Tag Archives: boxing

ERROL SPENCE JR. REVEALS MOTIVATION AND EXPECTATIONS FOR MAY 27 FIGHT IN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

The Reveal with Mark Kriegel: Errol Spence Jr.:http://s.sho.com/2pRC3wr

 

Video/Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Undefeated welterweight Errol Spence Jr. sat down with SHOWTIME Sports®reporter Mark Kriegel prior to his highly anticipated world championship match against Kell Brook Saturday, May 27 live on SHOWTIME® (5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT) from Bramall Lane in Sheffield.  The interview is the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing greats.

The IBF’s No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger at 147 pounds, Spence opens up about his first knockout, injuring past sparring partners Adrien Broner and Charles Hatley, giving Floyd Mayweather a black eye and much more.

 

Below are bites from the interview:

 

KRIEGEL: That feeling when you knock someone out; it’s addictive is it not?

 

SPENCE JR.: “Who doesn’t love knockouts? That’s the ultimate way to win in boxing, by knockout.”

 

KRIEGEL: You’ve been the most talked-about talent in boxing for a good while. Why is that?

 

SPENCE JR:  “I think it’s the way I fight, knocking people out and in the ring I’m passive-aggressive… I don’t come at people reckless, I take my time, I break my opponent down. I am the sweet science.”

 

KRIEGEL: Do you think this is the fight that announces Errol Spence?

 

SPENCE JR.: “I think so… I’m willing to prove to everybody that I am that guy”

 

 

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Ruben Villa to Test Unbeaten Record on “New Blood” Undercard Friday Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (May 17, 2017) – Blue chip featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (5-0, 3 KOs) headlines an action-packed “New Blood” undercard when he puts his undefeated record on the line against Anthony de Jesus Ruiz (2-2, 2 KOs) this Friday, May 19, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
Thompson Boxing’s 17 year anniversary show will be live streamed on its website and  Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PDT this Friday.
Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.
Friday’s bout marks the fourth time Villa will fight in front of an expected sold out crowd at the Doubletree Ontario. It will be his first, however, fighting on a live streamed show.
“I’m definitely excited for it. It’s great exposure for us new guys trying to make a name for ourselves,” said Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I know a lot of my friends and family will be watching. It also gives an opportunity for boxing fans all over the country to tune in and watch some quality fights.”
Villa, a southpaw, is coming off his East Coast debut in April where we notched his third career knockout win over the previously unbeaten Luis Diaz Torres. Villa stopped the stiff-chinned Torres in the sixth and final round. It was the first, sixth round fight of Villa’s career, one that tough him several impactful lessons.
“It’s important to stick to the plan and listen to my corner,” said the 20-year-old, who hails from Salinas, Calif.  “He was somewhat reckless so I needed to show a little more patience with him. I’m used to fighting guys who are a little more technical. Diaz was able to take a shot. He was willing to absorb two or three punches to set up one of his own. I learned not to give him those opportunities.”
For Friday’s six-round bout versus Ruiz, Villa spent most of his training camp sparring at the Robert Garcia Gym in Riverside, widely seen as one of Southern California’s most boxing rich environments. His chief sparring partner was Hector Tanajara, another highly regarded prospect with an undefeated record.
“Training camp went great,” said Villa, who as an amateur won back-to-back National Golden Gloves championships. “I had quality sparring sessions against Hector Tanajara. He fights one division higher than me so it’s always good to learn from guys that are naturally bigger than you.”
While Villa comes from a well-rounded amateur career that saw him bank two wins against fellow high ceiling prospect Shakur Stevenson, the Northern California native is always on the quest to better his skills.
“I’ve been working on using more angles to set up punches,” Villa said. “The goal is to develop better range with my jab so I can be more effective. With Ruiz, I plan to feel him out for the first round and then I’ll start going at his weaknesses. A lot of what I plan to do will come off the jab.”
The live stream, titled “TB Presents: New Blood,” will be anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran with Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.
Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4 , Facebook: Ruben Villa IV , & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4 .

