boxing

Anthony “Juice” Young defeats Eduardo Flores in front of sold out crowd at The Claridge in Atlantic City

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LaManna stops Valenzuela in one

Pasciolla, Carto, Meng, Zhilei. Johnson, Holden and Smith all gain victories in front of Sold Out Crowd
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (July 22, 2016)-Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Eduardo Flores in the featured bout of a nine-bout card this past Friday night at the Claridge in Atlantic City.
The bout headlined a sold out night of boxing that was promoted by Rising Promotions.  It was the fourth consecutive sold out event in the last eight months that Rising Promotions has staged.
The co-feature saw welterweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna tuned up for a major bout in the fall with a first round destruction of Engleberto Valenzuela in a super welterweight bout.
Young, of Atlantic City systematically took apart Flores, despite Flores trying to frustrate Young by coming in with wild shots for which some strayed behind the head.
In the end, It was Young, who was not headlining for the first time, but being spurred on by his hometown fans and he was able to get the victory to the tune of 60-54 & 59-55 twice.
Young of Atlantic City is now 13-2.  Flores of Ecuador is 23-22-5.
LaManna of Millville, New Jersey took apart his Mexican opponent with a hard combination that sent Valenzuela into the corner.  The popular New Jersey Product wasted no time in getting Valenzuela out of the fight by landing a thunderous body punch that sent him to the canvas.  The fight was halted at 2:17 of round one.
LaManna will take on a highly-regarded opponent (To be announced this week) onSeptember 16th at Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.
This was “Cornflake’s” fifth consecutive win and second consecutive inside the distance to raise his record to 21-1 with ten knockouts.  Valenzuela is 10-8.
Heavyweight Dan Pasciolla avenged his only pro defeat by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Dante Selby.
Pasciolla was credited a knockdown in round two as he landed a flurry in the corner and it was ruled that only the ropes stopped Selby from hitting the canvas.

Pasciolla of Brick, New Jersey won by scores of 60-53 twice and 59-54 and is now 8-1-1.  Selby of Philadelphia, was coming off a two and a half year layoff is 2-2-1.

Exciting bantamweight prospect Christian Carto made it two consecutive stoppages by halting debuting Christopher Nelson in round three of their scheduled four-round bout.

Carto of Deptford, NJ floored the Indiana native in each of the three rounds and the bout was stopped fifty-one seconds into the third frame.
Carto is now 2-0 with two knockouts.

Marvin Johnson scored a third-round knockdown en route to a four round unanimous decision over Lamont White in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-35, 40-36 and 39-36 for Johnson of Atlantic City who is now 1-0-1.  White of Washington, DC is 0-2.
Dallas Holden of Atlantic Cit won a four round unanimous decision over Kevin Asmat in a bantamweight bout featuring New Jersey based pro debuters.
It was a close fight with each fighter making a case for the victory.
In the end, all three cards read 39-37 in favor Holden of Atlantic City over the North Bergen native.
In a battle of pro debuters, Donald Smith of Philadelphia  won his pro debut by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Cameron Cain of Indiana. in a junior lightweight bout.
Smith controlled the action and won by scores of 40-35 and 40-36 twice.
Chinese light heavyweight Fanlong Meng scored a knockdown and was ruled the winner via 5th round stoppage over former contender Daniel Judah in a scheduled eight round bout.
Meng sent Judah into the ropes with a left hand that was ruled a knockdown and Meng and the referee ruled that Judah could not continue at the bout was stopped at 2:08.
Meng is now 8-0 with 6 knockouts.  Judah of Brooklyn, NY is 24-11-3.
Zhang Zhilei of China won a six round unanimous decision over Rodney Hernandez in a heavyweight bout.
Scores were 60-53 and 59-55 twice for Zhilei of China, who is now 11-0.  Hernandez is 10-5-1.
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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

TWO FEATHERWEIGHT THRILLERS ADDED TO ‘BELLATOR 160: HENDERSON VS. PITBULL’ AT HONDA CENTER ON AUG. 26

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A.J. MCKEE PUTS UNDEFEATED MARK ON THE LINE AGAINST HENRY CORRALES AND BUBBA JENKINS LOOKS TO EVEN THE SCORE AGAINST GEORGI KARAKHANYAN

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (July 25, 2016) – Two high-profile featherweight attractions have been added to the main card of the recently announced “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” event on August 26 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The first pitting the undefeated A.J. McKee (4-0) against Henry Corrales (12-3), and the second newly-announced bout will see Bubba Jenkins(11-2) attempt to avenge a previous loss against Georgi Karakhanyan (24-6-1).

