WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING FINALIZES MAIN CARD FOR WSOF32 WITH SHAMIL GAMZATOV VS. LOUIS TAYLOR

LIVE ON NBCSN FROM EVERETT, WASH.
ON SATURDAY, JULY 30

Plus undefeated featherweight rivals
Hakeem Dawodu and Marat Magomedov collide
in preliminary card rematch

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the completion of the live NBCSN (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT) televised portion of its WSOF32 world championship doubleheader, with the addition of a middleweight (185 pounds) contest between undefeated sensation Shamil Gamzatov (10-0) and red-hot finisher Louis “Put The Guns Down” Taylor  (12-3).

In addition, the league announced the first WSOF32 preliminary bout, a much-anticipated rematch between a pair of unbeaten featherweight (145 pound) rivals in Hakeem “Mean” Dawodu (5-0-1) and Marat Magomedov (7-0-1).

WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II takes place at Xfinity Arena at Everett on Saturday, July 30.  In the world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship main event, reigning kingpin Marlon Moraes (16-4) will risk his title for the second time against challenger Josh “Gentleman” Hill (14-1).

Since he made his professional debut with a second round (1:35) TKO (punches) on Murat Aibazov on January 30, 2012, the 6-foot-2, 25-year-old Gamzatov of Dagestan, Russia has been an unstoppable force, defeating all of his opponents by way of either (T)KO or submission in either the first or second round of action.

In his last start and debut inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on January 23, Gamzatov scored a thunderous, first round (2:32) TKO (punches) on Teddy Holder.

The 5-foot-11, 37-year-old Taylor of Chicago, Ill. is riding a five-fight win streak that he ignited on December 14, 2012 with a first round (4:12) KO (punch) on Joe Vedepo.

Taylor, who has earned 11 of his 12 career wins via (T)KO or submission, made an explosive promotional debut for World Series of Fighting in his last appearance at WSOF29 on March 12, finishing Cory Devela in just 29 seconds with a guillotine choke submission.

A protégé of famed Muay Thai trainer Mike Miles, the 5-foot-8, 24-year-old Dawodu of Calgary, Alberta, Canada launched his professional career inside the World Series of Fighting decagon on February 21, 2014 when he scored a first round (1:07) KO (punch) on Behrang Yousefi.

Following his successful debut, Dawodu claimed four consecutive victories – all by way of (T)KO – under the World Series of Fighting banner, before facing off with Magomedov last December 18.  Following three rounds of battle, the fight was declared a majority draw.

The 5-foot-8, 25-year-old Magomedov of Dagestan is a combat Sambo specialist who has claimed all but one of his wins by way of submission, beginning with his professional debut on July 1, 2011 when he forced Dzhambulat Magomedov to tap out from a triangle choke in the first round (3:40) of their matchup.

Additional preliminary card bouts for WSOF32 will be announced soon.

Priced from $29, tickets for WSOF32: Moraes vs. Hill II are on sale at XFINITYArenaEverett.com and WSOF.com.

In the world featherweight championship co-main event, Alexandre “Capitao” Almeida (18-5) will defend his title for the first time against the fighter he took it from – Lance Palmer (10-2).

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, costumed crime fighter Phoenix Jones (6-1-1) aka Ben Fodor of Seattle, Wash. will look to settle his rivalry with adopted brother Caros “The Future” Fodor (10-5) of Seattle in a 162-pound catchweight affair.

Exciting Rising Prospects Justin DeLoach & Junior Castillo Battle in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, June 25 From The Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio

