EXCITING BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT ADDED TO NEF XIX FIGHT CARD

Lewiston, Maine (Lub yim hli ntuj 13, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its nineteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” Rau hnub Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the fight card. Jay Perrin (2-0) will return to the promotion to take on Zech Lange (2-1) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

Jay Perrin is undefeated in two previous NEF appearances. As an amateur, he defeated Nick Spencer (5-4) via unanimous decision in February 2013 on his way to becoming the top-ranked amateur bantamweight in New England. Perrin returned to Maine this past spring as a professional and scored a second-round TKO victory over a very tough Elias Leland (2-1). He is a member of John Fain’s Team Triumph/Boston BJJ of Nashua, New Hampshire, a team with a reputation for crossing the border to deliver memorable moments in the NEF cage.

 

I’m very excited to be returning to Maine to fight for NEF,” said Perrin. “They’ve always been good to me, and I can’t wait to fight Zech Lange, he’s a tough opponent for anyone and people sleep on him a little. But, I believe I belong with the best in this division, so come fight night I intend to prove just that. The fans in Maine are always so amazing, I can’t wait to put on another great performance for them.

 

Based out of Ithaca, New York, Zech Lange is a member of Team Bombsquad, another out-of-town team known for bringing their best to the cages of Central Maine. Lange had a stellar amateur career, amassing a 5-1 record. As a professional, he holds wins over Thane Stimson (2-3) and veteran Dan Bonnell (11-10). Lange has been inactive from MMA competition for the past three years. He is eager to get back in the cage and move forward in his career.

 

I’m thankful to NEF for giving me an opportunity to fight a worthy opponent in Perrin,” said Lange. “I look forward to the challenge, and have never been so excited to be back.

 

New hais Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX: HOMECOMING,” takes place onHnub vas xaum, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine. Daim pib mus “NEF XIXstart 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. tsis tas li ntawd, 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 hais 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.

Nicholas Guivas sees Witherspoon opportunity a gateway to bigger fights

Atlantic City, NJ (Lub yim hli ntuj 13, 2015)–This Saturday night at The Playground inAtlantic City, Heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon will look to further his pursuit at a championship opportunity when he takes on Nicholas Guivas in a 10-round bout that will headline a 12-bout card.

The fight card is promoted by Silverspoon Promotions in conjunction with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

Guivas of Topeka, Kansas has other ideas in mind as he has aspirations of his own to compete at the highest level and a victory over the well regarded Witherspoon will help facilitate those major opportunities.

Tus 36 year-old Guivas is coming to win and has been working hard in his native Topeka.

I have been training very hard and everything is going pretty good,” said Guivas, who by day is a service technician at Coca-Cola.

Saturday I will be there to do a job. I have worked very hard and now it is time to take care at the task at hand.

Asked what he knows about Witherspoon, Guivas said, “He is a long guy who has a strong jab. From what I have seen, he moves well. I will have to get on the inside and stick to the gameplan.

Guivas has won 4-straight which includes three straight first round knockouts and he is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Justin Willms on June 6. Because of the streak, Guivas is brimming with confidence.

I have had hard fights. The last fight was tougher than it should have been. I wasn’t ready mentally. I was ready physically so I was able to push hard and do what I had to do.

Guivas who started boxing at 7 years-old and is passionate about the sport knows that a win on Saturday night will take him to places and fights that will change his life.

This is a huge fight for me. My goal is to handle business and when that happens I will shoot up in the rankings and will be in the mix for big fights.

In 6-round bouts:

Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KO's) ntawm Philadelphia, PA will fight Lavelle Hadley (2-0, 2 KO's) of Youngstown, OH.

Anthony Young (10-1, 5 KO's) of Atlantic City, NJ will take Jonathan Garcia (4-14, 1 KO) in a Welterweight bout.

Wang Zhimin (3-0, 1 KO) of China will fight Rashad Bogar (4-5-1, 2 KO's) of Newark, NJ in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Zhang Zhilei (4-0, 2 KO's) of Las Vegas, NV will battle Dennis Benson (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

John Lennox (13-2, 5 KO's) of Carteret, NJ will take on Dan Pasciolla (3-1) of Brick, NJ in a Heavyweight fight.