 

Tickets for “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” start at $30 and can be purchased now on Ticketmaster and at Honda Center Box Office. Doors for the event open at 4:45 p.m. PT local time and the first preliminary bout – which streams live on Bellator.com andThe Bellator Mobile App — begins at 5:00 p.m. PT. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

The main event of the evening features a marquee matchup at 155-pounds, when Benson Henderson (23-6) returns to the division that he reigned supreme over for the many years to face former featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” (25-3), who is moving up in weight for the bout. Both men will be vying for a shot at Michael Chandler’s championship belt when they meet on August 26 in Anaheim.

 

At 21 years of age, McKee is undoubtedly one of the of mixed martial arts top young prospects. After beginning his career 7-1 as an amateur, “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 since day one of his professional career, finishing all of his contests in the opening frame, including three knockouts and a rear-naked choke submission. The Long Beach, Calif. native will bring his flashy skillset just down the 91 Freeway to Honda Center, where he will have the opportunity to put on a show in front of his hometown fans.

 

After beginning his professional career 12-0, Corrales will enter the cage for the second time this year in search of his first win under the direction of Bellator MMA. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion, Corrales has fought nothing short of elite talent, challenging current champion Daniel Straus, Emmanuel Sanchez, and Patricio “Pitbull” on short notice. Of his 12 career victories, the 29-year-old featherweight has earned four knockouts and six submissions; including a brutal knockout of Gustavo Limon just 20 seconds into round one. Fighting out of Whittier, Calif., Corrales will share the home floor with his opponent and fellow California native, A.J. McKee, in Anaheim during the main card of “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” on August 26.

 

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 and pundits as “Insane,” the 31-year-old has finished 18 of his 24 wins as a professional, winning titles in multiple regional promotions along the way. A product of Millenia MMA in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., where he trains alongside close friend Saad Awad, the Russian fighter is finally healthy following multiple setbacks to his knee. Karakhanyan now looks to climb the 145-pound ladder, in a stacked 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 Bellator MMA banner, the 28-year-old “Highlight Kid” looks to put on a stand-out performance in Bellator’s incredibly deep featherweight division.

 

Updated “Bellator 160: Henderson vs. Pitbull” Main Card:

 

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

Bellator MMA Featherweight Feature Bout: A.J. McKee (4-0) vs. Henry Corrales (12-3)

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

 

boxing

Moises Chucky Flores receives IBO belt in negotiations for Rigondeaux showdown

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Flores holds IBO and WBA belts with co-manager Henry Rivalta. Photo By Team Pro Box Management
GUADALAJARA, MX (July 26, 2016) – This past Saturday, newly crowned undefeated IBO super-bantamweight world champion, Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), received his belt from co-manager Henry Rivalta of Pro Box Management.  Last June, Flores scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over Paulus Ambunda (24-2, 10 KOs), in his home town of Windhoek, Namibia (Africa), to earn the world title strap.
Flores, who is also the WBA interim champion, is now the mandatory challenger to face WBA super-champion Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs).  Both camps are in negotiations with the possibility of the fight happening in the next few months.  If the fight comes to fruition, both the WBA and IBO world title belts will be on the line.  After receiving his IBO world title belt, and a big fight looming with Rigondeaux, Flores speaks on his current situation.
“Winning the IBO world championship is a testament to my hard work and the great team around me,” said Mexico’s Moises “Chucky” Flores. “Together we worked really hard to get this world title. I’m now the mandatory to challenge Guillermo Rigondeaux, a fight I’m looking forward to.  He’s very skilled but I feel I have all the tools to defeat him.  My management team is working hard to get this fight finalized.  It’s time to see who the best super-bantamweight is.  I going to bring that world title home to Mexico.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Fabian Maidana Battles To Seventh-Round TKO Victory Over Jorge Maysonet in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday Night from The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

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Alan Castano Remains Unbeaten with Unanimous Decision
Over Aaron Garcia
&
Unbeaten Prospect Brandon Figueroa Stops Adalberto Zorrilla
 in Round Three
 
