Tag Archives: boxing

Professional Boxing returns Jan. 19 to Worcester Junior lightweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez headlines Inaugural “Tshiab hais tus yav tom ntej” series event

Worcester, Pawg. (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 29, 2016) — Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) held a press conference yesterday to formally announce its inaugural show, “Tshiab hais tus yav tom ntej,” Thursday night, Lub ib hlis ntuj 19, at the Worcester Palladium. It will mark the first professional boxing event in Worcester, located in Central Mass., nyob rau hauv tsib lub xyoos.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-lub sij hawm, 2-division ntiaj teb no yeej Jose Antonio “Lub Gallo” Riveraalong with his son, AnthoneeAJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.
It’s all about the fighters,” RPE CEO Jose Antonio Rivera said. “I’m in a unique position as a promoter because of my boxing background. I hard it is for local fighters to get fights, which is why we have so many with less than six pro fights and five pro debuts fighters on this card. They are why we’re here today. I never had a press conference until I was much more established in my career. This is about them showcasing their skills.
After my son graduated from Johnson Wales University with a degree in Sports Management, he told me he was ready to form Rivera Promotions Entertainment, as we had discussed, and promote shows. I lost a lot of money promoting a show in 2008, so I told him to put a plan together first and within a week he did. He had gotten his feet wet in the business as an intern for a boxing promoter. We went over the plan ad decided that we can do this. We’re not signing fighters, txoj cai tam sim no, we’re helping them build their careers. We do a lot of hard work behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see; the fighters work in the gym. I’m really excited about January 19th. Irvin Gonzalez is a future world champion.
Daim pib, luv nqi ntawm $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) thiab $35.00 (general nkag), yog ntawm kev muag khoom thiab muaj nyob rau yuav ntawm www.ThePalladium.net los yog cov Palladium chaw ua hauj lwm (general nkag xwb), los yog los ntawm hu rau Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of any of the fighters. A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
We appreciate the support being given to us and the fighters who give their blood, sweat and tears for you,” RPE president A.J. Rivera added. “I got into the business side of boxing as an intern working for CES. In Worcester, we have 11 active fighters, all on the rise, and to bring boxing back to Worcester is special, Teamwork makes dreams work. I also want to note that none of these fighters turned down a single opponent we offered.
Promising junior lightweight prospect, 2015 Tshiab hais Golden hnab looj tes yeej Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 Kos), fighting out of Worcester, will be showcased in the 6-round main event against Mexican invader Oscar Eduardo Quezada (2-1, 1 KO).
I’m very excited to be fighting in my hometown for the first time as a pro,” Gonzalez commented. “I fought here as an amateur but that’s not the same as fighting in the main event and my first 6-rounder. Don’t take your eyes off the ring when I fight. I’m going to be 5-0 with five knockouts on Lub ib hlis ntuj 19th.”
Nyob rau hauv lub 6-round co-feature, teeb heavyweight Reinaldo “bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 Kos), of nearby Springfield (MA), faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Andino Ranse in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 Kos), 49-year-old Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO) in his retirement fight vs. Philadelphian Shavonte Dixon (0-1), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Dorchester’s (MA) Brian Richardson (0-8), Hartford’s (I) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye Lub neeg tsav nkoj txiv neej” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Huston Crayton (1-8, 0 Kos), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Puerto Rican Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 Kos) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2, 0 Kos), 2016 N.W. Golden hnab looj tes yeej Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (I), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Saugus (MA) teeb heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 Kos) vs. Mexican veteran Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 Kos) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) Heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 Kos) vs. TBA.
Tag nrho cov sib ntaus thiab tua hluav taws yuav raug hloov.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
NTAUB NTAWV:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp

Baltimore Boxing to help raise funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Baltimore, MD (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 29, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Pro Boxing will assist with fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in association with their “Scary Night at the Fights” card Friday, Lub ib hlis ntuj 13 at Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD.

