Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Injury to James Thompson derails ‘Bellator: Unfinished Business’ heavyweight rematch, Dan Charles steps up against Bobby ‘The Dominator’ Lashley on short notice

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 11, 2015) – While Kimbo Slice and Ken Shamrock are prepared to take care their “Unfinished Business” on June 19, Bobby Lashley and James Thompson’s score will need to be settled somewhere down the line.

 

Thompson has been forced off the main card due to an undisclosed injury suffered during training and as a result, Dan Charles(9-2) has agreed to fill-in on short notice against “The Dominator.” The fight will still take place on the main portion of the Spike-televised card.

 

Charles, will be making his fourth appearance for the Scott Coker-led promotion, last competing in the main event of 2014’s “Monster Energy Cup.” After dropping two fights, “The Man” has bounced back to with two straight wins to earn a shot against a heavyweight title contender the likes of Lashley. The 29-year-old Phoenix, Ariz. Native has ended seven of his nine victories before reaching the judges’ scorecards.

 

A 6-foot-3 wrestling standout, Bobby “The Dominator” Lashley (12-2) started training in the grappling arts at age 12 and would go on to win several titles including three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and two Armed Forces Wrestling Championships during his time in the U.S. Army. In addition to a professional wrestling career with stints in the WWE, ECW and TNA, Lashley began his MMA career in 2008, and he’s built an impressive career mark that includes Bellator MMA submission wins over Karl Etherington and Josh Burns.

 

“Bellator: Unfinished Business” – Friday, June 19, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Mo.

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)

Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-8)

Bellator Featured Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. Dan Charles (9-2)

Bellator Featured Featherweight Fight: Daniel Straus (22-6) vs. Henry Corrales (12-0)

Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

 

Preliminary Card (6:45 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Dan O’Connor (5-4) vs. Miles McDonald (0-1)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Justin Lawrence (7-2) vs. Sean Wilson (34-25)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Eric Irvin (9-3) vs. Hugh Pulley (4-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Rashard Lovelace (debut) vs. Demagio Smith (1-1)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: A.J. Siscoe (0-1) vs. Garrett Mueller (1-0)

Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Adam Cella (6-3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (3-0)

Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Steve Mann (10-1) vs. Justin Guthrie (17-8)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Garrett Gross (6-3) vs. Chris Heatherly (8-3)

 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

CUBAN BOXING SENSATION ERISLANDY LARA THROWS OUT FIRST PITCH AT CHICAGO WHITE SOX GAME BEFORE  HIS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE SHOWDOWN AGAINST  DELVIN RODRIGUEZ FRIDAY, JUNE 12 AT UIC PAVILION

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Click HERE For Video Of Lara’s Pitch & Conversation With

White Sox Star Jose Abreu

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ron Vesely/Chicago White Sox and Team Lara

CHICAGO (June 11, 2015) – Super Welterweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) threw out the ceremonial first pitch at yesterday’s Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros game at U.S. Cellular Field.  Lara stepped on the mound and threw a perfect strike.

Erislandy Lara steps in the ring this Friday June 12, 2015 against Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) as Premier Boxing Champions on Spike returns.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Star Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm, @yvonmichelgym, @starboxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER,CHALLENGER ERIC MOLINA AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 11, 2015) – Unbeaten Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, heavyweight challenger Eric Molina, along with co-headliners Puerto Rican junior lightweight Jose Pedraza and Russian amateur standout Andrey Klimov,kicked off fight week working out for the press at Round 1 Gym in Birmingham, Ala. in advance of their SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® bouts this Saturday, June 13, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

Also in attendance Wednesday were, undefeated world-ranked contenders Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin, who will square off in a 12-round eliminator earlier that night in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

 

Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder

 

“This week has been fun. It’s been exciting. Even to see the people and faces. I’m looking forward to Saturday. It’s always the hard part when you have to wait. Especially when you’ve been training hard and it’s real intense. Everything has been great so far, and I’m glad it’s finally here. I’m looking forward to making history being that this is the first title fight in the state of Alabama. And I’m gonna put my name on it first.

 

“Training camp has been just like any other camp. When I’m at camp, I’m always giving my all, 110 percent. Because when it’s time to go battle, I gotta give 110 percent. I have to perform better than I did the last time. But this is what I do. I love it and enjoy every moment it.