Click HERE for Photos From Ryan Greene/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
SAN ANTONIO (July 23, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Fabian Maidana (10-0, 7 KOs) scored a seventh-round technical knockout victory over Jorge Maysonet Jr. (13-2, 11 KOs) Saturday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
With his brother, former world champion Marcos Maidana, sitting at ringside, the Argentine-slugger overcame a slow start and a first-round bloody nose for a sensational one-sided beat-down of the Puerto Rican brawler Maysonet, who failed to answer the bell for the seventh round of Saturday’s main event.
Referee Rafael Ramos, acting on the advice of Maysonet’s corner, called the fight as Maidana dominated the punch stats with a 60-22 advantage in overall punches, 49-15 in power shots, and 11-7 in jabs.
Maysonet came to fight and pressed Maidana from the beginning, eventually, nailing Maidana with a right hand to the nose that opened up a steady flow of blood.
Sensing the urgency, Maidana stormed back in the second, rocking Maysonet with a right hand, left hook combination with just over 10 seconds to go in a round in which he out-landed Maysonet 12-4 in power shots.
Maidana’s kept up a versatile attack in the third round using head movement, stick-and-move tactics and a varied assortment of punches to keep up his advantage over Maysonet.
Maidana turned the match in his favor in the next round, delivering an impressive battering of Maysonet over the final 20 seconds of the round.
The Argentine was even more dominant in the one-sided fifth and sixth rounds, doubling up on his hooks, firing straight rights and landing head-snapping shots that began the demise of a fading Maysonet.
Undefeated Alan Castano (11-0, 7 KOs) failed to earn his third straight knockout despite out-landing his opponent 157-94 in overall punches, winning his middleweight bout by unanimous decision (78-74 three times) over 22-year-old Aaron Garcia (15-6-1, 10 KOs).
The 23-year-old Castano was accurate early in the first round with clean right hands supporting a stiff jab. The attack caused immediate swelling over Garcia’s left eye entering the second round, where he temporarily was able to trap and hammer away at Garcia with combinations against the ropes.
Garcia dominated the final 45 minutes of the second round with a momentum-swinging right to the head followed by successive combinations from both fighters at the bell.
A third-round clash of heads caused a nasty gash over Garcia’s right eye that increasingly streamed blood, forcing Garcia to go on the offensive, as Castano countered effectively with both hands to the head and body in an action-packed fourth round.
Castano continued to control the fight, establishing angles from behind his jab, follow-up rights and clean left uppercuts while Garcia stayed competitive throughout the round.
Fighting beyond six rounds for the first time in his career, Castano spent the final two rounds on the defensive, jabbing and countering from a distance and staying off the ropes on his way to winning unanimously.
The televised opener saw 19-year-old Brandon Figueroa (9-0, 7 KOs) score a pair of final-round knockdowns on the way to his fifth-straight stoppage victory as he earned a TKO over Adalberto Zorrilla(7-2, 7 KOs) at the 2:44 mark of the third round.
The southpaw Figueroa, brother of former world champion Omar Figueroa, pressed forward with a double-fisted attack from the outset, but Zorrilla landed several uppercuts cleanly up the middle, refusing to back down from the challenge of the unbeaten prospect.
Zorrilla began to out-work the oncoming Figueroa to the head and body through the second round before being penalized for repeated low blows late in the round by referee Rafael Ramos.
The fighters engaged toe-to-toe, at ring center to start the third until a Figueroa left to the head rocked Zorrilla to the ropes. Figueroa saw his opportunity and pounced, flooring him with a left hand near the one-minute mark.
Zorrilla beat the count and engaged immediately, staggering Figueroa with a left jab. Figueroa came back to floor him for good, with 18 seconds to go after a left to the body followed by one to the head.  The blows sent Zorrilla to his back beneath a bottom rope, where Ramos waved an end to the fight.
Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday night:
FABIAN MAIDANA
“We were very pleased with our performance. He caught me with a good shot that drew blood from my nose in the first round. I just kept calm, listened to my corner and stuck to the game plan. I knew I was the stronger fighter; I just had to remain patient.
“I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to knock him out, but I sensed that he would eventually quit. He stopped throwing punches and didn’t want to fight back.
“It means everything to have Chino (Marcos Maidana) by my side, supporting my career. It meant a lot to get this win on US TV in the same city where he beat Adrien Broner (in Dec. ’13) and became a star. With each fight, I want to show fans that I’m Fabian Maidana, not just his little brother. I proved that tonight and will do so with more experience. I’m ready to carry the family name in the ring.
“This was only my 10th pro fight. I’m going to keep improving each time. Next fight, I will look even better, no matter when it is.”
JORGE MAYSONET
“I had him hurt early, but I couldn’t put my punches together after that. I gave 100% of what I had, but I really only had 50% of my best stuff. I’m a lightweight. They wanted the fight at super lightweight, then 143. We took the fight because of who he is, really who his brother is.
“To be honest, we don’t think much of him as a fighter. He’s bigger than me and was able to beat me that way. My corner saw that I reached a point where I couldn’t fight the way I wanted to. We didn’t want to disappoint the crowd by going out there and not fighting, so my corner stopped the fight and I respect their decision. This isn’t the last of me, I’m coming back at my natural weight and will go on to achieve great things in this sport.”
ALAN CASTANO
“I’m very happy with my performance. It was my first time going eight rounds, I had a lot of energy throughout the fight and was able to do everything I wanted in there.
“He was tough, but we knew that going in. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to his fight with Brian (Alan’s older brother, who beat Garcia by eight-round decision last December). I couldn’t tell you if he was any different tonight than when he fought that night. I just know what I wanted to do. He gave me a good test that I needed at this point in my career.
“I’d love to come back as soon as my team can make a fight for me.”
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“It was good to get the knockout, but I felt very off tonight, very sluggish. I like the activity I’ve had but this might be the first time in my career where I need a break.
“This was the toughest test to date for me. I knew that going into the fight and he landed a few good shots. This was a night where I needed to be at my best. I wasn’t but fortunate to get the job done.
“I know the left hook landed to his body to end the fight, but I don’t even remember it. I felt a little sick towards the end of training camp. My focus was just trying to get him out of there. I did that, so now it’s time to act like a teenager and enjoy a summer vacation, maybe slow it down just a little.”
# # #
PBC on NBCSN was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSportsHighlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Berridge replaces injured Dawson vs. Alvarez

