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boxing, World Boxing Super Series

Unbeaten New Jersey Prospect Julian Rodriguez Competes in Welterweight Attraction that Highlights Undercard Action Saturday, October 21 at Prudential Center in Newark N.J.

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Plus! 2016 Olympians Eimantas Stanionis, Efe Ajagba & Unbeaten Prospect Money Powell IV Compete in Separate Bouts
NEWARK, N.J. (October 9, 2017) – Local prospect Julian Rodriguez (16-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring as the New Jersey-native defends his perfect record in a six-round welterweight bout that highlights an exciting night of undercard attractions on Saturday, October 21 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series, tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available atTicketmaster.com. Tickets are also available to purchase at the Prudential Center box office.
The October 21 event is headlined by the World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight quarterfinal showdown between IBF Champion Murat Gassievand former cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk live on AUDIENCE Network. Featured bouts also include Polish contender Mateusz Masternak facing once-beaten Stivens Bujaj in a WBSS cruiserweight reserve match and unbeaten Polish contender Maciej Sulecki taking on former title challenger Jack Culcay.
Also competing in undercard bouts are 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (3-0, 3 KOs), who enters the ring for an eight-round welterweight fight, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajaba (1-0, 1 KO) in a six-round heavyweight showdown and rising unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (4-0, 3 KOs) against Detroit’s Antonio Urista (9-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is powerful super welterweight Skender Halili(14-2, 13 KOs) of Kosovo in a six-round bout against Samuel Amoako (19-15, 16 KOs) and Nigerian cruiserweight Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round fight against Lawrence Gabriel (1-1-1).
Representing Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., Rodriguez had a stellar amateur career that included a 2013 National Golden Gloves title, a 2012 U.S. Amateur Championships silver medal and a spot as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. The 22-year-old has continued to impress since turning pro in 2013, delivering knockouts in nine of his first 10 fights. Rodriguez has picked up victories over Jerry Belmontes and Dario Ferman in 2017 and will fight in his home state for the first time since he stopped Peter Oluoch in round one at Prudential Center in May 2015.
An accomplished amateur representing Kaunas, Lithuania, Stanionis is looking to become the next Eastern European fighter to make a splash in the U.S. The 23-year-old had a 141-19 record as an amateur and earned four senior national championships before winning gold at the European Olympic Qualifier to earn his trip to the 2016 Games. A gold medalist at welterweight at the 2015 European Amateur Boxing Championships, Stanionis has impressed with knockouts in his first three starts since turning pro in April, including a first round destruction of Oscar Valenzuela in September.
The 23-year-old Ajagba is set to turn pro after beating the odds and making the 2016 Rio Olympics to represent his native Nigeria. Although he lost in the quarterfinals, Ajagba made a splash by delivering a highlight reel knockout in his opening bout against Trinidad and Tobago. The fighter known as “King Kong” also won an African games gold medal during his impressive amateur career delivered a first round knockout in his pro debut in July.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell IV dedicated himself to boxing for good when his family moved back to the U.S. in 2011. The 19-year-old has quickly made a name for himself since then, winning the 2016 Youth Welterweight National Championship to earn the top ranking in the 152-pound division by USA Boxing. Fighting out of Fort Mitchell, on the state line of Alabama and Georgia, Powell has scored stoppage victories in three of his four pro victories.
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For more information visit worldboxingsuperseries.com or www.ringstar.com

Follow on Twitter @WBsuperSeries, @Ringstar and become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/WBSuperSeries and facebook.com/RingstarSports. Tonight’s fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with World Boxing Super Series.

