Tag Archives: boxing

Heavyweight Factory Returns with “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

WBO #11 Logan Yoon Looks to Defend NABO Belt Against Panama’s John Renteria

 

On Friday, Sept. 28, in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory return with “Rumble at the Rock 2,” another sensational night of world-class professional boxing. A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s shows at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series.

 

 

 

“Rumble at the Rock 2” is no exception. In the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against former WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight, WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight and WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Champion John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

 

 

 

Blessed with cat-like reflexes, fast hands and substantial power, the promising 19-year-old Yoon is gaining fans and reputation with every impressive performance. In his last fight in July, he took a unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores with scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93. In March, Yoon overcame the determination and experience of former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-89, 97-92 and 98-91). Yoon is currently the WBO #11-rated contender.

 

 

 

“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to fight in my first professional main event,” said Yoon. “I’m not any more nervous than usual because I fought in the amateurs in main events before and I’m used to all eyes being on me. I know he’s got a body punch, so I’ll be watching out for that. Training is going well. I’m training two or three times a day, six days a week. The weight is good. I feel awesome physically and I’m very confident going in.”

 

 

 

Twenty-six-year-old Renteria, of Panama City, is a six-year professional. He won the WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight Championship in March 2016, with a TKO 6 over then-undefeated (16-0) David Lobo Ramrez. Renteria picked up the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title the following April by ninth-round technical decision over Omir Rodriguez. He also grabbed the WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Championship with a TKO 5 over formerly undefeated Lesvy Maure.

 

 

 

“I am happy to be coming to Florida,” said Renteria. “I am representing Panama and I am coming to showcase my talent. My rival Logan Yoon is a very tough upcoming prospect who is very powerful, so I will bring my all.”

 

 

 

The evening’s 10-round co-main event will feature Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) defending his NABA-USA Featherweight Championship against undefeated Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

“We are very happy to be back at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, bringing live boxing to South Florida fans,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations, The Heavyweight Factory. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. Boxing at the Seminole Hard Rock is always great, and the event center is a perfect place for it. The Hard Rock is filled with wonderful things to do, from fine dining to gambling and spectacular events – all in one place! The Heavyweight Factory wishes to send a special thanks to Jim Allen Larry Mullin and Dave Gold and their entire staff. Fight fans, please enjoy South Florida’s boxing at its best.”

 

 

 

On fight night, the Event Center doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

VICTORY BOXING PROMOTIONS INKS NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPION KIANTE IRVING

   

PITTSBURGH – August 29, 2018 – Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions has signed under-the-radar amateur Kiante Irving to a promotional deal. The 24 year-old middleweight is set to make his professional debut this Sunday in West Virginia.

 

 

 

A 6’3″ middleweight, Irving heads into Sunday’s debut with a National Golden Gloves Championship under his belt, having topped the 165-pound division in the 2018 tournament.  Despite a slew of state and national titles under his belt, Irving began boxing late, compared to his peers.

 

 

He was 16 when he walked into Tom Yankello’s gym, having been drawn to the squared circle after being unable to find his niche in other sports.  Raised by a single mom, boxing was an outlet for Irving, and served as an escape from the poverty and stress that ensconced his home life.  It soon became clear that boxing would long be a part of his future.

 

 

 

A humble spirit, Irving kept his head down and his eye on the ball through various family traumas that included an eviction and his brother’s near-fatal battle with Chrohn’s Disease.   His younger brother, whom he credits as an inspiration and role model, survived the brush with death to become a firefighter.  Irving hopes to use his time in the ring to boost awareness of the disease, and to seize the opportunity to live out his dreams, much like his brother has done in recent years.

