Category Archives: CBS Sports Network

CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

CBS SPORTS NETWORK ANNOUNCES TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP WITH FINAL FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP THROUGH 2020

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Publicity photo above – Orsat Zovko, President/Founder FFC (left), Billy Stone, Coordinating Producer & Director, Programming, CBS Sports (right).

First FFC event Premieres Live on CBS Sports Network Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 PM, ET From The Fight Dome at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

 

 

 

CBS Sports Network and Final Fight Championship (FFC) announced today a multi-year partnership to make CBS Sports Network the exclusive television home of FFC. The first FFC event premieres live on CBS Sports Network from The Fight Dome at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 28 (10:00PM, EST).

 

 

CBS Sports Network will air eight FFC events on Friday’s throughout the remainder of 2018. A champion will be crowned after each event with a belt as part of the national telecast.

 

 

“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase combat sports on a National network,” said Orsat Zovko, president and founder of Final Fight Championship, “It’s an honor to partner with CBS Sports Network and nationally televise the new Fight Dome with championship-level fights to fans across the country.”

 

 

FFC events are composed of combat sports from multiple disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. All events will take place in the dedicated Fight Dome venue at Rio Las Vegas.

 

 

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

 

 

 

Respected international combat sports promoter, Orsat Zovko, launched Final Fight Championship® (FFC®) in 2013. FFC has since held 30 successful dual-discipline events comprised of professional kickboxing and world class mixed martial arts. Featuring marquis athletes such as Satoshi Ishii, Mirko Cro Cop, and Mladden Brestovac. FFC presents live sports broadcasts in more than 50 countries around the world, across four continents, appearing on CBS Sports Network (USA), Fight Channel World (Worldwide), among other sports and media properties. For more information on FFC, please visitwww.finalfightchampionship.com

 

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boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

Mike Lee Breaks Rib in 1st round and despite not being able to breathe, defeats Jose Hernandez to claim NABO Light Heavyweight title

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Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2018) -WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee Broke his rib in the 1st round, but still claimed the NABO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

 

 

 

Lee pressed the action as he looked to land power shots early.  Hernandez fought gamely, but Lee was consistent with his right and left hands.

 

 

 

Lee showed incredible heart, as in round one, he suffered a broken rib and had trouble breathing throughout the whole ten round fight.

 

 

 

Hernandez was cut from Lee’s work, and the Notre Dame graduate cruised home with the victory by scores of 97-93 on all judges’ cards.

 

 

 

With the victory, Lee remains perfect with a record of 21-0, and will now look to face any of the world champions in either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

 

 

 

“I came out wanting the knockout,” said Lee.  “I give credit to Jose, he was tough.  I got a little excited early, and I was a little sloppy.  In the beginning, I was just throwing power shots, I wasn’t double jabbing and using my athletic ability.  Every fight is a learning lesson, and tonight I had to bite down and get the win.”

 

 

 

With the win, Lee will now look to challenge any of the champions and big names in and around his weight class.

 

 

 

“Let’s go.  I want a shot at the world title.  Whether it is at 168 pounds or 175 pounds, I am just waiting on a phone call.  We wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I don’t know what happened with that.  I just want someone with the belt.”

boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins chimes in on world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee

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Lee takes on Jose Hernandez this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago and Live on

CBS Sports Network (9 PM ET)

Chicago, Illinois (June 4, 2018) -When WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Jose Hernandez (19-3-1, 9 KOs) this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago.  The card will be broadcast live on CBS Spots Network (9 PM ET) with an all-star announce team of International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and renowned Teddy Atlas.

 

 

 

Tompkins, who has been calling the biggest fights in the world for nearly 40 years, has seen his share of fighters, but not many with the versatility of a fighter who could be speaking to corporate America one day, and competing at a championship level in the ring…. the very next day.

 

 

 

“This fight will be a nice little test for Lee.  This is something that he has been striving for a long time, and I will be happy to see him get that chance that he has been wanting.  It is a real opportunity for him to show himself as one of the great fighters around,” said Tompkins.

 

 

 

Lee, who is one of a real select few that is able to give motivational speeches to Fortunate-500 companies, is a national spokesperson for major cooperation’s, and be a world class fighter all wrapped up in one.

