boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

TRAINING FOOTAGE: FORMER WORLD CHAMPION BOXERS OMAR FIGUEROA AND ROBERT GUERRERO FIGHT WEEK PREPARATIONS

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Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero Give Their Thoughts on Their Upcoming Showdown
Omar Figueroa and Robert Guerrero Give Their Thoughts on Their Upcoming Showdown
GILROY, CA – July 11, 2017 – As they near their toe-to-toe welterweight showdown this Saturday, July 15 live in prime-time on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT), Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (26-0-1, 18 KOs) and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (33-5-1, 18 KOs) give their thoughts on their highly-anticipated fight and their preparation for it in a behind-the-scenes training camp video. To view video click here. The video preview shows an inside look into both training camps leading to the fight.
Figueroa and Guerrero meet center ring at NYCB Live at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Figueroa, the former world champion who hosted training camp in Indio, CA with his trainer Joel Diaz, is eager to show the world that after an 18 month layoff he is back and ready for action. The Weslaco, TX native comes to New York undefeated and this will be his first fight at 147 lbs.
Guerrero is looking to quiet the doubters who say this multiple division world champion is a stepping-stone. “The Ghost” and his father/trainer, Ruben Guerrero hosted camp in Gilroy, CA and look to showcase his strength and grit and come away with a victory.
Look for Figueroa and Guerrero to leave it all in the ring when they meet this Saturday night at the newly renovated NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
FIGHT CARD INFORMATION:
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes will also feature a matchup of unbeaten light heavyweights Marcus Browne and Seanie Monaghan plus an all-Polish heavyweight showdown between Artur Szpilka and Adam Kownacki. Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT following the Figueroa vs. Guerrero fight. The FS1 matchup includes once-beaten welterweight Jamal James meeting former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in a 10-round showdown and unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (competing on his older brother Omar’s undercard) as he takes on Eliezer Aquino in an eight-round bantamweight attraction.
# # #
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
boxing

Sampson Boxing Signs Undefeated Featherweight Eduardo Ramirez to a Promotional Contract

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Sampson boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated featherweight Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, to an exclusive long-term promotional contract.

Ramirez (20-0-2, 7 KOs) is a 24-year-old, highly skilled southpaw with fast hands and super defense. He is managed and trained by Manuel Montiel Jr., brother of the five-time world champion Fernando Montiel.
“I am shocked and honored to be chosen to join the stable of Sampson Lewkowicz,” said Ramirez. “My dream of a world title shot will come true now that he is helping me and that was my goal all along. All I have to do is keep wining and my team will do the rest.”
Montiel, who also manages and trains Sampson Boxing super welterweight contender Jorge Cota, was also happy with the deal.
“I am grateful to Sampson for giving us this opportunity with another of my fighters. We have made him a commitment to work hard to always bring Eduardo into the ring in the best shape possible to go all the way to the world championship.”
For Lewkowicz, the addition of Ramirez and partnership with Montiel are another avenue to bring Mexican boxing talent to the forefront. The well-known promoter already works with such names as Jorge “Pilon” Lara and Hugo “Cuatito” Ruiz to name a few.

“I am working hard to bring more Mexican champions to the world,” he explained. “I’m very proud to sign Eduardo and bring him and his team the opportunities they have worked so hard to reach.”
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Kenneth Sims, Jr. ready for complete performance this Friday night as part of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

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Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, July 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 10, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-0, 4 KO’s) is looking for a complete performance when he takes on Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KO’s) of Lancaster, Pa., as the two prepare to meet in an eight-round bout on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
Dangerous southpaw Keenan “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Ivan Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox appearance.
The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro; he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. In his last outing, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.
The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather). He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.
“My camp has been great,” Sims said. “I feel like I am a lot mentally stronger going into this bout then I was for my last ShoBox fight. I was going through a lot and that was documented. “
Sims was mourning the loss of close friend and undefeated welterweight, Ed Brown.
“This fight on Friday will be a case of me just going out there and doing what I need to do.  I am just going to go out there to box and use my physical attributes, and make this fight easy.”
Sims will be looking to improve on his ShoBox performance when he took a unanimous decision from Emmanuel Robles on Jan 20.
“I think that fight helped me a lot going into this fight. It taught me that I can go eight hard rounds. I want to stay ready, and I plan on getting started earlier in the fight. I am going out there to have fun. That is when I am at my best.
“I will show everyone a big difference on Friday night. I have been working very hard, and I will be in better shape, and overall the fans will see a better Kenneth Sims.”
Said Sims promoter, Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “Kenneth has all of the talent in the world, and on Friday I feel he will show it. He has a clear head going into this fight and is extremely focused. Chinea is a very solid opponent, and I feel that will bring the best out of Kenneth on Friday night.”
# # #
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 at www.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. The ShoBox 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 69 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.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS TOP-RANKED MIDDLEWEIGHT GEGARD MOUSASI TO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

