Category Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Chicago Welterweight Looks to Defeat Another Unbeaten Boxer When He Faces Taras Shelestyuk in Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader, This Friday, Nov. 4, Live on SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment
NEW YORK (Nov. 1, 2016) – Jimmy “The Truth” Herrera is accustomed to entering the ring as an underdog. The Chicago native is experienced in fighting favored prospects and contenders on the road and has had an inordinate success in these types of matchups, having defeated unbeaten prospects in four of his last nine fights.

So don’t expect Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs) to be in awe of his opponent, former Ukraine amateur standout and rising star, Taras Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) when they meet this Friday, Nov. 4, in the 10-round welterweight main event on ShoBox: The New Generationlive on SHOWTIME® (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) at Omega Products Event Center in Corona, Calif.

The 5-foot-10, 27-year-old Herrera has won three in a row and is 8-1-1 since dropping a close eight-round decision to Adrian Granados in February 2012. One of those victories was an upset seventh-round TKO over one-time highly ranked welterweight and world title challenger Mike “Machine Gun” Jones on Aug. 23, 2014.

Herrera is promoted by Hitz Boxing and co-managed by Cameron Dunkin and Mike Cericola.

Here are Herrera’s responses to a recent Q&A:

What are your thoughts going into your ShoBox debut?
“I’m always up for a challenge, so I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’m definitely ready to compete against another undefeated fighter. I’m coming to show my skills to the world and prove I’m a boxer you have to pay attention to.

“At this point of my career, I want to make a move fast while I’m young. I don’t just want to be a guy with a nice record. I truly believe in my skills and that I can reach the highest level.

“I’ve been getting great help with sparring with the best of the best in Chicago. Sam Colonna, George Hernandez and all the Chicago boxing coaches have been great mentors to me and I am very thankful.”

What do you know about Shelestyuk?
“He was a great amateur fighter and he’s a lefty. That’s pretty much all I need to know. The only thing I can give him is that he has experience, so I’ve got to be careful of that. But it’s nothing new – I’ve seen fighters like that.”

What kind of fight do you expect?
“I expect him to be a boxer with movement. I think he’ll try to box me. I’ll be coming forward, being aggressive. Then, we’ll see what his game plan is.”

What is the key to winning?
“It all depends on the pressure I can apply, throwing the right punches at the right time, the accuracy of my punches. Each punch has to have a purpose. I’m definitely more of a pressure guy. I like Gennady Golovkin’s style, Julio Cesar Chavez is my idol. That is the kind of style I try to fight with.”

On fighting on ShoBox for the first time?
“I’m definitely excited because I know a lot of people will be watching. I’m not nervous at all. The cameras, the bright lights, honestly, I don’t care about. My focus is totally on this fight. This is the type of fight that can open a lot of doors for me.”

Is this your biggest fight and do you feel pressure?
“Yes, definitely, this is my biggest fight — just for all the doors a win would open for me, all the possibilities. There’s no pressure on me. He’s the one representing his country with the weight on his shoulders. I’ve lost before, but that doesn’t make me an opponent.”

Are they making a mistake fighting you??
“I feel like they are making a mistake, but I also feel this is going to be a good test for him. I think Taras took the fight more for himself. But if he doesn’t know now about me, he’s going to find out.”

You boxed amateurs for one year and had 25 bouts. He was a 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist with a boatload of amateur accomplishments. How significant is the experience of fighting amateur?
“Personally, to me, the amateurs are not that important at all. It’s all irrelevant once you go pro. I know some great amateur boxers who made it after turning pro, and some who didn’t. It’s a whole different ballgame. As a pro, I believe I’ve fought better guys than he has. I’ve been tested way more than he has. You can’t take away what he did as an amateur, but fighting with the smaller gloves, with no headgear, is totally different.”

Undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, and Steve “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International WBC Continental Americas titles in the co-feature.

The nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., in an eight-round bout in the opening match of the telecast.

