Ring Of Hope’s “Night To Fight” Returns March 7 at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas and live on Pay Per View


 Night To Fight 2020 promo video

Boxing non-profit organization that empowers youth in the greater Dallas area promises to produce another star-studded showcase of the sweet science with its annual fundraising event.

Light heavyweight showdown between Sam Clarkson Jr. and Israel Duffus highlights the show. Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield, son of Evander Holyfield, to be featured in a fight; touted local prospect Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth also returns to the squared circle.

IRVING, TX (February 25, 2020) — Lone Star State-based non-profit organization Ring of Hope returns for a resounding night of sanctioned professional boxing when it presents its ninth annual “Night To Fight” pro boxing and charity event on Saturday, March 7 at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. 


The main event will present an 8 round light heavyweight attraction between two battle-tested warriors when Dallas-Fort Worth born-and-bred boxer Samuel Clarkson (22-5, 15 KOs) challenges the Freddie Roach-trained Israel Duffus (19-6, 16 KOs).


The marquee match of the night will culminate to serve as the major fundraising event to help support the Ring of Hope boxing program. Since 2010, Ring of Hope has transformed communities and changed the lives of the youth by educating, empowering and engaging students through the fundamentals of boxing.


“I’m often asked why I’ve had such a desire to be a part of Ring of Hope. It’s all about the future of the young men and women in our communities,” said Ring of Hope founder Steven Bolos. “We believe for them, believe in them and believe with and through them that they can be the leaders of tomorrow.” 


Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (3-0, 3 KOs), the son of Hall of Fame fighter Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, will continue on his quest to follow in his legendary father’s footsteps when the 22-year-old returns to the ring. Presented by Main Events, the Houston-based Holyfield made his pro boxing debut in November with his legendary father supporting ringside.


Local talent and 18-year-old standout Tristan Kalkreuth (4-0, 3 KOs), who last year inked a deal with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, will continue his climb up the ranks in a separate fight as well. Kalkreuth was born in Carrollton and is a resident of Duncanville. He’s trained by renowned coach Ronnie Shields, and has a decorated amateur background, where he participated in over 100 fights, earned two National Championships and fought for the USA Boxing Team in the World Championships in 2018.


Also to be featured in separate bouts are welterweights Jessy Martinez (14-0, 9 KOs) and Brandyn Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs), cruiserweight Robin Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) and heavyweight Patrick Mailata (4-0, 2 KOs), Austin-based super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) and the Corpus Christi-based lightweight John Rincon (4-0, 2 KOs).


Night To Fight will be available live on Integrated Sports Pay Per View on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN DemandVubiquityDIRECTV and DISH in the United States, Shaw PPV in Canada and worldwide via the FITE.TV app and website.


Hall of Fame Showtime TV broadcaster Al Bernstein, former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi and LA Times and Boxing Scene journalist and writer Manouk Akopyan will call the action from ringside.


Limited tickets and VIP dinner tables can be obtained through a sponsorship to Ring of Hope. For more information, go to www.ringofhope.com


The Toyota Music Factory is located at 300 West Las Colinas Boulevard in Irving, Texas. 


For more information on sponsorshipsvolunteering or to enroll a child in a Ring of Hope program, please email info@ringofhope.com. To provide a safe place for youth in the Dallas Fort Worth area to participate in after school boxing programs, click here to donate


For up to date information, news and developments, visit www.RingOfHope.com, and follow along online on the following Ring of Hope platforms—InstagramFacebook andYouTube.

🥊 Highlights from previous Ring of Hope Night To Fight events



 Photos from 2019 Night To Fight, which took place Feb. 28 at the Frontiers Of Flight Museum in Dallas. The fight card featured undefeated prospects, former US Olympians and the likes of Hall of Famer fighter Thomas Hearn and The First Lady of Boxing Jackie Kallen in attendance.

ABOUT RING OF HOPE: Founded in 2010 by Steve Bolos, Ring of Hope is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate, empower and engage the youth through the fundamentals of boxing. With two gym locations—the South Dallas Club and the Colony Club—Ring of Hope emphasises on leadership development, fitness programs and community outreach while teaching the discipline of boxing. The locations also provide a safe place for youth in the Dallas Fort Worth area to participate in after school boxing programs. Through the sweet science, Ring of Hope’s coaches and volunteers empower youth to become more committed to health, fitness and wellness while also inspiring them to become more engaged in their community.