 
Plus! Unbeaten Super Lightweight Ryan Karl Takes On
Mexico’s Luis Solis & Undefeated Prospects Darwin Price & Semajay Thomas Square-Off in Action Packed Tripleheader
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
SAN ANTONIO (May 27, 2016) – Rising super welterweight prospects Justin DeLoach (14-1, 8 KOs) and Junior Castillo (10-0, 9 KOs) will meet in the eight-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN Saturday, June 25 from the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (11-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight contest against Mexico’s Luis “Muecas” Solis (14-6-4, 12 KOs) plus a showdown of unbeaten prospects when Darwin Price (12-0, 11 KOs) and Semajay Thomas (7-0, 4 KOs) compete in an eight-round super lightweight contest.
“I’m thrilled to be headlining on NBCSN and to once again perform in front of the great fans in San Antonio,” said DeLoach. “I’ve got a great deal of respect for Junior Castillo but I’m putting in the work with my new trainer Paul Williams and I plan on being victorious.”
“I know how tough DeLoach is, but I’m well prepared to stay undefeated on June 25,” said Castillo. “I’m an exciting fighter and boxing fans will have another chance to see me showcase my skills. I can’t wait.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100, $85 and $20 plus $1000 and $850 for tables, not including fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call 210-988-8821 or visit Champion Fit Gym at 6824 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas 78216.
In his last bout, the 22-year-old DeLoach delivered a sensational knockout over previously unbeaten Dillon Cook in his first bout with new trainer and former world champion Paul Williams. The fighter from Augusta, Georgia turned pro in 2013 and won his first 10 fights before suffering a defeat in early 2015. DeLoach has rebounded masterfully with four wins in a row including victories over veterans Santos Benavides and Todd Manuel.
A 2012 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Castillo recorded a significant victory in his last bout when he defeated previously unbeaten and highly regarded Kyrone Davis over eight rounds in April. Castillo turned pro in 2013 and made his U.S. debut in December 2015 with victories over Eduardo Flores and Roland Nagy before his triumph in April.
An undefeated prospect representing Houston, Karl had an excellent amateur career that ended with him ranked third in the nation in the 141-pound division. The 24-year-old won six times in 2015 including an October domination of Alfonso Olvera at the Dancehall in San Antonio. Now he is primed to reach contender status as his competition improves beginning with the 24-year-old Solis of Mexico who comes in off of a fifth round knockout of Isidro Toala earlier this month.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories including a win in his first eight-round bout against Alvaro Ortiz in November.
A National Silver Gloves champion as an amateur, Thomas made it out of the roughest neighborhoods of Chicago and made his professional boxing debut in 2013. After winning his first six pro bouts, all in Chicago, the 23-year-old defeated Farkhad Sharipov in San Antonio in December 2015.
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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/NBCSports Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.  PBC on NBCSN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MORE THAN JUST GOLD IS AT STAKE IN TITLE REMATCH

Lewiston, Maine (May 27, 2016) – One of the past year’s most intense rivalries is about to be reignited.  On June 18, 2016, when New England Fights (NEF) presents “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND” at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, former amateur mixed-martial-arts (MMA) flyweight champion Dustin Veinott (4-4) will have his chance to recapture the strap from Ryan Burgess (2-0).  Burgess took the title from Veinott last fall at “NEF XX” in a very close split decision.  The outcome on the judges’ scorecards has been a topic of heavy debate amongst NEF fans ever since.

 

“I have wanted this rematch since right after he took the title,” said Veinott.  “I know I wasn’t at 100% when I fought him last time.  Best believe I will have no distractions this time around.  I also feel he disrespected the whole weight division.  I will teach him to respect this division.  I am here to prove that us 125ers might be small, but we are all tough guys that know how to fight!”

 

“Last time me and Dustin met in the cage, we went to war,” recalled Burgess.   “Expect nothing less than that in our rematch. Many people considered it a close split decision fight, and although I wasn’t able to utilize my ground striking as I had hoped, I don’t see how you can call it a close match when I was able to impose my will on him throughout the entire three rounds. I believe that he does deserve this rematch, though, as he made the trip to Hyannis, Mass for the last event and was unfortunately not able to compete due to his opponent not making weight. Opponents in my weight class are hard to come by in this region and I believe of all the guys who are consistent with their weight cuts, Dustin deserves another shot.”

 

The Hyannis, Massachusetts bout that Burgess refers to was to take place earlier this month between Veinott and Ryan “Razzle Dazzle” Kane (4-3).  The match was cancelled at weigh-ins when Kane did not make the agreed-to catchweight.

 

“I was very frustrated about Razzle Dazzle not making weight,” stated Veinott.  “Especially after I gave him the extra four pounds that he asked for.  However, he disrespected me by not showing up on weight – that is why I didn’t take the fight.”

 

Burgess, a member of Berserkers MMA in Rumford, Maine, is clear that he plans to finish the rematch with Veinott and not leave any room for controversy with another decision.  He is not out to simply retain his title, but to also prove a point – that he is the undisputed top amateur flyweight in Maine.  And to do that, Burgess knows he has to put Veinott away definitively.

 

“All I have to say to Dustin is ‘congrats, you got your rematch that you’ve been asking for.’ I hope you don’t expect the same fighter you got last time – your fans may be disappointed at the end of the night.  Come June 18th, I will solidify myself as the top flyweight for NEF, as well as make a statement of the improvements I have been making outside of the cage.  There will be no ‘fan controversy’ after I finish this fight in the first or second round.”

