Category Archives: charity

Sampson Boxing to Donate Proceeds from Second Event in One Week to Victims of Mexico Earthquake

This Saturday, September 30, Sampson Boxing, Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, TyC Sports and Holmes Boxing proudly present “Mexico vs. Argentina: Countries Collide,” a night of world-class professional boxing from the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
And once again, Sampson Boxing President, Sampson Lewkowicz, with his partner, Pat Holmes of Holmes Boxing, will be donating $1 from every one of the 1500 tickets to the already sold-out show to victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake. The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will once again be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican businessman Carlos Slim’s Foundation.
“Mexico vs. Argentina: Countries Collide” will be televised around the world by TyC Sports and headlined by a 10-round battle for the WBC Latino Welterweight Championship between Baja California, Mexico’s Juan Garcia “Tortas” Mendez (19-2-2, 12 KOs) and Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Juan Jose “The Pitbull” Velasco (19-0, 9 KOs).
Last Tuesday night in Las Vegas, Lewkowicz’s “Cuba vs. Mexico” event was able to raise close to $7000 for Mexico City and this event is projected to contribute another $9000 between ticket proceeds and Carlos Slim Foundation’s welcome assistance.
“I am very proud to be able to help the victims of this terrible disaster in Mexico City,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “I want to thank my wonderful partners in New Mexico, Brandon Holmes and Pat Holmes Jr., from Holmes Boxing, for agreeing to do this with me. They are a class act and great people to work with. The fights in New Mexico are sold out and this is looking to be a sensational competition between some of the two countries’ best fighters.”
“Holmes Boxing is happy to be helping to put on this fantastic event and the fact that it is going to a great cause makes it that much better,” said Pat Holmes. “We have an evening of great fights for the fans in Santa Fe and around the world to enjoy. The sellout before the first bell says what a great night it’s going to be. Countries collide in the ring Saturday night, but countries also come together to help one another.”

On Saturday night, doors open at 5 pm MT and the first fight is at 6 pm MT/8 pm ET. The Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino is located at 20 Buffalo Thunder Trail, in Santa Fe, NM.

Sampson Boxing to Donate Proceeds of Upcoming Fight to Earthquake Victims in Mexico

Donation to be Matched X5 by World-Famous Philanthropist Carlos Slim’s Foundation
LAS VEGAS (September 21, 2017) – Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is proud to announce he will be donating $1 from every ticket sold to his upcoming event in Las Vegas to help victims of the recent Mexico City Earthquake.
The donated funds, to be distributed by Mauricio Sulaiman of the World Boxing Council, will be matched X5 by world-renowned philanthropist and Mexican business man Carlos Slim’s Foundation.
Tickets, starting at $29, are available by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.
Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing, in association with Pochiro Boxing and the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, are presenting a “Cuba vs. Mexico” installment of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, September 26.
Televised live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, in the night’s 10-round featherweight main event, undefeated Leduan Barthelemy(13-0, 7 KOs) takes on also undefeated Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs). In the other televised bouts, hard-hitting prospect Alejandro Salinas (8-1, 8 KOs) matching up against unbeaten Duarn Vue (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction plus a six-round showdown between unbeaten lightweight prospects Bryan Figueroa (12-0, 5 KOs) and Ivan Jimenez (7-0-1, 4 KOs).
Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude quake killed at least 230 people in total, including at least 21 children and five adults at a primary school which collapsed in Mexico City.
Carlos Slim is one of the worlds most important philanthropists. He owns stock in more than 200 companies that employ more than 200,000 people in Latin America and beyond. He has used his resources to help develop the communities where his businesses are located. In his own country, Mexico, he has personally supported more than 165,000 young people in attending university, paid for numerous surgeries, provided equipment for rural schools and covered surety bonds for 50,000 people who were entitled to their freedom but could not afford. He recently created the Carso Institute for Health, and designed it to provide a new approach to health care in Mexico. He has four billion dollars of investments ready to promote education, health and other great challenges, and has recently announced an additional six-billion-dollar investment in several programs, including his Telmex Foundation.
Newly crowned WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez will be at the fight to support this endeavor and be part of the PBC broadcast team, together with announcer Ray Flores and former world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Heavyweight Factory Team, Including Newest Signee Ivan Dychko, Provide Thousands of Meals to Miami Victims of Hurricane Irma

