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Tornado goes to the movies: rocky iV remastered review

by: Tony “the Tornado” Penecale (above)

Here is my review of the Rocky vs Drago movie plus a photo with the movie poster. Guess who walked out with it!

So I went to see the Rocky vs Drago Director’s Cut film last night.


Here are 2 spoilers that shouldn’t be spoilers.  Apollo still dies and Rocky still wins.


So the movie had approximately 40 minutes of new footage.  It also kept approximately the same run time so with 40 minutes of new footage, there is nearly 40 minutes of omitted footage.


Now for some spoilers.  If you don’t want anything spoiled, I suggest you stop reading here.


There were two shots that I really hoped would have been edited out for this film but somehow still made it in.  I’ll get to them later.


So I’ll breakdown some of the changes/additions/omissions and give my thoughts.


1) New opening. Usually, it starts with the ROCKY title scrolling across the bottom to one of the series signature songs.  Then it breaks into the last round of the previous movie.   This movie starts with various clips from Rocky 3 including Rocky’s loss to Clubber Lang, Apollo talking him out of retiring, and the climatic fight scene.  It completely omits the Rocky and Apollo sparring session.  I was not a fan of the new opening.  I am used to the normal movie openings that last 2-3 minutes and set the stage for the new installment.  I wasn’t a fan of the song they used “Sweetest Victory” which is on the Rocky IV soundtrack but never used in the original.


2) No robot.  While this was seen as a cross between corny and creepy (Paulie’s girlfriend?), the omission of the robot, likely due to licensing agreements, meant that many scenes with Paulie or Rocky Jr had to be cut including Paulie’s birthday scene.


3) The new Drago introduction press conference explains that they tried to arrange a fight with Rocky.  I thought that was good but they cut out Drago’s wife comparing him to Popeye eating spinach.   In fact, a lot of Brigitte Nielsen’s dialogue was cut.  Could it be because of her “rocky” relationship with Stallone?


4) The reasoning for Apollo to take the fight was improved.  Yes, he still shows up out of nowhere and part of the table scene had to be cut (no robot, remember) but they talked about how Rocky ignored the challenge and Apollo feeling the need to take it.


5) I thought the omission of the whole pre-fight dressing room scene with Rocky and Apollo was a mistake.  Not only does it cut one of my favorite lines “I didn’t say anything about snails, I said Nails N-N-Nails” but it shows Apollo’s overconfidence and Rocky’s trepidation.  The only part of the original dressing room scene that is preposterous is where Rocky was trying to convince Apollo to postpone.  Seriously, who postpones 5 minutes before they are scheduled to walk to the ring?


6) The Creed-Drago fight was greatly improved.  Except for the one shot they left in from the original where Apollo is clearly not wearing gloves.  They missed that edit the first time.  How did they miss it again?  The fight was extended and Apollo got up after an early knockdown and kept trying to fight back. 


7) Apollo’s funeral was extended and improved with his father-figure Duke giving a speech and Rocky giving a more emotional speech.


8) The scene with the boxing commission not sanctioning the fight between Rocky and Drago was included as it was shown in the original 1985 trailer but cut from that movie.  


9) The scene of Rocky talking to his son before leaving was extended and improved.  


10) The training montages were slightly changed and some edits to the scenes in Russia.


11) The final fight was still enjoyable.  There were some added elements to it.


12) Two of the better movie speeches were changed to voiceovers.  Apollo in the dressing room telling Rocky he would understand when it was over was changed to voiceover in Rocky’s head.  The epic speech to Adrian where he said Drago would have to kill him to beat him was also changed to an inner-monologue voiceover.  I definitely think that was a mistake because it takes the charm away from seeing the facial expressions of Apollo and Rocky respectively as they said those lines.


13) The moment before the final round when Drago’s manager ran from his balcony seat with the Kremlin to berate Drago in his corner.  I was hoping that if any scene was cut, it would be that one.  I would rather there be a scene of Paulie marrying the robot and announcing she was pregnant than this scene.  I hated it in 1985 (when I was 9 years old) and I hate it now.  There is 60 seconds between rounds of a boxing match.  This man ran from the balcony, through the crowd, got to Drago’s corner, and berated him in less than one minute.  Drago, for having endured 14 punishing rounds, is able to stand up and lift him with one arm before dropping him off the apron.  Talk about taking some serious liberties.


