FORMER WRESTLING STANDOUTS SET TO THROW DOWN AT NEF 28

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (March 15, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE” on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a pair of amateur bouts to the card. Ken Dunn(0-4) is set to face Eddie DeRoche (0-1) in a catchweight bout and double amateur debut fighters Caleb Austin (0-0) of Rumford, Maine and James Ploss (0-0) from Kaze Dojo in Lancaster, NH are set to tangle in a feature flyweight bout.

 

Caleb Austin is a two-time Maine state wrestling champion and a member of the exclusive “200 Wins Club,” a rare feat in Maine wrestling. Austin recently completed his high school career with an overall record of 208-11. Caleb’s father, Eric Austin—also a former Maine state wrestling champion—is an undefeated veteran of the cage, having gone 2-0 in NEF back in 2012. Like his father, Caleb is preparing to put his wrestling on display for the NEF fans in his debut on April 29th.

 

“I’ve wrestled my entire life and grown-up around the NEF community,” stated Austin when reached for comment. “I’ve been waiting a long time to turn 18 to become eligible to compete in the sport of mixed martial arts like my father did. I’m excited to put my skills to the test, represent Rumford and put on a show in the NEF cage. I’m ready.”

 

Austin’s opponent, James Ploss, trains with Greg Williams at the well-known Kaze Dojo in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Several NEF veterans with names familiar to fans, including Allan Josselyn, Mike Bezanson and Alex Walker, hail from the Kaze Dojo. Ploss is committed to carrying on the tradition of strong debuts from the White Mountains gym and following through on a personal promise in the process.

 

“Fighting is real personal to me,” Ploss stated when reached for comment. “I promised the man that raised me that I would fight. He died shortly after that. I want to prove to him and myself that I can be successful in this sport. My goal is to inspire others to achieve.”

 

Eddie DeRoche wrestled alongside Austin for Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine. During his time there, DeRoche was a two-time state finalist. He made his NEF debut in June 2016 at “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” in a losing effort against Skyler Bang. Reinvigorated at the opportunity to make up for his debut, DeRoche is committed to finding his first win in the NEF cage on April 29th at NEF 28.

 

“My first fight was a great learning experience,” stated DeRoche, when reached for comment. “I appreciated it for what it was and have made the necessary adjustments to make sure I come out on top when I step back into the NEF cage for the second time on April 29th.”

 

DeRoche’s opponent, Ken Dunn, is also looking for redemption at NEF 28. Dunn has made three prior trips to the NEF cage since debuting with the promotion back in 2015 and is hungry for his first win inside the NEF hexagon.

 

“I want to show NEF fans that I’m worthy of a rematch and title shot at Velado and that strap,” stated Dunn when reached for comment. “Eddie Deroche is a worthy adversary. I’m excited to compete against him. It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll—and I ain’t stopping until I get there.”

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.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 the promotion on Twitter and Instagram @nefights, and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

Unbeaten Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Stops Previously Undefeated Kemahl Russell in Round Five Tuesday Night on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes 

 
Undefeated Prospect Ahmed Elbiali Scores First Round
 Knockout of Jackson Junior
&
Jamontay Clark Stops Gaku Takahashi & Remains Unbeaten After
Seven Rounds of Action
 
