Category Archives: boxing

Former World Champion Miguel Vazquez Takes On Super Lightweight Contender Erick Bone in New Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from The Dancehall in San Antonio On Saturday, May 28

 
Televised Coverage Begins at (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 19, 2016) – Former world champion Miguel “Titere” Vazquez (35-5, 13 KOs) is set to take on super lightweight contender Erick Bone (16-3, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Dancehall in San Antonio on Saturday, May 28 with televised coverage beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Bone replaces Felix Diaz, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury. Bone will return to 140-pounds after challenging Shawn Porter and Chris Algieri at welterweight in 2015.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to face a former world champion like Miguel Vazquez next Saturday night,” said Bone. “I look forward to fighting in front of the great fans in San Antonio and proving that I am a dangerous fighter that will leave it all in the ring.”
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) 988-8821 visit http://lbtickets.ticketleap.com/march28th2016/ or in person at Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave.
The 29-year-old Vazquez had a successful reign as 135-pound champion and defended his title eight times during his championship run. After beating Ji-Hoon Kim for his title, he would go on to defend it against the likes of Denis Shafikov, Mercito Gesta, Leonardo Zappavigna and Ammeth Diaz. Fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Vazquez’s most recent victory came against Jerry Belmontes and he is looking to rebound from a decision loss to Algenis Mendez in October.
The 26-year-old Bone has fought in the U.S. since 2014 and began his career stateside with victories over Francisco Figueroa, Mahonri Montes and Peter Oluoch. Born in Manabi, Ecuador, Bone won the first 12 bouts of his career. His most recent losses have come at welterweight and against former world champions. Now, he returns to the 140-pound division where he picked up a South American title in 2012.
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/foxsportsand www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ruslan Provodnikov – John Molina Jr. Promotional video

     
Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® ONSATURDAY JUNE 11 At 9 p.m. ET/ PT
For Immediate Release
VERONA, New York (May 19, 2016) — Below is a promotional video in advance of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®  tripleheader that will take place on Saturday, June 11 from the Turning Stone Resort Casino that will be headlined by Ruslan Provodnikov and John Molina Jr. in a 12-round junior welterweight bout.
Media outlets may copy/paste the embedded code on their digital platforms
Provodnikov - Molina Jr. Promotional video
Provodnikov – Molina Jr. Promotional video
Provodnikov-Molina Jr. will headline a tripleheader that begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME®.  The event features a WBC Super Welterweight Elimination bout between Demetrius Andrade and Willie Nelson, plus a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship that will pit No. 1 Dejan Zlaticanin against No. 2 Emiliano Marsili.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com.
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Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, 1,200 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

Stacked Undercard Comes to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25

