Tag Archives: boxing

Mike O’Han, Jr. headlines “Championship Road” Nov. 13th in Hampton, NH

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

QUINCY, Mass. (October 14, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions presents its seventh and final event of 2021, “Championship Road,” on Saturday night, November 13, streaming live on bxngtv.com, from The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Boy” O’Han (13-1, 7 KOs), Granite Chin’s most recent signee, meets Mexican Israel “Filipino Tigre” Rojas (14-24, 5 KOs), in the non-title fight main event. It marks O’Han’s first scheduled 10-round bout.

Fighting out of Whitman (MA), O’Han captured the vacant New England title last November, when he won an 8-round unanimous decision over Ryan Dibartolomeo, followed by a successful title defense in his last fight in June, when challenger Tyrone Luckey retired after the five rounds.

In the 6-round co-featured event, undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (6-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), faces John Ferrara (0-1), of Tiverton, Rhode Island.

“2021 has been a breakout year for Granite Chin,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said, “but it won’t light a candle compared to what is coming in 2022. The roster is getting bigger, more signings are on the way, and people will see Granite Chin fighters more and more on the biggest stages in the sport.”

Fighting on the undercard, each slated for 4 rounds, is Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Providence’s pro-debuting Alfred “Keenan” Raymond, Lynn ‘s (MA) pro-debuting Alex Falcon vs. Wallace Nass Silva (0-2), Maine middleweight Llmar Kelly in his pro debut vs. Wallace Nass Silva (0-2), Holyoke (MA) junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Swansea’s (MA) Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Juan Celin Zapata (6-19-2, 4 KOs), and Springfield (MA) middleweight Jamer Jones (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s (MA) Aguilando Brandao (1-7).

Also, Lawrence (MA) lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (2-1, 1 KO) vs. Daron Jenkins (0-5), Springfield light heavyweight Laurent Humes (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Thailisson Nunes, Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Towns (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Pittsfield (MA) heavyweight Quinton Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Woburn’s pro-debuting Wewerson Silveira Silva.

Card subject to change.

Tickets priced at $60.00 (ringside) and $40.00 (general admission, in addition to ringside tables of four for $260.00, are available to purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Championship Road).

Doors open at 5 pm. ET with the first bout at 5:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @flymikemarshall

boxing

World-Rated Russian Light Heavyweight Ali Izmailov Returns Saturday for Showdown Against Detroit’s James Ballard in Dearborn, MI

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

This Saturday, October 16, IBF #11, WBC #14 and WBO #15 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (5-0, 3 KOs) returns to action against capable hometown veteran James Ballard (10-3, 3 KOs) in the eight-round main event of promoters Kenny D Moore and Vi Tran’s of Second 2 None Promotions’ “Best of Tomorrow 12” event at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

The 28-year-old Izmailov, from Malgobek, Russia, is a former amateur standout who won multiple elite international tournaments. Already world-rated as a professional at just 5-0, 3 KOs, Izmailov recently started working with world-famous Florida-based trainer John David Jackson at his Action Jackson Boxing Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

Jackson, who has spent the last three weeks sizing up his new protegee, says Izmailov is a diamond in the rough waiting for polish.

“The sky is the limit for him with his punching power,” said Jackson of Izmailov. “He’s a tremendous puncher, but he’s also got natural boxing skills. As a fighter, I don’t think he realizes his potential. I’m getting him to move his head more and throw more combinations, instead of one power punch at a time. Nothing against his old trainers, but once he learns to throw three or four shots to set them up and camouflage the hard ones, he will be unstoppable.”

Jackson says the 32-year-old Ballard will be a good test for Izmailov and his newfound skills, but shouldn’t be able to derail any of their plans.

“Ballard is good, but Ali just has to pressure him and go to the body to break him down. Once his opponents feel his power, they all have a change of heart. Once Ali hits him with some good shots, it’ll be a matter of time.”

“Ali has amazing potential to be a star and John David is the perfect trainer to bring that out of him,” said Izmailov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “I think you’ll see the improvements immediately under his expert tutelage. Ali was already the best prospect in the light heavyweight division.”

