THIRD-ROUND RESULTS: 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championships

January 21, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Central N.E. semifinals round action

this Thursday night at Lowell Auditorium

LOWELL, Mass. (January 20, 2018) – The 72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championships continued last night with Central New England (Greater Lowell) novice and open class action at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Novice quarterfinals and semifinals matches were held last night, as well as preliminary bouts in the open division. The female championship bout in the middleweight class was also held last night, in which Amesbury’s (MA) Jessica McFadden edged Brookline’s Samantha Surface, 3-2.

The Fight of the Night was an open-class welterweight showdown between Salem’s (MA) Charlie Espinal and Amesbury’s Kenny Lawson, which Espinal won by a score of 5-0.

“It was a good night,” New England Golden Gloves Executive Director Bobby Russo said. “Good weather helped draw a big crowd, the largest of the season so far. There were a lot of good matches, some open division to go along with the novices. The Espinal-Larson match was the best of the night, a war from start to finish. It was the type fight you didn’t want either fighter to lose. Espinal had a little better boxing and experience that carried him to victory.”

The action switches to Thursday evening (Jan. 19) next week at Lowell Memorial Auditorium with more novice and open class matches. See the complete 2018 schedule of events below as well as last night’s complete results.

Season tickets for the remaining seven events are still available and reasonably priced at $75.00 (general admission). To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $13.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required).

Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NOVICE

(Feb. 19, 2018)

LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)

Shane Jordan, Brockton, MA / Everybody Fights

DEC (5-0)

Michael Correa, Manchester, NH / Manchester Pal

LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)

Nelson Perez, Marlboro, MA / Upperkuts

DEC (5-0)

Robert Tomczyk, Sterling, MA / Palladin Martial Arts

WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)

Alexander Lynch, Quincy, MA / Grealish Boxing

DEC (4-1)

Konstantinos Papatsas, Waltham / Nontntum Boxing

FEMALE MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)

Jessica McFadden, Amesbury, MA / Union Street

DEC (3-2)

Samantha Surface, Brookline, Ma / Everybody Fights

(CNE championship final)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)

Mohammed Ibrahim, Boston, MA / unattached

DEC (5-0)

Jose DaCosta, Clinton, MA / Paladin

OPEN

LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.) – Semifinals

Jonathan DePina, Dorchester, MA / Everybody Fights

ESC1 (1:42)

Emmanual Antonetty, Lowell, MA / Lowell West End

Clay Scata, Framingham, MA / Nonantun Boxing Club

DEC (5-0)

David Semprit, Lowell, MA / Intenze 978

WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)

Peter Maher, Arlington, MA / Somerville Boxing Club

DEC (5-0)

Matt Difraia, Melrose, MA / Firicano Noxing

Charlie Espinal, Salem, MA / Private Jewels Boxing

DEC (5-0)

Kenny Larson, Amesbury, MA /Haverhill Downtown Boxing

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 LBS.)

Yamarco Guzman, Methuen, MA / Canal Street Boxing

RSC1 (2:35)

Kevin Lewis, Framingham, MA / Bancroft Boxing

Henry Gedney, Gloucester, MA / Gloucester Boxing Club

DEC (5-0)

Julien Baptiste, Lowell, MA / Lowell Boxing Club

72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule

(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)

Central New England (Greater Lowell)

Semifinals: – Thursday, Jan. 25

Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 1

New England Tournament of Champions

Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 8

Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 15

Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Feb. 21

Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22

INFORMATION:

Tournament Executive Director: Bobby Russo

Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho

Chief of Officials: Lauri Purcell

Ring Announcer: John Vena

Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA

Website: www.lowellgoldengloves.com, www.lowellauditorium.com

Twitter: @LowellGloves

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

Former UFC fighter Steve “The Boss” Bossé To make his professional boxing debut

January 21, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

February 15 at the CASINO DE MONTRÉAL

MONTREAL (January 20, 2018) – popular fighter Steve “The Boss” Bossé will make his professional boxing debut as part of the third installment of the 2017-2018 “CHRONO AVIATION Boxing Series 2017-2018”, February 15th at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.

A former pugilist on skates, as well as an ex-Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) MMA fighter, Bossé will face tough Bolivian heavyweight Julio “Conceali” Cuellar Cabrera (12-6-0, 11 KOs), in a six-round bout.

“CHRONO AVIATION Boxing Series” is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, in association with Videotron, at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.

Bossé will attempt the Tour de force in terms of achieving popularity and success in his third contact sport. He was a great senior hockey star in Quebec, known as “The King of Fight on Ice”, followed by an MMA career that peaked when he was signed by UFC in 2014.

Cabrera, who started his career in 2009, has power in both hands with 11 knockouts in his 12 victories to date.

A native of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in Quebec, Bossé clearly needs boxing experience before he steps up to face elite opponents in 10 or 12-round fights, but Michel Hamelin and the R.A.C.J. demanded that the former UFC star make his boxing debut in a six-round match, rather than the more traditional four-rounder for a debut fight.

