mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING ANNOUNCES BRACKETS, FIRST-STAGE MATCHUPS FOR ONE-NIGHT, EIGHT-MAN LIGHTWEIGHT TOURNAMENT AT COMERICA THEATRE IN PHOENIX, ARIZ. ON FRIDAY, NOV. 20, LIVE ON NBCSN

Leave a comment

Plus: Jason High faces Estevan Payan in WSOF 25 co-main event

Tickets on sale now

LAS VEGAS (October 17, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced tonight during its live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami,” the quarterfinal stage matchups and brackets for its historic, one-night, eight-man tournament that will crown its winner the new number one contender in the promotion’s coveted lightweight (155 pound) division, at “WSOF 25: Eight-Man Lightweight Tournament,” on Friday, Nov. 20, live on NBCSN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz.

Additionally, a lightweight co-main event pitting Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High against fellow battle-tested star and World Series of Fighting newcomer Estevan “El Terrible” Payan was announced for WSOF 25.

“We are excited about the star-studded lineup and incredible matchups we have assembled for the first World Series of Fighting one-night tournament in history,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.  “Combined with an outstanding co-main event between Jason High and Estevan Payan, this is a must-see event for any fight fan.”

In one tournament bracket, Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-11) of Miami, Fla., coming off another “Fight of the Month” performance at WSOF 23 in September, will square off with rising star Rich Patishnock (6-2) of East Stroudsberg, Pa., while Brian Foster (23-7) of Sallisaw, Okla., fresh off a thunderous, first round (:32) KO of previously unbeaten LaRue Burley at WSOF 23, will collide with streaking submission wizard Joao Zeferino (18-6) of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

In the opposite bracket, wrestling and submission ace Brian “The Bandit” Cobb(20-8) of Bakersfield, Calif. will battle Firas Zahabi-trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt  Mike “The Martian” Ricci (10-4) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, while Islam Mamedov (12-1) of Jersey City, N.J. via Derbent, Dagestan, Russia will put his phenomenal, 11-fight winning streak on the line against five-time, one-night tournament winner and Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Jorge “Macaco” Patino (38-15-2, 1 NC) of Houston, Texas via Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The winner of the quarterfinal stage bout between Palomino and Patishnock will meet the winner of the fight between Foster and Zeferino in the semifinal stage of the single-elimination affair, and the winner of the matchup between Cobb and Ricci will face the winner of the bout between Mamedov and Patino in the semifinal stage of the tournament.

The two semifinal stage victors will face off against each other for the tournament championship and the right to challenge reigning, undefeated World Series of Fighting lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

High (18-5) of Kansas City, Mo. will look to establish his presence in the World Series of Fighting lightweight division after defeating top-level competition elsewhere in the U.S. as well as in Japan, where the 34-year-old made his initial mark in the sport by collecting wins in the now defunct DREAM and K-1 promotions, and followed up his stellar performances overseas with a perfect, 3-0 run in the Strikeforce cage.

Another former Strikeforce standout, the 33-year-old Payan (16-8, 1 NC) of Tempe, Ariz. has also scrapped with notable adversaries, and has imposed his will with dangerous punching power.  Payan is looking for his second straight victory after scoring a third round (2:45) KO on Roberto Young with a barrage of punches on June 6.

Priced from $29.99, tickets for “WSOF 25: Eight-Man Lightweight Tournament” are on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

World Series of Fighting will announce additional details concerning the format and rules of the tournament soon.