 

 

 

Lee, who is holds a finance degree from Notre Dame, spends time and money for kids diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he is always fighting for a higher cause

 

 

 

“He is a very sellable guy whether he fights or not, and that’s the thing.  He has the opportunity to be a real spokesman, not only for himself but for the sport of boxing in general.  He is that in general He can really fill a room and he is excellent at dealing with all walks of life and all generations of people.  I haven’t been around too many that can do that.  “Sugar” Ray Leonard comes to mind who can do that. Leonard has a very galvanizing personality, and Mike has a lot of that in him.  He is very good spokesperson for the sport.”

 

 

 

With a win on Friday night, Lee could be just a fight or two away for fighting for a coveted world championship.

 

 

 

“I know that is something he has looked forward to.  I am in favor of him getting an opportunity.  His record says that he is worthy of an opportunity.”

boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

“Cancun Boxing” Tonight at 10 p.m. ET on  CBS Sports Network 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former world champions Cristian Mijares &
Tomas Rojas battled in main event  
CANCUN, Mexico (April 20, 2017) – The second installment of the 2017 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Sports & Entertainment, will air tonight (Thursday night, April 20) in North America, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.
The event took place this past April 8th at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosts all series events.
Three-time world champion Cristian “Diamente” Mijares (55-8-2, 26 KOs) and former super flyweight titlist Tomas “Gusano” Rojas (48-14-1, 32 KOs) squared off in the 10-round main event in a showdown between a pair of veteran Mexican featherweights.
Undefeated Mexican bantamweight prospect Aaron “Ghost” Alameda (18-0, 10 KOs) stepped up in class to fight battle-tested Edgar “Power” Jimenez (22-12-2, 16 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-feature.
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
 
INFORMATION
 
Twitter:  @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia
Instagram:  @pepegomez1

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

“Cancun Boxing” Tomorrow night at 10 p.m. ET on  CBS Sports Network 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former world champions Cristian Mijares &
Tomas Rojas battled in main event  
CANCUN, Mexico (April 19, 2017) – The second installment of the 2017 “Cancun Boxing” series, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Sports & Entertainment, will air tomorrow night (Thursday night, April 20) in North America, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, on CBS Sports Network.
The event took place this past April 8th at Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, which hosts all series events.
Three-time world champion Cristian “Diamente” Mijares (55-8-2, 26 KOs) and former super flyweight titlist Tomas “Gusano” Rojas (48-14-1, 32 KOs) squared off in the 10-round main event in a showdown between a pair of veteran Mexican featherweights.
Mijares vs. Rojas was a rematch of their March 12, 2004 fight in Mexico, in which Mijares won a 12-round unanimous decision for the Mexico super flyweight championship.  They had a combined pro record of 103-22-3 (58 KOs), along with four world titles in two divisions, upon entering the ring last Saturday evening.
The reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion, Mijares is rated No. 4 and positioned for another world title shot with a victory over Rojas.  Mijares is a three-time world super flyweight champion who is 11-5 in world title fights.
The 35-year-old boxer has defeated a Who’s Who of lower weight division boxers during his decade-plus professional career, including Reynaldo Lopez, Jorge Arce,Chatchai Sasakul, Francisco Arce, Juan Alberto Rosas, Jonathan Perez,Alexander Valdez, Rafael Marquez, Johnny Soto, Teppei Kikui, Jose Navarro,Alexander Munoz and Katsushige Kawashima.
WBC No. 18-rated Rojas is a former WBC super flyweight champion and the reigning WBC Americas featherweight titlist.  Rojas, 36, was the WBC super flyweight world champion from September 20, 2010 to August 19, 2011.
His most notable wins have been against Kohei Kono, Noburo Mashiro, Juan Jose Montes, Everado Morales and Evans Mbamba.
In the eight-round co-feature event, undefeated Mexican bantamweight prospect Aaron “Ghost” Alameda (18-0, 10 KOs) stepped up in class to fight battle-tested Edgar “Power” Jimenez (22-12-2, 16 KOs), of Mexico.
The 24-year-old Alameda was relatively untested, in terms of facing high-quality opposition, while Jimenez is a proven upset specialist having taken a 10-round majority decision over 28-0 Ivan Morales in 2015.
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
 
INFORMATION
 
Twitter:  @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia
Instagram:  @pepegomez1

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
boxing, CBS Sports Network

U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez Building Wichita into a fight town

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
Encore presentation this Saturday night on CBSSN
 

