THE ‘RED KING’ RORY MACDONALD LOOKS TO CLAIM HIS BELLATOR MMA THRONE – SIGNING EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT WITH THE VIACOM-OWNED PROMOTION

 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 26, 2016) – Bellator MMA is elated to formally announce the signing of mixed martial arts superstar Rory MacDonald to an exclusive, multi-year, multi-fight contract with the Scott Coker-led promotion, making “Red King” the latest in a long line of blockbuster acquisitions for Bellator MMA.

The former No. 1 contender to the UFC welterweight crown is undoubtedly one of the premiere free agent signings in the history of the promotion. The “Red King” has totaled nine career victories under the UFC banner, including wins over current welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, in addition to B.J. Penn and Nate Diaz.

“There’s no denying that Rory MacDonald was the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents in MMA,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “As I say all the time, if there is a free agent out there, we’re going to talk to them, if they fit our model we’re going to make a hard push to bring them over here. I’m very happy that we were able to work out a deal with Rory, and I can’t wait to see him bring his menacing style to the Bellator cage.”

MacDonald is clearly the most popular active Canadian mixed martial artist since the former UFC welterweight Champion and teammate Georges St. Pierre, whom MacDonald has trained under for years at the world renowned TriStar Gym in Montreal.

“There are multiple reasons why I choose to fight for Bellator MMA and Scott Coker,” Rory MacDonald said. “One, they have given me the opportunity to develop and grow a business together. Two, because I already feel respected by the promotion as a professional athlete. And last but not least, because Bellator is offering a setup that no-one in the world can offer me.”

At only 27-years-old, MacDonald joins the fray with an impressive professional record of 18-4 and enters a stacked welterweight division of fighters already signed with Bellator, that currently has a world-class champion in Andrey Koreshkov.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

THIRD TIMES A CHARM – MICHAEL PAGE BOOKED TO FIGHT FERNANDO GONZALEZ ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, CALIF.

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 26, 2016) – After originally being slated to compete against one another at “Bellator 151” and “Bellator 158,Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) has once again been booked to fight Fernando Gonzalez (25-13), this time on November 19 at SAP Center in Bellator MMA’s stomping grounds of San Jose, Calif.

 

The card will mark the second time this year that Bellator MMA has taken its show to the beautiful SAP Center, which is home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks. The welterweight pairing makes up one fight of the event’s main card, which will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Tickets for this stacked MMA card go on sale Friday, September 2 at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster. Bellator Nation presale offer will take place August 31 and September 1.

 

Page, a highlight reel king before and after the bell rings, was at it again earlier this year, when Bellator MMA invaded the United Kingdom at “Bellator 158: London.” During his bout, “MVP” took care of business the only way he knows how, with an early stoppage and unforgettable celebration that was heard and seen around the world. Page’s impressive flying knee knockout of Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos was his ninth stoppage in the opening frame. Now, the seven-fight Bellator MMA veteran looks to put to rest the opinion that he cannot defeat the always game “Menifee Maniac.”

 

Gonzalez enters the cage currently riding a string of five consecutive victories, all of which have come under the direction of the Scott Coker-led promotion. The 32-year-old Menifee, Calif., native has been competing professionally since 2003, with 25 wins under his belt, including 16 of the KO/submission variety. After a brief pause from MMA action to challenge Paul “Semtex” Daley in the kickboxing portion of the groundbreaking “Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” event in 2015, Gonzalez returned to the sport of MMA, where he recently defeated Gilbert Smith in a split decision win at“Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell.” The win improves his overall record under the Bellator MMA banner to 5-0 and now puts him in a position to officially proclaim himself as the only man to beat “Venom,” and further his case for a 170-pound title shot.