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“SHOOTOUT“IN QUEBEC
STEVENSON vs. WILLIAMS
WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
July 29 airing live on Spike TV from Videotron Centre
MONTRÉAL (July 23, 2016) – Undefeated No. 1 light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (19-0, 10 KOs) has found a solid boxer to face him on the July 29 card, featuring the WBC and lineal world light heavyweight title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (27-1, 22 KOs) and challenger Thomas Williams Jr. (20-1, 14 KOs), at the Videotron Centre. WBC Silver light heavyweight champion Alvarez will face New Zealand southpaw slugger Robert “The Butcher” Berridge (27-4-1, 21 KOs).
 
The Alvarez-Berridge co-feature, scheduled for 10 rounds at a 180-pound catch-weight, will air on Spike TV in the United States. Named “The Butcher” because of his aggressive style and power, the 31-year-old Australian sputhpaw has won the several regional titles during his pro career including New Zealand (2013 and 2015), WBC Asia (2013), PABA (2013-2014) and WBO Oriental (2013-2014).
 
“I prepared to face a southpaw in Chad Dawson and Berridge is also left-handed, so adapting will be easier,” Alvarez said. “I tip my hat to him for accepted this challenge with only a 10-day notice
 
“For sure, I am really disappointed in Dawson’s withdrawal, but these things happen that you cannot control. I’m still happy to get in the ring of the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City.”
 
“Berridge is an aggressive, powerful and fierce fighter,” Groupe Yvon Michel president (GYM) Yvon Michel added.  “We are pleased to have found an opponent of this quality to face Alvarez in front of the Spike TV cameras.”
 
A new rival for Bouchard
Popular Sébastien Bouchard (13-1, 4 KOs), of Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada,  has a new opponent,Alejandro Herrera (14-3-2, 5 KOs), in a six-round bout.
 
Stevenson-Williams referee and judges announced
Names of the officials for the Stevenson vs. Williams main event fight have also been disclosed. The referee will be Michael Griffin (Quebec), the three ringside judges Richard DeCarufel(Quebec), Massimo Barrovecchio (Italy) and Juergen Langos (Germany), plus supervisor
Bob Logist (Belgium).
 
Two public training sessions were planned this weekend on Grande Allée Boulevard in Quebec City. The first, featuring Stevenson, took place today (Saturday) and tomorrow several undercard boxers will workout starting at 1 p.m. ET.
 