14) The fight end.  You get used to the way a Rocky fight ends.  He scores the big knockdown, his opponent struggles to get up, and ultimately falls back down as the count reaches 10.  This one, Drago goes down, makes a move to get back up, a falls flat.  The referee stops with no count at all.  I also hated Rocky’s leap at the end.  In the original, he was lifted in the air as he stood there exhausted by triumphant.  This one looks like he is able to do a leaping swan dive into a pool.


15) The speech is different.  He couldn’t reference his kid because showing him would show the robot.  I was glad in a way they cut the scenes of the kids watching the fight.  It always posed some serious questions to me.  If Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie were all in Russia, who was watching the 9 year old kid? The robot? Who is going to let an unsupervised 9 year old watch a fight where there is a fear that his father could be killed?  The part of the speech that was comical was Rocky’s talk about change.  He mentioned his friend (Apollo) couldn’t change and now he’s dead.  Wow.  Way to perk up the crowd there, Rock!


Overall it was enjoyable.  The changed scenes and alternate takes threw off the cadence so you were in truth watching a new movie.  There were a lot of scenes in this film that I prefer to the original (the extended Creed-Drago fight, the extended funeral, Rocky meeting with the commission).  There were some scenes that I think should have been kept (Rocky and Apollo in the dressing room, Mrs. Drago talking about her husband, etc).  There were a few things that I definitely prefer the original, most notably the superior intro scrolling logo/final round of previous movie scene.


So in my conclusion, there needs to be a Director’s Cut of the Director’s Cut and combine the best of the original and the best of the new version.  


We can call this one “Rocky IV Take III: The Tornado Cut”


Tornado 🌪

Rematch of 2021 N.E. Fight of the Year Wilfredo Pagan vs. Carlos Marrero, III headlines “New England’s Future VIII” Dec. 18th in Webster, Massachusetts

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Dec. 18th in Webster, Massachusetts
 
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WORCESTER, Mass. (November 29, 2021)  – The rematch of the unofficial 2021 New England Fight of the Year will headline the December 18th “New England Future VIII” event, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), highlighting Webster’s (MA) first professional boxing event in 27 years, at Webster Town Hall.

Puerto Rico-native Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Southbridge (MA), and Bridgeport’s (CT) Carlos Marrero, III (2-6-2), fought to an entertaining 6-round split draw this past August 14th in Worcester (MA).

“I am very excited we were able to get the rematch between Pagan and Marrero so quick,” RPE promoter Jose Antonio Rivera commented. “These two warriors put their heart and soul in their last fight and the fans were not disappointed. As a promoter these are the type of fights we love to put together. We are 3 weeks away from another great boxing event to see some talented up and coming future champions. Webster Town Hall is going to be electric!”

Pagan and Marrero will be fighting once again for the vacant New England Super Lightweight Championship in the Dec.18th 6-round main event.

The original Pagan-Marrero was non-stop, action-packed throw-down which the judges’ scored 58-56 in favor or Pagan, 55-59 for Marrero, and 57-57. The scoring was originally announced as a split-decision win for Marrero but, in retrospect, both fighters have taken the emotional outcome changes in stride. Some fuel, though, has been poured on the fire, largely through social media.

“When the fight was done,” Pagan commented, “as a fighter, you know if your fight was won, lost or very close. It was a little close, but that I won the fight. When the decision was announced that he had won, I closed my eyes, because it reminded me of my amateur career. I definitely won a few fights, I dominated, but I didn’t get the decision. Anything can happen when it goes into the judges’ hands. The judges didn’t see me winning, okay, but then they reversed the decision. I thought that they had gotten it right and I had won, but it was announced as a draw. It is what it is, okay, because the judges’ job isn’t as easy as people think. They saw ups and downs and had it a draw.

“II was thinking, here we go again, when it was announced a draw,” Marrero said. “For some reason, every time I fight in Massachusetts it’s always controversial. I had dropped to my knees in happiness and when the second announcement was made, I thought they were giving him the win. A draw? I’m not upset but I was surprised because I felt I had won. I went home thinking it was a draw, not a loss, and hopefully we’d have a rematch. And we do December 18th.”

Pagan vs. Marrero is an example of not needing two great fighters to have a great fight. They’re evenly matched and both fighters have tremendous heart.