 

“Molina’s height is something to watch out for. Everybody likes two tall guys in the ring. I’m definitely going to find out if his bark is as big as his bite. Right now his bark is loud. But we’ll see if his bite is as loud as his bark.

 

“I don’t watch video or study my opponents because the way you may see them fight someone else is not the same way that they’re going to fight you. I let my people do that and break them down. I trust in believe in them, and I like the challenge as well. That’s another reason I don’t look at film. We’ll find out what he’s about on Saturday.”

 

 

Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina

 

“Deontay is a very strong fighter,a big puncher and a big presence. But just as many strengths as he has, he also has weaknesses. We’re just trying to key in on those weaknesses.

 

“I know this is a big fight for Alabama. I respect that and it’s an honor, but I’m also trying to make history. I plan on being the first Mexican-American Heavyweight World Champion.

 

“My mental focus is on the heavyweight world title. When you expect to fight for the world title, you have to come into someone’s backyard and do what you have to put up with pressure. I can handle pressure.

 

“I’ve accepted my role as the underdog. The whole world has written me off. I’ve embraced the role. I’m used to motivating myself. I’ve never been stronger, more focused. I’ve never been more physically, mentally, spiritually strong. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight.

 

“This is two big guys in the ring, and I can punch just like he can punch. It’s going to be a very exciting fight.”

 

Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza

 

“This was a long, hard training camp. We began training for this shot in December. We have worked extremely hard and are ready to show the world on Saturday night.

 

“We have seen video of Klimov and know what to expect on Saturday night. We will take it round by round and break him down.

 

“We can box, or we can bang. Whatever Klimov brings to the table we will be ready for. I plan on using my boxing technique to control the pace, but if he wants to stand there toe-to-toe, we are fine with that as well.

 

“It is important for me to look better than Crawford did in his victory over Klimov. I want to show the world that I am one of the best fighters in the entire sport.”

 

Regarding the comparisons to fellow Puerto Rican Star Felix Verdejo – “Verdejo is a good fighter and a good guy, but Jose Pedraza will be the next world champion to represent the great country of Puerto Rico.”

 

Andrey Klimov

 

“This was a great camp. We worked very hard, and trained with a lot of different champions. I came out 100 percent mentally and physically ready to go.

 

“I feel that the fight with Crawford actually worked to my advantage more than my disadvantage. I learned a lot in that fight and I will use that on Saturday night against Pedraza. What Pedraza brings to the table on Saturday night I will be ready for it. There will be no surprises on Saturday night, I am ready.

 

“I am very confident going into this fight. Pedraza is a tough opponent but I don’t think he is ready for what I am going to bring.

 

“It is an honor to be here and fighting at this level. On Saturday night you will see a spectacular performance.”

 

Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach

 

“This was the hardest training camp I have ever had. I have been training four hard months for this fight and I am in the best shape of my career.

 

“Dejan is a very tough opponent. He comes forward and is very aggressive, but he is not as good as me. The world will see that come Saturday night. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be victorious.

 

“This fight brings me one step closer to a world title shot, something I have been dreaming about my entire life, and there is no way he is going to stop me from achieving that. The fans are not going to want to miss this fight on Saturday night, because it’s going to be a war.”

 

Dejan Zlaticanin

 

“We had great sparring for this camp and it has helped us become the absolute best possible fighter we can be going into Saturday night.

 

“I have no doubt and no fear. I am the better, more superior fighter.

 

“This fight will not go to the final bell. I am going to knock Ivan Redkach out. There is no doubt in my mind.

 

“The winner of this fight earns the shot to fight Jorge Linares for the world title, and that is exactly the fight I want. On Saturday night I will stop Redkach and earn the right to challenge for the world title.”

 

“It is very important for me to bring this victory back to Montenegro to all my fans and countrymen who are cheering me on.”

