LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA GETS THE FIREWORKS STARTED EARLY IN ARIZONA WITH LFA 44 – FRINCU vs. AGUILERA

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LFA 44 – FRINCU vs. AGUILERA
MAIN EVENT:
 
THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER
MATTHEW FRINCU
vs.
THE BEAST
CHRISTIAN AGUILERA
 
WELTERWEIGHT WAR
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT:
 
TOP PROSPECT
CASEY KENNEY
vs.
UFC VETERAN
ROMAN SALAZAR
 
BANTAMWEIGHT BATTLE
 
FRIDAY, JUNE 29th LIVE on AXS TV
COMERICA THEATRE in PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Tickets are on sale NOW through  Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, NV – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return to Arizona at the end of June. Two of the promotion’s most feared knockout artists are set for a showdown in the Valley of the Sun when they clash at LFA 44.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 44 will bring the fireworks five days early this summer. The headliner will see Australia’s aesthetic annihilator Matthew “Thunder From Down Under” Frincu battle southern California’s grim sleeper Christian “The Beast” Aguilera in one of the most explosive showdowns of the year. LFA 44 – Frincu vs. Aguilera takes place Friday, June 29that the Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. The main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“I am excited to bring LFA back to Arizona on June 29th,” stated Soares. “Matthew Frincu is a sensational striker. He will face fellow knock out artist Christian Aguilera in the main event of LFA 44. They are two of the most dangerous welterweight prospects in the world and will be looking to make a big statement at the top of one of our most competitive divisions.”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 44 – Frincu vs. Aguilera are available for purchase NOW at Ticketmaster.com

 

 

 

Frincu (12-3) came to LFA last year as one of the most exciting exports hailing from The Land Down Under. He wasted no time in making a huge splash in his promotional debut at LFA 5. The native of Gold Coast, Australia assaulted Kris Hocum with a diverse and brilliant display of striking. “Thunder From Down Under” taught a masterclass on how to effectively utilize range and Muay Thai technique to dismantle a high-level grappler. He offered a crash course on the same subject ten weeks later, when he knocked out Brazilian prospect Maycon Mendonça in 96-seconds at LFA 11. Most recently, Frincu stopped previously undefeated Mexican prospect Roman Alcantar via TKO in January at LFA 31. Now the awesome Aussie looks to derail one of the heaviest hitters in the division.

 

 

 

Aguilera (11-4) has earned a reputation for possessing some of the scariest one-punch knockout power in all of MMA. LFA officials caught a glimpse of his gift of putting people to sleep early in his career when he gave Timothy Quiroga a canvas nap in just 52-seconds at RFA 23. A lot has happened in the three years since that prophetic night in Orange County. To start, “The Beast” got older, he got bigger, and inconceivable to many, he became even more powerful. Not surprising to anyone, however, is his propensity to wield his gift like a young super-hero discovering his ability for the first time. This has left a path of destruction in 2018 trailing 83 miles in California from Costa Mesa (LFA 30) to Cabazon (LFA 36). Aguilera looks to extend that path to Phoenix, Arizona on June 29th.

 

 

 

The co-main event of LFA 44 will feature an intrastate superfight when two-time LFA standout Casey Kenney (8-1-1) battles three-time UFC veteran Roman Salazar (12-6). Last year, Casey won a regional flyweight title before signing with LFA. After making his LFA debut last May, he competed twice in front of UFC President Dana White on the UFC boss’ Tuesday Night Contender Series. Casey returned to LFA in January with a dominant Unanimous Decision victory over Kendrick Latchman at LFA 31. He now looks to make a bigger statement by moving up a weight class to face one of Arizona’s most seasoned bantamweight forces.

 

 

 

That would be the man known as “El Gallito”. Salazar was signed by the UFC in 2014 after winning multiple regional titles in Arizona in multiple weight classes. He competed three times for the industry leader, which includes a bout at UFC 184 against Japanese MMA legend Kid Yamamoto in Yamamoto’s final fight. Most recently, Salazar has reasserted his dominance in his home state with a pair of TKO victories. Salazar now looks to continue his resurgence with a  marquee win over one of MMA’s most highly-touted prospects. Salazar hails from Mammoth, Arizona and will face Kenney of Tucson, Arizona in one the state’s biggest showdowns of the year.

