Tag Archives: Avery Sparrow

Pittsburgh’s Matt Conway rebuilding Pittsburgh boxing tradition – “Winter Mayhem” headliner this Saturday in Cheswick, PA

poster.jpg
PITTSBURGH (January 12, 2022) – The journey continues this Saturday for Matt “Sweet Child” Conway (20-2, 8 KOs) as he continues to bring boxing’s popularity back to what it was back in the glory days.

Conway headlines “Winter Mayhem,” which will be streamed live on www.facebooklive.com for $19.99 (at Cut ‘N’ Run Productions’ page), versus cross-state rival Avery Sparrow (10-3, 3 KOs), of Philadelphia, in the 12-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Featherweight Championship, at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.

While boxing in Pittsburgh will never be as popular as it once was during the glory years when local heroes Harry Greb (1913-26), Billy Conn 1934-48), and Charlie Burley (1936-50) were household names at the junction of 3 rivers, Conway hopes to make the sweet science more relevant than it has been there in many years.

“Fighting for a world title is a dream come true for me, especially bringing a title back to Pittsburgh,” said Conway, who has never been stopped in 22 pro fights. “Pittsburgh hasn’t been a big boxing town since Paul Spadafora (1995-2014) and Sammy Vasquez fought (2012-2017). I’d like to help bring boxing back here to that level.

“I’m really hoping to win the IBA World title to get my name out there so that this kid from Pittsburgh gets more recognition and title fight opportunities. I want to continue the rich Pittsburgh boxing tradition. It’ll start when I bring the IBA title to Pittsburgh. There are a lot of talented, young fighters in Pittsburgh. We just need to fight and (promoter) Derek Gionta is doing that for me and other fighters. He’s really helping us.”

The 26-year-old Conway is fully prepared to face Sparrow, who’s notable victories have been against fellow Philly fighter 29-2-1 Hank Lundy (WMDEC10) and 19-1-1 Jose Lopez (WUDEC10).

“He’s a tough fighter who uses his jab and is able to move and box,” Conway said about Sparrow. “I’ll try to nullify his left hand and do what I do.”
Conway, who has never been stopped in 22 pro fights to date, has successfully bounced back from back-to-back losses in Reno and Las Vegas on the ESPN+ platform to, respectively, to 10-1-1 Francisco Esparza (SDEC8) and 17-0 Gabriel Flores, Jr. (UDEC8).

“It wasn’t difficult,” Conway talked about coming back from two straight losses after winning his first 17 pro fights. “I lost to a 17-0 guy in Las Vegas. I learned more from my two losses than I did in my 17 wins going into those fights. I’ve taken what I’ve learned from those fights and applied it to my last three fights (all wins). I’m hungrier!”

“Matt has done everything asked of him over the last year, going 3-0),” Gionta remarked. “This is a big fight for the region.  Having a cross-state rival from Philly in the main event is huge.  Sparrow is a very good boxer and anyone that knows anything about boxing knows that and how good of a match-up this is.

“Putting a belt on the line in a 12-rounder is enough to intrigue casual fans aside from our loyal boxing followers. A win against Sparrow will do a lot for Conway.  Most importantly, it’ll show how much he developed over the past year or so and will line him up for bigger challenges down the road.”

In the co-featured event, Ohio lightweight Ryizeemmion “The Humble Beast” Ford (6-1, 4 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round co-featured event.

Popular Pittsburgh middleweight prospect Eric Lomax (4-0, 3 KOs) takes on Ohio’s Samuel Wildenhaus (4-1, 1 KO) in a 6-rounder.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round bouts are undefeated Portugal super featherweight Milton Jorge Andrade Jeremias (2-0, 2 KO) vs. David Boria (0-4), New York super featherweight Alexander Castellano (5-1, 2 KOs) vs. Shawn Rall (1-4, 1 KO), and New Jersey’s pro-debuting heavyweight Daniel Bean v. Joe Nunez (0-2).

Card is subject to change.

Available tickets are priced at $50.00 (reserved seating, plus tables of 8 ($800) are available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /DerekGionta
Twitter:  @DGionta
Instagram: @d_p_g1
LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManageme

BRISCOE AWARDS SET FOR THIS SUNDAY

PHILADELPHIA – Everything is set for the 11th Annual Briscoe Awards, to be held this Sunday afternoonMarch 25, 2018, 1-4 PM, at the VBA Clubhouse in Philadelphia. The event celebrates the biggest and best achievements of the Philadelphia-area boxing scene, and is normally attended by boxers – both past and present, other boxing personalities, and fight fans.
“2017 was a memorable year for our local boxing scene, and it will be great to bring everyone together to celebrate it,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “Our event is really just a party – food, drinks, and a coming together of everyone who loves this sport. It’s always great to see the mix of people that come to the Briscoe Awards. The highlight however, is throwing the spotlight on the fighters who worked so hard to entertain all of us fans. It’s always a good day and a fun time.”
Attending the Briscoe Awards this year will be big winner TYRONE BRUNSON, who will receive three awards – for “Fighter”, “Fight”, and “Performance of the Year”, AVERY SPARROW, both the “Prospect of the Year” and the “Breakout Fighter of 2017”, JARON ENNIS, named “The One to Watch”, DYLAN PRICE, the “Rookie of the Year”, MARCEL RIVERS, who scored the “Knockout of the Year”, RAYMOND FORD, the “Amateur of the Year”, and JEROME CONQUEST, who will receive the “Everett Brothers Award”.
The “Photo of the Year” will also be chosen by those in attendance. Former boxing stars, current fighters, fans, and other members of the fight fraternity round out the typical Briscoe Awards crowd.
A limited number of tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards will be available at the door for $20. That ticket price includes admission, food, draft beer, wine, and soft drinks. The Briscoe Awards will be held between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 E. Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

   

 

BRISCOE AWARDS THIS SUNDAY AT 1 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA – After ten years of celebrating the biggest and best achievements of the Philadelphia-area boxing scene, the Briscoe Awards will change the timing of their annual event, from October to March.
“For a few years now, I’ve considered moving the awards up to the first part of the year,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards.  “The original Fall time slot caused a lot of confusion, because by the time we gave out the awards, the fights were old news.  Moving to March will allow us to give out the awards shortly after the fight year ends.  I’m a little nervous about making a change, but in the long run, the move will only make the Briscoe Awards better.”
The Briscoe Awards honor the key fights and fighters of the Philly area every year.  A total of eleven awards will be give out  THIS SUNDAY MARCH 25TH AT 1 PM ET, which includes prizes for the “Philly Fight of the Year”, the “Philly Fight of the Year”, the “Knockout of the Year”, “Amateur of the Year”, “Rookie of the Year”, “Prospect of the Year”, “Performance of the Year”, “Photo of the Year”, and more.
The fighters being honored this year include Tyrone Brunson, Jaron Ennis, Kermit Cintron, Dylan Price, Avery Sparrow, Marcel Rivers, Raymond Ford, Jerome Conquest, and others.
Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.  Tickets will not be sold at the door.  The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket.  The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

SPARROW BREAKS THROUGH WITH TWO BRISCOE AWARDS

PHILADELPHIA – Rising Philadelphia boxing star, Avery Sparrow, really made a career breakthrough in 2017. The junior lightweight won four bouts during the year, including two main events, and two national TV appearances. He started 2017 as a promising young local, but by the end of the year, Sparrow had broken into the world rankings.
On March 25, 2018, Sparrow will be honored with two Briscoe Awards for his accomplishments. First, he led the fan voting in the “Prospect of the Year” category, and also won the “Breakout Fighter of 2017” unopposed. Sparrow will receive his two awards at the 11th Annual Briscoe Awards ceremony, a party for the boxing community, at the VBA Clubhouse in Philadelphia.
“Sparrow really made a name for himself in 2017,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “Big expectations have surrounded Sparrow since the beginning of his career, but last year he really showed everyone what big potential he has.”
A number of other fighters like Jaron Ennis, Tyrone Brunson, Dylan Price, Marcel Rivers, Kermit Cintron, and Jerome Conquest, will also be honored in various categories for their 2017 accomplishments.
Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket. The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

Unbeaten Prospect Miguel Cruz Drops Alex Martin Twice On His Way to Unanimous Decision in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday Night From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 
Clarence Booth Scores Fourth Round TKO Over Anthony Mercado
in Welterweight Battle
 