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES FIXTURES

14/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
George Groves vs. Jamie Cox (WBA Super)
The SSE Arena, Wembley, London, United Kingdom

21/10/17 – Cruiserweight Quarter-Final:
Murat Gassiev vs. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (IBF World)
Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, USA

27/10/17 – Super Middleweight Quarter-Final:
Juergen Braehmer vs. Rob Brant

Kongresshalle in Schwerin, Germany

WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES AT A GLANCE
Number of participants: 16
Number of belts: 7
Number of world champions: 6
Number of former world champions: 3
Number of undefeated fighters: 9
Combined Record of participants: 423 wins, 17 losses, 294 KOs

ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES
Organized by Comosa AG, the World Boxing Super Series will kick off in September 2017, featuring the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight divisions. In each weight class, eight elite boxers will battle it out in a bracket-style elimination tournament, with four quarter-finals (fall 2017), two semi-finals (early 2018) and one final (May 2018). This makes for seven top fights per weight class, and a total of 14 fights in Season One to be staged in premier venues around the globe. The winners of the World Boxing Super Series will rightfully receive The Greatest Prize in Boxing, the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Please visit our website WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
boxing

PHILLY LEGEND GIL TURNER TO BE HONORED WITH GRAVESTONE 

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PHILADELPHIA – Crowd-pleasing welterweight of the 1950s, Gil Turner will become the sixth recipient of a gravestone by the Philly Boxing History Gravestone Program. A fundraising campaign to pay for the Turner monument will be launched as part of the 10th Annual Briscoe Awards event, on Sunday, October 15, 2017, at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, beginning at 1:00 PM. Turner’s children and other family members will attend the event on Sunday.

Philly Boxing History Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the great legacy of Philadelphia boxing. Five area boxers have been previously honored by the program, including Matthew Saad Muhammad, Gypsy Joe Harris, Tyrone Everett, Garnet “Sugar” Hart, and Eddie Cool.

Turner became a sensation in the early 1950s, when he reeled off 31 straight wins (25 by KO) to start his career. The streak stretched until July 7, 1952, when Turner faced off against welterweight champion Kid Gavilan, at Municipal Stadium in South Philly. Turner fought on even terms with the champ until round eleven, when the “Cuban Hawk” swooped in and retained his crown by TKO. Turner fought for another six years, but never again vied for a world title. He retired in 1958 with an overall record of 56-19-2, with 35 knockouts. Turner was a popular TV fighter throughout the 1950s and fought numerous big names such as Joey Giardello, Johnny Saxton, Ike Williams, Gene Fullmer, Carmen Basilio, Beau Jack, and many others.

He died in 1996, and currently rests in an unmarked grave in North Philadelphia. Once the necessary funds are raised, the monument is expected to be placed in 2018. Tax deductible donations to the effort can be made at the event or by calling John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

ABOUT THE BRISCOE AWARDS ON OCTOBER 15 FROM 1-4 PM
 
The Briscoe Awards are named in honor of legendary Philly middleweight Bennie Briscoe and the trophies given away – the Briscoe Statue and the Briscoe Medal – all bear the deceased icon’s likeness. The event brings together the local boxing community, including the award winners, their families, past and present boxers, fight fans, other boxing people, and general sports fans.
This is the tenth year for the Briscoe Awards, which are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Philadelphia’s great boxing legacy. Past winners at the Briscoe Awards include Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia, Steve Cunningham, and many others.
The event returns to Xfinity Live! Philadelphia, the central hub of Philly’s sports stadiums, located at 1100 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia. Admission is $5, and tickets can be purchased at BriscoeAwards.com or by calling 609-377-6413. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, please call John DiSanto, 609-377-6413 / johndisanto@phillyboxinghistory.com

