Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

MONSTER ENERGY BELLATOR MMA FIGHT SERIES SET FOR FORD CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY PRIOR TO NASCAR SEASON FINALE SUNDAY, NOV. 19

Leave a comment

 

 

Also, Appearances by Fan-Favorite and Monster Energy Athlete ‘Rampage’ Jackson and MMA Legend Dan Henderson

 

 

LOS ANGELES – The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series closes its 2017 season with a fourth and final stop at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. on Sunday, Nov. 19. Set to take place during Ford Championship Weekend, fighters will take to the cage Sunday morning ahead of the final race of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs that will determine the next Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

 

Just hours prior to the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, Nov. 19, the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will feature MMA action throughout the morning beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET at the Monster Energy Fan Zone at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the display area on the north side of the track. Admission to the event is free and open to fans.

 

Additionally, on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1-2 p.m. ET, fans will have the opportunity to meet former world champ and Monster Energy athlete Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, as well as former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholder Dan “Hendo” Henderson, at the Monster Energy Fan Zone at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the display area on the north side of the track. Admission to the event is free and open to fans.

 

“The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series has been a huge success this year and I’m looking forward to heading to Homestead-Miami Speedway during NASCAR’s championship weekend for another great event to end 2017,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “This is a monumental weekend for Monster Energy, including Hans Molenkamp, Tom Norwood, Cody Dresser, Mitch Covington and their entire team, as they close out their first season with NASCAR, and I’m excited to once again make Bellator MMA a part of the fan experience.”

 

Through Bellator MMA, alongside longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineup on Sunday will consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.

 

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway takes place Sunday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Tickets to the race are available at www.Homestead-MiamiSpeedway.com or by calling 305-230-5255.

 

Updated Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series at Homestead-Miami Speedway Fight Card:

Featherweight Main Event: Matt Wagy (10-4, Delray Beach, Fla.) vs. Kester Mark (5-4, Hollywood, Fla.)

Middleweight Bout: Johnny Eblen (2-0, Boca Raton, Fla.) vs. Emmanuel Verdier (3-1, Miami, Fla.)

Women’s Strawweight Amateur Bout: Thais Souza (0-1, Deerfield Beach, Fla.) vs. Ashley Samples (0-2, Athens, Ga.)

Featherweight Bout: Landon Stewart (Pro Debut, Miami, Fla.) vs. Rudial Mora (Pro Debut, Miami, Fla.)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for details.

 

*Event schedule subject to change.

 

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TOMORROW/FRIDAY, NOV. 10

Leave a comment

 

Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland

“I think I can be three or four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title.”

– Junior Fa, Undefeated Heavyweight Prospect

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

CLEVELAND (Nov. 9, 2017) – SHOWTIME Boxing fans will get their first look at eight promising prospects  with a combined record of 97-2 – including two undefeated up-and-coming heavyweights and a 2016 Super Welterweight Olympian – as ShoBox: The New Generation takes place this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. (23-0, 11 KOs) and local favorite Yuandale Evans (19-1, 14 KOs) will square off in a 10-round main event as all eight fighters made their respective weights on Thursday. The ShoBoxquadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSB: 9-1) taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and New Zealand’s undefeatedJunior Fa (12-0, 7 KOs) facing former Golden Gloves champion Freddy Latham (9-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, 2016 Olympian Charles Conwell (5-0, 5 KOs) will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata (4-1-3), who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, REFS AND JUDGES:

 

Luis Rosa Jr. vs. Yuandale Evans – 10-round Featherweight Bout

 

Rosa Jr.: 125 Pounds

Evans: 125 ½ Pounds

Referee: Shawn Clark (P.A.); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

Radzhab Butaev vs. Janer Gonzalez – Eight-round Welterweight Bout

 

Butaev: 146 Pounds

Gonzalez: 147 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (C.A.); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

 

Junior Fa vs. Freddy Latham – Eight-round Heavyweight Bout

Fa: 262 Pounds

Latham: 261 Pounds

Referee: Clifford Pinkney (Ohio); Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio), Larry Hazard Jr. (N.J.)

