mixed martial arts, RFA

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK: The Jeff Curran Story

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JEFF CURRAN: DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK!

RFA 24 IN MINNESOTA

FRIDAY MARCH 6TH LIVE ON AXS TV

BY K. David Bena
@kdavidbena


 

UFC, PRIDE, WEC, WFA, IFL, Strikeforce. Only ONE FIGHTER has fought for all six of these promotions that are currently under the Zuffa umbrella. That fighter? Jeff “Big Frog” Curran.

Curran ends his 19-month retirement and enters the octagon at RFA 24 rau Hnub vas Xuv, March 6th at the Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. The event will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV. The veteran bantamweight, Curran (36-16-1) will test his mettle in the co-main event against the surging Melvin Blumer (11-2) who is touting a 5-fight win streak.

Think back to 1991… What were you doing? Well, Curran was a wide-eyed 14-year old that decided to train jiu-jitsu. Curran explains, “My first class, I learned something called ‘paint the floor’ also known as an Americana and I knew that’s what I wanted to do and I just continued training jiu-jitsu ever since. I kept the focus on myself as an athlete and a fighter and one thing kept leading to another.”

Fast-forward to August 16, 2013 at RFA 9, Curran lost a split decision in a bantamweight title fight against Pedro Munhoz. “I retired after my last fight in the RFA. I’ve fought for a world title and been in every major show in the sport and been fighting, at that time, for 17 xyoo. I just felt that with my business and the gym, where I was at that stage in my life, my kids and family, I thought that it was time to retire.”

Curran adds, “But, mainly, I didn’t want to be second best, I never wanted to be average as a fighter. Once I felt the dream was gone or the opportunity was gone to climb back to the UFC, to fight the best guys in the world, I felt it was best to stop since my prime has kind of passed.”

However, after careful introspection and the smoldering desire to continue fighting, Curran decided to step back into the cage. “I wanted to win the fight, win the belt, and go out on top. I felt it would be a real admirable way to retire, but it didn’t go my way. So I retired – and it never sat well with me,” Curran explained. “And the more time that went on, I felt the need to fight. I started to look for opportunities and RFA found an opportunity for me to fight again. So here I am.”

Juggling roles as a family man, business man, coach, and fighter might make some people’s head spin, but Curran explains, “I had my gym before I had my first fight, so I was always used to the responsibility of splitting my time, but now it’s a lot more in-depth than it used to be because my fighters are at different levels and require more time. Business is also on a different level – and I have two boys that are growing faster by the day and I have my wife. There’s responsibility across the board and it’s more than it was schedule-wise than back when I was opening a school. Yeah, it’s a lot to juggle, but I do it.”

Through all his responsibilities, Curran maintains focus for his upcoming fight with the dangerous Melvin Blumer, “His win streak speaks volumes, especially in the Midwest because a lot of the guys you fight are pretty similar in strength and skill set, so you get tough competition and local promoters in the Midwest are always looking to put on good fights. A guy that is 11-2 (Blumer) and on a 5-fight win streak is impressive to me and it’s exactly what I want.”

Curran explains further, “I don’t want to fight some bum or fight someone I know I can beat. I want to fight someone that can challenge me and let me know if I still belong in the game or give me the right sense of accomplishment if I win, so Blumer’s a great opponent. Blumer is tough. I give him enough respect to train my ass off and treat him as a top ten guy. But with that being said, I know I’m top ten caliber, so I’m bringing everything I got and I think it will make for a good fight.”

And what is Curran’s next step with a victory? Even he isn’t sure, “I don’t know what my next move is. I didn’t make a definite decision one way or another. To be honest, I know when I lost, retirement didn’t fit well with me, but with the right win it most likely could, but at the same time with the right win, I can get the attention of the UFC and decide if I want to chase my first UFC victory.”

Rau Hnub vas Xuv, March 6th, Curran and everyone watching will be wondering what the “Big Frog’s” next venture in life will be.

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 Hnub vas Xuv 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 Hnub vas Xuv night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. LI.
amateur boxing, Golden hnab looj tes

NY Daily News 88th Annual Golden Gloves Finals Tickets are now available at Gleason’s.

