Hall of Fame Promoter, J Russell Peltz to be be 1st guest on The Abrams Boxing Hour LIVE on Tuesday at 6:30 PM ET

   
Show can be viewed live on
OR ABRAMS BOXING LIVESTREAM

Philadelphia, PA (June 25, 2018) – Tomorrow, Hall of Fame Promoter J Russell Peltz will be the guest on The Abrams Boxing Hour beginning at 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT. The show will originate from The Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

The show can be viewed LIVE all over the world on ABRAMS BOXING FACEBOOK PAGEABRAMS BOXING YOUTUBE PAGE & ABRAMS BOXING LIVESTREAM PAGE.

 

 

 

Peltz will discuss the June 29th fight card at The Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA. The card will feature Miguel Cartagena (15-4-1, 6 KOs) taking on Carlos Maldonado (10-2, 7 KOs) plus the rematch between Anthony Prescott and Isiah Wise.

 

 

 

Peltz will also talk about some of the highlights of his nearly 50 year Hall of Fame Career as well as some of today’s hottest boxing topics.

 

 

ABOUT THE ABRAMS BOXING HOUR

 

 

 

The show, will feature 1-on-1 sit-down interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport, and will also go over the latest boxing news and opinions. The Abrams Boxing Hour will originate from boxing-centric venues throughout the country.

 

 

 

The debut show will originate from The Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia.

10 Questions with up and coming Junior Welterweight prospect “Action” Anthony Laureano

By: John Scully

 

 

Photo By: David Spagnolo

Anthony “Action” Laureano

7-0 (3)

Age 23

East Hartford, CT

140 lbs/Junior Welterweight

2016 Western New England and New England Golden Gloves 152 pound champion

2016 National Golden Gloves Semi-Finalist

Trainer: Angel Gonzalez

Manager: Nate Torres

Promoter: Joe DeGuardia/Star Boxing

 

 

 

Anthony Laureano is a 23 year old rising prospect in the boxing game today. An extremely hard working and focused young man, Laureano is a throwback type of fighter. He put the hard work in each and every day, strives to learn the finer points of the game and approaches each fight like a Do Or Die event.

 

 

 

Thus far Anthony and his team have chosen a unique path to success in the boxing world. They have not shied away from tough competition thus far and, in fact, have had to dig down and overcome several very stiff challenges from eager opposition. Laureano’s last two opponents in particular, Tobias Green (7-1) and John Hernandez (8-2), both provided extremely tough challenges in bouts that forced “Action” Anthony to dig down to places that most up and comers simply aren’t forced to go until quite a bit later in their careers.

 

 

 

Both performances drew rave reviews from fans and media alike and compelled me to conduct this interview with one of the best professional prospects the Hartford-area has seen in many years.

 

 

 

Humble, clean living, fearless, hard-working and as fan friendly and approachable as they come, undefeated (7-0) Anthony Laureano is definitely one to root for.

 

 

 

The following is a 10 question interview in advance of his June 30 bout at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut against Juan Rodriguez (8-9-1) of Haymarket, Virginia on Star Boxing show that features contender Joe Smith Jr. in the main event against Melvin Russel in a light heavyweight match up.

 

 

 

“10 Questions With “Action” Anthony Laureano”

 

 

 

QUESTION 1. How did you originally get started as a boxer?

 

 

LAUREANO: My father put me in boxing. He wanted us to stay active and in shape. I originally started boxing at age 8 with (former lightweight contender) Pito Cardona. We used to follow him everywhere he went to teach us some techniques. I started competing at age 11 or 12 in a garage. Where the ropes were sheet rock walls. The ring floor was a rug and in the winter time you’d better bundle up. I would go to the gym in all types of weather. Snow, rain and heat waves. I didn’t care, I would just go on my bike. Right after school I would get my big bag ready and get my bike ready to ride.

 

 

QUESTION 2. What are your goals as a fighter? What do you want to do in this game?

 

 

LAUREANO: My goal as a fighter is to become champion of the world. It would be an achievement that I could share with the people. In this game I want to show that no matter how hard it is at first you still can accomplish big things. With hard work, dedication and will power anything is possible. I want to put God first. I want to give people hope.

 

 

QUESTION 3. In your opinion what was the highlight of your amateur boxing career?

