mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LELAND TO FACE RETURNING BELLATOR VETERAN AT NEF 25

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Lewiston, Maine (August 18, 2016) – OnSeptember 10, 2016 New England Fights (NEF) returns to Lewiston with its next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional bantamweight mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bout to the fight card.  Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1) has signed to meet Walter Smith Cotito (3-4) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Six of Leland’s combined seven amateur and professional MMA fights have taken place in the NEF cage.  The Portland, Maine resident’s only loss to date in NEF was in his last fight against Jay Perrin (2-2) in the spring of 2015.  Late last year, Leland made his pro boxing debut in the NEF ring, taking Josh Parker (0-3-1) to a draw on the judges’ scorecards.  He has proven to be strong in both his standup and on the mat.  Leland, a member of Jay Jack and Amanda Buckner’s The Academy of MMA in Portland, is a dangerous opponent no matter where a fight ends up.

 

“I have been working hard since last year to become better in every aspect of my game,” said Leland.  “I can’t wait to test myself on this tough dude.  Good luck, Walter – and prepare yourself for a hell of a show!”

 

Walter Smith Cotito is no stranger to the NEF cage.  In September 2013, Cotito shocked Maine fans by submitting former NEF MMA Pro Lightweight Champion Bruce Boyington (13-8) in the first round of a bout at “NEF X.”  Most recently, Cotito competed at Bellator 144 in Connecticut.  He holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and is based out of Team Link in Hooksett, New Hampshire.

 

“I think this kid is really brave to take a fight with me, but I will make sure I’m his worst nightmare,” exclaimed Cotito when reached for comment.

 

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.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PAIR OF INJURIES FORCE CHANGES TO MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’

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CODY WALKER STEPS UP ON SHORT NOTICE TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED A.J. MCKEE, WHILE GEORGI KARAKHANYAN-BUBBA JENKINS MOVED TO SPIKE-TELEVISED CARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (August 16, 2016) – Just nine days before the highly anticipated “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” event on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., injuries sustained by main card fighters Henry Corrales and Lena Ovchynnikova have shaken things up a bit. Undefeated featherweight A.J. McKee (4-0) will now face Cody Walker (7-2), while Bubba Jenkins (11-2) and Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1) find themselves in a featherweight feature fight during the SPIKE-televised main card.

The fights join a main card that spotlights a super fight at 155-pounds between Benson Henderson (23-6) and Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3), as the two will duke it out for a shot at Michael Chandler’s championship belt. In addition, an explosive lightweight contest pitting Saad Awad (19-7) against Derek Anderson (13-2) will serve as the evening’s co-main event.

In preliminary action, welterweights Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. and Joey Davis will make their professional debuts, while Chinzo Machida (3-2) will compete for the first time under the Bellator MMA banner.

Tickets for the event start at $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at Honda Center Box Office. Doors open at 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App — begins at 5:00 p.m. PT.

After beginning his career 7-1 as an amateur, the 21-year-old “Mercenary” has made a splash on the professional circuit, recording a perfect 4-0 mark through his first four bouts. McKee has fought under the Bellator MMA banner ever since he made his professional debut in 2015, finishing all of his contests in the opening frame, including three knockouts and a rear-naked choke submission. McKee’s most recent victory came at the expense of Italian Danilo Belluardo during the mixed martial arts portion of Bellator MMA’s first-ever event overseas, “Bellator 152: Freire vs. Souza.” The Long Beach, Calif. native will now take his flashy personality to the Honda Center, where he will have the chance to put his unique skill set on full display in front of his hometown fans.

Agreeing to take a professional mixed martial arts contest on short notice is no easy task, doing so against an undefeated fighter the caliber of McKee is even more daunting. But that’s exactly the scenario Walker finds himself in now ahead of next Friday’s event. A two-time competitor for Bellator, “The Crow” will look to move above .500 within the promotion when he enters the cage at Honda Center. The 28-year-old Texan has ended all seven of his professional victories via TKO or KO, including four in the first round.

A longtime veteran of Bellator MMA, Karakhanyan will look to get back on track after dropping two closely contested decision losses against Jenkins, who he handily defeated nearly two years ago via guillotine submission. Known to many mixed martial arts fans as “Insane,” the 31-year-old has finished 18 of his 24 wins as a professional, earning himself multiple titles in regional promotions along the way. Following multiple setbacks to his knee, the Russian fighter is finally healthy and now looks to climb the 145-pound ladder in a competitive division that he once sat atop as the No. 1 contender.