“People had asked if I wanted a rematch and I said, yes, I’m thinking about it because it was a draw,” Pagan offered. “I wasn’t going to say no if it was offered, but the No. 1 reason for me to fight him is for the New England Championship. As long as I fought him for the title, I was for it because I want to fight for the belt and that’s what is my target. That was my feeling at the beginning, but things changed a little, because he changed. I don’t know what people told him, I’m not some kid and I had a lot of respect for him. But then he started texting me. I don’t know if it was to spice up this fight, but he crossed the line. He said a lot he shouldn’t have said. I’ always humble and respect all fighters because they’re risking their lives. I don’t know why he said what he did, but he’s given me even more motivation. I want that belt! I’m training double to beat him and shut his month. I still have some respect for him, but it’s not the same.

“I made a lot of mistakes in our first fight and made the fight much harder than it was supposed to be. I’ve been working on adjustment and, hopefully, on December 18th it will pay-off.”

“I always have a little room for improvement after a fight, and we saw some things I needed to improve for the rematch,” Marrero explained. “I’m more mentally prepared to do things and will be much smarter in the ring. Physically, I’m a lot stronger and sharper. The key for me is being mentally prepared and sharper. His (Pagan’s) opponent for his last fight fell out and my manager, Nate Torres, contacted me saying I had been offered an opportunity to fight Pagan. Without hesitation, I said yes. I’m always in the gym and ready to fight. I came in 2-pounds under and I’m on weight right now for this fight. The only thing I had to prepare for is he’s a southpaw.

“We had a great fight. He probably thinks he won a few rounds, I felt I won the fight. He missed more and I connected with the cleaner punches the judges could see. In the third or fourth round, I hurt him with a body shot. He folded and I hit him with another good shot.”

In the co-featured event, Danbury (CT) super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (11-1, 3 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round match.

Promising Boca Raton (FL) super welterweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (7-0, 5 KOs) is steps up in terms of quality opposition in a 6-rounder versus Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-28-3, 5 KOs).

Worcester super middleweight Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (3-0-1), a two-time national amateur champion and World Games Silver medalist, will meet David Rohn (0-10-1) in a 4-round super middleweight bout.

Undefeated Worcester cruiserweight prospect Derek “Hightower” Edmonds (3-0, 2 KOs), a 3-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion, has been added to the card in a 4-round bout against TBA.

Worcester middleweight Eslih Owusu (6-0, 4 KOs), a native of Ghana, faces Anthony Everett (1-0), of Lawrence, in a 4-rounder.

Also fighting on the under undercard in 4-round matches are New Haven (CT) super lightweight Anuel Rosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Stacy Anderson (0-8), and Bridgeport super lightweight Oscar Bonilla (6-3-2, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-17).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 (reserved seating) and $45.00 (general admission) and available for purchase 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 at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Shamrock Sports, Lundgren Honda, Greatest Hits Cannabis Company, Lake Shore Legal LCC Attorneys at Law, Emmloan, 616 Reality LLC, Drafters Sports Café, and Asmar Jewelz.

INFORMATION:
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt, @JoseRiveraChamp, @KingRivera_

Don King Returns to Ohio to Present WBC Cruiserweight Champion Fight on Saturday, Jan. 29 Pitting Makabu & Mchunu

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DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (November 26, 2021)—Homecoming At Last! The fight for the forgotten people (the homeless, poor, and downtrodden people) will benefit from this championship doubleheader.
 
The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, as he presents another blockbuster for the forgotten people, who won’t be forgotten any more, world championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.
 
The WBC world championship fight for the love of the people, will be held at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH.  In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, Louisiana risking his perfect record against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN.
 
King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May.
 
Alvarez will be ringside in Warren, OH to see who his next opponent will be.
 
“This is going to be one action packed WBC world championship fight with a very big fight on the horizon for the winner,” said King.  “They are both warriors and this war for the recognition of the homeless will start the new year in grand style, recognizing the homeless, and helping others.” 
 
Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December. 
 
Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.
 
Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019.  He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021.  Thabiso has won his last four fights.

Undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro Makes Nashville debut this Saturday

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ORLANDO (November 22, 2021) – Undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro (5-0, 5 KOs) has taken an unusual route to Nashville, where he will take on veteran Eric Abraham (6-10, 3 KOs) this Saturday night in a 4-round bout at Municipal Auditorium.
The 24-year-old Pinheiro was born in Poland, grew up in Brazil, moved to Orlando and then up to Massachusetts for a job opportunity in security in Boston’s Seaport and Financial districts. He started boxing three years ago, rapidly developing into a Central New England Golden Gloves Novice super heavyweight champion, turning pro this past May in Orlando where he lives again.