Tickets for “Best of Tomorrow 12” are priced at $25 – $1,000 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.com. On fight night, the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, MI. The event is sponsored by One Punch Knockout Gym, Topbreed Management, Pharaoh Website Hosting & Restaurant Online Ordering Service, MJ Diamonds, Family Tied Entertainment.

boxing, women's boxing

19-Year-Old Phenom Gabriela Fundora Returns October 23 in Mexico Against Alejandra Soto

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

On Saturday, October 23, 19-year-old flyweight prospect Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (4-0, 2 KO) will return for a six-round flyweight battle on LC Promotions’ “Round x Round” event at the Salón de Usos Múltiples 3 Coronas in Los Reyes, Estado de México, against tough veteran Alejandra “Tintanita” Soto (7-6-1, 3 KO).

The event will be streamed live on Facebook.

Fighting for the fifth fight already this year, the skillful 5′ 9″ southpaw from Coachella, California, says winning her last two by KO was not a coincidence.

“I’ve turned my power up a notch,” admits Fundora during a break in training. “It happened so naturally. My first two pro fights, it was like dipping my toe in the shallow end. As soon as I had my third fight, I got used to the rhythm and since then it’s been time to sit down on my punches and show them what we’ve really got.”

While Fundora says she doesn’t often study specific opponents, she’s looking forward to getting back in the ring against Soto.

“I don’t know much about her, but we train hard to prepare for any style. We you know what you bring to the ring, you don’t worry about who you’re facing. The more I fight, the more chances I get to go over what I’m doing wrong during fights and fix it for the next one. I’m improving very quickly fighting every month and I’m in top shape.”

From a fighting family that also includes top super welterweight contender Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora, the former amateur standout Gabriela says she’s seeing big improvements working, as she always has, with her father/trainer, Freddy, at his growing gym in Coachella.

“We’ve been training like this since I was small. It’s nothing new. We wake up at 6 am and run about six miles. Then, around 5 pm, we do strength and conditioning and then we get into the boxing. My speed and power are improving,” she said happily. “I recorded myself doing mitt work I didn’t realize how fast and hard I was punching until I watched the video.”

Set to have her third consecutive fight in Mexico, Fundora says she’s been very happy with the reception from Mexican fans.

“The fans in Mexico have all been very kind,” said Fundora. “They treat me like one of their own. We decided to take some fights in Mexico so I would have the experience of going outside my comfort zone to fight and the people here are amazing. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Surprisingly Fundora says the plan is to fight up to two more times this year.

“We fight every month, so by the end of the year I hope to have six fights,” Fundora asserted. “I hope to be fighting for a regional belt by next year. It’s all going to be happening soon.”

“Gabriela Fundora, the Sweet Poison, will be a world champion very soon,” said her promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “She has settled into the professional style and now she is knocking everyone out. I’m looking forward to a very exciting year next year for Gabriela.”

boxing

Silva confident ahead of Seldin showdown

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

St. Petersburg, FL (October 7, 2021) –Willian “Baby Face” Silva will battle Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin for the NABA Super Lightweight title Saturday, October 16 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Originally from Brazil and currently residing in Florida, Silva has an excellent professional record of 28 wins with 3 defeats and 18 wins by knockout. The 33 year old has faced the likes of undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, top rated Arnold Barboza and Felix Verdejo.

One of New York’s most popular fighters, Seldin will be fighting for the 22^nd time in the Empire State. The Long Island native enters the ring with an excellent 25-1 record and 21 wins by stoppage. Notable fighters he’s defeated include Zab Judah and Roberto Ortiz.

A win by Seldin brings him closer to a world title shot but Silva has other plans.

“This is a great opportunity and I’m going to make the most of,” Silva said from his training camp in St. Petersburg, FL. “Seldin is a good opponent but I have the necessary skills to have my hands raised on October 16. I also know a win in this fight would prove that I am among the best fighters in my division and move me closer to my goal of winning a world title.”

Silva’s manager, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Management, is excited and believes his fighter will emerge victorious.

“Willian was actually scheduled to fight in October 16 in Florida before this fight came together. It’s almost as if this was meant to happen and I know Silva has what it takes to pull this out. He’s training with Hall of Fame coach Jim McLaughlin, who’s brought out the best in him. Seldin is in for a big surprise!”

