boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

CHAMPIONSHIP PRO BOXING RETURNS TO HIALEAH PARK ON MARCH 26

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ESPN Thursday Night Fights Back in South Florida with

Strong Televised Fight Card

Reigning IBF Super-Featherweight Champ
Rances Barthelemy Expected to Appear

Hialeah Park will be back in the international spotlight when ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights return to this iconic venue with an action-packed evening of championship professional boxing on March 26 starting at 6 PM ET.

The star-studded fight card, which will be broadcast live in the United States and in key Latin markets on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, is expected to include the Lightweight debut of reigning IBF Super-Featherweight champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy, who is 21-0 with 12 knockouts.

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, co-promoters of the event with Hialeah Park, confirms that the card will feature a ten-round welterweight affair between Breidis “El Khanqueror” Prescott (27-6, 20 KOs) of Colombia and Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (23-0, 20 KOs) of Ghana.

“This will be a key fight for Prescott,” Margules related. “He’s 31, now. He’s won three fights but dropped two since the start of 2012, so he’s pretty much in a must-win situation if he wants to remain relevant in his division.”

Prescott, now fighting out of Miami, won the first 21 fights of his professional career before losing back-to-back outings in late 2009.

Lawson is six years younger at 25. He’s won three different vacant regional title bouts since December of 2012, most recently the vacant IBF International Welterweight title in July of 2013.

“Lawson didn’t fight in the United States until he re-located to Chicago last year,” Margules noted. “He’s a solid pro who doesn’t need friendly surroundings to win. He’s won in Minnesota and California since coming to America.”

Two undefeated Cuban heavyweight fighters will battle on the card. Yasmany “El Tiburon” Consuegra has a record of 16-0 with 14 knockouts, most in the early rounds. Consuegra has not had to wait for the scorecards to be tallied since winning a four-round bout 5 years ago in only his third lifetime fight. Robert Alfonso is 4-0 in his young career.

Tickets for ESPN’s Thursday Night Fights, also billed as “Noche De Combates,” are on sale now through Ticket Force (www.myticketforce.com),www.hialeahpark.com, and at the Hialeah Park Casino cage.

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About Warriors Boxing

 

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

 

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

 

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

 

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
mixed martial arts, RFA

BOJAN VELICKOVIC FIGHTING FOR PERSONAL GLORY AND NATIONAL PRIDE

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Personal Glory & National Pride:
Bojan Velickovic’s Journey

RFA 24 IN MINNESOTA

FRIDAY MARCH 6TH LIVE ON AXS TV

 

BY K. David Bena 
@kdavidbena


 

When Denver, a city known for cold biting weather, breaks a record for snowfall, maybe it’s best to stay indoors – and rising welterweight Bojan Velickovic can attest, “The gym (Elevation Fight Team) was closed. There was no training that afternoon. It’s crazy. Two feet of snow fell and one of the coaches couldn’t make it (to the gym), so the owner decided to close. The roads are awful. I almost got into two car accidents this morning!”

So being trapped indoors, Bojan “Veli” Velickovic (9-3) did some homework for his upcoming welterweight bout with Chris “The Hitman” Hugh (16-9). The two meet at RFA 24 on Friday, March 6th at the Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The bout will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV. “I’m home now trying to do things for the fight and to watch my opponent, my own fights, to do at least something since I can’t train,” Velickovic explained.

With “The Hitman” Hugh touting a 5-fight win streak, Velickovic knows how dangerous his opponent is, “The most important thing I have to do is to put my own pace and see how he’s going to react to my striking and wrestling.”

Velickovic realizes that winning a fight is not just about studying an opponent, but about studying one’s self, “Hugh has 25 fights, but only two fights on YouTube so I can’t study him that much, but I can also see my previous fights and see what I did bad – and not do those types of mistakes again.”

Training with the esteemed Elevation Fight Team, Velickovic loved the Denver-based fighters and gym, “I trained a lot with UFC fighters Brandon Thatch and Neil Magny for their UFC fights, so I think my striking game and wrestling became better and, as always, I like to fight with the aspects of MMA as a whole and I think that’s what I’ll try to do for this fight (with Hugh).”

At the age of 12, Velickovic started training in Judo for several years and transitioned into kickboxing at the age of 18, “I had like 7 amateur fights and 7 professional. I think my record was total 14-2 or 15-2 – and from kickboxing, I switched to MMA. I see myself now as a mixed martial artist. I like to be good in all aspects. I’m not skipping wrestling class to go to jiu-jitsu. I’m just trying to become better everyday in every aspect of MMA and that’s my goal.”

