Tag Archives: boxing

WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta to make 1st title defense vs. Carlos Buitrago

       
La Batalla
TITO ACOSTA vs. CARLOS BUITRAGO
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Coliseo de Puerto Rico * Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

LIVE ON PPV – 9
pm ET / 6 pm PT
 
La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico

(L-R) – Eduardo Cajina (Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center), WBO light flyweight world champion
Tito Acosta, and promoter Miguel Cotto

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (April 30, 2018) — Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a press conference earlier today to announce World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will make his first title defense at home on June 16 against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

 

 

 

“Tito Acosta is that fighter you can’t blink your eyes,” promoter Miguel Cotto said. “He brings excitement to every fight and power to finish in any second. This fight against Carlos Buitrago will be fireworks from the opening bell.”

 

 

 

 

Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico., captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out his Mexican challenger, Juan Alejo (24-4-1), in the 10th round.

 

 

 

 

A standout amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games, is a past WBO Latino and World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion. His most notable victories have been against 22-5 Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).

 

 

 

“Buitrago says that his dream is to become the world champion, to that I say, keep on dreaming,” Acosta said.  “I’m not underestimating him, but this will be my night, not his.”

 

 

 

Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), 26, is currently world rated at No. 12 by the WBO. The Managua-native will be fighting in his fifth world title fight having lost three times with one draw. In his last match this past December, he was stopped for the first time in the eighth round by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0) in Japan.

 

 

 

In fact, all three of Buitrago’s career losses as a professional have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.

 

 

 

“I will enter the ring in the best shape of my life with one objective in sight: to fulfill my dream of becoming the world champion and give my country a historic win,” Buitrago commented.  “The battle is on and I hope to come out victorious.”

 

 

 

Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.promocionesmiguelcottowww.integratedsportsnet.comwww.directvpr.comwww.fite.tv

 

 

 

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

Card taking shape for Friday, May 11th at SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

  

 

Mykal Fox takes on Anthony Mercado in main event

 

 

 

Undefeated Heavyweights meet as Colby Madison fights Michael Coffie in co-feature

 

 

 

“The Fighting Ring Announcer” Alex Barbosa returns to action

 

 

 

Plus undefeated Romuel Cruz, Desmond Moore, Joshafat Ortiz, & Laured Stewart to see action in separate bouts

 

 

ALL EVENTS AT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

 

 
 

Philadelphia, Penn. (April 30, 2018)–Some of the area’s best prospects have been added to a terrific night of boxing for Friday night, May 11th at SugarHouse Casino.

 

 

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

In the previously announced main event, undefeated junior welterweight, Mykal Fox (16-0, 4 KOs) of Forrestville, Maryland will take on Anthony Mercado (11-3, 10 KOs) of Camuy, Puerto Rico in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

 

 

In the six-round co-feature, it will be a battle of undefeated heavyweight’s as Colby Madison (6-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland takes on Michael Coffie (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

In four-round  bouts:

 

 

“The Fighting Ring Announcer” Alex Barbosa (5-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Sergio Aguilar (2-7, 2 KOs) of Homestead, Florida in a super bantamweight bout.

 

 

Romuel Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

 

 

Jerrod Miner (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Desmond Moore (1-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a bantamweight bout.

 

 

Joshafat Ortiz (3-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA fights Raekwon Blackston (0-1) of Wilson, North Carolina in a super featherweight affair.

 

 

Laured Stewart (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sydney Australia takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

 

 

Joel Flores (0-0-1) of Passaic, NJ squares off with Christopher Burgos (0-2) of Philadelphia in a junior lightweight bout.

 

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

Melson honored by Jewish Sports Heritage Association

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New York, NY (April 30, 2018) – Retired professional boxer and Army Public Affairs Officer Boyd Melson was inducted to the Jewish Sports Heritage Association Sunday, April 29.

 

 

 

A 501(C)(3), the Jewish Sports Heritage Association, INC is an educational organization dedicated to educating the public about the role Jewish men and women have played in sports and showing Jewish youth that there is nothing they cannot achieve.

