mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

KRAMLICH LOOKING TO PUT ON A SHOW FOR HOMETOWN FANS ON JUNE 17

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 15, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 17, 2017with the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES.”  The event will feature a full slate of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional boxing bout to the fight card.  Casey “Buzzsaw” Kramlich (7-0-1, 3 KOs), a native of nearby Gray, Maine, will take on Bryan Goldsby (4-3) in a super welterweight match scheduled for four rounds.

 

Kramlich is coming off the biggest win of his young career.  Last month in Rhode Island, Kramlich handed Ray Oliveira, Jr. (7-1, 1 KO), son of former world title challenger Ray Oliveira, Sr. (47-11-2, 22 KOs),  his first loss.  The majority decision victory was considered somewhat of an upset in that Kramlich had traveled to Oliveira, Jr.’s turf and spoiled the local prospect’s win streak.

 

Now back in Maine and training with the Portland Boxing Club, Kramlich is looking forward to once again competing before his hometown fans.  He is a two-fight veteran of the NEF ring with two TKO wins to his credit in Lewiston.

 

“I’m really looking forward to fighting back in Maine and on an NEF card,” said Kramlich. “I always love to put on a good show for the home town fans and that’s exactly what your gonna get June 17th. Goldsby seems like a seasoned veteran with good experience, but come fight night, he’s in the ring with a young hungry lion. I’ll be ready for war.”

 

And, make no mistake about it, Bryan Goldsby will give Kramlich a war on June 17.  A native of Macon, Georgia, Goldsby will be right at home fighting next to an MMA cage.  He holds a record of 17-16 as a professional mixed-martial-artist.  In fact, Goldsby is a four-fight veteran of the Bellator cage and even competed in the promotion’s Season Three bantamweight tournament.  Goldsby has had success transitioning to the boxing ring.  He won four of his first five bouts via decision before dropping his last two.

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next event, “NEF 29: STARS & STRIPES,” on Saturday, June 17, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online atwww.TheColisee.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

  Mykal Fox takes on Daniel Sostre in headlining bout on Saturday, June 3rd at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland

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Luther Smith to appear in co-feature bout
Plus undefeated Greg Outlaw, Jr., Marcus Bates, Justin Hurd, Tyrek Irby and Jordan Peters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Washington, MD (May 15, 2017)– on Saturday night June 3rd, undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox take on battle-tested Daniel Sostre in the main event of a nine-bout card at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has become a popular headline attraction in the Beltway

The 21 year-old Fox has a record of 13-0 with four knockouts.
The three-year professional has continuously stepped up the competition, and will be making his seventh start at the Rosecroft Raceway, and is coming off a eight-round majority decision over Tre’Sean Wiggins on February 11th.
Sostre of Highland, New York via Vega Baja, Puerto Rico has a record of 13-12-1 with five knockouts.
The 33 year-old is a 12 year veteran, and is known for fighting top competition.
Fox will mark the 11th undefeated opponent that Sostre has faced.
Sostre has wins over Kenny Galarza (16-3), Chris Gilbert (11-0), Jay Krupp (14-3), Tommy Rainone (12-2), Mike Ruiz (8-2) & Broderick Antoine (2-0).
Sostre will be looking to get back in the win column after dropping his last three fights to fighter’s who have a combined record of 45-2-1.  In his last bout, Sostre dropped an eight-round majority decision to Derrick Cuevas (12-0-1) on December 10th in Catono, Puerto Rico.
In six-round bouts:
Luther Smith (8-1, 7 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland battles an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.
Greg Outlaw, Jr. (2-0) of Bowie, Maryland  will fight an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.
Marcus Bates (6-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Roberto Pucheta (10-10-1, 6 KO’s) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight tussle.
In four-round bouts:
Justin Hurd (2-0, 1 KO) of Accokeek, Maryland takes on Jonathan Garcia (4-15-1,1 KO) of Aguada, Puerto Rico in a junior middleweight bout.
Tyrek Irby (2-0, 1 KO) of Forestville, Maryland battles Brandon Sanudo (5-3, 2 KO’s) of San Felipe, Mexico in a junior welterweight contest.
Malik Loften of Suitland, Maryland makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.
Lamont McLaughlin (0-1) of Philadelphia boxes against Jessie Singletary (0-2) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight fight.
Jordan Peters (1-0-1) of Washington, DC will take on an Bryan Perez Nevarez (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a super bantamweight contest.
Tickets are on sale for $75, $60 and $40 at www.kpboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430
boxing, Ring 8