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Tim 1 thiab 2, 2015

NY Daily News 88th Annual Golden Gloves

Finals Tickets are now available.

 

 

Gleason’s Gym has the best tickets available for both nights of the finals, Hnub peb thiab Hnub plaub.

 

 

We have Hnub peb, April 1st:

$75 per ticket (Sections F1)

$65 per ticket (Section 8)

$42 per ticket (Sections 121)

 

 

 

We have Hnub plaub, April 2nd:

$75 per ticket (Sections F1)

$65 per ticket (Section 8)

$42 per ticket (Sections 121)

 

Call the gym at 718 797 2872 or email us at info@gleasonsgym.net

 
 
 

 
Paul Anthony Wins

 
Jose Gonzalez

 
Khadlid Twaiti wins

Female Golden Glove Bout

 

boxing, UK Boxing

Champions Return: Bell and Churcher Co-Headline 7th March Nottingham Event.

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Doncaster’s former English and British Champion Andy Bell and Newport’s former Welsh and British Masters Champion Lee Churcher are set to co-headline Wayne O’Hara’s Chief O’Hara Promotions OUTLAWS BACK event, at the Britannia Hotel in Nottingham this coming Saturday – 7th Lub peb hlis ntuj.

 

After a near five year absence from the sport, following the surprise loss to John Donnelly, in a non-championship six rounder in May 2010, Doncaster’s Andy Bell finally makes his long awaited return to fray hnub Saturday no.

 

Bell’s Championship campaign began in April 2007 with an eighth round stoppage victory over Shrewsbury’s Neil Marston for the BBBofC Midlands Area Bantamweight title.

 

Two months later he added the British Masters Bantamweight crown to his trophy cabinet, with a solid points victory over Sheffield’s Mo Khaled.

 

Just three months later Bell was back in Championship action once again, this time challenging Bradford’s Robert Nelson for the vacant BBBofC English Super Flyweight title. Bell added a third belt to his growing collection, with a yet another stoppage victory, this time in the dying seconds of seventh stanza.

 

In his final fight of the 2007 season Bell successfully defended his English title with a tidy points victory over Grimsby’s Wayne Bloy.

 

In March 2008 Bell added the coveted Lonsdale belt to his collection, after beating long time BBBofC British Super Flyweight Champion Chris Edwards in a thriller that went the distance, Bell winning by a clear margin of 117-111 on Judges Phil Edwards and Terry O’Connor’s scorecards and 115-113 on Judge John Keane’s scorecard.

 

In November 2008 Bell defended the British crown, against current British and European Bantamweight and former WBA Inter-Continental Champion Lee Haskins.

 

After twelve sensationally close fought, all action, rounds Bell lost out to Haskins by a close points margin of 116-113, on Judges Howard John Foster and Dave Parris’ scorecards and an even closer margin of 115-114 in Judge Victor Loughlin’s eyes.

 

Rau hnub Saturday Bell will face the highly experienced Slovakian Elemir Rafael.

 

Co-headlining the OUTLAWS BACK event is another returning Champion, Newport’s BBBofC Welsh Area Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher.

 

Churcher, who hasn’t fought since the ninth round stoppage win over Barrie Jones that secured him the Welsh title in May 2012, makes his most welcome return to the ring Rau hnub Saturday, where he will face a strong challenge from Slovakian hard man Vladimir Tazik in a four rounder.

 

The support card for the two former Champions is headed by a rare home bout for Nottingham’s very own Matt Scriven, when he faces Julius Rafael.

 

The OUTLAWS BACK event will also feature a number of Nottingham’s home grown talent, including Clinton Chambers, Tom Langley, Connor Ruddoch, Jack Whitehouse, Tom Mulligan, James Wheldon, De La Menace as well as feature the showdown between Carl Coulthard and Karston Lejoint.

 

Lee Churcher versus Vladimir Tazik and Andy Bell versus Elemir Rafael co-headline the Wayne O’Hara, Chief O’Hara Promotions OUTLAWS BACK event, at the Britannia Hotel in Nottingham on Saturday 7th Lub peb hlis ntuj 2015.

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

Daim pib, priced £35 and £55 (Ringside) for OUTLAWS BACK at the Britannia Hotel in Nottingham, are available from any of the competing boxers or call Matt on 07833 995770.

