Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE VERSUS JEREMIE HOLLOWAY COMPLETES MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 153’ ON APRIL 22 AT MOHEGAN SUN

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CHRIS HONEYCUTT AND MATT SECOR HEADLINE ACTION-PACKED PRELIMINARY CARD

 

TIME CHANGE: ‘BELLATOR 153’ TO AIR AT 8 P.M. ET/7 P.M. CT

 

 B153_1000x1000_Page_Holloway

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (March 24, 2016) – A welterweight pairing pitting Michael Page (9-0) against Jeremie Holloway (7-1) completes the main card of “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” on April 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

In addition, the stacked preliminary portion of the event now features ten matchups, including an intriguing 170-pound matchup between Chris Honeycutt (6-1) – teammate of Josh Koscheck — and Matt Secor (7-2), who was originally slated to face “Kos” at “Bellator 148: Daley vs. Uhrich.”

 

The bout joins a main card that features the highly anticipated Bellator debut of Benson “Smooth” Henderson (23-5), as he challenges welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov (18-1) for his belt. Former featherweight titlist Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-3) meets John “Macapa” Teixeira (19-1-2), Connecticut’s own “Irish” Brennan Ward (13-3) returns to action, when he welcomes Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (20-16) into the Bellator MMA fray at 170-pounds and “Toninho Furia” (27-5) faces Brent Primus (6-0) in lightweight action.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. The event airs live and free on SPIKE at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. The broadcast will be immediately followed by the groundbreaking, inaugural “Bellator Kickboxing: Torino” event.

 

Training with the London Shootfighters camp, Michael “Venom” Page is a point fighting expert best known by the acronym “MVP.” The 28-year-old has still yet to surrender a loss in his professional career, including an unblemished 5-0 mark under the Bellator banner. Page has delivered six of his nine victories coming by way of KO/TKO, and you can expect him to come out firing and in search of more blood. Take a look at “MVP’s” most recent finish of Charlie Ontiveros at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho.”

 

Prior to his promotional debut against Matt Secor at “Bellator 144: Halsey vs. Carvalho,” Holloway was undefeated through his first seven professional fights, scoring high praise and recognition among the mixed martial arts community. The 31-year-old North Carolina native will have his hands full on April 22nd, when the aggressive Page joins him in the cage for what is sure to be one of the most entertaining fights of the evening.

 

Complete “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” Fight Card:

Bellator MMA Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (18-1) vs. Benson Henderson (23-5)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Co-Main Event: Patricio Freire (24-3) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Brennan Ward (13-3) vs. Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (20-16)

Bellator MMA Heavyweight Feature Bout: Michael Page (9-0) vs. Jeremie Holloway (7-1)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Feature Bout: Brent Primus (6-0) vs. Gleristone “Toninho Furia” Santos (27-5)

 

 

Preliminary Card:

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Honeycutt (6-1) vs. Matt Secor (7-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Djamil Chan (11-2) vs. Richard Patishnock (6-3)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Sam Watford (1-0) vs. Dean Hancock (2-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Foster (8-4) vs. Felipe Lavandoski (5-0)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Bakanowski (3-2) vs. T.J. Hepburn (4-2)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Pete Rogers (2-3) vs. Mike Mangan (0-3)

Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Zichelle (7-4) vs. Joe Cronin (19-16)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Bessette (17-7) vs. Keith Richardson (14-6)

Bellator MMA Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Tim Caron (3-0) vs. Justin Sumter (0-0)

Bellator MMA Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Blair Tugman (7-6) vs. Jay Perrin (2-1)

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner Talks Training Camp, Showdown With Ashley Theophane & More

