Category Archives: boxing

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A WRESTLING CLASSIC

Lewiston, Maine (May 23, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  The fight promotion will put on another full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) cage fights and pro boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF executives announced the addition of an amateur lightweight matchup to the MMA portion of the card.  After a year’s absence, “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (6-5) will return to the NEF MMA cage to face Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

Dom Cofone was a Class A state wrestling champion out of Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine.  He entered the MMA ranks in February of 2013.  Since that time, he has been featured on nine NEF cards.  Cofone’s last appearance in the promotion was in June 2015 at “NEF 18.”  That night, Cofone submitted Jason Lachance (2-3) in the second round.  He is currently a member of the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, training under MMA pioneers Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner.

 

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to step into the NEF cage once again,” said Cofone.  “With my coaches and teammates from the Academy behind me, I know I’ll be able to have a great performance.  June 18th is going to be an awesome night for the NEF fans and an even better night for the Westbrook wrestling alumni!”

 

Steve Bang is a member of the famous Bang fighting family of Auburn, Maine.  On June 18, he will join his father and brothers in the NEF MMA cage.   Bang wrestled as an independent during his years at Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine.  He is currently a member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ).  Bang will look to rebound from a second-round submission loss to Fabian Miranda (2-0) last week at “NEF 23” in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 

“I’m super pumped to fight with all of my family,” said Bang.  “It’s always a great experience. This past year has been a rough year for me in many different ways and I feel like I am just – as of a month or two ago – coming out of it. I feel great in all aspects; mentally, spiritually, and physically.  I am fired up and ready to do battle with so much of my family doing what Bangs’ do just fires me up more.  I’m excited to fight alongside Shawn again who I haven’t seen in two years and have only spoken to three times.  I’m excited to fight Dom. I think it will be a great match up. I don’t get to fight many wrestlers.  And I want to thank him for the opportunity to allow me to do what I love to do.”

 

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 at 207.783.2009 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.

Shumenov stops Wright in 10th round of WBA cruiserweight world title fight

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) “regular” cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (17-2, 10 KOs) stopped No. 11-rated Junior “Hurricane” Wright (15-2-1, 12 KOs) in the 10th round tonight at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
Shumenov, a former WBA light heavyweight world champion, is first two-division world champion from a Soviet-bloc country.  The native of Kazakhstan, fighting out of Las Vegas, also earned the right to challenge unified WBA Super/ International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev (29-2, 22 KOs) within 120 days, as mandated by the WBA.
Team Shumenov celebrates
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Hernandez shocks Magomedov John Vera stops Joey Ruelas Teenage sensation Devin Haney shines

(all pictures by Manny Murillo / RJJ Boxing Promotions
LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2016) – Determined Phoenix middleweight Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez shocked heavy favorite Arif “The Pedator” Magomedov in tonight’s main event on the “Knockout Night at the D” card, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand DLVEC, is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.  Tonight’s event was promoted in association with Main Events and Shamo Boxing Promotions.
Before a sold-out crowd, Hernandez (12-4-1, 4 KOs) pounded world-rated middleweight Magomedov (17-1, 10 KOs), winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-89 twice, 98-91) for the vacant USNBC middleweight title.  Hernandez hurt Magomedov in the third and seventh rounds, finally dropping the tough Russian (WBA #2, WB) #3, WBA #5 and IBF #14) in the 10th.
“This fight changes everything for me,” Hernandez proclaimed.  “He’s very good and deserves all of the accolades he’s received but I now have my head on straight and I’m focused.  My jab was very important tonight.  He’s very strong but I wanted to fight him inside because I knew he couldn’t take it from me.  I was very prepared.  I think I may have broken my ankle in the fourth round but I kept going.  I wanted to finish him, get the knockout, but he’s a very tough fighter.  He has heart and showed why he has all of those accolades.”
Four weeks ago, Hernandez was preparing to fight as a cruiserweight.  He lost 40 pounds to make weight for this middleweight fight in what turned out to be one of the biggest upsets of the year.