 

“Bellator MMA in San Jose” Main Card:

Welterweight Feature Bout: Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

FITE TV announces television carriage deal for the WMMAA Pan-American Division Championships October 8-9 in Chile

             
Go to FITE TV interview with host Jim “J.R.” Ross and
WMMAA Pan-American Division president Tomas Yu
NEW YORK, NY  (August 26, 2016) — FITE TV, in conjunction with the World MMA Association (WMMAA), announced today that it will be broadcasting the inaugural WMMAA Pan-American Division Championships live on FITE TV starting with the preliminary matches Saturday, October 8, and the final Sunday October 9, 2016.
FITE is a television network, via a downloadable app, that specializes in all things fighting, including boxing, wrestling, MMA and Martial Arts.  FITE is a free app that is available for download at the Google Play or iTunes app stores.
On Oct. 8-9, the WMMAA is bringing the top amateur MMA competitors from around the world to Santiago, Chile for a two-day competition.  More than 12 countries will be represented in eight different weight classes (6 men, 2 women classes).  Michelle Bachelet, the President of Chile, is slated to participate in the opening ceremonies and preside over the closing of the event.  In addition to the in-ring MMA competition, the weekend will feature a fitness expo and Ring Girl Latina 2016 pageant.  As of today, 12 countries have committed to participating in the event, including the United States, Mexico, Cuba, Aruba, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer free viewing of one of the most anticipated MMA events in the Pan-American region each year on the innovative FITE TV app,” WMMAA Pan-American Division President Tomas Yu commented.  “Now, if you are not able to be at the event to watch the action live, you can now see it anywhere in the world.”
 “With the addition of such a prestigious event to FITE TV, we continue to increase the diversity of the combat fighting programming, now offered live and on a VOD basis on the app,” said Michael Weber, Senior Vice President of Marketing for FITE.  “It is a honor to work with MMA professionals such as Tomas Yu and his team who continue to increase the visibility of their organization worldwide.”
The television programming schedule and additional participating countries will be announced in the immediate future.
About FITE TV: FITE TV is a product of Flipps Media and is a free mobile app that is a one-stop shop for viewing all sports within the fighting discipline globally including MMA, professional wrestling, boxing, and traditional martial arts. With only access to a smartphone and a connected TV, with the FITE app, viewers can watch live events, on-demand programming, interviews and fighting sports related movies and documentaries on the big TV screen.  More information can be found at www.fite.tv.
 
About Flipps Media: Flipps delivers on-demand entertainment to any nearby connected TV from your mobile device without any additional hardware. The company has offices in San Mateo, New York and Sofia, Bulgaria and is backed by Tim Draper, Earlybird Venture Capital, Aslanoba Capital and LAUNCHub. Flipps’ patented technology immediately works with over 350+ million connected TVs and is compatible with over 7,000 manufacturer models requiring no set up, no pairing devices, no cables, no dongles and no set top box. The Flipps mobile application is free and available on iTunes and Google Play. More information can be found at www.flipps.com.
About WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts.  A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary.  More than 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

PROFESSIONAL FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF MMA CARD

Lewiston, Maine (August 26, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) today announced the addition of a professional featherweight mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bout to the fight promotion’s next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.”  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (2-0) has signed to face Cory Trial (0-0) at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey, the former NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion, recently signed a multi-fight developmental deal with the fight promotion.  He amassed an amateur record of 6-1 prior to turning professional.  Since entering the pro ranks, Lacey is undefeated.  His pro debut saw him submit veteran Derek Shorey (3-7) in the first round last April.  Earlier this month, Lacey waged, and won, a war with John Santos (3-4) before UFC President Dana White in Bangor at the “NEF Presents Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight” taping.  Many observers agree that Lacey, a product of Young’s MMA, is but a few victories away from fighting permanently in front of White.

 

“I’m very happy to be signing with NEF,” said Lacey.  “It’s a big step forward in my career and it shows that they have the utmost confidence in my ability! My last fight was an absolute war, but I was fortunate enough to get out of it without any serious injuries. If I’m healthy, I’m fighting–it’s my passion! I’m anxious to welcome Cory to the pro ranks. He has a dangerous skill set that has to be acknowledged and respected. That being said, so do I! I like to be the guy who comes in and puts on a fight that fans don’t forget and that is exactly what I will do September 10.”