 

Veinott contends that he will be more focused this time around.  A member of Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Veinott is confident in his ability to submit Burgess should Burgess, a three-time state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School with 150 wins to his credit, take the fight to the mat.

 

“The difference that I will make going into this fight is to have no distractions,” said Veinott.  “I will make sure I am the most mentally prepared I have ever been.  I feel I already have all the tools to beat him.  I caught him in several submissions our last fight, and I know for a fact he doesn’t want to stand with me.  He will be going for another wrestling match and I am fully prepared for that.”

 

And while the coveted NEF MMA Amateur Flyweight Title may be on the line on June 18, both Veinott and Burgess are looking to finish their rivalry once and for all.

 

“Find your seats early folks ’cause this one will be a quick thriller,” said Burgess in closing.  “Our last bout I had a game plan to grind out a decision victory.  A finish will go in the books after this fight.”

 

“The one thing Ryan should know is not to think this fight will be the same as the first one,” Veinott stated emphatically.  “I will leave everything in the cage.  You will see a different fighter, and I will come out victorious.  It is time to release the beast!”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

Lucian Bute’s anti-doping test statement

MONTRÉAL (May 26, 2016) – Lucian Bute was informed of the results of the anti-doping test done after his World Boxing Council (WBC) world title fight against Badou Jack, April 30, in Washington, D.C.
 
As reported in a statement sent by the WBC, the Washington D.C. Boxing and Wrestling Commission informed them that Bute tested positive for Ostarine, in an A sample analysis, after the bout.
 
”I am surprised and sorry about this. I don’t understand what led to this positive result, Bute said. “I have always passed every anti-doping test that I was asked to take since I won a world title. More recently for my fight against James DeGale, in Quebec City, last November, I was tested eight times from before my training camp until after my fight. I have never taken any illegal products. I have a complete trust in my team. There will be an analysis of the B sample and I am sure that this result will be negative.”
 
”GYM has always been strongly in favor of a strict anti-doping policy to keep the sport of boxing clean,” GYM president Yvon Michel remarked. “We are really surprised by this first result and we now hope that the B sample proves that the first result was wrong. Until then, we support Lucian Bute.”
 
There will be no further comments on this subject until the publication of Bute’s B sample result.

Welterweight Showdown Between Phil Lo Greco & Joseph Elegele Headlines Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round  On Bounce TV Sunday, June 12 From  The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL (9 p.m. ET/PT)

 
Plus! Unbeaten Australian Steve Lovett Takes On Craig Baker
in Light Heavyweight Action
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
LAKELAND, FL. (May 26, 2016) – A battle between exciting welterweights Phil Lo Greco (27-2, 15 KOs) and Joseph Elegele (15-2, 11 KOs) will serve as the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com Sunday, June 12 from The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will feature unbeaten Australian prospect Steve Lovett (15-0, 12 KOs) and tough contender Craig Baker (16-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight showdown. The full night of action will be streamed on BounceTV.com
“I don’t know much about Elegele but I will not take him lightly,” said Lo Greco. “I am always in the gym. I enjoy fighting. This is what it’s all about, fighting on television and making a name for yourself. A win here will get me one step closer to the bigger fights.”
“People should watch me, because after this fight, I am ready to show the world that I am ready for the big fights,” said Elegele. “This win will put me towards the top and in a position to fight top fighters. This is the best I have felt in my whole career. Lo Greco is a game fighter. This is my hometown and I will have a lot of people coming out to support me and I can’t wait.”
“A win here will get me in the mix with the top contenders,” said Lovett. “I expect an entertaining fight and I am ready to go. Training camp is always good and I will be in the best shape possible on June 12. I helped Edwin Rodriguez prepare for his fight against Baker so I know him well. I am at the stage to step up to the next level”
“I’m excited about this opportunity to take on a fighter like Steve Lovett,” said Baker. “He’s highly regarded but I know that I have the skills and experience to beat him. I’m leaving it all in the ring. A win here puts me in position to get big fights so I plan on being impressive.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $50 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by visitingwww.thelakelandcenter.com or by calling 888-397-0100 and from the Lakeland Center Box Office by calling 863-834-8111 or visiting between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“This will be a great night of boxing,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Elegele and Lo Greco is a real 50/50 fight with each guy needing a win to get to the next level. The last show at Lakeland was action packed and June 12 will be no different.”
A four-time amateur national Canadian champion, the Toronto-born Lo Greco turned pro in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the top fighters from Canada. The veteran fighter has also fought in Germany, Italy and Hungary before making his U.S. debut in 2012 by defeating Hector Orozco in Atlantic City. He racked up a 25-0 record to begin his career and his lone defeats have come to top welterweights Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr. In his last bout, Lo Greco stopped Pablo Munguia in the fifth-round.
After piling up an amateur record of 69-8, Elegele turned pro in 2009 and reeled off 12 victories to start his career. One of nine siblings, Elegele worked as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and has also spent time in the training camps of Adrien Broner and fellow New Haven, FL native Andre Berto, who he has known since he was 12-years-old. He owns victories over Manuel Aguilar, Angel Hernandez and Lanard Lane and most recently stopped Alex De Jesus in the sixth-round of their Bounce TV clash in January.
Born in Australia but now training in Houston with Ronnie Shields, Lovett looks to build on the momentum he has gained in 2015 with four knockouts in his five wins. The New South Wales-native has taken down veterans Kevin Engel and Samuel Miller in his last two fights as he heads into his toughest challenge in Baker.
A once-beaten fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having four of his last five opponents inside the distance. The Baytown, TX native took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out highly regarded Umberto Savigne. Now, Baker looks to bounce back from a defeat to Edwin Rodriguez when he enters the ring on June 12.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona Extra: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 93.5 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

