Category Archives: boxing

King’s Promotions Thomas “KO” Snow ready for statement win over Del Valle Friday night in Washington, DC

Washington, DC (May 12, 2016)– This Friday night in Washington, DC, Thomas Snow will meet Luis Orlando Del Valle (21-2, 16 KO’s) in the co-feature bout of nationally televised show live on BET.

The show is promoted by Roc Nation Sports.

Snow of Washington, DC has a record of 18-2 with 12 knockouts and this is a big opportunity fighting on a big platform.
“Training camp went great.  It was a perfect camp and now it is time to do something, and I am going out there to get the win.”
Asked what he knew about Del Valle, Snow did know much other than some basic information.
“Del Valle is a conventional fighter from Puerto Rico.  He has a similar record, but hasn’t fought many good guys.  I saw his fight with (former world champion) Vic Darchinyan.  (A fight that Del Valle lost via unanimous decision in 2012).
This is a fight that most boxing experts believe is a crossroads fight, with the winner leaping into contention, but Snow does not feel the pressure of  the fight.

“I think he has more to lose then me.  I am moving up two weight classes.  I would prefer to be fighting at 115 pounds, but the opportunities have been coming at higher weights.  With that being said, I don’t think he is on my level.  So I am confident in this fight and the win will be an awesome breakthrough.”
Despite fighting in his hometown, Snow does not think that plays any part in who will win the fight.
“There is no advantage to that.  In boxing, it just takes one punch and that crowd I not help that.”
“I know what I did in training camp and I am prepared.  I am not fearful of any man.  God blessed me with skills and I am going to do the work.  I just know by keeping God in your life, everything will go great for you.”
Said Snow’s promoter, Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions, “This is a great opportunity for Thomas.  He has shown throughout his career that he has talent.  His only losses have been to undefeated guys, but he has had a tremendous camp, and  on Friday night he will show that he should be one of the top contenders in the super bantamweight division”

throne boxing PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS AND CORONA EXTRA WASHINGTON, D.C.’S UNDEFEATED DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON VS. MIKE DALLAS JR. MAIN EVENT & UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

 

FIGHTS SET FOR FRIDAY, MAY 13

AT THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

TELEVISED LIVE ON BET AND

STREAMED LIVE GLOBALLY ON TIDAL.COM

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Tom Hogan Photography

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 11, 2016) – On Wednesday, May 11, Washington, D.C.’s undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) and Bakersfield, California’s Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) participated in the final press conference at The Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C. in advance of their May 13 fight at the DC Armory. Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr. will headline a throne boxing event in a 10-round welterweight bout that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com. Co-featured fighters including Dorado, Puerto Rico’s Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (20-2, 15 KOs) who faces Thomas “KO” Snow (18-2, 12 KOs) of Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock (Pro Debut) who takes on the beltway’s ownCarlos “DC Diamond Cutter” Black (1-3) were also in attendance at the press conference on Wednesday.

 

Below is what the fighters, promoter and other dais guests had to say at the press conference:

 

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON:

 

“I want to thank Mike Dallas Jr. for coming into D.C. He has my respect for coming into my hometown and fighting. I’m really ready for this fight. I may have gotten in the best sparring that any fighter has ever gotten [for a fight]. I went from [sparring with] Canelo and came home to spar with Demetrius Hopkins, Austin Trout and Lamont Peterson. I don’t know if there’s better sparring than that. Camp has been great. I’m definitely ready for the fight. I want to thank FILA and Geico for supporting me. I hope everyone comes out on Friday, May 13 at the DC Armory. I know we will put on a good show.”

 

 

MIKE “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” DALLAS JR.:

 

“I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and keeping me strong through hard times. I had a good camp. I want to thank BET for having me on. Come Friday, it’s going to be a good fight. I’m mentally and physically there. I dug deep in camp and I’m ready to bring it in this fight. I wish my opponent the best. It’s going to be a tough fight. I’m ready to go in there, give it my all and give you guys a great show. Come and watch the fight on May 13.”

 

 

ORLANDO “ORLANDITO” DEL VALLE:

 

“I would like to thank God, Roc Nation Sports and their entire staff for believing in me and giving me a second shot at my career. I won’t let you guys down. Becoming a world champion will be my only way to thank you guys so after this fight I’m ready for that.