Just a few years ago, Bubba Jenkins was widely regarded as the top MMA prospect in all of the sport, though the title became tainted following the aforementioned loss to Karakhanyan at “Bellator 132.” The former NCAA National Champion wrestler with Arizona State University now has three consecutive wins under his belt, and is looking for redemption. Heading into his 11th fight under the Scot Coker-led promotion, the 28-year-old “Highlight Kid” looks to put on a standout performance in Bellator’s incredibly deep featherweight division. Tune in August 26 to see if the Corona, Calif., native can return the favor and finish Karakhanyan in front of his local supporters.

 

Complete “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Lightweight No. 1 Contender Main Event: Benson Henderson (23-6) vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (25-3)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Saad Awad (19-7) vs. Derek Anderson (13-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Cody Walker (7-2)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Bubba Jenkins (11-2) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chinzo Machida (3-2) vs. Mario Navarro (4-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Joey Davis (Pro Debut) vs. Keith Cutrone (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Tomasian (Pro Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Gabriel Green (2-0) vs. Alex Trinidad (1-0)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Steve Ramirez (4-1) vs. Ron Henderson (4-2)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Kyle Estrada (3-2) vs. David Duran (3-4)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Segura (4-3) vs. Jacob Rosales (3-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Jonny Cisneros (9-4) vs. Andy Murad (12-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jake Roberts (6-0) vs. Stephen Martinez (11-4)

mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN Adds “Krazy Horse” vs. Kimura To Sept. 25 Grand Prix Event

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K-1 kickboxing star Minoru Kimura (pictured) will make his MMA rules debut against Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett at the highly-anticipated RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round event in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, Sept. 25.  Photo courtesy of (C)M-1 Sports Media.

RIZIN FF:  
CHARLES “KRAZY HORSE” BENNETT
RETURNS TO JAPAN, WILL FACE MINORU KIMURA
IN MMA ACTION IN TOKYO ON SEPTEMBER 25

TOKYO – August 18, 2016 – RIZIN FF, the combat sports federation headed by former PRIDE Fighting Championships boss Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced today the addition of a featherweight (145 pounds) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) matchup between former PRIDE FC and EliteXC star Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett (29-30-2) and K-1 kickboxing KO artist Minoru Kimura (MMA: 0-0, Kickboxing: 21-6-1, 15 KO’s) to the federation’s already stacked Grand Prix event in Tokyo on Sunday, Sept. 25.

A 17-year veteran of the sport with an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style of fighting, the 5-foot-8, 36-year-old Bennett of Ocala, Fla. put himself on the map 16 years ago with a first round (1:55) KO (punch) of Yoshiro Maeda at PRIDE Bushido 7 in Tokyo on May 22, 2005.

Bennett’s biggest mark in the sport to date was arguably his one-punch, first round (3:43), upset KO of former UFC and Strikeforce star K.J. Noons, who went into the matchup a heavy favorite over Bennett. The high-profile bout took place at EliteXC: Destiny, the first-ever, live SHOWTIME televised event in MMA history.

Bennett is coming off a spectacular, 43 second submission (heel hook) of Paul Rodriguez in Kissimmee, Fla. on May 14.


 Above: Charles “Krazy Horse” Bennett will make his return to Japan and debut for RIZIN FF on September 25

Ranked as high as number two in the world in kickboxing’s featherweight division as of the close of 2015, the 5-foot-8, 22-year-old Kimura, who permanently relocated to Japan at the age of three, after being born in Curitiba, Brazil to a fourth generation, Brazilian-Japanese mother and a Brazilian-Italian father, will make his debut under MMA rules.

The feisty Fighting Kairos Gym competitor who has captivated fight fans with his raucous behavior, has defeated a number of noteworthy adversaries in the kickboxing ring, includingKaew Fairtex as well as Japanese stars Hideaki Yamazaki and Masaaki Noiri, to reach elite status in the sport.

In his last start, Kimura picked up a unanimous decision victory over “Noman” in a K-1 World Grand Prix tournament reserve bout on June 24.

The RIZIN FF event will be headlined by the kick-off of the much-anticipated, 16-man open weight tournament.

MMA legends Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic (MMA: 31-11-1, 1 NC; Kickboxing: 23-8, 12 KO’s) and Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) are amongst the nine competitors that have been announced as tournament participants.  The tournament’s first stage matchups will be announced soon.

