Category Archives: boxing

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Del Valle thriving in camp; ready to Defeat De La Hoya

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Bayamon, Puerto Rico (September 6, 2016) – In less than two weeks, IBF #8 ranked super bantamweight Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle enters the ring against unbeaten and highly regarded Diego De La Hoya.

The bout opens the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez –Liam Smith HBO pay-per-view telecast Saturday, September 17 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX and is scheduled for ten rounds. Del Valle, who fought on HBO and Showtime on multiple occasions, considers this bout the most important of his career as he’s facing a foe that is in a position he himself was once in.

“Going into my fight with Vic Darchinyan, I was unbeaten and there was a lot of hype behind me,” said Del Valle, who is 22-2 with 16 knockouts. “That fight was supposed to get me to the next level with a victory over a former world champion but unfortunately it didn’t go down that way. Vic had a ton of experience and was the better man that night. I learned a lot as a man, fighter and about preparation at the top level. Now I feel that I’m in the role Vic was against me when I face De La Hoya.”

To ensure he excels on the grandest stage of his career, Del Valle’s currently in a grueling training camp in his native Puerto Rico. With head trainer Emilo Lozada leading the way, Del Valle’s put in countless hours honing his craft. Against the 15-0 De La Hoya, in what most expect to be the kind of high octane fight that epitomizes the Puerto Rico vs Mexico rivalry, Del Valle added new strength and conditioning drills so he’s able to engage in a high octane battle without running out of gas.

“It’s no secret that I bring the fight to everybody that gets in the ring with me. Diego and his team are looking to prove that he’s the real deal and they expect an impressive Mexican-style performance from him. What that means is this has all the makings of a fast paced brawl where nobody wants to take a step backwards. In order to come out of the battle as the victor, you’ve got to be ready for war. After what I’ve been through physically, mentally and emotionally in my training, I’m more than ready. All of the hard work will pay off when I break Diego De La Hoya down September 17!”

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“BATTLE BORN BOXING” Amateur series returns to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

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This Thursday night, Sept. 8
LAS VEGAS (September 6, 2016) – The fourth edition of “Battle Born Boxing” returns this Thursday night (June 9), starting at 7 p.m. PT, at the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
“Battle Born Boxing” is an amateur boxing series created by Neon Star Media on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas, to support amateur boxing in Nevada, as well as provide a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
Las Vegas-based boxing clubs represented at “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising IV” includes Barry’s Boxing, Richard Steel Boxing Club and Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Boxing.
“Battle Born Boxing” was successfully launched April 15 and the amateur boxing series will continue the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional boxing events, airing throughout 2016 on CBS Sports Network, live from the DLVEC.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising IV” tickets, priced at $15.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $10.00 for general admission, are on sale atwww.DLVEC.com.  Alltickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Sept. 9) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
boxing, ICBL

