boxing, Rivera Promotions

Professional Boxing returns Jan. 19 to Worcester Junior lightweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez headlines Inaugural “New England’s Future” series event

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WORCESTER, Mass. (December 29, 2016) — Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference yesterday to formally announce its inaugural show, “New England’s Future,” Thursday night, January 19, at the Worcester Palladium.  It will mark the first professional boxing event in Worcester, located in Central Mass., in five years.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – along with his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.
“It’s all about the fighters,” RPE CEO Jose Antonio Rivera said.  “I’m in a unique position as a promoter because of my boxing background.  I hard it is for local fighters to get fights, which is why we have so many with less than six pro fights and five pro debuts fighters on this card.  They are why we’re here today. I never had a press conference until I was much more established in my career. This is about them showcasing their skills.
“After my son graduated from Johnson Wales University with a degree in Sports Management, he told me he was ready to form Rivera Promotions Entertainment, as we had discussed, and promote shows.  I lost a lot of money promoting a show in 2008, so I told him to put a plan together first and within a week he did.  He had gotten his feet wet in the business as an intern for a boxing promoter.  We went over the plan ad decided that we can do this.   We’re not signing fighters, right now, we’re helping them build their careers.  We do a lot of hard work behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see; the fighters work in the gym.  I’m really excited about January 19th.  Irvin Gonzalez is a future world champion.”
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
“We appreciate the support being given to us and the fighters who give their blood, sweat and tears for you,” RPE president A.J. Rivera added.  “I got into the business side of boxing as an intern working for CES.  In Worcester, we have 11 active fighters, all on the rise, and to bring boxing back to Worcester is special, Teamwork makes dreams work. I also want to note that none of these fighters turned down a single opponent we offered.”
Promising junior lightweight prospect, 2015 New England Golden Gloves champion Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Worcester, will be showcased in the 6-round main event against Mexican invader Oscar Eduardo Quezada (2-1, 1 KO).
“I’m very excited to be fighting in my hometown for the first time as a pro,” Gonzalez commented. “I fought here as an amateur but that’s not the same as fighting in the main event and my first 6-rounder.  Don’t take your eyes off the ring when I fight.  I’m going to be 5-0 with five knockouts on January 19th.”
In the 6-round co-feature, light heavyweight Reinaldo “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs), of nearby Springfield (MA), faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Ranse Andino in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), 49-year-old Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO) in his retirement fight vs. Philadelphian  Shavonte Dixon (0-1), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Dorchester’s (MA) Brian Richardson (0-8), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 KOs), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 KOs), 2016 N.W. Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) light heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp
boxing, charity

Baltimore Boxing to help raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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Baltimore, MD (December 29, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing will assist with fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in association with their “Scary Night at the Fights” card Friday, January 13 at Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD.

A nonprofit headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949 and is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.

Baltimore Boxing is providing a helping hand to Dulaney High School junior Erin Hill’s fundraising efforts for LLS by running a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Hill, who lost her uncle Gene from Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2010, is also a nominee for Student of the Year.

“Jake Smith is an amazing person for supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Hill. “He has a great heart and I know he’s always doing things to help others in association with his boxing events. Jake is a very important member in the Baltimore community.”

Headlining “Scary Night at the Fights” is an eight round super middleweight contest between rugged Baltimorean Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow and unbeaten Virginia native Chauncey “Grimm” Fields.

Nicklow has a solid 25-8-3 record with 8 knockouts and is a fan favorite in Maryland. He looks to rebound from recent defeats against world class opposition and has never lost in his home state. With only four fights under his belt, Fields is taking a significant step up in competition. Rather than continue the standard record building process, Fields’ team is confident their fighter has much more to gain by defeating the established Nicklow.

