be. Once you have that mindset, you’re going to be okay. He’s coming for me and I’m coming for him.
“Nobody knows that squared circle like me. I know angles. I know where to touch you at. I know what you don’t like. I don’t have to watch your tapes. That’s something I’m blessed with. But, he’s unorthodox. So it’ll definitely be something different in the ring. I just have to keep my composure.
“I have to stand up for the Americans and the American fight fans. He represents his country and I represent the red, white and blue. I represent everyone in this country.
“I’ve been doing this for 21 years in five weigh classes. I’ve never quit.”
CONOR MCGREGOR
“Floyd saying he’s going to knock me out is the funniest comment of the whole tour. I hope he comes for it and I hope he brings it. I’ll be prepared for anything and anticipate whatever he brings.
“I’m in great shape, that’s why I’m not wearing a shirt. I’m in shape to fight right now. I don’t have a nick on my body right now. I’m going to be 100 percent on fight night.
“I have a very high fight IQ. I understand when to go and when not to. Only me and the opponent can see these details. I’m very confident whether it’s in a ring or an octagon.
“The rounds are two minutes shorter than I’m used to and there’s a lot less action than I’m used to. He’s going to feel like he’s wrestling a bear when we tie up for the first time. He’s too small. I’m going to have my way with him.
“I know every shot he throws. I know what to expect. He fights the same every time. So we’re preparing. But he knows nothing about me. He has no idea how I’m going approach him.
“I’m not tired of this. It’s really a lot of fun. We’ll keep it professional for now. I could never get tired of this. It’s such a great time to be a fight fan.
“Floyd is saying a lot about me tapping out, but he’s never had a true fight. He knows nothing about the game that I’m involved with. We’ll see who is quitting on Aug. 26.
“To come back here in New York, where I made history and become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles simultaneously, I’m blown away by the support.”
#          #          #
MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, August 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions,www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: July 13, 2017

Mayweather and McGregor lead off tonight’s show as Tony and Rich tease Psychic Tom about not wanting to watch the August 26th “superfight.” We also recap the TUF 25 Finale and UFC 213 cards. We preview the Bellator and UFC cards coming up this weekend and all the incredible boxing action from the UK to New York.