Category Archives: boxing

boxing

World amateur champion Mohammad Rabii Wins pro debut & becomes first-time father within hours 

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Welterweight prospect Mohammad Rabii ended his pro debut in grand fashion (photo by Martina Houdek)
CASABLANCA, Morocco (March 14, 2017) – Last Saturday night in the Czech Republic, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mohammad Rabii experienced a rare “double” as he successfully turned pro and a few hours later became a father for the first time.
The 23-year-old Rabii, fighting out of Morocco, turned in a sensational professional debut, stopping Lazlow Kovacs II (11-6) at the 2:35 mark of the opening round at Sportovni Hala Kralovka in Prague.
Rabii entered the ring knowing his wife, Imane Imari, was in labor.  “On the way to the arena,” Rabii explained, “I received a call that my wife was in labor and my son was coming soon.  The fight couldn’t come quick enough for me. I was very excited but I had to concentrate on my first fight as a pro because it was such a big moment for me. The news later that my son had arrived was reason for a double celebration.
“Every time I connected on Kovacs, I could see that it was affecting him.  I knew it was all over because I hit him with a big punch that me and my coach, Donald Leary, had worked on in training camp.  I cannot wait for my next fight in April.”
Rabii’s son (unnamed at this writing) tipped the scale at 10 pounds, 3 ounces.  He and his mother are both in good health.
Rabii was one of the leading pro prospects coming of the Olympic Games in Brazil.  He had dropped a highly-disputed decision (0-3) in the semifinals to Uzbekistan boxer Shakhram Giyasov, the eventual silver medalist. Rabii captured a coveted gold medal at the 2015 AIBA World Amateur Championships, ironically, defeating 2016 Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov in the welterweight division championship final.
Rabbi had planned to make his pro debut prior to the arrival of his baby, who was due February 18, training in Cork, Ireland for his originally scheduled pro debut February 28 in Casablanca. However, due to reasons beyond the event organizers’ control, that show was unfortunately cancelled.
“I had to reschedule his pro debut for March 11th against the same opponent, Kovacs,” said Rabii’s manager Gary Hyde, president of Nowwhere2Hyde Management.  “Kovacs fights between 154 and 168 pounds, which is much heavier than the 147-pound welterweight division in which Rabii fights.
“Mohammad learned during his warm-up for the fight that his wife was in labor and close to delivering his first child.  He had other things to take care of before concentrating on his family affairs, wasting no time as he annihilated Kovacs until dropping his Hungarian opponent hard near the end of the opening round.  Czech spectators gasped as Rabii’s thunderous punches connected.  Kovacs somehow got to his feet to beat the count but he was visibly shaken and the referee wisely stopped the fight. Rabii had no time to celebrate, though, as he rushed to contact his family back in Morocco, happily learning his wife had given birth to the couple’s baby boy at 7 a.m. Sunday morning.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @nowhere2hyde
boxing

RTS BOXING OF HOUSTON PRESENTS The RUMBLE IN HUMBLE on March 24th

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humble, TX (March 14, 2017) On Friday night March 24, 2017 at the Humble Civic Center,

RTS Boxing Will present a great night of boxing.

The main event features former WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (25-3, 20 KO’s).

The 34 Year-old Lopez, of Cut and Shoot, Texas will take part in a six-round bout against an opponent to be named.

Lopez is a 10 year-professional, who was undefeated his first 21 bouts.

He has wins over former world title challenger Rubin Williams and Romaro Johnson (11-2-1)

In his highest profile bout, Lopez came up just short as he dropped a majority decision to former middleweight champion on May 7, 2011 in Las Vegas,

Lopez’s wife a nutritionist and personal trainer looks forward to seeing her husband in the ring and says he will be fighting this fight at 175 and will gradually come down to contend at the super middleweight division.

Lopez has won three straight bout, which includes his last outing when he stopped Lester Gonzalez in two rounds on May 9, 2015 in Houston.

The undercard will showcase Houston’s own sensational amateur fighter Luis Acosta, who will be making his pro debut as well as undefeated middleweight brothers Jonathan (9-0) and super featherweight Cristobal Morales (5-0).

Also appearing on the card will be middleweight Cameron Burroughs (2-1, 2 KOs) and pro debuting Robert Edmonds.

RTS BOXING is owned by Courtney Glaspie, who has served as a manager and fitness trainer for fighters. “Boxing has been a long love for me and I am looking forward to this challenge of continuing to make HOUSTON a big stage for BOXING,” said Glaspie.

