Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights, women's MMA

WOMEN RULE THE MMA CAGE AT NEF XIX IN LEWISTON

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Kira Innocenti (l) and Angela Young (r) photo courtesy of Tracey McCue
Kira Innocenti (l) and Angela Young (r), photo courtesy of Tracey McCue

Lewiston, Maine (August 31, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX,” on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature two amateur women’s bouts.  Angela Young (0-0) of Young’s MMA in Bangor is scheduled to make her debut against Rachel Reinheimer (1-0) from team Sityodtong.   Young’s teammate Kira Innocenti (0-0) is also scheduled to make her debut against Hannah Sparrell (0-0) from First Class MMA in Brunswick.

 

Angela Young is the wife of Chris Young – owner and founder of Young’s MMA.  She views her debut fight as a way of testing herself.

 

“It’s important for me to test myself,” said Young, “not only in the cage comeSeptember 12th, but also through the fight that’s happened the last eight weeks leading up to the NEF event.  I feel the fight is essentially a showcase and representation of the grueling training sessions and endless hours in the gym that took place prior to fight night.  Living the MMA lifestyle to me meant more than diet modifications and strict training schedules.  Athletically, it was more about enduring through the obstacles and pushing my limits as a competitor in a way that had not been tested. It was about proving to myself, my coaches and my teammates that I have earned my right to step in the cage.”

 

Where in the past women have been relegated to the sideshow and novelty portions of combat sports events, like boxing, women’s MMA has not only risen to equal status with men’s MMA, it has, in some ways, surpassed it.  One has to look only to the highest level of the sport to see this trend.  Women’s fights are now routinely present on the main cards of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  The promotion’s top star, and its highest paid athlete, is its women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey (12-0).  The women competing on the September 12 card will be at the forefront of a movement to expand opportunities for women at the regional level.

 

“MMA for women is not hugely different than it is for men,” stated Young. “Obviously, MMA is a predominantly male sport, but successful women in the MMA world are on the rise. Through this fight camp I have grappled, sparred and wrestled with the Young’s MMA fight team and they have been unrelentingly supportive. Being one of the first female fighters out of Young’s certainly has its pressures (as well as being married to Mr. Young) but it’s also a spotlight I’m hoping will inspire other women who otherwise wouldn’t have pursued MMA.  I would bet the women’s fights on September 12th won’t be unlike the others we’ve seen at prior NEF events. I expect the women to put on a great show because we do have something to prove. I have put blood, sweat and tears into training and you better believe I’m assuming my opponents done the same. That being said, the women are going to come after it to plant their stake in the NEF cage.”

 

Both Young’s teammate, Kira Innocenti, as well has her opponent at “NEF XIX,” Rachel Reinheimer, seem to concur with Young’s views on the rapid growth of women’s MMA.

 

“Women’s MMA is on the rise,” said Innocenti.  “Each discipline teaches a woman something she does not know about herself. I have seen it build confidence in myself and many others. The more women on the mats, the better.  Fans can expect my teammate, Angie, and myself to give it our all and go to war just like the male warriors at Young’s MMA do. We have worked hard to represent our gym. We will fight with pride, passion, and with the strongest corners looking out for us. I can assure you that the women’s bouts will be unforgettable.”

 

“Women’s MMA is a sport just like any other,” stated Reinheimer of Everett, Massachusetts.  “It’s not an action movie where the hero runs out into the woods for three days to train with a martial arts master and then defeats an entire army. It’s not a bar brawl. It’s not a back alley ambush. These women are serious athletes who train diligently for years using the best training, equipment and resources available. Women who compete in combat sports spend thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears perfecting their sport. They make sacrifices. Furthermore, there are rules and time limits and safety precautions. When someone is unfamiliar with the idea of women’s MMA, I compare it to boxing or fencing, something else that people are more familiar with.  The pool of women fighters in New England is deepening fast and the fact that there are more women’s bouts on fight cards reflects that. My opponent and I are both from serious, hardworking camps. We are both mothers and it takes a lot of determination and drive to do this sport while juggling work and children. I have been working tirelessly with my team since my last fight to improve my game in every aspect. I am so grateful for the amazing training and teammates at Sityodtong that push me so hard. On September 12, you can expect a war.”

 

Most individuals, both men and women, who join MMA gyms do not do so initially intending to become an active cage fighter.  On any given day, one can walk into any MMA gym and find a diverse population of trainees.  Men and women, old and young, blue collar and white collar, all train side by side.  Most will never step foot in a cage in front of thousands of screaming fans.  Most are there to get in shape or learn self-defense.  Some, however, are bitten by the competition bug.

 

“I was introduced to the MMA world after signing my daughter up for Jiu Jitsu classes thinking it would be beneficial to her for the self defense aspect involved in the sport,” recalled Hanna Sparrell.  “I watched as she fell in love with the game, gaining strength and confidence, and was quick to decide that it was something I needed to be doing too.  It didn’t take long before I fell in love with Jiu Jitsu myself, and then ultimately wanted to explore the other aspects of the MMA world. Being in the gym has become a second home for me and my daughter, my training partners, a second family.  Every day I walk through the doors of the gym is a test, it’s a test of athleticism, as well as a test of mental and emotional drive. Since being introduced to the mixed martial arts world I have put my body, heart, and soul into training, and competing in this bout is important to me for many reasons, not only to represent myself and my hard work, but also to represent all the hard work, dedication, and encouragement I have received from my friends, instructors, training partners, and fellow fighters along the way.  I think MMA training for woman is a great outlet for many reasons, it physically is a great workout, and is also a good form of “therapy” at the end of a possibly stressful day. I have many women I train with, not all of them are planning on fighting, but the benefits of the sport are still there, and they love it just the same.”

 

Innocenti, like many, became involved in fight sports as a way to get in, and stay in, shape.  Little did she know when her journey started some two years ago that it would take her into an MMA cage with thousands watching her compete.