“I’ve always been a fan of boxing,” Pinheiro explained, “but I didn’t box until I moved to the United States. I appreciate the art of boxing. I’m an exciting boxer who can mix it up. I fight on the outside or inside, depending on who I’m fighting, and adapting in the ring.

“My opponent is a southpaw, and he can be a little awkward. It’s going to be a good fight. He’s more experienced than me, but I’m comfortable fighting a southpaw. I’m working to improve as an all-around fighter in every aspect, mentally and physically.”

The 6’ 4”, 200-pound Pinheiro will be fighting on the “Nashville Beatdown” card, presented by Lank The King & Lank Promotions, in association with Affiliation Management.

“’Pretty Boy’ is a boxer who looks like a model,” promoter Langston Hampton, Jr. commented. “He’s real fast and swift. He has to be reckoned with because he’s a good, clean fighter. I’m one of the promoters involved with him. He made his pro debut May 8th on my show in Orlando. With his talent and looks, Adrian could be the next champion from Poland. The sky is the limit for him. It’s all about dedication. He has the talent in the ring and outside he’s very marketable. The Polish need a new champion and it’s going to be Adrian Pinheiro!”

Back living in Orlando and training at the Orlando Boxing Club, Pinheiro is an avid country music fan who is excited to be fighting in Nashville, the capital of country “his music.”

“I can’t wait to get to Nashville,” Pinheiro said. “I’m a huge country fan. This is special to me!”

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“I’m excited about this young man,” Pinheiro’s manager/head trainer Tony Blanco remarked. “He’s a humble beast who works hard. He works out twice a day. My only problem with him is getting him out of the gym. He is the future!

“Adrian is a big country music fan. When the opportunity came to fight in Nashville, in front of Floyd Mayweather, Jr., he accepted right away.”
Polish boxing fans are known for their passion. Waving red and white Poland flags and singing loudly, they haven’t really had many fighters to follow in the United States since Andrew Golota and Tomasz Adamek. “Pretty Boy” would love to get support from his fellow Polish and Polish-Americans.

“I’ve heard a lot about them,” Pinheiro added. “Orlando doesn’t have much of a Polish community, but I hope that time will come. I love my people!”

INFORMATION:

Instagram: @heavyAP, @orlandoboxingclub, @downtownorlandoboxing

Tik Tok: @AdrianPineiro_

Facebook: /obc-orlandoboxingclub, @downtownorlandoboxingclub

DERON WILLIAMS VS. FRANK GORE NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

NBA All-Star Williams & NFL Pro Bowl Running Back Gore Announce Boxing Pro Debuts On Undercard of Jake Paul Vs. Tommy Fury Main Event Saturday, December 18 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Also Featuring Quotes and Photos from Seven-Division World Champion Amanda Serrano

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(Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®)

Click HERE For Photos by Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

NEW YORK – November 16, 2021 – Three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and legendary NFL running back Frank Gore faced off for the first time following a press conference announcing their professional heavyweight boxing debuts on Tuesday at Edison Ballroom in New York City.

Williams vs. Gore will take place on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, December 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa. The four-round heavyweight bout will be contested with a 215-pound contractual limit as the two legends make their professional boxing debuts. 

Also appearing at Tuesday’s event was seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event.

Tickets for the live event, titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, are now available for purchase at www.amaliearena.com.

Below are quotes from Williams, Gore and Serrano.


Deron Williams

“I’ve always wrestled all the way until high school and always been a big boxing and MMA fan. I’ve done a lot of training at my gym, Fortis MMA, in Dallas for the past six years.

“I’ve always wanted to do an MMA fight. I had one that I was training for before Covid hit but my opponent pulled out. It was always in the back of my mind and I’ve always stayed in shape and stayed training. I got a call from Nakisa (Bidarian) who I hadn’t talked to in five years and he said Frank Gore was training and looking for an opponent, and I felt like it was a great opportunity. I felt like if I didn’t take it I’d be kicking myself for the rest of my life.

“Frank looks good. If I’m going to do a fight I’d rather do it with someone who is capable and who has been training. The man is tough, there’s no doubt about that. Anyone who can take that many snaps in the NFL has to be tough. It’s a good challenge for me and something that I can check off the bucket list.