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ABOUT CAMP NOTES
 
Click HERE For Photos & Training Camp Video
From Premier Boxing Champions
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 24, 2016) – Super lightweight world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner gave a training camp update and discussed his world title defense against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane that headlinesPremier Boxing Champions on Spike on Friday, April 1 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
Televised coverage on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features two exciting undercard fights as unbeaten rising star Robert Easter Jr. takes on former world champion Algenis Mendez and top prospect Gervonta “The One” Davis faces Mexico’s Guillermo Avila.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visitwww.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.
Broner took time during training to discuss his camp in the nation’s capital, his relationship with Easter Jr., his showdown with Theophane and more:
ADRIEN BRONER
“I love training camp in D.C. because it takes me out of my element. I can get rid of the distractions and focus on boxing. The team we have down here brings the best out of me.
“Every fight I tell young guys like Robert Easter Jr. to train like it’s the last fight of your career and the biggest fight of your career. For this fight, the main thing is that it’s just a bigger stage, no other difference.
“I know it’s going to be an electrifying atmosphere with a huge crowd. I’m coming to put on a show. I know that Ashley Theophane is coming to win. He’s not coming to lay down, but we’re ready for anything he can bring.
“Everybody has bad nights. The Porter fight was just one of my bad nights. But we’re back on track, we’re back to being a world champion and I will stay champion after April 1. It’s going to be a fantastic show.
“Floyd knows I can beat his fighter. At the end of the day, he’s doing what’s best for his fighter and that’s getting him a title shot. Boxing is always a punch away from a victory. Everybody has a chance to win but I know I will be victorious. We will put on a great show.
“When I’m not training I’ve been working on a lot of stuff outside of the ring with About Billions including my new app that just launched and our About Billions merchandise we’ll have on sale at the DC Armory fight night.
“The more I win, the more successful I am. I just have to do my thing in the ring and everything will come together.
“All I can say is is don’t blink. Don’t go to the concession stand. It’s going to be an exciting show.”
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF

RIZIN FF SIGNS DARON CRUICKSHANK AND “HUGGY BEAR,” ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW, STAR-STUDDED MMA BOUTS FOR APRIL 17 MEGA-EVENT IN NAGOYA, JAPAN

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Lightweight sensation Daron Cruickshank (pictured) has signed with RIZIN FF, and will make his promotional debut on Sunday, April 17.

Cruickshank takes on Shinji Sasaki in lightweight contest;
Huggy Bear faces Kirill Sidelnikov in heavyweight showdown

Plus:
Women’s Open Weight: Gabi Garcia vs. Anna Malyukova
216 Pound Catchweight: Teodoras Aukstuolis vs. Jaideep Singh
Light Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov vs. Karl Albrektsson
TOKYO – March 24, 2016– RIZIN FF, the combat sports promotion led by former PRIDE FC head Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced during a press conference today, that it has inked five  new, star-studded Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bouts for its much-anticipated mega-event in Nagoya, Japan on Sunday, April 17, including a lightweight (155 pounds) contest between newly signed striking sensationDaron Cruickshank (16-8, 1 NC) and submission expert Shinji “Torao Supernova” Sasaki (16-8-3), as well as a heavyweight matchup between fellow knockout artists Chris “Huggy Bear” Barnett (14-2) and Kirill Sidelnikov (8-4)

In women’s open weight action, decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and women’s MMA heavyweight prospect Gabi Garcia (1-0) will collide with two-time Pankration champion Anna Malyukova (1-0).

Recent RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament semifinalist Teodoras Aukstuolis (8-3) will square off with former K-1 champion Jaideep “Heart” Singh (2-1 MMA; 40-10, 13 KO’s kickboxing) in a 216- pound catchweight fight.

Sambo world champion Vadim Nemkov (5-1) will take on undefeated, aggressive-minded striker and top Nordic prospect “King” Karl Albrektsson (4-0) in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) tilt.

Daron Cruickshank vs. Shinji Sasaki

Cruickshank of Wayne, Mich. will set foot in the RIZIN FF ring for the first time, following a 4-year, 13-fight stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that included wins over rival stars Yves Edwards, Erik Koch and Anthony Njokuani.

A two-time NCAA Division III wrestling national qualifier for Olivet College and a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, the 5-foot-8, 30-year-old Cruickshank has gained admiration from fans worldwide with his set of explosive striking skills.

Sasaki of Hiroshima, Japan is a former Shooto Pacific Rim champion in the midst of a three-fight win streak.  In his last start on March 12, the 5-foot-9, 35-year-old who has earned 10 of his 16 career wins by way of submission, scored a thunderous, 40-second TKO on Won Sik Park with a storm of punches.

