Category Archives: boxing

BURGESS SIBLINGS READY TO BATTLE AT NEF 24

Lewiston, Maine (June 16, 2016) – As the only girl in a rough-and-tumble household with three older brothers in Mexico, Maine, Nicole Burgess learned how to fight for pride, for respect, sometimes even just for fun.

Sometimes such sibling rivalries are a challenge and burden. In Nicole’s case, however, the arrangement furnished three built-in fans and best friends. And the closest bond of all naturally formed with the family’s youngest boy, Ryan, exactly one year and three days older than his sister.

“We were born pretty much back-to-back,” said Ryan Burgess, the pride becoming perceptible in his voice. “She’s always been tough. She’s really strong, just very athletic.”

Ryan, 22, has backed up his three high school championships as a wrestler with a pair of impressive mixed martial arts wins and the New England Fights amateur flyweight title.

Not to be outdone, multi-sport athlete Nicole, 21, finished fourth against primarily male competition in the state wrestling meet her sophomore, junior and senior years of high school. She has carved out a successful college field hockey career at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire.

Similarly accomplished, so close in age, rarely seen apart from one another in childhood, Ryan and Nicole’s athletic and life stories remain intertwined as young adults. Nicole will follow her brother into the NEF cage on Saturday, June 18, making her debut against Alex Walker (0-1) in a 115-pound women’s bout at “NEF 24: Promised Land.”

Anybody who grew up with a brother or a sister probably can imagine the good-natured ribbing that has taken place in training camp.

“He thinks I’m probably going to want to throw up,” Nicole said with a laugh.

Ryan, who will defend his strap on the same card against Dustin Veinott in a rematch of their split-decision title tilt from November 2015, knows there is no substitute for experience in the cage.

Although he was one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the history of his proud community, Ryan discovered in his first two cage confrontations that the variety of skills and size of the crowd at an MMA event demanded a quantum leap.

“You don’t know what to expect,” he said. “Before my debut, I had never been in a fight in my life. I thought I had, but I really hadn’t. I told myself ‘It’s just another wrestling match,’ but it’s not.”

Burgess stuck with what he knew best and ground out a unanimous decision over Justin Witham in June 2015.

He was introduced as an independent. His studies at Kennebec Valley Community College interfered with his training schedule, and Burgess’ coaches at Berserkers MMA didn’t want him representing the stable until he spent a full cycle under their watchful eyes.

The same night, he scouted out Veinott’s win over Norman “Sleepy” Fox and felt that he compared favorably to both fighters. He proved it in a championship setting five months later, albeit by an on-paper verdict that most cage-side observers felt could have gone either way.

After struggling to find an opponent worthy for the title shot in his weight class, Burgess was eager to extend Veinott (4-4) a second chance.

“I’ve already been in the cage 18 minutes, which is more fight time than a lot of guys who’ve been in four of five fights can say they’ve had,” Ryan said. “I’m completely confident now with the venue, the fans. The only person I hear now is my coach.”

He doesn’t even hear Nicole, although little sister was so enamored with the environment as a spectator that she couldn’t wait to resume her own combat sports career.

“I always watched UFC and stuff like that,” she said. “I actually started boxing before Ryan even got into it.”

Nicole donned the gloves in high school after giving up softball. In sixth grade, she made a similar transition from basketball to wrestling after waiting for a ride home, watching one of Ryan’s grueling mat practices and deciding that it looked fun.

“It was weird at first. I didn’t want to touch the guys,” Nicole said. “Then you heard things like, ‘Oh, it’s just a girl.’ Often times the guys would be stronger, but I had good technique.”

Walker brings experience, in the form of a loss to Randi Beth Boyington, and a tough stand-up game.

Speaking with the typical subtlety of a big brother, Ryan said that Nicole “should be OK as long as she doesn’t get kicked in the head.”

He quickly noted that she has the poise and talent to enjoy a successful debut if she can shake off the requisite whirlwind of emotions.

“As long as she can put together everything she’s learned. You have to overcome the nerves and the adrenaline dump,” Ryan said. “I remember that from my debut. It stunk.”

Nicole said she would like to end the fight early but predicted that it probably will go the distance.

