boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

CARL FRAMPTON vs. LUKE JACKSON FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR INTERIM TITLE BOUT THIS SATURDAY LIVE FROM BELFAST ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL PLATFORMS

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Begins At 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. On SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook And SHOWTIME Sports YouTube

 

Click HERE for photos; Credit: Chris Roberts/Frank Warren

 

BELFAST (August 16, 2018) – Former two-division champion Carl Frampton and undefeated Australian contender Luke Jackson faced off on Thursday in Belfast during the final press conference for their featherweight showdown Saturday from Windsor Park. Frampton’s first defense of the WBO interim belt he won in April will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. SHOWTIME will air an encore presentation later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (10 p.m. ET/PT).

 

 

 

An expected 25,000 fans in Frampton’s hometown will witness the first boxing event at the home of Northern Irish football. In the opening bout, former IBF, WBA and WBO Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury will square off against two-time heavyweight title challenger Francesco Pianeta in Fury’s second comeback fight after a two-and-a-half-year layoff.

 

 

 

Studio coverage of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from New York begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood providing pre-and post-fight analysis. Live coverage from Belfast, which will be provided by BT Sport, will begin with the Pianeta ring walk shortly after 3:30. U.K. sportscaster John Rawling will call the action with Barry Jones providing analysis, and Ronald McIntosh conducting post-fight interviews for Fury-Pianeta.

 

 

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say at Windsor Park, the site of Saturday’s fight, on Thursday:

 

 

 

Carl Frampton

 

 

 

“This is a dream. It’s soon going to be a reality to fight at Windsor Park in front of my passionate fan base. It’s special not only for me but for the city as well. Everybody’s talking about it and there’s a buzz in the city.

 

 

 

“I’m ready for this. I’ve seen a few things that Luke has said and I truly have not been overlooking him at all this whole camp. With all due respect, this is about more than Luke Jackson. This is about me at Windsor Park and I’ve trained very hard. I’m fitter than I was against Nonito Donaire.

 

 

 

“I know a fair bit about Luke. He’s very highly ranked by the WBO, I think he’s a solid professional. I just believe that I’m a different level. It doesn’t matter what anybody says, whatever happens on the night is all that matters. It’s all about who gets their arm raised at the end of the night and I believe that’s going to be me.

 

 

 

“Since I’ve teamed up with Jamie and his team, I feel like a different person. I wish I would have done it years ago. I’m so happy now and I’m enjoying boxing and I’m ready to put on a big performance.

 

 

 

“People ask me about (Josh) Warrington and (Oscar) Valdez so I mention them and those are the fights I want, but Luke Jackson is the only guy who’s been on my mind this whole training camp.”

 

 

 

Jamie Moore, Frampton’s trainer

 

 

 

“Carl Frampton is the consummate professional. Obviously, we wanted a big unification fight but it just wasn’t possible. What you’ve got to understand is that this has been a dream of Carl’s for a long time and it doesn’t matter who’s in the opposite corner. I understand why Luke Jackson’s camp is hoping that we’re overlooking him because it’s the only way they can gain any sort of confidence. It’s just not the case. Statistics show that he is 10 percent fitter than he was when he fought (Nonito) Donaire.

 

 

 

“Carl is in his prime. Boxing isn’t just about your technique or your fitness, it’s a combination of those two things and your mentality. He’s still improving which is just a scary thought.”

 

 

 

Luke Jackson

 

 

 

“At the start, I thought Carl was overlooking me a bit but I think he understands what’s at stake and if he loses to me his career is pretty much over.

 

 

 

“We’ve trained extremely hard and smart this camp and I’ve spent a lot more time with Billy Hussein than what I normally do. I’ve got to fight the perfect fight and I believe I can do that.

 

 

 

“A world title for me would be a real life “Rocky” story. I’ve come from nothing and there’s a lot I’ve had to deal with in my life to get to this position. I’m very proud of myself to be here. My father is 67 years old and he’s never left the country of Australia and for me to give my father a reason to fly halfway across the world fills me with pride.