The show will feature a loaded fight card with fun filled action and entertainment. The show is produced by RoRo Productions and matchmaker Lynn Collins

Tickets are priced $20 General admission, $35.00 reserved $50 VIP,100 and 150.00 table and ringside VIP

Contact:
RTS Boxing-832-496-2047

RoRo Productions-609-226-7406
boxing

RAHMAN JR. READY TO BEGIN HIS OWN HEAVYWEIGHT LEGACY AT SKYLANDS ECC ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23

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Having grown up the son of a former undisputed and two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Hasim Rahman Jr., doesn’t mind that the world will be watching from the beginning of his professional boxing career.
“This isn’t new,” explained Rahman. “I’m so used to being who I am and having eyes on me that it would be awkward to not have them. It hasn’t mattered who I was my whole life, or what I did. The world was watching because of who my father is.”
Rahman Jr., whose father, Hasim “The Rock” Rahman famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, will make his professional debut against Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Greg Cohen Promotions’ SUPER BRAWL® III, boxing event at the Skylands Event & Conference Center (ECC) in Randolph, New Jersey.
Presented in association with Rising Promotions and GH3 Promotions (sponsored by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions), SUPER BRAWL® III will also feature the Bronx, New York’s Halili brothers: power-punching super-welterweight action hero Skender Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) taking on Ecuadorian veteran Eduardo “El Cheíto” Flores (25-25-3, 15 KOs) in the eight-round main event, and undefeated Enver Halili (8-0, 2 KOs) facing Nicaragua’s Ariel Vasquez (13-16-2, 9 KOs) in the six-round welterweight co-main.
Tickets for SUPER BRAWL® III are priced at Golden Ringside $150, Ringside $100 and General Admission $50 and can be purchased by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425 or online at gcpboxing.com.
“My dad is like an advisor,” he continued. “My dad is the only person I know that truly has my best interests at heart. Anybody else I ever dealt with, it always came down to money at the end of the day. My dad never asks me for anything. I know he knows the game and I know that with him on my team, the sky is the limit.”
25-year-old Rahman is getting a later-than-expected start at his highly-anticipated boxing career. Coming off his successful 100-fight run as an amateur, the buzz was all around the 6′ 3″ 250-lb. fighter, but a fatal car accident in 2012 saw him serving a 2- to 5-year sentence with the Department of Corrections.
Recently released and now ready to go on with life, Rahman says the entire experience changed him for the good. “It was an eye-opener for me. Going through that really changed my career and how I felt as a person, and a son, a father, and a husband. It changed me. I am grateful god blessed me to be in this position today.”
Rahman says he doesn’t know much about first opponent Imes, but he and trainer Kenny Ellis are hard at work at Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore.
“I feel great. I’m really anxious, but the nervousness hasn’t kicked in. It will around fight time. My team says it’s a good fight for me. Being off for two and a half years, I’m looking to get in some rounds.”
Despite the delayed start, Team Rahman has no plan on rushing things.
“I just want to stay busy as I can and learn as much as I can and fight for a world title when I’m ready. I’m not going to rush. There’s no rush. It’s not like I’m going to wait forever. I will fight for the title when I’m ready and I know if it put in the work, I’ll be ready in a about two years. That’s the goal for me. If it takes three or four years, it does. Whatever the case may be. I’ll keep racking up the knockouts until it happens.”
For Rahman, the decision to follow in his famous father’s footsteps was a rational one.
“I’ve always been taught to plan ahead. When I was in middle school, I was really into football. I played tight end, running back and wide receiver. I had dreams. But it dawned on me how many people have the same dream that I do. For instance, there are a million young African American men wanting to go to the NBA every year. 400,000 of them will play high school basketball. 4000 of those will play college. 35 will be drafted. Out of the that 35, only 7 will start. That means there are a million people trying to get 7 jobs. And the average career in the NBA is four years. That’s a problem. People have to look at their odds. I did. So, I said ‘know what? Instead of being in this giant pool of people trying to be the next Ray Lewis. I rarely run across someone who wants to be heavyweight champion of the world,’ so that’s what I decided to do. No father and son duo have ever become heavyweight champions. It’s never been done. For me to be in the position to cement our family name in heavyweight championship history is very motivating and I’m ready to take full advantage of it.”
Signing with Greg Cohen Promotions was an easy decision, according to Rahman, who has known the Jersey-based promoter for most of his life.