A nonprofit headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) tau nrhiav tau nyob rau hauv 1949 and is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services.

Baltimore Boxing is providing a helping hand to Dulaney High School junior Erin Hill’s fundraising efforts for LLS by running a 50/50 raffle and silent auction. Hill, who lost her uncle Gene from Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2010, is also a nominee for Student of the Year.

“Jake Smith is an amazing person for supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Hill. “He has a great heart and I know he’s always doing things to help others in association with his boxing events. Jake is a very important member in the Baltimore community.”

Headlining “Scary Night at the Fights” is an eight round super middleweight contest between rugged Baltimorean Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow and unbeaten Virginia native Chauncey “Grimm” Fields.

Nicklow has a solid 25-8-3 cov ntaub ntawv nrog 8 knockouts and is a fan favorite in Maryland. He looks to rebound from recent defeats against world class opposition and has never lost in his home state. With only four fights under his belt, Fields is taking a significant step up in competition. Rather than continue the standard record building process, Fields’ team is confident their fighter has much more to gain by defeating the established Nicklow.

Somebody’s 0 must go in the six round co-feature when super middleweights “Dangerous” Donald Wallace and Tahir Thomas square off. Baltimore’s Wallace is 1-0 with a first round knockout and exceeded expectations during his time in the amateurs. Fighting out of Salisbury, MD, Thomas has a solid 4-0-1 ledger with 3 yeej los ntawm knockout. Nyob rau hauv nws feem ntau tsis ntev los no sib ntau sib tw, Thomas drew with 10-0 Antowyan Aikens.

Veteran Michael “The Amazing” Gbenga looks for his 22nd victory when he faces an opponent to be named at light heavyweight.

All ticketholders will also have the opportunity to watch the amateur portion of the card including a heavyweight title rematch between Brian “Bam Bam” Haneschlager and Dallas Butts.

Other pro and amateur bouts will be announced shortly.

Daim pib los ntawm $50 are on sale at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175.

Thurman vs Porter topples all comers as PBC’s Fight of the Year

Nyem NTAWM NO for story & NTAWM NO for video
via PremierBoxingChampions.com
It was a fight that was as competitive as it was engaging, a championship bout in which both participants put it all on the line until the final bell sounded. Nyob rau hauv lub kawg, there would be only one winner in the world title fight between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, but there certainly was no loser.
Keith Thurman yeej Shawn Porter by unanimous decision to retain his 147-pound world championship at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, rau Lub rau hli ntuj 25 in a back-and-forth battle between two fighters in the prime of their careers.
Considering the importance and the competitive quality of the bout, Thurman vs Porter was selected by the staff of Premier Boxing Champions as PBC’s Fight of the Year for 2016.
The Thurman-Porter showdown edged out a thrilling cast of contenders that included Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton, Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. thiab Robert Easter Jr. vs Richard Commey.
Although Thurman won by identical scores of 115-113 from all three ringside judges, the discrepancy in arriving at the final result showed just how even the fight truly was. The judges were in complete agreement on just six of the 12 rounds (giving four to Thurman), and the six disputed rounds were split down the middle for each fighter.
Also underscoring the competitiveness of those 12 rounds is the fact Porter landed just one more total punch (236-235) than Thurman, although the champ connected with more of his power shots (203-177).
Thurman-Porter was the first prime-time fight on CBS since Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in February 1978, and it proved worthy of the big stage as it gained a peak audience of nearly 4 lab cas rau cov neeg.
The fight didn’t take long to heat up as Porter bulled his way inside in the early rounds against Thurman, who relied on his footwork and counterpunching in his attempts to neutralize the former world champion.
Thurman finally broke through with some big shots in the closing seconds of Round 3, landing with both hands while backed against the ropes. He rocked Porter again late in the fourth with a pair of left hooks to gain the early advantage.
Porter roared back and controlled the next three rounds as he used his physical approach to work effectively inside. Then he tagged Thurman in Round 8 with a potent left hook to the body that caused the champ to retreat so he could recover.
The bout reached a crescendo in the ninth and 10th as the longtime friends engaged in consecutive Round of the Year candidates in which they stood toe-to-toe and exchanged leather with unrelenting ferocity.
Although there were no knockdowns, the intense competitiveness and ebb and flow of the fight made it an instant classic.
While there is no guarantee of a rematch since Thurman is now scheduled for a Lub peb hlis ntuj 4 title unification bout against unbeaten Danny Garcia, the prospect of a Thurman-Porter II is certainly a welcome one.
I would give him a rematch,” Thurman hais tias. “Nws yog ib tug zoo sib ntaus. He was a great opponent.
Said Porter: “We need that rematch. I know the fans want that rematch. … If he gives me another chance, I’m going to work hard and [lub sij hawm no] leave with his title.
Coming Friday: the PBC Fighter of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website

Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder Returns to Defend His Title Against Polish Challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 25 From Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama

Tickets On-Sale Tomorrow with
New Year’s PackageAvailable Through Lub ib hlis ntuj 2!
Birmingham, AL (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 28, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “Lub Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 Kos) will defend his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces once-beaten challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk (33-1, 19 Kos) nyob rau hauv lub ntsiab kev tshwm sim ntawm Premier Boxing Champions rau FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Lub ob hlis ntuj 25, from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama.
Televised kev pab them nqi pib thaum 8 p.m. THIAB/5 p.m. PT and will feature the only American heavyweight world champion headlining his third primetime show on network television, after Wilder most recently stopped Chris Arreola after eight-rounds of action on FOX in July. The champion suffered hand and bicep injuries during the fight, but returns on February 25 fully healthy.
I’m excited about defending my world championship for a fifth time and in front of my great fans at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Lub ob hlis ntuj 25,” hais tias Wilder. “It’s always fun to display my talents in front of the hometown fans. It’s an opportunity that I always look forward to and it brings out the best in me. I’m healthy and I’m ready to put on a fantastic show.
I’m extremely motivated to fight for the heavyweight title against a great fighter like Deontay Wilder,” said Wawrzyk. “Fighting for the world title has always been my dream. To fight against such a great athlete as Wilder is an extremely difficult challenge, but one I am ready for. I have trained for this since I was a teenager. Rau Lub ob hlis ntuj 25 I will step into the ring ready to fight and win against the most dangerous man on the planet.
The city of Birmingham is beyond excited to have Deontay return to defend his title,” said Birmingham Mayor William Bell. “He has become a great ambassador for our community and we can’t wait to see him compete once again.
Daim pib rau lub nyob kev tshwm sim, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing in association with Bruno Event Team, pib ntawm $25 (tsis xws li siv cov nqi) thiab yog muag Thursday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 29. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com. Fans can purchase theNew Year’s Package” los ntawm Monday, Lub ib hlis ntuj 2 and receive two Upper Level Tickets for $35.
We are thrilled that Deontay’s two surgeries went so well and that he rehabbed like the champ he is,” hais tias Lou DiBella, Thawj Tswj Hwm ntawm DiBella Lom ze. “Raws li ib tug tshwm sim, he will be able to fight on Lub ob hlis ntuj 25, in another defense of his WBC Heavyweight Championship against rugged Polish contender Andrzej Wawrzyk. We are not looking past Wawrzyk, but we believe we will find out that Deontay is back to full strength and ready for an active 2017, with major matchups ahead. We are happy to return to Deontay’s fighting home base of Birmingham, Alabama.We hope that Deontay’s fans will take advantage of the special ‘New Year’s Packagebeing offered at this time. Happy New Year to all.
We are very excited that Andrzej Wawrzyk is getting the opportunity to challenge Deontay Wilder for the world title,” hais tias Leon Margules, Thawj Tswj Hwm ntawm Warriors Boxing. “Andrzej has accomplished a lot in his career by becoming a top contender with a 33-1 cov ntaub ntawv. This opportunity is a ‘feather in his cap,’ and with a victory, he will make history and become the first heavyweight champion from Poland. I expect Andrzej to make the most of this opportunity and Warriors Boxing is excited to be a part of it.
We are excited to work with DiBella Entertainment to bring the fourth heavyweight boxing championship to the state of Alabama,” hais tias Noob Hallman, tus thawj tswj hwm thiab CEO ntawm Bruno kev tshwm sim Team, a leader in delivering event excellence. “Deontay Wilder always puts on a great show and we encourage Alabama boxing fans to show their support for the Bronze Bomber.
The heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa is itching to get back in the ring after defending his title four times thus far with stoppages of Eric Molina, Johann Duhaupas, Artur Szpilka and most recently Arreola.Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder yeej lub bronze medal ntawm heavyweight rau lub US. nyob rau ntawm lub 2008 Olympic ua si. He was the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics until Shakur Stevenson and Nico Hernandez earned medals at the Rio 2016 ua si. The 31-year-old won the world title with a dominant decision over Bermane Stiverne in January 2015. This fight will mark the ninth time Wilder fights in his home state of Alabama as a pro.
Fighting out of Krakow, Poland, Wawrzyk has won six fights in a row, all inside the distance, since his lone defeat to Alexander Povetkin in 2013. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 27 fights after turning pro in 2006. Wawrzyk owns victories over Frans Botha, Danny Williams, Denis Bakhtov and Devin Vargas. He has won both of his previous starts in the United States, including a knockout of Mike Sheppard in September 2015 on a Wilder undercard at Legacy Arena.
Yog xav paub ntxiv, mus ntsib www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepagethiab foxdeportes.com. Ua raws li ntawm TwitterPremierBoxing, BronzeBomber, FOXSports, FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/FoxSports thiab www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Ua raws li cov kev sib tham siv #PBConFOX. PBC rau FOX yog txhawb nqa los ntawm Corona, finest Beer.