 

“Testing myself in a mixed martial arts bout is important to me in many regards. Two years ago, I was overweight and struggling to find a healthy, fulfilling path. One day, I woke up and took life by the reigns and in half a year, lost sixty pounds on my own. I welcomed that challenge, succeeded, and wanted another. Aaron “Relentless” Lacey told me about Young’s MMA and I was compelled to check it out. After stepping through the doors, trying out all of the classes, and meeting the family who made it so special, I was hooked. I made it a goal to be one of the first female fighters on the arguably most dominant fight team in New England. I have always been a competitor. I enjoy challenging myself and pushing limits that are thought to be impossible to achieve. Living the mixed martial arts lifestyle is tough. It requires more dedication than I ever imagined possible. It breaks you and builds you back up into the person you truly are. This fight is important because I have been spoiled with an amazing team by my side that is taught by the most motivating and encouraging coaches. I am determined to make them proud and thank them with my hand being raised.”

 

“Mixed Martial Arts is the ultimate test of the human spirit on every level: physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Reinheimer.  “I have a burning desire to know how far I can go. I like exceeding expectations and pushing my limits and that’s MMA in a nutshell.  Since I started training in martial arts, my life has become boundary-less. My life on the mat has improved my life off the mat and vice versa. It’s stripped away all the unnecessary distractions and distilled my life down to what really matters, in and out of the ring. I feel like it’s helped me become much closer to my authentic self. It’s the best of ancient martial arts and modern life.”

 

Of the four women fighting on the “NEF XIX” card, only Reinheimer has actively competed in the past.  She dominated her opponent this past spring on her way to a unanimous decision victory in her debut.  All of the women fighting on September 12 in Lewiston are excited for the opportunity.

 

“NEF is a solid promotion with a great reputation,” said Reinheimer.  “I was a spectator at their very first fight card back in 2012.  I love Maine and the crowd is awesome there.  I can’t wait!”

 

“I think the fans can expect a great show indeed,” exclaimed Sparrell.  “More often than not the women’s fights have proven to be extremely entertaining, we of course want to prove ourselves worthy in this prominently male-dominated sport. This is the debut for three out of four of the women on this card, so I know there is going to be a lot of heart and determination thrown into these fights. I know, personally, I am very excited to represent!  I couldn’t be more excited to be making my MMA debut in the NEF cage; I have watched so many of the fighters I idolize and look up to in this sport from the stands of the Androscoggin Bank Colisée, having the opportunity to now be out there with them really is a true honor.”

 

“As September 12th rapidly approaches, I’m becoming more excited and ready to get in the cage,” said Young.  “This has been quite a journey and I’m grateful for the opportunity of making my amateur MMA debut with NEF.”

 

“I am ecstatic to make my MMA debut with NEF on September 12th,” said Innocenti. “I have worked tirelessly to get this opportunity and I am excited that the time has come.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

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.

boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

LEO SANTA CRUZ WINS BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES OVER ABNER MARES IN MEMORABLE SHOWDOWN ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FROM STAPLES CENTER 

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In Co-Main Event Julio Ceja Stops Hugo Ruiz In Super Bantamweight Bout
 
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
Credit: Suzanne Teresa, Premier Boxing Champions
 
Los Angeles, CA (August 29, 2015) – In a battle of Southern California featherweights, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, (31-0-1, 17 KOs) defeated Abner Mares, (29-2-1, 15 KOs) by majority decision in a fight reminiscent of Mexican wars between boxing legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales on Saturday night. Scores tallied 117-111 twice and 114-114 in front of a raucous crowd of 13,109 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN main event.
With savage uppercuts and brutal power shots from the opening bell, the combatants threw more than 2,000 punches combined with Santa Cruz connecting 35 percent of his total 1,050 punches and Mares connecting 23 percent of his 980 total punches.
In the third round, Mares was cut from an accidental head-butt, with blood sporadically continuing to pour throughout the fight. Santa Cruz took advantage of the distracted Mares in the fourth drilling him with body shots. During the fifth stanza a second accidental head-butt opened an additional cut on the forehead of Mares.
Mares fought his way back into the fight in the sixth and seventh rounds, but Santa Cruz caught a much needed second win starting in the eighth and swept the championship rounds. The fight’s brutal ebbs and flows culminated in a epic 12th round with Santa Cruz and Mares throwing non-stop power shots to close the fight.
Opening the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN telecast Julio Ceja, (30-1, 27 KOs), of Tianepantia, Mexico won with a sensational fifth round stoppage of Hugo Ruiz, (35-2, 30 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico. Ceja suffered a third round knockdown but came back to floor Ruiz in round five and earned the victory after swarming the staggered Ruiz. Time of the stoppage was 2:34.
Undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro Luna, (19-0, 14KOs), of Bellflower, California, dominated and stopped veteran Sergio Lopez, (18-9-1,12 KOs) in the fourth round. A barrage of punches resulted in the onslaught being stopped at the
:34 mark.

To the roar of the huge crowd at STAPLES Center, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, 24-5 (19KO’s), of Mexicali, Mexico, battered Hector Munoz, (22-16-1 (14KO’s) over five rounds of their scheduled ten round clash. With power punches from all angles, Angulo bloodied Munoz and dropped him in the fifth. Following that stanza, Munoz did not come out for round six with Angulo being awarded the well-deserved victory.

Local fan favorite Jessie Roman (20-2, 9 KOs) continued to impress with a dominant eight round unanimous decision over Huntington Beach, California’s Hector Serrano, 17-5 (5KO’s). Dropping Serrano in the seventh, Roman went on to win a unanimous decision by scores of 79-72 on all three scorecards.
Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brian Castano, 13-0 (9KO’s) was awarded a victory by disqualification over Jonathan Batista, 14-7, (7KO’s) at the 1:15 mark of the fifth round. After being dropped in the second round, Batista continuously resorted to low blows over the balance of the bout. Points were deducted from Batista three times over the third and fourth rounds before another low blow in the fifth resulted in the stoppage.
Middleweight prospect Alan Castano of Buenos Aires, Argentina making his U.S. debut improved to 9-0, (6KO’s) with a fourth round knockout of the valiant Thomas Howard, 8-5 (4KO’s) of Trenton, Michigan. Although not knocked down, Howard absorbed the full array of punches from Castano prior to the bout being stopped at the 2:11 mark of the fourth stanza.
Welterweights were featured in a six round bout as welterweight Anthony Flores, (9-0, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, California won a majority decision over Curtis Morton, (3-5-3) of Harlem, NY. The battle featuring excellent two-way action throughout was scored 58-56 twice for Flores and 57-57.
In a scheduled ten round super middleweight bout, contender Paul Mendez, (20-2-2, 10 KOs) dropped Andrik Saralegui (19-3, 15 KOs), of Los Mochis, New Mexcio, twice in the second round. The Delano, California native earned the stoppage, as Saralegui did not answer the bell for round three.
Bantamweights were featured in the second bout as Isaiah Najera (1-1), of Yakima, Washington upset the pro debuting Antonio Santa Cruz (0-1), of Los Angeles, California via majority decision. Scores were 39-37 twice for Najera and 38-38. Antonio is the younger cousin of headliner Leo Santa Cruz.
 
