Fight Network Presents M-1 Challenge 59, RFA 27 LIVE this Friday, July 3

 

TORONTO (July 2, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a pair of explosive mixed martial arts events this Friday, July 3, beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET with M-1 Challenge 59: Battle of Nomads 5 from Astana, Kazakhstan. Later, at 10 p.m. ET, Resurrection Fighting Alliance returns to primetime with RFA 27: Murphy vs. Brock from CenturyLink Arena in Boise, Idaho.

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast of M-1 Challenge 59 will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Meanwhile, RFA 27 will air in Canada and internationally on Fight Network, while the domestic U.S. broadcast airs on AXS TV.

 

In the M-1 Challenge 59 main event, Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov (22-5) and Kenny “Deuce” Garner (16-8) meet in a highly anticipated heavyweight superfight rematch. In other featured bouts, Poland’s Michal Wiencek (5-2) faces Ukraine’s Shavkat Rakhmonov (3-0) in a welterweight bout, UFC veteran Luigi Fioravanti (25-13) looks to hand Russia’s Sergey Kovalev (5-0) his first pro blemish in middleweight action, England’s Andy Young (6-6) meets Ukraine’s Sergey Morozov(3-0) in a bantamweight matchup, plus Spaniards David Trallero (2-3) and Daniel Tabera (18-7-3) will collide with Zaur Gadzhibabayev (3-1) and Rashid Dagaev (2-1), respectively.

 

In the main event of RFA 27, the first nationally televised MMA event to the state of Idaho, rising prospect and fan favorite Joe Murphy (8-2) returns to face surging veteran Jesse Brock (20-8), who is one of the most accomplished MMA fighters to call Idaho home. The co-main event will feature two of the sport’s most promising flyweight prospects when Idaho’s own Czar Sklavos (11-4) battles Jeremy Horn protégé Nick Burgos (9-3). In other action, Jan Jorgensen (7-1) throws down with JR Lugo (7-1) in heavyweight action, featherweights Daniel Swain (12-4-1) and Scott Thometz (7-4) are set to face off, Miles Hunsinger (4-0) puts his perfect record on the line against Austin Miller (3-1) in welterweight action, plus Darrell Flores (5-4) takes on Stephen Martinez (10-3) in a lightweight tilt.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

 

THE CHASE FOR THE BELLATOR MMA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HEATS UP WITH THE SIGNING OF TITAN FC CHAMPION CHASE GORMLEY

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 2, 2015) – Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the signing of heavyweight, Chase Gormley(12-4, 1 NC), to an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

 

Gormley’s debut date and opponent will be announced in the near future.

 

The Los Angeles native joins a vast list of recent signings for the Scott Coker-led promotion, names that include: Josh Koscheck, Ed Ruth, Melvin Guillard, Phil Davis, Aaron Pico and Justin Lawrence among others.

 

“I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to compete for Bellator MMA with Scott Coker at the helm,” Gormley said. “I can’t think of a better way to show that I am one of the best heavyweights in the world than here, and with a platform like Spike it won’t be long before everyone knows my name.”

 

Gormley made his professional MMA debut in 2007, winning his first six bouts and earning a spot under the Ultimate Fighting Championship banner. After suffering defeat for the first time, the longtime Reign MMA product returned to the regional circuit and has won his last five contests.

 

Most recently, Gormley has impressed in Resurrection Fighting Alliance and Titan Fighting Championship, where he scored a March 20th unanimous decision victory over Jon Madsen that earned him the vacant Titan FC heavyweight title.
Gormley will join Bellator’s heavyweight division, which is home to stars like Champion Vitaly Minakov, Kimbo Slice,Cheick Kongo, Bobby Lashley, Ewerton Teixeira and Lorenzo Hood.

 

GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster

Nutley, NJ (July 2, 2015)–Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster to an exclusive promotional contract.

Foster is from Beaumont, Texas and trains out of Houston.

He has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts.

He was a former amateur star where he was a two-time national Jr. Golden Gloves champion, five-time Ringside National champion, National PAL champion and 2011 Houston Golden Gloves champion. He made it to the finals of the Olympic trials before losing to eventual Olympian Joseph Diaz.

“This is a great opportunity. GH3 Promotions is a great company. they have a lot of up and coming fighters. I grew up with (fellow GH3 fighters) Adam Lopez, Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom.” said Foster.

“I am a boxer puncher. When people see me when I get to the television level fights, I think people will love my talent and style. I know the way Vito moves his fighters so I can expect to fight about 7 times over the next 12 months.”