Referee and retired boxer Randy Neumann Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday, May 16

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NEW YORK CITY (May 14, 2017) – Referee/retired boxer Randy Neumann (31-7, 11 KOs) Randy Neumann will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at its mnthly meeting this coming Tuesday night, May 16 (7 p.m. ET start), at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Ring 8’s May meeting is sponsored by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.
“Ring 8 is fortunate to have such a fascinating speaker this month who will share his vast experience with us,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said.  “Randy Neumann was a heavyweight of note in the 1970’s who boxed a main event at Madison Square Garden against Jerry Quarry. Later he would become one of the best-known referees in boxing working major fights involving Mike Tyson and other champions.”
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing

Kal Yafai retains WBA Flyweight title with decision over Muranaka

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World title bout headlined thrilling day of boxing on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 14, 2017 – On Saturday, Kal Yafai thrilled his hometown fans in Birmingham, England, and made the first the defense of the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Suguru Muranaka.
The bout headlined another tremendous day of action AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be able to bring this action-packed cards to the American fight fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“In recent months, The super-flyweight division has been one of the divisions that has featured terrific fights, and today Kal Yafai proved that he is one of the elite in the division. Sam Eggington carried on the momentum of stopping Paulie Malignaggi, and won in another thrilling fight. We have a great Spring and Summer fight schedule that we will be excited to share with the fans very shortly.”

Yafai looked like he was going to have an early day as he sent his Japanese challenger down to the canvas in round two. Muranka proved sturdy and even had a few moments in the fight. Yafai was deducted a point in round eight for low blows, but he was comfortably ahead, and won by scores of 119-107 twice and 118-108.

Yafai is 22-0. Muranaka is 25-3.

Rising welterweight contender Sam Eggington stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in round ten of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout.

It was an exciting fight throughout, but the taller Eggington took control of the bout and drilled Rodriguez with ahard uppercut on the inside that sent him to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Eggington, 146.8 lbs is is 21-3 with 13 knockouts. Rodriguez, who is managed by former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is 24-2.

Gamal Yafai dropped Sean Davis six-times en-route to a seventh round stoppage over Sean Davis in a scheduled 10-round Super Bantamweight bout featuring Birmingham based fighters.

Yafai dropped Davis three times in the 7th round, focusing mostly on the body and the bout was stopped at 2:27.

Yafai, 121.9 lbs is now 12-0 with 5 knockouts. Davis, 121.3 lbs is nos 12-1.

Former world title challenger Frankie Gavin won a eight-round decision over Renald Garrido in a super welterweight bout.

Gavin, 148.9 lbs won a a referee score of 77-75 ans is now 24-3. Garrido, 145 lbs is 18-15-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Jony Vina in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight contest.

In round four, Kelly dropped Vina with a right hand. Kelly continued to pound Vina and the bout was stopped at 1:27.

Kelly is 2-0 with 1 knockout. Vina is 6-2.

In a spirited battle of undefeated middleweight’s, Adam Harper won a decision over Ryan Kelly.

The referee scorecard read 97-95 for Harper, 152.9 lbs and is now 8-0. Kelly 153.9 lbs is 8-1.
boxing

Brooker decisions Riojas in Philadelphia; wins by Conquest, Torres and Nelson; Orapeza defeats McNutt in a war; Beckford upsets Mansfield; Lopez and Baratov fight to a draw

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA–This past Friday night, Christopher Brooker won a workmanlike eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Oscar Riojas in a super middleweight bout that highlighted a seven bout card at a jam packed SugarHouse Casino.

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Brooker was very solid throughout as he tried to work on in the inside. In round three, he landed a perfect left hook that drove Riojas into the ropes. Brooker worked inside and was the busier man throughout the contest.