 

 

 

All honorees were introduced by Master of Ceremonies Barry Landers at Temple Israel in Lawrence, NY. Each honoree then give a speech and received a plaque from the Jewish Sports Heritage Association.

 

 

 

Following a solid amateur career, Melson had an 18 fight pro career and finished with a record of 15-2-1 with 4 wins by knockout. He won the WBC USNBC 154 pound title in 2015 and retired in 2016. While his pro career was definitely a success, Melson’s ultimate goal was to raise funds and awareness for multiple causes including chronic spinal cord injuries and narcotics addiction.

 

 

 

Between donating 100% of his fight purses, private donations and charity galas, Melson helped raise close to a half million dollars. Shortly after his retirement from pro boxing, Melson announced he was running for Congress in District 11, covering Staten Island and South Brooklyn. He was considered one of the top candidates and had strong support.

 

 

 

In December 2017, the selfless Melson withdrew from the congressional race, volunteering to serve our country in Iraq. In offering to get deployed, Melson assisted another Army Reserve member that received a special opportunity domestically in the Reserve that would greatly benefit her family.

 

 

 

Currently in Iraq, Melson was elated when he was notified of this special honor, which was accepted by his mother Anette, Uncle Leo and retired Coloniel Alessi.

 

 

 

“Here we are. Earning an honor that was a product of me following what my heart beats with divine love, and having to receive this honor in harms way due to me making a choice that is consistent with my heart’s values. I find myself here helping by doing my part to defeat the ugliest and most horrific form of human endeavor I have ever experienced. While doing this, I am highly aware that the people I am helping, who are extremely welcoming and friendly, might look at me through a different lens if they knew I was and am Jewish. It is an interesting paradox. This honor I am receiving is solely dedicated to my Zayda and my Bubbe (grandmother and grandfather).

 

 

 

My Zayda left his body five years ago, and my Bubbe is one of the last Holocaust survivors on this planet. My Zayda was conscripted to serve to fight the Nazis in World War Two. HE SURVIVED. He created a family after surviving that absolute evil, and brought them all here to the United States. I am because of him. I am an American Citizen, born in this great country, because of his courage and strength. I think about this daily with where I am now, and I do mean daily. My Zayda put on a military uniform to fight an evil similar to how I am doing today. His spirit was close to my soul when I made this choice. I know I am being honored for being what I completed as a Jewish professional athlete, and I thank you. Please forgive me however for placing a much greater important at this moment, as an African American, as a Jew, as a West Point Graduate, as an Army Officer, as an athlete, and as a HUMAN BEING, on the narrative I gave above. That is what is sitting on me here. I hope one day, that every individual in this part of the world who we are helping, and who may not have kind feelings towards Jews, learns that Jewish American military servicemen came here and helped them because it was right and because we swore an oath. I see it as my responsibility being Jewish, being an American, and being a soldier.”

HEAVYWEIGHTS AND PROSPECTS ADDED TO ‘VASQUEZ VS SANDOVAL’ UNDERCARD MAY 4TH

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April 30th, RENO — The card is set for May 4th’s world-class boxing event presented by Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The evening’s feature attraction matches world-ranked Oscar “El Chapito” Vasquez (15-1) against Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (12-1) in an eight-round, super-flyweight battle. A spectacular undercard supplements the main event.

 

 

 

Undefeated heavyweight prospect and knockout machine, Frank “Freedom Fighter” Sanchez (5-0, 5 KOs), has been added to the May 4th card.  Sanchez was born and raised in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. In his native country, he competed in over two-hundred boxing matches as an amatuer.  He fled Cuba in 2016 and made his way to Las Vegas where he signed a managerial deal with retired Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele. Sanchez will be fighting veteran Lamont Capers (9-11) in a six-round battle.

 

 

 

Carson City lightweight Diego Elizondo (2-0) will be fighting the very tough Canton Miller (3-1) in a four-round match.

 

 

 

In a six-round cruiserweight bout, U.S. Army Veteran Blake “The Beast” McKernan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sacramento will be facing Mexico’s Daniel Arambula (4-2).

