Category Archives: boxing

GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Heavyweight Ray Edwards

Nutley, NJ (August 29, 2016) – GH3 Promotions is honored to announce the signing of undefeated heavyweight Ray Edwards to an exclusive promotional contract.
Edwards of Cincinnati, Ohio has a perfect mark of 11-0-1 with seven knockouts.
After a successful seven-year career as a defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, Edwards has made professional boxing his full-time occupation.
The 31 year-old Edwards actually turned professional May 20, 2011 when the NFL players were entrenched in a lockout.
“Ray has shown that he has the physical tools to become a top heavyweight,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.
“He has a ton of upside and with heavyweights, there is a chance to become a star very quickly here in the States.  I think that because he has competed at a high level in the NFL, he has a chance to do that in boxing.  We are looking to get him three fights before the end of the year.  He is 6’6 255 lbs. and we will move him like like most heavyweights,  steady but right and no rush.  He will be at the top when it’s time. He is class act, well spoken and when he walks in a room u see his presence.
“I always loved boxing.  I started doing in at as an off-season workout and just really enjoyed it,” said Edwards.
In his pro debut, Edwards won a four-round unanimous decision over Tyrone Gibson in Hinckley, Minnesota..
Edwards, who did not have an amateur fight, has increased his level of opposition and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Tyner on August 26 in Minneapolis.
“It is a big deal for me to sign with GH3 Promotions,” continued Edwards.  “Vito Mielnicki has a good stable with Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom and this is the type of step I was looking for.”
Because Edwards was known for his prowess on the gridiron, his transition into the ring was not taken seriously.
“I was looked down upon because I was a football player.  I have the right team around that will help develop my style.  I have been in camp wiith (WBC Heavyweight champion) Deontay Wilder and I held my own, and I have confidence in myself.”
In what he thinks his move from the NFL to boxing can help persuade kids to start boxing, where in the recent past, a lot of the good young athletes have chosen other sports.
“I can help kids be passionate about boxing.  Kids haven’t dedicated themselves and learned their crafts.  People just see the finished products of fighters.  I don’t listen to the negative comments and have good people around me.”
“I just want to stay busy and keep winning.  Let me be great.  In do time, people will see the finished product.”
In what playing at the highest level of professional sports, he can take into boxing, Edwards notes, “I played defensive line and I was focused on the ball.  So I have learned to tune things out.  It’s that tunnel vision that playing in front of 100,000 people, you learn that.  Not to listen to the crowd and stay focused.”
When asked if what his former NFL fraternity thinks of his move to boxing, Edwards stated, “I still get support from my friends in the league.  They are always asking when and where I am fighting, so I feel when the fights get higher profile, It will become a really big thing.”

Said Edwards trainer Kennie Johnson, “He is developing into a good
fighter.  We started out with a guy who had a great physical presence, but he has been a fast learner and now it is time for people to see that.  He is coming along well and when the competition steps up, we will see that he is a quality fighter.  He is the hardest worker that I ever seen in the forty years that I have been around the sport.”
Edwards is managed by Chances Aurelius, who said, “Vito Mielnicki is a good guy and I am happy to be on board with GH3 Promotions.  I think we will do big things together.”

Edwards will fight on September 15 against an opponent to be named in Philadelphia.  The bout will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
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,  Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster, Jr. Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas & LeRoy Davilla to the GH3 Promotions stable.

