Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

BANTAMWEIGHTS POISED TO STEAL THE SHOW AT NEF XVIII

May 1, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (April 30, 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,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the fight card. The contest will feature Elias “Danger Mouse” Leland (2-1) stepping into the cage opposite Chad “Machine Gun” Kelly (3-2) at the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.

“Chad Kelly and Eli Leland are two guys who couldn’t put on a boring fight if they tried,” said NEF co-owner and promoter Nick DiSalvo. “Chad had the ‘Fight of the Night’ on one of the first cards I ever promoted in Massachusetts years ago. I’ve followed his career since and have seen how far he’s come. Eli’s fights always steal the show on the NEF events. Fans will only need the edge of their seats for this one.”

Kelly last appeared in the NEF cage in the fall of 2013 at “NEF X.” That night, he defeated NEF regular Ernesto Ornelas (1-5) via second-round submission. Kelly has regularly competed in the flyweight 125-pound division throughout his career, but he and his coaches at The Fighting Arts Academy (FAA) in Leominster, Massachusetts decided to make the transition up to bantamweight beginning with the upcoming fight against Leland.

“I’m very excited to be fighting for NEF in Lewiston, Maine again,” stated Kelly when reached for comment. “I fought for them my second pro fight and I loved the way they treat their fighters and how smooth everything went – plus, getting the ‘W’ was nice. This fight I’m moving up to bantamweight. My coaches and I thought it was the right time. I started fighting at 19 and just have gained weight and have a massive cut to 125, plus I train with good 35ers and 45ers and do better when I’m heavier. Elias Leland is a tough grappler with good submissions. I’m sure he will be tough, but I think I will have an advantage everywhere the fight goes.”

Leland, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt from the Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, will look to avenge a loss he suffered earlier this month to Jay Perrin (2-0) at “NEF XVII.” The loss was his first since his amateur debut against Ray Wood (5-1) in September 2011. Leland has become known as a finisher over the years, submitting four opponents and defeating one via technical knockout (TKO) at previous NEF events.

“I have nothing but respect for anyone that is willing to fight me,” said Leland. “However, coming off a loss, I’m pissed and hungry as hell. This will be an exciting fight for anyone that sees it. So you all better be there to see an amazing show.”

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015. Tickets for “NEF XVIII” 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.”

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, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing, Top Rank

FLOYD MAYWEATHER AND MANNY PACQUIAO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM KÀ THEATRE AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”

This Saturday, May 2, Live on Pay-Per-View

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank

Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao faced off for only the third time Wednesday during the final press conference for their long-awaited welterweight world championship unification fight this Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, live on pay-per-view.

The last time the boxing superstars met face-to-face was at the Los Angeles press conference to formally announce the mega-fight on March 11. The first time they were photographed up close and personal came at a Miami Heat basketball game in January.

In the most eagerly awaited showdown in years – and the richest fight in boxing history — the undefeated and universally recognized No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs), an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions, will take on the fighting pride of the Philippines, Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs), the only boxer to capture world titles in eight weight classes.

Here is what the fighters and executives said Wednesday at the KÀ Theatre at the MGM Grand:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

“The only thing I can do is take it one day at a time. When the fight gets here I will go out there and do what I do best and that’s go out and fight.

“From the beginning of my career, I’ve always had a game plan. It’s just like chess. We make calculated moves in the ring and outside the ring. I got with the right team and surrounded myself with the right chess pieces.

“I’m a lot wiser than I once was. This fight sells itself. Our ultimate goal was to get to this point, whether it was Manny or another fighter.

“I don’t take anything away from Manny Pacquiao. He’s a solid fighter; a solid competitor and it will be an intriguing matchup come Saturday.

“Everything takes time, it’s all about timing. I’m glad that we had patience and didn’t rush. The time is now, this is the right time for this fight.

“I want to thank all the writers for being here. Some have been around since I was 10-years-old, some have been here for my 19 years in this sport. I’m thankful for all the writers, whether the stories were good stories or bad, you guys kept me relevant for 19 years.