  

Charles Conwell vs. Roque “Rocky” Zapata – Six-round Super Welterweight Bout

Conwell: 153 Pounds

Roque Zapata: 155 Pounds

Referee: George Nichols (California); Judges: Patrick Casey (P.A.), Larry Hazard (N.J.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.:

“There was a time in my career when I was one fight away from fighting for a world title at 122 pounds, but I’m a natural featherweight. This fight is at 126 but I’ll fight at 126 or 122. Wherever the opportunity is, I’ll take it.

“I’m going to show a lot of different things. I have more to show than just my boxing skills. Whatever I have to do to get the win, I will do it.

“My opponent is a southpaw, but he’s not the slickest southpaw I’ve seen. We’ve been training with a lot of southpaws. Fighting southpaws is not a big deal for me. I fought so many of them in the amateurs.

“I don’t think I’m going to have any problem with him. I know his left hook is his favorite punch so I’m going to try and take that away from him.

“I think putting together some timely combinations is going to be the key to this fight.

“After I beat [Jorge] Diaz and [Luis] Del Valle in 2015 my opposition dropped. I was knocking on the door but just never got the call. That’s why this fight is so big for me. I’m ready to showcase my skills on national TV. I’m ready for the next step on my career.”

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know all the bigger names are at 126 so I’m going to stay right here. I’ve bounced around from 126 to 130. Lou DiBella, my promoter told me to stay ready and that’s what I did; I’m ready.”

“It took me awhile from me to come back after the loss to Javier Fortuna [in 2012]. But I’ve always stayed sharp and I’ve been in various camps. I’ve trained with guys like Lamont Peterson, Gervonta Davis and Rau’Shee Warren.

“I’ve been doing this since I was 10 years old, but I’m a lot wiser and smarter than in the past. I have knowledge and have been talking to a lot of managers and champions. I’m like an Einstein now. I’m a lot sharper, and craftier. And I have defense now.

“This fight will show the boxing world that I belong. I can be in the top five. This fight means a lot for me and the people of Cleveland.

“I’ve been working with [famed trainer] Barry Hunter for this fight and he’s taught me so much. My opponent has been spoiled and has never had to travel into enemy territory. Until now.

I’ve been a road warrior my entire career. I know the crowd can win the fight for me. Just the energy and hearing them when I’m tired. It’s a big advantage for me to be fighting at home. I will have a lot of fans here and it’s going to be big. I still got guys’ texting me for ringside seats, but there’s none left.

“I want ShoBox to say, ‘We have to have this guy back. We have to go back to Cleveland.’ ”

“[Rosa] is my height. He’s going to be right in front of me. He’s going to come straight at me. He has to.”

“They call me ‘Money Shot’ and ‘Southpaw Machine’ and the ‘Black Mexican’ in the gyms here in Cleveland.”

JANER GONZALEZ

“I’ve been training with Ruben Guerrero for the past couple of weeks, and I like training a lot better here in the United States. I felt like I was mistreated in the past back in Colombia.

“Fellow Colombian Oscar Escandon introduced me to Ruben and here we are. It’s the United States and everyone wants to be over here. The sparring and the training is just so much better here.

“I’m 30 years old now and I have a family back home in Colombia to support. This is my shot. I will not fail them. I have Team Guerrero on my side so I’m ready.

“We all know skills pay the bills and I just have to do my job and not get too crazy in there and get the win.

“I watched Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard when I was younger. I liked how smart and intelligent they fought.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“I’ve been in the United States for a year now and really liked training at Wild Card Gym and Wild Card West in Southern California.

                                                                                                                                                      

“I can punch as hard as [Gennady] Golovkin and can move better than [Vasyl] Lomachenko. I’m very confident and my experience is the reason for that.

“I sparred with Demetrius Andrade and Shawn Porter and I have held my own.

“The welterweight division is the best in boxing, everyone knows that. And I’ll fight anybody.