Brooker of Philadelphia won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 12-3. Riojas of Monterrey, Mexico is 14-8-1.

Jerome Conquest put in a solid six-rounds in winning a unanimous decision over Daniel Perales in a super lightweight bout.

Conquest of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-2. Perales of Monterrey, Mexico is 10-10-1.

Henry Beckford scored an upset as he took a  four-round majority decision over previously undefeated Blake Mansfield in a super middleweight contest.

Beckford of Coram, New York won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57, and is now 5-6. Mansfield of Burlington, NC is now 5-1-1.

Sam Orapeza literally had to hang on and win a four-round unanimous decision in a cruiserweight bout over Kyle McNutt.

Orapeza dropped McNutt with a perfect straight left in round one, and it looked like it was going to be Orapeza’s 2nd consecutive first round knockout. McNutt gathered himself and had a solid round two. Orapeza took control again in round four, as he scored a hard knockdown and seemed seconds away from finishing the fight. He may have punched himself out as in the last 45 seconds of the bout, McNutt battered and staggered Oarapeza all over the ring. Had the bout been 30 seconds longer, the outcome could very well have been different, but Orapeza of Philadelphia got the nod by the tune of 38-37, 39-35 and 39-36. Orapeza is now 2-0. McNutt of Battle Creek, MI is 1-3.

Jeffrey Torres won a four-round unanimous decision over Kashon Hutchinson in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice for Torres of Philadelphia, who is now 3-0. Hutchinson of Reading, PA is 2-3.

Harold Lopez and Basyzbek Baratov fought to an exciting majority draw in a flyweight bout.

Towards the end of round three, Lopez landed a left to the body that sent Baratov to the canvas.

Lopez of Bethlehem, PA took a card 39-38 and two other scorecards read even at 38-38.

Lopez is 1-0-1. Baratov is 2-1-2.

Chaise Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Bryan Perez Nevarez in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round two, Nevarez dropped Nelson with a counter right hook.

Nelson of Dayton, Ohio won by scores of 39-37 and 38-37 twice and is now 5-1. Nevarez of Carolina, Puerto Rico is 2-6-1.

KINGS PROMOTIONS IS BACK THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE 2300 ARENA WITH A TERRIFIC 9-BOUT CARD HEADLINED BY LIGHTWEIGHT’S CARLOS ROSARIO AND JOSHUA DAVIS
boxing

“FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK OPENS WITH KNOCKOUT NUMBERS 

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Boxing, MMA streaming series debut draws 40,000 views, and still climbing.
Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The reviews are in, and the numbers are in, and the decision is unanimous: the debut of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, on Facebook Live Thursday evening from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, was a KO victory.

Watchers of the stream, which drew 37,000-plus “uniques” on fight night, and continues to draw clicks, enjoyed a Star Boxing main event topped by a junior middleweight scrap between vet Delvin Rodriguez and up ‘n comer Courtney Pennington.

More numbers: Almost 3,000 comments were shared by watchers during the four plus hour show, which provided incredible value for fans of the sweet science. Fans said things like, “This is the future of the sport, live FREE streaming.” “This stream is giving expose to young guns that would not ordinarily get it on broadcast TV!” “After tonight’s streaming many will talk about it and many more will watch if there’s a next time, this is the bomb!”

“I was inundated with complimentary texts, emails and calls almost as soon as the stream started, and it was a lot of fun watching the numbers swell from 27 views at the start of the broadcast to 40,000-plus by now,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Like many others, we believe that the present and future of ‘televised’ boxing, MMA, Muay Thai and really all live sports is digital. Further, by putting these events on Facebook we’re providing an interactive environment for fight fans to not only view the events, but to connect with each other and provide their own real-time commentary during the bouts. We believe in high-quality, cost-efficient production that can give fans free access to hundreds of global, national and regional live fight nights without breaking the bank of the promoter and also without sacrificing what sports fans have come to expect from their viewing experience – multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. We don’t want traditional fans, digital customers and cord-cutters to be relegated to trying to watch other spectators’ live feeds off their cell phones.”

