mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

A NEW NEF BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED IN BANGOR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (June 21, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday night, August 5, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur championship bantamweight contest to the fight card.  Fred Lear (5-2) is scheduled to meet Walt Shea (2-0) for the vacant NEF MMA Amateur 135-pound championship.

A member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Lear is riding a two-fight win streak into the first hometown fight of his career.  In February of this year, Lear defeated Shea’s First Class MMA teammate Michael Crespo (3-3) with a second-round technical knockout.  He is a finisher, with all but one of Lear’s five victories coming by way of technical knockout or submission.  He is promising local fans a crowd-pleasing fight against Shea on August 5th.

“Walt Shea has shown tremendous poise and fortitude in his back-to-back wins,” proclaimed Lear.  “My job over the next eight weeks is to work hard, stay humble, and listen to my teammates and coaches who have carried me to this point in my career. This is an extraordinary opportunity and it is my responsibility to seize it. This isn’t about myself or an ammy title. This is about Bangor and delivering on the fight this town deserves.”

Walt Shea has been to the judges’ scorecards twice in his time with NEF, and twice Shea has emerged victorious.  He made his debut last September with a split decision win over Joel Downing (0-1).  Shea followed up that appearance with a unanimous decision over Alan Bustamante (0-1) earlier this year at “NEF 27.”  He is a member of First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine, as well as The Foundry in Farmington, Maine.

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the amateur 135-pound title at “NEF 30,'” said Shea. “Honestly, it’s hard to believe considering almost two years ago I was just an overweight fan watching my cousin Nick Shea compete in the cage. My opponent, Fred Lear, is a tough kid who comes from another tough gym in Young’s MMA and always brings a ton of energy into the cage, so be ready for a war of cardio and willpower from each of us. I’d like to thank my family for standing behind me in this adventure, along with my head coach at First Class MMA, John Raio, and all my other outstanding coaches and my talented teammates.”

“NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” will be held at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, Mayweather Promotions

Mayweather Gets First Topps Cards

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As boxing champ Floyd Mayweather prepares to go after his 50th career victory, Topps is getting set to release its first trading card of the undefeated fighter.

Mayweather will have his first Topps cards, including an autographed version, in 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball, which releases on July 19. Mayweather’s inclusion in Allen & Ginter fits right in with the 12-year-old brand, which highlights world champions beyond baseball.

This will be the first of several products that fans can find Mayweather’s Topps autographed cards this year. Stay tuned for more details.

Mayweather recently announced his upcoming fight with UFC champ Conor McGregor on August 26 in Las Vegas. The much-anticipated fight sees Mayweather going for his 50th professional win – and no losses.

Fans and collectors can find 2017 Topps Allen & Ginter in hobby shops, Target, Walmart, online retailers and Topps.com on July 19.

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Eddie Ramirez Remains Unbeaten with Split Decision Over Erick Bone in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday Night from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas

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Xavier Martinez Defeats Prince Smalls by Unanimous Decision in Battle of Unbeaten Prospects
&
Lightweight Prospect Dennis Galarza Earns Unanimous Decision Victory Over Mexico’s Omar Tienda
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions &
HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2017) – Unbeaten Eddie Ramirez (17-0, 11 KOs) earned a split-decision victory over Erick Bone (16-5, 8 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Sam’s Town live in Las Vegas.
Representing Chicago, Ramirez controlled the fight early by working off of his jab and attacking with both hands on the inside. Bone was able to consistently throw counters back, but Ramirez showed good defensive skills throughout the night, never taking serious punishment.
“I was comfortable in the ring tonight,” said Ramirez. “I remain unbeaten. I put the pressure on and I got the win. I think the fans will start to see me more and more.”
Ramirez began to break through the guard of Bone and had him in trouble in round four before Bone found his composure and finished the round. The second half of the fight saw Bone increase his movement, which seemed to frustrate Ramirez, who was looking to engage and deliver a knockout.
“He made it a little difficult because he wasn’t cooperating,” said Ramirez. “He was running around the ring, but I am proud of my performance. I won and that’s all that matters. I’m going to get back in the ring and get back to training until I get word on my next fight.”
Bone finished the fight strong and believed he did enough to earn the decision.
“I don’t agree with the decision,” said Bone. “I am frustrated because I feel I won, however the judges saw it differently. I thought I landed more punches and I just don’t see how they came to the decision that was made. He was a good fighter, tough opponent, but again I believe the wrong decision was made tonight.”
After the 10-round welterweight contest concluded it was Ramirez who was awarded the decision with scores of 97-93 twice, while one judge saw the bout 97-93 for Bone.
“I want whoever is next,” said Ramirez. “I’m ready for whoever can get me closer to a title shot.”
Additional televised action saw Xavier Martinez (8-0, 4 KOs) keep his perfect record intact by earning a shutout unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Prince Smalls (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in their eight-round featherweight contest.
While Smalls had the reach advantage and was dedicated to his jab throughout the bout, Martinez was consistently aggressive and was able to navigate the distance and punish Smalls with hooks to the head and body.
“I knew the one advantage he had going into this fight was his height,” said Martinez. “But once I got in the ring I saw quickly that he was leaving his body open so I just went in and tried to deliver as many combos and hit the body as much as I could.”
Martinez landed big power punches all night, including a pinpoint right cross that connected with Smalls at the end of round four. A clean left hook staggered Smalls in round seven as Martinez spent the round punishing his opponent, who was barely able to stay on his feet and finish the frame.
After another dominant round to close out the bout, Martinez was awarded the decision by the score of 80-71 on all three judges’ scorecards.
“I wanted the knockout and I think the fans could tell,” said Martinez. “This is my first fight this year, so it’s back in the gym for me as I look to my next opponent. I’ll definitely be ready for anyone.”
The opening bout of the telecast saw lightweight prospect Dennis Galarza (16-2, 9 KOs) record his third straight victory via a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Omar Tienda (18-5, 11 KOs) in their 10-round contest.
The taller Galarza used his length early and landed clean hooks on the inside during round one. Tienda came out in round two intent on making it a rough fight and crowding Galarza to negate his reach advantage.
“I give my performance about a 7.5,” said Galarza. “I knew I was coming into the ring with a tough rugged veteran Mexican fighter and he used that to his advantage, I should have used my jab more.”
Galarza continued to have success with his left hook throughout the night, while Tienda was able to slow down Galarza’s offense in the middle rounds with a relentless body attack. Much of the battle took place in close quarters and in round nine Tienda was deducted a point by referee Robert Byrd for throwing Galarza to the canvas.
After 10-rounds of hard-fought action, Galarza’s clean work and good movement in the late rounds helped him earn a unanimous decision by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91.
“There was a lot of holding, but it didn’t really affect my plan,” said Galarza. “I wanted the knockout going in but I’m just happy I got the win unanimously. I need to get back in the gym and work on really using my jab and uppercut more and I think that will help me going into the next fight.”
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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.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports,www.facebook.com/foxdeportesand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Super Lightweight Showdown Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia completed a two-day media tour that took them from coast-to-coast and culminated with a Los Angeles press conference Tuesday to discuss their super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The fighters spoke to media at the Conga Room in L.A. Live as they prepare for the 12-round matchup that serves as one of the summer’s premier fights. Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“I don’t shy away from fighting anyone. I will fight anyone they bring to the table. I said yes to this fight immediately and hung up.

“I’m going to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. Mikey Garcia says he has great power, but I would like to see what his opponents would do if I hit them. Give me all 36 of his opponents and give him all of my opponents, let’s see what our records would be.

“I broke my hand in my last fight but I’m feeling good right now. I’m going hard in sparring with some great, undefeated fighters. I’m full-focused heading into this fight. I’m going to get up for this fight and show that I’m still one of the best out here.

“I’m always going to be me. Right now I’m just focused on boxing and getting this victory on July 29.

“Mikey is a great fighter. I just feel like I’m on a different level. The best is fighting the best right here and it’s going to be explosive.

“I’m thankful. I’ve been through a lot of things in my 27 years of life. And I have another opportunity to show what I’m made of. I’m not missing weight on my birthday. You can bet on that. July 29 I’m going to be victorious.