 

 

 

In a classic Mexican vs. Puerto Rican fight, Santos “Titos” Vasquez (5-2-1), who is Oscar’s younger brother and an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, will be fighting Puerto Rico’s Bryan Aquino (11-2) in a six round junior-flyweight bout.

 

 

 

Ricardo “The Dreamer” Lucio-Galvan (2-0, 2 KO) is scheduled to fight in a four-round featherweight bout.

 

Fight card subject to change.  First bell is at 7pm.

 

 

 

Tickets are available $35, $65, $100 (taxes and fees not included) and can be purchased at the Atlantis Gift Shop, by calling Atlantis Special Events 888.551.7007 or 775.824.4467, or via ticketmaster.com. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1700546DF068922D#efeat4212

HUMBERTO VELAZCO IN TROUBLE WITH GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO FOR PULLING OUT OF FIGHT

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 30, 2018) – Super middleweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs), who is promoted by Sugar Promotions, is taking heat from the Government of Mexico for pulling out of his scheduled fight with Devis Caceres (24-8, 19 KOs), that was supposed to take place this past Saturday in Aguascalientes, MX.

 

 

 

Velazco was set to face Devis Caceres (24-8, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title at the “Feria de Campeones” card promoted by Sugar Promotions, but pulled out at the last minute, putting the entire card in jeopardy.

 

 

 

“We have programs here in Mexico that are funded by the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes,” said Dr. Lorenzo Soboranes Maya, director of Latino public relations for Sugar Promotions in Mexico. “One of which was this weekend’s “Feria de Campeones” boxing event that took place at the Plaza de Toros San Marcos arena. After signing the contract, Velazco pulled out of the fight, leaving everyone involved scrambling for a replacement. This kind of conduct will not be tolerated, and legal action will be addressed. Velazco will be prosecuted by the full extent of the law, and he is not welcome to fight in this city ever again.”

 

 

 

“As Velazco’s promoter, I did everything on my end to get him a shot at the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “We came to an agreement on what his purse would be, he signed the contract, and then pulled out of the fight in the final days leading up to the fight. I have Velazco under contract. If Velazco thinks he’s going to fight with another promoter, that promoter better think twice, as I have my lawyers ready to file a lawsuit with anyone trying to promote him.”

ERROL SPENCE JR. MAKES CHAMPIONSHIP HOMECOMING AT DALLAS COWBOYS FACILITY

Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. To Defend Title Against Mandatory Challenger Carlos Ocampo Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Tickets on Sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT

 

 

 

FRISCO, TX (April 30, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas homecoming Saturday, June 16live on SHOWTIME at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

 

 

 

Spence, who will attempt to make the second defense of the world title he won last May from Kell Brook, combines explosive power with sublime boxing skill. In his last four fights, Spence has begun to assert himself as the best boxer in the deep and talented 147-pound weight division. Today, Spence is rated in the top-10 on boxing’s coveted pound-for-pound list. Ocampo, who had a highly rated amateur career in Mexico, is also undefeated but will be facing his toughest challenge to date as a professional in his first world title fight.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

 

 

 

“Errol Spence, Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting champions in the sport today with a combination of skills that he has crafted into a fan-friendly style,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is an opportunity for Errol to defend his title before the fans in his hometown at Ford Center at The Star and to continue to demonstrate why he is the top man in the 147-pound division. Carlos Ocampo, a young hungry contender, will certainly bring his A-game and that will bring out the best in Errol. It promises to be an entertaining show for boxing fans.”

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME has become home to the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence is one of its brightest,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “Spence made an emphatic statement one year ago when he traveled to Sheffield, England to wrest the title from the champion on his home turf. Now, a young and talented Carlos Ocampo has an opportunity to do the same. We are proud to team up with the Dallas Cowboys, Ford Center, TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions to deliver yet another of boxing’s must-see, marquee events.”

 

 

 

“It’s known how energetic and exciting the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. here at The Star to represent our city, and his home town, will be an unforgettable experience for all,” said Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones.