 

Qhov rooj qhib thaum 6PM, first bout 6:30PM

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, Lub University MMA

UNIVERSITY OF MMA LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT BEGINS AT FIGHT NIGHT 9 MARCH 8 AT CLUB NOKIA AT L.A. LIVE

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Los Angeles, CA – The University of MMA begins it’s 2015 season on Lub peb hlis ntuj 8, at their regular campus, Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE, withUniversity of MMA: Hmo ntuj 9. Already overflowing with 19 guaranteed explosive matches, Hmo ntuj 9 will feature one of the most diverse fight cards in U of MMA history, including three women’s matches, two University of MMA championship title defenses, and the opening round of the University of MMA’s second-ever lightweight championship tournament. Tickets are now on sale at www.UofMMA.com thiab www.axs.com.

“The buzz around this show has been tremendous. We’re just as excited as the fighters and fans, and we’re looking forward to launching the U of MMA in 2015 with a boom, not a bang,” said U of MMA promoter Turi Altavilla.

Elite Training Center teammates Roman ‘The Gladiator’ Todorovich and Tommy ‘The Spaniard’ Aaron currently reign supreme in the U of MMA as champions in their respective divisions. At featherweight, newly-crowned king Tommy ‘The Spaniard’ Aaron will defend his belt for the first time againstSergio ‘Surge the Kid’ Perez (Hayastan MMA) who bounds into the match undefeated at the U. The reigning Aaron is also undefeated, riding a four-fight win streak on top of two pankration matches before that.

The University of MMA welterweight belt finds itself in an unusual position, as current champion Roman Todorovich not only returns to defend the belt for an unprecedented second time, but he will defend it against the same former champion from whom he won it, Jarett Conner. The two fought just over one year ago in Conner’s first title defense. Since that time, the man formerly known as ‘Real Talk’ has reinvented himself, and is more motivated than ever to reclaim the championship he feels he should never have lost.

The first match in the quest to fill the vacant University of MMA lightweight championship throne pairs up rising star Julio Lopez (Ruckus MMA) vs. former title contender Pious ‘Voodoo’ Enilolobo, ❏ Jr ❏. (BJMUTA/Flying Kick Martial Arts). Lopez is undefeated in his amateur career and has finished all of his opponents, including a first-round submission victory at Fight Night 8. Enilolobo is one of the most dynamic fighters in the U, finishing two of his first three fights in dominating fashion. He previously challenged former champion Derion ‘DC’ Chapman in one of the most anticipated U of MMA matches.

On the opposite side of the bracket, T.J.. Scot (Team Lagarto)faces off against former University of MMA champion A.J. Lavarias (Systems Training Center). In his only U of MMA appearance, Scot submitted Lavarias’ teammate, Carnacion Contreras, in the first round to earn Blue Chip Honors on the University of MMA’s Dean’s List. Lavarias is coming back after a year’s hiatus, rejuvenated and rededicated to becoming a champion once again.

 

Several U of MMA veterans will be returning after lengthy hiatus, including Stefani Pogue (Systems Training Center), Cruz Martinez (10th Planet Van Nuys), Thom Landeros (All In MMA), Mike Derderian (10th Planet HQ Fight Team), and Vince Cachero (Systems Training Center). Coincidentally, Derderian and Cachero find themselves pitted against each other at 135 lbs. Schuyler ‘Scorpio Sky’ Andrews (The Guild) makes his second showing at the U, while the most veteran U of MMA fighter, Ryan ‘The Lion’ Lilley (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA) comes in for a record seventh time, fighting the dangerous and experienced Jonathan Quiroz (California MMA).

 

Continuing to support womens’ MMA, Hmo ntuj 9 features an unprecedented three female fights. Aside from the returning Pogue, all the other ladies are fresh faces to U of MMA fans. Pogue faces Kelli Vanhoy (Millennia MMA), while Daria ‘The Jersey Devil’ Berenato (Systems Training Center) takes on Jasmine Pouncy (Nubian MMA), and Anita Hoehenleiter (JFM Boxing/Systems Training Center) meets Ashlee Grant (Bowman’s Dojo), a world-class karate champion making her long-anticipated MMA debut.