(photo by Charles Yellowfeather)
WICHITA, Kansas (March 31, 2017) – Last Saturday night at Kansas Star Arena in nearby Mulvane, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez planted a seed in hopes of growing Wichita into a fight town, as world champions Terence Crawford and Deontay Wilder have already accomplished in the respective hometowns, Omaha (NE) and Birmingham (AL).
More than 3,100 fans purchased tickets Hernandez’ successfully professional debut, stopping Pat Gutierrez in the fourth round.  To put that attendance figure in its proper perspective, Wichita has a population of less than 400,000 and in this hoop-crazed state, the appropriately named “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” went head-to-head with the popular Kansas Jayhawks quintet playing on national television in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball championship, as well as The Wichita Force playing at home in indoor football.
The 21-year-old Hernandez is practically a sports franchise in Wichita, second only to the Wichita State University (WSU) men’s basketball team.  The city turned out in force at a parade honoring Hernandez upon his return home from the Olympics and WSU awarded him an open-ended four-year college scholarship.
 
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” Encore Presentation this Saturday night
The encore presentation of last Saturday’s “KO Night Boxing: History Begins,” featuring the pro debut of 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez, will air this Saturday (April 1), starting at 8:30 p.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network.
“The show was a huge success and Nico, as a pro fighter, produced a more complete body of work than we had expected,” Hernandez’ promoter John Andersen (KO Night Boxing) said.  “I was very impressed.  His amateur background converted to an even better pro style.  It really showed his potential and that’s one of the primary reasons we signed him. We really believed in Nico.  He is the only fighter we have signed, right now; Nico is our stable!  We see things from a different angle than big-time promoters.  We understood that he’s a hometown hero, so we had him headline at home his pro debut on national television (CBS Sports Network).  We produce our shows on television and we enjoy telling stories like Nico’s.  We’d like to come right back to Wichita with Nico fighting in June.”
Lifelong Kansas Sean Wheelock, a non-paid member of the Kansas Athletic Commission that oversees boxing, in addition to calling last Saturday’s fights as a member of the KO Night Boxing announcing team on CBS Sports Network, has a unique perspective on the significance of last Saturday evening’s in terms of local boxing history.
“It was huge for Kansas boxing,” Wheelock explained, “the biggest show in this state since the Tommy Morrison Era (early-to-mid 1990’s).  Morrison was an adopted son, though. Nico was born here and he has a deep investment in the Wichita community.  Drawing 3000-plus for his pro debut, in a non-boxing market, was phenomenal and he has the potential to do what Crawford has done in Omaha and Wilder in Birmingham.  Boxing has strong roots in Kansas and across the Midwest, but MMA has taken over and lately, most boxing in Kansas has been on hybrid shows with MMA and kickboxing.
“Fans were loudly chanting, ‘Nico’ and ‘316’ (Wichita’s area code) before, during and after his fight. I’ve never heard fans chanting for a city like they did, ‘Wichita’, for an individual athlete.  And they were also chanting ‘USA’.  As a native Kansas, I’m proud that this state has become more ethnically and culturally diverse with more Hispanics living in Wichita.  Nico is engaged in the Hispanic community and he is a fantastic kid, too.  Because of his personality and fighting style, he can draw locally from Wichita, throughout all of Kansas, and nationally among Hispanics and Americans across the country because of his accomplishment in the Olympics.”
Hernandez is also fighting in one of the hottest divisions in boxing — 115-pound junior bantamweight/super flyweight — showcasing name fighters such as Naoya Inoue, Roman Gonzalez, Carlos Cuadras, Juan Francisco Estrada and recent addition Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.  Conspicuously absent, however, are top 20 ranked American fighters in this weight class, excluding 36-year-old Brian Viloria, the four-time, two-division (junior flyweight and flyweight) world champion.  The opportunity is right there for Hernandez to quickly establish himself as the preeminent American boxer in this weight class.
“There’s no reason for Nico to fight outside of Wichita for a couple of years as he develops,” Andersen noted.  “I feel that he can win a regional title next year. Our goal is to have him in a world title fight position within three years.  Our goal is to get him 13 to 15 fights and then promote a super fight in Wichita.  He started out in a six-round fight.  I think he’ll only have a couple more and then move up to eight-round bouts.
“Nico doesn’t waste a lot of punches, so the number of scheduled rounds won’t be a problem for him. Another fighter would have punched himself out in two rounds, fighting at home in front of a crowed like he had supporting him, but Nico showed tremendous poise, settling down and putting his punches together very well.  He didn’t chase Gutierrez, he effectively cut off the ring, and his powerful body attack was something he didn’t do as an amateur.  We wanted to see how he reacted to resistance and he passed that test with flying colors.”
Andersen noted that his company has promoted several successful shows, noting the big difference is last weekend’s show featured a world-class fighter in Hernandez.  “Making the Olympics was a big deal for Nico,” Andersen added, “whether he medaled or not.  Nico is to us what Manny Pacquiao is to Top Rank, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez to Golden Boy. We’re lucky to start out with a fighter like Nico.  Fighting in Wichita was risk for everybody but it’s already paying dividends.
“We know who and what we are as a promotional company.  Nico is our top priority, our only fighter right now, and now we have a great opportunity to build off last weekend’s success.  We give Nico all the attention he deserves and he’s going to take advantage of this situation.  And we also discovered that there’s some other talented boxers in this market. Whit Hayden did a wonderful job making very competitive fights.  That’s his history, he never has blowouts.  Whit is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in boxing.  He’s the perfect matchmaker to guide Nico’s career, along with Nico’s father (head trainer) Lewis Hernandez, who we work closely with in many ways, in and out of the ring.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez
About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution.  In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind.  Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.
boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CBS SPORTS NETWORK TO AIR ENCORE PRESENTATION OF THURMAN vs. GARCIA WELTERWEIGHT UNIFICATION TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ET