 

 

 

Spence (23-0, 20 KOs) returned home with the welterweight title last May after defeating champion Kell Brook in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England. The 28-year-old southpaw from Desoto, Texas made his first defense against former two-division champion Lamont Peterson, stopping him via seventh round technical knockout on Jan. 20 in Brooklyn.

 

 

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian at the London Games, Spence has knocked out 10 straight opponents to climb the ranks of the division. In the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement from boxing, four of the top-five ranked welterweights-Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, Shawn Porter of Las Vegas, Keith Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., and Spence-are all vying for the top spot in one of history’s most popular weight classes.

 

 

 

“I’m honored to be fighting in Dallas before my hometown fans and the people who have supported me from the beginning,” said Spence, who last fought in Dallas in 2015, a knockout victory over Alejandro Barrera. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. It’s going to be great to fight at The Star, and because I’m a big Dallas Cowboys fan, I’m looking forward to fighting on the campus of Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.

 

 

 

“I believe that I’m the number one fighter in the welterweight division and I’ll step into the ring on June 16 with that feeling. I’m going to draw from the energy of my fans. I’ve studied some of Ocampo and I can tell he likes to box but he’s willing to get into a fight. I know how he feels going into someone else’s hometown for his first shot at the title. This is his big opportunity and it’s going to make this a great event.”

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career with this mandatory title challenge against Spence. Ocampo, of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will be making his U.S. debut and fighting professionally outside of Mexico for the first time. Ocampo is a two-time silver medalist at the Mexican Olympiad, an amateur national championship tournament. His holds significant professional victories over former world title challengers Jorge Paez, Jr. and Charlie Navarro while he most recently scored a seventh round stoppage of Dario Ferman in November.

 

 

 

“I’m training very hard for my fight against Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ocampo. “This is the opportunity that I’ve worked my whole life to get and I’m coming to take Spence’s belt on June 16. I will give the fans a very exciting fight and show once again what Mexican fighters are made of.”

 

 

 

About The Star

 

 

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfriscoPBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BADOU JACK “THE RIPPER” OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES NEW NUTRITION SUPPLEMENT BRAND RIPPER NUTRITION

 
Products Available Now at www.RipperNutrition.com
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Christian Purdie

 

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2018) – Badou Jack is having the time of his life. After formally announcing his May 19th world title fight against Adonis Stevenson in Toronto last week, the two-division world champion made headlines Thursday with the launch of his new nutrition supplement line entitled “Ripper Nutrition.” The special launch event was held at the American Nutritional Corporation complex in Las Vegas, where Ripper Nutrition was formulated, tested and made.

 

 

 

“This is a dream come true for me,” said Jack. “I have wanted to start my own nutrition line for a while now, but I only wanted to do it if I knew it was going to be clean and safe. I know boxing doesn’t last forever, so it was important for me to create a business that can provide for my family for years and years to come.”

 

 

 

The two products, OXY Ripper and AMINO Ripper, combine Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) with LUNASIN, a powerful antioxidant that clinical studies have shown reduce inflammation, support heart health and boost the immune system. Additionally, Ripper Nutrition is Informed Sport Certified, the global gold standard testing certification for banned substance assurance.

 

 

 

“The reason we started Ripper Nutrition is Badou Jack wanted to start his own supplement line and he wanted to put the purest, cleanest and highest grade ingredients into workout supplements,” said Amer Abdallah, co-founder of Ripper Nutrition. “We formulated a team and gathered the best researchers, developers, scientists and manufacturers all based in the United States. Now it is known as ‘Ripper Nutrition’.”

 

 

 

“Badou Jack raises the bar,” continued Abdallah. “He is genuine, down to earth and doesn’t settle for the norm. Inside the ring, he has captured world titles in two different weight classes and he doesn’t shy away from the biggest fights. Outside of the ring, he doesn’t want the limelight, but he still strives for excellence. That is why we partnered together on this venture and perfected a product that a champion can use and be proud of.”

 

 

 

Jack was joined by several Ripper Nutrition “ambassadors” that believe in the product including former world champion Jessie Vargas, Mayweather Promotions fighters Lanell Bellows and Ashley Theophane as well as UFC star Kevin Lee. He was also supported by his entire family including his newborn son Malik.