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Danny Garcia & Omar Douglas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

Leave a comment
 
Undefeated World Champion Danny Garcia Faces Colombia’s Samuel Vargas in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Main Event Saturday, November 12 From Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia
 
Click HERE for Photos from 
Premier Boxing Champions
(More photos to be added shortly)
 
PHILADELPHIA (November 1, 2016) – Undefeated world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia held a media workout at his gym in Philadelphia on Tuesday as he prepares for his Premier Boxing Champions on Spike showdown with Colombia’s Samuel Vargas taking place Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Also in attendance at Tuesday’s workout was undefeated rising prospect Omar Douglas, who battles former world champion Javier Fortuna in PBC on Spike action that same night.
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd against former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in a super welterweight attraction.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200.
Garcia has teamed up during this promotion with Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive, collecting most-needed items, such as tuna and vegetables. Fans have been encouraged to drop off canned goods at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) and the DSG Boxing Gym (3731 Jasper St). Additionally, $10 from each ticket sold has been donated and will provide 20 meals per ticket for people in need.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:
DANNY GARCIA
“It feels great to be fighting at home. This is what Philadelphia needed. We’re a fight town. I feel like people don’t know that all over the world. We have a great history and a lot of world champions from here, and they’ve been kind of been overshadowed. It’s an honor to be able to bring a fight back to these fans.
“It’s very important to give back. I’m so happy to have the opportunity. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner I’m sure we’ll be making a big impact. There are a lot of families in Philadelphia who really need it and I’m glad I can help.
“I’m very lucky to be where I am. It takes a lot of hard work, but you also need the right timing. My dad and I had a vision. We never gave up on that vision. We’ve been through so much in life, we didn’t want to stop till we reached our goals.
“The city of Philadelphia needs a champion. They need someone to give them a hometown show. There’s a lot of excitement with the Eagles and Sixers right now, and I’m going to give them another thing to cheer for.
“It’s a very short trip for me to the arena so I’m happy about that. I feel comfortable. I’m in my own backyard. We’re planning to make sure Vargas is very uncomfortable.
“I love seeing these young kids from Philadelphia on the card. I love giving them an opportunity to get fights in front of their hometown fans too. There are a lot of doors opening up for young fighters from Philadelphia and I love that I can be a part of it.
“I know Billy Briscoe (Vargas’ trainer) will have some tricks. We’re very familiar with each other and I know what kind of trainer he is. He’s never prepared to face someone like me.
“I’ve watched the tape on Vargas. He’s a gritty fighter. He’s definitely a tough guy who won’t give up. I have to be ready. I’m going to have to be prepared. I feel ready to go.
“I had to grow into 140-pounds before I started knocking people out. This will be my third fight at welterweight and I think I’m going to feel as good as I have in my career. That’s why we’re ready to take on the best.”
OMAR DOUGLAS
“This is just a task. I’ve been preparing for this moment all my life. Ever since I was eight-years-old. Not to take anything away from Fortuna, but he’s a gatekeeper in the division. I have to get through him to get to what I want.
“Camp has been camp. It’s rough at times but it’s part of the process. I embrace it all though. I love being in camp. I’m bored when I’m not at camp so I’m definitely happiest when I’m in the gym.
“My weight is on point and on target. We’re just slowing it down and getting ready to make sure I’m peaking on fight night.
“Being able to fight in Philadelphia means the world to me. This is where I started my boxing career. I’ve been coming up the highway from Delaware to fight since I was a kid. Now a win here can propel me to another level.
“Fortuna is where I want to be at. I want to get through him. I can’t look past him. I’m focused on Javier Fortuna and writing another chapter in my story.
“You can expect a very exciting fight on November 12. Hopefully he’s everything that people claim he is. I know that I am and I’m definitely going to come out on top.”
ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer
“There are people in this country who don’t have food. My parents were farmers when they came to this country. When I was a child I was hungry. I ran around with no shoes and I wore my brother’s clothes. The first thing Danny and I do when we get in the ring is say a prayer and bow our heads for the kids in the world with nothing to eat. I always told Danny and my family to appreciate whatever we have gotten. We’re using our position now to make a difference.
“Danny is completely ready for this fight. He’s healthy and on track to make weight. We’ll be in the ring on November 12 and I think that if Samuel Vargas comes to fight and stands toe-to-toe with Danny, we’re going to end the night early.
“We’ve brought in a lot of young prospects and guys with more experience for Danny to spar. I try to mix it up on Danny and keep him 100 percent ready. We can’t take anything away from Vargas though. I know Danny is a very talented fighter and he gives me what I want. He’s always learning.
“We don’t watch a lot of tape. My job is not to watch the opponent, it’s to train Danny Garcia. You can’t forget about what your fighter does well.
“These are big things for Danny. He’s the champion and he should be on exciting cards like this. We’re looking to keep building and building his career.
“We’re keeping Danny focused. He knows that he can’t underestimate anybody. We take every opponent very seriously. The 32 people that he fought before were taken just as seriously as Vargas. We don’t change anything or take anything away. I make sure his circle is tight and that camp is focused.
“I’m happy because headlining in Philadelphia is Danny’s dream. What makes Danny happy makes me happy. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