UP-AND-COMING FEATHERWEIGHTS TO SQUARE OFF AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 25, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight bout to the card.  Brandon “BAMF” Maillet-Fevens (3-1) will face Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Brandon Maillet-Fevens made his amateur debut at “NEF 36” in November 2018, losing via submission in the first round.  Since that time, Maillet-Fevens has not looked back.  He went on a three-fight win-streak in 2019, finishing all three of his opponents in the process.  Most recently, Maillet-Fevens was successful over Tyler Knights (0-1) with a second-round submission at “NEF 41” last November.  He currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) based in Lewiston, ME.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to once again get back in the NEF cage,” said Maillet-Fevens.  “I think Nathaniel presents some challenges I haven’t had to deal with yet, but we’ve been hard at work improving every aspect of my game and I’m going to be comfortable wherever the fight goes. I’m looking forward to putting on a good fight for the fans and showcasing what CMBJJ is all about!”

Nathaniel Grimard impressed many with his first-round armbar submission of Justin Kangas (0-3) last September at “NEF 40” in what was Grimard’s cage debut.  That fight took place within the 155-pound lightweight division.  Grimard feels the ten-pound drop to featherweight will further benefit his comfort level in the cage.  He represents Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“I’m excited for this opportunity NEF has given me to fight a very game opponent in April,” said Grimard.  “I am stepping in the cage more comfortable and prepared this time at a weight class I belong. With both of us having finished our past opponents, I expect Brandon to bring it in April, and I think it’s going to be a great and exciting fight.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

TOP PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TO FACE SANJARBEK RAKHMANOV IN REMATCH ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION MAIN EVENT THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FROM SAM’S TOWN CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

Rakhmanov Replaces Malik Hawkins Who Was Forced To Withdraw For Medical Reasons

 

NEW YORK – February 24, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter will face talented Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov in a rematch in the 10-round super lightweight ShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Casino in Las Vegas. Rakhmanov steps in to replace previously scheduled opponent Malik Hawkins who was forced to withdraw for medical reasons.


 
Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) and Rakhmanov (12-2-1, 6 KOs) first met on February 5, 2019, in an eight-round welterweight contest that resulted in a narrow-split decision victory for Hunter. Although Hunter controlled the action in the early rounds and scored a knockdown in the second, Rakhmanov recovered and landed some heavy blows in the later rounds. The scorecards read 77-74, 76-75 and 75-76.

 

Rakhmanov, who fought to a draw with Alfonso Olvera on ShoBox in May of 2016, will be making his second appearance on the prospect developmental series and his ninth start at Sam’s Town Live. In his most recent performance on September 20, 2019, he broke down Andre Byrd, delivering punishment to the body for four straight rounds, leading to Byrd taking a knee and ending the fight. He currently trains with Chris Ben-Tchavtchavadze at the Mayweather Boxing Club.


 
The 30-year-old Rakhmanov, who was born in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, was a top amateur with more than 140 bouts, including a Gold Medal win at the 2009 Asian Amateur Boxing Championship. In 2013, he became the national champion of Uzbekistan. After signing with Mayweather Promotions in 2014, he turned pro with an impressive 1:21 first-round knockout over Brett Simmons in June of 2015.


 
In the ShoBox co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup to open the telecast.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.


 
# # #


 
For more information visit: www.sho.com/sportswww.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, , @mayweathersprts and, Instaram: @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions 
#ShoBox  #SinCityShowdown

COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 239: RUTH VS. AMOSOV

COMPLETE FIGHT NIGHT PHOTOS


Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov
 Main Card:


Yaroslav Amosov (23-0) defeated Ed Ruth (8-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Myles Jury (18-5) defeated Brandon Girtz (16-9) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Tim Johnson (13-6) defeated Tyrell Fortune (8-1) via KO (punches) at 2:35 of round one

Valentin Moldavsky (9-1) defeated Javy Ayala (11-8) via unanimous decision (30-25, 30-24, 30-24)

 

Preliminary Card:  

Davion Franklin (1-0) defeated J.W. Kiser (5-3) via TKO (punches) at 1:30 of round one

Chris Gonzalez (4-0) defeated Aaron McKenzie (7-2-1) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Kevin Croom (21-12) defeated Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Cris Lencioni (6-2) defeated Salim Mukhidinov (7-4) via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Kyle Crutchmer (6-0) defeated Scott Futrell (11-10) via submission (anaconda choke) at 2:58 of round one

Grant Neal (3-0) defeated Claude Wilcox (1-2) via TKO (punches) at 3:37 of round three

Josh Hill (19-3)defeated Vinicius Zani (11-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Solo Hatley Jr. (8-2) defeated Gaston Bolanos (5-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Denise Kielholtz (5-2) defeated Kristina Williams (3-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:15 of round one