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Re-Watch Keith Thurman’s Split-Decision Victory Over Danny Garcia In Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

CBS Sports Network will air an encore presentation of Saturday’s razor-close welterweight unification between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia tonight/Monday at 10 p.m. ET.  Thurman and Garcia landed within five punches of each other across all 12 rounds of their showdown for the WBA and WBC 147-pound crowns, with Thurman narrowly edging Garcia to unify the division via split decision in front of a record crowd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

Monday’s encore presentation of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, will also feature Erickson Lubin’s one-punch KO of Jorge Cota in a WBC 154-pound title eliminator, a victory which sets the 21-year-old on a path to become the youngest world champion in boxing today.

 

Thurman vs. Garcia will be available commercial free to SHOWTIME subscribers next week.  This offering, including bonus coverage from between rounds of the main event, will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and on the SHOWTIME Streaming Service.

 

The entire two-fight broadcast will also be available on CBS ALL ACCESS.

boxing, CBS Sports Network, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Unbeaten Brooklyn Fan Favorite Heather Hardy Returns to Take on Former Title Challenger Helen Joseph in Undercard Action Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Welterweight World Title Unification Between 
Keith Thurman & Danny Garcia Headlines 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (February 7, 2017) – Unbeaten brawler and Brooklyn-area favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) will return to the ring to battle former title challenger Helen Joseph (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight contest that highlights undercard action on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, with prime time televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena ever since. On March 4, she will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the eighth time, and seventh time in her last eight fights. In Hardy’s most recent bout last August 21, at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, Hardy won a decision over previously unbeaten rival Shelly Vincent to capture the WBC International featherweight title. The entertaining slugfest was shown tape delayed on NBCSN and helped Heather increase her national profile.
By fight night, Hardy will have been out of the ring for six-and-a-half months, her longest stretch of inactivity, which was due to the new insurance regulations put in place by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), in effect since September. All boxing action in the State came to a halt until last month’s Barclays Center event. Dependent on her boxing income to support her family, Hardy sought out other ways to make ends meet. On January 14, Hardy had planned to make her MMA debut for Invicta in Kansas City, MO, however her opponent suffered an injury in training and the event was cancelled. Returning her full focus to boxing, Hardy is determined to conquer another tough challenge on the way to her first world title opportunity.
“I’m grateful and excited to be back in the ring at Barclays Center next month,” said Hardy. “It will be my first fight since August. I’ve had to hustle extra hard these past few months since the insurance issue shut down the New York boxing scene for the last quarter of 2016. I even decided to take an MM fight in January to help supplement my income and pay some bills. However, my opponent dropped out the day before I was flying to Kansas City for the event. It’s been one disappointment after the next, so I am truly happy to be back at home where I belong, doing what I love.”
Born in Nigeria but fighting out of Ghana, Joseph will fight in the U.S. for the second time as a pro after dropping a decision in Texas against Jennifer Han in her most recent world title opportunity. The 27-year-old had previously challenged Dahiana Santana in the Dominican Republic for a world title in 2012 and had a successful run of victories after turning pro in 2004 that lasted until 2009, when she suffered her first defeat. She most recently scored a second round stoppage of Namely Emilia in November of last year.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @KeithFThurmanJr, @DannySwift, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, CBS Sports Network, Las Vegas

