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Category Archives: boxing
BRANT VS FITZPATRICK HEADLINES CBS SPORTS NETWORK CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING THIS FRIDAY AT PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO
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Cuba defeats Team Pittsburgh, 7-4 in front of over 2,500 fans at Battle on the Bridge
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CARL FRAMPTON EDGES LEO SANTA CRUZ IN POTENTIAL FIGHT OF THE YEAR SHOOTOUT TO WIN FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® AT
BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN
Mikey Garcia Stamps His Return With Explosive Knockout Of Elio Rojas In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature: Click HERE For Video
Catch The Replay This Monday, Aug. 1 At 11 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME (Full Gallery Coming Soon)
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
BROOKLYN (July 31, 2016) – In a possible “Fight of the Year” showdown between two undefeated fighters, Carl Frampton edged Leo Santa Cruz in a firefight to capture the WBA Featherweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday in front of 9,062 fans at the electric Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs), the former unified super bantamweight champion who moved up to 126 pounds to challenge Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs), became the first native of Northern Ireland to become a two-division world champion.
The majority decision, scored 114-114 draw, 116-112 and 117-111, was fought at a blistering pace from the outset.
Santa Cruz’s hallmark has always been his high-octane output and power punching, but the three-division world champion was unable to utilize his reach advantage, and his activity was eliminated by Frampton’s tremendous counterpunching and power shots. While both fighters are top 10 in the world in jabs, a staggering 402 of their 497 combined landed punches were power shots.
While Santa Cruz landed almost equal the amount of power shots – 206 vs. 191 – the 46 percent that Frampton connected on appeared to land cleaner and inflict more damage. And while Santa Cruz was the taller fighter, he lunged forward and fought short on the inside, allowing Frampton to minimize the reach and contest the battle toe-to-toe, where it suited him best.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Frampton. “I had the dream of winning a world title and I won it, but I never thought I’d win in two divisions. It was a tough fight, I wanted it to be a tough fight because I wanted a fight the people could remember. I respect him a lot. He was a true warrior.
“I had a good game plan. Shane was an unbelievable coach. He told me every time I came back into the corner that we could win this a lot easier. But I won it with my heart, not with my head and I got my hand raised.
“Distance control and hitting hard were the keys. I won the fight because I didn’t lose control. I earned his respect early in the fight with my distance control and hard punching. I would love to take this man to Belfast for a rematch and show the people there what a great fighter he is.”
In calling out the other champions at 126 pounds – including IBF champion Lee Selby and WBC champion Gary Russell Jr, who were both in attendance – Frampton said: “I want big, memorable fights.” Click HERE for Frampton’s full post fight interview.
Santa Cruz, who captured belts at 118, 122 and 126 pounds, disagreed with decision but agreed with Frampton’s wish for a rematch.
“It was a tough fight from the beginning,” Santa Cruz said. “We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I thought it was close when I was in there throwing. Maybe the judges were hearing the crowd and thought that every little punch was scoring.
“He has a difficult style, but we know his style and will get him in the rematch. The crowd was cheering, and I think the judges saw that. Maybe, without that, we would have had a draw or maybe a decision.
“It’s hard to get your first loss, but now we’ll go back to the gym, we’ll get the rematch and we’ll win. And that loss will mean nothing. I want to have a rematch in Los Angeles, but I’ll go to Belfast too.”
Undefeated former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia returned to the ring in impressive fashion after a two-and-a-half year absence, flooring former titlist Elio Rojas four times en route to a fifth round TKO (2:02).
Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs) showed no signs of ring rust as he stalked forward from the opening bell. The former 126 and 130-pound titlist and pound-for-pound mainstay floored Rojas (24-3, 14 KOs) midway through the third with a right-left combo, sending the Dominican to the canvas for just the second time in his career. Rojas beat the count, but a monster right sent him falling face-forward less than one minute later for the second knockdown of the round. Again, the durable Rojas continued to come forward as Garcia teed-off.
Rojas was tagged again midway through the fifth with a huge right, falling to the canvas for the third time in fight. Now bleeding from his nose, Rojas was knocked down again just seconds later by a brutal right uppercut from Garcia. Again, Rojas beat the count, but looked defeated and referee Eddie Claudio stopped the fight.