PROMOTER LEWKOWICZ SAYS PERALTA NO LONGER A CAB DRIVER AFTER HUGE UPSET VICTORY OVER ROBERT GUERRERO

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of suddenly red-hot welterweight David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, says big changes are on the way for his cab-driving Argentinean fighter.
On Saturday night, Peralta (26-2-1, 14 KOs), a 70:1 underdog, came out of retirement to win a surprise 12-round split decision over former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The victory, televised nationally on PBC on Spike, has changed 33-year-old Peralta’s fortunes in the talent-rich welterweight division.
“He is no longer a cab driver,” laughed a happy Lewkowicz, post-fight. “David came out of retirement to take this fight when I offered it to him. Now his life will change. He will go back to being a full-time fighter and I will find him another big fight to win.”
Lewkowicz, credited with discovering Manny Pacquiao and Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez among many others, says his Argentinean fighter was taken lightly because he had never fought outside his homeland, but he knew what he could do.
“David is very talented fighter and very tough,” said Lewkowicz. “We knew Guerrero was in a tough battle against him, but no one else did. And I thank the great champion Robert Guerrero for giving him the opportunity. He and his team have our utmost respect.”
Lewkowicz says he will get to work finding Peralta another big opportunity as soon as possible.
“You have to like David. He is very humble and honest and he fought his heart out and now everybody knows his name. He’s a special fighter and I’m very happy to be his promoter. He was only retired because he thought nothing would ever happen in his career. He’s back now and he’ll be in the gym full-time. His cab can wait. I will find him a big fight against another top contender and try to get him in line for a world title shot. Or if Robert Guerrero feels like he wants an immediate rematch, we would give it to him. He gave us the chance.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Argentina’s David Emanuel Peralta Shocks Former World Champion Robert Guerrero in Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike

 
Freddy Hernandez Defeats Alfredo Angulo and Terrell Gausha Scores Decision Over Steve Martinez
 
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights
Anaheim, CA (August 27, 2016) Argentina’s David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta, (26-2-1, 14 KOs) shockingly defeated former world champion Robert “The Ghost Guerrero, (33-5-1, 18 KOs) by 12-round split decision in the main event of Premier Boxing Champion (PBC) on Spike Saturday night from the Honda Center in Anaheim.
Scores were 116-112 and 115-113 for Peralta and 115-113 for Guerrero in the main event of the televised tripleheader promoted by TGB Promotions.
Guerrero opened strong in the first two rounds, scoring at will over the slower Peralta. Guerrero continued to have success in the third stanza as they traded back and forth throughout the round. Peralta started to mount a consistent attack in the fifth round, upping the tempo and using movement to keep the oncoming Guerrero at bay.
The middle rounds featured excellent exchanges with Guerrero using a blistering uppercut to score points against Peralta. However, Peralta turned the tables in the ninth, seemingly scoring a knockdown which wasn’t called and landing right hands at will on Guerrero.
Peralta continued to land and score in the final three rounds earning the split decision.
Stated the victorious Peralta, “I was a cab driver, driving cabs in Argentina. I was offered a chance to fight in the U.S. and came away victorious.
“I came to fight and I knew I would win. He is a very good fighter but I hit him with the
harder shots.
“Yes, I want to fight bigger names now, no way I’m going to retire now. I’ll be ready again to fight soon, this was no joke and I can beat a lot of great fighters.”
Said a disappointed Guerrero, “I thought I clearly won the fight. For the judge to say I lost eight rounds sounds crazy to me. Peralta was very awkward but I felt I won. I won the rounds when I boxed. This is very disappointing but I’ll be back, that you can count on.”
In a 10-round battle between two Mexican warriors, Freddy Hernandez, (34-8, 22 KOs), won a unanimous decision over Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, (24-6, 20 KOs). Scores were
98-92 and 97-93 twice. From the opening bell, it was bombs away with both fighters unloading thunderous power shots. Hernandez seemed to have more on his punches as Angulo slowed over the first few rounds.
Although continuing with heavy pressure and moving forward in his aggressive style, Angulo was not able to score consistently as Hernandez kept his distance and used a solid jab to control the action.
Said the happy Hernandez following the fight, “I felt great, I know I clearly won the fight. This weight is too big for me, I’m not a super middleweight or a middleweight. He still punches hard but I hit him harder tonight.
“I have a great deal of respect for Alfredo, tonight the people saw two real Mexican warriors.”
2012 U S. Olympian Terrell Guasha, (19-0, 9 KOs) remains undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over the Bronx’s Steve Martinez, (16-3, 13 KOs) in the opening bout of the PBC on Spike telecast.
Fighting on the inside over the first two rounds featuring excellent two-way action, both Gausha and Martinez landed, hard accurate shots.
Gausha continued to score points in the first half of the fight with stunning and accurate body shots to slow down the aggressive Martinez. Gausha’s success continued throughout the fight controlling the action and distance with his jab with Martinez scoring occasionally with powerful right hands shots. Scores at the end of the of the entertaining bout were 97-93 twice for Gausha and 95-95.
Said the happy winner Gausha, “He was aggressive but I was able to solve him. This was a real test and just what I needed, I need the competition to be the best and become a world champion.”
“I wasn’t surprised by the one scorecard for a draw, it was a close fight but I definitely won.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing@SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm. Premier Boxing Champions on Spike was sponsored by Corona.

