Unbeaten Prospect Marcos Hernandez Takes On Detroit’s Antonio Urista Tuesday, September 13 on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes From Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California

 
Plus! Undefeated Prospect Leduan Barthelemy Battles
San Antonio’s Ricardo Nunez in Undercard Action
 
NICE, CALIF.  (September 8, 2016) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Marcos “The Madman” Hernandez (8-0, 2 KOs) returns to face Detroit’s Antonio Urista (7-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round bout featured on Premier Boxing ChampionsTOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX DeportesTuesday, September 13 from Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino in Nice, California.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by a 10-round showdown between undefeated super lightweight prospects Eddie Ramirez and Kevin Watts.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call the players club at (707) 262-4000.
Additional undercard action features undefeated featherweight prospect Leduan Barthelemy (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round matchup against San Antonio’s Ricardo Nunez (28-5, 23 KOs).
Rounding out the night is Antonio Santa Cruz (3-2, 2 KOs), cousin of Leo Santa Cruz, against Mexico’s Francisco Muro (3-3) in a four-round bantamweight fight and undefeated Los Angeles-native Flavio Rodriguez (4-0, 3 KOs) in four-rounds of welterweight action.
Unbeaten since turning pro in 2013, Hernandez defeated previously unbeaten Thomas Hill in an entertaining brawl in Nice on July 12. The 23-year-old fights out of Fresno, California and picked up three victories in 2015. He will face the 29-year-old Urista who enters this fight coming off of a win over previously undefeated Miles Delmindo.
The youngest brother of two-division world champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy has fought three times in 2016 and has picked up three victories by stoppage. The 27-year-old fights out of Las Vegas by way of Cuba and will battle San Antonio’s Nunez on September 13.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagewww.foxdeportes.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Exciting Contender Alexis Santiago Takes On Mexico’s Jose Cayetano Friday, Sept. 16 in Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Action From The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 
Plus! J’Leon Love vs. Dashon Johnson & Sharif Bogere vs. Luis Florez as Part of Exciting Undercard Lineup
 
LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2016) – Super bantamweight contender Alexis “Beaver” Santiago (21-3-1, 8 KOs) will face Mexico’s Jose Cayetano (19-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round showdown featured on Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The main event on Bounce TV will feature former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith battling once beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a super welterweight showdown between Domonique Dolton and Justin DeLoach.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.
Additional undercard action features super middleweight contender J’Leon Love (22-1, 12 KOs) battling Dashon Johnson (21-19-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round showdown and exciting contender Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (28-1, 19 KOs) taking on Colombia’sLuis Florez (21-4, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight contest.
The stacked night of exciting matchups will feature light heavyweight Lionell Thompson (16-4, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Chicago’s Donovan George (25-5-2, 22 KOs) plus super middleweight Lanell “KO” Bellows (16-1-1, 9 KOs) battling Mexico’s Fernando Castenada (18-10, 12 KOs) in an eight-round contest and undefeated Juan Heraldez (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Reyes Sanchez (28-8-2, 15 KOs) in eight-rounds of welterweight action.
Rounding out the night is Memphis-born prospect Ladarius Miller (10-1, 2 KOs) against unbeaten Maynard Allison (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout and undefeated Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (4-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight contest.
A pro since 2009, the 25-year-old Santiago is unbeaten in his last ten bouts and is coming off of a victory over Erik Ruiz in February. The Phoenix-native defeated Gustavo Molina, Javier Gallo and Antonio Tostado Garcia in 2015 and has not taken a loss since 2012. His most impressive triumphs came over once-beaten fighters Alex Rangel and Hanzel Martinez, both of whom he beat in 10-round bouts.  He is set to take on the 29-year-old Cayetano who has fought professionally since 2009. Fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Cayetano lost a decision to Leo Santa Cruz in 2015 but has won his last two fights.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 28-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat to defeat Scott Sigmon, Jason Escalera and Marcus Upshaw in 2015 before stopping Michael Gbenga in April to begin his 2016. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status. He takes on the exciting 28-year-old contender Johnson out of Escondido, California. He enters this fight coming off of back-to-back victories over Decarlo Perez and Victor Palacios.
A winner of his first 23 pro fights, Bogere fights out of Las Vegas while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old has picked up up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras and Manuel Levya across his career that dates back to 2008. He enters this bout on a five-fight winning streak and will take on the 29-year-old Florez out of Magangue, Colombia, who made his U.S. debut in February of this year.
#  #  #
For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com. For tickets, visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo  and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.

