Tag Archives: boxing

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE FIFTH CLASS OF INDUCTEES ON FEB. 15 IN LAS VEGAS

 
CEO/President Michelle Corrales-Lewis to welcome “exceptional” new class
 
LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2017) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will announce its fifth class of inductees on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. PST, Hall CEO/ president Michelle Corrales-Lewis announced. The 2017 class of nine boxers and five contributors will be revealed at Real Boxing, 5137 W. Oquendo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118.  Lunch will be provide by TC’s Rib Crib.
The honorees will be formally inducted at the popular gala dinner on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Caesars Palace. Ticket information will be released shortly.
“We have elected yet another exceptional class of inductees and I can’t wait to introduce them,” said Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was a member of the NVBHOF’s inaugural class in 2013. “We have some of the best boxers ever in this group and I know fans are going to be excited to have the opportunity to meet them.
“Our class of contributors is very strong as well and all have made a significant imprint upon boxing in Nevada.”
Past inductees include some of the greatest fighters who have ever lived, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and more.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.   For more information, phone 702-3NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.
For Media Credentials Contact:                    For Information And Sponsorship Opportunities Contact:
Media Coordinator Jon Hait                             Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis
Email: jhshark@aol.com                                  Email: michelle@nvbhof.com
Phone: (702) 277-1020                                    Phone: 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463)

World rated junior middleweight Kanat Islam looking to steal the show on Jones – Gunn undercard 

“Skill vs. Will”

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW–FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Wilmington, DE (February 13, 2017)-World rated junior middleweight Kanat Islam is looking for a big outing this Friday night when he takes on Robson Assis (16-3, 9 KO’s) on theRoy Jones, Jr. – Bobby Gunn WBF Cruiserweight title Pay-Per-View co-featured bout at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
The Islam – Assis bout is scheduled for 10-rounds.
Islam (22-0, 18 KO’s) has been training in his adopted home of Pahoke, Florida by way of Kazakhstan, is ready for whatever Assis will bring to the ring.
“Training has been great.  I know Assis is a southpaw, and he likes to box.  That’s about it!  Between all my amateur experience and pro bouts all over the world, I am ready for anything,”said Islam.
Before taking this fight, Islam was mentioned as possible opponent for WBO junior middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, before the Mexican superstar took a bout with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.  This would be a fight that the 32 year-old Islam would relish.
“My people in Kazakhstan would love to see this fight.  My team wants to see it, and I want to be in that fight.  If that opportunity comes, I will focus and get the right sparring, and be ready for that opportunity.”
But before any of that can happen, Islam must 1st get past Assis on a card headlined by the legendary Roy Jones, Jr.  This is an opportunity, that Islam isn’t taking lightly.
“Roy Jones, Jr. is a legend, and a big name in boxing.  In the past and still today he is big.  It is an honor to fight on a card that he is in the main event.”
Back home in Kazakhstan, Islam is getting close to legendary status himself, as onOctober 29th, he defeated Patrick Allotey in front of 18,000 fans in his homeland to capture the WBO Inter-Continental title and retain his WBA Fedlatin Super Welterweight titles.
“Fighting in front of my home people means more to me than anything.  It shows them that I represent their culture and they like to see my fighting style.  It was a dream come true to fight in front of so many of my people.  They were cheering my name, and for that I am thankful for them.”
“We will return there to Kazakhstan and fight again.  I don’t want them to miss the fight onFebruary 17th that I have with Assis.  I am always thankful for my fans who always support me.  I want to thank Nelsons Promotions, Raynelo Management and my sponsor Zheizu Company.  I always want to David Feldman Promotions, King’s Promotions and Roy Jones for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.
In an 8-round bout, Dagoberto Aguero (10-0, 8 KO’s) of San Cristobal, Domincan Republic takes on Olimjon Nazarov (14-4, 8 KO’s) of Tashken, Uzbekistan in a super bantamweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:
Frank De Alba (20-2-2, 9 KO’s) of Reading, PA battles German Meraz (55-41-1, 32 KO’s) of Agua Prieta, Mexico in a junior lightweight.
Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Daniel Parales (10-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super lightweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Joey Tiberi, Jr. (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware will fight Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) of St. Joseph, Missouri in lightweight bout.