Click HERE for Photos from Leo Wilson/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
TUNICA, MS (March 14, 2017) – Middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko (10-0, 8 KOs) remained unbeaten Tuesday night as he delivered a blistering fifth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Kemahl Russell (10-1, 8 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.
“I was so happy to be back in the ring,” said Derevyanchenko. “I felt very good in there. Once I got going and sped it up, he couldn’t keep up with me. I’m ready to take on anyone.”
The unbeaten Russian, who fights out of Brooklyn, was at a major height disadvantage against the six-foot Russell, who attempted to control the fight with his jab from a distance. This led to a slow-paced fight early, which seemed to favor the taller boxer.
Derevyanchenko would eventually find the distance as he used double left hooks and feints to work inside Russell’s jab. Round four saw the two men begin to exchange in more flurries dangerous on the inside, with Russell taking the brunt of the damage.
Now fully settled into the fight, Derevyanchenko began to unload in round five and connected on a huge straight right hand that rocked Russell’s head back and put his opponent in immediate peril. Derevyanchenko pounced on the opportunity and began landing big shots in succession until referee Bill Clancy jumped-in to stop the fight 1:06 into the fifth-round.
The co-main event of the night saw undefeated prospect Ahmed Elbiali (15-0, 12 KOs) make quick work of Brazil’s Jackson Junior (20-8, 19 KOs) as he scored a first round knockout just1:33 seconds into the first round.
Elbiali was returning from a 14-month layoff after recovering from a broken hand, but he wasted no time trading big punches. Both men were aggressive early on and dealt big hooks from the opening bell.
Working off of his jab, Elbiali caught Junior in a defensive crouch and connected with a perfect overhand right to the temple that sent Junior to the canvas. Junior was able to get to his feet but was deemed unable to continue by the referee, who called a halt to the bout 1:33 into the round.
The opening bout of the telecast saw unbeaten prospect Jamontay Clark (11-0, 7 KOs) stop a game Gaku Takahashi (15-7-1, 7 KOs) after seven rounds of action in their welterweight bout.
Cincinnati’s Clark survived an early stumbled as Takahashi connected with a jab that stunned and stumbled Clark midway through the first round. Clark was able to regain his footing and use his jab as his primary mode of attack.
The southpaw Clark began timing Takahashi with left hands and right hooks and was able to control the action each round. Takahashi attempted to match Clark’s punch output, specifically targeting his opponent to the body, but was unable to land enough clean blows.
Takahashi came out aggressive in round seven and initiated several big exchanges. It was Clark who got the better of these moments, hitting Takahashi with a big left hand late in the round that left his opponent temporarily stunned, although able to return to his corner. Takahashi’s corner had seen enough however and called an end to the fight at the end of the seventh round.
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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.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by TGB Promotions.

Undefeated featherweight Tramaine Williams Added to “KO Night Boxing” TV card co-feature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez
Headlines “History Begins” in pro debut
 March 25 on CBS Sports Network live from Kansas Star Arena 
MULVANE, Kansas (March 14, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams has been added to the televised portion of the March 25th “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” card, featuring the professional debut of 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez.
 
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” will air live (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
Wichita native Hernandez will meet upset-minded Las Vegas (NV) flyweight Patrick Gutierrez (0-2) in the six-round main event.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
In the eight-round co-feature, the 24-year-old Williams (9-0, 3 KOs) faces tough Texan Eduardo Garza (6-1, 2 KOs) in Williams’ Roc Nation Sports promotional debut.  The most notable victory to date for the slick southpaw from New Haven (CT) is a six-round “shutout” decision over previously undefeated Isaac Zarate (5-0) in Oklahoma.
Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (14-0, 8 KOs), of Palm Desert, California, battles Mexican veteran Cesar Soriano (26-34-1, 16 KOs) in the eight-round televised opener.
Former Kansas St. light heavyweight champion Jeff Page, Jr. (17-3, 11 KOs), fighting out of Andover (KS), takes on former USA Midwest champion Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-33, 18 K0s), from Hannibal (MO), in an eight-round cruiserweight match.
Also fighting on the undercard, in separate four-round bouts, are Kansas St. junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (4-0, 1 KO), from Garden City (KS), vs. Wichita’s Robert Alexander Sevam (2-5, 2 KOs), Garden City featherweight Eric Vargas (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New Mexico’s pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia, and Winfield (KS) cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth will make his pro debut vs. Raymond Gray, of Columbia, Missouri.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Ticket prices are $115.00 (ringside, rows 1 & 2), $75.00 (floor seats, rows 3-5), $60.00 (floor seats, floor rows after 1-5), $35.00 (lower bowl) and $25.00 (upper bowl).  Suites seating up to 22 people are available to purchase for $2,500 (includes non-alcohol beverages and food).
Tickets are available to purchase at  www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena orwww.ticketmaster.com. All ages show.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. CT.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia
Follow Nico Hernandez on Twitter & Instagram @Nicomhernandez and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms

FOLLOWING INJURY TO DARRION CALDWELL, LEANDRO HIGO RECEIVES TITLE SHOT AGAINST EDUARDO DANTAS AT BELLATOR 177 IN BUDAPEST ON FRIDAY, APRIL 14

 

LOS ANGELES — (March 14, 2017) – Following an undisclosed injury to Darrion Caldwell, budding superstar Leandro “Pitbull” Higo (17-2) will now challenge current champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (19-4) in a bantamweight world title fight at Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higoinside the Budapest Sports Arena on April 14.