 

Cory Trial makes his professional debut after a memorable amateur career with NEF.  In June 2015, Trial scored the fastest knockout in NEF history when he rocked Corey Hinkley (2-4) a mere seven-seconds into the first round.  In his final amateur performance, the 41-year-old Trial defeated Angelo Rizzitello (0-1) via split decision this past spring.  He is a member of the tough, gritty team of Ruthless MMA & Boxing based out of Benton, Maine.

 

“I wanna thank NEF for giving me the opportunity to take the next step in my career,” said Trial.  “My coach and I have been talking and it’s time. We’ve been putting the work in and I’m ready to take the next step. This fight will really tell me where I’m at. Aaron is a well rounded fighter that likes to push the pace and I’ll be right there looking to do the same! Don’t miss it – it’s going to be fireworks!”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 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.”

Ishe Smith Camp Notes

 
Former World Champion Takes On Once-Beaten Frank Galarza in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV
Friday, Sept. 16 From The Chelsea inside
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 9 p.m. ET/PT
 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 26, 2016) – Former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith(28-8, 12 KOs) is locked in and focused on training camp as he prepares to headlinePremier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 as he takes on once-beaten contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-1, 11 KOs) fromThe Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Televised coverage begins on Bounce TV at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features a super welterweight showdown between
Domonique Dolton (17-0-1, 9 KOs)and
Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs).
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) 745-3000and www.ticketmaster.com.
The Las Vegas-native will be fighting in his hometown for the 18th time in his career when he faces Galarza. A former 154-pound titlist, Smith looks to prove that he is still amongst the championship contenders in the division with a victory on September 16.
Here is what Smith had to say about training camp, his opponent and more:
How has this training camp been going and how does it compare to past camps?
“Pretty steady, we are taking things back to the basics and correcting a lot of errors. We are focused on fixing some things and working on a few new techniques. We are going back to school and fine tuning the details. It is so hard to compete at the highest level in boxing. The champion and contender level is very challenging. I have lost a couple of close fights at this level, and won a few at this level as well.
“This training camp has been good but more challenging than the past camps. I normally am the one calling the shots and taking control, but I have given all of that to my coaches and let them take the reins. I have been in this game for 16 years, 30 overall as both a professional and amateur. If I want to get where I need to be, I need to have the right team in place, and that is what I respect about my current team.”
What kind of skill set does your opponent bring and how do you prepare for it?
“I’m not wasting my time focusing on what Galarza does or what he has done to his opponents. My opponent is myself and executing the game plan that we put forth. A lot of people think this is a big step up for him and they usually get hungrier when given the opportunity, but I have been in there with other hungry young fighters. I am going to go out there and show him there are levels to this.”
If you can get past Galarza, who would you like to fight in the 154-pound division next?
“I am totally focusing on the opponent at hand. I would like to fight again this year if possible, but my main focus is Galarza. He is coming off of a loss, where he got stopped. I have been in there with everybody, and the guys I lost to were controversial decisions. I have been around the block so my main opponent on September 16 is myself. There are levels to this game and I am going to treat this fight at such.”
What does it mean to you to fight in front of your hometown fans in Las Vegas?
“Whenever I can fight in front of my family, friends, and loved ones, it means everything to me. I have never fought at the Cosmopolitan, but have been to fights there. Headlining a fight there adds another notch to my career.”
As one of the more experienced members of the Mayweather Promotions stable, have you taken on a mentor/leadership role with the young fighters in the gym?
“Most definitely. I am the oldest on the team, so if I feel like guys are doing things wrong or if I think they should be going right instead of left, I definitely let them know. I am an old soul. I may not hang out every day or want to do the things they like to do, but I still give them my advice.
“I hope that I help to motivate them. I want to prevent them from making some of the decisions I made that I then had to learn from. Some may think I’m being hard on them but you just have to take it as constructive criticism and keep learning.”
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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at:https://www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce.