In theopening bout of the afternoon, a four round lightweight clash, Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, CA improved to 3-0 with a spirited unanimous decision over ManualRubalcava (2-14), of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Scores were 40-36 on all scorecards.
Here is what the fighters had to say:

Leo Santa Cruz:
“I was surprised Abner came out so strong. He came right at me but we figured him out and we got the win.
“I stayed outside with the jab. We were able to take control.
“My dad told me that we could beat him by boxing. We want to be aggressive but tonightwe had to box him too and that’s how we got it done.
“If he wants the rematch I’ll give him the rematch. I want to fight the best. I want the big fights.
“I’m very happy. This is a dream come true. I’m happy and excited and thankful to all of my fans who supported me.”
Abner Mares:
“It was a close fight, but I thought I won the fight. I thought I pulled it off.
“My plan was to box him, but I started out really fast. I felt good but my corner told me to box more, so I did that. It was a good fight.
“Leo is good. He’s a great fighter. I knew it was going to be a tough fight.
“I’m more than willing to have a rematch. It was a close fight. I knew he had never faced a fighter like me and he proved today he’s a great fighter.
“The fans were the winners tonight. It was a great fight for the fans. I think I deserve a rematch and I think the fans deserve another show.
“It was my mistake. I started really good, but along the way I changed my plan for some weird reason and I don’t know why I did it.”
Julio Ceja:
“I was well prepared, but I was surprised I got dropped. I felt mentally and physically good after that and I knew I was going to come back.
“At first it was difficult because Ruiz was moving too much, however I knew I was going to win.
“I hope Leo Santa Cruz goes back up to super bantamweight so I can fight him next.”
Alfredo Angulo:
“I feel really good. I worked and used my jab. I’ve never used my jab too much and tonight I tried to use it more and more and more.”
“When I fought in June, it had been a long time since I fought and I was fighting in a new weight class. To be honest, I was nervous and today I was more comfortable.”
“I could tell the the fans were behind me tonight and they motivate me to work even harder in each fight.”
Santa Cruz vs. Mares, a 12-round featherweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN on Saturday, August 29 aired live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and was promoted by TGB Promotions.
mixed martial arts, RFA

RFA RETURNS TO NEBRASKA WITH SMITH vs. JARDINE

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                                          MAIN EVENT:
ANTHONY “LIONHEART” SMITH vs. 
BROCK  “THE MACHINE” JARDINE
MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
CO-MAIN EVENT:
RYAN “ARE YOU READY” ROBERTS vs. 
ADAM “PRIME TIME” TOWNSEND
FEATHERWEIGHT WAR
BANTAMWEIGHT FEATURE FIGHT:
DARRICK MINNER vs. MATT BROWN
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH LIVE ON AXS TV
LIVE at the Pinnacale Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska
 
Tickets on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com 
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return home to its roots in Nebraska with RFA 30 in September. The promotion hosted its first show in the “Cornhusker State” in December 2011 and has since promoted MMA events in 13 states across 3 time zones. RFA 30 will take place Friday, September 18th inside the state-of-the-art Pinnacle Bank Arena located in the state’s capital city of Lincoln, Nebraska. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

“RFA started in Nebraska and I’m excited to see Anthony Smith and Brock Jardine add to our history in the Cornhusker State,” stated Soares. “These are two surging UFC vets that are about to collide in a fantastic main event at RFA 30.”
Tickets for RFA 30 are available now through Ticketmaster.com. You can also support your favorite fighter buy purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com.
Smith (22-11) is currently enjoying a career resurgence that has left his last five opponents reeling and looking for answers. Smith, who is a native of Nebraska City, Nebraska, quickly rose to prominence in mixed martial arts. Widely known for his no-nonsense approach to fighting, Smith racked up win-after-win and soon found himself a veteran of the UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator by the time he was 25-years-old. However, it wasn’t until he turned 25 that he feels that he was finally able to close all the gaps in his MMA game. That turning point in his career has contributed directly to his recent winning streak heading into RFA 30 and he is excited about showcasing his new form back in the city where he made his professional MMA debut in 2008.

“I’m super pumped about headlining RFA 30 in front of my fans in Nebraska,” stated Smith. “I don’t know any fighters with my kind of support system. You can’t beat 3,000 people. That noise is pretty much a third man in the cage and no one is beating me in Nebraska. I grew up in Nebraska City, I live in Omaha, and I made my pro debut in Lincoln. My fans in all three cities will be there to see me win in devastating fashion on September 18th.”

Jardine (12-5) is currently enjoying a career resurgence of his own, now that he is back competing as a middleweight, where he has never lost.  Jardine, who competed twice for the UFC as welterweight, holds a career record of 7-0 at 185-pounds. That includes wins in his last three fights, which have all taken place in headliners in his home state of Utah this year. Jardine credits his head coach Rob Handley at Absolute MMA in West Jordan, Utah for his recent win streak at middleweight and looks to parlay that run into a career defining victory at RFA 30, which he sees as his golden ticket back to the UFC.

“I’m very excited to be a part of a great organization like the RFA,” Jardine exclaimed. “Everyone knows what the RFA is all about, developing top prospects and getting UFC vets back to the big show. This will be a great fight for the fans, where the winner could very easily punch their ticket back to the UFC. That’s exactly what I plan on doing at RFA 30.”
The co-main event of RFA 30 also features a local favorite, who is looking to get back to the UFC. That would be Ryan “Are You Ready” Roberts (21-10-1), who like Smith, is also riding the momentum of a five-fight win streak. Roberts most recent outing was his most impressive fight during this run. He stopped fellow UFC vet Junior Hernandez via TKO in the first round of a regional title fight. Roberts is now looking to stick to his winning ways in his RFA debut.
“I’m honored to be fighting as the co-main event in the RFA,” stated Roberts. “I believe I am one of the top featherweights on the roster and will be able to prove that by finishing a tough RFA vet, who is on a roll fighting out of Tennessee. Being able to fight in Lincoln will allow a lot of my fans, friends, and family to make the short trip and liven up the Pinnacle Bank Arena. I can’t wait to finish this fight with the crowd roaring live on AXS TV.”

