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Melson to cap active October by attending three upcoming charity galas!
New York, NY (October 21, 2015) – WBC United States Junior Middleweight Champion, philanthropist and US Army Reserve Captain Boyd Melson will finish up a very busy month by continuing to help others. By the end of October, the Class of 2003 West Point Graduate will have attended the TicTocStop Gala, Signature Chefs Auction and Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association Dinner as a special guest. Melson was also asked not just to attend the March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Auction, but to co-emcee their fundraising event, which he enthusiastically accepted.
Founded by renowned sports radio talk show host Craig Carton, TicTocStop’s mission is to help improve the quality of life for people with Tourette’s Syndrome. Carton, who has Tourette’s as does two of his children, has assisted many families through this 501C3 charity.
The TicTocStop Gala includes a cocktail party, dinner and presentations and takes place Thursday, October 22 from 6-11 PM at Battery Gardens in New York City. For more information, visit Tictocstop.com.
Every year, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely. Sadly, 1 million of them will die prior to their first birthday as a result. The March of Dimes helps fund research, education and support to ensure more babies can celebrate their birthdays.
On Monday, October 26 at 6 pm, more than 25 chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries and dessert designers will be sharing their most exciting culinary delights to the 200-plus guests on hand at the Carlyle on the Green in Farmingdale, NY. All attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, live music and wine and spirits. Tickets are available by going tosignaturechefs.marchofdimes.org.
Regarded as one of the best tasting events in New York, the Signature Chefs Auction helps support the mission of the March of Dimes. Arlene Dayboch, Senior Community Director for the March of Dimes, has appointed Melson as a co-emcee alongside Donna Drake from Live it up TV for this special event. Drake and Melson will be joined by “Hell’s Kitchen” celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay as celebrity guests attending in order to help raise money for the March of Dimes.
A non-profit, the Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association was founded in 1987 by Kevin Hoagland. It is run exclusively by a volunteer board of directors and raises approximately $80,000 annually.
On Friday, October 30, the Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association hosts the 29th Annual Vito Racine Spinal Cord Research Dinner and Auction at Pines Manor Banquet Hall in Edison, NJ. Cocktail hour beings at 6:30PM followed by dinner at 8PM. Attendees can also bid on items including autographed sports memorabilia, jewelry, event tickets, gift baskets and collectibles. Individual tickets are $70 and tables of ten priced at $700 can be purchased at cjsca.net. All donations are tax-deductible.
“October has been a very busy month trying to help raise money for others,” said Melson, who played a focal point in Team Fight to Walk’s third annual “Fighting for the Cure” Gala on October 15 and spoke to students at Paul Roberson High School earlier today. “Improving the lives of those facing different challenges is very important to me. Attending events like these is not only an honor, but something I believe I must do. We all share this planet and must help however possible even if we’re far removed from the suffering.”
Heavyweight contender Amir “Hardcore” Mansour sounds off on controversial draw against Gerald Washington
Philadelphia, PA (October 21, 2015)– Heavyweight contender, Amir “Hardcore” Mansour was not happy after his bout with undefeated prospect Gerald Washington that took place on October 13th in Shelton, Washington was declared a split draw.
The bout headlined a FS1 Toe to Toe Tuesday’s card.
Most who watched, though that after a slow start, Mansour took at least the final six if not seven rounds that would have given him the victory. Instead, one card read 97-93 in favor of Washington while two other tallies had Mansour ahead 96-94 and one even at 95-95.
The following video is Mansour commenting on the bout. The interview was filmed at the 2015 Briscoe Awards. Mansour was honored for his 2014 Fight of the Year with Steve Cunningham.
Media outlets may use the video on their digital platforms by copy pasting the following embedded link:
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/
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TAKASHI MIURA TO FACE FRANCISCO VARGAS IN WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT AS PART OF THE STELLAR UNDERCARD FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
JAYSON VELEZ VS. RONNY RIOS ALSO TO BE FEATURED ON THE TELEVISED CARD
FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
LIVE ON HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 20, 2015) – Already destined to be one of the best fight nights of 2015, a stellar televised undercard for the Saturday, Nov. 21 showdown between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will provide even more punch to an already highly anticipated event from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas which will be produced and distributed live byHBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Highly touted Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan will defend his WBC Super Featherweight title for the fifth time against Mexico City, Mexico’s unbeaten Francisco Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round battle which is presented in association with Teiken Promotions. Hailing from the same city as headliner Miguel Cotto, and co-promoted by the Puerto Rican legend’s Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, will face Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (24-1, 10 KOs) in a highly anticipated 10-round featherweight bout. An additional televised bout will be announced shortly.
