Tag Archives: boxing

Fire Fist Boxing Promotions Returns October 16

10 16 Fire Fist Poster.jpg
For Immediate Release


Tampa, FL (September 7, 2021) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returns to Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL Saturday, October 16.


The card is presented in association with Pahlavan Promotions and tickets are on sale at bit.ly/boxing-tickets or by calling 727-525-3159.


Doors open at 5:30 PM and first fight is scheduled for 6:30.


Headlining this exciting evening of boxing will be a ten round 140 pound showdown between St. Petersburg, FL’s Joseph Fernandez and Panama’s Jose Forero for the ABF Atlantic championship.


Fernandez,13-3-3 (4 KO’s), is riding a 6 fight win streak and stopped his last three foes. A crowd favorite in the Tampa Bay region, Fernandez most recently scored a sixth round stoppage of 33 fight veteran Carlos Pena.


The heavy-handed Forero has a record of 13-8-1 with 11 wins by knockout. He’s faced several notable foes including George Kambosos, Jaime Arboleda and former world champion Jezreel Corrales. In Forero’s last fight he put forth an admirable effort in a 9th round stoppage defeat against contender Willian Silva.


In an explosive eight round matchup where somebody’s 0 must go, heavyweight Geovanny “La Bestia” Bruzon puts his 6-0 record on the line against 5-0 Lenier Pero. Both fighters are originally from Cuba and have decorated amateur backgrounds. The winner of this contest will take a significant step forward in the heavyweight division.


Local favorite Arnold Hill of St Petersburg meets Michigan’s Emmanuel Sanchez in a six round middleweight contest.


Plant City, FL based Brazilian lightweight Willian “Baby Face” Silva and light heavyweight Imran Haddabah of St Petersburg are scheduled to appear against opponents to be named. Additional bouts will be added shortly.


“We’re glad to be back in Clearwater at the beautiful Banquet Masters venue working alongside our friends at Pahlavan Promotions,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “This card has a good mix of everything – local talent, international boxers plus a rare matchup between undefeated and highly skilled heavyweights. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody on the 16th.”


For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

JAKE PAUL VS. TYRON WOODLEY FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

“None of his accomplishments matter on Sunday night. I’m sending him into retirement and turning him into a meme,” – Paul
 
“Jake does all the things to build the fight, but we’re really here now. He’s getting hurt on Sunday,” – Woodley
 
Renowned Content Creator and Unbeaten Pro Boxer Paul and
Former UFC Champion Woodley Square Off and Preview
SHOWTIME PPV Headliner Taking Place This Sunday, August 29
from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
CLEVELAND (August 26, 2021) – Renowned content creator and unbeaten pro boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley went face-to-face and continued their war of words during a heated final press conference as the two fight camps nearly came to blows Thursday before they settle their rivalry in the ring this Sunday, August 29 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
 
Thursday’s press conference also featured the fighters who will be competing on the jam-packed lineup of undercard attractions. Puerto Rican star Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano will defend her featherweight titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado in the co-feature of the PPV telecast, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
Former world champion Ivan Baranchyk returns to take on unbeaten Cleveland-native Montana Love in a 10-round super lightweight fight, while U.K. stars Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois and Tommy “TNT” Fury make their U.S. debuts in separate bouts, as Dubois faces Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano in a 10-round heavyweight fight, while Fury duels Anthony Taylor in a six-round showdown.
 
In action taking place prior to the pay-per-view, undefeated Cleveland-native and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell squares off against unbeaten Juan Carlos Rubio in a 10-round super welterweight tilt.
 
Tickets starting at $25 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
 
JAKE PAUL
 
“When I started boxing, I didn’t think I’d be here this fast. My original goal was to fight Conor McGregor or Floyd Mayweather, because I knew I would have a big enough pay-per-view draw to do those things. Now I want to become world champion. I want to fight and beat Canelo Alvarez. This has been a fast, quick roller coaster ride, but I didn’t expect to be here. I just knew I loved fighting and I knew I was good at it.
 
“This is an exciting time. I’m bringing it home for Cleveland. We knew that when we teamed up with SHOWTIME, that this would be a huge event. This is turning into a historic moment.
 
“Tyron Woodley is ‘The Chosen One’, we chose him to get his ass beat. None of his accomplishments matter on Sunday night. I’m sending him into retirement and turning him into a meme. People are going to see all of my skills. People are going to be surprised. I haven’t shown anything yet. I might come out southpaw. This is my coming out party.
 
“It’s going to be another show on Sunday. I’m putting on another masterful performance and a boxing clinic. This guy is going to sleep and getting turned into another meme. Just like his friend Ben Askren. After Sunday, nobody is ever going to talk about Woodley ever again. He’s a speed bump on the road of my career.
 
“There’s no other fighter that’s 3-0 and taking fights against champions. I want challenges and I want to push myself. I was much more motivated in training camp because I know this is a dangerous opponent. I expect him to come out sharp and I expect this to be a fun one.
 
“I’m polarizing, I get it. I don’t care what people think. Most people aren’t like that. They’re scared to rub people the wrong way. Some people want to see me lose, but I’m here to stay.
 