Joshua vs. Molina and Whyte vs. Chisora land on huge December 10 show

Leave a comment

AJ welcomes American to Manchester – Whyte and Chisora meet for Brit belt – Yafai in World title action – Quigg returns

 

Anthony Joshua MBE is set to defend his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina at the Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on Showtime in the U.S.

 

Joshua puts his crown on the line for the second time and fights his third American in a row having destroyed Charles Martin inside two rounds to rip the title from the St. Louis man in April at The O2 in London and then stopping Dominic Breazeale in the seventh round at the same venue in June, extending his unbeaten run in the paid ranks to 17 wins, all inside the distance.

 

Molina becomes the latest man to attempt to derail the Olympic Gold medal hero, the Texan is looking to get his hands on the top prize in his second World title tilt after challenging Deontay Wilder for the WBC crown in June 2015. The 34-year-old enters the bout full of confidence after travelling to Poland and knocking out Tomasz Adamek in the tenth round of their clash for the IBF Inter-Continental strap in April.

 

“I am pleased that everything is now set for December 10 and I can concentrate on getting the business done in the ring,” said Joshua. “There has been plenty of talk about who I may face but all I’m doing is concentrating on finishing Molina in style and putting on a great show.

 

“Every fight is dangerous in this division and this is no exception. I saw Molina have a great fight with Wilder and he is now coming off a strong KO win against Adamek in Poland.

 

“I’m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career so far and I will be ready for an all-out war.”

 

“There is no Heavyweight in the world that has bounced back like I have,” said Molina. “That’s the man that Joshua faces on December 10, and that man is a very dangerous one.

 

“He’ll fight the toughest Molina that anybody has ever seen, just like Adamek fought the toughest Molina.

 

“I’m confident. These type of fights don’t shake me up, I’m a very strong mental fighter. I know exactly what I’ve got to do to prepare myself in the amount of time. I know exactly what I’ve got to do, mentally, physically, to go there and perform.

 

“When you walk out into the atmosphere, half the battle is the mental battle, and if you can stay in the moment mentally you have a shot in any fight.”

 

There’s a huge card in support of the main event as Dillian Whyte defends his British Heavyweight title against bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC title. Whyte makes the second defence of his strap after seeing off fellow Brixton man Ian Lewison in Glasgow last month, while former World title challenger Chisora can get his hands on the Lord Lonsdale belt for the second time.

 

Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

 

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

 

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Heavyweight wrecking ball ‘King Kong’ Luis Ortiz fights in Europe for the second time after clashing with Malik Scott in Monte-Carlo on November 12 and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

 

“The Heavyweight division has been turned on its head in the last few months and while many are standing still waiting, I’m delighted to get this huge card up and running in Manchester,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

 

“I have spoken to Eric Molina at length and I know this is going to be a big test for Anthony. We saw in the Wilder fight that he can punch and doesn’t give in and is coming off a strong knockout win against Adamek in his back yard in Poland. We have requested an exception from the IBF for this fight and although the plans are for a major unification in the spring this fight requires Anthony’s full focus.

 

“The card is one of the strongest we have produced, supported by a huge all-British Heavyweight grudge match between Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora which will be an official eliminator for the WBC World title.

 

“We are delighted to see the return of Scott Quigg who will now campaign at Featherweight and Birmingham’s Kal Yafai has a chance to make history in a brutal fight against World champion Luis Concepcion.

 

“One of the most exciting Heavyweights in world boxing Luis Ortiz will feature and Ireland’s Katie Taylor will continue to break the mould in front of a sold out 21,000 crowd. The re-scheduled Britsih Light-Heavyweight clash between Hosea Burton and Frank Buglioni is sure to produce fireworks and there will also be further names added in the following weeks.”

 

Tickets go on sale to Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass members at midday on Thursday November 3 from the Fight Pass members via this link: bit.ly/JoshuaMolina. Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £500, with Inner Ringside VIP tickets priced at £800 – due to the high demand for the event, tickets are capped at FOUR per Fight Pass member.