“Don’t look for finesse, she won’t be at the rendezvous! ‘The Boss’ wants and must quickly face a brawler. said the vice president of operations and recruiting at Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Bernard Barré.

The 36-year-old, Bossé had 14 pro MMA fights, compiling an impressive 12-2-0 (9 KOs) record, including 2-1-0 (1 KO) in the UFC.

His violent knockout of Australian James Te Huna (16-8-0) on March 19, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia before 9552 fans, as well as his victory in a spectacular clash against the American Sean O’Connell (17-7-0), on June 18, 2016 in Ottawa, in front of 10,490 fans, earned him performance bonuses.

He also won the Ringside MMA light heavyweight (205 lbs.) title belt, needing only 2:45 to stop Ontario’s Craig Brown (6-1-0), September 19, 2009, at the Claude-Robillard sports Complex.

Prior to his MMA fighting, Bossé was recognized as the “champion skater” in the North American Hockey League (LNAH), when he was a fan favorite who has more than 300 entertaining fights.

He got his nickname, “The Boss” after a brief career in amateur boxing as a heavyweight, in which he faced the tournament champion of the Battle of the Hockey Enforcers, Dean “The Machine” Mayrand, pro MMA fighter Jacques Dubé, in addition to officers on skates, Justin Leinhos and Louis Bédard.

Marie Eve-Dicaire in NABF title fight

In the co-featured event, charismatic Marie Eve Dicaire (10-0) continues her march towards a world title Katia “La Leona” Alvarino (8-4-1, 3 KOs), of Uruguay, for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) junior middleweight title. The winner will be better positioned for a future world title fight.

“Marie-Eve can climb one step closer to the heights of women’s boxing. This fight represents a rendezvous with glory,” Barré added.

DiCaire, a former karate world champion, is undefeated in pro boxing, coming off a unanimous eight-round decision over Mexican invader Patty Ramirez (11-4) this pastDecember 7 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.

Alvarino’s last two appearances were in world title fights. In her last outing, back on October 21 in Montevideo, she lost as hard fought 10-round unanimous decision to International Boxing Federation Junior Middleweight World Champion Chris Namus(24-4, 8 KOs).

Mikael Zewski also fighting on loaded Feb. 15^th card

World-class junior middleweight/welterweight Mikael Zewski (29-1, 22 KOs) will also be in action Feb 15 versus battle-tested Mexican Jose “El Changuito” de Jesus Macias (23-7-2, 12 KOs) in a potentially explosive eight-round fight. The latter notably lost a 10-round unanimous decision to American hopeful Erickson Lubin (13-0-0, 9 KOs) a year ago in Florida.

Zewski, who will be on his third outing under the GYM banner, won his last confrontation by knockout of Argentinian Enrique Martin Escobar (17-3, 14 KOs) lastDecember 7 at the Casino de Montréal. With an impressive win over Macias, Zewski will be in line a North American championship title shot.

A protégé of former world champion Lucian Bute, welterweight Bruno Bredicean (9-0, 3 KOs), as well as the spectacular welterweight prospect Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (3-0) will also see action.

Bredicean will face an opponent to be determined, while Camara will be opposed byGuadalupe “Pantera” Lincer Ortiz (2-5-0, 1 KO), of Mexico.

The beginning for “Wild Thing” Pellerin

In the evening’s opening fight, Steve Bossé’s training partner and experienced mixed martial arts fighter, Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin de Granby, will also make his pro boxing debut. He’s had 24 MMA fights (11-13-0) and will be facing an opponent to be determined.

Pellerin, who never feared adversity, has faced the best pugilists of his time, including former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin, in addition to UFC veterans from Quebec, Jonathan Goulet and Patrick Côté, as well as his current training partner, Bossé.

Tickets can be purchased via by going on line to https://www.admission.com/event/gala-de-boxe-gym-billets/893715.

-30-

Groupeyvonmichel

@groupeyvonmichel

@yvonmichelGYM

#GYMchrono

#GroupeYM

LFA, mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA BRINGS LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT TO MINNESOTA WITH LFA 34 – WATLEY vs. JENKINS

January 21, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

LFA BRINGS

LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

TO MINNESOTA WITH

LFA 34 – WATLEY vs. JENKINS

MAIN EVENT:

LFA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION

ROBERT WATLEY

vs.

LFA #1 LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER

BRANDON JENKINS

LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

CO-MAIN EVENT:

TRAVIS PERZYNSKI

vs.

TREY OGDEN

LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

PLUS THE RETURN OF WOMEN’S MMA PIONEER:

“MACHINE GUN”

KELLY KOBOLD

FRIDAY, MARCH 2nd LIVE on AXS TV

LIVE at the MINNETONKA BALLROOM

inside the new

MYSTIC LAKE CENTER

PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA

Tickets on sale January 26th at MysticLake.com

HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that the LFA will return to Minnesota in March with a lightweight title fight, a high-stakes lightweight showdown, and the return of a women’s MMA pioneer.