“A fight against Tommy Fury makes sense. That’s a huge fight. It seems to be right in the palm of both of our hands. We do have to go out and perform on Sunday. I want to see how the U.S. crowd receives him. I want to see if he has that star power this whole entire week. He doesn’t have the big pay-per-view numbers that Tyron Woodley has, or even a Ben Askren. Those guys sold tons of pay-per-views. No one has seen a Tommy Fury fight.
 
“There’s no real respect between us. I’m going to show that winning a UFC championship doesn’t mean anything in the world of boxing.”
 
TYRON WOODLEY
 
“I’m almost falling asleep over here listening to this guy. It’s disgusting how much of a clown people have to be to be recognized. He’s got the appearance of being about that action down, but I’m really like that.
 
“This is the fight game. You can say what you want to say and you can do what you think fighters do. Jake does all the things to build the fight, but we’re really here now. He’s getting hurt on Sunday.
 
“All the people around him have lied to him. They don’t want to lose their bag. They’re not pushing him. You can come out with that dumb robot, it doesn’t matter. You’re getting knocked out.
 
“I’m just really ready to fight. I don’t have any shenanigans or B.S. I should bring him some wipes to clean himself up when I knock him out on Sunday.
 
“He hasn’t shown me anything yet. Real recognize real. I don’t worry about what anyone on the outside is saying. I’m worried about bringing that action.
 
“I’m going crazy on Sunday. At the end of the day, it’s been a long time coming. I’m thankful for my team that’s supported me but I’m also thankful for everyone who counted me out. When everyone comes against you, it shows how powerful what you’re about to do is.
 
“I think in general with combat sports, one person does something and people want to replicate it. This is a real fight though. If you look at the way we’re built, this is a real fight. Some people took this lightly and that’s why they came up short against him. We’ve been training since before this fight was even signed.
 
“All camps have highs and lows. You have to fight through adversity. With me mentally, it was a lot easier when we were having fun. It was passionate and you had people watching your every move and monitoring your every step. I’m just very grateful to all my coaches. To me, this is just a lot of fun. I haven’t had fun in a long time, to be real. I loved this training camp. It was one of my most fun ever.”
 
AMANDA SERRANO
 
“I want to thank Jake for putting his faith in me and pushing to get me on this card. This is going to be two champions going at each other and leaving it all in the ring.
 
“These belts are my babies. It’s going to be very hard for her to beat me and take these back to Mexico. She’s going home empty-handed. I thank Mercado for taking the fight, but she’s not winning.
 
“I train and fight to be the best in the world. I hope that people can acknowledge that the women are champions as well and that we work as hard as the men. I’m showing everyone that women’s boxing is great too.”
 
YAMILETH MERCADO
 
“I’m coming up in weight, but I’m one of the biggest fighters at 122. I’m not worried at all about going up a division for this fight.
 
“I’m very well prepared and I feel strong. I’m confident that I’m going to win on Sunday and prove that I’m up to the challenge. We’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
 
DANIEL DUBOIS
 
“This is my U.S. debut, so I want to look good and win in devastating fashion. I’m a seek and destroy fighter and that’s what I’m bringing again.
 
“This guy is right for me and I’m ready for the fight. It’s going to be a spectacular debut and I’m going to announce my presence with a lot of power and skill.”
 
JUISEPPE ANGELO CUSUMANO
 
“We are both big power punchers and we’re exciting fighters. We like to fight and bang on the inside. There’s going to be a lot of punches thrown for as long as this lasts . That’s what we’re going to come out and do.
 
“It’s the heavyweight division. It only takes one punch. That’s what people love about this division. I can’t wait to get in the ring on Sunday night.”
 
IVAN BARANCHYK
 
“I’m excited to be here and fighting on this show. I learned a lot from my last fight. I put in a great training camp so that I can show my new weapons. I just need to take everything from my training camp and bring it into the ring.
 
“I think Jake Paul is very, very good for boxing. It’s good to have these famous guys join professional boxing because it helps the fighters. It’s good for promoting the sport. I don’t know what will happen in the fight on Sunday night. Jake Paul is young and he’s hungry. But Tyron Woodley is a tough guy. He’s a professional fighter and we will see.”
 
MONTANA LOVE
 
“A win is going to put the whole division on notice. They know I’m coming. I’ve worked with plenty of champions and been in plenty of camps. Now, everybody watching is going to see what I’m going to do.
 
“This fight means everything for my career. I’m introducing myself to the 140-pound division with my fight on Sunday. Beating an ex-champion will definitely put me in a whole new category.
 
“My city is behind me 100%. They know how I’m coming. We’re training hard and we’re excited for this. All of Jake’s fans are going to be my fans after Sunday.”
 
“Gervonta Davis came up to my weight. He got a title. Congratulations on that. Now, if he’s ready to keep it or not, that’s on him. But if he does keep it, we want the fight.”
 
TOMMY FURY
 
“I’m very happy to be in Cleveland and performing for everyone. Everyone is very familiar with Tyson, and they’re about to learn all about what I bring. I’m coming with my own package and my own game and you’re going to see that on Sunday night.
 
“If Taylor thinks I’ve overlooked him, he’s dead wrong. I’ve been grueling for eight weeks like I’m fighting for the world titles. Sunday night, I’ll get the job done, and then I can think about what could be next for me.
 
