boxing

Yamaguchi Falcao to Spike O’Sullivan: Stop Running from me!

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Yama vs Spike.jpeg

Plant City, FL (May 5, 2018) – Unbeaten WBC #13 rated middleweight Yamaguchi Falcao is sick and tired of being avoided.

 

 

 

A Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Olympics representing his native Brazil, Falcao was in Canada last December helping David Lemieux prepare for his fight against WBO 160 pound champion Billy Joe Saunders. Falcao was made aware that middleweight Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan would serve as the televised co-feature for Lemieux-Saunders December 16 in Canada.

 

 

 

Upon hearing the news, Falcao and his team immediately offered to fight the more experienced O’Sullivan. The Irishman’s team reportedly did not want to face a southpaw and elected to fight Antoine Douglas. Frustrated but not deterred, Falcao kept training and hoped to face a fighter like O’Sullivan in the near future.

 

 

 

On May 4, O’Sullivan was again slated as the co-feature for a televised card, this time on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.

 

 

Hoping the second time would be a charm, Team Falcao made it clear they’d do whatever it took for the opportunity.

 

 

Unfortunately, O’Sullivan elected to face Berlin Abreu, a blown up welterweight that hadn’t fought in 18 months.

 

 

 

To make matters worse, all but once of Abreu’s victories came in the Dominican Republic against opponents with a combined 15-266 record. O’Sullivan stopped his overmatched foe in three rounds. Multiple media outlets covering the fight reported it as a disappointing mismatch while noting O’Sullivan needs to face better opposition.

 

 

 

With a professional record of 28-2, O’Sullivan’s rated 5th by the WBO, 6th by the WBA and 11thby the WBC.

 

 

 

Falcao, 15-0 (7 KO’s), believes he’s the superior boxer but hasn’t had the same chances as O’Sullivan and he’s literally willing to fight for the opportunity.

 

 

 

“Spike’s had a lot of favorable opportunities but when he has the chance to take on a tough challenge, he avoids it,” Falcao said from his training camp in Florida. “I twice tried to face him with no questions asked. Both times he refused to face me. I am ranked in the top 15 and you consider yourself a top fighter – why not face me? I’m ready to show the world that I’m an elite middleweight by challenging other top rated 160 pound fighters. My question to you Spike is why did you twice avoid the challenge for easier opponents? I want you to stop running from me – man up and fight me!”

 

 

 

Jody Caliguire, advisor for Team Falcao, has felt the same frustrations as his fighter and none of it has to do with their unwillingness.

 

 

 

“We’re ready for anybody on any platform. Yama has never turned down an opportunity and we’re always putting our name out there. Aside from Spike, we offered to face Demetrius Andrade, Gennady Golovkin, Jason Quigley and Danny Jacobs among others. None of those fights happened. We don’t need to have our record built up – we’re ready to face the best right now!”

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

FNU Combat Sports Show: Fedor Floors Frank Mir, Tony’s Ringside Philly Boxing Report and Tom and Rich Recap the Latest TUF Season

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This week’s FNU Combat Sports Show covers a wide range of topics. We start off with a discussion about Fedor Emelianenko’s demolition of Frank Mir in the latest installment of their heavyweight tourney. We go on to discuss the FBI’s shadowing of Fedor leading up to his fight last weekend. We discuss the big Cinco De Mayo boxing matches coming up this weekend and recap last week’s fights, including the ones Tony attended personally in Philadelphia. We also catch up on the latest TUF season featuring Daniel Cormier coaching against Stipe Miocic.

 

Listen to the full show here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s04cvryertbsj7r/tomtonyrichmay32018show.mp3?dl=0

boxing

Fire Fist Boxing Promotions adds unbeaten Reyes Jr. to June 16 card MRJ Poster 4.jpg

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MRJ Poster 4.jpg

Tampa, FL (May 3, 2018) – Dynamic welterweight prospect Mark Reyes Jr. will face veteran Javier Garcia in a six round special attraction bout Saturday, June 16 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Tampa, Reyes Jr. is 6-0 with 4 wins by knockout. The popular 22-year-old possesses explosive athleticism and dynamic punching power, most recently dispatching Larry Yanez inside of three rounds. A top amateur prior to his pro career, Reyes Jr’s camp believes the sky’s the limit.