RIZIN FF World Grand Prix 2016: Opening Round

Updated Fight Card

Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Kazuyuki Fujita vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Baruto Kaito vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Jiri Prochazka vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Teodorasu Aukstuolis vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Karl Albrektsson vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Valentine Moldavski vs. TBA
Open Weight Tournament Bout:  Amir Aliakbari vs. TBA
Lightweight: Daron Cruickshank vs. Andy Souwer
Heavyweight: Gabi Garcia vs. Destanie Yarbrough
Strawweight:  Kanako Murata vs. Kyra Batara
Weight TBD:  Rena Kubota vs. Miyuu Yamamoto
Weight TBD: Asen Yamamoto vs. Kizaemon Saiga
Featherweight: Charles Bennett vs. Minoru Kimura

Follow RIZIN FF:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR
mixed martial arts, MMA, WMMAA

History making WMMAA Pan-American Championship Oct. 7-9 in Santiago, Chile

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MONTE CARLO, Monaco (August 18, 2016)- History will be made October 7-9 when Chile hosts the inaugural World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 — in Santiago.
Initiative on MMA as a sport will build on the well-earned reputation of previous martial arts history in terms of addressing, sharing and discussing significant developments and social advancements that will impact the future of MMA.
CHILE 2006 attendees will have an opportunity to receive unique and powerful insights into the new era of MMA.
The WMMAA Pan-American Division is known for its broad, multi-disciplinary approach and stellar lineup “The primary goal of CHILE 2016 is to make a social impact, creating awareness around the powerful influence of martial arts among youths,,” said Tomas Yu, President of the WMMAA Pan-American Division, “as well as to provide a healthy platform for sport, tourism and economic development as a united front.  Its collegiate environment promises to foster debate, discussion and collaboration.”
Chile 2016 will be a lifetime experience for all with special guests as Chile PresidentMichelle Bachelete and WMMAA honorary president Fedor Emilianenko, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all-time.
Local Organizing Committee Chairman Alberto Maturana and his committee members look forward to welcoming everyone to Santiago to experience history in the making for the sport of MMA. Together with the WMMAA Pan-American Executive Board, they are working tirelessly to bring this important event to Santiago for the continental athletes, promoters, coaches, businesses, and tourism.  The honorary panel of individuals who are making the inaugural WMMAA Pan-American Championship – CHILE 2016 a reality include the following:
 
WMMAA Pan-American President – Tomas Yu
 
WMMAA Chile President – Alberto Maturana
Collaboration and Advocacy – Eric Castaños
National Press – Yenifer Marquez
International Press – Edgar Campos
EXPO MMA – Jose Antonio Urrutia
International Multi-Media – Carlos Fourzan
 
National Executive Production – Felipe Concha
Publicist – Bob Trieger
Organization Membership – Christian Parra
Officials Certification & Accreditation – Hector Molina
Medical – Dr. Justo Pavia
Health Training and Education – Curt Chavez
Special Interest Group – Susan Murphy
Ring Girl Latina – Pablo Cortes
Combat Sports Administration Masters Degree – Ivan Hinojosa
Diseño – Pedro Cabrera
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa
boxing

Team Shumenov responds to Lebedev vs. Gassiev world title fight announcement

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LAS VEGAS (August 17,, 2016) – Team Shumenov believes it is worth reviewing recent history enlight of the recent announcement that WBA Super/IBF cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev will defend against Murat Gassiev in late November or early December in Russia:  A condition for allowing  Lebedev to fight IBF cruiserweight champion Victor Emilio Ramirez on May 21, 2016 was that Lebedev had to fight WBA cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov within 120 days.  (Lebedev hasn’t made a mandatory defense since April 10, 2015.) Shumenov has done everything to make that fight, while Lebedev has done nothing but run from his mandatory title fight.  When it first became obvious in June that Lebedev was trying to avoid his mandated WBA title fight, Shumenov repeatedly requested that the WBA order a purse bid.
Lebedev ignored the WBA and then recently sought, after the WBA deadline had passed, a special permit allowing him to fight Gassiev, which Shumenov officially objected to within 48 hours. WBA Interim cruiserweight world champion Yunier Dorticos has also objected.   At this present time, though, Team Shumenov is still waiting to hear the WBA’s ruling in terms of stripping Lebedev if he decides to fight Gassiev instead of Shumenov.
It really is very simple.  Shumenov wants to fight Lebedev, who is doing everything he can to avoid it.  If Lebedev doesn’t care to meet his obligations and conditions of his prior special permit, he should relinquish his title.  Lebedev and his people need to rejoin the rest of us in the real world and stop claiming that Shumenov has not been pushing for this fight.
According to a recent report, Lebedev’s camp members erroneously reported that, “Shumenov is not exactly pushing the issue” (to fight Lebedev next).
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

VIDEO: GROWING UP FAST IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

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“I want to be heavyweight champion of the world.  I want all the belts’’ – Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller

 

Watch, Embed Or Share This Video:http://s.sho.com/2btfSWL

Download For Your Video Player: https://we.tl/euAIe8dBFf

 

 

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller is brash, outspoken and powerful.  In the last year alone, he’s called out the entire heavyweight division, most notably world champions Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua.  It’s Miller Time, “Big Baby” believes.  Bring on anybody!