 

 

 

After his Golden Gloves Victory, Irving’s trainer Tom Yankello, and his brother and co-manager Mark Yankello, along with Irving, came to the decision that it was time to join the professional ranks.  The two managers, operating under the banner Tom Yankello Boxing, Inc., connected with boxing promoter Chris Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions.  Middendorf, who has helped build the careers of many of today’s world champions, seized the opportunity to work with Irving and the Yankellos.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to add Kiante to Victory Boxing’s stable,” said Middendorf.  I had the pleasure of doing a series of shows in Pittsburgh with welterweight Sammy Vasquez, culminating in an ESPN and then a ShowBox show, and a series of events at Consol Energy Center [now the PPG Arena.]  I can’t wait to be back in Pittsburgh, promoting another top prospect. It really is a tremendous sports town, and they really come out to support their local athletes.”

 

 

 

Middendorf was complimentary of the Yankello Brothers.  “I have known his trainer and co-manager, Tom and Mark Yankello, respectively, by reputation for many years, and have enjoyed working with them.  When Mark first spoke to me about Kiante, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with the Yankellos and promote Kiante Irving.  With his stellar amateur career, he is ready to be a pro.”

 

 

 

The future looks bright (and busy) for Irving.  “I plan to build and move Kiante the same way that I moved Ed Brown and Jaron Ennis.  I have promised him a minimum of eight fights in his first year, and I know we will do more.  He is a gifted athlete and it is going to be something to watch him develop into one of the top middleweights.”

 

 

 

For his part, Tom Yankello is excited about the young pugilist’s future with Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions.  “I am very pleased with Victory Boxing Promotions.  I have known Chris for many years, and he has a great resume and has been involved with building the careers of elite boxers such as Terence Crawford, Leo Santa Cruz, and Nonito Donaire. We know we’re in good hands, and that Chris knows how to move and develop Kiante.”

 

 

 

“I’m just excited to get my pro career moving,” said Irving of the signing.  “My managers are confident, and I’m confident that we’re going to be successful under the Victory Boxing banner, and we will be getting right to work.”

 

 

 

Irivng makes his professional debut this Sunday at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, versus Philadelphia’s Vincent Burkhalter.  Tickets are available at www.mademenboxing.com.

DANNY GARCIA PHILADELPHIA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Former Welterweight World Champion Garcia Battle 
Shawn Porter Saturday, September 8 Live on SHOWTIME 
from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by
 Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

 

PHILADELPHIA (August 29, 2018) – Former world champion Danny Garcia hosted a media workout ahead of his world title showdown against Shawn Porter taking place Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a welterweight title eliminator between Yordenis Ugas and Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

 

 

Undercard streaming coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

Garcia, along with father and trainer Angel Garcia, showed off his skills and spoke about his upcoming clash and more from the DSG Boxing Gym in Philadelphia. Here is what they had to say Wednesday:

 

 

 

DANNY GARCIA

 

 

 

“Once you’re in there with me, it’s not the same as anyone else. It’s not the same as what you expect it to be. You’re in for a rude awakening.

 

 

 

“I’ve knocked out a lot of fighters for the first time, so it won’t be surprising to me if I knock Shawn Porter out for the first time.

 

 

 

“Shawn had to have some skill to get to this level, it wasn’t all brawling. I’m not taking anything away from him. We’re prepared for the best Shawn Porter.

 

 

 

“This is another opportunity to become a four-time world champion and that excites me. I still feel like the WBC title is mine, so I’m even more ready to reclaim it.

 

 

 

“Getting that world title back is what it’s all about. I know that I’m always going to be a top fighter. I fill the seats and make big fights, that’s why Shawn came to me after my win against Brandon Rios for his moment of glory.

 

 

 

“I can’t rank Porter against the other top fighters in my career. I’ll have to see what he brings once we get in the ring. I’ve fought a lot of great opponents and he’s just the next in that line.

 

 

 

“In boxing they say the more you throw, the more open you are to get hit. Volume punching has to be effective. I’m the sharper boxer and I land the cleaner punches. That’s more my style. We’ve prepared ourselves for 12 hard rounds of any style.

 

 

 

“After four rounds you can really tell how strong a fighter is and how good their conditioning is. It’s all about the will power after a certain amount of rounds and I carry that well.

 

 

 

“We’ve had perfect sparring with guys who just come forward and put pressure on you. We’ve had bigger, heavier guys and some guys who jab and box how the way that Porter does.