(Above: Chris “Huggy Bear” Barnett, clad in his signature, full-body bear suit, stands behind MMA legends Fedor Emelianenko (left) and Wanderlei Silva (right) at a press conference in Japan before Barnett’s first round TKO victory over Shinichi Suzukawa on New Year’s Eve 2014)

Chris Barnett vs. Kirill Sidelnikov

With heavy hands, incredible agility for his massive physique and an eccentric personality that spawned his “Huggy Bear” moniker, Barnett of Tampa, Fla., has been making noise in the MMA world of late.

The 5-foot-9, 29-year-old who makes his ring entrances wearing a full-body bear suit and celebrates his victories by performing breakdance moves and cartwheels in the ring, has earned 12 of his 14 career wins to date by way of (T)KO.  In his last start, he scored a first round TKO (punches) on Shinichi Suzukawa, in Tokyo onDecember 31

Sidelnikov of Stary Oskol, Russia is a 5-foot-11, 27-year-old former protégé of all-time MMA great Fedor Emelianenko.  On December 29, he made his return to the ring after a five-year hiatus, scoring a devastating, first round (2:23) TKO (punches) on Carlos Toyota at the inaugural RIZIN FF event in Saitama, Japan.

Gabi Garcia vs. Anna Malyukova

A six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and ninth degree black belt, the 6-foot-2, 30-year-old Garcia of Los Angeles, Calif. via Sao Paulo, Brazil will return to the RIZIN FF ring for the second time after scoring a first round (2:36) TKO (punches) on Lei’d Tapa on December 31.

Malyukova of Penza, Penza Oblast, Russia is a former collegiate basketball star turned Russian MMA Championship and World Cup of MMA winner.  After amassing a near unblemished, amateur career record of 7-1, Malyukova made her professional debut on September 26, 2015, earning a unanimous decision over Tatiana Portova.

Teodoras Aukstuolis vs. Jaideep “Heart” Singh

The 6-foot, 24-year-old Aukstuolis of Ukmerge, Lithuania is a national Judo champion who has been dubbed the “Lithuanian Werewolf” by Japanese fans who witnessed the young fighter use his aggressive style to knock out (punch) Bruno Henrique Cappelozza in the first round (3:32) of the RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament’s quarterfinal stage of battle on December 29, 2015, before being ousted by eventual tournament champion “King Mo” Lawal in the semifinal round

All but one of Aukstuolis’ wins, thus far, have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Singh of Punjab, India is a 6-foot-6, 28-year-old, former K-1 and RISE heavyweight kickboxing tournament champion who took his biggest risk to date when he stepped in the ring with Emelianenko in the main event of the RIZIN FF kick-off event on December 31, losing to the iconic Russian fighter by way of first round (3:02) TKO (punches).

Singh’s highest profile win to date came at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final event in Tokyo, Japan when he scored a first round (2:58) KO on Russian superstar Sergei Kharitonov with a right hook.

Vadim Nemkov vs. Karl “King” Albrektsson

Another protégé of Emelianenko and the younger brother of M-1 Global light heavyweight kingpin Viktor Nemkov, the 23-year-old Vadim of Stary Oskol is a three-time national and 2014 world combat Sambo champion.

Nemkov reached the semifinal stage of the RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament onDecember 29, finishing Goran Reljic by way of first round (2:58) TKO (punches) before being ousted from the eight-man playoff by Jiri Prochazka.

The 6-foot-2, 22-year-old Abrektsson of Sweden will make his RIZIN FF promotional debut as one of the hottest emerging forces in Europe.  With a fearless, straightforward style of offense, the Pancrase Gym team member has finished all four of his professional opponents inside of two rounds, via (T)KO or submission.

Priced from 100,000 yen, tickets for “Top Presents RIZIN Fighting Federation I,” which takes place at Nippon Gaishi Hall, are on sale and can be purchased online at Ticketbis.com.

In the main event, former PRIDE FC middleweight champion and prolific superstarWanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) will team up with a fighter to be announced soon, in a special grappling “tag match,” and battle a duo consisting of fellow legend, Kazushi Sakuraba, (26-17-1, 2 NC) and Hideo Tokoro (33-28-2).