“I can’t wait to meet everyone with GH3 Promotions and take this as far as I can I strive to be great and I want to be remembered as one of the greats,” finished Foster.

Said Foster’s manager / trainer Craig Stilley, “O’Shanique can box and bang. I have not seen many fighters that can do what he can do. I have been in boxing for 21 years and he is the best talent that I have ever worked with.”

“We are excited to get O’Shanique going. I have heard some great things about him and I believe he is a serious prospect. He fits into our blueprint of signing great young talent and we look forward to getting him in the ring in August,” Said Mielnicki.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.

MARIO BARRIOS RETURNS JULY 18TH IN EL PASO TEXAS

Press Release

Photo By Team Barrios

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 2, 2015) – 20-year old unbeaten super-featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (9-0, 5 KOs), returns to the ring against an opponent TBA July 18, 2015.  The 8-round bout will take place in Barrios’ home state at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, Texas on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marcos Reyes card.

 

At 6’1, Barrios who is managed by Al Hayman, is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the super-featherweight division. After campaigning at featherweight earlier in his career, the San Antonio star is getting better with each fight. The move up in weight is not permanent, but something his team feels is appropriate for this fight.

 

“I feel real strong at 130 pounds and that’s where I’ll be fighting at for my next fight,” said Mario Barrios. “But if a big fight come up at featherweight, I’m still ok to make that weight.  With each day that goes by, I feel I’m becoming a better fighter.  Every day in the gym is another day that I increase my knowledge of this sport.

 

Fighting in his home state of Texas is something Barrios relishes.  This will be the fourth time Mario will be fighting in the Lone Star State. In his last fight, Barrios defeated Jose Del Valle by way of a 6th round knockout, a fight that took place at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

 

“I love fighting in Texas in front of my family and hometown fans,” Barrios continued. “Everyone in Texas loves to see good fights and that’s my goal every time I step into the ring.  I want to bring excitement to the fans and my fighting style fits that role.  I don’t know who I’ll be fighting on July 18thbut one thing I do know is, I’ll be letting my hands go!
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FIRST AMATEUR BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF XIX PROMISES FIREWORKS

Lewiston, Maine (July 2, 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 Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Earlier today, the promotion announced the first amateur bout on the fight card.  Fred Lear (3-1) is scheduled to meet Henry Clark (2-1) at a catchweight of 140-pounds.

 

Lear made his amateur debut with NEF in the summer of 2013.  He has accumulated a perfect record of 3-0 in the NEF cage, his only amateur loss coming outside the promotion on a fight card in New Hampshire this past spring.  Two of Lear’s three victories in NEF have come by strikes while in mount position.  He has exhibited one of the most effective ground-and-pound offenses of any amateur currently on the NEF roster.  Lear is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“In preparation for Clark, we will be looking to get 1% better every day,” said Lear of his fight camp at Young’s.  “As per usual, this will be a team effort and I recognize and respect the challenge ahead of us.  Henry is dangerous and versatile.”

 

Lear is correct in his conclusion.  Henry Clark represents the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine, and he has shown a wide array of abilities in his first three bouts both on his feet and on the mat.  In his debut fight at “NEF XV” last fall, Clark was sharp with his striking in the first round against Sheldon Bang (2-2) prior to submitting Bang off his back in the second with a triangle choke. Clark recognizes that Lear is especially deadly in top position, but is confident that he can come away with the win on September 12 in Lewiston.

 

“I’m absolutely crazy about this fight,” exclaimed Clark.  “This is the exact fight I want as a growing martial artist.  Fred is super tough and a nightmare once he gets on top of you.  That said, I feel as though I have the skill and ability to ruin Fred’s night on September 12th.  I’m hungry for this challenge.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF XIX,” takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF XIX” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.”

WSOF 22 Adds Lightweight Bout To Live NBCSN Telecast

“WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” Adds Lightweight Main Card Matchup
with Jimmy Spicuzza vs. Islam Mamedov

Live NBCSN telecast to feature five bouts, including world championship main event between Rousimar Palhares and Jake Shields

Saturday, Aug. 1 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (July 1, 2015) – World Series of Fighting’s (WSOF.com) blockbuster event on Saturday, Aug. 1 will now feature five contests on the night’s live NBCSN telecast, with the addition of a lightweight (155 pounds) matchup between four-time promotional veteran Jimmy Spicuzza (6-2) and submission ace Islam Mamedov (11-1).