 

# # #

“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, takes place Saturday, June 13, at The Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala. DiBella Entertainment and Bruno Event Team have joined forces to bring this event to Alabama. In the co-main event co-promoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza will face Andrey Klimov in a 12-round bout for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title. It will air live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

WILDER vs. MOLINA Official Weigh-In will be available for viewing across multiple platforms, including LIVE via satellite feed and the SHO Sports YouTube Page.  Friday’s feed from Birmingham City Hall will be hosted by Mauro Ranallo and will be available in High Definition.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.dbe1.com follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #WilderMolina, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/
boxing, ShoBox

Derrick Webster Confident of Victory Heading into July 17 ShoBox Battle with Arif Magomedov

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 Undefeated southpaw Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster is not your typical fighter. He’s not your typical anything, really. But with his enormous size, fast, powerful hands and wealth of athletic ability, he just might be something special.

Actor, model, business owner, singer, basketball player, college graduate and a 6′ 4″ natural at the sweet science, Glassboro, New Jersey‘s Webster (19-0, 10KOs) now finds himself on the verge of possibly career-defining opportunity, as he will face also undefeated and highly touted Arif “Mayhem” Magomedov (15-0, 9 KOs) in a ShoBox quadrupleheader,  scheduled for July 17 at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

 

“It’s just another day at the office for me,” said a confident Webster of facing Magomedov. “I’m used to the bright lights. He (Magomedov) is just a straight forward fighter with no defense. If you stand in front of him, or any fighter really, it can be a dangerous night, but the one important thing I know about him is that he’s about to take a loss because he’s fighting Derrick “Take It To The Bank” Webster, the best southpaw around.”

 

Webster came late to boxing, not starting until age 24 when a gym opened up across the street from his house. He only had 40 amateur fights (38-2) and says the decision to forego a lengthy unpaid career and turn pro immediately came from an unlikely source.

 

“It was (former heavyweight champion and all-time great) Larry Holmes that sat me down and told me I already had the goods to make a name for myself and not to wait to turn pro. He was commentating a tournament I was fighting in, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I had four fights in the tournament and had four first-round knockouts. He told me a lot of guys ruin their careers and waste a lot time waiting for the Olympics, so I turned pro.”

 

Gifted athletically and intellectually, Webster was a quarterback in high school and played power forward for two seasons for the University of Maryland in basketball while earning a bachelor’s degree Juvenile Criminal Justice. Outside the ring he now owns home-remodeling and construction businesses, among his many business ventures.

 

While he may not have had much of an amateur background, Webster credits a couple factors for his ring success. First, he’s spent considerable time in training camps, serving as a sparring partner to many of boxing’s elite for the last six years including Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward, Jean Pascal, Bernard Hopkins, Amir Khan, Andre Dirrell and on and on. And second, the fact that his size and left-handed stance have made him a nightmare for opponents to face.

 

“I learned by sparring with the best in the business instead of in the amateur ring and now I’m unpredictable. I even surprise myself. I’m a hell of a boxer, and most guys my height can’t move like I can. My speed is amazing and I have power. I look at like this: I’ve been pro since 2009 and I’ve seldom known who I ‘m fighting because nobody wants to fight a 6’ 4″ southpaw. Most of my career I’ve gone in not knowing who I’m fighting until I got to the ring. That forced me to prepare for boxers and unorthodox guys and pressure guys and heavy-handed guys at the same time and made me an all-around fighter. I won’t say I’m the next Floyd Mayweather, but I want people someday to say they’re the next Derrick Webster. I want to be the best southpaw of this generation.”

 

Webster’s co-promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions (along with Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions), says many of the questions about Webster’s potential will be answered against Magomedov.

 

“Derrick Webster could be a star in the making. He certainly has all the talent and the tools he needs to compete on the world stage,” explained Cohen. “There comes a time in every prospect’s career where he faces an opponent who brings out his best. This may be that fight for Derrick Webster and we’re confident after he gets the victory, he’ll be on everyone’s lips as an emerging fighter to watch.”

 

Webster vs. Magomedov will be staged by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions. The ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader telecast will also feature GCP/GH3 fighters Antoine Douglas (17-0-1, 11 KOs) vs. Istvan Szili (18-0-2, 8 KOs), as well as Jerry Odom (13-1, 12 KOs) and Adam Lopez (12-0, 6 KOs) against opponents that are TBA currently.
boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

Londoner signs three year contract

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Former Commonwealth Welterweight Champion John O’Donnell has decided to put pen to paper and sign a three year deal with rising manager/promoter Steve Goodwin.