The 10th Annual Briscoe Awards will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017, 1-4 PM, at Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Top 154-Pound World Champions & Contenders Hit New York Next Week Ahead of Saturday, October 14 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Fighters Share Their Thoughts & Experiences Fighting in New York Ahead of Premier Boxing Champions Event
BROOKLYN (October 6, 2017) – Six of the top 154-pound world champions and contenders will look to put on a show for the fans in New York as they prepare to enter the ring for a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader Saturday, October 14 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Laradefending against undefeated Terrell Gausha. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
The undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha is the only fighter on the card who will be making his Barclays Center debut. However, the Cleveland-native has fought once in New York before and looks forward to a return, this time on its’ biggest stage.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to fight at Barclays Center and add my name to the list of great fighters who have competed there,” said Gausha. “There’s something special about fighting in New York. The energy from the fans is really unique. I think I’m the perfect guy to come in and handle that pressure and have it elevate my game.”
Gausha faces WBA Champion Erislandy Lara, who won a decision against Austin Trout in their 2013 title showdown at Barclays Center. This time, Lara looks forward to taking advantage of his elevated role as the main event of this show.
“My memories of fighting at Barclays Center were incredible,” said Lara. “I put on one of my best performances against a great champion in Austin Trout and I’m looking to be even better onOctober 14. To be headlining in New York is incredibly special and important to me. There’s no better time to be at my very best than in front of these fans.”
Both WBC Champion Jermell Charlo and WBC No. 1 contender Erickson Lubin delivered sensational knockouts to make their Barclays Center debuts in 2017. Charlo made his first world title defense in April by stopping Charles Hatley and wants nothing else but to take care of business when he returns to the squared circle at Barclays Center.
“I’m honored to be fighting in Brooklyn,” said Charlo. “This is another exciting fight card like the last time I was here. I did what I had to do in April. I let my opponent run his mouth and then I took care of him. I’m going to let that happen again. I can’t wait for another opportunity to grow my fan base here in New York.”
Lubin has the strongest connection to the city of the six fighters, as he has made his training camp in nearby Hackensack, N.J., and is frequently able to visit his mother, who is living in Queens. He delivered a one-punch knockout of Jorge Cota at Barclays Center in March on CBS to earn this title opportunity on October 14.
“My last fight was my first ever in New York as a pro or amateur, and it was a memorable one,” said Lubin. “I left the crowd satisfied and entertained them with my squat and hit him with an overhand to knock him out. New York is like my second home and I love it here.
“I love visiting my mom in Queens and eating all the Haitian food she cooks, but I have to wait until after the fight to enjoy it. I’ve really embraced training up here though. We didn’t want to break camp at all. So we came up here for the press conference and were able to get in a workout that day. I’ll be a thousand percent ready once fight week rolls around.”
For IBF Champion Jarrett Hurd and former champion Austin Trout, New York has been a place for career-defining moments. For Hurd, his March 2016 stoppage of Mexican Olympian Carlos Molina at Barclays Center buoyed him towards his world title shot and eventually championship triumph.
“When I beat an Olympian like Carlos Molina, that was definitely when I first thought that I was a fighter who could win a world title and it proved I could compete against anybody,” said Hurd. “I think I picked up some fans in New York between that and beating the ‘Brooklyn Rocky’ Frank Galarza. New York always shows me love, so I feel it’s my duty to give them something to cheer about.
“I’m excited to be in New York because it’s very close to my home in Maryland too. I’m organizing buses for my fans to come up and watch me so I’m expecting another great atmosphere on fight night.”
Already a world champion, Trout had the opportunity to face future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in 2012 in New York, and he was able to rise to the occasion that the stage demanded. He dominated Cotto over 12 rounds in his first start in New York and although he faltered in his return to New York against Lara, he remains fond of fighting in The Big Apple.
“New York is always a great place to be,” said Trout. “I had the biggest moment of my career in New York, but I want to make up for my last fight at Barclays Center, so fans can definitely expect fireworks on October 14. I’m coming to fight.
“My mother was born and raised in New York so I always look forward to the opportunity to compete here. My favorite thing to do is go to a Chinese restaurant on Avenue X after the fight with my family and I’m hoping to do that as a two-time world champion after this fight.”

Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

#          #          #
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC

FNU Combat Sports Show: Special Guest Angel Manfredy

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Tom, Tony and Rich are back together again for another episode of the FNU Combat Sports Show. This week’s combat sports show touches on a variety of subjects, from UFC 216 to Andre Ward’s retirement. We also feature a special interview with former pro boxer Angel Manfredy.

