Tag Archives: A.J. Galante

boxing

Ringsiders Talk Show Set to Cover Pro and Amateur Boxing from corner to corner; Giving voices to those currently involved with the sport.

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Danbury, CT (July 13, 2018) – A new boxing talk show is set to hit the internet. Ringsiders will feature hosts that are currently in the sport of boxing, including both professional and amateur boxers, trainers, managers, promoters and more. The goal of the show is to give viewers a true insider’s look between the ropes. Another major difference of the show is that it will be taped, and feature different visual effects for viewers enjoyment as well as other innovative concepts.

 

 

 

Ringsiders will be taped in Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, CT, which is owned by professional boxing manager A.J. Galante, who will also co-produce the show. He sees Ringsiders as a show that can help give everyone involved with boxing a voice, and a platform to elevate the sport. “Even though we will feature it, Ringsiders is not really about mainstream boxing news. Our main goal is to cover boxing’s other 99% and their perspectives. Boxing is made up of more blue collar individuals then millionaires. We want to do something different, we are looking to highlight the club shows, the club fighter, the up and coming trainer, amateurs trying to find their way, A-Side, B-Side, it doesn’t matter, if it is interesting we want to highlight it, and give people a true insiders look, and have a lot of fun in the process.”

 

 

 

Ringsiders is set to have a rotation of hosts and guests, all who are involved currently with boxing, but two mainstays will include Professional Boxer “Fly” Mike Marshall and amateur sensation Fernely Feliz Jr. Mike Marshall is currently 3(3 kos) – 1 as a professional and is also a licensed USA Boxing Amateur coach for Champs Boxing Club’s amateur team, the CBC Wolfpack. Fernely Feliz Jr. is a Danbury native and one of the top Super Heavyweight amateurs in the Nation. He is a 3 time Western New England and All New England Golden Gloves Champion. A.J. Galante says he couldn’t think of a better embodiment of Ringsiders, “I think both Mike and Fernely fit exactly what this show is about. Mike is a talented pro, who hasn’t always gotten the best opportunities in his career. He’s coming off a loss and in the process of making a comeback, but he is going to also be one of the best trainers in the game in time. He has a great personality and says a lot of things most just think. Fernely is one of the best kids in the world. He is super talented, and can give a lot of insight into the amateur scene, and can give insight into just how hard it is to train and compete, deal with high expectations and trying to prepare for a professional career.”

 

 

 

The shows director of production will be Danbury native Teyonte Best. “I don’t come from a boxing background, but that’s what A.J. and I like about my involvement, just bringing a different perspective.” Best stated, “We believe in different concepts, not telling the same stories, reporting the same news, and we are very much committed to providing an entertaining and informative product for viewers. We want fans and viewers to be involved, and we are working with a few interactive concepts we think will be awesome. As A.J. has stressed to everyone involved, this show is about bringing the whole boxing community together, and we will definitely succeed.”

 

 

 

Ringsiders is set to debut in August at a date to be announced. Have an idea for the show or want to have your voice heard? Contact the show at ringsidersboxingshow@gmail.com

 

boxing, Rivera Promotions

Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera Finishes off Kevin Cobbs in 3 with super uppercut

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“NEW ENGLAND’S FUTURE 5”
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(pictures courtesy of Bonesprostudios)
WORCESTER, Mass. (February 11, 2018) – Undefeated prospect Richard  “Popeye The Sailor Man”  Rivera  finished off Kevin “The New England Bully” Cobbs in the third round, punctuating the night with an lethal uppercut that landed right on the button, headlining last night’s “New England’s Future 5” card, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 27-year-old Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs) fought once again in front of his large, traveling fanbase from Hartford, CT, capturing the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) light heavyweight title in dramatic fashion. The charismatic Hartford boxer ended his third consecutive match with what has become his trademark right-uppercut.

Rivera used his strength, energy and determined will to defeat South Boston’s Cobbs (10-3, 4 KOs), whose previous fight had been more than a year ago, when he was stopped in the second round by now world champion David Benavidez.

In only his sixth pro fight, the key question going into the bout was whether Rivera was ready to effectively step up in class to face a more experienced Cobbs. Right from the opening bell, the answer was a resounding, yes, as Rivera pounded Cobbs with powerful shots to the body and head.