“Most people are behind me. I’ve had some people say, ‘You’re fighting Frank Gore. What are you doing?’ But that’s OK. There are a lot of unknowns in this game, so it makes it exciting. I’ve been training for years and doing a lot of MMA, and a lot of it has been boxing.

“I first started wrestling when I was like five. I didn’t really know what it was and I spent the whole season being dragged on the mat by my mom crying because I was so scared to go in there. But she said I had to because she had already paid for it and said you’re going to do this every weekend. So I basically went out there crying, got pinned, walked off the mat and then did it again for the whole year. The next year she asked if I wanted to sign up again expecting I would say no, but I actually said yes for some reason. I did that for about a half year before I turned into a little animal. So I think that year and a half of getting pinned made me tougher. Wrestling is a tough sport, and it was a great base for me and I’m really glad I did it and was able to go to the state tournament in Texas as an eight-year-old and 12-year-old. And I would have loved to have kept going but it was in the same season as basketball.

“I loved watching the heavyweights. Growing up in the ‘90s and watching (Mike) Tyson and all those wars they had. And watching (Evander) Holyfield. It was just a special time in boxing and there were still other fighters, but those were the ones I was watching and who I was excited to see.

“I jogged four miles yesterday and that was the first time I’ve ever run four miles. It’s getting out of your comfort zone and it’s a different feeling. Basketball, and football for him, we’re comfortable with that work. It’s learning to get hit in the face and being OK with it. It’s just a new challenge. I’ve been retired for four years now. You just miss competing. You miss having something to train for.”

Frank Gore

“l have always loved boxing. I’ve been training since 2005. I was doing it because it would save my legs since I play running back. I just fell in love with it, how hard it was and I’m very competitive. I was just doing it for the cardio. My first time I didn’t think I could do it, but I kept getting better and better at it.

“I’m definitely not doing this for the money. I’m blessed. I’m good and blessed with football and off-the-field stuff.

“I’ve always been an underdog my entire life. I was raised in a one-bedroom apartment. I blew out both of my knees and many thought I wouldn’t make it to the NFL. Sixteen years later and I’m No. 3 on the all-time list.

“I’m happy to be here and I respect Deron. He’s coming from the NBA and I always say any man who gets into the ring has got to be different. I don’t care what sport you play. I’m training my behind off for December 18.

“I know he’s trained in MMA and coming over from the NBA but he’s no Nate Robinson. He’s been doing MMA for six years so I have to respect that. He’s been wrestling since he was a kid. I’m training my behind off and the only one I can worry about is myself. I’m looking forward to the challenge and let the best man win on December 18.

“Football and boxing are totally different. When you watched me play I never really got hit. That’s why I was able to last so long. I played off of angles. Now, with boxing I’m going in there with guys that have had 300 amateur fights, are 10-0 as pros. So I can’t just dodge all the shots they are throwing because they have more ring experience.

“I would say jogging has been the toughest thing. In football we never jogged. We always did sprints and pulled the sled but I had to really train myself to jog. I had to put my mind somewhere else and work on it.

“My favorite fighter is Floyd (Mayweather, Jr.). There are a bunch of guys I like to watch now. I like Terence (Crawford) and I like Errol Spence, Tank (Davis), Shakur Stevenson. I just want to be the best of me. Whatever my coach tells me to do I’m going to go out and try to do and do my best to get this win on December 18.”

Amanda Serrano

“This fight is more important than the Katie Taylor fight. Miriam Gutierrez is a tough girl at 135 pounds and it’s not my natural weight class. I’m moving up two divisions. I have to get through Miriam in a way that people will want to see me fight Katie next.

“I would actually rather lose the weight than gain the weight. It’s so hard for me to keep the weight on because once I start training I drop it. I’m eating a lot of good foods and had to hire a nutritionist for this camp to make sure I’m strong. I’m a little girl, but I pack a punch wherever I go.

“I definitely want the Katie Taylor fight. That night could be the night I accomplish my goal and become the first undisputed boxer to come out of Puerto Rico. That would be an amazing night. Right now I’m concentrating on boxing because I have two amazing fights but in the future I definitely want to become an MMA champion, but right now it’s all about boxing.

“Pound for pound I think is a matter of opinion. Some people think I am, some people think it’s Claressa Shields. Katie actually fights the week before me so she has to look good, and I have to look good. I’m training really hard for Miriam. I know she is a tough girl and I’m just going to go out and be the best I can be and I think the fight with Katie Taylor is going to happen.”