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS AT TOM COLICCHIO’S CRAFTSTEAK INSIDE MGM GRAND LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO

Click HERE For Photos From From The Last Titans of the Trade Event
Las Vegas (Aug. 26, 2016) – For the 7th consecutive time, Mayweather Promotions’ staff prepares to leave its mark as the next installment of the signature event: Titans of the Trade Breakfast of Champions is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak restaurant inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The theme- Strength, Courage, and Glove Affairexemplifies the mission of the event: to inspire, support, connect and build a strong community of professionals who aspire to impact the sports and entertainment industry. ClickHERE to purchase tickets to the breakfast.
Theprevious Titans of the Trade honorees included the first female coach in the NFL Dr. Jen Welter, Floyd Mayweather’s mother Deborah Sinclair and longtime female boxing judge Patricia Jarman. The Golden Glove Award was honored to Deborah Sinclair, one of the prominent figures Floyd often attributes his extraordinarily successful career to. The Meritorious Award was presented to Patricia Jarman for her contributions to the boxing industry as a judge, amongst many other accomplishments. Dr. Welter culminated the event with an inspiring speech as she accepted the Titans of the Trade Award, who spoke about the power of achieving one’s goals, not being afraid to pave your own way and the close bond that sports creates amongst people from all walks of life.
This September, the breakfast is set to return with greatness as it embodies the achievements of the esteemed professionals highlighted during the event, demonstrating that the industry is connecting, growing, and diversifying. Highlighted honorees include, The Finest Family (also known as the Monster Kids), Alicia Ashley, Vashti Cunningham, Marian Rhodes and Sylvia Browne-Owens.
Honorees:
Young Trailblazers Award recipient – The Finest Family, are a group of siblings coming from the windy city of Chicago, whose passion is to dance and entertain. The Family had been through many obstacles in life has overcome the odds from having once been homeless, to gracing the stage of national television.
Golden Glove Award recipient – Alicia “Slick” Ashley has broken down barriers, and her success inside the squared-circle has lad to international recognition, being televised more than 10 times worldwide. Ashley’s notable career highlights are extensive, with her most recent achievement being obtaining the 2015 WBC World Super Bantamweight World Champion title, becoming the oldest female boxer to hold a world title.
Young Trailblazers Award recipient- Vashti Cunningham has taken the world by storm after earning her first opportunity to participate in the Olympics this summer. 2016 has been a breakthrough year for her after graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas; the teenager set the new national high school record, jumped a mark equivalent to #3 in the world and World Youth Best, signed a deal with Nike, and turned professional all before the age of 18.
Titans of the Trade Award recipient – Marian Rhodes works behind the scenes for the Arizona Diamondbacks and has re-developed their human resources functions while reinforcing a workplace culture where the some of best and brightest in the sports industry want to work; she implemented programs that invested in the employees throughout the organization, which resulted in the D-backs being named one of the “Best Places to Work” in Phoenix, becoming the first sports organization to win such an honor.
Meritorious Achievement Award recipient – Sylvia Browne-Owens is the President of Boxing Operations for Haymon Sports, LLC- the creators of Premier Boxing Champions-a television series launched in 2015 that made the professional sport of boxing accessible to the public by bringing it back to national television after 30 years. Browne-Owens is an unstoppable force that is not afraid to strive for success in a male-dominated sport and takes great pride in being acknowledged as “the woman behind the most powerful man in boxing,” Al Haymon.
In addition, the event will be emceed by the beautiful and multi-talented star of HBO’s Ballers, Jazmyn Simon, who graces the stage for the second time and shares an inspirational story of a struggling actress who after over 200 different auditions finally landed her big break.
This year’s Titans of the Trade: Breakfast of Champions – Strength, Courage, and Glove Affair is sponsored by:Mayweather Promotions, Showtime Networks Inc., MGM Grand, and Las Vegas Tickets.
# # #
In conjunction with this great event, those who have a strong desire to work and contribute their efforts within the Sports and Entertainment Industry, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation offers a scholarship for women on a bi-annual basis. This program is funded by the proceeds donated to the foundation as a result of the Titans of the Trade Breakfast. It is designed to offer assistance to women with the potential to make a positive impact, further their education, and benefit the profession as a whole. To apply for The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship visit: http://tfmjf.org/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for the sprint semester is November 15.

