Tag Archives: boxing

Undefeated super featherweight prospect Daniel Bailey shipping up to Boston for first time

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BOSTON (September 16, 2021) – Undefeated super featherweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs) is a young, military man who will be in Boston for the first time. Rather than sightseeing, though, he’s all business as he prepares for his September 25th fight on “Fight Night On The Charles III” at Mosley’s On The Charles in the Boston suburb of Dedham, Massachusetts.

Vertex Promotions, which will promoted “Fight Night On The Charles II” on Friday night, Sept. 24, also presents  “Fight Night On The Charles at Moseley’s III,” as well as the USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, 2021 New England Championships, Saturday afternoon, all at “Mosley’s On The Charles.” 

Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs), who fights out of Miami by way of Tampa (FL), will make his New England debut against an opponent to be finalized in a 4-round bout. A 4-time U.S. Army and 2012 Ringside National champion, Bailey is the cousin of multiple world champion Randall Bailey.

Most would think this Army veteran would try to visit Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord where the Revolutionary War started, or any of the other many historic attractions for tourists in Boston. Forget that he’s not even attending Friday night’s show, never mind visit the nearby city.

“After the weigh-in (Friday afternoon),” the 25-year-old Bailey said, “I’ll be resting in my room until Saturday. I don’t take anyone lightly. But I am excited to be fighting there for the first time and I’m ready to perform for the crowd. This trip is all business, I’m not on vacation.”

This will mark the active fighter’s sixth fight in 2021, possibly the most for any American fighter during the pandemic. In his last fight this past July in Miami, Bailey won a 4-round unanimous decision against Mike Fowler.

“I’m a man on a mission,” Bailey explained. “I want to end the year with a 10-0, 7 knockouts  record. I’ve put pressure on myself because I want to look great while winning. I’m a lot surer of myself as a professional than I was as an amateur. I’m still the same kid I was the first time I walked into the gym at an 11-year-old. I always put in overtime work that I’m not asked to do.”

Saturday night’s card will be headlined by undefeated welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) of Lawrence (MA), in an 8-round bout against Danny “Venado” Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs).

In the 6-round co-featured event, undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, takes on Mexican veteran Isias Martin Cardona Gonzales (26-22, 18 KOs). Perella is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Another promising prospect, Weymouth, MA junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 2 KOs), and Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, will be in action in 4-round bouts versus TBAs.

Lynn (MA) light heavyweight James Perkins (5-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Trevor Ollison (0-2-1), while pro-debuting Marcus Davidson is matched against fellow Kansan Austin Reed Ward (0-8) in a pair 4-rounders.

Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) will headline Friday evening’s show in the 8-round lightweight match versus Uganda-native Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), who is fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Cards are subject to change.

Tickets for both shows are on sale for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on both evenings.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 p.m. ET.)  amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 per person) on sale at the door.

UNBEATEN 122-POUND WORLD CHAMPIONS BRANDON FIGUEROA AND STEPHEN FULTON NOW SET TO MEET IN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED UNIFICATION FIGHT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27

LAS VEGAS – September 16, 2021 – Undefeated 122-pound world champions are set for a unification clash as WBC champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. will battle in the SHOWTIME main event Saturday, November 27 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

Figueroa and Fulton were originally scheduled to face each other on Saturday, September 18, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Figueroa.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features undefeated super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem battling Mexico’s Eduardo Baez in the 10-round co-main event. Opening the telecast, unbeaten rising bantamweight contender Gary Antonio Russell takes onMexico’s Alejandro Barrios in a 10-round showdown. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date with no action needed. Should the guest not be able to attend, a refund for the tickets can be requested through October 17, 2021. Once the refund window is closed, all sales are final.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

THIS FRIDAY’S SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION EMANATING FROM A UNIQUE SETTING FOR BOXING, OUTDOORS IN DOWNTOWN BROKEN ARROW, OKLAHOMA

(Broken Arrow, OK) As part of Showtime’s 20th anniversary season of ShoBox: The New Generation, this Friday, September 24, 2021, Salita Promotions will return to one of the most unique fight venues in the United States, outdoors in the City of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma’s arts and entertainment district, for a live tripleheader broadcast featuring six prospects boasting combined records of 72-2-1.


Set in the middle of the scenic city’s town square, in the 10-round bantamweight main event bout, 26-year-old Detroit native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (14-0-1, 8 KOs) will face California’s 24-year-old Saul Sanchez (16-1, 9 KOs). The co-main event will pit undefeated featherweight prospects Jayvon Garnett (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Reynaldo Nunez (11-0, 8 KOs) against each other in a ten-round bout and in the opener, Alejandro Guerrero (12-1, 9 KOs) faces the undefeated Otar Eranosyan (9-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight contest.


The event will be Salita Promotions’ second attempt to stage a fight at the outdoor boxing hotbed. In August 2019, a Salita event featuring undefeated Uzbek Shohjahon Ergashev had to be moved to the nearby confines of the Central Park Community Center due to rain. 


“I am thrilled that Showtime selected Broken Arrow for these boxing matches during ShoBox’s 20th anniversary,” said Broken Arrow Mayor Debra Wimpee. “I can’t think of a better place to showcase these amazing athletes than right here in the beautiful and award-winning Rose District. The atmosphere on Main St. is going to be like nothing we’ve seen before, and I’m excited that a global audience will get to see what we Broken Arrowans have known all along. The Rose District and our citizens are second to none when it comes to celebrating the arts and entertainment.”


Promoter Dmitriy Salita says he’s hopeful this time the weather will cooperate and set the stage for an unforgettable setting for the fights Friday night. 


“I am honored to promote the September 24 ShoBox in such a unique outside setting,” said Salita. “The City of Broken Arrow have been wonderful hosts and we are happy to be returning for this out-of-the-ordinary ShoBox event. The weather reports are favorable this time and we have a fantastic show lined up with crossroads fights, top to bottom.”


In the unlikely event of inclement weather, the show will once again relocate to Central Park Community Center at 1500 S. Main St.


O’Quinn vs. Sanchez – 10-Round Bantamweight Main Event Bout


Previously rated in the top-ten in the world by the WBO at 115 pounds, O’Quinn last fought at 118 pounds in a dominating unanimous decision over Oscar Vasquez in the 250th edition of ShoBox in January 2020. Ranked as the No. 1 amateur bantamweight in the country compiling a record of 130-18 before turning professional in 2015, O’Quinn boasts blazing-fast hands and an ability to throw effortless combinations. A fan favorite in his hometown of Detroit, he was busy in 2018 and 2019, winning three times in each year, with five of the six fights taking place in his home state of Michigan. 


“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said O’Quinn. “I can’t wait to show my talent to the world again. I don’t really know much about him, but he better learn all he can about me. Not that it will help him any. I’m going to win because there are levels to this and he is not on my level. That will be very apparent quickly. I’m a strong force in the bantamweight division. Training is going good but it’s hard. I train hard and fight easy.”


The 24-year-old Sanchez, who is ranked No. 8 by the WBA at 118 pounds, is riding a four-fight winning streak. His last time out, Sanchez made quick work of Frank Gonzalez, knocking him down three times en route to a first-round stoppage. The Pacoima, Calif. native scored an eighth-round stoppage of Brandon Benitez in an entertaining and all-action fight in his ShoBox debut in May 2019. He dropped his next fight, a split decision to Edwin Rodriguez, but rebounded with a unanimous decision over Victor Trejo Garcia to jumpstart his winning streak. Trained by Manny Robles, Sanchez is the younger brother of 19-1 professional featherweight Emilio Sanchez.


“This is the biggest fight of my career on the biggest stage of my career, and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by,” said Sanchez. “I’m going to show everyone watching on SHOWTIME that I belong with the big boys. O’Quinn is a good fighter but I’m going to give him his first loss. I’m at a point in my career where I need to make that turning point to a world title shot, and that time is now.”


Garnett vs. Nunez – 10-Round Super Featherweight Bout


Jayvon Garnett hails from the boxing talent-laden city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he first put on a pair of boxing gloves at the age of six. He had a stellar amateur career fighting over 110 times, developing his style and sharpening his skills in Ohio’s very competitive amateur boxing scene. The 26-year-old is coming off his career-best professional win, a unanimous decision over the once-beaten Jose Argel in June. Combining exceptional quickness and accuracy with a propensity for power, the 5’3” Garnett stopped five of his first six professional opponents. He has won his last four contests on the scorecards, all unanimously.   


“It feels great to be fighting on SHOWTIME,” said Garnett. “I always dreamed of fighting on big platforms, but never dreamed it would be ShoBox for my first TV fight. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I will win this fight because I’m smarter. In the ring, I’m a boxer and a thinker, but I also have heavy punches. With this victory, I’m going to the next level up the ladder and getting closer to being in the world rankings.”


A decorated amateur in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata’s Luis Reynaldo Nunez started boxing at age eight and went on to win a number of national championships as a member of the Dominican national team, including gold in the 2016 Youth Championship. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18, passing every test put in front of him in his native country. His unblemished resume includes a unanimous decision over then 20-3-1 Eliezer Aquino and a fourth-round KO over then once-beaten Giovanni Gutierrez. 


“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be fighting on SHOWTIME,” said the 21-year-old Nunez, who will be fighting outside of the Dominican Republic for the first time. “My opponent is a good fighter but I am here to show him what happens against real competition. Thanks to my team for getting me this opportunity and I look forward to making a splash on national television.”


Guerrero vs. Eranosyan – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout


Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Guerrero is a big-punching prospect who will be making his third appearance on ShoBox, looking to improve his record to 2-1 on the prospect development series. He won a closely contested slugfest via majority decision over Jose Angulo in March 2020, but was upset by Abraham Montoya in February. A celebrated amateur who won two junior national titles, the 23-year-old “Pork Chop” has sparred with the likes of world champions Mikey Garcia and Brandon Rios at the famed Garcia Boxing Academy in California.  


“Training is going great,” said Guerrero. “I’ve been in shape for two months so now it’s just touching up basic stuff here and there with my technique. I know Eranosyan will be tough, so we’re going in with a strong mind knowing he can fight. I’m training hard because I will have to be more than ready. The guy will not be a walk in the park. But I have a different mentality now. The last fight, I went in with the mentality of ‘I can beat everybody.’ This one, I have to go in with a smart mind and actually box the guy and use all my skills.”


Ranked No. 9 by the WBA at 130 pounds, Eranosyan was a highly decorated Georgian amateur who has transitioned seamlessly into the paid ranks. The 27-year-old didn’t turn professional until August 2020, but has already fought nine times. Now based in Miami Beach, Fla., “Pitbull” owns two notable fourth-round KOs over the 32-4 Juan Carlos Pena, including in his last time out on August 13. Eranosyan will make his ShoBox debut as he fights for the seventh time in 2021, which also marks his first pro fight outside of Florida. 


“I haven’t studied Guerrero too much, but I watched a couple fights and he’s a good fighter with very good punching power and very good stamina,” said Eranosyan. “I’m adding a lot of stamina training and working on my legs for this fight to be ready for him. I don’t know exactly what will happen, but simply I am the best in the division, so I will win.”


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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
 
About ShoBox: The New Generation
This year, the critically acclaimed prospect developmental series, ShoBox: The New Generation, celebrates its 20th anniversary on the air as it continues to match top young talent tough. Since its inception in July 2001, the ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 84 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

Shearns Boxing taking care of unfinished business First pro boxing show ever in Framingham, Mass.

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“Fight Night in Framingham” Oct. 16th
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FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (September 14, 2021) — Nineteen months after it was originally scheduled, “Fight Night in Framingham” finally will be presented October 16 by Shearns Boxing Promotions for the benefit of “Fighting Life” at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.
 
Canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, “Fight Night in Framingham” will mark the first professional boxing event ever held in Framingham, a city incorporated in 1700, located in the MetroWest subregion of Greater Boston, less than 40 miles from Boston.
 
“Fighting Life” is an after-school youth boxing program and academic empowerment program, available 100-percentfree of charge to students beginning in elementary school through high school education.
 
High Octane Classics is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Platts Landscaping and Shamrock Sports.
 
“We had to cancel this show last year just a week before the event,” promoter Chuck Shearns explained. “A lot of people had put in a lot of work for the event, so it was disappointing for many, especially fighters. When events were allowed again in Massachusetts, we wanted to finish what we started in Framingham. Although still in uncertain times, we waited just a bit hoping that it would lessen the possibility of another cancellation. We are feeling confident that this will be the great event that we started last year.”
 
Shearns is excited about promoting the first boxing event in Framingham history, as well as working in association with Fighting Life.
 
“Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) is very excited, and we look forward to putting on Framingham’s first-ever boxing event for a great charity, Fighting Life,” Shearns added. “I think what speaks loudest is the amount of community and business support Fighting Life has received. I think it says a lot about what (Fighting Life founder/head coach) and the board are trying to accomplish with this organization. This kind of support will go a long way.”
 
Located in UpperKuts Boxing Club in nearby Ashland, MA, the Fighting Life Boxing Program was founded as a resource and program to provide children with a positive outlet in life. Visit www.fightlif.org to learn more about this organization.
 
The purpose of Fighting Life is to provide a safe space to promote structure, growth mindset, self-worth, and goal setting through physical and academic fulfillment and self-discipline.
 
“It is an outlet for kids,” Thomas said. “Kids who have been picked on. Bullied, or at risk find it’s a safe haven. We take kids from all walks of life. We don’t turn anybody away. If their parents can’t afford the membership fee to join the gym, we provide a voucher to apply to waive the fee. Not all of these kids come here to become boxers. We have fitness classes in addition to teaching boxing lessons.
 
“This show is important because the attention and money we receive will help us get more volunteers, equipment, and go places to box that we’ve never been. Any money we receive will go straight to the kids. Our dream is to promote our own shows someday and get our charity’s name out there for the benefit of our programs. Boxing is growing here in Framingham, and we believe that here will be more boxing in our city. I even check on the kids in school and if they need help, they’ll have a big brother right next to them. Everything is for the kids!”
 
Undefeated Florida-based junior middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (5-0, 3 KOs) will headline “Fight Night in Framingham” in a 6-round bout versus 57-fight veteran Rynell Griffin, of Las Vegas. Castro has been active, something few boxers have been able to do during the pandemic, as this will be his fourth fight of 2021.
 
The co-featured event features a “graduate” of Fighting Life, Marlboro, MA super lightweight Nelson “Chino” Perez (3-0, 2 KOs), who will fight Ryan Venable (2-6) in a 6-round bout. Puerto Rico-native Perez is a past New England Golden Gloves champion.
 
Perez hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. He trains at UpperKuts and often teaches youngsters there how to train to become boxers. “I try to teach the kids to stay out of trouble,” Perez remarked. “I coach them a little to help them live and prosper. It’s great seeing these kids in the gym. I’m very excited to be part of this event to benefit Fighting Life.”
 
Hometown favorite Kevin Lewis will make his professional debut in a 4-rounder against a fellow Framingham resident, super middleweight Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), one of the top MMA fighters in New England.
 
A pair of New Haven (CT) fighters will also be in action. Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion, super middleweight Elvis Figueroa (7-0, 4 KOs), and 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion, pro-debuting featherweight Felix Parilla, will fight in 6 and 4-round bouts, respectively, versus opponents to be determined.
 
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts is Boston heavyweight Wallace Nass Silva (0-2) and pro-debuting Sean Evans, fighting out of Shrewsbury, MA. Brazilian middleweight Leonardo Ladeira (0-6), of Revere (MA), will fight TBAs.
 
Priced at $75.00 ringside and $60.00 general admission, tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fight-night-in-framingham-tickets-171408807357, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 7:00 p.m.
 
INFORMATION:  
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

Sampson Boxing Signs The Cuban Menace, Pablo Vicente, to a Promotional Contract

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of power-punching Cuban super featherweight Pablo “The Cuban Menace” Vicente to an exclusive promotional contract.


Vicente, currently residing in Panama City, Panama, but originally hailing from Havana, Cuba, is currently ranked #10 in the world by the WBC. A former decorated amateur on the vaunted Cuban National Team, Vicente (17-1, 15 KOs) turned professional in 2016 and has gone on to stop all but three of his professional opponents.


The 28-year-old will make his Sampson Boxing debut on Friday, October 29, at the Centro de Convenciones Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Bella Vista, in his adopted home of Panama City in a 10-round showdown against Argentina’s Javier Herrera (17-4-1, 8 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Championship.


“I am very happy to have gained a promoter who can properly move my career in Sampson,” said Vicente. “Our plan is to begin fighting in the US and start climbing up the ladder to a world championship. I am going to train like never before because I know I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to reach all my dreams as a fighter.”


Lewkowicz, boxing’s premier talent scout, says Vicente will make a great addition to his ever-growing stable of contenders, prospects and champions.


“The Cuban Menace will be a world champion,” said Lewkowicz. “He is a very strong fighter with excellent power in his combinations and the skill level you would expect from an elite fighter. We will continue his development and move him into the fights he needs to become another great champion from the Island of Cuba.”







About Sampson Boxing
 
Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Marco Antonio Barrera and Daniel Ponce de Leon to Make Triumphant Returns to Boxing in Six-Round Welterweight Showdown

Tickets for “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) are available

exclusively via the Inn of the Mountain Gods Website

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 13, 2021) – International Boxing Hall of Famer and former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera will return to the ring for the first time in more than a decade when he squares off against former two-time world titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon on Saturday, Nov 20, 2021, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

Come celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday five days early as these two legendary fighters square off in a six-round welterweight clash and headline an electrifying, eight-fight Tapia Promotions card.

Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) makes his dramatic comeback four years after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. Ranked by No. 43 among the greatest boxers of all time by ESPN, the “Baby Faced Assassin” has captured world titles across three weight divisions and earned 43 consecutive victories at the onset of his illustrious pro career.

Never one to shy away from an opponent, the pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, has battled many of the sweet science’s finest including fellow Hall of Famers Erik Morales (three times), Johnny Tapia, and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well as future IBOFer Manny Pacquiao, Paulie Ayala, Naseem Hamed, and Amir Kahn.

De Leon (45-7, 35 KOs), of Chihuahua, Mexico, will make his dramatic return to the famed squared circle for the first time in more than seven years. Fighting out of Huntington Park, Calif., the 2000 Mexican Olympic team member opened his career with 24 consecutive victories, including 23 by knockout.

A former two-division world champion, De Leon claimed the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title in October 2005 and made six successful defenses. Nearly seven years after earning his first world title, the southpaw slugger garnered a second with an eight-round technical decision over Jhonny Gonzalez in September 2012 to claim the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown.

In the first of two exciting co-features, undefeated super featherweight contender Abel Mendoza (30-0, 23 KOs) hopes to keep his perfect record intact and ascend to the upper echelon of the 130-pound division when he takes on fellow El Paso, Texas, brawler Antonio Escalante (29-11, 20 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

The second co feature pits Josh “Pitbull” Torres (23-7-2, 14 KOs), returning to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino against once-beaten Steven “Manos de Oro” Villalobos (15-1-1, 11 KOs) in a welterweight showdown.

Rounding out the card will be a found-round, 270-pound battle royale pitting Streetbeefs standouts Cody Beck and Johnathon Rice making their pro debuts, undefeated up-and-comers Clinton Chavez (Albuquerque, N.M.), Javier Fernandez (San Antonio, Texas) and Angel Chavez (Sacramento, Calif.) against opponents to be named, and Luis Angel Jimenez of El Paso in his initial pro bout.

Tickets for the thrilling eight-fight extravaganza promoted by Tapia Promotions start at $75 and are on sale exclusively via https://innofthemountaingods.com

FIRST WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP “THE CONQUEST: OSCAR RIVAS VS. BRYANT JENNINGS” SUPER BOXING EVENT OCT. 22 at L’OLYMPIA DE MONTRÉAL

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MONTREAL (September 13, 2021) — A great World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship fight will officially come to fruition on October 22nd, in the bewitching atmosphere of L’Olympia de Montréal, a renovated venue that has kept its captivating cachet. Those who will have the privilege of being there will attend a colorful show in an exceptional environment that they will not soon forget.

For the first time in history, the WBC Bridgerweight title, under 224 pounds, will be on the line. Adopted Quebecer and WBC No. 1 contender for the vacant WBC title, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19KO) will face American and No. 3 rated Bryant Jennings (24-4, 14KO), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This is a major clash for the two fighters and their careers, which promises to be a risky, hotly contested contest. After all, the winner will become the monarch of this new division. This grand and historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018, as ESPN + retained the broadcast rights to the fight in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly 50 countries.

Rivas was ranked among the world’s top 5 heavyweights when he was selected as the No. 1 contender in the WBC’s newly created division. In his last fight this past March, he easily disposed of Sylvera Louis by retirement in the 3rd round. In addition, boxing fans remember the fight delivered by “Kaboom” in England on July 20, 2019, against Britain’s Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18KO), in his previous outing. Rivas lost by close decision, even though he knocked his opponent down in the 9th round. The loss was very bitter, especially when it became known that Whyte had allegedly tested positive for illegal substances before the fight without BBBofC intervention.

This will be the second clash between Jennings and Rivas, who fought an extremely contested duel in January 2019, in Verona, New York. Also broadcast by ESPN +, Rivas-Jennings I was virtually even after 11 rounds. At the start of the last round, Rivas attacked with an aggressive and intense push to send the American to the floor, and subsequently forced the referee to end the hostilities. Since that time, the Philadelphia boxer has been calling for a rematch.

Jennings has fought one fight since his first fight with Rivas, a decision loss to Rio Olympics silver medalist and mandatory world contender to champion Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce (13-0, 12KO). Jennings is the only one to have crossed the line against the British giant. The scores of 115-112, 118-119 and 117-110 indicate that Jennings managed to win several rounds in this match, despite it being held in Joyce’s backyard in London.

A total of 6 boxing matches are planned for this magnificent evening.

The return of the charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2, 8KO) is confirmed, He will be back in the ring for the second time in 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in Quebec in 2019.

Alexandre Roberge (1-1) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1KO) caused a stir March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which was won by Charbonneau via split decision. The two young boxers will pick up where they left off with another 6-round fight.

The evening’s other fights will be announced later this week.

The Oct. 22nd event, presented in association with Mise-O-Jeu, will mark the 49th world Championship fight promoted by GYM since its founding in 2004.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. ET on ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

Vertex Promotions presents Back-to-Back Boxing “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II & III” September 24 & 25 in Dedham, MA

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BOSTON (September 13, 2021) – Due to fighter demand, Vertex Promotions has added a show on Friday night, September 24, the night before its previously announced “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II,” on Saturday night, September 25, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night On The Charles at Mosley’s II & III”, as well as a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card Saturday afternoon (Sept. 25) –  2021 New England Championships — at the same venue, will all be hosted by Vertex Promotions.

“Coming off our successful first show on July 31st,” Vertex promoter Dave Clark said.  “we decided to promote another show on September 25th at Moseley’s.  There’s a lot of local talent in this region and we want to try to keep them as active as we can, but we were contacted by some many boxers who wanted to compete on our September 25th card that we are promoting back-to-back shows on consecutive nights at the same venue, Mosley On The Charles.  We’re excited about ‘Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s II & III’ and look forward to the rare challenge of promoting two nights in a row at Mosley’s”

Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) was scheduled to headline the originally announced Sept. 25th show, but he has been moved to Friday night’s main event in the 8-round lightweight match versus Uganda-native Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), who is fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The 8-round, co-featured event finds California bantamweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), the former ABF Continental Americas Super Flyweight Champion, fighting and opponent to be determined.  This fight will mark the first for Santomauro east of Las Vegas.
Rising prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (7-0, 7 KOs) puts his perfect pro record on the line in a 6-round Special Middleweight Attraction against Rakim Johnson (6-13-1, 5 KOs).  Representing Weymouth, MA, Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, as well as a 2019 New England Golden Gloves gold medalist.

Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels, a 2-time New England Golden Gloves champion, faces Larry “Hit Man” Pryor (14-24, 8 KOs) in a 6-round bout, while Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Conception (7-0-1, 6 KOs) meets Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-26-3, 5 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard, each in 4-round matches, is Malden, MA light heavyweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Tomi Archambault (1-13, 1 KO), New Bedford, MA middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (2-2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lashawn Alcocks (1-10), and 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist Thomas O’Toole will make his pro debut vs. TBA.

Saturday night’s card will be headlined by undefeated welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) of Lawrence (MA), in an 8-round bout versus his Mexican opponent, Danny “Venado” Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs).

Undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, throws down with another Mexican fighter, Isias Martin Cardona Gonzales (26-22, 18 KOs), in the 6-round co-featured event.  The highly popular Perella is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.  The popular fighter returns in the 6-round co-featured event.

Undefeated super featherweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will make his New England debut against TBA in a 4-rounder. A 4-time U.S. Army and 2012 Ringside National champion, Bailey is the cousin of multiple world champion Randall Bailey.
Another promising prospect, Weymouth, MA junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 2 KOs), and Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, will be in action in 4-round bouts versus TBAs.
Lynn (MA) light heavyweight James Perkins (5-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Trevor Ollison (0-2-1) in a 4-rounder.
Cards are subject to change.

Tickets for both shows are on sale for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room).  Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on both evenings.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 pm. ET.)  amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 per person) on sale at the door.

New York State Boxing HOF A family affair for Bobby Cassidy, Jr. Class of 2020 induction dinner Sept. 19th at Russo’s On The Bay

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(L-R) – Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Bobby Cassidy, Sr., and brother/son Chris Cassidy (boxing photographer)





NEW YORK (September 9, 2021) – Long Island journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr. will join his father, Bobby Cassidy, Sr., in the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF). Originally scheduled for April 19, 2019, the induction dinner was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions until Sunday afternoon, September 19 (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), once again at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.


The 28-member Class of 2019 will be honored at the ninth NYSBHOF induction dinner, which is sponsored by Ring 8. There will not be a Class of 2021 due to pandemic.

New York City guidelines mandates all attendees must be vaccinated to attend indoor events.  


Bobby Cassidy, Sr. (2013) and Jr. are the fourth son and father tandem inducted into the NYSBHOF, but the first boxer/journalist combination. The others are boxers Floyd and Tracy Patterson, executive administrators Bobby and Murray Goodman, and referees Arthur, Sr. and Arthur Mercante, Jr.


“It’s quite an honor to be inducted into the same Hall of Fame as my da.” Bobby, Jr. said. “He’s the one responsible for my love of boxing. The sport of boxing provides us with so many rich stories. It’s been a privilege to cover the sport.”


Bobby, Jr. has worked in boxing in various roles for Newsday during the past quarter-century.  He started covering boxing in 1987, when he started as a reporter for The Ring magazine, and Bobby has written about boxing for Newsday, New York Post, Los Angeles Times, ESPN.com, British Boxing News and Ringside Seat Magazine.
During the course of his decorated writing career, Cassidy has worked more than 200 world title fights and covered a Who’s Who of boxing, including stars such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearn’s Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar de la Hoya, Felix Trinidad, Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Errol Spence, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Vasily Lomachenko.


The Cassidy’s father-son bond led Bobby, Jr. to write the play, “Kid Shamrock,” based on his father’s life, which was produced Off Broadway four times from 2007 to 2012. He has worked in Newsday’s multimedia department for the last 12 years and produced numerous award-winning documentaries for Newsday.


Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.


Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales. 


Joining Cassidy, Jr. among the living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Wantah, Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.


Posthumous non-participant inductees are Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.


There are a number of other firsts regarding some Class of 2020 inductees: husband-wife Dr. William and Melvina Lathan (Class of 2018), and daughter-father Julie and Harold (Class of 2012) Lederman.


Welch is going into the NYSBHOF as a boxer, but he also managed fellow Class of 2020 inductee Goodrich.


Each attending inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.
 
The 2020 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.


All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career. 
Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16) and IT includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as a full course dinner (prime rib, fish, or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 or depcomish@aol.com.


NEW YORK STATE BOXING HALL OF FAME
 
CLASS OF 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.


CLASS OF 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.


CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke. 


CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.


CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs. 


CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.
 
CLASS OF 2018: Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.
 
CLASS OF 2019: Wilfredo Benitez, Dick DiVeronica, Rogelio Tuur, Davey Vasquez, Michael Olajide, Monte Barrett, Jimmy Carter, Al “Bummy” Davis, Marty Servo, Roland LaStarza, Paddy DeMarco, Sid Terris, Leach “The Fighting Dentist” Cross, Don King, John McKaie, Steve Albert, Arthur Mercante, Jr., Bob Jackson, Dewey Fragetta, Johnny LoBianco, Wayne Kelly, Harry Hill, Jimmy Cannon, and Joe Dwyer.


INFORMATION:
www.nyboxinghof.org 

19-2 Matt Conway headlines “Murrysville Madness” on Sept. 18 in Murrysville, Pennsylvania

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PITTSBURGH (September 8, 2021) – Professional boxing returns to the Greater Pittsburgh area Saturday night, September 18, as Gionta Management presents “Murrysville Madness” at Murrysville SportZone in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

An amateur show, co-promoted by Gionta Management and Kastle Boxing of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, will take center stage during the afternoon, starting at 12 p.m. with a separate admission of $20.00

“I hope to continue promoting shows here (30-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh) in this region moving forward,” promoter Derek Gionta said.  “With another friend of mine promoting here, we can keep these guys busy, and look forward to moving them into bigger opportunities.”

Pittsburgh junior lightweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway (19-2, 8 KOs), the reigning IBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight Champion, will headline “Murrysville Madness” in the 8-round main event against an opponent to be finalized.

In the 6-round co-featured event, Pittsburgh super middleweight Kiante Irving (9-0, 9 KOs), a 2018 National Golden Gloves Champion, plans to keep his perfect pro record intact against Antonio Louis Hernandez (5-11-3, 3 KOs).

Ohio lightweight Ryizeemmion “The Humble Beast” Ford (5-1-0, 3 KOs) steps up in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus an opponent to be determined.

A 4-round featherweight match between Buffalo’s pro-debuting Joe Reed and Kyrgyzstan-native Baszybek Baratov (4-1-2, 1 KO), fighting out of Monroeville, PA, has the potential to steal the show.

2019 National Golden Gloves Champion Chatiqua “Tika” Hemingway (1-0), managed by Split-T Management, is slated to be in action against a female super middleweight to be determined.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round matches is Pittsburgh super middleweight Eric Lomax (3-0, 2 KOs) vs, Taurean Bogguess (0-2), Pennsylvania’s pro-debuting middleweight Paul Palombo vs. Jereiah Yeager (1-1, 1 KO), and Pittsburgh super lightweight and Matt Conway’s brother, “Maverick” Mike Conway (3-2-1, 1 KO), vs. Joshua Zimmerman (0-3).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $125.00 ringside, $60.00 and $40.00 floor seating, and $50.00 reserved seating, and available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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