“It doesn’t matter that there’s no YouTube video on Gonzalez. He’s tough and competitive and a boxer who will come to fight.”

JUNIOR FA

“When I beat Joseph Parker [in the amateurs twice] it was my movement and my footwork that was key. He’s such a big puncher I just kept moving because I didn’t want to stand right in front of that.

“I’m a multi-dimensional fighter and my strengths are my mobility.

“Deontay Wilder showed that he has plenty of power. He’s always there from the first bell… I like the guy, he’s got plenty of power and is very explosive.

“I like Anthony Joshua’s boxing brain. He’s got power, but it’s a different kind of power from Wilder. I like the way he sees his punches.

“For myself to be known, I’ll definitely have to fight in America. I don’t think I can make too much of a statement being back home in New Zealand.

“I think I can be three to four fights away for the chance at a world heavyweight title. I have to be entertaining in this fight for the American people to get to know me.

“Boxing used to be the biggest thing in New Zealand, but then rugby blew up.

“I live 40 minutes from Joseph Parker but we’ve never sparred. It’s too competitive.”

FREDDY LATHAM

“This is my first time on national TV so I’m excited and nervous.

“He’s taller, but I feel like I’m just as long as he is. I can put my head in his chest and go to war. If it’s going to be a dog fight I’ll get into his chest.

“Yeah, I’ve watched both the heavyweight world champs. I’d beat Joshua now. Wilder, I would have to get serious sparring in. I’d have to change everything I do in my life – the way I train and my lifestyle and everything. Deontay’s the man right now. Joshua burns out after six rounds and that’s why I’d beat Joshua now. I’m two years away from those guys. Tomorrow night is my first step.

“Boxing’s coming back in Pittsburgh and we’ve got two or three other heavyweights there that are popular right now.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“When you have a good crowd around you, you know it hypes you up.

“I was the youngest member of the 2016 Olympic team at age 18. It was cool being in high school and making the Olympic team.

“I’m very tenacious and determined, that’s why I’ve been successful so far in my young pro career.

“There’s no rush for me. People want to see me, sure. But there’s no reason to move fast at this point.

I think the competitiveness of boxing is what drives me. Sure the money and the fame are going to be great, but I just love everything about this sport.”

ROQUE “ROCKY” ZAPATA

“I haven’t surprised myself when I’ve beaten undefeated fighters.

“I’m an awkward fighter, in a good way. My angles I learned when I was fighting in MMA.

“The risk and the reward wasn’t worth it [to continue] in MMA. I was making a couple hundred bucks and getting elbows to the face. It just wasn’t worth it.

“Conwell is good and aggressive and I’ve seen him on YouTube. He comes forward and he looks to put you down.

“I just feel so much more comfortable in a boxing ring. I was good at takedowns.

“Conor McGregor went 10 rounds with Floyd [Mayweather] and he got paid, so good for him. I’m one of the few guys who have been able to do both MMA and box professionally.”

# # #

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LUIS ROSA JR. vs. YUANDALE EVANS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

 

 

Featherweight Prospects Headline ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader Friday, Nov. 10 from Cleveland, Ohio

 

Click HERE for Photos from Henry Epstein/DiBella Entertainment

 

CLEVELAND (Nov. 8, 2017) – Featherweight prospects Luis Rosa Jr. and Yuandale Evans worked out for the media today at the Thurgood Marshall Recreational Center in Cleveland, Ohio prior to their ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event matchup this Friday, November 10 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from The Masonic at Templelive Cleveland.

 

The ShoBox quadrupleheader features undefeated Russian standout Radzhab Butaev taking on Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez in an eight-round welterweight matchup, and undefeated New Zealand’s Junior Fa facing former Golden Gloves champion Fred Latham in an eight-round heavyweight bout. In the telecast opener, decorated fighter Charles Conwell will take on Roque “Rocky” Zapata, who is coming off a three-bout winning streak.

 

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are still available for purchase via the following link HERE.