MAYFIELD WANTS EYUBOV REMATCH: I WAS ROBBED!

Having had a week to consider his controversial decision loss to Kazakhstan’s Bakhtiyar Eyubov (11-0, 10 KOs), San Francisco welterweight Karim Mayfield says he’s not happy.
 
Fighting in the opening fight on ShoBox: The New Generation® last Friday, August 19, at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, New York, Mayfield (19-4-1, 11 KOs) appeared to outpunch and outwork his unbeaten foe, especially in the last four rounds. Despite having the statistical advantage – and winning in the eyes of the Showtime commentators, most of the ringside media, the fans in attendance and a worldwide outcry – Mayfield found himself on the wrong side of a 10-round split decision (95-94 twice for Eyubov and 95-94 for Mayfield) at the end of their exciting battle.
 
“I’m pretty upset about it,” said Mayfield. “I trained hard for that fight. I was finally able to get a normal eight-week camp to train and train for a specific fighter. I haven’t had that in a long time. It felt great to be that focused, but to get it stolen from me is not a good feeling. A lot of time fighters lose and think they won, but this isn’t like that. The public agrees I won. The commentators say I won. I was robbed. I’m not just thinking this. It’s true I was robbed.”
 
Showing toughness, power and a high level of conditioning, Mayfield came on stronger and stronger as the grueling fight wore on. Despite the loss, it was a very impressive and career-rejuvenating performance against a foe who had knocked out all his previous opponents before the end of three rounds.
 
“I do feel proud of my performance. I showed I belong on the world-class level. I’ve always been a good fighter. But I feel it is imperative I be given a rematch against Eyubov. I feel like this is unfinished business. I didn’t lose because of a lack of skill. I had this stolen from me.”
 
Mayfield says if Eyubov won’t give him a rematch (he was non-committal post-fight), Showtime should have him back in a high-profile match-up.
 
I deserve to be brought back. I’ve beaten some good guys. Eyubov is just one. I beat Mauricio Herrera. I beat Francisco Santana. I beat them and they got big opportunities. Give me a fair shake! I’ll fight anybody if the paper is right.”

BARRY OUT, ORTOLANI RETURNS TO NEW ENGLAND TO FIGHT KRAMLICH

Lewiston, Maine (August 26, 2016) – He has one of the largest and most passionate fanbases of any New England fighter, and now John Ortolani (0-0 boxing, 8-10 MMA) will return to New England Fights (NEF) after a two-and-a-half year absence at “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS” on September 10 in Lewiston.  Ortolani, however, will not be competing in the NEF MMA cage.  He will make his professional boxing debut that evening, stepping in to replace Connor Barry (0-1) against Casey “Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight contest.

 

John Ortolani has been a fixture of the New England MMA scene since 2009.  It is well-documented that Ortolani is a two-sport athlete.  In addition to fighting MMA, he is a midfielder in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) where he has played for the Boston Cannons, Rochester Rattlers and Florida Launch.  Recent years have seen Ortolani take up residence in Tampa, Florida where he has continued competing in MMA out of South Tampa Jiu-Jitsu & MMA.  A native of Billerica, Massachusetts, he looks forward to making the trip north to New England where he will have the opportunity to once again fight closer to home in front of his friends and family.