 

 

 

“It’s no surprise that it’s going to be a hostile environment on Saturday. At the end of the day, I’ve just got to deal with it. I’ve tried to prepare for it mentally and we just have to wait and see if it works. I’m ready to weigh in and fight.”

 

 

 

Billy Hussein, Jackson’s trainer

 

 

 

“We’ve had a real good training camp. Carl is a great fighter so it’s an honor to be here and train Luke for such a massive fight. This is huge for us and we really want to win this fight. Australian boxing is on a high at the moment. We really want to win this fight for the fans who have supported Luke and it’s great to see the whole of Australia getting behind him for this fight.

 

 

 

“I’ve been around boxing my whole life. I’ve been involved in over a hundred world title fights, this is nothing new to me as a trainer so I’m able to guide Luke through all of this. He’s the ultimate professional and does everything right. His training camp has been more about being smart and I believe Carl Frampton is overlooking Luke and looking ahead to a Warrington fight. Just two weeks ago they were building (Sergey) Kovalev to fight (Dmitry) Bivol and he got beat and I believe we’re going to do the same thing.”

 

 

 

Frank Warren

 

 

 

“Luke’s not come here for just a sightseeing trip, he really fancies the job. It’s a big opportunity to upset Carl and put himself in position for some even bigger fights. But Carl’s a true professional and at the end of the day he knows what’s at stake here. He’s looking to make a statement and put himself in position for a possible unification fight. It’s no secret Josh Warrington is coming here – there are big things that can happen for the winner of this fight.”

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

 

 

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

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHAWN PORTER LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT  QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Former Welterweight World Champion Battles Danny Garcia
for Vacant World Title Saturday, September 8 Live on
SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn &
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
Premier Boxing Champions
 

 

LAS VEGAS (August 16, 2018) – Former welterweight world champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter hosted a media workout at the Porter Hy-Performance Center in Las Vegas Wednesday as he prepares to take on Danny “Swift” Garcia for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Yordenis Ugas and Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

 

 

 

Undercard streaming coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

Porter was joined by his father and trainer, Ken Porter, as the two discussed the highly-anticipated welterweight showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Here is what the Porters had to say Wednesday:

 

 

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

 

 

“I love being in training camp and grinding every day. We’re just 100 percent focused on what we have to do. I’m seasoned enough where I know how to excel through these stages of camp. I feel great.

 

 

 

“We always work on the jab to start our training session. Everyone knows that everything I do comes off of my jab. It’s all about the fundamentals. My dad is smart and knows my athletic potential is there. He’s focused on all the technical and strategic parts of the game.

 

 

 

“Whether we look to box or not will be a game-time decision. We’ll have to read the fight. I think we’re going to start trying to mix it up and then take it from there. It’s up to me to see the adjustments and make them. Whatever it takes to win this fight, I am prepared to do it.

 

 

 

“Danny’s counter-punching I think plays into my hands. I’m a combination puncher. There’s more than one coming. If there is only one coming, you don’t know where it’s coming from. I think it’s going to take care of Danny’s strength, but I don’t take it lightly. I know that he’s a strong fighter and that’s what I expect in the ring.

 

 

 

“I don’t believe that he’s going to stand toe-to-toe with me, but I do believe that’s where he thinks he can win the fight. The point is to hit and not get hit, so we’ll try to keep it as clean as possible. It gets rough in there sometimes, but if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.

 

 

 

“Once upon a time I probably would have that thought that I could just beat Danny with activity. But I know that I have to be sharp, precise and land most of my punches. I want to throw 60 a round and land 40 percent.

 

 

 

“I’m going go out there and be aggressive, be sharp, be quick and let the rest take care of itself. This is a humungous fight that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.”

 

 

 

KEN PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“Any fight that Shawn is in, you’re going to have action. If Shawn went in there and laid back, I doubt that Danny would go after him. I just don’t think Danny is going to go forward like that.