 

“I’m ecstatic about the mix of new names and familiar faces we’re working with,” professed U of MMA matchmaker Jay Tan. “Fans are going to see a whole fresh crop of young stars, starting with this show.”

 

Confirmed matches for University of MMA: Hmo ntuj 9 include:

 

University of MMA Featherweight Championship:
145 lbs. – Tommy ‘The Spaniard’ Aaron (Elite Training Center)vs. Sergio ‘Surge the Kid’ Perez (Hayastan MMA)

 

University of MMA Lightweight Championship Tournament Opening Round:
155 lbs. – T.J.. Scot (Team Lagarto) vs. A.J. Lavarias (Systems Training Center)

 

University of MMA Welterweight championship:
170 lbs. – Roman ‘The Gladiator’ Todorovich vs. Jarett Conner (Independent)

 

University of MMA Lightweight Championship Tournament Opening Round:
155 lbs. – Pious ‘Voodoo’ Enilolobo, ❏ Jr ❏. (BJMUTA/Flying Kick Martial Arts) vs. Julio Lopez (Ruckus MMA)

 

170 lbs. – Scorpio Sky (The Guild) vs. Lance ‘The Black Ranger’ Bush (Team Lagarto)

 

135 lbs. – Michael Derderian (10th Planet HQ Fight Team) vs.Vince Cachero (Systems Training Center)

 

125 lbs. – Hugo Aranda (House of Champions) vs. Thom ‘The Beast’ Landeros (All In MMA)

 

125 lbs. – Jasmine ‘Tapout Queen’ Pouncy (Nubians MMA) vs.Daria ‘The Jersey Devil’ Berenato (Systems Training Center)

 

135 lbs. – Richie Meister (BJMUTA) vs. Milton Arguello (10thPlanet Van Nuys)

 

145 lbs. – Jonathan Quiroz (California MMA) vs. Ryan ‘The Lion’ Lilley (Bas Rutten’s Elite MMA Gym)

 

125 lbs. – Kelly Vanhoy (Millennia MMA) vs. Stefani Pogue (Systems Training Center)

 

205 lbs. – Travis Williams (Elite Training Center) vs. Michael ‘Lazer’ Reyes (10th Planet Van Nuys)

 

165 lbs. – Arsalan Homayun (10th Planet Burbank) vs. Yaskin Solano (Paragon BJJ)

 

170 lbs. – Sergey Martirosyan (Docando/Haystan MMA) vs.Cruz Martinez (10th Planet Van Nuys)

 

155 lbs. – Ashlee Grant (Bowman’s Dojo) vs. Anita Hoehenleiter (JFM Boxing/Systems Training Center)

 

155 lbs. – Ernie Leyva (CSW) vs. Vlad Kochiev (10th Planet Van Nuys)

 

170 lbs. – Danny Llamas (The Guild) vs. Aaron Landry (Ring of Fire Martial Arts Academy)

 

125 lbs. – Sonny Ashton (Smash Squad) vs. Angel ‘The Kraken’ Diaz (Systems Training Center)

 

150 lbs. – Victor ‘The Blitz’ Rivera (Nubians MMA) vs. Lance Lee ‘Vanquish’ (Kings MMA)

 

Lub University MMA: Hmo ntuj 9 takes place at 5:00pm on Sunday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 8, 2014, at Club Nokia at L.A. LIVE, 800 West Olympic Boulevard. Qhov rooj qhib thaum 4:30PM. Fight card is subject to change. Tickets are now available and can be purchased throughwww.UofMMA.com thiab www.AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or 888-929-7849, and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon- Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. Applicable fees may apply. The Club Nokia box office will open at2:00PM the day of the event.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ****

 

CONTACT: Either Jay Tan at jaytan@UofMMA.com and (213) 618-0332 or Turi Altavilla at turi@UofMMA.com and (310) 701-8331.