 

“Thank you BET and TIDAL for allowing us to showcase our skills on national TV and over the internet so that boxing fans around the world can have a glimpse of what the near future holds.

 

“This fight means a lot to me. It’s the biggest fight of my career. I need to win this fight if I really want to get closer to a title shot. I’m in the greatest condition and shape of my life. On Friday night, expect nothing but fireworks from Orlando Del Valle. I guarantee you that a title shot for Orlando Del Valle will be coming. A champion for Roc Nation Sports is very, very close. So once again, thank you all and don’t miss the action on Friday night.”

 

 

DARMANI “ROCK SOLID” ROCK:

 

“I’m just looking forward to seeing everyone come out on May 13 at the DC Armory when I make my pro debut.”

 

 

DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO Boxing – Roc Nation Sports:

 

“An action packed undercard of emerging and established talent and exciting entertainment from the boxing hotbed of Washington, D.C. telecast live on BET and streamed live on TIDAL.com…May 13 is an event that no one should miss.

 

“This event would not have been possible without the support of a number of people and organizations and I would like to take a moment to thank the following…our sponsors: Corona, FILA, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Shoe City, Pepsi, RCN and The DC Lottery. I’d also like to thank Stephen Hill, Connie Orlando and their team at BET as well as Greg O’Dell and the staff of Events DC for helping us bring a throne boxing event to Washington, D.C.

 

“BET’s vision and commitment for putting together innovative live entertainment is a big reason why we are here today. We are thrilled to be partnered with BET to bring another throne boxing event to fans across the country. We’re also excited about the fact that as a non-traditional boxing network, they have thrown their hat into the ring which we believe has, and will continue to, attract new fans to the sport.

 

“Events DC works tirelessly to bring high profile events to Washington, D.C. and of late, they have helped to turn the District into a boxing hotbed.

 

 

STEPHEN HILL, President of Programming – BET:

 

“BET Networks is excited to partner with Roc Nation Sports to broadcast the second live throne boxingevent on BET. Friday, May 13 will be lucky for us as we get to bring to the world this top-notch sporting event showcase including live entertainment from Roc Nation’s own Justine Skye, DJ Cipha Sounds and BET personality Big Tigger, who will be welcomed back to BET with open arms.

 

“At BET Networks we’re committed to delivering more variety and original programming and like throne boxing, our content is engaging, emotional and entertaining. We are thrilled to welcome throne boxingback to BET. We know audiences love live sporting events like boxing, so this partnership fits like a glove.

 

“Last but not least, thank you to Washington D.C., the birthplace of BET Networks, and myself, for hosting us in this great city. We look forward to a great fight on Friday night.”

 

 

ERIK MOSES, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – Events DC Sports and Entertainment Division:

 

“Boxing is back in Washington in a very big way. We have had the pleasure of hosting three championship bouts in the last three months at the DC Armory, which is a great place to watch a fight if you have not been there.

 

“This fight card in particular has a very special place in my heart, as it should for others from Washington, because it’s about as local as it can be. We’ve got a hometown hero, who, if you have not seen him fight, see him now before you can’t afford to see him. Dusty Hernandez-Harrison is going to be a big star and he represents Washington, D.C. in a way that few do. Check him out now before you’re paying big money in Vegas to see him fight.

 

“The fight is also being broadcasted by another home-grown institution, and that is BET. It’s great to see sports back on BET, and boxing in particular, coming from the DC Armory as the host venue. Tickets are still available. We look forward to hosting everyone who wants to come out and cheer on all these fighters, but Dusty in particular so we can have another championship fighter in D.C.”

 

 

ANDREW HUFF, DC Boxing Commission:

 

“Roc Nation Sports and Events DC are helping to ensure that the legacy of the District’s boxing history continues. On behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Adam Weers, who is the chairman of the District’s Boxing and Wrestling Commission, Miss Kimberly Lockett, who is another commissioner and myself, welcome to Washington, D.C.”