“Anyone can get hit if you let them. Everyone Mikey has put down has been at 135-pounds and under. I’ve already been a champion there. After this fight I think he’s going to go back to where he belongs…in the lower weight classes.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I’m very happy to be here and get back in the ring. This is the kind of fight that I deserve and the kind of fight that will please the fans.

“Everybody already knows what kind of fighter Adrien Broner is. He’s a champion for a reason, the skills and talent are there. I’m undefeated and you can’t deny my skills either. That’s going to make this a great fight.

“This is really two of the best fighters matching up against each other. This is what boxing is all about. That’s what I want to give the fans. I’m not taking on any easy opponents, I’m here to challenge and be in big fights.

“I want the fans to be able to appreciate the sport of boxing. These are the kind of fights that fans will remember for years. This could be the Fight of the Year. We’re very even when it comes to our accolades and achievements.

“When Adrien is at his best he’s a fantastic fighter. I’m always at my best. You can never doubt that. You’re going to see an incredible fight. I want to win this fight and open up bigger opportunities. Adrien knows it’s the same for him, that’s why he moved his camp to Colorado.

“This has all the ingredients of a great fight. On July 29 Barclays Center is going to be the place to be at. If you can’t make it, make sure you watch on SHOWTIME. Don’t miss it. People are going to be talking about it for years to come.”

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

“Adrien has to use his speed to his advantage. We have to use our smarts in the ring and make sure we’re the bigger man. More power and more speed will get us to victory.

“Mikey tries to set traps and tries to counter with the hook or the right hand. We throw too many combinations for that. With Adrien being the bigger man, he has to use the quick jab and set up the right hand.

“Mikey is a slick boxer. He definitely has skills. That’s what we want. We never really liked fighting a brawler. I always train my guys to box. Styles make people seem different ways and I think this is the perfect style for Adrien.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“We’re getting ready for the best Adrien Broner possible. We know he’s already out in Colorado for training camp because he knows it’s not an easy fight. This is do or die for him so he’s taking it seriously.

“When they brought up the name of Adrien Broner, it took no time for us to agree. This was an easy fight to make.

“Inside of the ring I think we’re going to see a great Adrien Broner. When Mikey beats him, I want Mikey to get the credit for beating a great fighter.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a tremendous matchup. Both of these guys have had outstanding careers so far. This is what our sport is all about, bringing two great champions together, fighting in the prime of their careers.

“On paper, this a 50-50 fight. I think both guys are fighting the best opponent they’ve seen in their career. Adrien is going to have to be on his A-game, and I expect him to be at his best for a guy with the talent of Mikey. But Adrien Broner is the real deal too. Not too many can deal with him at his best.

“If you look back at all the outstanding programs that SHOWTIME has brought to us and continues to bring to us, this is what boxing is all about. Champions fighting champions. The vision is to bring big-time boxing back with great events like this.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports

“This is a special fight. You have two of the brightest young stars in boxing sharing the ring. A few years ago Adrien decided that he was going up to 147-pounds. He took one of Robert Garcia’s fighters, Marcos Maidana. They obviously had a great training camp because Marcos looked fantastic and it just wasn’t Adrien’s night. Most fighters would have packed it in after the first three or four rounds. That’s not what Adrien did though, he fought even harder. What I saw that night, was Adrien Broner’s heart. I will never doubt what Adrien Broner brings to the table.

“Mikey is in his own quiet way very similar. There are a lot of situations where fighters aren’t happy with a promoter. More often than not the fighter doesn’t stick to his principles. What Mikey did for two and a half years, shows you what kind of backbone he has. He knew what was right and what was wrong. Now, he’s in charge of his own career.