 

 

 

“We have to continue to do what we’ve done to get this far. But we’re not going to go after him the way he expects us to.

 

 

 

“Danny is trying to pump himself up like he’s some kind of one-punch knockout artist. But I’m a one-punch artist if it’s against someone who can’t box anymore or who’s coming way up in weight. If you hit Shawn Porter with one of those punches, he’s going to hit right back, and with Shawn, it’s going to be more than one.

 

 

 

“My focus is on making sure that Shawn is prepared to do the things I need him to do. I have to get him where I need before I focus too much on what Danny is going to bring. We’re making sure Shawn is 100 percent first.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, charity

Boxing photographer Emily Harney Enters ring to KO Cancer

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Haymakers for Hope: Belle of the Ball, Oct. 10, House of Blues Boston
  Emily “The Educator” Harney
(Photo credit: Cassandra Sanchez)

SALEM, Mass. (August 16, 2018) – Award-winning boxing photographer Emily Harney will swap her Nikon camera for a pair of Society Nine boxing gloves for one night –Wednesday, October 10 — when she fights in a charity event to KO cancer, the sixth annual Hayemakers for Hope: Belle of the Ball, at House of Blues Boston.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Salem, MA, Harney is entering her fourth year as a visual arts teacher at Gloucester High School, where her students learn photography, graphic design and integrated media.

 

 

 

Haymakers for Hope is a 501 (c) (3) charity that organizes charity boxing events to raise money for cancer research, care, awareness and survivorship. Emily, whose goal is to raise minimum of $5,000 to KO Cancer, is one of 32 women preparing to step into the ring Oct. 10.

 

 

 

“I’ve worked in and around boxing for 18 years as a photographer and consultant to promoters,” Harney said, “but I have never stepped into the ring to fight. When the time was right, and for the right reasons, I’ve always said I’d get in the ring. This is also the one part of the business of boxing that I am not familiar with: to train, fight, hit and be hit. I’ve covered some of the greatest fighters to ever step in the ring from all aspects of their lives, respecting their dedication, work ethic and privacy. Just in a few short weeks of training, my respect for their knowledge, dedication and lifestyle choices has elevated.

 

 

 

“In 2016, I attended my first Haymakers for Hope event and I was blown away by the energy and support for a cause that means so much to so many of us. I knew if given the opportunity to fight it would be a great honor and it truly is.”

 

 

 

Emily trains at Tomasello’s Boxing Gym in Saugus, MA, where she is trained by Joe Ricarrdi.

 

 

 

Harney is fighting in honor of her late grandmother, Susan Harney; friend and mentor Samuel E. Zoll, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts District Court; and Mason Silva, the son of Emily’s childhood friend, Alissa Collins-Silva, and her husband, Kevin Silva. Mason was diagnosed at six months old with myelodysplastic syndrome and AML leukemia. After months of treatment, Mason sadly passed away only 23 days after his first birthday.

 

 

 

“This past December,” Harney added, “I was asked by another childhood friend to come and photograph his children for their Christmas card.  His daughter Dior (7) was in Boston Children’s battling leukemia.  Getting the kids into a photo studio was not an option; and realizing we were confined to her hospital room, we transformed her room into a studio and made some spectacular photographs. Dior was resilient and positive during the time we shared that day. Dior is continuing to fight each and every day with resilience and grace.”

 

 

 

Tickets, ranging between $85.00 and $500.00, are on sale now and available to purchase at Emily’s personal fundraising page: https://haymakersforhope.org/event/boston/2018/belles-of-the-brawl-vi/emily-harney Go to “BUY Tickets” and type in HARNEY under “OFFER CODE” to purchase tickets and credit Harney’s fundraising efforts. Sponsorship opportunities and how to send donations if you’re unable to attend are also on this page.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6:30 with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. This is a 21+ event. All U.S. citizens must have a valid DMV-issued photo ID or USA passport to enter the House of Blues and international guests need a valid passport.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.hayemakersforhope.org

boxing

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Undefeated Canadian Heavyweight Champion Mladen ‘Monster’ Miljas to a Promotional Contract

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Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of Canadian Heavyweight Champion Mladen “Monster” Miljas to a promotional contract.

