REY MYSTERIO NAMED COMBATE AMERICAS AMBASSADOR; WILL DEBUT LIVE ON NBC UNIVERSO ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16

Former WWE star Konnan to serve as color commentator for live telecast of Combate Americas “Road To The Championship Hollywood”

Live, four-fight NBC UNIVERSO telecast begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
on Wednesday, Dec. 16

Official fighter weigh-in takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 15 in Burbank, Calif.

NEW YORK – December 9, 2015 – Decorated, former three-time WWE world champion Rey Mysterio has been named ambassador of Combate Americas, the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history founded by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-creator Campbell McLaren, and will debut in his new role at the much-anticipated “Road To The Championship Hollywood,” nine-bout professional fight card live on NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, onWednesday, Dec. 16 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

In addition, former WWF and WCW superstar Konnan, often referred to as the “Mexican Hulk Hogan,” will serve as color commentator alongside play-by-play announcer Ricardo Celis and Andrea Calle, the hostess of the Imagen Award-winning Combate Americas reality television series.

“I am excited to join Combate Americas on NBC UNIVERSO, and look forward to building this incredible MMA sports brand and supporting the extremely talented athletes on its growing roster,” said Mysterio, whose exciting, high-flying style of wrestling helped him earn a total of 21 championships between his stints in the WWE and WCW.

“Combate Americas embraces the great Mexican tradition of Lucha Libre, so we are honored to bring Rey Mysterio, a global icon and one of the premier Hispanic figures in sports entertainment, on board as our ambassador and are confident that he can inspire our fans and fighters,” said McLaren.

Among the collection of rival superstars that Mysterio has defeated during his career are C.M. Punk, Shawn Michaels, and Kurt Angle.  During an epic 2006 Royal Rumble Match, he battled for more than one hour, a WWE record for longest time spent in the ring, and dumped the likes of Randy Orton, Rob Van Dam andTriple H on his way to victory of the 30-man elimination contest.

Priced from $40, tickets for “Premier Insurance Services and Aspira Mas Present Combate Americas: Road To The Championship Hollywood,” are on sale atwww.HollywoodFightNight.com.

All fighters will weigh-in for the event on Tuesday, Dec. 15, beginning at 5 p.m. PTat The Marriott, located at 2500 N. Hollywood Way in Burbank, Calif.  All 18 fighters competing on the nine-bout card will weigh in for their respective bouts.

In the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event of the live, four-fight telecast on NBC Universo, 23-year-old sensation John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (8-2) of Mankato, Minn., fresh off his victory at the inaugural “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship” event in Las Vegas, Nev. on September 17, will square off with fellow striking sensation Federico “Kiko” Lopez (10-5) of Murrieta, Calif.

Castaneda is looking for his fourth consecutive win while Lopez is seeking his sixth straight win.

In the bantamweight co-main event, Combate Americas reality television series star and power puncher Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (5-1), of Mission, Texas will square off with dangerous scrapper Anthony Paredes (3-2) of Murrieta, Calif.

In a featured women’s atomweight (105 pounds) attraction on the live telecast, 21-year-old Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (3-3) will collide with fellow Las Vegas resident“Lightning Liz McCarthy (2-3).

The live NBC UNIVERSO telecast will kick off with a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup between Urijah Faber protégé and prolific finisher Erick Sanchez (5-2) of Sacramento, Calif. and fellow rising star “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (3-3) of Las Vegas.

Doors at Florentine Gardens open at 5 p.m. PT for the event, and the first of five preliminary bouts will begin at 6 p.m.

M-1 Challenge 63 bonus performances announced

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 9, 2015) – M-1 Global announced its fighter bonus performances for last Friday night’s M-1 Challenge 63 at the Sports and Concert Complex in St. Petersburg, Russia:
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
 
Viktor Nemkov-Stephan Puetz 2
Viktor Nemkov (23-5-0, 4 KO/.TKO, 9 SUB – M-1: 13-4-0), who fights out of Stary Oskol, Russia, recaptured the M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title from the German fighter who took it from him 1 ½  years ago, Stephan “T-800” Puetz (13-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB), by way of another exciting, hard-fought five-round decision.
 