Inaugural ICBL Azteca Open a Tremendous Success in Aguascalientes, Mexico

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International Championship Boxing League (ICBL) Founder and CEO, Jack Perone Fulton, wishes to thank all involved with making the inaugural Azteca Open event a tremendous success.
Held this past Saturday, September 3, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in association with promoter Bernie Valenzula of BBB Promotions, the ICBL Azteca Open featured 21 bouts with a considerable number of these fighters looking to earn a spot in the ICBL 2017 inaugural season.
In the night’s main event, a WBC Latino Silver Title eliminator, Ontario, California’s John “Bang Bang” Delperdang scored an eight-round majority decision over hometown favorite Oscar “Totti” Mejia.
Behind after the first three rounds, Delperdang (8-1, 7 KOs) eventually wore down Mejia (8-1-1, 3 KOs) with punishing blows to the body and head, leading to a cut above Mejia’s right eye. With the victory, Delperdang now holds the right to challenge the UK’s Lewis Ritson for his WBC Latino Silver Title.
In other ICBL-significant action, 10-time world champion kickboxer turned professional boxer Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong of Miami, Florida, (via Paramaribo, Suriname), scored his sixth straight stoppage victory (6-0, 6 KOs) with a one-punch third-round destruction of formerly undefeated Mexican heavyweight Hugo Leon (3-1, 3 KOs).
Watch a video of the impressive KO HERE.
Earlier in the night, super lightweight Ricardo (Riki) Lara (11-2, 7 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico, demonstrated superior boxing skills while scoring a unanimous six-round decision over Nuevo León, Mexico’s Angel Rivera (10-8-1, 7 KOs).
In yet another intriguing matchup, undefeated super featherweight Isaac “Canelito” Avelar delighted his hometown fans and took the undefeated “0” of Phoenix, Arizona’s Juan Jose Rodriguez (6-1, 4 KOs) via third-round TKO.
“All in all it was a great night of fights,” said Jack Fulton. “The ‘play it safe until you get a title’ mentality doesn’t exist in the ICBL and I commend all oftonight’s fighters for embodying that philosophy. I wish to thank the WBC for their participation tonight and to my partner in the event, Bernie Valenzuela and his team from BBB Promotions for doing such a great job. The ICBL will be announcing more exciting events in the very near future.”
 
About the International Championship Boxing League
 
The ICBL is the brainchild of Veteran Promoter Jack Fulton who developed the innovative “multi-weight-class parallel fan judging league platform.” The ICBL team includes former President of the MVPGROUP Del Wilber and former Martin Agency Executive Director Bruce Kelly. The ICBL is a privately held company.
 

For more information, please contact:  Keith Henery, Media Relations and Social Media keithhenery@icbleague.com. 
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

EIGHT FIGHTERS WITH A COMBINED RECORD OF 114-3-1 WILL BE FEATURED FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER
FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLA.

 

Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Faces Undefeated Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Unbeatens Ivan Baranchyk, Wang Zhimin Clash for USBA Junior Welter Title,
Welterweight Ivan Golub Risks Perfect Record Against James Stevenson,

Trey Lippe Morrison Meets Ed Latimore in Collision of Unbeaten Heavyweights

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Sept. 6, 2016) – Light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic will face unbeaten southpaw Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin in the 10-round main event of a stacked ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Sept. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.

 

Kalajdzic, 25, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Peterkin, 26, of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be making their ShoBox debuts and initial 10-round starts.

 

This is Kalajdzic’s first fight since losing a highly controversial and questionable eight-round split decision to unbeaten 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne last April 16 in Brooklyn.  Kalajdzic is clamoring for a rematch with the world-ranked Browne, but he can’t overlook the strong, athletic Peterkin, who is coming off a shutout decision over Larry Pryor last March 30 and is looking for a breakout performance.

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces Roc Nation prospect’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBA 140-pound title. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, takes on James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

 

Local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs) makes his highly anticipated television debut against fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the six-round telecast opener.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available atbuffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. (The $35 tickets are sold out).

 

Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), a 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, turned pro in June 2011. He won his first 21 fights before losing to Browne in a bout in which many felt he won easily. Browne (18-0) landed an occasional hard shot, but Kalajdzic seemed to control the fight with his power and awkward style.  Both boxers hit the deck, Kalajdzic (from what appeared to be a slip) in the first, Browne (clearly) in the sixth from a right hand to the head.  Receiving credit for a knockdown in which no punch appeared to connect was the difference, and the fans booed when the scores of 76-75, 76-74 and 74-76 were announced. 

 

“I am really excited about this fight and that I am on television again fighting another undefeated southpaw,” said Kalajdzic. “I am continuing where I left off with training camp from my previous fight since it’s another southpaw, so I will be more than prepared. Hopefully, Peterkin comes to fight and not hug like my last opponent did so we can give the fans a good fight.”

 

Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs) would still have an unblemished record if not for losing two points in an eight-round majority draw with 2008 Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0) on Aug. 1, 2015 at Barclays Center. Peterkin had a point deducted in the fourth for hitting after the break and in the fifth for a low blow. The scores were 76-74 and 75-75 twice.

