SHOWTIME® OFFERS BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER DOCUMENTARY FOR FREE TO NON-SUBSCRIBERS DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Raw and Revealing Documentary Film Chronicling Sportscaster Mauro Ranallo’s Lifelong Battle with Mental Health Premiered on SHOWTIME in 2018

WATCH TEASER: https://youtu.be/-NAkbSIXxVc

WATCH FULL FILM: https://youtu.be/8VT_5XcJiPo

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, BIPOLAR ROCK ’N’ ROLLER, a raw and revealing documentary chronicling the prolific combat-sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness, is available for free to non-subscribers on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel.

In addition, BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER and QUIET STORM: THE RON ARTEST STORY, a documentary film that shines a spotlight on the polarizing NBA star who was at times feared and often misunderstood both on and off the basketball court, will be available for subscribers on all SHOWTIME ON DEMAND and SHOWTIME streaming service platforms during the month of May.

SHOWTIME Sports will also support mental health awareness throughout the month across all social media platforms with a range of informative, insightful and inspiring content from both documentaries as well as from other original SHOWTIME Sports programming including ALL THE SMOKE WITH MATT BARNES AND STEPHEN JACKSON.

BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N’ ROLLER explores Ranallo’s career, including his work on the two biggest pay-per-view events in television’s history, and his relentless pursuit of a childhood dream despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Through this deeply personal and unflinching portrait, Ranallo, who struggles with Bipolar Affective Disorder, hopes to inspire others to persevere in pursuing their dreams despite the challenges of a mental health condition. The film premiered on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2018.

Michael Carbajal Still Champion

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 3, 2021) –   Five-time world champion, Hall of Famer and Olympic silver medalist Michael Carbajal may be recording the best victories of his life at the age of 43 as a retired boxer.  Instead of receiving a beautiful belt or medal for his achievements, Carbajal now helps build character for countless Phoenix youngsters who may not have another way to get off the mean streets. 

Carbajal loved boxing from the start, however, he didn’t have his first amateur match until he was 14, because his father, the late Manual Carbajal, a former Arizona Golden Gloves champion, wouldn’t allow his son to box until he was older.   On the night of his first match, his father reminded Michael of something he said when he was only six: “I’m going to be world champion and retire as world champion.”  Michael, of course, didn’t remember what he said when he was only six, but the message has stayed with him throughout his life.   

“I wanted to box since I was six,” Carbajal reminisced.  “I didn’t understand why I couldn’t, but my father told me to watch and learn from my experiences in the gym and at tournaments.  I waited until I was 14, working out in my backyard, as my father taught me the basics.  I remember hearing about kids at tournaments with 100, 200 amateur fights.  I only had around 100 (his reported amateur record is 94-9) as an amateur.  I was new to the sport and took my losses as wins because I learned from every fight.   I still remember my first amateur fight.  It’s where it all started.  I lost to Kevin Davis. I entered the tournament against him with no fights and he had 32.  I lost that fight and wanted to fight him again.  I always wanted to fight the best.  We fought two more times at the state championships (they split). 

“My most memorable fight was at the 1986 National Golden Gloves Championship.  I still remember my opponent (in the championship final), Gary Harvey.  I’ll remember that fight for the rest of my life.  I won every national tournament after that until 1988.” 

Carbajal first got into boxing for the same reason so many others have for decades…a tough environment.  He still lives in the La Nuevo (9th St.) neighborhood.  “It was terrible here when I was 11 or so,” Carbajal explained.  “I still live here, but it’s not as bad now.  We had shootings and gangs across 3 or 4 blocks that separated us.  I never left.  I have so many friends from back then who were involved in drugs and shootings.  I ignored everything because I was determined and desired to be world champion.  Today, people who knew me back then, say: ‘You’re still Michael.’  My accomplishments were because I love boxing so much.  In 1988, Carbajal was the United States amateur junior flyweight champion, who defeated Eric Griffin (co-captain of 1989 & 1991 World Amateur Championships), 5-0, in the final of the U.S. Olympic Trials, and then he won again at the U.S. Olympic Box-Offs by way of a third-round disqualification versus James Harris

Carbajal traveled to Seoul, South Korea as a member of the 1988 USA Olympic Boxing Team.  In the opening round, he edged hometown favorite Kwang-Soo OIh, 3-2, that likely came back to haunt him in the gold medal match against Bulgarian Ivailo Khristov, in which Carbajal lost, 5-0, in what many alleged was due to biased scoring. 