 

 

LAUREANO: The highlight of my amateur career was my first fight with my trainer Angel Gonzales. This fight changed everything. I felt had the talent, but I was coming from a back to back losing streak. This fight was a close one. I was just getting ready to lose because when it was close I never got the decision. Angel yelled at me “What;s wrong with you? You don’t do this in sparring. You better show me something!!!” I went out  that round and gave the kid two standing 8 counts in the 3rd round. This fight was the turning point of my career. This made everything possible.

 

 

QUESTION 4: So far you’ve faced several tough opponents for someone with only a few fights yourself under your belt. And as long as I have known you its been very obvious that you are not shy about stepping in with the tougher competition.  Where do you think that comes from? Where did you develop this mindset?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: The reason that I’m not shy about taking on competition is because I have faith God. I failed a lot in the amateurs so I know what it is to lose. Every time I lost one of my amateur fights I went right back at it the next day. Of course, I felt like I shouldn’t be in the gym. I even felt embarrassed to go to the gym. I wanted to be something in the sport of boxing, though, so I didn’t care what other people thought. The reason I’m willing to take on better competition is to prove to myself and get better as a fighter.

 

 

 

QUESTION 5: How did you begin working with your trainer, (1986 New England Golden Gloves 106 pound champion) Angel Gonzalez, and what is the training like?

 

 

 

LAUREANO:  Angel Gonzalez was always around me. He would do little group exercises and I’d jump in sometimes. I eventually got to work with him when I was looking for a new trainer. I even thought about doing Muay Thai, but I still had a love for boxing. So I went back to boxing and started training with Angel. Angel gave me discipline in the sport and that was something I needed. After my first pro fight, Angel spoke to Nate Torres and ask him to help him train me. Nate accepted and now is my manager and co-trainer.  The professional game is different and we must continue to improve my skill set in order to continue my success as a professional boxer. 

 

 

 

I have a great team now. Truly blessed!

 

 

 

QUESTION 6: Were u a boxing fan growing up or are you one now? Who did you grow up watching in the sport and who are your favorite boxers?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: My favorite boxers of course are the fighters who take risk and keep coming forward. I look up to Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti wars. Growing up I just really loved doing boxing. It’s really an art form. There is Lomachenko, he shows that it’s sometimes just a master in his angles. I see fights of his to learn new things that I like. Adrian Boner when he is on his game boxing is really nice to see. Of course, people really down play him but, if you take all the drama and leave it to the side, he is really something to see when he has it together.

 

 

 

QUESTION 7. Do you have anyone in the sport who you try and emulate as a fighter? What boxers influenced your style as a professional fighter?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: My style is like Ward and Gatti in terms of heart and will to win. My trainers say my style resembles Miguel Cotto at 140. Similar left hook to body and boxing style. Miguel is a warrior with no quit in him and I’d like for people to see that in me, too..

 

 

 

I also really like Mikey Garcia today because he is a complete fighter. He takes on big challenges. Can adjust to any situation. He has such good speed and power. Even after a two year layoff he still came back so strong.

 

 

 

QUESTION 8. What is the best thing about being a professional boxer?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: For me the best thing about being a pro is I’m doing what I love. Using the gifts that God gave me to honor him. Also the opportunity it creates to provide a better life for my family.

 

 

 

Question 9: So far what has been the toughest part of being a professional fighter for you?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: I would say the toughest part about being a professional fighter is just managing life and training. Right now I’m in the come up. So it’s tough I would love to work but, then I would lack in training. It’s managing the people around you some support and some don’t. So you really just got to stay with positive people that support. Your mindset is everything so if your failing to manage your emotions it will hit hard when you got a fight coming up.

 

 

 

QUESTION 10. At this point in your career you are still working your way up, fighting on undercards in preliminary bouts.  Spots often open up on these smaller cards on short notice. How long would you need to get ready for a fight if called for one?

 

 

 

LAUREANO: I’m always ready for a fight because I don’t take any time off from the gym. I do my cardio at a fitness club then I do my boxing later on in the day. Always.

 

 

Photo By: Peter Pabon

 

                                                       

                                                                                    ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY

 

 

 

“The wait in the dressing room before a professional boxing match -that last hour- could be enough to strip a man who never fought before of whatever pride, desire, heart or courage he thought he had.” – Iceman John Scully, April 2002

CLARESSA SHIELDS WINS IBF AND WBA MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

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Christina Hammer Defends WBC and WBO Middleweight Belts With Unanimous Decision Against Tori Nelson

 

Catch The Replay Monday, June 25, At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

DETROIT (June 23, 2018) – Claressa Shields became a two-division world champion, and Christina Hammer retained her two world title belts as both scored unanimous decision victories on Friday night on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

And now they have their sights set on one another.