Traveling into enemy territory to lock horns with Roberts will be one of the more affable and entertaining fighters in the sport. That would be none other than Adam “Prime Time” Townsend (13-3), who will be dropping down to featherweight for this fight. The high-octane Tennessean made his RFA debut at lightweight in May, as a part of the RFA team that defeated a team of Legacy fighters in the historic promotion vs. promotion event that took place in Robinsonville, Mississippi. The flamboyant Townsend, now looks to reassert himself against his fellow RFA fighters.

“I’m excited about coming to someone else’s hometown and whooping them in front of their fans,” Townsend exclaimed. “Honestly, I’m too big and fast for him. I’m easily the best fighter he has ever faced. I’m surprised he even accepted the fight. He’s probably going to back out of the fight once he starts watching tape on me.”
The feature fight at RFA 30 will mark the return of one of Smith’s lifelong friends from Nebraska City. That would be Darrick Minner, who will be making his fifth appearance inside the RFA octagon. Minner has gotten his hand raised in three RFA fights, which includes a win over Marvin Blumer at RFA 24 this past March. That win was a dominant career-defining moment in the young fighter’s career that has many wondering how far he can ascend in this sport. The man eager to test Minner’s potential is a man who has been making his own star glow brighter by defeating highly-touted prospects in his first two RFA fights. That would be Matt Brown (10-4), who has a fighting style eerily reminiscent to the UFC welterweight star who shares the same name.
Also scheduled to return to the RFA octagon on the main card of RFA 30 are former RFA lightweight title challenger Zach Juusola (10-3), four-time RFA vet Dan Moret (8-2), and former University of Nebraska wrestler James Nakashima (3-0). Juusola will face Nebraska native Robert Rojas (10-4) at lightweight, Moret welcomes undefeated Grand Dawson (7-0) at featherweight, and Nakashima will tussle with fellow undefeated welterweight prospect Chance Recountre (7-0).
The RFA 30 preliminary card and further information regarding this event will be announced soon. RFA 30 will be the promotion’s sixth event to take place in Nebraska since its inception in 2011. The entire main card of RFA 30 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, September 18th.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED TREVOR BRYAN WINS HEAVYWEIGHT SLUGFEST OVER GAME, HARD-TRYING DERRIC ROSSY IN MAIN EVENT  OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

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TEMPERATURE’S RISING IN LAS VEGAS:

 

 

‘The Dream’ Improves to 16-0 with Unanimous Decision in Great Fight,

DeCarlo Perez Outpoints Previously Unbeaten Juan Ubaldo Cabrera,

Heavyweight Joey Dawejko Scores Opening-Round Knockout over Natu Visinia

 

Catch Replay Monday, Aug. 31, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 29, 2015) – On a hot summer August night, in a specially-constructed ring outside the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) across from the D Las Vegas,Trevor “The Dream” Bryan remained unbeaten and passed the toughest test of his career with a crowd-pleasing, hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision over Derric Rossy in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME®.

 

Bryan (16-0, 11 KOs), of Albany, N.Y.,  dropped the vastly more experienced Rossy (30-10, 14 KOs), of Medford, N.Y., with a flurry of punches 30 seconds into the fight en route to winning one of the most exciting heavyweight fights of the year by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92. Round 3 of the slugfest could be a candidate for Round of the Year.

 

In Friday’s co-feature, middleweight DeCarlo “3-Mendo” Perez (15-3-1, 5 KOs), of Atlantic City, upset previously undefeated Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-1, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic on a unanimous 10-round decision. Perez, who took the fight on a week’s notice, beat the two-time Dominican Republic Olympian by the scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92 in a match that featured steady two-way action for the most part. Cabrera became the 134th boxer to suffer his initial defeat on ShoBox.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, heavyweight Joey Dawejko (15-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, registered an impressive 1:15, first-round knockout over Samoa’s Natu Visinia(11-2, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., in a scheduled eight-round scrap.

 

“We saw two drastically different types of heavyweight fights tonight,’’ said boxing historian and ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “One quick bang-out — where Joey Dawejko made a lot of fans. I think people would like to see him again, I’d like to see him again. And the second fight, Trevor Bryan, he didn’t get the stoppage but he also gained a lot of fans. He’s a fighter that most fans have not seen, and tonight he was introduced on the big stage in a very successful way.

 

“Derric Rossy showed such resistance and that made the win sweeter for Bryan, who had never fought anybody resembling the class of Rossy. It was a physical fight with a lot of good exchanges. Trevor Bryan stamped himself as a young American heavyweight to watch.

 

“[Juan Ubaldo] Cabrera was a disappointment. It looked like he was going to be the classier, busier fighter for three rounds, but [DeCarlo] Perez took over. And to fight as effectively as Perez did on one-week notice against a fighter that was 23-0, is impressive. It’s the biggest win by far on Perez’s career.‘’

 

Hall of Fame promotor Don King was ecstatic afterward. “It was great to see heavyweight boxing back to what it is supposed to be — you are hanging on the edge of your seat with every punch,’’ he said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen, but Trevor Bryan pulled through. He’s only 16-0 but he broke through the door to greatness. That’s the big thing. Now we have to look for him to get a heavyweight championship fight as he goes along.

 

“So it was a terrific fight and as a matter of fact it was a terrific night of fights and that’s what it’s all about. People ask me ‘when is the next one?’ people shouting in their seats and tingling. And we did it for the women — fighting for women’s rights — the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.  Oh man I am so excited. This is what it’s supposed to be.’’

 

The 6-foot-4 Bryan, who turned 26 on Aug. 23, went 10 rounds for the first time. A pro since November 2011, he had registered 10 of his 11 knockouts victories in three rounds or less.

 

“I think I showed to people that I like to fight and that I will fight,’’ Bryan said. “The heavyweight division is weak. Guys don’t like to throw a lot of punches. Being this was my first time on television, I think I had more anxiety than anything, but overall I was very happy with my performance.

 

“Rossy is a very durable, experienced guy. For him to hang in like he did says a lot. I know I definitely hurt him a few times but I didn’t follow up with the right punches. I didn’t place my punches like I should have after he was hurt. I know I need to relax more and listen to my corner.