“I really want to thank Greg Cohen for the chance he’s given me,” he said. “I’ve known Greg since I was a kid and he has always believed in me. He has always supported me and kept in contact and followed me. He has a real genuine interest in me. Greg already knows he has the best new heavyweight in the world. I’m really dedicated to making him and my father and the City of Baltimore proud.”
SUPER BRAWL® III will be broadcast, tape-delayed, on Sportsnet New York (SNY). On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Skylands ECC is located at 792 Route 10 West in Randolph, NJ. Phone: 973.328.8600.
 
 
Twitter @Skylandsecc @gcpboxing
boxing

Anthony “Juice” Young decisions Samuel Amoako in main event at The Claridge in Atlantic City

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Gabriel Pham & Brendan Barrett score stoppage victories

Pasciolla, Wilson, Romain and Francis all post wins on Rising Promotions card
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (March 13, 2017)–This past Saturday night, welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young registered his 5th consecutive victory as he won an 8-round unanimous decision that highlighted a 7- bout card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The card was promoted by Rising promotions, which staged it’s 7th consecutive card in front of a capacity crowd at The Claridge.
“It’s bitter sweet knowing this was my last event. This show was a great way to end the #ACFightNight series. Awesome crowd, great fights and dramatic endings. It’s now time for me to focus on my fighting career and continue my path to become a world champion,” said Thomas LaManna of Rising Promotions.
Young controlled action against the tough veteran, and Young was able to win in shutout fashion by scores of 80-72 on all cards.
Young of Atlantic City raised his mark to 16-2.  Amoako of Silver Spring, Maryland via Accra, Ghana is now 21-14.
In the co-feature, Gabriel Pham scored his 2nd consecutive stoppage, as he took out Chauncey Fields at 1:29 of round four of their scheduled 6-round super middleweight bout.
With the win, Pham of Atlantic City improves to 8-1 with 4 knockouts.  Fields of Lynchburg, Virginia falls to 4-2.
Heavyweight Brendan Barrett remained undefeated as he stopped Philly tough guy Brian Donahue at 2:33 of round two of their scheduled 4-round bout.
Barrett hurt Donahue on the ropes and stopped him after a hard flurry.  Barrett is now 5-0-2 with all his wins coming via the stoppage variety.
Donahue is now 3-14-3.
In another heavyweight tussle, Dan Pasciolla won a 6-round split decision over LeMarcus Tucker.
It was a close fight with the each man having moments throughout the contest.
Pasciolla of Brick, NJ won two cards via 58-56 scores, while Tucker took a card 58-56.
Pasciolla is now 9-2-1.  Tucker of Forest City, Arkansas is 4-2.
Adrian Wilson of Atlantic City got his first professional win by winning a 4-round unanimous decision over Henry Tyrone Paige,
Wilson won on all cards 40-36 is now 1-3.  Paige of Batesville, Arkansas is 0-4.
Thomas Romain of Brooklyn, New York won a 4-round unanimous decision over Sidell Blocker.
Romain won all cards by 40-36 scores and is now 2-1.  Blocker of Pleasantville, NJ is 1-7-1.
In a battle of pro debuters, Cesar Francis defeated Steve Moore by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37.
boxing

World Ranked Middleweight Antoine Douglas returns with a 5th round stoppage over Pablo Munguia in Charenton, Louisiana

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nutley, NJ (March 14, 2017) – World ranked middleweight Antoine Douglas returned to action after a year layoff by stopping Pablo Munguia in the 5th round in a scheduled six-round bout in Charenton, Louisiana.

Douglas of Washington, D.C. was making his first start since March 5, 2016 got back in the win column.
The 24 year-old raised his mark to 20-1-1 with 14 knockouts, and is ranked number-12 by the WBC,
Douglas is promoted by GH3 Promotions.
“This was a good way to comeback for Antoine,”  said GH3 Promotions promoter Vito Mielnicki.
“We wanted to bring him back in March.  Antoine has been fighting regularly since he was 11 years-old, so the layoff was needed and good.  We moved him fast as he fought 21 times in 4 years.  It was the first time that he was able to take a step back.  Despite what happened in his fight with Khurtzsidze, we still believe is a future world champion.  The fight with Khurtsidze was a learning experience for all of us, from he fighter to the trainers to me the promoter.  This whole thing should be about Antoine Douglas and no one else.  He is still just 24 years old and his best boxing is ahead of him.  We will have him in a few more of these learning fights, and then look for him to be back knocking on a big fight by August.”
“We have a good team around him with his trainers Dennis Porter, Kevin Smalls and Kay Koroma. We just added Joseph Karoma as the strength and conditioning coach.”
“I want to thank Greg Cohen for help getting us on the card in Louisiana.”
Douglas will be back in on action on March 27th, in the Dominican Republic, when he takes on Eduardo Mercedes (32-16, 27 KO’s) for the WBC Fecarbox title.
boxing