Henry Stewart (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Toronto, Canada squares off Robert Mendoza (1-8, 1 KO) of Frankfurt, Indiana.

Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington, Delaware will fight Lamont Singletary (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Dover, Delaware in a cruiserweight battle.
Eddie Ortiz (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas takes on pro debuting Jeff Chiffens of Wilmington, Delaware in a middleweight bout.
Media Week Schedule 
 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CHASE CENTER–12 PM NOON
11:30 AM–Media Check in

The Chase Center

815 Justison Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH OPEN WORKOUT–CROSSFIT RIVERFRONT AT 2 PM
1:00 Media only check-in

2:00 Open Workouts–Public let in

Crossfit Riverfront
512 Jutison Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH–OFFICIAL WEIGH IN–DELAWARE PARK CASINO–6PM

5:00 PM–Media Check in
6:00 PM–Fighters on the scales

Delaware Park Casino
777 Delaware Park Blvd.
Wilmington, Delaware 19720

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH–FIGHT NIGHT–THE CHASE CENTER

6:00 PM–Doors Open
7:00 PM–1st bout
9:00 PM–Pay Per View Broadcast begins

The Chase Center
815 Justison Street
Wilmington, Delaware  19801

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury
SKILL VS WILL will be distributed live throughout North America via cable and satellite in High Definition by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The broadcast will premiere on Friday, February 17th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be carried throughout the month on video-on-demand.  Please consult your local guide for channels and encores in your area.  The suggested retail price is $24.99.  The event will also be available worldwide on home computers, laptops, Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, AppleTV, and Android devices on FITE-TV, Flipps, and other OTT (over-the-top) streaming services.
Tickets are on sale now ranging from $55 – $300 and can be purchased by calling (484) 935-3378 & www.firststatefights.com

Roy Jones, Jr. vs Bobby Gunn, promoted by David Feldman Promotions and the Casino at Delaware Park.

ENCORE PRESENTATION OF IVAN BARANCHYK-ABEL RAMOS SLUGFEST TO AIR TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

Watch Complete Third Round Coverage Including Both Fighters Scoring Knock Downs: YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2kLRB54; Download: https://we.tl/s8TQRRD001

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

An encore presentation of Friday’s thrilling ShoBox: The New Generation, featuring a potential Fight of the Year slugfest between unbeaten super lightweight Ivan Baranchyk and a game Abel Ramos, will air tonight/Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Baranchyk and Ramos both landed more than 50 percent of their power punches in the 10-round brawl, well above the super lightweight average of 36.6 percent.  They nearly doubled the divisional average in total punches landed and power punches landed in a bout that featured three total knockdowns.

 

CompuBox records indicate that Baranchyk (314) & Ramos (350) combined to land 664 total punches.  As a point of reference, the epic first encounter between Micky Ward (268) and Arturo Gatti (350) featured 618 combined total punches landed.  Of the 664 punches landed on Friday night, 482 were power punches.

 

The three-fight telecast will re-air in its entirety Monday.  In the opening bout, undefeated Spanish super featherweight prospect Jon “Johnfer” Fernadez knocked out formerly once-beaten Ernesto Garza with a punishing series of unanswered combinations in the third round.  In the co-feature, undefeated light heavyweight prospect Joseph “Mack” Williams won a close, majority decision over previously undefeated Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo.

 

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions.  Fernandez vs. Garza was promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS REVEALS HIS MOTIVATION FOR FEBRUARY 18 BOUT IN AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

“I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’” – Adrian Granados

 

THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel: Adrian Granados

http://s.sho.com/2kXNzH2

Photo/Video Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Top-rated contender Adrian Granados opens up in an intimate interview with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning writer Mark Kriegel in the latest edition of the reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports® digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel.

 

As Granados prepares to meet four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in Cincinnati, Ohio, he talks about his struggles, the loss of his long-time friend Ed Brown and what lies ahead for him on fight night.