 

 

 

A 25 fight veteran, the Gurabo, Puerto Rico native faced a number of quality opponents. Garcia, 8-16-1 (5 KO’s), battled 11 unbeaten foes including title contenders Jose Gonzalez and Emmanuel de Jesus, Harold Calderon and Derrick Cuevas among others.

 

 

 

Having fought all of his bouts in the Tampa Bay area, Reyes Jr. expects another strong showing June 16.

 

 

 

“Every fight I look forward to showcasing my talent and hard work. June 16 is another chance to do so and I hope to impress new fans at the St. Pete Coliseum.”

 

 

 

Fire Fist Boxing has put together a solid card, headlined by an NBA Intercontinental middleweight showdown between unbeaten Ireland-based Tampa transplant Connor Coyle and rival Danny Pastrana of Orlando, FL.

 

 

 

The co-feature is an important 8 round matchup between cruiserweights Nicholas Iannuzzi (19-4) and Vincent Miranda (17-2). Featherweight phenom Jose “Lil Pacquiao” Resendez, Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson, Ali Tareh, Joseph Fernandez, Rodriguez Cade and Kendrick Thomas are all scheduled to appear in separate bouts.

 

 

 

“This card continues to get better and better,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “We’ve got an awesome event scheduled for June 16 loaded with quality fighters. Mark Reyes Jr. is a talented fighter with a great fan base. I advise everybody to come out June 16 because you’ll get to see a number of quality fighters from difference backgrounds giving it their all”.

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale now at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0D00548D9F1C967E.

Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Ishe Smith & Tony Harrison Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Super Welterweight Showdown Headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce Action Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas

 

 

 

Click HERE for Ishe Smith Photos from Mayweather Promotions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Tony Harrison Photos from Superbad Gym

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS (May 3, 2018) – Former world champion Ishe Smith and 154-pound contender Tony Harrison spoke about their respective training camps and upcoming matchup just over a week before they square off in the Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce main event Friday, May 11 from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

 

 

 

Coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti meeting Lateef Kayode for 10 rounds of action.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions, begin at $25, are on sale now and will be available at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

 

 

 

 

Smith, a native of Las Vegas fighting in his hometown, shared thoughts on his training camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club while Harrison, a former title challenger, gave insight into the work he’s put in at the Superbad Gym in Detroit.

 

 

 

 

Here is what the fighters had to say:

 

 

 

What kind of problems does your opponent pose?

 

 

 

Ishe Smith: “I look at all of my opponents the same honestly. Tony is a good kid and a good fighter who’s fought for a world title. He had a lot of hype behind him back in the day before suffering his first loss. I’ve been in this game for so long and sparred so many future and current Hall of Famers, I look at each opponent the same.

 

 

 

Tony Harrison: “I know that Ishe is a rugged fighter who likes to get inside, and that sometimes causes things like accidental head butts and also just makes for a grittier fight overall. He’s willing to dig deep and get muddy. He comes in with a lot of experience, which you can never take lightly.”

 

 

 

How do you expect this fight to look?

 

 

 

TH: “I’m just going for the win, but if I have a shot to stop him I’m going go for it. I want to be the first one to do what nobody else has been able to do, and that is stop Ishe Smith. I think doing that would put me right back in the conversation at the top of the division. But I’m just going in there to win by any means necessary against an experienced opponent.”

 

 

 

IS: “Well my biggest opponent at my age, with the wisdom I’ve gotten, is the man in the mirror. I have to make sure that man is ready to fight. That will dictate the direction this fight goes. I’ve been on a roll of showing up ready to fight recently. If I’m proud of that man in the mirror, it’s going to be a memorable fight,”

 

 

 

How has this training camp gone? Have you made any recent adjustments to your camp? 

 

 

 

IS: “I’ve had a nearly 20-year career but until now, I’ve never had a strength and conditioning coach for two consecutive fights. Being able to stay with one guy for the Julian Williams fight and then having him again, that’s going to be key. It helped me last fight and it’s going to keep me going forward.”