“Anthony Taylor can’t get off his phone and stop doing autographs. I haven’t been on my phone in five weeks. I’ve been living and training like a demon. I don’t care about fame, and I don’t care about money. All I want is to be a world champion.”
 
ANTHONY TAYLOR
 
“I know he’s overlooking me. Tommy is here just to face off with Jake Paul. But I’m here to fight. Don’t look down on me. Just because he beat up six bums, doesn’t mean he’s going to beat me up.
 
“He’s not going to stop me. He’s fought nobody. I’m not that guy you’re just going to run through. We’re not cut from the same cloth, and he’s not the same as his brother. He’s not ready for me.”
 
CHARLES CONWELL
 
“It’s amazing to fight back at home in my city. I’ve had a lot of local support back here throughout the years and there are a lot of people here who haven’t been able to see me fight. 
 
“To have all the support I’ve gotten leading up to fight, I’m just more ready than ever to put on a show and let everyone know what I’m about.”
 
JUAN CARLOS RUBIO
 
“It’s true that I haven’t fought anyone on Charles’ level, but I feel strong, I’m well prepared and I’m ready to give a show to the people of Cleveland.
 
“We’re going to see if he’s ready for the next level of competition. We won’t know until we step in the ring. But I’m definitely going to give it my all and give him a test.”
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
 
“SHOWTIME has been in boxing a long time. We have a long history in the sport. But the thing about boxing is that it always has a way of surprising you. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, along comes someone like Jake Paul to upset the apple cart. I’m excited to see the sport innovate, change and evolve.
 
“I’m very proud of this card. We have some of the best fighters in the world on this card, from world champions to up-and-coming fighters and promising prospects. This card has a bit of everything.
 
“This card is filled with fighters who didn’t listen when they were told no. No one on this card has been handed anything. They’ve all beaten the odds. I’m proud to have every one of them on this card.
 
“The great thing about boxing, is that on some level, nothing matters until you get into the ring. To borrow a phrase, ‘boxing don’t lie’. Boxing is the ultimate truth-teller. When Sunday night rolls around, your resume and your following doesn’t matter. For all the hype and hoopla, make no mistake, these are fights. The purest form of competition. The great thing about boxing is, when two competitors enter that ring, each fighter gets a chance to rewrite their own history. It all comes down to that moment of truth on Sunday night.”
 
#          #          #

RJJ Boxing results from Texas

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Undefeated Eridson Garcia crowned NABF Super Featherweight Champion

RJJ Boxing Official Results from Texas

HUMBLE, Texas (August 27, 2021) – Houston boxer Eridson Garcia (14-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated and captured the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Featherweight Championship, winning the main event last night on the latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS, presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Next Up Fight and the World Cup Boxing Series, at Humble Civic Center, Humble, Texas.
 
Fights were streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, with James “Smitty” Smith (blow-by-blow) and former WBA World super lightweight champion Roger Prograis (color commentator) calling the action from ringside To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.
 
The 27-year-old Garcia, who is a native of the Dominican Republic, took a 10-round unanimous decision in convincing fashion from intra-state rival Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of La Marque, Texas.
 
In the co-featured event, Detroit middleweight Wilfred Harris, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs) and Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs), fought to an 8-round draw. Alexander, of Saint Louis (MO), is the older brother of brother of 3-time, 2-division World champion Devon Alexander.
 
There was another draw on last night’s RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS as Austin (TX) super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0-1, 6 KOs) and Antonius Grable (3-1-1, 3 KOs), of Sarasota, Florida, fought to a 6-round draw.
 
In the opening UFC FIGHT PASS bout of the evening, Houston middleweight Eugene Hill, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) blasted out New Mexico’s Shane Hall (0-2) at the 45-seconds mark of the opening round.  Hall dropped Hall early and the fight was quickly stopped after a subsequent flurry of unanswered punches.
 
Houston lightweight prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) remained perfect as a professional, registering his 12th victory with 11 knockouts, versus Italian-born Christian Danilo Guido, who  fights out of Argentina, midway through round one.
 
Veteran Houston super featherweight Pablo “The Lethal Mosquito” Cruz (22-4, 6 KOs) out-boxed his Mexican opponent, Jonathan “Zorro” Lecona Ramos (18-32-5, 6 KOs) en route to a 6-round unanimous decision.
   
Complete results below

OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
MAIN EVENT – VACANT NABF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Eridson Garcia (14-0, 9 KOs), Houston, TX
WDEC10 (98-91, 97-92, 96-93)
Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), La Marque, TX
(Garcia won the NABF super featherweight title)
 
CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Winfred Harris, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs), Detroit, MI
D8 (77-75, 74-78, 76-76)
Vaugh Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0-1, 6 KOs), Austin, TX
D6 (57-57, 57-57, 56-58)
Antonius Grable (3-1-1, 3 KOs), Sarasota, FL
 
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Eugene Hill, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), Houston, TX
WTKO1 (0:45)
Shane Hall (0-2), Clovis, NM
 
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs), Houston, TX
WKO1 (1:03)
Christian Danilo Guido (8-20, 6 KOs), Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)
Pablo Cruz (22-4, 6 KOs), Houston, TX
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 58-56)
Jonathan Lecona Ramos (18-32-5, 5 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico  
_______________________________________________________________________
 
INFORMATION:
 
Websites:  http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

JAKE PAUL VS. TYRON WOODLEY MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Renowned Content Creator and Unbeaten Pro Boxer Paul and
Former UFC Champion Woodley Show Off Skills Ahead of
 SHOWTIME PPV Headliner This Sunday, August 29 from
 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland
 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
CLEVELAND (August 25, 2021) – Renowned content creator and unbeaten pro boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley kicked off fight week on Wednesday with an open to the public media workout before they headline on SHOWTIME PPV this Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.
 