The main event of LFA 34 will feature the return of LFA lightweight champion Robert “Contact” Watley when he defends his title against LFA #1 lightweight contender Brandon “The Human Highlight Reel” Jenkins. LFA 34 – Watley vs. Jenkins takes place Friday, March 2nd at the Minnetonka Ballroom inside the new Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“I am excited to bring the LFA lightweight world championship to the Minnetonka Ballroom inside the new Mystic Lake Center at LFA 34”, stated Soares. “We had four fantastic events at Mystic Lake last year. I am happy to announce that LFA and Mystic Lake Casino have an agreement in place to produce four live nationally televised MMA events at Mystic Lake’s world class facility in 2018. Mystic Lake has been a great partner and we are all looking forward to watching Robert Watley defend his lightweight title against Brandon Jenkins in Minnesota on March 2nd.”

Tickets for LFA 34 – Watley vs. Jenkins will be available available for purchase January 26 at MysticLake.com.

Watley (9-1) is widely considered the top lightweight prospect in the world. The man known as “Contact” was highly regarded on the east coast regional MMA scene before signing with LFA in 2017. His fight résumé consisted of multiple regional titles and a seven-fight win streak. That earned him an immediate shot at the inaugural LFA lightweight title against the final RFA lightweight champion Thiago Moisés at LFA 17. The Maryland native shut down the RFA champion on every score card. Watley then punctuated his championship reign with a dominant TKO victory over Daryl Wilson in his first title defense at LFA 27 in November. The champ now has his sights set on picking up his tenth straight victory and second successful title defense at LFA 34.

Jenkins (11-5) earned his shot at LFA gold after winning one of the most memorable fights of 2017. The man known as “The Human Highlight Reel” added further proof to that nickname with his three round thriller against Carl Wittstock at LFA 29. Jenkins battered his foe in a highly entertaining affair that many fans and pundits considered a “Fight of the Year” nominee. The win completed a successful 2017 for the Mystic Lake security guard, which started with a TKO victory over Billy Christianson at LFA 2. Interestingly, the lone setback of the year came on the score cards of LFA 20. While many felt that Jenkins had done more than enough to earn the decision, the local favorite dropped a split decision in his hometown. Jenkins wasted no time reflecting on the controversial decision and quickly rebounded with his epic win over Wittstock. Now he has his sights set on LFA gold at LFA 34.

The co-main event of LFA 34 will feature a battle between two of the LFA’s top lightweight contenders. Perzynski (22-9) made a big statement in his LFA debut at LFA 20 last summer, when he stopped RFA vet Carl Wittstock via Rear Naked Choke inside the first two minutes of the opening round. The Minnesotan set up the submission with a barrage of strikes that thrilled his home state fans. Perzynski now looks to repeat that feat with a man who made an equally impressive LFA debut just seven days after him last summer.

Ogden (9-2) needed less than a half a round at LFA 21 last summer to match Perzynski’s accomplishment one week earlier at LFA 20. Ogden, like Perzynski, also used a Rear Naked Choke to defeat an RFA vet in his LFA debut. The win came against T.J. Brown and set up a showdown with a man who made a nearly identical promotional debut. The Kansas City based fighter Ogden now meets Perzynski in the co-main event of LFA 34. The winner is looking to gain separation in a highly competitive and deep LFA lightweight division.

The main card of LFA 34 will also feature the return of women’s MMA pioneer “Machine Gun” Kelly Kobold. After a six and a half year hiatus from the sport, she made her return to MMA last summer at LFA 20.

Kobold (18-3-2) is one of the most respected women in the sport. She has enjoyed an illustrious professional MMA career that dates back nearly sixteen years. A true pioneer for women’s MMA, Kobold returned to the sport against Christine Stanley in a bout that was ruled a draw at LFA 20. Now she is back and ready to stake a claim at the top of the LFA women’s flyweight division at LFA 34.

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

Main Event | Lightweight Title Bout (155 lb)

– Robert Watley (10-1) vs. Brandon Jenkins (11-5)

Co-Main Event | Lightweight Bout (155 lb)

– Travis Perzynski (22-9) vs. Trey Ogden (9-2)

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Jordan Griffin (14-5) vs. Darrick Minner (20-7)

Featherweight Bout (145 lb)

– Nate Jennerman (10-3) vs. John DeVall (15-8)

Women’s Flyweight Bout (125 lb)

– Kelly Kobold (10-5) vs. TBD

Flyweight Bout (125 lb)

– Bobby Lee (7-1) vs. Nate Ammerman (4-0)

Middleweight Bout (185 lb)

– Tim Hiley (5-0) vs. Willie Whitehead (2-1)

In September 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form LFA. This new powerhouse promotion would serve as the premier developmental organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 150 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.