 

 

 

TH: “This camp has been amazing. This has been the first camp that I’ve felt like I haven’t overdone it and run my body into the ground. I’ve always tried to go over and beyond what I’ve needed to do. This camp has just been more calculated and methodical. I’ve gotten rest when I needed it. I feel great.”

 

 

 

Who have you been sparring with and what have you been looking to get from your sparring partners? 

 

 

 

TH: “The atmosphere at the gym has been at a world championship level. My sparring partners have been a really versatile bunch of quality fighters. We’ve done work with U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, Leon Lawson, William Williams, Lanardo Tyner, Antonio Urista and a couple others. I think we’ve covered just about whatever Ishe could throw at me on May 11.”

 

 

 

IS: “I’ve sparred everybody you can think, especially for this camp all of the guys on the Mayweather Promotions team. I’ve been sparring big guys, little guys and I’ve even joked with Andrew Tabiti about getting in there with me. I’m really having fun and enjoying my time in the gym.”

 

 

 

Do you think the 12-year age gap will make a difference in this fight? Why or why not?

 

 

 

IS: “Absolutely not. He’s been knocked out twice. I’ve never been stopped. I do a good job of ignoring the outside noise. Age is nothing but a number. It’s totally different when you’re actually in the ring with me. I’ve always been about challenging myself. I live a fighter’s life inside and outside of the ring. I’m set up to deal with anything that’s thrown my way in this game.”

 

 

 

TH: “I don’t really know how he lives his life, so I’m not really sure how his age may or may not play a factor. But I’ll be coming in at an aggressive pace, and then we’ll see how things play out. It’s a mystery for now though until we get in there and figure him out a bit. But he looked good and fresh against Julian Williams and Williams is one of the top guys in the division. So I think he’ll be confident coming off of that performance, but I’ll be ready for him.”

 

 

 

What kind of improvements have you made in recent fights and how will you implement that in the ring on May 11?

 

 

 

TH: “My main thing is my confidence. I don’t think anybody can beat me when I’m at the top of my game. When it’s fight time, I’m able to implement that and motivate myself. I know in my heart that these guys can’t beat me.”

 

 

 

IS: “I’ve been able to develop a really strong support system in my life that’s helped my career stay strong. By using that and treating my body well, I’ve been able to last. This recent work with a new strength and conditioning coach has really been a game changer and I think can take me to another level in this portion of my career.”

 

 

 

What can a win on May 11 do for you going forward? Who would you like to go after next with a win on May 11?

 

 

 

IS: “A win on May 11 is the only option. I want to have my hand raised at the end of the night. The win can mean a lot. Julian Williams was in a title eliminator after beating me, so I know anything is possible. I have to win. It just means everything to me. I’m never going to look past what’s on my plate. No dessert for me until I finish my dinner.”

 

 

 

TH: A win against Ishe would get me back to the truly meaningful fights, championship fights. I’d love another shot at a title holder like Jarrett Hurd. The goal is to get back to the top to face the best fighters in this stacked division.”

 

 

 

Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce will also be available to be streamed live via Bounce’s new subscription-video-on-demand service Brown Sugar, which features an extensive and one-of-a-kind library of iconic black movies as well as Bounce original programming and series. Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. Brown Sugar also has Google Chromecast capabilities which allow video to play on televisions directly from mobile devices and tablets for consumers with Android and iOS devices. There is a free initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/month thereafter.

 

 

 

Bounce (@bouncetv) is the fastest-growing African-American network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American television homes. Visit BounceTV.com for more information.

 

#  #  #

 

 

 

For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo, , and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

 

 

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

boxing

BELLEW – HAYE FINAL LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

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AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, THIS SATURDAYSaturday, May 5th
Start Time: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 3, 2018 -Below is the final and explosive press conference video for the much anticipated rematch between former world champions, Tony Bellew and David Haye that will take place at The O2 in London THIS SATURDAY, May 5, live on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.
The American broadcast will begin at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
Explosive Head to Head
Explosive Head to Head
Full Press Conference
Full Press Conference


(Videos / Matchroom Boxing)

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visit www.klowdtv.com for additional information.
wrestling

Beat the Streets Announces Special General Admission, High School Challenge Match, Advance Clinics For May 17 Benefit

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$25 GA Ticket, Patrick Glory vs. Gavin Teasdale High School Supermatch, Special Clinics Featuring Olympian Jake Herbert, Others Highlight Celebration Of Wrestling

NEW YORK–In keeping with this month’s Beat the Streets Benefit as a celebration of the great sport of wrestling, BTS is pleased to announce three new key elements of the blockbuster event, dubbed “Rumble on the River,” set for May 17 at Pier 17/Seaport District in lower Manhattan.