In addition, John “Macapa”(21-1-2) will face Daniel Weichel (38-9) in a featherweight contest and Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) meets Helen Harper (4-1) at 125-pounds. Rounding out the Spike-televised MMA action will be a featherweight matchup pitting Hungarian-born Adam “The Kid” Borics (5-0) against Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor(1-2).

 

Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higowill be broadcast on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while Bellator Kickboxing 6 will air immediately following the MMA portion of the event, beginning at 11pm ET/10pm CT.

 

Complete Bellator 177: Dantas vs. Higo Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Eduardo Dantas (19-4) vs. Leandro Higo (17-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Daniel Weichel (38-9) vs. John “Macapa”Teixeira (21-1-2)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (11-4) vs. Helen Harper (4-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Anthony Taylor (1-2) vs. Adam Borics (5-0)

Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Brian Moore (9-5) vs. Ludovit Klein (6-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mate Kertesz (3-0) vs. Adam Polgar (10-8)

WMMAA Pan-American Division Welcomes new member Ecuador

 

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (March 14, 2017) – The Pan-American Division of the World MMA Championships (WMMAA) has formally announced the recent addition of Ecuador as its newest member.

“We continue to grow with every new country take forward the MMA movement as well as recognition of MMA as a sport,” said Tomas Yu, President of the WMMA Pan-American Division. “I have long been an advocate of MMA as a sport.  Watching this great group of pioneers put up a great fight that takes is back to the basics and to what Martial Arts truly represents:  loyalty, honor, and family.”
Yu appointed Gorky E. Rodriguez as President of WMMAA Ecuador.  Hector Molina, Director of the Regulatory Committee for the WMMAA Pan-American Division, will work closely with Rodriguez during the formation of the WMMAA Ecuador Regulatory Committee.
“MMA is in a critical time,” Rodriguez commented.  “It’s explosive growth this past decade has made MMA the fastest growing sport in the world, demanding that an organization like ours exist and to add unbiased structure, not only for athletes, but as a regulatory body as well.
“Much continues to happen since WMMAA Ecuador was formed.  We will all celebrate our first participation, as a national team, this year in the Pan-American Championships.  I look forward to using my experience and the volumes of knowledge the WMMAA Pan-American Division brings to Ecuador.  I will share the vision with all my efforts as we will defend, promote and endorse MMA as a sport and give all participants and fans a significant difference in the sport.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa

Travis Kauffman training camp notes

Heavyweight Showdown Between Exciting Contenders
Travis Kauffman & Amir Mansour Headlines
Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce on Friday, March 17 from Santander Arena in Reading, PA
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
TICKETS ON SALE NOW 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

READING, PA (March 14, 2017) -Heavyweight  Travis “My Time” Kauffman (31-1, 23 KOs) has been training hard for his showdown with Amir “Hardcore” Mansour (22-2-1, 16 KOs) that will headline Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on BounceFriday, March 17 from Santander Arena in Reading, PA.

Televised coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Kauffman trained in Houston, Texas with famed trainer Naazim Richardson, and is ready for the hard punching Mansour.

“Evertything is great.  I was in Houston starting on December 20th and I came home on March 5th,” said Kauffman.
“I have been motivated knowing that I have a killer in front of me.  Amir wants what I want, and that is a shot at the Heavyweight title.”
Kauffman has sacrificed a whole lot for this fight, as he missed important family moments in order to give himself the best opportunity to put his family in the best situation in the long run.
“I missed the holidays with my family. I also missed my sons birthday.  I have never done that before.  This has motivated me, and gives me such a mental edge and a bigger purpose for this fight.”
Being that Kauffman and Mansour (who has trained a majority of his career in Philadelphia) are only geographically separated by an hour, Kauffman knew this fight was bound to happen, and always visualized a fight with Mansour.
“I have always been confident that I could beat him.  I was down in Texas working hard, and now I am in better shape, but I know when I win it will get me to the next level.”