 

Despite the draw in his outing before last, Peterkin considered this the most gratifying moment of his life. From 2012-14, he stocked and served food in the suites at Barclays. In his most recent effort, Peterkin easily outpointed Pryor by the scores of 80-72 three times in New York. This will be Peterkin’s first fight outside of his home state.

 

A good boxer with excellent technique, Peterkin was introduced to boxing by his father, Bernard, a 1987 heavyweight Golden Gloves semifinalist, in 2001. He went 95-7 in the amateurs; after winning the 2010 New York Golden Gloves, he went pro in January 2011.

 

“I was ringside at Hot Rod’s last fight. I respect him, but I saw what his flaws are and will exploit them,” said Peterkin. “I am anticipating a war. Brooklyn is coming to Oklahoma and I will not disappoint. On Sept. 23, greatness beckons.”

 

Baranchyk, an offensive-minded fighting machine, packs outstanding power in both hands. He’s making his third appearance on ShoBox and third in a row at Buffalo Run. His otherShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated opponents, totaled a combined2:49.

 

The highly regarded, all-action Baranchyk registered a brutal, two-punch, 21-second stoppage over Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) last March 25 on ShoBox at Buffalo Run. He scored a 2:28, first-round knockout over Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2) in his ShoBox debut last Dec. 11 in Houston, Texas.

 

Baranchyk was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn. He’s won eight straight by knockout, including a third-round TKO over previously undefeated Joaquim “Eliseo” Cruz (9-0-1) last June 25 at Buffalo Run. Dominant with his speed and power from the outset, Baranchyk dropped Cruz in the second. Cruz’s corner threw in the towel at 1:07 of the third.

 

All 10 of the 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. He’s fought 22 rounds in an 11-fight career. The only time he went the distance was in his third fight, a four-rounder in December 2014. Baranchyk, a former European amateur standout, turned pro in June ‘14 and relocated to the United States a few months later.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about returning to ShoBox,” said Baranchyk. “Zhimin is a very skilled fighter and he will be my toughest opponent yet. However, I intend on ending this bout in devastating fashion. I guarantee you will see Zhimin on his back when the fight is over. I am looking to send a message to the rest of the junior welterweight division that I am someone to be feared.”

 

Zhimin, 30, turned pro in November 2010 and fought eight times in the WSB through 2011. After a three-year layoff, he relocated to the U.S. and has gone 7-0. He’s coming off an eight-round decision over Matthew Doherty last June 11. Zhimin had great success in the WSB, winning the gold in 2011 in his native China, defeating Yerzhan Mussafirov of Kazakhstan in the tightly contested lightweight final. Before that, he reached the final in the Chinese National Boxing Championship in 2010, where he received a silver medal. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition.

 

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this great event,” said Zhimin. “I want to thank the promoters, my team and everyone who gave me this opportunity. My goal is to get that belt. I know it’s a process full of challenges, but I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I know that I will make it. I have faith in myself. I will do whatever I can to prepare myself for this title showdown and give the fans my best performance and bring home the belt.”

 

Golub, a 27-year-old who, at 6-feet, is tall for a welterweight, turned pro as a middleweight in November 2012. At the outset of his career, he went 5-0 in the WSB. He’s gone 12-0 since, winning 10 by knockout, including his last six in a row, the last three as a welterweight.

 

In his ShoBox debut, he touched the canvas for the first time in his career, but bounced back to blast out Marlon Aguas with a series of combinations in the closing seconds of the sixth.  He won by TKO.

 

Golub, a southpaw who’s coming off a second-round TKO over Ernesto Ortiz last July 21, was an outstanding amateur. He went 270-32 as an amateur, was a five-time national champion in Ukraine and won bronze at the 2009 World Amateur Championships.