 

 

 

The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shields of nearby Flint, Mich., was knocked down for the first time in her career 53 seconds into the first round, but she was able to come back and win every round after that to become a two-division world champion capturing the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships against Hanna Gabriels. The judges’ scored the fight 98-91, 97-92 twice.

 

 

 

Hammer entered the ring after the Shields fight, and an emotional Shields pressed toward Hammer and some pushing and shoving ensued. (see video HERE)

 

 

 

“I’m just tired of Hammer disrespecting me all the time,” Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) said. “She comes into the ring after all my rights, talks trash, and then she goes in there and looks like [crap] against Nelson. I’m sick of it. But I let her know I’m more than ready for a fight against her. She wanted me to lose tonight, but I wanted her to win because I want to fight her. We have to unify now.”

 

 

 

Shields and Gabriels started the fight swinging furiously, but it was Gabriels (18-2-1, 11 KOs) who connected on a right uppercut sending Shields to the canvas. (see the knockdown video HERE)

 

 

 

“Once I went down, I took a deep breath and I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m about to whip this girl’ ” Shields said. “I just remember thinking let’s use the jab and be smart.”

 

 

 

Costa Rica’s Gabriels, a unified 154-pound titleholder, was coming up in weight and attempting to become a three-division world champion. (see Shields-Gabriels highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“I trained to go the distance but my heart betrayed me, because after that first knock down, I was looking for another one,” said Gabriels, the reigning WBA and WBO champion who was fighting in her 12th straight world title fight since winning the welterweight title in 2009. “I wanted to show everyone I had a warrior’s heart.

 

 

 

“I didn’t feel I had an advantage after the knockdown. I felt I had to work round after round to even have a possibility to win.”

 

 

 

Added Gabriels: “She has a lot of power. It was a great fight and you have to accept the judges’ decision. She’s powerful and for the fans I think it went well.

 

 

 

Shields suffered a cut on the left cheek in round 10, and also overcame a head butt. She recalled being hurt by Gabriels’ punches to the head just three times in the fight. “The first round, fourth round and the eighth round, other than that she didn’t hit me with no head shots.”

 

 

 

Shields – in her first fight with new trainer John David Jackson – said she learned something about herself after the fight. “I can get put on my ass, get up and come back and win,” she said. “Tonight was my night and I have to show the world I’m the greatest of all-time. I showed who I am. Now, I’m really dangerous because you can even put me down, and I’ll still come back to win.”

 

 

 

The difference in the fight was Shields’ accuracy, especially in terms of her power shots as she connected on 42 percent compared to Gabriels’ 26 percent.

 

 

 

Shields was asked after the fight when she would like to face Hammer. “Hopefully it’s next,” she said. “I don’t need no rest. I could have whipped her tonight. I’m just so sick of her and her whole team.”

 

 

 

 

 

In a lopsided win in her highly anticipated U.S. debut, Hammer (23-0, 10 KOs) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision against Tori Nelson (17-2-3, 2 KOs). The scores were 100-90, 99-91 twice, to retain her WBC and WBO Middleweight World Title belts. (see Hammer-Nelson highlights HERE).

 

 

 

“It would have been better to get a KO,” said Hammer, who is 27 years old and from Dortmund, Germany. “I tried everything I could to get the knockout. She was tough. I hope the USA is good with this and I’m still the champ.”

 

 

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting Claressa. She will try and fight me on the inside but my footwork and my reach will make the difference. The fight with Claressa will be a game-changer. It will be the biggest women’s fight ever. I would like to fight her at a neutral site.”

 

 

 

“I’m very disappointed in my performance tonight,” said an emotional Nelson after the fight. “It’s a loss, of course it’s disappointing. I wasn’t busy enough, I guess.”

 

 

 

In her last fight, Nelson lost a unanimous decision to Shields back in January. “Claressa is better,” Nelson said. “Shields has a jab and uses the ring. Claressa stands there and wants to fight. She has all the punches. Hammer only has one.”

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, Umar Salamov (21-1, 16 KOs) connected on a lethal right hand in knocking out Brian Howard (13-2, 10 KOs) 53 seconds into the ninth round of a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Salamov, from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, was making his United States debut and trains at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit with Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In a fight between two long and lanky fighters, Salamov landed 34 percent of his power punches compared to 27 percent for Howard and was ahead on all three judges’ scorecard at the time of the knockout.