Her brother aims for his first stoppage and forecasts that his improved striking will catch Veinott and everyone else by surprise.

“Up until now, I was focused on school, just graduating in May, and trying to get my career started,” Ryan said. “I was working 40 hours a week for free as an internship and working 20 more hours on the weekend trying to make ends meet. Dustin is going to see a completely different fighter this time.”

The opening bell on June 18 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket includes five pro boxing fights, four pro MMA bouts and eight amateur MMA skirmishes. Tickets for “NEF 24: Promised Land” start at $25 and are available atwww.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

QUOTES & PHOTOS FROM DEONTAY WILDER VS. CHRIS ARREOLA BIRMINGHAM, AL PRESS CONFERENCE

 
Fighters Discuss July 16 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) On FOX & FOX Deportes From The Legacy Arena In Birmingham
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Bill Hoffman/Bruno Event Team
Birmingham, AL (June 15) – Two of the biggest and best talkers in the sport of boxing met face to face today. WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder was on stage at a press conference in Birmingham, AL and two-time heavyweight title challenger Chris Arreola via Skype from his training camp in San Diego to officially announce their heavyweight title showdown taking place Saturday, July 16 from the Legacy Arena live on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.
Both combatants were joined by promoters at the Legacy Arena where Wilder and Arreola will meet in the ring on July 16:
Deontay Wilder, WBC Heavyweight World Champion
“Everyone knows what happened to my last fight. I was super prepared. I put my body through everything you can go through in the gym. Of course everyone knows what happened with Povetkin with my last fight. I was super prepared and everything. Traveled to a whole other country and continued training. I was a different fighter – a different Deontay with everything I did.
“I was ready to represent my country too. Things happen. This is boxing. It is a business. The saying is, ‘One door closes and another one opens.’ This is a prime example of that. This opportunity is opened wide. I understand being patient and patience is a virtue. I’ve been patient all my life. I am not an overnight success. I don’t believe in luck.
“As you see Chris Arreola stayed patient. You wonder why he continued to get title fights. It is his time. Some guys get chances after chances and some don’t. You can’t deny him. You can’t look past him. With the circumstances that we were facing, to come back and do a short notice-type fight, as far as looking for opponents, we knew it had to be the right person.
“Placing someone in a category doesn’t define who they are. We needed a fighter that would fit the description that he would fight with his heart, give it his all.
“I’m happy to introduce you to Chris Arreola. He is the perfect person for this opportunity. I don’t think there is anyone else who could take on this situation.
“We love working with the Legacy Arena and Birmingham. Each and every time, we add to history. People have been waiting for this, to have another fight here. It is crazy how you can seed and watch the love grow and now its blooming.
“People are hungry for boxing here. They’re excited. Those that missed the first title fight, came to the second. Those who missed the second are going to come to this one. We are going to sell out the venue.
“We’ve been in camp. I am never out of shape. Just adding on to it. I’m tired, but this is what I love to do. If you love to do something, it isn’t really a job. So this is what I am dedicating my life to. This is what I am trained to do. I think it is what I was born to do.”
Chris Arreola, Two-Time Heavyweight World Title Challenger
“I’m ready for this opportunity to fight Deontay. I’m going to get up there and give everyone in Birmingham a great show. That is my job. I always come ready to fight. I always come ready for a brawl.
“Deontay is one of the biggest names. One of the better names out there because of his skills that he has shown. I have to be prepared.