The media workout also featured fighters who will be competing in undercard action, including Puerto Rican star and WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, who will enter the ring in the PPV co-feature, former world champion Ivan Baranchyk and unbeaten Cleveland-native Montana Love, who meet in a 10-round attraction, plus U.K. stars Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois and Tommy “TNT” Fury, who compete in separate PPV undercard bouts.
 
Rounding out the participants on Wednesday was 2016 U.S. Olympian and Cleveland-native Charles Conwell, who will enter the ring for an undercard showdown prior to the PPV.
 
The Cleveland-native Paul will be looking to thrill his hometown crowd on Sunday night topping a stacked night of action as he takes on the toughest test of his burgeoning boxing career in the dangerous and accomplished Woodley.
 
Tickets starting at $25 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.
 
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Public Square in Cleveland:
 
JAKE PAUL
 
“I couldn’t have thought about a moment like this. I couldn’t have dreamt it. That’s why I was just looking around. I was like, ‘how am I here?’ This is the city that made me and to bring this one home is the perfect crescendo to my boxing career that’s just starting out. Looking around and seeing friends and family, seeing this beautiful city, I’m just having fun. I’m trying to soak it all in because you don’t get moments like this twice in life.
 
“Tyron said he’s training like he’s fighting Mike Tyson. Floyd Mayweather is training him and you can tell he’s in shape. He’s got the six pack back. He’s looking good. He’s not messing around. This is his biggest fight ever and the whole MMA community is counting on him to represent them and to get the ‘W’. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. And when I beat him, there will be no excuses because he was being trained by Floyd Mayweather. Because Jorge Masvidal said he was going to knock me out. Because he took this camp and had a 14-week camp. He has no excuses.
 
“I love boxing. I fell in love with it. There’s something about knocking someone out and cracking someone in the face. My whole life has been a fight. I never got anything handed to me so I feel like I’m at home. I feel like I was put on this earth to fight. And I like challenges. I’m driven by challenges.
 
“Boxing is a 24-7 job. The training camp – sleep, eat, recovery, no partying, no distractions – all of that type of stuff makes it the hardest thing I’ve done in my life. Plus, the promotional side of it. I’ve probably done 75 interviews in the past three weeks. It’s non-stop.”
 
TYRON WOODLEY
 
“All camps have highs and lows. You have to fight through adversity. With me mentally it was a lot easier when we were having fun. It was passionate and you had people watching your every move and monitoring your every step. I’m just very grateful to all my coaches. To me, this is just a lot of fun. I haven’t had fun in a long time, to be real. I loved this training camp. It was one of my most fun ever.
 
“I don’t have any issue with Jake Paul. Only issue is he signed the contract. He’s trying his very best to play the mind games. But I’m a man. I don’t play kids’ games.
 
“There’s a lot of things in MMA you can get away with. In MMA you can make excuses like, ‘Coach, I’ve got to watch out for a kick or get ready for the take takedown.’ So we make all these excuses. None of those excuses are allowed.
 
“The times I worked with Floyd [Mayweather], he was very vocal. You couldn’t do nothing wrong. And that’s what makes him so great. In MMA we over-do it a lot, but it doesn’t always transition into power. It doesn’t always transition into accuracy. He gave me the foundation of how he beat everyone he did.”
 
AMANDA SERRANO
 
“Jake Paul is the main event, but he’s not the main attraction. I am going to make sure I steal the spotlight from him and entice people to enjoy female boxing and to understand that women can fight and put on shows, and showcase that we’re deserving of this opportunity.
 
“It’s a Puerto Rican champion versus a Mexican champion. That’s enough said. She’s young and hungry and wants my titles, but I’ve worked super hard for those titles and it’s not going to be an easy task to take them away from me.
 
“I bring excitement, knockout power, skills, and a great chin as well. I’ve been boxing since I was eighteen years old. Boxing is all I have known. I’ve dedicated and sacrificed my whole life to the sport of boxing.
 
“I fight for the sport of women’s boxing. It’s not for me, it’s for the future girls coming into the sport.”
 
IVAN BARANCHYK
 
“I’m excited. I’m hungry and I’m ready for the next challenge. He’s never fought anybody like me. He’s never been ten rounds. I’m ready for a long-distance fight.
 
“Of course he’s going to try to move around a lot and box me. But this is no problem for me. I’ve changed my style a little bit. I will try to show everybody the new Ivan Baranchyk.
 
“We will see what’s next for me. Right now, I just need to fight Montana Love. We will see what happens after that.”
 
MONTANA LOVE
 
“There’s a lot of motivation from fighting in my hometown. I’m very excited. I’m happy to be in this position. It’s very rare that these kinds of events come to Cleveland. I hope there’s more to come. It’s a dream come true to fight in front of thousands of fans. My friends, my family. I get emotional at times being here and having this opportunity is great.
 