“I’m here today because I know this will be a good fight. I know that neither guy will back down, they’re both going to give it their all and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”

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ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, ,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Elite Prospect Michael Dutchover Highlights “Path to Glory” Undercard Friday Night

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (June 20, 2017) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (4-0, 4 KOs), a highly accomplished amateur and recently turned professional, highlights Friday night’s “Path to Glory” undercard  from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. 
Watch Dutchover vs. Carrizoza and the rest of the 6-fight card on TB Presents: Path To Glory, live streaming on ThompsonBoxing.com and Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PST / 10:45 p.m. EST.
Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Dutchover, who trains in Southern California but resides in Midland, Tex., faces his toughest opponent to date: once-beaten Miguel Carrizoza (10-1, 2 KOs) of Hermosillo, Mex.
The bout marks Dutchover’s second 6-round fight of his young career. He stormed into the paid ranks with four straight knockout wins.
“The plan this year is to up my level of competition,” said Dutchover, who recently sparred with world title challenger Petr Petrov. “I know I’m ready for the challenge. I want to work my way to the top, and in order to do that I need to challenge myself.”
Dutchover had a successful amateur run that saw him win nine national titles, a bronze at the 2015 U.S. Olympic Trials, and a runner-up finish at last year’s National Golden Gloves competition. Dutchover, 19, believes he was built to fight professionally.
“As an amateur, I often boxed in the pro-style,” said Dutchover, who counts Danny Zamora, older brother Junior Dutchover, and Javier Gomez as coaches.  “I didn’t really throw a lot of quick, small punches that define the amateurs. I was more aggressive in my approach. I worked the body and threw a lot of power shots.”
Detailed opponent scouting reports in the early years of a boxer’s professional career are often not available. Dutchover has an idea of what to expect from Carrizoza, but he will rely mostly on his extensive amateur background.
“I had such a long amateur career that I’ve seen basically every style in the book,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’m going to adapt in the ring and be prepared for whatever he brings. I had an excellent training camp. I’m in great shape and ready to go after another win.”
“We are looking forward to Micheal stepping up in competition on Friday night,” said Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions.  “Michael has shown that he is ready for this challenge, and we expect another terrific performance.”
Photo Credit:  Carlos Baeza /Thompson Boxing Promotions.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

MILITARY VETERANS WILL VIE FOR PRO MMA TITLE IN BANGOR

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bangor, Maine (June 20, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Cross Insurance Center on Saturday night, August 5, 2017 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional championship middleweight contest to the fight card.  CJ Ewer (2-0) will take on Mike “The Mustache” Hansen (5-5) for the vacant NEF MMA Pro 185-pound championship.

CJ Ewer serves as a member of the United States Air Force security forces.  When not defending the nation overseas, Ewer trains at Young’s MMA in Bangor.  He is an accomplished wrestler, with two Maine state high school championships and a New England district championship to his credit.  Ewer wrestled under legendary coach Ted Reese while attending the University of Southern Maine (USM).  Upon joining the MMA circuit, he put together a 5-2 record as an amateur prior to turning pro.  Ewer’s last fight was one year ago to the day in Bangor at “NEF PresentsDana White: Lookin’ for a Fight.”  He dropped Ruben Redman (0-1) with a highlight reel knockout that brought White and his web series co-stars to their feet at ringside.

“Mike is a tough-as-nails opponent, and I look forward to testing myself against him,” said Ewer of the upcoming title fight with Hansen.  “At the end of the fight, the most prepared fighter will win. Mike will not out work me in preparation, nor does he have training  partners that I have. I look forward to bringing the 185-pound belt back to Young’s MMA on August 5th.”

Mike Hansen, like CJ Ewer, proudly served his country.  Hansen was a combat engineer in the United States Army before retiring from the service.  Also like Ewer, Hansen comes from a wrestling background with a Maine state title earned during his time with Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.  A founding member of team Berserkers MMA, Hansen has a reputation for taking on all comers.  He has never backed down from a challenge, sometimes battling behemoths two weight classes larger than himself.

“I’ve been working towards this moment for years now,” stated Hansen. “I busted into the Maine MMA scene just over two years ago and have been fighting top ranked fighters and the guys that everyone else runs from to prove that I can fight. CJ Ewer is a great competitor coming from the best camp in the state at Young’s MMA. I have nothing but respect for them up there, and I know he will come ready to fight. With that being said, I will be ready for war, and I’m coming home with the gold that night. He’s just another man locked in the cage with me, and anyone who has had that caged locked behind them across from me knows I’m not an easy win.”

“NEF 30: Rumble in Bangor” will be held at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, women's boxing

Claressa Shields Dominates to Win WBC Silver Belt, Sets Detroit Brawl Gate Record; Has Sights on World Championship Next

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Photos by Boy Ryder

In just her first eight-round fight, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields scored a spectacular unanimous decision victory last Friday, June 16, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit to win the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title. 