 

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Friday November 4. Tickets priced £40 to £500 will be available from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN WELTERWEIGHT TARAS SHELESTYUK SPARRING WITH SHANE MOSLEY FOR HIS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT DEBUT THIS FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

“A lot of guys won’t spar with him.  Guys are worried that he will make them look bad.” – Shane Mosley

Click HERE Download Photos
Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 31, 2016) – Promising unbeaten 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will make his main event debut when he faces upset-minded Jimmy Herrera in the 10-round featured attraction of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, Nov. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.

 

A 5-foot-10 up-and-coming rising star, Shelestyuk, of Los Angeles, is ranked No. 9 by the WBO and No. 13 in the WBA.  Shelestyuk, who is making his second ShoBox start, averaged 85 punches a round en route to winning his ShoBox debut with a 10-round division over Aslanbek Kozaev on Nov. 6, 2015.

 

The dedicated, hard-working Shelestyuk, who is trained by Eric Brown and spars a few days a week with former world champion Shane Mosley, at Wild Card West in Santa Monica, Calif., possesses solid skills, movement and punching power.

 

Shelestyuk was a member of a vaunted 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team that included featherweight gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko and heavyweight gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk.   The 30-year-old feels he’s still about a year away from competing against the best at 147 pounds and that he first must get by Herrera.    But Mosley claims Shelestyuk reminds him of a bigger Lomachencko and believes he’s already ready for the top names in the welterweight division.

 

Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs), of Chicago, Ill., has defeated unbeaten prospects in four of last nine fights and is 8-1-1 overall since July 2012.

 

Shelestyuk, Brown and Mosley spoke to SHOWTIME after a recent workout.  Here’s what they said:

 

TARAS SHELESTYUK:

What are your thoughts going into the fight?
“I’m very excited. It’s been six months since my last fight.  It’s my first headline fight and hopefully not my last one.

 

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in my training camp with my trainer Eric Brown, and with my physical conditioning coach.  My opponent is a tough fighter.  He’s had some good fights with guys like Mike Jones, Egidijus Kavaliauskas and a couple of other big guys.  He likes to fight and I think it will be a good fight and a good matchup for our styles.”

 

You’re now a ranked fighter; are you happy with the pace of your progression?

“I’m happy with my progression but of course I want to fight bigger names in championship fights and all of that.  I know it’s coming soon.  I enjoy my way of training and developing my skills, but if you see your dream you do anything to reach it and don’t let anything get in your way.’’

 

What do you think of the welterweight division?

“It’s a very good division because there are a lot of fighters, but some don’t want to fight each other (very often).  There are some very good championship fights to be made and hopefully I will be one of them.”

 

Why did you chose to move to Southern California?

“Well, [laughs] mainly because if the great weather, but this is also a good area with a lot of good fighters and a lot of good trainers as well.  When I first moved here my manager invited me out and showed me around and I got in the gym right away.  I was training with Ruslan Provodnikov and got some sparring in with him before a fight that he had and next thing you know, two weeks later I had my pro debut and now three-and-a-half years later here I am.’’

 

Is there pressure on you when you fight?

“I wouldn’t say I feel pressure because everyone around me is supporting me, they believe in me and I believe in them.  My team believes in me and I trust them. I just want to do what I do in the ring, better.  I want to do better for me, for my family and for my friends.’’

 

Do you follow your Olympic teammates?

“I watch fights of the Ukrainian Olympic Team, and I enjoy when the other guys win.  We support each other and we call each other.  It is good for there to be more Ukraine fighters who are champions now.  Next year, I hope to be one of them.”

 

How did it feel going 10 rounds for the first time?

“Last year in November I had my first 10-round fight on ShoBox, I fought with a strong guy and he gave me a very good fight.  I went the 10 rounds and I felt like I could still go two more.  I am ready for 10, for 12, it doesn’t matter.  I feel much better, much more powerful.  I have more speed than I had in my last fight, too.”

 

How did you end up training with Eric?

“I trained with Freddie Roach for about two and a half years when I met Eric at Wild Card West Gym.  I started sparring with some of his guys there.  After my fight with Rodriguez on ESPN in 2015 I asked Eric to train me and we started working.  Now that I’ve fought two fights with him as my trainer, I feel my boxing skills are better, I feel more powerful and I enjoy training in his gym.