Daniel Jacobs vs. Sergio Mora & Robert Easter vs. Richard Commey Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, September 9 Live
From Santander Arena in Reading, Pa. – 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Jeff Julian/King’s Promotions/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
READING, PA. (September 8, 2016) – Middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and former champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora went face-to-face at the final press conference Wednesday before their world championship rematch that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, September 9from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
Also in attendance at Wednesday’s event were undefeated lightweights Robert Easterand Richard Commey, who fight for a vacant world title Friday night on Spike. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features local contender Travis “My Time” Kauffman in a 10-round heavyweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
DANIEL JACOBS
“It’s an honor to be up here as the main event with these young fighters and future champions. I’m excited to be back in the ring. It’s been too long but I’ve been training hard and I feel great.
“I’m going to do what I do best. People talk about my power, but I get my skills from the amateur system and from proving that I have the goods. I have the power in addition to the skill set. I’m planning on proving that Friday night.
“I’ll be ready every round to give it my best and he better come in ready to fight. I’m excited to be here and display my skills in a new place.
“The fans are looking forward to a good fight so I hope Sergio is ready to make this an exciting battle. I’m going to show everybody my full arsenal.”
SERGIO MORA
“Our last fight was on the way to being a ‘Fight of the Year,’ but I busted my ankle in the second round and I couldn’t continue. I’ve been waiting 13 months for this opportunity and I’m completely ready. This has been a fantastic training camp.
“It’s time for business. People don’t know what’s going to happen. He has big power and I have a lot of experience and tricks up my sleeve. The later the fight goes, the better off for me.
“I’m ready for any way this fight can go. I’m excited about this fight and the fans should be excited about this fight. We’re proud fighters and I can’t wait to get in there.”
ROBERT EASTER
“This is a big opportunity and something I’ve wanted for my whole life. Ever since I was nine-years-old. All the hard work I’ve put in since I was a kid, everyone will see. I will put on a great performance
“We already were working hard before we knew we had this title shot. Someone has to pay for the work I’ve been putting in for 16 years in this business. On Friday night it will be another victory and another man down.”
RICHARD COMMEY
“I’m very happy to be here and I’m thankful for this opportunity. When I first started boxing this is what I hoped for.
“This is all that I have had on my mind. This is what has motivated me for many years.
“Come Friday night I’m going to be ready to fight and I’m going to be a world champion.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DanielJacobsTKO, @TheLatinSnake_, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored byCorona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

COMBATE AMERICAS HITS NEW YORK WITH  FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT IN HISTORY, LIVE ON BEIN SPORTS EN ESPAÑOL AND UFC FIGHT PASS® ON FRIDAY, OCT. 14

(Pictured below): Twenty-four year-old surging star John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) of Mankato, Minn. will bid to become the first 135 pound world champion in Combate Americas history onFriday, Oct. 14, live on beIN Sports en Español and UFC FIGHT PASS.

John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda faces Gustavo Lopez
for the world bantamweight championship
at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Tickets on sale now

NEW YORK – Sept. 8, 2016 – Combate Americas today announced that red-hot, streaking bantamweight (135 pounds) stars John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) and Gustavo Lopez (6-1) will face off in the first world championship bout in league history at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. on Friday, October 14, live on beIN SPORTS En Español and UFC FIGHT PASS®.

The 24-year-old Castaneda of Mankato, Minn. and the 27-year-old Lopez of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash. will collide in the main event of the 10-bout “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) extravaganza.

“We are thrilled to be producing our first world title fight in Combate Americas history at our debut event in the Empire State,” said Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren, who also produced the last live televised professional MMA event in New York State with UFC® 7 on September 8, 1995.