Somebody’s 0 must go in the six round co-feature when super middleweights “Dangerous” Donald Wallace and Tahir Thomas square off. Baltimore’s Wallace is 1-0 with a first round knockout and exceeded expectations during his time in the amateurs. Fighting out of Salisbury, MD, Thomas has a solid 4-0-1 ledger with 3 wins by knockout. In his most recent bout, Thomas drew with 10-0 Antowyan Aikens.

Veteran Michael “The Amazing” Gbenga looks for his 22nd victory when he faces an opponent to be named at light heavyweight.

All ticketholders will also have the opportunity to watch the amateur portion of the card including a heavyweight title rematch between Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager and Dallas Butts.

Other pro and amateur bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets from $50 are on sale at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Thurman vs Porter topples all comers as  PBC’s Fight of the Year

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Click HERE for story & HERE for video 
via PremierBoxingChampions.com 
It was a fight that was as competitive as it was engaging, a championship bout in which both participants put it all on the line until the final bell sounded. In the end, there would be only one winner in the world title fight between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, but there certainly was no loser.
Keith Thurman defeated Shawn Porter by unanimous decision to retain his 147-pound world championship at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25 in a back-and-forth battle between two fighters in the prime of their careers.
Considering the importance and the competitive quality of the bout, Thurman vs Porter was selected by the staff of Premier Boxing Champions as PBC’s Fight of the Year for 2016.
The Thurman-Porter showdown edged out a thrilling cast of contenders that included Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton, Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. and Robert Easter Jr. vs Richard Commey.
Although Thurman won by identical scores of 115-113 from all three ringside judges, the discrepancy in arriving at the final result showed just how even the fight truly was. The judges were in complete agreement on just six of the 12 rounds (giving four to Thurman), and the six disputed rounds were split down the middle for each fighter.
Also underscoring the competitiveness of those 12 rounds is the fact Porter landed just one more total punch (236-235) than Thurman, although the champ connected with more of his power shots (203-177).
Thurman-Porter was the first prime-time fight on CBS since Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in February 1978, and it proved worthy of the big stage as it gained a peak audience of nearly 4 million viewers.
The fight didn’t take long to heat up as Porter bulled his way inside in the early rounds against Thurman, who relied on his footwork and counterpunching in his attempts to neutralize the former world champion.
Thurman finally broke through with some big shots in the closing seconds of Round 3, landing with both hands while backed against the ropes. He rocked Porter again late in the fourth with a pair of left hooks to gain the early advantage.
Porter roared back and controlled the next three rounds as he used his physical approach to work effectively inside. Then he tagged Thurman in Round 8 with a potent left hook to the body that caused the champ to retreat so he could recover.
The bout reached a crescendo in the ninth and 10th as the longtime friends engaged in consecutive Round of the Year candidates in which they stood toe-to-toe and exchanged leather with unrelenting ferocity.
Although there were no knockdowns, the intense competitiveness and ebb and flow of the fight made it an instant classic.
While there is no guarantee of a rematch since Thurman is now scheduled for a March 4 title unification bout against unbeaten Danny Garcia, the prospect of a Thurman-Porter II is certainly a welcome one.
“I would give him a rematch,” Thurman said. “It was a great fight. He was a great opponent.”
Said Porter: “We need that rematch. I know the fans want that rematch. … If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard and [this time] leave with his title.”
Coming Friday: the PBC Fighter of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen’ Fight Card Complete With Two New Matchups

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REBECCA RUTH-COLLEEN SCHNEIDER FLYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD

 SANTA MONICA, CALIF. — (December 28, 2016) – The stacked main card of “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” has added even more ammo to its arsenal with the news that Derek Campos (17-6) and Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC) will compete in a lightweight feature fight on January 21, 2017 inside The Forum in Los Angeles, Calif. In addition, a female flyweight bout pitting Rebecca Ruth (6-2) against Colleen Schneider (10-7) has been added to the preliminary portion of the event.