Yohan Vasquez positioning himself for world featherweight title shot;   Dominican featherweight takes on unbeaten Maikol Beaumont 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27 in Santiago, Dominican Republic
NEW YORK CITY (March 13, 2017) – World-class featherweight Yohan “La Fiera” Vasquez (18-1, 16 KOs) will put his world ratings on the line, March 27 at home in an eight-round bout against undefeated Venezuelan prospect Maikol “La Perla” Maikin Beaumont (12-0-1, 7 KOs), at New Monte Bar in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
The 22-year-old Vasquez is a former Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion. A dangerous puncher who also boxes effectively, he is currently world rated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at No. 13, as well as No. 15 by the WBC.
In his most recent fight, Vasquez knocked out former world champion Richard Carrillo (24-6) in the second-round, last November in the Dominican Republic.  The Dominican knockout artist is riding a   13-fight win streak, dating back to 2014, into his risky confrontation with Beaumont later this month.
Beaumont, 22, is the reigning Venezuelan featherweight champion who will be fighting outside of his native country for the first time against Vasquez.
“Yohan is like a Tazmanian Devil,” Havoc Boxing CEO Rob Diaz said.  “He just goes into the ring and starts attacking his opponent.  We’ve told him to take his time but he likes to crack. He’s a young fighter on the rise but still green.  He has the skill, heart and determination to make it to the top.
“Our plan is to keep him banging out opponents, rising in the rankings, and eventually proving to all the fighters in his division that he belongs with the best.  We’re taking it one fight at a time, though.  Havoc Boxing will keep pushing Yohan until he gets in position for a world title shot. We’re very excited about his potential and development.”
Havoc Boxing Promotions is a division of Havoc Boxing, which is known throughout boxing for its flashy, totally unique looking boxing “uniforms” – trunks and jackets – and other clothing merchandise and accessories.
In addition to Vasquez, Havoc also promotes Nicaraguan lightweight Oliver “Trombita” Flores (27-3-2, 17 KOs), the former world title challenger, in addition to a pair of Colombian fighters, super bantamweight Wilner Soto (16-1, 8 KOs) and former world cruiserweight title challenger Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado (27-4, 21 KOs).
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @HavocBoxingNYC
Instagram:  @havoc_ceo
boxing

New WBA Junior Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade shows championship work rate in title winning effort against Jack Culcay    

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Philadelphia, PA/Bronx, NY/Providence, RI (March 13, 2017)–Newly crowned WBA Junior Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade threw a staggering 953 punches according to Compubox, in his title win over Jack Culcay this past Saturday in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Andrade, who many regard as the most talented fighter in the 154 pound division, showed his versatility as divvied up his punch output nicely between jabs and power punches by throwing 519 power punches and 434 jabs.
The junior middleweight average is 684 punches per 12 rounds.
Andrade saved his best work for the home stretch when he threw 91 and 92 punches respectively in the Championship (11th and 12th) rounds.  In round 11, he connected on a fight best 40 punches.  Andrade outlanded Culcay in 11 of the 12 rounds.
Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island became a two-time champion with a split decision over Culcay be scores of 116-112 twice and 115-114 for Culcay.
“Demetrius showed what a true world champion is supposed to do.  He traveled to Germany and took the title from the champion.  Now we will look towards the future, and there are many desirable fights out there.  There are the champions like Erislandy Lara, Jarrett Hurd and the Charlo /Hatley winner.  Of course the big names in the room are Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.  Those are fights that we would love to make and Demetrius wants them as well. Demetrius will defend his title with pride, and we will look to get him in the most meaningful fights,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Ahmed Elbiali Pre-Fight Quotes & Training Camp Photos

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Unbeaten Prospect Battles Jackson Junior Tuesday, March 14on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes 
From the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi
 
Click HERE for Photos from Team Elbiali
 
 
TUNICA, MS (March 13, 2017) – Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Ahmed Elbiali is prepared for another opportunity to keep his perfect record intact as he faces Brazil’s Jackson Junior in an eight-round fight featured on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, March 14.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi and is headlined by rising middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko battling unbeaten Kemahl Russell in a 10-round bout.
                              
