Category Archives: boxing

Undefeated Featherweight Miguel Flores Takes On Mexican Veteran Ruben Tamayo  Saturday, May 28 on Premier Boxing Champions On FS1 & FOX Deportes from The Dancehall in San Antonio (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

 
Plus! Unbeaten Prospects Brandon Figueroa, Rickey Edwards & Emmanuel Medina Featured as Part of Full Night of Undercard Action
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 25, 2016) – Unbeaten rising featherweight contender Miguel Flores (19-0, 9 KOs) will take on Mexican veteran Ruben Tamayo (24-8-4, 16 KOs) this Saturday night, May 28, in a 10-round fight on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from The Dancehall in San Antonio.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Miguel Vazquez battling tough contender Erick Bone in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.
Undercard action will feature the brother of former world champion Omar Figueroa, Brandon Figueroa (6-0, 4 KOs), in a super bantamweight battle against Puerto Rico’s Jonell Nieves (6-2, 4 KOs), unbeaten 25-year-old lightweight Rickey Edwards (10-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout against fellow unbeaten John Delperdang (5-0, 5 KOs) and Los Angeles prospect Emmanuel Medina (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round welterweight showdown against Isiah Robinson (3-2, 2 KOs).
Additional action features a slew of local prospects as unbeaten Enrique Neira Jr. competes in a four-round middleweight bout against Rudy Lozano, Ramon Cardenas facing Isau Duenez in a four-round super bantamweight contest, unbeaten Rolando Garza battles Houston’s Rick Graham in a four-round super welterweight fight and the pro debut of Xavier Wilson in a four-round lightweight affair against Thomas Smith.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 and $1,000 and $850 for VIP tables, before taxes and fees and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, call (210) 988-8821visit http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/march28th2016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 23-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones at The Dancehall in January. Now he will take on the 27-year-old Tamayo of Sonora, Mexico. The southpaw has wins over veterans including Meraz and Jose Cayetano and he challenged Jesus Cuellar for a world title in 2014.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comTGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TitereVazquez, @LeijaBattahPR, @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NO MORE DRAWS; THERE MUST BE A WINNER IN NORTHEAST TITLE FIGHT

Lewiston, Maine (May 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine onJune 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cagefights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the headline fight for the boxing portion of the fight card.  West Forks, Maine’s own Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will put the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title on the line in a rematch against Detroit, Michigan’s James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1).

 

Berry and Lester met earlier this spring at “NEF 22” in Lewiston.  The six-round bout was ruled a majority draw on the judges’ scorecards.  This time around, however, NEF executives had a trick up their sleeves – add a seventh round to all but guarantee a winner.

 

Berry won the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title in October 2014 in Lewiston against West Virginia Toughman Champion Eric Palmer (4-3-3).  He has been the kingpin of the 140-pound division in the Northeast ever since.  The draw against Lester halted a three-fight win streak Berry had been on since returning from a shoulder injury last year.

 

“I think the main difference in a rematch between me and James will be more action,” Berry predicted.  “We both know what we bring to the table, we both enjoy pleasing the crowd, and we both want to win.  I think those are some key ingredients to a great matchup.  I have a lot of respect for James , his boxing ability, and what he brings to the table.  I was impressed with his speed, his all around toughness, and his ring generalship.  I’m excited to headline another card in Lewiston, and can’t wait for the crowd to enjoy my fight, along with a few other boxing matches that include some talented Maine boxers.  I hope that we can draw a big crowd and have a quality night of fights.  See you all on the 18th!”

 

“I’m most definitely looking forward to fighting in Maine again,” said Lester, a former top-ranked national amateur boxer.  “The fans there are awesome. I even gained a few fans from my last fight who’s been messaging me on a regular like a young guy by the name of Hunter Moore who messages me every week making sure I’m training hard for the rematch.”

 

Lester is a product of the world-famous Kronk Gym in Detroit where Thomas “Hitman” Hearns (61-5-1, 48 KOs), Oscar De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), Lennox Lewis (41-2-1, 32 KOs) and Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KOs), among others, have prepared for world title bouts under legendary trainer, the late Emanuel Steward.  “The only thing that will be different this time is I will be in better condition. That was my only downfall last time. This time I’ll be able to box and stay on my toes for the tough pressure that Brandon brings.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 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.