 

 

 

“I was hurt a little bit in the second round from one of his shots, but I didn’t let it bother me because this is my U.S. debut,” said Salamov, a six-year pro who is 24 years old. “I just kept fighting. After I got hit with that punch, I started coming forward and as soon as I did that, the fight changed.”

 

 

 

Salamov said he knew once he connected on the first right that Howard was hurt. “I knew as soon as I landed the punch that he would be very hurt,” he said. “I felt it up to my elbow. I didn’t want to hit him after that because I knew he was finished.”

 

 

 

The former cruiserweight Howard had a couple of highlights and was able to effectively land his right hand on several occasions, including one powerful right cross in the seventh round that seemed to stun Salamov.

 

 

 

“I would say I did fair, I did OK,” said Howard, a former minor league football player who lives outside of Atlanta and was making his SHOWTIME debut. “I was fortunate to get the call by Salamov’s team and by SHOWTIME. I’ll be back.”

 

 

 

Friday’s tripleheader will replay on Monday, June 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

 

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,

BELLATOR TO DEBUT IN SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA ON FRIDAY, AUG. 17 AT SANFORD PENTAGON

 

 

BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION DARRION CALDWELL RETURNS TO 145-POUNDS AGAINST NOAD LAHAT IN BELLATOR 204 HEADLINER

 

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SOUTH DAKOTA’S OWN LOGAN STORLEY SET FOR CO-MAIN EVENT AGAINST A.J. MATTHEWS

LOS ANGELES – Bellator will hold its first-ever event in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Friday, Aug. 17 at Sanford Pentagon. Bellator 204 will be headlined by the promotion’s bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell (12-1) testing himself against Noad Lahat (12-3) in a non-title featherweight matchup.

 

 

 

A welterweight bout will serve as the co-main event of the card, when South Dakota-native Logan Storley (8-0) takes on the always-dangerous A.J. Matthews (9-7).

 

 

 

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, June 28 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets start at just $28 and will be available at the Sanford Pentagon box office, as well as Ticketmaster.

 

 

 

The event will be broadcast live and free on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to bring Bellator to Sioux Falls this summer with a great venue partner in the Sanford Pentagon,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “I always look forward to visiting a new market and having a crowd experience a live Bellator event for the first time. This is a great card with a lot of intriguing matchups that I know fans will enjoy. With this being such a strong wrestling community, I’m also excited to feature several former collegiate wrestlers on Aug. 17, including Darrion Caldwell and South Dakota’s Logan Storley.”

 

 

 

Caldwell, a 30-year-old Rahway, New Jersey native and the current Bellator bantamweight champion, will step up a weight class to take on Lahat in an exciting featherweight non-title affair on Aug. 17. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., “The Wolf” has emerged as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the 135-pound class, collecting nine victories since signing with Bellator in 2013. The 2009 NCAA D1 National Champion wrestler from NC State boasts a resume that includes five first-round finishes, a 25-minute war against Eduardo Dantas for the world title and a textbook guillotine choke submission victory over Leandro Higo in his first career title defense earlier this year. Caldwell will look for his 13th professional and fourth consecutive win when he enters the cage as a 145-pounder for the first time since 2014.

 

 

 

A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu currently training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Lahat made his professional debut in 2008 where he began an impressive streak of seven consecutive victories. The 34-year-old hails from Alfei Menashe, Samaria, Israel, Lahat and served as a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces before transitioning to his MMA career. Lahat holds a 3-1 record in Bellator with his most recent win coming against Jeremiah Labiano this past November and now welcomes the Bellator bantamweight champion to his weight class when he enters the cage on Aug. 17.

 

 

 

Hailing from Webster, S.D., the 25-year-old Storley will fight in front of his hometown fans at Bellator 204 when he makes his fourth appearance for Bellator. The 4x NCAA All-American wrestler from the University of Minnesota has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the most dangerous welterweights in mixed martial arts, earning eight-straight victories to begin his career, including six knockouts and five first-round finishes. A win over the equally-dangerous Matthews on Aug. 17would only further cement his name amongst the division’s best, as Storley hopes to protect his unblemished mark of 8-0.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Carlsbad, Calif., Matthews will be making his 11th appearance under the Bellator MMA umbrella; a seven-year stretch that has earned the promotional veteran five victories, including a pair of first-round knockouts and a highlight reel-soccer kick finish over Charlie Rader. The 30-year-old certainly knows how to put on a show, with nine of his 16 career fights ending in a knockout, including six in the first round. “Mercenary” will look to build on his recent win over Kendall Grove at Bellator 193, as he enters the cage against hometown favorite Storley in the co-main event.