Lippe-Morrison to make TV debut against Latimore September 23

Tulsa, OK (August 27, 2016) – Heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison makes his highly anticipated TV debut when he faces fellow unbeaten Ed Latimore as part of a quadruple header on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, September 23 at 10 pm ET live from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
Living and fighting out of Tulsa, OK, Lippe-Morrison’s 11-0 with all of his wins coming by knockout. A member of Holden Productions’ Four State Franchise, the 26-year-old power punching phenom has been out of the ring since January after suffering a hand injury. Under the watchful eye of 7-time BWAA Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach, Lippe-Morrison’s working hard daily towards his goal to become the heavyweight champion of the world like his late father Tommy.
Latimore, 13-0 (7 KO’s), is without question the toughest opponent of Lippe-Morrison’s career. Fighting out of the Steel City Pittsburgh, PA, Latimore is fresh off a July 15 victory over Juan Goode. Known by his moniker “Black Magic,” Latimore is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Champion. He also owns amateur victories over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF heavyweight kingpin Charles Martin.
This is a definite step up for Trey but these are the kinds of opponents we need to be fighting on TV,” said Lippe-Morrison’s promoter Tony Holden. “Trey has improved his boxing ability tremendously under Freddie Roach and has dynamic power. At the same time, Latimore is here to spoil the party and was a very good amateur prior to his current run as an unbeaten professional. The fans at the Buffalo Run, where Trey is a favorite, and everybody watching on Showtime are in for exciting fight between two unbeaten heavyweights on the way up, which is a rarity these days.”
Lippe-Morrison and Latimore meet over six rounds.
Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk, 11-0 (10 KO’s), puts his perfect record on the line against an opponent to be named in a ten round junior welterweight bout. Baranchyk, who scored back to back first round knockouts on ShoBox at the Buffalo Run, is the newest member of the Four State Franchise.
In a ten round light heavyweight affair, “Notorious” Travis Peterkin, 16-0-1 (7 KO’s), travels from Brooklyn, NY to face once-beaten contender Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic, 21-1 (14 KO’s), of St. Petersburg, FL.
Rounding out the televised portion of the card is fellow Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Volk” Golub, who risks his 12-0 ledger against an opponent TBA over ten rounds in the welterweight division.
The card is promoted by Holden Productions in association with DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. Tickets starting at $35 are on sale now by logging onto http://www.stubwire.com/event/shoboxthenewgeneration/buffaloruncasino/miami/13276 or calling the Buffalo Run Box Office at 918-542-7140.