“John Castaneda and Gustavo Lopez put on some incredibly memorable and heroic performances during our ‘Road To The Championship’ fight series this year and last year,” continued McLaren, “so we are looking forward to have these two budding, young stars square off and to crowning our first champion.”

Each fighter earned his way to the title fight in “La Jaula,” or the Combate Americas cage, by going undefeated in three consecutive bouts during the “Road To The Championship” series that kicked off in September 2015 and concluded on May 9, 2016.


 Pictured Above (Far):  Bantamweight star Gustavo Lopez (6-1) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Yakima, Wash. will look to continue his unbeaten run in “La Jaula,” the Combate Americas cage, when he fights for his first world title.

Castaneda, who has finished 8 of his 11 professional career victories, is riding a six-fight win streak dating back to May 16, 2015 when he submitted Pedro Velasco with a rear-naked choke in the first round (2:42) of battle.

Castaneda’s run in the “Road To The Championship” series began with a unanimous decision win over Justin Governale on September 17, 2015, and continued with a spectacular, arm-triangle choke submission of Federico Lopez in the closing moments of the third round (4:49) of action.

The aggressive-minded Castaneda cemented his spot in the world title fight by edging out a split decision over Gabriel Solorio on April 25.

In his last start, Castaneda stepped up for Combate Americas on just two weeks’ notice,  replacing an injured Erick Sanchez, at the higher, featherweight limit of 145 pounds, against Angel Cruz on August 11, and scored a second round (2:25) TKO (punches) on Cruz.

Fighting out of the famed Xtreme Couture camp in Las Vegas, Lopez, a protégé of former UFC® champion Miesha Tate and UFC bantamweightBryan Caraway, will look for his sixth consecutive win in the cage, and his fourth under the Combate Americas promotional umbrella.

Similar to his opponent, Lopez is a determined finisher who has earned five of his six professional career wins by way of (T)KO or submission.

Lopez began his Combate Americas journey in the “Road To The Championship” series, defeating Mauricio Diaz by way of unanimous decision on September 17, 2015.

In his second Combate Americas appearance, Lopez submitted Joey Ruquetwith an arm-triangle choke in the second round (4:06) of action, before sealing his fate in the title fight with Castaneda by scoring a devastating, second round (4:07) TKO on Saul Elizondo with a barrage of punches on the ground.

A nationally recognized venue for legendary, fight-of-the-year-level boxing events, Turning Stone Resort Casino will now become one of the very first venues in New York to host professional MMA fights.  With a legacy of hosting some of the best events in the country, rivaling many venues in major cities such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and New York City, Turning Stone has established Upstate New York as a premier destination for live sporting events.  Turning Stone is an award-winning destination resort, offering world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 restaurants and dining options, two luxurious spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five pristine golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues.

Tickets for “Combate Americas: Empire Rising” are on sale and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com.  Tickets are priced at $75, for cageside, $65, $50 and $35, and may be subject to additional fees.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.for the event, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

Additional bouts will be announced soon.

UFC FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service which gives fans access to exclusive live UFC events and fights, exclusive live MMA and combat sports events from around the world, exclusive original and behind the scenes content and unprecedented 24-7 access to the world’s largest fight library.

UFC FIGHT PASS is available on: personal computers, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, Sony TVs with Android TV and Roku devices.

GH3 Promotions Announces Television Deal With ONE World Sports

 Inaugural Show To Take Place Live On
Saturday, November 12 At Philly’s 2300 Arena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nutley, NJ (September 8, 2016) – GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce a multi-year deal with  ONE World Sports, America’s Network For Global Sports.  The first show is scheduled for Saturday, November 12 at 9:30 PM ET live from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

“We are incredibly pleased to announce this partnership with ONE World Sports across all of its national platforms,”said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.  “This series will help create and grow new stars of boxing. With the diversity of fighters featured thanks to our relationships with many different promoters, such as Victory Boxing Promotions, who will co-promote the first show, each show will showcase quality fighters and provide top-notch entertainment.”
“ONE World Sports is excited to debut live boxing on the network with a multi-year agreement with GH3 Promotions that will highlight both current and aspiring boxers on a national platform,” said Todd Myers, Vice President, Programming, Acquisitions & Development for ONE World Sports. “ONE World Sports continues to broaden its distribution with new affiliations like DIRECTV & AT&T U-verse and evolving its programming with more domestic based properties and marquee sporting events from around the world.”

