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WBKFF FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTSCOMBATE AMERICAS UNVEILS THE LARGEST WINNER’S TROPHY IN SPORTS, COMPLETES ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN TOURNAMENT FIELD WITH FOUR NEW FEATHERWEIGHT ENTRANTS WHO WILL BATTLE FOR $100,000 GRAND PRIZE
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FRESNO – November 8, 2018 – Combate Americas today unveiled at a news conference at the Mexican Consulate in Fresno, Calif., a massive winner’s cup trophy, and announced the final four featherweight (145 pounds) contestants for its much-anticipated, “COPA COMBATE,” one-night Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament extravaganza featuring eight fighters, representing eight different countries, battling it out for a $100,000 grand prize, at Save Mart Center in Fresno on Friday, Dec. 7.
The previously announced, second annual “COPA COMBATE” event will air live in English in the U.S. and Canada on DAZN (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT), and live on television in Spanish in the U.S. on both Univision (12 a.m. ET/PT) and Univision Deportes Network (UDN) (12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT).
The winner of the tournament will have persevered through three fights in one night to claim the grand prize check and the trophy.
The “COPA COMBATE” winner’s trophy unveiled today stands over 4 and a half feet tall, and is nearly 2 feet wide at its widest point. Custom made by U.K.-based CA Models, the makers of the Viking-style headdress that music superstar Madonna wore during her 2012 NFL SuperBowl halftime performance, the gold-colored trophy, valued at $100,000, is constructed from high-tech composite plastics used in Formula 1 racing and aerospace.
Announced today as the four fighters who will complete the “COPA COMBATE” one-night, eight-man tournament field were Bruno “Aquiles” Cannetti (7-5) of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Latin American MMA pioneer Pablo “El Gallo” Villaseca (13-4) of Santiago, Chile; undefeated John “Ronin” Bedoya (6-0) of Bogota, Colombia; and powerhouse Marlon “Deriko Siete” Gonzales (13-3-2, 1 NC) of Lima, Peru.
Cannetti is the 29-year-old, younger brother of MMA superstar Guido “Ninja” Cannetti, and is riding a three-fight winning streak.
Combate Americas’ La Jaula model Alyshia Barragan with the “COPA COMBATE” winner’s trophy
Villaseca is a 31-year-old, battle-tested veteran who has competed on three different continents – North America, South America and Europe – and who has earned 10 of his 13 professional victories via (T)KO or submission.
Bedoya was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America reality television series. The 27-year-old has scored three of his six professional victories by way of submission.
The 26-year-old Gonzales is the number one ranked featherweight fighter in Peru. He is coming off a thunderous, first round (3:34) TKO (punches) of Mariano Rocca on August 18.
The four “COPA COMBATE” tournament entrants announced today join the four previously announced entrants – Andres “The Bullet” Quintana (15-2) of Roswell, N.M., USA; Alejandro “Gallito” Flores (13-1) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Gaston “Tonga” Reyno (8-2, 2 NC) of Montevideo, Uruguay; and Zebenzui “El Niño Roca” Ruiz (7-2) of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain.
The official “COPA COMBATE” tournament brackets with quarterfinal stage matchups for the one night, eight-man tournament will be announced soon.
Priced from $30, tickets for “COPA COMBATE” are on sale online at CombateAmericas.com/Tickets and at Ticketmaster.com, as well as at the Save Mart Center box office.
Doors at Save Mart Center will open for the event at 5 p.m. PT on December 7, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.
Combate Americas also announced today that it has partnered with Jimenez Grappling Academy, an Exeter-based non-profit organization focused on utilizing martial arts classes to create family and community-oriented programs. As part of the local partnership, MMA superstar Julianna “The Venezuelan Vixen” Peña will join fellow Combate Americas commentator and multiple-time WWE Heavyweight Champion, Alberto El Patrón, formerly known as Alberto Del Rio, to offer an MMA seminar to Jimenez’s students on Wednesday, Dec. 5, two days before the “COPA COMBATE” affair.
FFC 34 On Nov. 9 At Fight Dome Las Vegas Has Been Canceled
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Photo Courtesy of: Final Fight ChampionshipLAS VEGAS, NV (November 8, 2018) – Due to reasons involving medical issues, Final Fight Championship has announced that “FFC 34” on November 9th has been officially canceled.