This past weekend in Miami, Heavyweight Factory Gym Founder, Kris Lawrence, and a group of their prominent fighters, which included recently signed two-time Olympic Super Heavyweight Bronze Medallist Ivan Dychko, opened their hearts to the victims of Hurricane Irma by holding a free barbecue.
Over two 10-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, the group cooked and served over 2500 pieces of chicken, 1000 sausages, 800 racks of ribs, as well as baked beans and potato salad, to a hungry community still feeling the effects of the devastating hurricane.
Standing 6′ 9″ tall, Kazakhstan’s Dychko was an imposing sight at first, but quickly warmed the hearts of locals with his warm smile and tireless efforts to help. Despite the oppressive heat, he and former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, who also volunteered his time, posed for hundreds of pictures between servings.
“Ivan was amazing,” said Heavyweight Factory Director of Boxing, Henry Rivalta. “He hung in there while the sun was brutal. His desire to stay with us and make sure the neighborhood was fed was just awesome.”

Well-known for being very giving to the needy, Lawrence is active with several charities and, every Christmas, loads a 40-foot container with toys and distributes them to children on the streets of his native Liberty City.

“Giving back to the community gave our team a chance to join together and provide nice warm meals, which have been hard to find, due to the circumstances of Hurricane Irma,” continued Rivalta.
Dychko, a heavily decorated amateur, was also a two-time world amateur championships silver medallist. He and trainer Derek Santos are hard at work at the Heavyweight Factory for his highly anticipated professional debut on September 28 in Kentucky.

Melson and Holyfield to visit Sloan Kettering Children’s Hospital and St. Albans Community Living Center

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For Immediate Release

Brooklyn, NY (September 4, 2017) – Retired boxer and NY-11 congressional candidate Boyd Melson and 2017 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee turned promoter Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield will visit two New York care centers this week.

On Tuesday, September 5, Melson and Holyfield will spend time with children at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The world’s oldest and largest private cancer center, the MSKCC’s devoted more than 130 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research and outstanding educational programs. The visit takes place at the main campus, located at 1275 York Avenue in New York, NY.

Two days later, the pair heads to St. Albans Community Living Center in Queens, NY. Run by the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System (VA NYHHS), St. Albans Community Living Center has 386 beds and provides extended care, primary care and housing for homeless veterans. The center also offers counseling and training for patients looking to return to independent living.

Melson, an Army Public Affairs Officer who comes from a military family, is looking forward to teaming up with a boxing legend to spend time with those in need.

I have differing emotions here,” said Melson, who hopes to unseat Rep. Dan Donovan in the 2018 election. “My inner child is extremely excited because I remember the first fight I watched was Evander Holyfield against Riddick Bowe. My father would talk about Evander and his warrior heart every time he brought up boxing, so he became my first favorite fighter. 

Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this with somebody like Evander. I sincerely thank him for going with me to visit Sloan Kettering and my fellow Veterans that served in our nation’s armed forces but are now homeless. Between my parents, two siblings and myself, we have about 65 years of military service. Helping the military is extremely important for me and I’m also on the Advisory Board for the non-profit Stop Soldier Suicide.

For the Sloan Kettering visit, I’ve spent the past week trying to emotionally prepare to see innocent children suffering from cancer. These children are the truest of warriors with more bravery than anybody. They’ll be my greatest teachers on Tuesday. Children are the key to our future and veterans that represented this great country will forever have my gratitude.”

For more information on Melson, please visitwww.BoydMelson.com. To learn more about Real Deal Promotions, go to www.therealdealboxing.com.

Ruben Villa Receives Local Award for Community Building Efforts


      

 
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2017) – Ruben Villa (7-0, 4 KOs), one of boxing’s brightest, young talents in the featherweight division, recently received an award for his community building presence in his hometown of Salinas, Calif.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors recognized Team Villa Boxing, a non-profit gym, for creating a safe space for low-income youths in East Salinas. Through grants, Team Villa Boxing offers free boxing and physical fitness lessons to select youths.
“I was really surprised that we were honored with the award because we only found out about it the day before,” Villa said. “We are obviously very happy about it, but we don’t do it for the recognition. It’s all about helping the community. There’s not much opportunity out here so we have to give the kids additional chances to succeed.”
“Ruben cares about his community and wants to be a positive role model to the local kids,” said Danny Zamora, Villa’s manager. “The gym offers a safe and productive outlet for young kids and keeps them from getting into trouble.”
For those that are unaware, Salinas has an ongoing struggle with drug related gang violence. The Villa family, in an effort to pull local kids away from a life of crime, formed the gym three years ago. When not conducting training camps in Riverside, Calif., Villa stays sharp at the gym that bears his name.
Villa received the honor as part of the “National Night Out” event hosted by the City of Salinas.
The public awareness event, which drew thousands to the Salinas Soccer Complex, aimed to strengthen community relations with law enforcement and other public safety personnel such as firefighters and first responders.
Villa marks his return to the ring on a Thompson Boxing card Friday, Sept. 22 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. An opponent will be announced at a later date.
Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