The main event on November 12th will feature undefeated and WBA number-five ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez (15-0-1, 7 KO’s) in a ten round bout. In the co-feature fight  undefeated welterweight Ed Brown (18-0, 15 KO’s) of Chicago will be in an eight-round bout.
Also seeing action will be exciting super middleweight Jerry Odom (14-2-1, 13 KO’s) taking on Philadelphia’s Taneal Goyco (8-9-1, 3 KO’s). Goyco already has wins over Frankie Fillippone (14-2-1), Dennis Hasson (16-2-1) and Devin Butcher (5-0).

Junior welterweight Jaron Ennis (5-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia plus undefeated welterweight’s Arturo Trujillo (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Easton, PA and Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will also appear in this televised event.

ONE World Sports is available on some of the country’s biggest cable providers which include DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, Verizon Fios, Charter, among others.

The series will be produced by Linacre Media.

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO A SHOT AT THE GOLD, JACKSON AND VELADO TAKE MMA CAREERS TO A NEW LEVEL AT NEF 25

 

By: Kalle Oakes

Humility is the undertone for any conversation with Jimmy Jackson about his mixed martial arts career. It was a humbling experience that twisted Rafael Velado’s arm into the world of combat sports in the first place.

One of the men will depart Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston wielding a source of pride – the New England Fights amateur lightweight championship belt – after their clash at “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” this Saturday, September 10.

Mention the idea of his earning a title shot in the hexagon and Jackson (3-2) almost can’t withhold a laugh.

“It’s a big opportunity for someone like me,” Jackson said. “I never thought I would be fighting for a title. I’ve had a ton of teammates come up to me and say, ‘You deserve this! Way to go!’ I just never thought of myself as that top-tier fighter. I’ve always been the guy kind of behind the scenes.”

Easy enough for the Bangor fighter to blend in, considering that he trains at Young’s MMA with the likes of Aaron “Relentless” Lacey, “The” Ryan Sanders, and Josh “Hook On” Harvey.

Fighting for the belt vacated by stablemate Harvey isn’t an endeavor that would have entered Jackson’s mind back in 2012, when he accepted a fight in Vermont on a relative lark. He won via submission, with a choke, in 96 seconds.

“My training started out as me and a few other guys messing around in a basement,” Jackson said. “My first fight was spur of the moment. I won and it sort of got the adrenaline going, like, ‘I can do this. I did pretty good.’”

Through a co-worker, he connected up with Young’s MMA.

After a learning curve that included back-to-back losses in 2013, Jackson steadily improved and defeated two consecutive opponents to earn his title opportunity.

“It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s truly a family. These are guys who truly stand by each other, in hard times, bad times, in and out of the gym,” Jackson said of wearing Young’s colors. “But on the flip side, everybody’s watching you, expecting a certain amount of entertainment from you. I want to perform at such a level that people are excited to watch me fight.”

While most fighters go through the drudgery of training in order to bask in the glory of fight night, Jackson contends that it’s the training he loves most. And entering the cage, he claims, is not about him.

“Fighting, to me, is just what I can do to show everybody what my coaches have accomplished,” Jackson said. “They sacrifice so much to give us fighters the recognition and they get very little recognition in return. The only reason I get in the cage is to represent them.”

Jackson gravitated to MMA with minimal experience in combat sports. Velado, of Norridgewock, brought a decade of jiu-jitsu and a black belt to the table.

That journey had less glamorous beginnings, however.

“In July 2005, I was playing basketball and a guy on my own team, if you can believe it, punched me in the face. He took exception to something and he messed me up pretty good,” Velado said. “From watching UFC, I thought I knew what to do to defend myself, and I pulled him down with an arm bar. Pathetically, but I pulled him down.”