The lightweight contest joins the night’s main event showdown between reigning WSOF World Welterweight (170 pounds) Champion Rousimar Palhares (17-6) and challenger and two-time world champion Jake Shields (31-7), as well as the co-main event between WSOF World Bantamweight (135 pounds) Champion Marlon Moraes(14-4-1) and undefeated challenger Sheymon Moraes (7-0), and a highly-anticipated, light heavyweight (205 pounds) battle between combat sports phenom Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong (2-0) and gritty veteran Mike “MAK” Kyle (21-12-1).

A fifth bout will be announced shortly, as Magomed Bibulatov (9-0) has been forced to withdraw from a previously announced, inaugural WSOF world flyweight (125 pounds0 championship matchup with fellow undefeated contender Donavon Frelow (4-0), who will now likely fight on the evening’s WSOF.com-streamed preliminary card against a new opponent.

Spicuzza, of Las Vegas, Nev., is a Drysdale Jiu-Jitsu fighter and four-time WSOF veteran. He debuted for the promotion at WSOF 9 on March 29, 2014, and submittedGil Guardado with a  rear-naked choke in the first round (3:14), before returning at WSOF 10 on June 21, 2014, and scoring a unanimous decision win over Justin Jaynes.

At WSOF 12 on Aug. 9,  2014, he suffered a TKO (punches) loss to Lucas Montoya, but bounced back at WSOF 19 on March 28, where he earned a split decision win overBenny Madrid.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Mamedov is a Dagestani import who now calls Jersey City, N.J. his home. Competing professionally since 2009, Mamedov suffered a loss in his second professional outing, but has since rattled off 10 consecutive victories, including six by submission and two via TKO.

Mamedov made his WSOF debut on April 10, scoring a devastating first round (4:42) TKO on Leon Davis with a barrage of punches.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields” begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT on Aug. 1.
Priced from $29.99, tickets for the event are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

Doors at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will open at 4 p.m. PT, and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 5 p.m. PT.

Additional bouts for the event will be announced soon.

MAIN CARD
WSOF World Welterweight Championship Main Event:
Rousimar Palhares (Champion) vs. Jake Shields (Challenger)

WSOF World Bantamweight Championship Co-Main Event:
Marlon Moraes (Champion) vs. Sheymon Moraes (Challenger)

Light Heavyweight: Tyrone Spong vs. Mike Kyle
Lightweight: Jimmy Spicuzza vs. Islam Mamedov

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

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown  and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas TonightNFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI, DANIEL JACOBS, HEATHER HARDY & TRAVIS PETERKIN CELEBRATE NATIONAL CREATIVE ICE CREAM FLAVOR DAY AT BLUE MARBLE ICE CREAM IN BROOKLYN WITH ICE CREAM FLAVORS NAMED AFTER THEM



Malignaggi Faces Danny Garcia & Jacobs Takes On Sergio Mora On 

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN

Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 1, 2015) – To celebrate National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day, fighters competing on the August 1 Premier Boxing Champions card at Barclays Center visited Blue Marble Ice Cream in Brooklyn today where they sampled and served ice cream named after themselves.

 

Below were the fighters in attendance along with their ice cream flavor:

 

Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi – “Magic Peanut Butter Paulie” – Peanut Butter Ice Cream laced with Dark Chocolate Confetti

 

Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs – “The Miracle Midnight Cookie Man” – Chocolate Mint Ice Cream with Organic Cookie

 

Heather “The Heat” Hardy – “Feel The Heat” – Dark Chocolate Ice Cream with Organic Spices and Dark Chocolate Chips

 

Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin – “The Nutorious Butterpeterkin” -Butter-n-Salt Ice Cream with Organic Missouri Pecans

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) will face undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) in the headlining event on ESPN.

 

“Any ice cream in the summer time is great ice cream, so no complaints there. The ‘Magic Peanut Butter Paulie’ was delicious,” said Malignaggi. “I live for big moments in my career, like August 1. I love the packed arena and a high adrenaline atmosphere in my hometown. We’re going to be fighting in the second PBC on ESPN card and back at Barclays Center, which always draws a great crowd for these PBC cards. Garcia and I always attract a huge crowd when we’ve fought so it makes all the sense in the world for us to make this fight. I look forward to the challenge.”

 

Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) will defend his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs) in the televised opener on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

“The ‘Miracle Midnight Cookie Man’ was very good. My family and I love ice cream, so I was glad that I got to bring them out as well. My flavor was my top choice out of all the creative flavors though, so I’m very happy,” said Jacobs. “I’ve very excited about August 1 and to be back home. I’ve had an opportunity to fight at Barclays Center several times before, and each time is getting bigger and bigger. I’m excited to be back in that good energy, fighting a seasoned veteran in Sergio Mora who will give me a stern test, but I’m looking to capitalize on my experience and defend my belt again successfully.”