 

 

 

“I’m very blessed and thankful,” said Jack. “I have a beautiful family, an amazing boxing career and I am gearing up for what is going to be the biggest fight of my career. This is a great day for me and I’m thrilled that this product is finally available to be purchased and used by athletes around the world.”

 

# # #

 

 

 

For more information and to purchase Ripper Nutrition products, go to www.rippernutrition.com.

Kotey’s “Nightmare” at the Hands of Decastro – Pugh and Hughes Reign Supreme at Pride Park

Ringside Report: Gianluca Di Caro

 

 

 

Pride Park in Derby may be best known as home of Derby County FC, however after Saturday night it may be just as well known as the new home of Boxing in the City.

 

 

 

Local Promoter Dan Gray and his team really pulled out all of the stops to put on a seriously top class International event, Dan Gray’s second at the stunning venue, that outclassed the vast majority of the biggest televised events in the country, not just in the realm of quality of the promotion but also with regard to matching.

 

 

 

How refreshing it was to be ringside at an event where each and every fight was so evenly matched you really didn’t know who was going to emerge victorious.

 

 

 

This was boxing the way it should be and I loved every second of it, as I am pretty sure so did every single person that attended, well as virtually everyone was on their feet vociferously showing their support for the fighters throughout each fight I can say that with some confidence.

 

 

 

Anyway enough of my waffle, let’s get to the fights themselves, in reverse order.

 

 

Local Prospect Ross Doherty headlined the show, against Latvia’s Grigorijs Dunecs in an eight round Welterweight contest.

 

 

 

Dunecs is tall for a Welter, with a seriously long reach, which initially he was able to use to good effect to keep his shorter opponent Doherty at bay for about the first minute or so of the first round, Doherty though has a switched on boxing brain and soon adapted his tactics to get around this major disadvantage.

 

 

 

Sensational and clever boxing from the local lad see him soon get a semblance of control of the bout in his favour, mainly targeting the body with single shots and getting out of range before Dunecs could counter with effect.

 

 

 

More of the same in the early part second, however Doherty’s confidence soon grew to a level where he was able to slip under the impressive jab from the Latvian and let rip with sharp double-handed combinations, before slipping back out of range.

 

 

 

Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t all one-way traffic, far from it as Dunecs had plenty of success landing his shots too, just Doherty’s clever movement and pure guts to get inside to land his were mightily impressive.

 

 

 

More of the same in the next couple of rounds, really great, highly technical boxing from both protagonists, but the fifth proved to be a major turning point, as Doherty dug deep and switched tactics again, seemingly coming in for another body attack, but at the last microsecond switching to a looping shot to the head.

 

 

 

Dunecs, soon got to grip with the new tactic and basically neutralized this highly effective move. Doherty though just dug deep into his well-stocked locker and produced another clever move.

 

 

 

As the fight headed into the final couple of rounds the fans ringside were treated to some good old-fashioned close quarter slug outs.

 

 

 

The final round was a cracker, well the whole fight was, but the final round encapsulated the flavour of the contest best, both fighters threw caution to the wind and really went for it – it was breath-taking to watch.

 

 

 

After eight fantastic closely fought rounds of boxing Referee Rob Jones’ scorecard read 80-72 in favour of Ross Doherty, although absolutely the correct score, it just didn’t reflect just how close the vast majority of the rounds were.

 

 

 

Preceding the excellent Doherty-Dunecs fight was a battle of two Pro debutants, Great Britain’s Emily Pugh versus Latvia’s Jelizaveta Cerkasova.

 

 

 

What a fight, it was superb and I know before I even start writing I’m not going to be able to adequately describe just how good this fight was, but am going to give it my best shot.

 

 

 

Right from the opening bell both girls moved forward and met in centre ring and exchanged good strong jabs and so began a highly technical chess match of a fight, where both protagonists displayed the excellent fight skills in their respective lockers in an attempt to out gun the other.