In a 180-pound MMA rules catchweight contest, devastating power puncherHisaki Kato (5-2) will take on fellow finisher Yuta “Andre” Watanabe (19-6-4).

Returning to action for the first time in five years, beloved heavyweight Kazuyuki “Ol’ Ironhead” Fujita (15-10), will face recent RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament runner-up and dangerous knockout artist Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka (16-3-1).

In flyweight (125 pounds) action, submission ace Allan “Puro Osso” Nascimento (14-3) will lock horns with red-hot champion Yuki Motoya (15-4, 1 NC).

Follow RIZIN FF:

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

BLACK BELT RETURNS TO ACTION AT NEF 22 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (March 24, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional welterweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Jarod “Last Minute” Lawton (4-2) returns to the NEF cage to face Aaron Aschendorf (2-2) at a fight weight of 170-pounds.

 

One of the true stars of the NEF roster, Jarod Lawton last appeared for the promotion a year ago at “NEF 17.”  That night, Lawton lost  a split decision to Bellator veteran Dennis Olson (14-11) after three rounds of a brutal, physical battle.  It was Lawton’s first loss in the cage in three years.

 

Lawton holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).  Along with his wife, Marcela Sorentino Lawton, he is the co-owner of Team Lawton Martial Arts and Innovative Athletics – a team New England United (NEU) affiliate based in Farmingdale, Maine.  With a reputation for pulling out late-fight submission victories, Lawton says that he will be looking for the finish against Aschendorf on April 23.

 

“I have been working hard on improving my game,” said Lawton.  “I am in the best shape of my life and excited to be fighting again.  I don’t know much about Aaron, but I’m always prepping to fight tough opponents and put on very exciting fights.  I will be hunting for the finish as always.”

 

Aaron Aschendorf is a member of the Atlantic Beach Combat Club based out of Atlantic Beach, Florida.  He began actively competing in the sport of MMA in 2004.  After a four year break, Aschendorf returned to the cage this past fall for House of Fame MMA in Jacksonville, Florida.  He is clear that he plans on coming in aggressive against Lawton when he makes the trip to Maine next month.

 

“All I can say about this fight is that I’m leaving it all in the cage that night,” said Aschendorf.   “I’m going to fight hard and aggressive. Jarod better be ready for a war, because I’m not holding anything back.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” 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, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

 Victor Ortiz, Andre Berto, Jorge Lara & Fernando Montiel Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 30
From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LOS ANGELES (March 23, 2016) – Former welterweight world champions“Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto, along with undefeated featherweight contender Jorge Lara and former world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, held a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes showdowns taking place Saturday, April 30 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
The tripleheader of primetime action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT also features an exciting light heavyweight showdown between Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53 and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale now and available for purchase online at AXS.com.
The fighters held court at the Conga Room at L.A. Live and spoke about their respective matchups. Ortiz and Berto will tangle in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2011 battle, won by Ortiz, while the rising Lara and former champion Montiel meet in a crossroads fight that could launch the winner into title contention in a stacked featherweight division.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
VICTOR ORTIZ
“This is definitely the next chapter of my boxing career and I want to take full advantage of it. I’m healthy and I’m young and I’m still able to pull the trigger.
“Everyone said I was a ‘tomato can’ who had no business being in the ring with Berto the first time. I had to go to Connecticut to get my belt and my respect.
“I’ve fought a lot of wars. I’ve been in battles. I broke my jaw and my wrist, that’s three years right there. But my will to fight led me back. The more boxing I watched, the more upset it made me. I don’t think the other welterweights are on my level.
“Berto blames me for his downward spiral. He thinks he has a chance this time. Always a good dream to have.
“I’m not going the distance this time. I’m going in 100 miles per hour, full throttle.
“2011 was one heck of a year. The repeat is coming on April 30 because I want another world championship. Berto is a tremendous warrior; I’ll give him that. I’ll be ready and I know he will be too.”
ANDRE BERTO
“I’m excited about this one. April 30 is going to be a tremendous night. I promise you that.
“The fight back in 2011, he got me. He did what he had to do to win. But this time I’m going in extremely focused and ready to take everything that I felt he took from me that night.
“I went to school. I failed the test and now I have the chance to ace it.
“He said it wouldn’t go the distance last time, but I still did and I wasn’t training to my full capabilities.
“My power and speed are still there. I’m glad this fight came about because it’s going to be a great night for the fans.
“I’m not about running my mouth and saying stuff just for the media. I’m going to back it up in the ring.
“I’ve got to show Victor some respect because he beat me the first time. I’m big on being respectful. I respect Victor and the history of Mexican fighters, they put their blood, sweat and tears in there.
“This is what he asked for. So I want to make sure he knows what he’s getting himself into. This isn’t the same situation as last time. So we’ll see it in the ring. Come out on April 30 and see me handle this business.”
 