“I have to make the best out of this opportunity. He is doing what he is supposed to do as a champion. He is defending his title.
“I have to approach this fight different than any others. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Deontay has a lot to lose. He is going to come prepared. He knows what kind of fighter I am. I am going to give it my all.
“Deontay is a tough S.O.B. An athlete has to be ready for that right hand and that jab. Be careful and be ready at all times.
“I love boxing. I love boxing fans whether they are with me or against me. They give energy to their fighters and it is just me and Deontay in the ring. There is no one that will be able to help Deontay and no one that can help me when that bell rings. That is what I love about boxing. It is the most gentlemanly sport there is. At the end of the day, it is going to be one-on-one.
Jay Deas, Wilder’s Trainer
“When the Povetkin fight was called off, we were gutted. Then we were told we could have a fight and do it soon. We were already in shape so when we heard about a fight, we could take it.
“The mayor [of Birmingham] called me and said he wanted this fight to be in Birmingham…This is how Birmingham works. This is why Birmingham works. They put the foot on the gas pedal and get the job done. I thank the city of Birmingham and everyone involved in his event. It is going to be fantastic.
“You cannot find a more action-packed fighter than Chris Arreola. If you’re not a Chris Arreola fan, you’re not a boxing fan. He is everything you want out of a fighter. He is tough, he is strong, he punches hard. He is determined. He is resilient. Then you have Deontay Wilder, the most athletic heavyweight in generations.
“You can see thee guys fight for 20 dollars. With an undercard of 15 fights, you’re talking about a dollar and some change per fight and its going to be on FOX for the world.
“Birmingham came through and we are thrilled they did. Deontay Wilder is the reason this is happening. He is the guy that wants to fight every three or four months. He is the guy that wants to be the most active heavyweight and he is well on his way to doing it.”
Kevin Rooney, DiBella Entertainment
“Sometimes in boxing as is in life, fortunate situations come out of unfortunate circumstances, and that is what we have here. While it was a disappointment for all of us, especially Deontay, what happened with his title defense against Povetkin, we are fortunate that Deontay will now be making the next defense of his world title back here at home in Alabama. Live on free network TV as this is a PBC on FOX event.
“From a stylistic standpoint, this is one of the most exciting fights to be made in the heavyweight division. Chris Arreola always brings it and we expect him to come out throwing bombs from the opening bell.
“Chis has twice challenged for the heavyweight world title before and he believes that the third time is the charm as he looks to become the first Mexican heavyweight champion in history.
“As Deontay has said before though, he plans on holding onto that WBC belt for the rest of his career, as well as adding a couple more to put around his waist and we know that he will be even more fired up, once again fighting in front of that hometown Alabama crowd, and we expect absolute fireworks inside an electric arena on July 16.”
Gene Hallman, Bruno Event Team
“The most remarkable thing is that this is the third heavyweight title fight in just over one year in Birmingham, Alabama and that is because of Deontay Wilder.
“The only other city that has ever done this is Las Vegas, Nevada. Birmingham is right there with them with a unique mark in boxing history.
“I truly believe that this will be substantially bigger than the other two heavyweight title fights here. We went on sale yesterday and we are far ahead of the pace that we were at last year. Fans from around the country are buying tickets.”
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,www.TGBPromotions.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentwww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
There will be two more hours of boxing on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, immediately following the Wilder vs. Arreola fight on FOX. Further details will be announced shortly.