Cobbs was dropped three times in the third round, one was ruled a push, and the end came when referee Jackie Morrell halted the action at the 2:51 as a reeling Cobbs was blasted backwards from the Rivera’s previously mentioned uppercut.

  The beginning of the end for Cobbs (L) as Rivera sets up his vaunted uppercut

“I stepped things up in the third,” Rivera explained. “He stopped throwing as many punches in the third and was ducking in. I said I wasn’t going to look for the knockout but, if it came, I’d take it. I got him with my uppercut. I respect Cobbs and thank him for giving me this opportunity.”
In the co-featured event, hometown favorite Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (2-0-1), the two-time national amateur champion, and Brazilian super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8-2) fought to a four-round majority draw.
Super middleweight Troy “Omar KO Artist” Artis (5-7-1, 3 KOs), of Danbury, CT, upset intrastate rival Jose “Rated R” Rivera (4-2, 3 KOs), of Hartford, winning a six-round majority decision.
Danbury, CT junior welterweight Omar Bordoy, Jr. (4-0-, 1 KO) used a blistering body attack to defeat Seth Basler (0-5) by way of a lop-sided four-round unanimous decision.

Junior welterweight prospect Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) floored veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-29-2, 6 KOs) with a sweet right-left combination at the end of the opening round. In the second round, Pagan, of Southbridge, MA., drilled Abraham who went flying across the ring and into the ropes as referee Jackie Morrell halted the bout.

Springfield, MA junior middleweight Derrick “Bad Boy” Whitley (3-0) cruised to a dominating four-round unanimous decision over Cleveland’s Roger Blankenship (1-3), pitching a complete shutout in the process.

Bridgeport, CT welterweight Joe Goss (1-0) turned in an impressive pro debut, dropping Montreal’s Samuel Vasquez (1-3, 1 KO) in the second round on his way to a four-round unanimous decision.

Puerto Rican junior lightweight Luis “Lobito” Rivera (4-3, 1 KOs) overcame a nasty cut over his eye to win a hard-fought four-round majority decision over Carlos Marrero, III (0-2), of Bridgeport, CT, in a non-stop action fight to the finish.

Unbeaten Springfield, MA light heavyweight Ray “Bazooka” Graceski (5-0-1, 3 KOs) and International Muay Thai fighter, Harford’s pro boxing debuting Pawel Banasiak (0-1-0), fought to a four-round draw in an entertaining brawl.

Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Lynn, MA., remained undefeated but Nathan Schulte (0-5), of Woburn, MA, extended him the full distance for first time as a pro en route to a four-round unanimous decision.

Complete results:

OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT
VACANT UBF NEW ENGLAND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Richard Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs), Hartford, CT
WKO3 (2:51)
Kevin Cobbs (10-3, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA
(Rivera won vacant UBF New England light heavyweight title)
CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Bobby Harris, III (2-0-1), Worcester, MA
D6 (37-39, 38-38)
Saul Almeida (0-8-2), Framingham, MA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Ray Graceski (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
D4 (38-38, 38-38, 38-38)
Pawel Banasiak (0-0-1), Hartford, CT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Troy Artis (5-7-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC6 (58-56, 58-56, 57-57)
Jose Rivera (4-2, 3 KOs), Hartford, CT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jelame Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Nathan Schulte (0-5), Woburn, MA
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Derrick Whitley (3-0), Springfield, MA
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-36, 40-36)
Robert Blankenship (1-3), Cleveland, OH
Joseph Goss (1-0), Bridgeport, CT
WDEC4 (40-35, 39,36, 38-37)
Samuel Vasquez (1-3, 1 KO), Montreal, Canada
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Omar Bordoy, Jr. (4-0, 1 KO), Danbury, CT
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Seth Basler (0-5), Marion, IL
Wilfredo Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs), Southbridge, MA
WTKO2 (1:25)
Bryan Abraham (6-29-2, 6 KOs), Schenectady, NY
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Luis Rivera (4-3, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38)
Carlos Marrera, III (0-2), Bridgeport, CT
 