 
Exciting Matchups Feature Unbeaten Fighters as Jarrett Hurd Faces Oscar Molina & 
David Benavidez Takes On Francy Ntetu
&
Brooklyn Fan Favorites Heather Hardy & Adam Kownacki Return
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospect Regis Prograis, 2012 Spanish Olympian
Jonathan Alonso & Unbeaten Josue Vargas
As Part of Exciting Night of Action
BROOKLYN (May 19, 2016) – A stacked undercard featuring top rising talent and local favorites will light up the ring at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as part of an extraordinary night of action on Saturday, June 25.
The June 25 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on CBS event, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight showdown between world champion Keith Thurman and former champion Shawn Porter. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with an exciting battle between featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
In undercard action, undefeated super welterweights, Maryland’s Jarrett Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs), and California’s Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs), will collide in a 10-round bout while undefeated light heavyweights, Arizona’s David Benavidez (14-0, 13 KOs) and Francy Ntetu (16-0, 3 KOs), will mix it up in an eight-round fight.
Two staples of Brooklyn boxing will also enter the ring on June 25 as Heather “The Heat” Hardy (16-0, 4 KOs) competes in an eight-round super bantamweight attraction while Polish bruiser Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) competes in a heavyweight bout.
Also in action on June 25 is hard-hitting, highly regarded 140-pound prospect Regis Prograis (17-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round fight, 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso(8-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight scrap and Mayweather Promotions prospectJosue Vargas (4-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round fight.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $49 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Fighting out of Accokeek, Md., Hurd has an unblemished professional record since turning pro in 2012. The 25-year-old opened up 2015 with a third-round stoppage of veteran Eric Mitchell and followed with a seventh-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jeff Lentz in August. He stepped up in competition last November when he faced Frank Galarza in Las Vegas and was able to show off his considerable skill by stopping the previously unbeaten fighter in the sixth round of perhaps a career-best performance.
Representing Mexico, the 2012 Olympian Molina fights out of Norwalk, Calif., and is unbeaten in his brief professional career. The 26-year-old turned pro in 2013 and after winning a decision in his first bout, he went on to knock out six opponents in a row. His last bout came against fellow unbeaten Domonique Dolton and featured exciting back-and-forth action before the fight was ruled a majority draw.
The younger brother of undefeated Jose Benavidez, David has racked up a perfect 14 wins in 14 starts at just 19-years-old. Fighting out of Phoenix, Benavidez picked up four victories via stoppage in 2015 and kicked off his 2016 with a knockout of Kevin Cobbs in January. Most recently, he scored a second round knockout of Phillip Jackson Benson in April. The next challenge for Benavidez is the 33-year-old Ntetu, who won three times in 2015. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he fights out of Montreal and will be making his fifth appearance in the U.S. on June 25.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena since. On June 25, she will be making her seventh appearance at Barclays Center. A little over two years after her pro debut, Hardy won an international title belt in the super bantamweight division in October 2014. In 2015, she defeated Noemi Bosques and Renata Domsodi twice. In her lone 2016 fight, she stopped Anna Donatella Hultin in the fourth round.
A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kownacki had a big 2015, notching four victories including knockouts of Maurenzo Smith and Randy Easton. Born in Lomza, Poland, the 26-year-old now calls Brooklyn home. His 2016 campaign began in January at Barclays Center when he defeated Danny Kelly in front of a raucous Polish crowd.
Originally from New Orleans but fighting out of Houston, Prograis continues to work his way up the 140-pound rankings as he takes down veteran contenders. The 27-year-old looked sensational in his last outing as he scored a first round knockout over Mexico’s Aaron Herrera. Already named on of ESPN’s top prospects in 2015, he will look to cement his contender status in 2016.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Alonso moved to Spain at seven-years-old and would eventually represent the country at the 2012 Olympics. Now training in Brooklyn, the 25-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2014 while splitting time fighting in New York and Spain.  He is coming off a victory over Ricardo Maldonado in February.
Vargas began boxing at age eight and by by age 13 the New York Daily News dubbed him a “prodigy.” Fighting out of New York, the 17-year-old Vargas recently signed to the Mayweather Promotions stable and will make his debut with his new promoter on June 25.
 
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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.

Cruiserweight Champion Beibut Shumenov Takes on Chicago’s Junior Wright & Top Contender B.J. Flores Battles Mexico’s Roberto Santos on Saturday, May 21 From The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

 
Plus! Super Middleweight Contender Lanell Bellows & Super Lightweight Prospect Tra-Kwon Pettis Round Out Action in Separate Undercard Fights
 
LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2016) – Cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs)will battle once-beaten Junior Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs)and top contender B.J. Flores takes on Mexico’s Roberto Santos (12-3, 5 KOs) in a pair of boutsthat highlight undercard action on Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The May 21 event features SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a tripleheader of 154-pound world title fights. The main event sees a rematch between WBA champion Erislandy Lara and U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyanplus IBF champion Jermall Charlo battling former champion Austin Trout and unbeaten contender Jermell Charlo facing top contender John Jackson for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight world title.
 
Shumenov will defend his cruiserweight title in a 12-round matchup with Wright while Flores will make his heavyweight debut against and Santos in a six-round tilt.
 
Rounding out the action is Las Vegas-native Lanell “KO” Bellows (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight contest against Virginia’s Scott Sigmon (26-8-1, 14 KOs) and unbeaten prospect Tra-Kwon “Superman” Pettis (3-0, 1 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight battle against Mexico’s Carlos Rodriguez (6-2, 2 KOs).
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.
A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on his last fight, which saw him earn a cruiserweight crown by defeating B.J. Flores in July. His first title defense was scheduled for December but was cancelled when Shumenov suffered an eye injury. The 32-year-old won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan went on to defend his title five times and will make his first 200-pound defense against Chicago’s Wright. The 29-year-old has won back-to-back fights since suffering his only loss last May.
Twice a U.S. National Champion as an amateur, Flores seeks a run at a world title after coming up just short in a decision loss to Shumenov last July. Born in San Francisco, but fighting out of Chandler, Arizona, Flores had won seven fights in a row before his last bout including victories over veterans Kevin Engel and Anthony Caputo Smith. He will be opposed by the durable Mexican Santos, who has never been stopped.
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