Ishe Smith Camp Notes

 
Former World Champion Takes On Once-Beaten Frank Galarza in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV
Friday, Sept. 16 From The Chelsea inside
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 9 p.m. ET/PT
 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 26, 2016) – Former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(28-8, 12 KOs) is locked in and focused on training camp as he prepares to headlinePremier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 as he takes on once-beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-1, 11 KOs) fromThe Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins on Bounce TV at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features a super welterweight showdown between
Domonique Dolton (17-0-1, 9 KOs)and
Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at:www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000and www.ticketmaster.com.
The Las Vegas-native will be fighting in his hometown for the 18th time in his career when he faces Galarza. A former 154-pound titlist, Smith looks to prove that he is still amongst the championship contenders in the division with a victory on September 16.
Here is what Smith had to say about training camp, his opponent and more:
How has this training camp been going and how does it compare to past camps?
“Pretty steady, we are taking things back to the basics and correcting a lot of errors. We are focused on fixing some things and working on a few new techniques. We are going back to school and fine tuning the details. It is so hard to compete at the highest level in boxing. The champion and contender level is very challenging. I have lost a couple of close fights at this level, and won a few at this level as well.
“This training camp has been good but more challenging than the past camps. I normally am the one calling the shots and taking control, but I have given all of that to my coaches and let them take the reins. I have been in this game for 16 years, 30 overall as both a professional and amateur. If I want to get where I need to be, I need to have the right team in place, and that is what I respect about my current team.”
What kind of skill set does your opponent bring and how do you prepare for it?
“I’m not wasting my time focusing on what Galarza does or what he has done to his opponents. My opponent is myself and executing the game plan that we put forth. A lot of people think this is a big step up for him and they usually get hungrier when given the opportunity, but I have been in there with other hungry young fighters. I am going to go out there and show him there are levels to this.”
If you can get past Galarza, who would you like to fight in the 154-pound division next?
“I am totally focusing on the opponent at hand. I would like to fight again this year if possible, but my main focus is Galarza. He is coming off of a loss, where he got stopped. I have been in there with everybody, and the guys I lost to were controversial decisions. I have been around the block so my main opponent on September 16 is myself. There are levels to this game and I am going to treat this fight at such.”
What does it mean to you to fight in front of your hometown fans in Las Vegas?
“Whenever I can fight in front of my family, friends, and loved ones, it means everything to me. I have never fought at the Cosmopolitan, but have been to fights there. Headlining a fight there adds another notch to my career.”
As one of the more experienced members of the Mayweather Promotions stable, have you taken on a mentor/leadership role with the young fighters in the gym?
“Most definitely. I am the oldest on the team, so if I feel like guys are doing things wrong or if I think they should be going right instead of left, I definitely let them know. I am an old soul. I may not hang out every day or want to do the things they like to do, but I still give them my advice.
“I hope that I help to motivate them. I want to prevent them from making some of the decisions I made that I then had to learn from. Some may think I’m being hard on them but you just have to take it as constructive criticism and keep learning.”
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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at:https://www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS AT TOM COLICCHIO’S CRAFTSTEAK INSIDE MGM GRAND LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO

Click HERE For Photos From From The Last Titans of the Trade Event
Las Vegas (Aug. 26, 2016) – For the 7th consecutive time, Mayweather Promotions’ staff prepares to leave its mark as the next installment of the signature event: Titans of the Trade Breakfast of Champions is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak restaurant inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The theme- Strength, Courage, and Glove Affairexemplifies the mission of the event: to inspire, support, connect and build a strong community of professionals who aspire to impact the sports and entertainment industry. ClickHERE to purchase tickets to the breakfast.
Theprevious Titans of the Trade honorees included the first female coach in the NFL Dr. Jen Welter, Floyd Mayweather’s mother Deborah Sinclair and longtime female boxing judge Patricia Jarman. The Golden Glove Award was honored to Deborah Sinclair, one of the prominent figures Floyd often attributes his extraordinarily successful career to. The Meritorious Award was presented to Patricia Jarman for her contributions to the boxing industry as a judge, amongst many other accomplishments. Dr. Welter culminated the event with an inspiring speech as she accepted the Titans of the Trade Award, who spoke about the power of achieving one’s goals, not being afraid to pave your own way and the close bond that sports creates amongst people from all walks of life.
This September, the breakfast is set to return with greatness as it embodies the achievements of the esteemed professionals highlighted during the event, demonstrating that the industry is connecting, growing, and diversifying. Highlighted honorees include, The Finest Family (also known as the Monster Kids), Alicia Ashley, Vashti Cunningham, Marian Rhodes and Sylvia Browne-Owens.
Honorees:
Young Trailblazers Award recipient – The Finest Family, are a group of siblings coming from the windy city of Chicago, whose passion is to dance and entertain. The Family had been through many obstacles in life has overcome the odds from having once been homeless, to gracing the stage of national television.
Golden Glove Award recipient – Alicia “Slick” Ashley has broken down barriers, and her success inside the squared-circle has lad to international recognition, being televised more than 10 times worldwide. Ashley’s notable career highlights are extensive, with her most recent achievement being obtaining the 2015 WBC World Super Bantamweight World Champion title, becoming the oldest female boxer to hold a world title.
Young Trailblazers Award recipient- Vashti Cunningham has taken the world by storm after earning her first opportunity to participate in the Olympics this summer. 2016 has been a breakthrough year for her after graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas; the teenager set the new national high school record, jumped a mark equivalent to #3 in the world and World Youth Best, signed a deal with Nike, and turned professional all before the age of 18.
Titans of the Trade Award recipient – Marian Rhodes works behind the scenes for the Arizona Diamondbacks and has re-developed their human resources functions while reinforcing a workplace culture where the some of best and brightest in the sports industry want to work; she implemented programs that invested in the employees throughout the organization, which resulted in the D-backs being named one of the “Best Places to Work” in Phoenix, becoming the first sports organization to win such an honor.
Meritorious Achievement Award recipient – Sylvia Browne-Owens is the President of Boxing Operations for Haymon Sports, LLC- the creators of Premier Boxing Champions-a television series launched in 2015 that made the professional sport of boxing accessible to the public by bringing it back to national television after 30 years. Browne-Owens is an unstoppable force that is not afraid to strive for success in a male-dominated sport and takes great pride in being acknowledged as “the woman behind the most powerful man in boxing,” Al Haymon.
In addition, the event will be emceed by the beautiful and multi-talented star of HBO’s Ballers, Jazmyn Simon, who graces the stage for the second time and shares an inspirational story of a struggling actress who after over 200 different auditions finally landed her big break.
This year’s Titans of the Trade: Breakfast of Champions – Strength, Courage, and Glove Affair is sponsored by:Mayweather Promotions, Showtime Networks Inc., MGM Grand, and Las Vegas Tickets.
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In conjunction with this great event, those who have a strong desire to work and contribute their efforts within the Sports and Entertainment Industry, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation offers a scholarship for women on a bi-annual basis. This program is funded by the proceeds donated to the foundation as a result of the Titans of the Trade Breakfast. It is designed to offer assistance to women with the potential to make a positive impact, further their education, and benefit the profession as a whole. To apply for The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship visit: http://tfmjf.org/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for the sprint semester is November 15.

MAYFIELD WANTS EYUBOV REMATCH: I WAS ROBBED!

Having had a week to consider his controversial decision loss to Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar Eyubov (11-0, 10 KOs), San Francisco welterweight Karim Mayfield says he’s not happy.
 
Fighting in the opening fight on ShoBox: The New Generation® last Friday, August 19, at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, New York, Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs) appeared to outpunch and outwork his unbeaten foe, especially in the last four rounds. Despite having the statistical advantage – and winning in the eyes of the Showtime commentators, most of the ringside media, the fans in attendance and a worldwide outcry – Mayfield found himself on the wrong side of a 10-round split decision (95-94 twice for Eyubov and 95-94 for Mayfield) at the end of their exciting battle.
 
“I’m pretty upset about it,” said Mayfield. “I trained hard for that fight. I was finally able to get a normal eight-week camp to train and train for a specific fighter. I haven’t had that in a long time. It felt great to be that focused, but to get it stolen from me is not a good feeling. A lot of time fighters lose and think they won, but this isn’t like that. The public agrees I won. The commentators say I won. I was robbed. I’m not just thinking this. It’s true I was robbed.”
 
Showing toughness, power and a high level of conditioning, Mayfield came on stronger and stronger as the grueling fight wore on. Despite the loss, it was a very impressive and career-rejuvenating performance against a foe who had knocked out all his previous opponents before the end of three rounds.
 
“I do feel proud of my performance. I showed I belong on the world-class level. I’ve always been a good fighter. But I feel it is imperative I be given a rematch against Eyubov. I feel like this is unfinished business. I didn’t lose because of a lack of skill. I had this stolen from me.”
 
Mayfield says if Eyubov won’t give him a rematch (he was non-committal post-fight), Showtime should have him back in a high-profile match-up.
 
I deserve to be brought back. I’ve beaten some good guys. Eyubov is just one. I beat Mauricio Herrera. I beat Francisco Santana. I beat them and they got big opportunities. Give me a fair shake! I’ll fight anybody if the paper is right.”