And Velickovic hasn’t looked back since, “I got to the United States through the reality show, “Road to the Ring of Fire”. Basically, one of the coaches (for the upcoming reality show) was a pro MMA fighter and told me ‘There’s a good reality show coming up. You have good striking, a Judo background, maybe it’s a good opportunity for you.’ So I registered for the reality show and they invited me. I won 4 fights in the show and won the show – and I won my next 3 fights as well.”

Applying for a professional visa, Velickovic has lived in the states since 2013, where he was recruited by American Top Team (ATT) in Coconut Creek, Florida, “ATT helped apply for my visa and I have a contract with them for 5 years.”

Asked if there was any tension, because of splitting his time between two perennial powerhouse gyms (Elevation Fight Team and ATT), Velickovic clarified, “No. I’m with American Top Team – a lot of guys at ATT train in different gyms for a couple of weeks before their fight then come back to ATT for a couple of weeks of sparring and additional training camps, but they always have ‘American Top Team’ on their banners.”

He also sheds light on the politics and influx on fighters that migrate to ATT, “There are a couple of guys that are there full-time, but fighters are always visiting Florida and ATT. A lot of them come back and forth from (places like) California, Texas and stay a couple of weeks, work on sparring, and then they go back home and compete for American Top Team and their hometown gyms.”

Quick to reassure there was no bad blood or misunderstandings with ATT, Velickovic states, “I told them that I was invited to Elevation Fight Team to help Brandon Thatch and Neil Magny get ready for their fights and then I decided to stay here for my whole camp for RFA 24. It’s a high altitude, good gym, good environment, and the guys from the gym accept me really good- and I feel I’m home and that’s the most important thing. But if I decide to move to Colorado, I will still wear ‘American Top Team’ on my shorts for the next couple of years, since I’m still under contract.”

Being a fighter often requires a nomadic existence, leaving behind family and friends to further your skills. Fighting out of Novi Sad, Serbia, Velickovic speaks of his hometown and country fondly regardless of the close proximity of warring countries, “Novi Sad is very beautiful place and when the Yugoslav Wars occurred, Novi Sad was far from the border where the war and fire-fight was and somehow managed to stay out of the conflict. Now Serbia has been peaceful in the last 15-20 years.”

He adds, “I left and came here to become better at MMA, because the training environment in the U.S. and the skills of the fighters are much more advanced than back home. I thought if I came here to train with the best, I can become with one of the best. That’s the main reason why I moved out to U.S.”

To read complete article click HERE

About RFA:
RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents up to 10 fights annually around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 40 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
About AXS TV Fights:
AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC every Friday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.
mixed martial arts, RFA

RFA RETURNS TO THE MOUNT RUSHMORE STATE WITH TWO TITLE FIGHTS

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RFA 25 – LAWRENCE vs. TOOMER

MAIN EVENT: 

JUSTIN LAWRENCE vs. SAM TOOMER

FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

CO-MAIN EVENT: 

GABRIEL CHECCO vs. FRANCISCO FRANCE

MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

 
 
FRIDAY, April 10th LIVE ON AXSTV
Live at the Sanford Pentagon,Sioux Falls, SD.
Tickets on Sale through  Ticketmaster.com

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will be returning to the state of South Dakota in April with a stacked card. RFA 25 – Lawrence vs. Toomer will feature a main event between two RFA fan favorites. RFA featherweight champion Justin “The American Kidd” Lawrence returns to the building that he won his title last summer. His first title defense will be against #1 contender “Super” Sam Toomer, who will be looking to keep his undefeated record intact. In the co-main event, Gabriel “Zangief” Checco meets fellow Brazil native and RFA vet Francisco “Kiko” France for the middleweight title. The event takes place Friday, April 10th at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

“I’m excited to announce that the RFA is returning to South Dakota with two title fights at RFA 25,” stated Soares. “Justin Lawrence is the first person to win a sanctioned MMA world title in the state of South Dakota. He will defend it for the first time against undefeated Sam Toomer in the main event. In the co-headliner, Gabriel Checco and Francisco France will fight for the vacant RFA middleweight title.”

Tickets for RFA 25 – Lawrence vs. Toomer are available for purchase NOW through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 605.312.7900. Ticket prices start at $25, reserved seating is available for $30-$40, and cageside seating is $125.

Lawrence (6-2) returns to the site of the biggest win of his career. Last August at RFA 17, the 24-year-old striking stalwart captured the vacant RFA featherweight title by besting Mark Dickman via Unanimous Decision in what was South Dakota’s very first sanctioned MMA world title fight. The win was Lawrence’s second straight victory since joining the RFA. Before that he had gained worldwide notoriety as a star on the fifteenth season of the UFC’s hit reality show The Ultimate Fighter, where he was the first overall pick. On the show, Lawrence recorded highlight reel KO’s of RFA alum and current UFC star James Krause as well as PRIDE vet and eventual UFC fighter Cristiano Marcello. Lawrence, a former two-time Golden Gloves champion and decorated kickboxer, only had a 3-0 record in MMA at the time, but reached the quarter-finals before earning “Fight of the Night” and “KO of the Night” bonuses for his vicious KO of John Cofer in his UFC debut. Lawrence, who fights out of Alliance MMA in Chula Vista, California, is eager to once again showcase his vaunted striking skills in his first RFA featherweight title defense.