In 4-round bouts:

Scott Kelleher of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Xzavier Ford (0-1) of Concord, NC in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jerome Conquest (2-1) of Philadelphia will battle pro debuting David Perez of Pittsburgh, PA Lightweight bout.

Parris Chisholm (2-0, 1 KO) ntawm Washington, DC will fight Ronnie Jordan (1-5-1) of Cincinatti, Ohio in a Welterweight fight.

Dustin Fleischer (3-0, 3 KO's) of Monmouth County, NJ will see action in a Welterweight bout against David Ratliff (0-1) of North Carolina.

Kashif Mohamed (0-1) of New York, NY will box Samuel Ellsworth (2-0, 2 KO's) of Farmersville, LA in a Middleweight bout.

Eric Kitt (5-1, 2 KO's) of Pensacola, FL will take on Gilbert Alex Sanchez (5-6-1, 2 KO's) of Camden, NJ in a Middleweight bout.

The playground is a brand-new, state of the art entertainment complex where the shops at the Pier used to be. The facility is 500,000 square feet.The Playground is located at One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Tickets for this great night of boxing will range from $75, $100 thiab $150 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:30 PM with 1st bell at 8 PM

PBC on NBCSN in Montreal Final press conference quotes

 

MONTRÉAL (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015) Only three days prior to their Premier Boxing Champions rau NBCSN fights, participating boxers on the Lub yim hli ntuj 15 card at Bell Centre in Montreal held a press conference Hnub peb at the Montreal Casino.
Televised coverage is headlined by a 10-round showdown between Lucian Le Tombeur Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) thiab Andrea Di Luisa (17-2). Also featured on NBCSN is light heavyweight contender Eleider Storm Alvarez (17-0) versus Isidro Ranoni El Guerrero Prieto (24-0-3) in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver belt.
LUCIAN BUTE
I would like to thank Andrea Di Luisa for accepting this challenge and to fight me at home. My preparation was great. In the last few years, I had health problems that affected my performances. What I can say now is that I’m fully healthy. I did almost 100 rounds of sparring for this fight. I am back!
ANDREA DI LUISA
This bout is a rematch of an amateur fight we had 15 xyoo dhau los. This is different this time because Bute is now a former world champion and a well know name in the sport. Make no mistake, I am here to fight.
ELEIDER ALVAREZ
This is the biggest challenge of my career. Prieto’s record says it all: he has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. The problem is that he will face a new Alvarez. Since my elbow surgery, my jab, which is my money punch, is amazing. I also want to look good in front of my fans in Montreal and on American television.
ISIDRO RANONI PRIETO
I will do my best to bring back the WBC light heavyweight Silver belt home to Argentina.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in association with InterBox,
are available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, rau www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 mus $250 on the floor.
Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsib www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing thiabwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsthiab www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT TAKES ON JOEY HERNANDEZ IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THE INAUGURAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX SPORTS 1 EVENT SEPTEMBER 8TH LIVE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

Ntxiv! Undefeated Rising Star Jorge Lara Faces Jesus Rojas
In Junior Featherweight Showdown
Tickets on Sale Today At 2 P.M. PT for FS1’s Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays!
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015) – Former world champion Austin “Tsis doubt tsis ntseeg” zaub ntug hauv paus (29-2, 16 KOs) takes on JoeyTwinkle FingersHernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a super welterweight attraction as part of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS live from the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California Hnub, September 8th.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. LI/6 p.m. PT with a junior featherweight showdown between undefeated rising star Jorge Lara (27-0-1, 19 KOs) thiab Jesus Rojas (21-1-1, 15 KOs). This show will be the first installment of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports 1.
I’m very excited to be fighting for the fourth time in Los Angeles and at such a legendary venue as The Palladium in Hollywood,” said Trout. “My fight against Joey Hernandez kicks off the brand new series on Fox Sports 1 and I plan on putting on a spectacular show for the fans. I’m one of the best fighters at 154-pounds and I’m ready to prove it again.
This is a big fight for me and I’m grateful to have the opportunity on this stage,” said Hernandez. “I’m coming with no fear and I’m coming to win. I respect what Austin Trout has done in the sport but I’m going to make his life miserable on September 8.”
Daim pib rau cov kev tshwm sim nyob, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, luv nqi tom $78.50, $53.50 thiab $28.50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale today at 2 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Nyob rau hauv 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2004 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to defend that title four times, including a dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a three-fight win streak and is looking for a big win over Hernandez.
Fighting out of Miami, Hernandez is known for his fast hands that have landed him in big fights against top super welterweights and aided him to victories against Jose Berrio, James Winchester and Angel Hernandez. The 30-year-old southpaw will get another tough test when he takes on Trout on September 8.
Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made his U.S. debut on Lub peb hlis ntuj 7with a first round stoppage of Mario Macias in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has ended seven of his last eight opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. His second opportunity in the U.S. will see him step up in competition to take on the once-beaten Rojas.
Representing Caguas, Puerto Rico, Rojas will be fighting for the first time in California as a professional on September 8. The 28-year-old comes into the fight on a three-match winning streak, having not lost since 2008. He owns victories over Juan Carlos Pena, Jose Luis Araiza and Reynaldo Lopez and hopes to add an even more impressive name in Lara to that list.
Ua raws li ntawm Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @JoeyHernandez, @FOXSports1, @TGBPromotions, @ThePalladium and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