KO OF THE NIGHT
  
Raul Tutarauli
Georgian light heavyweight Raul Tutarauli (6-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) finished off Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno (10-4-0, 4 KO/TKO, 1 SUB) in the second round.
SUBMISSION OF THE NIGHT
 
Mikhail Kuznetsov
Russian featherweight Mikhail Kuznetsov (5-1-0) used a rear-naked choke to force a tap-out from Ukrainian Stanislav “White Warrior” Reutsky (8-5-0) in the second.
Information

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DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST POLISH CHALLENGER ARTUR SZPILKA ON SATURDAY, JAN. 16, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 
 
Tickets On Sale This Monday, December 14 For Brooklyn’s First Heavyweight World Championship In 115 Years
 
BROOKLYN (Dec. 9, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the third defense of his title against brawling Polish contender Artur Szpilka on Saturday,Jan. 16, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event between the power-punching Wilder (35-0, 34 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Szpilka (20-1, 15 KOs), of Wieliczka, Poland, will be the first heavyweight title fight in Brooklyn since James Jeffries knocked out James Corbett in the 23rd round on May 11, 1900, on Coney Island.
Jeffries fought in all three of the Brooklyn heavyweight title fights, which were the fourth, fifth and seventh world heavyweight title fights of the modern gloved era.  All three took place on Coney Island, two in 1899 and the final in 1900.
It will be Wilder’s first fight in New York and his ninth overall on Showtime Networks.  Wilder is the first United States-born heavyweight champion since 2007.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on saleMonday, December 14 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased online by visitingwww.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Tuesday, December 15 at noon. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“I’m excited about coming to New York City, I’m excited about displaying my talents and I’m excited about fighting at Barclays Center,” said Wilder. “I want to thank my opponent Artur Szpilka for accepting this opportunity that I’m giving him.  I wish him luck – he’s going to need it.  I look forward to winning over the Polish fans after I beat him.  I know he’s a southpaw and he tends to give up when things get tough in the ring, going off the fight he had with Bryant Jennings.  He doesn’t have heart when it gets tough.  I look forward to giving the fans plenty of action and excitement on Jan. 16.”
“It feels amazing to get the opportunity to fight Deontay for his heavyweight world title,” said  Szpilka.  “I can’t wait to be the first ever Polish heavyweight to win a world title.  I’ve dreamed about this many times, and now my time has come.  I’ll be ready to put on a show for my fans and take his belt from him on Jan. 16.”
“It should be an exciting night on Jan. 16 when the ‘Bronze Bomber’ defends his title, for the first time at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, against rugged brawler Artur Szpilka,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.  “Brash and outspoken, the Polish fighter looks to derail Deontay and become the first Polish heavyweight champion of the world in boxing history.  This is Deontay’s third title defense in 12 months and a victory will lead to a major clash in his next bout.”
“I’m very excited that Artur Szpilka is getting an opportunity to become the first heavyweight champion in the history of Poland,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing.  “We’re thrilled that Artur will be able to fight for the title in a boxing-rich city like Brooklyn and in front of what will undoubtedly be a strong showing of support from his Polish fans.”
“SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING has been the home of many of the biggest and best heavyweight world title fights of the last 30 years, and we are proud to continue that legacy with Deontay Wilder,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Deontay has used his rare blend of raw power, athleticism and charisma to become one of the can’t-miss boxers of this era.  Credit Artur Szpilka for accepting the challenge.  Szpilka is a young, strong southpaw with good power and a flair for showmanship, and he is eager to make the most of his first world title opportunity.  January 16 is sure to be an exciting night on SHOWTIME.”
“It took 115 years, but Heavyweight Championship boxing is back in Brooklyn,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “I spent some time with Deontay at the Jacobs-Quillin fight last Saturday and he can’t wait to defend his title at Barclays Center, but it won’t be easy. Artur Szpilka is a great fighter and is sure to be well represented by the ‘Little Poland’ neighborhood of nearby Greenpoint. The borough is ready for Heavyweight Championship boxing. It was worth the wait.”
The 6-foot-7 Wilder will be making his third title defense and fourth fight in 364 days. The 30-year-old won the WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Bermane Stiverne on Jan. 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, in his first professional fight to go past the fourth round.
Wilder successfully defended the belt against Eric Molina (KO 9) last June 13 and most recently against Johann Duhaupas (TKO 11) on Sept. 26.  Both of the title defenses took place in his home state of Alabama.
The last heavyweight champion to fight four times in 12 months was Lennox Lewis in 2000-01.  Lewis was also the last undisputed heavyweight champion.
“I’m looking forward to being the next undisputed heavyweight champion and the most active heavyweight champion in history,” Wilder said.  “I’m also active once I get into the ring.  In my last fight, I landed an average of 30 of the 53 punches that I threw each round.  That was more than double what Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko landed, combined.”
Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games.  He is the last American male boxer to medal in The Olympics.
The aggressive-minded, 6-foot-3 Szpilka has won four consecutive fights since suffering the only loss of his career to then-undefeated Bryant Jennings in 2014.  The 26-year-old rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision over former cruiserweight world champion Tomasz Adamek in 2014 and stoppage victories over Yasmany Consuegra, Manuel Quezada and Ty Cobb in 2015.
A pro since 2008, the southpaw first gained notice when he stopped the once-touted Owen Beck in four rounds in 2011, then unanimously outpointed former world title challenger Jameel McCline the following year.
Szpilka has honed his boxing skills under the tutelage of Houston-based trainer Ronnie Shields.While he is still predisposed to brawling and coming forward, Szpilka has developed into a more complete fighter under Shields and one that could be the toughest test of the young world champion’s career.
Brooklyn has a deep history in heavyweight boxing, including hometown heavyweight championsMike Tyson, Floyd Patterson, Riddick Bowe, Shannon Briggs and Michael Moorer.  In addition, Brooklyn-native and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist Mark Breland serves as one of Wilder’s coaches.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