Palicte split decisions Cantu in classic Gallimore stops Baez in 1st round

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OFFICIAL RESULTS
All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions
Aston Palicte (R) won a 10-round split decision over “Lil”” Oscar Cantu
LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2016) – Tonight’s final round of the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” series ended in typical style as “Mighty” Aston Palicte won a 10-round split decision over previously undefeated “Lil'” Oscar Cantu in a terrific super flyweight match from start to finish inside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center indoor facility.
 
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegasand Down town Las Vegas Events Center, was promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions. This evening’s seventh and final “Knockout at the D” event in 2016 aired live on CBS Sports Network and streamed worldwide on FloBoxing.tv
 
The Palicte vs. Cantu main event, as expected, was a classic match-up of contrasting styles between a dangerous puncher (Palicte) and consummate boxer (Cantu).  There was surprising non-stop action from the opening bell.  Power punching Palicte (22-2, 18 KOs) pressed the action as the clear aggressor, but Cantu stood in the pocket, too, as the technician used his defensive skills to make things difficult for his world rated Filipino opponent.
 
Ultimately, it all came down to the 10th round, which Palicte swept on all three judges’ scorecards for a hard-fought split decision victory by scores of 98-92, 96-94, 94-96.  Palicte, rated No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), took Cantu’s North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title belt in addition to capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental strap.
 
Cantu, who is rated No. 4 as a flyweight by the World Boxing Council (WBC), showed tremendous heart, granite chin and the ability to move extremely well, throwing punches from every conceivable angle.  The difference, however, proved to be Palicte’s slugging ability in this classic confrontation in which the puncher barely prevailed against the boxer.
 
In the co-feature, Jamaican junior middleweight Nathaniel “No Problem” Gallimore(16-1-1, 13 KOs) scored a spectacular first-round knockout of previously unbeaten Angelo “Bombardero” Baez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), the Chilean junior middleweight champion.
 
Gallimore hurt Baez midway through the opening round and then closed the show with vicious left to the liver that dropped Baez to his knees.  In obvious pain, he was unable to get to his feet before the 10 count.
Galiimore (pictured above in green), who fights out of Chicago, dedicated the fight to his stablemate, the late Ed Brown (20-0), who was murdered earlier this month.  “I saw a tape of him (Baez) and knew he backed up to the ropes,” Gallimore explained the finish.  “I practiced that shot in the gym and I’m very happy with the outcome.  I told all my teammates back in Chicago that I was dedicating this fight to Ed Brown.”
 
Los Angeles junior middleweight Flavio Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact against previously unbeaten Mexican fighter Dilan “El Tremendo” Loza(5-1, 3 KOs) in the television opener.   Rodriguez, who one point during his 4 1/2-year hiatus from the ring weighed 90 pounds more than he entered the ring tonight, won by way of a third-round technical knockout. Loza was hurt by an accidental shot to the base of his head in the third and he was later dropped in the same round by the heavy-handed Rodriguez.  Referee Jay Nady halted the bout after the third round.
 Rodriguez (L) paralyzed Dilan Loza with a liver shot
“For the most part,” Rodriguez said, “he didn’t do anything different.  I thought I controlled the fight with my jab.  My boy, Leo (Santa Cruz, friends from LA), was a world champion and I want to get to his level.”
 
In a battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects, hometown favorite Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs) and San Diego’s Kevin “KO” Ottley (3-0-1) fought to a 6-round draw.
 Kevin Otttley (L) & Jeremy Nichols fought to a draw
RJJ-promoted fighters, junior lightweight Randy “El Matador” Moreno (8-0, 7 KOs) and bantamweight Max “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Ornelas (7-0, 3 KOs), were both successfully showcased on the undercard.
 