CARLOS VELASQUEZ SEEKS VICTORY IN FIRST WORLD TITLE BOUT

Photo By Marlene Marquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015)Fighting in his first world title bout on Tuesday September 29, 2015, Puerto Rican super lightweight contender (WBA #9) , Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs), is eager to give undefeated WBA World Champion, Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), his first loss. The PBC on FOX Sports 1 will televise the bout starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT. Ticket sales and venue for Fortuna vs. Velasquez will be announced shortly.
Velasquez, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympics, is thriving at the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion. He believes he has advantages that will lead him to victory. On the line with be Fortuna’s WBA World title.
Ever since I was a young boy, I always pictured myself as a world champion,” said Velasquez. “Now I have a golden opportunity to accomplish that dream. It won’t be easy. Javier Fortuna is a very tough fighter with an undefeated record. He’s considered one of the best fighters in the division. Stylistically, he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. When I bring home the belt, I hope I get credit for defeating a top fighter like Fortuna.
Trained by boxing guru Roberto Norris, and guided by nutritionist/strength coach ÁngelMemoHeredia, Velasquez feels he has the right team that can take him to the top.
I believe I have a great coach in Roberto Norris, who understands Me.continued Velasquez. “He’s got me working on all my strong points, bringing out the best in what I do best. Memo is getting my body in top condition. I feel great. I’m going to be at my best when I step in the ring with Fortuna.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Nyem qhov OS Rau cov duab los ntawm Ed Diller/DiBella lom ze
Nyem qhov OS Rau cov duab hauv Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
NEW YORK (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015) – With just two days to go until their Premier Boxing Champions rau Spike showdowns, fighters participating on the Hnub vas Xuv, Lub yim hli ntuj 14 card at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey held a press conferenceHnub peb at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. LI/PT and is headlined by a 12-round heavyweight showdown between AntonioMagic ManTarver (31-6, 22 KOs) thiab SteveU.S.S.Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs). Also featured on Spike is cruiserweight world champion MarcoCaptainHuck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) defending his title against Polish contender Krzyzstof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) and Polish heavyweight Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) taking on Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-1, 14 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 thiab $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
Here is what the participants had to say Hnub peb:
ANTONIO TARVER
This is a big fight for me. PBC was designed for the new, young stars but I’m thankful they’ll let an old guy like me steal the spotlight on Friday hmo ntuj.
You have two guys who know their way around the ring. We’re in the hurt business and only one man can win. When the smoke clears on Friday we’ll see who’s left standing.
Every fight is do or die for me. I’ve come too far to start over. I’m on a destiny trip right now. I’m racing towards that heavyweight world championship.
I was a big light heavyweight but I feel perfect at heavyweight. When I look back at some of my old fights, I was really just a shell of myself. Now I’m healthy and strong and ready to get to the top.
I wasn’t blessed with this unique talent for nothing. I have to put it on display. The game hasn’t retired me. When I went through all of my struggles, I became a champion right then. Now I just have to walk through my destiny.
I’m fighting the very best and I’m beating the very best. I’m looking to knock everybody out.
Training camp has been amazing. My team has gotten me beautifully prepared for this fight. We’re just feeling strong and can’t wait until Hnub vas Xuv.
When I look at the ‘Rocky Balboafilm when I played the undisputed heavyweight champion, I feel like art is going to imitate life. I played the champ in a movie and I’m going to become the champ in reality.
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
It’s a pleasure and an honor to be working with PBC. It’s fight time. Training camp is over. Training camp was hell, and that’s a good training camp.
I know I’m prepared to do what I need to do. I’m ready to get this win and I want to look spectacular.
Tarver is a five-time champion, legend, Hall of Famer, but that’s all going out the window Lub yim hli ntuj 14. He’s just another guy I have to beat.