 

 

 

Undefeated Miljas, a perfect 8-0, 8 KOs, stands an impressive 6’ 6” and weighs in around 240 lbs. The 25-year-old Mississauga, Ontario, native won the Canadian title last December with an upset two-round stoppage of long-time champion Dillon Carman.

 

 

 

Cohen, a well-established promoter in the sport, has worked with several world champions and gained a reputation for finding hidden gems like Miljas in boxing’s less-travelled areas.

 

 

 

“It feels great to sign with a real promoter,” said Miljas. “For a long time, I didn’t have anyone arranging my fights, so it feels really good having someone on my team now. I’d like to be active and fight every month if I can.”

 

 

 

Having had just 20 amateur fights (17-3) and eight pro fights, Miljas is still a work in progress, despite being national champion in a country that has produced several world champions including Matthew Hilton, Donny Lalonde and George Chuvalo. Canada is also where several other champions learned to box, including Arturo Gatti and Lennox Lewis.

 

 

 

“I did martial arts, starting when I was four and got in a lot of fights as a kid, so it comes naturally,” he explained. “I’ve always been a hard puncher. I was that kid nobody wanted to play sports with because I played too rough. I don’t have too much in-ring experience, so I’m still learning in every fight. I get better and better, so I want to learn as much as I can in the ring and get in with a good variety of opponents.”

 

 

 

Cohen says he’s impressed by Miljas’ accomplishment already and sees tremendous potential in a fighter that big who can punch.

 

 

 

“Mladen is working hard every day to reach his full potential,” said Greg Cohen. “He’s a giant with unbelievable power and a natural gift for fighting. For a fighter with less than 30 fights in his life to take out the Canadian champ of the last four years in under two rounds, that is an amazing achievement. We are going to keep him fighting as regularly as possible and help him develop into a new force in the division. Mladen has all the gifts you need.”

 

 

 

“It felt amazing,” said Miljas of winning the championship. “It shows you I’m on the right track so far. I like to put myself in the underdog position. It’s good when you can overcome adversity. I like proving people wrong. Everyone expects you to lose and you go out there and win it anyway. I want to win bigger and better titles now. I want world titles now!”

Bellator, boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, wrestling

Fight Talk Unlimited DOUBLE Episode

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Tonight, Tom, Tony and Rich recapped the last two weeks of action in combat sports. Listen to the whole broadcast to catch up on all the major news and events that you missed and what’s coming up this weekend, too.

 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

CARL FRAMPTON vs. LUKE JACKSON & TYSON FURY vs. FRANCESCO PIANETA PUBLIC WORKOUT PHOTOS FROM BELFAST

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Begins At 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. on SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook andSHOWTIME Sports YouTube

 

Click HERE for photos; Credit: Chris Roberts/Frank Warren

 

BELFAST (August 15, 2018) – Former two-division champion Carl Frampton and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury worked out in front of the public and media for the final time ahead of their respective bouts this Saturday, August 18 live from Belfast, Northern Ireland on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel. Frampton’s opponent for the interim WBO featherweight title, undefeated Australian contender Luke Jackson, and Francesco Pianeta, Fury’s challenger in his second comeback fight, also worked out on Wednesday at Castle Court Shopping Centre in Belfast.

 

 

 

Studio coverage of SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from New York begins at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood providing pre-and post-fight analysis. Live coverage from Windsor Park in Belfast, which will be provided by BT Sport, will begin with the Pianeta ring walk shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET. U.K. sportscaster John Rawling will call the action with Barry Jones providing analysis, and Ronald McIntosh conducting post-fight interviews for Fury-Pianeta. SHOWTIME will air an encore presentation later that evening on SHOWTIME EXTREME® (10 p.m. ET/PT).