 (L-R) — Arif Magomedov & Andrew Hernandez
Southpaw super welterweights John “The Phenom” Vera (14-0, 9 KOs), of Fort Worth, and Phoenix’ Joey “Boxer” Ruelas (10-2-1, 4 KOs) went toe-to-toe from the opening bell and they never let up in the co-feature.  Vera exploded in the round of this firestorm, battering the game Ruelas around, until referee Jay Nady halted the action in the sixth round.  Vera remained undefeated and retained his NABA-USA title.
“I knew eventually he’d put his hands down and I’d catch him,” Vera explained.  “I thank him for the opportunity to fight.  He’s helluva fighter, I give him that, but I know I’m a warrior.  I took some shots but gave ’em, too. I broke him down and just kept throwing those lefts.”
(L-R) – John Vera & Joey Ruelas
In the TV opener, boxing prodigy Devin “The Dream” Haney (6-0, 4 KOs) made history as the 17-year-old – a junior in high school – became the youngest American professional boxer to fight on national television. The Floyd Mayweather, Sr.-trained Haney, fighting out of Las Vegas in front of his rapidly growing fan-base, showcased his vast skills against previously undefeated Mexican invader Jairo “El Leon” Vargas (Fernandez), unloading 14 unanswered punches for a 4th round technical knockout victoryNady stopped the fight without counting when a badly hurt Vargas (4-1, 3 KOs) hit the deck hard.
“I happy that I put on a good performance for my fans,” Haney commented after the fight.  “My team put together the strategy to use my jab and breakdown his body.  I picked up my combinations did what I was told to do.”
   (L-R) — Devin Haney & Jairo Vargas
In a battle of Texas junior welterweights, Tony Lopez (11-1, 4 KOs) dropped previously unbeaten Jerren “Hardknocks” Cochran (11-1-1, 4 KOs) twice with lefts in the opening round and finished him off in the second, knocking him out cold with a punishing right.
“Two mores seconds and I would have finished him off in the first,” Lopez remarked.  “My corner told me that, after the lefts, come back with a right. They gave me the game plan and I executed.”
(L-R) Tony Lopez & Jerren Cochran
In the opening bout, Las Vegas favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (4-0, 2 KOs) dominated Puerto Rican welterweight Julio “El Indio” Santos (2-3, 1 KO) on his way to a win by unanimous 4-round decision.
“I know I could have done a little better, throwing more combinations and jab,” Nichols said.  “He came in trying but he couldn’t fight.  I sent him back to Puerto Rico with a loss.”
(L-R) Jeremy Nichols & Julio Santos
“Knockout Night at the D” returns to the DLVEC Friday night, June 10, on CBS Sports Network.  USNBC lightweight champion Demond “Body Shot” Brock (11-3-1, 4 KOs) defends his title against former USNBC 135-pound title holder Chuy “Hurrican” Gutierrez in the 10-round main event.
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Winner listed first)
MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Andrew Hernandez (12-4-1, 3 KOs), Phoenix, Arizona
WDEC10 (100-89, 100-89, 98-91)
Arif Magomedov (17-1, 10 KOs), Chekhov, Russia
(Hernandez won vacant USNBC middleweight title)
CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
John “The Phenom” Vera (14-0, 9 KOs), Champion, Fort Worth, Texas
WTKO6 (1:17)
Joey “Boxer” Ruelas (10-2-1, 4 KOs), Challenger, Phoenix, Arizona
(Vera won or retained USNBC super welterweight title)
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tony Lopez (11-1, 4 KOs), Dallas, TX
WKO2 (0:22)
Jerren Cochran (11-1-1, 4 KOs), Houston, TX
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Devin Haney (6-0, 4 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WTKO4 (1:34)
Jairo Fernandez (4-1, 3 KOs), Veracruz, Mexico
WELTERWEIGHTS
Jeremy Nichols (4-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Julio Santos (2-3, 1 KO), Ponce, Puerto Rico
 
 
“Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series
Idea Design Studio is the main sponsor
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @johnverajr, @joey_ruelas, @jerrencochran, @jflashgang (Nichols), @Realdevinhaney

CHARLO BROTHERS MAKE BOXING HISTORY

JERMALL AND JERMELL BECOME FIRST TWINS TO HOLD WORLD TITLES SIMULTANEOUSLY IN SAME WEIGHT CLASS; ERISLANDY LARA RETAINS WBA 154-POUND CHAMPIONSHIP WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER VANES MARTIROSYAN SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

Jermall Charlo Retains IBF Junior Middleweight Belt With 12-Round Decision Over Austin Trout, Jermell Charlo Wins WBC Super Welterweight Crown With

Eighth-Round Knockout Over John Jackson at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

 

Catch The Replay Monday, May 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2016) – On a night Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara successfully defended his WBA Super Welterweight Championship with a hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision over Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan, undefeated brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo, of Houston, became the first twins in boxing history to hold world titles in the same weight class.

