Category Archives: Spike TV

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS TO HOLD “TOYS 4 TICKETS” CHARITY DRIVE TO BENEFIT “TOYS FOR TOTS” PROGRAM FOR PBC ON SPIKE SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

 
TOYS CAN BE DROPPED OFF
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Mayweather Promotions will hold a “Toys 4 Tickets” charity drive in advance of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike show taking place Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
The charity drive will benefit the “Toys for Tots” program, which aims to distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Toys can be dropped off at the Mint Lounge inside the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, December 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, December 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 
Fans who donate a new unwrapped toy will receive a ticket voucher redeemable at the Pearl Theater Box Office at the Palms Casino Resort. Ticket value is $25 with a limit of four per person.
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RANCES BARTHELEMY GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV THAT HEADLINES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE

 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Barthelemy
 
LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:
On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far.  I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions.  I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be.  My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”
On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page.  He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner.  We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight.   Salas is a great trainer.  We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”
On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win.  We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out.  I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace.  He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for.  This will not be a boring fight.  The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”
On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career.  When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great.  That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov.  The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”
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JOSH THOMSON STOPS PABLO VILLASECA IN ‘BELLATOR 147’ HEADLINER

 

COMPLETE MAIN CARD PHOTO SELECTION HERE

 

SAN JOSE, CA. (December 4, 2015) – Josh Thomson’s (22-8, 1 NC) a mixed martial arts legend in San Jose and his “Bellator 147” effort against a young and promising prospect by the name of Pablo Villaseca (10-2) will only add to his career’s story.

A packed Event Center on the San Jose State University’s campus witnessed the “The Punk” utilize a plethora of skills en route to a finish of the Chilean fighter. Referee Jason Herzog officially called a stop to the action at 3:59 of the second frame, sending those in attendance into an uproar and pushing Thomson’s mark under the Bellator MMA banner to 2-0.

After the fight, Thomson made it clear that while a matchup against incumbent Bellator lightweight kingpin Will Brooks is enticing, he’s about the fans and the vast majority of fans he’s heard from want him to fight “Iron” Michael Chandler.

“Will Brooks is a great fighter man, and he has the belt,” Thomson said. “But, regardless of the gold around his waist, the fans want me to fight Michael Chandler and I fight for the fans.”

Bellator President Scott Coker has said he foresees Thomson returning to action in early 2016, and without fights scheduled for Chandler or Brooks as of print, another marquee lightweight contest could come to fruition sooner, rather than later. Watch the finish here.

Weichel Tops Karakhanyan, Hoping to Face Daniel Straus For the Title

 

In the featherweight co-feature bout of the evening, Georgi Karakhanyan (24-5-1) and Daniel Weichel (36-9) unleashed hard jabs and numerous round houses throughout a three-round thriller. The difference was Weichel’s ability to use his pinpoint accuracy to pepper away at his jab, putting an end to Karakhanyan’s night. In the end, “The Weasel” escaped with a split decision victory with scores of (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), and likely moved closer to another shot at the 145-pound champion. Watch the official decision here.

Anderson Outduels Freire Once Again, Inside the Bellator MMA Cage

 

A lightweight rematch between Patricky Freire (14-7) and Derek Anderson (13-2, 1 NC) came to a head tonight, with both men trading body blows and kicks for the 15 minute duration of their violent bout. In the end, “Barbaric” took home a split decision victory with judges’ scores of (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The upset marks his second career win over Freire, after previously making his Bellator debut in a unanimous decision victory over Freire at “Bellator 98.”Take a look at some highlights here.

Piccolotti Wins Bloody Battle at the Expense of Soto

 

In a tightly contested battle between grappling experts Adam Piccolotti (7-0) and Mario Soto, (6-2) “The Bomb” remained undefeated after a second round rear-naked choke submission. Piccolotti sliced up Soto, opening up a significant cut over the right eye of the 29-year-old birthday boy. With blood squirting everywhere, “Dr. Mario” was forced to tap out at 3:25 of round two. Both Northern California fighters brought in a large contingent of hometown fans, but it was the Bay-area guy, Piccolotti, emerging victorious in the end, a product of landing 86% of his strikes thrown. Peep the gash on Soto’s head here.