Nick Sadeghi, MD of Athlete Advantage Medical in Las Vegas, NV, released the following statement to Final Fight Championship.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission requires a series of medical examinations to be completed by a professional fighter in order to determine the medical condition of a fighter, the outcome of those exams determining if the fighter will be cleared to compete or not. Of utmost concern is the fighter’s physical well-being. It was determined by independent physicians conducting the exams for FFC as well as the Nevada State Athletic Commission that several fighters scheduled to compete on the November 9th fight card would not be able to compete due to abnormal MRA findings which identified small aneurysms in the brain. For obvious reasons, these fighters could not be cleared to compete without proper medical workup. This includes consulting with a Neurosurgeon and an Interventional Radiologist. Some fighters may be cleared after this, but some may need a surgical procedure to correct the aneurysm before he or she can continue to fight in the future.
FFC CEO/President, Orsat Zovko, issued his own statement regarding the unfortunate cancelation.
“We are disappointed to make this announcement, but on such short notice it was impossible to move forward because four of our six fights were stopped by the commission and medical personnel, including our Main Event and Co-Event,” said Zovko.
“We must follow the strict rules and guidelines of the Nevada Athletic Commission, and we respect the decisions made by the medical community, because it is in the best interest of the fighters, and to protect their health is the ultimate goal.”
Final Fight Championship (FFC) is the first and only professional combat sports franchise offering fans a unique ‘multi-discipline’ experience (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA), where every event culminates with a championship title bout. All FFC events take place inside “Fight Dome” at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, the all-new mecca of combat sports.
For more information about Final Fight Championship, please visit finalfightchampionship.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/FFCFighting, and Follow FFC on Instagram/Twitter @FFCFighting.
Marcos Hernandez Looking to Steal the Show on The Contender Finale
FRESNO, CA (November 8, 2018) – Middleweight “Mad Man” Marcos Hernandez (12-1-1, 3 KOs) will look to continue his recent success on The Contender finale this Friday at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The 6-round bout will be televised on EPIX, as he takes on fellow cast member Quantavious Cash (10-1, 7 KOs).
Hernandez, who hails from Fresno, CA, is the only cast member of The Contender that didn’t lose a single fight on the show, besides Shane Mosley Jr. (11-2, 8 KOs) and Brandon Adams (20-2, 13 KOs), who will meet in the finals. In his most recent fight, Hernandez defeated Daniel Valdivia (14-3, 10 KOs) in a fight that Valdivia was rocked badly in the last two rounds. Some controversy happened after the bout as Valdivia was originally announced the winner, despite being out boxed and beaten, an official at ringside counted the scores again and realized a judging error and announced Hernandez, the rightful winner.
On top of the bizarre ending, Hernandez was cut in the fight and forced to sit, because of his cut. Valdivia replaced him and got dropped and beaten by Shane Mosely Jr., who now is in the finals.
Hernandez is readier than ever now to make things happen as he wishes to keep his momentum moving forward and face the best in the division.
“I have had a great camp with my trainer Henry Ramirez in Riverside, Ca, and I am ready for Friday night.” said Hernandez. “I am going to show all of my skills when I step in the ring and I’m going to steal the show.”
“I have never seen Hernandez train this hard, be this motivated and want to prove a point this badly,” stated his longtime advisor, Peter Lopes. “This is a different ‘Mad Man’.”
DEONTAY WILDER OPENS UP ABOUT LONG-AWAITED “LEGACY FIGHT” AGAINST TYSON FURY IN WIDE-RANGING SHOWTIME SPORTS® INTERVIEW
“It’s time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here” – Deontay Wilder
Wilder Shares His Thoughts With Below The Belt Host Brendan Schaub As He Prepares To Face Fury December 1 Live On SHOWTIME PPV®
Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder sat down with SHOWTIME Sports correspondent Brendan Schaub as part of a wide-ranging interview providing a glimpse into the mindset of the undefeated champion as he prepares for the most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years. The 6-foot-7 Wilder meets 6-foot-9 lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury December 1 live on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Wilder, who is America’s only true heavyweight champion since 2007, discusses everything from his career-defining win over Luis Ortiz and his incredible knockout power, to the pressures of being the heavyweight champion of the world and his love for his family in the candid 35-minute interview from a double-decker bus in Los Angeles.
The Tuscaloosa, Ala. native, however, had the most to say about his upcoming battle with Fury. “Throughout my whole career, guys always said I only had one hand,” Wilder explains to Schaub as they head to Los Angeles International Airport following Monday’s media day in Santa Monica. “But when you get in the ring, it’s going to be different. The game plan is going to go out the window, like Mike Tyson said.