“Once I heard I would be defending my belt in South Dakota, I thought this is awesome,” Lawrence explained. “The Sanford Pentagon is one of the best venues I have ever fought in. I felt comfortable, the locker room was great, and the crowd was fantastic. Sam Toomer is a great athlete with a good right hand. I’ll have to use my kicks, footwork, and out-finesse him. He’s proven to be a worthy challenger, but I look forward to giving him his first loss.”

Toomer (9-0) will be the man challenging Lawrence for RFA gold. Unlike most top mixed martial artists, like Lawrence, who come from grappling or striking backgrounds, Toomer was a lifelong football player. However, the 27-year-old college football defensive back has made a successful transition to MMA by utilizing his natural athleticism, discipline, and unbreakable work ethic to compile an impressive 9-0 record since making his pro debut three years ago. Two of those wins have come in the past eight months after Toomer signed with the RFA. Toomer won his RFA debut at RFA 15 in June with a dominant performance. The one-sided fight saw his opponent Daniel Aguiar get disqualified in the third round after refusing to stand and fight Toomer. The DQ win over Aguiar via timidity put Toomer’s name on the RFA featherweight map as a legitimate title contender. In December, Toomer solidified his case for a title shot with a valiant comeback win over Lyoto Machida protégé Altair Alencar at RFA 21. Toomer, who fights out of The Arena MMA in San Diego, California, is now gearing up for the biggest undertaking of his athletic career in April, as he challenges the highly-touted RFA champion Lawrence for his title.

“It feels great getting to fight for an RFA world title,” stated Toomer. “My first couple of experiences with the RFA have been great, but this is my first time as the main event and I look forward to winning the title. Justin Lawrence is an excellent opponent and the champion for a reason. I’m looking forward to having an exciting fight with him at RFA 25 in South Dakota.

The co-main event of RFA 25 will also feature a title fight between two accomplished RFA vets, who happen to both hail from Brazil. Gabriel “Zangief” Checco (8-1) made his international debut in October in the main event of RFA 19. After coming up short in his first bid for the RFA middleweight title that night to Jake Collier, who was immediately signed by the UFC, Checco rebounded in a big way earlier this month at RFA 23. He made a huge statement with a blistering first round knockout of the highly-touted The Ultimate Fighter 11 cast member Joseph Henle. Checco will now face his fellow countryman and fellow jiu-jitsu black belt Francisco “Kiko” France (11-3-1) for the title. France enters the fight with a ton of momentum after steamrolling his first two opponents in the RFA. Last August, in the RFA’s first trip to South Dakota, France submitted local standout Isaac Appel with a first round Kimura. He followed up that success with another first round finish at RFA 21 in December. He made his case for a title shot that night by dispatching Bellator vet Mikey Gomez with a first round Arm-Triangle Choke.

RFA 25 will mark the return of two more RFA vets in the flyweight division. Abel “The Silent Assassin” Cullum (20-6) will be dropping down to 125-pounds for the first time in his storied MMA career to face Sioux Falls native Josh “The Rage” Rave (24-11). Cullum made a storybook comeback this past fall after a three year hiatus from the sport. In his RFA debut at RFA 18, Cullum submitted UFC vet Ulysses Gomez in 89 seconds. Four weeks later at RFA 19, he submitted top prospect Carl Deaton III in the second round. Cullum now drops down to the flyweight division to face Rave, who is the most accomplished flyweight MMA fighter in South Dakota history. Rave will also be riding momentum heading into this fight. He has won three of his last four bouts since making his RFA debut at RFA 2.

 

In the lightweight division, RFA 25 will feature the return of T.J. “The Carnivore” Hepburn (4-0), who is a longtime RFA fan favorite. He is also the 2012 NCAA Division II wrestling national champion at 157 lbs. Hepburn will face a fellow undefeated lightweight prospect in LaRue “The Cannibal” Burley (5-0), who will be making his highly-anticipated RFA debut. Burley is widely known as the man who gave blue chip MMA prospect Bubba Jenkins his first loss in MMA.

 

Jenkins coincidentally fought on the same RFA 3 card as Hepburn and is the 2011 NCAA Division I wrestling national champion at 157 lbs.