Erislandy Lara, Vanes Martirosyan, Jermall Charlo, Austin Trout, Jermell Charlo & John Jackson Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Fighters Prepare for Saturday Night’s World Championship Tripleheader from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Amanda Wescott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2016) – Fight week kicked off Wednesday with media workouts at the UNLV Boxing Gym for the six fighters competing in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING  tripleheader of 154-pound world title fights this Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Working out Wednesday 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.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
ERISLANDY LARA
 
“I’m not surprised that I’m fighting Vanes again. It’s my job to fight whoever they put in front of me.
“I felt that I was a better fighter than him the first time and I’m a little better in almost every area since. One of the most important things is my way of training and my way of getting prepared. I feel that I am much more mature.
“I like being back in Las Vegas again. I’m definitely prepared to do what I do – and that’s win.
“After I win Saturday, I would love to fight GGG or Canelo, but I would prefer GGG. It’s not frustrating that I’m not fighting the biggest names all the time. I’m a headliner.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just going to do my job and just keep winning. As long as I keep winning, everything will take care of itself.”
VANES MARTIROSYAN
“I’ve been fighting as a pro for over 10 years. This is definitely the most important fight of my career. It’s do or die. Win and I move 10 steps forward, lose and I go 10 steps backwards.
“Beating Lara this time is 10 times bigger than if I had won the first time. Lara has gotten better, maybe his style hasn’t changed much, but I feel that I’m much better too.
“There has been lots of changes in my camp. All for the better. I’m more focused in training. We’ve gone back to doing things the way we used to. I’ve really been dedicated. More than ever.
“I’ve given 100 percent every single day in the gym. This is going to be a tough fight. I hope he comes to me. It makes for a good fight. Actually, I think he is going to come forward a little more than people expect, but I’m prepared to chase him. Whatever it takes to be effective.
“If he is aggressive, once he feels my power, he is going to go back to what he does best – running.
“I’m coming to give my all.”
JERMALL CHARLO
“All of the lost opportunities were part of my journey to get to this point. I know people aren’t going to give me my credit for fighting Trout because people will feel like he has had his time in his career, which we all do, but now it’s my time and I’m taking every opportunity I can.
“I look back at the situations I’ve had to get here and it’s exciting. I have a big name opponent in Austin Trout and I feel like the underdog. I’m the young buck in the game who’s trying to be the lion. Although I do have the belt, its because I had to take it from someone that didn’t deserve it.
“Every time Austin Trout gets to this level, he fails. He didn’t fight the same Miguel Cotto, he just wasn’t himself that night. I have to come in there and take what’s mine.
“Whatever happens, I’m excited. We train, we prepare for 12 rounds. I’m prepared for whatever I need to be.
“I’m excited to be here and fight and be able to support my brother. We’re able to roll through anything and keep looking forward. The good and the bad.
“Everything I’ve been through; I try to move forward every fight. I got the belt from Cornelius Bundrage, I defended the belt and now I have the opportunity to fight Austin Trout – a bigger name.
AUSTIN TROUT
“I take my hat off to him. He’s undefeated. He’s a champion. I’ve been through more to get to where I’m at. I’m more of a dangerous fighter.
“He’s not one to shy away from a challenge. I feel like I’m a better fighter. I’m shocked that I got a title shot this fast. I thought I was going to have to go back to the drawing board. The opportunity came and I’m so excited.
“I’ve been working on my inside game. The things outside of the ring – tightening up myself as a person. It’s been helping me in the ring.
On Jermall predicting a knockout:
“He’s dreaming. Everyone has dreams, but I’ve been known to bust people’s bubbles. No one has been able to knock me out. He thinks he’s a great man. A better man than Canelo or Lara? He’s tripping.
“I’m probably his toughest test to date.
“The next chapter would be to fight my mandatory, unify and be undisputed champion.”
JERMELL CHARLO
“This is history in the making. It’s extremely exciting. We never really thought about it like this. We knew we would be boxing and winning titles, but this is special. We have the opportunity to both be world champions at the same time.
“We don’t know what to expect on Saturday, but we’re excited to put on a show and make a mark.
“I have to get in there and prove to my opponent and the rest of the world that I’m dangerous and I will be victorious.
“We always wanted to fight. We always want to prove ourselves to each other. About everything. We caused trouble but found ourselves in boxing.
“I thought my opportunity would come first, but everything happens for a reason. Look at this moment. It’s motivated me and now it’s paying off.
“The new training camp has been an adjustment, not being with my brother every day. I’ve been able to define who I am and my brother is able to do his thing.
“My motivation is that I was once with my brother everyday. What pushed me so much in camp was knowing that I’m not with my brother everyday, but I’m still in the same shape, even better and stronger. Not through coaches, but in general. Mentally I’m the same or better. We didn’t get worse because we split. The point is what we are doing to stay in shape physically and mentally to be the best we can be.”
JOHN JACKSON
“This is going to be a good fight. It could be the best fight on the card. I’m an explosive fighter so expect fireworks.
“My dad has given me advice my whole career. I have a lot of great insight about how to manage my emotions. He’s instrumental in my corner. I’m 100 percent ready.
“There is a lot of pressure on Jermell, but I’m sure he’s not over thinking it. I’m expecting the best Charlo in there.
“I go in there to go to war. Whatever happens, happens. I’m going to leave it all in the ring and give the fans a great show.
“I’m happy to be the underdog. I like to be the underdog and prove people wrong. I’m happy to be in this position. I was an underdog in the Olympics. I love the pressure. He has more to lose than I do.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment my whole life. I’m 100 percent ready for this and I can’t wait to perform under the lights.
“Make sure you tune-in, because I’m going all out for the belt.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“We’re very busy. We are going full steam ahead. We are doing events, putting butts in the seats and promoting our fighters.
“This is a great card. Anytime you can put the top fighters in a single weight class on the same show, it is bound to be a great event for the fans and for the sport in general.
“We’re happy to be working with SHOWTIME once again to put on another tremendously competitive fight card for the fans.
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/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Undefeated featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary continues to develop 