 

Jermall Charlo (24-0, 18 KOs) retained his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship with a unanimous 12-round decision over former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (30-3, 17 KOs) of Las Cruces, N.M., in the second of three world title fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

 

In the opening bout of the three fight telecast, Jermell Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) earned the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship by rallying from five points down to register an eighth-round knockout over John “Da Rock” Jackson (20-3, 15 KOs), of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands (Video highlights: http://s.sho.com/1VeFFVq).

 

Lara outpointed Martirosyan in the main event by the scores of 116-111 twice and 115-112. There were no knockdowns. Martirosyan had a point deducted for a low blow in the 11th in a rematch of a May 2012 fight that ended in a technical draw.

 

Born one minute apart, the identical twins celebrated their 26th birthday this past Thursday, May 19. Jermall is one minute older than Jermell.

 

Jermall Charlo stuck to his game plan and fought behind his jab, throwing 292 jabs and connecting at an 18 percent clip.  It was a balanced attack from both fighters, but the power and accuracy from the physically bigger Charlo was a difference.

 

“It wasn’t a struggle, it was a great experience,” said Charlo after his second successful title defense. “I want to thank God for allowing me and my twin brother to see this day.  History.

 

“Austin is a hell of a fighter.  He’s a beast. This was my first time going 12, but it didn’t matter because I knew I was in shape.

 

“My game plan was to execute with the jab.  I knew he was going to try to stop me, but that didn’t happen. There’s no way you can tame a lion.

 

“It felt good because I knew my brother would get the job done.  We belong on this level.  We need these titles to get the big fights and we’re going to keep these titles to keep rising.

 

“I changed my mind — we’re going to stay right here (at 154). Making 154 pounds wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be.”

 

“Hat’s off to Jermall Charlo.  He fought a hell of a fight,” Austin Trout said. “I felt like I did enough to win.  They won’t give me a close decision, so it’s time to start taking these cats out.  But I can’t make excuses.  I fought my ass off, Charlo fought his ass off and hats off to him.

 

“I’m going to live to fight another day.  You’re going to see me back.  We’re warriors out here.’’

 

Two minutes into the eighth round, Jermell Charlo, trailing 69-64 on the three judges’ scorecards, landed a perfect counter right hand to Jackson’s left eye. As Jackson dropped his guard to insure his mouthpiece was in place, Jermell connected with two more right hands that sent Jackson falling forward into his corner.  Defenseless and seemingly out on his feet, referee Tony Weeks stepped in immediately and stopped it at 0:51.

 

“It’s history,” said Jermell, who entered the match as the WBC No. 1 contender and became the 66th ShoBox: The New Generation fighter to capture a world title.

 

“We did it. A lot of fighters don’t come out of Houston and we did it.  I’m waiting for my brother next. We’ve been boxing for all of these years and it had to happen.

 

“I was behind.  He was boxing, he was moving around a lot.  That was unexpected of him.  I thought he was going to come out to brawl.  I had to make an adjustment and I did.

 

“When he started slowing down, I was able to catch him with a shot.  I knew that if he could have continued he could have come back so I had to hit him.”

 

While both were selective with their punches, throwing just 427 combined shots through eight and a half rounds, Jermell was the more accurate fighter.  The new WBC champ landed 23 percent of his total punches, including 34 percent of his power shots against Jackson.

“It was a journey to get here,” said Jackson, the WBC’s No. 2 contender going in and son of former world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson.

 

“I feel like I was ahead and I came up short.  He caught me with a punch and I was trying to fix my mouthpiece.  Then he hit me and I was out.  It hit me in the eye, but my mouthpiece was coming out.  I was trying to push in my mouthpiece back in and he hit me.  I knew where I was.  It dazed me, but I wasn’t knocked out.

 

“It’s boxing.  It was a great fight.  I felt I was winning the fight, I got caught and that was it.