The main card will be rounded out with a middleweight bout pitting Anderson Silva protégé Khalil “War Horse” Rountree (2-0) against Roufusport prospect Cameron Olsen (2-0) and a flyweight bout that will see top-ranked flyweight prospect Geane Herrera (7-0) battle a surging Ben Nguyen (13-5). Nguyen is currently riding a seven-fight win streak and will be returning home to Sioux Falls after making a name for himself in Australia.

The preliminary card is also loaded. Local fan favorites and RFA vets Jordon Larson (5-1), Devin Clark (3-0), and Devin Turner (2-2) are returning to fight on the RFA’s highly-anticipated return trip to their hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Larson defeated Donavon Winters in his RFA debut at RFA 17 in August in a highly entertaining welterweight bout. He will face Jarrod L’Heureux (7-1) in an eagerly anticipated rematch. All seven of L’Heureux’s wins have come via submission with his lone loss coming against Larson.

Clark, Larson’s teammate at Next Edge Academy in Sioux Falls, also won decisively at RFA 17. The light-heavyweight powerhouse won via TKO over 2012 NFL draft pick Aaron Brown. Clark will face Omaha based fighter Jaquis Williams (4-2). Meanwhile, Turner will look to pick up his first RFA win against RFA vet and highly-touted MMA prospect Matt Lopez (4-0) in a 140-pound catchweight bout.

The entire main card of RFA 25 – Lawrence vs. Toomer will be televised live on AXS TV starting at10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, April 10th. RFA 25 will be the promotion’s second event in the state of South Dakota after hosting the first sanctioned MMA event in “The Mount Rushmore State” last August. More fights on the RFA 25 fight card will be announced in the coming weeks.

Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at@RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.

 
About RFA:
RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents up to 10 fights annually around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 40 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
About AXS TV Fights:
AXS TV Fights presents more LIVE mixed martial arts and kickboxing events than any other television network with 40+ LIVE world-class fight cards each year. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich call all the action as champions, challengers, and top prospects take center stage every Friday night at 10pE/7pP. AXS TV Fights can be found online, on Facebook and on Twitter. AXS TV is widely distributed in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers. The network is also carried in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE TAKES STEP UP IN COMPETITION

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Las Vegas, Nevada (March 4, 2015) – This Saturday evening marks a historic night as the sweet science returns to prime time network television on NBC after over thirty years.  Al Haymon’s “Premier Boxing Champions” series will make its debut in millions of homes across the country and is sure to reach casual fight fans and boxing aficionados. This is great for the sport as it presents a platform for viewers of all ages to become familiar with the sport of boxing and its future stars.

 

It is also a platform for professional fighters to become household names and have the public familiar with whom they are and their background. One such fighter is top U.S. heavyweight prospect, Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (13-0, 12 KO’s).  Breazeale, now 29, was introduced to boxing at a relatively late age.  After playing quarterback for the University of Northern Colorado, Breazeale made a decision to leave the grid iron and enter the boxing ring in 2008.

 

Within three and a half years, Breazeale won numerous tournaments in the amateur ranks eventually landing him a spot on the 2012 United States Olympic Team competing in the Super Heavyweight division.  Several months later, Breazeale would sign with influential advisor Al Haymon and turn pro under the tutelage of former amateur star and professional heavyweight John Bray.

 
Photo C/O bStunt.com

In his first nine bouts, Breazeale plowed through his opposition in four rounds or less including the dismantling of heavyweight veteran Lenroy Thomas.  In his tenth professional bout, Breazeale would go the distancefor the first time in his career against a tough veteran in Nagy Aguilera.  Although the bout would last all eight scheduled rounds, Breazeale showed he could box effectively peppering Aguilera at will with combinations of jabs, straight rights, left hooks and uppercuts. 

His next three bouts ended in familiar fashion with his opponents being stopped in three rounds or less.  It has been a great start to Breazeale’s career and he is learning everyday with trainer John Bray.  “I’m satisfied where I am right now in my career, but I know I still have a lot to improve on in order to be ready to become the heavyweight champion of the world.  I trust and believe in John’s ability to take me to that level.  John has been in camps with the likes of Tyson, Lewis and Holyfield and has been trained by legendary trainers as well.”

 

Breazeale returns to the ring this Saturday evening against his toughest opponent to date, Victor Bisbal (21-2, 15 KO’s), a 2004 Olympian from Puerto Rico.  The opportunity to fight in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena on NBC is a dream come true and the 2012 Olympian is ready for this
Photo C/O Adrian Jimenez

challenge.  “I am truly excited to be fighting this weekend on such a huge platform and I am looking forward to this challenge and making my name a household name.  I know Victor is coming prepared and I am definitely prepared as well. It’s going to be a great night of boxing for the fans”, said Breazeale.