Andrzej Fonfara, Joe Smith Jr., Juan Carlos Payano, Rau’shee Warren, Erickson Lubin, Daniel Sandoval, Hugo Centeno  & Maciej Sulecki Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
PBC on NBC Tripleheader Saturday, June 18 From 
UIC Pavilion in Chicago
8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. ET
 
Click HERE For Photos From 
Nabeel Ahmad/Premier Boxing Champions
 
CHICAGO (June 15, 2016) – Fight week kicked-off in Chicago on Wednesday forPremier Boxing Champions on NBC taking place this Saturday, June 18 at the UIC Pavilion headlined by light heavyweight bruiser Andrzej Fonfara battling hard-hitting New Yorker Joe Smith Jr.
Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features a bantamweight world championship rematch between Juan Carlos Payano and Rau’shee Warren plus rising star Erickson Lubin battling Mexico’s Daniel Sandoval. At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, PBC coverage switches to NBCSN and will feature a battle of unbeaten middleweights as Hugo Centeno Jr. takes on Poland’s Maciej Sulecki.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available atwww.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
Wednesday’s media workout took place at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago as the fighters showed off their skills for the media heading into fight night.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“I’m in great shape right now. Camp went very well. We had great sparring and conditioning. I’m definitely ready to fight.
“We’ve seen a couple of his fights. He’s a young, tough guy. I know that I must win the fight. I’m prepared and I will be victorious.
“I expect this fight to be a real battle. I’m not going to stop throwing punches. I will control the ring and find my spots. I definitely want to give my fans the knockout.
“Fighting in Chicago is a great motivation for me because I have such outstanding support here. I always want to entertain my fans so they keep coming back to watch me perform.
“I was the underdog my whole career. Now in this position, it’s even better. I’m motivated by being in this position. I know my opponent feels overlooked and that will add to his motivation, but I’m ready.”
JOE SMITH JR.
“We’ve done some traveling in camp to get excellent sparring and overall it’s just been a great camp. I’m excited to be here and ready to get in the ring. I’m happy to have this opportunity because I worked so hard for it. I’m looking to put on a show.
“This is a big chance and if I win I can open up a lot of doors. I just need to do what I do best and hopefully I’ll be in a world title fight next.
“I love representing Long Island and New York. I want to bring a title back home.
“I’m going to give it my all and at the end of the night I should come out on top.”
JUAN CARLOS PAYANO
“People can expect a great fight with the same result as the first matchup. I will come out the victor.
“As far as any controversy from the first fight, it was a close fight. I could have made it easier but nevertheless it was what it was.
“At the end of the day, I am the world champion and I took the fight to the challenger. That alone warrants a win. Warren connected at a high percentage but mostly with small body shots that didn’t affect me.
“Warren is the second best fighter in the division and I have no bad feelings towards him. I respect him as an accomplished amateur, but this is not the amateurs. This is a 12-round battle and the same result will come on Saturday night.
“I’ve prepared in the same fashion that I always do. I train all out and I give it my all in the ring.
“I understand my mistakes from the first fight and I know they’re corrected coming in. I’m sure Rau’shee has made his own adjustments. No matter how many times we fight, it will be this same kind of exciting battle.
“I’m going to prevail as the world champion that I am. I will show that there really was no controversy. I’m going to be decisive and make sure that the judges will have no option but to give me each round.
“I’ve been on the big stage before so there is no extra pressure on me. I believe I’m the underdog in this fight but with a win I can show how great I really am.”
RAU’SHEE WARREN
“This camp I’ve been sparring with a lot of bigger guys and guys with similar styles to Payano. This camp overall has been great. There’s been a lot of energy in.
“I’ve been getting ready for this since the first fight. That’s going to be the biggest difference from the last fight.
“I’m expecting Payano to try to prove himself. He’s going to bring his all and put it all on the line, just like I will.
“It’s been such an unbelievable camp working in D.C. with Lamont Peterson and his coach, Barry Hunter, along with my coach, Mike Stafford.
“This fight is going to be different. I know it. I’m coming in there to fight. He might think he has the blueprint, but it’s a different story every time. I don’t know if this fight is going 12.
“This is going to take my name up to another level.  The world can see me fight. People are ready for the rematch and they’re excited to see what we bring to the table.
“I’m going to do what I do. I’ll feel him out, then take control. It’s important to stick to my plan. I’m not thinking about anything else but me and Payano.
“I’m ready to bring something different. If he misses, I’m going to make him pay. He brought the dog out of me last fight and it will be out again. I have a lot to bring to the table.”
ERICKSON LUBIN
“Training camp was great. I had a lot of time to improve my game and I feel like this Saturday I will be more than prepared. I’m planning on putting on a show.
“I always want to be in tough matchups. It’s been tougher every time and I’ve still come out victorious. That won’t change on Saturday. I’m moving up the ladder and I’m ready.
“I’ve always known I would get here because I believe in myself and my team believes in me. I’m chasing that world title.
“I picture myself breaking my opponent down. If he makes a mistake I’ll knock him out early. No matter what, I’m going to dominate the fight and come out victorious.”
DANIEL SANDOVAL
“I’m very happy with training. It’s been a great camp and now I’m just getting ready to weigh-in and get in the ring.
“The kid is a good fighter. He’s young and skilled but I know that I am going to get this victory.
“I’m a Mexican. Mexicans are hungry and we want to win. I have better technique and I’ve done my studying. I’m going to come forward and win the fight.”
HUGO CENTENO JR.
“I’m really excited. I feel strong and ready for fight night. Fortunately, I was able to have a nice long training camp with Eric Brown.
“There’s been a long layoff but now we’re here and ready to keep it going. I’m a gym rat. So I’ve been in the gym for six months. The layoff won’t hurt me, I just love to get in the ring.
“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.
“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.”
“My opponent is about my size and it should be a really good matchup. We’re both undefeated which should make it fun. Honestly, I don’t think he’s fought someone at my caliber yet, but we’ll see on Saturday.”
MACIEJ SULECKI
“We’re going to find out how hard this fight is when I get in the ring. Only then can we see what my opponent really can do.
“No matter what, there can only be one winner and it will be me. I will win decisively.
“I’ve only seen one of his fights. He has a come-forward style and he’s tall. It won’t be about him though. It’s going to be about what I can do in there.
“I’m not a guy who thinks about how each round will go. But I have a general idea of what I want to do and how I want to get the victory.”
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/StarBoxing andwww.Facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Weight Training for Fighters