 

 

 

“There’s going to be a lot of support from Philly on September 8. I’m a big draw in Brooklyn and I’m going to make it another epic night for Philly sports.”

 

 

 

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“Porter really isn’t worried about Danny’s power, but he should be. I’m not mad about it, he just better have no excuses in that ring. Because Danny’s not about excuses.

 

 

 

“We’re working hard and we’re going to be ready for anything Shawn Porter thinks he has up his sleeve. If he comes rushing in, he’s playing right into Danny’s hands.

 

 

 

“Danny is a star and he’s going to show it again in this fight. He always puts on a star performance and this going to be another stage for him to shine.”

 

 

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Unbeaten Featherweight Prospect Chris Colbert Takes on Sulaiman Segawa in Undercard Action Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, September 8 From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Welterweight Stars Danny Garcia & Shawn Porter Clash for the Vacant WBC Welterweight Championship in the Main Event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

BROOKLYN (August 29, 2018) – Brooklyn’s Chris Colbert returns to the ring in his hometown to take on once-beaten Sulaiman Segawa in an eight-round featherweight match as he looks to continue his rise up the ladder in the talent-laden 126-pound division. The loaded card is presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 8 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

 

 

 

Undercard attractions are part of a show that is headlined by elite welterweight stars Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter battling for the WBC title in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). The telecast also features a welterweight title eliminator between Yordenis Ugas and Cesar Barrionuevo and heavyweight action that pits unbeaten Polish slugger Adam Kownacki against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin.

 

 

 

Streaming coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN as five-division world champion Amanda Serrano attempts to win a world title in her record sixth weight class when she faces Yamila Esther Reynoso for the WBO 140-pound title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

Colbert (8-0, 3 KOs) is coming off a stoppage victory over previously unbeaten Austin Dulay in April and will fight at Barclays Center for the third time on September 8. The 21-year-old southpaw from Brooklyn is one of the most decorated amateurs to come out of New York in recent years and he has gained esteem by showing off his incredible speed and technique so far in his pro career. In his last fight at Barclays Center, Colbert scored a unanimous decision over then undefeated Titus Williams last November, in addition to making his pro debut at the arena in 2015. He will be opposed by Segawa (11-1, 4 KOs), who fights out of Silver Spring, Maryland by way of Uganda. The 27-year-old most recently stopped previously unbeaten Hector Lopez in May.

 

 

 

In other undercard action two of Mayweather Promotions’ hot unbeaten prospects do battle in separate attractions as Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins (5-0, 3 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Valenzuela (7-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight match and Dylan Price (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rwanda’s Mulapi Enjani (3-5-2, 1 KOs) in a six-round flyweight bout. Marsellos Wilder (1-0, 1 KO), the brother of WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, will battle Ryan Williams (0-1) in a four-round cruiserweight match, Brandon Quarles (19-4-1, 10 KOs) battles Marcus Willis (18-5-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight matchup and Brooklyn super welterweight prospect Chordale Booker (10-0, 5 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line against hard-hitting Minneapolis-native Ve Shawn Owens (9-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round match.

 

 

 

Plus, undefeated lightweight prospect from Philadelphia Jeffrey Torres (4-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Mexico’s Emmanuel Valadez (5-5, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout, Ricky Lopez (19-4, 6 KOs) takes on Ramsey Luna (14-5, 6 KOs) in an eight round featherweight fight, and Clayton Laurent, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Olympian from the U.S. Virgin Islands and the stepson of former junior middleweight and middleweight world champion Julian Jackson, takes on Sherman Artis, Jr. (3-2) in a four-round heavyweight attraction.

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxingand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

World-Rated Super Middleweight Aslambek ‘The Hulk’ Idigov Returns to the Ring on September 5 in Grozny, Russia against Daniel Wanyonyi

 

World-rated Russian super middleweight prospect Aslambek “The Hulk” Idigov will return to action on Wednesday, September 5, in his hometown of Grozny, Russia, against former African champion Daniel Wanyonyi for the WBA Asian Championship.