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PROMOTIONAL DEBUT TO BE ANNOUNCED IN COMING DAYS

LOS ANGELES — Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of perennial top contender Gegard Mousasi to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

 

Long-considered to be one of the elite two-division threats in MMA, Mousasi joins Bellator currently riding a five-fight win streak that includes recent knockout victories over two former world champions in Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort. Prior to his UFC tenure, Mousasi captured the STRIKEFORCE light heavyweight title, as well as the DREAM light heavyweight and middleweight titles in Japan. The signing sees Mousasi rejoin Bellator President Scott Coker following his successful run with STRIKEFORCE from 2009-2013.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Gegard to the growing Bellator family,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “He’s one of the most well-rounded fighters in all of MMA and can compete in multiple divisions, so that really opens up some exciting matchmaking opportunities for us and for the fans. We’re looking forward to having him compete on Spike very soon.”

“I am looking forward to fighting in Bellator,” added Mousasi. “I have a long-standing relationship with Scott Coker that goes back many years. Be ready, I am coming after the Bellator middleweight championship.”

The Iranian-born Mousasi, who currently trains out of The Netherlands, has amassed an overall career record of 42-6-2 and has earned victories over some of the sports’ biggest names, including Dan Henderson, “Jacare” Souza, Mark Hunt, Ovince Saint-Preux, Melvin Manhoef, Hector Lombard and “Babalu” Sobral. The addition of Mousasi adds depth to an ever-growing Bellator roster, which has recently seen free agents Rory MacDonald, Lorenz Larkin, Michael McDonald and current Bellator light heavyweight champ Ryan Bader join the Viacom-owned promotion.

boxing

Undefeated Devar Ferhadi takes on Antowyan Aikens in main event on Friday, August 11 at The SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia 

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Plus undefeated knockout sensation Christian Carto

Antonio Dubose battles Josh Crespo
Local favorites Khalib Whitmore, Erik Spring, David Gonzales & Brandon Robinson in action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, Penn. (July 10, 2017)–Undefeated super middleweight Devar Ferhadi will take on his toughest test when he takes on battle tested Antowyan Aikens in the eight-round main event of a great night of boxing on Friday, August 11th at The SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Ferhadi of Frederick, Maryland was born in Iraq, and has amassed a perfect mark of 7-0 with six knockouts.
Ferhadi has one of the unique stories in the sport as he spends about eight months out of the year as a medical student in Kurdastad, Iraq.
The 22 year-old began fighting at age 14 and went 10-2 as an amateur.  He lost in an Olympic qualifying tournament.
He started coming to the United States, and his whole family still resides in Iraq.
This will be Ferhadi’s first fight in almost a year when he stopped Christopher Petty in three rounds on August 19m 2016 in Crystal City, Virginia.
Aikens of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 11-3-1 with one knockout.
Aikens, who turned professional in 2011, won his first ten fights, which was highlighted by a win over then0undefeated Sherman Artis.
Aikens went through a stretch where he went 0-3-1 against fighters who had a combined record of 29-2-2.  On May 19, Aikens got back in the win column in a big way when he took a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Amir Shabazz (4-0) in Philadelphia.
Appearing in the six-round co-feature, will be exciting bantamweight knockout artist Christian Carto (10-0, 10 KO’s).
Carto’s opponent will be named shortly.
Also in six-round bouts:
Erik Spring (9-1-2, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight bout.
David Gonzales (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Darius Earvin (4-1) of Los Angeles in a super lightweight bout.
Marquis Taylor (6-1) of Houston will fight Vincent Floyd (3-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest.
Antonio DuBose (8-2-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KO’s) of New Haven, CT in a super featherweight bout.
Brandon Robinson (4-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight bout.
In four-round fights:
Demetrius Williams (1-2) of Philadelphia will take on Kashon Hutchinson (2-3, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a super lightweight affair.
Jerrod Taylor of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Steven Lopez (0-1) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight fight.
Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHouseBoxing.eventbrite.com

ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO
 
SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,891 slots, 103 table games, a 28-table poker room, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,700 people, and for six consecutive years has been voted a “Best Place to Work” by the Philadelphia Business Journal and for five straight years a “Top Workplace” by Philly.com. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.
For More information and credentials, Please contact: Marc Abrams at phillyboxing@gmail.com or 856 287 7611
boxing

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Arthur Abraham IBO Super Middleweight World Championship

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIRING IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
LIVE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (July 9, 2017) – In a continuing campaign to make it a network destination for Canadian boxing fans, Super Channel has announced its subscribers across Canada will be able to watch this Saturday’s action from London, headlined by International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion Chris Eubank Jr. against 3-time, 2-division world titlist “King” Arthur Abraham, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT, live from The SES Arena, Wembley, in London.
Four championship fights on the exciting “Eubank Jr. vs. Abraham” card, promoted by Poxon Sports in association with Team Sauerland, will air live on Super Channel.
Super Channel has recently aired Brook vs. Spence Jr. and Pacquiao-Horn, live from the UK and Australia, respectively.
“We are delighted to have yet another world-class bout to bring to Canadian fight fans,” said Troy Wassill. Dorector of Programming, Domestic Distributors & Sports for Super Channel. “The phenomenal response on social media we had to the Pacquiao vs Horn bout we recently aired, goes to show that Canadian viewers are hungry for more great boxing action and we intend to deliver.”
The 27-year-old, British-born Eubank Jr. (24-1, 19 KOs) is the son of Chris Eubank Sr., (45-5-2, 23 KOs), the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight and middleweight world champion, who co-trains and manages his son.
Eubank Jr. is a former Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight World Champion. The rising British star captured the IBO title this past February, stopping Renold Quinlan (11-1, 7 KOs) in the 10th round. His July 15th fight versus Abraham will be his first IBO title defense.
Eubank is also world rated No. 5 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 8 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
The far more experienced Abraham (46-5, 30 KOs), fighting out of Berlin, Germany, Is the IBO No. 1 ranked contender. The tough Armenia-native is a two-time WBO super middleweight world champion, in addition to being a former IBF Middleweight World Champion. Remarkably, he is 18-4 (9 KOs) in world championships, 7-4 (4 KOs) against former or current world champions.
Past world champions Abraham has defeated during his 17-year professional career includes Raul Marquez, Hector Javier Velazco, Jermain Taylor, Robert Stieglitz three times, and Giovanni De Carolis. “King” Arthur also holds victories over world-class opponents such as Martin Murray, Paul Smith twice, Lajuan Simon, Edison Miranda twice, Khoren Gevor, Sebastian Demers, Kofi Jantuah, Kingsley Ikeke, Robin Krasniqi and Howard Eastman.
Four of Abraham’s five career losses have been to world champions Carl Froch, Andre Ward, Gilberto Ramirez and Stieglitz, who is the only opponent to stop Abraham, winner of 10 of his last 11 fights, the most recent a 12-round unanimous decision win over Krasniqi (46-4, 17 KOs) this past April in Germany.
Abraham is the No. 1 ranked WBO super middleweight, WBA No. 4, and No. 7 by the IBF and The Ring magazine.
Welshman “Lightning” Lee Selby (24-1, 9 KOs) makes his third defense of his IBF Featherweight World title, which he originally captured May 30, 2015, taking an eighth-round technical decision over previously unbeaten Evgeny Gradovich (19-0-1, 9 KOs).
In the 12-round co-feature, the popular Selby will face his stiffest challenge in former WBA Featherweight World Champion Jonathan Victor “Yoni” Barros (41-4-1, 22 KOs), of Argentina, the IBF No. 1 contender.
Also scheduled to air live on Super Channel on July 15th are a pair of interesting 12-round match-ups as highly-touted Kid Galahad (22-0, 13 KOs) defends his IBF Inter-Continental featherweight title against the stiffest test of his young career, Mexican challenger Jose “El Tigre” Cayetano(21-5, 10 KOs), as well as undefeated WBA Continental super lightweight champion Robbie Davis Jr. (15-0, 11 KOs), ranked No. 4 by the IBF, puts his belt on the line versus Michal Syrowatka (18-1, 6 KOs), of Poland.
To see the “Eubank Jr. vs. Abraham” live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it has to offer, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @SuperChannel
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
mixed martial arts, MMA