“This fight is about one fighter who is at the top fighting another fighter who is at the top. It’s about giving you guys excitement. We don’t know how this fight is going to play out, but I believe in my skills. I believe I am going to be victorious.

“When I went to training camp I worked extremely hard to win this fight and I’m pretty sure Manny did the same. That’s why this is an intriguing matchup.”

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I don’t have a prediction, but I’m excited. I’m confident and I feel for the first time that I’m ready for the fight.

“I’m so happy because that feeling and that focus that I had many years ago, is back. I’m confident and relaxed.

“My love and eagerness for this fight has made me especially interested.

“I would like to invite everyone to witness the great fight between Floyd and I this Saturday.

“I want to be an example and inspiration to people.

“Before I became a boxer, I used to sleep on the street. I can’t believe that I am in this position. The boy who didn’t have food and slept on the street can have this life.

“On Saturday our goal is to make the fans happy with our performance. Both of us will work very hard to entertain the fans and give a good fight.

“I hope that both Floyd and I do our best on Saturday and to put our name in boxing history.

“The most important thing I hope for is that after the fight I can talk with Floyd about being an inspiration to people all around the world.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., Mayweather’s Father & Trainer

“Whatever happens on Saturday, it’s going to be one-sided. Pacquiao is going to sleep.

“I’m a trainer, I know what’s going on with fighters. Pacquiao doesn’t have it.

“Everybody can say what they want to say. I’ve said it before, Pacquiao can’t punch. I’m not worried about it. I’m going to have Floyd walk him down.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Trainer

“When this fight was announced, Manny’s training level went way up. He’s really excited about this fight.

“I think we will win a decision and outpoint this guy. If the knockout comes then that will be a bonus.

“I think Manny likes to be the underdog. We like pulling upsets and doing things we’re not supposed to do. Manny is going to be that guy.

“We will put a lot of pressure on Floyd. Manny likes to exchange and with his hand speed, this fight will go in our favor.

“Manny is reckless, but that’s his style. He tries to win fights and people enjoy his fights. He gives it his all and sometimes you get knocked out, that’s part of boxing.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“The worldwide attention and interest in this event has been unbelievable and Floyd and Manny deserve it.

“Las Vegas has a rich history of hosting the biggest and best fights in the sport. Over the years Floyd Mayweather has made the MGM his home. This will be his 11^th consecutive fight at MGM Grand and the 14^th in his career.

“There are two great fighters that will be fighting on Saturday night and the focus needs to be on the fighters, no one else. The focus is on the fighters on Saturday night.

“On May 2, Floyd faces another huge challenge in fellow world champion Manny Pacquiao, in a fight that the whole world is waiting to see. Once again Floyd is out to prove that he is The Best Ever and I know he will on Saturday night.”

BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank

“This is a great promotion with two great fighters. I hope that this fight will help elevate the rest of boxing. I think based on the interest in this fight, there has been increased interest in boxing as well, and that’s great.

“People have spent a lot of time during this event watching Manny train, but more importantly, watching Freddie teach. It’s great to see two guys on the same wavelength, working on the strategy and then working it out in the ring.”

KEN HERSHMAN, President, HBO Sports

“The journey to this fight has been a remarkable one. In addition to the great writing and reporting that all the media has been doing, HBO has been putting on terrific programs for fight fans to enjoy and bring them closer to the sport.

“One important note for everyone, please order the pay-per-view Saturday night early, or if possible today or tomorrow. We expect that the ordering systems will be overwhelmed. Also, there will be two undercard events starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and those events can end at any time. We want to make sure that no one misses any of the main event. Tune-in and tune-in early.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“This event is about two world-class athletes, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, who have been working for weeks and weeks, all of their lives really, to get to this precise moment.

“These two fighters have worked their entire lives to get to this moment.