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Fitz Gift Shop, at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.
Here is what Elbiali had to say ahead of the showdown:
On fighting on FS1…
“It’s a great situation to be fighting on national television, especially FS1. TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS has been great for all boxers who are fortunate enough to be showcased.  I’m just grateful for the opportunity and everyone tuning in will see me throwing a lot of big shots.”
On his current training camp …
“It’s been a real smooth camp going into this fight.  I’m back training in Miami with my coach Carlos Albuerae.  When I moved to Las Vegas, we had temporally split up, but now we are back together, stronger than ever.”
On facing opponent Jackson Junior…
“Jackson Junior is a big puncher, as am I, so expect to see some hard blows being traded.  Although he’s had more fights then me, I feel I’m on another level.  I know he’s coming to knock me out, but I have other plans. He will not be taken lightly.”
On continuing his run to a world title…
“If I want to continue marching up the rankings, coming out victorious against Junior is crucial. The ultimate goal is to win a world title, and I’m going to do everything in my power to get there.  This fight is the next step toward achieving that goal.  I’m not leaving any stone unturned.”
On bouncing back from an injured hand…
“It was a difficult time for me being out of the ring for over a year with my hand injury.  The good news is I’m 100% healthy and my hand feels great.  I had a lot of time to reflect on what I need to improve on so that’s what I focused on while I was out.  I stayed in great shape the whole time.  I just want to get in the ring and shake off the rust.”
#          #          #
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, www.ringstar.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.  Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves

Special Addition – Golden Glove Quarter Finals Show added Tuesday March 21st at Gleason’s Gym

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Gleason’s Gym will host the quarter finals of the Daily News Golden Gloves on Tuesday, March 21st.
The doors will open at 6:30 PM.
The first bout will be at 7:30 PM.
All tickets are $25
(amateur boxers with book in hand $15)
This show is sanctioned by USABoxing.
Come support the gym.

 
boxing

Promoter Yvon Michel sets record straight about Cancelled Beterbiev-Barrera IBF title eliminator

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Nobody wants to fight undefeated light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (R)
(Photo by Vincent Ethier)
MONTREAL (March 13, 2017 – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) president Yvon Michel has responded accordingly to unfounded allegations recently made in the media by Sullivan Barrera about GYM and its undefeated world light heavyweight contender, Artur Beterbiev, to set the record straight regarding the recently announced cancelled Beterbiev-Barrera International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title eliminator.
“Despite Barrera’s claims,” Michel insisted, “he didn’t sign a contract because he never intended for fight Artur.  In Team Barrera’s letter, he lied and showed his ignorance trying to distract from the facts.
“For the conclusion of this unfortunate saga, the IBF has informed me that it has ruled to ban Barrera from its world rankings, or from participating in one of its sanctioned fights, for the next six months.  I’ve also been informed that, if nobody in the IBF top 10 is available and agrees to fight Artur, the IBF will declare him as its No. 1 mandatory challenger for the winner of the Ward-Kovalev rematch.  Artur will be back in the ring in late April, early May. The mandatory defense for the Ward-Kovalev II winner, or Ward if that fight doesn’t happen, is due in September.”
IBF Light Heavyweight Ratings: Champion – Andre Ward, 1. Unrated, 2. Artur Beterbiev, 3. Sergey Kovalev, 4. Erik Skoglund, 5. Enrico Kolling, 6. SUSPENDED, 7. Oleksandr Gvozdyk, 8. Dominic Bosel , 9. Robert Stieglitz, 10. Trent Broadhurst.
Below, Michel sets the record straight, point-by-point, in terms of the open letter Team Barrera sent to the media.
Michel didn’t negotiate with Barrera’s promoter, Kathy Duva, and asked for it to go to an immediate purse bid.
“Kathy Duva (CEO/Main Events) came to my office the day before the deadline set for Barrera’s acceptance to participate in the IBF title eliminator to speak about the situation.  Our hope was to fight Barrera but because he is prohibited from traveling to Canada, I confirmed our intention with Ms. Duva to accommodate Barrera and leave Canada and make the fight in the United States.  We were in the same position a year ago, when Barrera pulled out of the same title eliminator because he couldn’t get a visa to fight in Canada.   Artur was then supposed to fight Karo Murat, but he suffered an injury and was unable to fight.  Barrera later defeated Murat to move into the IBF mandatory position in which he then lost to Andre Ward.
“Kathy told me the number she had in mind to make the fight.  I said that I would see if there were enough resources for that amount and promised to call her the following day.  I did and explained that there weren’t enough resources to meet that purse structure.  Nevertheless, not long after I received confirmation Barrera was officially taking the challenge, I then decided to move forward and immediately requested a purse bid date, which is the prerogative of any promoter, knowing what was Main Events’ expectation in terms of their fighter’s purse. In this business, everybody knows the best way to determine the true market value of a fight is a purse bid, where promoters are evaluating their resources and making their bid accordingly. We still had still seven days to make an offer, one and other, and make a deal up to five minutes before the bid was due. Main Events never made us an offer and neither did we.”
GYM’s winning purse bid was $251,000, substantially more than Main Events’ bid of $182,000, of which Beterbiev would receive 75-percent of the winning bid.  Barrera would have received $62,750, compared to $45,500 he would have earned if his own promoter had won the bid.
Beterbiev reported on social media that his fight versus Barrera would be held March 4th in Brooklyn, New York and Michel reported that the fight would be held in late March, early April, in New York.  Barrera had trained for those dates but didn’t receive a contract.
 