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

The Worlds Number One Boxing Designer Javier Zinzun Jr. Gives Inspirational Speech to Students

The Worlds Number One Boxing Designer Javier Zinzun Jr. Gives Inspirational Speech to Students
SANTA ANA, CA (November 15, 2021) – Last week, the worlds number one boxing designer and WBC Cares Ambassador, Javier Zinzun Jr., gave an inspirational speech to students at the Samulai Academy in Santa Ana, California, giving back to the community he was raised in.

“I know firsthand the perils of drug abuse, violence, peer pressure and more, so it’s very important for me to give back in my own community,” said Zinzun Jr. with a smile on his face. “When people are young, they’re very impressionable, and for me to be living my dream in a positive and cool manner, is what I want to do. I want to lead by example, and let people know anything is possible.”

Life was not always easy for Zinzun as he almost lost his life in 2011 due to alcohol and drug abuse. This near-death experience was a turning point for him.

“I knew in the middle of my overdose this couldn’t be it,” continued Zinzun. “I have told the story many times, but it was up to me to find my own path. I went home, got rid of everything, the drugs, alcohol, all of that and told my family, I was a new person, and since then never looked back.”

“I want to thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to our campus and share your knowledge with our students,” said Oscar Reyes. “It is at events like these that our students get the most value and impact. It is not every day that our students get to be in front of professionals like you and hear their life journey and success stories which is where they find inspiration to keep finding their way in life. The feedback I received from staff, teachers, and especially students was overwhelmingly positive and that of gratitude.”

Zinzun who has designed trunks for “Canelo” Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, recounted stories of creating the ring outfit for the brave boxers performing on fight night.

“A lot of the young people are fans of the fighters, so just to tell them stories about the people I have worked with and let them know they’re people just like us and see the joy in hearing these stories makes it so meaningful,” concluded Zinzun. “I am just trying to be the person I wish I had when I was their age.”
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Photo by Ryan Hafey – PBCPhoto by Golden Boy Promotions
Javier Zinzun Jr. is a self-made American success story overcoming the perils of drugs and alcoholism to start one of the best boxing fashion brands “I Got My Own Back”, working with the likes of Ryan GarciaCanelo Alvarez, and Mario Barrios, as well as being involved in the creative design process of “Creed 2” the movie. Above you will see his designs worn by David Benavidez and Jaime Munguia, both whom fought this past Saturday on the global stage.

Falcao to fight for IBF Latino Title January 15 in Brazil

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Sao Paolo, Brazil (November 15, 2021) – Super middleweight standout Yamaguchi Falcao will look continue his winning ways when he fights an opponent to be determined Saturday, January 15 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
 
Falcao’s WBC Latino title will be on the line as will the vacant IBF Latino championship in a ten round matchup.
 
Fresh off a dominant victory over veteran contender Jorge Daniel Miranda, Falcao is 19-1-1 as a pro with 8 knockouts. In his last two contests, the 33-year-old southpaw’s won the WBA Fedecaribe, WBC Latino and ABF Continental Americas super middleweight championships. 
 
Falcao, a Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games, also has plans to return to America and face a top 15 ranked opponent.
 
Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, is happy his fighter will have another opportunity to entertain his native fans but is mapping out a strategy for the rest of 2022.
 
“If all goes as planned, we’re bringing Yama back to the US shortly after his fight in January. The biggest opportunities and best training resources are available to Yama here in the US. He’s long stated that he is more than happy to face any top 168 pound opponent. Bringing him back stateside will get him ready for whatever challenge arises if everything goes as expected January 15.”
 
More information on the card will be available shortly.
 
Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

Nicco Tapia, 16-Year-Old Son of Late Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia, to Make Amateur Boxing Debut Nov. 20

16-YEAR-OLD JOHNNY “NICCO” TAPIA STRIVES TO FOLLOW IN HIS LEGENDARY DAD’S FOOTSTEPS AS HE MAKES HIS AMATEUR BOXING DEBUT ON HIS MOM TERESA’S FIGHT CARD

SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 2021, IN MESCALERO, NEW MEXICO

Youngest son of late Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia to fight on the preliminary portion of Tapia Promotions’ Barrera vs. De Leon: “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 13, 2021) – While countless high school juniors concern themselves with standardized test scores and submitting college applications, Johnny “Nicco” Tapia, the youngest son and namesake of the late five-time world champion, will commence his pursuit of a pro boxing career when he makes his amateur debut on the preliminary portion of his Mom Teresa’s Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon pay-per-view fight card Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

“Boxing is a passion,” said the 16-year-old currently working toward earning his diploma online. “I love stepping into the ring, getting hit, and feeling the crowd’s energy.”