My record doesn’t reflect what I’ve done in the ring, but I take it on the chin and keep going forward like I do in the ring.
People have seen the work ethic from me. They’ve seen what I’ve gone through in the ring. They saw the close decision losses. I’ve always had faith in myself and I still do.
Tarver has fought the best out there. He’s been there. He’s been through adversity. He’s had ups and downs. There’s nothing you can say about Tarver that makes you feel like you can go in there and make him look like a bum.
I’m 39 and I feel awesome. This is a fight. The age means nothing to me. I’m fighting a five-time champion and that’s how we look at it.
A guy like Tarver, sometimes you have to talk yourself up to get to where you want to go and that’s who he is. He’s a good talker. That will carry on into his next career. But he’s dealing with a guy who grew up dealing with trash talking. I dealt with trash talkers in every language. The talk is for him. He sold this fight, great. But now I’m getting in there to fight.
I’m trained by brother Naazim Richardson, he’ll never let me take anyone lightly. If you do that, that’s how you go in there and get wiped out.
MARCO HUCK
I’m really happy to be here for my U.S. debut. This is the mecca of boxing. I’ve wanted to fight here for a very long time.
I am looking forward to wiping the floor with some of these guys up here.
It’s a very special occasion for me to be here and I’m going to show everybody what I’m all about.
This is a similar feeling to the one when I fought for my first world title. I’m starting to heat up inside. I can’t wait to put my fists on somebody.
I want to bring this sport to everybody. Not just the people who make money but the people who don’t have the money to spend on the sport. It’s great for the sport.
People can talk a lot but you have to prove it inside of the ring. I always prove it inside the ring. Txog rau hnub Friday they will be chantingHuck! Huck! Huck!'
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
I’m so happy to be here. This fight is my whole life. I always dreamed about this chance to be a world champion and it’s very close.
There’s no doubt Huck is a great fighter, a warrior, but if he thinks for a second this is going to be easy he’s mistaken big time. This is going to be a war from the first round to the last.
I already see me as world champion. Huck is a great fighter, great warrior, so what? I’m ready for a war, from first round to the last.
ARTUR SZPILKA
I’m so excited to be here. I’m boxing for Polish people including my friend Glowacki, who I know can beat Huck.
I want to show everybody how good I am. Everyone who does not believe in me will know the truth.
All four Polish guys, my friends, will win on Friday.
I have an amazing team and I can’t wait. I am becoming a better and better fighter and I promise this will be an exciting fight.
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
Artur Szpilka is a very exciting heavyweight and if you haven’t had the opportunity to see him you should make sure you don’t miss Hnub vas Xuv. He’s fighting Yasmany Consuegra who’s very powerful as well. It’s a battle of two punchers and someone is going to hit the canvas.
Glowacki is a very talented fighter who believes he’s taking the title back to Poland. Marco Huck believes otherwise. People are going to get to know Marco Huck in America and they’re going to love his style.
The American public wants to see wars in the ring and I think that Huck and Glowacki are going to put on a show.
One of the great things about PBC is that not only are we getting to make attractive matchups, but we can bring over stars and people who have not been exposed to the American public. Marco is already a star in most of the world and he’s soon going to be a star in the United States.
The main event has been anticipated by a lot of people for a while. Antonio is looking for a shot at the heavyweight world title and he’ll have to beat a real heavyweight to get there.
Steve’s record is not revealing of the quality of fighter that he is. He’s a very good fighter and an individual with outstanding character.
Antonio Tarver has had a tremendous career. He is a future Hall of Famer. The five-time world champion moniker is one that most people can’t say. But this man can.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.com thiabwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/PruCenterthiabwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

MARCOS GALVAO MEETS EDUARDO DANTAS IN REMATCH FOR BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE AT BELLATOR 144 ON OCTOBER 23

 

MONICA RAUG, Calif. (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015) – Bellator MMA’s Bantamweight Championship will be on the line in a rematch pitting Marcos “Loro” Galvao (17-6-1) and former champion Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas (17-4) against one another at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., rau October 23.