 
Shields (3-0, 1KO) dominated tough Sydney “Ginger the Ninja” LeBlanc (4-2-1), winning all eight rounds on all three judges’ scorecards en route to adding the WBC Silver belt to her NABF Middleweight Championship belt. LeBlanc was simply no match for the blazing fists of crowd favorite Shields, who has convincingly established herself as a world championship-class contender in women’s boxing after just three professional fights.
 
Shields’ bout was the main event of a jam-packed Detroit Brawl event which set a new gate record for promoter Dmitriy Salita’s popular Detroit-based series.  
  

“Claressa is one of the best boxers in the world!” said Dmitriy Salita. “Regardless of gender, her skills and experience are that of the elite fighters in the world. She is improving with each fight and the sky is the limit. Claressa is ready for the top fighters in her division and we will work on making a big championship fight happen next.” 

 
In the 10-round co-main event, transplanted Detroit cruiserweight Alexey Zubov moved to 15-1, 9 KOs with a surprisingly easy 10-round decision over Detroit’s highly regarded Demetrius Banks (9-1, 4 KOs).
 
From the opening bell, the superior work rate of Zubov told the story, as the confused Banks had no answers for the big Russian’s jab. All three judges scored the fight 99-91. There were no knockdowns.
 
“Two of the best cruiserweight prospects in the world met in Detroit,” continued Salita. “The winner is now a real contender, ready to fight the best in the world. Alexey is much improved since his time training with Sugar Hill at the Kronk Boxing Gym. The magic of Kronk is alive and came to life in Alexey’s performance. Great things on the horizon for him!”
 
Another of Salita’s growing stable of promising contenders, Detroit bantamweight Ja’Rico O’Quinn (7-0, 5KOs) had too many tools for the outgunned David Martino (2-3, 2 KOs) and won by dominant unanimous decision (60-54, all three judges). A talent to watch, O’Quinn basically walked the determined Martino into his lightning-fast shots for six rounds.
 
“Ja’Rico’s defense was superb in his fight. His opponent was rarely able to even touch him. He is going to be a force at 118 lbs. in the not-too-distant future.”
Another surging contender from the Salita stable, junior welterweight wrecking ball Bakhtiyar Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) needed just 1:41 of round one to chew up and spit out Mexico’s Cesar Soriano. Eyubov targeted the body of Soriano and took away his breath with thudding left hoods to the liver that ended things quickly. Eyubov is an animal.
 
“Bakhtiyar went up a weight class because no one will fight him. This fight showed why,” said Salita. “He is too strong for most fighters to stay in with for very long. He will be in a big fight in the near future. He’s ready.”
 
In other results, Michigan’s Antonio Urista (8-2, 2 KOs), pulled off a surprising upset with a six-round unanimous decision (59-53 and 58-54 and 58-54) over Turkmenistan’s Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-1, 2 KOs). Urista dropped Hudayberdiyev with a looping right hand and he never fully recovered. Both fighters suffered cuts in this rugged affair.
 
To open the show, Michigan light heavyweight Darren Gibbs (1-2, I KO) picked up his first professional victory with a 30-second TKO1 over debuting Scott McCurdy; Jacob Bonas (3-0-1, 2 KOs) scored a TKO3 over Tony Brooks (1-2) and Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 5 KOs) stayed undefeated with a fifth-round TKO over a surprisingly determined Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs).
 
“Thank you to everyone involved in this terrific show,” said Dmitriy Salita. “The fans of Michigan asked for world-class boxing and they’ve responded by filling the Masonic Temple. And thank you to all my great sponsors for all their help and congratulations to all the fighters for their brave performances. It is onward and upward for Claressa Shields, who will be back later this summer against a world-class fighter. Clearly, she is ready for anyone in the world.”
 