 

“I am excited to be fighting back in Maine again,” said Ortolani.  “I’d like to thank (NEF owners) Matt (Peterson) and Nick (DiSalvo) for having me back. This will be my first time stepping in the ring and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve wanted to test myself in a boxing match for years and now is my chance. Casey is a great opponent and I’m happy I could fill in and give him a good fight. I am a true martial artist and can’t wait to test my hands. It’s been almost three years since fighting for NEF. Get ready for an exciting fight.”

 

At the other end of the spectrum, Casey Kramlich has made a second home of the boxing ring.  Training out of the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine, Kramlich had an extensive amateur boxing career prior to turning professional in 2014.  This past spring he gave Jason Kelly (5-1, 3 KOs) his first taste of defeat in the ring.  Kramlich followed up that win with a dominant technical knockout victory over Zenon Herrera (0-2) in the third round of Kramlich’s NEF debut at “NEF 24.”

 

“I’m looking forward to fighting on an NEF card again,” said Kramlich.  “I’ve been training hard and ready to put my talent on display. My opponent has a little weight advantage on me, but I plan on using my speed and angles to pick him apart.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” takes place on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 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.”

 

Robert Guerrero, David Emanuel Peralta, Alfredo Angulo, Freddy Hernandez, Terrell Gausha & Steve Martinez Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike This Saturday, August 27 from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. – 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
Click HERE For Photos From Andy Samuelson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ANAHEIM, CALIF. (August 25, 2016) – Former multiple division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Argentine slugger David Emanuel “El Pirata” Peralta went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features a pair of exciting contests as exciting puncher Alfredo Angulo faces veteran Freddy Hernandez while unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha battles the Bronx’s Steve Martinez.
The Premier Boxing Champions fighters were joined by Bellator MMA fighters participating in Friday night’s Bellator fight that is part of back-to-back nights of combat sport action on Spike as at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Tickets for the August 27 event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $31, $58, $108 and $203, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
ROBERT GUERRERO
“I got a chance to size him up today. I saw how tall he is. Picking my spots – seeing where I have to go. After looking at him, I know he’s coming to fight. I’m expecting a war.
“Like all Argentine fighters, I know he’s got that hunger to prove he’s worthy of this big opportunity and make the most of it.
“The weigh-in is tomorrow and I’m just ready to fight. I’m focused and the fans can expect to see me leave everything in the ring like always.
“I’ve seen some tape on him. He’s one of those guys that is durable. A durable tall, lanky guy. His height is going to help him.
“I am expecting a tough fight for sure. This is like a world title shot for him. I don’t know what he is going to bring to the table and that is exciting for me.”
DAVID EMANUEL PERALTA
 
“This is the biggest fight of my career. It is very important. I have to go out there and put on a great show.
“I want to go down the same path as Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse. They were given great opportunities in their careers and took advantage of them. I am going to take advantage of this opportunity.
“This is an opportunity to learn. Every fight and fighter is different. I have watched Guerrero fight, but every fighter is different. I have a gameplan to beat him.
“I am well prepared. I came here to fight. I am prepared to go the distance. I am going to throw a lot of punches, move around and be ready to get the decision.”
ALFREDO ANGULO
“I’m very excited to fight on Saturday night against Freddy Hernandez.
“With two Mexican warriors in the ring, the fans will be the true winners.
“I was off for a while but with my new trainer, Romulo Quirarte, I feel much stronger and will fight like ‘El Perro’ of old with the same passion.
“The fans have always been great to me and I can’t wait to put on a performance for them.
“Right now I’m only focused on Freddy Hernandez then we will see who I can fight next.”
 