Rogers Powers Past Zwicker in ‘Bellator 147’ Opener

 

During the opening contest on SPIKE, Brian Rogers (12-8) put an end to a two-fight skid in his debut at light heavyweight, opening fire with vicious ground-and-pound technique, mixed in with relentless hammer fists, which led to Virgil Zwicker (14-5-1) tapping out by arm-triangle submission at 4:38 of round two. “Rezdog” fought valiantly during his time inside the Bellator MMA cage, even withstanding a low blow earlier in the contest; but in the end, it was “B-Rog The Predator’s” night. Watch the video highlights here.

Preliminary Card Results & Photos:

A.J. McKee (3-0) defeated JT Donaldson (1-1) via knockout (knee) at 4:14 of round two WATCH FINISH HERE

Brandon Hester (3-0) defeated Idris Wasi (1-3) via unanimous decision (30-24, 30-25, 30-27)

Gabriel Carrasco (7-0) defeated Khomkrit Niimi (6-8) via technical knockout (elbows) at 3:19 of round one

Nick Barnes (10-1) defeated James Terry (16-8) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:48 of round one

Erick Sanchez (6-2) defeated Thomas Diagne (5-5-1) via technical knockout (punches) at 1:22 of round three

Jeremiah Labiano (9-3) defeated Alvin Cacdac (16-12) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Bronson Mohika (1-1) defeated Jose Perez (1-1) defeated via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Adin Duenas (3-1) defeated Anthony Taylor (0-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:43 of round one

Anthony Do (2-0) defeated Dustin Moore (0-1) via technical knockout at 2:05 of round one

MARCOS GALVAO MEETS EDUARDO DANTAS IN REMATCH FOR BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE AT ‘BELLATOR 150: GALVAO VS. DANTAS 2’ ON FEBRUARY 26

ALSO: DAVID ‘THE CAVEMAN’ RICKELS RETURNS HOME

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (December 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA’s Bantamweight Championship will be on the line in a rematch pitting Marcos “Loro” Galvao (17-6-1) against former champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4) at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas, on February 26.

 

In addition, hometown favorite, David Rickels (16-4, 1 NC) will return to action against an opponent that will be revealed at a later date. “The Caveman” always comes ready to put on a show, whether it’s on his way to the cage, or when he’s taking on a who’s who of Bellator MMA lightweight talent.

 

The main event, as well as Rickels’ fight will make up two of the televised contests at “Bellator 150: Galvao vs. Dantas,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com at 7 p.m. ET. Additional fights will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 150: Galvao vs. Dantas 2,” which start at just $27, go on sale next Saturday, December 12 at KansasStarEventCenter.com or Ticketmaster.com, as well as the Kansas Star Arena box office.

 

A rib injury sustained by Dantas during training camp forced him to withdraw from his previously scheduled title shot at“Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho.” Now fully recovered, promotional officials have rebooked the tilt.

 

“Loro,” who has fought for world-renowned promotions the likes of World Extreme Cagefighting and Shooto since 2003, will be competing for the 11th time under the Bellator MMA banner. The 34-year-old is presently in the midst of a four-fight winning streak and has emerged victorious in seven of his last eight scraps. In his last outing, Galvao finished Joe Warren at“Bellator 135: Warren vs. Galvao” via submission to win his first-ever championship.

 

Meanwhile, Dantas will be looking to duplicate the success he had against Galvao in their first meeting, which resulted in a second-round knockout at “Bellator 89.” The 26-year-old Nova Uniao product bounced back from his unanimous decision loss against Warren to dispel of Mike Richman in the same manner at “Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove.” The Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament winner is looking to call himself a two-time bantamweight champion come October 23.