 

 

 

Currently Announced Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT):

 

 

 

Main Event | Welterweight Bout (170 lbs)

– Matthew Frincu (12-3) vs. Christian Aguilera (11-4)

 

 

 

Co-Main Event | Bantamweight Bout (135 lbs)

– Casey Kenney (8-1-1) vs. Roman Salazar (12-6)

 

 

 

LFA 44 will serve as the fourth LFA event to take place in the state of Arizona. All of these events have taken place in the Grand Canyon State’s capital city of Phoenix. Further information about LFA 44 will be announced soon.  The entire main card of LFA 44 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA STARTS THE SUMMER IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS WITH LFA 43 – ALLEN vs. CROWE

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MAIN EVENT:
TWO-TIME LFA TITLE CHALLENGER
BRENDAN ALLEN
vs.
TWO-TIME LEGACY FC TITLE CHALLENGER
LARRY CROWE
 
MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
FRIDAY, JUNE 22nd LIVE on AXS TV
BEAUMONT CIVIC CENTER in BEAUMONT, TEXAS
Tickets are on sale NOW through  Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, NV – LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will kick off the 2018 summer season with a middleweight showdown between two former title challengers when the promotion heads to Beaumont, Texas at LFA 43.

 

 

 

The main event of LFA 43 will feature a middleweight showdown between two-time LFA title challenger Brendan “All In” Allen and two-time Legacy FC title challenger Larry “Tae Kwon” Crowe. LFA 43 – Allen vs. Crowe takes place this Friday, June 22nd at the Beaumont Civic Center in Beaumont, Texas. The main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

“Brendan Allen and Larry Crowe have a well-documented history of being top contenders in our organization,” stated Soares. “They have been two of our top middleweights for years, but somehow their paths have never crossed. Our fans will finally get to see them square off this summer when we head south to Beamount, Texas at LFA 43. ”

 

 

 

Tickets for LFA 43 – Allen vs. Crowe are available for purchase NOW at  Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Allen (8-3) enters the LFA 43 headliner looking to reassert himself at the top of the LFA middleweight standings. The 22-year-old Louisianian is a two-time LFA middleweight title challenger and will be making his fifth appearance for LFA. He also competed twice for Legacy FC before the promotion merged with RFA to create LFA. Allen has gained valuable experience early in his career, which is now being cultivated along with his raw talent at Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The popular and talented southern submission specialist has built a reputation for being one of the most clinical finishers in the division. All eight of his victories have come via KO, TKO, or submission. The man known as “All In” will now go all in as he looks for the biggest win of his career.

 

 

 

Crowe (10-6) returns to the LFA Octagon fresh off a win over LFA mainstay Bilal Williams in the co-main event of LFA 26. The 34-year-old Texan is a two-time Legacy FC middleweight title challenger and one of the longest tenured fighters in Legacy FC history. Crowe made his debut for Legacy FC in his second professional fight in July 2010. That bout occurred at the third-ever Legacy FC event. In many ways, Crowe and Legacy FC grew up together. The man known as “Tae Kown” Crowe grew into one of the promotion’s most revered fighters, while Legacy FC grew into one of the top two developmental organizations in the world. Now the Houston native will add his name to another piece of history as he looks to win the main event of LFA 43 in the promotion’s debut event in Beaumont.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Main Event | Middleweight Bout (185 lb)

– Brendan Allen (8-3) vs. Larry Crowe (10-6)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Jake Heffernan (6-0) vs. Peter Stanonik  (5-3)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Kolton Englund (5-2) vs. Juan Gonzalez (5-1)

 

 

 

Lightweight Bout (155 lb)

– Cameron Graves (6-2) vs. Jordan Titoni (6-2)

 

 

 

Women’s Strawweight Bout ( 115 lb)

– Itzel Esquivel (2-2) vs. Desiree Yanez (1-0)

 

 

 

Heavyweight Bout (265 lb)

– Jeremy Hardy (5-3) vs. Joel Moore (3-0)

 

 

 

LFA 43 will be the first LFA event to take place in the City of Beaumont. It will also be the eleventh time that LFA has traveled to “The Lone Star State” of Texas. Further information about LFA 43 will be announced soon. The entire main card of LFA 43 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Leo Santa Cruz Los Angeles Workout Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Champion Santa Cruz Rematches Four-Time World Champion Abner Mares Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz hosted a media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday as he prepares for his world title rematch against four-time world champion Abner Mares Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending his title against former world champion Austin Trout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

 

 

 

Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. The consensus top-five featherweights will look to put on a repeat of the performance that saw them throw over 2,000 punches combined.