GYM SIGNS FRENCH OLYMPIAN CHRISTIAN M’BILLI ASSOMO

Yees duab Credit: JBAutissier/Panoramic
Montreal (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 27, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (Gym) is proud to announce the promotional contract signing of 2016 French Olympian Christian M’Billi Assomo to an exclusive promotional contact.He will settle in Quebec and make his professional debut there in early 2017.
Known in the ring as Le Solide” (The Solid), Assomo will arrive in Montreal at the beginning of January, when he will start working with world-class trainer Marc Ramsay and his outstanding team.
The spectacular 21-year-old Assomo has all the tools to achieve his goal of becoming world champion, as well as a great star in international boxing. As a Frenchman, his primary language is that spoken in Quebec, which will facilitate his adaptation and connection with the local media.
A native of Yaoundé in Cameroon, he moved at the age of seven to France, where he learned by chance to box at the Montargis Club. Assomo quickly developed into a powerful, serious tough and highly successful boxer. He became a major name on the international amateur scene in the middleweight division (165 lbs./75 kg).
A member of the French Army, Assomo had a truly impressive amateur record, capturing gold medals at the 2013 European Junior Championship, 2014 European Union Championship thiab European Olympic Qualification Tournament, as well as maintaining an unbeaten record (4-0) in the World Series of Boxing (WSB).
Thaum lub 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Assomo defeated Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov and Ecuadorian Marlon Delgado prior tolosing in a furious battle to the eventual Olympic gold medalist, Arlen Lopez, ofCuba.
At the outset,” GYM President Yvon Michel hais tias, “we were interested in his talent, determination and willingness to do well. There’s also his engaging personality and he has the discipline to become the best. We are very excited to work with him. I am convinced that he has the potential to become world champion.
I am very pleased with this agreement with the Groupe Yvon Michel,” Assomo ntxiv. “I’m sure this is the beginning of a great adventure. I look forward to my first performance. GYM knew how to attract me: by its past, by the boxers it supports, by its structure,”
After a good career among amateurs, rich in results,” French National Boxing Team coach John Dovi explained, “it is time for Christian to go into the pro ranks. His offensive style and overall boxing skills will allow him, I am sure, to reach the highest level.
I started following Christian M’Billi’s amateur career two years ago and his successes on the international scene were more than impressive,” Ramsey commented. “I am very happy to associate myself with such a disciplined and talented boxer. I see a very promising future for this young man.
Christian M’Billi fuels such high intensity,” GYM Vice President of Operations and Recruitment Bernard Barré sau. “Fans will be in ecstasy watching such a powerful and exciting pugilist.
Assomo, who is currently training in France, fought his last amateur bout on December 3rd. The goal is to have him boxing on Lub ob hlis ntuj 9 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.
Facts:
Muaj hnub nyoog: 21 (Lub peb hlis ntuj 26, 1995)
Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Residence: Montargis, Fabkis
Cov kev faib: Middleweight (165 lb in the amateurs)
Qhov siab: 5’9”
Stance: Orthodox
Npe menyuam yaus: ”Le Solide
Performances;
Participant at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Undefeated in the World Series of Boxing (WSB), 4-0 cov ntaub ntawv
Gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic European Qualification Tournament
Gold medalist at the 2014 European Union Championship
Gold medalist at the 2013 European Junior Championship
Gold medalist at the 2015 French Championship
Record of 72-13-1
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (Gym): Groupe Yvon Michel (Gym) tau nrhiav tau nyob rau hauv 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events. GYM is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