 

 

 

Updated Bellator 204: Caldwell vs. Lahat Fight Card:

 

 

Featherweight Main Event: Darrion Caldwell (12-1) vs. Noad Lahat (12-3)

 

 

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Logan Storley (8-0) vs. A.J. Matthews (9-7)

 

 

 

*Card subject to change.

 

RAQUEL “THE PRETTY BEAST” MILLER REMAINS PREFECT WIN UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER SZILVIA SZABADOS IN QUEENS, NEW YORK

(Photo by Marilyn Paulino/DiBella Entertainment)

 

New York, NY (June 22, 2018)-Raquel Miller kept her prefect record intact with a six-round unanimous decision over Szilvia Szabados in a middleweight bout at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York.

 

 

 

Miller stunned and hurt Szabados throughout the contest.  Miller, who was making her New York City debut showed her versatility by featuring a diverse arsenal of punches with both hands.

 

 

 

Miller handled the former world-title challenger with ease as she won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards.

 

 

 

Miller wore a ring outfit that paid homage to the movie Black Panther.

 

 

 

The 2012 United States Olympic Alternate, Miller continued her dominance as a professional as her record soared to 6-0.

 

 

 

“I enjoyed myself in there last night and it felt good to be back in action,” said Miller.  “I felt strong, and I felt like that I had a solid performance. My opponent was tough and I was happy to get the rounds in. Fighting under the DiBella Entertainment banner is very special, and I appreciated being warmly embraced by Lou DiBella himself!”

 

 

 

“I decided to come out as the leader of the Wakanda tribe in the movie Black Panther, Dora Milaje.  I was accented in gold because I felt they represent the new age women warriors like myself. We are fierce, strong and not afraid to go to war. I love to trailblaze, and set the bar high. I’m sure we can expect to see other women coming out and joining the Wakanda tribe and I’m happy to be the leader of that movement. ”

 

 

 

Said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater, “After being off for 8 months, I was more than happy with her performance. Going in, I wanted to see how she performed with Szilvia Szabados as compared to how Clarrissa Shields performed and Raquel definitely looked better.”

 

 

 

(Photo by Malik Carter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

 

 

 

Their impressive roster includes:

 

 

 

World Rated Contenders

 

 

 

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

 

 

 

Welterweight  “The New” Ray Robinson

 

 

 

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger  Antonio Nieves

 

 

 

2016 Olympians

 

 

Lightweight  Teofimo Lopez

 

 

 

Junior Middleweight  Charles Conwell

 

 

 

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

 

 

 

 

Undefeated Prospects

 

 

 

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw,  Marcus CarterYegor Plevako

 

 

 

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

 

 

 

Light Heavyweights: Joseph WilliamsBortirali Mamajonov

 

 

 

Super Middleweights: Isiah SteenDeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones

 

 

 

Middleweights: Marquis MooreRaquel Miller

 

 

 

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal HolmesHurshidbek NormatovFred Wilson, Jr.

 

 

 

Welterweight’s Janelson BocachicaPoindexter KnightMark DawsonBoubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

 

 

 

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

NEF AND BRANDON BUSHAW TO SEND YOUNG ATHLETES TO USM WRESTLING CLINIC

Gorham, Maine (June 22, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) announced earlier today that the fight promotion would once again sponsor an athlete at this year’s Brawlin’ Lobsta Wrestling Clinic & Tournament.  The camp is set to take place at the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine (USM) from July 17 to July 22 For the fifth year in a row, NEF will select one winner for which the fight promotion will cover tuition to the program.

 

 

 

“It’s a thrill for us to once again be supporting the Brawlin’ Lobsta Wrestling Clinic,” stated NEF co-owner and Matchmaker Matt Peterson. “This year it’s all the more exciting to be partnering with Maine wrestling legend Brandon Bushaw to send not one, but two wrestlers to clinic. Mike Morin’s USM program is exploding and with the latest round of recruits that he’s brought in, I have no doubt that they will be a threat at the national level within the next two to three seasons. I encourage every Maine wrestler to apply for this scholarship to earn a chance to work with Morin’s decorated staff clinicians. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your skills, as well as learn some new ones, during the off-season.”