 

BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS ISIAH THOMAS & MURAT GASSIEV TO BE CO-MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

 
Beibut Shumenov Forced To Withdraw From Scheduled Bout Due To Injury
 
LAS VEGAS (November 30, 2015) – Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) will meet in a 12-round battle of undefeated cruiserweights as the co-main event of Premier Boxing Champions(PBC)on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
This bout will replace the previously scheduled co-main event between Beibut Shumenov andKrzyzstof Wlodarczyk after Shumenov was forced to withdraw due to an eye inury.
PBC on Spike is headlined by undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title fight, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
A product of Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym in Detroit, Thomas was mentored by the late famed trainer throughout an amateur career that included two Junior Olympic titles and a gold medal at the World Cadet Championships. Since turning pro in 2008, the 26-year-old has yet to lose and most recently picked up an impressive victory over previously unbeaten Jordan Shimmell in July.
A fast-rising 22-year-old prospect, Gassiev is also undefeated since turning pro in 2011 and has delivered three straight stoppage victories since making his stateside debut in January of this year. Representing Vladikavkaz, Russia, he owns victories over the previously unbeaten Leon Harth and veterans Felix Cora Jr., Ismail Adbdoul and Levan Jomardashvili.
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BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES FIRST OVERSEAS EVENT TO TAKE PLACE AT PALA ALPITOUR IN TORINO, ITALY ON APRIL 16, 2016

 

Coker and Di Blasi

Above: Scott Coker and Carlo Di Blasi

 

PARIS (Nov. 27, 2015) – Not even an entire month after announcing plans to host multiple international events in 2016, Bellator MMA has come out with a date and location for its first foray across the pond. Bellator MMA President Scott Coker joined Oktagon Kickboxing President Carlo Di Blasi in Paris this afternoon to announce a co-promoted event set to take place on April 16 at the Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy.

The event will feature both Bellator MMA and Oktagon Kickboxing bouts, with the Bellator MMA portion airing in the United States on SPIKE. Exact broadcast information and fight card will be announced in the near future.  Tickets for the event will be available at www.oktagon.it beginning December 14th 2015.

“We are very excited to be working side by side with my friend Carlo Di Blasi and his team,” said Coker. “Carlo is a great ally, and someone who I admire for all of the amazing work he has done in combat sports throughout Europe over the past twenty years.  We look forward to putting on an amazing show for the Italian people, and fans tuning in from around the world when we combine our efforts on April 16 in Torino”

“Oktagon has had incredible success building a loyal and committed fanbase throughout Europe over the past twenty years,” said Di Blasi. “I know that these fans are going to really enjoy the exciting brand of MMA that Bellator offers when we partner with them on April 16.”

In conjunction with the fight announcement, Bellator MMA has signed one of Italy’s most notable mixed martial artists, Alessio Sakara (17-11, 2 NC MMA / 8-1 Boxing), who is expected to fight at the event. Sakara has competed as a middleweight, but recently returned to light heavyweight, scoring a TKO victory just 1:32 into his last outing this past September.  The tattooed striker has always performed well in front of his countrymen, going 6-0 in MMA and 6-1 in boxing when fighting in Italy, and looks to add onto that success next April.

Bellator has had a record-shattering year in 2015 with Coker at the helm, powered by several major events including “Bellator: Kimbo vs. Shamrock,” which generated 2.9 million viewers and “Bellator: Dynamite 1,” which set company records for attendance and gate. The event in Torino marks Bellator’s first-ever event overseas, but it won’t be the last. In addition to the Torino event, Bellator MMA has announced plans for additional international events in London and Israel slated for 2016.

Oktagon Kickboxing has been a mainstay in combat sports for 20 years now, officially founded in 1996.  Under the watchful eye of Di Blasi, the promotion has put on some memorable matchups throughout the years with top fighters including Bellator welterweight Paul Daley as well as The Petrosyan brothers (Giorgio and Armen), Robin Van Roosmalen, Valentijn Overeem, Rico Verhoeven and Artem Levin.

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ-DANIEL PINEDA ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 149’

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (November 25) – A featherweight contest pitting Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) against Daniel Pineda (21-11) has been added to the SPIKE-televised main card of “Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” onFeb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

 

The fight joins a card that already features a double main event — MMA legends Ken Shamrock and Royce Gracie meet for a third time and Kimbo Slice will fight the man who has been calling him out since their friendship ended years ago, Dhafir Harris, better known as “Dada 5000.”

 

Tickets for this mixed martial arts extravaganza start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, as well as HoustonToyotaCenter.com, Toyota Center Box Office, and Houston area Randall’s locations.