In the Nov. 20 main event, two Mexican boxing legends will lace up the gloves for one final night when Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) returns to the ring for only the second time in more than a decade to square off against former two-time world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (45-7, 35 KOs). The six-round super welterweight exhibition and four additional bouts will air live on pay per view from Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the five-bout main card live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET

A native of Las Cruces, N.M., Nicco trains in the Tapia home garage, enjoys studying sociology to “look at people from a different perspective,” dislikes mathematics, and currently has no plans to further an academic career following his 2023 graduation.

“I don’t really plan to go to college,” said the music fan who freestyle raps in his downtime. “I want to keep pushing myself in the ring and turn pro as soon as I get enough experience.”

Surrounded by the sweet science from an early age, Nicco fondly looks back on innumerable heartwarming memories of watching his father train for upcoming fights.

“I used to go to the gym and run around with my Dad every day. When the bell rang, I held up the gloves with him.”

Outside of boxing, the father-son pairing spent quality time playing other sports, enjoying delicious desserts, and tuning into their favorite television programs.

“We used to go to the park, play basketball, and jump on the trampoline,” Nicco recalled. “Dad used to give me ice cream sandwiches. I remember going into his room and watching the show ‘Cops’ together.”

Aiming to find inspiration and discover boxing tips from one of boxing’s all-time greatest fighters, young Nicco frequently rewatches Johnny’s classic bouts.

“I study his speed, head movement, and angles,” said the teenager who models much of his fighting style after his Dad and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

When asked to name his favorite “Mi Vida Loca” fight, Nicco did not hesitate in listing Johnny Tapia’s hard-fought victory over fellow Albuquerquean and former world champion Danny Romero for the IBF/WBO junior bantamweight titles on July 18, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nev.

“The crowd was wild and crazy,” Nicco recollected. “I love studying my Dad’s boxing technique.”

Originally scheduled to fight at Inn of the Mountain Gods on July 31, 2021, the aspiring actor and former viola player pulled out of his amateur debut when he sustained a hand fracture.

“I was playing football with friends and landed on my hand wrong,” lamented the proud holder of a driver’s license. “It was the first time I injured myself.”

Less than four months later, Nicco is eager to thrill the Mescalero crowd on Nov. 20 before Barrera and De Leon take center stage.

“I am ticking off the days and can’t wait for this night to come.”

Kicking off the festivities, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream Nicco Tapia’s debut and four additional outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.

A Spanish-language broadcast will be available as a viewing option for both the pay-per-view and preliminary bouts.

Those hoping to attend the unforgettable, 10-fight Tapia Promotions extravaganza in person can purchase tickets starting at $75 through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Two legendary former world champions return to the boxing ring one final time for a special six-round welterweight exhibition, as Tapia Promotions presents Barrera vs. Ponce De Leon “La Ultima Batalla” – “The Last Stand” on Saturday, Nov 20, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico. The thrilling five-fight main card will be available via pay-per-view for $9.99 through both FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET.  For the audiences watching in Mexico, both FITE and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will offer a Spanish-language broadcast of the event for $4.99. Kicking off the festivities two hours earlier, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

Teresa Tapia formed Tapia Promotions to continue the legacy of her legendary late husband, six-time world champion/Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia by providing thrilling boxing events to fight fans everywhere. One of the first female boxing promoters in the United States, Teresa successfully managed Johnny Tapia’s career from 1995-2011, and accepted his 2017 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBOF). Additionally, in 2004, Teresa became the first and only female boxing manager in sweet science history to receive a special recognition award from the IBOF. The multi-faceted promoter branched out in 2020 to produce the sports reality series “Stars and Champions,” which featured an intimate look at boxers’ lives both inside and outside of the ring.

About FITE

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Virgin Media, Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow us on Twitter, InstagramYouTubeLinkedIN and FacebookFITEIt’s ON.

About GOLDEN BOY

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike. 