 

***** ***** ***** ***** ****

 

ABOUT THE University of MMA (www.UofMMA.com): The University of Mixed Martial Arts (aka “The U of MMA”) is a Los Angeles-based fight promotion specializing in high-octane, upscale amateur MMA events. Its mandate is to provide a stage for young, aspiring fighters to hone their MMA skills and develop themselves as marketable personalities and respectable ambassadors of the sport. The U of MMA was founded in 2010, and serves as a scouting show for professional organizations such as King of the Cage and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA). Each event is sanctioned by CAMO, which upholds the highest safety standards in the nation for amateur MMA. The team behind the U of MMA collectively has over 20 years of professional promoting experience at the highest level of the sport, including international and domestic events which were broadcast on pay-per-view, cable, and network television in the United States, Japan, and Great Britain. For tomorrow’s MMA stars and champions, IT STARTS HERE!

 

About Club Nokia: Club Nokia, a multi-use music, entertainment and concert venue–located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district– accommodates over 2,300 guests. Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia is the perfect venue for emerging music acts and cultural shows while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties. The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space. This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans. Club Nokia has been honored two consecutive years at the annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards-in 2009 raws li “Best New Major Concert Venue” thiab nyob rau hauv 2010 raws li “Nightclub Of The Year”; along with a Zagat Award for Best Live Music Club in Los Angeles (2009).
Lub University MMA | | info@UofMMA.com | http://www.UofMMA.com
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

MARIO BARRIOS MAKES LAS VEGAS DEBUT ON GUERRERO-THURMAN UNDERCARD

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Photo By Paul Gallegos

LAS VEGAS (Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, 2015) – San Antonio’s 6’1 undefeated featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (7-0, 3 KOs), will make his Las Vegas debut on the undercard of Guerrero vs. Thurman this Saturday March 7, 2105, at the MGM Grand Hotel. Barrios will face Justin Lopez (5-2, 3 KOs) in what will be his first 6-round bout.

 

Already known for his fast hands, Barrios is getting better with each fight. Against Lopez, he will look to continue his quest to remain undefeated with an incredible performance.

 

“When you’re a kid growing up in this sport, you always think about what it would be like to fight in the boxing capitol of the world, Las Vegas,” said Barrios. “Now that time has come and I’m ready to get busy. I don’t know much about my opponent expect that he has some power. None the less, I’m looking to impress those in attendance with a great performance.”

 

Advised by Al Haymon, Barrios knows he is in a wonderful position to take his career to the next level.

 

“This will be my first 6-round bout, something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Barrios continued. “With all the dates that Al Haymon has coming up…I’m looking to be his number one prospect. What Haymon Boxing is doing for the sport is amazing. I’m ready to shine on March 7th.”

boxing

Erislandy Lara responds to Demetrius Andrade

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“I already whooped that ass for free in the amateurs”

HOUSTON, TX (Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, 2015) – WBA Champion, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, responds to WBO Champion Demetrius Andrade’s claims that he’s not interested in a unification fight with him.

“I’ll fight him anytime! My resume speaks for itself. I’m willing to fight Cotto or GGG next…you think I’m worried about this little spoiled brat? Look at my resume of great fighters I’ve fought, Hmong/Williams, Molina, Vanes, zaub ntug hauv paus, Canelo, Angulo and now Smith. Nyob rau hauv 24 fights, who has he fought?”

Lara went on to say about Andrade latest drama about pulling out if his last scheduled fight…

“I’m the best in the division. If I put my name to a contract I show up and fight, unlike him when he pulled out of the biggest fight of his career against Charlo. Not to mention, he turned down a fight with me on ESPN2 years ago when I was willing to whoop to put a beating on him for $15.000. And don’t forget, I already whooped that ass for free in the amateurs!!! His nickname serves him right…He’s Poo Poo!”