 

###

 

Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr., a 10-round welterweight fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports takes place Friday, May 13, 2016 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. This fight headlines a throne boxing event presented by Corona Extra and will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com. The event is also sponsored by FILA, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Shoe City, Pepsi, RCN and The DC Lottery. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the May 13 edition of throne boxing on BET will feature several notable Roc Nation Sports touches that offer a unique fan experience including a live musical performance by Justine Skye as well as DJ Cipha Sounds and event host Big Tigger who will keep the energy at a high level throughout the event. Doors open on fight night at 6:30 PM and the first fight begins at 6:45 PM.  Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

 

Tickets priced at $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (http://bit.ly/may13throneboxing) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation, on Instagram @rocnation/@rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For additional information, visit www.bet.com. Join the conversation on the following social media platforms: on Twitter by using hashtag #BET #throneboxing and follow at @BET; on Facebook by liking the fan page at www.facebook.com/BET; and on Instagram @betnetworks.

 

For information on the DC Armory, visit www.eventsdc.com and follow on Twitter at @dcsportsent.

WOMEN OF BOXING DESCEND ON THE BIG APPLE FOR RAGING BABE BRUNCH: NEW YORK, NEW YORK

   

  MAY 11, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“I’ve faced it all, and I stood tall, and did it my way.” – Frank Sinatra 

NEW YORK – May 11, 2016 – The Raging Babe Brunch continues to forge connections between women of diverse backgrounds, companies and areas of expertise, all sharing in common their connections to the Sweet Science. On June 11th, the heels of Raging Babes from across the East Coast and beyond, hit the pavement in the “Concrete Jungle,” New York, New York for the first New York eventin three years.

An intimate, exclusive affair, this spring’s Raging Babe Brunch, dubbed New York, New York will once again bring together boxing’s most influential women to network, and honor the sport’s trailblazers: those women who have broken the glass ceiling and transcended traditional gender roles in business, and in particular, in boxing.

The brunch shares June 11th with a Puerto Rican double-header at New York City boxing mecca, Madison Square Garden, along with the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. “I’m excited for the opportunity to celebrate both my heritage, and our seventh Raging Babe event,” said Raging Babe founder and namesake, Michelle Rosado, who is of Puerto Rican descent.

“These brunches are more than just women chatting and having breakfast during fight week,” said Rosado. “These are friendships, businesses connections and lifelong relationships beginning in a room full of encouraging and powerful women, drawing on and sharing their experiences, challenges and triumphs as women in the boxing industry.”

“I have had so many requests from East Coast Raging Babes to bring the brunch East, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to return to New York,” continued Rosado. “New York City embodies the Raging Babe spirit of opportunity and hard work, and I can’t wait to be inspired once again by the women of boxing on June 11th.”

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

BETERBIEV IS BACK! Arthur Beterbiev vs. Ezequiel Maderna June 4 at Montreal’s Bell Center PBC on ESPN in U.S., PPV in Canada

MONTREAL (May 11, 2016) —  World light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev returns to the ring Saturday night, June 7, to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) International and North American Boxing Association (NABA) title belts against Argentinian champion Ezequiel “El Olympico” Maderna in the 12-round main event at historic Belle Centre in Montreal, Canada.
 
Presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), the “Grand Prix” boxing event is part of the prestigious Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series, which will air live in Canada on pay-per-views starting at 8:00 p.m. ET via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.  The main event and co-feature, commencing at 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on ESPN in the United States.
 
“We will launch the Grand Prix activities, which is the biggest sport week in Montreal, with this card”, said the President of GYM, Yvon Michel. “Artur is the next boxing superstar in Quebec. He injured his shoulder, but the surgery fixed everything and we plan to give him three fights in 2016. We aim at Sergey Kovalev by the end of the year or the beginning of 2017.”
The 31-year-old Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs), the adopted son of Montreal, is on a seek-and-destroy mission for his first fight in one year. The two-time Russian Olympian (pictured to the left) hasn’t fought since last June, when he stopped Alexander Johnson in the 7thround, due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
 
Beterbiev is world ranked among the top six in all four major sanctioning organizations:  IBF #2, WBO & WBA #4, and WBC #6.  The power-punching Betervbiev will be defending his WBO International and NABA titles against Maderna.
 
During his 3-year professional career, Beterbiev has defeated two former world champions, Gabriel Campillo and Tavoris Cloud.
 