 

 

 

Santa Cruz was joined at City of Angels Boxing Tuesday by his father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer. Here is what they had to say Tuesday:

 

 

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

 

 

“I think Abner has looked better in recent fights, but not so much that he looks unbeatable or anything. He’s shown some improvements but I feel I’ve gotten much better as well. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to come out victorious.

 

 

 

“He says he’s going to box me more this time, but it’s easier to say that than do it. When you get in the ring and hear the fans, they make you want to brawl. Once you hear the crowd you want to entertain them. You love to hear the people scream.

 

 

 

“I’m going to try to go out there and give the fans a great fight like I always do. I feel like I’m in great condition right now. I feel a lot stronger and even my dad has told me this is as good as he’s seen me look.

 

 

 

“I’ve learned a lot since the first Mares fight. I’ve learned how to adjust during a fight better. I’m a more complete fighter and it’s going to help me look even better this time.

 

 

 

“I’m still as motivated as ever. I have the same hunger as if this fight was for my first title. I never underestimate anyone and always give it my all in the gym. It’s no different heading into this one.

 

 

 

“We’re going to try to win bigger this time but I’ll be ready to go 12 rounds. I’d definitely love to stop him. If the knockout comes it comes, and if I see an opening I’m going to take advantage.

 

 

 

“I try to motivate my dad as much as I can by training hard. He says he’s happiest when I’m working hard so I just keeping trying to push it every day and make sure he’s happy.

 

 

 

“The two fights with Frampton definitely made me a better fighter. They gave me a lot of experience and I learned a lot from those fights. I know I’m going to be a better fighter for this fight than the first time we fought.

 

 

 

“We always prepare for 12 rounds. I’ve been going 13 rounds in sparring because my dad always likes to go one extra. This has been one of the best camps we’ve had as far as conditioning and sparring.

 

 

 

“I am ready to unify with any of the featherweight champions. Me and Gary Russell Jr. fought in the amateurs. He beat me but it was a good fight and I believe I can beat him. I know the tactics I’d use. Hopefully I can get my rematch.

 

 

 

“We’re focused on improving everything in camp. We’re working on my power, speed, foot work and all of the skills it will take to win this rematch.”

 

 

 

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“The first fight with Mares was a bit rough and even dirty at times. After four rounds I felt like they were stealing the fight from us so I told Leo to tire him out and show that he’s the better boxer. The results of the fight proved that.

 

 

 

“There are a lot of great fighters out there but not many have good defensive techniques and that is where every fighter can improve. With my kids and with Leo I have always trained him to be good defensively because anyone can throw punches but not everyone can take a punch and keep going. I have always loved this sport but I love to win even more. Leo is still growing but I think he’s the best fighter at featherweight right now.

 

 

 

“I definitely think that Mares will come with new skills to this fight and have a different approach with his new trainer now that he’s with Robert Garcia. I think he’ll try to box more and look to get us on the counterpunch.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Leo is the kind of fighter who always rises to the occasion and always finds a way to come out victorious. It’s really a 50-50 fight. I can give you a lot of reasons why both guys are going to win. It’s the best fight on June 9 and it’s one of the best fights you’re going to see this year.

 

 

 

“Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are never going to be in a boring fight. They create special action and drama in the ring. The winners are going to be the fight fans every time.

 

 

 

“This is an important fight for both of these guys. It’s about bragging rights in Los Angeles and in the loaded featherweight division. I know that it’s going to bring out the best in both fighters.