 

The lightweight clash joins a main card that is highlighted by a legendary faceoff between superstars Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1). In addition, Ralek Gracie (3-0) and Hisaki Kato (7-2) will meet in a middleweight feature fight, while Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) and Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3) battle. Lastly, a fantastic welterweight co-main event pitting Paul Daley (38-14-2) against Brennan Ward (14-4) is also set for the Spike-televised main card.

 

 

Limited tickets for the mega-event start at $36 and are on sale at Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com. The event will be broadcast live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” undercard, streams live on Bellator.com and the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET / 3:50 p.m. PT.

 

Campos enters the bout riding a recent string of success, as the 28-year-old lightweight put together a flawless 2016 campaign that included a pair of noteworthy victories over Djamil Chan and Melvin Guillard. “The Stallion” continues to provide entertaining fights, as the Lubbock, Texas native has finished opponents in 10 of his 17 victories, including five knockouts and three of the first-round variety. Campos will be searching for his first three-fight winning streak under the Bellator MMA umbrella since 2013.

 

Following an explosive start to his professional career, collecting victories in 11 of his first 12 bouts, including one no-contest, Anderson has continued his success under the direction of Bellator MMA. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2013, “The Barbaric” has tallied five impressive wins, highlighted by two knockouts and a pair of victories over Patricky Freire. Hailing from San Diego, Calif., Anderson has finished 11 of his 14 victims, and will not have to travel far as he prepares for number 12. With back-to-back victories over the aforementioned Freire and most recently Saad Awad at “Bellator 160,” Anderson has quickly entered the mix as one of the division’s top contenders. The 26-year-old lightweight will now look to take down the Bellator MMA veteran Campos and add yet another big name to his admirable resume.

 

The 37-year-old Ruth will be making her third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner and first of her 2017 campaign, following a year in which she earned her first promotional victory over Ukrainian submission specialist Lena Ovchynnikova. Prior to joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2016, “Ruthless” strung together an impressive 5-1 record to begin her career, including five knockout victories and three first round finishes. With wins in four of her last five contests, Ruth will look to start the year off on the right foot and add to her already impressive MMA resume.

 

The recently signed Schneider will be making her Bellator MMA debut on Jan. 21, as she also enters the contest having won four of her last five bouts. With six of her 10 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, look for Schneider to attack early and often in a flyweight clash that features two of the more dangerous opponents in the division. Standing at 5’9”, the 34-year-old Schneider will hold a significant height advantage over the veteran Ruth, who stands about five inches shy of the former Invicta FC product. Hailing from Los Angeles, Calif., Schneider will also not have to travel far for this incredible event, as the hometown crowd will surely be pulling for “Thoroughbred” at Inglewood’s famous Forum.

 

 

Ruth and Schneider will join a preliminary card that features the promotional debuts of Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) and Jack May(8-3), as well as the return of Chinzo Machida (4-2), Henry Corrales (12-3), Guilherme “Bomba” (8-3), and Cody Bollinger (19-6).

 

Complete “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event: Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) vs. Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Paul Daley (38-14-2) vs. Brennan Ward (14-4)

Middleweight Main Card Bout: Ralek Gracie (3-0) vs. Hisaki Kato (7-2)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (26-6-1) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3)

Lightweight Main Card Bout: Derek Campos (17-6) vs. Derek Anderson (14-2, 1 NC)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (4-2) vs. Jamar Ocampo (2-0)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jack May (8-3) vs. Dave Cryer (11-2)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Henry Corrales (12-3) vs. Cody Bollinger (19-6)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Casey (9-5-1, 2 NC) vs. Keith Berry (15-13)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (8-3) vs. John Mercurio (8-7)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (3-0) vs. Jalin Turner (2-2)

Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Christian Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (2-0)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jacob Rosales (4-2) vs. Ian Butler (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Cisneros (9-5) vs. Curtis Millender (9-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-4) vs. Tommy Aaron (2-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Rob Gooch (4-3) vs. James Barnes (6-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Rebecca Ruth (6-2) vs. Colleen Schneider (10-7)