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, KingRivera_
boxing, Rivera Promotions

Undefeated N.E. prospect Omar Bordoy, Jr. Prepared to make statement at “New England’s Future 5”

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“New England’s Future 5”
Feb. 10 in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 24, 2018) – One of New England’s leading pro prospects, junior welterweight Omar Bordoy, Jr., has prepared to make a statement February 10th at “New England’s Future 5”, presented Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester.
Fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, Bordoy (3-0, 1 KO) faces Puerto Rican-born opponent, Alexander “El Bravo” Picot (2-4-1), in a four-round bout. “My opponent is tough, and he always comes to fight,” Bordoy said. “He keeps coming forward and that’s going to make for an exciting fight.”
The 22-year-old Bordoy is the typical example of a volatile teenager who found his way in boxing. He was a high school football player who started boxing at the age of 17. Bordoy had an abbreviated amateur career, highlighted by his winning performance at the New England Golden Gloves as a novice boxer.
“I was a bad hot head as a kid,” Bordoy admitted. “One day, my cousin Edgardo, invited me to his gym after football practice and he beat me up. I was knocked down a few notches. I got into boxing and enjoyed watching Miguel Cotto and Mike Tyson. I even have some of Cotto’s tattoos. Now, I’m more of a boxer, like a Pernell Whitaker or Floyd Mayweather, Jr. I’m a come- forward boxer who can still brawl. I’m working on my defense and feel that making adjustments in the ring is what I do best.”
Bordoy, Jr. credits Team Bordoy — manager A.J. Galante, head trainer Bennie Little, cut-man Luis Marichal, strength-and-conditioning coach Chris Mulfalmi and Dave McDonough – for his success.
“I’m pleased to be with the right people to bring me to the top and I’m willing to do what’s needed to get there,” Bordoy added.
Bordoy, who works fulltime as a repair technician, made his pro debut last May and he fought a total of three times in 2017, his most recent last October in Worcester on an RPE-promoted show, in which he stopped 34-fight veteran Bryan Abraham in the fourth round.
“We enjoy working with Team Bordoy,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera remarked. “I am proud of Omar and his accomplishments so far. He is a young, throwback fighter with a lot of potential. I see big things in his future and I am glad to see he is being guided in the right direction by his team.”
In the eight-round main event, undefeated Hartford (CT) light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (5-0, 4 KOs) takes on Kevin “The New England Bully” Cobbs (10-2, 4 KOs), fighting out of South Boston (MA), for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) New England title in the eight-round main event.
Worcester’s two-time national amateur champion Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (2-0) faces Brazilian super middleweight Saul Almeida (0-8-1) in the four-round co-featured event. Hartford super middleweight Jose “Rated R” Rivera (4-1, 3 KOs) meets Troy “Omar KO Artist” Artis (4-7-1 (3 KOs), of Danbury (CT) in a six-round bout.
Fighting on the undercard, all in four-round matches, are Southbridge (MA) junior welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (3-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Nick Peralta, of Lawrence, undefeated Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Ray “Bazooka” Graceski(5-0, 3 KOs). vs. Hartford’s pro-debuting Pawel Bansiak, Springfield welterweightDerrick “Bad Boy” Whitley (2-0) vs. Roger Blankenship (1-2), undefeated Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (6-0, 6 KOs) vs. Brazilian Rodrigo Almeida 1-7), Bridgeport’s (CT) pro-debuting welterweight Joseph Goss vs. Seth Basler (0-3), and Hartford junior lightweight vs. Bridgeport’s Carlos Marraro, III (0-1).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Luis Rosa, Jr. Scholarship Fund.
Sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Top Royalty, Allstate, USANA, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Ambicion Musik, Hill Team Associates and Lundren Insurance & Financial Services.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_
boxing

Undefeated prospect Marrero hires Galante as manager

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Danbury, CT (May 19, 2017) – Rising Junior Welterweight Cristobal ‘Bazooka’ Marrero (4-0, 2KO’s, New London, CT) has bolstered his camp by hiring A.J. Galante as his manager.