The bout between the former teammates will serve as the main event ofBellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas,” which airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. LI/8 p.m. I, while preliminary bouts will stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. LI. Additional fights will be announced shortly.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 144: Galvao vs. Dantas, which start at just $25, go on sale next Hnub vas Xuv, Lub yim hli ntuj 21 at Ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Arena box office, with a special Bellator Nation presale available on the 19th thiab 20th for fans using the code: FIGHT. Doors for the event open at 6:00 p.m. LI local time, and the first contest takes place one hour after.

 

“I was thoroughly impressed with Galvao’s kneebar at Bellator 135 to capture the belt,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “Seeing how much that title win meant to him, by taking it back home to Brazil and visiting his mother’s grave, is really what mixed martial arts is all about to me. But Dantas showcased his desire to reach the top too by his performance against Mike Richman. I have no idea who is going to come out of Connecticut with the win, but I do know that those in attendance at Mohegan Sun Arena and those tuning in on Spike will be treated to a top-flight world title bout.”

 

“Loro,” who has fought for world-renowned promotions the likes of World Extreme Cagefighting and Shooto since 2003, will be competing for the 11th time under the Bellator MMA banner. The 34-year-old is presently in the midst of a four-fight winning streak and has emerged victorious in seven of his last eight scraps. In his last outing, Galvao finished Joe Warren “Bellator 135: Warren vs. Galvao” via submission to win his first-ever championship.

 

Meanwhile, Dantas will be looking to duplicate the success he had against Galvao in their first meeting, which resulted in a second-round knockout at Bellator 89. The 26-year-old Nova Uniao product bounced back from his unanimous decision loss against Warren to dispel of Mike Richman in the same manner at “Bellator 137: Halsey vs. Grove.” The Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament winner is looking to call himself a two-time bantamweight champion come October 23.

LENNOX SET FOR COMEBACK THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AGAINST DAN PASCIOLLA AT THE PLAYGROUND IN ATLANTIC CITY

 

Atlantic City, NJ (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015)–John Lennox made a call in February to his long time manager and good friend Rich Masini. The call was relatively long.

The contents of the call were passionate on both sides because the two guys who have had the same goal and same mission for years, Win a title! The manager and the fighter each laid out their case, but the crux of this call was between two great friends who have a great respect for each other and they both agreed to do their part in the quest of the goal.

That quest begins this Saturday night when Lennox (13-2, 5 KO’s takes on Dan Pasciolla (3-1) in a 6-round Heavyweight bout at The Playground in Atlantic City.

Shortly thereafter, John walked into the gym and met with his longtime trainer Charles Thomas and Masini.

John was weighing 249 pounds and a long way from his ideal fighting weight.

I took time off. I got married and had a child plus I work in Manhattan as a Lost Prevention Manager at Barneys. Things are going well now.

What transpired over the next six months was the epitome of hard work and dedication with one vision of which will come to fruition on Saturday night night in Atlantic City.

Lennox will enter the ring after a 22 month layoff, when he takes on the formidable Pacsiolla.

I knew what my problems were and now it’s time to get back to boxing. I want something out of boxing.

Lennox is an accomplished professional and is ready to go after the long layoff.

Masini has gone on record stating that John is in great shape and we have had great southpaw sparring. On August 15 in Atlantic City, it will be John’s night to prove he is back.

I know Pasciolla is a tall southpaw but that should not be a problem I am working to put on a good show.

I love this kid and when he is in the ring, I am with him,” said Masini. “I have the utmost respect for John and we expect a great night against a solid opponent. We expect John to have a large support group to be in the crowd rooting him on.

John has had great trainers over the years, including long time and first time trainer Charles Thomas. John has also trained under Buddy McGirt. Because of other obligations, Buddy will not be able to be here with us on fight night but he is expected to be in John’s corner in upcoming fights.