–   Pictures courtesy of Mikey Williams –
PROVIDENCE (May 18, 2016)) – Undefeated blue-chip featherweight prospect Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (17-0, 11 KOs) continues to show improvement in each and every fight.  Last weekend, the 23-year-old Liberia-native knocked out seasoned veteran Orlando Rizo (19-7) in the fourth round at Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, California.
Kahn-Clary, fighting out of Providence, may still be flying under the radar but he’s getting closer to becoming a breakout star.  His most recent fight was his first scheduled 10-rounder.
“I put in a lot of hard roadwork, running seven miles a day, and (his head trainer) Peter (Manfredo, Sr.) really pushed me,” Kahn-Clary talked about preparing for his last fight.  I got some good work from Javier Fortuna, sparring him a few times, and he’s a good southpaw.
“I wasn’t looking for a knockout but it just happened.  I stepped left and threw a left.  I didn’t load up but it was accurate, hitting him right on his chin.  I was happy to get the knockout but I was looking forward to getting in some more rounds.”
“Nothing Toka does really surprises me because I’ve known since the beginning that he’s special,” Manfredo commented.  “Toka continues to improve with each fight and he’s hungry to get to the next level.  There’s no rush, he doesn’t turn 24 to next year.  He’s still maturing.  The kid he knocked out was Nicolas Walters’ main sparring partner.
“I just don’t want to put him in with the big names just yet.  He’s maturing but he’s not all the way there.  He’s improving all of the time, putting his combinations together better each fight.  I’ve also noticed that he’s nice and relaxed in the ring now.  He’s becoming a good boxer who always had power.  Top Rank is doing a great job moving him. Everybody’s happy.”
A decorated American amateur who had a 131-11 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 2010 National Golden Gloves Tournament, Kahn-Clary passed on a shot to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team to turn pro three years ago.
“I’ve been boxing 10 years now,” Kahn-Clary added. “Knowing what I’ve already accomplished, I also realize that I’m still improving.  I’ll be back in the gym Monday to get ready for the next call we get about my next fight.  (Top Rank’s) Brad Goodman is one of the best matchmakers in boxing.  He and everybody at Top Rank are doing a great job positioning me for a big opportunity.  That may not happen this year but, hopefully, it will sometime next year.  I’m boxing so much better now than I ever did.  I used to fight like I was in a fog but, now, my eyes are wide open.”
Not bad for a kid who left his mother and siblings in Liberia when he was six, only to have his father murdered a year after he arrived in the United States.  He’s overcome many difficult obstacles in his young life, most of them tougher than any opponents he’ll every fight, including a stretch in which he was homeless.  It’s only made him tougher and an even better overall person.
 