Velado called it a reality check, one that led him to enroll in jiu-jitsu classes taught by Aaron Blake in Boothbay Harbor.

“I think all guys think they will be able to defend themselves in a situation, and most of those guys are wrong,” Velado said.

In more than three years of tournament competition, Velado said he fought more than 50 times and lost only three matches.

He grew restless and sought a new challenge. It led him to John Raio’s First Class MMA in Topsham. Velado was primed for his debut, but a sparring session with heavyweight teammate Nick Gulliver led to a torn MCL in his knee.

“That took about six to eight months before I fully recovered,” Velado said. “I dropped in on John again in April 2015, and we got a plan together. He got me in there with a lot of good wrestler types, including himself. He let me train with Marcus Davis and some other guys to expand my skill set.”

Velado has won three times in NEF, capped by a split decision over Mike Peitersen of Young’s.

“You’re in for a war. Young’s guys, they’re great. They’re all respectful. They train like savages,” Velado said. “Look who he’s training against…Those guys could fight anywhere in the United States and do well. You can’t not get better training against guys like that. You can’t not be a stud.”

Jackson, who said that MMA has lowered his stress level while reminding him that there is nothing else in life he can’t handle, hinted that he is the underdog on paper.

“He went three rounds with Mike Pietersen, and Mike is a tough dude. I know he’s a black belt in jits,” Jackson said. “I’m taking a realistic approach. I’m more focused on what I need to do and can’t worry about what he’s going to do. I don’t think he’s going to show me anything that I can’t handle.”

The question, Velado said, is whether or not Jackson’s modesty suggests any level of uncertainty.

“The difference between us is that I know I have jiu-jitsu in my tool box. He doesn’t have anything like that in his tool box that I know of,” Velado said. “He’s going to see what level he’s at in this fight. He’s going to find a way to get past me, or he’s going to take a step back and say is this something I really want to be doing? He definitely has to have confidence if he wants to beat me.”

The opening bell on this Saturday, September 10 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket for “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” includes three professional boxing matches, five pro mixed martial arts bouts and five amateur MMA scraps. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

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

Undefeated Prospect Earl Newman Battles Once-Beaten Leo Hall In Undercard Action on Friday, September 9 From Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

 
Plus! Middleweight Contender Jorge Sebastian Heiland, Former World Champion Kermit Cintron, & Local Contender Frank DeAlba Featured On Stacked Undercard
 
READING, PA. (September 7, 2016) – Unbeaten prospect Earl Newman (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on once-beaten Leo Hall (8-1, 7 KOs) in light heavyweight action that highlights an exciting undercard on Friday, September 9 from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.
The September 9 event is headlined by middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs defending his world title in a rematch against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated lightweights colliding for a vacant world title as Robert Easter takes onRichard Commey. Also on the card, local contender Travis “My Time” Kauffmanwill be featured in a 10-round fight against heavyweight Josh Gormley.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Also featured on the stacked undercard of fights is Argentine middleweight Jorge Sebastian Heiland (27-4-2, 14 KOs) in an eight round bout, former world champion Kermit Cintron (37-5-2, 28 KOs) in an eight round welterweight fight against Florida’s Manny Woods (15-5-1, 5 KOs) and local junior lightweight Frank DeAlba (19-2-2, 8 KOs) taking on Arkansas’ Kiun Evans (12-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight round bout.
The action continues with a pair of prospects from Philadelphia as super middleweight Christopher Brooker (10-1, 5 KOs) takes on tough contender Elvin Ayala (28-7-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round fight and unbeaten Thomas Velasquez (5-0, 4 KOs) enters the ring in a four-round super featherweight battle.
Rounding out the night are a trio of local Reading prospects as super welterweight Erik Spring (7-1-1, 1 KO) battles unbeaten Simon Henriksson (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round affair, junior welterweight Kashon Hutchinson (1-0, 1 KO) taking on Jordan Morales(1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout and junior lightweight Miguel Martinez (2-2) against Nicholas Hernandez (4-1, 1 KO) in six-rounds of super welterweight action.
A former New York Golden Gloves champion, Newman has shown impressive power in stopping seven of his first nine opponents since turning pro in 2014. The 25-year-old out of Brooklyn is coming in off of a stoppage victory over Dustin Craig Echard in April. He faces his toughest opponent to date in the 21-year-old Hall out of Detroit. Hall knocked out seven of his first eight opponents before losing for the first time in December 2015.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Heiland will be making his U.S. debut when he steps into the ring on Friday night. The 29-year-old has won six straight fights heading into bout, including a sensational knockout of Matthew Macklin in 2014. Heiland most recently defeated Martin Fidel Rios in April in a 10-round matchup.
Cintron is a former welterweight world champion who owns victories over Alfredo Angulo, Lovemore Ndou and Ronald Cruz. The Puerto Rican fighter who lives in Reading fought Argentine great Sergio Martinez to a draw and has battled top fighters from Canelo Alvarez to Antonio Margarito. He enters this bout on a four-fight win streak including two victories so far this year. He takes on the 29-year-old Woods out of St. Petersburg, who has also picked up two wins in 2016.
The 29-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in December 2015, when he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas, but he has rebounded with back-to-back stoppage victories in 2016. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico but now fighting out of Reading he’ll battle Little Rock’s Evans, who started off his pro career in 2012 with eight straight wins.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DanielJacobsTKO, @TheLatinSnake_, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored byCorona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