 

 

 

For four sensational rounds Pugh and Cerkasova displayed their respective, skills much to the delight of all ringside. It was a master-class, but not in the normal sense of the word, how we use it in boxing, whereby one boxer gave a master-class to their opponent, I mean it was a true master-class of boxing full stop, it was enthralling to watch and as for officiating I would reckon Referee Rob Jones has never had a better fight to officiate, he could have come and sat ringside and watched, he had that little to do, other than take a watching brief.

 

 

 

After four absolutely wonderful, exciting rounds of boxing Referee Rob Jones scored the bout 40-36 in favour of Emily Pugh, and as with the Doherty-Dunecs scoring it was a hundred per cent correct but again just doesn’t represent just how incredibly closely fought the contest was.

 

 

 

Prior to my Fight of the Night winner, Pugh Vs. Cerkasova, was the hugely anticipated and way overdue Super Middleweight contest between Bardley, Lincolnshire’s very own unbeaten and IBF Ranked Super Star Nathan “The Nightmare” Decastro and Philip “Sweet Pea” Kotey.

 

 

 

Twice previously this fight had been matched, but injury and illness prevented Kotey making it into the ring on fight night, was this going to be third time lucky, you can bet your bottom dollar on it and boy oh boy was it worth it, especially as on Saturday there was a title on the line, the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International, to add spice to the proceedings.

 

 

 

Right from the off Decastro powered to centre ring and let rip with a huge right, similar to the one he sent Chris Eubanks Jnr. to the canvas with when they faced each other in the amateurs, however in this case somehow Kotey managed to stay on his feet and proceeded to cover up, like a red flag to a bull that just beckoned Decastro to punish his opponent with huge lefts and rights.

 

 

 

Decastro kept on throwing shots, forcing Kotey back onto the ropes and then the fireworks really began to fly. Kotey responds with wicked short hooks to the head followed by close quarters uppercuts, whilst Decastro just kept letting rip with big heavy handed hooks to head and body.

 

 

 

For virtually the entire rest of the round this fight could have taken place in a phone box, but don’t go thinking that means little was happening as they were too close, oh no nothing like that it was all action, I lost count of the amount of shots both fighters threw, they were just raining down.

 

 

 

More of the same in the second, although a couple of times Kotey had managed to free himself and utilize really good strong jabs, however Decastro just walked through them whilst throwing big lefts and rights to the body once more to coral the Ghanaian back onto the ropes or a corner.

 

 

 

Right at the very end of the round Kotey let rip with a huge uppercut, Decastro just managed to slip back enough for it to go whizzing past his chin before letting rip with a huge right to the head literally as the bell to end the second round rang.

 

 

 

Kotey stayed in the corner, clearly distressed, before collapsing to the canvas where he began writhing in pain, Referee Rob Jones immediately called the Doctor and Paramedics into the ring and waved the fight off.

 

 

 

The massive uppercut was probably the cause for Kotey’s distress, which was later stated to be a torn rotor cuff injury.

 

 

 

The tough Ghanaian decided he still was going to be present for the Championship Belt presentation to Decastro, even though still in extreme pain, proceeded to stand astride the referee as the result was announced and even took the time to congratulate Decastro for his victory before going back to the medical room for further treatment.

 

 

 

The opening professional fight of the night was a battle of the Celts, with Derby based Scotsman Kane Corvus making his debut against Welshman Steffan Hughes in a four round Cruiserweight contest.

 

 

 

The fight started a frenetic pace, Corvus bouncing in, letting rip, before bouncing back out again, after about twenty seconds or so Promoter Dan Gray shouted out to Corvus “slow down, plant your feet”, the big Scotsman immediately complied and proceeded to take a much more controlled approach to the business in hand, so much so that he secured the round in style.

 

 

 

Round two see Corvus boxing nicely off the front foot, but also see Hughes come more into the fight. There were some cracking exchanges, one such about three quarters in, see Corvus land a big left and as he leant back to where he thought he’d be out of range, Hughes took a slight step forward and landed a very good straight right which sent the Scotsman to the canvas.

 

 

 

Corvus was straight up on his feet and once Referee Rob Jones had finished the count and instructed them to box on, Corvus moved forward and landed another good strong shot, only for Hughes to counter equally effectively just as the bell to end the round tolled.