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FANS INVITED TO BELLATOR NATION RALLY AND BELLATOR NYC: SONNEN VS. SILVA WEIGH-INS INSIDE THE THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 23

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PLUS, A CHANCE TO WIN CAGESIDE TICKETS

Los Angeles – Ahead of Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva, fans are invited to the first ever Bellator Nation Rally on Friday, June 23 at 4:30 p.m. ET inside the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Members of the Bellator Nation will have the opportunity to meet with MMA legends Randy Couture and Dan Henderson, current Bellator heavyweight Cheick Kongo, as well as Bellator personalities, including Mike Goldberg and the Bellator Ring Girls. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public. Space is limited, so fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Additionally, prizes, including two cageside tickets to Bellator NYC, will be given away to fans in attendance.

At 6 p.m. ET, fans are also invited to be a part of the Bellator NYC and Bellator 180 weigh-ins inside The Theater at Madison Square Garden, as the fighters take the scale and square off for the final time prior to entering the cage on Saturday night. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public.

One of the most recognizable MMA fighters of all time, Hall of Famer Randy Couture transitioned nicely into the entertainment world after his fighting career, starring in several television shows and movies, including The Expendables movie franchise and Dancing with the Stars. Inside the cage, Couture was a fearless underdog, often defeating men with great size advantages. “The Natural” was a multi-time heavyweight and multi-time light heavyweight champion in the UFC.

Dan Henderson, known simply as “Hendo,” is one of the most feared one-punch strikers in all of MMA and put away many opponents with his “H-Bomb” overhand right. A former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE champion, Henderson owns notable wins over Michael Bisping, Fedor Emelianenko, “Shogun” Rua and Wanderlei Silva. Now retired, Henderson also represented the U.S. during the 1992 and 1996 Olympics as a member of the Greco-Roman wrestling teams.

Since joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2013, Cheick Kongo, a French-born kickboxer, has strung together an impressive run that has seen him emerge victorious in nine of 11 contests, including five consecutive victories. With 39 career fights under his belt, “The Darkness” has tallied 27 wins as a professional, including 12 by way of knockout. Kongo most recently handed Augusto Sakai the first loss of his professional career at Bellator 179 in London.

Mike Goldberg, set to make his Bellator broadcast debut at Bellator NYC and Bellator 180, is best known for his 20 plus years of play-by-play work in professional MMA and trademark calls that made him popular with fans around the globe. In addition to his two decades in mixed martial arts, he has broadcast every major sport at the network level, most notably his 900 games in the NHL, both nationally and with the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings. He has also hosted entertainment shows, including Shaq Vs. A graduate of Miami (Ohio) University, Goldberg now resides in Phoenix, Ariz.

Please visit Bellator.com and BellatorNYC.com for upcoming event information.

Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva Card (Pay-Per-View):

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Chael Sonnen (29-15-1) vs. Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC)

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Welterweight World Title Bout: Douglas Lima (28-6) vs. Lorenz Larkin (18-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight World Title Bout: Michael Chandler (16-3) vs. Brent Primus (7-0)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Aaron Pico (Debut) vs. Zach Freeman (8-2)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Card (SPIKE):

Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Phil Davis (17-3, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Bader (22-5)

Featherweight Bout: James Gallagher (6-0) vs. Chinzo Machida (5-2)

Welterweight Bout: Neiman Gracie (5-0) vs. Dave Marfone (5-2)

Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Heather Hardy (Debut) vs. Alice Yauger (4-5)

 

Bellator 180: Davis vs. Bader Preliminary Card (Bellator.com):

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ryan Couture (10-5) vs. Haim Gozali (7-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jerome Mickle (2-1) vs. Anthony Giacchina (1-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (168 1bs.): John Salgado (4-7-1) vs. Hugh McKenna (0-1)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout (130 1bs.): Matt Rizzo (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergio da Silva (6-8)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nate Grebb (3-1) vs. Bradley Desir (9-5)