 

“All of the trainers help us and they give us advice.  On the days I spar with Shane Mosley he stops and gives me some advice.  I learn a lot from him, being the fighting legend that he is.  I grew up watching him fight as a kid and respect what he’s able to teach me.  Then the next time I try what he has taught me and it works.”

 

Boxing is in your blood; your dad and brother boxed. When you were younger, did you think you were going to become a fighter?

“No, but my father pushed me in a lot of sports. I did gymnastics, soccer for five years, and played chess.  I fought as a kid but it was always friendly.  I always enjoyed the training aspect. To train for soccer sometimes my father and I would run barefoot in the snow and I enjoyed it. So, as a kid, when I first stepped into the boxing gym, it was just so much fun.’’

Your ShoBox fight falls on your father’s birthday; do you have a special present in mind for him?

“It makes me want to get the victory for him.  On his day, he will be sitting and watching my fight so I want to get that victory for him, for my family and for the Ukraine.’’

 

ERIC BROWN, Shelestyuk’s trainer

What kind of camp has Taras had has had and what do you see happening on Friday?

“I see a lot of progression in Taras.  When we first started working together, one of the things was that Taras always had great boxing ability, but he wasn’t a great finisher.  I don’t know if he was gun shy or what it was but he had a tendency of using his talent to get people in trouble but then he would stand back and let them get back in the fight.  So, what we’ve been working on a lot more is getting him to become a better finisher and recognize when he has his man in trouble and how to seize the moment, without being reckless at the same time.  He’s improving at a fast pace.

 

“A lot of guys from Ukraine seem to have similar tendencies because they have long amateur careers and they start picking up bad habits that we need to correct.  Taras had a little bit of that in him but he seems to be making the adjustments very well. He’s an extremely hard worker and you often have to tell him to slow down, you never have to tell him to do more.”

 

Where do you see him in his career as a welterweight?

“It’s a great division.  I’d say that Keith Thurman tops it without a doubt now but there are good fighters like Shawn Porter too.  If Mayweather decided to come back, I think he would be all over this division again.  Canelo is a good super welterweight, but he’s too busy worrying about catch-weights. Undoubtedly in another year, I think Taras will be right there with the best of them.  He’s got a lot of talent, great versatility, great hand speed and foot speed and he’s a good puncher.  Not a devastating knockout puncher but a great puncher nonetheless with both hands.’’

 

SHANE MOSLEY, Former World Champion

How has it been working with Taras and how did you become involved in his training?

“I have been sparring with Taras and he’s looking really sharp.  I’ve been sparring with him for about four or five months now pretty consistently because a lot of guys won’t spar with him. Guys are worried that he will make them look bad; he’s so technical and sharp that they don’t want to spar with him.  So, I go in there with him a lot.  It’s hard to get people to spar with him.’’

 

Where do you see him in the welterweight division?

“He’s on that championship path, that level, but I think once he gets there, he’ll get more sparring partners and will get even better.  He really is a world champion, a world-class fighter. He reminds me of a bigger Lomachenko, sparring with him is just like that.  I see him as a top welterweight champion.  The way he throws his combinations, he’s a smart boxer who works out very hard.  He’s at the gym every single day, whether he’s sparring or not, whether he has some training to do or not.  He’ll even be here by himself just moving around and staying sharp.  His work ethic is really, really strong.

 

How do you like working with Taras?

“I like Taras and I enjoy working with him.  He’s extremely dedicated and that’s hard to find.  I like Taras’ work ethic, his personality, how he takes to boxing.  He loves this sport and he wants to be the best.  He doesn’t like to lose, even in sparring.  I’m impressed with him.  When I sparred with him for the first time I was very impressed at his swing, his power, his ring accuracy, his IQ of boxing.  I was impressed with how hard he worked and his willingness to learn.’’

 

Do you find it unusual for guys to be as dedicated as Taras at this point in their careers?

“It’s unusual in the sense that a lot of fighters want to learn from the top guys but it seems to me with Taras that it’s not fake.  He truly does want to learn about boxing so that he can be the best.  He wants to become a world champion and is working to become one of the best.  If you put Taras in the ring with any big name today and I’d say he would take the victory.  He has a sound mind.  He has the mentality to be at the top.  He’s serious about being the world champion, about being the top fighter.  He’s serious about winning and he’s going to take it all the way to the end.  If you put this guy against Thurman, I’d go with him.  I think he beats Thurman right now.’’