 

In addition, 2016 U.S. Olympian Conwell and local Cleveland fighters Willie Nelson and Isaiah Steen worked out in front of the media Wednesday.

 

Here is what the fighters had to say:

 

LUIS ROSA JR.

 

“Yuandale’s a solid, tough fighter. He’s got good pop, but I’m ready for everything, I’m here to win.

 

“He wasn’t really on my radar, he sort of came out of the woodwork. We’re looking for a world championship and this is a step closer.

 

“I have no problem coming to Cleveland. I want to be a world champion, not a state champion or the champion of one country. I’ll go anywhere and be victorious.

 

“Boxing fans can expect a powerful, fast, smart fighter-I’m the full package. I fight with both hands, we’ll see if he can take it.

 

“This fight is dedicated to all the people of Puerto Rico. Most of my extended family still lives there and thank God everyone is okay after the hurricane.”

 

YUANDALE EVANS

“I know that’s he a Puerto Rican at heart. He’s a strong fighter that comes forward, a good body puncher. But he doesn’t have any boxing skills. He’s just a banger who keeps coming forward.

“Defensively he leaves himself open with his aggressiveness.

“He was not on my radar. I’ve wanted to fight much tougher guys, higher ranked guys. But once the fight was offered I said yes.

“I want to fight Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell Jr., and a rematch with Javier Fortuna. I want to fight all the top guys because that’s where I belong.

“Feels great to be fighting at home, been a long time. Just want to give back to the city and community for them supporting me while I’ve been on the road. Even as an 11-year old amateur they supported me.

“Expect a show, this will be a war, I can box and everybody knows I’m a puncher. Fans should be expecting a good fight. I’ll have a huge amount of people backing me.”

 

CHARLES CONWELL

“Means the world to me that I can fight at home and show everyone what they’ve been missing. Last time I fought here [in Cleveland] was in 2015.

“I know Rocky is a tough fighter, he’s beat a couple prospects and he’ll be coming to win.

“I’ve heard from many of my Olympic teammates this week and I’m excited to show them how I look as a professional. I’m looking forward to showing all the boxing fans around the world my skills.

“Should be an entertaining, good fight, I’m ready to go and hopefully close the show early. I’m ready for all six or a first round knockout.

“No pressure fighting at home or on Showtime. After fighting in the Olympics I’m ready for anything.”

WILLIE NELSON

“Right now, I’m at the rebuilding stage of my career to become a world champion.”

“I know a lot about Alexis Hloros, so no issue being a late addition as an opponent, I’m ready.

“I haven’t fought in Cleveland since 2009. I love being able to fight at home, means a great deal to me.

“I want my next opponent to be a top 20 opponent and to fight on Showtime.”

ISAIAH STEED

“I know Nunez is a very strong, come forward fighter, but he’s got no chance on Friday night.

“Last time I fought in Cleveland was as an amateur, three or four years ago.

“No pressure at all fighting at home, thrilled to be fighting at home.

“Charles and I spar all the time helping each other, he’s like my little brother, we make a great team.

“Sign the contract. I’m ready to fight anyone.”

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 73 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

boxing

Training camp quotes for featured bouts for November 18th card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

Leave a comment
Thomas LaManna to take on Samuel Amoako for LBF Intercontinental Welterweight title