Promoter Joe DeGuardia went on air during the main event. He was visibly impressed and shared his enthusiasm while watching Pennington spring the upset.

“This has been incredible,” DeGuardia said. “It is great that fans will now be able to see more fights on a platform with massive reach. This is good for everyone and a perfect way for fighters to expand their fan base. I am pleased to be involved.”

Said boxing fan-favorite Ray Flores, who sat in the blow-by-blow chair, “It was an honor to be a part of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE and work with such talented individuals. I’m extremely excited about what the future has in store for the series. More than anything, thank you to all the fight fans who tuned, shared it, and commented. Fan interaction and world class fights is the basis for FIGHTNIGHT LIVE. I cannot wait for the next show!”

“We want to have something of a distinct identity,” said analyst Michael Woods, who publishes NYFights.com and does the TALBOX podcast for Everlast. “We want watchers to be able to interact with us, be part of the show, have a voice. We also want to have fun, keep it loose at times, as well. We will be incorporating that interactivity even more going forward. This series aims to be and I think is well on its way to establishing a paradigm in the space.”

“We firmly believe this new series is beneficial to all parties involved. More exposure for the sport and for the fighters,” said Fratto, whose production services company does 200 live events each year. “This production model is designed to be lean and cost-effective. And that enables us to cover more events, and with Facebook, we know we are being seen world wide and on a platform with a great deal of potential.”

Future FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be 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.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, wrestling

FNU Combat Sports Show: Fighter Uprising in the UFC Continues; GSP vs Bisping Cancelled; Canelo vs. GGG takes spotlight From Floyd vs. Conor

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This week Tom, Tony and Rich discuss how boxing is winning the combat sports battle for market share. We recap Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. and preview UFC 211. We also talk about the planned superfight between Canelo and Triple G, Gennady Golovkin. We break in with the news of GSP vs. Bisping getting cancelled and go on to explore multiple UFC fighter complaints from Tom Lawlor to Luke Rockhold to Anderson Silva. We will be moving the show to rantsports.com next week so stay tuned on the transition details.

 

We also touch on our interview from last year with “THE” James Krause, who just won his first fight in The Ultimate Fighter house on the current season of the reality TV tournament. This interview is from just prior to the UFC sale to WME/IMG and company, and it’s very eye opening:

 

boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna headlines on Saturday, June 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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Anthony “Juice” Young takes on Juan “The Beast” Rodriguez in battle of New Jersey welterweights
Gabriel Pham and fast rising Jaron “Boots” Ennis to see action in separate bouts
Also undefeated Donald Smith, Rocco Salimbene, Chris Thomas and Elijah Vines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (May 12, 2017)–Welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will headline a stacked card on Saturday, June 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The show is promoted by Rising Star Promotions.
LaManna of Millville, New Jersey will compete in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
The 25 year-old LaManna has a record of 22-2 with nine knockouts.
LaManna won his first 16 bouts, where enjoyed wins over Ashanti Gibbs and Jamaal Davis.
After suffering his first professional defeat to undefeated middleweight prospect Antoine Douglas, LaManna ripped off five consecutive victories that was highlighted by by a 4th round stoppage over Kendal Mena (20-3).
On September 15, 2016, LaManna engaged in a hotly contested bout with undefeated Dusty Hernandez Harrison in Philadelphia.  The bout, which was for the USBA Welterweight title was a close fight and LaManna fought well, but came up just short via unanimous decision.
LaManna will be looking for his 2nd consecutive victory, as in his last bout, he won a one-sided eight round unanimous decision over Ecuadorian veteran Eduardo Flores on January 28th at The Claridge.
This will be LaManna’s 5th appearance, and 15th start in Atlantic City.
“I’m happy to be back in the ring, I was supposed to fight on April 14th, but unfortunately the promoters did not live up to their word so I ended up not fighting. I gone through some personal issues that kept me down and out for a while, but I bounced back. I’m now with a new teacher Mr. Charles Johnson, leading my training. Charles has shown be a new side of boxing that I’ve never been around and I can’t wait to show it on June 10th. I feel like I have a whole new start.””I was strongly considering stepping out of the promotion field, but it’s obvious that what I’m doing is working, so why give myself up to someone else. I’m keeping myself busy and gaining knowledge and experience, while at the same time packing The Claridge Hotel and fighting in front of my fans. I’m a strong believer in “If you want things done right, you got to do it on your own”.
LaManna’s opponent will be announced shortly,
In the eight-round co-feature, it will be a battle of New Jersey based welterweight’s as local favorite Anthony “Juice” Young will take on Juan “The Beast”  Rodriguez.
Young of Atlantic City has a record of 16-2 with six knockouts.
Young is a six-year professional and is coming off a career best performance against Samuel Amoako (21-13, 15 KO’s). That bout took place on March 11th. The 29 year-old will be making his 10th appearance in Atlantic City and 3rd at The Claridge.
Rodriguez of Union City, New Jersey has a record of 13-4 with five knockouts.
Rodriguez is an eight-year professional who has wins over Greg Jackson (3-0-1), and in his last bout he took an eight-round split decision in a all out war over Alex Perez (18-2) on August 27, 2016 in Bayonne, New Jersey.
“This is going to be a great fight card! You have Thomas who’s on the edge of getting another big opportunity and the Young/Rodriguez fight is a all out Crossroads.” Debra LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.
“Not to mention the under card. Ennis, Smith, Thomas all these fighters have tremendous fan bases and they can really fight. I expect great match ups on this card and the fans will really get their moneys worth.”
In six-round bouts:
Jaron Ennis (10-0, 8 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout.
Gabriel Pham (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Sidell Blocker (1-7-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a super featherweight bout.
Rocco Salimbene (1-0) of Waretown, NJ will fight pro debuting Marcus Lugo of Vineland, NJ in a New Jersey lightweight bout.
Chris Thomas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Toms River, NJ will take of rough and rugged Dawond Pickney (1-4-2) of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pickney’s last outing at the Claridge, he dropped a very close MD defeat to Philadelphia’s Greg Jackson (7-3-1 2 KO’s).
Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Henry Tyrone Page (0-4) of Batesville, Arkansas in a junior middleweight title.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com
boxing

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Tony Yoka Makes Pro Debut Against Unbeaten Travis Clark on Friday, June 2

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From Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris & Live on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
PARIS (May 12, 2017) – French Olympian and 2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka will make his highly-anticipated pro debut on Friday, June 2 as he faces unbeaten Travis Clark (12-0, 8 KOs) from Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris and live in France on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET.
“I can’t wait to step into the ring for the first time as a professional in front of all my fans in Paris,” said Yoka. “This is a dream come true, but it’s also just the first step. I’ve been improving every day in the gym with Virgil Hunter and I can’t wait to show everybody what I’ve got. I know that my team is going to put me into the positions that I want, so it’s up to me to deliver in the ring. It all starts on June 2 and you don’t want to miss it.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar France and sponsored by Unkut Paris, start at 25 € and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 0825 038 039, or visiting www.ticketmaster.fr and www.FranceBillet.com.
“This is truly a momentous occasion to have the 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist making his pro debut in front of his hometown fans,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Tony Yoka’s outstanding performance in Rio was just the start of what I know will be a spectacular career. Tony is training with the renowned Virgil Hunter and along with his swagger and personality outside of the ring, he is putting all the pieces in place with an eye towards becoming a huge star in this sport. I’m excited to help Tony reach his full potential and elevate the French boxing scene to the next level.”
“This is a great opportunity for Tony to start his pro career in style and for the French boxing fans to get a look at the next superstar in this country,” said Jerome Abiteboul, President and CEO of Unkut and CEO of Ringstar France. “Tony has all of the elements of a superstar in the making. Combined with the training of Virgil Hunter and the guidance of Richard Schaefer, there is no doubt that he is going to reach his full potential in this sport.”
One of the most exciting stars to emerge from the Rio games, Yoka followed up his 2012 Olympic appearance by beating fighters from Croatia, Jordan and the U.S. Virgin Islands before defeating Great Britain’s Joe Joyce in the gold medal showdown. Now trained by Virgil Hunter, Yoka will look to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua, who went from Olympic super heavyweight gold to heavyweight world champion.
Born in Paris, France, Yoka began boxing at six-years-old and was trained by his father Victor, a former professional boxer in the Congo. The 24-year-old made a splash by winning the French Junior National Championship in 2008 and 2009 before claiming a silver medal at the 2010 Youth World Championships. He continued his rise to prominence by winning French National Championships in 2012 and 2014 while also defeating current heavyweight world champion Joseph Parker at the 2010 Youth Olympic games.
Born in Morristown, Ohio, Clark is unbeaten since beginning his pro career in 2009 with a second round stoppage of Andrew Snow. Now fighting and training in West Virginia, Clark won the state’s heavyweight title by stopping William Shahan. He won three times in 2016 before making his 2017 debut in March with a third round TKO over Branden Lee Hinkle.
For more information visit www.ringstar.com or follow in Twitter @Ringstar, @laboxesurcanal, @TonyYoka and @Swanson_Comm.
boxing