 

A tough Mexican-American from Chicago, Granados enters this fight on a five-bout winning streak, including his impressive stoppage over then unbeaten top contenderAmir Imam in November 2015. Most recently, the 27-year-old dominated Ariel Vasquez over eight rounds in July. With a win over Broner, Granados can position himself for his first career world title shot.

 

Below are excerpts from the interview:

 

MARK KRIEGEL: “What does this fight represent to you?”

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS: “Cubs just won. This is my own World Series, you know. It took me this long to finally get a big fight, but I got it. This is going to be my coming out. I know a lot of people don’t know who I am. Those who do know me, they know I come to fight.”

 

KRIEGEL: “One of the guys who does know you is Adrien Broner. You were in his camp for Marcos Maidana. What stands out to [you] about him?”

 

GRANADOS: “He’s a great fighter. I mean, it’s no fluke that he is a four-division world champion.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did he ever hurt you?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely, we are humans. He can crack. He just had that explosive power. He had 16-ounce gloves and it felt like he was hitting me with his bare fist. He just hits hard.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did you ever hurt him?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely. I know I did. He may not admit it. Yeah, I know I had him bloodied a couple times. I know I had him backing up a couple of times. You just know as a fighter when you crack somebody.”

 

On the passing of top prospect and friend Ed Brown…

 

GRANADOS: “I believe it was a Sunday. I was in a barbershop…They were like, ‘I heard about your boy.’ And I’m … trying to keep it together. I just called George, our coach. He told me, ’Yeah man, Ed has died. Ed is dead.’ And right there I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’”

Joe Smith, Jr. Ring 8’s February Guest Speaker 

(Joe Smith, Jr. pictures courtesy of Star Boxing)
NEW YORK (February 13, 2017) – World-class light heavyweight boxer Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. will be Ring 8’s guest speaker Thursday night, February 23, at its monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant, located at 1132 Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, New York.
The 27-year-old Smith (23-1, 19 KOs) is a Union 66 laborer between fights.  The Long Island power-puncher from Mastic burst upon the International boxing scene last June, stopping former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara (28-4) in the opening round for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International light heavyweight title.
Joe Smith, Jr. (R) is shown finishing off Bernard Hopkins
Last December, Smith followed up with a sensational eighth-round knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2), the seven-time, two-division world champion whose retirement fight was ruined by Smith.
“With knockout victories over Fonfara and Hopkins in his last two fights, Joe Smith might be the most exciting fighter since Arturo Gatti,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirschsaid.
“We look forward to him being a featured speaker at our monthly meeting and letting us know what he has planned next in his career.”
Smith was the recipient of Ring 8’s “Knockout of the Year Award” last December at the organization’s 30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony. Phil andJerry Capobianco, respectively, Smith’s manager and trainer, were also honored as Ring 8’s Manager and Trainer of the Year.
Smith is a light heavyweight contender on the verge of a major fight this year, possibly a world title shot.  He is promoted by New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) inductee Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing).
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..

ROBERT EASTER DEFENDS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST LUIS CRUZ IN HIS HOMETOWN OF TOLEDO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV

 
Zhanat Zhakiyanov Wins Bantamweight World Championship Against Rau’Shee Warren in Co-Main Event
 
Terrell Gausha Earns Unanimous Decision Victory Over Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez
 