Rances Barthelemy & Mickey Bey Ramp Up Training Camp Ahead of Friday, June 3 World Championship Showdown That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Click HERE For Photos From Premier Boxing Champions
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (May 24, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey are deep into training camp and closing in on their main event battle on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

Both fighters have been training in Las Vegas before they head to southern Florida for their world title battle. Barthelemy trains with Ismael Salas at the Salas Boxing Academy while Bey works with his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the Mayweather Boxing Club.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, their matchup and more:

What advantages do you believe you have because of your training team?

Rances Barthelemy: “To me, Ismael is the best trainer in the world. He was the lead trainer of the Cuban National Team at the time that Cuban amateur boxing was having its most success. He is truly underrated and I do not know why.

“Having gone through different trainers throughout my career, I am glad that I found Salas. We clicked right off the bat, and him being a Cuban and having a successful background both in the Cuban amateur system and in the pros, he’s been able to incorporate the best from both worlds in his training methods. He has also been able to bring out abilities in me that others were not able to and it has made me a completely different fighter.”

Mickey Bey: “Floyd Sr. has been my trainer for about 12 years. We’ve been together since I was a teenager and before I turned pro. He is an old school trainer and he knows the science of boxing.

“Being around the other Mayweather Promotions fighters provides a lot of energy to training because everybody is striving to be the best they can be. Whenever that’s the case it’s always a positive thing because the trainers know that’s what you’re after. Floyd Sr. and Floyd are the reason I moved to Las Vegas. It’s been a blessing to be able to train with him for so long. We gelled from the beginning and I have definitely grown a lot as a fighter.”

What does fighting for this belt mean to you?

RB: “I don’t really focus on this being another title defense. I just focus on it being another fight that I must win impressively so that I can get to the big fights. There is no added pressure from it being a title defense. I just want everyone to see the boxing ability that I have so that I can get the big fights that I want and deserve.”

MB: “Winning back this belt is really important to me. I still feel like it’s mine. He’s just been keeping it warm for me. I had to deal with the injuries but now I don’t have to worry about babying my hand or anything like that.”

What do you think this fight will be like stylistically?

RB: “I plan on this being a great fight between two great boxers. He has a great amateur and pro background, as do I, and hopefully that makes for a great show.”

MB: “You never really know until you’re in the ring but it’s going to be a fight between two skilled boxers. I have seen some footage but not too much because I don’t really watch much tape. I saw him fight for my vacant belt but I can’t get caught up in that because I’m different than anybody he’s ever fought. I’m a lot more difficult than he probably thinks.”

What skill advantages do you believe you have over your opponent?

RB: “I feel I am the better all-around fighter. I have the reach, height and power over him. I feel he has shown in the past that he can’t take a good punch, so we will see if he can take mine.”

MB: “I bring it all. I can do everything that can be done in the ring. Every single department, period. I do think he’s a good fighter, I give him his props, he’s a two-time world champion, but I don’t think he can do one thing better than me.”

What did you learn from your fight with Denis Shafikov?

RB: “It was a really tough fight and definitely a great learning experience. I made it tougher than it should have been but I had never been in a war like that before and adrenaline kicked in. The blood made me want to dig down and trade with him in the center of the ring and beat him at his own game. It was the first time I had to go down to the trenches and engage in a fight like that but I wanted to do it to show that not all Cubans are boring and only box around.”

What did you learn from your fight with Miguel Vazquez?

MB: “I found out how good I was because I was able to beat a guy that good with one hand. Going into it I already knew I was going to be fighting with one hand since it had been giving me problems. I couldn’t let both hands go, so I had to strategically land more accurate shots. I couldn’t let it become a high volume fight because I knew I wouldn’t be able to respond with both hands. This is my first fight in four or five years with two good hands, so it’s going to be a completely different ball game.”

What does it mean to you to fight in south Florida in front of your Cuban fans?

RB: “That’s my backyard and it’s another advantage for me. It is like being in a free Cuba pretty much and I don’t think I’ll ever feel as comfortable fighting anywhere else with the majority of the people being there to support me. It means the world to me to be able to fight in front of my fans and my closest friends. It’s the closest thing to being able to fight in my country.”

Are you concerned about fighting on the road in front of a crowd that is expected to be for your opponent?

MB: “They can’t get in the ring for him. It’s just going to be me and him. Nobody can get in the ring and help him. It doesn’t add any pressure. I grew up hard, in a rough neighborhood and I’ve been through a lot so I’m numb to any pressure. I’m just ready to get in the ring with him.”