 

“Stevenson has a lot of experience and I am preparing for a very tough fight,” said Golub. “He is a guy that likes to sit on his punches and trade, which is exactly what I want. Once he feels my power, he is going to be in trouble. This will be an exciting fight for as long as it lasts.”

 

Stevenson is making his ShoBox debut. A pro since 2008, he won his first 21 scraps until losing by ninth-round TKO to then-undefeated Sammy Vasquez on Aug. 8, 2014. The fight was competitive for five rounds before Vasquez took over. Stevenson went down in the ninth.

 

The 5-foot-11, 33-year-old Stevenson has won two-of-three since, including a fifth-round TKO over Kevin Womack last May 14 in his first fight in 13 months. A hard-hitting boxer-puncher, Stevenson has feasted on modest opposition and is still seeking a signature victory.

 

Stevenson has produced a respectable record in spite of his career getting sidetracked by a series of setbacks and tragedies. In 2011, during a routine jog, a dog viciously attacked him, requiring Stevenson to get more than 20 stitches. Shortly thereafter, his father James Stevenson Sr. passed away, as did his mother-in-law.

 

“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Stevenson. “But they made a big mistake giving me the time to get ready for this fight. I’m training real hard and I’m coming to make a statement. I’m not scared of Golub and I promise it won’t go the distance. I’m putting him to sleep.”

 

Morrison has registered eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, turns 27 onSept. 27. He’s fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.

 

A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.

 

“I have worked so hard to get to this point and now this is my chance to show the world who I am. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity,” said Morrison. “Latimore is a huge step up in class for me, but I am ready for it. Once I hear those Oklahoma fans and feel the energy inside the arena, I flip a switch and it’s go-time. This is going to be my coming-out party.”

 

Latimore, who majored in physics in college, is a boxer-puncher expected to give Morrison his toughest test. Latimore is making his ShoBox debut and fourth start this year. He’s coming off an eight-round split decision over Juan Goode last July 15.

 

The 6-foot-1, 31-year-old Latimore turned pro in January 2013. As an amateur, he won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Championships, and was victorious over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin.

 

“Morrison will be a real test for me,” said Latimore. “It’s never easy to fight someone in their backyard. I just fought in my hometown of Pittsburgh so I know the feeling coming into it and the momentum on fight night. I am looking forward to putting on a good show for all the fans in Oklahoma and those watching on ShoBox.”

 

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 withRich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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Anthony Crolla takes on Jorge Linares for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight titles on Saturday, September 24th, LIVE on AWE-A WELATH OF ENTERTAINMENT & Klowdtv.com

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SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 6, 2016 – One of the most anticipated bouts in boxing will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 24th as Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares will square off for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight championship that will be televised LIVE on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT.

For boxing fans who don’t have AWE, you are in luck because the fight will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com 
“We are thrilled to be able to show this major bout.  This is for the lightweight championship of the world and we have two great champions willing to put it on the line.  This fight is for supremacy and the fans will see a great fight on September 24,”said AWE President, Charles Herring.
“If your cable system doesn’t carry AWE, we’re offering the fight to everyone in the United States via www.Klowdtv.com. KlowdTV is a new 24/7 streaming service that offers AWE and this upcoming unification world title fight, plus several other great channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports, and other exciting sports programming. We’re ecstatic to be able to service all boxing fans across the country via KlowdTV as we continue to showcase the best fights from all over the world.”

The monthly cost of www.klowdtv.com is just $7.99 and with that, fans can enjoy a total of fourteen channels currently with more slated to join the lineup this month. KlowdTV is offering a free viewing during the entire month of September.