 

Show Opening:

Angel Manfredy Interview:

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Top 154-Pound World Champions & Contenders Hit New York Next Week Ahead of Saturday, October 14 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Tripleheader from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Fighters Share Their Thoughts & Experiences Fighting in New York Ahead of Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
BROOKLYN (October 6, 2017) – Six of the top 154-pound world champions and contenders will look to put on a show for the fans in New York as they prepare to enter the ring for a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader Saturday, October 14from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift”Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
The undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Gausha is the only fighter on the card who will be making his Barclays Center debut. However, the Cleveland-native has fought once in New York before and looks forward to a return, this time on its’ biggest stage.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to fight at Barclays Center and add my name to the list of great fighters who have competed there,” said Gausha. “There’s something special about fighting in New York. The energy from the fans is really unique. I think I’m the perfect guy to come in and handle that pressure and have it elevate my game.”
Gausha faces WBA Champion Erislandy Lara, who won a decision against Austin Trout in their 2013 title showdown at Barclays Center. This time, Lara looks forward to taking advantage of his elevated role as the main event of this show.
“My memories of fighting at Barclays Center were incredible,” said Lara. “I put on one of my best performances against a great champion in Austin Trout and I’m looking to be even better on October 14. To be headlining in New York is incredibly special and important to me. There’s no better time to be at my very best than in front of these fans.”
Both WBC Champion Jermell Charlo and WBC No. 1 contender Erickson Lubin delivered sensational knockouts to make their Barclays Center debuts in 2017. Charlo made his first world title defense in April by stopping Charles Hatley and wants nothing else but to take care of business when he returns to the squared circle at Barclays Center.
“I’m honored to be fighting in Brooklyn,” said Charlo. “This is another exciting fight card like the last time I was here. I did what I had to do in April. I let my opponent run his mouth and then I took care of him. I’m going to let that happen again. I can’t wait for another opportunity to grow my fan base here in New York.”
Lubin has the strongest connection to the city of the six fighters, as he has made his training camp in nearby Hackensack, N.J., and is frequently able to visit his mother, who is living in Queens. He delivered a one-punch knockout of Jorge Cota at Barclays Center in March on CBS to earn this title opportunity on October 14.
“My last fight was my first ever in New York as a pro or amateur, and it was a memorable one,” said Lubin. “I left the crowd satisfied and entertained them with my squat and hit him with an overhand to knock him out. New York is like my second home and I love it here.
“I love visiting my mom in Queens and eating all the Haitian food she cooks, but I have to wait until after the fight to enjoy it. I’ve really embraced training up here though. We didn’t want to break camp at all. So we came up here for the press conference and were able to get in a workout that day. I’ll be a thousand percent ready once fight week rolls around.”
For IBF Champion Jarrett Hurd and former champion Austin Trout, New York has been a place for career-defining moments. For Hurd, his March 2016 stoppage of Mexican Olympian Carlos Molina at Barclays Center buoyed him towards his world title shot and eventually championship triumph.
“When I beat an Olympian like Carlos Molina, that was definitely when I first thought that I was a fighter who could win a world title and it proved I could compete against anybody,” said Hurd. “I think I picked up some fans in New York between that and beating the ‘Brooklyn Rocky’ Frank Galarza. New York always shows me love, so I feel it’s my duty to give them something to cheer about.
“I’m excited to be in New York because it’s very close to my home in Maryland too. I’m organizing buses for my fans to come up and watch me so I’m expecting another great atmosphere on fight night.”
Already a world champion, Trout had the opportunity to face future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in 2012 in New York, and he was able to rise to the occasion that the stage demanded. He dominated Cotto over 12 rounds in his first start in New York and although he faltered in his return to New York against Lara, he remains fond of fighting in The Big Apple.
“New York is always a great place to be,” said Trout. “I had the biggest moment of my career in New York, but I want to make up for my last fight at Barclays Center, so fans can definitely expect fireworks on October 14. I’m coming to fight.
“My mother was born and raised in New York so I always look forward to the opportunity to compete here. My favorite thing to do is go to a Chinese restaurant on Avenue X after the fight with my family and I’m hoping to do that as a two-time world champion after this fight.”
Tickets to the event are on sale now and start at $50 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
#          #          #
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending against undefeated Terrell Gausha in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Coverage on SHOWTIME begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting unbeaten champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo taking on top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and “Swift” Jarrett Hurd making his first title defense against tough former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella,@TGBPromotions @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment
boxing