 

Trainer John Bray is also excited for this opportunity as he knows this fight can take his pupil from prospect to contender.  “Victor Bisbal is a veteran and a very accomplished fighter as an Olympian with a record of 21-2 with 15 knockouts.  Dominic will have to be on his “A” game to shine and as his trainer I can tell you that he will be that and more.  By out-boxing and beating Bisbal in an impressive fashion, this will make the boxing world take notice that Dominic Breazeale is real and ready for bigger and better things.”

 

PBC on NBC is promoted by Goossen Promotions and tickets for this amazing night of boxing can purchased at www.mgmgrand.com and are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50.

“Here Comes Trouble!“

 

#

 
boxing

Salita inks Kazakh Knockout artist Bakhtier Eubov 

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Brooklyn, NY (March 3, 2015)–Salita’s Promotions is excited to announce another future star has been added to their roster.
Now opponents who will be getting in the ring with Bakhtiyar Eyubov, they might not be so excited, because the prospect is by all accounts a power hitter.
Eyubov, 5-0 as a professional, with five knockous to his credit, comes from Kazakhstan, the same homeland as middleweight superstar Gennady Golovkin. Like Golovkin, Eyubov looks to remove the judges from the equation. Indeed, he gets going from the opening bell, as four of his five KOs have come in round one.
With over 150 wins in the amateurs, a vast majority by KO, it is clear that his style will fit into the pros quite well, and Salita is excited to let New York City-area sweet science fans check him out in the near future.
Eyubov has already enjoyed a reputation as a fearsome banger, so he’s had to agree to fights from 147 pounds all the way up to light heavyweight, 175 pounds, to entice foes to glove up with him. The 28-year-old hitter is summed up thusly by promoter Salita: “He is an aggressive body puncher and aims to get the KO every time. Eyubov has an exciting style and he is very hungry to climb to the top and be a world champion.”
Eyubov will be managed by Wilson Naranjo, who manages ex champion Luis Collazo and world-rated contender Raphael Vasquez.
Salita will soon announce his next professional fight card, and when we can see the talents of the prospect Eyubov for ourselves. Until then check out the video
Bakhtiyar Eyyubov AZE vs Cliff Newton USA February 17, 2012
Bakhtiyar Eyyubov AZE vs Cliff Newton USA February 17, 2012
For more info check out Salitapromotions.com
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPERSTAR FIGHTERS ON THE INAUGURAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHT CARD OFFER TRAINING CAMP INSIGHTS AHEAD OF THEIR MARCH 7 SHOWDOWNS AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS

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LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2015) – The fan favorites participating on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight card on Saturday, March 7 shared their progress today on how training camp is going and the importance of the return of boxing to primetime network television.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

As they prepare to open a new chapter in boxing history, Keith “One Time” Thurman,Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. and Abner Mares took some time out of their busy training schedules to discuss the debut of PBC.

 

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN

 

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth time?

 

A: I love MGM Grand. The last time when I fought there as the co-main event was an honor. This is an even greater honor to be the main event. Many world-class fighters have performed there and Floyd Mayweather has made it his home. This is a dream come true.

 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

 

A: It’s a blessing and I’ve been working towards this for 19 years. Al Haymon could have picked any of his great fighters for this moment and I’m honored be part of this night and kick things off right.

 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

 

A: With NBC coming back to primetime boxing it gives us boxers a chance to shine again on the biggest stage. We’ve been continuing to fill up arenas for years, but boxing is returning to the mainstream spotlight with an even bigger punch on March 7.

 

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

 

A: His father had a few comments, and some things were said, but I’m expecting him to come out throwing punches and looking to execute his game plan when we enter the ring. We’re going to show him that he never should have signed this contract. There’s a different side of Keith Thurman inside that ring and he’s going to learn the hard way.

 

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

 

A: He hasn’t fought anyone with extreme power like me.

 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

 

A: He’s been in the ring with some great fighters, but every fight is its’ own learning experience. We work hard in training every time to outbox boxers, outpunch punchers, and I’m expecting to be ready to do everything better than him.

 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

 

A: It’s actually a very mundane lifestyle. I’m resting, getting acupuncture or massage therapy. I like to go out and find good hip-hop. I’ve been eating some good sushi and seaweed salad, but just staying on my diet and resting and recovering before my late night run and maybe a session in my hyperbaric chamber.

 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

 

A: I’ll be honest, I’m going to stand there and exchange with him for six rounds, and if he’s still standing there we’ll see. With my punching power the KO can come at any time with that one punch. If he walks into it or I lunge at him…it can even be a body shot. I’m just looking to get him out of there. I’m going to do what I need to do to stay a champion and we’re looking to move on past March 7 with a victory.