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Returns to Defend His Title Against Polish Challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, February 25 From Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

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Tickets On-Sale Tomorrow with
“New Year’s Package” Available Through January 2!
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (December 28, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) will defend his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces once-beaten challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk (33-1, 19 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 25, from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature the only American heavyweight world champion headlining his third primetime show on network television, after Wilder most recently stopped Chris Arreola after eight-rounds of action on FOX in July. The champion suffered hand and bicep injuries during the fight, but returns on February 25 fully healthy.
“I’m excited about defending my world championship for a fifth time and in front of my great fans at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on February 25,” said Wilder. “It’s always fun to display my talents in front of the hometown fans. It’s an opportunity that I always look forward to and it brings out the best in me. I’m healthy and I’m ready to put on a fantastic show.”
“I’m extremely motivated to fight for the heavyweight title against a great fighter like Deontay Wilder,” said Wawrzyk. “Fighting for the world title has always been my dream. To fight against such a great athlete as Wilder is an extremely difficult challenge, but one I am ready for. I have trained for this since I was a teenager. On February 25 I will step into the ring ready to fight and win against the most dangerous man on the planet.”
“The city of Birmingham is beyond excited to have Deontay return to defend his title,” said Birmingham Mayor William Bell.  “He has become a great ambassador for our community and we can’t wait to see him compete once again.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale Thursday, December 29. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com. Fans can purchase the “New Year’s Package” through Monday, January 2 and receive two Upper Level Tickets for $35.
“We are thrilled that Deontay’s two surgeries went so well and that he rehabbed like the champ he is,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “As a result, he will be able to fight on February 25, in another defense of his WBC Heavyweight Championship against rugged Polish contender Andrzej Wawrzyk. We are not looking past Wawrzyk, but we believe we will find out that Deontay is back to full strength and ready for an active 2017, with major matchups ahead. We are happy to return to Deontay’s fighting home base of Birmingham, Alabama.We hope that Deontay’s fans will take advantage of the special ‘New Year’s Package’ being offered at this time. Happy New Year to all.”
“We are very excited that Andrzej Wawrzyk is getting the opportunity to challenge Deontay Wilder for the world title,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Andrzej has accomplished a lot in his career by becoming a top contender with a 33-1 record. This opportunity is a ‘feather in his cap,’ and with a victory, he will make history and become the first heavyweight champion from Poland. I expect Andrzej to make the most of this opportunity and Warriors Boxing is excited to be a part of it.”
“We are excited to work with DiBella Entertainment to bring the fourth heavyweight boxing championship to the state of Alabama,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team, a leader in delivering event excellence. “Deontay Wilder always puts on a great show and we encourage Alabama boxing fans to show their support for the Bronze Bomber.”
The heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa is itching to get back in the ring after defending his title four times thus far with stoppages of Eric Molina, Johann Duhaupas, Artur Szpilka and most recently Arreola.Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. He was the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics until Shakur Stevenson and Nico Hernandez earned medals at the Rio 2016 games. The 31-year-old won the world title with a dominant decision over Bermane Stiverne in January 2015. This fight will mark the ninth time Wilder fights in his home state of Alabama as a pro.
Fighting out of Krakow, Poland, Wawrzyk has won six fights in a row, all inside the distance, since his lone defeat to Alexander Povetkin in 2013. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 27 fights after turning pro in 2006. Wawrzyk owns victories over Frans Botha, Danny Williams, Denis Bakhtov and Devin Vargas. He has won both of his previous starts in the United States, including a knockout of Mike Sheppard in September 2015 on a Wilder undercard at Legacy Arena.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

GYM SIGNS FRENCH OLYMPIAN CHRISTIAN M’BILLI ASSOMO

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Photo Credit: JBAutissier/Panoramic
 
MONTRÉAL (December 27, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is proud to announce the promotional contract signing of 2016 French Olympian Christian M’Billi Assomo to an exclusive promotional contact.He will settle in Quebec and make his professional debut there in early 2017.
 