“Floyd and Manny have great teams. Floyd will be the first one to tell you that his team deserves a lot of the credit for his success and I’ve heard Manny say very similar things.

“What makes this event so special and so historic, is that we have two once-in-a-generation athletes who will be meeting in the ring in about 72 hours. We are so proud to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a highly anticipated event.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International

“It is an honor for the MGM Resorts to house this highly anticipated event. Sports fans around the world will have the unique opportunity to watch two of boxing’s top champions, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, as they go toe-to-toe at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“Excitement for this event has resonated throughout our MGM Resorts properties and the entire Las Vegas community.

“We have created additional programming at the resorts including closed circuit viewing that gives fans the chance to experience MGM’s great championship fights.

“We just want to thank everybody involved in this great event. We’re excited, we’re proud and we can’t wait for Saturday night.”

* * *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions –Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1^st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31^st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast is co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV^® and HBO Pay-Per-View^® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.toprank.com, www.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/TRBoxing, www.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

boxing

George Foreman on CBS Sports Radio’s “The Doug Gottlieb Show” on the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Match

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

“Boxing was invented for the underdog… That’s why I give it to Pacquiao.”

Yesterday (April 28), two-time World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman was on CBS Sports Radio’s “The Doug Gottlieb Show” with host Doug Gottlieb, where he talked about the Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight on Saturday, May 2nd in Las Vegas. Below are somehighlights from the interview:

On the Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Fight:

Talking honestly about what he thinks about “The Fight of the Century”,Foreman said: “This is major… boxing deserves something like this… I’m just happy the fight is happening, and it’s happening right now. Because everyone will get a chance to see what they wanted to see. If it had happened five years ago, there would have been some too young to enjoy [and] some old enough to say, ‘Hey, there was better days.’ But now everyone’s hungry for the matchup of the century. [These are] evenly matched fighters. It’s a fan’s fight, and it should be. It’s big.”

Foreman continued later on in the interview: “That’s true… [Mayweather’s] got everything to lose. But boxing was invented for the underdog – for the smaller guy who doesn’t have a chance – to come up with a way to beat the bigger, stronger guy. That’s why I give it to Pacquiao. The sport was invented… for the lesser.”

On Advice He would Give Pacquiao:

Gottlieb asked what advice Foreman would give to Pacquiao for this match: “Hey, just win this round,” Foreman said. “Every time you come back to the corner, you sit down on the stool, wave the towel over him and don’t say anything. The bell rings, go get him again. Do the same thing you did the first round all the way through the sixth or seventh round, and you’ll win.”

Full audio from the interview can be found here.

boxing

Fight Network is Destination for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Fight Week Coverage

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

TORONTO | NEW YORK (Apr. 29, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, is the destination for Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight week coverage for the megafight on Saturday night live on pay-per-view.

It kicks off today, Wednesday, April 29 at 4 p.m. ET with a live broadcast of the final Pre-Fight Press Conference from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, including roundtable analysis from Fight Network studios.

Then, Fight Network’s original Fight News Now: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao preview show will debut on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET, featuring analysis, previews, features, grand arrivals, workouts and more. Check listings for additional airings throughout the week.

Airing exclusively in Canada, Fight Network presents the latest installment of Golden Boy Live! onThursday, April 30 at 10 p.m. ET from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., headlined by former lightweight world title challenger Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (28-1-1, 16 KOs) battling Los Angeles area standout Carlos Molina (17-2-1, 7 KOs). In other featured bouts, Puerto Rican rising star Jeffrey Fontanez (14-1, 11 KOs) will take on former WBC Youth super featherweight champion Jose “El Loco” Hernandez (15-9-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight brawl, Brazilian standout Yamaguchi Falcao (5-0, 2 KOs) clashes with tough Texan Gerardo Ibarra (14-2, 8 KOs), while fan favorite and Irish power puncher Jason Quigley (5-0, 5 KOs) meets Pennsylvania native Joshua Snyder (9-11-1, 3 KOs).