“I just have to be myself on Sunday night. I’ve been doing this since I was five years old. I just have to pull everything out of my arsenal. Hopefully Ivan pushes me. I think he will push me so that I can show the next level.
 
“I’m just focused on this fight that’s in front of me. My only goal right now is to be victorious on Sunday night. After that, we’ll look to do a title eliminator after that and then I’ll fight for a world title.
 
“I’m expecting Ivan Baranchyk to be wild, aggressive, strong. With him, it’s not about his skill or anything like that. We expect aggression and wildness.”
 
DANIEL DUBOIS
 
“I want to show that I’m all action. I’m not a man of many words, but when I get in that ring, they’re going to see that I’m the real deal. It’s going to be a devastating performance.
 
“I’m 23, so with that loss I have just gotten stronger. I’ve had to learn to tighten up my game and that I have flaws, so I’ve just been working on that. This is going to be like my debut.
 
“I’m full of confidence and I’m ready to go right now. I can make this fight as easy as I want it to be in my opinion. I’m the next one coming through. I’m destined to be a world champion, that’s my goal.”
 
TOMMY FURY
 
“This is my first fight in the U.S. But I’m used to it, it’s not my first rodeo because since I was a young kid I watched Tyson fight Klitschko and I’ve always been there on fight week and watched how he handled himself on fight week and thought when my time comes, which is now, I’m going to do the exact same thing. So I flew my team out here and we do what Tyson did, and it’s easy work.
 
“To be a Fury you grow up to be a fighter, and there’s nothing else. It’s fight, fight, fight. As a kid, you don’t do nothing else. It’s fight, fight, fight. And that’s all I’ve done my entire life. I’ve been around fighters. Everyone in my family does it and now it’s my time.
 
“I don’t feel one bit of pressure because there’s only pressure when you try to live up to somebody. I’ve said this time and time again there will never ever be another Tyson Fury. No one will ever come close. I’m only trying to do the best I can do. And as long as I’m being the best version of Tommy Fury, I don’t care about anything else. I’m only trying to do the best that I can do.”
 
CHARLES CONWELL
 
“I’m doing this in front of my family and my friends and want to thank everyone for supporting me. It’s going to be a major event.
 
“[Juan Carlos Rubio] is an undefeated fighter, 18-0. That means 18 have tried and not succeeded. But on Sunday night it’s a whole different story as he’s fighting a whole different type of fighter he’s never experienced before. There are levels to this boxing game and this one is just going to take me to the top.
 
“Yeah, I think every fight is a level-up fight at this point in my career. I keep getting to fight on bigger and bigger stages.
 
“I just want to show the fans what good boxing is and to put on a performance that they can remember me for. Whatever that has to be and if it’s a knockout, I’m going to go out there and do it. I’m going out there and risking everything, just like he is
 
“The local support is amazing for me. I have a lot of people here supporting me. I’m looking to steal the show, every time. I know there are a lot of great fights on this card, but I’m looking to put on a show.”
 

Boxing Superstar Claressa Shields has Street She Grew up on in Flint Honorarily Renamed After Her

Salita Promotions congratulates fighting superstar Claressa Shields for having the street she grew up on in Flint, Michigan, honorarily dedicated in her name by City of Flint Mayor Sheldon Neely. Last Sunday, Shields, 26, was presented the accolade, which turned Spencer Street into Claressa Shields Street, at her Joy Tabernacle Church, where Shields was a guest speaker.


Mayor Neely says he’s overjoyed to be able to bestow the honor on the city’s fighting legend and says the next steps are to determine if it will be a ceremonial name change or an official name change. Ceremonial would mean adding Shield’s name to the existing name and official would mean the removal of the existing street name and replacing it with Shield’s name. 


“Claressa continues to make us all proud while exemplifying what it means to be a true champion,” said Mayor Neely. “She has accomplished so much, remains connected to this community and we just want to honor her. This street dedication is well-deserved.”


Shields (11-0, 2 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medal winner, three-division professional boxing champion, the first fighter, male or female, to unify championships in two divisions and the fastest boxer in history to win titles in three different weight divisions, says this award is especially touching for her.


“I could not be happier today y’all!” said Shields on Twitter. “I had a great time at church! So thankful to everyone who came out to worship with me today! I was surprised by the Mayor of Flint! The street I grew up on Spencer street is being named after me ‘Claressa Shields Street.’ My grandma would be so PROUD!!!! I delivered a great message today! I feel so special!!! I’m overjoyed.”


“This is a well-deserved honor for a woman and fighter who has done a lot to help and support her home city,” said Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “She never stops working toward success in her career or as a public figure with an inspiring message. Salita Promotions is proud to represent her.”

Al Bernstein Talks House of Boxing Champions

On the current episode of Al Bernstein Unplugged Al welcomes Curtis Hunt, head of House of Boxing Champions and former super welterweight champion Tony Harrison. The trio discusses the work that HOBC does in helping gyms serving amateur boxers.