  • For the first time, BTS will offer a $25 general admission ticket, good for admission to all of the match action, beginning with youth matchups at 2:30 and including the Team USA men and women’s international event and concluding Super Matches. Fans can find their tickets at http://www.btsny.org/events/annual-benefit/2018-benefit.
  • A Super High School Match has been scheduled, and it’s a real winner, pitting the nation’s top scholastic 126-lb. star in Patrick Glory of Delbarton H.S. (N.J.) against third-ranked Gavin Teasdale of Jefferson Morgan H.S. (Pa.). Glory, heading to Princeton in the fall, and Teasdale, who will attend Penn State, will wrestle at 130 lbs.
  • BTS is planning a clinic featuring 2012 Olympian and longtime BTS supporter Jake Herbert on Friday, May 18, the day after the Benefit. Herbert will also be in attendance on the 17th, greeting young wrestlers, coaches and fans. BTS may also host another clinic earlier in the week; plans will be announced soon.

The Beat the Streets Benefit is coming together nicely, with several pieces in place. The Team USA women, whose roster includes Helen Maroulis, Alli Ragan and Tamyra Mensah-Stock, will take on a highly-regarded squad from Nigeria, and a lineup of Team USA men (TBD) will battle an opponent to be announced soon. In addition, two Super Matches will take place, with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs battling Italian Frank Chamizo, and American standout Jordan Oliver challenging two-time Olympic Medalist Togrul Asgarov of Azerbaijan.

This year will mark the first time that Beat the Streets has held its annual event at Pier 17/South Street District. In 2013, the event dubbed “The Rumble on the Rails,” was hosted in historic Grand Central Terminal and featured dual meets between Team USA, Russia and Iran. Playing an important role in the international Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, this historic wrestling event gained international media coverage and helped wrestling retain its status on the Olympic Games program.

Coverage will be available live and on-demand exclusively on FloWrestling.com. To access live and on-demand coverage of the Beat the Streets New York City Annual Benefit, visit FloWrestling.com and become a PRO subscriber. A subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network, as well as the matches from the Beat the Streets program starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on May 17. Watch the event across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Roku or Apple TV 4.

This will be the ninth straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Benefit activities. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Times Square has been the venue for the 2011, 2012 and 2014-2017 events.

This year, top Beat the Streets youth wrestlers will take the mat showcasing their skills in exhibition matches beginning at 2:30 p.m. to kick off the NYC Benefit. For the third straight year, the Benefit will feature the PSAL Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships finals, showcasing the two top New York City girl’s freestyle wrestling high school teams from the spring girl’s freestyle season. Then it’s Team USA vs. an international squad at 6:00 p.m. and super match between Burroughs and Chamizo with video highlights and special guest appearances followed by the Beat the Streets Benefit Celebration.

Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased by visiting www.btsny.org, calling 212-777-5702 or emailing Joe DelConte at jdelconte@btsny.org.

The Benefit Celebration at Pier 17 will follow the wrestling competition. This unique and electrifying annual event helps Beat the Streets raise significant funds to further its mission. Whether it’s providing a safe, constructive outlet for our urban youth, fighting childhood obesity, empowering women, or uniting entire nations, wrestling teaches persistence, dedication, and the value of working hard to achieve one’s goals and creates opportunities for personal and universal growth. BTS currently serve over 3,000 student-athletes every year.