 

 

 

Idigov (13-0, 5 KOs), rated #14 by the WBO, will face the experienced Kenyan Wanyonyi (27-12-2, 22 KOs) at the five-star Grozny City Hotel in Grozny, and televised live in Russia on Match TV.

 

 

 

In his 11-year career, Wanyonyi has held the Kenyan Middleweight, interim East & Central African Professional Boxing Federation Middleweight, and African Boxing Union Light Heavyweight Championships.

 

 

 

Undefeated Idigov, who trains in Detroit with Javan SugarHill Steward and co-trainer Rick Phillips, at Kronk Gym, was last seen winning an impressive unanimous 10-round decision over once-beaten Detroiter James Ballard. He won the IBO Youth Super Middleweight Championship in December 2016 with a unanimous decision over countryman Igor Selivanov.

 

 

 

The 22-year-old says he’s closing in on his dream of a world championship.

 

 

 

“I am in great condition for this fight, training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit has done wonders for me,” he said. “I am very excited about my next fight in September, climbing up the ranks and challenging for the world title some time next year.”

 

 

 

Idigov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says that the Idigov’s remarkable strength and power make him a serious force at 168 lbs.

 

 

 

“Aslambek is truly “The Hulk,” said Salita. “His physical strength and size at super middleweight are remarkable. He is only 22 years old and is steadily improving with each camp. I believe he will have an impressive performance September 5 and big opportunities are in his near future. He is a prospect boxing fans should mark as one to watch.”

Silva-Forero tops “Night of Champions” October 6 in St. Petersburg, FL

Silva 106.jpg

 

Tampa, FL (August 28, 2018) – Lightweight William “Babyface” Silva returns to the ring Saturday, October 6 when he meets hard-hitting Jose Forero in a ten round contest headlining Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” at the St. Petersburg Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale by going to http://www1.ticketmaster.com/fire-fist-boxing-presents-abf-triple-st-petersburg-florida-10-06-2018/event/0d00551696349f20. VIP tickets can be purchased by calling 813-734-2461.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil but now fighting out of Plant City, FL, Silva has an outstanding 25-2 professional record with 14 knockouts. On July 14, Silva showed incredible heart and determination but lost via sixth round stoppage against elite rising star Teofimo Lopez. Prior to his gutsy effort vs Lopez, Silva shutout veteran Rogelio Casarez over ten rounds to capture the IBO Continental 135 pound championship.

 

 

 

Living and fighting out of Panama, Forero is a former WBC Latino and Global Boxing Council champion, capturing both belts by stoppage. Forero, 13-7-1 (11 KO’S), is confident Silva will be his next victim and doesn’t plan on leaving it up to the judges.

 

 

 

Silva-Forero is for the vacant ABF Continental Americas lightweight title.

 

 

 

Popular welterweight up and comer Mark Reyes Jr. of Tampa challenges experienced Panamanian Edwin Gamboa in an eight rounder for the ABF Continental Americas welterweight title.

 

 

 

A multi-time champion as an amateur, Reyes has shined thus far in the pros, compiling a perfect 7-0 record with 5 wins by knockout. Reyes appears to be a star in the making however he’ll be facing his toughest foe to date.

 

 

 

A 20 fight veteran, Gamboa’s 11-9 with 6 wins by KO. The 33-year-old Panama City native’s faced five unbeaten opponents and handed two their first defeat.

 

 

 

Former world champion and St. Petersburg native Noemi “La Rebelde” Bosques returns to her hometown for the first time in more than two years to face ultra-tough Crystal Hoy in a six round super flyweight contest for the ABF Continental Americas title.

 

 

 

Since turning pro in 2012, Bosques traveled the world to face many of the sport’s top fighters. She’s shared the squared circle with Kenia Enriquez, Heather Hardy (twice), Mariana Juarez, Lourdes Juarez, Alesia Graf and Rosalinda Rodriguez. The well-traveled Bosques fought all across the world including bouts in Mexico, New Zealand, China, India and various US cities.