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

LAMONT PETERSON SCORES A MAJORITY 12-ROUND DECISION IN TOUGH SCRAP AGAINST FELIX DIAZ IN PBC ON NBC MAIN EVENT

Leave a comment
 
TERREL WILLIAMS EMERGES VICTORIOUS FOLLOWING DISQUALIFICATION OF PRICHARD COLON
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
 
For Fight Highlights Visit: www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions 
 
FAIRFAX, VA (October 17) -In an entertaining 12-round scrap, hometown favorite Lamont Peterson (now 34-3-1, 17 KOs) edged out a majority decision over previously undefeated Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz (now 17-1, 8 KOs) from EagleBank Arena at George Mason University. Peterson and Diaz stood and exchanged shots toe-to-toe for long periods, bringing the crowd into a frenzy time-after-time.  Peterson pressed the action for the majority of the fight, stalking the smaller Diaz to the ropes. Diaz was the busier of the two, countering and flurrying effectively. Sensing he needed a knockout to win, Diaz came out in the 12th and final round with a sense of urgency, taking the fight right to Peterson. In the end it was too little too late though, as Peterson was awarded the majority decision by scores of 114-114, 117-111, 116-112.
Peterson said of the fight, “Every time you hear close scores, you get nervous. I thought I controlled the fight and was ahead on points. Having that majority decision kind of shocked me a little bit.
“Diaz didn’t surprise me because I knew he would be difficult. I said in the fighter meetings, I’d rather fight taller fighters. He’s a southpaw and he has some great experience. I knew he would be tough because it was his big opportunity and he wanted to win.
“It was a good tough 12 round fight. I started out strong and faded in the middle rounds because I started to cramp and it lasted for the rest of the fight, but I knew I had done enough to win the fight. No more playing around, its time to move up in weight.
“I knew Diaz was a great fighter. He’s been boxing 20 years just like me. At the end of the day, a victory is a victory.
“He took good shots. I wasn’t able to get my shots off like I wanted to. I was able to block his shots and he never hurt me.”
“I thought it was a very tough fight. I thought he did good, of course he could have done better,” said Barry Hunter, Peterson’s Trainer. “I thought we were going to get him out of there in the fifth round, but Lamont started to cramp and the cramps lasted throughout the fight. That’s boxing. Just like life, you make adjustments and we did that. I thought Diaz fought great.”
“I fought a great fight. The decision didn’t go in my favor, but I did everything I could. The judges didn’t see it the way everyone else did,” said Diaz. “I am going to take a little vacation in the states and go back to the Dominican Republic and rest and figure out my next opponent. I just know I did everything I could.”
The televised co-feature saw a bizarre end to a hard-hitting bout that began with fast-paced action controlled by Prichard Colon(now 16-1, 13 KOs) against fellow undefeated fighter Terrel Williams (now 16-0, 12 KOs).Thebout took its first unusual turn when the referee deductedtwo points from Colon for a deliberate low blow in the fifth round. Following the point deduction, Williams became the aggressor, while Colon looked to box and counter from the outside. Williams seemed to be the fresher of the two as the fight continued, but with the fighters in a clinch in the 7th round, Williams landed a hard right hand to the back of Colon’s head that sent him to the canvas resulting in a one-point deduction. When action resumed, the fighters went toe-to-toe for the remainder of the round.
There was confusion at the end of the 9th round as Colon’s corner immediately began removing their fighter’s gloves, as they believed the fight had ended.  When the referee informed the corner that there was still one round left they frantically began to re-tape Colon’s gloves. The bell beginning round 10 sounded shortly after, with Colon unready to continue. As Colon was unable to answer the bell at the start of the 10th and final round, the referee awarded Williams a disqualification victory.
“I’ve been fighting for years on smaller cards building my resume,” said Williams. “I know how to stay composed.
“He [Colon] was just another fighter. People kept saying he was so much better, but he was 16-0 and I was 14-0, to me, that’s a 50-50 match up.”
“I thought Terrel’s performance was stupendous,” said Williams’ trainer Joe Goossen. “Colon was a very big threat, a great fighter at 16-0 undefeated. We knew we had our hands full. This is why we prepared so hard. Terrel’s a talented kid and he worked hard.”
Prior to the start of the main event, Colon was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital due to vomiting, fainting and dizzy spells in his dressing room. There is no further information on his condition at this time.
 