 

 

 

Corvus now seemed to be more settled and boxed effectively, Hughes seemed to be content to absorb the shots and counter occasionally.

 

 

 

As the round progressed there were some really nice exchanges, then out of the blue Hughes threw a peach of a shot to Corvus’ body, which sent the big Scotsman to the canvas for a second time. Again Corvus made the count and also made a big impression late in the round when he landed a cracking body shot, which slowed Hughes but didn’t send him down.

 

 

 

Going into the fourth and final round Corvus was told by his corner that at best to get a draw he would need to drop Hughes and sure as eggs is eggs, he proceeded to try his hardest throughout the round to do just that, however Hughes is as savvy as they come and just got behind his jab to keep the marauding Scot at bay.

 

 

 

After four rounds of entertaining boxing Referee Rob Jones scored the contest 38-37 in favour of Steffan Hughes.

 

 

 

Supporting the four pro contests were no less than eight unsanctioned fights, the highlight of these was the contest featuring Megan Mousley, against seriously tough Cheryl Swarbrick. Mousley, who fought with class and panache came through with flying colours.

 

 

 

After this bout Promoter Dan Gray announced that this was Mousley’s final fight, on the unsanctioned amateur circuit, as she is turning professional and will make her pro debut on Dan’s next show in August. Without doubt she will make a very welcome addition to the pro ranks.

Josesito Lopez Defeats Miguel Cruz by Unanimous Decision in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday Night from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas

Former World Champion Anthony Dirrell Drops Abraham Han on His Way to Unanimous Decision Victory

&

Claudio Marrero Scores Sensational First Round Knockout Over

Previously Unbeaten Jorge Lara

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/

Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

EL PASO, TX. (April 28, 2018) – Rugged veteran contender Josesito Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) won a unanimous decision over Miguel Cruz (17-1, 11 KOs)in a welterweight attraction that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

 

 

 

 

“I beat a great undefeated fighter tonight and I was able to out class him,” said Lopez. “I have some boxing ability clearly. I used my skills tonight. I felt that I dominated the pace, out worked him and I never let him do anything that hurt me.”

 

 

 

 

“Josesito was stronger than I thought,” said Cruz. “I took a little too long to get off and get going and it cost me.”

 

 

 

 

The action began to heat up in round three as Lopez broke through and began landing flush on Cruz to the head. Lopez controlled the action against Cruz on the ropes and when the real estate shifted to the middle of the ring.

 

 

 

 

Cruz, who stated before the fight that attacking the body would be key, was twice deducted points by referee Rafael Ramos for low blows, once in round five and again in round six. This forced Cruz to abandon his predominant strategy.

 

 

 

 

“I didn’t agree with the calls on the low blows,” said Cruz. “I didn’t get a chance to work the body like I wanted. That was the plan coming in. They took it away from me.

 

 

 

 

“This is just another step in my journey. I didn’t get hurt or anything. I just need to get better in the gym and keep working combinations. I just have to get better.”

 

 

 

 

Under the guidance of renowned trainer Robert Garcia, Lopez boxed effectively and worked through the body attack and low blows to consistently win rounds and keep Cruz’s offense mostly at bay. After 10 rounds, judges ruled in favor of Lopez by scores of 98-90 and 99-89 twice.

 

 

 

 

“I think the biggest difference has been Robert Garcia in my corner,” said Lopez. “He has me living a healthier lifestyle and that played a big part in my victory. I have an elite trainer who is training me like an elite fighter. I was one step behind in the past, but now I think I’ve made up that distance and then some.

 

 

 

 

“Welterweight has a lot of good fighters, but I know I can compete with them. I’m a fan-friendly fighter who’s always going to leave it all in the ring.”

 

 

 

 

The co-main event saw former world champion Anthony Dirrell (32-1, 24 KOs) drop El Paso’s Abraham Han (26-4, 16 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision in their 10-round super middleweight contest.

 

 

 

 

 

“I thought I did well tonight boxing him for 10 rounds,” said Dirrell. “I didn’t think I lost a round. Two of the judges thought so but I can’t do anything about that. I did what I was supposed to do.