TeeJay Britton (6-2) defeated Gabriel Varga (1-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Keith Lee (6-3) defeated Shawn Bunch (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)

Christian Edwards (3-0) defeated Marco Hutch (3-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

GLORY WATSON TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL FIGHT DEBUT AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

Orono, Maine (February 24, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus.  The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT.  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional women’s strawweight bout to the card.  Glory “The Fury” Watson (0-0) is scheduled to make her professional debut against Grace Nowak (0-2) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

Glory Watson put together a stellar amateur record of 6-1 over the course of a mere 17 months, thereby becoming one of the hottest prospects in New England MMA.  During that run, she captured the NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Title with a split decision win over Caree Hill (6-2) last summer at “NEF 39.”  Watson’s sole loss came against an extremely tough Cara Greenwell (10-4) this past November.  Watson took off NEF’s February event in Portland, Maine in order to prepare for her professional debut this spring.  She is a member of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine. 

“I am beyond ecstatic to announce my debut into the professional rankings of the WMMA world,” said Glory Watson.  “Many thanks to (NEF co-owners) Matt Peterson and Nick DiSalvo with New England Fights for putting on a show that allows me to progress my career with a very game opponent. I look forward to this big step in my journey and stepping into the cage once again!”

Grace Nowak is a longtime veteran of the MMA cage in the northeastern United States, having made her amateur debut back in 2010.  Throughout her career, Nowak has fought regularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.  Nowak represents Behring Jiu-Jitsu based in Watertown, New York.  The April 18 event will not only be the first time Nowak has fought in Maine, but also the first time she has visited the Pine Tree State.

“I’ve never been to Maine before so what better way to experience a new place,” said Nowak when reached for comment.  “I’m very excited to fight for NEF, and I’m looking forward to April 18.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.  

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Wilder vs. Fury the rematch In-Depth Preview and Analysis

By: Tony Penecale

The Heavyweight Championship has always been the most noteworthy prize in the sport.  Over the last few years, the interest in the fistic giants has dwindled. That has changed with the exciting power of Deontay Wilder and the charismatic showmanship of Tyson Fury.  

With their first encounter ending in a controversial draw, they find themselves sharing the ring again.  Both men with undefeated records and only a single draw (against each other) on their ledger.

The big men are taking center stage for the undisputed prize.  “The Bronze Bomber” and “The Gypsy King”…. Who will reign supreme?

AGE, RECORD, AND STATS

Wilder:  Age:   34 years old

Record:  42-0-1 (41 Knockouts)

Height:  6’7”

Weight:  219 * * Weight for last bout (11-23-19)

Reach:  83”

Fury: Age:  31 years old

Record:  29-0-1 (20 Knockouts)

Height:  6’9”

Weight:  254 * * Weight for last bout (9-14-19)

Reach:  85”

RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Wilder:

WBC Heavyweight Champion (’15-Pres)

Fury:

WBA Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

WBO Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

IBF Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

IBO Heavyweight Champion (’15-‘16)

Lineal Heavyweight Champion (’15-Pres)

STYLE

Wilder:  

A wild-swinging, often-sloppy fighter with long arms and fight-changing power in both fists, Wilder likes to set the range with his lead hand and follow it with a variety of power punches.  He carries his power late into his fights and is capable of scoring a knockout at any time.

Fury:

A confident, self-assured, and sometimes cocky fighter, Fury has nimble moves and quickness for such a large fighter.  He combines good footwork with upper-body movement and ability to box either orthodox or southpaw, keeping opponents off-balance and setting up his own offensive attack.

THEIR FIRST BOUT

Wilder-Fury I: Fury opened the bout with effective movement, keeping Wilder off balance and unable to land anything significant.  Wilder was able to land several hard jabs in the 4th round, trickling blood from Fury’s nose.  Fury spent time in the mid rounds as a southpaw and found success.  Wilder scored a knockdown in the 9th round but his follow-up attack left him fatigued, allowed Fury to regain the momentum through the 11th round.  The memorable 12th round saw Wilder break through and land a right hand and left hook combination.  Fury fell hard to the canvas, flat on his back. He amazingly rose at the count of 9 and was outlanding Wilder as the final round concluded.  Alejandro Rochin scored 115-111 Wilder, Robert Tapper scored 114-112 Fury, and Phil Edwards scored 113-113.

STRENGTHS

Wilder:

* Power – The detonation at the end of Wilder’s fists, primarily is right hand, is of nuclear proportions.  While his left hand carries substantial pop in it, it is Wilder’s right hand that is seen as maybe the most devastating punch in boxing today.  He can end fights by landing his right hand straight down the middle, arcing it over the top, or splitting the guard as an uppercut.