JORGE LARA
“It’s an honor to be able to fight on a card like this. I’m really excited about entering the ring on April 30.
“I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight. Montiel is a very accomplished fighter and that’s why we’re preparing ourselves very diligently for this fight. We’re looking forward to the challenge that he presents.
“I have all the respect in the world for Fernando Montiel. He was a great world champion who is very established in his career. I must be at my best to get the victory.
“If I’m able to win the fight then I would like to fight the winner of Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares in that title fight. But first and foremost, I have to get this big victory.
“Don’t miss this fight. We’re going to give it our all and it’s going to be a tremendous matchup. I’m going to give it my all to be victorious.”
FERNANDO MONTIEL
“It’s an honor and pleasure to be a part of this amazing card. My fight with Lara is going to get the ring hot for the rest of the card.
“Lara is going to come prepared just like myself. He’s a great fighter. He’s undefeated and I know he’s going to bring his best.
“I know that Jorge Lara is a very good fighter, he’s aggressive. I know if I make a mistake it could be a long night for me.
“I know I have to rely on my experience to come out victorious. I expect both of us to battle. There could be some knockdowns. It’s going to be a fun fight for the fans.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and I hope everyone comes out because I’m planning on making this a terrific fight.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Solid undercard announced for Apr. 2nd Adamek vs. Molina PPV live from Poland

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KRAKOW, Poland (March 23, 2016) – A solid, entertaining undercard has been announced for “The Final Call,” featuring two-division world champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek against former world title challenger Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina, airing live April 2 on pay-per-view in North America from Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland.
Adamek (50-4, 30 KOs), fighting out of Jersey City, NJ, and dangerous Texan foe Molina (24-3, 18 KOs) will battle in the 12-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental heavyweight title.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute the card in North America residents on pay-per-view for live viewing at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT on cable, satellite and Internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Vubiquity in the United States, as well as Rogers TV, Bell TV, Shaw PPV and SaskTel in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. Please contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. In addition, the fight is available in North America for purchase on-line at www.GFL.tv  and via the FITE.TV app for both Android and iOS. This event is presented in Poland by Polsat, as part of the Polsat Boxing Night series, as well as Main Events and Don King Productions.
“Not only will passionate Polish fight enthusiasts in North America have an opportunity to watch some of Poland’s top fighters, including arguably its all-time best in Adamek, but American and Canadian boxing fans, in general, will be able to watch a full card featuring competitive, highly entertaining fights,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said.  “We’re excited to be able to bring this tremendous card to North America and believe viewers will enjoy an afternoon of memorable boxing action.”
The Apr. 2nd pay-per-view telecast will also include three 10-round bouts showcasing three other world title challengers.  The co-feature event matches undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Michael Cieslak (11-0, 7 KOs) against two-time world title challenger Francisco “The Wizard” Palacios (23-3, 14 KOs). Palacios, who fights out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, went the complete distance twice in his pair of world title fights with WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.
A pair of Polish heavyweights square off in a scheduled 10-round match as Andrzej Wawrzyk (31-1, 17 KOs), whose lone loss as a professional was to world champion Alexander Povetkin in a 2013 world title fight, meets former Polish champion Marcin Rekowski (17-2, 14 KOs).
An additional world-class cruiserweight bout is on tap as former European titlist Mateusz “Master” Masternak (36-4, 26 KOs) takes on Oklahoma’s upset-minded Eric “Danger” Fields (24-3, 16 KOs).  Masternak, another world contender from Poland, is ranked among the top 20 by all four major sanctioning bodies (WBA #10, IBF #14, WBO #15 and WBC #18).   A former WBC Youth champion, Masternak captured the European cruiserweight title in 2012, and WBC International Silver championship a year later.  In 2014, Masternak lost a 12-round split decision in an Interim WBA cruiserweight title fight, but last year he stopped Carlos Ailton Nascimento to capture the vacant WBA Inter-Continental crown.
Fields is a battle-tested veteran having defeated world champion Kelvin Davis and fought top contenders such as Ola Afolabi, Yunier Dorticos and Ilunga Makabu.
Two other fights may be shown, time permitting. Two-time European champion Rafal “Braveheart” Jackiewicz (48-14-2, 22 KOs) faces Polish welterweight Michal Syrowatka (13-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round rematch of their fight last December in which Jackiewicz, another Polish world title challenger, won by way of a fourth-round technical knockout.  In a 10-round European female lightweight title fight, unbeaten defending champion Ewa Brodnicka (10-0, 2 KOs), of Poland, meets Italian champion Anota Torti (9-5, 3 KOs).
boxing, Ring 8