THREE EXPLOSIVE CONTESTS COMPLETE STACKED ‘BELLATOR 156’ EVENT ON JUNE 17 IN FRESNO

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 26, 2016) – Three contests have been added to “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., with the news that Chris Honeycutt (7-1) will move up to middleweight to face Mikkel Parlo (13-2) in main card action, while Ben Reiter(16-1) versus A.J. Matthews (8-4) and Ricky Rainey (11-4) against Thiago Jambo (18-4) will take place during the preliminary stream.

 

The fights complete a card that features a Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title matchup pitting Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) against Eduardo Dantas (17-4). In addition, welterweights Chidi Njokuani (14-4) and Douglas Lima (26-6) will duke it out in the evening’s co-main event and Brandon Halsey (9-1) meets John Salter (11-3) in an intriguing middleweight scrap.

“Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App at 5:00 pm PST. Tickets for the event start at only $25 and are currently on sale at the Save Mart Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

A Fresno native, Honeycutt, will return home after a one-fight hiatus when he faces Parlo in a middleweight bout on June 17. “The Cutt” is coming off of an impressive unanimous decision victory over Matt Secor at “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson,” his third win since joining Bellator MMA and the seventh of his young career. The 27-year-old began his occupation undefeated with four knockouts and three first round finishes, earning the distinction of being one of the welterweight division’s rising stars. Now, in a new weight class, it will be interesting to see how Honeycutt performs.

Parlo will return to the Bellator fray for the first time in nearly two years, riding a two-fight winning streak and a stretch of four victories in his last five bouts. After beginning his career undefeated, the Danish middleweight posted a 4-2 record for the Viacom-owned promotion, which was highlighted by a ferocious knockout win in his promotional debut at “Bellator 78.” With fights against competitors the likes of Brennan Ward already under his belt, Honeycutt will continue the trend of Parlo facing stiff competition.

A native of New York, Reiter began his career on a spectacular hot streak, recording 16 wins in his first 17 professional fights. The 28-year-old middleweight made 15 appearances under the direction of regional promotions before signing with Bellator MMA in 2014, where he has since strung together a 2-1 record with impressive victories over Benji Radach and Shamir Garcia. Standing at 6’3’ Reiter will have a slight height advantage over the 5’11’ Matthews when the two step into the cage on June 17.

Matthews also delivered a successful start to his flourishing career, earning wins in each of his first four bouts before joining Bellator MMA. A six fight veteran of the Scott Coker-led promotion, “The Mercenary” has posted a 4-2 record under the promotion’s umbrella, including two first round knockouts and one highlight reel soccer kick knockout over Charlie Rader at “Bellator 70.” The 28-year-old Calif. native now returns following a stint in Japan with hopes of creating havoc at 185-pounds when he challenges Reiter at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Since making his professional debut in 2011, the 32-year-old Rainey has put together a stellar career, including multiple four-fight winning streaks and memorable victories over Jesse Juarez and Andy Murad. After collecting wins in eight of the first 10 fights of his career, the North Carolina native has made five appearances under the Bellator MMA banner, three of which ended in knockout victories for the man many refer to as “The Sniper.” The welterweight knockout artist will be searching for another explosive finish when he enters the cage next.