The bout airs live on Triller and precedes the Verzuz battle between hip hop legends Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One. Both fighters are promoted by Star Boxing.

boxing

Former USA amateur stars in action: New Haven’s Elvis Figueroa returns to ring, Felix Parilla making pro debut at “Fight Night in Framingham” on October 16th

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (October 7, 2021) – New Haven (CT) super middleweight Elvis Figueroa and pro-debuting Felix Parrilla, a pair of former USA amateur stars, will be in action October 22nd In the first professional boxing show ever held in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night in Framingham” card, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions, will benefit “Fighting Life,” at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts[BT1] . “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.

New Haven is a 2-hour drive to Framingham, located in the MetroWest sub-region of Greater Boston, less than 40 miles from Boston

High Octane Classics is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Platts Landscaping and Shamrock Sports.

A 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion, as well as a 2015 USA Nationals silver medalist, Figueroa (7-0, 4 KOs) has been inactive for more than two years. He will face veteran Dallas fighter Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-49-2, 8 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

“I may have been out of the ring for two years,” Figueroa explained, “but never out of the gym, and that’s the key to this sport. I’m always in the gym working and staying busy. COVID changed the way of doing things, but I didn’t change my goal or vision of winning a world championship.”

Parrilla, a 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion in addition to being the 2018 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, will make his pro debut in a 4-round fight against Sidell Blocker (1-11-1).

“I’m excited to be making my pro debut,” Parrilla said. “It’s been a long wait, but God’s timing is perfect. I’m ready to show everyone that I belong here.”

Figueroa and Parrilla are Boxing in Faith Gym stablemates in New Haven, where they are trained by the highly respected Luis Rosa, Sr.

A proud “graduate” of the Fighting Life program, nearby Marlboro, MA super lightweight Nelson “Chino” Perez (3-0, 2 KOs), another past New England Golden Gloves champion, will headline against Ryan Venable (2-6) in the 6-round main event.

In the 6-round co-featured event, undefeated Florida-based junior middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (5-0, 3 KOs), a Puerto Rico native who grew up in Massachusetts, meets Rynell Griffin (8-47-2, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas.

Hometown favorite Kevin Lewis will make his professional debut in a 4-round bout versus fellow Framingham resident, super middleweight Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), one of the top MMA fighters in New England.

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts is pro-debuting heavyweight Sean Evans, of Shrewsbury, MA, vs. TBA; and Philadelphia welterweight Jeffrey Torres (7-1, 3 KOs) vs. Framingham’s Jader Alves (0-12).

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

boxing

NEW OPPONENT FOR INAUGURAL WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT “THE CONQUEST: OSCAR RIVAS VS. RYAN ROZICKI

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

new letterhead.jpg — NEW OPPONENT FOR
INAUGURAL WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT

“THE CONQUEST: OSCAR RIVAS VS. RYAN ROZICKI”

***AT THE MONTREAL OLYMPIA ON OCTOBER 22ND***

**MONTREAL (October 6, 2021)** — The inaugural World Boxing Council (WBC) Bridgerweight World Championship fight (under 224 lbs.) will take place on October 22^nd, promoted by Groupe Yvon Groupe (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, and a presentation of Mise-O-Jeu, at the Montreal Olympia.

As recently announced by the WBC, No. 1 contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) will face Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs) to headline “The Conquest” in the 12-round main event for the vacant WBC title.

Rozicki is a powerful, undefeated puncher who has won each of his thirteen professional fights by knockout. His record includes his win over Shawn Miller (18-4-1, 7 KO) in May 2019 for the WBC International Silver crown, as well as the defense of the same title in February 2020 against Vladimir Reznicek (9-2-2, 4 KOs).

By his uncompromising style, “Bruiser” became very popular especially in English-speaking Canada. “Rivas will be my toughest opponent yet,” Rozicki explained. “It’s everything I’ve dreamed of since I started boxing. Thanks to Yvon Michel and my promotional team for making this possible. On October 22nd, I will become world champion.”

In front of him stands an opponent who has been waiting for his chance for a long time, top contender Rivas, who easily disposed of Sylvera Louis (8-5, 4 KOs) by retirement after three rounds last March. Rivas, of course, was the victim of a very controversial defeat in July 2019 in England to Dillian Whyte (25-1), by way of a 12-round decision despite having sent him to the mat in the ninth round.