 

29 year old O’Donnell has won 29 from 31 fights including winning both the English and Commonwealth titles and has his eyes initially set on the British title and the winner of Sam Eggington and Glenn Foot.

 

“I can beat both of them in the same night” said O’Donnell. “My aspirations are world title level but winning the British title will be the first step en-route”, John continued “No one has a bad word to say about Steve and we can all see the massive strides he is making. It was an easy decision to make.”

 

Goodwin said “We are delighted to secure the signing of someone with the quality of John. I am determined to assist John is his aspirations and we will be watching domestic developments with interest with the ultimate aim of cracking the world stage later in 2015 and 2016.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (June 10, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fight week kicked off in Chicago today with the final press conference before Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs)takes on Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) in the main event on Friday, June 12 at UIC Pavilion.

 

Action begins on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/PT with a light heavyweight clash between undefeated knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) and Alexander Johnson (16-2, 7 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Star Boxing, are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

 

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ERISLANDY LARA

 

“I want to thank the fans here in Chicago. This is a great opportunity to show my skills on national television on Spike.

“I’ve been eager to get back in the ring after my first title defense and Delvin Rodriguez is a worthy opponent.

“I’m going to be electrifying on fight night and the fans are going to see a spectacular performance from me.”

 

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“I’m very excited for this fight. We had a great training camp. We’ve been going for about three months, and I really think this is one of the best camps I’ve ever had.

 

“Everything has fallen into place this time around. As a fighter, you always feel like there may have been something missing. For this fight we had enough time to prepare.

 

“I’m taking this fight as if it’s my last opportunity. That’s how I’m going to fight this fight. That’s how I’ve programmed my mind for this fight, as if my back is against the wall. This is my last chance at a world title.

 

“I’m facing a great boxer. He’s a very technical fighter and he has great skills. And that helps motivate me even more. It made me work so much harder for this fight.

 

“I’ve been reading a lot about what the media is saying about this fight. I promise the fans that whatever I have to do, this is going to be an exciting fight. It has to be an exciting fight for Delvin Rodriguez because this is my last chance.”

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV

 

“I’m very glad to be here in Chicago for this fight. I’m ready for anything in the ring.

 

“If my opponent is going to call himself Alexander ‘The Great’ Johnson, then I’ll be ‘King Arthur’ and I’m here to win. Even though I make that joke I am here to win and that is the truth.

 

“We couldn’t do too much research on the new opponent, but we’ve looked through a couple of videos so we know the opponent is a southpaw and we’re ready for that.

 

“I don’t like to underestimate my opponents and I prepare for everybody the same. I’ll be ready to go against him.

 

“My last fight against Gabriel Campillo was against a southpaw, so it’s something I’m used to and I believe I have the knowledge so that it won’t be a problem.”

 

ALEXANDER JOHNSON

 

“I’m not a big talker. Friday we’ll see, but I think he (Beterbiev) is all hype.

 

“I’m willing to fight anybody any time anywhere. This is just another stepping-stone for my legacy.

 

“I was not aware of him before I took the fight, but I have fought big punchers before and my chin is strong. I will have no problem with his power.

 

“I come to win, no matter what day it is, what time it is, no matter what place it is; I always come to win. I’m always ready to fight. This is a boxer’s life.”

 

ARTUR SZPILKA

 

“I know that Manuel Quezada is a tougher fighter than the guy I fought last time in Chicago, but I’m so much better than I was then.

 

“My Polish fans always help me. When I fought Mike Mollo, and I went down, I heard them screaming my name; I know that I can’t disappoint them. I will always give them my best.

 

“Of course I want to knock Quezada out, and hopefully it will be seen on Spike.

 

“I want to be a bigger part of Premier Boxing Champions, but the most important thing I can do is what my trainer Ronnie Shields wants me to do in order to win.”

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm, @yvonmichelgym, @starboxing and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Adrien “The Problem” Broner & “Showtime” Shawn Porter Meet the Media

Before Their Saturday, June 20 Showdown At

The MGM Grand Garden Arena

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Footage From Today’s Press Conference

Credit: Premier Boxing Champions

 

LOS ANGELES (June 10, 2015) – With just over a week until the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC showdown between Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-1, 22 KOs) and “Showtime” Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KOs), takes place on Saturday, June 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, both fighters met with the media in Los AngelesWednesday to discuss the matchup.