The House of Boxing Champions helps provide safety equipment and grants for travel to tournaments for local gyms around the country. They are currently working with Tony Harrison’ Super Bad Fitness in Detroit. Curtis and Tony talk with Al on the show about a special event upcoming on Sept. 4 at Super Bad Fitness. Al Bernstein will travel there to be master of ceremonies for the afternoon.  Harrison will also be on hand to meet and greet fans. There will be exhibition boxing, raffles to win boxing memorabilia, food and other activities. For information go to www.houseofboxingchampions.com .“It was great to have Curtis and Tony on the show and to talk about the work being done by them for amateur boxers. I am strongly committed to House of Boxing Champions and I’ll be aiding them in fundraising efforts and special events in the months ahead. I can’t wait to go to Detroit on Sept. 4.”

Al’s co-host on this show is Trip Mitchell.  Here is the episode withTony Harrison & Curtis Hunt:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/AMm9i6e5g0c

ALB65 Megaphone: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/HSW3065619195.mp3

Al Bernstein Unplugged is available on all major podcast platforms and can be seen on Youtube. The television version of the show can be seen on BingeNetworks.tv , Fight Network, FITE TV, and Directv on Channel 623, Verizon Channel 597, AT&T U-verse Channel 1665, You Too America, AMGTV, and Eleven Sports Network.

Undefeated RayJay Bermudez headlines “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II” September 25 in Dedham, MA

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RayJay Bermudez

BOSTON (August 25, 2021) – Vertex Promotions has announced its second event, “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II,” on Saturday night, September 25, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

A few of the same fighters from Vertex Promotions’ first show, July 31st at the same venue, will be in action again.

“We were very happy with the first show on July 31st,” Vertex promoter Dave Clark said.  “Everyone there really had a great time.  This show will be great as well.  There’s a lot of local talent and we want to try to keep them as active as we can give fans around here a great night out.”
Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) will headline the show once again in the 8-round main event,

Undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, 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.

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James “The Slim Reaper” Perella

(picture by Emily Harney / Fightography

Undefeated super featherweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) junior welterweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) are slated to be in 6-round bouts.  Bailey is a 4-time U.S. Army and 2012 Ringside National champion, as well as the cousin of multiple world champion Randall Bailey.

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Daniel Bailey

Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, and Lynn (MA) light heavyweight James Perkins (5-0-1, 4 KOs) are scheduled to be in 4-rounders.

Other returning fighters from Vertex Promotions’ inaugural event include Boston welterweight James Murrin (1-0), Malden (MA) junior lightweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) in 4-round matches.

Opponents will soon be announced.  Fighters subject to change.

Tickets will go on sale soon for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room).
Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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UNBEATEN TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION DAVID BENAVIDEZ RETURNS TO HIS HOMETOWN OF PHOENIX TO FACE JOSE UZCATEGUI ON NOVEMBER 13, LIVE ON SHOWTIME

Premier Boxing Champions Event at Footprint Center in Phoenix Rescheduled rom August

Exciting Contender José Benavídez Makes Long-Awaited Return Against Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in Undercard Action

PHOENIX  – August 24, 2021  Unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will battle former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator in his hometown on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.

Benavidez and Uzcategui were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 28, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Benavidez.

Also featured on the card will be longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, making his much-awaited return facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight duel.

Tickets purchased for the August 28 event will be valid for the newly scheduled November 13 event date. If you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, tickets will be refundable at your point of purchase.

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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.

YORDENIS UGAS DEFEATS MANNY PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION TO RETAIN WORLD WELTERWEIGHT TITLE IN FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW MAIN EVENT FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

YORDENIS UGAS STUNS MANNY PACQUIAO, WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION TO RETAIN WORLD WELTERWEIGHT TITLE IN FOX SPORTS PBC PAY-PER-VIEW MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
 
Robert Guerrero, Mark Magsayo & Carlos Castro Victorious In Pay-Per-View Undercard Action
& Frank Martin, Steven Torres & Jose Valenzuela Score Impressive Wins in PBC Action Live on FOX
 
Click HERE for photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for photos from Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions
 
Click HERE for photos from Scott Kirkland/FOX Sports
 
LAS VEGAS (August 22, 2021) – In a career-defining fight, Yordenis Ugas shone bright on the biggest of stages.
 
A boisterous crowd of 17,438 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas watched the underdog Ugas outbox and out-fight the great Manny Pacquiao to win a 12-round unanimous decision and retain his WBA Welterweight World title in the main event of FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view.
 
“I’m very excited but, most of all, I want to thank Manny Pacquiao for giving me this moment in the ring today,” Ugas said afterward. “I told you, I am the champion of the WBA and I showed it tonight.”
 
“I’m very emotional. A lot of people say Cubans can’t win the big fight. So, I’m very proud that I got this win for Cuba and showed what we are all about.”
 
Pacquiao, as always, was gracious in defeat.
 
“Congratulations to Ugas and his team,” said Pacquiao. “Thank you to all of you. I want to thank all my fans and the media. For many decades, the press, media and boxing fans were always behind us, supporting us. That’s why we’re here, why we became popular and why we accomplished our dreams as a fighter.
 
“I am a fighter outside and inside the ring. I look forward to returning to the Philippines and helping them during this pandemic.”
 
Ugas used his size, strength and length to keep Pacquiao guessing, slowly wearing down boxing’s only eight-division champ to win in decisive fashion.
 
Pacquiao, 42 (67-8-2, 39 KOs), promised a fast start and lived up to his word in the first, darting in and out with combinations. Unfazed, the 35-year-old Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) maintained a tight guard. In the second, he unveiled his long left jab, alternating it up and downstairs as Pacquiao struggled to get inside.
 