In the past fighters would stay far away from weight training, thinking it would make them slow, but research has proven otherwise, mainly because there are different kinds of strength. Any fighter, from all styles, is looking to develop speed strength and explosive strength.

The highly regarded sports bio-chemist Vladimir Zatsiorsky, was a well-recognized strength coach/consultant for the Olympic teams that were competing for the Soviet Union many years ago.  He said the ability for any athlete to produce the most maximal force in minimal time is known as explosive strength. He says that a strong body does not necessarily mean strong explosive strength.

It is clear that developing one type of strength like max strength will not guarantee development of another type of strength like explosive strength or speed strength. Speed strength is defined as the ability to execute any unloaded movement against a small resistance very quickly.

A good example would be punching a heavy punch-bag which would be considered a small external resistance. The few ounces of weight that your gloves weigh would be insufficient to qualify as minimal resistance. But, all fighters should note that excessive max strength training may eventually impair strength speed, reducing the technical speed of a good boxer.

Strength endurance is different as it is defined as maintaining the muscular function/integrity of the muscles for longer periods. No matter what style a fighter uses, strength endurance is vitally important for any competitive combat fighter. Having a whole lot of power and speed with no stamina is not going to get a fighter very far.

Combat sporting events require the athlete to be multifaceted and well-rounded when it comes to strength preparation. Developing max strength at the expense of other strengths is not going to help the athlete.  A fighter needs a completely unique blend of these strengths.

It does not mean that fighters should never do max training to improve their strength, a fighter needs to understand a bit of muscle physiology to be able to appreciate how important max training could be for a fighter. Muscle fibers are always grouped into different motor units.

These motor units each contain one nerve and hundreds of separate muscle fibers. The nerve delivers the signal for a muscle to fire, slow or fast twitch, depending on how many reps, the weight used and the muscle(s) isolated. The muscle fibers are then contracted when the signal is delivered.

Training specifically for power development, a fighter needs to target only the fast twitch muscle-fibers. But unfortunately, not all of the motor units will be activated at once. Any and all low intensity exercise will not activate the important fast twitch fibers.

If the exercise that a fighter performs does not stimulate any fast-twitch motor units, then the muscle fibers inside that motor unit will not be able to adapt to the training. If the motor unit isn’t being recruited, no response will happen. But when the athlete lifts heavy loads they’ll be activating fast-twitch muscle fibers.

Strength coaches across the world recognize the importance of maximal strength training because it is the best way to improve both intramuscular and intermuscular coordination, required for any fighter.

Despite what you might have heard about heavy weight training, it’s a common myth that all heavy weight training will only result in unnecessary bulk, which will then reduce the range of motion and the speed development. This is totally false, any fighter considering strength training will improve his/her competitiveness in the ring.

The well-known Russian coach Yuri Verkhoshansky, said in one of his manuals that when any effective methodology is used for planning a weight training routine, the resistance used will promote an increase in speed of a movement but will also improve muscle coordination, motor-reaction plus the quickness and the frequency of the movements.

He continues by explaining that the primary function of a muscle is not to increase size when strength training, but rather to increase the contractibility for effective nervous stimulation. He explains that strength training correctly will increase the ability of your muscle to relax while developing local muscular endurance and it will increase the maximal anaerobic capacity of that muscle group.