“This is the moment in time for America to wake up and understand they have the baddest man on the planet right here,” Wilder passionately continues. “And you think I’m going to let this Gypsy come in here and mess up all those plans for me? I don’t think so.”
The heavyweight showdown headlines the December 1 SHOWTIME PPV live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). Wilder, who has knocked out all seven challengers of his title, will attempt to make his eighth WBC Heavyweight defense. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury has the opportunity to become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
FULL INTERVIEW:
Introducing undefeated Heavyweight Sensation James “The Beast” Wilson
Golden Boy enters “Beast Mode or No Mode”
Jared Shaw managed Heavyweight recently inked promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles, CA. (November 8, 2018) – In an age where heavyweight boxing is once again a hot division. The question is still asked, who will be that next Mike Tyson like knockout artist? Or has sports like football and basketball taken the best big men away from boxing?
Enter James “The Beast” Wilson.
Wilson has all the attributes of the above mentioned qualities. A terrific athlete, who was in an NFL training camp with a background in fighting that displays ferocious power.
Wilson, who just signed with Golden Boy Promotions, has a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts, but his story begins over 20 years ago in the streets of Los Angeles.
Wilson was going through hard times and was homeless between the ages of 13 and 15, where he was sleeping in motels, park benches, and showering in those parks. Wilson had a scrape with the law, and that changed his life….for the better.
“I was locked up and then placed in a group. That actually got me to have structure and placed me on the right track. I did well in school and started playing sports and now I had positive options in my life,” said Wilson.
Wilson became the Los Angeles Times High School Football Player of the year, as well as a three-time all-city Track & Field athlete, which earned him a scholarship to Concord University in West Virginia.
Wilson, who graduated with a degree in sociology, then went on to play professional football in of all places, Poland.
After that he earned a training camp invite with the Chicago Bears. However he chose to follow another athletic passion.
“I started doing Kenpo-Karate, Muay-Thai and Kickboxing.” Wilson had a professional Kickboxing record of 16-2-1 where he competed in top organizations such as K-1 and Glory.
After that, Wilson tried his hand at MMA and racked up an impressive 5-2 record and fought for the highly regarded Bellator Fighting Championships.
Still not satisfied, Wilson started boxing.
Wilson again traveled the globe and began his punching for pay career in New Zealand.
“I knew a promoter in New Zealand, and I was able to fight every week there. That sped up my process and development. I came back to Los Angeles, and was able to get four more wins.”
At 7-0, Wilson then met longtime boxing industry player, Jared Shaw.
Shaw saw videos of Wilson on his Instagram account, and reached out to the undefeated heavyweight.
“Jared contacted me, and met at the gym, and he had the same vision for me that I had, and the rest is history.”
“I saw James as a diamond in the rough,” said Shaw. “He has the combination and speed and power that you do not see in the heavyweight division. He has that “it” factor that I saw with Kimbo Slice. I was fortunate enough to have signed Kimbo off of the fights that were seen on Youtube. When Kimbo entered a room, you felt presence and energy. I see a lot of the same qualities in terms of James being that type of an attraction. Anybody who mistaken’s James for a football player or a Mixed Martial Artist will surely have their hands full in the boxing ring. This is a blue-chip athlete, ” said Shaw, who grew up in the sport as his father Gary Shaw has been one of the top promoters in the world for the past three decades.
Shaw’s 1st job was to get James with the right trainer. Enter Justin Fortune.
“I have known Justin for a long time. Both as a strength and conditioning coach and as a trainer. Most would know him at the side of Manny Pacquiao, but perhaps most people don’t know that Justin was a heavyweight prospect who fought Lennox Lewis. What I like most about this pairing is Justin was a shorter heavyweight as well, but a powerful puncher. His years of experience is what is going to help James accelerate his growth in the sport. As a team, we have a goal to bring a world championship back to Los Angeles and in a timely fashion,” continued Shaw.
Shaw’s next move was to find the right promoter for Wilson to sign with, and the duo found one of the biggest companies in the world that was interested.
“A lot of promoters were looking at me. I met with Golden Boy, and they saw my talent and vision and I feel that they will make it happen for me, and take me to the Heavyweight championship of the world,” said Wilson.
Shaw spoke highly of the marriage between fighter and promoter.