 

“I dedicated the fight to my dad and I hope I didn’t let him down.  I fell short.  You win some and you lose some.”

 

Said the elder Jackson: “I’m proud. It took a lot for us to get this far.  I know my people are proud.  We are strong people and we are coming back.”

 

SHOWTIME’s Steve Farhood called the Lara vs. Martirosyan rematch “a typical Lara fight.”

 

“As usual Lara’s style is extremely difficult for the judges to score,” Farhood said. “He’s so selective with his punches, yet he lands such a high percentage of them. And to make it even more difficult, a lot of Martirosyan’s body punches were blocked. The judges agreed on seven of the 12 rounds. It clearly was a close fight and what got Lara over the top was the 10-8 score in round 11.

 

“We benefit from the use of replay. Watching the punch that brought the deduction on replay, I believe that it wasn’t a low blow.

 

“Lara did what Lara does. Martirosyan fought about as well as he could. The difference was Lara’s accuracy and ring generalship. I think Martirosyan’s competitiveness made it a good fight.”

 

Lara, 33, was making his fourth title defense. “This is normal,” said Lara who landed 60 percent of the 160-plus power punches. “This is boxing, not baseball.  Low blows and headbutts happen. I’m a very intelligent fighter and at no point did I feel this fight was going to be lost.

 

“My mother and kids are still there so it would be a great privilege to go fight in my native Cuba.  Everything is possible in this world.  I didn’t think I’d be champion of the world and here I am.

 

“I want to tell Team Vanes thank you for giving me the rematch.  I’m ready to fight anybody.  I’d like to fight Canelo.

 

“The Charlo brothers are my teammates and having three of us going back as champions is a great thing.”

 

Martirosyan, the aggressor throughout, disputed the decision.

 

“I was chasing him all night,” he said. “I put on the pressure. I thought I did enough to win. That was not a low blow.  Replays show the trunks were high.

 

“I never ducked anyone.  No one wanted to fight Lara.  I stepped up and fought him again.  I’ll fight anyone.”

 

Undefeated IBF No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger Julian “J Rock” Williams (22-0-1, 14 KOs), was interviewed between fights by SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’s BrianCuster. Williams, of Philadelphia, has been calling out the Charlo Twins.

 

“I can’t get the fights I deserve,” Williams said. “But I’ve got a good team. I have Al Haymon and he got me the mandatory for the winner of Charlo-Trout. Guys know it’s a rough fight if they step in with me.  And they know 99 percent of the time they will lose.

 

“Jermall Charlo is an undefeated champion. I’m undefeated. That’s what boxing is all about – two young, hungry champions going at it in their primes. So, I am interested in fighting Jermall Charlo.”

 

On Charlo saying he’s sick of reading your tweets and he’d like to shut you up…

 

“Well, he doesn’t have to wait much longer so he doesn’t have any choice now,” Williams said. “I’m the mandatory and if he wins, we are going to fight next.”

 

Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggicommentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

 

Holden Productions Looks to Add to Four State Franchise; On Worldwide Search

Miami, OK (May 21, 2016) – Promoter Tony Holden is searching the globe for prospects he believes can develop into world champions.
Currently, Holden’s company Holden Productions promotes five local boxers known as the “Four State Franchise” and they routinely sell out the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK. The members of the “Four State Franchise” are unbeaten heavyweights Trey Lippe-Morrison and his step brother Kenzie Witt along with undefeated junior middleweight Jarrett Rouse and the Cook Brothers Dillon and Jesse.
Holden also promoted a number of big name fighters in the past including former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, boxing legends Naseem Hamed and Johnny Tapia, top contender Joe Mesi and world title challengers Allen Green and Zahir Raheem.
With many changes taking place in the boxing business and great local support for his fighters in the Sooner State, Holden’s expanding his horizons. Ultimately, his goal is to find the right fighter or fighters to compliment the “Four State Franchise” while also making them crowd attractions.
There are so many great fighters out there, many in places where people aren’t looking,” said Holden. “When I co-promoted the Showtime card here in March, we had two very talented Russian fighters on our card. Both fighters look like future world champions but still have gone a bit under the radar from a recognition standpoint. One of those fighters, Ivan Baranchyk, is somebody I believe would be a perfect fit.”
Ultimately, Holden is confident in his ability to scout talent and believes he’ll find the right boxers for his stable.
I’ve had all kinds of people reach out to me from trainers to managers and other promoters. I’m currently reviewing the fighters presented to me, carefully scouting each of them and putting together a list of fighters I plan to meet with. We will definitely be making some significant moves in the very near future.”