Light-Heavyweight Kye Brooks  Signs With Prince Ranch Boxing, Blair Cobbs Returns to the Ring

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Photos by Mario Serrano – Prince Ranch Boxing – Brooks (L) – Cobbs (R)
LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2017) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) has signed light-heavyweight amateur standout, Kye Brooks, who will be making his pro debut, October 14, 2017, at the Palenque de la Feria in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Also making an appearance on the card, is PRB’s unbeaten super-lightweight prospect, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (6-0, 5 KOs), a southpaw from Philly, but who now resides in Las Vegas.  Both fighters will have opponents TBA.
“After having success in the amateurs, I’m looking forward to making my pro debut with the Prince Ranch Boxing management team,” said a smiling Kye Brooks. “Greg Hannely is a great man, a trust-worthy person, who I know will get me the right fights while building my career.  I just want to go out to Mexico and get a nice victory.  In the near future, the boxing world will take notice of my career and what I’m doing in the ring.”
Blair Cobbs, who trains at the Prince Ranch Boxing facility with Brooks, is excited about returning to the ring.  This will be Blair’s third fight of 2017.
“I’m happy to be fighting once again and I’m going to Mexico to do some destruction.” Blair Cobbs said. “I’ve been staying busy and I want to thank Greg Hannely for all his hard work and dedication.  We have something special going on here at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym.  We are making noise in the boxing world and soon enough, everyone will know who we are.  I’m working extremely hard in the gym and the hard work will show come fight night.”
Former world champion, Clarence “Bones” Adams, who trains both Cobbs and Brooks, gives his thoughts on his fighters.
“Kye is a very strong puncher and I see him doing a lot of damage early in his career.” stated Bones Adams. “Blair is whooping everyone in the gym.  I know he’s going to make a statement in this next fight.  Both are great kids who believe in themselves and they certainly have bright futures in boxing.”
In the main-event, unbeaten super-flyweight prospect, Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (11-0, 6 KOs), will face an opponent TBA, in an 8-round bout.  Vazquez, Cobbs and Brooks, all fight under the management of Prince Ranch Boxing.
“Prince Ranch Boxing has a talented group of fighters making a name for themselves,” PRB’sGreg Hannely stated. “I’m taking these boys to Mexico to give them the experience of fighting in a different country.  Mexico is a great place for these young men to enhance their craft on foreign land.  I’m excited to have them all fighting on the same card.”
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boxing, UK Boxing

BURNS: I’VE GOT MORE CHAPTERS TO WRITE IN MY CAREER

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The ‘Rickster’ relishing battle of Britain in Manchester
Former World champions clash as Anthony Crolla takes on Ricky Burns.THIS SATURDAY, October, 7th
LIVE on AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
SAN DIEGO (October 5, 2017) -Ricky Burns believes he can become a World champion once again and wants to prove there’s plenty of chapters to write in his story as he meets Anthony Crolla at the Manchester Arena on Saturday.

THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, October 7th, a pair of former world champions will collide as former lightweight world champion Anthony Crolla battles former three-division  champion Ricky Burns in a scheduled 12-round lightweight clash at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, and will be broadcast LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY IN THE UNITED STATES  on  AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment.  The broadcast will begin at 2 PM ET / 11 am PT
 
The fight will also be available on www.klowdtv.com on the AWE Channel.
Three-weight World champion Burns and former Lightweight World ruler Crolla both come into the must-win bout on the back of defeats in unification battles, and the British stars have conceded that defeat would make the road back to the elite-level that they have become accustomed to operating at a long one. 
Burns created history as Scotland’s first ever three-weight king and the Coatbridge star is confident that a win in Manchester would put him back at the top table and in the running for a 14th World title fight in 2018 to continue his remarkable journey in boxing.
“I look at every fight as a must-win fight,” said Burns. “The incentive that has been put in front of us with the possibility of challenging for the World title again, I need to make sure that I go out and win this which I am confident of doing.”
“This is my first time fighting in Manchester so I am sure it’s going to be a great night for the fans. I’ve got so much respect for Anthony, he’s a brilliant fighter and this is going to be a cracking fight.”
“We’re both in the same boat now, coming back after a loss and looking to get our names back amongst the big boys. There were a few names mentioned for my next fight but this was the only fight that I wanted once I knew it could be made.”
“I know that there’s a good crowd coming down from Glasgow but any boxing fan is going to win with this fight, you know what you are going to get when we fight, we’ll lay it all on the line and the best man will win.”
“People are saying to me now ‘if you lose this what are you going to do?’ That thought hasn’t crossed my mind. I know this is a hard fight but the carrot of a possible World title fight means that the rewards are massive, but I didn’t need any more incentive for this fight, that just topped it off for me.”
“Over the last year everyone has asked when I am going to retire over the last year. I’ve had 48 fights but I’ve never come out of the ring with my face in a state, I still enjoying training and the sparring and fighting side of it are the best parts in my eyes.”
“If there ever came a point that I was coming out hurt fight after fight, or in the gym sparring these young hungry kids and taking too many punches, I’d know myself that it’d be time to call it a day, but I know that I’ve got lots of big nights left in me and I am confident that Saturday is going to be one of them.”
“I’ve never thought about what I’ve done in my career because it’s nowhere near finished yet. I’m not retiring until boxing is out of my system. The last thing I want to do is pack it in too early and then a year down the line want to come back. I won’t be done until I hate training and I am fed up with dieting.”
“I may have over-achieved in some people’s eyes, but I’ve worked my arse off to get to where I have. People see you turn up and fight but only those closest to you see what I do two or three times a day, seven days a week for 12 weeks before a fight, I knock my pan in.”
“Look who Anthony has boxed over the last two years, he’s only boxed the best. He’s lost to Linares but he went 24 rounds and he wasn’t knocked out or badly hurt at all. You are losing to guys at the elite level, these are incredible fighters and this is my job, if you have a rough day at the office you come back again the next day and make sure you are better.”
“I’ve always admitted that I’m not the best boxer ever, but if you are going to beat me, you’re going to have to be really good or you will have to work for it because the way I train I am confident I will be there at a great pace for the full 12 rounds and my mental toughness is one of my best attributes.”
Burns and Crolla clash on a huge night of action in Manchester as Sam Eggington defends his European Welterweight title for the first time against mandatory challenger Mohamed Mimoune and Robbie Barrett also makes a maiden defence against a mandatory predator as he puts his British Lightweight strap on the line against undefeated Lewis Ritson.
Some of Britain’s brightest stars from both sides of the border are in action with Crolla’s trainer Joe Gallagher having a busy night with Scotty Cardle, Hosea Burton, Marcus Morrison and Sam Hyde all gloving up, while Burns is joined by fellow countrymen Charlie Flynn and Joe Ham.
Former World Bantamweight title challenger Gavin McDonnell looks to get back in line for a second crack at the big one, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn fights for the ninth time in the paid ranks and local talents Jake Haigh and Ryan Doyle also feature.
boxing

REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION

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MIAMI, FL (October 5, 2017) – Manager to Luis Ortiz, Jay Jimenez, wants to clarify the current situation with his fighter and the WBC’s decision to move to a new opponent.
“To clarify the Luis Ortiz situation, this is the real and only version of the current process. Mr. Sulaiman and the WBC have NOT suspended or removed Luis from their rankings. The WBC’s decision was as follows, they did not sanction the fight based off the fact that they are worried for Luis’s health.  And to be honest, I must respect and admire their decision because I agree, the fighter’s health is paramount. So, the WBC will schedule a visit with one of their approved physicians to check Luis health, and make sure he is 100% healthy and fit to fight, and that the Blood Pressure pills will not affect him physically.”

“Once Luis has passed all physical exams and is medically cleared to fight by the WBC, we will begin to work on a possible fight towards the end of the year.  Also, once all is resolved, we hope that we can reschedule the Wilder fight in the first quarter of next year. Wilder has shown much interest in fighting Ortiz, and the best fighters in the division, so I know it will not be a hard fight to renegotiate. Thank you to everyone for your support.  This soon will be corrected, and Luis can continue on with his career.” ~ Jay Jimenez, Manager of Luis Ortiz 
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DEONTAY WILDER TO DEFEND WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST MANDATORY CHALLENGER BERMANE STIVERNE LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, NOV. 4 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN & PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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Wilder vs. Stiverne World Title Rematch Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader Beginning Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Photo Use Must Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
BROOKLYN (Oct. 5, 2017) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against mandatory challenger Bermane Stiverne on Saturday, Nov. 4 live on SHOWTIME in a rematch of their 2015 world title fight.  The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) dethroned defending champion Stiverne in January 2015 via unanimous decision in what was the promising challenger’s toughest fight to date.  With the win, Wilder became the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade and he has gone on to defend the title five times.  Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) remains the only Wilder opponent to go the distance with the hard-hitting Tuscaloosa, Ala., native who has knocked out every other professional opponent on his long resume.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000.  Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.  Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
The Nov. 4 main event will be the second heavyweight world championship bout to air live on SHOWTIME on back-to-back Saturdays.  On Oct. 28 unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will meet Kubrat Pulev for Joshua’s IBF and WBA world titles in the main event of a fight card from Cardiff, Wales.
After Wilder vs. Stiverne I, Stiverne was hospitalized at University Medical Center in Las Vegas for severe dehydration and muscle damage, which he claimed affected his performance in his first title defense.  Stiverne bounced back with a win over Derric Rossy and has been advocating for a rematch since.
“Stiverne asked for it, so he’s going to get it,” Wilder said. “Whatever happens happens. Ask and you shall receive.  I’m relieved to be getting my mandatory out of the way.  At least now I won’t have to deal with that down the road.
“In the first fight, I broke my hand in the third round, and I still dominated.  That was a lot of the reason why it went the distance.  This time it’s a different day, different time and different fight.  This time it won’t end well for him.
“Despite all of these obstacles that are thrown in my path, it still will not stop me from reaching my ultimate goal, which is to be the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
Stiverne replaces Luis Ortiz, who was pulled from the fight by the WBC on Wednesday after he failed a VADA anti-doping test.
“Stiverne will pay for Luis Ortiz screwing up,” Wilder concluded.
Stiverne was in camp preparing to fight Dominic Breazeale in a heavyweight attraction on the Nov. 4 undercard.  Now the Haitian-born Las Vegas resident gets a shot at winning back the heavyweight crown he first won with a knockout of Chris Arreola in 2014.
“I am ready, willing and able to seize back my title from Wilder,” Stiverne said.  “We all know that Wilder dodged a bullet in the first fight, but not this time.  It was my fault, but I learn from my mistakes.  On November 4, Wilder will feel my pain.”
After defeating Stiverne, Wilder went on to knockout each of his next five challengers including twice as the headliner on SHOWTIME.  Wilder-Stiverne II will be the 10th heavyweight world championship fight to air live on SHOWTIME in the last two years as the heavyweight division continues its resurgence.  
 