LFA RETURNS TO DALLAS THIS FRIDAY WITH NEW MAIN EVENT LFA 16 – BEDFORD vs. FLICK

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MAIN EVENT:
 
6-time UFC vet
“BRUTAL” JOHNNY BEDFORD
vs.
Former Legacy FC title challenger
JIMMY “THE BRICK” FLICK 
BANTAMWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
CO-MAIN EVENT:
UNDEFEATED
MILES JOHNS
vs.
BJJ BLACK BELT
LEVI MOWLES
BANTAMWEIGHT BATTLE
FRIDAY, JULY 14th LIVE on AXS TV
THE BOMB FACTORY in DALLAS, TEXAS
Tickets are on sale NOW through TheBombFactory.com
HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion has a new main event at LFA 16, which takes place this Friday, July 14th at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.
LFA 16 will feature a new main event when six-time UFC veteran “Brutal” Johnny Bedford faces former Legacy FC title challenger Jimmy “The Brick” Flick in a bantamweight showcase. The change came when original headliner Davina Maciel was forced off the card due to visa issues, which has prevented her from traveling from her native Brazil. Andrea Lee was set to defend her flyweight title against Maciel, but will now defend her title at a later date. LFA 16 – Bedford vs. Flick takes place this Friday, July 14th at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
“Johnny Bedford is an experienced and dangerous UFC vet that is on an impressive four-fight win streak,” stated Saores. “He will make his LFA debut against former Legacy FC title challenger Jimmy Flick in the new main event of LFA 16. Andrea Lee is a great champion and will defend her title at a later date since her opponent was unable to take the fight due to visa issues. We are all looking forward to the return of Andrea Lee as well as Johnny Bedford vs. Jimmy Flick this Friday night in Dallas, Texas.”
Tickets for LFA 16 – Bedford vs. Flick are available for purchase NOW at TheBombFactory.com.
Bedford (23-12-1) brings more cage experience into his LFA debut than perhaps anyone in LFA history. Bedford made his Bellator debut in May of 2010 at Bellator 19. The following year, he found himself competing on the fourteenth season of the hit UFC reality television show The Ultimate Fighter. Bedford advanced to the semi-finals of TUF 14 and earned a UFC contract. Bedford fought in the UFC for three years and had six memorable fights for the promotion. After leaving the UFC, Bedford won a regional title in Michigan and defended it three times via stoppages. He now looks to continue his winning ways in the LFA 16 headliner.
Flick (9-3) is no stranger to big-time competition and headlining status on AXS TV. Coincidentally, the man known as “The Brick” made his Legacy FC debut in December of 2012 in the main event of Legacy FC 16. Now an older, more experienced, and bigger Flick will be making his LFA debut in the main event of LFA 16. In both headliners Flick was matched against seasoned UFC veterans, but he is now four and half years older with twice the fighting experience under his belt. Flick will look to use that experience to continue the momentum he started earlier this year when he stopped Argentinian fighter Ben Vasquez in just 50 seconds in regional action.
The co-main event of LFA 16 will feature a good old fashioned Texas showdown between two of Legacy FC’s most popular fighters. Undefeated Miles Johns (4-0) will lock horns with BJJ black belt and fellow Legacy FC standout Levi Mowles (6-2) in a bout between two fighters looking for a signature win to catapult them to the top of one of LFA’s most stacked divisions. Johns returns to the cage thirteen months after winning his Legacy FC debut via TKO. He will face Mowles who is a six-time Legacy FC vet and a black belt in jiu-jitsu under Brandon Quick just like LFA 16 headliner Johnny Bedford and LFA welterweight champion Derrick Krantz.
Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
– Johnny Bedford (23-12-1) vs. Jimmy Flick (9-3)
Co-Main Event | Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
– Miles Johns (4-0) vs. Levi Mowles (6-2)
Catchweight Bout (140 lb)
– Steven Peterson (5-1) vs. Ryan Hollis (12-10)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
– Geoff Neal (6-2) vs. Bilal Williams (8-3)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Damon Jackson (11-2-1) vs. Eliazar Rodriguez (7-6)
Bantamweight Bout (135 lb)
– Cameron Miller (3-0) vs. Brandon Lewis (3-0)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Fernando Salas (4-1) vs. Jessie Vasquez (2-2)
In September 2016, Legacy FC and RFA officials announced that they would be merging to form the premier developmental organization in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. Legacy FC and RFA have launched the careers of over 100 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 16 will be the second LFA event to take place in the City of Dallas. It will also be the fifth time that the LFA has traveled to “The Lone Star State” of Texas. Further information about LFA 16 will be announced soon. The entire main card of LFA 16 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.
boxing, World Boxing Super Series