“The two-and-a-half-year layoff sparked a fire in me and motivated me to do the best that I could,” said Garcia, who landed 50 percent of his power shots. “Elio is a tough guy and a former world champion. He didn’t come for a paycheck; he came to win.
“Elio took advantage of the opportunity. But we trained for a great performance like this and I was thrilled to get the job done. It felt great to be here with a supportive crowd behind me. I’m looking forward to getting back in there and winning another world title.”
Despite the four knockdowns, Rojas disagreed with the stoppage and wanted to continue fighting.
“I was able to get off the canvas because I trained so hard,” Rojas said. “Mikey is just stronger. I’m a natural 126-pounder fighting above my weight. It was a great matchup and Mikey is a great fighter. I have no doubt that he is going to take over the division.
“I was very upset when the fight was stopped. I wanted to keep going because I have a champion’s heart and I never want to quit.”
Once-beaten 154-pound contender Tony Harrison secured the IBF’s No. 2 position with a ninth round TKO (1:18) of Sergey Rabchenko in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) is now ranked No. 2 behind IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and No. 1 mandatory challenger Julian Williams, who have agreed to fight later this year.
Harrison set up the distance with his jab, controlled the pace and outpunched Rabchenko (27-2, 20 KOs) by a nearly 2-1 margin. He was breaking Rabchenko down with a steady diet of power shots and well-timed jabs when he floored the Belarus native with a sharp right hand one minute into the ninth. Rabchenko got up, but looked defeated and unsteady on his feet, forcing referee Arthur Mercante to halt the contest.
Harrison landed 11 of 40 jabs per round on top of an impressive 46 percent of his power shots.
“This is definitely my biggest win ever,” Harrison said. “I was luring him to sleep. My trainer told me that I would have the right hand behind the jab and that’s what happened. I’m a finisher. I had him hurt and I said to the ref ‘you better not let him go.’ I knew I had him beat.
“A focused Tony Harrison can beat anybody at 154-pounds. Now it’s on Jermall Charlo and Julian Williams. I’m in the catbird seat.”
Rabcheko threw an average of only 31 punches per round, connecting just seven per round.
“I didn’t throw enough punches,” Rabchenko admitted. “I kept relying on my defense and didn’t attack enough. I was looking for one shot and it was difficult to do it against Tony Harrison with one punch. The ref did a great job with the stoppage. My health is first and foremost. The health of any fighter is the most important thing. I knew I couldn’t continue.”
Former two-division world champion and SHOWTIME analyst Paulie Malignaggi won a 10-round unanimous decision over fellow Brooklynite Gabriel Bracero in the “Battle for Brooklyn.” The welterweight bout was scored 96-94 and 98-92 twice.
“The Magic Man” stuck to his usual game plan, jabbing at range and utilizing his reach advantage against the naturally smaller Bracero, who was unable to get inside against the master technician. Malinaggi (36-7, 7 KOs) dictated the pace and was the more effective fighter, landing 35 percent of his total punches compared to 29 for Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs). Malignaggi dominated with the jab, landing 11 per round, which is double the welterweight average.
“I knew Bracero was a counter-puncher like myself. I was just trying to be the sharper counter-puncher. We both try to set traps and I just wanted to make him earn any points that he got. At the same time, I felt like I had to earn my points. I dictated the fight with pot shots and stepping over.
“I didn’t want to get desperate. I wanted to force him to get desperate from being behind on the scorecards. I think I did a good job of that. As the fight went on, I just used my movement and feints to stay in control.
“The plan was to keep it simple – if he didn’t adjust to any traps, then I was going to keep using them. I kept it as simple as I could against a guy who if you complicate things, he will catch you. He’s a counter-puncher who can make you pay. “
Later in the evening, Malignaggi returned to his ringside position as commentator for the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
“I’m excited to call the fights tonight,” Malignaggi said. “I’m a fan before I’m a fighter. I’m excited to go to work right now.”
In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Philadelphia’s Tevin Farmerwon his 15th consecutive fight with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over previously once-beaten lightweight Ivan Redkach, scored, 99-89, 98-90 twice.
Fighting on his 26th birthday, Farmer (22-4-1, 5 KOs) was the more effective fighter from the start. He was able to fight on the inside against the naturally bigger Redkach (19-2-1, 15 KOs), who’s only defeat had come in a 2015 title eliminator against current WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin.