 

 

 

On Saturday, approximately 30,000 fans are expected to witness the first boxing event at Windsor Park, an outdoor stadium and the home of Northern Irish football.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

 

 

 

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

boxing

DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS GRANTED BOXING PROMOTER’S LICENCE IN CALIFORNIA

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Devin Haney Becomes The Youngest Promoter in Boxing History

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 15, 2018) – Devin Haney Promotions, the promotional company owned by undefeated WBC Youth and USBA Lightweight Champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), was just granted a boxing promoter’s license by the California State Athletic Department (CSAC).

 

 

 

At 19-Years old, Devin Haney, who was born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, becomes the youngest promoter in boxing history.  With the approved application, Devin Haney Promotions is off to a good start and looking is forward to showcasing events in California.

 

 

 

“Getting approved for my promoter’s license in California is something I envisioned since I turned professional,” said an elated Devin Haney, who now lives in Las Vegas. “Devin Haney Promotions will start doing shows on a modest scale that will eventually lead to mega events.”

 

 

 

“I already have a couple of young hungry prospects on my roster and will be looking to sign other talented fighters as we march forward,” Haney continued. “I plan to showcase some of the best fighters in boxing.”

 

 

 

In his last fight, Haney looked sensational in his SHOWTIME debut, scoring a 9th round TKO against a worthy opponent in Mason Menard (33-3, 24 KOs), who many boxing insiders’ thought was going to give Devin problems.  Haney’s performance was electrifying, setting him up for another date on the network.

 

 

 

“We have some big news that will be announced soon,” Haney concluded. “With the partnerships my dad and I have garnered, Devin Haney Promotions will be taking boxing to whole new level.  I couldn’t do this without the help of my dad William, and the team he assembled around me.  Together we are going to the top.”

 

 

 

“All I can say is the future is bright for Devin Haney Promotions,” stated William Haney, who has been guiding his son’s career since he made his pro debut at age 17.  “Things are about to take off for everyone on the team, and boxing in California will be on the rise.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

VETERAN WEST COAST FIGHTER MONTOYA FINDS A NEW HOME IN MAINE MMA SCENE

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Brunswick, Maine (August 15, 2018) – It’s absolutely no secret that few New England lightweights have raised their fists to volunteer for a mixed martial arts showdown with “The” Ryan Sanders in recent years.

 

The competition at welterweight isn’t clamoring for a date with Sanders, either, although a newcomer to the region with ties to another hotbed of the sport is eager to embrace the challenge at “New England Fights 35: Wicked Season.”

 

Armando “Chino” Montoya, a veteran of 16 professional bouts, and linked closely with a pioneering figure in combat sports, will answer the call Saturday, September 8. The bout will take place on Sanders’ home turf at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Opening bell time is 7 p.m.

 

“(NEF co-owner and matchmaker) Matt Peterson asked me if I wanted to fight, and I was happy to take it,” Montoya said. “I like to push myself. I don’t like easy fights.”

 

That attitude is a product of both Montoya’s cultural and professional background.

He’s proud to be a first-generation Mexican-American and a product of the relentless, fighting culture that has made his parents’ homeland such a force in boxing and MMA.

 

While living, working and fighting in California, he was a student of Thomas “Wildman” Denny, a veteran with almost 50 pro fights under his belt.

 

“That’s a name well-known to longtime fans of the sport,” Peterson said. “Denny was known for always having exciting fights, win or lose, and I know he instilled some of that mentality in his students, such as Armando.”

 

Montoya (10-6) fought primarily in California, Colorado and New Mexico. He was in line to fight on a UFC card in Wyoming when a hand injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.

 

Although work and family commitments have slowed his pace in recent years, only five years separate him from a six-fight win streak.

 

“I’ve fought the top local guys wherever I’ve been my whole career. I fought against guys who wound up fighting for UFC or Strikeforce,” Montoya said. “I’m 38, which I know is pretty old in this business, but I still like to challenge myself. It’s become more like a hobby. I have to work and support my family, but when the opportunities have come up, I love to train and give it a shot.”