Tickets for the “SHOOTOUT” event, jointly promoted by GYM and Gestev and  presented by Vidéotron, in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, start at $50.00 and are on sale and available to purchase at www.ticketmaster.ca, the Videotron Centre Box Office, calling GYM at (514) 383-0666 andthe Champion Boxing club (514) 376-0980, or by dialing 1-855-790-1245
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal, Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with InterBox and Rixa.
ABOUT GESTEV
Festive, passionate, daring and creative, Gestev promises epic moments that you will remember for a long time. Gestev agrees to act as a catalyst of positive emotions and deliver experiences to meet your expectations. GESTEV manages the Videotron Centre which is a property of the city of Quebec.
boxing

Orozco steps in to face Wilcox at “Next Generation” July 28

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July 28 poster with fighters.JPG
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (July 23, 2016) – Lee Baxter Promotions announced that hard-hitting Juan Orozco will face Steven Wilcox Thursday, July 28 in the eight round main event of the first ever “Next Generation” card at Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The “Next Generation” fight series by Lee Baxter Promotions provides a platform for boxers with championship aspirations. Most of the boxers fight out of Canada but some will trek from across the world to display their talents.
Living and fighting out of Zamora, Michoacan de Ocambo, Mexico, Orozco is 12-3-2 with 10 victories by knockout. A winner in four of his last five bouts with three of those wins by KO, Orozco stopped Camilo Fuentes July 16 in Mexico. He’ll also enter the ring as the naturally bigger man, fighting as heavy as 151 lbs.
One of Canada’s rising stars,Wilcox owns an outstanding 13-1-1 record and has 5 KO’s. Fighting out of Hamilton Ontario, Wilcox shutout Pedro Navarrete in March. Prior to his pro career, the 26-year-old had approximately 180 amateur fights and was a two-time Canadian lightweight champion.
“Both fighters deserve props for making this happen” said Lee Baxter. “Orozco is filling in on short notice for Jesus Singwancha, who withdrew after injuring his hand in training. On top of that, he just fought a few days ago. Wilcox also deserves credit for dealing with multiple opponent changes and going forward with no questions asked. On top of that, Orozco is a tough fighter and I’m expecting a very competitive fight.”
Tim “The Irish” Cronin, a cruiserweight from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada looks to run his unbeaten streak to 9 fights when he challenges Kristof Demendei of Slovakia in a six round contest. Cronin, 7-1-1 (2 KO’s), has primarily fought in Ontario and hasn’t been defeated since his pro debut. Demendei, 10-1-2 (6 KO’s), fought all but one of his bouts in Slovakia and looks to rebound from a decision loss in June.
In undercard action, super middleweights newcomers Augistino D’Aluisio and Mike Miller will swap leather. Junior middleweight Mayron Zeferino will have his first fight versus Quebec’s Danyk Croteau. Monster heavyweight Mladen Mijas of Ontario makes his pro debut against 5-1 Slovakian David Vyletel. Each bout is scheduled for four rounds.
 
Sponsored by Everlast, Vonbets, Hardknocks Boxing Club & Labatts Brewery, tickets to the “Next Generation” are on sale now for $45, $55 and $65 by logging onto Ticketmaster.Ca. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the first fight is scheduled for 7:30.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ADAM LOPEZ & ROMAN REYNOSO FIGHT TO A DRAW IN MAIN EVENT OF 15th ANNIVERSARY TELECAST OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONFRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Catch The Replay This Monday, July 25 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos; Credit Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn.  (July 23, 2016) – With a potential title shot on the line, Adam Lopez and Roman Reynoso fought to a 10-round draw in the main event of the 15-year anniversary telecast of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday on SHOWTIME® from Foxwoods Resort Casino.

 

In attendance ringside before the fight, newly crowned IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion Jonathan Guzman (22-0, 22 KOs) announced that he’d like fight the winner of Lopez-Reynoso, raising the stakes for this matchup of 122-pound prospects.  While the fight was close and entertaining, analyst Steve Farhood, who has called all 219ShoBox telecasts, didn’t believe either fighter did enough to earn an immediate title shot against Guzman.