“The show must go on, as they say, and Deontay Wilder still plans to put on a show for New York City,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment and promoter of the stacked Nov. 4 event.  “Considering Stiverne’s status as mandatory challenger, he was always going to be a roadblock in Deontay’s quest for heavyweight unification.  Now it’s time to see if Deontay can clear that roadblock and continue on his path to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion and the most recognizable and dominant force in boxing.”
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former welterweight world champion Shawn Porter will battle perennial contender Adrian Granados in a matchup of two all-action fighters.  In the opening bout of the three-fight telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten contender Sergey Lipinets will take on Akihiro Kondo for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions@BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook  at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,   and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment
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Featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary To headline his first show Oct. 19 in Atlanta

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(L-R) – Head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr., featherweight prospect Toka Kahn-Clary,. Mentor Dan Crotty and adviser Seth DeRobbio
PROVIDENCE, RI (October 5, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (22-1, 15 KOs) will headline his fist show Saturday night, October 19 at Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta, promoted by Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield‘s Real Deal Sports & Management, in a 10-round bout against Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas featherweight title.
The once-beaten, Liberia-born Kahn-Clary, fighting out of Providence (RI). is coming off an impressive eight-round unanimous decision this past June against Angel Luna (11-2-1) in Louisville.
“I very happy about fighting in my first main event,” the popular 25-year-old Kahn-Clary said. “I’m going to put on a show to let everybody know who I am. I’m very excited to be fighting for my first pro title. A victory will put me in the top 15 in the world, as well as make me more marketable and better known in boxing.”
Kahn-Clary was a decorated amateur boxer, compiling an outstanding 131-11 record and collecting numerous medals at national tournaments, highlighted by him capturing a gold medal at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Globes Championships. He was also a silver medalist at the 2009 National Golden Gloves Championships and 2011 U.S. National Championships, in addition to being bronze medalist at the 2012 U.S. Nationals Championships.
Rodriguez (19-2, 17 KOs), who was the WBC super featherweight champion two years ago, is a heavy-handed, battle-tested Dominican. He will be fighting in the United States for the first time as a professional.
“He’s a tough kid who, I think, should be 20-1 because I watched his last fight and he should have gotten the decision (LSDEC8 to 12-0-1 Alberto Mercado in Puerto Rico),” Kahn-Clary noted. “He’s very awkward and fights in spurts. I need to be smart and use my experience.”
Kahn-Clary vs. Rodriguez, is somewhat of a crossroads fight with career-critical future implications for both fighters with the winner advancing to the next level, while the loser could become a permanent opponent.
Toka Kahn-Clary
(Photo by Emily Harney)

“This is the big fight for Toka,” his advisor Seth DeRobbio explained. “I think it’ll be a good fight. His opponent is a big puncher with 17 knockouts in 19 wins. Toka has an opportunity to showcase his talents in a main event for the first time. Stopping a guy like this who has never been knocked out can be huge for Toka.

“Everything depends on this fight. In his last fight, the opponent kept coming forward and that didn’t allow Toka to showcase all his skills. It’s difficult boxing as you back up, but Toka proved that he can fight like that if needed. All Toka’s skills will be on display this fight. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
Kahn-Clary vs. Rodriguez was originally slated to be held September 30 in Louisville, but venue issues forced the postponement and subsequent relocation to Atlanta.
“I was upset that the fight was pushed back only because my weight was on point,” Kahn-Clary admitted,” but fighters need to adjust in and out of the ring and everything is good. Some good came out of it, though. I found more video of my opponent to watch, and additional training and sparring helps, too.”
“The postponement actually helps us,” DeRobbio added. “It gives us three additional weeks to train to prepare for the biggest fight of Toka’s life. At this stage of his career every fight for Toka from here on out will be his biggest fight of his career.”