* Conditioning – Early in his career, when he was ending all of his fights within a few rounds, there were question marks if Wilder would fade in the later rounds.  He has proven that he can fight equally as hard in the late rounds and capable of a knockout until the final bell.

* Athleticism – Wilder combines a rare blend of size, speed, power, and athletic ability where is easy to imagine him being dominant in any type of athletic environment.

Fury: 

* Movement – For a man with the size and physique that resembles a silverback, Fury moves with the grace and agility of a ballet dancer.  He is light on his feet and possesses shifty upperbody movement that is uncanny for someone so large.

* Confidence – Fury is supremely confident in himself and believes in his ability.  He shows little or no fear in the ring. His self-assured charismatic nature gives him a psychological advantage.

* Resilient – Whether it was climbing off the canvas against Wilder, overcoming a horrific cut against Wallin, or battling against depression and substance abuse, Fury has shown a toughness and resiliency that are to be admired.

WEAKNESSES

Wilder:

* Sloppy – Wilder shows so much faith in his power that he is frequently wild and sloppy with his punches and footwork.  He often times looks very amateurish in the ring.  

* Trouble With Boxers – Fighters who use good movement and boxing ability trouble Wilder.  He struggles setting his feet and is often a step behind. He was trailing Luis Ortiz in both fights and was outclassed for most of his first fight with Fury.    

* Chin – The few times that Wilder was seriously chin-checked, he showed some flaws in his durability.  Ortiz had him badly hurt and close to a knockout loss.

Fury:

* Distractions – Fury is loving his new-found fame and talking WWE and MMA.  He split with his trainer Ben Davidson and is calling his own shots. Fury also has spells in the ring where he loses focus and he has found himself on the canvas more than once during a lapse in concentration.

* Personal Life – It is well-documented Fury’s past personal demons with depression and substance abuse, along with a weight gain to over 400 lbs.  While his triumphs over those demons is admirable, the lasting physical effects cannot be denied.

* Skin– It’s only been five months since Fury suffered a terrible gash over his right eye against Otto Wallin, requiring 47 stitches.  While doctors have deemed the cut sufficiently healed, his tender skin could reopen at the most inopportune time.

PREVIOUS BOUT

Wilder:  (11/23/19) – Wilder again scored a come-from-behind knockout against Luis Oritz.  After being outboxed for the majority of the first six rounds, Wilder set his range against a tiring Ortiz and landed a pulverizing right hand which resulted in a one-punch knockout.

Fury:

(9/14/19) – Fury survived a bloody contest with the undefeated but unknown Otto Wallin.  Fury suffered a cut over his right eye in the 3rd round and the blood clearly affected his vision.  Despite the impairment, Fury still controlled the action and hurt Wallin several times en route to a decision victory.

3 BEST PERFORMANCES

Wilder:

* Artur Szpilka (1/16/16) – After falling behind early, Wilder took over in the 4th round and started to settle down and control the action.  A single right hand in the 9th round sent Szpilka down and unconscious, the 2016 Knockout of the Year.

* Bermane Stiverne (1/17/15) – Wilder answered questions about his stamina by going the full 12 rounds for the first time in his career and capturing the WBC title in the process.  Wilder utilized his long jab and kept Stiverne at bay with his underrated skillset.

* Luis Ortiz (3/3/18) – Wilder survived some scary moments against the oft-avoided Cuban veteran before prevailing by 10th round knockout.  Wilder was troubled by Ortiz’s boxing skills early before knocking him down in the 5th round.  An Ortiz rally in the 7th had Wilder seriously hurt but Wilder was able to regroup and score the knockout a few rounds later.

Fury:

*  Wladimir Klitschko (11/25/15) – Fury went into Klitschko’s backyard and wrested the unified and lineal heavyweight championships via unanimous decision.  While the bout was a cautious affair, Fury was able to outwork Klitschko with superior footwork, movement, and a higher punch output.

* Derek Chisora (11/29/14) – Fury dominated the rematch with his British rival, boxing from a distance, switching between orthodox and southpaw, and punishing his adversary until the corner stopped the fight after 10 one-sided rounds.

* Deontay Wilder (12/1/18) – With the exception of two knockdowns and some curious judging, Fury was in control for most of the bout.  He avoided Wilder’s punches and landed effective counters, making Wilder looked confused and off-balance in the process.