2018 Beat the Streets Wrestling Schedule

The Seaport District/Pier 17, New York City, May 17, 2018

 

2:30 p.m. – Beat the Streets Youth Exhibition Matches

4:45 p.m. – New York City Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships Finals

6:00 p.m. – World Class Wrestling to include:

• Team USA vs. Nigeria in women’s freestyle

57 kg – Helen Maroulis (USA) vs. Odunayo Adekuoroye (Nigeria)

59 kg – Alli Ragan (USA) vs. Bisola Makanjuola (Nigeria)

68 kg – Tamyra Stock (USA) vs. Blessing Oborududu (Nigeria)

• Team USA vs. TBA in men’s freestyle

• High School Super Match, Patrick Glory vs. Gavin Teasdale (time TBD)

• Super Match 1 – Jordan Burroughs (USA) vs. Frank Chamizo (ITA)

• Super Match 2 – Jordan Oliver (USA) vs. Togrul Asgarov (AZE) (time TBD)

Followed by Annual Benefit Celebration, Pier 17

 

About Beat the Streets

The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.

About USA Wrestling

USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 220,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.

# # #

boxing

Hartford Boxing Promotions Announces inaugural show “Fight Night at the Capital”

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Undefeated light heavyweight
Richard “Popeye” Rivera to headline & Amateur star Sharad Collier turning pro
 
June 16 at Xfinity Centre in Hartford, CT

(L-R) – Sharad Collier, promoter/trainer Tony Blanco & Richard Rivera

HARTFORD, Conn. (May 3, 2018) -Hartford Boxing Promotions has announced its inaugural event, “Fight Night at the Capital”, to take place Saturday night, June 16, at Xfinity Centre in Hartford, Connecticut.

 

 

Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford Boxing Center gym partner, Michael Tran, have teamed with their undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (7-0, 6 KOs), to form Hartford Boxing Promotions.

 

 

“I’m excited about the entire card and providing a platform for some of the best amateurs in recent Connecticut boxing history to fight,” Blanco said. “‘Popeye’ is in the main event. He’s sparred against world champions and each experience has given him more confidence. He’s on his way to greatness. We’re also showcasing (‘The Special One’) Sharad Collier in his pro debut. This kid is something special. Richard is exactly what Hartford needs, somebody youngster can look up to as a role model. ‘Popeye’ is exciting to watch and very popular. Sharad is going to be like that, too.

 

 

“I’m thrilled to partner with Richard and Michael to bring boxing back to Hartford, which is a hotbed for boxing, and it has a rich boxing history. There’s a lot of talent here right now and fans will see that June 16th.”

 

 

Boxing’s roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

 

 

The hardest hitter in New England, rising star Rivera will defend his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) New England light heavyweight title in the eight-round main event versus an opponent to be determined.

 

 

 

“I’m blessed to help bring boxing back to Hartford,” Rivera commented. “I’m honored to headline our first show, Fans will see good boxing and be entertained. I’m going to put on a good performance on an exciting night. I can’t wait!”

 

 

The 21-yer-old Collard, fighting out of Hartford like Rivera, will be competing in the National Golden Gloves Championships, starting May 14th in Omaha, Nebraska, before returning home to turn pro in a four-round Special Junior Welterweight Attraction versus Carlos Galindo (0-2), of Woburn, Massachusetts.

 

 

“Tony is like my second father and I’m grateful to him for allowing me to make my pro debut in my hometown,” Collier remarked. “I’m bringing a big fan-base and I’m going to put on a show. I’m familiar with a lot of fighters on this card. ‘Popeye’ is like my big brother. We train and have traveled together as amateurs. We motivate each other. I’m going to try and get a faster knockout than him June 16th.”

 

 

Undefeated Danbury, CT lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) in his first scheduled six-rounder vs. Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-5-1), fighting out of Hartford by way of Puerto Rico.

 

 

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Hartford featherweight Luis “Lobito” Rivera (4-3) vs. Phillip Davis (1-1-1), of Worcester, MA; pro-debuting New Haven, CT lightweight Anuel Rosa vs. Cleveland’s Roger Blankenship (1-3), New Britain, CT featherweight Nathan Martinez in his professional debut vs. New Bedford’s (MA)Henry Garcia (1-0), Hartford lightweight Jose Maysonette vs. Justin Morales, of New Bedford, in a battle of pro-debut fighters, and another pair of pro debut fighters, Bridgeport, CT featherweight Jacob Marrero vs. Jimmy Santiago, of New York City.