YAFAI: I’LL TURN BIRMINGHAM INTO A FORTRESS

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Super-Fly king makes first defence – and is targeting unification clashes

NEW START TIME–2 PM ET / 11 AM PT
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 12, 2017 – Kal Yafai believes he can build something special in Birmingham and wants to unify the Super-Flyweight division as he prepares to make the first defense of his WBA title against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 2 PM ET / 11 AM ET

For fans who do not have AWE, they can access the fight on the AWE channel on www.klowdtv.com

Yafai became the second city’s first World champion in December with a punch-perfect display against Luis Concepcion in Manchester, and the unbeaten 27 year old wants to turn the Arena into a fortress – starting this weekend.

“It’s such an honor to be Birmingham’s first World champion. I consider myself to be the flag bearer for Midlands boxing now, I just want to make sure there’s more talent and inspire more fighters to achieve the same.

“I want to be a big role model for Birmingham and the Midlands all together. Birmingham has been craving World Championship boxing for some time, for me to be bringing the World title back and with being born and bred in Birmingham is an honour.

“Walking out in front of my fans with the belt is a privilege and I can’t wait. I’d love to turn the Barclaycard Arena into my fortress.”

Yafai is in a talent heavy division with Muranaka’s countryman Naoya Inoue holding the WBO crown, Jerwin Ancajas the IBF and the WBC belt in the possession of Wisaksil Wangek, who edged out pound-for-pound star Roman Gonzalez in March – and Yafai wants to face the best to add more belts to his collection as soon as possible.

“Unification bouts are very much part of my plan – and sooner rather than later,” said Yafai. “Whatever my team puts in front of me, that’s what I’ll take. I’ve got the best team in the business around me who advise me what to do and when to do it, so I listen to them first and foremost but I like to take it all one fight at a time. I’ve got to concentrate on this fight solely and then we’ll go from there and see what is next.

“I haven’t really studied Inoue much. I’ve seen a couple of his fights when he’s boxed lately. Obviously, he’s massive talent and a very good fighter. If that could happen down the line then that would be great.

“I thought Gonzalez nicked the fight with Wangek by a couple of rounds. In the rematch which seems to be on the cards, I think he’ll win convincingly. Before that fight Gonzalez was up there at number one on my pound for pound list and he’s still up there in my top three.

“Ancajas could be the likeliest of unification’s but it depends what and when they are available. Either or, I’m not really bothered. I’d love to fight Gonzalez, obviously he’s the name in the division. If I had to hold out and wait, have another defence or two before fighting Gonzalez then I’d do that.”

Yafai’s World title defense is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, where Sam Eggington challenges Ceferino Rodriguez for the European Welterweight title.

Yafai’s brother Gamal defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight championship against fellow Birmingham man Sean Davis, Ryan Kelly and Adam Harper meet for the Midlands Area Middleweight Title.

Frankie Gavin is back in action in his first fight with trainer Jon Pegg, and there’s action for Lennox Clarke, unbeaten Olympian Josh Kelly, Kieron Conway, Aaron Lovell, Jordan Clayton, Charlie Williams and Cori Gibbs.

Photos By Lawrence Lustig

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