KEYS TO VICTORY

Wilder:

* Utilize his jab and negate Fury’s awkward style

* Keep his power punches short and compact

* Don’t get mesmerized by Fury’s upperbody movement

Fury:

* Change the pace and keep Wilder guessing

* Use lateral movement to keep Wilder from setting his feet

* Do not get cocky against the ropes

QUESTIONS

Wilder:

* Can Wilder handle Fury’s unorthodox movement?

* Will Wilder employ a better gameplan?

*  Will Wilder become frustrated?

Fury:

* Will Fury try too hard for the knockout?

* Is Fury totally focused on boxing? 

* Is his cut eye susceptible to reinjury?

PENECALE PREDICTION

Both combatants are exceptional showmen and their respective ring entrances will have the crowd abuzz.  The electricity will be at a fever pitch at the opening bell. With their familiarity, there will be less of a feeling out process than their first encounter.  Fury will be on his toes moving forward and Wilder will try to time his advances and land counter punches. At the end of the 1st round, Fury will taunt Wilder and there will be an exchange of words.

Fury’s constant movement and single punches will trouble Wilder as his counter punches will find mostly empty air.  The following rounds will be an exciting game of cat and mouse with the smaller Wilder in the role of the cat, futility trying to corner the larger Wilder.

Wilder will find success with his jab in the 6th and 7th rounds and a looping right hand will catch Fury on top of the head, knocking him off balance to the canvas.  Fury will rise, wink at his corner, and come bouncing back into action. The excitement will have Wilder swinging wildly and falling to the canvas himself after missing overexaggerated right hand.  

With Wilder seemingly arm-weary from his punch output the previous round, Fury will turn southpaw and land several hard right hands, then bounce out of range of any counter punches.

Fury’s movement and higher workrate will carry the action through the championship rounds, leading him again to an apparent lead going into the final round.

The decision this time will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld a shade closer at 114-113, all in favor of “The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury.

Undefeated Featherweight Ruben Villa now Ranked Number-Nine by Ring Magazine

Photo by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

Featherweight contender also ranked #5 by the WBO and #13 by the WBC

PHILADELPHIA, PA / ORANGE, CA- February 20, 2020 – Undefeated featherweight Ruben Villa is now ranked #9 by Ring Magazine.

Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, California is just three weeks removed from an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Alexei Collado in a bout that headlined a ShoBox: The New Generation card in Shreveport, Louisiana. With the win, Villa successfully defended his WBO International title.

In that bout, Villa was dominant throughout and displayed a diverse arsenal of punches that were very effective in decisively out punching the offensive minded Collado.

The ranking from the heralded magazine, adds to his world rankings of #5 by the WBO and #13 by the WBC.

“I was just surprised to get the recognition that I deserve. It’s been tough, but its finally starting to payoff. I am trying to get better with each fight and the people were happy. That the last fight against Collado meant a lot and opened up many doors,” said Villa

“Being recognized in the top-10 by Ring Magazine solidifies and validates Ruben of graduating from top-prospect to bona fide contender. In his next bout, we are looking for Ruben to really make a statement and face another world-ranked opponent in order to put him in position to fight for a world title,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“The rise of Ruben Villa has been gaining momentum since the world got to see him on Showtime last year. A world title bout is in his immediate future and it’s great to see the media, like Ring Magazine, recognizing his accomplishments.” stated Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions.




For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the  Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

RISING 140-POUND KNOCKOUT ARTIST BRANDUN LEE TO FACE CUBA’S CAMILO PRIETO ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MARCH 13 LIVE FROM HINCKLEY, MINN.

Quadrupleheader Will Feature Five Fighters With Undefeated Records


 

NEW YORK – February 20, 2020 – Talented undefeated super lightweight prospect Brandun Lee will headline his first ShoBox: The New Generation main event when he takes on Camilo Prieto in a 10-round super lightweight bout that headlines a quadrupleheader on Friday, March 13 live on SHOWTIME (10 ET/PT) from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn.


 
The four fights include five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just three defeats and two draws. In the co-featured bout, undefeated Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line as he takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. Undefeated Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap while yet another unbeaten fighter Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight.


 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with D&D Boxing and Rapacz Boxing, are priced at $75 Ringside, $50 Reserved, $25 General Admission, and $62.50 Table Seating (two-ticket minimum), and are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or the Grand Casino Hinckley Box Office.


 
“We are excited about our March 13 card, which includes amateur national champions, knockout artists and undefeated fighters,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “We open up with a battle of unbeatens and that will be followed by three of boxing’s top prospects under the age of 22. These three very talented prospects all had stellar amateur careers and each are talented in their own way. They all have something in common and that’s power as the threesome have a combined 39 knockouts in their 45 fights. You can expect an action-packed card and certainly some KOs.”