Crolla of Manchester, England has a record of 31-4-3 with 13 knockouts.
He turned professional on October 14, 2006 with a win over Abdul Rashid (1-0).
The 29 year-old has amassed wins over 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie (36-3-1), Andy Morris (19-3), John Watson (13-1), Willie Limond (34-3), Syephen Jennings (5-1-1), Kieran Farrell (14-0), former Junior Welterweight world champion Gavis Rees (37-2-1), Stephen Foster (31-4-1) & Former world title challenger John Murray (33-2).
On November 21, 2015 he won the WBA Lightweight title with a one-punch body shot knockout over reigning champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1).which thrilled his hometown fans at the Manchester Arena.
On May 7th, Crolla scored an exciting 7th round stoppage over Ismael Barroso, when he landed yet another body shot to make his first title defense.
“Sometimes I pinch myself to see myself how I’ve got here,” Said Crolla  “Everyone in the gym are fans of Jorge Linares and I think he’s a great fighter, but on the night that respect goes out the window and we’re fighting for one of the great prizes in the sport. The Arena is going to be rocking and that’s my house, and I want to keep those three belts in Manchester.

This is a legacy fight for me, every young kid wants to become a World Champion and I’ve done that now. I don’t want people to think I’ve settled with that, I’m hungrier than ever and I like the huge nights way too much to let it go now – I’m happy to win the belts and go to Vegas for the rematch though!

We’re working so, so hard in the gym because Jorge Linares is a phenomenal fighter, and I’m honoured to be fighting him in my house.

I’ve done that ring walk so many times in front of a huge crowd and you can’t beat that feeling, the energy the crowd will give me is going to help me produce the career-best performance I will need to beat Jorge Linares”

Linares of Tokyo, Japan via Barinas, Venezuela has been dubbed one of the most fluid fighters to watch.  From the outset of his career, he was destined to be a world champion.
The 30 year-old Linares won his first 27 bouts which included capturing the WBA Featherweight title with a 10th round stoppage over classy defending champion Oscar Larios.  Larios defended the belt twice with stoppages over future world champion Gamilel Diaz and Whyber Garcia.
Linares was stunningly stopped in one round by Juan Carlos Selgado.  That loss prompted Linares to move up in weight and score wins over former world champions Francisco Lorenzo and Jesus Chavez as well as as multiple time world title challenger Rocky Juarez.
Linares then challenged for the WBC Lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco.
That bout, which took place on October 15, 2011 on the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson Pay-Per-View undercard in Los Angeles, saw Linares dominate Demarco for ten rounds.  Linares had an insurmountable lead until getting caught and stopped in round 11.
In his next bout, Linares was stopped by Sergio Thompson.

Linares is currently riding a 9-fight winning streak, which saw him win the WBC Lightweight championship with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Prieto.  Linares has defended the belt twice with a 10th round stoppage over Kevin Mitchell in Mitchell’s home country of England.

In his last bout, Linares, stopped in 4 rounds on October 10, 2015 in Venezuela.
Said Linares, ” It’s another big fight and big event that I’m grateful to God to be a part of. It’s me second time in the UK, we have similar styles, there’s lots of respect between us and we’re working very hard because I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I want to win those belts.”
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.
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Split-T Management signs amateur standout Andreal Holmes to a managerial contract

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New York (September 5, 2016) -Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of the US National Elite Champion, Ardreal Holmes to an exclusive managerial contract.

Holmes, 21 years-old of Flint, MI made his successful professional debut on August 27, 2016 when he stopped Rakim Johnson of Indianapolis, IN in the first round, in Detroit, MI.

Holmes, who was the number-one ranked welterweight in the US, had an outstanding amateur career that culminated in reaching the finals of the Olympic trials.

Holmes has competed in over 80 amateur fights and won several major tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship.

Holmes also has competed in several major international tournaments. In March 2016, he competed in the World Series of Boxing and scored a sensational knockout over Cyrus Patterson of Great Britain.

“Since the signing, David McWater has treated me and the Gallo boxing team like family. I look forward to our success together,”said Holmes

Said Split-T Management CEO David McWater, I am thrilled to have Ardreal Holmes in the Split-T Management family! Not only is he an outstanding fighter, he a true gentlemen in and out of the ring. With his size and power, I could see him winning world titles in five different weight classes!”