Known in the ring as ”Le Solide” (The Solid), Assomo will arrive in Montreal at the beginning of January, when he will start working with world-class trainer Marc Ramsay and his outstanding team.
 
The spectacular 21-year-old Assomo has all the tools to achieve his goal of becoming world champion, as well as a great star in international boxing. As a Frenchman, his primary language is that spoken in Quebec, which will facilitate his adaptation and connection with the local media.
 
A native of Yaoundé in Cameroon, he moved at the age of seven to France, where he learned by chance to box at the Montargis Club.  Assomo quickly developed into a powerful, serious tough and highly successful boxer. He became a major name on the international amateur scene in the middleweight division (165 lbs./75 kg).
 
A member of the French Army, Assomo had a truly impressive amateur record, capturing gold medals at the 2013 European Junior Championship, 2014 European Union Championship and European Olympic Qualification Tournament, as well as maintaining an unbeaten record (4-0) in the World Series of Boxing (WSB).
 
At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Assomo defeated Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov and Ecuadorian Marlon Delgado prior tolosing in a furious battle to the eventual Olympic gold medalist, Arlen Lopez, ofCuba.
 
“At the outset,” GYM President Yvon Michel said, “we were interested in his talent, determination and willingness to do well. There’s also his engaging personality and he has the discipline to become the best. We are very excited to work with him. I am convinced that he has the potential to become world champion.”
 
“I am very pleased with this agreement with the Groupe Yvon Michel,” Assomo added. “I’m sure this is the beginning of a great adventure. I look forward to my first performance. GYM knew how to attract me: by its past, by the boxers it supports, by its structure,”
 
“After a good career among amateurs, rich in results,” French National Boxing Team coach John Dovi explained, “it is time for Christian to go into the pro ranks. His offensive style and overall boxing skills will allow him, I am sure, to reach the highest level.”
 
“I started following Christian M’Billi’s amateur career two years ago and his successes on the international scene were more than impressive,” Ramsey commented. “I am very happy to associate myself with such a disciplined and talented boxer. I see a very promising future for this young man.”
 
“Christian M’Billi fuels such high intensity,” GYM Vice President of Operations and Recruitment Bernard Barré noted. “Fans will be in ecstasy watching such a powerful and exciting pugilist.”
 
Assomo, who is currently training in France, fought his last amateur bout on December 3rd. The goal is to have him boxing on February 9 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.
 
Facts:
 
Age: 21 (March 26, 1995)
Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Residence: Montargis, France
Division: Middleweight (165 lb in the amateurs)
Height: 5’9”
Stance:  Orthodox
Nickname: ”Le Solide”
 
Performances;
 
Participant at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Undefeated in the World Series of Boxing (WSB), 4-0 record
Gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic European Qualification Tournament
Gold medalist at the 2014 European Union Championship
Gold medalist at the 2013 European Junior Championship
Gold medalist at the 2015 French Championship
Record of 72-13-1
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events.  GYM is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.
boxing

VICTORY BOXING PROMOTIONS KICKS OFF 3 FIGHT PHILLY SERIES WITH “SUPER BRAWL” ON JANUARY 28TH

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PHILADELPHIA – December 27, 2016 – Victory Boxing Promotions kicks off 2017 with “Super Brawl,” a ten-bout card featuring world class talent from Philadelphia and beyond, Saturday, January 28th at 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Jaron Ennis (8-0, 7KO) will showcase his talents at welterweight in his ninth fight since his professional debut in April of last year. Ennis, who took home his second Briscoe Award earlier this year for his outstanding amateur career, delivered a phenomenal performance in his sixth round stoppage of Marucs Beckford (3-5-3, 1KO) earlier this month. The Ennis family has deep roots in the Philadelphia boxing scene. The 19-year-old is trained by his father and former professional boxer, Derrick “Bozy” Ennis, and is the younger brother of Derrick “Pooh” Ennis and Farah Ennis, who were themselves accomplished professional boxers.