# # #
The Premier Boxing Champions on NBC event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with HeadBangers Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing, andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @KingPete26, @NBCSports, @EagleBankArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/EagleBankArena.
Amateur MMA, Las Vegas, mixed martial arts, Tuff-N-Uff

TUFF-N-UFF TEAMS UP WITH RANDY COUTURE TO SUPPORT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Leave a comment


​

 

ROUND 6: OPERATION KNOCKOUT
TO BE HELD AT BROOKLYN BOWL

Sixth annual event raises funds for wounded soldiers and their families

Saturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 5 p.m.

 

Tickets On Sale Now!!!

 

To purchase tickets, please visit www.tuffnuff.com or the Brooklyn Bowl box office.

 

LAS VEGAS – The nation’s premier amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Tuff-N-Uff Uff is teaming up with Randy Couture for its sixth annual Round 6: Operation Knockout event Saturday, October 17, 2015.

 

Now in its sixth year, “Round 6: Operation Knockout” is an annual Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that was created to help raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families. This year’s event will be held at the Brooklyn Bowl.  Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are available starting at just $25 through www.tuffnuff.com or online http://www.brooklynbowl.com at Brooklyn Bowl or by visiting the Brooklyn Bowlir box office.

 

Following five successful years, Operation Knockout continues to grow in size and finds a new home at the Brooklyn Bowl. This exciting, unique charity event features a night of amazing fights and a fabulous silent auction. There will be something for everyone with eight amateur MMA bouts.  

 

Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries.

 

Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. The event has raised over $133,000 since its first year and with help of their generous sponsors and donations, the event returns this October 17th at the Brooklyn Bowl for its biggest year to date. For more information about this great event, contact Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation at 702-616-1022 or please visit www.xcgif.org.

 

ABOUT XTREME COUTURE GI FOUNDATION:

 

The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by Randy Couture in 2009 to honor the veterans of America’s armed forces. The foundation was especially formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.

Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave men and woman from the armed forces. Even though some of these men and woman are severely injured, they have the courage, strength and determination to win this battle.

For more information on the foundation please visit: http://www.xcgif.org.

ABOUT RANDY COUTURE:
Randy Couture served in the Army for 6 years within the 101st Airborne, is a former 6x World MMA Champion, TV and Actor Movie star who was in the Sylvester Stallone movie series – The Expendables I, II and III.

 

ABOUT TUFF-N-UFF:

A 21-year old combat sports organization, the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff has presented the best amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) action in the nation since 2003, giving rise to the biggest star in the sport today, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as well UFC and Strikeforce veteran Ryan Couture and newly-signed UFC welterweight Alan Jouban. Tuff-N-Uff has helped grow the careers of many other MMA athletes including Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones and Jesse Taylor. In 2013, Tuff-N-Uff became the first combat sports organization to be included on the UFC International Fight Week schedule of events. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff presented a second event Thursday, July 3 live from Texas Station, earning status as the first event promotion to be listed on the UFC International Fight Week schedule three years in a row. Tuff-N-Uff celebrated its historic 21st anniversary Saturday, June 27, 2015, with over 16,000 fans, in a sold-out live event inside the Thomas and Mack Center. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to present, as part of UFC International Fight Week 2014, the first-ever amateur MMA World Championships. Also in 2014, Tuff-N-Uff’s CEO, Jeff Meyer, was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored with the Crystal Award for his contributions to martial arts. Dedicated to its founder, the late Barry Meyer, Tuff-N-Uff is committed to the sport of MMA and building the “Future Stars of MMA.”

 

For more information, visit TuffNUff.com and Follow on Twitter and Instagram/Facebook @TuffNuff and LIKE us on Facebook.com/TuffNUff.