 
“On March 13th, boxing fans are in for a treat,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “This fantastic ShoBox card is showcasing some of the most talented prospects in boxing. Top to bottom, is going to be a must watch night of fights, shining the spotlight in my opinion, in some of tomorrow’s champions.”


 
“These are four terrific matchups between up-and-coming young fighters,” said Cameron Dunkin of D&D Boxing. “Brandun Lee has a big test in front of him for his first main event on ShoBox. Brian Norman and Alejandro Guerrero will both be in the toughest fights of their careers as well. All four televised bouts have the potential to be explosive. These are the types of fights that boxing needs.”


 
Just 20 years old, the knockout artist Lee (18-0, 16 KOs) from La Quinta, Calif., has KO’d all but two of his opponents (88.89 percent), including 11 in the first round, four in the second and one in the third. The third-year pro is making his second ShoBox appearance. In September, Lee scored a second-round knockout against Milton Arauz in his ShoBox debut. (VIDEO). This is Lee’s second fight of 2020 as he knocked out Miguel Zamudio in a non-televised January 17 bout in Sloan, Iowa.


 
Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. He was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds. With lightning quick hands that also pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., Thomas Dulorme, to name a few. Lee is trained by his father Bobby Lee and is also a full-time college student.

“I’m excited to be headlining my first SHOWTIME show,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to giving fans something different that they haven’t seen from me before. They’re going to see me display my boxing skills a lot more. In my last two fights, I feel like I didn’t really show how good my defense is. I’m going to use the left hand a lot more to feel him out. And then, when the time is right, I will drop the bombs. Headlining my first ShoBox is a huge accomplishment. It’ll sort of be like graduating the high school of boxing. After this, I hope to move onto the University level of boxing like SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING or Pay-per-View. 


 
The 33-year-old Prieto (15-1, 10 KOs) is riding a seven-fight win streak with his last loss coming in February 2017. In his last fight in November, Prieto recorded a six-round unanimous decision against Yogli Herrera. Prieto trains at various gyms around Miami and for the past year has been working with former light heavyweight world champion and Roy Jones Jr. conqueror Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson.


 
“It’s been great working with Glen,” Prieto said. “I am getting knowledge from an ex-world champion who knows what it takes to be at the top level and has been there before. He knows how to push and guide you the right way for big fights like this. Brandun Lee looks like a young, undefeated fighter to me, but I don’t see anything too impressive, honestly. You can expect to see fireworks that night. I’m going to really come and put Brandun to the test. He’s never faced anyone as good as me. It’s going to be an action-packed fight.”


 
Norman, the 19-year-old Atlanta resident, like Lee also has won all but two of his fights by knockout. Most recently, Norman earned a unanimous decision victory over Evincii Dixon on January 17 in Sloan, Iowa. Norman goes by the nickname “The Assassin II” as his father Brian Norman Sr. was known as “The Assassin” as a professional boxer from 2003-2011. Norman is trained by both his father and Barry Richardson.


 
“I’m not looking for just a victory on ShoBox, I want to show off,” Norman said. “I want to show what I can do. I want to break my opponent down and let everybody know I’m here. You can expect to see a lot of fireworks. Both my father and Barry are giving me their all, and I’m giving it back. I know Rodriguez is a short, pressure fighter. He’s basically made for me to beat.”


 
Rodriguez trains at Capetillo Boxing Academy in East Los Angeles. He had an amateur record of 86 wins and 14 losses and was a silver medalist at the Junior Olympic Nationals.


 
“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a dream come true,” Rodriguez said. “Growing up, I always wanted to be one of the guys that fought on TV, so it’s pretty exciting to get the opportunity to do so and show the world my skills. A victory would mean a lot to me, especially a win over someone as tough as the guy I’m fighting. I’m hoping a win over him can bring me to bigger opportunities to fight for a world title.”


 
Guerrero is a big-punching prospect who has won his last three fights by knockout. A celebrated amateur who won two junior national titles, “Pork Chop” has sparred with the likes of Mikey Garcia and Brandon Rios at the famed Garcia Boxing Academy in California. Fighting out of Houston, the 21-year-old will be making his national television debut March 13 and is coming off a second-round TKO of Darnell Jiles Jr. in January of this year. 


 
“I love that I’m getting this opportunity,” said Guerrero. “I’ve trained for this my whole life. My dream is to become a world champion, so a win would mean so much for me and my family. I’ve been training really hard for this fight, knowing it’ll be on national television. I don’t really know much about Angulo, but we train hard for anyone. The outcome will always be the same. I will always win.”