 

Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT with a welterweight clash between undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) and bruising veteran Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia (37-3, 20 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at

www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Fans who purchase a ticket for this event will be admitted into Sunday’s Premier Boxing Champions on CBS eventthat features former world champions Rances Barthelemy(22-0, 13 KOs)and Antonio DeMarco (31-4-1, 23 KOs) squaring off, plus the welterweight battle between Sammy Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) and Wale Omotoso (25-1, 21 KOs) with televised coverage beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ADRIEN BRONER

 

“I’m very blessed to be here. I’ve been through some things that would say I shouldn’t have been here today, but now I’m one of the biggest names in boxing.

 

“This is a big fight because Adrien Broner is on the card. No disrespect to Shawn and Kenny, but I’m coming to win and I’m going to win.

 

“Even if it’s a hard fight, I’m going to win this fight. They say he’s strong, they say he comes like a bulldozer.  Whatever they bring to the table on June 20, I’m ready.

 

“I’m going to be the most powerful fighter on June 20th and definitely the prettiest fighter onJune 20. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”

 

SHAWN PORTER

 

“I’m the strongest fighter that Adrien Broner will ever get into the ring with.

 

“I know he’s got more fights as a professional than me but that doesn’t mean he’s got more experience than me. We do all our fighting in the gym, prior to the fight.

 

“I’m still the same ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter, I still have everything that I need to be great and come out victorious. Not being relevant after this fight is not an option.

 

“Our first mindset isn’t going to be to bully him, but to outbox him and use our speed. I’m going to be better than I ever have.

 

“I’ve learned a lot about how to not be held and how to get guys off of you. That’s part of the process and it will be important in this fight.

 

“Everything has been going really smoothly and I’ve been strong this entire camp. It’s been great and it’s what you need going into a fight.

 

“I haven’t looked at this as a catch weight, but as a weight class. My weight class is 144. Anything that he expects to gain from having me come down to 144, he’s not going to get it.

 

“PBC has been a blessing for these fighters and boxing in general. With all the fights on television it’s just an honor to be a part of. There’s no clearer opportunity than now, on network television to show what I got.”

 

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

 

“These guys know each other from the amateurs. It’s Ohio, so we are familiar with each other. I’m glad that they took the fight, I love Shawn, I love Kenny, but it’s business and we are here to win.”

 

KEN PORTER, Porter’s Father & Trainer

 

“This is the stage we all want to be on, the pinnacle of the sport. We have two elite fighters up here and I expect they will put on a performance that will be memorable throughout the summer and throughout the rest of the year.”

 

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

 

“With the two styles of Adrien Broner and Shawn Porter you can’t expect anything but a great fight.

 

“This is a tremendous platform for Mayweather Promotions. We’ve promoted the biggest fights in the history of the sport. It’s a great feeling to be part of the PBC family.

 

“To step right on in and promote one of the biggest names of the sport in Adrien Broner, we’re expecting a great turnout and great ratings so fans across the country should make sure to tune-in.”

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeShawnP, @ErrolSpenceJr, @AmenazaGarcia, @MayweatherPromo @NBCSports, and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

BOYINGTON GOES HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH RAIO DAYS BEFORE FIGHT: “I’M GONNA GO IN THERE AND DESTROY HIM”

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Lewiston, Maine (June 10, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” this Saturday night, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Recently, headliners Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8), the NEF MMA Professional Lightweight Champion, and John “First Class” Raio(2-7) joined NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson on a special “Head-to-Head” edition of the  NEF Podcast.  Boyington and Raio discussed the upcoming rematch and the controversy surrounding their first meeting in February 2014, among other topics.

 

The interview quickly turned to the top of the first fight.  Raio appeared to apply a rear-naked choke to Boyington on the mat late in the first round.  Boyington began waving his hand in the air and referee Jimmy Bickford quickly stepped in to stop the fight.  Much has been made of the infamous “hand wave.”  While Bickford saw it as a sign of Boyington’s submission, Boyington has contended that he was merely signaling to his fans in the crowd that the hold was not doing any damage.