 

ABOUT OPERATION KNOCKOUT:

During Operation Knockout’s ’first year in 2010, the event drew close to 300 people at Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture Gym that featured a 10-fight exhibition with up-and-coming fighters. Additional entertainment and auction items donated from sponsors, including gym owner and MMA legend Randy Couture, helped to raise $12,000 for the charity. The event proved that MMA supporters were not only very interested in seeing excellent fights, but also in supporting those in need in their community. Continuing to grow, year two brought a partnership with Tuff-N-Uff showcasing 10 fights sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner, adding a new layer of legitimacy for the event. The event was also televised for the first time. Due to these efforts and great people volunteering their time and services, the event raised more than $17,000 with close to 700 people in attendance. In year three, the event brought on a new partner and a new venue with The Pearl Theatre and The Palms Hotel & Casino. The third annual event raised even more money with $34,000 and more than 750 people in attendance.  The fourth annual event was at the Texas Station in which it raised $42,000 and more than 850 people in attendance.

 

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOWL:

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas is where locals and tourists go for a nightly eclectic blend of live music, 32 bowling lanes and five bars with an all-house made menu created and executed by brothers’ Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Restaurants. When there is a live show, there can be more than 2,000 concertgoers enjoying live music programming from the general admission area, as well as the multimedia bowlers’ lounges adjacent to the lanes, or the private lounge boxes overlooking it all. Since opening in March 2014, notable performances include Elvis Costello & The Roots, Jane’s Addiction, Phil Lesh & Friends, O.A.R., Smashing Pumpkins Robert Plant, and Jack White. Brooklyn Bowl is also located in Brooklyn and London, making Las Vegas its third location. Rolling Stone calls Brooklyn Bowl “one of the most incredible places on Earth” while USA Today says “Music lovers and food lovers finally have a spot to share the night: Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ.” For additional information, including the most up- to-date show lineup, visit www.BrooklynBowl.com. To be added  to the email list for information regarding upcoming shows, email LasVegasNewsletter@BrooklynBowl.com. 

Voted Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas by Travel + Leisure

Reader’s Choice Best Live Music Venue – Las Vegas Weekly

Best Concert Calendar – Las Vegas Weekly

Top 10 New Restaurants 2014 – Las Vegas Review Journal

New Las Vegas Venue for Meetings and Events – BizBash

Best Bowling Alley – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Best Small Concert Venue – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Following in the footsteps of our original Brooklyn location, noted as “one of the most incredible places on Earth,” by Rolling Stone, we’ve stacked the deck for a truly unforgettable experience.

With three levels spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest music venues in America. Come for live concerts throughout the day and late into the night, 32 lanes of bowling, and food from New York’s famous Blue Ribbon restaurant. This is a Las Vegas experience like no other.

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANDRZEJ FONFARA WINS SLUGFEST AGAINST NATHAN CLEVERLY ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE IN FRONT OF ELECTRIC CROWD AT UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO

Leave a comment
 
KOHEI KONO USES RELENTLESS ATTACK TO DEFEAT KOKI KAMEDA & RETAIN SUPER FLYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
 Click HERE For Photos From David Earnisse/Premier Boxing Champions
 
For Fight Highlights Go To www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions
 