 

 

 

 

“Han has an incredible chin. He took everything I gave him. I even went to the body and gave it to him there. I was trying to go the body until the end but he still stood up. All I could do was keep pressuring him and get the victory.”

 

 

 

 

Greeted by a chorus of boos upon entering the ring, Dirrell sent the hometown fighter to the canvas with a right hand to the head late in round one as the bell rang. Han tried to use his movement, switching stances and tying Dirrell up to frustrate his opponent, and had some success as the two men wrestled each other to the canvas in the waning moments of round four and continued to push and shove on the ground until they were broken up by referee Laurence and sent to their corners.

 

 

 

 

Han was able to occasionally land clean punches, but nothing that ever disrupted the attack from Dirrell, who was too consistent and sharp with his power punches. Han believed that his lack of an effective jab hurt him in this fight.

 

 

 

 

“I wasn’t happy with my performance,” said Han. “I couldn’t get my jab going at all. If I had been more effective with that I think I would have been able to win more rounds.”

 

 

 

 

After 10 rounds of action, all three judges score the bout in favor of Dirrell by scores of 100-89 and 99-90 twice. Dirrell, a former titleholder at 168-pounds vowed that he plans to fight one more time, for a world title.

 

 

 

 

“The champions at 168-pounds better look out,” said Dirrell. “It’s going to be my last fight but I’m hungry to win another title.”

 

 

 

 

The opening bout of the telecast saw exciting featherweight contender Claudio Marrero (23-2, 16 KOs) deliver a stunning one punch knockout of Jorge Lara (29-1-2, 21 KOs) in the first round of their featherweight bout.

 

 

 

 

“I knew he would be aggressive and we worked very hard in training camp to achieve this,” said Marrero. “I saw my opportunity and I knew that it was over once I connected.”

 

 

 

“I just got caught with a great punch,” said Lara. “I wanted to be aggressive and give the fans a great show. It didn’t go my way. I’ll be back and I’ll be better. I’m going to get back to work and keep pushing toward my goals.”

 

 

 

Lara charged forward in the opening seconds, but was caught by a perfect left hook from Marrero during one of the early exchanges in the fight and was sent to the canvas. While he tried to get to his feet, he was clearly hurt as referee Rocky Burke halted the bout 33 seconds into the opening round.

 

 

 

 

“This was a message to the whole division,” said Marrero. “I’m a championship-caliber fighter and I showed it again tonight. I’m ready to take on every champion out there. I want the best challenges and I proved tonight that I’m able to beat anyone. I have all the skills and I can’t wait to show them off against the best.”

 

 

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX 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.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.tgbpromotions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andwww.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted by TGB Promotions.

Lebrón and Vicente grab WBO Belts

Barranquilla, Colombia – Puerto Rico’s featherweight Luis “Popeye” Lebrón (11-0-1, 5 KO’s) and WBO #13 ranked super bantamweight Yenifel “El Rayo” Vicente (32-3-2, 24 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic, defeated their respective opponents in scheduled WBO Latino title bouts held at Hotel El Prado.

 

 

 

 

Lebrón won the title by unanimous decision (95-93, 95-93, 98-91) over Colombian Luis Ruiz (9-2, 9 KO’s). Ruiz was knocked to the canvas in the second and ninth rounds. Meanwhile, Vicente, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, defeated Colombian veteran Walberto Ramos (24-9-2, 17 KO’s) by 4th round TKO. Ramos was knocked down twice in the first round, then once again in the second, third, and fourth, until the referee stopped the fight.

 

 

 

 

Lebrón and Vicente are managed by Spartan Boxing Club.

 

 

 

 

In another bout of interest, former Puerto Rican Olympian and part of Top Rank, Jeyvier Cintrón (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Bayamón, won by technical knockout in the fourth round against Jonathan Burgos (13-5-1, 8 KO’s) from Colombia.

 

 

 

 

The event was presented by ProBox Del Caribe in association with PR Best Boxing Promotions and Spartan Boxing Club.