What are your plans after this fight?

RB: “I will be headed straight to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. after the fight to try to obtain a visa so I can finally return to Cuba and visit my family that I have not seen since my defection eight years ago. I thought I would never be able to return but now I will be returning as a two-time world champion with grand dreams of one day headlining the first pro boxing event in Cuba.”

MB: “After this fight I’ll be looking for another big competitive fight. I’m always looking for a challenge. That’s why I’m in this fight.”

Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on June 3?

RB: “I feel I am levels above Mickey Bey in all aspects of the game. I am comfortable with my training and I plan on returning to Miami with my second world title. The adrenaline of fighting in front of my Cuban people will add fuel to my fire and propel me to victory. I am on a mission to be great and leave an imprint in the sport and Mickey Bey is in the way.”

MB: “I’m a better fighter. It’s that simple.”

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

BOXING’S TOP WOMEN TO HONOR KATHY DUVA WITH “RAGING BABE LUMINARY” AWARD AT RAGING BABE BRUNCH, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 

NEW YORK – May 24, 2016 – The weekend of June 11th, boxing’s most influential women will gather for brunch in the Big Apple for the 7th Raging Babe event of its kind, dubbed New York, New York. Attendees will include promoters, network executives, public relations representatives, referees, fighters and others, and come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and levels of experience. Women who have attended Raging Babe events have networked, forged business and personal relationships and have been inspired by the stories of success and persistence shared by the hundreds of attendees over the past few years. There may be no woman that better personifies a story of success and persistence than Kathy Duva, who will be honored with the Raging Babe Luminary Award at the brunch.

Duva, the CEO of Main Events, and a mother of three, has been involved with boxing for nearly forty years, entering the business while in college with her then boyfriend Dan Duva. The Duvas teamed up to promote some of boxing’s top talent over the years under the Main Events banner, including Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitacker, Arturo Gatti and Fernando Vargas, all while cultivating powerful relationships with HBO and other networks. Kathy continued her husband’s legacy after his passing in 1996, becoming one of the most recognized figures in boxing. Most recently, Duva and Main Events have developed one of boxing’s most avoided superstars in Sergey Kovalev.

“Kathy Duva is the perfect honoree for our first New York City Brunch,” said Raging Babe founder and namesake Michelle Rosado. “Boxing, like the ‘Concrete Jungle,’ has so many hard edges, and can be tough to navigate…but like New York City, it is full of opportunity for the right type of person, and Kathy Duva is that kind of person. She’s a headstrong, smart and persistent woman, who has an uncanny ability to endear people to her while not taking any gruff from anyone. It’s our honor to recognize her at the brunch.”

Past Raging Babe event honorees have included the “First Lady of Boxing” Jackie Kallen, Public Relations ace Kelly Swanson, TV trailblazer Claudia Trejo, heart transplant recipient Kennedy Cunningham,  Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Chief Operating Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis, and Golden Boy’s Monica Sears. “It’s a privilege to stand in a room with women of this caliber,” said Rosado. “The Raging Babe Brunch started as a concept…something we might try to do yearly, but it’s become such a powerful and valuable event for attendees, we’re growing and doing more than one event per year. We’re able to do this because of the women of boxing that continue to support the event, and of course, thanks to our event partners.
 
The East Coast is well overdue for a Raging Babe Brunch, and I’m so pleased to be able to work with our partners to bring the event to New York City.”

The Raging Babe Brunch is made possible by the generous support of World Boxing Organization (WBO), War Tape, Box Stats, Boss Case (owned and operated by Raging Babe Livvy Cunningham), World Boxing Council (WBC) and Youth Fighting Forward.

For information on attending or sponsoring this prestigious event, please contactmichelle@ragingbabe.com.