Devin Haney appears in special attraction

Raymond Serrano battles Enver Halili in 10-round co-feature

Adam Lopez fights Jorge Diaz

Plus undefeated Alvin Vermall, Frederick Julan & Yurik Mamedov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (November 8, 2017)–Below are quotes from some of the featured fighters that will be on display for the big championship boing card that will take place on Saturday, November 18th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The card is promoted by Rising Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Winner Take All Productions.
In the main event, Thomas LaManna will take on Samuel Amoako in a ten-round bout for the LBF Intnerconinetal Welterweight championship.  In the eight-round co-feature undefeated sensation Devin Haney will appear in a junior welterweight bout.  Raymond Serrano takes on undefeated Enver Halili in a ten-round welterweight bout.  Also featured is a WBC Fecarbox Super Bantamweight title fight between Adam Lopez and Jorge Diaz.
Thomas LaManna – “This training camp has been good. I have a strong support system behind me so it keeps me focused on what I have to do. I’m looking forward to being apart of this great card and putting on a show. I never take any fight lightly and this is just another step towards a world title.”
Devin Haney--“I’m happy to be making my Atlantic City debut on November 18th.  As always, I’ll be looking to bring an exciting fight to all the fans in attendance.   All the fans can expect me to be at my best since I just fought on November 4th.  I’m ready to do some damage.”
Raymond Serrano–“My training camp has been great.  I am at The Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, and I have been sparring with Miguel Cotto.  I really do not know much about Halili other than he is undefeated.  I know he is coming to win as no undefeated fighter wants to lose.I have been here before and this is my moment.  I am ready to take his 0.  I am looking forward to perform in Atlantic City on the 18th.”
Enver Halili- “Victory!! That’s all I know, I’m excited about this opportunity and it’s going to be another great win for me. I belong at the top, and nobody will stop me! Got a good opponent in front of me, but like I said nobody is going to stop me from where I’m meant to be!”

Adam Lopez--“Training camp has been good.  I have been working hard.  I have been fine tuning a lot of stuff including my jab.  I have been working with Shakur Stevenson’s grandfather Wali Moses and a gentleman named O Elliott.  Diaz is a good opponent, who ha been in a lot of good fights.  He is no pushover who I am not looking past.
Jorge Diaz– “Everything is going great.  I am in the best shape of my life.  I have more muscle.  I have been doing my strength and conditioning with Dr. Shawn Arent of Rutgers University.  He is the President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.  My BO2 (Blood/Oxygen Intake) is the highest it has ever been at 70.2.  Adam Lopez is a good aggressive prospect, who is very determined.  May the best man win”
In an four-round junior middleweight bout fights Jeff Lentz (5-1, 1 KO) of Bellmar, NJ takes on Darryl Gause (2-0, 1 KO) of Vineland, New Jersey
In a six-round welterweight bout, Yurik Mamedov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY battles Vincent Floyd (3-3-1, 2 Kos) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest.
Alvin Vermall, Jr. (13-0-1, 11 KOs) of Catskills, NY will take on Nicholas Lavin (5-6, 4 KOs) of Shelton, Connecticut in a six-round cruiserweight bout.

Frederick Julan (6-0, 4 KOs) of New York, NY will fight Willis Lockett (15-21-6, 5 KOs) of Takoma Park, Maryland in a six-round light heavyweight fight.

Sidell Blocker (1-9-1) of Pleasantville, NJ will fight a rematch with Tomas Romain (4-1) of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight bout.

 
Jonathan Arroyo of New York will make his pro debut against Steve Moore (0-1) of Orange, NJ in a welterweight bout.
Tickets for the November 18th fight card at The Claridge are priced at $200, $125, $80 and $55 (General Admission) and can be purchased at www.RisingBoxingPromotions.com
     
boxing

Prince Ranch Boxing Partners up with Pro Fighter Group to Assist in Helping Guide the Career of WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder

Leave a comment
Photo Credit – Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS, NV (November 8, 2017) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) is happy to announce that they have partnered up with Pro Fighter Group (PFG), the management company that guides the career of undefeated WBC Heavyweight Champion, Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs).  PRB will work closely with PFG as Wilder takes his career to new heights.
“Deontay Wilder is one of the best heavyweight champions America has seen in decades,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Here at Prince Ranch Boxing, our goal is to associate ourselves with the best people in the sport, and the folks at Pro Fighter Group are wonderful to work with.  It’s an honor to be allied with such a tremendous fighter like Wilder”
After his stunning first round knockout against Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs), Wilder was adamant about his quest to fight Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20 KOs), who holds the WBA, IBF and IBO belts, and unify the titles.
boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS TO DEFEND WOMEN’S SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLES AGAINST UNDEFEATED MANDATORY CHALLENGER TORI NELSON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment

 

 

Unified Champion & Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation From Turning Stone Resort Casino In Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 8, 2017) – Unified Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will defend her 168-pound titles against undefeated IBF mandatory challenger Tori Nelson on Friday, Jan. 12 live on SHOWTIME.