Fight Network Canada is also the destination for classic Mayweather and Pacquiao fight marathons airing throughout the week, featuring some of their most memorable victories, including Mayweather’s triumphs over Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ricky Hatton and Shane Mosley, plus Pacquiao’s wins over Marquez, Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera. The fight marathons will air on Saturday morning beginning at 6 a.m. ET. Check listings for additional airings throughout the week.

The live coverage continues on Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. ET with a live broadcast of the official Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Weigh-ins, as the two superstars tip the scales and go face-to-face one last time before squaring off on Saturday night. The show will include live analysis and roundtable discussion from Fight Network studios.

On Saturday night, May 2, Fight Network will present a Live Pre-Show at 7 p.m. ET, featuring exclusive interviews with some of Saturday’s marquee participants, highlights from all the fight week festivities and last-minute previews and predictions for the most anticipated fight in boxing history.

Fight Network will televise the Countdown Live at 8 p.m. ET, leading right into the blockbuster pay-per-view that kicks off at 9 p.m. ET.

Immediately following the pay-per-view extravaganza, Fight Network is your destination for the Live Post-Show, including fight highlights, reactions and the live post-fight press conference from Las Vegas.

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.

boxing

PBC ON SPIKE MAIN EVENT FIGHTERS AMIR KHAN, CHRIS ALGIERI, PAULIE MALIGNAGGI AND DANNY O’CONNOR MAKE THEIR MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO PREDICTIONS

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

BROOKLYN (April 29, 2015) – Boxing superstar Amir “King” Khan (30-3, 19 KOs) returns to the ring on May 29 to take on former world champion Chris Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, as the headliner of an exciting Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Spike TV.

Opening up the televised action, which is set to begin at 9 p.m. ET/PT, will be the return of Brooklyn’s own two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi (33-6, 7KO’s) as he faces Boston’s Danny O’Connor (25-2, 9KO’s) in a 10-round welterweight attraction.

With the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao welterweight championship showdown just days away, Khan, Algieri, Malignaggi and O’Connor gave their take on how the most anticipated fight of this era will go down.

Amir Khan: “This is a fight that the world has been wanting to see for so long and it’s great that it is now upon us. Floyd and Manny are two legendary fighters and it is only right that we get to see them share the ring together. I have no doubt that this is going to be a tremendous matchup and will be extremely exciting for as long as it lasts. Manny has hand speed and fast feet that will cause Floyd some problems early on, but as it progresses I expect Floyd to make the adjustments he tends to make to counter that before pulling away on the scorecards. Both fighters still have so much to give and on Saturday night I’m sure they’re going to produce something very special for the fans.”

Chris Algieri: “Styles make fights and I believe this is a style that suits Floyd. Floyd is the smartest fighter in the game. He will be able to pick up on certain flaws and exploit them. Manny is going to make him work in there and I believe that the first few rounds are going to be very interesting. Manny is a different and smarter fighter than he was before the Marquez knockout. If Manny comes in shape the way that he did against me, and if Floyd has missed a step at all, then I see Pacquiao giving him all kinds of trouble. Ultimately though, I see Mayweather winning a decision.”

Paulie Malignaggi: “I am taking Mayweather by wide decision or a late-round stoppage. He has too much variation to his arsenal. Pacquiao is fun to watch, but his one-dimensional approach won’t be enough on Saturday night.”

Danny O’Connor: “I am going with Mayweather. He is too smart to fall into anyone’s game plan, other than his own. I predict a decision based off of his superior boxing ability.”

Tickets for the live event on May 29 at Barclays Center, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.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.

The televised action begins on Spike at 9 pm ET/6 p.m. PT. Doors at Barclays Center open at 6 p.m. ET.