RAGING BABE BRUNCH RETURNS SEPTEMBER 16TH; PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT PRICHARD COLON FOUNDATION

   
LAS VEGAS – July 24, 2017September, 16th is a huge day for boxing in Las Vegas, with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez facing Gennady “GGG” Golovkin in a must-win contest for the king of the middleweight division. As boxing’s elite descend on the Las Vegas Strip, the Raging Babes of Boxing will once again gather to networklaugh and bond over brunch.

This year’s event will be held at the Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill, with views of Mandalay Bay’s beach, and the unlimited mimosas that brunch attendees have come to expect over four years of Raging Babe events. More importantly, attendees will enjoy opportunities to meet and network with some of boxing’s top executives, most important behind-the-scenes players and inspirational women from across the industry.

The event continues to grow, with over 50 women attending the last brunch “New York, New York,” in 2016, and Raging Babe founder Michelle Rosado expects a full house for September’s brunch. Rosado settled on “Shine Bright” for the event’s theme. “Who shines brighter than the women of boxing,” said Rosado. “This event has grown to be so much more than a bunch of women sharing a meal. Experiences, talents and stories of heartbreak and triumph are shared at these events. They have come to mean a lot to the women working tirelessly to advance this sport of ours.”

As past events have done, Shine Bright will honor one of boxing’s most influential women with the Luminary Award.  “I can’t wait to share our honoree’s story,” said Rosado, who indicated the award winner would be announced soon.
Shine Bright will benefit a cause close to Rosado’s heart – the recovery of boxer Prichard Colon. “Prichard has made some great strides in his recovery, but the fact remains that the therapy he needs, the medical expenses, the support that his family needs, doesn’t end. His family has sacrificed everything to help him get better, and he sacrificed everything to entertain us in the ring.” Rosado, along with boxing manager and entrepreneur Livvy Cunningham, created the Facebook group, “Pray 4 Prichard,” which has been a place for the Colon family to find encouragement and support via messages from boxing fans all over the world. A percentage of the proceeds from Shine Bright will benefit the Prichard Colon Foundation, which funds the hefty monthly insurance premiums that are essential to Colon’s recovery.

For information on attending or sponsoring the Raging Babe Brunch, Shine Bright, please contact michelle@ragingbabe.com.

June 3, NYC, Wilfred Benitez Fundraising event

FUNDRAISER for three-time World Champion WILFRED “EL RADAR’ BENITEZ
(Youngest World Champion Ever at age 17)
Organized and promoted by Efrain Diaz, Franklin “Beatle” Flores, former NYC amateur boxer Eddie Montalvo, Yvonne Benitez (Wilfred’s sister)  and “Iceman” John Scully
Saturday, June 3, 2017  @ Monique’s Lounge in Spanish Harlem, New York City. 1 pm – 7 pm
181 East 108th St. Spanish Harlem, NY 10029.
FOOD-MUSIC-FUN
$20 admission. All proceeds go to Wilfred Benitez.
Wilfred Benitez tee-shirt comes with the admission price)
Invited and expected guests include the likes of Mark Breland, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, “Poison” Junior Jones, Seamus McDonough, Dennis “The Magician” Milton, Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, Angel Manfredy, Israel “Pito” Cardona, Harold “The Shadow” Knight, Pedro Vilella, Hector Camacho Jr. Richie “The Mountain” Lamontagne, Alfred “Ice” Cole, Tyrone “The Harlem Butcher” and HBO Judge Harold Lederman.
Benitez’ sister Evelyn will also be in attendance.
Actor and former professional boxer Mickey Rourke has already donated an undisclosed sum to the Fundraiser.

Melson to serve as keynote speaker at the New York Future Business Leaders of America Annual State Leadership Conference April 5-7

 

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New York, NY (April 3, 2017) – Retired professional boxer, present-day motivational speaker and United States Army Public Affairs Reserve Officer, Capt. Boyd Melson will be a keynote speaker at the 2017 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference April 5-7 in Rochester, NY at the Riverside Convention Center.