 
Maderna (23-2, 15 KOs) is a veteran fighter from Argentina, the same country that has produced numerous championship boxers, from Luis Firpo to Sergio Martinez, as well as well standout contemporaries such as IBF cruiserweight champion Victor Ramirez, along with contenders Lucas Matthysse, Jesus Cuellar, Omar Narvaez and Juan Carlos Reveco.  In his most recent action last May, Maderna stopped Rolando Wenceslao Mansilla in the opening round for the Argentina super middleweight championship.
 
Also airing on ESPN in the co-feature, undefeated American prospects Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella (13-0, 12 KOs), fighting out of Fort Myers, Florida, and David “Day Day” Grayton (14-0, 10 KOs), of Washington D.C., square off in a 10-round middleweight bout.
 
Unbeaten super welterweight Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (9-0-0, 6 KOs), from Cincinnati, Ohio, meets an opponent to be determined in a 6-round “TV swing” match.
Montreal’s undefeated heavyweight Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs), also a 2008 Colombian Olympian, returns in an 8-round bout versus TBA.
 
Also fighting on the undercard is popular French-Canadian welterweight Sebastian Bouchard (12-1, 4 KOs) who meets an opponent to be determined in an 8-rounder; Montreal super bantamweight Vislan Dalkaev (6-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invader Javier “El Chivero” Franco (25-17-4), Montreal super middleweight Dario Bredicean (8-0, 2 KOs) against TBA and Toronto’s Parnell Fischer (0-1, 0 KOs) vs. Mexican opponent Larami “Sir” Carmona (1-2, 0 KOs) in a 4-round fight.
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets 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.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ABeterbiev, @OscarKaboom
Instagram:  @YvonMichelGYM, @ArturBeterbiev

Explosive “Knockout Night at the D” Undercard To showcase some of tomorrow’s stars   Live May 21 on CBS Sports Network outdoors from DLVEC  

Knock Out Night @ the D - May 21 2016
Knock Out Night @ the D – May 21 2016
LAS VEGAS (May 11, 2016) – A potentially explosive, highly entertaining “Knockout Night at the D” undercard has been announced for Saturday night, May 21, airing (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) 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.  The May 21st event is promoted in association with Main Events and Shamo Boxing Promotions.
Undefeated Russian middleweight Arif “The Predator” Magomedov (17-0, 10 KOs) squares off against upset specialist Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (11-4-1, 3 KOs), of Phoenix, in the 10-round main event.  Magomedov is world ranked among the top 15 160-pounders by the four major sanctioning bodies:  WBC #2, WBO #3, WBA #5 and IBF #14.
Unbeaten super welterweight John “The Phenom” Vera (12-0, 8 KOs), of Fort Worth, Texas, defends his NABA-USA title belt against third-generation boxer Joey “Boxer” Ruelas (10-1-1, 4 KOs), of Phoenix, in the 8-round co-feature.
                                          John Vera (courtesy of Lucio Quintero)
                         Joey Ruelas (courtesy of 8 Count Media
Las Vegas’ 17-year-old boxing prodigy Devin “The Dream” Haney (5-0, 3 KOs) will become the youngest American boxer to box on national television as the 7-time national amateur champion takes on fellow undefeated lightweight prospect Jairo Fernandez (4-0, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the 6-round television opener.
Former WBC Youth International titlist Tony Lopez (10-1, 3 KOs), of Dallas, meets unbeaten Houston featherweight Jerren “Hardknocks” Cochran (11-0-1, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bout.
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Las Vegas junior lightweightRandy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Texan Chris Turtun (1-2), and Las Vegas welterweightJeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA
                   
                   Randy Moreno
Jeremy Nichols
(Moreno & Nichols pictures by Tom Donohue / the D Las Vegas)
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission (seated), are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @johnverajr, @joey_ruelas, @jerrencochran, @jflashgang (Nichols), @Realdevinhaney @RandyMoreno

SHOWTIME SPORTS® ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES “ALL ACCESS” WINS SPORTS EMMY® AWARD FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 

NEW YORK (May 11, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports original documentary series “ALL ACCESS” earned a Sports Emmy Award for the third consecutive year on Tuesday night, taking home the honor for “Outstanding Edited Sports Coverage” for “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue” at the 37th Annual Sports Emmy Award ceremony in New York City.