USA Boxing Alumni Association 

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring. 

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception. 

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet. 

Seven months after the Olympics, Carbajal turned pro February 24, 1989, taking a 4-round decision from future IBF light flyweight World Champion Will Grigsby on the undercard of Carbajal’s idol, Roberto Duran, who upset Iran Barkley in Atlantic City to capture the WBC middleweight World championship.  Carbajal’s nickname, “Manitas De Piedra” (“Little Hands of Stone’) was out of respect to Duran, known as “Manos de Piedra” (“Hands of Stone”).  

During his illustrious 10-year professional career, Carbajal compiled a 49-4 (33 KOs) record, highlighted by five world junior flyweight titles.  His memorable trilogy with Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez started in 1993 with a unification fight.  They became the first junior flyweights to earn $1-million purses, as well as becoming the first in their weight class to headline a pay-per-view event.  Carbajal was decked in rounds two and five and he suffered from a bloody right eyebrow, until he unloaded a powerful right smack on Gonzalez’ chin. Gonzalez was unable to beat the count, Carbajal became unified world champion in what was later named 1993 Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine. 

Numerous endorsements followed for Carbajal including Diet Pepsi.  After making two successful title defenses, Carbajal suffered his first pro loss (32-0) in his 11th world title defense, and in 1994 Gonzalez won a 12-round split decision again.  Carbajal and Gonzalez, appropriately enough, were inducted together into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2006. 

In 1999, Carbajal announced his second comeback and after three wins, he traveled to Tijuana to challenge 21-year-old WBO junior flyweight World champion Jorge Arce (20-2-1), who clearly took nine of the first 10 rounds, even though Arce had hit the canvas in round six.  In the 11th round, Carbajal rocked Arce with a right that sent the Mexican flying into the ropes.  Referee Raul Caiz, Jr. stopped the fight, Carbajal was crowned world champion for the fifth time, and then Michael retired after the fight for good. 

Carbajal retired with a 15-3 (10 KOs) record in world title fights, 9-4 against former world champions. His four pro losses were against world champions – Gonzalez (twice), Mauricio Pastrana and Jacob Matlala.  Known for never giving up, along with making a few remarkable comebacks, Carbajal was stopped only once, by Matlala. 

Today, Carbajal still lives in the same house (built in 1906) he grew up on 9th Street in Phoenix, operates a gym (built in 1911), and still gives back to his community. 

“If I never boxed,” Carbajal said, “I think I’d be a counselor.  I’m really good with kids. I went to college for two years, but I was too busy with fighting.  I’ve always had unbelievable patience, unlike some other trainers and managers, who want to make a quick buck.  If they (kids) stay in the gym – not even fighting – they will learn.  It’s all about kids staying off the streets.  It’s not as bad here as it was before and it’s great to be helping these kids.  Some come here to box, others to just workout, and that’s all good.  I’m in no hurry to have (train) a world champion, even if that’s my goal, and I concentrate on giving them time to understand.”   

Everybody going to Michael Carbajal’s 9th Street Gym is treated equally from a new kid to 82-year-old Paul Taylor, who has been going there for too many years to remember.  Some people go there for reasons unassociated with boxing or working out.  They go there if they need help, just about any kind. 

“I remind kids of what we went through (in this neighborhood) and avoided,” Carbajal concluded.  “Most fighters come from neighborhoods like this.  It’s not about winning or losing, although we always want to win, it’s about life.  We train anybody who comes in the gym.  They learn discipline and that helps through their lives.  We teach giving others respect.  I’m old school.  We don’t have air conditioning in the gym.  It gets you in great condition. Hey, I trained in a tin shed in my backyard, which was 15 degrees hotter than outside (remember this is Phoenix where it gets in the 120’s).  I love it. 