 

The unbeaten, world-ranked Miller, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is 17-0-1 with 15 knockouts.  The 28-year-old meets veteran Fred Kassi (18-5-1, 10 KOs), of New Orleans, in Friday’s 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

 

“Every time I get into the ring I’m looking for knockouts,’’ says Miller, who has scored six consecutive stoppages in a row. “I want to be heavyweight champion of the world. I want all the belts.

“I can box. I can slug. I bring the pain … and I’ve got a big damn mouth
and I’m not afraid to use it.”

 

# # #

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, Louisiana lightweight “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard (31-1, 23 KOs) faces Bahodir “Baha” Mamadjonov(18-2, 11 KOs) of Houston, Texas by way of Uzbekistan in a 10-rounder for the WBO NABO Lightweight Title.

 

In two more scheduled 10-round bouts, unbeaten Antonio Nieves (16-0-1, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, defends his WBO NABO 118-pound crown against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago (11-2-1, 3 KOs), and, in the telecast opener,undefeated welterweight knockout artist Bakhtiyar Eyubov (10-0, 10 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kazakhstan, meets veteran Karim Mayfield (19-3-1, 11 KOs), of San Francisco, Calif.

 

Tickets for the event presented by Salita Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions are available at http://www.rhinossoccer.com/and http://www.etix.com

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez will serve as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Claudio Marrero Training Camp Quotes

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Exciting Featherweight Contender Takes On Unbeaten Derrick Murray in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Main Event Sunday, August 21 From Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 17, 2016) – Exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero is ready to make a statement in the featherweight division beginning with his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown against undefeated Derrick Murray thisSunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
Televised coverage on NBCSN begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contenders Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent battling in a matchup of unbeaten rivals. PBC on NBC will begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT and sees undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
 
Marrero enters this bout the winner of six-straight fights, including a sensational knockout of former world champion Rico Ramos last July. Now, the self-described “boxer-puncher with exceptional defense” is looking to get himself a world title opportunity and show off his skills against the unbeaten Murray on Sunday.
Here is what Marrero had to say about his start in the Dominican Republic, his opponent, the featherweight division and more:
What was it like growing up in the Dominican Republic?

Claudio Marrero: It was really tough…my dad was a jack of all trades and I was the oldest of three boys.  My dad was my biggest influence on keeping me out of trouble. He trained me early on as an amateur and that’s where I developed my fundamentals. Because of him I’m here today and I’m very grateful.
 
How did you first get introduced to boxing? What boxers did you look up to growing up?

CM: As a child, my dad and I would watch fights. He thought boxing would keep me off the streets, where 9 out of 10 kids in my country end up dead, or in jail.  Around 8-years old I started boxing.  Favorite fighter is Pernell “Sweet Pee” Whitaker.
 
When did you come to America? What led you to making that decision?

CM: The journey to come to America started in January of 2010, when my manager/trainer now, Herman Caicedo, came to the D.R. to scout Juan Carlos Payano and myself.  We met and he promised to work hard on our behalf and look out for us. Unlike many others who had said similar things, Herman was a man of his word. I was able to solidify myself with hard work, so here we are.

Q. Talk about your team and how they’ve helped you transition to life in America and progress your boxing career:

CM: There has been one man who has helped with everything I know in Boxing as a pro, and life here in the states, and that’s Herman Caicedo, our manager/trainer. He took us on as his kids and treated us like his own children, not just fighters.  All of us who train with him owe our progression and discipline to him.  In addition, Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas, our other managers, have been very instrumental in the progress as well.  We are a strong team with goals of becoming world champions together.

Q. What do you know about your opponent? What kind of problems does he pose?
CM: I know he’s undefeated.  I know he’s coming to win and that he’s from St. Louis.  There isn’t anything I see in him that has me concerned except the fact that he’s unbeaten.  Anyone who is unbeaten is going to go that extra mile to come out victorious.  But that really is not a problem in my eyes.  I’m a hungry fighter as well.  The problem for him is that he stands in my way of getting back in the ring with all the top guys.