 

“I can tell you how that night ended,” recalled Raio of the first bout. “Basically, Bruce had given me his back.  When I took his back, I had the hooks in and I had the rear-naked choke across his jaw line.  I was trying to pressure it under his throat, and as I grabbed my left bicep and my left hand was going behind his head, the ref stopped the fight… I was amazed that he had tapped because, honestly, I knew that I had a lot of pressure on his jaw… If in fact he was waving, that sucks for him.”

 

“In that situation, I specifically remember Bickford looking at me, I’m face up, he’s going for my neck and I’m waving,” said Boyington.  “Everybody starts roaring real loud and I remember Bickford saying, ‘No Bruce, you can’t say that’… If you think that I’m submitting or I’m in trouble or can’t breathe,  you don’t tell the fighter, “You can’t say that,” you just jump in and you stop the fight. I feel like he made a mistake.  I feel like he realizes that… I see a lot of different things that John has said online, and a lot of things other people have said, and that’s when I really started to get bothered by what had happened.  I felt like he could’ve handled it better.”

 

Prior to Boyington giving up his back, many felt he had been winning that first round.  Indeed, Boyington’s striking seemed to be on point that evening.  Peterson asked both competitors to speculate on what would have happened had the referee not stopped the bout at that point.

 

“Inevitably, I think John would’ve been knocked out,” stated Boyington emphatically.  “I don’t think I’m gonna submit him, because that would be his best chance with me.  He’s strong enough to defend a submission.”

 

“I think if the ref didn’t stop at the time, when I was on his jaw with my forearm and I was reaching behind his neck,” Raio speculated, “I believe my arm would’ve slid under his throat and it would’ve ended sometime soon before the round.  So, I don’t think it would’ve gone to a second round.”

 

In the days, weeks and months following the fight, both Boyington’s and Raio’s massive fan-followings have been very vocal on social media regarding the outcome of the bout.  The heated debate has raged between both sides for well over a year now.  With so much at stake for each side at “NEF XVIII,” both athletes touched on what the rematch means to them, and what they need to prove this coming weekend.

 

“I just can’t go in there and beat John,” said Boyington.  “Even his own fans are expecting that… I can’t just go in there on June 13thand beat John Raio.  I gotta go in there and destroy him.  Or I still lose out on this fight.  I know that, and I’m gonna go in there and make that statement.  And I’m gonna do it with one arm, because the other arm isn’t even working right now… I haven’t worried about this date from day one.  It’s nothing to do with John Raio.  I don’t disrespect the guy.  I don’t not like the guy.  He’s a good man. I’m just at another level.  I need to show up and prove that.  That’s what it is to me.  It’s not about me beating John.  It’s about me showing everybody where I belong.”

 

“In regard to Bruce finishing me quickly, and making it easy, and not really worrying about the fight too much, I just find it disrespectful like a lot of things he’s said to me, my family and my friends,” replied Raio.  “There were times after the last fight when people were congratulating me (on Facebook) and he’d go on like a one or two paragraph rant on every single comment everyone had put on my page for like three days straight.  So, after that I said ‘Bruce and I aren’t really friends anymore,’ so I deleted him.  I liked him before that fight… but when people disrespect me like he has it’s hard to like the guy.”

 

To listen to the NEF Podcast in its entirety, please visitwww.NewEnglandFights.com/Podcasts/.

 

To learn more about John Raio’s gym, please visit “First Class Fitness and MMA” on Facebook.  Likewise, to learn more about Boyington’s Taekwondo Academy, please visit their websitewww.BoyingtonsTKDA.com.

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee 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

 Team N’Dam objects to officials named for IBF middleweight world title fight in Montreal: N’Dam vs. Lemieux, June 20 in Montreal

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

   
L-R) – Hassan N’Dam & Gary Hyde

 

CORK, Ireland (June 10, 2015) – Gary Hyde, manager of International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1-ranked, mandatory middleweight contender Hassan N’Dam (31-1, 18 KOs), has objected to two officials named to work the June 20th IBF world middleweight title fight between N’Dam and David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) at the famed Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

 

Cameroon-native N’Dam, promoted by King Sports, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) 160-pound division world champion. The IBF No. 4-ranked Lemieux was born and lives in Montreal, Quebec.