A native of Brazil, Jambo will look to continue his recent success when he makes his Bellator MMA debut on June 17 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. The 35-year-old Jambo has put together an impressive career, recording wins in six of his last seven fights dating back to 2010. With 11 of his 18 victories going to the judges’ table, we can expect Jambo to bring a similar game plan to the cage, as he will try to outlast the knockout specialist standing in front of him.

Complete “Bellator 156: Galvao vs. Dantas 2” Card:

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Title Bout: Marcos Galvao (17-6-1) vs. Eduardo Dantas (17-4)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Co-Main Event: Chidi Njokuani (14-4) vs. Douglas Lima (26-6)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Brandon Halsey (9-1) vs. John Salter (11-3)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Honeycutt (7-1) vs. Mikkel Parlo (13-2)

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: A.J. Matthews (8-4) vs. Ben Reiter (16-1)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Rainey (11-4) vs. Thiago Jambo (18-4)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jermaine McDermott (2-0) vs. Blake Watkins (5-0)

Bellator MMA 140lb. Preliminary Bout: Paul Ruiz (6-4) vs. Christian Navarro (5-0)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Javy Ayala (8-5) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Bustamante (5-1) vs. Antoine Smith (3-5)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: C.J. Keith (8-3) vs. Carrington Banks (4-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Smitley (10-7) vs Chris Avila (4-2)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: John Paul Elias (3-0) vs. Jose Cabesas (5-8)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Lewis (0-0) vs. TBD

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Luis Jauregui (3-2) vs. Ryan Tobar (3-2)

 

Fighting Professionally in his Hometown for the First Time this Friday, Nick Casal to Make First Ring Appearance in Nearly Five Years

A familiar name, especially to the local boxing fans, will make his first ring appearance in just under five years this Friday night in his own hometown of Niagara Falls, New York.
Former red-hot prospect Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal (22-4-1, 17 KOs) says he’s expecting some rust, but should have enough to overcome when he takes on 37-fight veteran Antonio Chaves Fernandez of Brockton, Massachusetts, in one of the untelevised supporting bouts at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. The fight will be Casal’s first at home as a professional.
In the night’s 10-round main event, WBO #11-, WBA #12- and IBF #15-rated heavyweight boxer Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (16-0-1, 14 KOs), defends his WBA NABA Heavyweight title against Topeka, Kansas, slugger Nick Guivas (12-3-2, 9 KOs). And in the 10-round lightweight semi-final, red-hot Filipino prospect Harmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (17-0, 12 KOs) will make his debut on US soil against capable veteran Guillermo Sanchez (15-18-1, 6 KOs) of Buffalo.
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, Salita Promotions, FightCard Productions and Winner Take All Productions, “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” will be broadcast live nationally at 9 pm EST.
Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” start at $35 and are available at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino box office,www.ticketmaster.com or you can charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
30-year-old Casal was headed for big things in boxing before suffering a loss of focus and all four of his losses in a two-year stretch from 2007 to 2009. Since then, inactivity has been the name of his game.
So where was he and why wasn’t he fighting?
“I never really left,” said Casal during a break in one of his final training sessions. “I’ve been working full-time for the last three years, but I was ready to go and trying to get a fight the whole time. I had a number of them fall through. I had one fight fall through at the weigh-in when a guy failed his physical. That was heartbreaking. But now, I finally have a team in place that can keep them from falling through and I’m glad to be finally getting back in the ring.”
Casal says he’s basically the same talented fighter he always was… with a few improvements.
“Physically, I feel exactly the same as I did five years ago. Mentally, I would say I’m a little stronger and a lot more patient than I was when I was younger. I set my shots up a lot better. I don’t think the ring rust will be as bad as it is for other guys who take a lot of time off. I’ve been in the gym training fighters and working out the whole time. I expect to have a little bit of rust, but not as much as someone who was completely out for years. I picture it going very well if I stick to my game plan and stay very focused.”
Working with father Ray at their Casal’s Boxing Club Gym in Niagara Falls since February, Casal says he will now compete in the welterweight division and expects to take an aggressive approach to getting back on track.
 
“I want to win a few regional titles and then earn a world title shot. Around this time next year, I’d like to be in some important fights.”
Casal says he owes his apparent resurgence to promoter Greg Cohen, with whom he signed earlier this year.
“He’s a great promoter and does shows in my hometown. I’ve never fought here as a professional. I fought in Buffalo a few times in 2011, but never fought here. That was important to me. People are calling like crazy for tickets. I’m excited to get it on. With the crowd behind me, I’ll be 100% ready. I’ve just been waiting for the right guy to help me get to where I want to be. Looks like I found him.”
On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, NY. For more information, call 877-873-6322 or visit www.senecaniagaracasino.com.