 

A former WBC-USNBC boxing champion at 154 pounds, Melson helped raise more than $400,000 for Spinal Cord Injury research and other causes between his fight purses and charity galas. In March, the 2003 West Point graduate completed the Army’s Public Affairs Qualification Course now officially allowing him to serve in the Army Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer. Melson has served in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years after he completed five years of Active Duty service in the United States Army.

 

As a public and motivational speaker, Melson’s addressed diverse audiences including elementary to college aged students, Army Battalions, Army Corps level leadership, college sports teams, Fortune 500 companies and religious organizations.

 

Earlier this year, the well-rounded Melson announced he plans on running for United States Congress during the 2018 elections. Melson, with the help of tremendous individuals on Staten Island, NY stepping up to volunteer their time and space, is currently running free weekly boxing clinics on Staten Island to help men and women battling or overcoming addiction.

 

The largest career student organization in the world, FBLA is for middle school, high school, and college students interested in learning about free enterprise systems. Nationally recognized throughout the United States, FBLA helps prepare students for careers in business and to become better employees and citizens. Melson was told he’ll address 600-800 high school students.

 

Melson will close out the three-day event by providing a half-hour speech to all in attendance. He will also serve as a judge during the FBLA’s student competitions.

 

“I received an email a few months back from the NY FBLA leadership stating that they were present when I spoke at Congressman Patrick Maloney’s Service Academy Nomination Workshop for high schools students,” said Melson. “They said that that speech is what prompted them to invite me to speak at this event and share my story. I was told that the theme for this year’s conference is “Suit Up, Step Up.” Well I have a great deal of internal fire I am happy to share with members of our nature’s future attending the conference. I thank the love in this universe dearly for giving me another opportunity to use my abilities hopefully offering a perspective that helps at least one person want to suit up and step up. If I was independently wealthy, I would wish my life would be me traveling around to students each and every day hoping to help them lift their own lives up.”

 

ANOTHER ONE IN THE BOOKS-THE FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. FOUNDATION’S  3RD ANNUAL FIGHT-4-FITNESS 5K RUN, 2K WALK, KIDS FUN RUN & COMMUNITY DAY EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS!

 
 
LAS VEGAS (March 16, 2017) The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (TFMJF) successfully held their 3rd Annual Fight-4-Fitness 5K RUN, 2K WALK, KIDS FUN RUN, & Community Day this past Sunday, at Sunset Park. The goal each year for Fight-4-Fitness is to support the movement toward more active and healthy lifestyles, while forming community alliances where awareness and empowerment serve as the nucleus for an improved quality of life.
“It was important that we put together an event promoting health and fitness awareness and that we got the families involved,” said Nicole Craig, President of The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation.
Fight-4-Fitness followed its tradition and was kicked off with the 5K race and 2K walk, shortly after, kids lined up at the start line to begin the KIDS FUN RUN. 5K participants were awarded by gender and age group categories 1st through 3rd place, while all kids participating in the KIDS FUN RUN were awarded with a participation medal upon crossing the finish line. Children ages 12 and under had the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt, where they were challenged to find items hid throughout the park, the 1st-3rd winning group were presented with great prizes from contributing sponsors: Mayweather Promotions, TMT, GameWorks Las Vegas, and Pole Position.
Immediately following the races was the 3rd Annual Community Day to close the event. Community Day featured outstanding live performances from Las Vegas’ very own Prodigy Dance Group and The Monster Kids. Providing music throughout the event was Las Vegas resident DJ, D-Miles, while HOT 97.5’s Mike P emcee’d the event and kept the crowd entertained. Participants were chosen throughout the event winning prizes ranging from: gift cards, signed boxing gloves, merchandise packs, and a 50/50 cash prize!
A new addition to this year’s event was awarding local Las Vegas Track Clubs with a cash donation prize based on the number of registrants who signed up for their respective club. The first place was awarded to The BG Gators track club, second place went to Vegas Stealth, and coming in third place was the SW Stallions .
The 3rd Annual Fight-4-Fitness 5K Race, 2K Walk, KIDS FUN RUN, & Community Day sponsors included: Mayweather Promotions, The Money Team, Mayweather Sports, SHOWTIME, and Greenspun Media Group.
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For additional information follow on Twitter: @FloydMayweather and @TFMJF, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloydMayweather and www.Facebook.com/TFMJF, follow on Instagram at Instagram.com/FloydMayweather and Instagram.com/TFMJF.