“I enjoy helping, not just to box, but to be good through their lives.  The discipline they learn here will help.  We’re building them for life.”   

Arguably the greatest junior flyweight of all-time, Michael Carbajal is still winning! 

INFORMATION: 

www.usaboxing.org 

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni 

Instagram: @USABoxing 

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic-style boxing in the United States.  The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.   

BELLATOR MMA™ CONFIRMS FULL FIGHT CARD FOR BELLATOR 258 ON SHOWTIME® THIS FRIDAY, MAY 7 AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

LATE CHANGE SHIFTS BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX – JOSE ‘GUGU’ AUGUSTO NOW FACES ANTHONY “RUMBLE” JOHNSON IN QUARTERFINAL

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has today confirmed the full slate of fights for this Friday’s BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs Pettis card inside the Mohegan Sun Arena. The event is the first of two being held in May, and kicks off an exciting month of fights on SHOWTIME with the action set to begin live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

In the main event of the evening, Juan “The Spaniard” Archuleta (25-2) puts his BELLATOR Bantamweight World Title on the line for the first time against No. 1 ranked 135-pounder Sergio “SP” Pettis (20-5). In addition to the headliner, three other main card bouts are confirmed, with the co-main event featuring a Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal bout with Team Pitbull product Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-2, 1 NC) stepping up on a week’s notice to fight a debuting Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6).

Rounding out main card action is a lightweight grudge match pitting the No. 2 ranked Patricky Pitbull (23-9) against the resilient Irishman, Peter Queally (12-5-1), and a must-watch bout between the No. 2 ranked welterweight Michael “Venom” Page (18-1) and No. 6 ranked welterweight Derek Anderson (17-3-1), a fight that has been booked twice previously, but was derailed due to injuries. 

The preliminary card consists of eight fights and is stacked throughout, featuring former 185-pound champion Rafael Carvalho (16-5) stepping in on less than a week’s notice to welcome Lorenz Larkin (22-7) to the BELLATOR middleweight division. Also, No. 5 ranked welterweight Logan Storley (11-1) returns against Omar Hussein (8-2).

Fans will also see the promotion’s bantamweight depth on display, seeing No. 4 ranked Raufeon Stots (15-1) face No. 7 ranked Josh Hill (20-3), as well as appearances from former title challenger and No 2. ranked bantamweight “Patchy” Mix (13-1), Erik “Goyito” Perez (19-8), and the always-game Henry Corrales (18-5), who moves to bantamweight for the first time in his BELLATOR career.

All BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs Pettis prelims will stream live at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.  

Full bout listings are below:

BELLATOR MMA 258: Archuleta vs. Pettis Main Card:

Friday, May 7 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Title Bout: c-Juan Archuleta (25-2) vs. #1-Sergio Pettis (20-5)

Light Heavyweight WGP Quarterfinal Bout: Anthony Johnson (22-6) vs. Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-2, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: #2-Patricky Pitbull (23-9) vs. Peter Queally (12-5-1)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: #2-Michael Page (18-1) vs. #6-Derek Anderson (17-3, 1 NC)

Preliminary Card: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube Channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel | Pluto TV

5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Bout: #7-Josh Hill (20-3) vs. #4-Raufeon Stots (15-1)

Middleweight Bout: Lorenz Larkin (22-7, 1 NC) vs. Rafael Carvalho (16-5)

Bantamweight Bout: #2-Patchy Mix (13-1) vs. Albert Morales (10-6-1)

Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (11-1) vs. Omar Hussein (8-2)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Johnny Eblen (7-0) vs. Daniel Madrid (18-6)

Bantamweight Bout: Henry Corrales (18-5) vs. Johnny Campbell (20-13, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: Weber Almeida (5-0) vs. Johnny Soto (3-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Erik Perez (19-8) vs. Blaine Shutt (8-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Team Ortiz moves on from disputed draw Feeling Confident Undefeated Lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Made Loud Statement

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 29, 2021) – Despite a disputed draw with unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) last Saturday night in Kissimmee, Florida, lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) displayed his vast skills and courage on ESPN+. 