 

“The boxing business and the characters within it present unique challenges to anyone attempting to document it,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “The ability to produce award-winning work in this sport year-after-year is testament to the excellence of this production team.  On behalf of everyone that contributes to this great franchise – from the field to the edit facility, working all hours of the day and the night – we are grateful for and inspired by this award.”

 

This is the second Sports Emmy ALL ACCESS has earned in the “Outstanding Edited Sports Coverage” category.  The series, which chronicles the buildup and aftermath of boxing’s biggest prizefights, won its first Sports Emmy Award at the 2014 ceremony for “Outstanding Edited Sports Coverage” with “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Epilogue.”

 

In 2015, the revealing documentary series earned the overarching “Outstanding Sports Documentary Series” Emmy Award for its four separate multi-episode installments of ALL ACCESS.  That year, the network documented the first and second showdowns between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana, Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfredo Angulo and Canelo Alvarez vs. Erislandy Lara.

 

SHOWTIME Sports has earned nine Sports Emmy Awards in the last five years for the premium networks’ programming.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel and Smithsonian Earth. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go towww.SHO.com.

 

Erislandy Lara Prepares For World Title Rematch With Vanes Martirosyan Saturday, May 21 Live on SHOWTIME® From The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Training Camp Quotes & Photos
 
Click HERE for Photos From Edward Jackson
 
HOUSTON (May 11, 2016) – WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara is set to defend his world title and settle his score against Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan when the two meet in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®tripleheader featuring the top 154-pound talent in the sport on Saturday, May 21 from The Chelsea, inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Live televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo taking on former champion Austin “No Doubt” Troutand his twin brother Jermell Charlo battling top challenger 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.
Lara and Martirosyan will meet after their 2012 bout ended in a technical draw. See below for the Cuban-born champion’s thoughts on training camp, the rematch and more:
 
On his rematch with Vanes Martirosyan:
 
“This is a very important fight for me.  Our last fight unfortunately ended in a draw because of a clash of heads so we have some unfinished business to take care of.  This time I’m not going to leave any doubt on who the better fighter is.  I’m coming to dominate and retain my world championship.”
 
On training camp:
 
“I’m taking this fight very seriously.  I’ve been pushing my body to get in the best shape possible.  My body feels incredible and I couldn’t ask for a better training camp.  I’ve been sparring a lot and my timing is getting better with each session.  Everything is going as planned.”
 
On the May 21 card:
 
“It’s great to be fighting on this card, especially when there is so much on the line while I defend my title.  In addition, the Charlo brothers are fighting on the undercard, which makes for a great night of boxing for the super welterweight division.  The landscape of the 154-pound division will be laid out afterMay 21.”
 
On the state of the super welterweight division:
 
“Honestly I believe the 154-pound division is one of the strongest in all of boxing.  I feel I’m leading the pack and my goal is to unify all the belts.  I’m going to take it one fight at a time with the mindset to clean out the division.”
 
On fighting in Las Vegas:
 
“Vegas is the boxing capital of the world and fighting there is unbelievable.  The fans are very supportive.  The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan is very intimate and every seat in the building is a good seat.  I anticipate a lively crowd.”
 
On his relationship with Ronnie Shields:
 
“Ronnie is a great coach and his game plans are very well thought out.  He keeps everything simple.  If we have to make adjustments during the fight, he’ll be able to point them out.  We both have a great mutual respect for one another.”
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

Perrella to face Grayton June 4 on ESPN

 

Fort Myers, FL (May 11, 2016) – Welterweight sensation Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella will face his toughest foe to date when he challenges fellow unbeaten southpaw David “Day-Day” Grayton Saturday, June 4 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

 

The Perrella-Grayton bout serves as the co-main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card televised on ESPN.

 

Living and fighting out of Fort Myers, FL, the heavy-handed Perrella has a stellar 13-0 professional ledger with 12 wins by knockout. Against Grayton, the 6’0 Perrella fights on TV for a third consecutive time, previously halting both Chaquib Fadli and Ramon Ayala. Prior to that, Perrella impressively stopped dangerous Patrick Boozer, ending a remarkable year and a half run where he took out three previously unbeaten fighters. As an amateur, Perrella competed in the 2012 US Olympic Trials where he defeated current rising star Regis Prograis before coming up short against Sammy Vasquez and eventual winner Errol Spence.