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, and Steve “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC  Continental Americas titles.  Unbeaten lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., in an eight-round bout in the opening bout of the telecast. Freitas, 23, is the nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.

 

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

boxing

The plan for Lippe-Morrison

Leave a comment
Lippe KO.jpg
For Immediate Release
Tulsa, OK (October 31, 2016) – The boxing world is always looking for its next great attraction and nothing is more sought after than a heavyweight; especially an American with devastating power like Trey Lippe-Morrison.
On Friday September 23, the undefeated Lippe-Morrison fought his first televised bout on Showtime against fellow unbeaten Ed Latimore. The bout, a significant step up in competition for Lippe-Morrison, received a tremendous amount of attention.
After Lippe-Morrison scored two hard knockdowns and stopped Latimore in less than 2 ½ minutes, the boxing community was buzzing with questions. Is he going to be a world champion like his late father Tommy Morrison? Will he be on the fast track to stardom? Is he America’s next great hope?
According to his promoter Tony Holden, they will take their time to find out.
“Trey is definitely a good prospect and his most recent win demonstrated that. He has devastating power and is improving under Freddie Roach, who has done a fantastic job with him. At the same time, it’s important to remember as a promoter it’s my utmost duty to take our time and move him strategically.”
Lippe-Morrison, 12-0 (12 KO’s), continues to sell out shows as the main attraction and is scheduled to return in December at the Buffalo Run Casino where he is a member of the “Four State Franchise.” Since his impressive victory, Holden’s recieved multiple offers for Lippe-Morrison to return to TV in early 2017. Ultimately, the plan is to mix in the right TV fights and untelevised bouts at the Buffalo Run, where his impact goes beyond boxing.
 
“The economy here is struggling and for some, boxing is one of the few things they have to look forward to,” said Holden, who promoted Tommy Morrison and has promoted Lippe-Morrison since his pro debut. “This is our professional franchise and the commuinity has rallied behind Trey. He is fighting for them and it’s very heartwarming to see the relationship Trey has developed with his fans. Wherever he fights, Trey is representing the “Four State Franchise” and our community. Ultimately, the team is going to make smart decisions and get him to that next level when we collectively agree the time is right.”
Official particulars on Lippe-Morrison’s next bout will be announced Thursday, November 3.
boxing

Middleweight Antoine Douglas returns to action against Ernesto Berrospe on Thursday, November 10 at the 26th Annual Fight for Children Fight Night at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Leave a comment
For Immediate Release
Nutley, NJ (October 31, 2016)–Middleweight contender Antoine “Action” Douglas will be in action when he takes on Ernesto Berrospe on Thursday night, November 10th at the 26th annual Fight for Children Fight Night DC at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
Douglas from nearby Burke, Virginia, has a record of 19-1-` with 13 knockouts, and will be making his first appearance in eight months.
The 24 year-old Douglas won his first 19 bouts, which propelled him to a top-5 world ranking that included wins over Les Sherrington (35-7)m Istvan Szili (18-0-2), Thomas LaManna (16-0). former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1), Marquies Davis (8-0-2) and Colby Courter (4-0).
Douglas is a four year professional, and has captured the Interim WBC FECARBOX, WBA International, WBA Fedelatin & WBO International Middleweight titles.
Douglas is coming off his first professional defeat when he was stopped in 10 rounds by Avtandil Khurtzsidze on March 5th in Bethlehem, PA.
Berrospe of Guadalajara, Mexico has a record of 11-9 with 7 knockouts.
The 30 year-old Berrospe is a 10 year professional,and has a win over previously undefeated Josue Mendoza (7-0-2).  Berrospe is coming off a stoppage defeat to D’Mitrius Ballard on June 11th in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“Camp is great and I am glad to be back in the ring,” said Douglas.  “It did not take long for me to get back in the swing of things.  I got the rust off early in camp and I am ready to go.”
When asked what he is looking for coming off his first setback, Douglas is eager to show he is ready to be one of the top middleweight contenders in the world.
“I want to see crispness and preciseness in my punches.  I am also looking to show good footwork and defense.”
Douglas is not looking to rush anything as he wants to be on top of his game when he is next called upon to fight the elite fighters.
“I want to see where I am after this fight.  I have been working hard and I have been ready to fight yesterday.”