 

 

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO

 

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

 

A: MGM Grand is the Mecca of boxing venues and I’m very excited to be performing in the main event against an undefeated young lion like Keith Thurman. 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

 

A: Oh yeah, I'm extremely motivated to be the first fighter to bring boxing back to NBC on primetime. Al Haymon is doing a fantastic job with the PBC. I want to show the world I'm an elite fighter and what better way to do it then against an undefeated world champion. 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

 

A: It's so great in so many ways. First, anyone with a TV can watch this fight, so millions of more people can tune in. The number of new fans that will be gained will be unbelievable. For those hardcore fans who can't afford cable, this will be a breathe of fresh air to see a top notch fight on regular network TV. Fans who are just hanging at a restaurant or sports bar, who don't even like boxing will be tuning in, and they will all become new fans with the action they'll be seeing. It's going to be great for everyone. 

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

 

A: Thurman has a lot of power and that's something I must be aware of. 

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

 

A: He’s a good fighter, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring on Saturday.

 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

 

A: I'm doing a few different things but nothing I can talk about at the moment. 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

 

A: Spending time with my family. They're my motivation. 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

 

A: In Spanish we say "Chingasos." That's what the fans can expect from me on March 7th. My hands will be raised at the end of the fight and you'll hear the referee say "And the new..." 

 

ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

 

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

 

A: You know I love the big moment with the spotlight. March 7 is going to be my time to shine and MGM Grand is the place to do it.

 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

 

A: Of course, Al Haymon has lots of guys who could have fought on this first card and I’m honored to have been chosen.

 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

 

A: This is a huge deal. This is our chance to get the attention of a whole new crowd of people. This is going to make boxing bigger than ever.

 

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

 

A: John Molina Jr. is a true warrior. His nickname suits him. He’s like a punching bag that can hit back with power. He’s a deadly fighter. It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

 

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

 

A: It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

 

A: We’re just doing what we always do, putting in hard work. It’s been great having this experience with my newborn son, but I’m very focused on March 7.

 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

 

A: Well actually I just had a son born, Adrieon, a couple weeks ago. I was supposed to go out to Washington D.C. towards the end of my training camp, but I ended up staying in Cincinnati to be with his mother and to see him be born. It was a great experience.

 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

 

A: There’s going to be lots of heavy hitting. I’m looking forward to stopping John Molina Jr., and if I don’t stop him it will be a bloody massacre.

 

 

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

 

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

 

A: I’m very excited to be back there again. This is going to be a great night of boxing for the world to see.

 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

 

A: I’m always motivated, but I don’t want to dig too much into the hype and risk getting distracted. Being on this platform on NBC is great for the sport. I just don’t want to psych myself out.

 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

 

A: It doesn’t get any bigger. We’re back in the mainstream section of sports. Being back on NBC and in 120 million homes is huge. For us fighters who put our lives on the line this is very exciting.

 

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

 

A: He’s a very talented three-time world champion, but he’s just another fighter like me.

 

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

 

A: Not really, I’ll be looking to come out victorious like any other time that I step into the ring.

 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

 

A: I’m not doing anything special, but this is the best camp I’ve ever had. There are no excuses going into this one. We obviously have a game plan because we know every fight is different, but there’s nothing necessarily special aside from preparing 110 percent.

 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

 

A: I like to spend time with my family. It’s important to remember why and who I’m doing this for. So on days off I like to be with my wife and child. There have been lots of emotional hiccups during this camp with the passing of my grandfather, and then my best friend lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So it’s been tough finding the time to mourn those important people properly, but it’s just further motivation for me to perform well.

 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

 

A: It’s going to be an amazing match. Every time I enter the ring it’s a fight of the year candidate and I’m going to win.

 

 

ABNER MARES

 

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

 

A: I’ve fought at MGM Grand over 10 times – it feels like home – and I’ve won there every time, thank God. I’m looking forward to winning there again on March 7.

 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card?

 

A: Yes, of course! I’m looking forward to fighting on the PBC inaugural card on NBC and on national TV. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my talent to new viewers as well as boxing fans.

 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

 

A: It’s huge for the sport. If you go back to the Sugar Ray Leonard days, all these fights were televised on broadcast TV, and on NBC, so the history is there. To have it kick off on Saturday, March 7 in primetime is a real boost for the sport and the fans. People are going to appreciate the sweet science of boxing through this fight and series.

 

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

 

A: For me, I’m ready for the fight. I don’t underestimate him; he’s a dangerous fighter in that he is an ex-Olympian so he has that amateur background.

 

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

 

A: He’s had a good record and has fought some tough opposition. He brings lots of experience into the ring. I’m ready for him though.