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

Tickets, priced at $80.00, $60.00 and $40.00, are on sale and available to purchase, as well as $125.00 VIP tickets that include food and soft drinks), at Ticket Master outlets or at the Hartford Boxing Center gym.

 

 

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

 

 

Sponsors include Hot 93.7 FM, Hartford Boxing Center, Foster Buddies Network and HBC ProShop.

 

 

INFORMATION;

Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter

Twitter: @hartfordboxing

Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/

You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

REVAMPED AND RENEWED MASON MENARD RETURNS TO FACE HOT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11, IN PHILADELPHIA

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Mason “Rock Hard Mighty” Menard is focused and determined like no other time during his career.

 

 

 

The lightweight contender moved six hours from his home and two children in Louisiana to train with a new team in Dallas alongside the likes of WBC World Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr.

 

 

 

Menard (33-2, 24 KOs) will face undefeated Devin “The Dream” Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas for the USBA Lightweight Championship on Friday, May 11, in the 10-round main event of the popular prospect series ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) on SHOWTIME from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

In the 10-round co-feature, super bantamweight prospects Josh “Don’t Blink” Greer (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Glenn Dezurn (9-1-1, 6 KOs) will meet. In an eight-round featured attraction, light heavyweight Alvin Varmall Jr. (15-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on Charles Foster (15-0, 8 KOs); and in the opening televised fight, super bantamweight Arnold Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) will face Adam Lopez (16-2-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Hard Hitting Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $70 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.

 

 

 

“Everything has changed,” said Menard. “The way I eat in my off-time, my team, my management, my trainers, the way I train. Everything.”

 

 

 

The 29-year-old Menard says his home state of Louisiana simply couldn’t offer the level of training he is now getting, working with new trainers Nathan Pipitone, Maurice James and Aaron Navarro, while sparring with world champions.

 

 

 

“I’m in Dallas to better my career,” Menard continued. “Louisiana just doesn’t have what I need to take it to the next level and compete. I’m working hard here and it’s what I need. I’m pushing the tempo and sharpening my skills.”

 

 

 

Fighting live on ShoBox in 2016, Menard scored a brutal Knockout of the Year candidate over previously undefeated Eudy Bernardo and got another ShoBox win later that year with an impressive KO over Bahodir Mamadjonov. He then suffered his only loss since 2008, in a short-notice showdown with WBO Lightweight Champion Raymundo Beltran.

 

 

 

He returned from the setback in March 2017 with a decision win, but suffered a serious injury.

 

 

 

“I had a detached front rotator cuff tendon and partial torn biceps tendon. It gave out on me in my last fight in the first round. I’ve had surgery on it, and rehabbed it, and now I’m ready to return to the world stage. I’m in with a good, slick boxer, but my trainers have a game plan and we have been working on a few things that he does, just to be prepared for what’s to come against him. I’ll be ready.”

 

 

 

Menard says the hardest part of preparing to face one of boxing’s most talked-about prospects on national television is the loneliness of missing his two beloved daughters, Demi (8 years old) and newborn Amelia.

 

 

 

“I get homesick. I miss my babies back home, but it’ll all be worth it,” he said. “It’s my job and I’m going to do it.”

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FORMER MAINE STATE WRESTLING CHAMPION RETURNING TO THE CAGE FOR SECOND FIGHT

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Portland, Maine (May 3, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” on Saturday night, June 16, 2018.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight bout to the card.  Killian Murphy (1-0) will meet Gabriel Diaz (0-1) at a fight weight of 135 pounds.

 

 

 

Murphy made his cage debut last month at “NEF 33” in Portland with a first-round technical knockout of Krishna Scott (0-1). He followed the footsteps of his older brother Connor Murphy (1-2) into the NEF amateur ranks.  Killian trains with Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire under the tutelage of UFC signee, and former NEF Pro Lightweight Champion, Devin Powell (8-3).  Prior to joining Nostos, Murphy was a standout on the wrestling mats for Marshwood High School in Elliot, Maine where he won a Class A state championship in 2015. 