Galante, of Danbury, CT, has been managing and advising professional boxers for 6 years. In addition to Marrero, Galante currently manages Omar ‘The Beast’ Bordoy (1-0, Danbury, CT) and is an adviser to Frank ‘Notorious’ Galarza (17-2-2, 11KO’s, Brooklyn, NY). He notably managed the career of Delvin Rodriguez (29-4-4, 16KO’s, Danbury, CT) from his fight of the year against Pawel Wolak in 2011, to his HBO Main Event bout against Miguel Cotto in 2013.

Galante thinks with a good plan in place, the sky is the limit for the 22 year old Marrero. “I’m really excited and appreciative to be hired by Cristobal. It’s always humbling when somebody of his talent and caliber seeks you and wants you to be part of their team. He has all the tools, the hunger, amateur experience (82 fights), and personality to be a star. I’ve been brought onboard to monitor and add structure to his camp, and map out the future both for the short and long term. I’m looking forward to working with and building a successful relationship with his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield and CES, one of the most respected names in professional boxing.”

In speaking with Marrero, it’s clear to see he is optimistic on his future. “My Dad and I have followed A.J. and have seen the great things he has been doing with everybody that he handles, as well as his gym and amateur program. When we met with him the first time, we left knowing this was a guy we could trust, and has what it takes to take me to the next level, we knew we had to hire him. He is a man of his word and I’m so excited about some of the ideas he has for my career. It just makes me hungrier!”

His hunger will be on display on Friday June 9 at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, as ‘Bazooka’ aims to extend his undefeated record to 5-0 against fellow undefeated prospect Miguel Ortiz (2-0, 1KO, Springfield, MA). Tickets are priced at $47, $102, $127 & $152, and are available online at CESBOXING.COM or by Phone at 401-724-2253.
boxing

Prize Promotions Tabs Russell Peltz and Brittany “Bam” Rogers for Matchmaking Duties

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Danbury, CT (April 16, 2015)- At the beginning of April, newly licensed Connecticut boxing promoter A.J. Galante introduced his company, Prize Promotions. Galante spoke of his goal of bringing “Old School” boxing to Connecticut.

To prove he is serious about his vision, Galante has turned his matchmaking over to Hall of Fame Philadelphia promoter, Russell Peltz along with one of the sports youngest and most promising promoters and matchmakers, Brittany “BAM”

Rogers.

“Russell is the definition of Old School matchmaking, he’s one of the last out there, so it was a no brainer for me to reach out to him, and I am honored that he is willing to work with me.” Galante stated, “His resume speaks for itself, I am extremely confident that working together, we will put on spectacular shows”  Galante was also extremely excited to work with Brittany “BAM” Rogers, who works in conjunction with Russell Peltz,

“I’m often referred to as one of the youngest boxing people on the business side of things, but BAM is actually younger than me, and has been in the sport longer than me. I have a lot of respect for her and have been learning a lot through working with her.”

Ultimately Galante said what cemented his choice on his matchmakers, was a trip to Philladelphia in October, to attend a show promoted by both Peltz and Rogers, “When you think Philly boxing, you think gritty and exciting, and you can’t think Philadelphia boxing without Russell Peltz and Brittany Rogers, and I am looking forward to bringing those types of shows and that environment here to Connecticut.” It won’t be long for Galante to fulfill his promise, as his first show Danbury Fight Night, will take place onMay 30th at the Danbury Arena, in his hometown of Danbury, CT.

The card is currently taking shape, and will be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.prizepromotions.net – Pricing: $100,$75, $50  & $25
boxing

Newly Licensed Connecticut Boxing Promoter A.J. Galante Announces Prize Promotions – First Show May 30

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Danbury, CT (April 2, 2015)- In 2011, at the age of 24, A.J. Galante became one of the youngest Professional Boxing managers in the sport. Now at the age of 28, he has become one of the youngest Promoters as well. The Connecticut based Promoter has officially introduced his company, Prize Promotions, this week.

“I’m excited for this challenge.” Galante stated, “This wasn’t something I decided to do overnight, I have actually been planning this for a few years now. I plan on slowly developing something special here in Connecticut, and giving the fighters here opportunities that aren’t consistently available to them.”