Click HERE For Photos (Photos Forthcoming)
Photo Credit: Leo Wilson Jr./Premier Boxing Champions
TOLEDO, OH (February 10) – Nearly 10,000 fans turned out for hometown hero Robert Easter (19-0, 14 KOs) as he impressively defended his lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (22-5-1, 16 KOs) at the Huntington Center in Toledo, OH in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV. The 2012 Olympic alternate used his reach and power throughout the fight, knocking Cruz down three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Cruz’s best round came in the fifth as he turned up the action, giving Easter a pause more than once and pushed the champion toward the ropes. After that round, it was all Easter who threw flurries of punches, not always depending on his range, doing his best to pin Cruz back with powerful hooks and body shots. Easter wasn’t fazed by seeing the 10th round for the third time in his career as a big right hand sent Cruz to the canvas for the first knockdown of the fight. Cruz impressively rose to his feet, but Easter didn’t relent.
He continued his conquest and with 10 seconds to go in the 11th round, Cruz was saved by the bell after being knocked down again. Fighting to the finish, Easter gave the raucous crowd what they came for as he threw a big right hand that nearly ended the fight. Cruz did notably did not quit, but was no match for Easter as the judges scored the bout 119-106, 118-107, 117-108.
In the co-main event, three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren (14-2, 4 KOs) came out strong from the opening bell as he utilized his hand speed and power by knocking Zhanat Zhakiyanov (27-1, 18 KOs) of Kazakhstan not once, but twice. Warren, who was defending his bantamweight title for the first time, could not finish the fight in the first round despite throwing a flurry of unanswered punches following the two knockdowns. The tables started to turn in favor of Zhakiyanov in the third round as he threw several consecutive uppercuts, pressuring Warren against the ropes. He threw two right hooks that knocked Warren to the canvas, but referee Gary Rosato ruled it a slip.
Trained and promoted by former unified world champion Ricky Hatton, Zhakiyanov applied pressure throughout the middle rounds, wearing Warren down. But the Cincinnati-native seemed to have gotten a second wind to kick-off the eighth round as he turned up the heat with one minute to go. Zhakiyanov continued to put pressure on Warren and use his strength. The fight was action packed from start to finish, but it was the Kazakh who earned the split decision victory with scores of 116-110, 115-111 for Zhakiyanov and 115-111 Warren.
The telecast kicked off with a middleweight bout between Cleveland-native Terrell Gausha(20-0, 9 KOs)and Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez (15-4, 8 KOs). Gausha established his jab midway through the first round with three straight right hands to the face of Hernandez. However, it was Hernandez who surprised Gausha with a huge overhand right that floored the 2012 Olympian. Gausha easily bounced back from the knock down and was able to get himself out of trouble and continued to show his power throughout.
Referee Jim Howe deducted a point from Hernandez after two low blows in the seventh round. Hernandez remained determined despite taking a lot of big shots, especially in the ninth round when Gausha was a few shots away from ending the fight. In the end, Gausha earned a unanimous decision with scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91.
FIGHTER & PROMOTER QUOTES:
Robert Easter Jr:
“It was very important for me to remain focused tonight but also have fun. My people came out in full force so I wanted to give them a show, a night to remember. I feel like I did that, even though I wish I could’ve given them the knockout.
“I admit, I was very surprised that Luis Cruz could take my punches like that and finish the fight. When I had him down and hurt (in round 10), I thought he was done. I give him credit. He came a long way and showed a lot of heart.
“I said before the fight and I’m going to keep saying it – I’m here to collect all them belts. I’m not gonna pretend to be that guy who doesn’t call out other fights. I’m calling out Mikey Garcia, Jorge Linares and Terry Flanagan. I want them to see what we were able to do here tonight, the crowd I pulled in. I’m a superstar on the rise and now it’s time for me to collect my prizes and bring these fights and all of the belts home to Toledo.
“Even in seeing my brother (Rau’Shee Warren) lose a fight we all thought he won, I couldn’t let that distract what I had to do in the ring. I hated that Rau’Shee had to go through that again – losing in the Olympics three times, not getting his win in the first fight with Juan Carlos Payano, then not getting his belt for months after winning it, and now losing it like that. He’s had it rough, but we’re a team and we have to pick each other up. That became my mission to rise for the sake of the team.