 

 

 

“Leo won a very narrow decision that could have gone either way, but Leo pulled it out in the first fight. Abner and Robert Garcia have meshed really well and Robert has been able to bring the best out of Abner. He’s going to give Leo Santa Cruz a great challenge again and with the fight in Los Angeles, the fans will definitely propel both guys to go extra hard.

 

 

 

“These are the kind of fights that fans love. This is the kind of fight that transcends boxing. These are two fighters who are just incapable of being in a boring fight. They put people on their feet.”

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

One on one with M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Champion Arman Ashimov

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Aleksander Doskalchuk vs. Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in Saint Petersburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 22, 2018) – M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight champion Arman Ashimov takes on M-1 Challenge flyweight title-holder Aleksander Doskalchuk(8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) this Thursday (May 24) to determine the “undisputed” king of the M-1 Global flyweights, in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0), who captured his Interim crown at M-1 Challenge 87 last February,

Stopping Mikael Silander in round two voa punches, answered a series of M-1 Global questions:

 

 

 

Arman, how did the M-1 Challenge interim flyweight title change your life?

 

 

 

AA: “I was extremely happy to become the champion, but I would not say I felt such a big difference. Kazakhs knew me well even before I won the title, but after I won the belt, media started to pay more attention to me. It’s hard to say whether I won more fans because I had so many of them in Kazakhstan, but I hope that now in other countries there are more people who love the way I fight. People often recognize me on the streets of Kazakhstan, support me, ask for selfies. But I don’t feel like a star. I’m just a simple guy. Such attention does not bother me, because all Kazakhs are my relatives, how can I deny a selfie?

 

 

 

What is the secret of your knockout punch? Was it your goal to train such a hard punch?

 

 

 

AA: “It’s the will of Allah. We did not change the training plan, have been training striking and grappling as always. I am ready to go the full five round distance, if needed. I am strong enough for the 25-minute fight and this is exactly what I always have in mind. We consider an opportunity to go somewhere for training camp, but now I need to fulfil the target, and win the undisputed title.

 

 

 

Not many people know about it, but you are a great grappler. Can you tell us about your grappling experience?

 

 

 

AA: “Indeed, I don’t talk much about it, but I have some experience in grappling as well. The thing is that in The Rage, I don’t like grappling, I prefer a stand-up fight. If my opponent wants to check my skills, I will demonstrate them. I am a combat jiu-jitsu master of sports of international class for a reason, after all.”

 

 

 

What can you say about your opponent Aleksander Doskalchuk?

 

 

 

AA: “Aleksander Doskalchuk is a very experienced all-around fighter. His fighting style is like that of one of my previous opponents, Mikael Silander. He is good both at striking and grappling. I don’t know what game plan he is going to choose, but we will find it out very soon.”

 

 

 

Undoubtedly all of Kazakhstan will watch the broadcast, but will some fans of yours come to Saint Petersburg for the fight?

 

 

 

AA: “Many fans will come here from Kazakhstan, beside them will be a lot of Kazakhs living in Saint Petersburg, who will come to root for me. Even the Assembly of Kazakhs is going to support me. all this gives me an extra motivation!”

 

 

 

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available on www.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

 

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Siva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots Sign on as a Principle Sponsor of Claressa Shields vs. Hanna Gabriels Women’s Middleweight World Championship Fight on Friday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME®

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Salita Promotions proudly announces that Living Essentials, LLC, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®, the energy shot for hard-working people, has signed on as a principle sponsor of the upcoming “It’s Our Time to Shine” professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.

 

 

 

Featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels, “It’s our Time to Shine” will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT). The two champions will be contesting for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

“I am delighted that the makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are supporting the historic world championship event taking place in Detroit,” said Salita Promotions Founder, Dmitriy Salita. ‘It’s Our Time to Shine’ will be an exciting night of professional boxing from beginning to end and I am sure a shot of 5-hour ENERGY® will keep fans engaged and energetic for all the exciting action happening in the ring.”

 

 

 

Living Essentials, LLC released the following statement: “The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are excited to support Salita Promotions, as they prepare for the return of Claressa Shields and world championship boxing to Detroit – – a city rich in boxing history and the hometown of 5-hour ENERGY®.”