That next level would be a shot at one of the heavyweight champions, and just on February 25th, WBC Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder took out Gerald Washington in 5 rounds, for which many thought the champion showed some flaws, which Kauffman thinks he could exploit more should that match up occur.

“I watched the Wilder fight.  I did expect Washington to present some problems for him, But Washington doesn’t have the experience.  Deontay can punch, but Gerald showed that Deontay can be beat.  He showed that Deontay is the most amateurish Heavyweight champion ever, but you have to give the man credit, he is 38-0 with 37 knockouts.  He can punch and has a beautiful jab.”
But before a fight with Wilder or one of the other beltholders, Kauffman knows he has a tough task in front of him in Mansour.
“This fight will put me in the top-five.  I just want to win this and fight one of the champions.  I don’t care who I fight.  I been working so hard in this fight so expect a better Travis Kauffman.”

World amateur champion Mohammad Rabii Wins pro debut & becomes first-time father within hours 

 

Welterweight prospect Mohammad Rabii ended his pro debut in grand fashion (photo by Martina Houdek)
CASABLANCA, Morocco (March 14, 2017) – Last Saturday night in the Czech Republic, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mohammad Rabii experienced a rare “double” as he successfully turned pro and a few hours later became a father for the first time.
The 23-year-old Rabii, fighting out of Morocco, turned in a sensational professional debut, stopping Lazlow Kovacs II (11-6) at the 2:35 mark of the opening round at Sportovni Hala Kralovka in Prague.
Rabii entered the ring knowing his wife, Imane Imari, was in labor.  “On the way to the arena,” Rabii explained, “I received a call that my wife was in labor and my son was coming soon.  The fight couldn’t come quick enough for me. I was very excited but I had to concentrate on my first fight as a pro because it was such a big moment for me. The news later that my son had arrived was reason for a double celebration.
“Every time I connected on Kovacs, I could see that it was affecting him.  I knew it was all over because I hit him with a big punch that me and my coach, Donald Leary, had worked on in training camp.  I cannot wait for my next fight in April.”
Rabii’s son (unnamed at this writing) tipped the scale at 10 pounds, 3 ounces.  He and his mother are both in good health.
Rabii was one of the leading pro prospects coming of the Olympic Games in Brazil.  He had dropped a highly-disputed decision (0-3) in the semifinals to Uzbekistan boxer Shakhram Giyasov, the eventual silver medalist. Rabii captured a coveted gold medal at the 2015 AIBA World Amateur Championships, ironically, defeating 2016 Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov in the welterweight division championship final.
Rabbi had planned to make his pro debut prior to the arrival of his baby, who was due February 18, training in Cork, Ireland for his originally scheduled pro debut February 28 in Casablanca. However, due to reasons beyond the event organizers’ control, that show was unfortunately cancelled.
“I had to reschedule his pro debut for March 11th against the same opponent, Kovacs,” said Rabii’s manager Gary Hyde, president of Nowwhere2Hyde Management.  “Kovacs fights between 154 and 168 pounds, which is much heavier than the 147-pound welterweight division in which Rabii fights.
“Mohammad learned during his warm-up for the fight that his wife was in labor and close to delivering his first child.  He had other things to take care of before concentrating on his family affairs, wasting no time as he annihilated Kovacs until dropping his Hungarian opponent hard near the end of the opening round.  Czech spectators gasped as Rabii’s thunderous punches connected.  Kovacs somehow got to his feet to beat the count but he was visibly shaken and the referee wisely stopped the fight. Rabii had no time to celebrate, though, as he rushed to contact his family back in Morocco, happily learning his wife had given birth to the couple’s baby boy at 7 a.m. Sunday morning.”
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @nowhere2hyde

IT’S NORTH AGAINST SOUTH IN NEW ENGLAND TURF WAR AT NEF 28

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (March 14, 2017) – New England Fights (NEF) presents its next mixed-martial-arts event “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE” on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the card.  Ricky Dexter (1-0) will face Keenan Raymond (3-3) at a fight weight of 160-pounds.