“It is the perfect situation. Golden Boy Promotions is one of the leaders in our sport when it comes to promotion companies. In this situation, it worked out that you have a great prospect from Los Angeles fighting from a world renowned company based in Los Angeles. Right now Golden Boy is at the top of the sport. They promote arguably the top fighter in the world in Canelo Alvarez, and they were able to secure him an unprecedented deal with DAZN. We look forward to the opportunities that will come for James, and to showcase James’ extraordinary set of skills. I have the 100% confidence in Oscar (De La Hoya), Eric (Gomez) and Robert (Diaz) to lead James to the Heavyweight championship of the world, and help maximize his earnings potential. Los Angeles has never had a Heavyweight champion, so it makes perfect sense that the 1st one will be with a complete Los Angeles based team with James, Justin, Golden Boy and myself. ”
“What I would like people to know about James is that inside the ropes, he is a Beast and Human Highlight Film, so Don’t Blink. But outside of the ring, he is an incredible father to his three boys. A tremendous motivational speaker, and a positive role model to the inner-cities and the rest of the world. He is big on community and helping the youth. Especially those that are bullied.”
Wilson speaks to a lot of youngsters about Anti-Bullying. “I do a lot of speaking and seminars for anti-bullying. I go to a lot of schools and foster homes and tell them my story. I think I can be someone for kids to look up to and let them know that they have a future despite whatever circumstance they are in. I tell kids that your hands are weapons, your mouth is a weapon, and the only place for fighting is inside of a ring.”
When asked who he wants to fight and what his goals are in the sport, Wilson said, “I am not looking to fight anyone individual specifically, I am looking to fight all of them. Most importantly, I am here to give the fans something to watch. It is 365 days of “Beast” season. It’s Beast Mode or No Mode.”
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Banner Promotions signs undefeated Lightweight Mohamed Soumaoro
PHILADELPHIA, PENN.(November 8, 2018)–Banner Promotions has signed it’s 2nd undefeated lightweight this week as the promotional company has signed Mohamed Soumaoro.
The 25 year-old Soumaoro is out of Montreal, Canada by way of Conakry, Guinea and Havana, Cuba.
He has amassed a professional record of 6-0 with three knockouts.
Growing up in Havana as a youth he enjoyed walking, playing soccer, going to school and learning. During this time he was introduced to karate and taekwondo. He did not pursue those sports because in 2008, he moved to Blainville, Quebec to live with his sister. It was while watching television that he discovered an interest in boxing.
After a 53-fight amateur career, he turned professional on April 8, 2017 with a 1st round stoppage over Antonio Vergara.
Soumaoro has continued his success as he has made two starts this year. In his last bout, he stopped Ramon Urbina in one round on September 15th in Managua, Nicaragua.
He considers himself as a counterpuncher as he is heavily influenced by future Hall of Famer, Juan Manuel Marquez.
“I started boxing at age 15 after watching fights on television. I started fighting a little bit in the streets when I was in Guinea,” said Soumaoro.
“I am happy to sign with Banner Promotions. My manager Otis Grant has said great things about Banner Promotions, and I see big things. I am happy. This is going to be a good journey. I am ready to make a statement, and realize my American dream.”
“We are happy to add Mohamed to our roster,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “His manager Otis Grant has glowing things to say about him, and we feel that we will take him to the next levels of the sport. We look forward to helping him develop into a future champion.”
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing
RICHARD “EL CASTIGO” MEDINA READY TO SHINE IN 2ND PRO FIGHT
SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 8, 2018) – Amateur standout and 5-Time National Champion, Ricky “El Castigo” Medina (1-0, 1 KO), who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannley and promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment, is scheduled to return to the ring on December 1, 2018, at the Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio, TX. The hometown hero will battle an opponent TBA in his second pro fight, which will be a four-round bout.
“I’m eager to get back in the ring and give my hometown fans another great performance,” said Ricky Medina, who scored a third-round TKO in his pro debut. “I’m working hard in the gym and I’ll be at my best when I step in the ring. The ultimate goal will be to score another knockout.”
At only 18-years old, Medina, who is a senior at Lanier High School in San Antonio, gives his thoughts on being a professional fighter while still attending high school.
“It’s great that I’m able to fight professionally while I’m still in high school, because I have a lot of friends that come to see me fight.” Medina continued. “I’m hoping to have a bunch of teachers attend as well. I’m starting to build up a nice fan base. I’m hoping it grows with each fight.”
TMB & PRB Entertainment and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions, present “Whose ‘0’ Will Go 2” a live boxing event taking place at the Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio, TX, on December 1, 2018. In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweights Kendo Castaneda (14-0, 7 KOs) and Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs), will battle for the vacant WBA-NABA title.
The entire card will be streamed via Facebook’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel, which has already served more than three million fight fans since May 2017.