“Bringing sports fans an event featuring what is likely to be the 2015 Fight of the Year in Cotto vs. Canelo is great, but adding a highly entertaining undercard makes it greater,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “The announcement of these two televised undercard fights brings additional excitement and value for fans watching the event live in Las Vegas or at home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”
“On November 21, the best fighters in boxing will gather for one epic night in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Audiences will not only see the two biggest stars battle, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, but every fighter featured on the card brings the highest caliber of talent propelling the sport further into a new golden age of boxing.”
“I believe Velez vs. Rios is a great match for both fighters,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “The winner will be a step away from a title shot and it adds more drama to the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. In Ronny Rios we have a tough fighter and Jayson Velez is a warrior that brings action into the ring.”
“Francisco Vargas has proved himself to be a tough competitor,” said Miura. “But, I have repeatedly fought to keep my WBC title and on November 21, I will show American fans once again why I am a champion.”
“To add the WBC title to my NABF and WBO Intercontinental titles would be the ultimate victory and a great ending to 2015,” said Vargas. “I am training hard and ready to bring a fight to the ring at Mandalay Bay. Takashi Miura better be ready because I am coming for him onNovember 21.”
“I have been working to make a name for myself and show fans that I am a true undefeated champion,” said Velez. “This fight against Ronny Rios represents an important next step in my career and I am hungry for the win. To fight on the same card as Miguel Cotto and to represent Puerto Rico in Las Vegas in what is sure to be one of this year’s biggest nights in boxing is surreal.”
“I was dealt the first loss of my career not long ago, but that has only made me more focused and driven,” said Rios. “I have already sought redemption and am now ready to continue on my path to a world title. Jayson Velez may prove to be a tough opponent, but I will be ready for him. Come November 21, Velez will know what a first career loss will feel like.”
Southpaw power-puncher Takashi Miura is a force at super featherweight who is excited to make his United States debut on the Cotto vs. Canelo undercard. Unbeaten since 2011, the 31-year-old from Tokyo has scored several notable wins in that timeframe, stopping Gamaliel Diaz to take the WBC title, turning back Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson and defeating former world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib in defense of his belt. On November 21, he will expect a similar result when he faces Vargas.
A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas turned professional in 2010 and is now one win away from a coveted world championship. The NABF and WBO Intercontinental champion at 130 pounds, the 30-year-old Mexico City native has blasted through his last three opponents, halting former World Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, Genaro “Duro” Camargo and “Wild” Will Tomlinson to earn his shot at Miura in a fight boxing fans can’t wait to see.
Hailing from the same city in Puerto Rico as headliner Miguel Cotto, 27-year-old Caguas native Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez has compiled a collection of titles in his professional career, including the WBC USNBC, WBO Latino and WBC Silver belts. He nearly took his first world title in November 2014 before a controversial draw verdict was rendered in his IBF Featherweight World Championship fight with Evgeny Gradovich. Determined to get another world title shot, Velez needs a win against Rios to get there.
Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios was sailing to the top of the division before an upset loss to the number one contender for the WBC Featherweight title Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in October of 2014, but with a comeback win over Sergio “El Frio” Frias and the determination and heart of a champion, the talented 25-year-old has his sights set on glory once more. With a victory over Velez, he will be back on the road to a world title fight once more.
Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.
Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.
For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxingand www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.
USA BOXING NEW ENGLAND TO HONOR 5 RETIRED N.E. PRO BOXING CHAMPIONS Awards dinner Nov. 8 in Malden, Mass.
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Vinny Paz, Micky Ward, Joey Gamache, Jose Antonio Rivera & John Ruiz
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BOSTON (Oct. 21, 2015) — USA Boxing New England, established in 1880 as the official governing body of amateur boxing in the region, will honor five former amateur standouts, who went on to become World Champions as professional boxers, Sunday, November 8 at Anthony’s in Malden.
Vinny Paz (Cranston, RI), Micky Ward (Lowell, MA), Joey Gamache (Lewiston, ME), Jose Antonio Rivera (Worcester, MA) and John Ruiz (Chelsea, MA) will receive awards for their outstanding accomplishments in the world of boxing.
USA Boxing New England will also present its inaugural Skeets Scioli Lifetime Achievement Award. Scioli served as President of USA Boxing New England, off and on, during an iconic 70-year period. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
The Skeets Scioli award will be presented to referee/judge Mike Ryan (Tyngsboro, MA) and coach Carlos Garcia (Worcester, MA) for their long time contribution to the sport of amateur boxing.
Al Bernstein, Showtime Championship Boxing commentator and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as event emcee. “This is a tribute to some of boxing’s best,” Bernstein said. “New England has played a major role in boxing, not only here in America, but globally. I am thrilled to participate in this event and I am looking forward to connecting with the boxing fans in that region.”