“Oscar Rivas is in the best shape of his career,” according to his trainer, Marc Ramsay. “I know Rozicki very well and he is very dangerous. He reminds me of a big Joe Smith, Jr., who without being the best technician, compensates with enthusiasm, aggressiveness and determination in the ring “

This fight turns out to be more than a major one for the careers of the two pugilists. The winner will be crowned king of this new division. The historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018 as it will be broadcast live on ESPN + in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

In the co-featured event, charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2-0, 8 KOs) will be in his second fight of 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in 2019. He will face Mexican welterweight Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2-0, 18 KOs), of Baja California, Mexico, in an explosive 8-round duel.

With his third knockout victory this past August 28^th in as many career fights, Alexis Barrière (3-0, 3 KOs) will return to the Olympia ring. This time around, the heavyweight will face Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in a 4-round clash.

As expected, the 6-round rematch between Alexandre Roberge (1-1-0) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1-0, 1 KO.) remains on this card. The two cruiserweights caused quite a stir on March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which Charbonneau won by way of split decision.

Canadian light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs) was supposed to have a fabulous 2020 with a series of fights planned at the Casino de Montreal. The pandemic decided otherwise, though. Osias finally finds his way into the ring again on Oct. 22nd against his Mexican opponent, Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), who has won his last two fights by knockout.

Middleweight Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs) will put his undefeated pro record on the line versus Thad Ridsdill (2-2, 1 KO).

So, a colorful evening awaits boxing fans Oct. 22nd at the Olympia in Montreal. In fact, GYM will be promoting its 49th world championship fight in Canada since its founding in 2004.

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Miguel Madueño Headlines Thompson Boxing’s New Blood Event on October 22

October 16, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**ORANGE, CA (October 5, 2021)** – Undefeated lightweight sensation, **Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño** (25-0, 23 KOs), is scheduled to headline **Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood”** event on Friday, October 22, 2021.

Madueño will face **Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez** (25-14-1, 13 KOs) in the 8-round main event.

This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced at **$50**, **$75**, & **$100**, and are available for purchase by calling **714-935-0900**, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind the scenes content, via our new Mobile App. Please standby for news on our launch date.

The 22-year-old Madueño, who hails from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, is coming off his most impressive victory, a tenth round TKO against **Sonny Fredrickson** (21-5, 14 KOs). That fight just took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL, on September 14, 20201. Fresh off the win, Madueño is excited to be right back in the ring.

“It feels great to be so active after only fighting a couple of times last year,” said Madueño. “This will be my fourth fight of 2021 and I want to make it a memorable outing. I want to take the momentum from my fight with Fredrickson into this bout. Rodriguez is a worthy opponent who has gone the distance with a lot of good fighters. I want to stop him and send a message to the entire lightweight division.”

“This will be our first show back at the Doubletree in Ontario and we are excited to see all our loyal fans in attendance” said promoter **Ken Thompson**. “This will be an action-packed card filled with competitive fights from top to bottom. Fans our encouraged to get their tickets now as we anticipate another sold out show.”

In the 8-round co-feature, **Eros Correa** (10-0, 7 KOs), of San Jose, Calif., will square off against **Katsuma Akitsugi** (6-0, 1 KO), in a battle of unbeaten super bantamweights.

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV, our proud Media Partner.

**UNDERCARD BOUTS:**

Super featherweight **Isaac Zarate** (16-5-4, 2 KOs) of San Pedro, Calif., will face **Anthony Chabez** (9-1-1, 3 KOs) of Redlands, CA. (8-rounds)

Bantamweight **Miguel Flores** (10-0, 7 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds)

Super lightweight **Sebastian Estrada** (4-0, 4 KOs) of Mira Loma, Calif., will battle **Esteban Muñoz** (4-1, 2 KOs) of San Bernardino, Calif. (4-rounds)

Opening the card is super bantamweight **Lazaro Vargas** of Indio, Calif (1-0, 1 KO), will square off against **Ulises Rosas** (0-4), of Tijuana, Mexico. (4-rounds)