 

 

 

Additionally, NEF MMA veteran Brandon Bushaw has also agreed to sponsor an athlete in the program this year.  Now a business owner residing in South Carolina, Bushaw cut his teeth on the mats growing up in Westbrook, Maine.  He won two Maine state titles wrestling for Westbrook High School.  After high school, Bushaw went on to wrestle for Michigan State University where he was a teammate of current UFC competitors Rashad Evans and Gray Maynard.  He is a member of the Maine Wrestling Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

“I attended Boston University wrestling camp between my sophomore and junior seasons in high school,” recalled Bushaw. “Not only did it change me as a wrestler, but I really feel that it changed me as a person. I have attended and coached many camps, and the life lessons you learn there are very important. I am proud to sponsor a young wrestler to attend USM’s Brawlin’ Lobsta wrestling clinic because I feel it is important to give back to a sport and community that has given me so much!”

 

 

 

Camp instructors Mike Morin and Jon Deupree have both competed in the MMA cage in the past.  Morin is the head wrestling coach at USM and a two-time All-American.  Deupree is an assistant coach with USM.  He was a two-time NCAA national qualifier wrestling for the Huskies.

 

 

 

“I would like to thank NEF for supporting USM wrestling and sponsoring another wrestler to attend the Brawlin’ Lobsta Camp this summer,” said Morin. “This sponsorship is huge in allowing kids to have the opportunity to wrestle year-round who might not have that opportunity otherwise. It’s great for our program at USM and great for the state as a whole to get better in the sport of wrestling!”

 

 

 

Interested contestants are asked to submit a photograph of themselves wrestling via email to newenglandfights@gmail.comalong with a brief statement of 100 words or less detailing why they believe the clinic will help them achieve their goals. The winners will also each receive a pair of tickets to “NEF 35: Wicked Season,” as well as an NEF apparel package to wear during the clinic.

 

 

 

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.

Pro Boxer Walter Wright Joins the FNU Combat Sports Show

Image result for Walter Wright, boxing Walter Wright (16-4, 8 KOs) squares off against Mark DeLuca (21-0, 13 KOs) in the main event at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH this Saturday night. (see poster below) This week we caught up with Walter before he made the trip east from Seattle. We interviewed him about the big fight and discussed his career in general. We also recapped all of last week’s boxing and MMA events and provided some other news tidbits like the Creed II trailer release and Ronda Rousey’s 30-day suspension from the WWE. Listen to the full broadcast with the interview included here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bl8h8ywh1wokwhc/tomtonyrichfirstdayofsummer2018.mp3?dl=0

 

Listen to just the Walter Wright interview by itself here:

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. HANNA GABRIELS AND CHRISTINA HAMMER vs. TORI NELSON WORLD TITLE FINAL WEIGHTS, PHOTOS AND OFFICIALS TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

From Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION – 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

IBF and WBA Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Claressa Shields – 159 ½ lbs.

Hanna Gabriels – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White (California); Judges: Michael Ancona (Ohio), Jeremy Hayes (Toronto, Canada), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

WBC and WBO Women’s Middleweight World Championship

Christina Hammer – 159 ½ lbs.

Tori Nelson – 157 ½ lbs.

Referee: Frank Garza (Michigan); Judges: Katealia Chambers (Michigan), Benoit Roussel (Montreal), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout 

Umar Salamov – 174 ½ lbs.

Brian Howard – 174 ½ lbs.

Referee: Sam Williams (Michigan); Judges: Ansel Stewart (Michigan), Michael Ancona (Ohio), Pasquale Procopio (Montreal, Canada)

 

 

 

NOTE: see PDF email attachment for bout sheet and all weights.

 

 

 

FLASH QUOTES:

 

 

 

CLARESSA SHIELDS:

“I have John David Jackson now and I’ve learned so much from him since we got together back in February. I’ve had coaches in the past who tried to change my style and game, but at the end of the day I just have to go in there and fight like I know how to.

 

 

 

“Being in Flint for my last camp, you wouldn’t believe all the things I had to deal with. Just stuff that shouldn’t be happening to a world champion. It was stressful, and I was stressed even the week of the fight [in January]. I had to get out. I was able to train in Florida this time around.

 

 

 

“[Hanna’s] a good fighter. She has skills and just the way she carries herself. She’s very calm and her facial expressions never change. I watched the fight where she got knocked out, and even then her facial expressions didn’t change. I think she’s tough, but not as tough as I am. I know I’m the better fighter.