JUNE 11 MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES: RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV, JOHN MOLINA JR., DEJAN ZLATACANIN FROM FORTUNE GYM, L.A.

     
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
Live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)
During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend
From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
For Immediate Release
LOS ANGELES (May 25, 2016) – Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov was involved in the Fight of the Year in 2013 with Tim Bradley. John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. was embroiled in the 2014 Fight of The Year with Lucas Matthysse.

On Saturday, June 11, Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) a former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, and former world title challenger Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) will face each other in the 12-round main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

On Tuesday, Provodnikov, Molina and undefeated WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight contenderDejan Zlatacanin participated in a Media Workout Day at Fortune’s Gym in Los Angeles.

Zlatacanin (17-0, 10 KOs), of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, will be opposed by fellow unbeaten and WBC No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs), of Italy, for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship in the opening match of the SHOWTIME telecast.

In the co-feature, undefeated former 154-pound world champion Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs), of Providence, R.I., battles Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s), of Cleveland, Ohio, in a 12-round WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Also on June 11, former world title challengers, Willie Monroe Jr. and John Thompson,will meet in a 10-round middleweight bout in the main event on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT). In the SHO EXTREME opener, heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (28-3, 23 KO’s) takes on Mario Heredia (11-1, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB) in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions, Inc., are priced at $85, $60, $45 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877.833.SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Below is what the boxers said Tuesday:

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV

(On the importance of this fight)

“Every fight is important. I come out for every fight to give everything I have. For me, every fight is like the last fight. So this is a very important fight, just like any other.

“I don’t like to make predictions too much; boxing is an unpredictable sport and it’s hard to say what will happen. Anything can happen on June 11. We’ve got a little bit to wait and we’ll see what happens.

“I don’t know if it will go to the scorecards. Anything can happen. He is also a great fighter, so maybe it will go to the scorecards.”

(On what he expects from John Molina Jr.)

“I’m expecting him to come to fight. No doubt he’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. For somebody to defeat me is a big motivation and I know he’ll be coming to win.

“No matter what, he’s going to do anything possible to win this fight. That’s what I expect from people that take a fight with me – that they’ll die in the ring to defeat me because it would be a great accomplishment. So I’m expecting a real war, a real fight.”

(On the style of fighting and the matchup)

“I think this is the type of fight that will be exciting and all-action. I think it’s a great matchup and it will be exciting for the fans.”

(On who he’s looking to fight next)

“I’m not thinking about that too much right now. Luckily my weight classes, both 140 and 147, there’s no problem with the opposition. There (are) a lot of guys, a lot of stars. After this fight on June 11 we’ll be able to start thinking about what’s next.

“I’ve always said that I’m willing to fight anyone at 140 and 147, just let me know when and I’ll be there. I’m ready to fight any of the top guys.”

(On if he would rather fight a boxer or a come-forward fighter like Molina)

“I definitely like the guys that come to fight. For me that is a better, more enjoyable fight. I like to fight a guy that wants to brawl.

(On if he’s ready to box if Molina choses to box instead of brawl)

“On June 11, I’ll be ready for anything that can happen in the ring. I’ve been watching previous fights and correcting my mistakes and I’ll be ready for anything he decides to bring.”

(On not fighting for eight months)

“I don’t see too much of a negative side to that. I just wanted some time off and now I’m ready to come back. I’m always in shape; I’m always in the gym, always training.

“I’m training all the time and always moving around even when I’m at home. Right now, training camp is going very well. Joel Diaz is very happy with training and he says everything is going a lot better than the last training camp. Everything is 100 percent. I’m not worried at all.”

(On his relationship with trainer Joel Diaz)

“Everything is going great. When Joel and I are training together it’s always very positive. That’s important for me. I’m enjoying the training camp and I’m having a good time, which is the most important thing.

“Boxing-wise I’ve added a lot of different things. Most importantly, I’ve increased my defensive skills and that’s going to show in this fight very much and I’m positive of that. More than that, my punching combinations have gotten better in the last few camps and that’s going to show. Joel and I work well together and that’s definitely important.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

(Thoughts leading up to the fight)

“I am really excited. Ruslan is a hell of a fighter and competitor. I think it’s a can’t-miss, all-action fight when you have someone like myself and Ruslan in there.