RANCES BARTHELEMY GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV THAT HEADLINES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE

 
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Barthelemy
 
LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:
On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far.  I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions.  I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be.  My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”
On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page.  He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner.  We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight.   Salas is a great trainer.  We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”
On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win.  We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out.  I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace.  He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for.  This will not be a boring fight.  The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”
On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career.  When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great.  That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov.  The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Eddie Alvarez, MMA Bouts and Three Other Combat Tournaments Headline MMA World Expo, Saturday, Dec. 12 in New York City

MMA superstars to meet and greet guests at annual extravaganza, also hosting bouts in Muay Thai, catch wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu,
as well as vendors and seminars

NEW YORK, December 9 — The sixth annual MMA World Expo, the East Coast’s premiere Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gathering presented by City World Ford, will return to New York’s Jacob Javits Center, North Pavilion, on Saturday, December 12. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstars Jon “Bones” Jones, Anderson “The Spider” Silva and Eddie Alvarez will be on hand for the event, which promises to be larger than ever, with four, live combat sports tournaments, including amateur MMA bouts in the cage, seminars and vendors.

Also on hand at the Expo will be World Series of Fighting two-division world champion David Branch, as well as World Series of Fighting executives Carlos Silva (CEO) and Ray Sefo (President), who will take part in a question and answer session with the media and fans, and reveal news about the league’s plans for 2016.

Branch, the reigning World Series of Fighting middleweight (185 pounds) and light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion, will host a special, one-hour seminar for Expo patrons.

“The MMA World Expo is a phenomenal opportunity to service a population of highly passionate MMA fans who do not yet have the opportunity to spectate professional bouts in the state of New York,” said Paul Paone, founder and director of the MMA World Expo.

“This year’s event will feature an unprecedented number of combat sports tournaments to satisfy any fight fan, including amateur MMA, catch wrestling, Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”

The one-day, “Super Saturday” event will take place from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. ET, and will be capped off by live amateur MMA bouts in the cage, presented by the New York Fight Exchange. The fight card will begin at 6 p.m.

In addition to the MMA fights, there will be live competition in four combat disciplines that are a core part of MMA. Beginning at 10 a.m., submission-only grappling tournaments, both gi and no-gi, hosted by The Good Fight, will take place.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the North American Catch Wrestling Association will host catch wrestling matches, including a match between reigning, two-time East Coast King of Catch Wrestling, Thomas Velasquez, and rival, West Coast King of Catch Wrestling, Travis Newaza, for the 2015 North American Heavyweight King of Catch championship.

Throughout the event, “Training-with-the-Masters” seminars will be available to attendees. Instructors include Ajarn Phil Nurse (Muay Thai), UFC Hall of FamerDan “The Beast” Severn, Silva, Alvarez and Newaza.

The MMA World Expo will continue to play its role in the fight for professional MMA legalization by conducting its sixth annual legalization panel discussion, distributing petitions, and putting on display all of the athletes, coaches, fans and vendors who contribute to the sport. The two-hour legalization seminar will be hosted by combat sports journalist Jim Genia, and special guests will include Severn and other notable MMA figures.