“GYM won the purse and pursuant to IBF rules and regulations, the fight had to be held within 30 to 90 days,” Michel continued.  “We deposited $50,000, per IBF rules, and received a confirmation letter from the IBF all was conform.  As per IBF regulations, within 15 days after the purse bid, we filed contracts for the two fighters.  Artur signed his five minutes after he received the contract and it was then sent to the IBF.  We executed Barrera’s contract, sending it to Main Events for Barrera with a copy sent to the IBF. Soon after I received notice from the IBF that everything was in order and that we had complied with the IBF requirements.”
Michel sent an improper agreement to Main Event listing various dates.
 
“We knew we had a PBC date, either April 14, 21 or 29.  It’s very common for fight dates written in the initial fighter contract to vary one week before or after the date listed.  I contacted IBF president Daryl Peoples and said April 21st was the most likely date but that it could end up being a week earlier or after.  He recommended to be transparent and  to write all three potential dates into the contract. We did and then sent it to Main Events for Barrera to sign.  Main Events noted that IBF rules said only one date and site could be written in the contract.  Daryl complied with the objection so we then officially confirmed April 21st would be the date of the fight and Florida the site.  We then sent a GYM executed corrected IBF bout agreement back to Main Events to be signed by Barrera and filed with the IBF on February 16th.
“Meanwhile, GYM received a request, from Main Event to produce a Provision of Service agreement for Barrera’s participation. GYM was not obliged to positively fulfill that request but, as a display of good faith, we did so in belief the contract that Barrera would sign and Main Events would file it at the IBF office, on that date, as per its rules. Soon after, GYM received a letter from IBF championship chairman, Mr. Lindsey Tucker, that all requirements had been fulfilled to officially sanction the bout.”
The Florida location for the fight had been selected by GYM for three reasons. 1. Beating Barrera in his own backyard would send strong message for Beterbiev within the division; 2. GYM had received an offer from Miami-based SMY Sports and Entertainment’s president M. Eric Senecal, who wanted the buy the rights to produce the event; 3. GYM’S longtime and very close relationship with Florida-based Warriors Promotions, Mr. Leon Margules.
On behalf of GYM, Margules had reserved the April 21st date with the Florida Athletic Commission.  SMY Sports & Entertainments made a deal with GYM that had a deadline to deposit the agreed upon money guarantee. They had reserved the Seminole Hard Rock arena in Fort Lauderdale. If SMY was not able to deliver money and site, GYM had a backup plan, proposed by Margules, who had a deal and a site on hold, Hialeah Racetrack in nearby Hollywood (FL). No matter what would transpire, the fight was guaranteed at a site in Florida, April 21st for a PBC event to be televised on FS1.
Barrera’s manager was contacted by one of the promoters to help pay Yvon Michel and finance the bout.
 