Farmer, who’s winning streak dates back to a 2012 loss to current 130-pound titlist Jose Pedraza, landed 42 percent of his power punches compared to just 19 percent for Redkach, who landed just 16 percent of his total punches.
“I’m proud of my performance tonight,” Farmer said. “I was very confident that I would be victorious as long as I executed the game plan and that’s what I did. I want a world title. I’m going to go back to 130-pounds and I feel like I’m ready for a title shot. If I have to fight an eliminator I will. I won’t back down from any challenge.
“I beat him down. I was the more experienced fighter and I came in with more rounds and with better opponents on my resume.”
Both fighters were deducted a point, Farmer in the eighth for a low blow and Redkach in the ninth for an intentional head butt.
The SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast also featured highlights of WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano as she dropped Colombia’s Calixta Silgado twice on her way to a first round stoppage.
Serrano (29-1-1, 22 KOs) defended her title in the first women’s world championship bout at Barclays Center and made quick work of the challenger. Serrano swarmed Silgado (14-7-3, 9 KOs) from the start with strong combinations and powerful hooks. Silgado was able to recover from the first knockdown but was quickly smothered by Serrano, who sent her to the canvas and forced referee Benjy Esteves to halt the bout 1:41 into round one.
“I just wanted to get in there and show the fans and everybody out there that women can fight,” said Serrano. “We have talent as well. The sky is the limit. I want more belts. I’m going to drop down to 122-pounds and become a four-division world champion like Miguel Cotto.”
Featherweight World Champions Lee Selby and Gary Russell Jr. were interviewed by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® host Brian Custer during the SHOWTIME® telecast. See below for quote excerpts:
Lee Selby: “Look, it isn’t my nature to call anyone out. But I know that these guys are looking to fight me, so I will accept the offer with open hands. In the build up to this fight, Leo Santa Cruz says he’ll fight me too. So, I accept both challenges.”
Gary Russell Jr.: “I want all of the above. I want to address something that that Lee Selby said. He said that no one knows who Gary Russell is. Well, everyone knows who the WBC featherweight champ is, and it’s Mr. Gary Russell. We are both men and I expect you to conduct yourself as a man. Don’t use this as an out to try to avoid fighting me.”
Lee Selby: “I can clarify. Back home, Carl Frampton is a huge name. A fight between he and I would be bigger, that’s what I was saying.”
Gary Russell Jr.: “Look, I like the IBF belt. I want to add it to my collection. And as for Leo Santa Cruz, he wants to avenge the loss I gave him in amateurs. So, me and Leo, we can make it happen.”
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, Aug. 1 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast will re-air on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 11:05 p.m. ET/PT.
The evet was presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Ruben Villa destroys Gerardo Molina in first round of pro debut
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Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Scores Sensational Knockout Over Hard-Hitting Contender Thomas Williams Jr. In Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Main Event Friday Night From Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada
Middleweight Contenders Immanuwel Aleem & Demond Nicholson
Fight to Majority Draw
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Top Contender Eleider Alvarez Dominates Robert Berridge On Way to Unanimous Decision Victory
Click HERE for Photos from Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
Click HERE for Main Event Highlights
QUEBEC CITY (July 30, 2016) – Light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight reel knockout victory over Thomas “Top Dogg” Williams Jr. (20-2, 14 KOs) in the fourth-round of an exciting main event showdown on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday night from Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.
“It was a firefight,” said Stevenson. “He put pressure on me so I decided to put pressure on him too. It was a fight with two guys who could punch and it was spectacular. It was my daughter’s birthday and I gave her a great gift.”
The defending champion Stevenson, fighting in his adopted hometown, put Williams down in round one with a straight left hand. Williams was able to recover and began to fire back in round two. However, Stevenson’s jab consistently sent Williams backtracking, while Williams abandoned the jab and attempted to cut the distance with power punches from difficult angles. Williams staggered the world champion several times, using an effective counter right hand while getting the best of many exchanges.
Both men were hurt in an exciting third round that saw momentum swing in each man’s favor before the bell rang to end the round. A cut opened up over the left eye of Williams in the end of the round that was tended to in his corner. Williams hit the canvas as a result of a low blow early in the fourth, but regained his footing shortly after.