CHICAGO (October 16, 2015) – Hometown-favorite Andrzej Fonfara (28-3 16 KOs) outslugged former world champion Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs) over 12 grueling rounds on his way to a unanimous decision on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Fonfara and Cleverly exchanged punches throughout the night with neither man yielding an inch of ground. Cleverly won rounds by throwing punches from awkward angles and by countering effectively. Fonfara never seemed phased by Cleverly’s power however, and was able to impose his will as the fight wore on.
Cleverly began bleeding from his nose in the middle of the fight as Fonfara launched uppercuts and straight right hands at the injured appendage. The injury slowed the pace of Cleverly’s attack and allowed Fonfara to pull ahead on the scorecards. The fight set a record for most punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) in the light heavyweight division in CompuBox history.
The final judges’ scores were 115-113 and 116-112 twice.
The evening’s co-main event featured thrilling back-and-forth action as super flyweight world champion Kohei Kono (31-8-1, 13 KOs) retained his title via unanimous decision over former world champion Koki Kameda (33-2, 18 KOs). The bout was the first world title fight between two Japanese fighters that was fought on U.S. soil.
The action started in round two when Kono fell to the canvas as a result of a low blow from Kameda. Kono bounced back and immediately put Kameda on the ground with a sharp straight left hand.
In the third round, Kameda was twice deducted points for low blows as Kono continued to punish him with blows to the head. One point would eventually be deducted from Kono in round nine for excessive holding.
While Kameda fought through a left eye that was swollen shut, Kono proved to be dominant from start to finish on his way to a decision victory by scores of 116-108, 115-109 and 113-111. The two fighters landed a combined 679 punches, the second highest total in CompuBox history in the super flyweight division. Kono finished the fight landing 362 punches to 317 by Kameda.
ANDRZEJ FONFARA
“Cleverly has a great chin. He’s a great fighter. He was taking a lot of punches and not breaking down. He still wanted to go forward and fight. He believed he could win until the very end.
“I thought I would knock him out before the fight, but during the fight I realized he has great defense. I had no idea he could take so many punches and still be in the fight. I realized it would be very hard to knock him out. I respect him very much.
“It was not the toughest fight of my career, but I’m happy because it was a hard 12 rounds.
“I got the feeling I broke his nose around the seventh or eighth round. After taking so many hard punches I felt he was wearing down.
“I was positive I won before they read the decision. The last couple rounds there was no question who was the better fighter. He was still throwing punches, but I was blocking them and hitting him very hard.
“What’s next for me? Hawaii. Vacation.”
NATHAN CLEVERLY
“It was a fantastic fight – I had a feeling that our styles were going to gel and that’s what happened. It was a war from the very first bell and I am not surprised that it broke the records for the most punches thrown because when we started we just didn’t stop.
“He can really bang – he’s not far off Sergey Kovalev for power. But I thought I had him until the nose went and I think that without that, I could’ve got the win. But in the end, I think the 115-113 was about right, and credit to him, he took some punches in there too and kept on coming.
“It has been a great experience over here in the U.S. – it’s a pretty hostile crowd but they all congratulated me after the fight. Would I do it again? Why not – it’s what we are here to do, put on entertaining fights for great fans, and I am sure there will be the demand for it.”
KOHEI KONO
“I’ve been training to win this title for years and I’m so happy that I have defended the title.
“I am so happy that I got to face Kameda and get this victory over him. It is a big win for my career.
“If we had fought using movement, he probably would have beaten me, but he decided to trade punches with me and that gave me a chance to win.
“My jab was superb tonight and my uppercut rarely missed. Early in the fight I wasn’t sure I could take his power. But after he hit me a few times and I was still there, I started getting confidence.
“I felt great all week and I knew my performance would be very strong. Even before I left for the U.S. I felt better than I ever had before a fight.”
KOKI KAMEDA
I trained very hard for this fight. I’m very disappointed.
“I was going to make a decision on whether to retire or not based on my performance. I feel it might be time for me to retire.
“My stamina wasn’t what it should be in the later rounds.
“I got caught in the second round because I made a mistake I shouldn’t have made. He fought very well and I was surprised by his power. I think it’s time for me to retire.”
#          #          #
PBC on Spike was promoted by Warriors Boxing.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @NathanClev, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.
 
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami  LIVE  Sat., Oct. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network