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner tickets selling fast Sunday, April 3 at Russo’s On The Bay

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Hector Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Aaron Davis and Howard Cosell head 2016 class
NEW YORK (March 23, 2016) – Tickets are selling fast for the fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 3, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
 
NYSBHOF Class of 2016
Boxers
World welterweight champion (’90-91) Aaron “Superman” Davis                                   Bronx
World junior welterweight champion (’93-94) Charles “The Natural” Murray                    Buffalo
Two-time world lightweight title challenger Vilomar Fernandez                                        Bronx
World lightweight title challenger Edwin Viruet.                                                              New York City
(Deceased)
4-time, 3-division world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho                                        Spanish Harlem
World middleweight champion (1952) Rocky Graziano                                                   Brooklyn
World lightweight (’25-26) titlist Rocky Kansas                                                               Buffalo
2-time world bantamweight titleholder Joe Lynch                                                            Brooklyn
“Uncrowned welterweight champion” Joe Miceli                                                             Buffalo
Non-Participants
International Boxing Hall of Fame executive director Ed Brophy                                      Canastota
Promoter Joe DeGuardia                                                                                              Bronx
Commissioner/media personality Randy Gordon                                                            Melville
Promoter/manager Dennis Rappaport                                                                           Queens
(Deceased)
Manager Howie Albert                                                                                                  Bronx
Trainer/cutman Freddie Brown                                                                                      Manhattan
New York City television commentator Howard Cosell                                                    New York City
Boxer/referee Ruby Goldstein                                                                                       Manhattan
Manager Jimmy Jacobs                                                                                                New York City
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members:  Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014:  Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening.  Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.  Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Washington, D.C. Native Anthony Peterson Battles Ghanaian Olympian Samuel Neequaye & Super Middleweight Contender J’Leon Love Faces Michael Gbenga On Friday, April 1 From the DC Armory In Washington, D.C.

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Plus Full Undercard of Local Prospects!
 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Begins At
9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2016) – Lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (36-1, 24 KOs) looks to show off in his hometown when he battles Ghanaian Olympian Samuel Neequaye (22-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Friday, April 1 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.
The April 1 event features a Premier Boxing Champions on Spike tripleheaderwhich is headlined by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner taking on British contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
Additional action inside the ring features 168-pound contender J’Leon Love (21-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Nigeria’s Michael Gbenga (17-24, 16 KOs).
Further undercard attractions will see a trio of D.C. natives enter the ring as 23-year-old middleweight prospect Demond Nicholson (16-1, 16 KOs) faces Ghana’s Joshua Okine (22-4, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout, 20-year-old unbeaten welterweight Kareem Martin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout against Somner Martin (5-1, 3 KOs) and 21-year-oldPatrick Harris (8-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout against Ghana’s Samuel Amoako (21-8, 15 KOs).
Rounding out the action is 24-year-old Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2 KOs) out of Kazakhstan but training out of Washington, D.C., who will face 23-year-old Georgia-native Riarus Dudley (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight showdown.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit:www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.
The brother of former world champion Lamont Peterson, the 31-year-old Peterson hopes to soon make a name for himself in a world title fight. Owner of wins over Daniel Attah, Dominic Salcido, Mike Oliver and Marcos Leonardo Jimenez, the Washington, D.C. product is looking to win his seventh consecutive fight when he enters the ring in his hometown. He takes on Neequaye out of Ghana who now trains in Maryland. He represented Ghana at the 2008 Olympics and most recently defeated Eugenio Lopez.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 28-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat to dominate Scott Sigmon in March, Jason Escalera in June and Marcus Upshaw in September to get himself back in the world title mix. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status. He takes on the Nigerian-born Gbenga who defeated Marcus Vinicius de Oliveira in February.
# # #
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
 www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Roc Nation

TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD VS. UNDEFEATED SULLIVAN BARRERA

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NABF FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION JOSEPH DIAZ JR. VS. JAYSON VELEZ

MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

 

SHOWDOWNS SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 26

AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO®

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos

 

OAKLAND, CA (March 23, 2015) – On Tuesday, March 22, Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) and number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) participated in a media workout at King’s Gym in Oakland, California in advance of their March 26 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ward and Barrera will meet in 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator bout televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) and top-rated featherweight contender Jayson “Star” Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs) were also in attendance during the workout ahead of their 10-round NABF Featherweight title fight which will open up the HBO telecast.

 

After shadowboxing in the ring and a few rounds on the punching bags, all four fighters participated in interviews with media members in attendance. Super Bowl Champion and Oakland native Marshawn Lynch, an avid Andre Ward supporter, made a special appearance during the workout in support of Ward.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say during the final media workout:

 

ANDRE WARD, Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter:

 

“I feel good and I am ready to go. I’m peaking at the right time. I’m just excited to get it on Saturdaynight.

 

“I used to drive by Oracle Arena on 880 as a kid on my way to King’s Gym and wonder if I could make it there one day and [trainer] Virgil [Hunter] used to say with confidence, ‘You’re going to headline there.’ As I got older, I used to go to some of the cards put on in the arena. I was still an amateur and I would just dream. Next thing you know, in 2009, I was in a sink or swim fight against Edison Miranda. If I won, there was probably a good chance that I would get a title shot and the rest is history. Here we are again, it’s my 7th time at Oracle and it’s still a blessing.

 

“It was the right time to move to light heavyweight. It was a combination of not having the right guys to fight or guys that didn’t want to fight me. I want to be great. These are the types of moves you have to make. I’m a student of the sport and when I study the sport, this is what greats have always done. They move up. The great ones find a way to get it done and I want to be in that conversation.

 

“Barrera is a big body. He’s confident. Seems to be a good puncher. We did not pick him because he’s a soft touch. We picked him because he was going to get me ready and show me what this weight class is all about. If you look at my career, there’s a place for tune-ups which I haven’t had a lot of. You want to fight the best and if you aren’t fighting the best, you want to fight the number one contender. That’s what we’re doing.

 

“I think I am evolving into an efficient fighter. I’m moving when I have to move. I think that’s the beauty of any athlete who doesn’t abuse his body and really takes his craft seriously. I’ve seen some articles claiming I missed my prime. It’s crazy to me. I feel that I am as good as I have ever been. I’ve been in a boxing gym without much of a break for the past 20 years. My brain thanked me for the last two years. My body thanked me. It might give me another two years in my career.

 

“I have to just be me. Who I am is enough. I don’t have to show up for Kovalev in the crowd on Saturdaynight. We just have to implement the game plan. I think that’s going to send the message it’s supposed to send and if it doesn’t, then he’ll [Kovalev] get the message when we fight.

 

“If I don’t win this fight, there’s nothing down the road. If I don’t win this fight, I don’t deserve to fight for the title. That’s the reality of my situation.

 

“Barrera has never fought a guy like me before, so they can talk a good game. They can dominate the headlines leading up to the fight. They can say all the slick stuff they want to say. We just want to dominate the headlines Sunday morning after the fight is over. That’s what I’m focused on.”