“Realistically I’d like to come back maybe May or June. It’s always hard work but I’m not cut or marked up. I want to stay active and get all the champions and best challengers out there. TBT – The Bunny Team is getting ready to take over.”
Luis Cruz:
“He’s a very strong fighter. I wanted to do more but he took away my energy late in the fight. The first knockdown took a lot of out me. I felt dizzy but it was important for me to finish the fight on my feet. I never stopped trying to win, but he a great champion and the best I’ve ever faced.
“I’m going to return home (in Puerto Rico) and enjoy time with my family. I need to rest and relax. After that, I’ll think about what’s next for my career.”
Zhanat Zhakiyanov:
“I knew at the end of the fight that I deserved to win, but because of where we were, we weren’t sure if the judges would give it to us. So that surprised us, but not that I won the fight. I was hurt early, but I outworked him in almost every round after that and was the stronger fighter in the end.
“The knockdowns shocked me, but (trainer and promoter, former two-division world champion) Ricky Hatton kept me level-headed, telling me the adjustments I had to make. Once I was able to get inside and force the action, I saw (Warren’s) energy level drop.
“We are grateful that he gave us the opportunity to fight for the world title. It’s an amazing feeling to win that belt. He feels like he won the fight and wants the rematch. We can definitely talk about doing that. I’ve fought everywhere in the world and don’t back down from any challenge.”
Ricky Hatton: 
“We were surprised when Zhanat went down like that in the beginning of the fight. I just wanted to remind him what he does better and what Rau’Shee is good at. He is never going to outbox him; he had to get in his chest, he had to mug him and make it a brawl. Zhanat did that very well and that’s how he won the fight.
“If we lost the fight, we would have been upset, but we’d know it wouldn’t have been a bad decision. I know that Warren is gutted, he feels like he won the fight and let’s be honest – it was the type of fight where no matter who won, the loser would have felt like he deserved to have his hand raised.
“Their styles make for a great fight. Why not do it again? Not just because it was close but because it was such a great action fight and it always will be.”
Rau’Shee Warren:
“Man, I won that fight. I knocked him down, I was landing the cleaner punches and making him miss. What it is, the judges are favoring aggressive fighters, even when they ain’t even landing.
“I went through the same thing with (Juan Carlos) Payano, losing the first fight that I should’ve won and then getting the decision in the rematch. So now I have to prove to these judges the second time what I should’ve got tonight. Of course I want that rematch. I want it next, I want my world titles back.
“Obviously you can always do more. We’re gonna go back, look at what we could’ve done differently and make sure the judges don’t take it from me no more.”
Terrell Gausha:
“The knockdown was legitimate, but that was (Hernandez’) only good moment in the fight. He caught me clean, but it happened to me before (versus William Waters earlier in his career). Just like I did back then, I immediately adjusted and controlled the rest of the fight.
“It felt good to get so much from the fans in Toledo and all my fans that came from Cleveland (Gausha’s hometown). It was a great night out here and I’d love to do it again whenever they’re ready to bring us back here or even in my hometown.
“I’m ready to return whenever my team says the next opportunity is there for me. Hopefully it’s as soon as possible. This is going to be a big year for me.”
Luis Hernandez:
“I had him hurt but I didn’t finish him. I didn’t throw enough punches to slow him down after I knocked him down. He deserved to win; I could have done better and will do better in the future. I hope PBC brings me back soon as I want to show I belong with the best.”
Adrien Broner:
“It was a great turnout tonight. This was the first big promotion for About Billions; it definitely won’t be the last. We got my fight next week in Cincinnati and we gonna keep coming back strong.”
Ravone Littlejohn, CEO of About Bilions Promotions:
“It was a bittersweet night for us, with Robert Easter looking like a superstar but then with Rau’Shee Warren not getting the victory. We wanted the win in both fights for the fans, but the judges saw what they saw in Rau’Shee’s fight.
“The crowd exceeded our expectations. We knew it would be a big turnout but when they opened up the entire venue and we saw nearly all the seats filled, it was a special feeling. Now we get to roll this over to Adrien’s fight next week and look forward to keep bringing big events to Ohio.”
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @RauSheeWarren, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina. Easter vs. Cruz was promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.
Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC “DETROIT CITY GOLD” BOXING EVENT ON FRIDAY, MARCH 10, AT MGM GRAND DETROIT, FEATURING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST CLARESSA SHIELDS AND PRESENTED BY SALITA PROMOTIONS