**Beto Duran** will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by **Doug Fischer** and **Rich Marotta**. **Jessica Rosales** will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. CALEB PLANT LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTE & PHOTOS – Undisputed Super Middleweight Championship Showdown Headlines Live on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, November 6 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

September 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. CALEB PLANT LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTE AND PHOTOS**

***(Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)***

**Pound-For-Pound King Canelo Álvarez and Undefeated Champion Caleb Plant Come To Blows Previewing Undisputed Super Middleweight World Championship Event Saturday, November 6 on SHOWTIME PPV**^® **at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions Event**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME^®

**Click** HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
**Premier Boxing Champions**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions

**LOS ANGELES** (September 21, 2021) – Boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Mexican superstar and unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion **Canelo Álvarez** and undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion **Caleb “Sweethands” Plant** met for an intense stare down that turned into a scuffle Tuesday at a press conference previewing their historic and highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight championship showdown.

During an extended face-off that kicked off the event, the fighters exchanged words and threw glancing blows before their respective teams rushed the stage to separate the combatants, escalating a rivalry that will culminate on fight night in just over six weeks.

Canelo and Plant will battle on Saturday, November 6, live on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event, with the winner stamping his name in the history books as the first undisputed 168-pound world champion of the four-belt era.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.

Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s trainer and manager, and Justin Gamber, Plant’s trainer, joined their fighters on stage at the event in Beverly Hills. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

**CANELO ÁLVAREZ**

“You are not on my level and you will see on November 6. You don’t want to fight now, I promise you.

“We come from nothing and we worked hard to be here. For somebody to lie and talk trash about us, that upset Eddy. It is what it is though. We just have to show everyone who we are on November 6.

“Caleb might be on the same level as Billy Joe Saunders and Callum Smith, but he’s not on my level. I respect that he isn’t here to back down. You can see from today that this is definitely going to be a good fight.

“I know what I need to do and I know a lot about him. He’s a good fighter but I know my skills. My experience is going to give me the edge in the fight. I have faced similar styles to Caleb’s against Floyd Mayweather, Erislandy Lara, Austin Trout and Saunders.

“He’s an insecure person and that’s why he came with a lot of excuses about lots of things. I don’t care about it though. I’m just going to do my best on November 6 and win the fight.

“To be undisputed is history for Mexico and for everyone on my team. To be the undisputed champion is just a great thing for my career.

*On the on-stage scuffle:* “You can say whatever to me, but not to my mom. I’m going to fight anyone who says something about my mom. And he swung first. I just pushed him. He swung first, and I do what I do. He crossed the line.

“It will be over in eight rounds or less. I’m going to knock out this guy. Easy.”

**CALEB PLANT**

“I know only one thing better than proving people right, and that’s proving people wrong. I’ve been doing that my whole life. As soon as I stepped on the stage, people started talking about what I can’t accomplish and what I can’t do. Where I come from, there is no boxing community. There was no other pro I could look to and say that if he can do it, then I can do it. All I had was my mind and my heart.

“I don’t do this to be famous or to get attention. When I first started, it was just me and my dad. No one thought I’d be standing here today. I can remember him and my grandfather scrounged up a little bit of money to open a little boxing gym. There was just one heavy bag hanging in the corner. But when you really want something, you don’t need all the fancy things. You just need your mind and your heart.

“I know that people don’t believe me when I tell them I’m winning on November 6. All those people who tell me that I can’t do something, you live believable lives and you do believable things. I promised myself that I was going to run this all the way to the top, with no problem crashing and burning along the way. I set out to live an unbelievable life and accomplish unbelievable things. Those people who doubt me are the very reason that I’m here.

“Miguel Cotto’s brother can make you do the chicken dance but I can’t? Okay. Mark my words, on November 6 you will hear the words, ‘And the new undisputed super middleweight champion,’ but you will also hear the words, ‘and still undefeated.’

“Being undisputed would mean a lot. I’ve sacrificed so much to this sport and I’ve been doing this a long time. All that work would come down to one moment. I want my name in those history books and that’s the only reason that I’m here.

*On the on-stage scuffle:* “We just had some normal back-and-forth banter up there and then whatever happened, happened. It’s none of my concern though. I’m focused and locked in on November 6.”

**EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer and Manager**

“I think this is going to be a great fight, one where we unify the 168-pound division. As we do with every fight, we’re going to work hard in the gym. We’ve always worked hard in the gym.

“I’m a little upset by how things turned out today, but in the end we will settle things in the ring on November 6.

“The offensive language is what offended us the most. We are respectful people, and we move forward from this with our heads held up high. Now we are going to train well, win the fight and see what comes next after that.

“There are a lot of people who say things on social media but then they don’t show up. Some people want to take down a whole country and a great athlete that represents his country. They talk a lot of trash. You need to work hard though. You need to have guts to work as hard as we do.”

**JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer**

“I want to thank our whole team for believing in us and getting us this fight that we wanted and this opportunity to make history. It’s been blood sweat and tears, literally, to get here. It’s been a long journey. This fight is not about money, it’s about legacy.

“In 1996, when I was 15-years-old, my favorite fighter was the IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Roy Jones Jr. Every fan back then craved an undisputed champion at 168-pounds and now I train the IBF champion and we’re going to be fighting for all of the marbles.

“Tune in on November 6 and you will see the first undisputed super middleweight champion of the world and he’s from Tennessee. Anything that happened today at this press conference is going to drive us and give us more hunger.

**TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions**

“It took a couple of tries, but here we are today with the undisputed super middleweight championship on November 6. It’s a real pleasure to be working with our network partners at SHOWTIME for this event. SHOWTIME has a long history of being involved in the sports’ biggest and most important events and that continues with this fight.

“It’s an honor to be working with the pound-for-pound king Canelo Álvarez, Eddy Reynoso and everyone with Canelo Promotions. I’m also thrilled to be back working with everyone on team Plant. I promoted Caleb’s pro debut in 2014 and it’s great to see him up here today in this position.

“Canelo holds three titles, while Caleb owns the fourth title in the 168-pound division. They’ll battle to become the first undisputed champ in the four-belt era. History will be made on November 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.”

**STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports**

“2021 has been a phenomenal year for SHOWTIME Boxing. It’s one of our most prolific years in recent memory. SHOWTIME has delivered 17 live boxing events so far this year, with several more to come. Eight world championship fights, multiple world title unifications and now two fights for the undisputed title as a very good year for SHOWTIME becomes a great year for SHOWTIME. SHOWTIME is the home of big fights. It’s the most trusted and longest-tenured network in boxing. There is no other network making a more meaningful or more significant commitment to the sport of boxing. We are the home of boxing’s biggest and best fights.

“We are proud to welcome Canelo Álvarez back to SHOWTIME. We also welcome Caleb Plant for his SHOWTIME debut. It was almost nine years ago – September 15, 2012 – that Canelo made his debut on SHOWTIME in a thrilling fight against Josesito Lopez. Nine years is a long time. That was a very young Canelo Álvarez and a very young Eddy Reynoso. That started an impressive run of fights in which Canelo demonstrated his willingness, desire and demand to take the toughest fights available. Together back in 2013, we set a record at the time for the biggest pay-per-view of all time as we helped launch Canelo as boxing’s newest pay-per-view star. Now nine years later, we are proud to welcome him back for this mega fight.”

#         #         #

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

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Matt Conway notches 20th career win, Stops Rodolfo Puente in second round “Murrysville Madness” results from Pennsylvania

September 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

“Murrysville Madness” results from Pennsylvania

MURRYSVILLE, Penn. (September 21, 2021) – Pittsburgh junior lightweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway, the reigning IBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight Champion, notched his 20^th career victory in this past Saturday night’s “Murrysville Madness” non-title main event against dangerous Colombian puncher Rodolfo “El Tsunami” Puente (20-8-2, 16 KOs).

“Murrysville Madness,” presented by Gionta Management, was held at a nearly sold-out SportsZone Arena in Murrayville (PA).

This was our first time promoting at this venue and things went really well overall,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “We will come back here, hopefully, in the near future. This was our third show this year at two different venues and it’s great to remain consistent despite the difficult times we encountered earlier this year in regard to the pandemic. The plan is to keep moving forward and building up these guys.”

“There were a number of intriguing fights. Matt Conway had a monumental victory for his 20^th win as a professional. He will be come back January 15^th in a big fight on our show in Cheswick, PA.”