LFA 34 will be the fifth LFA event to take place in the state of Minnesota. RFA and Legacy FC hosted a combined nine events in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” before the merger. Six of those events took place under the RFA banner inside the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The entire main card of LFA 34 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.

Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show, Event Previews/Recaps and Celebrating Tony’s 10th Anniversary as a Host

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

This episode we spend a lot of time reminiscing about Tony being part of the Fight News Unlimited team for 10 years. We also take a look back at UFC Fight Night 124 and look ahead to two huge events on Saturday: Bellator 192 headlined by Sonnen vs. Jackson and UFC 220 led by the heavyweight and light heavyweight championship fights between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou (HVY) and Daniel Cormier and Volkan Oezdemir (L.HVY). We even discuss some NFL football and some other sports. Of course we also take a look at the boxing scene. Listen to the show at the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fjqsgzqeltnf31z/january18show2018.mp3?dl=0

boxing

UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPION ROBERT EASTER JR. OPENS UP TO JIM GRAY ABOUT HIS PAST AND FUTURE ASPIRATIONS IN SHOWTIME SPORTS® VIDEO FEATURE

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Easter to Defend IBF Lightweight Title Against Javier Fortuna Tomorrow

“I’m going to show him why he didn’t want to take this fight.” – Robert Easter

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2mR0av5

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray sat down with undefeated world champion Robert Easter Jr. at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn ahead of his 135-pound title defense against former world champion Javier Fortuna. The pair discussed Easter’s motivations to enter the sport of boxing, his life outside the ring and future aspirations inside the ring.

The IBF Lightweight World Title Bout serves as the co-feature of the January 20 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, a Premier Boxing Champions event LIVE on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. The event is headlined by IBF Welterweight World Champion and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. making his first title defense against former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson.

“Nothing concerns me about Fortuna”, said Easter. “He hasn’t been in the ring with no one like me with my attributes. I’m going to show him why he didn’t want this fight.”

Looking ahead to what a successful title defense on Saturday night would mean for his career, Easter made it clear his goal was to unify the division. “Mikey Garcia, Jorge Linares – either or, it doesn’t matter. It’s all in these guys’ hands if they want to face me.”

SHOWTIME Sports will stream two live boxing undercard bouts featuring Marcus Browne and Adam Kownacki on Saturday on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS. Browne, an unbeaten 175-pound contender from Staten Island, will face Francy Ntetu in a 10-round fight while undefeated heavyweight Kownacki, fighting out of Brooklyn by way of Poland, will take on Iago Kiladze of Kiev, Ukraine in a 10-round bout.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

MIKEY GARCIA vs. SERGEY LIPINETS WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME AT THE FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Unbeaten Three-Division World Champion Garcia Challenges Unbeaten Junior Welterweight World Champion Lipinets in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Main Event

SAN ANTONIO, TX (January 19, 2018) – The highly anticipated showdown between undefeated three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 10^th. The Premier Boxing Champions event was set to take place on February 10th, but Garcia’s quest for a fourth world title had to be rescheduled following a training injury to Lipinets’ hand. The fight will be live on SHOWTIME and will remain in San Antonio but move to the Freeman Coliseum.

Ticket information will be released early next week. Those holding tickets for the original date at the Alamodome will receive priority on seat exchange for the new venue. Tickets are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and will be available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 210 556-6390. The event is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, in association with Leija-Battah Promotions.

The remainder of the card will remain the same including the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, which will see two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title. The doubleheader of title bouts in the wide-open 140-pound division sets the stage for a potential unification match.

The 29-year-old Garcia (37-0, 30 KOs), emphatically returned to pound-for-pound lists in 2017 by scoring a highlight reel knockout of Dejan Zlaticanin to win the WBC Lightweight World Championship in January and then dominating four-division champion Adrien Broner on his way to a unanimous decision in July. Garcia is a member of a renowned boxing family, and is noted for his sportsmanship and his commanding presence in the ring, honed by his brother and acclaimed trainer Robert Garcia.

Garcia, of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, Calif., returned to the ring after a two-and-half-year layoff in July 2016 without missing a beat by stopping former champion Elio Rojas. Garcia, who has held world titles at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, has stopped 19 of his last 22 opponents including Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Juan Manuel Lopez and Orlando Salido.

With a win, Garcia would become only the third fighter in modern history to become champion at 126, 130, 135 and 140-pounds, joining future Hall of Famers Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao*.

The unbeaten Lipinets (13-0, 10 KOs) captured a super lightweight world title in just his 13^th pro fight by defeating Akihiro Kondo via a unanimous decision on November 4 on SHOWTIME. He is originally from Kazakhstan but moved to Russia when he was six years old. He currently lives in Beverly Hills, California, Lipinets and is trained by Buddy McGirt.

The 28-year-old moved up the 140-pound rankings with victories over then unbeaten Haskell Rhodes, Levan Ghvamichava and Walter Castillo before knocking out Leonardo Zappavigna in a world title eliminator last December. Lipinets will look to stamp his place as an elite fighter when he takes on the accomplished and dangerous Garcia on March 10.