Rising Super Welterweight Prospect Money Powell IV Returns to the Ring Friday, June 2 against Hungary’s Sandor Jozsa

 
From Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris in Event Headlined By the Pro Debut of 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Tony Yoka
 
PARIS (May 17, 2017) – Exciting unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (1-0, 1 KO) will make his second professional start on Friday, June 2 when he takes on Hungary’s Sandor Jozsa (5-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight attraction from Le Dome – Palais Des Sports de Paris.
The June 2 event is headlined by French Olympian and 2016 super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka making his professional debut against unbeaten Travis Clark(12-0, 8 KOs) live in France on Canal Plus at 7:30 p.m. CET.
“Stepping into the ring in Paris is going to be a special experience and I can’t wait to show the French fans what I’m all about,” said Powell IV. “I want to be able to connect with as many people as possible and this is a great opportunity in just my second fight. I’m going to keep training hard like I do every day and give the fans something to remember on June 2.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar France and sponsored by Unkut Paris, start at 25 € and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 0825 038 039, or visiting www.ticketmaster.fr and www.FranceBillet.com.
“I am very happy to take ‘Money’ Global! All of France will get a chance to see the future of Boxing.  Money Powell is an American, born in Germany and now fighting in Paris, France in only his second professional outing.  This goes to show you that ‘Money’ truly knows no borders,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports.  “This young man has so many great attributes inside and outside of the ring and we’re excited to introduce him to as many new fans as possible. This is going to be a great experience for Money as he continues to sharpen his skills in the pro ranks.”
Powell made his pro debut on April 9 in Los Angeles in spectacular fashion as he used his height and reach advantage to dominate Todd Templeton and score two knockdowns before the referee halted the fight at 2:55 of the first round.
Born in Germany, where his former boxer father was stationed in the military, Powell 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 will continue his pro campaign on June 2.
The 26-year-old Jozsa turned pro last October and won his first three contests, including two victories by way of stoppage. Representing Hungary, Jozsa has been busy in 2017, fighting five times already including one draw and victories over Levente Siktar and most recently Laszlo Vadasz.
For more information visit www.ringstar.com or follow in Twitter @Ringstar, @laboxesurcanal, @TonyYoka and @Swanson_Comm.

  MAY 20 IS BOXING BINGE-WATCH DAY WITH SLATE OF TELEVISED BOXING SHOWS FROM U.K. AND U.S.

GET YOUR POPCORN & CORONA READY!
 
Gervonta Davis Defends 130-pound Title Against Liam Walsh From London, England On SHOWTIME
 
Gary Russell, Jr. Defends 126-pound Title Against Oscar Escandon At MGM National Harbor on SHOWTIME
 
Rising Star David Benavidez Meets Rogelio “Porky” Medina in 168-pound Title Eliminator From Laredo, Texas on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes
LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2017) – Let the boxing binge watching begin this Saturday, May 20 when separate shows on SHOWTIME and FS1 deliver six matches running over six consecutive hours. This boxing extravaganza will present a unique opportunity for fans to watch boxing starting at 6 p.m. ET and continue throughout the evening.
“It’s not unusual to spend all day Sunday watching the NFL or to spend the day watching the NBA playoffs,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “But it’s rare for boxing fans to be able to turn on the television in the early evening and binge watch great action until late at night. The slate of shows on May 20 will provide that opportunity for boxing fans.”
Kicking off the day will be an action-packed 130-pound championship match with undefeated young star Gervonta Davis (17-0, 16 KOs) defending his title against No. 1 contender Liam Walsh (21-0, 14 KOs) from Copper Box Arena in London, England with coverage beginning on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
The 22-year-old Davis is the youngest reigning American world champion in boxing and he will travel to England for his first title defense against Walsh, an undefeated southpaw fighting in his hometown of London.
Immediately following the Davis-Walsh bout, things kick into high gear with three matches originating from MGM National Harbor outside of Washington, D.C. Gary Russell, Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) defends his 126-pound world title against Oscar Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) in the main event.
A pair of world title eliminators round out the televised portion of the card.  Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) and Jose Uzcategui (26-1, 22 KOs) meet in a 168-pound match with the winner set to fight for the interim IBF title and a shot at current champion James DeGale. Two-division championRances Barthelemy (25-0, 16 KOs) takes on Kiryl Relikh(21-1, 19 KOs) in a 140-pound title eliminator with the winner earning an opportunity to fight for a world championship.
Rounding out the night is a pair of Premier Boxing Champions matches on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas that start at 10 p.m. ET.
David Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), an ascending star, will meet former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina (37-7, 31 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator in the main event. Benavidez will face the toughest test of his career against Medina, a veteran who gave DeGale all he could handle last year. The winner will get a shot at the 168-pound world championship.
Unbeaten 126-pound contender Jorge Lara (28-0-2, 20 KOs) takes on hard-hitting brawler Mario Briones (28-5-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight match in the co-feature.
Binge Away!