# # #

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions,www.barclayscenter.com and www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage, www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri andwww.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.

boxing, Ring 8

4th annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner honors Class of 2015 plus The late Joe Dwyer & Tony Mazzarella

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2015

Seated (L-R) – Lonnie Bradley, Bruce Silverglade, Tommy Gallagher, Joey Giambra and Saul Mamby; Standing (L-R) Bob Duffy, Bob Miller and Harold Weston

(All pictures by Peter Frutkoff / Ring 8)

NEW YORK (Apr. 28, 2015) – More than 300 people attended this past Sundayafternoon’s fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

NYSBHOF Class of 2015

Boxers

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery Buffalo

Non-Participants

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy Manhattan’s Westside/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill New York City

Renowned ring announcer David Diamante once again served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

Each inductee received a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

All boxers had to have been inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

Harold Weston and Melvina Latham

Harold Weston: “I guess there’s no comeback for me because I’ve been told when you go into the Hall of Fame, it’s over. Thanks for this honor. I wondered how long it was going to take (jokingly), you got it right this time. Boxing is my family. My father, Gil Clancy and Emile Griffith, these guys brought me up. Boxing always got me to where I needed to go. Boxing made us the person we are today. This is an honor because there’s no Hall of Fame bigger than New York. Thanks a lot. I’m looking forward to the future.”

(L-R) – Bob Duffy, Bobby Cassidy, Lonnie Bradley, Melvina Latham and Bobby Cassidy Jr. David Diamante is in back to far left.

Lonnie Bradley: “I’d like to thank everyone, especial these two guys (Bobby Cassidy and Bobby Cassidy, Jr.). I called Bobby for advice. We met and then had a good ride for four years. He wanted a world champion, I wanted to be world champion, and we made the most of it. I’m happy that they’re part of my life and for me to be part of the Cassidy family. The bond is there because it’s a family affair.”

(L-R) – Henry Hascup, Saul Mamby and Melvina Latham

Saul Mamby: “I fought all over the world; one way to see the world. Most do it by taking a vacation. Me, I went around the world fighting people. I went to South Korea and won the world title but nobody knew. In my first title defense against Estephan Jesus, people were stunned to hear Saul Mamby was champion of the world. A lot of people who fought never had a chance to fight for the championship of the world. I lost the title but…I was really ripped off. Thanks for putting me in the Hall of Fame. It’s an honor that I didn’t think would ever happen. I’m too old, 67, to fight but I still go to the gym. I think I can still do it but I’m not going to try. I appreciate this.”

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Silverglade

Bruce Silverglade: “I’d like to thank Ring 8 and everybody on the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame nominating committee. I grew-up in Trenton, New Jersey, and my father was a police officer who liked boxing the best. After graduating from college, I worked at Sears Roebuck for 16 years. I called my father asking how I could get involved in boxing. I resigned from Sears Roebuck the next day and bought 50-percent of a gym with my profit sharing.I took over Gleason’s Gym in 1985. My concept of a gym was not just to train fighters, but for politics, heart and sports to come together. We’ve had concerts, off-Broadway plays, weddings and chamber music there. We founded a charity, ‘Give A Kid A Dream,’ in 1981 for kids 8-18 years of age. These kids could come from schools, orphanages, parole officers, or from mothers of troubled kids. Boxing is about discipline. They can go thee seven days a week. We’re not building champions as boxers, but champion citizens in New York City. The inspiration comes from my wife who is the driving force behind the gym. Thank you for this tremendous honor to be a Hall of Famer.”

Tommy Gallagher and his wife, Maureen

Tommy Gallagher: “Thank you to so many people. Boxing has been my life and I wanted my first gym in 1951. I was friends with Rocky Graziano and Billy Graham, who’d drop by my gym to tell us about fighters. This is a wonderful time in my life. I want to thank my wife and family.”

(L-R) – Joey Giambra and his son, Joey Giambra, Jr.

Joey Giambra: “Thank you all for coming out. I want to thank Bob Duffy and Ring 8. I’m honored and thank them for voting me in. I’m so honored and humbled.”