Masini gushes over Thomas great work with Lennox. Thomas and Lennox have a long bond which gives Lennox a great comfort level .

I want to thank my manager and trainer for still believing in me. I do this for them as much as I do this for me. I am taking this very serious as I am planning to drop down to

In the 10-round Heavyweight main event, Chazz Witherspoon (33-3, 25 KO's) takes on Nicholas Guivas (11-2-2, 9 KO's)

In 6-round bouts:

Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KO's) ntawm Philadelphia, PA will fight Lavelle Hadley (2-0, 2 KO's) of Youngstown, OH.

Anthony Young (10-1, 5 KO's) of Atlantic City, NJ will take Jonathan Garcia (4-14, 1 KO) in a Welterweight bout.

Wang Zhimin (3-0, 1 KO) of China will fight Rashad Bogar (4-5-1, 2 KO's) of Newark, NJ in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Zhang Zhilei (4-0, 2 KO's) of Las Vegas, NV will battle Dennis Benson (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Scott Kelleher of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Xzavier Ford (0-1) of Concord, NC in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jerome Conquest (2-1) of Philadelphia will battle pro debuting David Perez of Pittsburgh, PA Lightweight bout.

Parris Chisholm (2-0, 1 KO) ntawm Washington, DC will fight Ronnie Jordan (1-5-1) of Cincinatti, Ohio in a Welterweight fight.

Dustin Fleischer (3-0, 3 KO's) of Monmouth County, NJ will see action in a Welterweight bout against David Ratliff (0-1) of North Carolina.

Kashif Mohamed (0-1) of New York, NY will box Samuel Ellsworth (2-0, 2 KO's) of Farmersville, LA in a Middleweight bout.

Eric Kitt (5-1, 2 KO's) of Pensacola, FL will take on Gilbert Alex Sanchez (5-6-1, 2 KO's) of Camden, NJ in a Middleweight bout.

The playground is a brand-new, state of the art entertainment complex where the shops at the Pier used to be. The facility is 500,000 square feet. The Playground is located at One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Tickets for this great night of boxing will range from $75, $100 thiab $150 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6:30 PM with 1st bell at 8 PM

“WSOF 23: GAETHJE VS. PALOMINO II” ADDS TWO MORE BOUTS TO LIVE NBCSN TELEVISED MAIN CARD FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Bantamweight: Timur Valiev vs. Tito Jones
Lightweight: Brian Foster vs. Larue Burley

LAS VEGAS (Lub yim hli ntuj 12, 2015) – World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has finalized the live NBCSN televised portion of its highly anticipated, “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18, with the addition of two new bouts – a bantamweight (135 pounds) battle between ferocious rising star Timur “Lucky” Valiev and seasoned puncher Tito Jones, and a lightweight (155 pounds) tilt between dangerous finisher Brian Foster and undefeated LaRue Burley.

“We are looking forward to another incredible night of action, now that the main card for WSOF 23 is complete with five bouts featuring an exciting mix of championship fights and matchups filled with accomplished veterans and some of the world’s best prospects,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Winklejohn camp in Albuquerque, N.M., the 25-year-old Valiev (9-1) of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia has been on fire in the cage, winning 9 straight fights since his second professional start in July 2011.

Valiev’s run includes three victories in the World Series of Fighting decagon cage. In his last effort at WSOF 19 nyob tim 28, Valiev decimated Ed West, scoring a first round (1:39) TKO on West with an impressive combination of elbow strikes and punches.

Jones (11-7), a native of Panama City, Fla., now fighting out of Phoenix, is a two-time regional Golden Gloves boxing champion and former protégé of boxing trainer Roy Jones, Sr. The 34-year-old has never been knocked out over the course of a 9-year professional career that has spanned 18 bouts.

Foster (22-7) of Sallisaw, Okla. is a 31-year-old, battle-tested grappling expert who has notched 20 of his 22 career victories by way of (T)KO or submission, and who has defeated a collection of name rivals, including the current number 6-ranked welterweight in the world, Matt Brown, whom Foster forced to tap out from a guillotine choke in the second round (2:11) of their matchup on Nov. 20, 2010.