 

 

 

Fast and easy to consume, 5-hour ENERGY® shots are a quick, simple and effective answer to flagging energy levels in your hard-working day.. Regular strength 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain zero sugar, four calories and caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

 

 

 

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world-title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo. She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

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.

boxing

“The Bosnian Prince” Armin Mrkanovic defeats Nicholas Lavin this Past Friday night in Queens, New York

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Mrkanovic now eyeing rematch with UBF champ Josh Himes

Queens, New York (May 22, 2018)–Armin “The Bosnian Prince” Mrkanovic returned to the ring after an 11-month absence to win a win six-round unanimous decision over Nicholas Lavin in a cruiserweight bout that took place this past Friday night at Amazura Concert Hall in the Jamaica section of Mrkanovic’s hometown of Queens, New York.

 

 

 

Mrkanovic controlled the action, and won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards to up his record to 8-3.

 

 

 

The bout was the 1st ring appearance for Mrkanovic since his highly controversial defeat against Josh Himes that took place last June 24th in West Virginia.

 

 

 

In that bout, Mrkanovic should have been awarded the bout as he outboxed Himes, and even asked for a review of the fight by the UBF, but his requests fell on deaf ears, and now Mrkanovic is demanding a rematch for the UBF title.

 

 

 

“1st of all, it was good to come back and get a win.  It its always special to perform in front of my hometown fans,” said Mrkanovic, whose focus quickly turned to Himes and the UBF.

 

 

 

“I demand a rematch with Himes.  The UBF told me that they would make this happen, and to this point they have been silent.  Everyone who saw the fight knows that I got screwed, so it is only right that we do this rematch.  Himes knows what happened.  He has not even fought since our fight.  I am ready now, so hopefully the UBF and Himes do the right thing and make this happen.”

boxing, Super Channel

Nico Hernandez captures IBA flyweight World title in 5th professional fight   Calls out fellow Olympic bronze medalist “Irish” Paddy Barnes

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Inaugural Event
HIGH STAKES
Saturday, May 19, 2018 * 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
The new IBA World flyweight champion Nico Hernandez
(L-R) head trainer Lewis Hernandez, assistant trainer Villa, Nico Hernandez, Hall of Fame referee and IBA official Steve Smoger and promote John Andersen.
(photo courtesy of Courtney Wells / Boyd Gaming Corp.)

MULVANE, Kan. (May 21, 2018) — History was made this past Saturday night on the “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” pay-per-view card, when 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and local hero, Nico Hernandez, knocked out Hungarian challenger Szilveszter “The Silent Assassin” Kanalas in the opening round to capture the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Flyweight World Championship in only his fifth professional fight, at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.

 

 

 

In the first world title fight ever held in Kansas, Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs) overwhelmed Kanalas (14-7, 9 KOs), the former World Boxing Federation (WBF) super flyweight world champion, to become the youngest (22) IBA world champion ever, as well as setting the record for the fewest pro fights needied to become IBA world titlist.

 

 

 

SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes was launched as Super Channel’s new live boxing series,SUPERBOX LIVE, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC, and it aired live exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media distributed “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view as it was live-streamed worldwide on FITE.TV app and website (excluding Canada).

 

 

 

Hernandez was aggressive from the opening bell, pounding Kanalas’ head and body. A Hernandez left hook to the body really hurt Kanalas, who went down from a right that followed the vicious liver shot. Kanalas beat Hall of Fame Steve Smoger‘s count, and it was only a matter of time before Hernandez would end the fight. It came soon, right after another body-and-head combination put the over-matched Hungarian on the mat for the second and final time.

 

 

 

“A lot of people underestimate my power,” Hernandez said after the fight. “I believe that once he felt my power, I don’t think he wanted it anymore. I felt like I took his heart away. I was patient, I wanted it to go a few rounds to see what he had, but I took his heart away. I can’t really be disappointed because I am a world champion now.”

 

 

 

“Nico was explosive Saturday night and he showed killer instinct,” promoter John Andersen commented. “He was going to box, but I think he smelled fear, and Nico got into Kanalas’ head. He sensed it and jumped on him.”