Tickets priced $35 General Admission $40 at the door, and $100 Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205. Doors open at 4:00 PM, first bell at 5:30 PM.
Jesse Angel Hernandez Enters the World Rankings; Now Gunning for Champ TJ Doheny
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Super bantamweight action hero Jesse Angel Hernandez has entered the IBF’s world rankings at #14 and is now gunning for their champion, Australia via Ireland’s TJ Doheny.
In the last year and a half, Hernandez (12-1, 7 KOs), a southpaw from Fort Worth, Texas, has turned in three sensational Showtime-televised performances.
In August 2017, he stopped then-undefeated Russian Vladimir Tikhonov in five rounds. Then in November 2017, he took the undefeated 0 of Batlimore’s Glenn Dezurn via unanimous decision. Finally, Hernandez cemented his status as a TV favorite with a thrilling split decision over the very game Ernesto Garza III in January of this year.
27-year-old Hernandez says he’s happy with his career trajectory, working with promoter Dmitriy Salita.
“The plan has always been to fight for a world title and become a world champion!” said Hernandez. “I beat several top-rated and world-rated contenders already and if I need to beat some more before I get my shot, it’s no problem. Knowing that I’ve cracked the top 15 lets me know that we are headed in the right direction and my time is coming. Whoever it is I fight, I know that I must be 100 percent ready. There are no easy fights at this level and I will continue to show that I am the best super bantamweight in the world.”
His promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says that Hernandez will have a great 2019.
“Jesse is one of the best and most exciting fighters in the super bantamweight division. His aggressive, exciting style and world-class body punching make him a real attraction in this environment. Jesse is a Mexican American with a growing fan base. The sky is the limit for him next year.”
Vargas to Face Espinoza for WBO-NABO Bantamweight Title at “Rumble at the Rock III” on Friday, Nov. 30, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. and Live on Boxeo Telemundo
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HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (Nov. 8, 2018) – On Friday, Nov. 30, at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, return with “Rumble at the Rock III.”
A stacked night of Florida boxing will feature Colombian Bantamweight Champion Yeison Vargas (17-0, 12 KOs) of Cartagena, Colombia taking on WBO Latino Bantamweight Champion Ricardo Espinoza (21-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO-NABO Championship.
In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Derrieck Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will face well-known Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia, veteran Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (31-14, 22 KOs).
Yeison Vargas, 28, goes by the ring name “El Mulo” and is the current Colombian Bantamweight Champion. He won the title in his last fight, a KO 2 over Mauricio Fuentes in April. In his three-year professional career, the undefeated Vargas has also held the Colombian Super Bantamweight Championship. He stands 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall and knocks out 71 percent of his opponents.
“I want to thank Kris Lawrence of The Heavyweight Factory and my manager, Angel, for putting this deal together for me,” said Vargas. “They call me the mule ‘El Mulo.’ I am an action fighter with concrete in my fists. I respect Ricardo, but come Nov. 30, I’m going to knock him out on national television. Don’t blink.”
Ricardo Espinoza, 21, goes by the ring name “Hindu.” He will be looking to continue the momentum he started in his last fight by knocking out crowd favorite Daniel Lozano in two rounds last August in Tampa. The nationally televised destruction of Lozano won him the WBO Latino Bantamweight title. Espinoza stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and knocks out 78 percent of his opponents.
“I am coming to Florida once again to show the world that Mexico is above Colombia in boxing, and I am coming to take his undefeated record away,” said Espinoza. “I want to become a household name and shine on Telemundo. I want to thank All Star Boxing and The Heavyweight Factory for putting me on this stage. I will not disappoint. Vargas is going down.”
“I’d like to thank Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and our friends at All Star Boxing and Boxeo Telemundo,” said Heavyweight Boxing Promoter Kris Lawrence. “We’re very excited to be back home here at the Hard Rock Event Center for our last show of the year. It has been a great year of boxing in South Florida, and I hope the fans enjoy this great event. 2019 will be a great year for boxing.”
“I’m happy to be working with Tutico and Ruben, they are my dear friends,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations for the Heavyweight Factory. “In this business, we have to work together for the betterment of the sport. The fights are action packed as usual, and we expect a sold-out arena come Nov. 30. I’d like to thank Kris Lawrence for his support of boxing in our community.”
Tickets cost $500, $200, $150 and $100. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Explore the new Hard Rock Event Center with a 360-degree virtual seat map of the venue at www.myhrl.com. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. Additional fees may apply.