June 3, NYC, Wilfred Benitez Fundraising event

FUNDRAISER for three-time World Champion WILFRED “EL RADAR’ BENITEZ
(Youngest World Champion Ever at age 17)
Organized and promoted by Efrain Diaz, Franklin “Beatle” Flores, former NYC amateur boxer Eddie Montalvo, Yvonne Benitez (Wilfred’s sister)  and “Iceman” John Scully
Saturday, June 3, 2017  @ Monique’s Lounge in Spanish Harlem, New York City. 1 pm – 7 pm
181 East 108th St. Spanish Harlem, NY 10029.
FOOD-MUSIC-FUN
$20 admission. All proceeds go to Wilfred Benitez.
Wilfred Benitez tee-shirt comes with the admission price)
Invited and expected guests include the likes of Mark Breland, Iran “The Blade” Barkley, “Poison” Junior Jones, Seamus McDonough, Dennis “The Magician” Milton, Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, Angel Manfredy, Israel “Pito” Cardona, Harold “The Shadow” Knight, Pedro Vilella, Hector Camacho Jr. Richie “The Mountain” Lamontagne, Alfred “Ice” Cole, Tyrone “The Harlem Butcher” and HBO Judge Harold Lederman.
Benitez’ sister Evelyn will also be in attendance.
Actor and former professional boxer Mickey Rourke has already donated an undisclosed sum to the Fundraiser.

Oscar Escandon Training Camp Quotes & Photos 

 
Top Featherweight Challenger Battles Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. in Main Event Showdown Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland on 

SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Team Escandon/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 15, 2017) – Top 126-pound challenger Oscar Escandon shares his thoughts on training camp and more ahead of his first world title opportunity against WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Here is what Escandon had to say from Las Vegas before he wraps camp and heads east to headline at MGM National Harbor in Maryland:
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp started off in Gilroy, California where we got a lot of good sparring in the Bay Area.  But then we moved camp to Las Vegas where we are training in high elevation.  We are running up at Mt. Charleston where the elevation is 8400 feet.  All in all, it has been a fantastic camp.”
On fighting in his first main event on SHOWTIME:
“It’s a dream come true to be fighting on SHOWTIME, especially in the main event for a world title. I believe the fans watching will enjoy my fighting style. I always bring excitement to the ring. This will be a fan-friendly fight to watch.”
On facing his opponent, champion Gary Russell Jr:
“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I know it’s not going to be an easy task to defeat him but I’m confident in my ability to come out victorious. I will dig deep and impose my will on him.”
On training with head coach Ruben Guerrero:
“Together Ruben and I get along very well. He’s always there for me when I need him.  We are doing everything to get better and we’ll be ready to go. We have a nice game plan that we will display on fight night.”
On what a victory will do for his career:
“This is the biggest fight of my career and a win will lead to bigger and better things, like unification bouts. To capture the WBC world title will be an honor for my team and my people of Colombia. I need to win this fight and capture that WBC title. I can see myself in major fights with a victory.”
ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

  Mykal Fox takes on Daniel Sostre in headlining bout on Saturday, June 3rd at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland

Luther Smith to appear in co-feature bout
Plus undefeated Greg Outlaw, Jr., Marcus Bates, Justin Hurd, Tyrek Irby and Jordan Peters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Washington, MD (May 15, 2017)– on Saturday night June 3rd, undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox take on battle-tested Daniel Sostre in the main event of a nine-bout card at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has become a popular headline attraction in the Beltway