Pacquiao began the third with a short left but Ugas silenced the crowd with power shots of his own. The Cuban began landing a looping right in the fourth, a punch Pacquiao struggled with the entire night.
 
Following a close fifth, Ugas regained the upper hand in the sixth, working the jab and delivering well-placed punches to the body. Two-way action brought the crowd to their feet in the seventh as they shouted “Manny! Manny! Manny!” Ugas remained poised, pushing the Philippine Senator back with more rights.
 
“My trainer, Ismael Salas, and I had a plan,” said Ugas. “We were going to move him around; we were going to use the jab and keep him off balance. That was the whole game plan.”
 
Ugas controlled the eighth, and the raucous audience responded to more punishing rights by Ugas. Sensing the fight slipping away, Pacquiao picked up the pace in the ninth. Still, the harder shots came from Ugas.
 
Early in the 10th, a Pacquiao left forced Ugas to clinch. The momentum was short-lived. Ugas had now found a home for his right and was throwing it with regularity. The 12th was particularly one-sided. Ugas repeatedly landed the right, hurting Pacquiao on several occasions and opening a cut near his left eye.
 
“The right hand was a shot I had planned to use on Manny,” said Ugas. “It kept working so I kept using it.”
 
The triumphant Ugas raised in his arms in victory as the bell sounded. Moments later, three judges scored the bout in his favor, one turning in a 115-113 card while the other two had it 116-112. 
 
“In the future, you may not see Manny Pacquiao in the ring,” Pacquiao said. “I don’t know. Let me rest first, relax and make a decision if I’ll continue to fight or not.”
 
“He’s a legend, one of the greatest fighters that ever lived,” Ugas said of his opponent. “I’ll always respect him not only as a great fighter but outside the ring. I also admire that he fights for his country, as I do. I want to free Cuba.”
 
In the co-main event, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (37-6-1, 20 KOs) battled his way to a 10-round unanimous decision over “Vicious” Victor Ortiz (32-7-3, 25 KOs).
 
All three judges scored the bout 96-94.
 
“It felt good to be back in the ring with fans and I definitely fed off of their energy,” said Guerrero. “I knew this was going to be an all-out war. Victor Ortiz brought the best out of me tonight. It was back and forth action the entire fight and I came out on top as I predicted.”
 
Much of the action was fought on the inside where Guerrero landed the cleaner shots. After a feel-out opener, Guerrero came alive in the second, stunning Ortiz with a series of power shots.
 
Round after round, the two former world champions unloaded short shots in close quarters with each refusing to take a backward step. Guerrero capped off his performance with a strong 10th frame, which proved to be the difference on the cards.
 
“I thought I won. It is what it is,” said Ortiz. “It was a close fight. He didn’t hurt me. A couple times I got caught off balance but that was it. I should have boxed a little better, but hey, he did what he had to do.”
 
“Now I’m ready to step up and fight anyone they put in front of me,” said Guerrero. “I have a lot left in me and I’m in this sport to win another world title. I dedicate this fight to my family and I give all the glory to my lord and savior Jesus Christ.”
 
In a star-making performance, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (23-0, 16 KOs) of the Philippines scored a spectacular knockout of Julio Ceja (32-5-1, 28 KOs), putting the former world champion away in the 10th round of their WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator.
 
“I just worked a lot on the straight punches,” said Magsayo. “I kept working it round after round and when I saw he was hurt, I followed up.
 
“I’m so glad for the outcome. I expected his style to make it happen and I expected a knockout tonight.”
 
It looked like it might be an early night when a counter left hook from Magsayo floored Ceja in the first. Mexico’s Ceja gamely rose and worked his way back into the fight, slowing Magsayo down with combinations to the ribs.
 
Ceja’s work paid off late in the fifth when a left uppercut introduced Magsayo to the canvas. The 26-year-old slugger made it to his feet. The bell sounded moments later.
 
Ceja attacked the body with abandon in the sixth and seventh but it was Magsayo who found his second wind late. His fast hands and feet allowed him to dictate the action in the eighth. He enjoyed an even better ninth, flashing his left in the forms of jabs and hooks.
 
With the fight seemingly hanging in the balance, Magsayo let it all hang out in the tenth. As Ceja sought refuge along the ropes, Magsayo uncorked a picture-perfect one-two flush on the Mexican’s jaw. Ceja sagged to the mat, helped along the way by another right. No count was needed. Referee Kenny Bayless ended the bout at 0:50 of the 10th round.
 
“I got knocked down and was surprised, but I focused my mind on what I wanted, a world championship shot,” said Magsayo. “It’s my dream today and now it’s coming true. Hopefully my next fight is a world title shot.”
 
In the pay-per-view opener, Carlos Castro (27-0, 11 KOs) turned in the finest performance of his career, stopping former world title challenger Óscar Escandón (26-6, 18 KOs) in the 10th round of their back-and-forth featherweight encounter.
 
“Escandón has been in there with the best. He’s gone a lot of rounds with world champions,” said Castro. “But it was just a matter of time, picking our punches. I sat down a little more on my shots. I’ve been with Manny Robles for only four months. With a little more time, I think we’ll be able to dominate the division.”
 