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Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
Blockbuster Match-Up Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (June 19, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face for the first time Monday before they battle in one of the premier matchups of the summer that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com,barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The fighters spoke to media at Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan to discuss their 140-pound clash that will headline an exciting night of action later this summer.
Here is what the participants had to say Monday:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I want to thank everyone who showed up today. I’ve been in some crazy situations and I’m blessed to be here. To get a fight like this is huge. Boxing is going back to the old days where the best fight the best. Mikey is definitely one of the best out there today.
“This can take our careers to the next level. I’m taking this seriously. I’ve been training in Colorado Springs. The weight will not be a problem. This gives me a reason to make 140. I’m not paying a man to put hands on me.
“I’m training hard and I think this will be one of the best performances of my career. This will take me to the superstar level where I need to be. I heard Mikey is a big favorite – they aren’t giving me much of a chance. I hope no one puts their house against me on this fight, because it won’t work out well for you.
“This fight will definitely bring the best out of me, because Mikey isn’t a sloppy fighter, he isn’t an awkward fighter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a Mexican, but he boxes like an African American. We’re going to have a nice fight and I can’t wait to put on a show.
“When you’ve got two athletic fighters that have skills, it can only bring the best out of each other. And the cream always comes to the top.
“I’m more focused this training camp. There are so many distractions in Cincinnati or D.C. There is nothing to do in Colorado but look at the mountains and box.
“It’s going to be a great fight. Robert Garcia is a great trainer for his little brother. We’re both undefeated at 140-pounds and under. Something has to break. I want everyone to tune in on July 29. You will see a real serious Adrien Broner in the ring. It might get ugly for Mikey on July 29.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I can’t stress the importance of this fight enough. It’s the biggest fight that I could have. There are other names that are out there, but nothing made more sense than facing Adrien Broner.
“Adrien has accomplished a lot and when he’s at his best, he’s really great. That’s what I expect on July 29. I see that he’s taking this seriously by moving camp to Colorado. I expect him to bring the best out of me and give the fans the best fight possible.
“The fans here in New York have always treated me well and it’s a fan base that just really loves boxing. The fans are what make me a world champion. I owe it to them to perform to the best of my abilities. I’m going to come ready on July 29 so that this fight is remembered as one of the best of the year.
“I think he is motivated because it’s a big fight, one where he can try to get his career back on track and try to be a superstar like he has been in past big fights. He didn’t perform so well in his past fight against [Adrian] Granados and this is an opportunity for him to jump back and be a superstar again. And I think that’s what’s motivating him for this fight.
“The weight makes sense to me for this type of fight. 135-pounds is probably my best division, but I don’t think this will be much different. I’ll make weight a little more comfortably and still keep my speed and power.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to win this fight. I’m more of a boxer-puncher but if I need to press the fight and put pressure on, I’m going to be ready to do that.
“I know that we definitely have to be in the best shape possible. I am not going to take this lightly. I am not thinking it’s going to be an easy win for me. I think it’s going to be a tough fight. I believe he’s going to be ready 100% and that’s going to make it a tough fight for me but overall I think I’m the better fighter, better boxer and I’ll have enough tools to bring in the ring with me.
“Adrien is going to come to beat me and I’m coming 100 percent to beat him. The fans will be the winner on fight night, but my hand will be raised.”
MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer
“These are two really talented fighters and they’re going to put on a big show. We know Mikey is going to be prepared so we are going to do everything we can to be ready.
“Being in Colorado for training is like home for me and Adrien. This is what we’ve done since he was 18-years-old. Expect the same thing as every time before when he comes focused and prepared.
“Adrien is going to win and win real big. It’s going to be a tough fight, but we’ll be victorious when that final bell rings.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Every time Mikey and I come to New York we get nothing but love. We know Adrien is very talented and that’s why Mikey said yes to this fight. It took less than 30 seconds for him to agree.
“Mikey wants nothing else but big fights and we have one here. Expect a hell of a fight on July 29. I know we’re both going to be in great shape on fight night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“I love this fight. This is why we do this job. We want to make sensational fights like this for the fans to enjoy.
“Adrien Broner has spent a lot of time at the top of the sport while Mikey Garcia has made his way back to that top tier emphatically since returning last year.
“Mikey has insane amounts of talent. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the sport and he can do everything in the ring.
“Adrien Broner is a star. He’s ‘The Problem’ and sometimes he’s his own biggest problem. He’s an entertainer. People hate him but they pay to see him. He gets a lot of love and he gets a lot of hate. That’s worked for a lot of guys in this sport over the years. People care about him.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports
“The bar has been set so high when you look at this year in boxing. It’s a high bar to get a main event at Barclays Center. The standard is very high and this fight certainly satisfies it. Two of boxing’s brightest young stars, both under 30 years old matching up against each other.
“This is the 19th live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. Three world title unification, three world title rematches and six times where a top five fighter has fought another top five fighter in the division. We’re proud to bring you these two fighters on SHOWTIME. I give the fighters all the credit in the world for taking this fight. These guys are ready for big fights and they are proving it.”
BRETT YORMARK, CEO, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
“On July 29, Barclays Center will host its fourth major card of 2017. There is a great heritage of boxing in New York and I’m proud that Barclays Center is the number one boxing venue in the country. It has become a destination for the sport’s best talent, with Adrien and Mikey being two prime examples of that.
“I’m looking forward to one of the year’s most talked about fights. Adrien won a world title at Barclays Center and Mikey made his comeback there just last year. July 29 will be a special night not just for Brooklyn boxing, but for all boxing fans.
“Fights fans everywhere have already circled July 29 on their calendars and I look forward to seeing everyone next month.”
#          #          #
ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA
Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentPBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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UPDATE: “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK BREEZES INTO THE WINDY CITY FOR JUNE 23 SHOWDOWN