 

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” airs live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Spike.com.

 

Sanchez has bounced back from a tough decision loss against former Bellator MMA Featherweight Champion Pat Curran with two wins against young, top-flight 145-pound talent, distancing himself from the title of prospect and solidifying himself as a contender. “El Matador” now boasts a 4-1 record under the Bellator MMA umbrella and will be fighting for the fifth time in a span of 329 days.

 

Standing opposite of the Roufusport fighter will be Pineda, a 30-year-old that already has amassed a 32-fight professional career. A veteran of Legacy Fighting Championship, “The Pit” has never seen a victory reach the judges’ scorecards, finishing 15 pairings via submission, the other six by knockout. This will be Pineda’s first appearance for Bellator MMA since 2010 at “Bellator 19.”

“Bellator 149: Shamrock vs. Gracie” Updated Fight Card

 

Bellator MMA Openweight Main Event: Ken Shamrock (28-16-2) vs. Royce Gracie (14-2-3)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (5-2) vs. Dada 5000 (2-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: Emmanuel Sanchez (12-2) vs. Daniel Pineda (21-11)

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND MICHAEL SEALS DELIVER “FIGHT OF THE YEAR” CANDIDATE IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE MAIN EVENT FROM BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO IN BILOXI, MISS.  

Thomas Williams Jr. Scores 2nd Round TKO Over Humberto Savigne In Co-Main Event
 
Click HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Eli Baylis / Premier Boxing Champions
BILOXI, MISS. (November 13) – In a telecast showcasing four fights that lasted a total of 13 rounds with 11 knockdowns and four knockouts, boxing fans were treated to a night of sensational Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike action from the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss. The evening culminated with an unforgettable all out war between light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez and Michael Seals.
Rodriguez came out swinging from the first bell, dropping Seals in the first 30 seconds of the bout with a hard left. Seals hit the canvas, got back on his feet and dropped Rodriguez not even 30 seconds later. With 10 seconds to go in the first round, Seals dropped Rodriguez again, putting round one in the running for “Round of the Year.”
Both combatants were slightly cautious coming out of their respective corners in the second round, but it was Rodriguez who dropped Seals with a right hand late in the round and continued to hurt him with punches heading into the end of round two. The fight was stopped 24 seconds into round three when Rodriguez pounded Seals with a right hand that sent him thundering to the canvas causing the crowd in Biloxi to go wild and putting the bout in the conversation for “Fight of the Year.”
Rodriguez said of his performance:
 “Seals was really tough. I knew he was tough going into it, but he proved it tonight. He threw hard punches, but I did what champions do. I got back up.  Anyone can go down in a fight, but its if you get back up and how you get back up that matters. Sh*t happens. You just have to keep on fighting. Just like in life – you have to be able to get back up.
“He caught me with some good shots, but in the end, I was able to finish him off.
“It was a great fight. It feels great. We were both in tremendous shape. My hat goes off to Michael Seals. We gave the fans a great show.”