Leave a comment
TORONTO (Oct. 16, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okamifrom Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn., this Saturday, October 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Fight Network’s World Series of Fighting broadcast will air live nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on NBC Sports Network.
In the star-studded welterweight main event, Jon Fitch battles Yushin “Tunder” Okami in a clash of experienced superstars.
“We are excited to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the state of Connecticut, where we showcased our brand of world championship MMA action in front of a highly passionate audience earlier this year,” said WSOF president Ray Sefo.
“Beginning with Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, two of the best 170-pound athletes in our entire sport,” continued Sefo, “we are assembling another card loaded with some of the top superstars and emerging stars in MMA, and we look forward to giving fans another memorable night of fights.”
In the co-main event, WSOF heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov will put his coveted title on the line for the first time when he squares off with seasoned contender Derek “Caveman” Mehmen.
In other action on the live Fight Network telecast, superstars Vinny Magalhaes and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will make their respective WSOF debuts against each other in a light heavyweight contest.
Also returning to the cage will be local favorite “Notorious” Nick Newell, who will take on Tom Marcellino in lightweight action.
The promotion will also crown its first flyweight champion in history as surging stars Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov and Donavon Frelow throw down for the crown.
All the action kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

Video: Chael Sonnen Speaks with WSOF 24’s Vinny Magalhaes, Ali Abdelaziz

Leave a comment

WATCH, SHARE AND EMBED

Chael Sonnen speaks with WSOF 24 star Vinny Magalhaes

Click on the image above to be re-directed to the video 

 

MMA superstar and World Series of Fighting analyst Chael Sonnen spoke with light heavyweight (205 pounds) star Vinny Magalhaes as well as World Series of Fighting Senior Vice President Ali Abdelaziz before the “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” world championship doubleheader event that takes place tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 17, live on NBCSN at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.

Magalhaes (12-7) of Las Vegas, Nev. via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will take on Matt “The Hammer” Hamill (11-5) of Loveland, Ohio in a featured bout on the five-bout NBCSN telecast.

Sonnen will call his second World Series of Fighting card on Saturday night, alongside veteran play-by-play man Todd Harris.
Chael Sonnen chats with
World Series of Fighting executive Ali Abdelaziz

Click on the image below to be re-directed to the video


Sonnen speaks with Abdelaziz about the star-studded “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” fight card.

boxing, UK Boxing

BROOK FORCED OUT OF CHAVES CLASH

Leave a comment

Fight to be rescheduled after rib injury hits Sheffield star

 

Kell Brook has been forced out of his IBF World Welterweight title clash with Diego Chaves at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, October 24 after sustaining a rib injury in sparring.

 

Brook was set to make the third defence of his belt against the dangerous Argentine, but having spent time in hospital with the injury and taking the advice of medical experts following scans, the Sheffield star will now look to face Chaves later in the year.

 

The Sheffield show goes ahead with the Sky Sports debut of Chris Eubank Jr topping the bill as he defends his WBA Interim World Middleweight title against American Tony Jeter, Gavin McDonnell defends his European Bantamweight strap against former World title challenger Jeremy Parodi, along with a host of exciting young talent on the bill.

 

“It’s always a bitter blow when an injury causes a fight to be postponed, especially so close to the event,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell picked up a rib injury in sparring yesterday and spent most of the day at hospital yesterday. Kell was desperate to fight but it was simply impossible and we will now look to reschedule the bout for the end of the year.”

 

Matchroom Boxing will make a full statement on Monday regarding details of full refunds and partial refunds to those fans still attending the show.

boxing

Sampson Boxing Signs 18-Year-Old ‘Boxing Prodigy’ David Benavidez to a Promotional Contract