 

A union carpenter by trade, Montoya sought more lucrative opportunities in that realm. Maine wound up on his radar because it is his mother-in-law’s home.

After the move, Montoya sought a local gym where he could continue to hone his craft in the martial arts. At 6-foot-3, having spent much of his career at middleweight, Montoya said he didn’t find many sparring partners his size.

 

“Then I was working in Portland and the superintendent there was a friend of John Raio,” Montoya recalled. “He said, ‘You should check out First Class MMA in Brunswick,’ so I did.”

 

Both family-oriented men with a passion for the sport and their shared faith, Raio and Montoya became fast friends.

 

“Armando is a strong leader and our most experienced fighter,” Raio said. “He’s the most humble guy you will ever meet and a devout Christian. His warm presence and willingness to share his knowledge and experience at First Class MMA make him a strong asset to our gym. He has been a huge reason for the growth of our students. I’m honored to call him my fighter and a great friend. He’s like family to me.”

 

First Class doesn’t have many exact matchups for the newcomer’s body type, either, but Montoya likes the mix of personalities and youthful exuberance.

 

“It’s exciting to see other people so excited about the sport,” Montoya said. “First Class has a lot of young guys who are just starting out, that have had one or two fights.”

 

Montoya’s first inclination is a stand-up clash. Most of his opponents have been substantially shorter, though, and prefer ground-and-pound affairs in which his reach advantage is less of a factor. He said he enjoys the contrast of styles.

 

Sanders (16-9) is the clear favorite. In his prime at 31, undefeated through his past seven sojourns in the NEF hexagon, he has been more active than his unfamiliar opponent.

 

“Unfamiliar” is the operative word. The unknowns – namely Montoya’s vast experience against a different talent pool – make it a can’t-miss matchup.

 

Montoya can appreciate the challenge Sanders will face in ascending a class to face him.

 

“I’m used to being the one going up in weight,” he said. “Being 6-foot-3, I’m used to bumping up from 170 to 185. It’s kind of cool being on the other side this time.”

While Montoya is quick to acknowledge God for his forward motion in life, he gives MMA proper credit for its role in his salvation, as well.

 

Before entering the amateur ranks at age 25, ‘Mando’ spent five years in federal prison and walked out mad at the world.

 

“I had a lot of anger issues,” he said. “This sport showed me how to take out that anger in a constructive way. I didn’t need to fight in the bars and the clubs anymore.”

 

Many have gained from Montoya’s personal triumphs. Now, add NEF’s devoted fan base to that list.

 

“We’re lucky to have someone of Armando’s caliber stepping up to face Ryan,” Peterson said. “As if this card weren’t already exciting enough, now we have this added fight to thrill the Bangor fans. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” will see the company make its return to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.  The event is scheduled to take place Saturday, September 8, 2018 with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, Granite Chin

New “Homecoming” opponent for headliner “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

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HOMECOMING
 
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-division world champion
“El Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
 
This Friday night at The Palladium in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 15, 2018) – Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Rivera has a new opponent for his comeback fight this Friday night in “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs), who was matched against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan, didn’t find out until yesterday (Tuesday) that Galvan had broken a finger the night before. Texas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith (10-37-1, 7 KOs) is the late replacement for Rivera in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

“I am not a fan of late changes,” Rivera said, “but at this point it’s either that or no fight, and I’ve trained too hard not to fight.”

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray(15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball faces Mexican Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-3) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14, 3 KOs), Springfield’s (MA) pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs) and Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Somerville’s (MA) Patrick Leal (0-4).