Conway (20-2, 9 KOs) positioned himself for an IBA World title fight in January, which Gionta will promote at The Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Cheswick, PA.

Against Puente, Conway overcame Puente’s early aggression, but after the opening round, the Colombian did little more than hold. A Conway left hook dropped Puente in the second round and that marked the end of the fight and show shortly after from a referee stoppage.

The co-feature was the “Fight of the Night.” Pittsburgh super middleweight Kiante Irving (9-0-1, 9 KOs), a 2018 National Golden Gloves Champion, and Antonio Louis Hernandez (5-11-3, 3 KOs), battled to an exciting 6-round split draw.

Irving won the first three rounds, primarily by using his stiff jab and landing solid rights to Hernandez’ body. Hernandez, however, owned the last three rounds, controlling the action and landing power shots that hurt Irving on multiple occasions. High drama filed the room as Irving proved a chin and heart to go along with his power. Hernandez, sporting a deceiving record and at just 22 years old, has time to turn the corner and make up for early struggles against high quality opposition. Both sides have expressed interest in a rematch.

Ohio lightweight Ryizeemmion “The Humble Beast” Ford (6-1, 4 KOs) dominated Carlos “Jaguar” Jimenez (1-3-1), of Mexico, setting the pace until he landed a hard right that buzzed Jimenez. A follow-up attack prompted the referee to halt the action midway through the opening round.

Pittsburgh super middleweight Eric Lomax kept rollin’, setting the pace and blasting out Jacob Ikaika Martin (1-1) with only 9-seconds left in the fourth and scheduled final round. Lomax passed the test in impressive fashion as he boxed well and fought with explosiveness in spurts.

Kyrgyzstan native Baszybek Baratov (5-1-2, 1 KO), who fights out of Monroeville (PA), defeated Buffalo featherweight debutant Joe Reed, winning a unanimous decision. Scores were 40-36 x 2 and 39-37. “Baz” was slippery on the defense, while picking shots from all angles while Reed stood conventional and had some success of his own at times.

Pittsburgh super lightweight and Matt Conway’s brother, “Maverick” Mike Conway (4-2-1, 1 KO), joined his bro in the winner’s circle, pitching a “shutout” 4-round decision versus Joshua Zimmerman (0-4). Conway worked his way inside to nullify Zimmerman’s height and length advantage and used a double hook several times.

In the first match of the evening, southpaw Paul Palombo won his pro debut when his opponent, middleweight Jabrandon Harris (0-7) of Texas was unable to continue after two rounds. Palombo boxed well out of his southpaw stance and turned it up after a quiet opening round and picked his shots nicely on the inside.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Conway (20-2, 9 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA
WTKO2 (1:39)
Rodolfo Puente (20-8-2, 16 KOs), Barranquilla, Colombia

CO-FEATURE – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Kiante Irving (9-0-1, 9 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA
D6 (58-56, 56-58, 57-57)
Antonio Louis Hernandez (5-11-2, 4 KOs), Kansas City, KS

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Eric Lomax (4-0, 3 KOs), Pittsburgh, PA
WTKO4 (2:51)
Jacob Ibaika Martin (1-1, 1 KO), Tacoma, WA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Paul Palombo (1-0, 1 KO), Buffalo, NY
WTKO2 (3:00)
Jabrandon Harris (0-7), Bryan, TX

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Mike Conway (4-2-1, 1 KO), Pittsburgh, PA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Joshua Zimmerman (0-4), Baltimore, MD

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Ryizeemmion Ford (6-1, 4 KOs), Alliance, OH
WTKO1 (2:01)
Carlos Jimenez (1-3-1 (0 KOs), Saltillo, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Baszybek Baratov (5-1-2, 1 KO), Monroeville, PA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Joe Reed (0-1, 0 KOs), Buffalo, NY

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

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JOSE VALENZUELA DEFEATS DEINER BERRIO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT ACTION FROM MECHANICS BANK ARENA IN BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

September 22, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Matt Conway notches 20th career win, Stops Rodolfo Puente in second round “Murrysville Madness” results from Pennsylvania

JOSE VALENZUELA DEFEATS DEINER BERRIO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT ACTION FROM MECHANICS BANK ARENA IN BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

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