 

 

 

Before he left the ring, Hernandez took the microphone in the center of the ring and called out three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, “Irish” Paddy Barnes (5-0, 1 KO), who was the favored to win a gold medal in the flyweight division at the 2016 Olympics. He was eliminated in the round of 16 and Hernandez took home the bronze medal. “There’s a bronze medalist from (Northern) Ireland, Paddy Barnes, and that’s who I’d really love to fight.”

 

 

 

“I think that’s a fight we should start a conversation about,” Andersen remarked. “It’s not line Barnes is 21 (he’s 31) and I don’t know of a lot of 30 or older flyweights. It makes a lot of sense and can be a big fight. They’re both Olympic bronze medalist, already fought in scheduled 10 and 12 round fights, and have belts. (Barnes is the WBO Intercontinental flyweight champ). Nico needs to step up in terms of competition, too. I think they should get in the ring and then we can see what happens.

 

 

 

“If they don’t want to make this fight right away, maybe we can build it up by putting them on the same card, and then fight next year. This fight makes a lot of sense for both fighters and Nico has already said he wants to fight Barnes.”

 

 

 

Hernandez joined reigning IBA world champions, light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev and junior middleweight Mark DeLuca, as well as past IBA world champions such as Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, in addition to starsRoy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.

 

 

 

2011 Russia Junior Championships gold medalist Andrey Afonin (6-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record in tact when Pedro “El Reguilete” Rodriguez (23-4, 19 KOs), the Cuban native and former World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedalatin cruiserweight champion, was unable to answer the bell in the third round of the co-featured event.

 

 

 

Unbeaten Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Teslenko (13-0, 11 KOs), promoted by DiBella Entertainment and fighting out of Toronto, stopped Terrance “Big Jim” Marbra (9-6, 7 KOs) in the second round.

 

 

 

Undefeated Washington featherweight Victor Morales, Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) was too much forDavid Berna (15-4, 14 KOs), of Hungary, who complained of an elbow injury and lost by way of a second-round technical knockout, in the televised opener.

 

 

 

In the television swing bout, which was held prior to the main event, popular Wichita junior welterweight Jeff Strum (3-0, 2 KOs) kept the train rollin’ with a second-round knockout of Nigeria-native Archie Weah (2-11).

 

 

 

In the most competitive fight of the night, as well as the lone match that went the complete distance, St. Louis cruiserweight Leroy Jones (3-3, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision over Kansas City, KS favorite Chris Harris (2-3-2, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Complete results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT IBA FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Nico Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs), Wichita, KS

WTKO1 (2:52)

Szilveszter Kanalas (14-8, 9 KOs), Pecs, Hungary

(Hernandez won vacant IBA World flyweight title)

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Andrey Afonin (6-0, 3 KOs), Kursky, Russia

WTKO2 (3:00)

Pedro Rodriguez (23-5, 19 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Cuba

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTSs

Oleksandr Teslenko (13-0, 11 KOs), Toronto, Canada by way of Ukraine

WKO2 (0:30)

Terrance Marba (9-6, 7 KOs), Saint Petersburg, FL

 

 

 

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Leroy Jones (3-3, 2 KOs), Saint Louis, MO

WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)

Chris Harris (2-3-2, 2 KOs), Kansas City, KS

 

 

 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Jeff Strum (3-0, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS

WTKJO2 (2:56)

Archie Weah (2-11), Norcross, GA by way of Liberia

 

 

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Victor Morales, Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs), Vancouver, WA

WTKO2 (2:56)

David Berna (15-4, 14 KOs), Budapest, Hungary

 

 

 

 

Canadian fight fans can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

 

 

Venum (www.venum.com) is the official gloves and apparel provider for SUPERBOX LIVE.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

www.konightboxing.com, www.internationalboxingassociation.com

 

 

 

Twitter: @NicoMHernandez @KONightBoxing @SCSportsTV Kansas_Star @KansasStarArena @IntegratedPPV @Fitetv @NeonStarSE

boxing

Undefeated Welterweight Gerome Quigley battles Raymond Serrano for USBA and WBC United States Welterweight titles on Saturday, June 16th at Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Maryland

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LAUREL, MARYLAND (MAY 21, 2018)–Welterweight Gerome Quigley will look to stay perfect when he takes on tough Raymond Serrano in a 10-round battle for the USBA and WBC United States titles on Saturday, June 16th at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Maryland.