USA Boxing will also pay tribute to current athletes and members. The event is a fundraiser to assist young amateur athletes with travel expenses to regional and national tournaments.
The event starts with cocktails at 2 p.m., followed by dinner at 3 p.m. Live and silent auctions along with raffles will take place.
Limited tickets are still available to purchase by calling USA Boxing New England at 781-329-9577.
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Frank De Alba takes on Jesus Lule on Friday, November 20th at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia
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$2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Crawford vs. Jean heads new game
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NEW YORK (October 20, 2015) – Boxing fans have another opportunity to back up their fight predictions, as well as earn bragging fights and cash winnings, simply by playing thenext $2,000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game,online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com, powered by CompuBox.
This Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game is arguably the most difficult to date, featuring prohibitive favorites as well as several near pick ’em fights. Below find the complete line-up with fighter salaries:
 Prohibitive favorites include junior middleweight world champion Terence Crawford($5600) defending his title at home in Omaha, Nebraska vs. Canadian challenger Dierry Jean ($4300), undefeated junior middleweight Jermall Charlo ($5800) vs. former world champion Joachim Alcine ($3900), and Olympian Joseph Diaz, Jr. ($5800) vs. Ruben Tamayo ($4000).
Much more competitive fights, near pick ’ems, include Tony Thompson ($4800) vs. Malik Scott ($4500) in a battle of veteran heavyweights, Kazakh prospect Sergey Lipinets($5000) vs. Lydell Rhodes ($4600), Rick Brant ($4800) vs. Louis Rose ($4600), and Tony Harrison ($5100) vs. Cecil McCalla ($4500) in a match-up of fighters coming off of disappointing losses
 There are three easy ways to play Throwdown Fantasy: 1. Select five fighters from the game group, using the $25,000 salary cap (see above); 2. Then track scoring in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics (see example chart below); 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a full week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, and
CompuBox fight statistics are available for research at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
 New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game. Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have an opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
INFORMATION:
Website: www.ThrowdownFantasy.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/
Twitter: @Throwdownfan
Instagram: @throwdownfantasyboxing
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IMG AND WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RENEW MEDIA RIGHTS DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP
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Artur Beterbiev injured in training
MONTREAL (October 20, 2015) – Montreal’s adopted son and light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) will not be fighting November 28 at the Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City. The Groupe Yvon Michel-promoted boxer injured his shoulder during training last week, forcing him to withdraw from his bout.
Beterbiev is currently world rated at No. 2 by both the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 3 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 4 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).
The decision was made this morning (Tuesday) after the two-time Russian Olympian met GYM’s doctor, Francis Fontaine, and surgeon David Baillargeon determined Beterbiev needs minor but necessary surgery to his right shoulder.
“Under my supervision, Artur had a magnetic resonance examination Friday,” Dr. Fontaine explained. “After a meeting this morning, we have decided that Artur’s surgery would be performed in the next few days by specialist Dr. Baillargeon. We expect a complete recovery followed by a return to the ring at the beginning of 2016.”
“I am extremely frustrated and disappointed by the situation,” Beterbiev said. “I was preparing myself hard to give another great show to the fans, November 28, but I will be back stronger in 2016.”.
The fighter will start his rehabilitation four days after his surgery, under the wing of physiotherapist Hugo Lettre, from Evolution Physio.
“We have absolute confidence in our medical staff, including the talented Dr. Baillargeon,” GYM president Yvon Michel added. “This is the same doctor that saved the shoulder, which was in a really worst state, and the career of Jean Pascal, in January 2010. Seven months later, Jean defended his title belt, in spectacular fashion, against Chad Dawson.”
Q&A: UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT JARRELL MILLER IS GETTING HIS KICKS AS A PROFESSIONAL BOXER
Former Professional Kickboxer Faces Ahror Muralimov In
ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader, ThisFriday, Oct. 23,
Live On SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) From The Celebrity Theatre In Phoenix
NEW YORK (Oct. 20, 2015) – A former high-level professional kickboxer will try to continue his impressive transition to prizefighting when undefeated heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (14-0-1, 12 KOs) faces once-beaten Uzbekistan-born Ahror “Aha” Muralimov (14-1, 11 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, Oct. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
The up-and-coming Miller, who is making his ShoBox debut, is looking to take the next step in establishing himself as a legitimate fighter-to-watch in the heavyweight division. A pro since July 2009, he will be fighting for the fifth time in 2015. The 27-year-old Miller won his last three fights by knockout, all within the first two rounds, including a first-round knockout of Excell Holmes in his most recent bout on June 26.