 

The fight looked like a toss-up heading into the 10th – with Lopez leading by just one connect after nine rounds – and the Ronnie Shields pupil came up with a huge final round rally.  The undefeated prospect hurt Reynoso (18-1-2, 7 KOs) in the final seconds with a flurry of shots, forcing the Argentine spit out his mouthpiece to buy himself nearly 30 seconds of rest.  Seemingly out on his feet, Reynoso somehow survived the onslaught without falling to the canvas before the final bell.  Lopez (15-0-1, 7 KOs) out-landed Reynoso 34-21 overall and 34-20 in power shots in the final round, but it wasn’t enough to earn him the victory.

 

Judge Don Ackerman saw Lopez a 96-94 winner, while Bill Morande had it 97-93 Reynoso, and Peter Hary cast the deciding ballot at 95-95.  All three judges scored the last round 10-9 for Lopez.  Had Reynoso fell to the canvas in the final seconds, the 10-8 round would have given Lopez the win.

 

“It was a tough fight.  He didn’t want to engage,” said Lopez, who out-landed Reynoso 158-144 overall and 131-125 in power shots.  “He’s slick and experienced and a good fighter.  I feel that this was my best performance on ShoBox.  I have been working on new things with Ronnie Shields and it showed in there.  I know I hurt him in the last round.

 

“The decision was bullshit.  He could not hit me.”

 

“It was a close fight, but I feel I won,” Reynoso said.  “He never hurt me.  The only thing that surprised me is that he was more aggressive than in other fights.  I hurt my hand from hitting him.”

 

Late replacement Jerry Odom knocked out previously once-beaten Julius Jackson with a vicious third round knockout (1:57) in the ShoBoxco-feature.

 

Jackson (19-2, 15 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, was outworking Odom through two rounds, who took the fight 10-days notice after Ronaldo Ellis suffered a hand injury.  That was until Washington, D.C.’s Odom (14-2-1, 13 KOs) clocked Jackson with a flush right counter shot with one minute left in the third, spelling the end for Jackson, who couldn’t beat the count and suffered his second consecutive knockout loss.

 

“I saw the right hand.  I was throwing combinations and I saw the opening and landed a good shot,” Odom said.  “As opposed to the last couple fights, I am in a great place physically, mentally and spiritually.  I have a great team around me.  We are unbreakable.”

 

“He threw the punch at the right time and caught me,” Jackson said.  “I was OK, but the referee stopped the fight.  I felt up until that point, I was boxing well and winning every round.”

 

Rolando Chinea won a close, eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster (10-2, 7 KOs) in a matchup of lightweights, scored 79-73 (Chinea), 77-75 (Foster) and 78-74 (Chinea).

 

Chinea (13-1-1, 6 KOs) was the aggressor, dictating the tempo of the fight from the outset.  And while most rounds were extremely close – closer than the relatively wide scorecards – Chinea’s activity was the difference.  Chinea threw 733 total punches, compared to 641 for Foster, and he edged Foster by nearly 150 power punches (592-449).

 

“He is a hell of a fighter and it was fun to fight him,” said Chinea, who was largely able to minimize the jab, Foster’s best weapon. “Like I said before the fight, he could not take pressure.  I brought the pressure.  I blocked and slipped a lot of his punches.  My will and desire to win outweighed his will to punch.

 

“He did not take my pressure well.  I worked my shots well inside and that was a difference in the fight.”

 

Foster, who’s record fell to 10-2 with 7 KOs, complained that he “had distractions and couldn’t focus.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Ian Green handed previously undefeated super welterweight prospect Khiary Gray the first loss of his career with a stunning second round TKO (2:50).

 

With former world champion and fellow Paterson, N.J., Kendall Holt in his corner, Green (10-1, 8 KOs) came from behind to floor Gray with a big right cross to the chin that sent him tumbling face-forward into the canvas.  Gray, a local favorite from nearby Worchester, Mass., tried to hold on with just 30 seconds left in the round, but he couldn’t make it to the break and was falling backward into the ropes when the referee halted the contest.

 

“I got him good, and I got him out of there,” said Green, who out-landed Gray 14-0 in the final minute.  “He got me good one time, but I kept my left hand up and hung in there.  We’re going all the way up.  This is just the start.”

 

Gray (13-1, 10 KOs), who was seemingly in control of the fight and rocking Green with ease, became the 151st fighter to suffer his initial defeat on the prospect developmental series.