 

 

 

“Tori underestimated my power. I think Tori has a punchers’ chance [against Hammer]. I don’t wrap my career around Hammer. Our lives don’t intertwine. I have to worry about what’s in front of me. I’m not going to watch that fight.

 

 

 

“I was focused on my diet for this fight. I don’t have much family in Florida and didn’t have any distractions.”

 

 

 

HANNA GABRIELS: 

 

 

“We need to step up to the plate and make sure our game plan is on point and we give the fans what they want to see, which is a great fight. You have to overcome a lot and sacrifice to get to this point, and my team has done that.

 

 

 

“I’ve never feared anyone. Words don’t do anything. When I get in the ring I’m going to be a beast.

 

 

 

“I’m OK with whatever comes, win or loss. I’m a champion and that’s my mentality in the ring. We’re going for the victory, and I’m appreciating everything that’s happening preparing for this fight.

 

 

 

“I don’t underestimate her power. But boxing isn’t just about power, there’s so much more. You can be powerful, but can you land the punch? Can it be precise? There are so many things going on in the ring that you have to worry about.”

 

 

 

CHRISTINA HAMMER:

 

 

“I was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to fight back in January because of my visa issues.

 

 

 

“I was at the Claressa Shields-Tori Nelson fight and now it’s my turn to get in the ring. I like to go forward and be aggressive. When you can finish, you finish. The American people will like my style.

 

 

 

“Boxing is my passion and my job, and I’m prepared and looking forward to this. Now the day is here and it’s on SHOWTIME. We aren’t thinking about Claressa Shields. Out of respect to Tori Nelson, I’m focused on this fight only.”

 

 

 

TORI NELSON:

 

 

“I’m a power puncher and I’ve been using my legs more in camp so this camp has been so much different than what I’m used to.

 

 

 

“They say lighting strikes only once, but I got another chance. I am so grateful I got the call for this fight. This is my second chance. A lot of people don’t get second chances.

 

 

 

‘I really have something to prove. A lot of people have believed in me and I’ve got to show what I can do in the ring.

 

 

 

“I think Christina is overlooking me. It’s disrespectful but I’m glad. It’s better for me that she does overlook me.”

 

 

 

UMAR SALAMOV:

 

 

“This fight is going to be a good test. I know I can make it into the top 10, and this is my start.

 

 

 

“There’s a big difference living here in Detroit, but it’s a lot like Moscow, a big city.

 

 

 

“I love to fight, and this is a dream come true coming to America. Brian Howard is a tough opponent. It will not be an easy fight but I’m confident I can beat him.”

 

 

 

BRIAN HOWARD:

 

 

“I have a little bit of ring rust, but I’m going to be sharp. I’ve prepared well and I’m in shape. I have great metabolism, and can lose weight easily.

 

 

 

“I took my first loss in 2012 and after I took that loss I didn’t have the support I needed. I got back into it and it was just tough getting a fight. I got a lot of nos.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen some tape of my opponent. But you don’t know if he will change or bring something else.

 

 

 

“I box better than I play football. My nickname is MVP – Most Vicious Puncher.

 

 

 

“I don’t look at it that I’m the B-side fighter. This is a real opportunity for me, and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100.  VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

THE ABRAMS BOXING HOUR SET TO RE-BOOTTUESDAY, JUNE 26TH AT 6:30 PM ET LIVE ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE & LIVESTREAM

Philadelphia, PA (June 21, 2018) – THIS TUESDAYThe Abrams Boxing Hour will re-boot on new platforms at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

The show can be viewed LIVE all over the world on ABRAMS BOXING FACEBOOK PAGEABRAMS BOXING YOUTUBE PAGE & ABRAMS BOXING LIVESTREAM PAGE.

 

 

 

The show, will feature 1-on-1 sit-down interviews with the some of the biggest names in the sport, and will also go over the latest boxing news and opinions. The Abrams Boxing Hour will originate from boxing-centric venues throughout the country.

 

 

 

The debut show will originate from The Joe Hand Boxing Gym in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

“I am glad and excited to be able to do a show like this and bring some enlightening and thoughtful boxing conversation with some terrific guests,” said Marc Abrams, host and creator of The Abrams Boxing Hour.

 

 

 

“Doing the show at the Joe Hand Boxing Gym will give the show an authentic feel.  I will be taking the show on the road as well, as I plan to have the most meaningful guests around fights that will get the fans primed and ready for the weekend action. It also will provide an opportunity for fans to be interactive with the guests as we will be answering real-time questions and comments. This will also bring exposure to fighters and events.”