Said trainer, Joe Bermudez Jr., “Ardreal’s accuracy, power and determination will make him a great fighter to watch as he transitions into professional boxing.”
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Road to Heavyweight championship continues this Friday for Travis Kauffman

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READING, PA (September 5, 2016)–Travis Kauffman believes he is very close to realizing his goal to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.
In order for that to be realized, he must not stumble this Friday night when he takes on Josh Gormley as part of the undercard of a championship doubleheader at the Santander Arena in Kaufman’s hometown of Reading, Penn.
The card, which has been dubbed the biggest fight card in Reading, will be televised live on Spike TV, will be headlined by Daniel Jacobs defending the WBA Middleweight championship in a rematch against former junior middleweight titlist Sergio Mora.  In the televised co-feature, undefeated lightweights Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey vie for the vacant IBF Lightweight title.
Kauffman (30-1, 22 KO’s), who has been training in Reading for this fight.  knows he can’t slip up against the hard punching Gormley.
“Training has been good and we have been working hard,” said Kauffman.
 “Despite what people may think, there is no added pressure fighting at home.  It is just another day at the office.  When I am in the ring, I just block the crowd out and I am just trying to look good.”
In Gormley, he taking on an opponent has a record of 22-5 with 21 knockouts and Kauffman is not taken him lightly.
“Gormley is a big guy and a big puncher.  Any guy who is over 200 pounds, you have to take seriously and I do not underestimate anybody.”
Kauffman feels that a good performance should put him on the short-list for a world title shot in the next year.
“We are hoping in the beginning of 2017 that we can get a title shot.  The ultimate goal is to be champion of the world.  I know a lot of fighters think its about the money, but in order to make that money, you have to be champion.”
Kauffman may have already received that coveted title shot had he been awarded the decision in his December 12, 2015 bout with Chris Arreola.
In that bout, Kauffman dropped Arreola and most people who watched the fight ringside and on television believed Kauffman should have been given the decision.  But Arreola got the majority nod, but later tested positive in a post fight drug test and the bout was ruled a no-contest.  Arreola subsequently got a July 16th title shot, but was stopped by WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
“I can’t dwell on that fight.  It is behind me.  Chris is a friend, but he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.  That was yesterday and I am only looking forward to my future.”
The selection Gormley has it’s purpose as he stands 6’5″ and Kauffman sees this as a rehearsal for bigger fights down the line.
“This is a stay busy fight, but he is dangerous.  He is a tall guy and when you look at all the champions, Wilder, Joshua, Fury, they are all very tall men.  If I can’t get one of them next, I want someone in the top-ten.  I want to fight the best.  Everyone is avoiding Luis Ortiz, I would love to fight him.  Anthony Joshua, Artur Szpilka. I need fights like that because it will prove to everyone that I belong at the top of the division,but first things first.  I have to be cautious of Gormley’s power.”
Kauffman, who has very good boxing skills, has a different mindset for his future fights.
“I learned in that fight, that I can’t leave anything to the judges.  The way my trainer Naazim Richardson trains his fighters, they really make them believe in themselves.  Friday night, I am not looking past Gormley, I am looking through him, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions,                       start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Darwin Price works behind his jab to set up seventh-round TKO of Javontae Starks in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event

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NOTE: This piece is posted on the Premier Boxing Champions website and was written by Sean DeFrank. For more PBC news, go to www.premierboxingchampions.com. 