“This is a tortuous claim and a terrible lie,” Michel said.  “Nobody representing GYM ever made that kind of request.  The truth is a local promoter, M. Michael Luzbet, whom I’d never met and never made any deals of any sorts with in the past, wanted to be a partner with SMY Sports and Entertainments. He tried to raise his share of money to participate but SMY rapidly disassociated themselves from Michael Luzbet.
“How the group (SMY) was raising money wasn’t really my concern, but they had found sponsors and were counting on the important Quebec community residing in Florida at that time of the year, as well as the important Cuban population and their contacts with the Russian community, to sell VIP tables and tickets.  It wanted the rights to put the show on in Florida but they were concerned because they had heard a rumor that Barrera hadn’t signed a contract and he was going to pull out of the fight.
They then requested a guarantee that Barrera (who lives in Miami) was going to fight before confirming their money deposit. I was in Quebec City at that time for the Alvarez-Bute fight.  Mr. Lindsey Tucker was there representing the IBF and I spoke to him.  He said he believed the IBF had received a signed contract from Barrera.  I contacted SYM to say everything was fine and that I had requested a copy (of the Barrera-signed contract) from Lindsey.  Daryl People then informed me that there was a misunderstanding and they did not have a signed contract from Barrera.  It is only then I realized Main Events had pressured Barrera to sign the agreement without success. We asked the IBF president to pressure Main Events to have Barrera sign the contract because, without it, we were jammed in the promotion of the event. This is exactly what happened.”
Team Barrera implied that Yvon Michel couldn’t promote a show of this magnitude in the U.S.
 
“I’ve promoted more than 200 shows, never defaulting or cancelling a single show, including  involvement in more than 50 world championship fights and many multi-million dollars events, much bigger than this title eliminator.  This statement just shows his ignorance about what we’re all about and who we are and was just smoke screen to his behavior.  I’ve promoted shows with the majority of the major promoters in the world; DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Promotions, Don King Promotions, Golden Boy, Main Events… just about everybody. It was unbelievable for them to write such an impertinent line.”
Team Barrera unjustly belittled the quality of Beterbiev’s last two opponents, calling them cow farmers from Argentina.
 
“This is terrible to be so insolent to fellow world contenders. Both fighters were world ranked in the top 15 at that time. (Ezequiel Osvaldo) Maderna (23-2, 16 KOs) had never been knocked out and (Isidro) Prieto (26-1-3, 22 KOs) had suffered only one loss, a decision to the WBC #1 contender Eleider Alvarez.  Beterbiev knocked them both out (Maderna in the fourth round, Prieto in the first), so downgrading the quality of Artur’s 2016 opponents was totally unwarranted.  If Barrera ever actually got into the ring with Beterbiev, he would have fallen into the same category as Maderna and Prieto, who were both fierce competitors but not in the same league of Beterbiev.”
Michel firmly believes Barrera never intended to fight Beterbiev for his share of the purse bid and, to cover up, he tried to place the blame on others. His promoter spent time and money for the bid at the request of its fighter, Barrera, believing he had a legitimate chance of winning the fight. It is obvious that sentiment was not shared by Barrera, even if the fight was to be held in his own backyard in Florida.
“The truth of this matter is that Barrera lied to distract media attention from the fact he didn’t sign a contract and clearly wanted no part of Beterbiev,” Michel concluded.  “We don’t disrespect any contender who prefers not to challenge Artur Beterbiev for the mandatory position. We also believed that Main Events did everything in its power to convince their fighter to keep his words and to go forward with the fight. Main Events is not at blame. We also have respect for Barrera’s fighting abilities but we have no respect for the person Barrera is with his despicable, unprofessional, shameful and disgraceful attitude in handling the present situation.
“On a personal note, I have never met Sullivan Barrera. I never had to directly communicate with him, I never had to do business with him, everything went through his promoter, Main Events, and I really don’t envy them! Soon, GYM will have two light heavyweight world champions and I can guarantee Barrera will never be in their plans.
“We’ve moved on from Sullivan Barrera to find an opponent who has the desire to step into the ring to fight Artur Beterbiev. While Barrera will still be suspended by the IBF, Beterbiev will be World Champion!”
Beterbiev, a two-time Russian Olympian, holds two amateur victories over his fellow countryman, Kovalev, the former world light heavyweight champion. Whether it’s Kovalev or Ward, Artur Beterbiev will be more than ready for the challenge to fight for the world light heavyweight championship this September.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @ABeterbiev
Instagram: @YvonMichelGYM, @Groupeyvonmichel, @ArturBetebiev
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.