 

“On June 2nd,” Hyde explained, “I learned who the officials were for theJune 20th fight at the Bell Centre. I contacted the IBF and objected to two officials who are from Montreal, Quebec, the same city Lemieux is from. Referee Marlon Wright has refereed five of Lemieux’ fights and the judge in question, Benoit Roussel, has worked no fewer than 12 of Lemieux’ fights.

 

“I also objected to the Quebec Commission on the appointment of the two Canadian officials. The selection of two officials from the same city as one of the fighters in an international world championship bout indicates a flawed and unfair procedure and undermines the appearance of fairness and impartiality. In my experience in world championship bouts the officials must always be neutral.

 

“We are hopeful that the Quebec Boxing Commission will replace both Canadian  officials with a pair of neutral officials, so that we can concentrate solely on the job at hand, to beat Lemieux.
boxing

Pinolero Boxing Promotions and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée Enter into strategic alliance

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Nicaraguan Promoter of the Year adds

Canadian PR & Marketing Firm to its corner

Atty. Michael Schmidt (center) is shown here with Hall-of-Famer Roberto Duran (L) and his son Robin Duran (R)

 

KITCHENER, Ontario, Canada (June 10, 2015) — Marcelo Sanchez, of leading Nicaraguan-based promoter Pinolero Boxing, and Canadian lawyer Michael J. Schmidt, on behalf of public relations and marketing firm Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée, today jointly announced a strategic alliance to expand the Pinolero brand on an International basis.

 

“Both companies have short and long term goals that perfectly fit together,” Schmidt said. “Pinolero Boxing Promotion’s in the business of developing regional, national and World Champions. Both companies will be looking at various means to move Pinolero boxers into a further International framework. Pinolero has a proven track record of developing a strong brand of champions and all efforts are being made to further maximize the Pinolero talent. Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée will provide additional public relations and marketing expertise.”

 

“Obviously,” Schmidt added, “there will only ever be one Alex Arguello, as well as only one Roman “El Chocolatito” Gonzalez – I believe he should have serious consideration as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today – but Pinolero Boxing has a tremendous depth of talented individuals ready to blossom into their own legendary status.”

 

“We are well aware of Mr. Schmidt and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée through his steady and professional work in Panama, and work he has done for boxing media personalities throughout the world,” Sanchez, speaking on behalf of Pinolero Boxing, commented. “We both agree that there is a tremendous talent which should make for exciting marketing. Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée and Pinolero share the same joy in developing these young men, not only towards National Championships, but also a World Championship vision, focusing on efforts to brand our company and boxers in the ring, and in terms of their image and ability to earn income outside of the ring”.

 

Promising prospects such as 20-year-old Junior Ramirez (12-0, 9 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver super lightweight champion, knockout artist Roberto Arriaza (10-0, 9 KOs), the Nicaraguan welterweight champion, and minimum-weight Byron Rojas (15-2), are all perfect examples of Pinolero Boxing’s stable of rising talent.

 

Schmidt is particularly excited by Nicaraguan fighters such as Cristofer Rosales Gonzalez, a 20-year-old with a record of 13-2, who, Schmidt notes, “hasn’t been afraid to step up and take on undefeated International competition.”

 

Pinolero Boxing will shortly celebrate its 100th promotional show by hosting a major boxing event in Nicaragua. “We will input a full set of resources and expertise, through the direction of Marcelo Sanchez at Pinolero Boxing,” Schmidt remarked. “We are excited to work with a promotional company that, under the direction of Marcelo Sanchez, has such exceptional talent. Hopefully, within the next year or two, the nature of this relationship will show in the form of more boxing champions being crowned under the Pinolero banner, but also in young men who conduct themselves with class and skill, inside and outside of the ring, which is so inherent in the nature of some of the legendary Nicaraguan fighters.”

 

“We look forward to Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée working for and on behalf of Pinolero Boxing in helping to provide add-on services in the development of opportunities and marketing channels appropriate to our boxers,” Sanchez concluded. “Our July show will be a special event for Nicaragua and we welcome having Schmidt and Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée on board.”

 

INFORMATION:

 

Jensen Strauss Agency Limitée: C/O Atty. Michael Schmidt: mjschmidtlaw@hotmail.com, 519-578-1448 (office),
www.schmidtlawoffices.net

 

Pinolero Boxing: www.facebook.com/pages/Promotora-de-boxeo-Pinolero-Boxing/206277329399716

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