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Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

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San Antonio (Sept. 3) – Darwin Price stayed true to his jab against Javontae Starks, and in return it stayed true to him.
Working consistently behind his piston-like left hand Saturday night, Price was able to follow up with power shots as he earned a seventh-round TKO in a 142-pound main event at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio.
Darwin Price (11-0, 6 KOs) frustrated Javontae Starks (13-2, 7 KOs) throughout the scheduled eight-round bout with his jab, which he doubled to set up combinations.
After a measured first two rounds in which both boxers threw almost nothing but jabs, Price loaded up a right hand behind a pair of jabs to knock Starks to the canvas in Round 3.
“I had to pick up the tempo, so I kept the jab going. I had to be smart,” Price said. “He’s a technical fighter, so I had to keep it tactical in the ring, so I kept using the jab, keeping him at bay, feigning and moving my feet because my speed was a lot faster than his.”
In the seventh, Price landed another crisp double jab followed by a straight right that had Starks hurt and trying to hold on. Price began throwing wildly with both hands in an attempt to finish off Starks, who was pinned against the ropes.
Price, 27, then connected on a straight right that stunned Starks and began to dial in with both hands as referee Mark Calo-Oy briefly separated the fighters before stepping right back in to stop the fight at 1:52 of the round.
“I kept on bringing the double jab with the right hand because he was open with the right hand, I just didn’t throw it in the beginning that much,” Price said. “But it brought that knockdown and it brought that knockout, so I’m thankful for that.”
Price, who was a star distance runner at Grambling State University for four years before starting his pro boxing career, had won his last two fights by eight-round unanimous decision.
It was the second straight defeat for Starks, who was fighting for the first time in more than 300 days since losing an eight-round decision to Samuel Figueroa last year in Orlando, Florida.
Despite fighting at the lowest weight of his pro career, the 27-year-old Minneapolis native made no excuses after the loss.
“He had a pretty good stiff, quick jab and it took me a second to come in and get heated up,” Starks said. “I’ve been off since last October; he just pretty much fought a couple of months ago, but he came in and did his job. He did what he was supposed to do, stuck to his game plan, and he made it difficult for me to get through the jab.”
In undercard action, Kent Cruz (11-0, 6 KOs) earned an eight-round unanimous decision over Rickey Edwards (11-1, 3 KOs) in a clash of unbeaten 140-pound prospects. Cruz floored Edwards in Round 2 with an overhand right to take early command of the bout.
David Perez (8-0, 4 KOs) delivered a lights-out right hand to gain a sixth-round KO of Gustavo Molina (12-13, 5 KOs) in a 122-pound bout. Perez put Molina down in Round 3 before finishing him off in the final round of the fight.
Dominican 2012 Olympian Junior Castillo (11-1, 9 KOs) gained a six-round unanimous decision over Josue Obando (12-11-1, 10 KOs) in a 162-pound bout.
Justin Pauldo (8-1, 4 KOs) defeated Eric Anton (4-4, 1 KO) by six-round unanimous decision in a 135-pound bout.
boxing

Introducing The International Championship Boxing League (ICBL)

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A Revolutionary Professional Boxing League Driven by Fan Influence and Open to Fighters Around the World
 
Virginia Beach, Virginia (September 2, 2016) – The International Championship Boxing League (ICBL) is set to commence operations this month.
 
The ICBL is the world’s first competitive league for boxing. In this unique multi-weight-class league structure, boxers from around the world must “fight to win” in order to earn the league title.
 
Created to revolutionize the sport for fans and athletes, the ICBL will bring boxers from around the world to compete, gladiatorial style, in a relentless season of competition where fans influence the action. ICBL fans will be intensely involved, via the soon to be unveiled ICBL parallel judging platform.
 
“This has never been done before in boxing,” said ICBL Founder and CEO Jack Perone Fulton. “This is the new way the world will come to know the names of the greatest boxers alive, and anyone who thinks they can be one has a fighting chance.”
 
Over the next six months, fighters from select weight classes will be selected for the ICBL, based on criteria including career record, impressive performance in an ICBL Open Event, and fan demand.  “Fans have a voice at the ICBL and the league’s structure gives promoters and managers an alternative for their athletes,” continued Fulton.
 
Additionally, fighters with accomplished records can be awarded a “Franchise Tag” by simply logging on to www.icbleague.com and applying.  Upon approval, the Franchise Tag allows a fighter to opt in, or opt out of the League at the beginning of each season depending on what immediate opportunities lie ahead for them.  Franchise tags will be awarded to fighters based on their overall body of work.
 