Seals, who complained of dislocating his shoulder following the punch that first sent Rodriguez to the canvas, is hungry for a rematch saying:
“Every time I threw my jab it landed, but I dislocated my shoulder in the first round. I had him with my punches. If I had all my tools, there is no way he could have beat me.
“I had him beat in the second round. I know it. I felt like the ref was going to stop it. If he stopped it with me, why didn’t he stop it with him?
“It was a great fight. He is a tough guy. I want a rematch. Please give it to me.”
In the quick, yet action-packed televised opener that saw three knockdowns in less than two rounds, Thomas Williams Jr.scored an exciting second round TKO over Humberto Savigne in a light heavyweight showdown.
Williams Jr. asserted his excellence to begin the second round, knocking down Savigne with a series of punches. Savigne was able to make it to his feet only to be backed up against the ropes as Williams Jr. continued throwing flurries of punches that caused referee Keith Hughes to wave off the match in minute 1:48.
“I’m very happy with my performance,” said Williams Jr. “I haven’t been in the ring in 11 months and I was ready. It felt a little different. That played a small part into me getting knocked down. I came back and fought someone with a lot of power. For me to come back and fight a fighter like him shows a lot.
[On being knocked down in the first round] “I wasn’t paying attention. I wasn’t sticking to the game plan. I was trying to set something up and I got caught with a right.  I was very surprised. It woke me up. He caught me going the wrong way. Threw a shot. It didn’t hurt me. It woke me up. I said ‘It’s time to go to work now.’
“I knew he was going to get cocky after he knocked me down and of course I took advantage of it.”
After what he felt was a promising start, Savigne credited the quick ending on abandoning his game plan.
“In the first round I felt like I was controlling the pace of the fight. There was a flash knockdown and I got right back up and knocked him down. I just got a little bit desperate. I went to slug him and should have maintained my distance.
“The problem was, I got desperate. In my last couple of fights, I haven’t been able to focus.
“I ended up making weight, but we missed our flight coming here and my whole schedule was thrown off. Not an excuse, but it definitely played into my performance tonight.”
Unbeaten welterweight prospect Bryant Perrella got an opportunity to showcase his skills as part of the Spike telecast and did not waste a moment making an impression.  Seconds after the opening bell tolled, Perrella (12-0, 10 KOs) landed a crushing right to the body of Chaquib Fadli, sending him to the canvas, resulting in a first round TKO.
“I’m just happy I got the job done,” said Perrella. “We did what we had to do – adjust, adapt and take care of business. This is my time and my destiny. Nothing is going to stop me from achieving my dreams.”
In the fight immediately before the main event, powerful middleweight Fernando Guerrero scored an exciting 7th round TKO over Brazilian puncher Daniel Souza Santos in an action-packed fight that saw fists flying from the opening bell. But it was a quick barrage of punches that sent Souza Santos to the canvas. Despite being able to stand, the referee waved off the bout.
“For me, this fight was all about preparation,” said Guerrero. “When you go through trials and tribulations, you grow as a fighter and as a person. I have the best team around me now. I’ve been eating, breath and living boxing and it showed tonight.”
# # #
PBC on Spike headlined by Edwin Rodriguez vs. Michael Seals was promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaBombaBoxing, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook
at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/SpikeHighlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

CUBA’S RANCES BARTHELEMY & RUSSIA’S DENIS SHAFIKOV SQUARE-OFF FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS 9 P.M. ET/PT

 
PLUS! CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION BEIBUT SHUMENOV TAKES ON FORMER WORLD CHAMPION KRZYZSTOF WLODARCZYK
&
UNDEFEATED JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON & FAST RISING UNBEATEN PROSPECT GERVONTA DAVIS IN SEPARATE BOUTS
 
Tickets On Sale Tomorrow At 12 p.m. PT!
 
LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) will fight for a lightweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will see cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) in a matchup with former world cruiserweight world champion Krzyzstof Wlodarczyk (49-3-1, 35 KOs). Also featured on the telecast is undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
“On December 18 I’m going to make history by adding another world title to my collection,” said Barthelemy. “Shafikov is a very tough opponent and at this level everyone is dangerous. I’m taking this fight very seriously and the boxing world will take notice of my presence in the ring. Fans love to see action and that’s what I bring to every fight. I’m going to send a stern message to the world of boxing that I’m one of the best in the sport.”
“I’ve been preparing my whole life for this fight and to become a world champion,” said Shafikov. “This is my second world title fight and while I have a great deal of respect for Barthelemy, I will be victorious on December 18. My trainer Abel Sanchez and I have been working hard for the past couple of months and we will have a great game plan on fight night.”
“I am happy to get back in the ring again because I want to fight all of the best fighters in the cruiserweight division,” said Shumenov. “I would like to stay more active because I’m still developing. I am curious to see my progression and how I will do against the best cruiserweights.”
“I’m very excited to be fighting a well-known opponent in Las Vegas,” said Wlodarczyk. “Shumenov is a tricky guy, but he has no heart. He tried to run from the action in his last fight. I do not like to fight guys who run but if I want to fight the best I have to destroy this chicken and I will do it.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale Friday, November 13 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
“It’s a great pleasure to be promoting two world title fights on this outstanding night of boxing on Spike from Palms Casino Resort,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “In addition, Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars Chris Pearson and Gervonta Davis will enter the ring looking to remain unbeaten and get another step closer to a world title. It’s going to be a can’t-miss night of action.”
“We look forward to having Spike and Mayweather Promotions back to The Pearl for a night of action-packed bouts,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events at Palms Casino Resort.
A Cuban amateur national champion, the 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July of last year by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion and followed that up with a second round TKO over Angino Perez. Most recently, he defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco in convincing fashion in a PBC main event in June.
Having fought in eight countries throughout his pro career, the 30-year-old Shafikovbrings a full career of experiences with him into his second world title opportunity onDecember 18. Born in Miass, Russia, he enters this fight having won three in a row by taking down Rustam Nugaev, Miguel Mendoza and Roy Mukhlis.
A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on his last fight, which saw him earn a cruiserweight crown by defeating B.J. Flores in July. The 32-year-old won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan went on to defend his title five times and will return to the scene of his latest triumph on December 18.
A two-time world champion in the cruiserweight division, Warsaw, Poland’s Wlodarczyk looks to win a world title for a third time in his career at cruiserweight. The 34-year-old owns world title-winning victories over Steve Cunningham and Giacobbe Fragomeni. In his last world title reign Wlodarczyk defended his belt six times, including victories over Danny Green, Rakhim Chakhkiyev and Francisco Palacios.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status on December 18.
A highly-regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight.
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EDWIN RODRIGUEZ & MICHAEL SEALS ARRIVE IN BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI AND DISCUSS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE SHOWDOWN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FROM BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO

 
Televised Coverage Begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT
 
BILOXI, MISS. (November 11, 2015) – Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (27-1, 18 KOs)and Michael Seals (19-0, 14 KOs) are just days away from their light heavyweight showdown on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) onSpike taking placeFriday, November 13 from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The night of action starts at 9 p.m. ET/PT with Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (18-1, 12 KOs) and Humberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs) in a light heavyweight clash.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $62.95, $48.95, $34.95 and $20.95, plus tax and service charges. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Rodriguez and Seals arrived to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Wednesday and had a lot to say about Fridaynight’s matchup.
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ
“This guy [Michael Seals] is undefeated. That’s one challenge. His mentality. He doesn’t know how to lose. I need to come out and convince him that he can. That’s the first battle. You need to convince them, it’s time for you to lose now, I’m better than you.
“He has a good jab and good power. I need to be aware that he can punch.
“I have a nutritionist that I see every three weeks. I couldn’t make weight when I was going to fight Andre Ward. Making weight takes a lot of dedication.
“Going into my fight with Andre Ward, my mentality was changed. You already lost to the scale before you even stepped in the ring. It’s your body telling you that you can’t make weight, you can’t do it anymore. It does bother you.
“I refuse to blame my loss on anything. I think he was a better fighter that night. I’m trying to make my mark at 175 and maybe down the road, I can get a rematch against him.”
MICHAEL SEALS
“Fighting so close to home means everything to me. This is the biggest fight of my career and I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“My whole life, I feel like I’ve been destined for greatness and this is my chance.
“I remember coming to the Beau Rivage as a kid with my dad and I would look at this big building and tell him that I was going to stay in a room here when I grew up and now my name is on the marquee. Its a dream come true.
“Edwin is an experienced fighter. He’s fought some great opposition but he has a loss on his record. I do not and its going to stay that way on November 13.
“I train smart. I have a degree in physical education which has taught me some different training techniques that you can’t learn in a gym.
“A win on Friday means another step toward a world title shot. That is the goal. To fight for a world title and I have to beat Edwin Rodriguez to get it. He is standing in my way.
“I got my ring name ‘Cannonhandz’ as an amateur when I started boxing at a community center and there were a lot of little kids there. They would hear me hit the mitts or the bag and say ‘When you punch, it sounds like there are cannons shooting out of your gloves,’ and it has stuck ever since.
“I can’t wait for Friday night. This is my chance and to be able to keep my undefeated record and take down someone with a known name in the sport so close to my hometown of Mobile is a blessing.”
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