 

 

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender:

 

“I’m stronger than Ward. I have the Cuban background and I learned a lot of skills there. More than anything, the determination to overcome anything in front of me will help me defeat Ward on March 26.

 

“Once I am in the ring, it’s my house.

 

“Whatever Ward has, I will adjust to it and overcome it.

 

“I have two hands. He has two hands. I have a job to do on March 26.

 

“I know Ward and Kovalev are very highly respected and they create a lot of money and a lot of interest, but they don’t know what Sullivan Barrera is capable of doing. I will prove that on Saturday.

 

“I’m not really a guy that has to look for a knockout. My boxing skills speak for themselves. I am fighting Andre Ward and fighting here in Oakland, so I don’t think a decision will be rendered in my favor.

 

“To all the fans, especially the Cuban fans that have supported me please know that come Saturday, I am going to do everything I have to do to come out victorious.”

 

 

JOSEPH DIAZ JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

 

“I can’t expect what Jayson did to Ronny Rios during this fight. I’ve got to go in there, test him out and adjust when I am in the ring.

 

“If the opportunity presents itself where he’s hurt and I see that my punches are overwhelming him, then of course I’m going to get in there, be aggressive and make sure I take him out as early as possible.

 

“I know getting on the inside, cutting off the ring and taking it to the body right away will break him down. That’s going to make him not move as much and later on in rounds I can land vicious blows to the head. I’m going to take it to the body right away.

 

“Mentally I am 100% ready. This is a big stage in my career, so I’m mentally focused. I’m well prepared. I feel like this is the moment I have been waiting for my whole entire life. I feel like I’m ready for this and I can’t wait for March 26. I trained very hard for this fight and I’m well prepared for it.

 

“I really want to make a statement this fight. I want to show the world that Joseph Diaz could be the next big thing in boxing, so I trained very hard to put on a great fight for the fight fans, be very aggressive and make it a war in there. I hope that Jayson Velez is 110% ready because I want him to be at his best.

 

“If I win this fight and make a statement, I think I can move to contender status and hopefully get a world title shot by the end of this year. I want to fight tough opponents this year because I want to show the world who I am.

 

“I feel like a beast when I step into the ring and I can see it in sparring. Whenever I’m landing effective blows, I can tell that I am hurting my opponent.”

 

 

JAYSON VELEZ, Top-rated featherweight contender:

 

“At my level, every guy is a top contender. I have to train harder and improve my defense. I’ve been working on that.

 

“If you see my last three or four fights, you will see that I have been dominating in the first couple of rounds and then I run out of gas, I have been working on my stamina so that won’t happen on March 26.

 

“I have seen Diaz’s fights. We’ve sparred a couple of times. He’s got speed. He’s got a hunger. It’s his HBO debut, so he’s definitely motivated, but so am I. It’s going to be a great fight.

 

“I want to be champion of the word. I know he wants it too. On Saturday, we will know who wants it more. We both want to win and we are both training for a win. A fight between power and speed is a great match-up. Not to mention he’s Mexican and I’m Puerto Rican. You can expect a great fight and it’s not one you want to miss.”

 

 

Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.  The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, Ticketmaster, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Lyft, Zappos, BodyArmor, SAN Nutrition, Shoe Palace, The Waterfront Hotel and Visit Oakland. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the HBO telecast will be Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jayson Velez in a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (bit.ly/WardBarreraTix) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

Follow the conversation on Twitter by using #WardBarrera.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com, www.mainevents.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation, @main_events, @goldenboyboxing, @cottopromotions and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING STATEMENT ON MMA LEGALIZATION IN NEW YORK

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LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2016) – New York State passed landmark legislation today permitting future Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions to take place there.

World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva made the following remarks:

“This is an exciting and historic day for our great sport.  Those who have been lobbying for the legalization of MMA in NY State, including World Series of Fighting’s new COO Michael Mersch, should be commended for their persistence and commitment to seeing through the passage of legislation that will finally allow fans to watch live MMA in the Empire State, and fighters to compete there.  We recently opened an office in Manhattan so, along with our television partner, NBC, we are looking forward to bringing our brand of professional MMA to New York very soon.”

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