The 21 year-old Fox has a record of 13-0 with four knockouts.
The three-year professional has continuously stepped up the competition, and will be making his seventh start at the Rosecroft Raceway, and is coming off a eight-round majority decision over Tre’Sean Wiggins on February 11th.
Sostre of Highland, New York via Vega Baja, Puerto Rico has a record of 13-12-1 with five knockouts.
The 33 year-old is a 12 year veteran, and is known for fighting top competition.
Fox will mark the 11th undefeated opponent that Sostre has faced.
Sostre has wins over Kenny Galarza (16-3), Chris Gilbert (11-0), Jay Krupp (14-3), Tommy Rainone (12-2), Mike Ruiz (8-2) & Broderick Antoine (2-0).
Sostre will be looking to get back in the win column after dropping his last three fights to fighter’s who have a combined record of 45-2-1.  In his last bout, Sostre dropped an eight-round majority decision to Derrick Cuevas (12-0-1) on December 10th in Catono, Puerto Rico.
In six-round bouts:
Luther Smith (8-1, 7 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland battles an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.
Greg Outlaw, Jr. (2-0) of Bowie, Maryland  will fight an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.
Marcus Bates (6-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Roberto Pucheta (10-10-1, 6 KO’s) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight tussle.
In four-round bouts:
Justin Hurd (2-0, 1 KO) of Accokeek, Maryland takes on Jonathan Garcia (4-15-1,1 KO) of Aguada, Puerto Rico in a junior middleweight bout.
Tyrek Irby (2-0, 1 KO) of Forestville, Maryland battles Brandon Sanudo (5-3, 2 KO’s) of San Felipe, Mexico in a junior welterweight contest.
Malik Loften of Suitland, Maryland makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.
Lamont McLaughlin (0-1) of Philadelphia boxes against Jessie Singletary (0-2) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight fight.
Jordan Peters (1-0-1) of Washington, DC will take on an Bryan Perez Nevarez (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a super bantamweight contest.
Tickets are on sale for $75, $60 and $40 at www.kpboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430

Referee and retired boxer Randy Neumann Ring 8 Guest Speaker Tuesday, May 16

NEW YORK CITY (May 14, 2017) – Referee/retired boxer Randy Neumann (31-7, 11 KOs) Randy Neumann will be Ring 8’s guest speaker at its mnthly meeting this coming Tuesday night, May 16 (7 p.m. ET start), at O’Neill’s Restaurant, located at 64-21 53rd Drive, Maspeth, NY 11378.
Ring 8’s May meeting is sponsored by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.
“Ring 8 is fortunate to have such a fascinating speaker this month who will share his vast experience with us,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said.  “Randy Neumann was a heavyweight of note in the 1970’s who boxed a main event at Madison Square Garden against Jerry Quarry. Later he would become one of the best-known referees in boxing working major fights involving Mike Tyson and other champions.”
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

Kal Yafai retains WBA Flyweight title with decision over Muranaka

World title bout headlined thrilling day of boxing on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 14, 2017 – On SaturdayKal Yafai thrilled his hometown fans in Birmingham, England, and made the first the defense of the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Suguru Muranaka.
The bout headlined another tremendous day of action AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be able to bring this action-packed cards to the American fight fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment.

“In recent months, The super-flyweight division has been one of the divisions that has featured terrific fights, and today Kal Yafai proved that he is one of the elite in the division. Sam Eggington carried on the momentum of stopping Paulie Malignaggi, and won in another thrilling fight. We have a great Spring and Summer fight schedule that we will be excited to share with the fans very shortly.”

Yafai looked like he was going to have an early day as he sent his Japanese challenger down to the canvas in round two. Muranka proved sturdy and even had a few moments in the fight. Yafai was deducted a point in round eight for low blows, but he was comfortably ahead, and won by scores of 119-107 twice and 118-108.

Yafai is 22-0. Muranaka is 25-3.

Rising welterweight contender Sam Eggington stopped Ceferino Rodriguez in round ten of their scheduled 12-round welterweight bout.

It was an exciting fight throughout, but the taller Eggington took control of the bout and drilled Rodriguez with ahard uppercut on the inside that sent him to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Eggington, 146.8 lbs is is 21-3 with 13 knockouts. Rodriguez, who is managed by former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is 24-2.