 

 

 

“I’m really excited for my second fight,” said Murphy. “I’ve got an amazing coach and team behind me. As for the finish, I won’t predict anything.  I’ll let all my work in the cage speak for itself.”

 

 

 

Gabriel Diaz is a member of F2 Arena in Gainesville, Florida.  On June 16, he will not only be looking to avenge his own loss at “NEF 33” to Murphy’s Nostos teammate Zac Richards (1-0), but Diaz will also have the opportunity to avenge his own F2 Arena teammate, Krishna Scott, who was defeated by Murphy at “NEF 33.”

 

 

 

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 34: Home of the Brave,” will take place at Aura in Portland, Maine on Saturday, June 16, 2018.  Tickets are on-sale now online at www.AuraMaine.com.

 

boxing, Paramount Network, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Carlos Ocampo Dallas Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Welterweight World Champion Makes Homecoming Defense at

Dallas Cowboys Facility Saturday, June 16 Against

Unbeaten Mandatory Challenger

 

 

 

Live on SHOWTIME at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

FRISCO, TEXAS (May 2, 2018) – Welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. received a champions’ welcome in his hometown Wednesday at Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at a press conference to discuss his homecoming defense Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME against unbeaten Carlos Ocampo at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

Spence and Ocampo were welcomed with personalized Dallas Cowboys jerseys and an appearance from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at The Star as Spence prepares to make his first hometown world title defense. He last fought in Dallas in November 2015 but will now have a chance to excite his hometown fans in the first boxing event to take place inside Ford Center.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

 

 

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Dallas Cowboys Headquarters Atrium Interview Room at the Star:

 

 

 

ERROL SPENCE JR.

 

 

 

“This is a big opportunity for me. This has been a lifelong dream of mine. I can’t wait to fight in front of my hometown fans that have been rooting for me since the amateurs. It’s great to bring this event to Ford Center. I’m happy to defend my title against a great contender like Ocampo and I hope everyone comes out and supports their champion.

 

 

 

“I don’t think there’s any extra pressure fighting in my hometown. It’s just added motivation. Real pressure was fighting against 30,000 fans in the champion’s hometown for my first title against Kell Brook. This is me fighting in front of people who love me and who have seen me grow up as a boxer. I can’t wait to put on a show for them.

 

 

 

“Everybody poses a challenge in the ring. Ocampo is tough. He’s young and this is something he’s been fighting for his whole life. I know he’s coming to fight. Mexican fighters have a great tradition. They come to fight and they don’t back down. I know he’s going to give it his all and that gets me motivated.

 

 

 

“My motto is ‘Man Down’ and I have to live up to it. I don’t go in looking for the knockout, but I let it happen naturally. I let it come to me and we’re definitely going to let it happen on fight night.

 

 

 

“I feel like I’ve definitely earned this hometown fight. To go to another country and fight a champion in his hometown, and to win the belt, I think I deserve to defend my belt in front of my fans.

 

 

 

“It’s going to be a great feeling being at this venue on fight night. When I was a kid, I thought I was going to be playing for the Cowboys. So this is just going to be a wonderful opportunity. I’ve already talked to a lot of Cowboys players who are excited to come see me fight.

 

 

 

“I do believe I’m the best welterweight in boxing right now. I’ve been trying to prove it for a long time. I’m never looking past anyone, but I’d love to fight Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter and when he’s back, Keith Thurman. I’m ready to fight the best in the division and prove I reign supreme over all of them.”

 

 

 

CARLOS OCAMPO

 

 

 

“I know that this is a great opportunity to be fighting here in Spence’s hometown. That’s a plus for me and it motivates me. I’m going to be ready to fight for 12 rounds.

 

 

 

“It’s supposed to be tough with the crowd against me and I know I’m the underdog, but my mind is only on the fight. I’m just fighting one man, not a whole crowd. I know that I have what it takes.

 

 

 

“Spence is a very smart and tough fighter, but he doesn’t scare me. I’ve been working for this for too long and I will be 100 percent ready to win.

 

 

 

“I’ve had a very tough preparation and a very long camp. We’ve been sparring southpaws to prepare and so far everything has been smooth.