Recovering from two knockdowns (the first from an illegal punch behind the head) and still taking the fight to the promoter’s fighter, Ortiz won six of the eight rounds but, unfortunately, he had to settled for an 8-round majority draw with (76-74, 75-75-75) Adorno.    

Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, is the reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, as well as a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist.   

“I didn’t fight my fight,” Ortiz evaluated his performance.  “I fought too much instead of being ‘The Technician.’   Before the fight, I thought I was the B-side fighter and wanted to please the crowd. I didn’t realize that I was on the A-side (thanks to his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield) and the betting favorite.  I was fighting a Top Rank guy and felt that I had to bring the fight to him.  Muscle memory, I guess, from back in the amateurs.  I was fighting on his stage, so I put pressure on him. If the fight went the distance, I wanted to make sure the scoring was clear and obvious.  I knew I’d break him down because I had better stamina and skills. 

“I fought him too much, but I still thought I won the fight.  The 76-74 score made sense.  I won every round but the second and seventh (rounds of knockdowns).  I didn’t agree with the one judge who had him (Adorno) winning the sixth. He hit me behind the head in the third round and I was off balance.  But the referee does his job and mine is to fight.  Nothing I could do about it.  The plan was to box him, going to the body, but not switch stances because it would expose me.  I had to go to the body, always part of my plan, but I wasn’t ‘The Technician.’ Sometimes I switch stances without realizing it.  I got clipped in the seventh round (uppercut that resulted in a standing 8 count) when I was switching for first time.  I handled it like a pro.  I got up and felt good.  I survived the round by holding a few times and then I came back again.” 

Burchfield, head of Classic Sports and Entertainment (CEO), knows Ortiz showed that he’s somebody lightweights will have to reckon with in the immediate future. 

“Jamaine’s stock went up for the second fight in a row (last November he registered a sensational stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, in seventh-round on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event),” Burchfield added.  “Adorno is an animal when he’s in control of a fight.  Jamaine had to take control of the fight by being the aggressor but, as ‘The Technician, knowing when to fight and when to box.    The punch in the second round was, definitely, behind the head, clearly a foul, and it was more of a slip than a knockdown because he was off balance.  If that punch was disallowed, Jamaine wins the fight, even if he had lost the round.  He (Emil Lombardi) is a quality ref who made a mistake.  Maybe he didn’t catch it because of the angle he had, which is why I’m a firm believer in instant replay, and It would have been ruled a non-knockdown.  

“Going into the seventh, I thought Jamaine led by 2-3 points having taken five of the previous six rounds. Jamaine showed the world his endurance when he came back so strong in the eighth round.  If the fight had been 10-round, or even 30-sconds longer, no disrespect to Adorno, Jamaine would have knocked him out.  Jamaine is the real deal.  He certainly proved he’s TV friendly after his last two fights and he deserves to be mentioned among the top 135-pounders in the world.  Any takers?” 

Ortiz’ manager, Dick Shappy, had mixed emotions after the fight, understanding that Ortiz raised the bar, even though he fought to a draw. 

“I wish he had won,” Shappy remarked, “but a draw wasn’t too bad under the circumstances.   I though Jamaine won the fight outright.  If not for that illegal punch in the second, he won the fight on their scorecards.  It still shouldn’t have been ruled a knockdown, more of a slip, because he was going forward and lost balance.  It never should have been 10-8.  Adorno would have lost if they had to go into the championship rounds.  Jamaine was more skilled, he did a good job.” 

Count no less than former Olympic gold medalist and 2-division World Champion Andre Ward, who served as color commentator for Ortiz-Adorno, among those impressed by Ortiz. 

“Ortiz outworked Adorno, no doubt, and he never backed down,” Ward commented on air.  “I want to see more of Ortiz!’ 

As entertaining as Ortiz-Adorno was – it may have stolen the entire show – it’s unlikely that there will be a rematch. 