World Boxing Super Series kicks off in style as quarter-finals are set during draft gala in Monaco

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Press Release
Monaco, July 9 2017
Click HERE for Photos from Mark Hermenau/World Boxing Super Series
For higher res images please email Matt Rich: MJR@WorldBoxingSuperSeries
 

The drama in Monaco unfolded when the super-middleweights were called onto the stage. As the top seed, WBA Super Champion George Groves had four opponents to choose from. He picked British rival Jamie Cox for a “domestic dust-up.” Second-seeded Callum Smith then selected Swedish sensation Erik Skoglund, with the WBC Diamond Championship on the line due to Smith´s status as the WBC´s top-ranked challenger. The third seed was given to the winner of next week´s showdown between Chris Eubank Jr. and Arthur Abraham. With both fighters in training, this pairing was represented by Chris Eubank Senior, who chose “The Dentist” Avni Yildirim. This set the stage for the fourth quarter-final between fourth-seed Juergen Braehmer and undefeated US challenger Rob Brant.

The cruiserweight line-up featured all four reigning champions, two former champions, a KO king and a rising challenger. Second-seed Murat Gassiev, the IBF Champion, did not get to pick an opponent because he has to face mandatory challenger Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. This left Olympic gold medal winner Oleksandr Usyk, the first seed, with Marco Huck, Dmitry Kudryashov and Perez as potential opponents. Usyk selected Huck, with third-seed Briedis then picking Perez. This also set up the clash between fourth-seeded Dorticos and “The Russian Hammer” Kudryashov.

“There could not have been a more exciting start to the World Boxing Super Series,” said Roberto Dalmiglio, Comosa`s Head of Management Board. “This tournament will change the face of boxing because it pits the best against the best in a fan-friendly way. The fans will get to see a lot of exciting fights in a very short time. Something like this has never been done before. We promised the best fighters out there and today we brought them all together live on stage in the stunning setting of the Grimaldi Forum.”

Said Kalle Sauerland, Comosa`s Chief Boxing Officer: “The last couple of days have been filled with intriguing discussions and speculations about the picks. The waiting is finally over and we are proud to present eight amazing fights. The inaugural season of the World Boxing Super Series will feature nine undefeated fighters, seven belts, five world champions and three former champions. To see all those stars on one stage was incredible and it will be even more exciting to see all of them in the ring in September and October. There will not be a dull moment in the Muhammad Ali Trophy.”

Said Richard Schaefer, Comosa`s Chairman of the Americas. “I was fortunate to be promoting many fights of Floyd Mayweather, Oscar de la Hoya and so many others but I have to tell you this beats them all. I really believe this has an opportunity to become the brand in the sport of boxing, the kind of tournament fighters really want to participate in because it will elevate their exposure and it will elevate their careers.”

The quarter-finals will be held in September and October, the semi-finals in January and February and the finals in May in top venues around the globe

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Groves vs Cox:

George Groves:

Me and Jamie are old buddies. We’ve known each other a long time now. I quite fancied a bit of a domestic dust up. I wanted to pick my countryman. I know he wanted to fight me.  I’ve provided him a great opportunity. He’s fighting for a World title. It’s also a strategic move. It’s a long tournament so I picked the easy guy first.

Jamie Cox:

I was looking forward to getting a UK dust up. George picked me and that makes for a great fight. It’s time to bury a seed!

Smith vs. Skoglund:

Callum Smith:

There were four really good fighters to pick from, three left for me. I just think stylistically Erik is the best fight for me.

Erik Skoglund:

To kick off the quarterfinals against an undefeated top guy for the WBC Diamond belt is massive. I couldn’t be happier with the choice.

Winner of Eubank / Abraham vs. Yildirim:

Chris Eubank:

Avni is a come forward fighter. I don’t think he knows how to go back. He brings war, and that will make for a spectacular fight. Once my son gets past Arthur Abraham, he will do the same to Avni. Chris Eubank Jr is an upgraded version of me.