 

 

 

“Being here I am even more excited and more motivated to push hard these last weeks of training camp and come into this fight at my absolute best.

 

 

 

“I have been the underdog before and I’m prepared to once again overcome that. I’m not worried about what anybody else thinks of me or this fight. My mind is only on winning and being prepared to do whatever I have to.

 

 

 

“He can talk about knocking me out all he wants but I’m here too and I’m ready to knock him out on June 16.”

 

 

 

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

 

 

 

“Being at home, this fight is going to be about Errol keeping his focus and staying task. He’s always been able to do that. He’s motivated and driven. He’s the guy that you have to drag away from the gym.

 

 

 

“I never looked ahead to moments like this with Errol, from the beginning we just grinded away day by day. I was focused on enhancing his skillset and that’s what we’re still doing to this day.

 

 

 

“I’m able to keep my feelings bottled up until after a fight, because being at home there can be a lot of distractions. But of course, this event being here in Dallas is phenomenal. I’m most excited that my two daughters will be able to come to the fight.

 

 

 

“Errol has been training extremely hard like he always does. On the first day of sparring he did 15 rounds with [WBC 154-pound champion] Jermell Charlo and [unbeaten light heavyweight] Adrian Taylor.

 

 

 

“The two of us just have to stay focused and everything comes naturally. It’s going to be a great show for this city and a great night for Errol.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks, Inc.

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME is the home of the biggest fights and brightest stars in boxing, so we are particularly thrilled to be here at the home of the best professional franchise in sports, the Dallas Cowboys. We’re proud to be bringing the first boxing event ever inside of the Ford Center and we can’t wait to show off these facilities on SHOWTIME in June.

 

 

 

“This is the first world title fight in Dallas in quite some time and I can’t think of anyone better to bring that here with than Errol Spence Jr. It’s fitting that the NFL Draft was here last week, because I think that if boxing had a draft, there’s a good argument Errol Spence Jr. would be the number one pick. He’s top pound-for-pound champion, he’s a popular draw and he’s in boxing’s most talent-rich division. He has the ‘Trainer of the Year’ in his corner and has won 10 straight fights by knockout, from contender to champion. That is the sign of a truly great fighter.

 

 

 

“The great thing about boxing and for Carlos Ocampo, is that none of those accolades matter on June 16. Rankings, opinions and belts don’t matter. It’s just two guys in a ring and only one man will win. He’s spent his whole life working for this opportunity and I believe that will make this an exciting event.

 

 

 

“As a Texas-native, I know that Dallas is a football town, it’s a good town for all sports but at its heart, Dallas is a football town. But I have great confidence that on June 16, Dallas will be a great boxing town as well.”

 

 

 

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

 

 

 

 

“With IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. making his homecoming debut at this great venue, the Headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys, I know that this is going to be a hot ticket and one you’ll want to purchase right way.

 

 

 

“A lot of hard work went into getting this event together at this great venue and we’re thrilled to be working with the team here at Ford Center to bring it to the fight fans of this city.

 

 

 

“Errol Spence is one of most talked about fighters in the sport. Many consider him the best welterweight and perhaps the best fighter in the world. He’s also made it known that he’s willing to prove that and fight the best in the division. But he can’t afford to look past this young undefeated challenger from Mexico, in Carlos Ocampo. He’s fought his whole life for this opportunity and is here to make the most of it. It’s going to be a great night and a great homecoming for Errol Spence Jr. on June 16.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN JONES, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys

 

 

 

“These are two really special young men on this stage and this is the kind of event that we had in mind when we opened The Star. To be able to have great athletes like these as part of unique events at The Star is something we’re very excited about.

 

 

 

“We like to create versatility for this venue and we want to bring all types of sporting events here. This doesn’t happen without the city of Frisco and the Frisco independent school district. We’re also honored to partner with TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions for this groundbreaking announcement.

 

 

 

“It’s known how energetic the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host Errol Spence Jr. and have him represent our city will be an unforgettable experience for all. Carlos Ocampo is a quality opponent who is also unbeaten. I admire both of you men and I look forward to watching you on June 16.”

 

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