*Pacquiao won lineal championships at 126 and 140-pounds, although he did not win alphabet titles.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ERROL SPENCE JR. vs. LAMONT PETERSON FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES, PHOTOS & COMMISSION OFFICIALS FOR WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Spence Makes First Title Defense In Main Event Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® From Barclays Center In Brooklyn, Presented By Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME

IBF Welterweight World Championship

Errol Spence Jr.: 147 pounds

Lamont Peterson: 146 ¾ pounds

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Julie Lederman (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

IBF Lightweight World Championship

Robert Easter Jr.: 134 ½ pounds

Javier Fortuna: 136 ½ pounds**

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.)

**Fortuna does not make the 135-pound lightweight limit and cannot win IBF title. Fortuna initially weighed 136.8 pounds and measured 136.4 pounds after the two-hour allowance.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS – 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT On Facebook Live &YouTube

Light Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Marcus Browne: 175 ¾ pounds

Francy Ntetu: 174 ½ pounds

Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Adam Kownacki: 260 pounds

Iago Kiladze: 220 ½ pounds

FLASH QUOTES:

SPENCE:

“This is a tough challenge. If you know Lamont, you know he’s a tough fight but I came to dominate the division and it started with Kell Brook. I’m going to get Lamont Peterson and then I’m going to get the other welterweights that are out there.

“It’s definitely important not just to win the fight, but how I win the fight. I came to dominate the division and I came here to look good. I’m the future of the division and I’m the future of boxing.”

PETERSON:

“I wouldn’t say that Errol isn’t the bigger guy, I just believe that it doesn’t matter. It’s all about boxing skills.

“I think we’ll both make each other look pretty good, but I’m going to win.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF RETURNS TO LEWISTON ON SUPER BOWL WEEKEND WITH AN MMA SUPER CARD

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (January 19, 2018) – The night before the National Football League (NFL) delivers its 2017-2018 season finale, New England Fights (NEF) will return to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston for the first time in eight months as the fight promotion presents “NEF 32: Super Saturday.” And while New England football fans will have to wait until this Sunday’s AFC championship game to find out whether their beloved Patriots will play in the Super Bowl, area mixed-martial-arts fans learned today which of their favorites will compete at “NEF 32” as promotion executives released the full fight card for the February 3rd event.

In the main event of the evening, Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (14-11) takes on Taylor Trahan (7-8) at a catchweight of 150-pounds. One of the biggest MMA stars ever to come out of Maine, Boyington will make his return to the NEF cage after a two-year absence that saw him compete on the global stage in places like Russia and New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. Trahan makes his third trip to Maine to compete. He is coming off a win over Connor Barry (3-2) last fall.

Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (4-1) faces off with Josh Parker (6-9) in a featherweight bout. Lacey suffered the first loss of his pro career in November when a fight he was arguably on the way to winning was stopped by a doctor due to a cut on Lacey’s head. Parker will look to continue his recent success in the MMA cage after recent victories over Andre Belcarris (0-2) and Derek Shorey (4-9).

CJ Ewer (3-0) is out to make history by becoming the first competitor to hold NEF championships simultaneously in multiple weight divisions. Ewer is the reigning NEF Pro Middleweight Champion. At “NEF 32,” he has the opportunity to capture the NEF Pro Welterweight Title when he meets Kemran Lachinov (5-2) for the vacant strap.

Also in professional welterweight action will be Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-8) and Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-7) in a fight billed as “The Berserker vs. The Viking.” Hansen and Erickson have developed a rivalry as coaches of local gyms Berserkers MMA and Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ), respectively.

Speaking of which, Nate Boucher (2-1), a product of CMBJJ, and Ryan Burgess (2-2) of Berserkers MMA will headline the amateur portion of the fight card. The flyweights, former teammates on the Mountain Valley High School wrestling squad, have engaged in a recent war of words heading into the bout. The winner will be in line for a shot at the amateur flyweight title later this spring.

2017 NEF “Rookie of the Year” Jayda “Lil Killah” Bailey (1-0) returns to the cage on February 3rd to meet Florida’s Amanda Gallo (0-1). Bailey made history in November at “NEF 31” by becoming the youngest competitor ever to compete, (and win), in the NEF cage. She turned 18, the legal age for competing in MMA in Maine, just a week prior to the event.