boxing

Andrade Calls out Erislandy Lara

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Providence, RI (Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, 2015)–After WBO number-one ranked Jr. Middleweight, Jermell Charlo decided to not fight fight WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, Andrade’s father/trainer Paul has turned his attention to a fight with WBA belt holder Erislandy Lara.
“We signed a contract to fight Charlo a month ago,” said Paul Andrade. “He opted to fight a guy that we beat already in Vanes Martiroysan. I don’t even think Charlo will beat him. I can see Vanes out bullying him and win a decision about eight rounds to four.”
“That’s in the past and now we have to look towards the future.”
That future hopefully includes Lara.
“The real fight for us is with Lara. Fighting Charlo would not have done much for us anyway. That would have been like a man fighting a boy.”
“We are calling Lara out but he has had no response. He doesn’t have a dance partner, so the time is right for both of us.”
Andrade believes turn about is fair play for the Cuban as he talked his way into a fight with Canelo Alvarez last year and now it’s time for him to be on the receiving end of somebody ready, willing and able to fight him.
“Lara thought he was cute by calling out Canelo by going to his press conference. He and trying to embarrass him and goad Canelo into a fight. Lara is now in that position. We would go to one of your press conferences and embarrass you but you don’t even have a fight on the table, so there is no press conference for you.”
“Why don’t you step up like Canelo and be a man and accept our challenge like Canelo did for you.”
“I guess it’s not so cute for him anymore. And if you do step to the plate, you can bring your running shoes because you are a better runner then boxer.”
Said Arthur Pelullo of Banner Promotions, co-promoter of Andrade, “This is a fight that Demetrius wants. Last year he wanted wanted a fight with Canelo. Canelo had and has other plans now so why not fight the man who some people believe beat him in Lara.”
“We feel Demetrius is the best jr. middleweight in the world and the way to prove that is to fight the best. Erislandy Lara has proven to be at the top of the division. This is the type of fight that will show the boxing world that Demetrius is a star,” said co-promoter, Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.
Follow Banner Promotions on social media for all the latest Banner updates
@BannerBoxing #TeamBanner ;
Facebook.com/BannerPromotions; instagram.com/BannerBoxing
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JHONNY GONZALEZ PUTS HIS TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST GARY RUSSELL JR. RAU HNUB SATURDAY, MARCH 28,

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FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® DOUBLEHEADER

Ntxiv, Undefeated Rising Star Jermell Charlo Takes on Vanes Martirosyan in a Super Welterweight Showdown

Live on SHOWTIME® tom 10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, 2015) – A world-class doubleheader, featuring featherweight world champion Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KOs) defending his 126-pound title against exciting young star Gary Russell Jr. (25-1, 14 KOs)in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, will take place at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, rau Hnub vas xaum, Lub peb hlis ntuj 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT).

 

Nyob hauv tus nqi feature, undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (25-0, 11 KOs) faces a tough test when he takes on the experienced former U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan (35-1-1, 21 KOs) in an important super welterweight showdown.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, thiab $25, plus applicable fees are on sale today, Monday, Lub peb hlis ntuj 2, tom 12 p.m. PT. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by clicking OS. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

“I’m very excited to be coming back to the United States. Every time I have fought on American soil, it has been career-changing for me,” said Gonzalez. “Nyob rau hauv 2012, [Daniel] Ponce De Leon stopped me in Las Vegas and made me reconsider my whole strategy. I came back to the U.S. nyob rau hauv 2013 and I stopped an undefeated champion, Abner Mares. Now I’m back and once again I’m facing a tough opponent. Russell is not an easy test, but I’m confident I’m going to surprise everybody once more. Nobody thought I had a chance in 2013 and I stripped Mares of his title. Food for thought.”

 

“I’m blessed to be back on this stage, fighting once again for a world title,” said Russell Jr. “I came up short at my first opportunity for the title and that has me more motivated than ever to get the job done on Lub peb hlis ntuj 28. I will finally hold up my very own belt.”

 

“I love fighting on SHOWTIME and I’m excited to put on a show for the fans in Las Vegas,” said Charlo. “I have a tough opponent, people think I might not be ready, but on Lub peb hlis ntuj 28, they’re going to know that I’m taking over the sport.”

 

“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m just thankful to get the chance to showcase my talents,” said Martirosyan. “Charlo is a tough kid, but I’ve been around this sport longer and I’m going to show him some things he’s never seen before. The fans better get ready for an awesome show.”

 

“This edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is guaranteed to be action-packed,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, promoter of the event. “The main event presents the classic boxer versus puncher matchup, with the slick, talented former Olympian Russell looking for redemption and the title against reigning, three-time world champion brawler Gonzalez. The co-feature between Charlo and Martirosyan is a highly competitive clash of styles. A big fight is in the future for the winner of this bout.”