Click HERE for Photos Kenyon Sessoms/
Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 28, 2017) – Miguel Cruz (16-0, 11 KOs) earned a unanimous decision to defeat Alex Martin (13-2, 5 KOs) and remained unbeaten in a welterweight rematch that headlined Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 andBOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday night from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
After winning a split-decision against Martin in their January showdown, Cruz kept his perfect record intact by scoring two knockdowns before getting the decision in their 10-round matchup.
“I honestly didn’t feel great in our first fight and when I re-watched it, I thought Martin won,” said Cruz. “That made me train ever harder than ever to prove that I have the skills and power to compete at the world class level, and I think I did that tonight.”
Cruz got off to a fast start by landing a huge left hook that caught Martin and dropped him late in the first round. Martin was able to get to his feet and recover just before the bell sounded to end the round.
Martin kept trying to work on the inside but Cruz was determined to push back and consistently landed with big power shots. Another left hook in round four sent Martin to the mat again, although he appeared less effected than during the first knockdown.
“I was fighting his fight tonight,” said Martin. “I just didn’t put on my best performance. The first knockdown was a real knockdown but the second knockdown he hit me in the back of the head.”
Round five saw Martin begin to box more effectively, landing several right hands before a left hook landed low, sending Cruz to the canvas and causing referee Gary Rosato to halt the bout while Cruz recovered.
When the action resumed Martin continued to turn the tide of the fight. His movement was very effective and his success with the left hand was consistent throughout rounds five through eight.
“Martin was super tough,” said Cruz. “I didn’t think he would make it out of the second round but he definitely gave me problems. I was trying to stop him.”
Down on the scorecards because of the early knockdowns, Martin’s comeback effort came up short as Cruz was able to hold Martin off in the final two rounds on his way to earning the decision in the eyes of all three judges by the score of 96-92.
“I knew I was getting back into the fight but I’m not making any excuses tonight,” said Martin. “He won the fight fair and square, congratulations to him.”
“I trained for Martin like he was the champion of the world and that’s how I’m going to train for every fight of my career,” said Cruz. “It was a tremendous fight, I’m glad I got the victory. I just want to go back to Puerto Rico and celebrate my birthday tomorrow.”
Additional televised action saw Clarence Booth (15-3, 8 KOs) stop Puerto Rico’s Anthony Mercado (10-3, 9 KOs) in the fourth round of their welterweight contest.
The taller Mercado had success early in the fight while Booth tried to work his way inside and attack the body. Mercado landed a pair of clean right hands in each of the first two rounds that appeared to daze Booth.
“He was a tough fighter,” said Booth. “I needed to get loose for the first couple rounds. I was tense in the beginning.”
Fighting out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Booth was able to weather the storm in the first two rounds and began to turn the tide in round three with a clean right hand that staggered Mercado.
Booth kept the momentum going and quickly put Mercado on the canvas with a pair of right hands in the fourth round. Mercado was able to get to his feet but eventually Booth broke through again and stunned Mercado with more right hands. The final flurry prompted referee Eric Dali to call a halt to the bout 1:30 into the fourth frame.
“I had a couple of tough losses, but now I am on a major comeback,” said Booth. “I’m so happy to have this opportunity on television and I made the best of it. My promoter Marshall Kauffman and King’s Promotions will get me great opportunities in the future.”
“He hit me with a good shot,” said Mercado. “He jabbed and came with a right hand that I didn’t see coming. I will be back even better.”
#          #          #
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by King’s Promotions.

Undefeated Isaelin Florian meets Avery Sparrow plus Clarence Booth takes on Anthony Mercado this Tuesdaynight at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA

Plus undefeated Jesus Perez battles fellow Allentown native Christian Molina
 Dylan Price in action
Locals Nicholas Hernandez battles Grayson Blake and more.
Rematch Between Welterweight Prospects Miguel Cruz & Alex Martin Headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes
Click  HERE to Watch the Full First Fight Via the PBC on YouTube
Plus! Showdown Between Once-Beaten Welterweights
Jamal James & Sammy Figueroa Featured in Televised Action
Tickets on Sale Now!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BETHLEHEM, PA. (June 26, 2017) – A packed undercard that will feature Isaelin Florian taking on Avery Sparrow in a six-round featherweight bout plus super lightweights Clarance Booth battling Anthony Mercado will take place this Tuesday, June 27th at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Unbeaten Miguel Cruz (15-0, 11 KOs) and once-beaten Alex Martin (13-1, 5 KOs) will meet in a 10-round welterweight rematch of their January clash in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a pair of once-beaten welterweights battling it out as Jamal James (20-1, 9 KOs) meets Samuel Figueroa (11-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round matchup.
Florian (6-0, 3 KO’s) of the Reading, PA will be making his United States debut against the battle tested Sparrow (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia.
Sparrow, 23 years-old is coming off a eight-round split decision over Anthony Burgin (10-2) on March 10th in Philadelphia.
Booth of St. Petersburg, Florida has a record of 14-3 with seven knockouts.  The 29 year-old Booth is an eight year professional and has racked up wins over Marcus Powell (1-0), Jonathan Perez (5-0) & Osenohan Vazquez (8-2-1).  Booth is coming off a defeat to number-1 ranked Sergey Lipinets on March 4 in Brooklyn, NY.
Mercado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico is 10-2 with nine knockouts.  The 22 year-old is a five year pro who is looking to get back in the win column after suffering his 2nd consecutive defeat, which was a split decision to Ryan Pino on July 16, 2016 in Puerto Rico.
In six-round bouts:
Nicholas Hernandez (6-2,1 KO) of Lebanon, PA will take on Grayson Blake (6-4-1, 2 KO’s) of State College, PA in a junior middleweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
Jesus Perez (2-0, 1 KO) will tangle with Christian Molina (4-2, 3 KO’s) in a battle of Allentown based super lightweight’s.
Isamel Serrano (4-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA will fight Jesus Lule (10-22-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a lightweight fight.
Devin McMaster (1-1) of Allentown, PA will fight debuting Rick Pyle of Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight fight.
Dyaln Price (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Sicklerville, PA will fight Manuel Guerra of Renosa, Mexico in a super flyweight bout.