The full “NEF 32” fight card (subject to change):

PROFESSIONAL

150 Bruce Boyington 14-11 (Young’s MMA) vs Taylor Trahan 7-8 (Team Link)

170*TITLE Kemran Lachinov 5-2 (Team Link) vs CJ Ewer 3-0 (Young’s MMA)

170 Jesse Erickson 9-7 (CMBJJ) vs Mike Hansen 5-8 (Beserkers MMA)

155 Zenon Herrera 0-6 (Independent) vs Nate Charles 0-0 (Charles Fighting Family)

145 Josh Parker 6-9 (Ruthless MMA & Boxing) vs Aaron Lacey 4-1 (Young’s MMA)

AMATEUR

205 Ryan Glover 3-2 (Fire & Iron Athletics) vs Joe Berube 0-0 (3Ronin Athletics)

175 Carlton Charles 1-1 (Charles Fighting Family) vs Delmarkis Edwards 0-0 (Independent)

155 Stacy Lupo 0-1 (The Outlet) vs David Hart 0-2 (Kenney’s MMA)

145 Devin Corson 1-0 (The Outlet) vs Shawn Lunghi 2-0 (RMNU)

135 Chelsea Elizabeth 0-1 (First Class MMA) vs Catie Denning 0-0 (Young’s MMA)

135 Kam Arnold 1-0 (CMBJJ) vs Kyle Kenney 0-0 (Kenney’s MMA)

135 Jayda Bailey 1-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Amanda Gallo 0-1 (RMNU)

125 Nate Boucher 2-1 (CMBJJ) vs Ryan Burgess 2-2 (Beserkers MMA)

115 BJ Garceau 0-0 (Young’s MMA) vs Jepha Mooi 0-0 (Gracie Brandon)

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 32: Super Saturday,” will see the company make its return to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 3, 2018. Tickets are on-sale now online atwww.TheColisee.com.

boxing, Rivera Promotions

“New England’s Future 5” Press Conference Quotes

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

“New England’s Future 5”

Feb. 10 in Worcester, MA

(L-R) – Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera and Kevin “The New England Bully” Cobbs

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 18, 2018) – Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) hosted a press conference last night in Worcester, Massachusetts at Beatniks to formally announce its February 10^th “New England’s Future 5” at The Palladium in Worcester.

Undefeated Hartford (CT) light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (5-0, 4 KOs) will headline the fifth installment of the “New England’s Future” series, against Kevin “The New England Bully” Cobbs (10-2, 4 KOs), fighting out of South Boston (MA), for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) New England title in the eight-round main event.

Worcester’s two-time national amateur champion Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (2-0) meets Brazilian super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8-1) in the four-round co-featured event, while Hartford super middleweight Jose “Rated R” Rivera (4-1, 3 KOs) meets Troy “Omar KO Artist” Artis (4-7-1 (3 KOs), of Danbury (CT) in a six-round match.

“New England’s Future 5” charity choice: Luis Rosa, Jr. Scholarship Fund

For each RPR event, promoter Jose Antonio Rivera selects a charity to donate a portion of the proceeds to, and for “New England’s Future 5” he has announced that it will be the Luis Rosa, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

“We believe it’s important to give back to the community and for this show we have selected the Luis Rosa, Jr. Scholarship fund. Luis died last weekend in a tragic car accident at the age of 26. He was a great fighter and an even better person who will be terribly missed. Our company will also push the news about the Luis Rosa, Jr. Scholarship Fund when it’s finalized through our social media.”

Fighting on the undercard, all in four-round bouts, are Danbury junior welterweight Omar Bordoy, Jr. (2-0) vs. Puerto Rican foe Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-4-1), Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (3-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Nick Peralta, of Lawrence, undefeated Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Ray “Bazooka” Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs). vs. Hartford’s pro-debuting Pawel Bansiak, Springfield welterweight Derrick “Bad Boy” Whitley (2-0) vs. Roger Blankenship (1-2), undefeated Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Brazilian Rodrigo Almeida 1-7), Bridgeport’s (CT) pro-debuting welterweight Joseph Goss vs. Seth Basler (0-3), and Hartford junior lightweight vs. Bridgeport’s Carlos Marraro, III (0-1).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Jose Rivera, RPE CEO: “I’m excited because a press conference means the fights are getting closer. We plan to build our promotional company this year. There is a lot of talent in New England and that’s why we have so many Connecticut fighters on this card. I want the fighters here to understand the importance of a press conference. They will gain valuable experience speaking in public and being interviewed by the media. One of the primary reasons we’re promoting is to give young fighters a platform to box and prepare them for their pro careers.”

A.J. Rivera, RPE President/Matchmaker: “The support we’ve received has been tremendous and we exceeded expectations in our first year. This is just the begining for RPE. We’re going to get better this year. We’re not satisfied just being a small promotional company. Boxing is the loneliest sport in the world and these boxers need fans’ support. There’s a lot of talent in New England and much of it is concentrated in Connecticut. We have more Connecticut fighters on this card than fighters from Massachusetts.”

Richard Rivera: “This is a big opportunity for me. Rivera Promotions accomplished so much in its first year. I fought in the co-main twice of two previous RPE shows I fought on. This is going to be an awesome show, not just the main event. There are competitive boxers up and down the card. Don’t blink, don’t go to the bathroom because any one of these fights could end at any time.”

“This is a big step up for my career. Boxing is my passion. We’re both coming to fight. Win, lose or draw we’ll see who the Alpha dog is at the end. “I’m ‘Popeye The Sailor Man’, and I’m good to the finish because I eat my spinach.”