Perrella ready for breakthrough performance June 4

Fort Myers, FL (May 24, 2016) – Welterweight Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella of Fort Myers, FL faces his toughest foe to date when he challenges Washington, DC’s David “Day Day” Grayton Saturday, June 4.
The anticipated ten round match up between unbeaten southpaws takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal as part of a Premier Boxing Champions card on ESPN.
Both Perrella, 13-0 (12 KO’s), and Grayton, 14-0 (10 KO’s), were heralded amateurs that have been dominant thus far in the paid ranks. As is typically the case when two noteworthy prospects meet, the winner moves a step closer to contention while the fighter who falls short often has to climb back up the mountain.
With Grayton undefeated in his own right and also very hungry to advance his career by emerging victorious, Perrella’s taken his training to new heights. The 27-year-old has traveled throughout the Sunshine State for quality sparring and is strengthening his body by doing regular aquatic training. This has helped him remove weight properly so there won’t be any surprises on the scale. To further assist, Perrella hired a private chef to ensure he’s refueling his body properly.
Overall, Perrella’s team is confident about the match up against Grayton and believes the hard work in the gym is an integral part why Bryant will have his hand raised June 4.
Camp has been great,” said Perrella’s trainer Michael Nowling. “Bryant is treating this camp like we’re preparing for a world title fight. Most importantly, he’s got a calm demeanor and clear head with no distractions whatsoever. He is not nervous about the fight or overly anxious. A lot of guys may feel overwhelmed since this a win in a fight like this likely gets the winner to the next level but not Bryant. He’s been a true professional in the gym since day one and seeing him kick it up a notch further solidifies my confidence that June 4 will be the night he puts the boxing world on notice.”
Tickets are available by going to http://www.evenko.ca/html/tickets/boxe-jun2016/index_en.html and the bout will air at 11 pm ET/8 PM PT.

Erislandy Lara Talks Future Plans

HOUSTON, TX (May 24, 2016) – WBA and IBO Super-Welterweight Champion, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (23-2-2, 13 KOs) is focused on breaking the record for most consecutive world title defenses at 154-pounds if he can’t land a big fight.  The record, which was set by Gianfranco Rosi with 11 defenses of the IBF title, has stood strong since January of 1993.
If potential showdowns at middleweight with champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin or a rematch with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez can’t come to fruition, then Lara will happily defend his titles with honor.
“I’m ready to step up and fight anyone in my division or if a big fight can be made at middleweight I’m willing to be great.” said Erislandy Lara. “My first choice is to fight GGG.  My next choice would be to have a rematch with Canelo.  If either fight can’t be made, then my focus will be to put my name in the record books.  All the fights at this level are tough so to break the record for most consecutive title defenses at super-welterweight would be unbelievable.”
“I’m ready to fight anybody between welterweight and middleweight.” said Erislandy Lara. “My first choice is to fight GGG because I feel he’s the toughest opponent and would be a fight that would solidify my legacy.  My next choice would be to have a rematch with Canelo because we all know there’s unfinished business with lots of controversy.  If either fight can’t be made, then my focus will be to put my name in the record books and defend my titles 12 times to break the record and unify them all at the same time.”

Undefeated Middleweight Caleb Plant returns to the ring June 3 PBC on Spike TV

Photo By Suzanne Teresa / Premier Boxing Champions
(NASHVILLE, TN) May 24, 2016 – Nashville’s unbeaten middleweight prospect,Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (12-0, 9 KOs) is scheduled to return to the ring on June 3, 2016 against Colombia’s Carlos Galvan (12-4-1, 2 KOs).  The scheduled 8-round bout will be televised on the undercard of Barthelemy vs. Bey at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV goes live at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
In his last bout on January, 22 of this year, Plant dominated his opponent, winning by way of a 6th-round TKO.  He’ll look to continue his winning ways on June, 3rd.
“I’m always looking to get better with each fight,” said Caleb Plant. “Every fight brings on a different challenge and I’m ready for any style that comes my way.  Galvan has a lot of knockouts so I have to be aware of his power shots.  I will control the action from the opening bell and make my adjustment as the fight goes on.  If I get him hurt, I’m going for the knockout.”
After turning pro in May of 2014, Caleb has rapidly made his presences felt in the middleweight division by winning all twelve of his bout, nine of which came by way of knockout.  Plant feels grateful about his career as it is headlining in the right direction.
“To be in the position I am this early in my career is a blessing.” Plant continued. “My management team and trainers are doing a fantastic job with everything and I couldn’t be any happier.  I know fighting on television is very important for my fan base, so I want to come out and put on a great show.  This will be my first time fighting on Spike TV and I want to leave a lasting impression.  Expect to see some fireworks.”