Abel Mendoza Has Survived Homelessness to Fight on Nov. 20 Barrera-De Leon Pay-Per-View Event

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UNDEFEATED EL PASOAN ABEL MENDOZA HAS SURVIVED HOMELESSNESS AND VIOLENT CHILDHOOD SURROUNDINGSTO BATTLE FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER VICTOR ZALETA SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 2021, ON FITE AND GOLDEN BOY PAY PER VIEW

Hard-hitting knockout artist to put his perfect record on the line at Tapia Promotions’ Barrera vs. De Leon: “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 12, 2021) – From overcoming a crime-ridden, west Texas childhood environment to his father’s incarceration and living out of a car as a teenager, the path toward fighting three-time world title challenger Victor Zaleta on Tapia Promotions’ Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon pay-per-view card Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, has been anything but smooth sailing for the undefeated El Paso boxer Abel Mendoza.

“I was surrounded by violence growing up,” said the 25-year-old lightweight contender who is 30-0 with 23 KOs. “A lot of people that I was around went to prison; I was the only one who didn’t. Boxing was my way out, my safe haven. The sport saved me.”

In the Nov. 20 main event, two Mexican boxing legends will lace up the gloves for one final night when Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) returns to the ring for only the second time in more than a decade to square off against former two-time world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (45-7, 35 KOs). The six-round super welterweight exhibition and four additional bouts will air live on pay per view from Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the five-bout main card live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET

After initially lacing up the gloves at four years old and capturing the Regional Silver Gloves at age eight in Odessa, Texas, the Fort Stockton native secured five titles while defeating all but 20 of his 300 amateur boxing opponents.

However, numerous obstacles have beset Abel on his road toward achieving he and his father’s goal of the young fighter becoming a world champion.

“My Dad got into some trouble at the beginning of my boxing career,” Abel said. “He was on house arrest and then went to jail for a while. It was an extremely difficult time for my family.”

While still in high school, the 17-year-old Mendoza often slept in his vehicle after moving from Odessa to El Paso to become a professional boxer.

“That was a point in my career when I was homeless,” the aspiring titleholder recalled. “I was surrounded by a lot of violence and crime in Odessa and left because I wanted a fresh start. Sometimes I had to stay in my car.”

Never one to shy away from strenuous manual labor, Mendoza’s first job consisted of unearthing fruit in a Pecos, Texas, field with his grandfather at age 13.

“It was summer, and we picked cantaloupes in the hot sun all day,” said the multi-faceted student who is currently taking psychology classes at Odessa College. “That was the year I first won Nationals. I still trained while working in the fields. It was the best and the worst.”

Recalling the arduous memories when he did not know where he would sleep or locate his next meal, the Native American history fan finds solace in giving back to the El Paso community during the holiday season.

“I love to help out at shelters because I have been in that situation where I needed food and a place to stay,” said Santa’s helper who also hands out gifts at west Texas hospitals each December. “It makes me feel good to see the children smile.”

Hoping to battle for a world crown within the next year, the never-married Mendoza counsels the wedded on social media when not honing his skills in the squared circle.

“I go on Instagram Live because people ask me for marriage advice. A lot of people need help.”

Kicking off the festivities, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.

Additionally, a Spanish-language broadcast will be available as a viewing option for both the pay-per-view and preliminary bouts.

Those hoping to attend the unforgettable, 10-fight Tapia Promotions extravaganza in person can purchase tickets starting at $75 through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Two legendary former world champions return to the boxing ring one final time for a special six-round welterweight exhibition, as Tapia Promotions presents Barrera vs. Ponce De Leon “La Ultima Batalla” – “The Last Stand” on Saturday, Nov 20, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico. The thrilling five-fight main card will be available via pay-per-view for $9.99 through both FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET.  For the audiences watching in Mexico, both FITE and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will offer a Spanish-language broadcast of the event for $4.99. Kicking off the festivities two hours earlier, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and  TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

Teresa Tapia formed Tapia Promotions to continue the legacy of her legendary late husband, six-time world champion/Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia by providing thrilling boxing events to fight fans everywhere. One of the first female boxing promoters in the United States, Teresa successfully managed Johnny Tapia’s career from 1995-2011, and accepted his 2017 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBOF). Additionally, in 2004, Teresa became the first and only female boxing manager in sweet science history to receive a special recognition award from the IBOF. The multi-faceted promoter branched out in 2020 to produce the sports reality series “Stars and Champions,” which featured an intimate look at boxers’ lives both inside and outside of the ring.

About FITE

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Virgin Media, Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow us on Twitter, InstagramYouTubeLinkedIN and FacebookFITEIt’s ON.

About GOLDEN BOY

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.