BELLATOR TO HOST THE FIRST MAJOR MMA EVENT IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL ON NOVEMBER 10

 

WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDREY KORESHKOV TO FACE DOUGLAS LIMA IN MAIN EVENT

 

ALSO: ISRAELI ARMY VETERAN NOAD LAHAT SET FOR BELLATOR MMA DEBUT AGAINST SCOTT CLEVE

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (Sept. 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA Welterweight Champion Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) will make the second defense of his belt against the man he took it from more than a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6), in the main event of the promotion’s historic debut at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv on November 10.

 

In addition, the card will feature one of Israel’s own in the co-headliner, when newly signed Bellator MMA featherweight Noad Lahat (9-2) meets Scott Cleve (15-5). Additional main card and preliminary fights will be announced in coming weeks.

 

The Viacom-owned fight promotion’s historic event will air in America on SPIKE Friday, November 11 at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com or Eventim.co.il/mma.

 

Currently sitting atop Bellator MMA’s welterweight division, the 26-year-old champion Koreshkov most recently dismantled former world champion Benson Henderson for 25 minutes in his first-ever title defense. 19-1 as a professional, “Spartan” hasn’t tasted defeat since 2013 and has finished 13 of his opponents by either knockout or submission. It’s worth noting that Koreshkov trains under the leadership of former middleweight championAlexander Shlemenko.

 

Coming off of a dominant victory over top contender Paul Daley, “The Phenom” Lima has earned the right to challenge for the promotion’s 170-pound title, which he once held. The American Top Team standout has a knack for winning fights in spectacular fashion before reaching the judges’ scorecards, which he has accomplished in 23 of his 27 wins as a professional. Born in Brazil, the 28-year-old has secured victories over top competition since starting his career in 2006, tallying wins against Ben Saunders (2x), Ryan Ford, Steve Carl and Olympic competitor Rick Hawn. Now fully healthy, Lima looks to fight twice in a calendar year for the first time since 2013.

 

A black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Lahat made his professional debut in 2008, where he began an impressive streak of seven consecutive victories. The 32-year-old “Neo” then decided to take his talents to the UFC, where he tacked on two more wins, rounding out his current professional record of 9-2. Hailing from Alfei Menashe, Samaria Israel, Lahat was also a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces before transitioning to his now promising MMA career. He will look to compete in a strong Bellator MMA Featherweight class that includes current titleholder Daniel Straus, Pat Curran, Patricio “Pitbull,” Daniel Weichel, and Georgi Karakhanyan.