Beibut Shumenov vs. Junior Wright Weigh In

Beibut Shumenov 199 lbs.
Junior Wright 199 1/2 lbs.
(L-R) – Beibut Shumenov & Junior Wright
(pictures by Stephanie Trapp / Mayweather Promotions)
LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2016) – Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) weighed in today at 199 lbs, while Junior “Hurricane” Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs) tipped the scales at 199 1/2 lbs., for their 12-round World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Championship fight tomorrow at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

After three year absence, Chuck Mussachio returns in in rematch against Willis Lockett, Next Friday night at the Claridge in Atlantic City 

Isiah Seldon battles Eddie Edmond in main event

  Plus undefeated fighetrs Quian Davis, Fred Latham & 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 3-, 2016)–On 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.
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.
Mussachio of Wildwood, New Jersey has a record of 18-3-2 with five knockouts and will be looking to get back to winning ways that made him a contender.
He will be marking his ring return in a familiar town where he has performed 17 times.
“Everything is going well.  I am back in the swing of things and getting good sparring three days a week,” said Mussachio.  “I started getting the itch again when I was helping Isiah Seldon ready for his fight in March.  I am not worried about the layoff.  I got that ring rust off in February.  That wore off quickly and that motivated me to get back in the room quickly.  I have been in the gym the whole time, sparring.  I was in Bernard Hopkins last two camps, so I have been in good shape this whole time.”
Lockett of Takoma Park, Maryland has a record of 14-16-5 with five knockouts.
His record does not tell the story as Lockett has faced the “Whose-Who” of fighters between Super Middleweight and Heavyweight.
He has quality wins over Tyrone Tate (5-1), Calvin Riley (1-0), Willie Williams (6-1), former world title challenger Larry Marks, Joe McCreedy (10-2-1) & John Lennox (13-3). The winner of Lennox was part of Rising Promotions maiden card on December 5, 2015.
Lockett has faced eight undefeated fighters.  Lockett will look to break a two-fight losing streak.  In his last bout, Lockett was disqualified against Jordan Shimmell (19-1) on February 27 in Washington, DC.
“When we fought before,” said Mussachio, “I won that fight.  I can’t believe they ruled that a draw.  I have something to prove, because I took every round in that fight.  Looking back, I couldn’t even tell you how he is.  He never hit me.  I am just going to do what I did last time, but this time, I have to do more.”
Mussachio, who is a guidance counselor by day, isn’t just coming back for one fight.  He wants to get back to the status that got him to a 17-1-2 record and came within seconds of becoming USBA Cruiserweight champion before getting stopped by Garrett Wilson in 2011.
“The goal is to take this as far as I can.  I have my rhythm back.  This is not just one fight.  I want to get a big opportunity.  I already have the record for that.”
“I feel rejuvenated.  I haven’t took a pounding and I still have good legs.”
Mussachio would not have his comeback fight anywhere else and is impressed by the way Rising Boxing Promotions has handled business leading up to the fight.
“I don’t like fighting anywhere else but Atlantic City.  This is my 2nd home and it means a lot.  After all this time, the interest is still there for me and my fans are coming out.  It is like the old days.  I want to thank everyone for their continued support of my career which is now going on 12 years.  Debbie and Thomas LaManna have been great with Rising Promotions.  They are very professional and great to work with.”
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 a 6-round Heavyweight bout, Fred Latham (9-0-1, 5 KO’s) of Pittsburgh, PA will fight Jon Bolden (8-10-1, 6 KO’s) of New York.