Robert Guerrero, David Emanuel Peralta, Alfredo Angulo, Freddy Hernandez, Terrell Gausha & Steve Martinez Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike This Saturday, August 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. – 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (August 25, 2016) – Former multiple division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Argentine slugger David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features a pair of exciting contests as exciting puncher Alfredo Angulo faces veteran Freddy Hernandez while unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha battles the Bronx’s Steve Martinez.
The Premier Boxing Champions fighters were joined by Bellator MMA fighters participating in Friday night’s Bellator fight that is part of back-to-back nights of combat sport action on Spike as at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
ROBERT GUERRERO
“I got a chance to size him up today. I saw how tall he is. Picking my spots – seeing where I have to go. After looking at him, I know he’s coming to fight. I’m expecting a war.
“Like all Argentine fighters, I know he’s got that hunger to prove he’s worthy of this big opportunity and make the most of it.
“The weigh-in is tomorrow and I’m just ready to fight. I’m focused and the fans can expect to see me leave everything in the ring like always.
“I’ve seen some tape on him. He’s one of those guys that is durable. A durable tall, lanky guy. His height is going to help him.
“I am expecting a tough fight for sure. This is like a world title shot for him. I don’t know what he is going to bring to the table and that is exciting for me.”
DAVID EMANUEL PERALTA
 
“This is the biggest fight of my career. It is very important. I have to go out there and put on a great show.
“I want to go down the same path as Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. They were given great opportunities in their careers and took advantage of them. I am going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“This is an opportunity to learn. Every fight and fighter is different. I have watched Guerrero fight, but every fighter is different. I have a gameplan to beat him.
“I am well prepared. I came here to fight. I am prepared to go the distance. I am going to throw a lot of punches, move around and be ready to get the decision.”
ALFREDO ANGULO
“I’m very excited to fight on Saturday night against Freddy Hernandez.
“With two Mexican warriors in the ring, the fans will be the true winners.
“I was off for a while but with my new trainer, Romulo Quirarte, I feel much stronger and will fight like ‘El Perro’ of old with the same passion.
“The fans have always been great to me and I can’t wait to put on a performance for them.
“Right now I’m only focused on Freddy Hernandez then we will see who I can fight next.”
 
FREDDY HERNANDEZ
 
“I’m anticipating a really great fight. I’m prepared, he’s prepared. It’s going to be a battle.
“Fans can expect someone that will step into the ring with attitude and bravery. I’m a guy that doesn’t hold back and Angulo better be ready.
“What’s my secret weapon? Chocolate cake.
“I’m just ready for this fight. I worked hard and any time two Mexicans get into the ring, it’s fireworks.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“I had a different experience with the Olympics. I missed the trials. I was taking time off from boxing. I lost the passion for it a little bit and I took some time off, but I was able to fight for a spot on the team, and I wont every fight I was in leading into the Olympics.
“I am excited for this fight. I trained really hard. Sometimes you have to take chances. I am ready to be aggressive and I am ready to change up my style in order to counter him.
“I know this is going to be a tough fight. It is going to be my toughest fight to date. It is important for me to take a step up and show the world what I can do.
“I appreciate my fans for sticking with me. Without fans, there would be no boxing. I appreciate my fans and I want to go out there on Saturday night and give them a great show.
STEVE MARTINEZ
 
“Our fight is going to steal the show. I think its really competitive and exciting. We’re hungry. We came here to execute the game plan and win. It is going to be explosive.
“We trained hard. This is a big opportunity. This is a change-up fight for me and my team. We are focused – its tunnel vision until Saturday. On Spike you’re going to see that after our fight, he won’t be undefeated anymore.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It is going to open up big doors for me.
“My parents are big boxing fans. I watched boxing all my life. The minute I walked into the boxing gym, I never looked back.
“I don’t put any pressure on myself. We are going to execute the gameplan, win and represent the Bronx.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announced