Another Philadelphia favorite, super bantamweight Manny “Major Pain” Folly (8-0, 6KO), continues his quest to remain undefeated, while setting an example for the kids in his community. The Philadelphia Police Officer splits his time between training for boxing and protecting his community and fellow Philadelphia residents. He turned heads in his last fight, a first round knockout win over Hungarian Tibor Nadori (9-7-1, 4KO) in November.

Philadelphia super lightweight Joshua “Hands of Stone” Jones (3-0-1, 2KO) returns in his first fight since winning a wide unanimous decision over South Carolina’s Corey Edwards (2-2, 1KO) at Victory Boxing’s November card at 2300 Arena.

Elite talent, and incredibly hard-hitting Canadian prospect Adam Daranyi (9-0, 9KO), looks to continue his perfect run in a six round bout at super welterweight. Mexican super lightweight Carlos Sanchez, who racked up an 11-0 record in 11 months in 2016, makes his first appearance in the City of Brotherly Love. UK talent Donovan Cameron (4-0, 4KO) also steps into the ring on January 28th in a super welterweight bout.

Amateur standouts Brandun Lee and Christian Camarena both make their highly-anticipated professional debuts on the card as well.

The card is the first of three events on the books for Victory Boxing Promotions in Philadelphia in the first half of 2017. In addition to January 28th, the promotion has scheduled events on March 31st and June 17th at 2300 Arena.

“We’re very excited about bringing some of the top Victory Boxing Promotions fighters to the 2300 Arena on January 28th, and again in March and June,” said Victory Boxing Promotions’ Owner & Promoter Chris Middendorf. “The community’s response there has been so positive, and we’re looking forward continuing to showcase these world class Philadelphia fighters in their hometown.”

Tickets for Super Brawl begin at $40, and are now on sale at victoryboxingpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and first bell is at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit victoryboxingpromotions.com.

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For more information, press only:
Emily Pandelakis
Victory Boxing Promotions
For more information on Victory Boxing Promotions:
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Lubin drops the ‘Hammer’ as PBC’s Rising Star of the Year

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Click HERE for story and HERE for video via PremierBoxingChampions.com
Even before he signed a professional contract on his 18th birthday, Erickson Lubin had high expectations set upon him for 2016.
In 2013, Lubin was one of the United States’ top amateur boxers and being targeted as a surefire standout on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. However, the talented southpaw swapped that dream for another on October 1, 2013, when he turned pro and began his quest to become a world champion.
While Erickson “Hammer” Lubin has yet to fight for a world title, let alone obtain one, his decision to forgo a shot at Olympic gold has remained fruitful.
Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) continued his ascent in the 154-pound division in 2016 by winning all four of his fights in dominating fashion-two by knockout and two by unanimous decision. With his perfect performance, the staff of Premier Boxing Champions selected Lubin as PBC’s Rising Star of the Year.
The 21-year-old Orlando, Florida, native beat out fellow young guns Justin DeLoach, Jarrett Hurd and Sergey Lipinets, all of whom convincingly moved up the ladder in their respective weight classes this year.
Lubin, who in addition to his “Hammer” moniker has dubbed his right hand “Jack” and his left “Sledge,” got his year started on January 31 with a 10-round decision over Mexico’s Jose De Jesus Macias in Immokalee, Florida.
While Lubin was unable to knock out Macias-a veteran who has never been stopped in 28 pro fights-he gained a fifth-round knockdown with a counter right hook and won every round on two scorecards, with the third judge giving him all but one round.
Lubin returned to the ring on June 18, scoring a third-round TKO of Daniel Sandoval in Chicago. In that bout, Lubin pounded the head and body of his Mexican opponent before hurting him with a body shot late in Round 3. While Sandoval did not go down, referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight at the 2:36 mark.
Less than a month later, Lubin jumped back in the ring against his third straight Mexican opponent, battling Ivan Montero in Birmingham, Alabama, on July 16. Montero entered the eight-round bout with a record of 20-1, and he gave Lubin his toughest test yet, as the fight went distance. In the end, though, the young southpaw proved his skills were superior, sweeping all three judges’ scorecards.
Lubin, who has never fought a boxer with a losing record, capped his year earlier this month in emphatic fashion with a second-round KO of Juan Ubaldo Cabrera in Los Angeles. In that bout, Lubin used both “Jack” and “Hammer” to drop Cabrera twice in Round 2 and gain his sixth stoppage in his last eight bouts.
As he continues to sharpen his skills with each passing bout, don’t be surprised if Erickson Lubin’s star continues to rise in 2017-perhaps all the way to the top of the super competitive 154-pound division.
Coming Wednesday: the PBC Knockout of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website 
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Easter, Commey hit all the right spots in  PBC’s Round of the Year