Follow Kahn-Clary on Twitter and Instagram @TokaKahnClary, or friend him on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/tokakahn.

World champion Beibut Shumenov to defend title vs. Junior Wright this Saturday night in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim Cruiserweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) makes his first title defense this Saturday night (May 21) against WBA No. 11-rated Junior “Hurricane” Wright (15-1-1, 12 KOs) at The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
“I’m happy to get the opportunity to fight this Saturday night,” Shumenov said, “but I wish that I could fight more often.  I’ve been ready since January.  Every training session I gain new knowledge.  I am a completely different fighter than in my last fight.”
Shumenov’s last fight was back in July, in which he defeated B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) by 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas to capture the vacant WBA Interim title, making the former WBA light heavyweight champion Shumenov the first professional boxer from Kazakhstan to be a two-division world champion.
By becoming the WBA Interim cruiserweight champion, Shumenov also became the No. 1 ranked mandatory challenger for WBA Super cruiserweight titlist Denis Lebedev (28-2, 21 KOs), who also fights this Saturday in Russia against International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Victor Emilio “El Tyson de Abasto” Ramirez (22-2-1, 17 KOs) in a unification match.
The WBA has already mandated that the Lebedev-Ramirez must fight Shumenovwithin 120 days. The WBA, however, has failed to explain why it also declared a WBA “regular” cruiserweight world title fight this Friday night in France between No. 2 Yunier Dorticos and No. 5 Youri Kalenga (since upgraded to No. 3), especially after announcing that it would work this year to have only one world champion in each weight class.
Shumenov, of course, is risking his mandatory position by fighting Wright, the former 5-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion.  “I need to stay active,” Shumenov explained why he’s taking such a risk.  “Every fight, I gain experience and it also helps me develop my fighting skills.”
The 12-round Shumenov vs. Wright title fight is on the non-televised portion of The Cosmopolitan show.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Mario Heredia looking to score big upset on June 11 against Boxcino Heavyweight champion Andrey Fedosov

   
Live on SHO EXTREME® At 7 p.m. ET/ PT
For Immediate Release
DISTRITO, Mexico (May 18, 2016) — Mexico’s Mario Heredia was denied a chance to prove that he is a top heavyweight contender when an injury forced him to withdraw from the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight tournament
Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2, 1 KO in WSB), of Merida, Mexico, will now get that opportunity when he takes on the Boxcino champion, Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KO’s) live on SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT) from The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.  The fight precedes a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader headlined by a 12-round junior welterweight showdown between Ruslan Provodnikov and John Molina Jr.
Heredia has been training hard in Mexico, and is now looking at this fight as his time to shine against the well regarded Fedosov.
“This is one of the biggest chances of my life,” said Heredia.  “This is the time to show the world what I am made of.
“I was born ready to do this.  You will see the rise of a great Mexican Heavyweight on June 11.”
Said manager, Sergio Zaragoza, “Not only will Mario win impressively, but I predict a knockout and it will be a Mexican style finish.”
Provodnikov-Molina Jr. will headline a tripleheader that begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME®.  The event features a WBC Super Welterweight Elimination bout between Demetrius Andrade and Willie Nelson, plus a battle for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship that will pit No. 1 Dejan Zlaticanin against No. 2 Emiliano Marsili.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com.
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Turning Stone Resort Casino is no stranger to hosting high caliber nationally televised boxing events. Last year, Turning Stone hosted the epic battle between Provodnikov and Matthysee, selected over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami. When Provodnikov returns to Turning Stone on June 11th, it will mark Turning Stone’s 18th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout fights. Located in Upstate New York, Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, 21 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, 1,200 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, five beautiful golf courses, and several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

Baltimore Boxing’s Donald Wallace to make pro debut Saturday in Virginia

 

Baltimore, MD (May 18, 2016) – Baltimore Boxing middleweight prospect “Dangerous” Donald Wallace is slated to make his pro debut against fellow newcomer Brian Straus in a four round match up Saturday evening at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

In the last year, Wallace went from a virtual unknown to a respected up and comer in the notoriously tough Baltimore-Maryland-DC region. A participant in the 2016 Olympic Qualifiers, Wallace exceeded expectations but ultimately came up short after dropping a debatable decision to well-regarded Sharif Rahman.

Since the defeat to Rahman, Wallace has been fighting with a chip on his shoulder and the kind of hunger necessary to make it in a sport brutal as boxing. Now that his brief but successful amateur career is behind him, Wallace is focused on his future in the paid ranks.