 

Hardy (13-0, 2 KOs) and Peterkin (15-0, 7 KOs) will compete in separate undercard bouts on August 1 at Barclays Center.

 

“‘Feel The Heat’ was so good. They put cinnamon in it for me, and I put cinnamon on everything, so it was great,” said Hardy. “I’m so excited to be back at Barclays Center again on another PBC card. When I saw on my news feed that Barclays Center was getting this fight I called Lou’s (DiBella) office and said, ‘I want on that card!’ And I didn’t stop. Every day I was asking to be added. So I’m very happy to be back in Brooklyn and fighting at Barclays Center again.”

 

“‘The Notorious Butterpeterkin’ was definitely my favorite creative flavor. It tastes great, and because of this I’ll be sparring about 10 rounds today and doing some extra running later tonight,” said Peterkin. “Being on this card is a huge deal for me. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. I remember before Barclays Center was even built. I watched everything go up, and then I actually worked at Barclays Center too.  So this will be great being part of such a big PBC event.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

Plethora of Northeastern Talent Completes “Bellator: Lima vs. Koreshkov” Undercard

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 1, 2015) – Four preliminary bouts featuring prime east coast fighters have been added to complete the full card of “Bellator: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which takes place July 17 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

 

The additional bouts include a featherweight faceoff between Waylon Lowe (15-6, 1 NC) and Ryan Quinn (10-5,1 NC), Billy “Wolverine” Giovanella (8-3), who faces Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (12-2) at bantamweight, Kaline “The Dark Angel” Medeiros (4-4), who fights Sarah “Soulja” Payant (1-0) in a women’s strawweight scrap, and lightweights Dean “The Hammer” Hancock (1-0) versus Alex Dunworth (2-1,1 NC).

 

Bellator 140 features five world-class welterweight bouts including World Champion Douglas Lima (26-5) and Andrey Koreshkov (17-1), Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6), Michael “Venom” Page (7-0) taking on Rudy Bears(16-13), Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward (10-3) scrapping with Gavin “War Horse” Sterritt (6-1), and knockout artistPaul “Semtex” Daley (36-13-2) challenging Dennis Olson (14-8). The event also boasts several additional previously announced preliminary contests featuring more top prospects from the Northeastern United States.

 

The main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while the announced preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.

 

Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which start at just $25, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com.

 

Bellingham, MA’s Billy Giovanella is 4-1 in his last five fights heading into his bantamweight bout. His last four victories include three submissions and a knockout en route to his Uncasville bout. Giovanella’s challenger Remo Cardarelli of Framingham, MA will look to rely on his record-proven submission talent to win. Expect both fighters to relentlessly compete to break from recent losses on their record.

 

Danbury, CT’s Dean Hancock wowed fans with a first round submission victory at Bellator’s “British Invasion” event. Hancock will look to repeat his entertaining performance by defeating challenger Dunworth of Bridgewater, MA, who makes his Bellator debut riding a two-fight winning streak.

 

Another Danbury, CT fighter Ryan Quinn, who trains with American Top Team in Connecticut has found great success in the Bellator cage, emerging perfect in all six of his appearances. He now faces an established veteran of the sport in Philadelphia’s Waylon Lowe, who fights under the Bellator promotion for the first time since 2009, when he scored a win in his promotional debut.

 

Kaline Medeiros of Fall River, MA, has taken three unanimous decision victories in her last four bouts, and scored an impressive knockout just seven seconds into a fight. She takes on Sarah Payant from West Springfield, MA, who makes her Bellator debut following up her first professional bout this past March, where she scored a triangle choke submission victory.

 

Main Card (9 P.M. EST)

 

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Rudy Bears (16-13)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Brennan Ward (10-3) vs. Gavin Sterritt (6-1)
Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (36-13-2) vs. Dennis Olson (14-8)

 

Preliminary Card (7 P.M. EST)

 

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Josh Neer (36-14) vs. Matt Secor (6-2)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Blair Tugman (7-5) vs. Rodrigo Almeida (12-2)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Ilya Kotau (debut) vs. Nicolas Sergiacomi (1-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Parker Porter (5-4) vs. Eric Bedard (6-5)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Billy Giovanella (8-3) vs. Remo Cardarelli (4-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Dean Hancock (1-0) vs. Alex Dunworth (2-1,1 NC)

Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Kaline Medeiros (4-4) vs. Sarah Payant (1-0)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Waylon Lowe (15-6, 1 NC) vs. Ryan Quinn (10-5, 1 NC)

 

Melson to meet with WBC at Convention in San Francisco!