For more information about the event visit http://www.mmaworldexpo.com, “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @mmaworldexpo, or call 212-956-4720.

About MMA World Expo:

The MMA World Expo was begun in 2009 and has held all events in the Jacob Javits Center in New York.

Past MMA World Expo signers have included Matt Hughes, Frankie Edgar, Randy Couture, Jon Jones, Carlos Condit, Fabricio Werdum, Matt Serra, Jim and Dan Miller, Jamie Varner, Nate Diaz, Wanderlei Silva, among others.

Training-with-the-Masters series instructors have included: Dan Severn, Renzo Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, Phil Nurse, Howard Davis Jr., Coban Lookchaomaesaitong, Lee Kemp, Jimmy Pedro among others.

Past vendors have included Toyota, Xyience, Headrush, Muscle Pharm, Combat Sports, Everlast, Vitamin Shoppe, Zebra Mats, Met-Rx, Monster Rings and Cages, US Marines, Dymatize, World Series of Fighting, Spartan Race, M-I Entertainment, among others.

MMA/BOXING STAR ANA JULATON JOINSPLATINUM CONDITIONING YOGA TRAINING

 
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA (December 9, 2015)Platinum Conditioning, a yoga training enterprise, is happy to announce its partnership with Boxing and MMA star Ana Julaton (2-1), who is currently in Manila, Philippines, getting ready for her upcoming showdown with Irena Mazepa (1-0).  ONE Championship “Spirit of Champions” will broadcast the fight live this Friday, December 11, 2015 on Fox Sports and on PPV at ONEPPV.com.
Platinum Conditioning’s Kent Galli, a yoga instructor of over 20-years, has brought the ancient old practice to the fight game, helping Ana Julaton with her balance and flexibility.  Galli’s goal is simply to help Julaton become a more enhanced fighter through yoga.
“Ana has been great to work with and I can see she’s enjoying the results of our yoga sessions,” said Kent Galli. “I can see improvement with her breathing, mental focus and flexibility, all attributes that will help gain an edge on the mat.  The ultimate goal is to continue working with professionals like Julaton, and spread the word on how yoga should be a stable of every athletes training regimen.”
“Kent’s incredible and his yoga training has helped me in ways unimaginable,” said Philippine fighter Ana Julaton. “After every session, I feel more relaxed and my mind is calm, traits that will definitely help me in the cage.  In MMA and boxing, your body must be able to withstand the pounding that comes with fighting, and yoga has certainly done that.  Yoga has made me a better fighter and Kent’s techniques have really enhanced my skills all around.  I’m grateful that we’ve partnered up.”
Platinum Conditioning is a sister company of Platinum Timing, a concierge and lifestyle management firm for professional athletes. Platinum Conditioning is based in Manhattan Beach, CA.  For more information on Platinum Conditioning, please visit http://platinumconditioning.com.

RIZIN FF:   SHOOT BOXING RULES TO PRESIDE OVER AKEBONO VS. SAPP II ON NEW YEAR’S EVE; “KING MO” TO FACE BRETT MCDERMOTT IN EIGHT-MAN GRAND PRIX TOURNAMENT

Two K-1 rules bouts announced for highly-anticipated,
three-day launch of RIZIN FF in Tokyo, Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN – December 9, 2015 – RIZIN FF officials announced today that the highly anticipated rematch between Akebono and Bob Sapp will be contested under Shoot Boxing rules on Thursday, Dec. 31, and that BAMMA fighter Brett McDermott has been named the new opponent for “King Mo” Lawal in the eight-man heavyweight Grand Prix elimination tournament, following the withdrawal of BAMMA champion Mark Godbeer last week due to injury.

In K-1 rules action, it was announced that Hiroya Kawabe will face striking phenom Akiyo “Wicky” Nishiura on Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Takeru Segawa will square off with Chinese Muay Thai champion Yang Ming on December 31.
Shoot Boxing founder and CEO, Cezar Takeshi joined RIZIN FF Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara, General Manager Nobuhiko Takada, Sapp, Akebono, Segawa, and producer Kensaku Maeda at a press conference in Tokyo to make the announcements.

“I have been seeking advice about what rules the highly anticipated rematch should be held under, and Mr. Cezar introduced me to the idea where both fighters will be able to maximize their potential,” said Sakakibara.