 

A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Shields (4-0, 2 KOs) will face her second consecutive undefeated opponent in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation live at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Shields dethroned previously unbeaten Nikki Adler Aug. 4 on SHOWTIME to pick up the WBC and vacant IBF titles less than one year after she became the first American boxer to capture back-to-back Olympic gold medals.  The 22-year-old native of Flint, Mich., returns to face Nelson, a seven-year veteran with seven times the professional ring experience.

 

“I’m truly excited to have the chance to demonstrate my skills against an opponent the caliber of Tori Nelson,” Shields said.  “I’m honored to be headlining the firstShoBox of 2018, and I know January 12 will be a great night for the fans.  This will be the beginning of a historic year for me and for women’s boxing.”

 

Nelson (17-0-3, 2 KOs) won a middleweight world championship in 2011 and owns wins over previously unbeaten Alicia Napoleon and Mia St. John.  The 41-year-old Ashburn, Va., native looks to capture her second world title in a showdown with the fastest rising star in women’s boxing.

 

“Ever since Claressa turned pro, I have wanted this fight,” Nelson said.  “She’s young and talented, but my experience will make the difference. Since I became a boxer, I have dreamed of being in big fights on television. I am confident that I will win this fight and remain undefeated. And I plan to retire as an undefeated world champion.”

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale Monday, Nov. 13 for $75 for the first two rows of ringside, $65 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49 and $37, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling the Turning Stone Resort Box Office at 800.771.7711or online at Ticketmaster.

 

“Claressa’s determination to challenge the best available contenders shows why she is one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport today,” promoter Dmitriy Salita said.  “This is a great matchup and I am confident that we will witness another memorable performance.”

 

Said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox: The New Generation: “Claressa is a star both in and out of the ring who possesses all the intangibles to become the face of women’s boxing.  In just four professional fights, two as headliners on ShoBox, she is already unified champion at 168 with plans to conquer the 160 and 154-pound divisions.  Tori Nelson is undefeated, a former champion, and represents what should be the toughest test of Claressa’s young career.  Only time will tell, but I don’t know if there is any fighter in the world who can stop Claressa Shields.”

 

Shields compiled an amateur record of 77-1 and won her first Olympic Gold when she was only 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the 2012 London Games.  She won a second gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and turned professional three months later.

 

In March 2017 in Detroit, Shields stopped Hungary’s Szilvia Szabados in four rounds in the first women’s main event in premium television history.  Shields returned to headline her second ShoBox telecast in August, knocking out Adler in the fifth round to become unified champion in just her fourth professional fight.  With the win, Shields became the 70th world champion in the history of the prospect developmental series.

 

Active in her community, Shields advocates for several social issues and serves as an inspirational figure in her hometown of Flint, a city beset by problems.

 

Nelson turned professional at the age of 29 and won the WBC 160-pound title in just her fifth professional fight.  She twice fought to a draw in middleweight world title bouts with Teresa Perozzi.

 

The high-pressure Nelson is one fight removed from a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Napoleon, and is fresh off a second round knockout of Latashia Burton in her first hometown fight in Ashburn, Va.

 

Undercard bouts for the ShoBox telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

boxing, women's boxing, wrestling

Combat Sports star Seini Draughn to make professional boxing debut on Friday, November 17th at Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, North Carolina

Leave a comment
Pro Wrestler and MMA Fighter to step into ring in heavyweight main event
Charlotte, NC (November 8, 2017) –  Combat sports star Seini Draughn will step into the ring on Friday, November 17th at The Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The show is promoted by Pretty Girl Promotions.
Draughn, who maybe better known as a professional wrestler Lei’D Tapa has appeared for TNA Impact Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling, Global Force Wrestling and WWE Developmental territory NXT .
The native of Tampa, Florida via Tonga also has appeared in MMA fights in Japan, and is a 2-time IBJJF, 2-time Naga, and New Breed Champion.