Each ICBL season will feature four pre-determined weight classes, featuring eight international boxers, per class, in a single-elimination tournament format. The winner of each weight class will receive the League title for that class and the season ending points standing determines the pound for pound championship.
 
“Without question, a uniformed professional boxing league is what fighters and fans have wanted for years,” said Fulton.
 
2016 ICBL Open Bouts will be broadcast on PPV, CBS Sports Network, and foreign broadcast networks. Event highlights, fighter interviews and other behind-the-scenes content will be posted online at www.icbleague.com. 
 
About the International Championship Boxing League
 
The ICBL is the brainchild of Veteran Promoter Jack Fulton who developed the innovative “multi-weight-class parallel fan judging league platform.” The ICBL team includes former President of the MVPGROUP Del Wilber and former Martin Agency Executive Director Bruce Kelly. The ICBL is a privately held company.
 
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rickey Edwards Takes On Fellow Unbeaten Kent Cruz In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Action Saturday, September 3 From The Dancehall in San Antonio  8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

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Plus! Unbeaten Prospect David Perez Battles Mexico’s Gustavo Molina & Super Welterweight Contender Junior Castillo Featured
In Undercard Action
 
SAN ANTONIO (September 2, 2016) – Undefeated Rickey Edwards (11-0, 3 KOs) is set to take on unbeaten Kent Cruz (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight contest as part of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN this Saturday, September 3 from the Dancehall in San Antonio.
Edwards was originally scheduled to face unbeaten Cuban Yordan Frometa, who was forced to withdraw due to an injury.Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by super lightweight prospects Darwin Price and Javontae Starks in an eight-round bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $20, $85 and $100 and $1,000 and $850 for tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit https://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/sept32016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
Additional action features undefeated prospect David Perez (7-0, 3 KOs) entering the ring for six-rounds of super bantamweight action against Gustavo Molina (23-12, 9 KOs), super welterweight contender Junior Castillo (10-1, 9 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a six-round bout against Mexico’s Josue Ovando (12-10-1, 10 KOs) and Orlando’s Justin Paulido (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round lightweight fight against Eric Anton (4-3, 1 KO) of Plano, Texas.
Rounding out the night of action is the pro debut of San Antonio’s Selina Barrios in a four-round super lightweight showdown against Amanda Garza (1-0), San Angelo’s Brandon Soto taking on Waco’s Tanner Dodd (0-2) in a four-round super featherweight battle and San Antonio’s Xavier Wilson (1-0) against fellow San Antonio-native Frank Brown in a four-round lightweight fight.
A former New Jersey Golden Gloves champion from Paterson, Edwards fights out of Houston and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2013. The 26-year-old was busy in 2015 as he racked up five victories including a knockout over Marco Antonio Solis. Edwards has defeated previously unbeaten boxers John Delperdang and Azriel Paez in his last two fights. He takes on the unbeaten 23-year-old Cruz. A pro since 2013, Cruz picked up a victory over Jerome Rodriguez in April of this year.
A 20-year-old rising prospect fighting out of Houston, Perez turned pro in April of last year with a first round stoppage of Deseante Armstrong. Perez would pick up four more victories in 2015 and has already won three times in 2016. His last outing saw him defeat previously once-beaten Adan Ortiz in his first six round bout and he will now take on the 27-year-old Molina out of Tlaxcala, Mexico.
A 2012 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Castillo recorded a significant victory in April when he defeated previously unbeaten and highly regarded Kyrone Davis over eight rounds in April before dropping a decision to Justin DeLoach in June. Castillo turned pro in 2013 and made his U.S. debut in December 2015 with victories over Eduardo Flores and Roland Nagy before his triumph in April. Now he will battle the 26-year-old Ovando fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, TGBPromotions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing,. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsandwww.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.