 

At 34 years of age, Scott Cleve is set for his fifth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, the Colorado native has a knack for ending fights early, stopping his opponent in 11 of his 15 victories. Notable victories on the “Pariah MMA” standouts resume include wins over UFC veteran Abel Trujillo, along with Bellator competitors Derek Campos and Matt Bessette.

 

“Bellator MMA in Tel Aviv” Main Card:

Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) vs. Douglas Lima (27-6)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (9-2) vs. Scott Cleve (15-5)

HALL AND CRAFTS PREPARE FOR ONE LAST AMATEUR SCRAP BEFORE THE PROS

 

By: Kalle Oakes

It is hard to believe that Caleb Hall and Johnny Crafts’ paths have not crossed in the New England Fights mixed martial arts hexagon before now.

Separated by only two years in age and only a handful of pounds on the scale, the two former high school athletes made the transition to the cage from other combat pursuits at around the same time. Hall was a champion wrestler, while Crafts was a decorated grappler in the jiu-jitsu realm.

They are even considering a jump to the professional ranks at the same time … after one final stop to stand toe-to-toe with one another in a clash of amateur champions at “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains.”

NEF amateur featherweight champion Hall (7-3) of Portland by way of Dixfield will collide with NEF amateur bantamweight titleholder Crafts (4-0) of Lisbon this Saturday, September 10.

“I’d say my days in the amateur ranks are numbered,” Hall said. “I feel at this point, as tough as the fights are getting, I might as well be a pro. I just didn’t want to do it too early. I wanted to be a legitimate pro athlete.”

Hall took a measured approach to his ascent through the ranks. Not many fighters stick around for a double-digit number of amateur bouts before either taking prize money or returning to the safety of spectator-hood.

Then again, not many debut in the sport as early as Hall. He remembers getting his first recruiting call from NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson while helping a friend, Josh Thornton, train for an NEF appearance.

“He called me out of nowhere and tried to get me a fight on short notice. Then he saw me filling out the information sheet and noticed that I was still only 17,” Hall said, noting that the rules prohibit minors from entering the fray. “So I ended up fighting in September, a month after my 18th birthday. I was hooked from the first time I watched it. I knew it was something I wanted to do.”

Hall won his first three fights, largely on the strength of his wrestling acumen, while bouncing between his hometown in the Western mountains of Maine and Plymouth State University in New Hampshire.

While sparring at First Class MMA in Topsham, Hall heard NEF mainstay John Raio rave about the merits of the Choi Institute in Portland. Hall took the advice and quickly discovered a place where his boxing and striking skills improved exponentially.

“Most of my training has been stand-up. I’ve tried to improve on it,” Hall said. “I figure that I’ve wrestled so long that I can kind of put it down when it comes to training and put more effort in the areas where I need to improve my skills.”

Hall carries a two-fight winning streak. The latter victory was a second-round submission over Erik Nelson for the vacant 145-pound strap in April.

He has stayed busy, rarely skipping back-to-back NEF cards during his time with the organization. By contrast, Crafts had been out of the cage for a year prior to his third-round TKO of Henry Clark for the 135-pound title in February.

“Injuries are what have screwed me over. I should have a lot more fights for as long as I’ve been at it,” Crafts said. “If I’m healthy, win or lose, I think this is probably my last fight as an amateur. I’m 24. I don’t want to drag it on too long.”

Crafts agreed with Hall’s assessment that whichever of the two fighters is able to step out of his comfort zone on the mat will gain the upper hand.

“Caleb is a really good wrestler. I never wrestled in high school, just jiu-jitsu. But with jiu-jitsu, you learn how to wrestle,” Crafts said. “I think people are going to be surprised by my wrestling, and I think everybody’s going to be impressed with my boxing. I feel more confident. I think he’s going to be surprised when I punch him in the face.”

Hall has fought all but two of his fights at 145 pounds and said that he considers that weight class “home.” Crafts dismissed any disadvantage in having to step up, noting that his walking-around weight is in the 160s.