 

Hailing from talent-laden Washington, DC, Grayton is an excellent 14-0 and has ten kayos. In October 2015, Grayton bested often-avoided Martin Wright over eight rounds. Fighting under the tutelage of George Peterson, who developed Paul Williams into one of boxing’s best fighters, Grayton had an excellent amateur pedigree of his own. In 2010, he defeated the aforementioned Spence to capture National Golden Gloves title and he also won bronze at the 2012 tournament.

 

“I know he’s undefeated and is coming to fight but this is a big step up for him,” Perrella said of Grayton. “I expect him to try and drag me into a dog fight. Regardless of what he brings, I’m looking forward to come out on top with a great performance. I’ve fought the better opposition and have been asking for harder fights. I believe I’m an overall better fighter and on June 4 everybody will see that.”

 

Michael Nowling, Perrella’s head trainer, is very familiar Grayton and is equally as confident his fighter will emerge victorious.

 

“David Grayton is a strong and athletic southpaw that is coming to win. Regardless, he’s never fought anybody like Bryant Perrella. For some time now, I’ve wanted Bryant to step up and fight another prospect because I believe he’s better than a lot of guys out there. Against Grayton, our plan is to break him down and win in style. Doing so in a fight like this can set us apart from other prospects.”

 

The card is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and is headlined by a bout featuring light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev against 2008 Argentinean Olympian Ezequiel Maderna.

 

Tickets will be available on Groupeyvonmichel.ca/eng/tickets.html shortly.

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna looking for a big summer fight Eyeing winner of Dusty Harrison – Mike Dallas Jr. 

Millville, NJ (May 11, 2016) – Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna is ready for a breakthrough fight at 147 pounds.

The 24 year-old from Millville, New Jersey has won four straight since his only career blemish, which was a nationally televised defeat to Middleweight Contender Antoine “Action” Douglas.

Since that bout, LaManna has moved down two weight divisions and has been around the welterweight limit in his last three bouts. With those four wins, LaManna’s record now reads 20-1 with eight knockouts.

In the last three fights against veterans Ayi Bruce, Ariel Vasquez and Kendal Mena, LaManna has been settling in at the new weight and has looked strong as he has sat down more on his punches.

“I’m looking for a big fight at 147 or if the right opportunity presents itself, I would consider 154. I don’t consider myself an “opponent” in the boxing world, I just need my opportunity to prove so,” said LaManna.

For the meantime, LaManna, who along with his mother Debra, have started their own promotional company, Rising Promotions.

Rising Promotions has staged two successful fight cards at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City and they are preparing for their third event, which will take place on May 27.

“This will be the first event of ours that I won’t be fighting on. I have been doing a lot of the behind the scenes work on the event, helping with all aspects of the show and right now we are on track for another great event in front of our third straight maximum capacity crowd.”

After May 27, LaManna already has his mind set on his next ring appearance.

“My next fight date is July 22nd. I will fight in a 10 round bout at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City. I’m just keeping active with my promotional team Rising Promotions and Gulf Stream Promotions.”

After the fight in July, LaManna has a fighter in mind that he feels that would be a great fight for boxing fans on the east coast.

“I will be keeping a close eye on the Dusty Harrison vs. Mike Dallas Jr fight this weekend. I know Dusty is the favorite in that fight and I wish him nothing but the best but by the end of this year, we got to make a fight happen between him and I. I feel he’ll be 30-0 after Fridayand I would love to have that 30-0 record on my resume. A lot of people in the boxing world from New York to Virginia would be excited to see this fight and it will be great for who ever promotes it.”

LaManna also has his eyes on other contenders.

“I see Kermit Cintron has returned, maybe we do a crossroads fight. Two local east coast guys. He has a following, I have a following. I’m sure we can get that done if he wants it.”

“I feel my promoter Vincent Ponte and my father did their part in getting me where I need to be in the boxing world. I’m blessed with the fan base that I have where I can sell out a 700 plus seat venue in Atlantic City where we do our shows at. There’s nothing wrong with staying busy and fighting durable guys but I just feel it’s that time someone gives me a shot.”