Draughn’s opponent in the four-round heavyweight main event will be Melissa Holmes (1-3) of Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Also scheduled to appear will be middleweight Santario Martin (3-2, 2 KOs) of Gainsville, Florida; banta,weight Frank Gonzalez (2-0) of Cuba; welterweight Jamaal Gregory (1-1, 1 KO) of Charlotte; heavyweight Willie Harvey (0-0-1) of Plainfield, New Jersey and many more bouts to be announced.
Tickets can be purchased at www.prettygirlpromo.com
boxing

 UNBEATEN COLOMBIAN POWER-PUNCHER TALKS RADZHAB BUTAEV SHOWDOWN AND FIRST FIGHT IN AMERICA

Leave a comment

 

GILROY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2017) – Unbeaten Colombian power-puncher Janer Gonzalez (19-0-1, 15 KOs) takes a major step up in competition when he faces unbeaten Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev (7-0, 6 KOs; WSOB: 9-1) this Friday, Nov. 10, at the Masonic at Templelive Cleveland in downtown Cleveland.  The scheduled eight-round welterweight bout will be telecast on the popular ShoBox: The New Generation series LIVE on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Gonzalez, who is coached by Ruben Guerrero Sr., recently shared his training camp experience as his showdown with Butaev nears.  Gonzalez, who is making his United States and SHOWTIME debut, last fought in September of this year.

 

Here is what Gonzalez had to say ahead of Friday night’s fight.

 

On his recent training camp with Ruben Guerrero Sr.:

 

“My good friend Oscar Escandon introduced me to Mr. Guerrero about a month ago.  I came to California to start training with Ruben shortly after.  It’s been a great transition and training camp has been very productive.  I’ve been sparring every other day since I got here.  I’m in good shape and I’m ready to perform at my best this Friday.”

 

On facing undefeated Russian prospect Radzhab Butaev:

 

“I know I have a tough fight ahead of me, but I’m ready for the challenge.  Butaev had a tremendous amateur career, but so did I.  I have over 300 amateur fights under my belt and there is nothing Butaev will bring to the ring that I haven’t already seen.  We equally have a lot of power, so the fans can expect to see some big shots being thrown by both of us.  I’m going to leave everything in the ring come fight night.”

 

On making his U.S. debut and what a victory on Showtime will do for his career:

 

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous blessing for me.  This is my first fight in America and I going to make it special.  The exposure I will get can take my career to the next level, especially if I come out victorious.  A win will garner me some big fights and some big paydays.  I’m fighting for my family and my countrymen in Colombia.  My motivation is at an all-time high and the boxing world will know my name after this fight.”

 

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. TheShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 72 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS ANNOUNCES MATCHUPS FOR “COPA COMBATE” ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN, $100,000 GRAND PRIZE TOURNAMENT LIVE ON TELEMUNDO AND NBCSN ON SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Leave a comment

HISTORIC EXTRAVAGANZA PITS WORLD-CLASS FIGHTERS FROM
THE U.S., LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN AGAINST EACH OTHER
IN CANCUN, MEXICO

CANCUN, MX – November 7, 2017 – Combate Américas announced earlier the official matchups for the quarterfinal, or opening stage, of the highly-anticipated “COPA COMBATE,” one-night, eight-man bantamweight (135 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament that will award its winner a grand prize of $100,000, live on both Telemundo and NBCSN from Cancun, Mexico on Saturday, November 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. CT.

The event, which takes place at Grand Oasis Cancun, marks both the first NBCU simulcast in history of an MMA event, and the first-ever Telemundo broadcast of MMA programming.

“COPA COMBATE” also represents the first time that world-class fighters from the U.S., Latin America and Spain will represent their respective countries in an epic, one-night tournament showdown in which the winner will have persevered through three consecutive bouts.