Douglas is now managed by the respected Henry Rivalta

Said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki, “Antoine had a well deserved rest, and now he is ready to finish what he started, and that is to become world champion.  One bad night will not define his career and I believe we have not yet seen the best from him.   It says a lot about him as he fought 21 fights in just 29 months, and then steps in with a guy who took the fight on short notice that nobody wanted to fight and nobody still wants to fight in Khurtsidze.  We have a plan for him to get him back knocking on the door of a world title and we look forward to moving him back in position.”
GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards & John Luna;  Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing

Limited Tickets still available for this Friday night’s 12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Dinner at Mohegan Sun

Leave a comment
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 30, 2016) –  Limited tickets are still available for this Friday

night’s 12TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos NievesContribution to Amateur Boxing.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET(cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.
boxing

Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions Sign Elite Amateur Michael Dutchover

Leave a comment
   
Michael Dutchover signs with Ken Thompson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, Penn. /Orange, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2016) – Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing are proud to announce the signing of  elite amateur Michael Dutchover (1-0, 1 KOs) out of Midland, Tex.

Dutchover, 18, will campaign as a junior lightweight. The Texas native won numerous regional tournaments as an amateur and was a runner up at this year’s National Golden Gloves competition in the 132-pound division. He enters the professional ranks well prepared having gone 130-17 in the unpaid arena.

“I felt an overwhelming amount of joy when I was signing my contract,” said Dutchover, who is trained and managed by Danny Zamora. “I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old. This is just the beginning. I’m going to work hard to become a world champion. That’s all I want.”

“I am very excited to be promoting Michael with Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing,” said Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions. “He had a big amateur background. His style as an amateur was more pro oriented then anything else. He is a great young talent and I know he has a big future. We look forward to getting him started on what we hope will be a journey towards a world championship.”
“We are very pleased with the addition of Michael Dutchover,” said Ken Thompson, president at Thompson Boxing. “Michael brings a dynamic fighting style to the ring. He looked incredible in his pro debut last week. It’s going to be exciting watching his career take off.”

Dutchover appeared on the most recent Thompson Boxing card last Friday, Oct. 21. Dutchover started his career with a third round knockout over Cesar Partida.

He worked off an effective jab that allowed him to land crisp power shots. In the third, he connected on a crushing combination that resulted in the fight’s only knockdown. Partida survived the round, but was not allowed to come out for the fourth and final round.

“Partida was a tough opponent,” said Dutchover after the fight. “He took a lot of quality punches. I was able to drop him in the third and I knew he was hurt. It feels great to start my career with a knockout win.”
Artie Pelullo, Ruben Villa, Michael Dutchover, Ken Thompson
Alex Camponovo, Danny Zamora, Michael Dutchover, Ken Thompson
Michael Dutchover and family

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BAEZA / THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS
boxing

Mykal Fox ready for Juan Rodriguez on Saturday, November 5th at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland

Leave a comment
Plus undefeated Mike Marshall, Jordan White, Kent Cruz,  Patrick Rivera & Marcus Bates
For Immediate Release
Fort Washington, Maryland (October, 28, 2016)–Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Mykal “The Professor” Fox is ready for his next challenge against veteran Juan Rodriguez  in an eight-round bout that will headline eight-bout on Saturday, November 5th at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 11-0 with three knockouts and this will be his fourth bout of 2016.
The 20 year-old Fox turned professional in 2014 and has been kept busy as this will be his 12th contest in 29 months.
In his last bout, Fox stopped Somner Martin in three rounds on August 19th in Washington, DC.
Fox has been working hard in camp with his father/trainer Troy.
“Camp is winding down, and it has been real good.  Coming off my last win, I got right back in camp.  I took a week off and I all that I had to do was get in fight shape,” said Fox.
When trying to scout Rodriguez, Fox was not able to get much information, but he will be ready for what the veteran has to offer.
“I could not find anything on him. I just have to go in there and be the best of me.”
At just 21 years-old (Turned 21 today) Fox continues to mature physically, and the improvement is evident in his performances.
“As long as I learn something from every fight, I am happy.  My power is coming around and I would not consider myself a knockout puncher, but it’s getting better.  People forget, I turned pro at age 18, and now I think my power has become respectable.”
This being his 12th fight and most likely last of 2016, Fox sees 2017 as a moving year in his career.
“In 2017 I am looking for big things.  I just want to keep winning and get some television time, but I know for that to happen, I must get past Rodriguez on November 5th.  Just remember that main event Myke is coming to a boxing ring near you.”
Rodriguez of Haymarket, Virginia has a record of 6-5-1 with five wins coming via stoppage.
The 26 year-old Rodriguez is an eight year professional and he won his first four fights.  He has a fifth round stoppage win over previously undefeated Nathaniel Rivas (5-0).
Fox will be Rodriguez’ fourth undefeated opponent.  Rodriguez is coming off a six-round unanimous decision defeat to Anthony Young (11-2) on April 29th in Atlantic City.
In a six-round bouts:
Luther Smith (5-1, 4 KO’s) of Bowie, MD will fight Mike Marshall (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bronx, NY in a cruiserweight bout.
Jordan White (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will take on Jose Elizondo (2-1) of San Antonio, TX in a junior featherweight bout.
Kent Cruz (11-0, 6 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO will square off with Darius Ervin (3-0) of Los Angeles in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Marcus Bates (4-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Franisco Muro (3-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a junior featherweight affair.
In four-round bouts:
Greg Outlaw, Jr. of Bowie, MD will make his pro debut against Lamont White (0-4) of Waldorf, MD in a junior welterweight bout.

Just Hurd of Accokeek, MD will make his pro debut against Hector Mercado (2-8, 1 KO) of Veracruz, MX in a junior middleweight bout.
Patrick Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Edgewood, MD will square off with pro debuting Jared James Wells of Charlottesville, VA in a middleweight bout.
Tickets are now on sale for $75, $60 & $40 by calling 301-899-2430 or by logging onto www.kpboxing.com
boxing

ZUBOV: I CAME TO DETROIT TO BECOME CHAMPION

Leave a comment
Russian cruiserweight is back in action on November 12 at the latest ‘Detroit Brawl’ at the Masonic Temple
 

Last April at the Turning Stone in Verona, New York, and with the ShoBox: The New Generation cameras rolling, Alexey Zubov admits he choked.

 
“I was nervous. I never fought on a big show,” explained Zubov of the unanimous decision loss he suffered to Moldova’s Constantin Bejenaru. “It was such a huge step in my career and I felt frozen by nerves.”
 
Fighters often make excuses when they lose, but with Zubov, there may be some validity. Normally a very active fighter with a high work rate, Zubov appeared listless and sluggish for eight uneventful rounds.
 
“Life doesn’t always go the way you want. Losing that fight made me stronger. It was a good lesson for me and it was good for my experience to fight on that level. And now I know what it’s like. That will never happen again.”
Zubov will continue his quest for another shot at the big time on Saturday, November 12, at Salita Promotions’ “Detroit Brawl” event at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit.
Sponsored by Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets andTicketmaster.com.
Originally from Magnitogorsk, Russia, Zubov says he’s enjoyed his last eight months living in Detroit and working with the late Emanuel Steward’s nephew Javan “Sugar” Hill at the resurgent Kronk Gym.
“I came to Detroit to become a champion. I want to show everyone that I’m a world-class cruiserweight and I want to show everyone all the things Javan has been teaching me. He is a great trainer and I have a very good relationship him.”
When not in training, Zubov says he loves the challenge of adapting to a new culture, virtually alone.
“I only miss my parents, but we talk everyday on Skype or Facetime and they support me all the way. I don’t have many Russian-speaking friends in Detroit. Most of the time, I practice my English to try and learn it well. Every day, I challenge myself to learn new words. I’ve always been like that. Just like my boxing skills. Every day I push myself to be better.”
Zubov says in near-perfect English that he’d love the chance to settle some unfinished business.

“I want a rematch with Bejenaru so bad. I can do so much better than that. I know I can. I will prove I can. I will not stop until I do.”

###
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar offers patrons an old-school sports and whiskey bar in Downtown Detroit’s Eastern Market district. Thomas Magee’s prides itself on providing every sport, every game, and every fight, plus great beer and whiskey!
For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com.
Thomas Magee’s Sporting House Whiskey Bar is located at 1408 E Fisher Service Drive in Detroit. For more information, call 313-263-4342 or visit their official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ThomasMageesSportingHouseWhiskeyBar