“The new K-1,” continued Sakakibara, “has become popular in such a rapid rate, and I am happy that they are going to be sending their top, young talent to our ring. We would like to match both K-1 representatives up with tough opponents.”

Sakakibara also mentioned that Nam Jin Jo has injured his knee during training and was forced to withdraw, so Felipe Efrain from Shoot Boxe Academy will be facing Yuki Motoya.

Sakakibara closed his announcement by describing the details of the three-day, free-of-charge fight expo, which will begin on December 29, and include amateur MMA bouts and an open grappling tournament.

The rematch between Akebono and Sapp and the bout between Segawa and Ming join matchups between Yuichiro Nagashima and Andy Souwer, andAsen Yamamoto and Kron Gracie on December 31st.

Comments:

Bob Sapp:

“It has been a while since I last fought on NYE, and very excited. And to be facing my nemesis once again. Last time we fought, we made history, and that was a great honor. I would like to aim for making history again, and I assure you it will be an exciting fight.”

Akebono:

“I have been living with grief and defeat for the past 12 years. I have carried a thought of redemption deep inside and got the offer at the perfect timing. I never want to have to feel that way again, so I want everybody to come watch the new Akebono. I’m going in there for the win.”

Takeru Segawa:

“I was frustrated because I wanted to fight more this year, but I’m glad for this perfect opportunity. There are many MMA fights on the card, but I would like to show that K-1 fights are the most exciting. I want everybody to be talking about the lightest fighter’s being the most exciting out of all RIZIN fights.”

RIZIN FF General Manager Nobuhiko Takada:

“I am just too excited. One of the reasons is that the fight card is near complete, but more so because of the fact that we will be able to kick of our event on the day where people watch television the most. It needs to be a festivity. We put together various fights for a wide audience. We would like to continue to promote the greatness of this event.”

Takada continued in describing each fighter. “Hiroya has the looks and the skills who reigns as the top fighter in K-1. I can see why he has many female fans. But once the bell rings, he shows his aggressiveness and power. It is always irritating when you know very little about your opponent, but he is determined to show the greatness of K-1 regardless of his opponent.”

He continued on about the legendary fight, “The ratings for that fight was unreal. And that same fight will be coming back. There are many opinions about this fight, but that is what makes it so exciting. Many fighters will be motivated to gather all the attention which will lead to better performance. This fight has many meanings behind it.” Takada added,” If Akebono wins, maybe next year?” and teased everybody about a possible rubber match. Takada announced that Cezar Takeshi was assigned as the referee for this fight and asked him not to trip during the fight.

Follow RIZIN FF online:

Website – http://www.rizinff.com/en/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rizinfightingfederation/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rizin_PR

OF CROWS & BULLS: FIRST BOXING MATCH ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 21

Lewiston, Maine (December 9, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS” on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card is scheduled to feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the first professional boxing match officially signed for the “NEF 21” fight card.  Joel “Baby Bull” Bishop (0-0-1) will meet Crowsneck Boutin (0-0) in a four-round light-heavyweight contest.

 

Joel Bishop is a 2004 graduate of Upper Kennebec Valley Senior High School in Bingham, Maine.  It was during high school that Bishop began boxing.  He put together an amateur boxing record of 10-4, and in 2009 won the New England Tournament of Champions Heavyweight Sub Novice championship.  Bishop has twice made it to the finals of the Northern New England Golden Gloves.  In October 2014, Bishop made his professional debut against another NEF MMA regular, Jarod Lawton (0-0-1) and fought to a draw in Lewiston in what was a back-and-forth slugfest.

 

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring at NEF 21,” exclaimed Bishop.  “I was at the last dual show and there was a ton of energy and excitement.  On February 6th, I’ll be fighting a very tough, active fighter in Crowsneck Boutin, and I will do my best to give the fans an exciting bout.”

 

Crowsneck Boutin is a mainstay of the NEF roster, having competed in no less than 14 of the promotion’s previous MMA events as both an amateur and a professional.  In 2014, he was voted “Fighter of the Year” by the NEF fans after going undefeated with three wins that year.  Boutin will be making his professional boxing debut at “NEF 21,” but he will undoubtedly be prepared for the task, training under boxing coach Jon Pinette, an international boxing champion himself, at the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.
“Very thankful, very fortunate for this opportunity,” said Boutin.  “Joel is a tough opponent, but it isn’t my intention to let this fight reach the scorecards. It will be my pleasure to stand and gun.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 21: THE IMMORTALS,” takes placeSaturday, February 6, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 21” start at just $25 and are on sale now atwww.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.”