While the Brooklyn born and raised Miller is now fully focused on a fistic career, he hails from an MMA and kickboxing background. For a few years, he competed in K-1, historically the world’s premier kickboxing organization, and twice fought the legendary Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović.
Miller had very little amateur boxing experience, but he has sparred extensively with heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Here’s what Miller had to say during a recent Q&A with SHOWTIME Sports prior to his eight-round scrap with Muralimov:
How would you say your career is going?
“The beginning of my career started off slow because I was associated with the wrong guys, but now I’m in a good spot and my career has really taken off. We are moving in the right direction and I am ready to knockout everyone that comes in my path.”
You had very limited amateur experience. Your opponent was an accomplished amateur with international experience. How will you deal with that, or is that even a factor?
“I don’t take the amateur experience for granted, but his amateur experience isn’t really a factor for me. I have had some experience sparring current and former champions. I sparred with Wladimir Klitschko. I’m ready and I am going to knock him out.
“The Eastern Europeans think they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I’m going to show him what it means to be a true American heavyweight.”
What do you think of Ahror Muralimov and what are his strengths and weaknesses?
“Muralimov has a decent chin and a good left hook. His weakness is that he has never fought anyone like me.”
You have a five-inch height advantage in this one. How will that work in your favor?
“My height advantage will work for me. A tall fighter is going to fight tall. I’m not going to bring myself down to his level. I’m going to pick him apart and knock him out.
“This is pure business and he’s the next cookie that will crumble, so I need to throw him away in the trash.”
You initially turned pro as a kickboxer and had a successful career. Why did you make the transition to boxing?
“I’ve always been interested in boxing, but it just wasn’t the right moment at the time to start boxing because I was finding success in kickboxing. I now feel like I can get more output from my input from boxing, so I am focused strictly on that. Even before I started kickboxing I always knew that I would eventually turn to boxing.’’
You’ve gone six full rounds twice. This fight is scheduled for eight. Are you concerned about stamina and going eight rounds, if necessary?
“I can box eight rounds in my sleep. I’m not worried about eight rounds. I’m a warrior, I can go all night. I’ve been training for 12 years, so I train harder and harder for each fight that I have. This is my time and I’m coming for the spotlight, period.”
Deontay Wilder was also a sparring partner for Wladimir. When you think about today’s top heavyweights, what names quickly come to mind and do you feel you are ready for them, or do you think you may need a little more seasoning?
“I definitely want to fight one 10-round and one 12-round fight before fighting for the title. I want to get in the ring with good, durable opponents who have good records and knock them out in the last round so I can get some rounds in. But if Wladimir or Deontay wanted to fight tomorrow I would take it.”
Do you look at Wilder as an inspiration?
“I was happy that Deontay won the belt. For any American to make it out of the neighborhood he did and win the belt is an inspiration.”
You have sparred extensively with Wladimir Klitschko. How often/for how many fights did you work with him?
“The first time I sparred with Wladimir, I only had two professional fights under my belt. The last camp I sparred with him I was supposed to be there for four weeks, but I beat him up badly after two weeks so they sent me home.
“Wladmir is a champion in and outside of the ring. His attitude is something that I admire, but I would love to knock him out.”
How important is it for you to make a statement in your ShoBox debut? Is this the kind of opportunity you’ve been looking/waiting for?
“It’s very important for me to make a statement on ShoBox. An opportunity like this doesn’t come around too often. My goal is to go out there and look phenomenal. I want to look like brand new money and crush this guy.
“I’ve been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time. This is my time and I have no doubt in my mind that after this fight people will know my name.’’
Your prediction on the Battle of Brooklyn, Daniel Jacobs or Peter Quillin and why?
“Both of these guys are my dudes. In my opinion, Quillin is the harder puncher, but Jacobs is the better boxer. If Daniel sticks to his gameplan, then he can win, but if he sits there and trades punches with Quillin he will get hurt. I think the fight is 50-50.”
In the main event of Friday’s ShoBox quadrupleheader at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz., undefeated Rob “Bravo” Brant (17-0, 11 KOs), of St. Paul, Minn., faces Louis “The Unknown” Rose (13-2-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas middleweight title.
In other eight-round televised bouts, unbeaten Filipino prospectHarmonito “El Huracan de Gensan” Dela Torre (16-0, 11 KOs) will make his U.S. debut against Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Dominican Republic and Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell (15-1, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City will face southpaw Samuel “The Main Event” Clarkson (16-3, 10 KOs), of Cedar Hills, Texas, in a light heavyweight match-up. All but Clarkson will be making their ShoBox debuts.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.