 

“He just caught me,” Gray said.  “I don’t even know what punch it was. I didn’t even see it. I tried to hold on and waste some time, but I got caught again. I just need to get back to the gym and fix my mistakes. I’ll bounce back.”

 

Friday’s four-fight telecast will re-air this Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

The event was promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Classic Entertainment & Sports Inc. (CES) and Sampson Boxing.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

JOE TAIMANGLO UPSETS DARRION CALDWELL VIA GUILLOTINE DURING MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 159’

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Complete Event Photos Here

MULVANE, KS. (July 22, 2016) – In the main event of the evening, Darrion Caldwell (9-1) was submitted by Joe Taimanglo (23-6-1) in an absolutely shocking upset :09 seconds into the third and final frame.

With the defeat, the 2009 NCAA Div. 1 National Champion was handed the first loss of his career, while “Juggernaut” has the entire Island of Guam rocking with his guillotine submission win. “The Wolf” was cruising heading into the third and final frame, but after shooting for a takedown, Taimanglo slapped on a choke and didn’t relinquish the hold until Caldwell tapped. The fight was slated to be a title eliminator, but because of Taimanglo failing to make weight, it remains to be seen who will challenge next for Eduardo Dantas’ title.

Guillard Assassinates ‘Caveman’ in Front of Hometown Faithful

Melvin Guillard (33-16-2) put Dave Rickels (17-5) to sleep in front of his hometown fans during the co-main event of “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo.” After 90 seconds of closely contested action, “The Young Assassin” caught “The Caveman,” then followed with a series of vicious elbows that ended the action at 2:14 of round one.

 

After the fight, Guillard made it clear that he is done as a lightweight and will carry on his Bellator MMA career at 170-pounds, and hopes to fight renowned welterweight Paul “Semtex” Daley.

Ducote Taps Vargas in Flyweight Bout

Emily Ducote (3-1) handed Bruna Vargas (2-1) the first loss of her short career, landing an overhand right that she quickly followed up with a rear-naked choke, forcing the referee to call a halt to the action at :29 of round two. After the fight, Ducote dedicated the fight to her grandmother, who has helped her a great deal throughout her upbringing and supported her decision to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. Look for Ducote to make waves in the flyweight division in the future.

Weichel ‘Weasels’ Out Split Decision Win

In a fight that had plenty of title implications for both 145-pounders, Daniel Weichel (37-9) weaseled out a close decision victory against Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3) on Friday night, receiving the benefit of the doubt from two of the three cage side judges. Weichel has now been on the positive end of 10 straight decisions, while Sanchez has been involved in four straight consecutive split decisions.

Preliminary Card Results:

Brandon Phillips (6-1) defeated Chuka Willis (8-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Chris Harris (7-0) defeated Matt Foster (6-9) via submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 1:23 of R1

Trey Ogden (6-1) defeated Manny Meraz (8-3) via submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:37 of R2

Philipe Lins (10-1) defeated Guilherme Viana (7-3) via KO (Punches) at 1:14 of R2

Jessica Middleton (1-0) defeated Bruna Ellen (2-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Gaston Reyno (6-1) defeated L.J. Hermreck (3-2) via TKO (Punches) at 3:57 of R3

Johnny Marigo (2-0) defeated Andy Riley (2-2) via submission (Armbar) at 2:44 of R1

Fernando Martinez (15-10-1) defeated Marcio Navarro (14-13) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

EVERYTHING’S BIGGER IN TEXAS: HEAVYWEIGHTS CHEICK KONGO AND TONY JOHNSON HEADLINE ‘BELLATOR 161’

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NEWLY ANNOUNCED EVENT TAKES PLACE SEPTEMBER 16 AT H-E-B CENTER AT CEDAR PARK, TEXAS

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (July, 22) – Bellator MMA is heading back to the “Lone Star State,” where a heavyweight bout pitting Cheick Kongo(24-10-2) against Tony Johnson (10-2) will serve as the main event of “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson,” which takes place on September 16 at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, Texas, and will air LIVE and FREE on SPIKE.