“I don’t think he wants to fight me again,” Ortiz reported.  “He said something about maybe when we both have world title belts.” 

Ortiz has taken advantage of the tremendous opportunities for worldwide exposure in his last two fights.  His reward will certainly come, in time, moving up the ratings as people continue jumping on “The Technician” bandwagon.                        

CHRIS ARREOLA VIRTUAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

All-Action Heavyweight Chris Arreola Battles Former Unified Heavyweight Champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Main Event Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
 
Click HERE for Full Workout Video
 
VAN NUYS, CALIF. (April 21, 2021) – All-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreolashowed off his skills in the ring during a virtual media workout Wednesday, which streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as he nears his clash against former unified heavyweight championAndy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
 
The full replay of the workout, which includes interviews with Arreola and his famed trainer Joe Goossen, can be watched HERE
 
The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
 
Arreola’s workout took place at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, California where Arreola is participating in his second training camp with Goossen. Arreola’s first fight with Goossen saw the veteran former title challenger set numerous CompuBox heavyweight records in a narrow decision loss to Adam Kownacki.
 
Here is what Arreola and Goossen had to say Wednesday:
 
CHRIS ARREOLA
 
“I’m ready for this fight. I’ve been waiting for this fight for four or five months. This one is going to be a barnburner for sure.
 
“This fight is important for my legacy. I want to make the fans happy they bought this fight. I don’t fight for paychecks. I’m a fighter for the fans. So I hope they enjoy this fight and buy this pay-per-view.
 
“I love what I do. I’m a fortunate person to have been a fighter since a young age. I bleed boxing. I put my whole self out there every time I fight. I know that I owe it to the fans to give them a great fight.
 
“Defensively I’ve grown so much working with Joe. He’s taught me a lot about keeping my hands up and countering. He hasn’t reinvented the wheel, he’s just made sure the wheel is round.
 
“I was able to keep up the pace against Kownacki because I did everything I had to do in the gym. I could have given three more rounds at the end of that fight too. The fight is always won in the gym and we put all of the work in to win that fight. I thought I won that fight. Despite not getting the decision, it was a fun fight for me.
 
“I feel great. I’ve been working hard for months. I know that I have to make this a great fight for the fans and for myself. I know how crucial this fight is for my career.
 
“I don’t pay attention to the odds. If people want to make me the underdog, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve been an underdog my whole life.
 
“I’ve had some long layoffs before, so I know how to get back into it when the time comes. The sparring helps you know where your timing is at. That’s the best way to gauge where you’re at in your training camp.
 
“It’s a beautiful venue at Dignity Health Sports Park. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Every time I go there I love to sit up there with all the fans and enjoy the fights. It’s going to be a fun night of boxing on May 1 and I can’t wait.”
 
JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer
 
“Chris and Andy are veterans. They’ve been around a longtime. They know how to turn on the switch when the time comes. We’re preparing for a great fight on May 1.
 
“When you have two guys of the same talent, how do you determine who wins the fight? It’s the fighter who’s in better shape. That’s the underlying thought process here. Both Chris and Andy have talent, but our goal is for Chris to be in the best shape possible. The difference plays itself out in those last few rounds of the fight.
 
“You’re going to have the best Andy Ruiz that we’ve seen in this fight. And we have the same on our side. Our team has been working hard as well. I don’t expect anything but a great fight. However many rounds this goes, it’s going to be fireworks.
 
“We’ve been training for around four months but he hasn’t peaked too early because we’ve been consistent. Once we built up to a certain point, we’ve kept it there. He’s not worn out at all. This is what fighters are supposed to do. They’re supposed to be in the gym training.
 
“I’m very confident and calm heading into this fight, because Chris has been doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. That’s all you can ask for.”

Sampson Boxing Signs a Pair of Undefeated Dominican Prospects, Edwin De Los Santos and Luis Reynaldo Nunez, to Promotional Contracts

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of a pair of undefeated 21-year-old Dominican prospects, super featherweight Edwin De Los Santos and super bantamweight Luis Reynaldo Nunez to promotional agreements.