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Next official date set for fan-friendly, interactive live fight series which drew 43,000 views for May pilot; World-ranked boxer Mike Lee to join Ray Flores, reporter Danielle Robay on broadcast team.
CHICAGO (June 19, 2017) – After a successful pilot that was viewed by more than 40,000 boxing fans live on Facebook, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE hits the Chicago area on Friday, June 23, from Rosemont, Ill., with hardware on the line in a rematch of a hotly-contested draw as Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (20-1-1, 14 KOs) and “Son of the Legend” Aaron Pryor, Jr. (19-10-2, 12 KOs) square off in a ten-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship.
Longtime Chicago fan favorite and perennial contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George, (25-7-2, 22 KOs) will join his previously-announced #BOMBSQUAD teammate Jimenez in an eight-round light heavyweight co-feature. Undefeated in his hometown of Chicago, George will be fighting locally for the first time in three years, facing off against area arch-nemesis Derrick “Superman” Findley (26-21-1, 17 KOs) of Gary, Indiana.
Legendary Chicago-based National Anthem singer Jim Cornelison will once again honor our country prior to the start of the main event – fans can catch that highly-anticipated performance along with all of the action in the ring live on Facebook.
“It’s a tremendous honor to take our Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE platform to the Windy City area. It’s becoming a national platform already during its infancy – with East Coast and West Coast dates on the calendar and now this opportunity in the No. 3 media market in America – and we’ve been thrilled with the response from fight fans so far,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “We’re looking forward to working with the Village of Rosemont, as well as legendary promoters like Bobby Hitz and Frank Mugnolo on this card.”
The numbers on the May 11 FIGHTNIGHT LIVE pilot from Mohegan Sun Resort showed promise and potential for the new platform. With only two days of promotion, the premiere broadcast amassed 43,000 total video views by 38,000 unique viewers. A total of 1.4 thousand hours of LIVE video was consumed by Facebook users during the first show alone. In addition to the raw numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly production saw 9,021 live post engagements for the show, which included 5,000 “likes” or “loves,” 2,989 comments and 628 shares.
On Friday night, June 23, live from The Dome at The Ballpark in Rosemont, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network boxing fame. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Joining the broadcast team will be world-ranked light heavyweight, Mike Lee.
University of Notre Dame alum Lee (19-0, 10 KOs) is ranked No. 12 by the WBO, No. 12 by the IBF and No. 14 by the WBC, and was originally scheduled to be in the main event but now joins Flores for expert analysis. Television host Danielle Robay of WCIU-Chicago and Entertainment Tonight, NBC-4 Los Angeles and HLN-fame will bring fans exclusive pre-and post-fight interviews from ringside.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
A July 15 date in Phoenix, Ariz., with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions has already been released on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE calendar. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE strap season continues on Saturday, July 29, in Raleigh, N.C., as Tar Heel State undefeated super flyweight Dewayne Beamon competes for the IBO Inter-Continental and UBF World Junior Bantamweight titles. More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag#FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or#LinacreMediaOnTV.

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