 

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.

Record participation numbers in 2015 World MMA Championship Testimony to WMMAA’s rapid growth

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (December 9, 2015)- The rapid growth of the World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA) in four relatively short years of existence was best demonstrated in last month’s 2015 World MMA Championship (WMMAA) in Prague, Czech Republic.
Nearly 200 athletes, representing 49 countries (see list below), participated in the record-setting 2015 World MMA Championship, which was dominated by team champion Russian Federation.  Heavyweight Zaur Gadzhibabaev, who became the first two-time WMMAA champion, gave Azerbaijan the only gold medal not captured by the Russian Federation, which had the individual winners in six of seven weight classes.
“This year’s World Championship was the best event we have had so far,” WMMAA Director of Communications Mikhail Mazur said. “The highest number of countries, as well as participants, competed this year. WMMAA is still in its infancy but we keep evolving. You can clearly see that with each year. We have added new weight categories and accepted new countries as members of our non-profit organization. This is a difficult job but it’s extremely satisfying to see athletes fly in from all over the world to compete against the best amateur fighters who each went through a hard selection process in their home country.
“Prague was a great host and the WMMAA is extremely happy to have held the championship in this beautiful European capital.  A lot more needs to be done next year. We expect more Asian and Pan-Am countries to enter the WMMAA family as our continental presidents put a lot of effort looking for the best National Federations to work as hard and as diligent as our current members do. We are only gearing up. I’m thrilled to see what the next year will bring us and the sports of amateur MMA in general.”
Afganistan                Argentina      Armenia                   Azerbaijan
Belarus                     Brazil            Bulgaria                   China
Chinese Taipei         Columbia      Croatia                     Cuba
Czech Republic        France          FYR of Macedonia   Georgia
Germany                  Greece          Hungary                   India
Iran                           Italy               Kazakhstan              Republic of Korea
Kyrgyzstan               Latvia            Mexico                      Moldova
Monaco                    Morocco        Netherlands              Netherland Antilles
Nicaragua                 Nigeria          Paraguay                  Romania
Russian Federation  Serbia           Singapore                 Slovakia
Spain                        Suriname      Tajikistan                  Turkey
Turkmenistan            Ukraine         United States           Uzbekistan
Venezuela
  
 (L-R) Tajikistan MMA President Pulod Nazarov, WMMAA Honorary President Fedor Emellianenko, WMMAA President Vadim Finkelchtein and Anatoly Kim, President of the Kazakhstan MMA Federation
 
Information

YENIFEL VICENTE KNOCKS OUT JUAN DOMINGUEZ IN THIRD ROUND OF THE PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 AND FOX DEPORTES FIGHT CARD FROM SUN NATIONAL BANK CENTER IN TRENTON, NJ