 

 

 

The show is promoted by Jeter Promotions and GQ Promotions.

 

 

 

Quigley of Montgomery Village, Maryland has an unblemished mark of 18-0 with 16 knockouts, and is one of most underrated contenders in the world.  He states that he will be ready for his toughest bout to date.

 

 

 

“I don’t know much about him other then he is tough and durable.  This will be a good test for me, and I am stepping to the next level with this fight.  Serrano is battled tested, so that should bring out the best in me,” said Quigley.

 

 

 

Despite having nearly a 90% knockout ratio, Quigley feels that he is more a of a boxer then a fight that is just looking for the knockout.

 

 

 

“I look at myself as a boxer-puncher.  I am well balanced.  When people see my record, they may look at me as just a puncher because of all of the knockouts, when the reality is that I am a boxer.  I have more boxing ability then punching ability.”

 

 

 

This fight is a chance for Quigley to get on the map be mentioned with the top welterweights in the world.

 

 

 

“A win would get me in the mix and guarantee me a spot in the top-10 or top-15 of the WBC and IBF.  It will put the world on notice about who I am as a fighter.”

 

 

 

Quigley has been plying his trade in the Beltway area (Quigley has fought in Germany 3 times) while slowly stepping up his competition level.  Now he feels that he is ready to ascend on the national and world stages.

 

 

 

“I was staying low-key and build up my record and maybe sneak up on somebody.  I was promoting my own fights.  I saw this model that (show co-promoter) Tony Jeter used.  He is an inspiration for what I have done.  He promoted himself.  He got ranked twice in the top-15 and got himself some major fights.  I feel, especially with this win, I can do that.”

 

 

 

Even though the stakes are high for this bout, Quigley is fighting for more than just two belts and a world ranking.

 

 

 

“If all goes well, I can bring my Fiance and two kids here.  They are living in Frankfurt, Germany, and I can bring them back here.”

 

 

 

Quigley was 68-5 as an amateur, and was a 2-time United States open champion, as well as a 2007 semifinalist at the National PAL Tournament.

 

 

 

A stacked undercard with 6 undefeated fighters seeing action.

 

 

 
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

One on one with M-1 Challenge Flyweight Champion Aleksander Doskalchuk

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The Champ speaks!
 
 
Doskalchuk vs. Arman Ashimov this Thursday at M-1 Challenge 92 in
Saint Petersburg, Russia

 

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (May 21, 2018) – The “undisputed” M-1 Challenge flyweight title bout will be on the line this Thursday (May 24), when M-1 Challenge flyweight champion Aleksander Doskalchuk (pictured above) and Interim titlist Arman Ashimov square off in the M-1 Challenge 92 co-featured event, at M-1 Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia.

 

 

 

Doskalchuk (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), fighting out of Ukraine, won his title belt last September atM-1 Challenge 83, when he used a Guillotine Choke to submit Vadim Malygin in the second round. Undefeated in M-1 competition, Doskalchuk won a majority decision in his M-1 debut last May, over Binh Son Le at M-1 Challenge 78.

 

 

 

Ashimov (8-2-1, M-1: 3-0-0) earned his Interim title shot this past February by stopping Gadzhimurad Aliev and Ervani Melonio with punches, respectively, in the second and first rounds. At M-1 Challenge 87, the powerfully striking Kazakh punched out Mikael Silander in two rounds to capture the M-1 Challenge Interim Flyweight Championship.

 

 

Doskalchuk (pictured above) sat down on the hot seat to participate in an exclusive one-on-one conversation:

 

 

 

It’s been seven months since you won the title. Why did you have to take such a long break?

 

 

 

AD: “I had to take time to heal all my injuries. There were problems with my ankle, so I could not train and fight for a few months. Soon, we’ll see how this break will affect my performance. All my injuries are in the past and I am ready to win the upcoming fight and become the undisputed M-1 Challenge flyweight champion.

 

 

 

What did you feel when you were told an interim title was to be introduced?