Q. How important is a win on August 21 to your career? Which fighters would you like to face next and how do you think you matchup with the top featherweights?

CM: I want everyone all at 126 pounds.  These guys have been evading, ducking and dodging me.  None of these guys want to face me.  I want them all.  I’ll fight them all on the same night if I have to.  I’m tired of them hiding. It’s very frustrating when my managers tell me they don’t want to fight me.  So I must make a statement each time I step in the ring and it starts with Derrick Murray.

Q. What is your prediction for your fight on August 21?

CM: My opponent will feel pain!
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

PRO WOMEN’S BOUT HAS ALL THE MAKINGS OF A FIGHT OF THE NIGHT CONTENDER AT NEF 25

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Lewiston, Maine (August 17, 2016) – For the second time in New England Fights (NEF) history, a professional women’s mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bout will take to the fight promotion’s cage.  OnSeptember 10, 2016 when NEF returns to Lewiston with its next event, “NEF 25: HEROES & VILLAINS,” the professional portion of the MMA card will feature a women’s flyweight bout between Sarah “SwitchKick” Click (0-1) and  Valerie “Valociraptor” Aspaas (0-0).  Click and Aspaas will look to continue the recent tradition of women’s fights taking “Fight of the Night” honors at NEF events.  Judging from the extensive martial arts backgrounds of both competitors, the fight could very well do just that.

 

Sarah Click made her initial foray into the martial arts world at just eight-years-old when she began training in Taekwondo.  Now a sergeant in the United States Army, Click began competing in MMA in 2014 after returning from a tour of Afghanistan.  Over the course of her amateur career, Click captured several regional titles throughout New England and New York.  She made her professional debut for national promotion Invicta last spring.  Click is a member of Team Juniko of Hyannis, Massachusetts.

 

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to fight at one of New England’s best promotions,” said Click of NEF.  “They are doing big things for fighters, and they are coming off one of their best shows to date. Valerie has fought some of the best 125 talent, going the distance with KGB and Kaitlyn Chookagain. I’m going to do what I do best and bring a war that you won’t want to miss!”

 

Like her opponent, Valerie Aspaas got her start in martial arts at a young age, training in Isshin-Ryu Karate.  She currently holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  In 2014, Aspaas won the Buffalo, New York version of the Golden Gloves.  She made her NEF debut at “NEF IX” in Biddeford, Maine, defeating Maria Rios (2-3) via unanimous decision.  The fight was a brutal bloodbath that had the capacity crowd on the edge of its collective seat for the duration.  Aspaas will enter the professional ranks at “NEF 25.”

 

“My professional debut has been a long time coming, and I am honored to have the opportunity to do it under NEF,” said Aspaas when reached for comment.  “I fought for them a few years back, and I believe that the promotion and the people of Maine remember the bloody, exciting battle I fought against Maria Rios.  They should expect to see more of the same ferocity and grit from a more evolved version of the Valociraptor when I step back into the cage on September 10th.”

 

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.”

boxing, Roc Nation

Three Roc Nation promoted fighters in action this Saturday in Milwaukee Local favorite, Luis “Cuba” Arias gunning for first title Sonny Fredrickson and Tyler McCreary also in action 

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Milwaukee, Wisc. (August 17, 2016)–LUIS “CUBA” ARIAS will take on battle tested Darryl Cunningham (33-8, 13 KO’s) for the USBA Middleweight title this Saturday night at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
Also on the bill will be two more Roc Nation fighters that are managed by Victory Sports & Entertainment in undefeated prospects, super lightweight SONNY FREDRICKSON and featherweight TYLER MCCREARY.

Arias (15-0, 7 KO’s) of Milwaukee, was a highly touted amateur who was a 2008 and 2010 national champion, and he will be will be looking for his first professional title and a ranking in the IBF.

In Cunningham, Arias is fighting a 14 year veteran who has wins over former world title challengers Antwun Echols and Rubin Williams.

This will be the 2nd consecutive fight for the 26 year-old Arias in his hometown where he has proven to be a bona fide attraction and ticket seller.

On June 4, Arias stopped Jorge Silva in three rounds at the same venue and had Milwaukee fight fans eager for him to return.

Fredrickson of Toledo has a record of 13-0 with nine knockouts, will make his third start of 2016.