In four round bouts:
In a four round Welterweight bout, Adrian Wilson (0-2) of Atlantic City will take on pro debuting DaQuan 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 (4-5-3) 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 battles Julio Crespo (0-1) of Puerto Rico in a Bantamweight bout
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

Guivas Taking a Realistic Approach to Facing ‘Big Baby’ Miller in CBS-televised Showdown next Friday at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Topeka, Kansas heavyweight Nick “Two Gunz” Guivas is taking a realistic approach to facing one of the most dangerous up-and-coming heavyweights in the world next weekend.
Guivas (12-3-2, 9 KOs) will take on undefeated WBO #11, WBA #12 and IBF #15 Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (16-0-1, 14 KOs) for the WBO NABO Heavyweight Championship on Friday, May 27, 2016, at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.
The two power-punching heavies will meet in the main event of Greg Cohen Promotions’ (in association with Salita Promotions, Adam Wilcock’s FightCard Promotions and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions) next instalment of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network.”
In the 10-round lightweight semi-final bout, red-hot Filipino prospect Harmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (17-0, 12 KOs) will make his debut on US soil against capable veteran Guillermo Sanchez (15-18-1, 6 KOs) of Buffalo.
 
Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” start at $35 and are available at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino box office,www.ticketmaster.com or you can charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
“I’m coming there to win, definitely,” said Guivas, “and I know I’m a lot smaller than him, but I think I can move around and stay away from his punches. He’s a very heavy hitter, so I’m going to move and box him and see what the outcome is. I’m going to give this guy everything I’ve got. And I know he’s coming to fight too, so at the end of the fight, may the best man get their hand raised.”
Taking on the red-hot Miller is not a job many heavyweights are hoping to get at the moment, but Guivas says the time is right for a challenge of this magnitude.
“I’m at the part of my career where I need to step up,” he explained. “When they offered me the fight, I was already somewhat in shape, so I said let’s get in better shape and see what we can do. I think at this time I’m ready for it.”
Guivas says he respects Miller’s power, but might have some openings to get a few things done. “Over the years, I’ve gotten smarter in the ring. I know the guy is a heavy puncher and had a really good amateur career. He’s got a good jab, but he doesn’t have super fast hands. I’ve also noticed he tends to wear down in the later rounds, so I have to take him deep and see if I can out-box him.”
A service technician for Coca Cola during the day, Guivas stared boxing and had his first fight at age eight. He ultimately had around 200 amateur fights and was a two-time silver gloves medalist, won the regional Golden Gloves tournament twice and went to the PAL Nationals. He got the nickname “Two Gunz” from promoter Damon Reed.
“My promoter, Damon, is my promoter and a fighter too. He gave me that name because of the size of my arms and because I hit him one time and he said he felt like he’d been shot with a gun.”
Guivas says he’s working hard at the Danger Fire Gym in Topeka, before and after work every day, and doing things a bit different to prepare for Miller.
“I get up early in the morning and get my run in and then in evenings after work I do my boxing and sparring. I end up doing four to five hours a day of training. I have no choice, but to do it like that. In the past, I’ve had one or two sparring partners for a fight, and I would go five or six rounds with that guy. For this fight, we brought in five guys and I get a fresh one every round. And the guys I’m sparring with are guys that are at the next level or getting ready to become top fighters. I’m getting a fresh look from different guys every round.”
A good counterpuncher and a decent boxer, Guivas says a victory next Friday would change everything.
“I think beating Miller would definitely put me to the next level. The guy is top 10. If I can get the win I’d be in the money next time. I don’t fight just for the money though. I love to fight. That’s what I do.”
On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information, call 877-873-6322 or visit www.senecaniagaracasino.com.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.
Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.
Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.
In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.
Cohen currently promotes WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion Ismael Barroso, Undefeated WBA NABA Heavyweight Champion and world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, undefeated WBA NABA  Middleweight Champion and world-rated contender Robert Brant, former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.
Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.
For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxingTwitter: @GCPBoxing.

Saturday night’s Shumenov vs. Wright fight now for WBA cruiserweight world title

LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2016) – The World Boxing Association (WBA) has declared Saturday night’s fight between No. 1 ranked contender Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) and  No. 11-rated Junior “Hurricane” Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs) will become the  WBA “regular” cruiserweight world champion.  The 12-round off-TV bout will take place at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.
Shumenov had been the WBA “interim” cruiserweight world champion and mandatory challenger for WBA Super cruiserweight titlist Denis Lebedev (28-2, 21 KOs), who also fights this Saturday in a unification match against International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Victor Emilio “El Tyson de Abasto” Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KOs) in Russia.
The WBA has mandated that the Shumenov-Wright winner will be the mandatory challenger for the Lebedev-Ramirez unified winner, which must take place within 120 days.
Friday’s night’s fight in France between No. 2 Yunier Dorticos and No. 3 Youri Kalenga, erroneously billed as for the WBA “regular” title,will now be for the WBA “interim” cruiserweight world championship.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Erislandy Lara, Vanes Martirosyan, Jermall Charlo, Austin Trout, Jermell Charlo & John Jackson Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
World Championship Tripleheader Of 154-Pound Title Fights Live on SHOWTIME Saturday Night From The Chelsea inside
 The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE To Download A Graphic Of The Charlo Twins Comparison Chart
 
LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2016) – The six elite 154-pound fighters competing on Saturday’sSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
In attendance Thursday and headlining the event were WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Vanes Martirosyan. Televised coverage begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT and features IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo taking on former champion Austin Trout plus undefeated challenger Jermell Charlo battling hard-hitting John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $39, and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000;www.ticketmaster.com.
Twin brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo celebrated their 26th birthday Thursday and were celebrated with a cake at the final press conference that took place at Rose. Rabbit. Lie. at The Cosmopolitan. On Saturday they look to become the first twin brothers to hold world titles at the same time in the same weight class.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
ERISLANDY LARA
“I plan on going in there and getting into my zone and making the adjustments that will allow me to be victorious.
“One difference between this fight and our last fight is that I’m coming into this fight 100 percent healthy. I’m not making any excuses but I had a fractured knuckle going into our first fight. I still felt I was winning the fight. This time I’m not going to leave any doubt about who is the best.
“I have no pressure on me. I feel calm. Part of that comes with experience but I also know that I’m going to go in there and execute my game plan like I always do.
“I’m always stuck in controversial fights because of my fighting style.
“I’m excited to be sharing the stage with the Charlo brothers. We have trained together, so being part of this with them is great.
“Vanes’s a lot more passive than he was for the first fight. He was telling me I better be ready.
“I’m going to do what I have to do. Put my game plan together, put my punches together, I’m going to do everything that I have to do to be victorious on Saturday night.
On how he’s improved from the first fight…
“The fundamentals are always there. Every fighter gets better with every fight. You get a little bit more experience and that’s the difference.”
VANES MARTIROSYAN
“I’ve had a tremendous camp. I have a great team. I’ve had incredible sparring partners and I can’t wait for the real thing on Saturday.
“I’m in the best shape of my life and I’ve never been so ready. I don’t have to tell you what I’m going to do up here, because you’re going to see it on Saturday night. Actions speak louder than words. This is going to be the best Vanes you’ll ever see.
“This time around I am definitely going to be more aggressive. I cannot wait for Saturday.
“There is a different feeling for me in this fight than ever before. It’s for a world title, this is as big as it gets.
“It is the ‘Dream’ versus the ‘Nightmare,’ and you’ll definitely see the ‘Nightmare’ on Saturday night.
On what he saw in Lara’s eyes when they faced off…
“A fighter looking at another fighter. I see hunger in both eyes.
“A lot of the first fight, I was kind of inexperienced but we’ve matured a lot throughout the years. Four years into this game, a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge in the game so there’s a lot I learned from the first fight.
“The whole division is here, it’s awesome. They should do this more often and I’m happy that SHOWTIME put together such a great card.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“Every fight on this card could have been the main event. To be on a card like this with all these great fighters is exciting.
“Boxing has a lot of really big fights with the Charlos coming in the future. We’re going to take it one step at a time. This is a great fight that we have in front of us.
“I’m very proud of my brother, to have accomplished what he has at 26-years-old, coming from where we came from.
“This is a huge fight for me. This is more to me than winning a world title. I put my all into this. None of Trout’s experience matters. I’m a real lion and I’m going to show it.
“Austin Trout is just a name to me. He beat Cotto, so what? I have work to do. I’m focused on getting the job done.
“We (the brothers) both do different things, but we also have the same skills and the same power. No one in the division can match up to us.
“We always thought that we would be winners and that we would be competing at the top level. Now it’s time to make history. We want to prove why we’re at the top.
“Me and my brother have always wanted to be champions at the same time. There’s never been anything like this. This era, you will get a chance to enjoy us. We’ve worked very hard to get here and we’re going to reign on this level.