 

 

 

AD: “I felt nothing. The interim title does not mean anything to me and I have concentrated only on one thing: winning my fights. It is known that Ashimov is a very fast fighter and has power in his hands. I can’t say anything about his endurance, because it all depends on the way the fight goes. We’ll see how good his endurance is very soon into our fight.”

 

 

 

How do you think your fight will go? Are you going to use your advantage in grappling?

 

 

 

AD: “I am ready for a five-round battle and, of course, I will be looking for an opportunity to finish my opponent at all times. I would not say that my tactics will be focused on submissions. Take a look at my fights; I love boxing and in MMA you cannot rely on just one aspect.

 

 

 

Your fight against Ashimov was rescheduled from the last weekend’s show in China to May 24th in Saint Petersburg, Russia. How did it change your training plan?

 

 

 

AS: “I was ready to fight on May 12th, but Arman did not get his visa, so we had to change plans for the new date. Maybe it’s for the best. The flight to Saint Petersburg is easier and faster than to China. By the way, in Saint Petersburg, many more fans will come to root for me. Support is a very important part of the game and I am grateful to all the fans who will root for me at M-1 Arena in Saint Petersburg, and everybody who will hold their fingers crossed watching the broadcast!”

 

 

 

Russian heavyweight star Sergei Kharitonov (27-6-0, M-1: 5-0-0) headlines M-1 Challenge 92 versus Anton Vyazigin (9-2-1, M-1: 4-1-0) in their SuperFight.

 

 

 

M-1 Challenge 92 will be live-streamed from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 92 will also be available onwww.FITE.TV(preliminary card is free, $7.99 for the main card)

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@Vadim_finkelchtein

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

 

 

 

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

May 24 – M-1 Challenge 92: Kharitonov vs. Vyazigin in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 1 – M-1 Challenge 93: Shelemnko vs. Siva in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

MIRKO CRO COP OUT OF BELLATOR 200 DUE TO INJRY

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RAFAEL CARVALHO DEFENDS MIDDLEWIGHT TITLE AGAINST GEGARD MOUSASI IN NEW HEADLINER, WHILE ‘MVP’ TAKES ON DAVID RICKELS IN CO-MAIN

 

LOS ANGELES – Due to injury, Mirko Cro Cop can no longer compete in his highly anticipated Bellator debut atBellator 200 against Roy Nelson. As a result, the Bellator 200 main event now sees reigning middleweight champRafael Carvalho (15-1) defend his title against top contender Gegard Mousasi (43-6-2) in a five-round affair, while the co-main event features undefeated British striker Michael “Venom” Page (12-0), better known as “MVP,” againstDavid Rickels (19-4, 2 NC) at welterweight. Bellator 200 takes place Friday, May 25 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London and will air on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

 

 

 

The main card also includes former titleholder Phil Davis (18-4) taking on Linton Vassell (18-6) in a light heavyweight matchup and reality star turned MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers (3-0) making his promotional debut against fellow BritAsh Griffiths (4-5). The remainder of the main card will be announced later this week.

 

 

 

Prior to the main card on Paramount Network, Bellator 200 will also feature plenty of exciting preliminary matchups showcasing many of the U.K.’s top young talent. The undefeated Anastasia Yankova (5-0) returns against the always-tough Kate Jackson (9-3-1), while a trio of former BAMMA champions are in action when former middleweight champion Mike Shipman (11-1) fights Carl Noon (7-2), former BAMMA featherweight kingpin Daniel Crawford (10-1) challenges Pedro Carvalho (6-3) and former BAMMA lightweight titlist Ryan Scope (11-1) faces Martyn Harris(4-4). Fans will see Bellator veteran Anatoly Tokov (25-3) clash with Vladimir Filipovic (10-2), SBG Ireland-productCharlie Ward (4-3) in action against Louis King (1-1) and Mousasi-trained prospect Costello van Steenis (9-1) meeting Kevin Fryer (6-2).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now at The SSE Arena, Wembley box office (0844 815 0815), Ticketmaster.com,ssearena.co.uk and axs.com. Bellator 200 will be broadcast 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 beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT.

 

 

 

*Card subject to change.

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