Leave a comment
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of boxing ‘wonder kid’ David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez to a promotional contract.
Benavidez, already 10-0, 9 KOs as a super-middleweight professional, hails from Phoenix and is the younger brother of undefeated Interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Jose Benavidez Jr.
Considered a boxing prodigy by many, Benavidez has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr. He turned professional at 16, but was forced to ply his trade in Mexico until age 18, when he was legally allowed to fight in the United States. The ultra-talented youngster has already sparred with many of the best fighters in the world including Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin and Nobuhiro Ishida to name a few He has also trained at the Wild Card Gym with Freddy Roach.
“I feel really blessed,” said Benavidez of the promotional deal. “It’s a great opportunity for me and great for my career. I am excited to step up to this big stage and show everybody how hungry I am and what I’m about. I want to show my skill level to the boxing world.”
Benavidez caught the eye of Lewkowicz while sparring in the Virgin Islands with Sampson Boxing fighter Julius Jackson.
“Like any other boxer my goal is to become champion, but I’m also looking forward to coming up the ranks and showing everyone who I am. But I’m only 18, so we’re taking our time. When Sampson says it’s time to step up, then I will.”
The young fighter says his relationship with his father has been key to his success.
“It’s a great father/son relationship, he’s like my best friend. We don’t always agree on everything but he’s the one who taught me everything I know, so I am grateful for everything he has given me.”
“I’m really happy about this deal. Sampson works with the best people in boxing,” said Jose Benavidez Sr. “We saw what he did with Maravilla Martinez and he’s been around many years doing a great job. We’re happy to be with him.”
Benavidez Sr. says his son is a boxer with an occasional tendency to brawl. “He moves his head a lot and throws good combinations. He’s very relaxed and thinks a lot in the ring. He also has great killer instinct.”
Benavidez’s manager David Garcia, who also handles his world champion brother, says the boxing world can expect big things from this new pairing of promoter and up-and-coming fighter. “I’m proud that David has joined Sampson’s promotional stable. Sampson has guided many fighters to the top. With hard work and Sampson’s guidance, David will be in some of the most exciting fights of the next few years.”
Garcia also explains why the young man turned pro at such an early age.
“He had developed so much physically by 16. He was already 6′ 2″ and had so many skills. He was already sparring with world champs. The amateur level didn’t offer him any further opportunity to develop. So he took the natural course of turning pro.”
Promoter Lewkowicz is the one who gave Benavidez his unique fight moniker of El Bandera Roja/Red Flag. “I gave him that name because he is a red flag to all the super middleweights in the world to watch out. They are all now in danger.”
Lewkowicz, renowned for his eye for young talent, says that Benavidez has everything he looks for in a prospect.
“I am very happy David chose to work with me. He is a future star in boxing. It’s his destiny. His brother is a champion and so will he be. He is the real thing and I am proud to be the one to guide him to where he belongs at the top of boxing.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.
Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

 

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE UP FOR GRABS NOVEMBER 21 IN LEWISTON

Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (October 15, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE” on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will feature a first for Maine – mixed-martial-arts (MMA) bouts and professional boxing bouts on the same event with an MMA cage and a boxing ring set up side-by-side.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the fight card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) is scheduled to meet Caleb Horner (6-2) for the inaugural NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Championship.  The bout will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Lacey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  He holds victories over tough opponents like Dom Cofone (6-5) and Caleb Hall (5-3) in the NEF cage.  His only loss to date came in New Hampshire against Matt Tullos (7-0).

 

“I’m super excited to be fighting for that belt,” exclaimed Lacey.  “It means the world to me that my hard work and dedication are paying off.  There is no possible way I’m leaving that cage without that strap around my waist.”

 

Lacey had been previously scheduled to fight for the title, but suffered an injury during training which forced cancellation of the bout.

 

“Getting injured is never fun and is almost always an inconvenience,” Lacey continued.  “It has been very frustrating having to take time off because of injuries, but it has also shown me that this is exactly what I want to do with my life.  The fans can expect a whole new animal.  I may have been injured but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working.  I have transformed my game and I will show everyone just how good I am come November 21.  Make sure not to blink this fight isn’t going the distance.”

 

Lacey’s opponent, Caleb Horner, will travel to Maine from Florida where he trains out of F2 Arena in Gainesville under Ryan Hodge (6-10).  Hodge and his students have gained a reputation as spoilers in the New England region, coming in from out of town to score upsets over local favorites.  Horner will look to continue that tradition when he meets Lacey on November 21 in Lewiston.

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XX: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE,” takes place on November 21, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The event will mark the first time in Maine history a mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event and a professional boxing event have taken place together on the same show.  Tickets for “NEF XX” 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.

The Best Fight News on the Net!

Newsletter Powered By : XYZScripts.com