The notorious power puncher Stevenson eventually landed the deciding blow of the night when he caught Williams’ chin hanging in the pocket and delivered a straight left hand that put the challenger to the floor. The Washington, DC area-native was unable to recover, prompting referee Michael Griffin to stop the bout 2:54 into the fourth round.
Additional televised action saw rising middleweight contendersImmanuwel Aleem (16-0-1, 9 KOs) and Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) fight to a majority draw in their eight-round bout.
Neither fighter was able to control of the fight with Nicholson attempting to use his length and jab while Aleem tried to cut the distance and attack with short punches. Nicholson appeared to have the more effective attack in the early rounds, while Aleem began to have more success as the fight shifted to toe-to-toe action in the second half of the fight.
The judges’ scores reflected the close nature of the fight as one judge had it 77-74 for Aleem while the other two judges had it a 76-76 draw.
The televised opener saw Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (20-0, 10 KOs) keep his perfect record intact with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Robert Berridge (27-5, 21 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight affair.
“I am happy with the win, but I would have liked a knockout! He was tough, but he did not hurt me at all and I thought that I hurt him. I am ready for my next challenge, which will hopefully be a world title fight.”
The top-rated contender for Stevenson’s title, Alvarez established his jab early on while attacking the body of Berridge with right hooks. Alvarez continued to control the fight from a distance as Berridge was slow to begin increasing his output before he started putting the pressure on in round five.
The southpaw Berridge was able to land occasionally on Alvarez with a looping left hand, but never put the undefeated fighter in danger. Alvarez began to have more success varying up his attack with right uppercuts and hooks that eventually left Berridge’s right eye swollen and bruised.
Alvarez took home the decision by scores of 99-90 and 98-92 twice.
PBC on Spike was promoted by Group Yvon Michel (GYM).
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com
Chazz Witherspoon headlines against former world title challenger Mike Marrone on August 6th at The Grundy Arena in Bristol, PA.
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“PAULIE MALIGNAGGI: DEAR BOXING” PENS OPEN LETTER SHARING HIS INTIMATE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ON WHY HE KEEPS FIGHTING
Photo by Amanda Westcott / SHOWTIME
“Boxing Gave Me Things I Couldn’t imagine. Boxing Let Me Dream. That’s What I’m Fighting For: That Chance To Dream Again.”
Veteran boxer, a former two-division world champion, Paulie Malignaggi pens an open letter to the sport of boxing as the Magic Man prepares to step into the ring once more on Saturday night.
Malignaggi (35-7, 7 KOs) will face Gabriel Bracero in a 10-round welterweight bout between fellow Brooklynite in the SHOWTIME EXTREME® main event tomorrow, Saturday live at 7 p.m. ET/PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Malignaggi explains in the letter why he keeps on climbing into the ring: “I know fighters don’t age gracefully,” he says. “I know fighters get hurt. But I also know in my heart, I gotta fight. At least one more time. Why? I’ll tell you why: Love.”
After his bout, Malignaggi, also a SHOWTIME Sports® boxing analyst, plans to join the announce team and call the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader featuring featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz defending against N. Ireland’s Carl Frampton and the return of undefeated and former two-division champion Mikey Garcia facing ex-champion Elio Rojas, live onSHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Wilcox tops Orozco in Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (July 29, 2016) – Up and coming lightweight Steven Wilcox of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada scored an impressive eight round unanimous decision over rugged Mexican Juan Orozco Thursday, July 28 at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto.
Topping Lee Baxter Promotions’ inaugural “Next Generation” fight card and with an excited crowd supporting him, the taller Wilcox looked to use his range from the opening bell. Orozco was able to close the gap at times during the first few rounds, landing some decent shots in close quarters. Wilcox effectively adjusted and found his range, peppering Orozco with clean punches. For the remainder of the bout, Orozco attempted to press forward but was unsuccessful as Wilcox continued to land clean shots to the body and head of his game foe en route to a unanimous decision.
Wilcox improves to 14-1-1 with 5 knockouts. The game Orozco is now 14-4-2 with 10 KO’s.
Light heavyweight “Irish” Tim Cronin of Etobicoke, Ontario dominated Slovakia’s Kristof Demendi over six one sided rounds en route to a decision. Cronin, who is unbeaten since losing a split decision in his pro debut, dominated the fight as Demendi was never able to find his rhythm.