“Stylistically I think there are thing that I have to my advantage. Stature-wise: my height, my reach. But with that being said, when the fight starts, all of that is going to go out the window and we’re going to fight.

“We were both in Fights of the Year, but we were both on the losing ends. Now we want to be on the winning end. I think that is an unwritten motivation for both of us.

“Stylistically it’s a great matchup. We’ve had a common opponent and of course you can draw that he was in a Fight of the Year with some other fighter. But I’m not that stature. I am 5-feet-11 with a reach that he can’t compare with. On June 11 after the first bell rings, I’ll be able to tell you exactly how the fight is going to play out.”

(On the importance of winning this fight)

“Every fight is important. Fortunately and unfortunately, boxing is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ type of sport. For me, I didn’t have an extensive amateur career so the pros were, in essence, my amateur career. But I believe I’m at the right spot right now, where I need to be to hit my stride.

“Of course a victory is always the goal. I don’t like to lose at checkers and I don’t want to lose at boxing. To keep the lifestyle that I have going, I have to continue to be victorious and move forward.

“We definitely want to catapult off of a big marquee name. We want to be on the winning side. That is the goal 110 percent. We won’t be satisfied with anything less than a victory. I’m not content with getting in these fights because people love to watch me fight. I want to be content with getting these fights because I’m victorious and that’s what we’re planning on doing on June 11.

“I feel like you’re going to get the best of me now. I feel like my longevity isn’t a question because I didn’t have the extensive amateur career. A lot of these guys have been boxing since they were eight years old. I didn’t start until I was 17. I didn’t turn pro until I was 24. I only had 22 amateur fights. So the miles on my odometer, so to speak, are less than someone like Ruslan who had an extensive amateur career. He’s been in more wars than me.

“Either way you slice it, boxing takes something from you. Whether it’s your youth, your sharpness, boxing is that kind of a sport where it draws something from your body. I believe he’s had it worse than me. I feel stronger and more experienced for lacking those years.”

DEJAN ZLATCANIN

(On what this fight means for his career)

“This is the most important fight for me because the WBC title has been my dream since the first day I went to the gym. I will be the new champion.

“I was always the underdog in every fight but now I don’t get underestimated. My opponent is going to get the best me on June 11. I think those who underestimated me were wrong all along, but I will put some good shots on him and he’ll go down. I will knock him out.

“I think they [fans] will cheer for me like I am a home fighter and I will do my best to bring the good fight.”

(On his opponent)

“He’s a boxer. He’s smart, but he has no power. He will try to box, keep a distance and use his height advantage. He will use his footwork to keep me at bay, but it won’t work.”

(Thoughts on fighting for first world title)

“I am very excited and I am very happy to be fighting for my first world title. I am coming from a little country and I want everyone to know where Montenegro is and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

(On fighting in U.S. for first time)

“People in America, they’re fans, they love good boxing. It doesn’t matter where you are from, they just like good fights. They like my style because I am a fighter and I go forward.”

Cruiserweight contender Nick Kisner ready for Boardwalk debut this Friday night at the Claridge in Atlantic City 

   