Galante explained his vision and goals for Prize Promotions centers around competitive matchups and featuring old school fighters, “I am not looking to sign fighters to Prize Promotions at this time. What I am looking to do is put on exciting fights and provide opportunities. I am looking to feature old school boxers, guys who aren’t afraid of risking undefeated records or being in a tough fight. I want guys who don’t have shiny records, I want the guys who most promoters don’t see having great value. I have no stock in anyone who fights under my promotion, so there won’t be many true A and B side fights. Connecticut isn’t a boxing hotbed, and there is talent here, but the only way for these guys to earn respect is to take it, therefore to fight on a Prize Promotions card means to fight real opposition and develop the old fashioned way. There aren’t many pro shows here in Connecticut, but I am hoping to change that, and want to help give these guys a platform to showcase who they are.”

On May 30th at the Danbury Arena, in Danbury, CT, Prize Promotions will conduct its first Professional Boxing show, ‘Danbury Fight Night’. More information including bouts, ticket pricing and availabilities will be announced soon.

For updates visit www.prizepromotions.net .

Galante recently opened Champs Boxing Club & Fitness in downtown Danbury and is currently the manager of World Ranked Junior Middleweight Prospect Frank ‘Notorious’ Galarza.
boxing

Boxing manager A.J. Galante opens up boxing gym in Danbury, Connecticut

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Danbury, CT (January 24, 2015)- Professional Boxing manager A.J. Galante and former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz are proud to announce that the Grand Opening of their new boxing gym, Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will take place on Saturday February 28. Feliz, who moved to Danbury as a child from the Dominican Republic, has the distinction of being Danbury, CT’s first professional boxer. As a heavyweight, he compiled a record of 23-9 in a career that spanned 15 years. He discovered the sport of boxing when he came across Danbury’s Hat City Boxing, which closed its doors in 2001. Since then, the city has yet to re-open an exclusive boxing gym until now. “It’s been my dream since I retired to give back to the community.” Feliz stated, “I have always wanted to open a boxing gym, because boxing saved my life. I am glad to finally accomplish a major goal in my life. I am looking forward to making the city of Danbury proud with this gym.” Fernely Feliz, now a trainer, is excited to develop an amateur team in the city, while continuing to work with both professional boxers and MMA fighters. Feliz’s partner is one of professional boxing’s youngest managers, A.J. Galante, who currently manages hot Junior Middleweight prospect Frank Galarza. “When Fernely approached me with this idea, I didn’t think twice. I couldn’t be prouder of this gym” Galante said, “Everyone who I have previewed the gym to, falls in love with the environment. It has an old-school feel to it, yet has a lot of new school amenities. Once you walk in you never want to leave.” Champs Boxing Club houses a professional elevated 18 foot ring, multiple traditional and specialty heavy bags, wall bags, double end bags, brand new cardio equipment and a weight area. There is also a high definition camera above the ring where all sparring and instruction can be recorded, and then studied with trainers on an HDTV or sent to a members’ tablet.

In speaking of the gym, what lit up owner A.J. Galante’s eyes is when he spoke on a very special area of his gym. “I sit on the board of my boxer Frank Galarza’s non profit organization, Youth Fighting Forward. It is an unbelievable organization that attaches itself to boxing gyms, and gives our youth a place to develop discipline and confidence. It’s a combination of both boxing and mentorship, with strict requirements involving school attendance, grades and attendance. I am proud to say that Champs Boxing Club will join Starrett City Boxing Club of Brooklyn, in hosting a Youth Fighting Forward chapter.” Galante spoke on the many requirements Frank Galarza developed for Youth Fighting Forward, and when asked about how Champs Boxing Club will ensure the best environment possible for success, Galante stated that both he and Galarza developed a study room for members, with donated computers, printers and other school supplies. “In terms of having the tools to meet academic requirements including homework, there are no excuses” Galante exclaimed.

The Grand Opening of Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will be open to the public from12pm-3pm, Saturday February 28th. There will be free giveaways, food and refreshment, as well as the opportunity to meet WBC Latino Junior Middleweight Champion Frank “Notorious” Galarza and UFC Star and Danbury resident Glover Teixeira. Visit www.champsboxingclub.org for more information.