Rances Barthelemy & Mickey Bey Ramp Up Training Camp Ahead of Friday, June 3 World Championship Showdown That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida

 
Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
Click HERE For Photos From Premier Boxing Champions
 
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (May 24, 2016) – Lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey are deep into training camp and closing in on their main event battle on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida
Both fighters have been training in Las Vegas before they head to southern Florida for their world title battle. Barthelemy trains with Ismael Salas at the Salas Boxing Academy while Bey works with his longtime trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. at the Mayweather Boxing Club.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 (additional fees may apply) and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Here is what the fighters had to say about training camp, their matchup and more:
What advantages do you believe you have because of your training team?
Rances Barthelemy: “To me, Ismael is the best trainer in the world. He was the lead trainer of the Cuban National Team at the time that Cuban amateur boxing was having its most success. He is truly underrated and I do not know why.
“Having gone through different trainers throughout my career, I am glad that I found Salas. We clicked right off the bat, and him being a Cuban and having a successful background both in the Cuban amateur system and in the pros, he’s been able to incorporate the best from both worlds in his training methods. He has also been able to bring out abilities in me that others were not able to and it has made me a completely different fighter.”
Mickey Bey: “Floyd Sr. has been my trainer for about 12 years. We’ve been together since I was a teenager and before I turned pro. He is an old school trainer and he knows the science of boxing.
“Being around the other Mayweather Promotions fighters provides a lot of energy to training because everybody is striving to be the best they can be. Whenever that’s the case it’s always a positive thing because the trainers know that’s what you’re after. Floyd Sr. and Floyd are the reason I moved to Las Vegas. It’s been a blessing to be able to train with him for so long. We gelled from the beginning and I have definitely grown a lot as a fighter.”
What does fighting for this belt mean to you?
RB: “I don’t really focus on this being another title defense. I just focus on it being another fight that I must win impressively so that I can get to the big fights. There is no added pressure from it being a title defense. I just want everyone to see the boxing ability that I have so that I can get the big fights that I want and deserve.”
MB: “Winning back this belt is really important to me. I still feel like it’s mine. He’s just been keeping it warm for me. I had to deal with the injuries but now I don’t have to worry about babying my hand or anything like that.”
What do you think this fight will be like stylistically?
 
RB: “I plan on this being a great fight between two great boxers. He has a great amateur and pro background, as do I, and hopefully that makes for a great show.”
MB: “You never really know until you’re in the ring but it’s going to be a fight between two skilled boxers. I have seen some footage but not too much because I don’t really watch much tape. I saw him fight for my vacant belt but I can’t get caught up in that because I’m different than anybody he’s ever fought. I’m a lot more difficult than he probably thinks.”
What skill advantages do you believe you have over your opponent?
RB: “I feel I am the better all-around fighter. I have the reach, height and power over him. I feel he has shown in the past that he can’t take a good punch, so we will see if he can take mine.”
MB: “I bring it all. I can do everything that can be done in the ring. Every single department, period. I do think he’s a good fighter, I give him his props, he’s a two-time world champion, but I don’t think he can do one thing better than me.”
What did you learn from your fight with Denis Shafikov?
RB: “It was a really tough fight and definitely a great learning experience. I made it tougher than it should have been but I had never been in a war like that before and adrenaline kicked in. The blood made me want to dig down and trade with him in the center of the ring and beat him at his own game. It was the first time I had to go down to the trenches and engage in a fight like that but I wanted to do it to show that not all Cubans are boring and only box around.”
What did you learn from your fight with Miguel Vazquez?
MB: “I found out how good I was because I was able to beat a guy that good with one hand. Going into it I already knew I was going to be fighting with one hand since it had been giving me problems. I couldn’t let both hands go, so I had to strategically land more accurate shots. I couldn’t let it become a high volume fight because I knew I wouldn’t be able to respond with both hands. This is my first fight in four or five years with two good hands, so it’s going to be a completely different ball game.”
What does it mean to you to fight in south Florida in front of your Cuban fans?
RB: “That’s my backyard and it’s another advantage for me. It is like being in a free Cuba pretty much and I don’t think I’ll ever feel as comfortable fighting anywhere else with the majority of the people being there to support me. It means the world to me to be able to fight in front of my fans and my closest friends. It’s the closest thing to being able to fight in my country.”
Are you concerned about fighting on the road in front of a crowd that is expected to be for your opponent?
MB: “They can’t get in the ring for him. It’s just going to be me and him. Nobody can get in the ring and help him. It doesn’t add any pressure. I grew up hard, in a rough neighborhood and I’ve been through a lot so I’m numb to any pressure. I’m just ready to get in the ring with him.”
What are your plans after this fight?
RB: “I will be headed straight to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. after the fight to try to obtain a visa so I can finally return to Cuba and visit my family that I have not seen since my defection eight years ago. I thought I would never be able to return but now I will be returning as a two-time world champion with grand dreams of one day headlining the first pro boxing event in Cuba.”
MB: “After this fight I’ll be looking for another big competitive fight. I’m always looking for a challenge. That’s why I’m in this fight.”
Why do you believe you’ll be victorious on June 3?
 