Castro used his height and reach to keep Escandón at bay early on. Escandón was game throughout. Late in the first, he pinned Castro against the ropes and buckled him with a hard left hook.
 
“I knew it was going to be a slow start,” Castro said. “Manny Robles taught me a lot, but a year and a half out of the ring, a new coach—it’s always different. Sparring and training is always different from fights, so I feel great and happy for the opportunity. I have to keep progressing.”
 
By the start of the second, Castro was back to using his jab and timely footwork. His punch output increased with each passing round.


Escandón began to show signs of wear in the fifth. Castro was now landing to head and body with regularity. Early in the seventh, Escandón was badly wobbled by a right hand. Castro pounced, unloading a series of power shots. Escandón countered with a wild left hook that missed. The force of the blow drove Escandón to the canvas. Referee Celestino Ruiz improperly ruled it a knockdown, which was later overturned and ruled a slip.
 
Castro sought to close the show but Escandón showed incredible heart, fighting him off until Castro was forced to retreat. The crowd roared their approval at round’s end.
 
Castro continued to dominate in the ninth. He closed the show in the tenth, landing another big right followed by a volley that floored Castro. Ruiz mercifully waved it off at 1:08 of the 10th round.
 
“I fought my heart out and gave my best effort, but it just wasn’t my night tonight,” said Castro. “I had him hurt in the first round, but I didn’t have enough time to finish him off. I give Castro a lot of respect, he’s a great fighter and showed great sportsmanship. I’m not done and I will be back.”
 
“What’s next is up to my promoters,” Castro said. “I’m going to take some time off to spend time with my family, thank my coaches and enjoy the victory.”
 
Preceding the pay-per-view, rising lightweight sensation Frank “The Ghost” Martin (14-0, 10 KOs) impressed again, pitching a 10-round shutout over Ryan Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs) in the main event on PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes.
 
All three judges scored the bout 100-90.
 
The 26-year-old Martin dictated the pace from the opening bell, working behind a southpaw jab and stepping in with combinations. Kielczewski was game but had no answer for Martin’s speed, power and athleticism.
 
In the co-main event on FOX, heavyweight prospect Steven Torres (5-0, 5 KOs) made quick work of Justin Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs), pounding Rolfe until referee Robert Hoyle stepped in at 2:33 of the first round of their scheduled four-round bout.
 
In the FOX televised opener, touted lightweight Jose Valenzuela improved to 9-0 (6 KOs) with a fourth-round stoppage over Donte Strayhorn (12-4, 4 KOs).
 
The 22-year-old Valenzuela scored a knockdown early in the first when an overhand left sent Strayhorn staggering back. Referee Raul Caiz Jr. ruled that the ropes held Strayhorn up and administered a standing eight count.
 
In the second, Valenzuela showed poise as he pressed the attack behind his lefty stance. Strayhorn had his moments in the third round. However, the heavier blows came from Valenzuela, who poured it on until the bout’s end at 1:29 of the fourth round.
 

AMANDA SERRANO TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

“I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!”
 
WBC and WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano Defends Her Titles Against Super Bantamweight Champion
Yamileth Mercado Sunday, August 29 in Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV® Co-Feature
 
NEW YORK – August 18, 2021 – Puerto Rican star and unified WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano plans to take full advantage of her opportunity on the SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley when she faces super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado on Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
“It means a lot to women’s boxing for me to be in this position to perform on this stage,” said Serrano. “We deserve to be in the spotlight. I’ll perform like I always do and represent for women’s boxing the best way I know how. I’m very excited that they chose me for this event.”
 
In an event headlined by the renowned content creator and pro boxer Paul, who will be taking on his toughest test to date in the ring against the former UFC champion Woodley, Serrano knows that her style will help her gain fans on this big platform.
 
“Expect this to be a war, because I always bring the fireworks,” said Serrano. “I have a fan-friendly style and I’m going out there to finish my opponent. That’s what the fans want to see.
 
“Don’t blink during this one, because even though she’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, this could be a short fight. I give her a lot of credit for accepting this fight right away. I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!”
 
Already the most-decorated fighter in women’s boxing, having won world titles at every weight class from 115 to 140 pounds, the Brooklyn-based fighter currently has her sights set on becoming undisputed at featherweight, which means eventually luring the other 126-pound titlists into the ring with her.
 
“If Erica Cruz and Sarah Mahfood want to be considered the best, they have to face me,” said Serrano. “Each of them was offered the biggest purse of their career to face me on August 29, and they turned it down. I want to be undisputed in this division, but they refuse to take any chances. All I can do right now is train to be at my best and make another statement against Mercado.”
 
Throughout her training for this fight, Serrano has had the opportunity to train side-by-side with the event’s headliner in Paul. While she sees Paul doing what is necessary to reach his ultimate dreams, she too is intrigued by his matchup against the very tough Woodley on August 29.
 
“Jake is an up-and-coming fighter who’s taking all the right steps,” said Serrano. “He’s learning on the job and he’s shown that he’s a very hard worker. He’s got a positive team around him and I’m excited to see how he fights Tyron Woodley. Woodley is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing how that matchup plays out.”
 
Tickets starting at $45 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will be incorporated in a unique, fully integrated brand activation that is to be announced in more detail.
 
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About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Promotions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts.
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.