 
Keith Tapia Wins Thrilling Unanimous Decision Over Garrett Wilson
 
Immanuel Aleem Scores Split Decision Victory Against Carlos Galvan
 
Chad Dawson Returns With Unanimous Decision Defeat Of Shujaa El Amin
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
TRENTON, NJ (December 9, 2015) – Yenifel “Lightning” Vicente (28-3-2, 20 KOs) defeated Juan Dominguez (19-1, 13 KOs) by knockout just :20 into the third round ofPremier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes main event from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.
Vicente opened up the bout landing big shots that rocked Dominguez early. Vicente continued applying pressure throughout the first frame, but Dominguez came back strong.
The early portion of the second round featured repeated left hooks from Vicente. A frustrated Dominguez landed a low blow in the middle of the second round, forcing Vicente to take a knee. Dominguez went low again and referee Earl Brown deducted a point from Dominguez for repeated low blows. The second round came to a close with Dominguez throwing booming lefts, but finding little luck landing.
Vicente started off the third round with a huge right uppercut to the body, followed by an overhand right to the head of Dominguez and ended the bout just :20 seconds into round three.
Dominguez exited the ring on a stretcher, but was responsive to medical staff and moved his extremities while being carried to the ambulance. Dominguez was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for further precautionary evaluation over night.
The opening televised fight of the evening featured unbeaten cruiserweight Keith “Machine Gun” Tapia (17-0, 11 KOs) getting a unanimous decision (97-93, 99-91, 99-91) victory over Garrett Wilson (16-10-1, 9 KOs) in 10 rounds of hard-hitting action.
After an evenly contested opening round, the second and third rounds saw exchanges that had each fighter stunned and retreating at times. Overhand rights from both pugilists became a factor in the third.
Wilson threw a big right hook followed by uppercut in fourth that seemingly stunned Tapia again. The two bruisers spent the second half of the fourth exchanging in the center of ring with repeated uppercuts landed by both.
Following the tireless work from both fighting on the inside to close out the fourth, Wilson got off two big left hooks in the fifth, and appeared to take control of the fight, even if only for a moment.
It was Tapia’s night though, regaining himself and fighting back with repeated lefts of his own and delivering an overhand right down the middle.
By the middle of the sixth, Tapia was landing huge lefts and combinations that seemed to help grow his confidence by the moment.
Rounds seven, eight and nine saw Tapia distance himself, coolly slipping Wilson’s biggest shots, while consistently landing enough of his own and tiring Wilson out.
Tapia and Wilson closed out the fight with a flurry, but it was too little too late for Wilson as Tapia cruised to the unanimous decision.
The second televised bout showcased undefeated rising middleweight prospectImmanuel Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) earning a split decision (78-74,75-77, 77-75) overCarlos Galvan (11-4-1, 10 KOs) in an eight round bout.
Both Aleem and Galvan came out aggressive in round one with crowd-pleasing exchanges, but Galvan appeared to have gotten the better of the action, landing an uppercut at the bell.
Following an action-packed second round, Aleem landed a big right hook in the third that stunned and almost dropped Galvan to the canvas, but Aleem wasn’t able to close.
Aleem came out fast in rounds four and five, looking to finish what he couldn’t in the third, but the knockout didn’t come. Eventually Aleem setted in and started setting up behind his jab as the technical side of his game took over.
Aleem, who knocked out each of his last seven opponents entering Tuesday, started looking to do the same again in round seven. Galvan fought back, but Aleem’s triple combinations proved too much as Aleem landed another flurry to close out the round.
The second minute of the final round saw exchanges that had the crowd in awe, but Aleem landed several big rights to close out the win.
In untelevised undercard action, former world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (33-4, 18 KOs) returned to the ring after a 14-month layoff to defeat Shujaa El Amin (12-9, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.
Here is what the televised fighters had to say regarding their performances:
YENIFEL VICENTE
“The punches that ended it were part of a combination that we’d been working on in camp, a lower shot to the body followed by an overhand right.
“I was elated initially when I got the knockdown, but then I immediately felt sorrow when I saw that my fellow countryman was actually seriously hurt.
“I’m trying to stay positive. I hope that this fight shows that I can’t be beaten at 122 lbs. I’m just ready for bigger and better fights.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Juan and his family.”
IMMANUEL ALEEM
“I went in there tonight to break him down and then lay him down. If I had one more round I would have ended it.
“He wasn’t any tougher than I thought he’d be, we just didn’t execute everything the way I wanted to.
“I’m grateful to have gotten this experience tonight fighting on PBC on FS1. It was a great experience and now it’s on to whatever’s next. Thanks to all the fans for watching!”
 
CARLOS GALVAN
“I feel good right now. I felt victorious. (Aleem) hits hard, but I thought I fought a superior fight.
“My corner and my trainer were coaching me along and we felt we got the win. I feel like the victor.”
 
KEITH TAPIA
 
“I feel good. This was my first 10-round fight, and I can’t complain. Wilson was one tough son of a gun, but I knew I had it under control.
“I never think about knockouts, I just make it a priority to take care of business. I just wanted to box him and if the knockout comes then great.
“He rocked me, but I took it. I’m still standing. It was exciting to fight 10 hard rounds.”
GARRETT WILSON
 
“This was a tough fight. I took it on short notice, and we both fought like a couple of warriors in there tonight.
“I thought for sure I was going to be able to land something on his chin or to his body and get him out of there, but he was tough.”
CHAD DAWSON
 
“This was my first fight in 14 months and I got 10 rounds in the bag. There are some things I want to go back to the drawing board and work on, but I feel good after tonight.
“I thought I fought a good fight tonight, but not great. I’d give myself a B minus. I’ll take two or three months and then I hope to be back.”
# # #
The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
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