Fast moving Moreno won his eighth fight in nine months, stopping “Money” Mike Fowler (5-4, 2 KOs) in the fourth round.  Moreno improves each fight, showing incredible poise for a 21-year old boxer, and he legitimately rates as a national prospect to watch.
 Moreno (L) kept rolling
Ornelas dropped Jorge Perez (6-5-1, 3 KOs) in the second round on his way to a shutout decision over four rounds.  The 18-year-old Ornelas recorded the seventh win of his 6-month pro career.
 Ornelas (L) is now 7-0 and only 18 years old
Also fighting on the undercard, Texas junior featherweight Jessie “The One” Hernandez improved to 8-1 (6 KOs) with a 6-round unanimous decision over Sharone “Smoke” Carter (6-2, 2 KOs).
 Jessie Hernandez (R) took out his frustrations on Sharone Carter
Complete results below:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(winner listed first each fight)
 
MAIN EVENT  – SUPER FLYWEIGHTS
Aston Palicte (22-2, 18 KOs), Challenger, Bago City, Philippines by way of Los Angeles, CA
WDEC10 (98-92, 96-94, 94-96)
Oscar Cantu (14-1, 1 KO), Champion, Kingsville, TX
(Palicte won the  NABF & vacant WBO Inter-Continental super flyweights titles)
 
CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Nathaniel Gallimore (16-1-1, 12 KOs), Chicago, IL
WKO1 (2:31)
Angelo Baez (15-1-1, 11 KOs), Osorno, Chile
 
WELTERWEIGHTS
Flavio Rodriguez (6-0, 5 KOs), Los Angeles, CA
WTKO3 (3:00)
Dilan Loza (5-1, 3 KOs), Mexicali, Mexico
 
Jeremy Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
D6 (57-57, 57-57, 57-57)
Kevin Ottey (3-0-1, 2 KOs), San Diego, CA
 
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (8-0, 7 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WTKO4 (1:03)
Mike Fowler (5-4, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI
 
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jessie Hernandez (8-1, 6 KOs), Ft. Worth, TX
WDEC6 (59-54, 58-55, 57-56)
Sharone Carter (6-2, 2 KOs), St. Louis, MO
 
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Max Ornelas (7-0, 3 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Jorge Perez (654-1, 3 KOs), Riverside, CA
 
 
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and Neon Star Media.
 
INFORMATION:
 
 
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
 
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
 
 
RIVAL BOXING GEAR & EQUIPMENT is the official gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.  www.rivalboxing.com, @rivalboxinggear
About the D Las Vegas:  the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar.  the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center:  Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @dlveventscenter.
About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:  Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  Based in Las Vegas, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as undefeated super welterweight John Vera and former 3-time world super bantamweight champion Joseph Agbeko, along with Tony Lopez and Hanzel Martinez, lightweight Demond Brock, super featherweight Randy Moreno, cruiserweight Irsael Duffus, bantamweight Max Ornelas, super lightweight Emanuel Robles, middleweight Rolando Garza and light heavyweight Adrian Taylor.

About Neon Star Media LLC:  Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results.  At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets.  We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7.  Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, CBS Sports Network, charity, Tuff-N-Uff, UFC

“Round 7, Operation Knockout” charity event for Randy Couture’s G.I. Foundation Airing this Sunday night on CBS Sports Network

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAS VEGAS (November 25, 2016) – The “Round 7, Operation Knockout” amateur mixed-martial-arts and grappling card, presented by Tuff-N-Uff in association with Neon Star Media, will air TONIGHT (Nov. 27), starting at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network.
The seventh annual “Operation Knockout,” held last Saturday evening at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, was created to help Randy Couture’s G.I. Foundation raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families.
There was something for everyone with nine amateur MMA fights, four of which were for title belts, and six super-fight grappling bouts featuring Bellator’s Ryan Couture, ex-UFC fighter Ulysses Gomez and current UFC fighter Anthony Birchak, former Bellator fighter and active military, Michael Parker, former Lion Fight fighter Fanny Tommasino, and current Combate Americas fighter and former Tuff-N-Uff fighter, Kyra Batara.
Veteran MMA announcers Sean Wheelock, Joey Varner and living legend Couture called all the action live from ringside.
Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries. One-hundred percent of the proceeds are given as Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. With help of its generous sponsors and donations, “Operation Knock” had raised more than $170,000 going into this year’s event.
CBS Sports Network is available across the United States 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
 
INFORMATION:
 
Twitter: @tuffnuff, @Neonstarmedia, @randy_Couture