“I’m excited and have been working on getting my weight down,” said Wallace. “My last few amateur fights I fought too heavy but that’s no longer an issue. I’ve already had experience boxing without the headgear during the Olympic Qualifiers so I’m not worried about that aspect. I actually like that the gloves are smaller in the pros because I’m looking for a knockout or stoppage in the first round to enter the pros in style!”

Jake Smith, Wallace’s manager and trainer, has been involved in the fight game for more than three decades and is a firm believer in him.

“Donald came to me with no experience but the desire to learn and improve. He is an incredibly hard worker and has come very far in a short period of time. I believe his work ethic alone will take him places in this sport and I’m looking forward to Saturday night.”

Tickets are available by calling 410-375-9175.

Fans can interact with Donald on Twitter @Wallytbe and for more information on Baltimore Boxing, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

Undefeated Knockout Artist Artur Beterbiev Returns to Take On Light Heavyweight Contender Ezequiel Maderna In Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions Live On ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, June 4 From Bell Center in Montreal (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)

For Immediate Release
 
Unbeaten Rising Welterweight Contenders Meet As
Bryant Perrella Battles David Grayton in Co-Main Event
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
MONTREAL (May 18, 2016) – Unbeaten light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) will battle veteran Argentine Olympian Ezequiel Maderna (23-2, 15 KOs) in a 12-round showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes Saturday, June 4 from Bell Center in Montreal.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and features an exciting co-main event that sees a pair of undefeated rising contenders enter the ring as Florida’s Bryant Perrella (13-0, 12 KOs) squares-off against Washington, D.C.’s David Grayton (14-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. PBC on ESPN returns for the first of seven fight nights between June 4 and August 12 that will feature exciting and competitive battles.
“I have never been out of the ring for a whole year as an amateur or professional so I can’t wait to fight,” said Beterbiev. “We’ve watched some tapes of Maderna and he seems like a complete fighter. We will be ready on June 4.”
“I’m working very hard in preparation of this fight,” said Maderna. “My goal is to fight a perfect fight that will be very important to my professional future.”
“I’m excited for an opportunity to take on a young undefeated lion who’s looking to become a world champion like myself,” said Perrella. “We’re grinding away every day at training camp. We have some new things we’re working on because we know he’s going to come at me hard. I’m ready to either box or brawl. Either way, I’m coming out on top.”
“I’m ready to get in the ring and put on a great performance,” said Grayton. “Training is going well and I’ve had lots of good sparring and conditioning. We know we have a rangy southpaw who’s going to be tough. It’s about whoever wants it the most and I bet I’ll be hungrier. When I get the win, the sky is the limit.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), are on sale at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666) or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.
“We will launch the Grand Prix activities, which is the biggest sports week in Montreal, with this card,” said Yvon Michel, President of GYM. “Artur is the next boxing superstar in Quebec. He injured his shoulder, but the surgery fixed everything. We plan for him to fight three times in 2016. We want Sergey Kovalev by the end of the year or beginning of 2017.”
Beterbiev returns to his adopted homeland after last fighting in June 2015 and recovering from a shoulder surgery. A two-time Russian Olympian, Beterbiev has fought out of Montreal for his professional career that began in 2013. The 31-year-old has sent all of his opponents out within the distance including dominating performances over former world champions Tavoris Cloud and Gabriel Campillo.
Maderna turned pro in 2008 after representing his native Argentina in the 2008 Olympics and was unbeaten in his first 19 fights before losing a narrow decision to Edwin Rodriguez. Both of the 29-year-old’s defeats have come to unbeaten fighters and he enters this fight on a three bout winning streak including a first round knockout of Rolando Mansilla his last time out.
An undefeated 27-year-old out of Fort Myers, Florida, Perrella comes in off a second round stoppage of Ramon Ayala in January. He picked up five knockouts in a row in 2015 and looks to make it 11 in a row overall when he faces his toughest test yet on June 4.
A Washington D.C. product, Grayton was a National Golden Gloves Champion who beat Errol Spence Jr. on his way to picking up that title. The 28-year-old entered the professional ranks in 2012 and is unbeaten since. He began 2016 with a stoppage of Daniel Souza Santos in January and now looks to make his mark in a competitive welterweight battle.
For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca,  follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ABeterbiev @@yvonmichelgym, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions andwww.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.  Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.