A crow-pleasing puncher with tremendous will, the southpaw De los Santos (9-0, 8 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, started boxing at the age of eight and went on to win numerous national amateur championships in his boxing-rich homeland. At age 14, he joined the Dominican’s prestigious National Boxing Team and, at 18, made the move to professional ranks. De Los Santos has already captured the WBA Fedecaribe and WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championships in his young career.


“It motivated me seeing how so many other great Dominican fighters have reached places they never dreamed of under the guidance of Sampson Boxing,” said De Los Santos of the signing. I am committed to bringing another world championship home to my country, defending it with pride and courage as many times as possible and improving the economic situation of my family.”


Also a decorated amateur in the Dominican, Puerto Plata’s Luis Reynaldo Nunez started boxing at age six and went on to win a number of national and international championships all over the world as a member of the elite Dominican national team. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18 under the guidance of manger Antonio Tineo and trainer Vicente De La Cruz, best known as the trainer of former unified world champion Jeison (el Banana) Rosario. Nunez won the Dominican Republic Super Bantamweight Championship in 2019 and has successfully defended it once. He added the WBA Fedelatin Super Bantamweight Title in December of last year with a fourth-round stoppage of Nicaragua’s Giovanni Gutierrez. Gutierrez had previously gone the 10-round distance with top contender Mike Plania.


“I am grateful to Mr. Antonio Tineo, who is like a father to me. I’m also excited to work with Sampson Boxing and all the opportunities he wins for his fighters. I will be a proud world champion from the Dominican Republic. I also want to improve the economic situation of my family (grandparents and parents) who have given everything to me without asking for anything in return.”


A staunch advocate of Dominican boxing, Lewkowicz has expertly guided the careers of esteemed Dominican champions Jeison “Banana” Rosario, Javer “El Abejón” Fortuna, Jonathan Guzman, Dahiana Santana and Katy Wilson Castillo. He was introduced to Tineo through his long-time Dominican talent scout Cesar “Manguita” Mercedes.


Lewkowicz says he’s looking forward to working with the two young talents and to partnering with Tineo on several more promising fighters in the future.


“I have always supported Dominican boxers and have helped several of them become world champions,” said Lewkowicz. “I thank Cesar Mercedes for introducing me to Mr. Tineo and I look forward to helping establish several more Dominican champions during our work together. Both Nunez and De Los Santos are elite-level fighters who will be contenders in their divisions in the near future.”







About Sampson Boxing
 
Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visitsampsonboxing.com.

ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS



Cuban Star & WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy Lara Takes on Thomas LaManna For WBA Middleweight Championship Headlining FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
 
Click HERE for Photos from Team Lara

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2021) – Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara previewed his quest to become a three-time, two-division champion as he prepares to take on Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
 
Lara vs. LaManna serves as the main event of a broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr.battling all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola, which tops a stellar boxing extravaganza all taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
 
Lara will make his 2021 debut after his last fight saw him defeat Greg Vendetti by unanimous decision on FOX in August, making it three-straight fights without a loss combined with his knockout victory over Ramon Alvarez in August 2019 and a split-draw in a 2019 action fight against current 154-pound champion Brian Castano.
 
Prior to narrowly dropping 2018’s Fight of the Year to Jarrett Hurd, Lara was established as the longest-reigning 154-pound champion, owning six title defenses. Lara has faced a slew of top names in the division throughout the years, including Canelo Alvarez, Austin Trout, Alfredo Angulo, Paul Williams, Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan, in addition to Hurd and Castano.
 
Here is what Lara had to say about training camp, moving up to middleweight and more:
 
On this recent training camp:
“Training camp has been hard. I am working with my coach Ismael Salas, and things have just been very calculated and scientific. We got great sparring and I’m feeling young in my mind, body, and soul. I like the way the camp is being managed, and I expect to have a lot of success in this fight based on the preparation I have had in Las Vegas.”
 
On his matchup with LaManna:
“Thomas LaManna is really big and tall and brings a unique style to the ring. This is not an easy fight at all, and I know I will have to be my very best to come out victorious. He has never fought for a world title so I am fighting a person who is looking to accomplish his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion. I am fully prepared, focused, and I’m expecting a tough fight.”
 