LaManna credits a lot of his recent success to not only his team, but fighters that he trains with to help motivate and raise his game to a high level

“Me and my trainers Raul Rivas, Reggie Loyd and Rashiem Jefferson have been working extremely hard in the gym perfecting my craft and looking to make a lot of noise in the boxing world. I am fortunate to train along side world class fighters such as Tevin Farmer and Jason Sosa to name a few and they inspire me to be great. I feel now is my time. I’m still young but I feel I have veteran mentality when I’m in the gym or in the ring.”

Tickets for the May 27 fight card at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City featuring Isiah Seldon vs Eddie Edmond and Chuck Mussachio rematching Willis Lockett plus eight other big fights can be purchased for $125 for Premium; $77 for Ringside stage and $52 reserved are available at www.risingboxingpromotions.com or 609-487-4444

Undefeated prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. establishing his own identity in ring

TAMPA (May 10, 2016) – Fighting for his young family, as well as to expand the legacy associated with his last namethe son of 5-time world champion and 1996 U.S. Olympian Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver – unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. – this past weekend continued establishing his own identity in the ring.
After a 9-month absence, the 28-year-old Tarver (4-0, 3 KOs) returned to the ring in Lakeland, Florida, stopping Jose Cortez in the second round.  Tarver displayed his improving skills, especially a punishing body attack, during a thoroughly dominating performance.  He broke-down Cortez and closed the show in style.
“It took me one round to get rid of ring rust,” he explained.  “We had a game-plan to go to the body, then the head, body and head, but it took me a round to do it. God’s really blessed me and I owe all thanks to Him. My father and coach, Jimmy Williams, have always told me not to look for a knockout but that it’ll come.  I’m not a one-punch knockout fighter.  It’s all about setting up shots and putting them together.  I may not connect with every single body shot I throw, but if I get in three of four each round, it’ll eventually cause damage. I’m focusing on my opponent’s liver and ribs, trying to be a body-snatcher.”
Tarver was an athlete, playing basketball and football, who didn’t start boxing until he was 19.  He had a very brief amateur career and fully realizes that he’s consistently going to be fighting more experienced boxers.
“In the ring,” Tarver said, “I’m still a baby. My opponents may be much more experienced than me, but I do have a lot of experience around me: my father, coach Williams and Darrell Foreman.  My father wouldn’t support me as a fighter until I proved to him that I was worthy (sacrificing and training).  I’m worthy now and believe I’m coming into my own as I continue to learn.”
“As a father,” Tarver Sr., noted, “I wanted him to know what he was getting into and have the tools to succeed.  He’s as tough as nails.  When he realizes how strong he really is…..look out. There’s a difference between hitting an opponent with a punch and punching through him like he’s doing now.  I just wish he’d get started quicker.  He doesn’t get going until he gets hit and then he turns into a beast.  A ferociousness comes out from inside that I never had.  He’s improving all of the time.  He’s putting punches together better and sitting down on his punches.
“Antonio is going to be a fan-friendly fighter.  I know I put him under a lot of pressure, but he’s fighting much more experienced guys.  I’ve never been worried about him fighting a tough guy.  It’s the guys who think in the ring and have amateur pedigree that can be problems for him.”
Understanding that his opponents get pumped to fight him because of his last name, Antonio Jr. rationalizes that, taking advantage of the situation he is in.  “It’s very important for my opponents to beat me and the name,” he admitted.  “My father set this stage for me and my name is, Antonio Tarver, Jr., so they’re trying to give us both a loss.  I’m fighting for my family and to protect the legacy of my last name.  I try and take advantage of being my father’s son and accept everything that goes with that.  I don’t try to put pressure on myself but, of course, I want to be the best Antonio Tarver Jr. I can be.
“People are always going to compare me with my father but we fight in different weight classes.  Light heavyweights, other than Roy Jones Jr., are slower than junior middleweights, who are much quicker like Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  I’m always going to be fighting opponents taller than me, or sometimes the same height, but I’m 5′ 9″ and a lot of my opponents are going to be 6′ 2″ or so.
The father has another important lesson he’s teaching his son.  “Antonio became a father for the first time last September and he was slow getting back in the gym,” Antonio Sr. added.  “He has to learn how to balance fatherhood with his pro boxing career, making sacrifices to become a champion!”
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