The 22 year-old power puncher, recently identified by Ring Magazine as one of the new faces to keep an eye on in the sport, continues to develop as he will take on the tough veteran Ramesis Gil.

Gil has wins over previously undefeated Carney Bowman & Luis Joel Gonzales.

The speedy and highly skilled McCreary, also of Toledo, Ohio has a record of 10-0 with six knockouts and like Fredrickson, will be making his third appearance of 2016.

McCreary’s opponent will be veteran gatekeeper Dwayne Wisdom.

“This is a big night for our three fighters,” said Rick Torres of Victory Sports and Entertainment.

“These are three of the brightest prospects in boxing, and in “Cuba’s” case, it is time for him to make a move to the next level. We feel he is getting better everyday under John David Jackson, and with a win he becomes a legitimate contender in the middleweight division. The fights will only get bigger from here for “Cuba”, his time is now and we’re confident that he will become a force in the middleweight division for years to come. Sonny and Tyler are coming along very nicely. They are getting the right fights and getting much needed experience as they continue in their development. Gil is a capable opponent, who should provide Sonny a good test, while Wisdom should be a good learning experience for Tyler, after that, we will look to step them up with each fight.

Victory Sports & Entertainment is an athlete management company with offices in New York and Las Vegas. Founded by noted sports attorney Rick Torres and boxing trainer Michael Leanardi, Victory has steadily built an impressive stable of young prospects that it is grooming for future stardom. Victory Sports’ websiteiswww.victorysportsent.com.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Top Fighters Support Undefeated Contender Heather Hardy as She Prepares to Take On Fellow Unbeaten Shelly Vincent In Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN This Sunday, August 21 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)  

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(Photo Credit: (Top Image) James Devaney;
(Bottom Image) Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
 
All-Action Fan Favorite Boasts Historic Punch Stats Heading into Matchup At
 Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (August 16, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight contender Heather “The Heat” Hardy is ready to take center stage and she has garnered the praise of the sport’s top fighters as she prepares to take on longtime rival Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN action Sunday, August 21 from Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn.
PBC on NBCSN coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting contender Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero taking on unbeaten Derrick Murray. PBC on NBC is headlined by undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. facing once-beaten contender Leonard “The Lion” Bundu in a welterweight world title eliminator that begins at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Always in entertaining battles, Hardy’s punches per round stats far exceed the average for her weight class and prove why everyone believes her matchup with Vincent will be all-action. In six CompuBox-tracked fights, Hardy has averaged 83.4 punches per two-minute round, which projects to a staggering 111.2 if fought over three minutes. This number would far exceed the two men’s leaders Roman Gonzalez and Leo Santa Cruz. Her two-minute output of 83.4 punches per round would rank her fourth among the men over three minutes, ahead of hard-hitters Gennady Golovkin (68.6), Andrzej Fonfara (75.1), Orlando Salido (71) and Abner Mares (69.4) amongst others in the top ten.
“I think that if there is a female boxer out there that should and deserves to be seen, it’s Heather Hardy,” said former world champion Shawn Porter. “She has put tons of work in. I have seen her fight and train and she is a top competitor and a true athlete in this sport. Some people think it’s taking a chance to put women’s boxing on television, but I think Heather Hardy is the best person to take that chance on. I don’t know anyone that is more worthy of this shot.”
“Heather Hardy is always in fan friendly and entertaining fights,” said former world champion Paulie Malignaggi. “Off the top of my head, I cannot think of a dull Heather Hardy fight. Plus, she brings a big following and that always makes for a fun, noisy crowd and atmosphere.”
A fan-favorite in Brooklyn, Hardy has been helping to fill local venues for years including Barclays Center, where she has fought seven times as a pro. Now, her long awaited matchup with the unbeaten New Englander Vincent has given her the opportunity to show her talents on a bigger stage.
“I couldn’t be happier for my fellow Brooklynite Heather Hardy,” said middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase her talents on TV, and one that she has rightfully earned. This is huge, not only for her, bur for women’s boxing in general.”
“I think it’s a great for Heather to get this opportunity,” said Spence Jr. “It’s not common that we see women’s boxing on television but there are a lot of women who deserve it. This is great for them and it’s great for the sport.”
“Heather has been working incredibly hard and grinding for years,” said former world champion Chris Algieri. “It’s great to see her get the exposure she deserves after the time and commitment she has put in to get to this point. She’s one of the most consistent performers in the local area and it’s time for the rest of the world to see her hard work and skills.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by BROOKLYN BOXING™, start at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and fordamphitheaterconeyisland.com.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @LouDiBella, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
 

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