On fighting for the vacant WBA middleweight title:
“I’m looking to become a two division and three-time world champion. I take great pride in being a fighter that puts everything on the line. I want to face any-and-all challengers, and this will continue May 1. My goal is to be an all-time great and a legend in the sport. I’m moving up in weight to become a world champion and show the world I’m ready for new challenges.”
 
On what a win will do for his career:
“A victory against LaManna will put me in position to challenge the other champions at middleweight. I am looking at unification bouts, I want the biggest bouts possible, but I must win this fight first. There are a lot of meaningful fights at middleweight, and I want them all. I want to be a Hall-of-Famer and go down as one of the best Cuban boxers to ever do it. For my legacy to be thought of that way, I have to fight the best.”


 
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ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
 
The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
 
The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on 
foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!
 
Preceding the pay-per-view, FOX PBC Fight Night will begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT headlined by Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara seeking a third world title in a second weight class when he faces veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title. In the co-main event on FOX, top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramírez takes on hard-hitting Isaac Avelar in a 12-round fight for the vacant interim WBA Featherweight Title.


For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions
www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

U.S. Army veteran Daniel Bailey, Jr. fighting this Thursday at West Point

BOSTON (April 20, 2021) – Recently discharged U.S. Army specialist 4th class Daniel Bailey Jr. will be fighting in front of soldiers this Thursday night at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. 

The 24-year-old Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will face Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a 4-round featherweight bout on a Ring City USA card, the first live boxing in New York since before the pandemic.  

All the action will be streamed live (9 pm. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on the Twitch.tv app, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, as well as via the Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific (AFNTV). 

“I’ve never been to West Point,” Bailey said.  “I’m excited to fight there in front of other soldiers.  I’m honored.  We’re all brothers and sisters in arms and I want to put on a great show for them.  I’m bringing the heat!” 

“This is a great opportunity for Daniel,” Bailey’s manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) commented.  “Ring City USA has really taken over during the pandemic, putting on some really great shows. Ring City reached out to me looking to get some U.S. Army veterans on the card and Daniel answered the call, as always. I’m excited for this and Daniel is ready for the big stage.”   

Born in Miami, Bailey’s cousin is Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey (46-9, 39 KOs), the 2-division World champion who was considered one of the hardest pound-4-pound punchers of his era (1996-2016).  

Bailey was honorably discharged from the military this past March 19 after serving a 6-year stint.  He was a 4-time U.S. Army champion rated as high as No. 1 in the country as an amateur boxer.  He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs (CO), where Daniel was enrolled in the special soldier-athlete program there, World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). 

Bailey made his pro debut November 7, 2020, when he stopped Noe Marquez Talamantes in the second-round of their fight in Mexico.  His last action was an opening-round knockout of Jahterris Lewis last month in Alabama. 

During his solid amateur boxing career, Bailey benefitted from sparring world champions Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, among the more notables. 

“I’ve become a much more complete fighter since I turned pro,” Bailey explained.  “I have more control, like fully hydrating after a weigh in.  I’m like a kid in a candy store now.  I’ve made changes and sparring top guys has really helped my conditioning. 

“This is the right place, right time for me,” Bailey concluded.  I’m already on weight and ready to fight.  It was a good time for me to get out of the army to pursue my dream.” 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.compunch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, DanielBaileyJr 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

Undefeated lightweight Jamaine Ortiz Takes on Unbeaten joseph adorno

The Technician” vs. “Blessed Hands” 

This Saturday in Florida on ESPN+ 

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 19, 2021) – Rarely do undefeated prospects with double-digit victories fight each other because of the perceived risk like lightweights Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will do this Saturday night, April 24th, at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The 8-round Adorno vs. Ortiz fight, streaming live on ESPN+, will be on the Top Rank card headlined (on ESPN) by WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).    

Both young lightweights were decorated USA amateur boxers who are rising stars in arguably boxing’s most loaded division.  