After a successful amateur career that saw him claim the NEF MMA Amateur Welterweight Title, Ricky Dexter made his pro debut last month at “NEF 27.”  He was able to drop Matt Denning in the first round with a vicious body shot that had thousands in the Colisee cringing.  The Bangor, Maine native will make his first appearance as a member of Young’s MMA at “NEF 28,” having previously fought under the banner of Team Irish.

“Keenan Raymond is coming to my home turf, and I’m going to show him how tough we are up North,” said Dexter.  “I’m new to the pro ranks, but I’ve got the work ethic of a seasoned vet. I’ve got the strength of a middle weight and the cardio like the Diaz brothers and I’m always looking for the finish. Hungry for April 29th!”

Representing Southern New England will be Providence, Rhode Island’s Keenan Raymond.  A longtime competitor on the New England MMA scene, Raymond will look to work off some cage rust as he has not fought since January 2016.  He is by no means a one-dimensional fighter.  Raymond has displayed a solid foundation in both striking and mat work throughout his career with finishes coming by way of knockout as well as submission.  He currently trains at Ricardo Cavalcanti Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mayo Quanchi Judo and Wrestling.

“I’m sure Ricky’s a game opponent, but I can promise he’s never faced a force like me,” said Raymond. “I’m healthy and my versatility will finish this fight one way or another.”

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website atwww.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA/, follow the promotion on Twitter and Instagram @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, regulatory affairs and advertising.

RTS BOXING OF HOUSTON PRESENTS The RUMBLE IN HUMBLE on March 24th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Humble, TX (March 14, 2017) On Friday night March 24, 2017 at the Humble Civic Center,

RTS Boxing Will present a great night of boxing.

The main event features former WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (25-3, 20 KO’s).

The 34 Year-old Lopez, of Cut and Shoot, Texas will take part in a six-round bout against an opponent to be named.

Lopez is a 10 year-professional, who was undefeated his first 21 bouts.

He has wins over former world title challenger Rubin Williams and Romaro Johnson (11-2-1)

In his highest profile bout, Lopez came up just short as he dropped a majority decision to former middleweight champion on May 7, 2011 in Las Vegas,

Lopez’s wife a nutritionist and personal trainer looks forward to seeing her husband in the ring and says he will be fighting this fight at 175 and will gradually come down to contend at the super middleweight division.

Lopez has won three straight bout, which includes his last outing when he stopped Lester Gonzalez in two rounds on May 9, 2015 in Houston.

The undercard will showcase Houston’s own sensational amateur fighter Luis Acosta, who will be making his pro debut as well as undefeated middleweight brothers Jonathan (9-0) and super featherweight Cristobal Morales (5-0).

Also appearing on the card will be middleweight Cameron Burroughs (2-1, 2 KOs) and pro debuting Robert Edmonds.

RTS BOXING is owned by Courtney Glaspie, who has served as a manager and fitness trainer for fighters. “Boxing has been a long love for me and I am looking forward to this challenge of continuing to make HOUSTON a big stage for BOXING,” said Glaspie.

The show will feature a loaded fight card with fun filled action and entertainment. The show is produced by RoRo Productions and matchmaker Lynn Collins

Tickets are priced $20 General admission, $35.00 reserved $50 VIP,100 and 150.00 table and ringside VIP