 
Angulo, of Guayaquil, Ecuador, will be making his United States debut after fighting 12 of his 13 professional fights in his native country. His lone loss came in his only fight outside of Ecuador, a unanimous decision to Ryan Pino in Puerto Rico. Since the loss, Angulo has rattled off six consecutive wins, including knockouts in the second and first rounds of his last two fights, respectively.


 
“There’s going to be a big surprise waiting for Guerrero on March 13,” said Angulo. “He likes fighting on the inside and he comes forward with a lot ofaggression too, so he’s the perfect style for me and the way I like to fight. I’m looking forward to showcasing myself on this big platform and putting all my skills to work. I will win.”


 
Avagyan, a 29-year-old from Yerevan, Armenia, represented his home country in the 2016 Olympic Games. Avagyan had an accomplished amateur career, winning bronze medals at both the 2013 and 2015 European championships. Turning pro following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Avagyan won his first eight professional bouts before fighting Russian Evgeny Smirnov to a split-decision in September 2018. His last time out, he made his U.S. debut on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez-Daniel Jacobs, where he handily out-boxed then-unbeaten Francisco Esparza en route to a unanimous decision.


 
“Every fight is a chance to prove myself and rise to the top,” said Avagyan, who is signed to Salita Promotions. “When I go out into the ring, I only think about winning any at cost. Aguero is just another obstacle that must be moved out of my way. Before each fight, I surrender myself to training one hundred percent so that on the day of the battle, I do not regret the path traveled. Fight night is like a holiday for me because the time has come for which I was preparing.”


 
The 26-year-old Aguero was an impressive amateur in his native Dominican Republic. Aguero was a silver medalist at the 2011 Pan-Am Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, losing only to future two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Robeisy Ramírez. As a pro, the San Cristobal native won the first 10 fights of his career in his home country before making his U.S. debut in February 2017 when he earned the most impressive win of his young career over Olimjon Nazarov.

 

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is what we have been waiting for,” said Aguero, who is currently training in Pahokee, Fla. “I look at it as the opportunity to show people who I am and when I win this fight, it’ll be the beginning of a great boxing career where I can feed my family and give my son everything he needs and deserves.”


 
Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.


 
# # #

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

From East LA to Team USA Flyweight boxer Anthony Herrera is living the dream

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 20, 2020) – From the mean streets of East Los Angeles to a berth on Team USA is a remarkable achievement for 19-year-old flyweight Anthony Herrera, who recently was selected to be a member of the 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo Boxing Qualification Team.

“Since I was very young,” Herrera spoke about growing up in East LA, “my parents always kept me in sports.  Being so occupied with sports was actually a distraction from what was going on around the city.  So, I never had time to get into trouble and my parents kept me away from a bad lifestyle.  Once I started boxing, I took it seriously, staying focused and setting goals.  I was a little older at that time and whether or not I wanted to partake in boxing or wanted to make a career out of it was all up to me, and I always had my parents full support.  Boxing has been a big part of my life.  I’m always looking forward to the next workout or anything boxing related.  It’s part of my image at this point.”

For now, though, Herrera is preparing with his teammates at the United States Olympics and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the America’s Qualification Tournament, March 26-April 3, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Herrera will qualify to represent his country at the Olympics by finishing among the top five in Buenos Aires, or first six placers at the World Qualifier, May 13-14, in Paris, France. 

“I thrive under pressure,” Herrera said.  “I don’t let pressure get to me mentally so much that it negatively impacts my performance.  It makes me perform better when I’m in the ring.  I’ve been under pressure my whole boxing career.  Not only has it made me a better fighter in certain situations that are intimidating, but also a stronger person overall.  Going to Argentina is no different, the nerves are still there, but so is my determination to get to Tokyo.”

A 2018 National PAL and 2019 Western Elite Qualifier champion, Herrera recently finished second at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and third at the 2020 Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria.

“The amateur boxing accomplishment I’m most proud of is making the United States Qualification Team as a flyweight,” he noted. “It was tough to make it here and knowing that I overcame the obstacles I faced on this long journey to where I’m at now makes me very happy.  I can truly say I earned it.

“My first International boxing match (Strandja) was a little different from what I’m used to. The equipment we used and fighting without headgear created more risk when fighting, but I had fun in my first international fight.  I already have the feel for that environment and am more comfortable now.

“I really enjoy training in Colorado Springs with my teammates, because it’s a great experience that only the best athletes get.  I love training at home as well, but there are less distractions in Colorado Springs.  I get to focus 100-percent on my craft and get to travel more.”

Herrera, who describes his style as a “swarmer”, applying pressure and breaking down his opponent, is living the dream.