(L-R) – Bob Duffy, Bob Miller, Melvina Latham and Miller’s wife, Linda

Bob Miller: “Thanks for inducting me into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. The people who’ve come before makes you realize what this means, I’ve trained, managed, promoted and been a cut-man. The best part is the relationships with fighters from so many different backgrounds. I have so many stories. I thank them for allowing me to be part of their lives and see things most wouldn’t. I’m humbled to be inducted in this class.”

Bob Duffy and his wife, Mary

Bob Duffy: “I want to thank Ring 8’s nominating committee for voting me into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and everybody who helped put this together like Keith Sullivan, Ron McNair, Melvina Latham, Jack Hirsch and so many others. I want to congratulate the guys sitting up here. I had an office in Gleason’s Gym and worked Bobby Miller’s shows upstate. I’m very humbled. I grew up on the East Side of Manhattan in the projects. At 14, I had a chance to go to fights at The Garden because I lived only eight blocks away. This is a labor of love. I want to thank my family that has always been supportive. I’ve always felt family first, boxing second, and that’s been my life.”

During the NYSBHOF ceremonies, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ring 8 honored the late Joe Dwyer and Tony Mazzarella, both longtime Ring 8 members who passed away earlier this year. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman made a special presentation to Dwyer’s family. Ring 8 made presentations to the Dwyer and Mazzarella families. Dwyer was president of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF). Mazzarella, who served many years as Ring 8’s treasurer, was a major influence in the founding of the NYSBHOF.

Joe Dwyer’s widow, Linda, accepts a special NYSBHOF belt in memory of her husband

Ring 8 presented WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman (center, red tie) with its Father & Son Award

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and WBC Cares Jill Diamond are shown presenting an award to the late Joe Dwyer’s wife, Linda, and son, Joe Dwyer, Jr.

The WBC presented Ring 8 & NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy with its Certificate of Excellence plaque and medal

Ring 8’s Board of Directors presented this NYSBHOF belt to the family of the late Tony Mazzarella

NYSBHOF Notebook

On behalf of FDNY (New York Fire Department), Bob McGuire made a $1000.00 donation to Ring 8.

Boxers in attendance included Iran Barkley, Heather Hardy, Vito Antuofermo, Juan LaPorte, Vinny Maddalone, Alicia Ashley, Sonja Lamonakis, Shawn Miller. Other boxing dignitaries there were Roc Nation CEO David Itskovich, HBO analyst Harold Lederman, NY State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Latham.

Hirsch announced that any area at the NY State Athletic Commission will serve as the NYSBHOF home. NYSBHOF fighter plagues and other memorabilia will be on display there.

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

boxing, UK Boxing

Championship Boxing At York Hall Followed By Mayweather-Pacquiao Live Via Satellite This Saturday.

April 30, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

Have you got your tickets for the Boxing event of the Century yet? If the answer is no, then promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott may just have the perfect alternative lined-up for Boxing fans – a night of Championship Boxing at York Hall, in Bethnal Green, followed by MAYWEATHER-PACQUIAO live by satellite from Las Vegas.

Kicking off the whole night of pugilistic action, sees a full card of Boxing at the famous Home Of Boxing in the Capital, including two Championship Battles.

Hackney, London based Turkish unbeaten star SIAR OZGUL makes his first tilt at a title when he takes on Nottingham’s MATT SCRIVEN for the vacant MBC International Welterweight Championship.

Main support sees Bradford’s sensational TASIF KHAN challenge for the International Masters Bantamweight crown, against Georgian #1 MIKHEIL SOLONINKINI

Heading up the support for the two Championship bouts sees Chester’s WBF Intercontinental Champion PAUL ECONOMIDES take on Nottingham’s GARFIELD MUSHORE in a non-championship six rounder.

Champions TKO’s unbeaten Light Heavyweight prospect ONDER OZGUL takes on the highly entertaining JODY MEIKLE, from Scunthorpe, in a six rounder.