Cronin ups his professional ledger to 8-1-1 with 2 wins by knockout while Demendi slips to 10-2-2 (6 KO’s).
Highly touted heavyweight newcomer Mladen Miljas (1-0, 1 KO) battered David Vyletel (5-2, 2 KO’s) of Slovakia until the referee saved the latter from further punishment in the second stanza. Miljas, who fights out of Ontario, displayed an arsenal of skills during the impressive showing.
In other action, junior middleweight Mayron Zeferino (1-0) scored a first round knockdown and overcame a late rally from Danyk Croteau (1-1) en route to a decision victory while super middleweight newcomers Augistino D’Aluisio (0-0-1) and Mike Miller (0-0-1) battled to a draw.
“We went through a lot of changes with this card and worked hard to make it happen,” said Lee Baxter. “Miljas looked fantastic and Zeferino gutted out a decision over a very determined opponent. Steven Wilcox was very sharp tonight and outpointed a very tough foe that never stopped trying. Overall, I’m satisfied with the event and hope the fans that tuned in around the world via the webcast enjoyed it as well. We’re looking forward to bringing more exciting boxing to Ontario.”
Lee Baxter Promotions’ next card will be announced shortly.
Melson named New York Sportscene Children Foundation’s Humanitarian Honoree
New York, NY (July 28, 2016) – WBC USNBC junior middleweight champion, West Point graduate and Army Reserve Officer Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson has been selected as New York Sprotscene Children Foundation’s (NYSCF) Humanitarian Honoree.
He will be honored and serve as the special guest for their 2nd annual Celebrity Golf Classic and pool party August 15 inCommack, NY at The Hamlet. As the honoree, Melson’s also participating in a cocktail hour, award dinner, interview sessions, photo ops and meet & greet.
A501(c)(3), the NYSCF helps to benefit and improve the lives of children and help those in need live happier and healthier. The mission of the New York Sportscene Children’s Foundation is to provide much needed support of local charities.
A recognizable figure in and out of the ring, Melson gained notoriety in the boxing world by donating 100% of his fight purses towards helping others. 16 of his purses went to Team Fight to Walk to help find the cure for Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries and the other went to a friend whose son has brain cancer. Between his fights, charity galas and donations, Melson and co-founder Christan Zaccagnino helped raise close to $400,000. He is also a well-known motivational speaker that has inspired the US Army, various athletes, at-risk youths, large corporations and students of all ages.
The NYSCF is specifically recognizing Melson for his dedication and support of Team Fight to Walk, mentoring at risk youths and excellence as an athlete.
The NYSCF’s Golf Classic will raise funds to provide for local children in need. Their 2015 event made it possible to host a poolside party for more than 150 ill, special needs and underprivileged children and their families. These children, many whom never swam in a pool before, will be shuttled in from the NYC boroughs as well as Long Island to enjoy the pool party. The funds raised last year also covered a holiday celebration for close to 1,000 children and their caregivers.
This event also supports the YES WE CARE Veteran Support Program, Family Services of Westchester Jerome Wagner Youth Residence for Boys, Evelyn Sachs Steiner Residence for Girls and a SUNY Farmingdale Alumni Association Scholarship. On top of that, the NYSCF is making a donation to Team Fight to Walk, which literally brought Melson to tears upon hearing the news.
“I’ve had the blessing to be honored many times for things I’ve done in and out of the ring but this is truly unlike anything else,” said Melson. “When I got the call for this and was asked to be the honoree, I thought they were kidding. The original guest was Denzel Washington and the fact that they went from him to me is beyond humbling. I immediately started crying over the phone thanking them profusely. I’m looking forward to this event and owe a special thanks to both Laura Quintoni and Fran Petito, who are both part of the New York Sportscene Children’s Foundation’s leadership. I told them both that the universe keeps reminding me of my path by sending angels into my life to help me along my path. As soon as I heard about the pool party, my first question was “can I get in the pool and play with the kids.” I was met with an encouraging yes and I am looking forward to that part of the day as much as any part. FOX News will be filming and although it will not be aired live, the coverage will air nationwide at some point. I hope to meet many great families and bring smiles to their faces. My wish from this is that this experience increases my opportunities to help positively impact the lives of others.”
For more information on the NYSCF outing, please visithttp://nysportscene.com/