Gamal Yafai dropped Sean Davis six-times en-route to a seventh round stoppage over Sean Davis in a scheduled 10-round Super Bantamweight bout featuring Birmingham based fighters.

Yafai dropped Davis three times in the 7th round, focusing mostly on the body and the bout was stopped at 2:27.

Yafai, 121.9 lbs is now 12-0 with 5 knockouts. Davis, 121.3 lbs is nos 12-1.

Former world title challenger Frankie Gavin won a eight-round decision over Renald Garrido in a super welterweight bout.

Gavin, 148.9 lbs won a a referee score of 77-75 ans is now 24-3. Garrido, 145 lbs is 18-15-1.

Josh Kelly stopped Jony Vina in round four of their scheduled six-round welterweight contest.

In round four, Kelly dropped Vina with a right hand. Kelly continued to pound Vina and the bout was stopped at 1:27.

Kelly is 2-0 with 1 knockout. Vina is 6-2.

In a spirited battle of undefeated middleweight’s, Adam Harper won a decision over Ryan Kelly.

The referee scorecard read 97-95 for Harper, 152.9 lbs and is now 8-0. Kelly 153.9 lbs is 8-1.

Brooker decisions Riojas in Philadelphia; wins by Conquest, Torres and Nelson; Orapeza defeats McNutt in a war; Beckford upsets Mansfield; Lopez and Baratov fight to a draw

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA–This past Friday night, Christopher Brooker won a workmanlike eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Oscar Riojas in a super middleweight bout that highlighted a seven bout card at a jam packed SugarHouse Casino.

The card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Brooker was very solid throughout as he tried to work on in the inside. In round three, he landed a perfect left hook that drove Riojas into the ropes. Brooker worked inside and was the busier man throughout the contest.

Brooker of Philadelphia won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 12-3. Riojas of Monterrey, Mexico is 14-8-1.

Jerome Conquest put in a solid six-rounds in winning a unanimous decision over Daniel Perales in a super lightweight bout.

Conquest of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-2. Perales of Monterrey, Mexico is 10-10-1.

Henry Beckford scored an upset as he took a  four-round majority decision over previously undefeated Blake Mansfield in a super middleweight contest.

Beckford of Coram, New York won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57, and is now 5-6. Mansfield of Burlington, NC is now 5-1-1.

Sam Orapeza literally had to hang on and win a four-round unanimous decision in a cruiserweight bout over Kyle McNutt.

Orapeza dropped McNutt with a perfect straight left in round one, and it looked like it was going to be Orapeza’s 2nd consecutive first round knockout. McNutt gathered himself and had a solid round two. Orapeza took control again in round four, as he scored a hard knockdown and seemed seconds away from finishing the fight. He may have punched himself out as in the last 45 seconds of the bout, McNutt battered and staggered Oarapeza all over the ring. Had the bout been 30 seconds longer, the outcome could very well have been different, but Orapeza of Philadelphia got the nod by the tune of 38-37, 39-35 and 39-36. Orapeza is now 2-0. McNutt of Battle Creek, MI is 1-3.

Jeffrey Torres won a four-round unanimous decision over Kashon Hutchinson in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice for Torres of Philadelphia, who is now 3-0. Hutchinson of Reading, PA is 2-3.

Harold Lopez and Basyzbek Baratov fought to an exciting majority draw in a flyweight bout.

Towards the end of round three, Lopez landed a left to the body that sent Baratov to the canvas.

Lopez of Bethlehem, PA took a card 39-38 and two other scorecards read even at 38-38.

Lopez is 1-0-1. Baratov is 2-1-2.

Chaise Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Bryan Perez Nevarez in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round two, Nevarez dropped Nelson with a counter right hook.

Nelson of Dayton, Ohio won by scores of 39-37 and 38-37 twice and is now 5-1. Nevarez of Carolina, Puerto Rico is 2-6-1.

KINGS PROMOTIONS IS BACK THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE 2300 ARENA WITH A TERRIFIC 9-BOUT CARD HEADLINED BY LIGHTWEIGHT’S CARLOS ROSARIO AND JOSHUA DAVIS