Making his first visit to the Capital City will be Liverpool based unbeaten Russian star DAVID AGADZHANYAN, who will take on Czech Republic’s JOSEF REDLICH in a six round contest.

Former American Basketball Star, turned professional Boxer, MANNY MUHAMMAD will also be in action against a yet to be named opponent.

Making their debuts on the night are exciting young local talents ANDY CONA and DANIEL MENDES in action against each other.

Once the action is over at York Hall, then the lucky boxing fans attending the event can either go to the free after party at Spearmint Rhino, or go direct to the function rooms to watch the entire build up and of course the main event of the night MAYWEATHER – PACQUIAO

The cost for this whole night of Boxing heaven, believe it or not is just £45 or £75, as the cost for standard seats for the boxing at York Hall are £35 (Standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) and the cost for attending the function room to watch the Big Fight Live is just £10 extra (payable on the night)

Siar Ozgul versus Matt Scriven, for the vacant MBC International Welterweight Championship, headlines the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2^nd May 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available on the night, or to ensure a seat buy on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Injury forces Georgi Karakhanyan out of featherweight title fight – Champion Patricio Pitbull now faces Daniel Weichel at “Bellator: Unfinished Business”

April 29, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

Easy Tweet: “NEW FIGHT: @danielweichel to face @PatricioPitbull for #Bellator featherweight championship on June 19 #UnfinishedBusiness”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 28, 2015) – Due to a knee injury sustained by title challenger Georgi Karakhanyan, Bellator MMA Featherweight World Champion Patricio Pitbull (23-2) will now face German submission ace Daniel “The Weasel” Weichel (35-8) in the co-main event of “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which takes place Friday, June 19 at St. Louis’ Scottrade Center.

Featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock, “Bellator: Unfinished Business” also features Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14) and Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4), with a fifth and final featured bout to be announced shortly.

The 27-year-old “Pitbull,” of Natal, Brazil, is a 13-time veteran of the promotion who captured the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title with a September win over then-champion Pat Curran. “Pitbull” then defended his belt in January with a thrilling submission win over former champion Daniel Straus. In 24 career appearances, “Pitbull” has only lost two fights, and both were the result of razor-thin, split-decisions.

“Pitbull” now meets Germany’s Weichel, who at just 30 years of age already boasts more than 35 professional wins. In his last fight, Weichel earned a hard-fought victory over former champion Pat Curran bringing his record to 12-1 in his past 13 outings. Weichel is a Bellator MMA tournament winner, racking up victories over Desmond Green, Matt Bessette and Scott Cleve in the process. Of those 35 wins, an incredible 21 of them have come by way of submission.

The 5-fight televised card airs live on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT, with preliminary fights streaming on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT.

Tickets for “Bellator: Unfinished Business,” which start at just $30, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

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

Main Card

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. James Thompson (20-14)

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

Preliminary Card

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

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

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)

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

boxing

MASSIVE 7 TITLE FIGHT “MASTER CLASS” SHOW AT YORK HALL ONLY 2 WEEKS AWAY

April 29, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

We are just over two weeks away from probably one of the best non TV shows shown in London in many years.

16^th May is the massive “Master Class” Goodwin Boxing bill featuring Seven title fights including four Southern Area title fights in a 13 fight card worthy of TV coverage.

With only a few tickets remaining this is the last chance to get tickets for what will be a sold out show on the night.

26 year old “The Genius” Jamie Speight has a wish come true on 16^th May 2015 when he co-headlines the massive Goodwin Boxing “Master Class” bill at York Hall defending his Southern Area Featherweight title against Ian Bailey.