DETROIT (Feb. 10, 2017) – Tickets are now on sale for Salita Promotions’ history-making boxing event “Detroit City Gold” on Friday, March 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Flint, Michigan native Claressa Shields taking on Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados.
 
Priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50, tickets for “Detroit City Gold” are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at800.745.3000.
 
To be presented live on SHOWTIME®, “Detroit City Gold” will mark the first time in history a women’s boxing match has headlined on premium television. Their ShoBox: The New Generation serieshas sparked the careers of 67 future world champions.
 
The six-round main event between Shields (1-0) and Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs), that will also be for the Women’s NABF Middleweight Championship, tops a quadrupleheader of exciting televised fights.
 
Shields won her first Olympic Gold when she was 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012.  She defended her title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, becoming the only American boxer to defend amateur sports’ premier championship.
 
“Detroit City Gold” marks the return of big-time boxing to the Detroit area, something promoter Dmitriy Salita is proud to be part of.
 
“I started the Detroit Brawl series of shows to get people excited about boxing again and they’ve responded very well,” said Salita. “So now we are bringing a huge event to this great city that was once and will be again a headquarters for boxing. Thank you to all the fans and sponsors and to MGM Grand Detroit for making it possible.”
 
The 21-year-old Shields cruised to a 77-1 amateur record before turning professional last November, winning her first bout via unanimous decision on a non-televised undercard in Las Vegas.  She now returns home as a headliner to take on the veteran Szabados in a six-round middleweight bout.
 
Szabados challenged for a world title in July 2015 in her ninth professional fight, losing a decision to undefeated WBC Super Middleweight Champion Nikki Adler in Germany.  The native of Miskolc, Hungary has faced two former world champions, Mikaela Lauren and Noni Tenge, and has won via knockout in three of her last five victories. 
 
In her U.S. debut, Szabados lost a 10-round decision to then-undefeated prospect Alicia Napoleon on January 29, 2016, in Queens, N.Y.  The 26-year-old has remained active since turning professional in 2014.  She fought eight fights in 2016, and already has a win in 2017 via fifth round KO over Diana Marcz in January in Budapest, Hungary. 
 

IVAN BARANCHYK vs. ABEL RAMOS SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR TRIPLEHEADER TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

 

Friday, March 10 at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.

 

Click HERE To Download Weigh-In Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

Click HERE To Download Press Conference Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MIAMI, OKLA. (Feb. 9, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and once-beaten Abel Ramos weighed-in on Thursday for their 10-round main event tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort in Miami, Okla.

 

The hard-hitting Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs), who trains in Los Angeles and fights out of Miami, has scored 10 KOs inside of three full rounds, while the aggressive-mindedRamos (17-1-2, 12 KOs), of Casa Grande, Ariz., has knocked out three straight and promises to be the toughest test of Baranchyk’s career.

 

Undefeated former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joeseph “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., meet in a matchup of undefeated light heavyweights in an eight-round featured bout.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Ivan Baranchyk: 140 Pounds

Abel Ramos: 139 ½ Pounds

 

Lenin Castillo: 177 ¼ Pounds

Joseph Williams: 178 ½ ounds

 

Jon Fernandez: 129 ½ Pounds

Ernesto Garza: 126 ¼ Pounds

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

IVAN “THE BEAST” BARANCHYK:

“I’m working with a new trainer (Eduard Kravtsov) at Wild Card Gym.  We had some mistakes with our old team and it was time for me to move on.  It was my decision to move on.

 

“We have better sparring now, a new coach, new strategy.  Wild Card is a different experience.  We have tough sparring, tough training.  It was a good change.

 

“I’m still the same aggressive fighter; I come forward and try to stop you.  We’re just working on a few new things, more combos, better defense.

 

“Ramos is my toughest opponent, but we’re ready for everything he brings.  We’re ready to fight on the inside, on the outside.

 

“The game plan is to get the victory. That’s the most important

 

“The first couple rounds are the most dangerous.  We know he’s tough and experienced.  We need to make it my fight, style-wise.

 

“My last two fights went the distance, but it was good to know I can go 10 rounds.  It was good to get that experience.

 

“People connect with me here (in Miami, Okla.).  I can’t explain it, it just works.”

 

ABEL RAMOS:

“Ivan is a different fighter.  We know what we’re getting in there with and we’re going to feel out his power.  His last two fights went the distance so he must not hit that hard.  We’re going to wear him out.