 

“Lub peb hlis ntuj 28 should be a tremendous night of fights to kick off a stacked run of boxing on SHOWTIME and CBS,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Both bouts on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast have world title implications. The main events matches the one-punch knockout power of world champion Jhonny Gonzalez versus the speed of Gary Russell, who is one of the most skilled boxers in any division. And with Jermell Charlo vs. Vanes Martirosyan, we have a matchup of two top 154-pounder contenders, each on the verge of a world title opportunity.”

 

“Boxing continues to be a major draw for Las Vegas,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events for The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort. “The Pearl is one of the most intimate venues where you can catch those world class athletes in action.”

 

One of the best Mexican fighters of this era, Mexico City’s Gonzalez has held world championships at 118 thiab 126 pounds, defeating the likes of Hall-of-Famer Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson and former world champions Fernando Montiel, Irene Pacheco, and Hozumi Hasegawa, along the way. The 33-year-old Gonzalez’ last loss came in 2012 to Daniel Ponce De Leon, but he has won his last five fights, including a shocking 2013 first-round knockout over defending beltholder Abner Mares resurrecting his career. He has defended the title twice in Mexico and now he returns to the U.S. in a very tough defense on Lub peb hlis ntuj 28.

 

A supremely talented boxer, Capitol Heights, Maryland’s Russell Jr. is looking to strike world championship gold in his second shot at a belt. Tus 2008 U.S. Olympian looks to wipe out the memory of his first opportunity, when he fell by 12-round majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko. He was able to return to his winning ways in December 2014, when he dominated Christopher Martin on his way to a unanimous decision. Now Russell Jr. has his eyes set on Gonzalez’ featherweight crown.

 

Younger-by-one-minute than his identical twin Jermall, Charlo is also a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, Charlo stepped up in class in 2014 and delivered three wide unanimous decision victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano. RauLub peb hlis ntuj 28, he takes on another tough challenge when he meets the experienced Martirosyan.

 

Born in Armenia, but fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Martirosyan represented the U.S. thaum lub 2004 Olympics and has put together a stellar pro career since. He won his first 32 fights before fighting current world champion Erislandy Lara to a draw in 2012. He suffered a narrow defeat by split decision in his first world title shot against Demetrius Andrade but has rebounded with nice wins over Mario Lozano and Willie Nelson.

 

The event takes place at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. LI/7 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Jermell Charlo takes on Vanes Martirosyan in super welterweight action. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

Xav paub ntau ntxiv, sib ntsib www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jhonnygbox, @mrgaryrusselljr, @TwinCharlo, @LouDiBella and @PearlAtPalms, follow the conversation using #GonzalezRussell, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
Tua Network, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Mar. 2-8, 2015)

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Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, Mar. 2

2:00 p.m. LI – Ring of Combat 48 – Featuring Brandon Barrett vs. Justin Woods and Chris Wade vs. Frankie Perez from May 16, 2014 in Atlantic City, NJ.

5:00 p.m. LI – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

6:00 p.m. LI – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

6:30 p.m. LI – Judo Paris Grand Slam 2014 – Highlights from the Judo Paris Grand Slam from Feb 8-9, 2014 in France.

7:00 p.m. LI – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

8:00 p.m. LI – Enfusion Live: Mallorca, Spain – Featuring Iman Barlow vs. Iman Ghablou and David Calbo vs. Gil Salva from July 12, 2014.

Hnub, Mar. 3

12:00 a.m. LI – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

1:00 a.m. LI – Toe 2 Toe with Josh Koscheck – Sit-down interview with former UFC welterweight star Josh Koscheck

1:30 a.m. LI – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

2:30 ames. LI – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S pro and amateur MMA.

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. LI – Xtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

8:00 p.m. LI – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

9:00 p.m. LI – Fight4Pride Championship 2 – Featuring Stahinja Gavrilovic vs. Yacine Bandoui, Martin Grandmont vs. Loyd Galindo and Will Romero vs. Dimitri Waardenburg from Nov. 22, 2014 in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

11:00 p.m. LI – Cage Fury Fighting Championships 37 – Featuring Azunna Anyanwu vs. Keith Bell and Bill Algeo vs. Mike Pope from June 28, 2014 in Philadelphia.