 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

 

A: This is not about one fight but about a career. We approach this fight – and every fight – with dedication and commitment. Not only to the sport and its history, but our training program. My team and I are focused on winning and earning my fourth belt.

 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

 

A: I think everyone knows that I’m a family man. When I’m not in the gym or training I’m spending time with my wife and two daughters.

 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

 

A: Fireworks. I’m not just fighting my opponent that night; I’m fighting towards my fourth belt.

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing

Paul Andrade, Father/trainer of WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade responds to Erislandy Lara  

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Providence, RI (March 3, 2015)–The following is a response to WBA Super Welterweight champion Erislandy Lara from Paul Andrade, the father/trainer of undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade:
Dear Mr. Erislandy Lara:
In response to your comments, whoever wrote your response should get their facts correct.
When we listen to you, we see the final triumph of stupidity in this world.  You are the only boxer that successfully brainwashed himself with false facts.
We were never in our life offered a fight on ESPN 2 to fight you.  In fact, when I met you in that restaurant in New York, we even said that Demetrius would let his career develop and fight you for much more meaningful amount than $15,000.  When was the last time you fought for $15,000?  And you agreed with me.
Now the time is here for us to get together but all you talk about is a meaningless fight in a foreign country that you won by just four points when Demetrius was just 17 and you were 21.  On top of that, you know when an American goes to a foreign country his opponent always gets an extra five points.  We saw it at the Pan Am Games, in the Olympics and whenever we have fought on foreign soil.
After seeing Demetrius’ talent level, you decided going to the Olympics would have been a failed effort and decided to turn pro.
As we all know, many times guys who have been beaten by an individual in the amateurs come back and open up a can of whoop ass when they fight as professionals.
I see you posted your long list of accomplishments, we all are fighters in development when we start but you claim we have not fought anybody and you have.
The only opponent that we have in common is Vanes Martirosyan.  We have the utmost respect for him and the best you can do was pull out a draw.  I guess you were happy that headbutt occurred because Vanes was on his way to knocking you out.  Then comes Angulo.  The moment he trapped you, he dropped you twice and again then you escaped because of a lucky thumb that swelled up Angulo’s eye.  How many times will luck be on your side?
Now it is time for you to man up and take the challenge.  Forget the cheap talk, do you want to get it on?  Yes or No?  A real man and a real champion would answer yes.
Sincerely,
Paul Andrade
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boxing

CAMP NOTES: BRONCO BILLY WRIGHT

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LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2015) – 50-year old WBC #17 heavyweight contender, “Bronco” Billy Wright (46-4, 37 KOs), is less than two weeks away from his upcoming 10-round main event bout with Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-2, 20 KOs).  The bout takes place at the We Ko Pa Casino in Fort McDowell, Arizona on the RJJ Boxing Promotions card March 13, 2015.  Bronco Billy Wright gives his thoughts on training camp and defending his WBC LATIN AMERICAN and FECARBOX titles.

 

Bronco Billy on training camp preparations….

“Training camp has been tough this time around.  I’ve been working really hard to get in the best shape of my life.  My trainer Rafael Garcia Jr. has me doing some out of the box training methods that has been real beneficial to my boxing style.  We are finishing up our last days of sparring this week.  I’ll be ready to bring it next Friday.

 

Bronco Billy gives his thoughts on his bout with Domingos….

“I know Domingos is going to be looking for the knockout as am I, so we’ll see who lands the first bomb.  Like in all my fights, I’ll be looking to end the fight early.  If I need to go some extra rounds, I’m ok with that, as I’m in good boxing shape. He’s going to taste some my power, that’s for sure.

 

Bronco Billy comments on defending his WBC titles….

“Defending my WBC LATIN AMERICAN and FECARBOX titles is a pretty big deal for me.  It’s my leverage to compete at the top level as I try to crack the top ten in the WBC.  Right now I’m at #17, but I plan to move up with each fight this year.

 

Bronco Billy discusses being a 50-year old heavyweight contender….

“At this age I feel stronger then I was when I was younger.  It’s that old man strength I guess you can call it. I’m smarter, wiser and more discipline at this stage in my career.  I have a goal to become the heavyweight champion of the world and motivation is greater than ever.  A lot of these top contenders are shying away from fighting me.  I just want to earn my opportunity and fight the best.

 

# # #

 

Tickets priced $20 general admission, $35 and $50, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Bronco Billy Wright at (702) 524-3331.