Avni Yildirim:

I am very happy to be here. Good luck to the winner of Eubank and Abraham because it is my time now.

Braehmer vs. Brant:
Juergen Braehmer:

Since I could not pick any opponent any more, I got the strongest guy. The others apparently avoided him. I look forward to the start of the tournament and I am curious to find out when and where the fight will take place.

Rob Brant:

There’s not an easy fight in this tournament. Whether it was the first person to pick or the last person they are all champions. I’m ready to do my best.

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Gassiev vs. Wlodarczyk:

Murat Gassiev

I want to say thank you for everyone who made this tournament. I’m very happy to be here. I’m fighting Krzysztof because he is my number one contender. He is a tough opponent and I’m sure we give boxing fans a great fight.

Krzysztof Wlodarczyk

I’m very happy because Gassiev is a good fighter and a tough guy. We will give people a good fight.

Oleksandr Usyk

I picked him for my fans.

Marco Huck

This is my wish opponent. People say he is really good – an Olympic and World Champion – but we will see when he gets in the ring with me.

Mairis Briedis

He is a great fighter from Cuba. He comes from heavyweight division and will give me a tough fight.

Mike Perez

It’s a great challenge. He’s a champion so I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be my first belt.  I’m looking forward to the fight.

Yunier Dorticos

It’s going to be a great fight and something really interesting for the fans.

Dmitry Kudryashov

I’m happy with this opponent. It will be a good fight.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Participants confirmed: 16 of 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 5
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 398 wins, 16 losses, 275 KOs (not counting Eubank/Abraham)
Confirmed Cruiserweights (8 of 8)
Oleksandr Usyk (12-0, 10 KOs), WBO World Champion
Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs), WBA World Champion
Murat Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs), IBF World Champion
Mairis Briedis (22-0, 18 KOs), WBC World Champion
Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (53-3-1, 37 KOs), former IBF / WBC World Champion & IBF top-ranked challenger
Marco Huck (40-4-1, 27 KOs), former WBO World Champion
Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KOs)
Mike Perez (22-2-1, 14 KOs)
Confirmed Super-Middleweights (8 of 8)
George Groves (26-3, 19 KOs), WBA Super Champion
Juergen Braehmer (48-3, 35 KOs), former WBA & WBO Champion
Erik Skoglund (26-0, 12 KOs)
Jamie Cox (23-0, 13 KOs)
Callum Smith (22-0, 17 KOs)
Rob Brant (22-0, 15 KOs)
Avni Yildirim (16-0, 10 KOs)
Winner of Eubank (24-1, 19 KOs) vs. Abraham (46-5, 30 KOs)
ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organised by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website www.WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
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World Boxing Super Series Announces Seeding for Inaugural Season of Muhammad Ali Trophy

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Undefeated Keenan Smith Confident and Ready To Face Fellow Unbeaten Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk In Main Event Of ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader

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Live on SHOWTIME, Friday, July 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT
From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
“I Will Kill the Beast” – Keenan Smith
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK (July 7, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith is ready and confident for his upcoming bout with Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk as the two prepare to meet in an eight-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.
Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.
In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap. Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash. In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.
Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November of 2015, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7, 26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.
Smith set up training camp in Southern Jersey, and has prepared for this bout with complete focus, and is ready to become a player in the junior welterweight division.
“Camp has been good, and I had a lot of top-notch sparring,” said Smith. “I have been doing a lot of strength and conditioning. This has been a wonderful camp, and on July 14th, the fans will see the best Keenan Smith.”
He continued: “My confidence is at 100%. I will beat him, and I am looking to kill The Beast.”
With a win over Baranchyk, Smith feels he can become an immediate contender at junior welterweight.
“The fight will open doors for me and get me bigger and better opportunities.”
Smith’s promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions is fully behind his fighter and believes a breakout performance is in store for July 14.
“This will be Keenan’s chance to show what we already know: That he is a vastly talented fighter who has the goods to go a long way in this sport,” Mielnicki said. “He has the pedigree and now this is the stage where he becomes a real commodity in boxing. We are looking for a shining performance on July 14.”
Smith is trained by his brother Lemar Smith, and is managed by Doc Nowicki and David Price.
# # #
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 at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

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