Speight has regularly travelled on the road to fight the best including Josh Warrington but after signing with Steve Goodwin, Jamie finally gets his chance to defend his title as the home fighter. His opponent Bailey is ranked above him in the UK rankings so this going to be one competitive fight.
The Speight v Bailey clash is one of four 50/50 intriguing Southern Area title fights on the bill with three masters titles

Adam Dingsdale defends his Southern Area Lightweight title against Prizefighter finalist Michael “Chunky” Devine. Dingsdale has only two losses in his career coming against current Interim World champion Derry Mathews and former WBO European Champion Stephen Ormond. Devine takes a step up in class after reaching the final of Sky Sports’ Prizefighter.

Philip “Quicksilver” Bowes (9-1) challenges for the Light-Welterweight Southern Area title against the unbeaten former Prizefighter Champion Johnny Coyle

Johnny Garton makes his second defence of the Welterweight Southern Area title against former English title challenger Martin Welsh.

The charismatic Danny Connor competes for the International Masters Lightweight title whilst Hampshire’s “Dangerous” Danny Goode fights for the Masters Super Middleweight Title.

Adam Salman completes the trio of Masters title bouts when he competes for the Light Welterweight version.

Two of Ricky Hatton’s “Upton Clan” Paul and Anthony continue their rise to the top with 6 round contests.

The exciting Light Middleweight Joey Vaughan (1-0) has his first contest since signing with the Goodwin’s whilst the show sees the eagerly awaited debuts of Andrew Joicey (Welterweight) and Mwenya Chisanga (Light-Welterweight).

Jamie Arlain (1-0) also has his first contest after a long year break from the sport and after signing with the Goodwin’s whilst exciting unfefeated Light-Middleweight John Cash (4-0) has a six round contest.

The card is completed with Dean Byrne (4 rounds) and David Leo (4 rounds) all facing selected opposition.

Tickets are available from any of the boxers directly or on line at www.iboxingtickets.com

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

MMA ATHLETIX PROSPECT TO MEET RETURNING FAN FAVORITE AT NEF XVIII

April 29, 2015 FNU47 Leave a comment

Lewiston, Maine (April 28, 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,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card. That bout will feature Jason “Second Chance” Lachance (1-1) taking on the returning “Dangerous” Dom “Hands of Stone” Cofone (5-5) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

Jason Lachance of Brunswick, Maine made his MMA debut in May of 2014 at “NEF XIII.” He dropped a decision that night, but Lachance impressed many with his performance against the more-experienced Jarrod Tyler (3-1). He would return to the NEF cage this past February with a victory over Steve Bang, Jr. (3-3) via unanimous decision. Lachance is a product of Ryan Cowette’s (2-2) MMA Athletix gym and Victory Church ministry, both located in Bath, Maine.

“God has blessed me with another opportunity to step inside the NEF cage and do what I love to do,” said Lachance. “An opportunity I am truly grateful for. I am focused on the task at hand and on June 13th, I will be ready for whatever comes my way.”

A true veteran of the NEF amateur ranks, Dom Cofone has produced many memorable moments in the promotion’s cage over the years. Cofone won a Class A State Championship in 2001 wrestling for Westbrook High School in Westbrook, Maine. He put together a stellar record of 117-28 during his high school wrestling career. Cofone has taken the last few months off from MMA competition to concentrate on coaching the Westbrook youth wrestling team. With his previous gym, Balanced Ground MMA, on hiatus, Cofone has recently begun training at Jay Jack (12-7) and Amanda Buckner’s (11-5) Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine.

“I took some time off to help coach my son’s youth wrestling team – shout out to all the Westbrook Wolfpack kids,” said Cofone. “I also needed to heal up a bit from a very active two years in and out of the cage. I’m feeling rejuvenated. I just started training back at the Academy and am super excited to learn as much as I can from such a great team. I’ve met Jason before – he seems like a really great guy. I was at both of his fights, so I know he’s going to be a tough-as-nails, game opponent. I was in the stands for the last NEF event and it just didn’t seem right without ‘Dominick The Donkey’ ringing out of the speakers. This is a great match-up for the fans and I hope to see the Androscoggin Bank Colisee packed. Thank you to everyone who comes out to support local MMA.”

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