 

The We Ko Pa Casino is located at 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264.  Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight is at 7:00 P.M.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO HONOR ANNIVERSARY OF ISRAEL VAZQUEZ-RAFAEL MARQUEZ RIVARLY WITH CLASSIC FIGHTS, ROUNDS, PHOTOS, STATS & MORE

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 Full Fights To Be Offered On SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME®

& SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® Beginning With Vazquez-Marquez I

TONIGHT At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click on the image to watch the 2007 Round of the Year

http://s.sho.com/1CjL597

 

Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (March 3, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports will offer boxing fans a chance to relive one of boxing’s most intense and brutal rivalries as it rolls out content in celebration of the classic showdowns between Mexican legends Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez.

 

Tonight, on the eighth anniversary of their epic first battle, SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) will present Vazquez-Marquez I, a unanimous selection of 2007 Fight of the Year.  Then on Wednesday, Vazquez-Marquez II, an old-school slugfest that produced a Round of the Year Winner, will air at 11 p.m. ET/PT.  The third installment, the 2008 Fight of The Year, will air on Thursday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Plus, Vazquez-Marquez I-IV will air in a “Roadblock” this Saturday on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at Noon ET/PT.

 

In honor of the rivalry, SHOWTIME Sports will also release classic photos, quick-hitting highlights, stats as well as full rounds.  The third round from Vazquez-Marquez I and the third round from Vazquez-Marquez II (2007 Round of the Year) will be available on YouTube, Facebook and the SHOWTIME Sports website.  Additionally, The Boxing Blog will release three posts from SHOWTIME boxing analyst and historian Steve Farhood as he looks back on the first three epic meetings between the 122-pound warriors.

 

All four Vazquez-Marquez fights will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME andSHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning Monday, March 9.  Below is the full schedule of action on SHOWTIME EXTREME:

 

TODAY/Tuesday, March 3

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez I, 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

Wednesday, March 4

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez II, 11 p.m. ET/PT

 

Thursday, March 5

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez III, 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

Saturday, March 7

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez I,Noon ET/PT

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez II, 1 p.m. ET/PT

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez III, 2 p.m. ET/PT

·         SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Vazquez vs. Marquez IV, 3 p.m. ET/PT

 

Described by Farhood as “an explosion of artistic brutality,” their first meeting had all the action and drama of a Hollywood blockbuster and left fans –and the fighters– clamoring for a rematch.  Vazquez and Marquez delivered yet again in their second meeting just five months later in yet another old-school, bloody slugfest that produced a Round of the Year winner –the third– and a result that demanded a rubber match.

 

Vazquez-Marquez III, contested just 363 days from their first meeting, was a celebration of boxing at its finest, the only match in the rivalry to go the distance and the 2008 Fight of the Year.  The two would meet for the fourth and final time again in 2010.

 

# # #

 

About Showtime Networks Inc.:

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon Halsey meets Kendall Grove at California’s Pechanga Resort & Casino – Friday, May 15 on Spike TV

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 3, 2015) – Undefeated Bellator MMA World Middleweight Champion Brandon “Bull” Halsey (8-0) looks to defend his belt for the first time when he takes on towering Hawaiian scrapper Kendall “Da Spyder” Grove (21-14).

 

The contest serves as the headlining bout of “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which takes place onFriday, May 15, at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif. The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike TV, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com.

 

Tickets for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove,” which start at just $50, are already on sale at Pechanga.com and the Pechanga Resort & Casino box office.

 

Doors for “Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” open at 4 p.m. PT local time, and the first contest takes place one hour later. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

 

“We’re really looking forward to bringing another exciting world championship fight to a great sell-out crowd at Pechanga Resort & Casino this May,” said Bellator President Scott Coker.  “Our middleweight champion Brandon Halsey has been extremely impressive through his first 8 fights, and I’m looking forward to watching him defend his belt for the first time against Kendall Grove.”

 

Halsey, from Huntington Beach, Calif., is a former Division I wrestler at Cal-State Bakersfield who turned his attention to mixed martial arts in 2012 and has kept his professional record unblemished through the first eight matchups of his career. At just 28 years old, Halsey already owns six victories under the Bellator MMA banner, including a four-man tournament victory to earn a shot at the belt and a stunning, 35-second stoppage of then-champ Alexander Shlemenko to claim the Bellator MMA World Middleweight Championship.

 

Three of Halsey’s past four wins have come by way of first-round stoppage.

 

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Grove has been fighting professionally for nearly 12 years. The Hawaiian-born Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is a former winner of “The Ultimate Fighter,” who has earned 15 of his 21 career victories by stoppage, include 10 wins by submission.

 

The 6-foot-6 Grove signed with Bellator MMA in 2013 and earned his shot at the belt with an October submission win over former Bellator MMA World Light Heavyweight Champion Christian M’Pumbu.

 

“Bellator: Halsey vs. Grove” – Friday, May 15, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, Calif.

 

Bellator Middleweight Title Fight: Champ Brandon Halsey (8-0) vs. Kendall Grove (21-14)

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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