 

New York, NY (July 1, 2015) – WBC-USNBC junior middleweight champion Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson has been personally invited by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman to their NABF convention this weekend in San Francisco, CA.

 

A close friend and supporter of the WBC Cares Program long before capturing their title with a win over Mike Ruiz in May, Melson’s garnered attention throughout the boxing world for donating 100% of his purses to Team Fight to Walk in support of America’s first clinical trial to cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.

 

While in the Golden Gate City, Melson will spend time with Sulaiman to discuss becoming an ambassador for the WBC’s Youth Amateur Program. In his potential role as an ambassador, Melson’s focus would be on amateur boxing in the military. Prior to turning pro, the 2003 West Point graduate captured the World Military Championship and defeated many fighters that became top pros such as Keith Thurman, Charles Hatley and DeAndre Latimore.

 

Between his humanitarian efforts, success in the ring and educational background, Melson believes he can be of great assistance to the WBC’s initiative and is excited to learn more.

 

“It’s an honor that the WBC has personally invited me to their NABF Convention in San Francisco,” said Melson. “All of the great fighters have honed the green belt and the fact that I am one of their titlists itself is a dream come true. I’d like to thank Jill Diamond for going above and beyond to help Team Fight to Walk. Mr. Sulaiman has a great heart and I know he really cares about our Veterans. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help grow their emphasis on amateur boxing in the military.”

Marysol Castro Joins ESPN as Host of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN


Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna to Serve as Reporters
Nigel Collins to Provide Social Media Content, Insight and Analysis
Noche de Combates’ Team of Commentators to Lead PBC’s Coverage on ESPN Deportes

 

Marysol Castro has joined ESPN as host of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) and will make her debut when the series premieres live in prime timeSaturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Castro, who will be on site for all PBC on ESPN fights, will also serve as a reporter on ESPN’s Little League World Series telecasts.

“Marysol has an energetic presence and is intelligent and versatile,” said ESPN senior coordinating producer Matt Sandulli. “Adding a professional with her vast experience will make our presentation even more valuable to the viewers.”

 

Castro said, “It is a privilege to work for the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN. I’m extremely excited to be a part of such an energetic, smart and fun team. My years at network news, my love of sports and experience as an athlete have prepared me for this next chapter in my professional life. I look forward to bringing boxing back to the forefront of sports and since I never did get to play for the Yankees, covering Little League is the next best thing.”

Castro most recently worked as a news anchor at WPIX in New York. Prior to that, she had on-air roles on two different national morning shows-“The Early Show” on CBS and ABC’s Good Morning America.

PBC on ESPN Commentators:

Castro joins an all-star PBC on ESPN commentator roster. As previously announced, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore
and analyst Teddy Atlas-both recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA)-will call PBC on ESPN fights ringside.

“There is no more credible boxing team in the business than Joe and Teddy,” said Sandulli. “They have provided viewers with insightful and entertaining commentary for years on Friday Night Fights and now they get to do it with higher profile fights.”

Additionally, ESPN’s Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna will serve as PBC on ESPN reporters. Both provided commentary for Friday Night Fights-Grisham as studio host and Osuna as reporter.  Hall-of-Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis.

ESPN Deportes Commentators:

ESPN Deportes commentators Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call PBC on ESPN fights as part of the network’s Noche de Combates serieswhile Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-host the show. Bilingual reporter Osuna will also contribute, providing live reports and interviews. Additionally, Hall-of-Fame boxing referee and analyst Joe Cortez will join the show on a regular basis.

The first live PBC on ESPN telecast, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., will feature a star-studded 12-round welterweight matchup between undefeated Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs). The opening fight will showcase a 10-round junior middleweight matchup between undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs). Read more.

 

Upcoming PBC on ESPN Schedule:

Date Time (ET) Featured Bouts Location Networks
Sat, July 11 9 p.m. Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) vs. Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs)-12 rounds, Welterweight

 

Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs)-10 rounds, Junior  Middleweight

USF Sun Dome,

Tampa, Fla.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Sat, Aug. 1 9 p.m. Danny Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) vs. Paulie Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs)-12 rounds, Welterweight

 

Daniel Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs)-12 rounds, Middleweight

 

Barclays Center,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

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