About The Author:

Paul Becker is a natural (steroid free for life) bodybuilder and fitness consultant. Visit his website at http://www.bodybuilding-store.com

ARTUR BETERBIEV WON’T FIGHT IN RIO OLYMPICS

MONTREAL, Canada (June 15, 2016) After careful consideration, rising Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) star and double Russian Olympian, Artur Beterbiev, will not take part in the qualifying process to earn a spot to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An Olympic qualifying tournament for professional boxers will be held July 3-8 in Vargas, Venezuela, following the decision of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) to include professionals in the Olympic tournament.

However, Beterbiev (10-0, 10 KOs), who made a triumphant return to the ring after a one-year absence on June 4 at the Bell Centre in Montreal against Argentinian Ezequiel Maderna (23-3, 15 KOs), will not be there.

“After analyzing all situations, we came to the conclusion that the current situation was not favorable,” GYM president Yvon Michel explained.  “The short-term goal for Artur Beterbiev is to become world champion in the pro ranks. He will be back in the ring in September.”
 
Currently world ranked in the top 10 of the light heavyweight division — IBF # 2,  WBC and WBA #4, WBO #7 and The Ringmagazine #9 — Beterbiev has already participated in the Olympics twice: 2008 in Beijing (178 lbs.) and 2012 in London (201 lbs.).

“Regardless of my boxer’s objectives, ” Beterbiev’s head trainerMarc Ramsey said, “I’m behind him 100-percent.  However, the main goal remains the conquest of a World title.”
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ABeterbiev
Instagram:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ArturBeterbiev

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO “I’ll be ready for war. Warren is in trouble”

Photos By Team Pro Box Management
MIAMI, FL (June 15, 2016) – In an anticipated rematch, WBA and IBO bantamweight champion, Juan Carlos Payano (17-0, 8 KOs), is ready to defend his titles against Rau’shee Warren (13-1, 4 KOs) and show the world he’s the king at 118 pounds.  The 12-round co-main event bout scheduled for this Saturday, June 18, 2016, will take place at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois.  Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC will broadcast the event live starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Payano, who won a split decision against Warren in their first bout, wrapped up his final day of training camp yesterday and vows to come out victorious when the two meet again this Saturday.  After a great camp. Payano is ready for war.
“I had a great training camp and everyone will see the improvements I’ve made since I fought Warren last August.” said Payano. “Once I settle in Chicago, I’ll be well rested and right on weight.”
“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses.  I’ve put in a lot of work during this training camp, to better myself, and I feel I’m at the top of my game right now.  I’m going to leave everything in the ring on Saturday night.  I have the blueprint to beat Warren.  I’ll be ready for war.  There is no doubt in my mind that my hands will be raised in victory once again. Warren is in trouble”

VLADIMIR TIKHONOV MAKING PROGRESS UP THE RATINGS LADDER; RUSSIAN IS LUCKY NO. 13 IN WBA

Brooklyn, NY (June 15, 2016)– Russian Vladimir Tikhonov, a super bantamweight contender, is the latest signee to the Dmitriy Salita promotional slate. And it looks like the timing is right for the Brooklyner Salita, with word out that this Russian hitter is making his way up the ratings ladder.
Tikhonov (14-0 with 8 KOs) has entered the WBA world rankings at No. 13.

He turned pro in 2008, has fought once outside Russia, and Salita is looking to get him some more passport stamps.

A left-hander, Tikhonov is methodical and busy. He is active with his feet and can sting with both hands. Opponents need to be wary of him slipping punches in from underneath. He is ultra calm in the ring, gets in, gets off and gets out.

“Vladimir is a talented boxer who has lots of experience and potential to compete with the best in the world,” said the Brooklyn based promoter, who is putting together an Aug. 19 show in Rochester, NY to be headlined by Jarrell Miller. “Tikhonov is world ranked now and I will be looking to land a significant fight for him in the near future. He wants the toughest tests, like Guillermo Rigondeaux (the WBA super bantam champion; Moises Flores holds their interim title), Scott Quigg and Nonito Donaire. He is yet another Russian warrior, with fighting in his blood!”

Promoter Salita has climbed the mountain himself as a fighter, amassing a 35-2-1 mark as a professional within the welterweight class. He has kicked off successful fight series in NYC, and now Detroit, and word is spreading that his efforts as an effective promoter are informed by his having experienced what it’s like to campaign in the ring. Salita is planning the aforementioned NY show, as well as a return to Detroit, for the third “Detroit Brawl.”