 

“Ivan is aggressive, and he can be explosive at times, but he makes mistakes.  He fights a little wild.

 

“I think I can start to worry him.  We’re going to test his power and decide how I need to fight.  He hasn’t fought anyone at my level yet.

 

“I have to win this fight.  This is my third time on SHOWTIME and I have to win.  I have to make a statement.

 

“I’ve been working on pushing the pace.  You’ll see some of that tomorrow night.

 

“We sparred with Sergey Lipenets, helping him get ready for his fight in December.  That was a good experience for us.

 

“I’ve learned lot since my loss to Regis (Prograis – ShoBox, 2015).  I’m training harder, working in the gym, taking this more seriously.

 

“I’m here to show that I’m back and ready for the top guys.  I’ve had three wins by knockout since the loss.  I’m a different fighter.”

 

LENIN CASTILLO:

“We know Williams is an aggressive fighter that comes forward.  I’ve seen some tape.  I’m expecting him to come at me.  But it’s nothing I’ve never seen before.

 

“I need to bring the pressure so the judges won’t have any doubt.  I need to fight my fight.

 

“I think I’ve fought the better opponents.  I think my experience is going to be the difference.

 

“The quality of fighters here (in the U.S.) is better than back home (Dominican Republic).  This is where I want to fight now.”

 

JOSEPH “MACK” WILLIAMS:

“He (Castillo) has a few more fights, but mostly in the Dominican Republic, so we don’t know how good he actually is.

 

“He’s never fought anyone like me.  He’s going to come with confidence because he’s 15-0 with 10 KOs.  He’s confident because he’s Olympian.  But he’s never faced anyone like me.

 

“He may be an Olympian, but look who I fought in the amateurs.  Look at the men that I beat.  And those guys are mostly cruiserweights now.  I’m much stronger at light heavyweight.

 

“This is the right time and right place for us.  This is a huge opportunity.

 

“I don’t think he’s the best fighter I’ve faced.  If I hit him clean I don’t think it will go that far.  I’m going to go in there with an open mind and exploit his weakness.

 

“I’ve gradually moved down in weight.  I’m faster at light heavyweight.  When I was heavy I took my time.  I’m sharper, faster.  I’m just a totally different person.

 

“I always compare myself to James Toney.  I can hit hard, I can take a punch, and I’m slick.  What you see will depend on my opponent.  If I feel he’s weak, I’ll jump early.  I can brawl, I can box.  I’m explosive.”

 

JON FERNANDEZ:

“I sparred with (Carl) Frampton in Las Vegas for the (Leo) Santa Cruz fight.  It was a great experience sparring with him three times a week.  It gave me more confidence knowing I could handle him.

 

“Garza is basically the same height as Frampton, so that will be an advantage.

 

“I know he’s going to come at me, and we’re ready for that.  I need to keep my rhythm and make it an entertaining fight.  I believe my power and speed will be the difference.  I throw a lot of punches.

 

“This fight means a lot to me.  We’re both good fighters and the TV exposure means a lot.  It’s a good opportunity and I need to take advantage of it.”

 

ERNESTO GARZA:

“We’re going to give him something he’s never seen before.  We’re going to bring the action.

 

“I’ve always been an aggressive fighter.  I like to bring the pressure.

 

“I’ve faced guys as tall as him before, I fought a guy that was 6-foot-2.  I know I need to get inside with a guy like this.

 

“I’ve seen a lot of his fights, and I don’t think he’s a fast puncher.  He always fights the same style, and his opponents are always there for the taking.  I’m not going to be there for him to hit like that.

 

“This is my chance.  This is a big opportunity for me.”