Orlando Montalvo, Bob Yalen, Sean Malone, Jr., Ray Oliveira, John Lawson & Kenny Reels
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 25, 2016) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2016 to be inducted during the 12TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Friday night,November 4, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF 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 John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
“The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is very excited to announce this incredible class of inductees for 2016,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We anticipate a great crowd for our honorees at the induction ceremony on November 4th at Mohegan Sun. As always, our dinner is a wonderful coming together of the boxing community, friends and family.”
Montalvo and his wife, Sandra, moved to Stamford in 1980, training amateur fighters for the first 20 years in parks and in their backyard until relocating at the Union Memorial Church for seven years.  Orlando was an amateur and professional boxer in his native Puerto Rico, traveling around the world to compete.  He won 110 of 125 amateur matches and 22 of 29 as a professional with 18 knockouts, reaching a No. 10 rating in the junior middleweight division.
Yalen is best known, perhaps, as boxing director for ESPN and its popularFriday Night Fights series.   He has also been a consultant for ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and Showtime.  A recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting, Yalen was associate editor of the Ring Record Book and FightFax.  He was also Director of Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Sun while one of the original CBHOF board members, contributing much to the success of its inaugural awards dinner.
Malone is the son of CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Sr., who was inducted in 2011.  He had a 23-6 (21 KOs) record.  In 1992, he had one of his most notable victories against Greg Cadiz for the Nevada State light welterweight title.  He also defeated Pat Ireland in 1993 for the New England welterweight crown.
Oliveira was an all-action fighter who set a record in a fight with Zack Padilla, in which they threw more than 1,000 combined punches. During his outstanding 15-year professional career, Oliveira defeated the likes of Vince Phillips, Vivian Harris, Tracy Spann and Charles Murray twice.  Completing his career with a 47-11-2, Ray had a great chin and he wasn’t stopped prior to his loss to WBU light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in 2004.
Involved in boxing for 60 years, Lawson was one of only 10 referees and judges selected by Willie Pep and Chico Vejar to work sanctioned bouts when boxing returned to Connecticut in the 1970s.  Lawson was a judge for a world heavyweight title fight in Germany between Wladimir Klitschko and Francesco Pianetta.  He was also involved in fights featuring world champions such as Roy Jones, Jr., “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Joe Calzaghe, Chad Dawson, Antonio Tarver and Zab Judah.  Lawson served 20 years with the Waterbury police department.
Reels was appointed by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming & Athletic Commission in 2009 to oversee boxing and MMA at Foxwoods.  Known for his caring about the health and safety of boxers, Reels followed CBHOF inductee Peter Timothy.  Reels has received countless awards and honors for his humanitarian work and commitment to human values, interests and concerns.
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.

Perrella-Ugas set for September 27

 

Fort Myers, FL (August 25, 2016) – Hard-hitting welterweight standout Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella will challenge Cuban contender Yordenis Ugas over ten roundsTuesday, September 27.

The bout will air on Fox Sports 1 as part of Premier Boxing Champions’ “Toe-to-Toe Tuesday” series.

Perrella and Ugas were slated to meet August 12 but the bout was surprisingly scrapped by the athletic commission just days before the opening bell.

The fighting pride of Fort Myers, FL, Perrella burst onto the national scene with a second round knockout of David Grayton June 2 on ESPN. The 27-year-old has an excellent 14-0 record with 13 victories coming by knockout. A 6’0 southpaw, Perrella’s displayed excellent power in both hands and stopped five of his last six foes within two rounds.

Born and raised in Cuba but fighting out of Miami, FL, Ugas garnered international attention as an amateur by capturing a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics. He won many tournaments and regularly defeated top fighters from across the globe. As a pro, Ugas owns a solid 16-3 ledger and has 7 wins by KO. On August 12, the crafty Cuban outworked previously unbeaten Jamal James (20-0) en route to an impressive unanimous decision.

Perrella, who was ready willing and able to fight August 12, saw Ugas’ victory over James and has even more motivation to win in dominant fashion September 27.

“I’m really fired up for this because of the unfair circumstances causing the cancellation for the August 12 date,” said Perrella. “Now that we’ve got everything rescheduled, my frustrations will be taken out on Ugas. I’m looking forward to facing him and showing the world that I’m a serious player in the welterweight division!”

More information on the card and bout location will be available shortly.

Fans can interact with Perrella on Twitter @bryantperrella or at Facebook.com/teamperrella