 

“I was a little surprised that he didn’t box and move more but this was a hard-fought fight and a good fight for the fans.’’

 

Rossy pushed Bryan in many of the rounds, making for ferocious exchanges that had the crowd on their feet. The 35-year-old gamer has been on the wrong end of many close decisions in the past, but he had no qualms with the verdict this time.

 

“Bryan is definitely a good fighter, talented and he hits hard,’’ said Rossy, who has been in with some of the best in the division. “But after the knockdown, I was fighting on all heart. It wasn’t my plan to stand and slug and make it a war, but once I got dropped my strategy went out the window.

 

“This was an extremely hard fight, but that early knockdown was the whole difference for me. I’m OK but this was an exhausting 10-round fight.’’

 

Despite having little time to prepare, Perez, 24, won his fourth in a row and is 9-1 in his last 10 fights. “The heat [close to100 degrees] was no factor, I’ve been training in a gym that has more humidity than this,’’ he said. “The tough part was not knowing anything about my opponent; we saw no film so I had to adjust on the fly.

 

“I knew I’d be getting stronger as the fight went on. To keep throwing punches and dishing out punishment, that’s my style.

 

“This should open up a lot of doors for me. What I did tonight was prove what intense work ethic, pushing and fighting through all the odds, can do. I am very happy and already am looking forward to my next fight.

 

Cabrera, 36, whose pro career has sputtered due to long stretches of inactivity, had a point deducted in the seventh for hitting behind the head. Afterward, he offered no excuses. “I just got outhustled,’’ he said. He didn’t punch that hard. I was never hurt. I just didn’t throw enough. I felt fine until I got tired in the 10th round.’’

 

The 5-foot-10 Dawejko, despite giving away five inches in height and being outweighed by 37¾ pounds, came out firing and hurt and staggered Visinia with an overhand right to the side of the head. He followed up with a flurry of punches to the head and body. After Visinia was given a standing eight-count, Dawejko landed eight unanswered punches before the referee stepped in and stopped it.

 

“I thought I would knock him out but not that fast,’’ said Dawejko, who outlanded the Samoan 18-1, 16 of them power shots. “Natu’s a tough guy. My plan was to tire him out and take him out in the fourth or fifth.

 

“This win does everything for my career. It basically eliminated the loss in my last fight to Amir Mansour [that snapped Dawejko’s six-fight winning streak]. “This shows I’m back. They have to mention me now when they’re talking heavyweights.’’

 

Going in, Visinia was regarded as perhaps the most promising up-and-coming Samoan heavyweight since former longtime contender David Tua.

 

“This is very disappointing,’’ Visinia said. “I just waited too long to get started with the jab and got caught with a good one. That happens in boxing but I’m going to keep working. I don’t want the boxing world or boxing gods to turn their backs on me now. This was a bump in the road. I’ll be back.’’

 

Aired during the telecast was an exclusive taped interview with Floyd Mayweather and Jim Gray and a live interview with WBC Super Middleweight Champion Badou Jack and Farhood.Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line against power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) and Jack (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make his first defense against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV®. The four-fight pay-per-view telecast starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                 CHANNEL

Monday, Aug. 31, 10:30 p.m. ET/PT             SHOWTIME Extreme

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Aug. 29.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

BRANDON GIRTZ UPSETS MELVIN GUILLARD IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘BELLATOR 141: GUILLARD VS. GIRTZ’ ON SPIKE

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PATRICKY ‘PITBULL’ FREIRE PUTS BEEF WITH SAAD AWAD TO REST, WINNING UNANIMOUS DECISION

 

Find additional photos and scorecards here / Video highlights below

 

TEMECULA, Calif. (August 28, 2015) – In what is undoubtedly the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career, Brandon “Cold Roll” Girtz (13-4) defeated Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard (32-15-2) at “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” via split decision (29-27, 28-29, 29-27).

 

The beautiful Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif., housed the Spike-televised event, that will surely be remembered for multiple back-and-forth battles that culminated in Girtz out-pointing and out-slamming Guillard, a veteran on over 50 documented professional bouts.

 

It was the wrestling pedigree of the Minnesota native that made the difference, as Guillard was unable to get off his back for a good portion of the first and second frames. After being told in his corner that he was clearly down two rounds, Guillard began to open up, but his effort proved to be too little, too late.

Description: Macintosh HD:Users:tuttlec:Desktop:6-Paricky-Friere-vs-Saad-Awad_0150.jpg

“Pitbull” Ends Feud With Awad, Taking Unanimous Decision

 

Lightweight champion Will Brooks beware – there is a dangerous “Pitbull” that is barking for your belt.

 

Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (14-6) dominated Saad Awad (18-7) for a hard fought unanimous decision victory, with scores of (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

 

The bad blood generated by a Twitter war and viral video between the two co-main eventers set the stage for an action packed 155-pound battle. An evenly fought first round saw both competitors trading various leg kicks which culminated in an action packed second stanza that saw “Pitbull” take down Awad to score valuable points with the judges.

 

Despite a partisan crowd for the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native, “Pitbull” landed powerful body blows to dominate the third round and secure the shutout win. Following the bout, the Brazilian made it clear he wants a title shot at Brooks.

After 5-Year Hiatus, Wren Outpoints Burns

 

Justin Wren (11-2) returned to the sport of mixed martial arts following a five-year absence, defeating six-fight Bellator MMA veteran Josh “The Hammer” Burns (8-9) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26).

 

“The Big Pygmy” didn’t seem to miss a beat despite his time spent in the Congo, landing solid knees to the head of Burns that would have finished many heavyweights. Wren made it clear that he is here in Bellator MMA to stay and he has more to fight for than he ever has in his nine-year career.

 

For more on Wren’s humanitarian efforts, refer to CNN’s piece on the “The Big Pygmy here.

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Coenen Armbars Blencowe

 

After a last minute knee injury to Lorenzo Hood forced the cancellation of his bout against Raphael Butler, the women’s featherweight match between Marloes “Rumina” Coenen (23-6) andArlene “Angerfist” Blencowe (6-5) was promoted to the televised portion of the card.

 

A large portion of the opening round was spent on the mat, with both women jockeying for a dominant position. Following a minute intermission, Coenen did what she has now done 17 times in her career, finished her foe via submission. The ending came at 3:23 of round two, with Coenen ending the bout with a deep armbar.