 

 

 

The guests for Tuesday’s show will be announced in the next couple of days.

USA Boxing Announces Four Boxers to Compete at Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018

 
Boxing at Youth Olympics set to begin Oct. 14

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 2, 2018 – USA Boxing announced today the four boxers who were nominated to represent the United States at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. The Youth Olympic Games will be held Oct. 6-8, with the boxing competition to take place Oct. 14-18 in Argentina.

 

 

 

Following the 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships and 2018 Youth Continental Championships, two men and two women have been nominated for the prestigious competition. The team will be comprised of Heaven Garcia (El Monte, Calif.), Otha Jones III (Toledo, Ohio), Roma Martinez (Humble, Texas) and Harley Mederos (New York, N.Y.).

 

 

 

“We’ve got a great group of young talent representing Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires,” said USA Boxing High Performance Director Matt Johnson on the nominated boxers. “Each one has good international experience, having participated in a junior or youth world championships over the past few years. That experience will be key as they face some of the world’s best up and coming boxers this October.”

 

 

 

Garcia has been on the international scene since her impressive World Championships debut in 2015, where she became the Junior World Champion. The bantamweight represented Team USA at the 2017 Youth World Championships in Guwahati, India before clinching her spot to Argentina with her winning performance at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships this May. She is a two-time USA Boxing Youth National Champion, and currently has a record of 53-7.

 

 

 

Garcia described being able to represent the United States at the Youth Olympics as “amazing.” “Knowing that only four boxers are nominated, and I was one of them is a very huge accomplishment for me,” she stated.

 

 

 

“Being able to represent my country at the Youth Olympics is something I have worked hard for and now that I get the opportunity, I will be sure to work even harder to bring home that gold medal.”

 

 

 

Light welterweight Jones III solidified his position on Team USA by winning gold at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships. Jones III will be looking to add his third international medal in 2018 at these Games, after his silver medal performance earlier this year at the Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament in Bulgaria. Jones, who has a record of 267-11, is also the 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Champion, as well as a member of the 2015 Junior World Championships team.

 

 

 

“Not only is it an honor to represent Team USA in a huge tournament such as the Youth Olympics, I am pleased to represent my family as well,” stated Jones III.

 

 

 

“I grew up in the boxing gym. My family owns a gym, Soul City Gym, and all my brothers and sisters were brought up in the gym to show kids a better way to live than violence and making it this far will help me show that even more.”

 

 

 

Martinez was the sole American to qualify from the 2017 Women’s Youth World Championships last November. The featherweight was the 2016 USA Boxing Youth National Champion and 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Championship silver medalist. The Youth Olympic Games will be Martinez’s first international tournament of 2018, where she will be looking for her first international medal.

 

 

 

“When I received the notification that I was nominated for the Youth Olympic Games, I felt resurrected,” said Martinez. “I have experienced a few devastating life losses in the past six months, and was feeling confused about my future in the sport,” she explained.

 

 

 

“However, when I was contacted about this amazing opportunity, my vision became clear, my mind focused and my heart determined to take this opportunity not only for myself, but for every person who hoped and dreamed for a chance like this. I plan to take on this journey to Argentina with me; my faith, my boxing skills and a quote from my late teammate: ‘a boxers favorite scripture – it is better to give than to receive.”

 

 

 

Mederos is the final member of Team USA to be nominated for the Youth Olympic Games. The lightweight won bronze at the 2015 Junior World Championships prior to his transition to the youth division. Mederos is the 2017 Youth National Champion and earned his place to Buenos Aires following his impressive gold medal winning performance at the 2018 Youth Continental Championships.

 

 

 

“It feels amazing to be able to go to Argentina and represent my country in what I love to do most and get the chance to showcase my talent in front of everyone,” stated Mederos.

 

 

 

“I can guarantee you, the best Harley you’ve ever seen, both physically and mentally, will go out there and do the best that I can do and make everyone proud.”

 

 

 

All four boxers will return to Colorado Springs in July to begin training for the Youth Olympics. Garcia, Jones and Mederos will use the 2018 Youth World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August as a tuneup leading to the event before heading to Argentina in late September.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.usaboxing.org

 

 

Twitter: @USABoxing

 

 

Instagram: @USABoxing

 

 

Facebook: /USABoxing

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