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA CELEBRATES ITS 50th EVENT IN MINNESOTA WITH A  MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

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LFA 50 – ALLEN vs. HILEY
 
 
MAIN EVENT:
“ALL IN”
BRENDAN ALLEN
vs.
“THE AMAZING”
TIM HILEY
 
MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE 
 
 
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st LIVE on AXS TV
 
LIVE at the NEW 
MYSTIC LAKE CENTER
PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA
 
Tickets are on sale NOW through MysticLake.com

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will celebrate its historic 50th televised event in Minnesota by crowning a new middleweight champion at LFA 50. This event will also kick off an action-packed fall fight season, which starts on the third week of September.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 50 will feature a middleweight title fight when two-time LFA title challenger Brendan “All In” Allen faces top undefeated prospect “The Amazing” Tim Hiley for the vacant strap. LFA 50 – Allen vs. Hiley takes place Friday, September 21st at the new Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“I am excited to celebrate our 50th televised event at the state of the art Mystic Lake Center in Minnesota”, stated Soares. “LFA has produced fifty nationally televised MMA events faster than any promotion in history. LFA 50 will be the third of four live nationally televised MMA events to take place inside Mystic Lake’s new world-class facility in 2018. Mystic Lake has been a fantastic partner and it will now host our LFA middleweight world title fight between Brendan Allen and Tim Hiley on September 21st.”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 50 – Allen vs. Hiley are available for purchase NOW at MysticLake.com.

 

 

 

Allen (9-3) returns to the LFA Octagon fresh off the most emphatic win of his career. The 22-year-old Louisianian and two-time LFA middleweight title challenger knocked out two-time Legacy FC middleweight title challenger Larry Crowe with a check hook KO that went viral in June after their headlining encounter at LFA 43. The man known as “All In” is now looking to do just that in his sixth appearance for the promotion. He also competed twice for Legacy FC before the promotion merged with RFA to create LFA and is fully aware of the stakes when he steps foot inside the LFA Octagon. His only setbacks have come to men currently competing in the UFC. The young Roufusport product has built a loyal fan base for being one of the most clinical finishers in the division. All nine of his victories have come via KO, TKO, or submission. He now hopes a third time’s a charm as he vies for LFA gold at LFA 50.

 

 

 

Hiley (7-0) will get his first LFA title shot after dominating in his first two fights for the promotion earlier this year. The 29-year-old has the same plan as Allen. He is looking to continue a proud LFA history of top middleweight prospects that win LFA titles and sign with the UFC. All four previous LFA middleweight champions have done just that. That illustrious list includes Eryk Anders, Markus Perez, Anthony Hernandez, and Ian Heinisch. “The Amazing” one looks to continue amazing LFA fight fans with his exciting skill set. Another layer of intrigue to his title fight with Allen is that both men train just a few miles from each other in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hiley represents Pura Vida, home of UFC star Zak Ottow. Meanwhile, Allen fights out of Roufusport, home to UFC star Sergio Pettis. Both Ottow and Pettis became stars in the RFA before signing with the UFC. Hiley looks to start his own legacy at LFA 50.

 

 

 

 

Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):

 

 

 

Main Event | Middleweight Title Bout (185 lb)

– Brendan Allen (9-3) vs. Tim Hiley (7-0)

 

 

 

Co-Main Event | Heayweight Bout (265 lb)

– Brian Heden (31-16) vs. Raphael “Bebezão” Pessoa (8-0)

 

 

 

Welterweight Bout (170 lb)

– Ben Neumann (13-5) vs. Bobby Lee (8-2)

 

 

 

Welterweight Bout (170 lb)

– Ashkan Morvari (15-7) vs. Jason Witt (13-5)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Josh Marsh (4-1) vs. Dmitry Gerasimov (9-6)

 

 

 

In 2017, RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA have launched the careers of over 140 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.  In May 2018, the promotion joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies.

 

 

 

LFA 50 will be the eighth LFA event to take place in the state of Minnesota. RFA and Legacy FC hosted a combined nine events in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” before the merger. Six of those events took place under the RFA banner inside the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The entire main card of LFA 50 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

In 2017 RFA and Legacy FC merged to form LFA, the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts. The combined forces of LFA launched the careers of over 130 athletes to reach the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.  In May of 2018 the promotion joined the London Trust Media Holdings group of companies.

 

 

 

Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

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