“Fighting in the Olympics was always big for me, but getting a gold medal is my dream,” he added.  “I’ve always wanted it because no one can ever take that away from me, and the story and work that is put behind a gold medal is priceless.  In my opinion it is harder than winning a world title in professional boxing.  Being this close to the Olympics, I’m proud of myself but not satisfied. I know that I still have work to do and I’m taking one step at a time.  The next step for me is to qualify for the Olympics at the Olympic Qualifier.” 

Herrera attributes some of his success to learning from former and contemporary boxers, implementing any techniques that they use into his style, including, for example, the footwork and head movement of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., and Mike Tyson’s set-ups from the body to head.

Tokyo is a long way from East LA for Anthony Herrera.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  To promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda Training Camp Notes

Feb. 28th in Florida showdown vs. unbeaten

NABO champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo

LAS VEGAS (February 20, 2020) –  Undefeated super lightweight Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-0, 8 KOs) has been in training camp since the beginning of this year in Boxers & Brawlers gym in his San Antonio hometown to prepare for his February 28th fight against North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (17-0-1, 12 KOs) airing live on Boxeo Telemundo, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Alamo vs. Castaneda is co-promoted by All-Star Boxing, which promotes Alamo and the event, and Castaneda’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

“This is the biggest fight of Kendo’s career to date,” CEO & Co-Founder Keith Veltre said.  “He is the type fighter who doesn’t back down from anyone and knows what it takes to get the win.  Kendo trains hard and we are fully confident that he will come home with the win.”

 
The 26-year-old Castaneda, who is ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO),  will take on WBO No. 8-rated Alamo, the defending NABO super lightweight champion, in the 10-round main event. 

Castaneda captured the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown  a year ago, taking a 10-round decision from previously undefeated Gilbert Venegas, Jr. (10-0), and followed that with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Dominican veteran Eudy Berbardo (24-3).

Last October in Reno, Nevada, Castaneda stopped Stan Martyniouk (20-3) in the sixth round, after which he was installed by the World Boxing Organization as its No. 15 rated super lightweight in the world. 

WBO No. 8 ranked Alamo, fighting out of Puerto Rico, is coming off the lone blemish on either fighter’s pro record, a draw with Antonio Moran (24-4-1).

Alamo, 24, is the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World and FECARBOX super lightweight champion, who has made three successful NABO title defenses. 

Training Camp Notes

(quotes from Kendo Castaneda)

Training Camp: “Everything here has been good.  I’m ready to rock and get back in the ring. I’ll have no trouble making weight for this fight.  My sparring partners are local guys, some pros, and other amateurs.  I like helping up-and-coming fighters who want to turn pro. They have natural speed at 18, 19 years old, but their strength hasn’t fully developed, yet.  They learn and I get good work.  My No. 1 sparring partner, Limon, has had more than 100 amateur fights.  His style is similar to Alamo’s.  He’s tall and lengthy, but not as powerful as Alamo. He throws great jabs and boxes well, which will help me when I fight Alamo.

Yomar Alamo:  “He fights off his back foot a lot.  He likes to box and is a good counter-puncher.

He’s undefeated but who knows how he wants to fight?  I like razzle-dazzle and I’ll quickly learn what I’m in for.”

Fighting in Alamo’s backyard: “I’m not concerned about that at all.  My first fight with RJJ Boxing was in Las Vegas against a local fighter, Chuy Gutierrez, and I won that fight.  I don’t mind fighting in my opponent’s backyard and I’m getting used to it.  My last fight was in Reno against a California fighter, who lived a lot closer to Reno than I do in San Antonio.   And I fought a local fighter in New Hampshire, when I had a bare-knuckle fight.”

How do you envision this fight going:  “Alamo will go into the fight thinking it’s going to be a boxing match, almost like an exhibition starting the fight.  But I’m going to go in strong, like a street fight, banging him around.  I’ll catch him with some surprises, throwing hard blows.  In the third or fourth round, I’ll start boxing more.  Then it’s going to be too much for him, and I’ll take him out in the eighth or ninth round.”

Bout importance: “I think I’ll possibly get a world championship eliminator fight with an impressive victory.  I’m a rare, old-fashioned boxer.”

Prediction:  “The referee will be announcing, ‘And the new NABO champion…..’”

INFORMATION:

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre, @KendoTremendo

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has been  reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.   


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: WBO #6 rated bantamweight Max Ornelas, featherweight Ray Ximenez, WBO #15 rated super lightweight  Kendo Castaneda,  middleweights John Vera, Connor Coyle and Shady Gamhour, super middleweight Juan Barajas, and heavyweight Alexander Flores. 

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