“I’m counting the days,” Ortiz said about his fight with Adorno.  “I’ve trained hard my whole life.  When an opportunity like this comes, I’m ready to prove myself.  I think I’ll have a spectacular performance and impress the crowd like I usually do.  I’m fighting on another big card; I’m going up not down.”   

The reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, in addition to being a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist, the 24-year-old Ortiz recently cracked the top 40 in the WBC ratings at 31, and he’s also ranked No. 5 by the NABF.   

Ortiz is coming off a sensational, high-profile knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, in the seventh round last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event. 

The lone blemish on the 21-year-old Adorno’s pro record came in his last fight, back on January 11, 2020, when he fought an 8-round split draw with Hector Garcia (14-7-3).  Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Adorno lives and trains in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 

Ortiz surprisingly may have what amounts to a “hometown” advantage, at least in terms of vocal support, largely because many of his New England friends and family are flying down to Florida to attend the fight, along with his Florida fans. 

“My father lived in Florida and I visited him during summers, and I went to second grade there,” Ortiz explained.  “I have a big family-base in Orlando.  A lot of family and friends from Worcester are going to the fight.  I’m surprised by how many people will be there for me.” 

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), which will co-promote Adorno vs. Ortiz with Top Rank, and managed by Dick Shappy

“Both teams need to be complimented for taking a fight like this.” Burchfield commented.  “Two undefeated, young boxers like this fighting each other is what real boxing is all about. Bob Arum, Carl Moretti Team Top Rank have been friends of mine for so many years.   

“We turned Jamaine pro and through all these years as a promoter (32nd), maybe, every decade or so you have a special one like Jamaine, who can become the future of boxing. When you find a fighter who can box, punch and set-up his punches very well, he’s special and I feel Jamaine is special like that, not only in the ring but outside as well.  I don’t worry about getting a late-night call about him.  He is a total professional, no distractions with him.  Jamaine works as a carpenter, he’s learning the real estate business, and he’s also looking into the medical field in the future. He reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De Lay Hoya.  He has that charisma and is a technician in the ring.  A very smart kid in the ring. He has a spectacular team of managers and trainer to work with, too.”  

“For many years,” Shappy added, “our management team (including Eddie Imondi) had been searching for the right boxer to come along that had the potential to be a world champ. We are very confident that we have found that person, Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz.” 

Rare as it may be in boxing, the reward is ultimately worth the risk for these legitimate fighters, Ortiz and Adormo.  

DON KING DEMANDS HEAVYWEIGHT CHRISTOPHER LOVEJOY TO NOT FIGHT MAHMOUD CHARR ON MAY 15 IN GERMANY

Deerfield Beach, Fla. (April 19, 2021)—Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King has sent a Cease & Desist letter to undefeated heavyweight boxer Christopher Lovejoy, claiming he is under an exclusive promotional agreement with Don King Promotions and not permitted to enter any future fights without King’s consent.

Recent media reports have stated that Lovejoy is currently in Germany and has agreed to face the WBA champion in recess Mahmoud Charr on May 15 in Hamburg, Germany.

Trevor Bryan recently won the WBA heavyweight title after Charr disregarded the WBA and was not allowed in the United States due to Homeland Security visa denial of the Syrian. 

The letter demands that Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), who had previously announced his retirement from boxing, not participate in the bout with Charr or any other future bout or opponent.

“It is unconscionable, illegal, and unethical for you to participate in this May 15, 2021 bout or any bout without DKP’s expressed, written permission and consent,” the letter from King’s lawyer’s states. “Participating in any bout without DKP’s expressed written consent is … willfully breaching the Promotional Agreement and exposes those you have entered into agreement with for your services as a professional fighter to extreme legally liability, as they too are aware that you are under contract to DKP.”

The letter goes on to state, “If you have in fact signed to fight Charr as you proclaim and has been reported in these media reports, you have intentionally, willfully, and maliciously breached your exclusive, world-wide promotional agreement with DKP.”

Lovejoy, 37, lives and trains in Las Vegas. All 19 of Lovejoy’s pro fights since February of 2016 have taken place in Tijuana, Mexico.

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