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Click HERE for story and video via PremierBoxingChampions.com
Entering the late stages of a competitive, action-packed fight with a vacant 135-pound world title at stake, Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey upped the ante in a thrilling three minutes that brought out the best in both men.
After Commey gained a questionable knockdown of Easter in the eighth round of their September 9 bout at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania, there was complete uncertainty to which fighter had the edge on the judges’ scorecards.
With a date with greatness up for grabs, Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey wasted no time going back at it in Round 9, which the staff of Premier Boxing Champions has selected as PBC’s Round of the Year for 2016.
Easter-Commey beat out three other worthy candidates: Round 9 of Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter, Round 2 of Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton and Round 4 of Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. It was a closely contested round, with two of the judges siding with Easter and and one giving Commey the nod, which factored into Easter winning a split decision.
Just 10 seconds into Round 9, Easter and Commey moved into close quarters, exchanging heavy blows with both hands for nearly 30 seconds with little pause.
The fighters backed off nearly a minute in as they regrouped from the heated exchange and resumed a more measured approach working primarily with their jabs.
Commey, however, quickly ramped the action back up about 90 seconds into the round as the Ghana native began to let loose with his right hand coming behind the jab.
With a minute left in the round and a partisan crowd filled with family and friends from his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, rooting him on, Easter appeared to gain the upper hand as he pinned Commey against the ropes and landed a couple of solid rights during a flurry of punches.
After escaping the barrage, though, it was Commey’s turn to return fire as he landed a couple of rights before Easter responded with a head-turning left hook.
In the final 25 seconds, both fighters again exchanged rapid-fire blows before backing off just before the bell so that not only they could catch their breath, but that everyone watching could as well.
For a complete look back at Easter vs Commey, visit our fight page.
Coming Tuesday: the PBC Rising Star of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
 
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website 
boxing, Ring 8

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017 

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Sunday, April 30 Induction Dinner
Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo Snipes & Arthur Donovan head new class
NEW YORK (December 26, 2016) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), sponsored by Ring 8, has announced its 15-member Class of 2017. The sixth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 30, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
“Once again, “said NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, “we’re honoring New York’s finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York.  We’re expecting another knockout night.”
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega (131-39-6, 69 KOs), Yonkers’ world heavyweight title challenger Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes (39-8-1, 22 KOs), Yonkers middleweight Doug “Cobra’ Dewitt (33-8-5, 19 KOs), and “The Bronx Bomber,” world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 KOs)
Posthumous participants being inducted are Queens’ former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 KOs), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyeight world champion Jose “Chegui” Torres (41-3-1, 29 KOs), and “The Nonpareil”, Williamsburg middleweight world champion Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 KOs).
Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Queens’ International agent Don Majeski, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, Manhattan manager Stan Hoffman and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
CLASS OF 2016:  Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein and Jimmy Jacobs.
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $70.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, 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 still 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, 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.

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