 

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions.  Fernandez vs. Garza is promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Gerald Washington Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Unbeaten Heavyweight Takes on Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Saturday, February 25 in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama
 
Click HERE for Photos from Tom Hogan/Hogan Photos/TGB Promotions
 
LOS ANGELES (February 9, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington held an open workout Thursday for Los Angeles-area media as he prepares to challenge unbeaten heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes, Saturday, February 25 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of exciting matchups as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison andJarrett Hurd meet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazealebattles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.
Here is what Washington had to say Thursday from Pullman’s Gym in Burbank:
GERALD WASHINGTON
“We’ve had a great training camp and I’m feeling good. We got the fight on short notice but we had been training for a while, so I’ll be prepared.
“If Deontay showboats in the ring with me, I’m going to hit him in his mouth. Deontay better take me seriously. Because I am real and I’m coming.”
“This fight came at the perfect time for us. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete. We’re always ready. This is our life and we love to be here.
“We have more than a puncher’s chance. We do a lot of different training, drills and mental work to get ready for this fight. Every fight I’ve had has prepared me for this moment. My fight against Amir Mansour was the turning point of my career. I learned some good lessons and I’m looking to have a great performance.
“Deontay has his opinion on if I’m ready, but everyone has certain tests in life they have to pass. I’m ready to test myself against the best.
“‘I’ve worked hard from day one in the sport to get to where I am. I’ve had to learn my lessons and take my time to get to a point where I can be in a fight like this. I’m grateful for the process I’ve had to get here.
“My dream would be to fill-up the L.A. Coliseum. I’d love to fight as a heavyweight world champion there. That building has a lot of history. I want to bring my world title belt back to USC and put it there with all of those Heisman trophies. This will make my legacy there.
“I have so much to fight for and to push me and drive me towards my goal. If I focus on those things, it’ll give me everything I need to keep pushing forward.
“I’m not worried about Deontay’s knockouts. I’m going to take care of my business. I know what my job is and what my goal is. I’m putting my head down and getting to work.”
JOHN PULLMAN, Washington’s Trainer
“This is an exciting opportunity. Everything had to play out perfectly for us to get this shot. You can’t argue with destiny. We didn’t expect it to happen like this, but our team culture is to always stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.
“The major separation between Deontay Wilder and Gerald is that Gerald is the smarter fighter. He knows how to adapt and it’s going to make a big difference in this fight.
“Gerald is going to win this fight. How he wins, I don’t like to say and put any unnecessary pressure on us. But all I can say is, he’s going to win.”
#          #          #
ABOUT WILDER vs. WASHINGTON
Deontay Wilder vs. Gerald Washington is a heavyweight showdown between the WBC Champion Wilder and the unbeaten Washington that takes place Saturday, February 25 from the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama. Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a pair of exciting matchups as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurdmeet in a 12-round world title eliminator, plus hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale battles undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh in heavyweight action.
Additional action on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super middleweight Caleb Plant battling Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono and undefeated knockout artist Jorge Lara facing Jhon Gemino.
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, the show will be simulcast on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.

Undefeated Light-Heavyweight Prospect Ahmed Elbiali Back In The Gym After Year-Long Layoff, Targets March Return

MIAMI, FL (February 9, 2017) – After fracturing his hand last year, unbeaten light heavyweight prospect, Ahmed Elbiali (14-0, 11 KOs), is back in the gym.  Elbiali suffered the setback in his last bout against Andrew Hernandez, a fight that took place in January of 2016.  The Miami based fighter is looking to come back in March, in a bout that most likely will be televised.
“The hand is one hundred percent healed and I’m ready to get back in the mix,” said Ahmed Elbiali. “It’s been over a year since I’ve been back in the ring, but during the time off, I really focused on staying in shape.  I didn’t let the layoff affect me in a way where I was going to be depressed.  I worked on a lot of other aspects of my game that I feel I’ve improved on.  Now it’s time to get back in there and march toward a world title.”
Elibial was on the fast track to the top of the light heavyweight division.  He started off his career with nine straight knockouts.  In his last two fights, both 8-round bouts, he’s went distance.  That experience has helped him gain confidence in his ability to go deep in fights.
“When I first turned professional, I had a lot of early knockouts,” Elbiali continued. “It was nice getting my opponent out of there early but I didn’t know who my body would react if I had to go deep into fights.  So, the fact that I was able to go the full eight rounds in my last two fights, gives me confidence going into the next chapter of my career.  Right now, I’m just eager to get back in the ring and shake off the rust.  I know with hard work, I’ll have an opportunity to become a world champion.  That is the ultimate goal.”