Hnub peb, Mar. 4

3:00 a.m. LI – Texas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star’s top prospects in the cage.

4:00 a.m. LI – Rocktagon MMA – Pro and amateur MMA from Ohio featuring the next generation of stars.

6:00 p.m. LI – Best of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

7:00 p.m. LI – Fight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:00 p.m. LI – Fighting Spirit MMA – Compilations of international MMA fights from ONE FC, UCMMA, KSW, WFC, FFC, BAMMA, EFC Africa, and more.

9:00 p.m. LI – Tawb Warriors ntaus Championship 67 – Featuring Brett Johns vs. James Brum for the vacant bantamweight title from Apr. 12, 2014 Swansea, Wales.

11:00 p.m. LI – MMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

11:30 p.m. LI – TakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

Hnub plaub, Mar. 5

12:00 a.m. LI — Fight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

1:30 a.m. LI – Ultimate Challenge MMA 35 – Featuring Karlos Vemola vs. Denniston Sutherland and Przemyslaw Mysiala vs. Carl Kinslow from Aug. 3, 2013 in London.

6:00 p.m. LI – Championship Fightling Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.

7:00 p.m. LI – Fighting Rookies – Aspiring kick-boxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professionals and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.

8:00 p.m. LI – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

11:00 p.m. LI – DEEP: 67 Impact – Featuring Yuki Motoya vs. Yoshiro and Haruo Ochi vs. Masakazu Imanari from June 22, 2014 in Tokyo.

Hnub vas Xuv, Mar. 6

12:00 a.m. LI – It’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.

2:00 a.m. LI – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

4:00 a.m. LI – Best of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

5:00 a.m. LI – Best of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

6 p.m. LI – M 1 sib tw – Professional MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

7:00 p.m. LI — Fight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

8:00 p.m. LI – Toe 2 Toe with Renzo Gracie – Sit-down interview with MMA and BJJ legend Renzo Gracie.

8:30 p.m. LI – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m-by-12m arena with three levels.

9:00 p.m. LI — KSW 8 – Featuring Alexey Oleinik, Karol Bedorf, Mamed Khalidov and Moise Rimbon fro, Nov. 10, 2007 in Warsaw, Poland.

Hnub vas xaum, Mar. 7

12:00 a.m. LI — Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

1:00 a.m. LI – SuperKombat: World Grand Prix Romania 2013 – Featuring D’Angelo Marshall, Giannis Stoforidis, Gaetan Sautron and Leroy Johnson in heavyweight tournament action from Sept. 28, 2013 in Botosani, Romania.

6:00 a.m. LI – Best of TKO – Mark Hominick vs. Hatsu Hioki from TKO 28.

7:00 a.m. LI – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Tyson Griffin vs. Jorge Evanelista from Gladiator Challenge 46.

10:00 a.m. LI – Best of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by UFC veterans Matt Lindland and Chael Sonnen.

3:00 p.m. LI – Ring of Combat 49 – Featuring Andre Harrison vs. Jeff Lentz and Julio Arce vs. Jake Grigson from Sept. 19, 2004 in Atlantic City, NJ.

8:00 p.m. LI – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

9:00 p.m. LI – Final Fight Championship: Futures 3 MMA – Featuring Ante Delija vs. Archontis fro, Sept. 27, 2014 in Zagreb, Croatia.

11:00 p.m. LI — Final Fight Championship: Futures 3 Kickboxing – Featuring Mladen Brestovac vs. Luca Panto from Sept. 27, 2014 in Zagreb, Croatia.

Hnub xya, Mar. 8

6:00 a.m. LI – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

10:00 a.m. LI – Best of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

11:00 a.m. LI – Elite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thai National team.

7:00 p.m. LI – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and a look back at the past.

7:30 p.m. LI – Judo Dusseldorf Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights of the 2014 Judo Dusseldorf Grand Prix from Feb. 21-23, 2014 in Belgium.

11:00 p.m. LI – King of Kings: Hero’s Bushido Vilnius 2014 – Featuring Pavel Voronin vs. Sergei Maslobojev and Jordann Pikeur vs. Tadas Jonkus from Nov. 15, 2014 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK: Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

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