 

Coenen has now won two-straight fights since dropping a contest to “Cyborg” Justino in 2013.

 

Preliminary Card:

In the final post-lim of August 28’s festivities, Johnny Cisneros (9-4) defeated Gabriel Miglioli (9-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Luc Bondole (5-1-2) handed Ray Sloan (8-1) the first loss of his career, earning the unanimous decision with (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) scorecards from the California State Athletic Commission appointed judges.

Adrienna Jenkins (19-6) stopped Lissette Neri (6-3) with a technical knockout after Neri failed to intelligently defend herself at 2:38 of round one.

“Curtious” Curtis Millender (8-2) brought a two-fight losing streak to a halt with a (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) unanimous win over Steven Ciaccio (4-4).

 

The most explosive finish of “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz” on Friday came via A.J. Mckee,(2-0) who stopped James Barnes (4-1) via vicious knockout at 1:42 of the opening frame.

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (2-0) impressed in her Bellator MMA debut, edging out Maria Rios (2-3) via split decision (29-28) (28-29) (29-28). The Hawaiian showcased her ability to take the fight to her opponent on the feet, as well as fending off multiple submission attempts from Rios on the mat.

 

After 15 tightly contested minutes, Brent Primus (6-0) remained undefeated, squeaking out a split decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28) win over Derek “The Barbaric” Anderson (12-2).

 

In the opening bout of “Bellator 141: Guillard vs. Girtz,” A.J. “The Mercenary” Matthews (8-3) defeated Emiliano Sordi (13-5) after the Argentinian failed to answer the bell following round one.

 

Bellator 141 Main Card Video Highlights:

Complete Highlights Package: https://www.hightail.com/download/bXBaR0lTd0lRR2R1a3NUQw

Guillard vs. Girtz

Guillard goes down early in Round 1

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4m3x

 

Girtz gets the split decision

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4the

Girtz says he was an “idiot” to turn around during Guillard comeback

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4ulp

 

 

“Pitbull” vs. Awad

 

Slo-motion recap of the best moments

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f49yh

 

“Pitbull” gets the win

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f4ahw

 

Wren vs. Burns

 

Replay and review of Wren’s flurish — plus a point

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f3f2f

 

 

Wren gets the victory decision

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f3luh

 

 

Coenen vs. Blencowe 

 

Coenen finishes the fight with the submission move

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2mb9

Slo-motion replay

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2nyd

 

 

Coenen happy in post-fight interview

https://www.whipclip.com/video/f2qlx

 

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL MATCH-UPS FOR ‘BELLATOR MMA: DYNAMITE 1’

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MUHAMMED ‘KING MO’ LAWAL TAKES ON LINTON VASSELL & PHIL DAVIS MATCHES UP AGAINST EMANUEL NEWTON

 

 

“Bellator MMA: Dynamite 1” – Saturday, September 19 – SAP Center, San Jose, Calif.

 

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Tito Ortiz (18-11) vs. © Liam McGeary (10-0)

Glory Vacant Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Saulo Cavalari (31-2) vs. Zack Mwekassa (13-2)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Fight: Phil Davis (13-3) vs. Emanuel Newton (25-8-1)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Fight: Linton Vassell (15-4-1) vs. Muhammed Lawal (15-4, 1 NC)

Glory Welterweight Feature Fight:Paul Daley (37-13-2 MMA/20-3 Kickboxing) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (24-13/1-2 Kickboxing)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight:  Josh Thomson (20-8) vs. Mike Bronzoulis (18-8-1)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Alternate Bout: Francis Carmont (23-10) vs. Philipe Lins (9-1)

 

*Fight card subject to change

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About GLORY:
Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider that maintains offices in New York, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories. GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @GLORY_WS, and visit us online at gloryworldseries.com.

About Spike:

Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

 

About SAP Center in San Jose

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SAP Center at San Jose is the premier sports and entertainment venue in Northern California.  Each year, SAP Center hosts approximately 175 events featuring professional and amateur athletes, Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winners, international recording artists, and a variety of performers who appeal to children and families alike.  SAP Center at San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League as well as the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League.  For more information about SAP Center at San Jose and for a list of upcoming events, visit the SAP Center home page atwww.sapcenter.com.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANDRE BERTO LOS ANGELES WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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BERTO JOINED BY GEORGE GROVES & JHONNY GONZALEZ
AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHOWDOWNS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV
AT THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS
 
Click HERE For Photos From Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/ Mayweather Promotions
 
ALL ACCESS: MAYWEATHER VS. BERTO
Premieres Tonight, Aug. 28 on SHOWTIME®  At 10:30pm ET/PT

Click On The Link Below To Watch Episode 1 Preview
 
LOS ANGELES – (Aug. 28, 2015) – Two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) participated in a media workout at the J.W. Marriott at L.A. Live as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Berto looked focused and in great shape, jumping rope and shadowboxing, as he looks to become the first fighter to defeat 12-time world championFloyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs), on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
 
In addition to Berto, top 168-pound contender George Groves and former three-time world championJhonny Gonzalez participated in the media workout as they prepare for their respective fights on theSHOWTIME PPV broadcast.
The training session was hosted by TV & CBS Radio personality Big Tigger and Emmy® Award-winning sports reporter Mark Kriegel and streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media.
Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, the Sept. 12 four-fight pay-per-view telecast will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the sixth and final fight of a record-breaking deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. SHOWTIME Sports® will support the event with the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS.
In world championship fights on the pay-per-view telecast, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight title in a rematch against four-time world championOrlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), and Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the initial defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs). The opening fight of the telecast will feature former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncher Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight scrap.
Plus, former 154-pound world champion Ishe Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) will be opposed by longtime top-five contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs) in the 90-minute COUNTDOWN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” preshow on Saturday, September 12.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
What Berto, Berto’s trainer, Virgil Hunter, George Groves, Jhonny Gonzalez and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe said Friday:
 