“This is my first time fighting at 145. I’m really excited about it. Getting down to 135 is a really big cut for me. I felt it in the last fight. I could just tell. I really shouldn’t have been as tired as I was,” Crafts said. “And Henry was a good opponent. I was working on things, using more of my stand-up. That kind of prolonged it.

“He’s definitely the best at 145 in my opinion,” Crafts added in reference to Hall. “He’s one of the most experienced amateurs out there. He’s definitely the best guy for me to fight.”

The opening bell this Saturday, September 10 is set for 7 p.m. The current docket for “NEF 25: Heroes and Villains” includes three professional boxing matches, five pro mixed martial arts bouts and six amateur MMA scraps. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

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

About New England Fights

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

Event Details: Cage Warriors 78, Echo Arena, Liverpool, England.  Sept 10, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 6, 2016

DOORS                        Open to the public – 5:00pm
FIRST BOUT                Amateur – 6:20pm (subject to change)
TELEVISED                  Main card – 9:00pm* (UK time)
This Saturday, September 10, Cage Warriors Fighting Championship returns to Liverpool’s Echo Arena for the first time in two years, with a show packed with the cream of European MMA performing in front of a global TV audience.

Back in 2014, CWFC 68’s main card produced 10 stoppages and the promotion is hoping for the same fireworks on Saturday.  At CWFC 78, two world titles are on the line for the lightweight and featherweight belts – both being contested by home crowd favourites, Chris Fishgold and Paddy Pimblett.

Headlining the show is highly ranked Englishman Chris Fishgold, who makes the first defence of his lightweight title against Frenchman, Jason Ponet.   His teammate Paddy Pimblett challenges Frenchman Johnny Frachey for the featherweight title.

The main card action, from the Echo Arena Liverpool will feature five televised professional bouts starting at 9pm* (UK time).

CHANGES TO THE CARD:

Vaughan Lee has withdrawn due to injury.  His opponent Arnold Quero is now matched on CWFC 79, due to take place next month in Newport, Wales.

Doors at the Echo Arena, Liverpool will open at 5:00pm – tickets are available to purchase here.

BROADCAST & TV PARTNERS
Please check your local region’s listings for local broadcast times.

The main card is live on:
UFC FIGHT PASS® | Worldwide
BT Sport | UK and Ireland
Viasat | Scandinavia

CWFC 78

Main Card – 9:00PM* (UK Time)
*The main card will start on BT Sport via the red button at 9pm and revert to the main channel at 9.15pm.

Main Event: CWFC Lightweight World Title (5×5 minute rounds)
(Champion) Chris Fishgold (15-1-1) vs. Jason Ponet (16-10-1-1nc)

Vacant CWFC Featherweight World Title (5×5 minute rounds)
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (11-1-0) vs. Johnny Frachey (18-10-0)

Lightweight (3×5 minute rounds)
Tim “The Experiment” Wilde (8-2-0) vs. Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (14-6-1-1nc)

Welterweight (3×5 minute rounds)
Ali Arish (21-5) vs. Mohsen Bahari (8-3)

Middleweight (3×5 minute rounds)
Leeroy Barnes (15-15-0-1nc) vs. Victor Cheng (10-2-0)

Pro Prelims
160 lbs catchweight
Jordan Miller (16-15)  vs. Ellis Hampson (5-3-1)

Welterweight
James Lewis (5-2) vs. Dez Parker (7-5)

Welterweight
Alexandre Roumette (4-6) vs. Dylan Mcloughlin (2-0)

130 lbs Catchweight
Sam Halliday (4-3) vs. Sam Creasey (6-0)

For the latest Cage Warriors Fighting Championship news and updates, keep track of us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. View past CWFC action, free and on-demand, online via Cage Warriors TV.

Photo: Cage Warriors/Dolly Clew

www.CageWarriors.com

CAGE WARRIORS FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP is Europe’s leading and longest-running mixed martial arts promotion. An Irish-owned brand with offices in the UK & Ireland, CWFC is the sport’s fastest-growing organisation, having staged 80 events in 12 countries across three different continents since its establishment in 2002. Home to some of biggest stars of MMA’s past, present and future. 

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