“After this, I’m coming for the (160-pound fighters). To be a top pound-for-pound fighter you need to dominate different divisions and that is my goal. That doesn’t mean I’m struggling with weight. I feel good right now but I think I will be even stronger at 160.
May 21 there is nothing that is going to stop me from losing my belt.”
AUSTIN TROUT
“It’s no coincidence that I’m back at the top making a title run. I paid my dues and put in all the hard work necessary.
“I have nothing bad to say about Jermall as a person or a fighter. But at the end of the day, the  history will be my own. I’m going to use him for my legacy, not the other way around.
“I worked hard to get here. I’m sharp and on weight. There is nothing that I feel like he can do to beat me that night.
“Charlo took a chance with this fight. There is no mistake in taking a chance. But will the chance end up in his favor? I hardly doubt it. This won’t be easy. I’m never in easy fights. They’re always great fights.
“Size won’t be a problem. He still has to make 154 pounds.
“I want to thank Jermall for taking this fight. He’s doing something that a lot of people won’t do. But at the end of the day, I’m going to be the lion tamer. I’m going to tame that lion.”
What flaws do you see?…
“I don’t want to tell you about his flaws because he might fix them by Saturday, but we see a couple flaws.
On if it would hurt him to move up to 160…
“It may, it may not. We’re not looking at any extra edge or wishing to put all our eggs in one basket. What we’re banking on is our skillset and our grip to come out victorious. Whether it hurts him or not, it’s not going to matter. Only thing it’s going to do is make it easier for me.
“I’ve been there, I’ve been to the deep waters. I’ve seen many different types of strategies and styles. In a sense, there’s nothing that he brings to the table that I haven’t seen before.
“I’ve got a big dog in me that you’re going to see Saturday night. You’re going to see what should have been the main event. Me and Charlo, it’s going to be a great fight and I hope y’all tune in because I’m taking that belt.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“I appreciate everyone involved in putting this fight together. To me this is a card that people need to be pay attention to. I believe that everyone on this card is going to give it their all, because we all motivated each other to be here.
“I’m fighting John Jackson, the son of a legend. I don’t believe John Jackson will be able to live up to his dad and if his dad ever had to face me, I would have beat him too.
“We’re getting more and more experience. People thought that Gabriel Rosado was too big of a test for me but I dominated that fight. I’m going to pass any test they put in front of me. Over the course of time, you’re eventually going to have to say we the experience.
“I’m proud of what my brother has done. His success motivates me. He’s a world champion. These are the kind of things we look forward to.
“This is our time. There is no more that we can say. There is a lot that’s coming ahead of us.
“I’m coming to win. I trained hard. It’s time for a world title for me. I have to fulfill my end of the bargain. John Jackson has been in wars, but so have I. This is our time, me and my brother’s.
“Being on the same card as my brother is already a high standard so being on a card with the rest of the undercard guys, I’m honored and ready to show what I have to do. I’m ready to make history. I’m ready to win this belt and enjoy my vacation after.
“I’m sticking with 154 right now. I would love to go to 160 because it’s easier for me but because it’s easier that’s why I wouldn’t go up. Making 154 for him is easy as well, he just sees other options.”
JOHN JACKSON
“I’m extremely blessed to be here. I’m looking to make history. My dad was a champion and I’m going to do the same thing.
“Jermell is just selling the fight. We don’t take anything he says personally. We’ll humble him and put him in his place.
“This is a dream come true and the Jackson legacy will live on.
“It’s going to be a great night. This could be the best fight of the card, easily. If you watch my career, every single fight I bring it. You’re going to see action and explosiveness.”
On Jermell Charlo’s comments about his father…
“That’s disrespectful. My dad paid his dues and to talk about my dad like that is kind of disrespectful. It’s not getting to me. Fighters use that to try to get in your head but it’s fine, I’ll let him pay in the ring.”
If Jermell’s ego is getting to him…
“Yeah, he needs to humble himself. That was a little out of line. But we’ll see what he looks like in the ring.”
On what flaws he sees in his game…
“He has a lot of flaws. How he leans forward and waits a lot. But his style is perfect for my style. I always bring it and give 100 percent and we’re looking for a stoppage.
 “It’s going to be explosive don’t miss it. SHOWTIME, it’s going down.”
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