Andre Berto
“From an energy aspect I feel great. It’s my first time in a while coming into a fight with no injuries. This is the healthiest I’ve been since I can remember.
“At the end of the day, this fight was supposed to happen two or three times. Situations with me not taking care of myself and not taking opponents seriously caused it to happen. But styles make fights and we’ll see what the boxing fans say Sept. 12.
“I know that I’m still the same guy who people thought could have given Floyd problems a couple years ago.
“Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero both got fights with Floyd because they beat me. There must be something to that. They said ‘if he did something to Berto, he should get a shot at Floyd.'”
“We’re here. It’s my time to see him. He can have his ‘MayVinci’ code because we put in the work. The whole team is confident. I’m going to do what I do.
“We worked on a lot of different things at camp. I have the speed to keep up with him. I have more power.
“The thing with Floyd is, most guys he fights aren’t as athletic as he is. But I am.
“If you come at Floyd fast but don’t have a plan and don’t have good footwork, it’s too easy for him. If you have a guy that’s as athletic as him, it gives him problems.
“There is a lot more to me than just walking guys down. I have speed, I have power, I have a crazy uppercut, I can move to the side. There are a lot of ways I can get it done.
“I’m not going to watch his sparring. I don’t want to watch him driving his cars, none of that. I want to see him Sept. 12.
“This is my first time going into a fight without all the pressure on my back. I’ve always been the favorite in every fight. I don’t know what he’s feeling and I don’t really have to care about it.
“It’s a different mindset. Coming from where I come from, we always had to defeat the odds. We didn’t have what other people had. We had to work twice as hard for everything. To be noticed to be seen. Even back then it drove me to be the best that I can be. I wanted everyone to know I was somebody you had to watch.
“I’ve faced these odds my whole life. I was discounted two years ago when I was laying in the hospital. I’m constantly envisioning victory.
“All the hard work we’re putting in, it’ll all pay off fight night. It’s not just for me. I’ve been through doing things for me. I see what’s real now.
“I’ve prepared myself mentally to be in this position. People can say whatever they want. We’re focused.
“This is going to be for everyone who believes in the underdog.”
Virgil Hunter
“We have a unique opportunity right in front of us. We have a chance at history and to cement a legacy for my fighter (Berto).
“What is the key to winning this fight? (Berto) has got to want to win. He has to want it more. He holds the keys in his hand. You can plan as much as you want for tomorrow, but we don’t know whattomorrow will bring. We can only prepare.
“If (Berto) wins this fight, you’ll see me jumping up and down and it will be hard to compose myself. I’m usually pretty composed, but you might see me jump up and fall out of the ring and hit my head or something.
“No matter what happens, Floyd will always be considered one of the best ever. Win or lose, his legacy is cemented.
“There are similarities between Floyd and Andre Ward. They both started boxing as young boys, and were Olympians and are undefeated. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with being undefeated and they both have faced that.
“It’s not fair to the fight game to say this is a free shot and to go in there and say we have nothing to lose. We have everything to lose.”
George Groves
“Training camp has been going great. We’re fully acclimated to the time change and altitude. We’re performing very well in the gym and fulfilling the plan. I’m ready to rock.
“We’ve trained in the U.S. before. Last year we came over to spar with Gennady Golovkin. This time we’re out there for much longer and it has been very successful.
“I like training in the altitude and I expect it to help me on fight night. We got used to it over the weeks of camp and now it’s time to bring the extra energy to the ring.
“I’m fully immersed in this fight with Badou Jack. Everyone wants to know about the future plans, but I leave that up to the promoters. My main concern is winning that WBC belt.
“I carry power. I have good hands and foot speed. I can control the fight from anywhere. The mistakes that Badou Jack makes, I will take advantage of.
“I want to announce myself as the best fighter in the division and I’m planning on doing that Sept. 12. There won’t be any question marks. After I win this fight, I’ll have proof.
“I’m a valuable commodity in the UK and it’s about time I started building my brand in the states. This is a huge opportunity being on the Mayweather card. The undercard will not be overlooked this night.
“Every fight is more important than the last. It doesn’t matter who you fight, it can affect you in a big way. I have a style that will naturally engage with the fans. People like to see me fight. I look to take the opponent out and that will be the same on Sept. 12.
“Once Badou Jack leaves an opening, I will take it. I plan to look very good doing so.”
Jhonny Gonzalez
“I feel great. I’ve been preparing at the gym a lot and I feel very good about this fight.
“I am ready to win in this division and compete for a world title right away.
“I am fighting so quickly after my last victory because I am very confident. I want to stay active. I want to gain what I had before the loss to [Gary] Russell. I’m moving forward.
“I know that my opponent is a strong fighter. He’s going to throw a lot of punches but I’m going to bring it right back at him hard.
“Being on the Mayweather card is a blessing. I’m excited to be in Las Vegas with the whole world watching.
“I’m honored to be fighting on the Mexican Independence weekend. I’m ready to represent for my Mexican people. I’m going to leave everything in the ring.
“What I want out of this fight, is an opportunity to win a world title. This is why I train so hard, to win world titles and fight in big fights.
“I believe in my power punches. I’m intelligent on the inside and the outside. I believe in myself as a fighter and that is why I’ll win.”
Leonard Ellerbe
“I think Floyd shocked everyone by sparring on his media day on Wednesday. It wasn’t planned. You just never know what you’re going to get at any Mayweather event. He’s always going to do something to attract attention and put on a show.
“There’s no fear in Virgil (Berto’s trainer) or Andre checking it out and finding something that they can use against Floyd. Virgil is an excellent trainer and they will be prepared for everything for this fight.
“Everything is right on track with the promotion. Doing a media workout like this is very important to keep the publicity up and to market the event and let the fighters interact with the fans. We have a tremendous undercard on Sept. 12
“The SHOWTIME All Access episodes have been excellent and are getting the fans and media excited for this fight.”
# # #
“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC.  The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV.  The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido.  Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.
 “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1 premieres this Friday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.
Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER GOES FOR FOURTH WORLD TITLE WHEN HE FACES FORMER CHAMPION KHABIB ALLAKHVERDIEV ON SATURDAY, OCT. 3, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI

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Jose Pedraza Defends IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship
Against Edner Cherry in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Co-Feature
 
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!
 