Contact:
RTS Boxing-832-496-2047

RoRo Productions-609-226-7406

RAHMAN JR. READY TO BEGIN HIS OWN HEAVYWEIGHT LEGACY AT SKYLANDS ECC ON THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Having grown up the son of a former undisputed and two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Hasim Rahman Jr., doesn’t mind that the world will be watching from the beginning of his professional boxing career.
“This isn’t new,” explained Rahman. “I’m so used to being who I am and having eyes on me that it would be awkward to not have them. It hasn’t mattered who I was my whole life, or what I did. The world was watching because of who my father is.”
Rahman Jr., whose father, Hasim “The Rock” Rahman famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, will make his professional debut against Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Greg Cohen Promotions’ SUPER BRAWL® III, boxing event at the Skylands Event & Conference Center (ECC) in Randolph, New Jersey.
Presented in association with Rising Promotions and GH3 Promotions (sponsored by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions), SUPER BRAWL® III will also feature the Bronx, New York’s Halili brothers: power-punching super-welterweight action hero Skender Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) taking on Ecuadorian veteran Eduardo “El Cheíto” Flores (25-25-3, 15 KOs) in the eight-round main event, and undefeated Enver Halili (8-0, 2 KOs) facing Nicaragua’s Ariel Vasquez (13-16-2, 9 KOs) in the six-round welterweight co-main.
Tickets for SUPER BRAWL® III are priced at Golden Ringside $150, Ringside $100 and General Admission $50 and can be purchased by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425 or online at gcpboxing.com.
“My dad is like an advisor,” he continued. “My dad is the only person I know that truly has my best interests at heart. Anybody else I ever dealt with, it always came down to money at the end of the day. My dad never asks me for anything. I know he knows the game and I know that with him on my team, the sky is the limit.”
25-year-old Rahman is getting a later-than-expected start at his highly-anticipated boxing career. Coming off his successful 100-fight run as an amateur, the buzz was all around the 6′ 3″ 250-lb. fighter, but a fatal car accident in 2012 saw him serving a 2- to 5-year sentence with the Department of Corrections.
Recently released and now ready to go on with life, Rahman says the entire experience changed him for the good. “It was an eye-opener for me. Going through that really changed my career and how I felt as a person, and a son, a father, and a husband. It changed me. I am grateful god blessed me to be in this position today.”
Rahman says he doesn’t know much about first opponent Imes, but he and trainer Kenny Ellis are hard at work at Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore.
“I feel great. I’m really anxious, but the nervousness hasn’t kicked in. It will around fight time. My team says it’s a good fight for me. Being off for two and a half years, I’m looking to get in some rounds.”
Despite the delayed start, Team Rahman has no plan on rushing things.
“I just want to stay busy as I can and learn as much as I can and fight for a world title when I’m ready. I’m not going to rush. There’s no rush. It’s not like I’m going to wait forever. I will fight for the title when I’m ready and I know if it put in the work, I’ll be ready in a about two years. That’s the goal for me. If it takes three or four years, it does. Whatever the case may be. I’ll keep racking up the knockouts until it happens.”
For Rahman, the decision to follow in his famous father’s footsteps was a rational one.
“I’ve always been taught to plan ahead. When I was in middle school, I was really into football. I played tight end, running back and wide receiver. I had dreams. But it dawned on me how many people have the same dream that I do. For instance, there are a million young African American men wanting to go to the NBA every year. 400,000 of them will play high school basketball. 4000 of those will play college. 35 will be drafted. Out of the that 35, only 7 will start. That means there are a million people trying to get 7 jobs. And the average career in the NBA is four years. That’s a problem. People have to look at their odds. I did. So, I said ‘know what? Instead of being in this giant pool of people trying to be the next Ray Lewis. I rarely run across someone who wants to be heavyweight champion of the world,’ so that’s what I decided to do. No father and son duo have ever become heavyweight champions. It’s never been done. For me to be in the position to cement our family name in heavyweight championship history is very motivating and I’m ready to take full advantage of it.”
Signing with Greg Cohen Promotions was an easy decision, according to Rahman, who has known the Jersey-based promoter for most of his life.

“I really want to thank Greg Cohen for the chance he’s given me,” he said. “I’ve known Greg since I was a kid and he has always believed in me. He has always supported me and kept in contact and followed me. He has a real genuine interest in me. Greg already knows he has the best new heavyweight in the world. I’m really dedicated to making him and my father and the City of Baltimore proud.”
SUPER BRAWL® III will be broadcast, tape-delayed, on Sportsnet New York (SNY). On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Skylands ECC is located at 792 Route 10 West in Randolph, NJ. Phone: 973.328.8600.
 
 
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