“Salita Promotions is poised to have a very strong second half of 2016, and our athletes such as Tikhonov will keep on being featured on premium broadcast channels,” Salita said. “Our stable is strong, and growing all the time!”

Irish Heavyweight Sensation Con Sheenan to fight July 28

 

Con and Tyson.jpg

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (June 15, 2016) – Six-time Irish amateur champion Cornelius “Con” Sheehan is set to make his Canadian debut against an opponent to be named Thursday, July 28 at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Ontario.

The bout takes place as part of Lee Baxter Promotions’ “The Next Generation.” Tickets priced at $45, $55 and $65 are available now by calling 416-797-3375. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7:30.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a great show,” said Sheenan. “I plan to make a big statement on the 28th.

Born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland, Sheenan made his pro debutJanuary 19 in Los Angeles, CA, outpointing previously unbeaten Jonathan Rice over four rounds. Since the victory, the 6’5 215 pound 27-year-old has been working hard in the gym and was recently in camp with heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Sheenan, who had an incredible 203-18 amateur record, won six Irish National Senior Division titles and captured 13 total championships. In 2008, he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion in Irish history at age 18.

“Con Sheenan is a hidden gem who will soon explode onto the heavyweight scene,” said Sheenan’s manager Gary Hyde of Nowhere2Hyde Management. “Con has an extensive amateur pedigree where he won multiple Irish national titles as well as a European Union title. He’s got a very fluid style but loves nothing more than going into the trenches, so he’s an extremely exciting fighter. In a few years, he’ll be right in the mix.”

Baxter is looking forward to showcasing Con on his card and believes he’s got a bright future.

“Con is very highly regarded and had a great amateur background. He’s on the right path in the pros and fans in Canada will love him. It’s a pleasure to work with Con, Adam Harris & Nowhere2Hyde Management for this fight. We’re looking forward to the first of many great performances from Con.”

For more information on Lee Baxter Promotions, please visit LeeBaxterMgt.com. Updates on Nowhere2Hyde are available at Facebook.com/nowhere2hydeboxermanagement.

Unbeaten Sergey Lipinets & Hard-Hitting Walter Castillo Meet in Super Lightweight Showdown On  Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN Friday, July 15 From Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino In Tunica, Mississippi – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 
Plus! Olympic Silver Medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar Takes On
Featherweight Contender Rafael Vazquez in Co-Main Event
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
TUNICA, MS (June 14, 2016) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Sergey Lipinets (9-0, 7 KOs) will battle hard-hitting Walter Castillo (26-3-1, 19 KOs) in the 12-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN on Friday, July 15 from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar (5-0, 5 KOs) facing veteran featherweight contender Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round fight.
“My opponent is a very tough and experienced guy but I want to be the first one to stop him,” said Lipinets. “Buddy McGirt is my new trainer and we’ve been having a great training camp. We will have a plan for anything Castillo can bring into the ring. I believe with my new trainer I will add even more to my arsenal.”
“I’m very motivated by this fight and I plan on giving Lipinets his first pro loss,” said Castillo. “This is going to be a war. Every fight I’m in is exciting and this one will be no different. The winner of this fight will be in line for a world title and I’m going to be the man with my hand raised.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Prize Fight, the City of Tunica the Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino, are priced at $60 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.comor by calling Warriors Boxing at (954) 985-1155 or by visitingwww.warriorsboxing.com.
“Warriors Boxing is thrilled to promote this action-packed PBC event on ESPN,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Going back to Tunica, which has a history of hosting important boxing events, is a unique opportunity for these up-and-coming contenders to showcase their talent locally and on the national stage.”
An accomplished amateur who was born in Kazakhstan but fights out of Russia, Lipinets turned pro in April of 2014 with a decision victory over Franklin Varela. The 26-year-old recorded six knockouts in a row before stepping up in competition and impressing with a victory over Haskell Lydell Rhodes in March 2015 and a knockout of Levan Ghvamichava in March. He looks to keep the hot streak going with another tough matchup on July 15.
The 27-year-oldCastillo is an exciting brawler who never takes a step back and will look to put on a show for fans on July 15. The Managua, Nicaragua-born knockout artist ended 12 of his first professional 14 victories inside of the distance. Most recently, he stopped Ammeth Diaz in the third round of their July bout before fighting to a draw with Keita Obara in their world title eliminator in November.
A 2012 Olympic Silver medalist from Mongoloa, Nyambayar now fights out of Carson, California. The 23-year-old turned pro in March of 2015 with a first round knockout of Gabriel Braxton. Since then, Nyambayar has picked up four more stoppage victories including triumphs over veterans Juan Ruiz and Arturo Badillo.
Brooklyn’s Vazquez kept a busy schedule in 2015, going 4-1 in five fights with four knockouts. Vazquez, who lost both of his parents at an early age and endured a stint in prison as a wayward youth, turned pro in September 2010. He won eight fights in a row between 2013 and 2015 and will look to bounce back from a loss to Ryan Kielczewski in October.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @UnionSamurai, @WarriorsBoxProm, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions
and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 “SHOOTOUT IN QUEBEC” Adonis Stevenson vs. Thomas Williams Jr. WBC Light Heavyweight Championship Live at Centre Videotron