CINCINNATI (Aug. 28, 2015) – Former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)returns to his hometown looking for a fourth world title as he faces fellow former world champion Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight world title on Saturday, October 3 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, undefeated IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) will defend his belt against veteran former world title challenger Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
“I’m excited to be back in Cincinnati taking on a tough world class fighter who is going to bring it,” said Broner. “This fight means the world to me. It’s a huge deal to have the chance to be a four-division world champion at 26 years old.”
“Broner is a good boxer, he is a fast and talented guy, but as a man I don’t have anything good to say about him,” said Allakhverdiev. “I am looking forward to a world championship winning performance and I know that if he tries to do something to get in my head, to approach me or to push me that I will be as restrained as possible and save my anger for fight night.”
“I’m very excited to be back on SHOWTIME defending my title,” said Pedraza. “This is another step in the direction of becoming a superstar in the sport of boxing.  I will be victorious and make my island proud.”
“I’m in a tough fight on October 3 but I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Cherry. “This is nothing new for me. I’m not taking Pedraza lightly. He’s a champion for a reason. This is something that comes once in a lifetime and I’m going all-in to win this title.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale NOW. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
The 12-round fight will be Broner’s first since he dropped a unanimous decision to former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter in June 20.  Broner is 8-1 in title fights and has collected belts at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, but has never won a title at 140 pounds.  Dropping down in weight, Broner is looking to add a fourth world title to his resume in his return to Cincinnati, where he defeatedEmmanuel Taylor last September in front of his hometown fans in a 2014 Fight of the Year candidate.
Allakhverdiev’s (pronounced ah-lockh-ver-DEE-ev) only blemish came via controversial 12-round split decision in a title defense to then-undefeated Jessie Vargas in April 2014.  Allakhverdiev, of Moscow, Russia, initially won the WBA 140-pound crown with an eight-round technical decision over previously unbeaten three-division world champion Joan Guzmán in November 2012.  In his lone defense, the southpaw scored two knockdowns in a one-sided 11th-round TKO over former world championSouleymane M’Baye in July 2013.  This is Allakhverdiev’s first start since the questionable loss to Vargas.
Pedraza, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, won the vacant IBF 130-pound title with a dominating unanimous decision over Andrey Klimov on June 13 on SHOWTIME in Birmingham, Ala.  The switch-hitting former Puerto Rican Olympian backed up his “The Sniper” moniker against Klimov as he picked apart the Russian with superior speed and accuracy.  Pedraza earned a shot at the title in his previous bout with a career-best win over former world title challenger Michael Farenas last November.
Cherry, of Wauchula, Fla., is a former world title challenger who is 10-0 with 1 NC since 2009.  His only blemishes since 2007 are losses to Timothy Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi at 140-pounds.  Since the loss to Bradley in a bout for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in 2008, Cherry has gone undefeated as he made his way down to 135 and 130 pounds.  Cherry, who was born in the Bahamas, owns victories over Vicente Escobedo, Monte Meza Clay and Wes Ferguson.
boxing

Zab Judah Headlines Night of GCP Boxing at The Space at Westbury on September 10

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On Thursday, September 10, promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions and Super Judah Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions and David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, will continue GCP’s “Championship Boxing” series with a world-class event, once again at The Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York.
In the night’s 10-round super lightweight main event, five-time world champion and former Undisputed World Welterweight Champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, will face Florida, via Barranquilla, Colombia’s Hevinson Herrera (18-11-1, 12 KOs).
This will be Judah’s first fight under his new GCP co-promotional banner. The charismatic former champion will be looking to get back into the mix of the world’s best in the division with an impressive victory.
In the co-main event, women’s multiple-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (24-1, 18 KOs) of Brooklyn will face South Carolina’s Angel Gladney (8-11, 6 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder.
Tickets are priced at Golden Ringside: $150, Ringside: $125 and General Admission: $60 and are available at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, thespaceatwestbury.com, the Space at Westbury Box Office:516.283.5566, or by calling the GCP office: 212.851.6425.
And in the main supporting bouts, Queens, New York’s “Mean” Joe Greene (26-1, 17 KOs) continues his assault on the middleweight division with his second bout in two months, this one a six-round super middleweight battle vs. TBA.
Also, popular New York junior middleweight Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (23-6, 5 KOs) will go six rounds against Mexico’s Francisco Javier Reza (14-14, 11 KOs); while notable contender Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez (13-0-1, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas will go six in the super lightweight division against TBA.
On the undercard, Miami’s Steve Geffrard (12-2, 7 KOs) will look to continue his 12-fight winning streak against Newark’s Cory Cummings (18-9, 13 KOs) in a light heavyweight 8-rounder; New York’s Dave Meloni (3-1, 1 KO) will take on Cincinatti’s 17-fight veteran Micah Branch in a super featherweight four; undefeated super featherweight Bienvenido Diaz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Prospect Park, New Jersey, via the Dominican will face Benjamin Burgos (2-12) of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, over four or less rounds; and Philadelphia’s Samuel Teah (6-1, 2 KOs) will go four super lightweight rounds against Newark’s Rashad Bogar (4-­5-1, 2 KOs).
                                                            
“I am excited to be working with Zab Judah and David Schuster and being able to bring such a stacked card to the Space at Westbury,” said Greg Cohen. “We have a male superstar in Zab and a female superstar in Amanda Serrano on one show, plus some top contenders in action and some local up-and-comers. It’s a terrific event and I’m proud to put the GCP stamp on it.”
This event is event is sponsored by Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, The Red Roof Inn Plus and Modell’s Sporting Goods. The Space at Westbury is located at 250 Post Ave in Westbury, New York (Phone: 516.283.5566). On fight night, doors open at 6 pm and the first bout is at 7 pm.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.
Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.
Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.
In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.
Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.
Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.
For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.
boxing

HERNANDEZ REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION

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Photo By Team Hernandez
FRESNO, CA (August 28, 2015) – Last night during the Fight Club OC card at the “The Hangar” in Costa Mesa, California, super-welterweight prospect, Marcos “The Madman” Hernandez (7-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, winning an 6-round unanimous decision against Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-23-1, 5 KOs).
In the opening round, Hernandez wobbled Lugo with a powerful left hook, almost stopping the veteran of over thirty fights.  Lugo, surviving most of the fight, was hurt again in the sixth, but managed to finish the fight.  With the win, Hernandez who is managed by Al Haymon, feels he’s ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.
“I felt great to get another win last night,” said Marcos Hernandez. “Everything is coming together with my career and I’m very thankful to Al Haymon and his team for all their efforts.  My boxing skills are getting sharper with every round.  With a few more fights, I’ll be ready to step up to eight round bouts.  I’m going to wait patiently for my next fight as I’m eager to step back in the ring.”

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