 

The Scott Coker-led promotion will be holding its first-ever event at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, which is just a short drive from Austin. Tickets for “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” starting at $25 can be purchased at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster, or the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Box Office starting next Friday, July 29 with an exclusive Bellator Nation pre-sale running the Wednesday and Thursday prior. Additional contests will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Hailing from Paris, Kongo will enter the cage for the ninth time under the direction of Bellator MMA and make his third consecutive appearance in a card’s main event. An 18-fight veteran of the UFC, Kongo hopes to add to his current two-fight winning streak and 6-2 mark since joining the Viacom-owned promotion back in 2013. Standing 6 foot 4, Kongo will have a noticeable height advantage over his shorter opponent. With half of his 24 career wins coming by way of knockout, Kongo will also attempt to finish Johnson for the first time of his professional career.

 

A native of North Platte, Nebraska, Johnson has strung together an impressive streak of three straight victories, including two in a row since re-joining the Bellator MMA fray. After making his professional debut in 2008, the 30-year-old made his Bellator MMA debut with a unanimous decision win over Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis at “Bellator 46.” Since challenging current UFC Champion Daniel Cormier in 2010, Johnson has gone 6-1 with three knockout finishes, including noteworthy victories over Alexander Volkov and most recently Raphael Butler, during“Bellator 148: Daley vs. Uhrich” earlier this year.

 

Updated “Bellator 161: Kongo vs. Johnson” Main Card:

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (24-10-2) vs. Tony Johnson (10-2)

boxing

Team Shumenov petitions WBA to declare purse bid for mandatory title fight vs. Lebedev or strip Lebedev of his world cruiserweight title belt

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LAS VEGAS (July 22, 2016) – It has been more than a month since World Boxing Association (WBA) world cruiserweight champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs), based on the much publicized WBA Cruiserweight Tournament rules and regulations, petitioned the WBA to either declare a purse bid for a title fight between WBA Super cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev, or strip Lebedev of his title belt for being non-compliant.
Last July, Shumenov defeated B.J. Flores by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to become the WBA mandatory challenger for   Lebedev, who hasn’t fought a mandatory defense since April 10, 2015.
The WBA issued a resolution this past April that Lebedev, who defeated Victor Emelio Ramirez in May to also become International Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion, must fight Shumenov within 120 days of the latter’s May 21, 2016 knockout victory over Junior Wright.
On record for making changes to insure only one world champion in each division, incredibly, the WBA presently has 38 different world title belt holders in only 17 different weight classes.  Only three WBA divisions have one world champion – super lightweight, lightweight and light flyweight – and eight have three world titlists, including its cruiserweight division, which presently has world champions in Lebedev, Shumenov and Interim champion Yunier Dorticos, who is the WBA second mandatory challenger.
In an apparent public relations move, the WBA has suddenly declared this month a rash of mandatory defenses, however, declaring and actually making these title fights are two different things, as Shumenov has unfortunately learned.  The WBA should have ordered a Lebedev vs. Shumenov purse bid on June 21, 2016, when the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement, but the WBA failed to do so. When Shumenov repeated his request for a purse bid in June, the WBA failed once again to act.
WBA Rule D: Purse Bids
1. Call For Purse Bid. Bout participants shall reach an agreement on holding the bout no later than ninety (90) days before the expiration of the mandatory period. To confirm an agreement has been reached, the WBA must receive acceptable bout contracts signed by the boxers certifying they have reached terms for the bout. If no agreement has been reached, the Championships Committee, with the approval of the President, can call for Purse bid. A boxer may also request a purse bid at any time. 
 
Lebedev’s promoter, Andrei Ryabinsky, has been quoted in stories about having a deal in place for his fighter to defend his IBF title first.  In effect, the WBA is allowing Lebedev to hold the WBA Super cruiserweight title belt hostage, leveraging it against his IBF crown.  Shumenov, who is a former WBA Super light heavyweight champion, has now proudly worn the WBA belt around his waist for a total of nearly five years.
“I was looking forward to fighting Lebedev and I don’t understand his unwillingness and refusal to step in the ring with me,” Shumenov said.
Team Shumenov is extremely disappointed in the WBA’s failure to act on making the fight with Lebedev that it mandated, in addition to being discouraged by the WBA’s failure, after several requests had been made, to either set a purse bid date or strip Lebedev of his world title belt.  Not knowing if or when the WBA is finally going to rule has left Shumenov unable to book any fights. The WBA’s failure to enforce its own purse bid rule, or strip Lebedev, has unfairly prevented  Shumenov from earning a living while at the peak of his pro boxing career.
Shumenov is the only native Kazakh to be a two-division world champion.  Now a resident of Las Vegas, he also represented his native Kazakhstan at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

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