MONTREAL, Canada (June 14, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev are proud to officially announce, “SHOOTOUT”, the next fight for power-punching Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, July 29 at Centre Videotron, a presentation of Videotron in association with Mise-O-Jeu.  This event is presented as part of the prestigious “Premier Boxing Champions” (PBC) series, to be broadcast live in the United States, and on Canal Indigo in Canada.
 
Stevenson (27-1, 22 KOs), who established himself as one of the most powerful pound-for-pound fighters in the world, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) and lineal light heavyweight (175 pound division) title for the seventh time, against the dangerous, WBC No. 9 rated Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (20-1, 14 KOs).
 
“I am very happy to get back in the ring for my next fight, which will be held July 29 in the superb Centre Videotron of Quebec, against Thomas Williams Jr.,” Stevenson said.  I will demonstrate that, like fine wine, I am even better with age.  Even though I haven’t boxed for 10 months, I’ve never left the gym and I’m willing to defend my crown.”
 
Williams, of Fort Washington, Maryland, at 28, is 10 years younger than Stevenson and also left-handed.  He had a successful amateur career and is reputed to be a major danger in the ring as evidenced by his 10 victories won by knockout in less than two rounds, including his last two outings against renowned Edwin Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs) and Umberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs).
 
In both of those two fights, Williams was an underdog, but his determination and lethal punch made the difference.  “There were many who had lost trust in me two years ago after my loss to Gabriel Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs),” Williams explained. “I don’t make excuses but there were circumstances that led to this result. I’m coming off the best performance of my career and I’m ready to make a change July 29 in terms of the holding title belt.  Stevenson has never faced a puncher like me in the past.”
 
“We are proud to start our association with Gestev and Centre Videotron with this gala event,” GYM president Yvon Michel added. “Adonis Stevenson became the WBC light heavyweight champion in June 2012 and since then 15 of 16 other WBC titles have changed hands.  Only Shinsuke Yamanaka, of Japan, is still champion.  Other fights on the July 29th card will include a group of ambitious, talented boxers, promising a show with intense fighters making statements.”
 
In the co-feature, current WBC Silver light heavyweight champion and WBC No. 1 contender, Eleider Alvarez (19-0, 10 KOs), will attempt to maintain his position as the WBC mandatory challenger against Maximiliano Gomez (22-5, 9 KOs), of Argentine.
 
Also scheduled to be in action are Nova Scotia native and adopted Montreal fighter Custio Clayton (8-0, 7 KOs), who will attempt to continue his rise in the welterweight division, Quebec heavyweight Eric Martel Bahoeli (11-6, 7 KOs) will realize his dream to fight in Videotron Centre, charismatic Montreal welterweight Junior Ulysse (10-0, 7 KOs) and welterweight Marie Eve Dicaire (4-0) are also slated to be in action.  Other fights and fighters will soon be announced for the July 29th card.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
“SHOOTOUT” tickets, starting at $50.00, will go on sale Saturday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET at Videotron Centre, GYM (514) 383-0666, or at Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. A pre-sale will be available June 16-17 for subscribers to the Videotron Centre newsletter as well as Quebec Remparts season ticket holders.