 

 

 

The Las Vegas-based Hoy turned pro in 2002 and battled legendary Alicia Ashley, Monica Lovato, Yazmin Rivas, Katy Castillo, Heather Hardy and Tyrieshia Douglas.

 

 

 

Fire Fist Boxing’s card also features five all-Florida match-ups.

 

 

 

Arcadia’s Joseph Fernandez, 7-3-3 (1 KO), will swap punches with Tobias “Da Truth” Green, 7-2 (2 KO’s), of West Palm Beach in a junior welterweight matchup while 5-0 welterweight prospect Ramon De La Paz of Wesley Chapel battles Orlando’s Javier Garcia.

 

 

 

Junior middleweight knockout artist Ozodbek “Bomber” Aripov of Fort Myers puts his 3-0 record on the line against Miami’s Clifford Gray Jr., heavyweight Jose “The Dream” Medina of Tampa faces Miami native Hector Hodge and Tampa junior lightweight Armando Moran squares off with Miami’s Benny Rodriguez Jr.

 

 

 

All bouts are scheduled for six rounds except Moran-Rodriguez, which is a four round contest.

 

 

 

Argentinian imports Marcos Escudero, 4-0 (3 KO’s) and Alberto Palmetta, 8-1 (4 KO’s), will also appear against opponents to be named.

 

 

 

“We’re pleased to bring Silva back following his heroic effort against Lopez,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “He deserves the opportunity to fight in his adopted home state of Florida and the fans enjoyed his fight in March. We’re also excited to present Mark Reyes Jr’s first title and promotional debut for us plus the return of hometown hero Noemi Bosques. From top to bottom, we’ve got exciting fights and fighters from all over Florida so make sure to come out and support what will be an excellent night of boxing.”

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are sanctioned by the Florida State Athletic Commission and subject to change.

 

 

 

For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

Ukrainian Korean Puncher Arnold Khegai Sets His Sights on WBO Champ Isaac Dogboe

 

Based on his performance this past weekend, it would be understandable for most of the world’s 122-lb fighters to want to avoid UK-based WBO Super Bantamweight Champion Isaac Dogboe… Not Arnold Khegai.

 

 

 

Khegai, the ethnic Korean, Ukrainian-born #12-rated WBO contender, is calling out Dogboe.

 

 

 

“I feel I am the best super bantamweight in the world!” said the confident Khegai. “I want to prove my point by fighting the most avoided fighters in the division. Bring on Dogboe!”

 

 

 

Last Saturday night at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, California, the undefeated Dogboe (20-0, 14 KOs) scored an eye-opening TKO 1 over challenger Hidenori Otake of Japan. Dogboe looked to be a serious force while dominating his foe and dropping him twice with relative ease.

 

 

 

Khegai (13-0-1, 9 KOs) also wowed the boxing world in May of this year, with a dominant unanimous decision over well-respected contender Adam Lopez, live on Showtime.

 

 

 

“I know Isaac had an impressive victory and I commend him for that,” continued Khegai. “But I will gladly fight him. I know I can’t be beat at this weight and I’ll fight anyone to prove it.”

 

 

 

“Arnold is a blue-chip contender on his way to becoming a dominant name in the super bantamweight division,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Not only does he have the skills and power, but most importantly, he has the desire to fight the best. That is a complete package.”

Ruben Villa Remains Unbeaten After Friday NIght’s Unanimous Decision Win

         
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. /ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2018) –  Ruben Villa (13-0, 5 KOs) continued his trend of routing opponents on the scorecards by thoroughly outpointing Jose Santos Gonzalez (23-7, 13 KOs) in Friday night’s “Locked n’ Loaded” main event.
Villa used his signature quickness to batter Gonzalez throughout the 8-round fight.
“I was able to find the range from the outside and also get inside a little bit,” said Villa after the fight. “He was a little bit awkward, but I still found ways to land combinations.”
To watch a replay of the fight, please click here.
The southpaw from Salinas, Calif. hammered Gonzalez with accurate jabs and punishing left hands. In nearly every round, Villa, 21, rocked Gonzalez on his heels with a variety of punches from all sorts of angles. 
Gonzalez, despite his experience in high profile fights, was unable to muster any kind of attack. He nearly went down in the fifth when Villa cracked him with a body shot. Scores: 80-72, 79-73 twice.
Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing
Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Philly Heavyweight Joey Dawejko Puts UK Olympian Joe Joyce on Blast for Taking Easier Fight

After being stepped over as Joe Joyce’s next opponent, Philadelphia fan favorite Joey Dawejko is calling out the highly touted UK-based heavyweight for taking the easy road.