Foster will look to rebound from a defeat at the hands of superstar Jake Shields on Jan. 17 when the two faced off in the main event of WSOF 17 in Las Vegas. The result halted a 4-fight win streak that Foster had ignited on July 27, 2013, when he scored a stunning second round (:43) KO on James Wood with a spinning back kick.

Tseem 31 years of age, Burley (6-0) of Phoenix, has yet to be beaten over the course of six professional starts and two amateur bouts, a run that includes six wins by either (T)KO or submission.

Burley has earned six victories during a professional run that began with a unanimous decision win over Kelly Osser on Sept. 15, 2012, and also includes a third round (3:40) TKO (punches) over 2011 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion and fellow rising star Bubba Jenkins.

In the main event of WSOF 23, undefeated, reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will collide for the second time with hard-hitting rival Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10).

The first matchup between Gaethje and Palomino, which headlined WSOF 19, was a barnburner affair that Gaethje won via third round (3:57) TKO (leg kicks and punches), and that has already been touted as a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

In the co-main event and inaugural World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) championship bout, David Branch (16-3), the promotion’s reigning world middleweight (185 pounds) champion, will attempt to become the first two-division kingpin in World Series of Fighting history, when he faces off with Cinderella storyTeddy Holder (9-1), whose nine career wins have all come by way (T)KO or submission.

In a featured, 160-pound catchweight fight, rising star and costumed crime fighterPhoenix Jones (5-1-1) will look to return to the win column after suffering the first professional loss of his career during his World Series of Fighting debut in April, when he takes on professional boxer turned MMA upstart Roberto Yong (2-2).

Priced from just $39.99, tickets forWSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino IIare on sale at the Comerica Theatre box office and online at WSOF.com and Ticketmaster.com.

The live NBCSN telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Doors at Comerica Theatre will open at 3 p.m. MT and the first preliminary bout will begin at 3:45 p.m. A complete preliminary bout card will be announced soon.

BELLATOR MMA INKS JOSH THOMSON TO AN EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

JT

MONICA RAUG (Lub yim hli ntuj 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of Josh “The Punk” Thomson (20-8, 1 NC) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract. At 36-years-young, the former Strikeforce Lightweight World Champion remains one of the top 155-pounders in the sport, having competed in top organizations including UFC and Pride.

 

Residing in San Jose, Calif. and training at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy alongside some of the sports very best, Thomson earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Dave Camarillo. In addition to his formidable ground game, Thomson’s striking pedigree is on-point as well, earning a “Knockout of the Night” award for his output in his fight against Nate Diaz in 2013. It’s also worth being said that “The Punk” holds a record of 3-0 in professional kickboxing.

 

“I had the pleasure of working with Josh in Strikeforce and I look forward to continuing this relationship in Bellator MMA. Josh is a world-class mixed martial artist and we are very happy to be adding him to our roster of some of the best lightweights in the world,” said the promotion’s president, Scott Coker. “Bellator remains fully committed to building its roster by signing top free agents like Thomson, as well as grooming up-and-coming blue-chip stars. We have some amazing matchups in mind for “The Punk” that we hope to be announcing in the weeks to come.”

 

“I’m over here reading this UFC reporter saying that they’ve declined to re-sign me when the truth of the matter is that they’ve been trying to re-sign me for my last two fights. I declined and instead chose to fight out my contract and test the free agency market with Bellator. At that point, Bellator made me an offer that the UFC was unable to match given their relationships with FOX and Reebok. It’s a done deal, I’m back working with Coker, and I couldn’t be more excited to get back to an organization that is trending upwards with fighter-friendly contracts. Any intelligent fighter is going to go where the money is, and for me the money was at Bellator.”

 

“The Punk” joins a prominent list of athletes that have recently signed with Bellator over the past year including: Phil Davis, Josh Koscheck, Melvin Guillard, Ed Ruth, Aaron Pico, Lorenzo Hood, Ewerton Teixeira, Gleristone Santos, amongst others.

 

He will continue to fight in the lightweight division which is deep starting with: kingpin Will Brooks, down to other fighters likeMichael Chandler, Marcin Held, Dave Rickels, Patricky “Pitbull” Freire thiab Dave Jansen.

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