FREDDY HERNANDEZ
 
“I’m anticipating a really great fight. I’m prepared, he’s prepared. It’s going to be a battle.
“Fans can expect someone that will step into the ring with attitude and bravery. I’m a guy that doesn’t hold back and Angulo better be ready.
“What’s my secret weapon? Chocolate cake.
“I’m just ready for this fight. I worked hard and any time two Mexicans get into the ring, it’s fireworks.”
TERRELL GAUSHA
 
“I had a different experience with the Olympics. I missed the trials. I was taking time off from boxing. I lost the passion for it a little bit and I took some time off, but I was able to fight for a spot on the team, and I wont every fight I was in leading into the Olympics.
“I am excited for this fight. I trained really hard. Sometimes you have to take chances. I am ready to be aggressive and I am ready to change up my style in order to counter him.
“I know this is going to be a tough fight. It is going to be my toughest fight to date. It is important for me to take a step up and show the world what I can do.
“I appreciate my fans for sticking with me. Without fans, there would be no boxing. I appreciate my fans and I want to go out there on Saturday night and give them a great show.
STEVE MARTINEZ
 
“Our fight is going to steal the show. I think its really competitive and exciting. We’re hungry. We came here to execute the game plan and win. It is going to be explosive.
“We trained hard. This is a big opportunity. This is a change-up fight for me and my team. We are focused – its tunnel vision until Saturday. On Spike you’re going to see that after our fight, he won’t be undefeated anymore.
“This is definitely the biggest fight of my career. It is going to open up big doors for me.
“My parents are big boxing fans. I watched boxing all my life. The minute I walked into the boxing gym, I never looked back.
“I don’t put any pressure on myself. We are going to execute the gameplan, win and represent the Bronx.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @GhostBoxing, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announced

Orlando Montalvo, Bob Yalen, Sean Malone, Jr., Ray Oliveira, John Lawson & Kenny Reels
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 25, 2016) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2016 to be inducted during the 12TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Friday night,November 4, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
“The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is very excited to announce this incredible class of inductees for 2016,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We anticipate a great crowd for our honorees at the induction ceremony on November 4th at Mohegan Sun. As always, our dinner is a wonderful coming together of the boxing community, friends and family.”
Montalvo and his wife, Sandra, moved to Stamford in 1980, training amateur fighters for the first 20 years in parks and in their backyard until relocating at the Union Memorial Church for seven years.  Orlando was an amateur and professional boxer in his native Puerto Rico, traveling around the world to compete.  He won 110 of 125 amateur matches and 22 of 29 as a professional with 18 knockouts, reaching a No. 10 rating in the junior middleweight division.
Yalen is best known, perhaps, as boxing director for ESPN and its popularFriday Night Fights series.   He has also been a consultant for ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and Showtime.  A recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting, Yalen was associate editor of the Ring Record Book and FightFax.  He was also Director of Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Sun while one of the original CBHOF board members, contributing much to the success of its inaugural awards dinner.
Malone is the son of CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Sr., who was inducted in 2011.  He had a 23-6 (21 KOs) record.  In 1992, he had one of his most notable victories against Greg Cadiz for the Nevada State light welterweight title.  He also defeated Pat Ireland in 1993 for the New England welterweight crown.
Oliveira was an all-action fighter who set a record in a fight with Zack Padilla, in which they threw more than 1,000 combined punches. During his outstanding 15-year professional career, Oliveira defeated the likes of Vince Phillips, Vivian Harris, Tracy Spann and Charles Murray twice.  Completing his career with a 47-11-2, Ray had a great chin and he wasn’t stopped prior to his loss to WBU light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in 2004.
Involved in boxing for 60 years, Lawson was one of only 10 referees and judges selected by Willie Pep and Chico Vejar to work sanctioned bouts when boxing returned to Connecticut in the 1970s.  Lawson was a judge for a world heavyweight title fight in Germany between Wladimir Klitschko and Francesco Pianetta.  He was also involved in fights featuring world champions such as Roy Jones, Jr., “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Joe Calzaghe, Chad Dawson, Antonio Tarver and Zab Judah.  Lawson served 20 years with the Waterbury police department.
Reels was appointed by the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming & Athletic Commission in 2009 to oversee boxing and MMA at Foxwoods.  Known for his caring about the health and safety of boxers, Reels followed CBHOF inductee Peter Timothy.  Reels has received countless awards and honors for his humanitarian work and commitment to human values, interests and concerns.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

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