Isiah Seldon battles Eddie Edmond in main event

Chuck Mussachio takes on Willis Lockett in Light Heavyweight rematch

  Plus undefeated Heavyweight Quian Davis,

The pro debut of former United States amateur sensation LeRoy Davila

WEIGH IN TODAY AT 2 PM

For Immediate Release
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (May 26, 2016)–THIS Friday night, May 27th, a big night of boxing will kick off a holiday weekend at The Claridge in Atlantic City as Rising Promotions will present a terrific card of boxing.
In the main event, It will be about New Jersey bragging rights as Isiah Seldon will take on Eddie Edmond in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.
In a one of the undercard bout, Baltimore-based cruiserweight contender, “Slick” Nick Kisner will take on Lamont Capers.
Kisner, who was a prized amateur that saw him become a 3-time National Silver Gloves champion, a 2-time National junior Golden Gloves champion and a Ringside World championship, just to name a few of his big wins in the non-paying ranks.
The 25 year-old has a record of 16-2-1 with six knockouts.
“I have had a very good training camp,” said Kisner.  “Capers is a tough and durable opponent.  He has been in with some very good fighters, but I am very confident about getting the win on Friday.”
Kisner has won two in a row since his highest profile bout to date when he dropped a ten round unanimous decision to former two-time world title challenger  Lateef Kayode,
In that bout, Kisner fought well and had some moments in the bout, but came up just short in a fight that seemed closer then the official scorecards.
“I learned a lot about in that fight.  I went 10-rounds for the first time.  I did that against one of the best fighters in the divisions.  That was the fight where, also learned the best way to get down to 200 pounds.  Before that fight, I would kill myself to make the weight.”
That training regimen has worked so well, that Kisner is now contemplating a move to light heavyweight.
“That is the plan.  In fact, if everything goes well on Friday, that I am looking at a big name at light heavyweight in August.”
But first, he has to deal with Capers, not far from Kisner’s hometown of Baltimore.
“I am excited to be fighting in Atlantic City.  It is one of the big stages in boxing.  ComeFriday, I am going to put on a great show, and I am going to show the world that I am great fighter.  I have learned from my previous fights.  I have matured and on Friday, people will see that I am on the best fighters in the world.”
In a six-round co-feature, one of the most popular fighter’s from the shore area, Light Heavyweight Chuck Mussachio will be back in the ring after a 39-month lay off when he takes on Willis Lockett in a rematch of a bout that that ended in a draw on September 19, 2008.
In four round bouts:
In a four round Welterweight bout, Adrian Wilson (0-2) of Atlantic City will take on pro debuting Da’Quan Johnson of Pennsauken, New Jersey
Quian Davis (2-0-1, 1KO) of Mays Landing, NJ will fight Soloman Maye (1-6-1, 1 KO) of New Haven, CT in a Heavyweight out.
Also on the card will be  the pro debut of Bantamweight Leroy Davila of New Brunswick, New Jersey battling fellow pro debuter Dominic Whitehurst of Chillicothe, OH.
Davila, who had over 60 amateur fights was ranked second in the United States in his weight class.
Tickets are $125 for premium, $77 Ringside stage and $52 reserved and are available atwww.risingboxingpromotions.com or 609-487-4444
Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo
  
About Rising Promotions:
Rising Promotions was created with the intent of becoming a house hold name with the key objective of Rising Promotions being able to coordinate an array of diversified special events within the sports and entertainment industry, The CEO and partners at Rising Promotions feel that the opportunities for growth are endless. We would like to give opportunities to up and coming professional as well as amateur boxers that other promoters would not readily give opportunity to. The events that Rising plans to coordinate will provide much needed affordable, family-friendly sports entertainment.

M-1 Challenge 66 Viktor Nemkov vs. Rashid Yusopov M-1 Challenge Light Heavyweight Championship May 27, 2016 * Orenburg City, Russia

 
 
M-1 Challenge 66, Friday in Orenburg City, Russia
WATCH FREE ON M-1GLOBAL.TV
Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. / 8 a.m. PT in U.S.A.
(L-R) – Viktor Nemkov & Rashid Yusopov
 
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
MAIN EVENT – M-1 GLOBAL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 5 X 5
VIKTOR NEMKOV (23-5-0, M-1: 14-4-0) Champion, Russia by way of Kazakhstan 205 lbs. (93 kg)
vs.
RASHID YUSOPOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Challenger, Russia 204 lbs. (92.7 kg)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
STEPHAN “T-800” PUETZ (13-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Germany 204 ½ lbs. (92.9 kg)
vs.
ANDREY SELEDTSOV (5-1-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Russia 205 lbs. 93 kg)
LIGHTWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
RAUL TUTARAULI (6-2-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Georgia 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
vs.
DAMIR ISMAGULOV (6-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0), Russia by way of Kazakhstan 154 ½ lbs. (70.3 kg)
 BANTWAMWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
JOSH RETTINGHOUSE (12-4-0, M-1: 0-0-0), United States 139 lbs. (63.3 kg)
vs.
VADIM ZHLOBICH (4-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Belarus 138 lbs. (62.7 kg)
 FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
MIKHAIL KOROBKOV (9-0-1, M-1: 0-0-1), Russia 145 lbs. (65.8 kg)
vs.
TIMUR NAGIBIN (7-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Russia 144 ½ lbs. (65.7 kg)
FEATHERWEIGHTS – 3 X 5
ALEXANDER KRUPEMKIN (pro debut), Ukraine 131 LBS. (59.6 kg)
vs.
MOVSAR EVLOEV (2-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) 136 lbs. (61.75 kg)
WHEN:             Friday, May 27, 2016
WHERE:           Orenburg City, Russia
PROMOTER:    M-1 Global
LIVE STREAM: FREE at www.m-1global.tv (Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT in USA) 
 


 
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