In the first quarterfinal stage bout in tournament bracket “A,” vicious striker Mikey “El Terrible” Erosa (12-5) from San Juan, Puerto Rico will take on red-hot Marcelo “The Pitbull” Rojo (12-4) from Cordoba, Argentina.

At 36 years old, Erosa is the oldest competitor in the tournament field. A combat sports tri-athlete who also boxes and kickboxes professionally, Erosa is the first recognized Puerto Rican world champion in the sport of MMA.

The 29-year-old Rojo is both the number one ranked bantamweight, as well as the top ranked featherweight (145 pounds) in his native Argentina.

A former semifinalist on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America reality television series, Rojo has produced 10 of his 12 career wins by way of (T)KO or submission and will enter the tournament riding a four-fight win streak, including two consecutive wins in his first two Combate Americas starts.

On the same side of the tournament draw, wildcard entrant and relentless brawler Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (9-1) of Mission, Texas, will clash with fast-rising star Carlos “Lobo” Rivera (12-2) of Mexico City, Mexico.

The 30-year-old Palacios, the longest standing member of the Combate Americas fighter roster, has won all six of bouts in La Jaula, the Combate Americas circular cage.

In his last two starts, Palacios, also unbeaten as a professional boxer, earned victories over two different Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veterans – a split decision over Roman Salazar on April 20, and a unanimous decision over Chris Avila on July 27.

Rivera is a 24-year-old member of the famed “Bonebreakers” fight squad.  He has produced 8 of his 10 professional career wins by way of (T)KO or submission, and will enter La Jaula for the first time in his career, with three straight victories under his belt.

On the other side of the tournament draw, 25-year-old trailblazer John “Sexi Mexi” Castaneda (14-2) of Mankato, Minn. will battle national Muay Thai champion Kevin “El Frio” Moreyra (4-1) of Lima, Peru.

Tied with Palacios for the greatest number of wins – six – in La Jaula, Castaneda recently re-signed with Combate Americas where he has yet to be beaten, after emerging victorious by way of unanimous decision over Cheyden Leialoha in UFC President Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series on August 1.

Moreyra is an aggressive-minded, 24-year-old who also boasts a 4-1 record as a professional Muay Thai combatant, and is regarded as Peru’s fastest rising MMA star.

In the second tournament bracket “B” bout, battle-tested, number one ranked Spanish bantamweight Marc “Lufo” Gómez (20-10) of Barcelona will collide with number one-ranked Colombian bantamweight Andres “Doble A Leal “ Ayala (14-4) of Bogota.

At just 25 years of age, Gómez has already racked up 30 professional bouts, making him the most experienced of the tournament field and, of his 20 career victories, an astonishing 17 have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Ayala is a gutsy, 27-year-old striker who also boasts a spectacular finish rate, with 9 of his 11 career conquests having come by way of (T)KO or submission.  In addition to his place as the top ranked 135-pound fighter in his country, Ayala also owns a top 10 ranking in Mexico.

The live simulcast of “COPA COMBATE” on Telemundo and NBCSN will feature the tournament’s complete semifinal stage consisting of two bouts that pit the winners of the quarterfinal stage matchups in each tournament bracket against one another, as well as the championship stage showdown.

In addition to the tournament action, Telemundo’s and NBCSN’s live television coverage of “COPA COMBATE” will feature the previously announced women’s strawweight (115 pounds) co-main event between undefeated knockout artist Melissa “Super Melly” Martinez (2-0) of Mexico City, Mexico, and submission expert and Miesha Tate pupil Gloria “Gloriosa” Bravo (4-2) of Santiago, Chile.

The entire quarterfinal stage of the tournament, as well as two tournament alternate bouts and a second women’s bout that will be announced soon, will stream live on the Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app and TelemundoDeportes.com. Coverage on NBCSN will be live streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

# # #

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas is the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise, rapidly becoming the number two sport, after soccer, for Spanish speaking sports fans worldwide.  The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

The Best Fight News on the Net!

Newsletter Powered By : XYZScripts.com