Kevin Cobbs: “I respect Rivera and believe in what I hear. He seems like a good dude. I’m excited about this fight. A lot of people weren’t sure about what I was doing because I hadn’t fought in two years when I got the call (to fight Rivera). Boxing took me out of the space was in and I never stopped boxing. This is going to be a big year for the Rivera’s. I like to switch it up and I’m ready to go.”

Bobby Harris, III: “My opponent wants to redeem his brother’s loss to me. I want to thank RPE for putting me in the co-feature in only my third pro fight. My first two fights were a learning experience and this fight I’m looking to make a statement to showcase my talents. I have a lot to prove as the only Worcester fighter on this card.”

Omar Bordoy, Jr: “I’m fighting a tough opponent. Fighting is easier for me than talking up here. I’m fighting a guy from Hartford. I have a lot of love for his trainer and Hartford. I want my hand raised at the end of the fight.”

Derrick Whitley: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions for putting me on this card. I fought on two of their shows last year and came out 2-0. I’m looking to be 3-0. It was a learning experience going from the amateurs to pros. Everybody’s goal is to raise your level. I’m in the best shape of my life for this fight and doing things in the gym I’ve never done before. I’m looking for a stoppage.”

Wilfredo Pagan: “I’m 37 years old and I’ve always had a glad to fight at least one pro fight. A couple of fights fell through but the Riveras opened the doors for me. I put it all into my fights. I was looking for one fight and this will be my fourth. I’m going to be 4-0.”

Carlos Marraro, III: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions for the opportunity to showcase my talents February 10^th. This will be my first fight on a Rivera Promotions card, but I’m familiar with most of the fighters on this card.”

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

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

Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Top Royalty, Allstate, USANA, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Ambicion Musik, Hill Team Associates and Lundren Insurance & Financial Services.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

January 20, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines Saturday, January 20 Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (January 18, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and two-division world champion Lamont Peterson faced off Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday, January 20 in the main event live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING^®, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter and former world champion Javier Fortuna, who met face to face for the first time on Thursday.

Competing in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS on Saturday will be unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne and once-beaten Francy Ntetu, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus undefeated heavyweight Adam Kownacki and once-beaten Iago Kiladze, who step into the ring for a 10-round affair.

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

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This fight means everything to me. I still have a chip on my shoulder. I want to be the last man standing. I want to beat the top fighters in my division. Lamont is the one standing in front of me, so it’s fight time.

“I think it’s going to turn into a war. A lot of people have thought this would be an easy fight for me. But if you follow Lamont Peterson, you know this will be tough. He’s always in great shape and has a lot of skills. IT might be a dog fight and that’s what I wanted. He’s the guy who wanted to fight and I said of course. It’s going to be a rugged fight. Later on in the fights, he always gets rough and stands toe-to-toe.

“There might not be a lot of talking and bad blood between us, but you know that the two of us always give a great fight for the fans.

“I had to wait for my title defense and then I had a lot of guys not answer the call for this fight. I have a belt and I still have to call these other guys out. Lamont Peterson answered the call like a real fighter.

“In a perfect world I’d be unifying with Keith Thurman this year. I’m going to fight three times this year though. You don’t get time back. I’m ready to strike now.

“I’m just excited to fight. I like to fight. I can’t wait to be in front of those bright lights in front of the fans. Brooklyn is a great place to fight and my family from the area can come see me live. I can’t wait to display my skills.

“A true champion can’t fight everybody who calls them out, it’s still a business. But a true champion fights other champions, especially when they’re available. You can’t avoid questions and try to delay a fight. You fight the next champion that’s available, that’s what a true champion does.”

LAMONT PETERSON

“When I got into boxing, I had goals. First I wanted to be a National Champion, then a world champion as a professional, but the ultimate goal is to be in the Hall of Fame. With that being my goal, I wouldn’t put myself in that conversation yet. With wins over a guy like Errol Spence and the other top welterweights, I think I’m right there in it. That’s my goal and I’ll give it my all to get there.

“If you left it to me I’d fight every month. That’s how much I love the sport. I know a victory would help me get in the ring even more often. Sometimes if you lose at the top level, other top guys don’t want to take a chance against you. I can fix all of that this weekend

“I don’t worry about any negativity. My resume is written in the history books. All I can do is respect the opinion of others and work hard to get this win.

“I’m excited and looking forward to the skill level that’s going to be displayed this weekend. It’s going to be a rough fight for sure. But I look forward to the technique and skill level. Defense, offense and transitioning between the two. That’s the part of boxing that I love.

“Errol even taking the Kell Brook fight was impressive to me. Most guys in his position take their time leading up to the first title shot, but he ended up fighting someone in his prime in his country. To will himself to that win was very impressive.

“When you get to the big stages and those big fights, you have to win more than you lose. I think if I can win some big fights these next few years my career will be in a good place.”

ROBERT EASTER

“I have no concerns fighting a southpaw. I made my last fight hard, but this time I’m going to use my reach, my feet and my speed to dominate.

“I’m looking for a great performance. This is going to be the best Robert Easter the fans have ever seen. We prepared to dominate this fight.

“Javier Fortuna is an accomplished fighter but I don’t know too much about him. I know what I came to do. I’m a world champion and everyone knows what I bring to the fight game. I won’t leave without my strap.

“I’m ready to fight the best in this sport. I want to become the man at this weight and I know I have to beat the other champions to do that.

“Boxing is all about showing you’re the best and fighting the best. I just want to fight these other champions in my weight class. I’m looking to stay healthy in 2018 and remain on top.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I have no excuses on January 20. I hope he doesn’t either. I will be taking that title to the Dominican Republic for my fans. I’ve been dreaming about it and I will take it.

“I have the style and the skills to beat Robert Easter. I know how to make sure his height does not affect me at all. Everyone will see it on fight night.

“I’ve prepared myself very well. I have a plan to win every round. If he’s able to stand there, I’m going to break him down round by round.

“I am fighting for more than just myself and that is why I’ll be successful. I am going to prove that I’m truly one of the top fighters in the sport.

“Robert Easter is a fighter I respect, but I believe I can defeat anyone in front of me. If he takes me lightly, it will go even worse for him. I’ve been training hard to make sure I’m at my absolute best on fight night.

“A win would be great for my country, my fans and my family. Winning this title is everything for me. That’s why I’m here and I will not be stopped.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I started training Errol about nine years ago but I never really knew just how special he was until about a year or so into our training. I thought Olympics were definitely possible, because I didn’t want to look too far ahead. Now that we’re here, I think he can beat any of the top guys. I want him to be undisputed welterweight champion just like he wants to be.

“I never worry about comparing Errol to other guys in the sport. He’s a hard puncher who breaks ribs and breaks faces. The longer the fight goes, the more pain he inflicts. I’ve never seen anybody who punches that hard.

“I think Lamont knew when he moved up to welterweight that this fight would be a possibility. It’s time for us to go to work because I know Lamont and Barry Hunter are working on a game plan. They have a great team and I know Lamont will be ready for what we bring.”

BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer

“We stay in the gym all the time. We didn’t have to deal with the weight monster this camp. Weight issue can really derail a camp leading up to a fight of this magnitude. We didn’t have to deal with any of that.

“There are several different things in Errol’s arsenal that I think we can exploit. Errol will make adjustments though, so I think strategy will be a key in this fight.

“Lamont has always been a coach’s dream. He’s the type of athlete that you would love to coach. He does everything a coach asks of him. He will train until he passes out. All he wants is to work hard and compete.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is a great night for boxing. The first January date of the year drums up a lot of excitement and we expect a great turnout on Saturday night at Barclays Center. It’s going to be a great crowd and an exciting night from top to bottom.

“Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best young fighters in the world testing himself against another great fighter in Lamont Peterson It’s the best fighting the best. Lamont Peterson is a guy with a tremendous resume. If anybody thinks Errol is going to take Lamont lightly, they’re mistaken and he would be too.

“Both of these main event fighters are lucky to have trainers who are real teachers. They are old school and two of the best. Derrick James and Barry Hunter know the game inside and out.

“Robert Easter is a beast, he’s got reach, power and boxing ability. He’s facing a guy in Javier Fortuna who is a confident former world champion. Javier has been talking a big game. He’s talking about knockouts. You want to see a guy come into a fight like this with that kind of confidence.

“This year in boxing is starting out just like last year started, at Barclays Center with a great, even matchup like Badou Jack vs. James DeGale last year.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“In terms of representing the sport, you don’t get any better than Errol Spence Jr. and Lamont Peterson. The professionalism of these guys is unmatched and they represent the best of the sport. I’m proud to have them on the network.

“You can’t play boxing. You have to be dedicated and passionate. Those values are going to be reflected in the ring on Saturday.

“This is a special fight. These are the best in the sport. They’re both top 10 guys. Errol Spence Jr. has grown up on SHOWTIME.

He made his pro debut on ShoBox and won his first world title on SHOWTIME. This is Lamont’s eighth appearance on SHOWTIME and he has one of the strongest resumes in the sport.

“Robert Easter and Javier Fortuna is another matchup of top 10 guys. What we’re doing here is special. This isn’t just another network doing boxing, this is the cream of the crop.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“I’m really excited about Saturday night. We’ve been very fortunate to host the first big event of the year. There’s an appetite to get back into the game and we’re happy to be hosting it.

“I want to welcome back Errol and Lamont to Barclays Center. Both have been there before and we’re thrilled to have you back. We’re pleased that Robert has finally decided to take his show to Barclays Center and give the fans a performance. Last time Javier won at Barclays Center he won his world title and we’re happy to have him back.

“We’re going to create something great here in Brooklyn and it continues on Saturday night at Barclays Center.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

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