 

 

 

Since turning professional, Joyce, the outspoken 2016 Olympic Super-Heavyweight Silver Medal Winner and now Commonwealth (British Empire) Heavyweight Champion, has made a habit of publicly calling out the division’s top contenders and champions.

 

 

 

But Dawejko says Joyce’s antics may be just for show, and in reality, his representatives are very protective of their charge.

 

 

 

Dawejko (19-5-4, 11 KOs) says he was offered and accepted the opportunity to face Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) on the undercard of former welterweight champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter’s Saturday, September 8, showdown at the Barclays Center – only to find out Joyce had instead chosen to face Ohio’s Devin Vargas.

 

 

 

Dawejko has spent his professional career as a respected gatekeeper in the division. The 28-year-old has had competitive battles with several of the division’s best and even gave top contender Jarrell Miller the only blot on his undefeated record when he held him to a draw in 2013.

 

 

 

Vargas was a successful amateur boxer, but the former Olympian has sputtered as a professional. He has lost five of his last eight fights and is coming off a first-round knockout loss.

 

 

 

“I got the call the other day from my manager saying we had an offer to fight him and we accepted,” explained Dawejko, “then I found out he took an easier fight. I’m kind of pissed off about it because it was a good opportunity for me. They chose the safe route because they’re definitely protecting him. They talk a good game, but at the end of the day they just want easy fights.”

 

 

 

Dawejko says exposing Joyce would have given him the chance to finally break through to the upper echelon.

 

 

 

“They’re building this guy like he’s something special and he’s not. I see nothing special about him. He has size, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t think he’s as good as people are making him out to be. I could definitely beat him. He’s big and slow and gets hit a lot and his defense isn’t there. I know I could beat him.”

 

 

 

Not giving up, Dawejko wants Joyce to know he’d be happy to face him in his next fight… if Joyce isn’t too timid.

 

 

 

“If he really wants to challenge himself, step up and fight me. I‘m ready to go at any time. I’ll fight him any day of the week.”

 

 

 

About Greg Cohen Promotions

 

 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

 

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

 

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

 

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

 

 

 

Cohen currently promotes undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion a top contender Jarrell Miller, top-rated middleweight contender Robert Brant, and former WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and world-rated contender Mason Menard, among many others.

 

 

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

 

 

 

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Coyle forced to withdraw from October 6 fight

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Tampa, FL (August 24, 2018) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle was forced to withdraw from his October 6 bout as part of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions’ “Night of Champions” card in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

During his training camp in Ireland, Coyle’s back began to swell and cause him pain. The unbeaten 28-year-old battled through the back problems and continued training. Unfortunately, the pain got worse and aggressively spread throughout his body.

 

 

 

Coyle then checked into a local hospital. Doctors believe he has an inflammatory infection and ran a number of tests. In the interim, Coyle must refrain from training during the next 6 weeks.

 

 

 

“I’d like to sincerely apologize to my fans for being unable to compete,” said Coyle, who is 8-0 and coming off a dominant stoppage victory in June. “This is a bump in the road and I’ll be back more motivated to focus on another fight soon.”

 

 

 

Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions believes Coyle will come back strong when the time is right but is most concerned about his fighter’s current health.

 

 

 

“I feel terrible about this entire situation because Connor is like a son to me,” said Caliguire. “This is extremely unfortunate and Connor needs to get the proper rest to ensure his body is ready whenever he decides he’s healthy enough to return to training.”

 

 

 

Coyle was scheduled to headline for the ABF Continental Americas middleweight championship and a new main event will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net.