RB: “I feel I am levels above Mickey Bey in all aspects of the game. I am comfortable with my training and I plan on returning to Miami with my second world title. The adrenaline of fighting in front of my Cuban people will add fuel to my fire and propel me to victory. I am on a mission to be great and leave an imprint in the sport and Mickey Bey is in the way.”
MB: “I’m a better fighter. It’s that simple.”
#          #          #
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports,@KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

Isiah Seldon ready for 1st headlining appearance this Friday night at the Claridge in Atlantic City 

   
Chuck Mussachio takes on Willis Lockett in Light Heavyweight rematch

  Plus undefeated fighetrs Quian Davis, & Lawrence Newton

Nick Kisner battles Lamont Capers in Cruiserweight attracton

Anthony Burgin to appear in Lightweight bout

The pro debut of former United States amateur sensation LeRoy Davila

For Immediate Release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (May 23, 2016)–THIS Friday night, May 27th, a big night of boxing will kick off a holiday weekend at The Claridge in Atlantic City as Rising Promotions will present a terrific card of boxing.
In the main event, It will be about New Jersey bragging rights as Isiah Seldon will take on Eddie Edmond in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.
Seldon, who is the son of former WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon will be making his 2nd appearance in three months as he is coming off a 6-round on March 19th over Michael Mitchell, has been in the gym to round back into form after 33-month layoff.
“Training camp has been great.  We have been doing a lot of boxing as I been still shaking off some rust from the layoff,” said Seldon.  “To come right back is not a big deal.  I am an athlete and I am always in good shape.  My body feels better when I am active and in the gym.  Even when I wasn’t getting the fights, I was always in the gym.”
In Edmond, he is fighting a fighter from Newark, New Jersey and has similar experience.
“I have seen some video of him.  He comes forward and he throws punches.  That is the kid of fight that I want to be in.  He will come to fight and that should ,make for entertaining fight.”
This will be the 2nd straight fight for Seldon against a fellow foe from the Garden State, but that doesn’t matter to the 27 year-old native of Atlantic City.
“I don’t care where a person is from.  A fight is a fight.  In fact, I actually want to see all the locals make it.  That is unless they are fighting me.  It is always fun fighting in Atlantic City.  I will have a lot of friends there supporting me.”
Seldon credits his return to the ring to Rising Promotions, who will be staging their 3rd show in the past six months.
“I would like to thank Rising Promotions, Thomas LaManna and the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.  They are all trying to bring boxing back to Atlantic City the way it used to be.  I feel I have an opportunity to become the face of Atlantic City boxing.  I have been working very hard and I feel very good.  To be headlining for the first time feels really good.  Rising Promotions has given me this opportunity to showcase my skills and on Friday, I am going to put on a great performance.”
In a six-round co-feature, one of the most popular fighter’s from the shore area, Light Heavyweight Chuck Mussachio will be back in the ring after a 39-month lay off when he takes on Willis Lockett in a rematch of a bout that that ended in a draw on September 19, 2008.
In an eight-round Cruiserweight bout, Nick Kisner (16-2-1, 6 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take on Lamont Capers (5-8-2) of Hawley, PA.

In four round bouts:
In a four round Welterweight bout, Adrian Wilson (0-2) of Atlantic City will take on pro debuting Da’Quan Johnson of Pennsauken, New Jersey
Quian Davis (2-0-1, 1KO) of Mays Landing, NJ will fight Soloman Maye (1-6-1, 1 KO) of New Haven, CT in a Heavyweight out.
Lightweight Anthony Burgin (9-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Curtis Morton(4-5-4) of Harlem, NY.
Also on the card will be  the pro debut of Bantamweight Leroy Davila of New Brunswick, New Jersey battling fellow pro debuter Dominic Whitehurst of Chillicothe, OH.
Davila, who had over 60 amateur fights was ranked second in the United States in his weight class.
.
Lawrence Newton (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Florida will take on an opponent to be named
Tickets are $125 for premium, $77 Ringside stage and $52 reserved and are available at www.risingboxingpromotions.com or 609-487-4444
Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo