Tag Archives: boxing

TODAY: WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

WBSS Semifinals finale
Super Middleweights in Germany
 
Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS AFTERNOON
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) Callum Smith & Nieky Holzken
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 24, 2018) – This afternoon in the semifinals round finale of the incredibly entertaining World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) tournament, undefeated challengersCallum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion, and late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), square-off in the 12-round super middleweight bout, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany.
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew earlier this week from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
The 27-year-old Smith, fighting out of the United Kingdom, won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Erik Skoglund in the WBSS quarterfinals to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I came here to book a place in the final,” Smith said. “I have had a really good camp and I have improved on stuff from the last fight and people will see a better performance from me. People will see that I am good enough to win the tournament. I just want to win, win well, and look good doing it.
“I always knew from the start of the tournament that there was a massive opportunity that George (Groves) would be waiting in the final. But, for now, I am fully focused on Nieky, and then I can talk more about Groves after the fight.”
Holzken, 34, was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight.
“It’s great to be here,” Holzken commented. “My life has been like a rollercoaster the last days. I was preparing to fight Dmitrii Chudnov, and on Monday I got a call that Juergen Braehmer was out. So, this is a lifetime opportunity and I will take the opportunity with both hands, I’m ready!
“Callum is a good fighter and respectful guy, but I am a big believer, and I believe I can get the victory on Saturday. I am going to do my best to beat him and my best to win the whole tournament.”
Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
 
TODAY’S WBSS LINE-UP ON SUPER CHANNEL
MAIN EVENT – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINALS – 12 ROUNDS
Callum Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
vs.
Nieky Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands, 167.5 lbs. (76,0 kg)
CO-FEATURE – WBSS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SUBSTITUTE FIGHT – 10 ROUNDS
Dmitrii Chudinov (20-2-2, 13 KOs), Russia
vs.
Siarhei Khamitski (30-14-3, 14 KOs), Belarus
HEAVYWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Croatia
vs.
Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs), Ireland
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), Former WBC Youth Light Heavyweight Champion, Germany
vs.
Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs), Germany by way of Cameroon
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs), Germany
vs.
Marco Miano (6-5 (2 KOs), Italy
SWING BOUT
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS
Tony Kraft (12-0-1, 4 KOs), Germany
vs.
Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs), Hungary
(all fights & fighters subject to change)
 
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
 
About MP & Silva
 
MP & Silva is a full service global sports media agency that connects passionate fans with clubs, broadcasters and brands. Founded in 2004, the company has rapidly grown to become a key participant in the global sports marketplace. The company prides itself on using its global team to create value and deliver tailored solutions for its clients and partners; distributing media rights of some of the world’s most prestigious sports events, offering a broad set of sponsorship consultancy services and providing a range of digital services and technology solutions. Headquartered in London and Singapore, MP & Silva has international offices in Beijing, Budapest, Dubai, Dublin, Luxembourg, Monaco, Munich, New York, Paris, Tokyo and Warsaw.
 
Connect with MP & Silva
 
Website: www.mpsilva.com          
Twitter: @MPSWorldwide

Andre Dirrell Talks Working with New Trainer Virgil Hunter Ahead of Interim Super Middleweight World Title Rematch Saturday, March 3 against Jose Uzcategui Live on SHOWTIME From Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 
Read the whole interview with Dirrell HERE via PremierBoxingChampions.com
 
OAKLAND, CA. (February 23, 2018) – Super middleweight Andre Dirrell is preparing for his rematch with Jose Uzcategui by working with renowned trainer Virgil Hunter and former pound-for-pound great Andre Ward ahead of his showdown for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight title Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the highly anticipated matchup between heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten challenger Luis Ortiz.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
Dirrell has moved his training camp out to Oakland to train with Hunter and gain wisdom from being around Ward. Ward for his part, feels Dirrell has not yet reached his potential in the ring.
“The way I feel about Andre is the way I’ve always felt, the sky’s the limit,” said the recently retired Ward. “He has the God-given ability and talent to do whatever he wants to do in a boxing ring. In other words, he is blessed with the kind of gifts, that if he’s made up his mind that he won’t allow himself to be beat and if he prepares properly in camp, it’s going to be very hard to beat him.
“With a fighter with Andre’s experience and pedigree, it’s less physical and more psychological. Do you want to be a champion and do you want to dominate your division? If the answer is yes, which I believe it is, then go do it. It sounds simple and in many ways it is, but you have to be very intentional to condition your mind to think this way and really believe it. That’s the reason he is training with Virgil in the Bay Area. Physical training, mental preparation & spiritual preparation. It all matters.”
Here is part of what Dirrell had to say about training camp with Hunter and Ward. Read the full story HERE via PremierBoxingChampions.com.
What are some of the nuances Virgil brings, and will your grandfather, Leon “Bumper” Lawson, remain in your corner?
“Virgil is teaching me similarly to the way my grandfather taught me, and I can easily say that he’s picking up where my grandfather left off. My grandfather put my talents in me, making me the fighter Andre Ward had to worry about back in the day.
“But my grandfather doesn’t have the ability to coach really anymore because he’s in the beginning stages of dementia, but I still have him in my corner, and I always will. Virgil has taken over, and this is bar-none, the best I’ve felt, mentally, in my career. There are little things about Virgil that I had to adapt to.
“Virgil’s sense of humor is raw, playful and serious at the same time. If I stop for one minute, he’ll tell me, ‘It takes one second to get knocked out.’ He teaches with passion, direction and remains focused on the task at hand, really wanting you to instill how important things are, psychologically.”
How beneficial is the atmosphere in Virgil’s gym?
“There is a positive aura in the gym, which is a winning environment. When you walk into that gym, it’s time to work. Virgil lets you know that simply by staring at you. You have Andre Ward’s posters all around you, other fighters’ posters around you. There are a lot of fighters’ faces up on those gym walls, including Andre Berto’s.
“I’m definitely inspired because the atmosphere has everything to offer as far as training. You have the mountains, the beaches. And of course, ultimately, you have Virgil, who has flair about him and a way to generate that fire within you and bring it out of you. The most important thing with Virgil is listening.”
What counsel have you received from Ward?
“Andre’s never really showed any hesitation about offering advice and has always been there to give it to me, no problem at all.  Andre has always been cordial and honest about wanting to see me hold that championship belt. I believe that he’ll see that this year.
“But I can imagine that now that he’s out of the game, he can do it more freely. I recently had a 45-minute conversation over the phone with him about Jesus Christ, but, face-to-face, we’ve spoken quite often. He came down for a few of my sparring sessions and he’ll be coming to a few more.
“We’ve always talked and had a good time, and he’s been quite an inspiration, aside from being a boxer. Andre has a confidence about himself in and out of the ring, so he’s one of the top guys in my life as a motivator for life outside of and beyond boxing.”
Has Virgil broken down the Uzecategui fight?
“Virgil has watched the fight several times, and I’ve watched the fight several times. We both agreed that the mistakes were definitely all mine and both agree that I didn’t use my ring generalship.
“Even with the flaws that I was committing, I still found my groove. I heard myself saying that I had gotten his timing down and was taking over leading up to the end of the fight.
“Uzecategui is a fighter, but that’s it – he’s no boxer. He has great punching ability but not great skills and he’s not fast, so I expect him to attack me like the first fight. He knows how to put a one-two-three together, and he’s hungry.
“As far as boxing goes, I’ll have to teach him a thing or two about how this game is really played. There’s no question I made the first fight harder than it had to be. I look at that first fight with so much confidence.
“I know that I fought it incorrectly, but I was still coming back. He won the first, second and possibly third and fourth rounds, but I was coming back. So this time, I plan on frustrating this boy so much that he’ll be completely off of his game.”
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

HUGO CENTENO JR. SUFFERS RIB INJURY – INTERIM MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT WITH JERMALL CHARLO RESCHEDULED FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 21 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Next Saturday’s Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Doubleheader Will Open With Anticipated Rematch Between Andre Dirrell & Jose Uzcategui
Saturday, March 3 LIVE on SHOWTIME At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT From Barclays Center In Brooklyn & Presented By 
Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (Feb. 23, 2018) – Middleweight contender Hugo Centeno Jr. suffered a rib injury while training and his Interim WBC Middleweight World Championship bout with Jermall Charlo has been rescheduled for a Premier Boxing Champions event on Saturday, April 21 live on SHOWTIME.
The March 3 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast continues as a doubleheader beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  In the main event, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will make the seventh and most difficult defense of his title against fellow-unbeaten heavyweight Luis Ortiz.
In the opening bout of the March 3 doubleheader, Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui will meet for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship in an immediate rematch of one of 2017’s best and most controversial fights.
Charlo vs. Centeno will now be a featured bout on the previously announced April 21 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Four-division world champion Adrien Broner will face undefeated former champion Omar Figueroa and one of boxing’s brightest young stars, Gervonta Davis, returns to the ring as the 23-year-old undefeated former champion looks to regain a title in the 130-pound class.
“While the injury to Centeno is unfortunate, we’re pleased to have the flexibility to keep the Charlo-Centeno fight on our 2018 boxing schedule,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.  “The March 3 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event remains a can’t-miss night for any fight fan, with Deontay Wilder facing the most dangerous opponent of his career in Luis Ortiz, and Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui settling the score in a rematch of one of 2017’s best fights.”
“I’m devastated.,” said Centeno. “I’ve been in the gym for a long time. Being so close to a fight and accomplishing my dream of a world title it’s devastating.
“It happened during sparring. I tried to work through the pain and as the day progressed and the adrenaline subsided I had to go to the ER and get checked out. It’s a good enough injury that it had to be postponed. Nothing was broken, but it was severe enough to keep me from fighting.
“I was just about to peak. Now I have to taper off a bit and cut back to let my body recover and then pick it up and get some momentum back.”
“I’m ready to go,” said Charlo. “I’m 167 pounds right now, and this was the best camp I’ve ever had. I’m so disappointed. I’m at a loss for words. When you want something so bad and you don’t get it, you can’t be a kid about it. You just have to deal with it.
“I’m hungry and I’m ready to get back in the ring. I’m still coming to the fight though. I’m going be there to support Deontay. I love Barclays Center and all my fans in Brooklyn.”
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

1stUSA Boxing Alumni Association event in N.E. A knockout in Lowell, Mass

Picture courtesy of Edward Boches / Boches Photography
 
LOWELL, Mass. (February 23, 2018) – Nearly 50 past New England Golden Gloves boxers turned out last night for the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet in a private room, prior to the opening bout of the New England Tournament of Champions, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association gathering was also to promote the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour, which kicks-off Monday, March 12, at Royale Entertainment Complex in Boston’s famed theater district. The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will continue March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass. and concludes March 21at The Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Among the USA Boxing Alumni Association attendees were former professional world champions “Irish” Micky Ward, a Lowell boxing icon, and Jose Antonio Rivera, as well as The Contenders star Peter Manfredo, Jr., “Iceman” John Scully
Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.
The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.
To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

FNU Combat Sports Show: News, Recaps and Previews

This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show we recap a packed weekend of fights, including world class boxing on Saturday and excellent Bellator (Friday) and UFC Fight Night (Sunday) cards to review. We also take a look ahead to this weekend’s UFC on Fox card and the upcoming boxing matches. We also cover some recent combat sports news and update listeners on the latest Conor McGregor/Floyd Mayweather talks. Listen to the whole show below:

Rances Barthelemy Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Two-Division World Champion Battles Kiryl Relikh in Rematch for Vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Leo Wilson/Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 22, 2018) – Unbeaten two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy worked out for Las Vegas media Thursday as he prepares for his rematch against Kiryl Relikh for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Title Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Barthelemy, who is trained by Ismael Salas and former world champion and Cuban boxing legend Joel Casamayor, can become the first Cuban fighter to win world titles in three weight classes with a win on March 10. Here is what Barthelemy had to say Thursday from City Athletic Boxing Club in Las Vegas:
RANCES BARTHELEMY
“It’s in my character to take this rematch immediately. I was very happy once I found out everything was ready to go for it. I want to prove to the fans and to myself that I can do much better than I did in May. I want to show Relikh how much better I am than him.
“It’s on my mind all the time that I have a chance to make history for Cuban boxing. There have been so many great Cuban fighters throughout the years. I never imagined I’d be in position to make history myself but I know it’s a reward for my hard work and dedication.
“A fight with Mikey Garcia is something I want. I’m completely focused on this fight against Relikh and making history, but I would be prepared to fight Mikey Garcia soon.
“I’m going to change a lot heading into the rematch. Last May I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like I had my legs coming into the fight and I wasn’t able to perform how I usually do. This time my conditioning and nutrition is much improved. I’m going to use my legs and use my jab and put on a boxing clinic.
“There was nothing surprising about Relikh in the first fight. We knew he’d have power, but unfortunately I had to change my game plan when my body wasn’t cooperating. I traded shots and fought his fight. I’m going to stick to my plan this time.
“Throughout my career I haven’t paid enough attention to nutrition. It made my performances inconsistent. Bob Santos has come in and completely changed that. You’ll see my conditioning on fight night is the best it’s ever been.”
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MICHAEL ” HAMMER FIST” FARENAS RETURNS TO THE RING APRIL 7, IN CANADA

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 22, 2018) – On Saturday, April 7th, 2018, popular Filipino lightweight Michael “Hammer Fist” Farenas (42-5-4 34 KOs) will do battle with Guadalupe Rosales (34-14 18KOs) for the Canadian Professional Boxing Council (C.P.B.C.) Lightweight International Championship, as a part of Dekada Fight Night at the Gray Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
With over fifty fights under his belt, Michael Farenas is capable of beating anyone on any given night. Having never been knocked out in his career, Farenas exemplifies what a warrior truly is. He’s been in the ring with some talented fighters which include Yuriorkis Gamboa and Jose Pedraza to name a few, both of whom he went the distance with.
“I am very excited to be fighting for a the CPBC title,” said Michael Farenas, who trains at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym in Los Angeles with Marvin Somodio and Jesse Arevalo. “I am rebuilding my career and know I have a great run left in me. I know that I am capable of winning several big fights with this being the start. I love the sport of boxing and want to create a lasting memory when people say my name, and this fight against Guadalupe Rosales will be one of those moments. I’m dedicating this fight to all my people back home in the Philippines.”
Tickets priced from $50 go on sale on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10 AM. Tickets can be purchased at www.greyeagleresortandcasino.ca or by calling 1-855-985-5000. Doors open at5:30 P.M, first fight begins at 6:30 P.M. For more information please visit www.dekada.ca.
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NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Open division semifinal results from Lowell

New England
Tournament of Champions

Open Division semifinals results from Lowell

 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities
Golden Gloves Championship
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Division championship finals tonight in Lowell 
LOWELL, Mass. (February 22, 2018) – A highly-competitive semifinal round was held last night, setting the stage for this evening’s finals of the New England Tournament of Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The New England Tournament of Champions, also known as the All-New England’s, is part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships.
Tonight’s individual winning N.E. champions will qualify for Team New England, which will compete at the National Golden Gloves Championship, starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. Western New England is seeking its fifth straight N.E. team title.
“After watching last night’s semifinals,” N. E. Executive Director Bobby Russo said, “I can’t wait for tonight’s great match ups in the finals. These are the best amateur boxers in New England and all the winners will have a shot at national titles.”
Also, USA Boxing will host a USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet tonight.All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including former wotld champions such as hometown hero and three-time New England champion,“Irish” Micky Ward, Jose Antonio Rivera, Travis Simms and Iran Barkley, The Contender star Peter Manfredo, Jr., John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, USA Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey and many other past New England Golden Gloves favorites including Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Joe Alloj and Troy Wortham. (subject to change)
Tickets start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Buy tickets early to avoid long lines the night of the show.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Feb.21, 2018)
 
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Felix Parilla, North Haven, CT / WNE
WDEC (5-0)
Joseph Valdes, Nashua, NH / Central CNE
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Joseph DePina, Dorchester, MA / CNE
WDEC (3-2)
Joshua Orta, Springfield, MA / WNE
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Sharad Collier, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC (4-1)
Mike Bloodworth, Woonsocket, RI / SNE
WOMEN’S JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Ashleigh Moore, Buzzards Bay, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Deborah Basora, Hartford, CT / WNE
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
Josniel Castro, Portland, ME / NNE
WDEC (5-0)
Luca Botis, West Point, NY / WNE
James Perella, Mansfield, MA / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Charles Espinel, Salem, MA / CNE
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (178 lbs.)
Miguel Teo, Marlboro, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Tony Adams, Bridgeport, CT / WNE
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Edmond Worley, Lowell, MA / CNE
WDEC (4-1)
Hampton Miller, Waterbury, CT / WNE
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Tim Hatfield, Providence, RI / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Zack Calmus, Gloucester, MA / CNE
WNE – Western New England
CNE – Central New England
NNE – Northern New England
SNE – Southern New England
 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
New England Golden Gloves Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials: Laurie Purcell
Ring Announcer: John Vena
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves

Action-Packed Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz Undercard Includes Long Island’s Alicia Napoleon vs. Femke Hermans for Vacant WBA Women’s Super Middleweight World Title

 
Saturday, March 3
Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (February 21, 2018) – The undercard for the heavyweight world title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz set for Saturday, March 3, from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING, will now feature an outstanding 10-round women’s world title clash between Long Island’s Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (8-1, 5 KOs) and undefeated Femke Hermans (6-0, 3 KOs), of Londerzeel, Belgium, for the vacant WBA Women’s Super Middleweight World Title.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting at Barclays Center for this world title,” said Napoleon. “This means so much to me and for women’s boxing in the United States. I’ve worked very hard for many years and dreamed of becoming a world champion and to have my Long Island fans see me challenge for the title makes it even more special.”
“DiBella Entertainment, Premier Boxing Champions, Brooklyn Boxing and SHOWTIME remain committed to women’s boxing and together we have staged, or at least scheduled, a women’s fight of significance on every card we’ve worked on at Barclays Center,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Napoleon is a very charismatic and popular fighter from Long Island and, on March 3, she will have a chance to achieve her dream of becoming a world champion in front of her hometown fans.”
Owner of the two popular Overthrow boxing gyms in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Napoleon made her professional debut in August 2015 winning her first seven fights, including five by stoppage.
Following her first loss on December 10, 2016, to world ranked contender Tori Nelson, Napoleon bounced back to defeat Nikolett Papp, on November 18, 2017, in Queens, New York.
Victorious three times in 2017, Hermans will be leaving Belgium for the first time in her professional career for the world title fight with Napoleon. In her last bout, the 28-year-old won a unanimous decision against Ester Koneca, on September 30, 2017.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the highly anticipated Wilder vs. Ortiz matchup and will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the interim IBF168-pound world title.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK BOXING FEATURING LAMANNA VS. BRACERO WRAPS UP FACEBOOK FIGHTNIGHT LIVE WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER ON SATURDAY

Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi call the action live from the boardwalk; Ten month-old fan-friendly fight series averages 88,952 views per show and recently eclipsed 1,000,000-view milestone
NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2018) – Recently reaching 1,000,000 views for the series, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE looks to establish another benchmark this FridaySaturday, Feb. 23-24, with back-to-back-to-back shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. A red-hot card from the Jersey Shore caps the epic weekend, as the fan-friendly streaming service partners with Rising Star Promotions on Saturday night, Feb. 24. Fans from across the globe can catch seven bouts beginning at 7 p.m. wherever Facebook is available, including a crossroads main event battle featuring Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (25-2, 9 KOs) and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).
“We’re excited to be taking this next step for the series, and to be capping the weekend with an outstanding card that will delight fight fans, called by Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Boardwalk Boxing at The Showboat will be back in a big way on Saturday night with names like LaManna, Bracero, Rainone, Julan, Varmall and hot prospects and local favorites all displaying their talents and passion on Facebook. As a bonus, we’re proud to produce the PPV and pro debut of Mike Rashid, who has conquered the worlds of fitness and digital media and is looking to do big things in the fight game.”
In the main event on Saturday night, New Jersey’s LaManna fights for the 19th time in the shore town, as he takes on the battle tested, Brooklyn-based Bracero. The card will feature some of the best prospects in the region that includes Jahmal Dyer of Baltimore, Md. (4-0, 2 KOs), Donald “No Love” Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, Frederick Julan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn and Alvin Varmall, Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs) of Catskill, N.Y.
“We are excited to be bringing this great event and our first Boardwalk Boxing card from The Showboat to the fans all over the world on FIGHTNIGHT Live.  We have a main event that everyone is talking about, and we are featuring some terrific prospects on an outstanding undercard,” said Debbie LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat WaterMontauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday night, Feb. 24, live from live from The Showboat in Atlantic City, N.J., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network and former IBF and WBA World Champion Paulie Malignaggi, now of Showtime, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Network. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on
Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.