VICTORY BOXING PROMOTIONS KICKS OFF 3 FIGHT PHILLY SERIES WITHSUPER BRAWLON JANUARY 28TH

Philadelphia – Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 27, 2016Victory Boxing Promotions kicks off 2017 nrog “Super Brawl,” a ten-bout card featuring world class talent from Philadelphia and beyond, Saturday, January 28th ntawm 2300 Arena in South Philly.
Jaron Ennis (8-0, 7KO) will showcase his talents at welterweight in his ninth fight since his professional debut in April of last year. Ennis, who took home his second Briscoe Award earlier this year for his outstanding amateur career, delivered a phenomenal performance in his sixth round stoppage of Marucs Beckford (3-5-3, 1KO) earlier this month. The Ennis family has deep roots in the Philadelphia boxing scene. The 19-year-old is trained by his father and former professional boxer, Derrick “bozy” Ennis, and is the younger brother of DerrickPoohEnnis and Farah Ennis, who were themselves accomplished professional boxers.

Another Philadelphia favorite, super bantamweight Manny “Major Pain” Folly (8-0, 6KO), continues his quest to remain undefeated, while setting an example for the kids in his community. The Philadelphia Police Officer splits his time between training for boxing and protecting his community and fellow Philadelphia residents. He turned heads in his last fight, a first round knockout win over Hungarian Tibor Nadori (9-7-1, 4KO) nyob rau hauv Kaum ib hlis.

Philadelphia super lightweight Yausua “Hands of Stone” Jones (3-0-1, 2KO) returns in his first fight since winning a wide unanimous decision over South Carolina’s Corey Edwards (2-2, 1KO) at Victory Boxing’s November card at 2300 Arena.

Elite talent, and incredibly hard-hitting Canadian prospect Adam Daranyi (9-0, 9KO), looks to continue his perfect run in a six round bout at super welterweight. Mexican super lightweight Carlos Sanchez, who racked up an 11-0 cov ntaub ntawv nyob rau hauv 11 lub hlis nyob rau hauv 2016, makes his first appearance in the City of Brotherly Love. UK talent Donovan Cameron (4-0, 4KO) also steps into the ring on January 28th nyob rau hauv ib tug super welterweight bout.

Amateur standouts Brandun Lee thiab Christian Camarena both make their highly-anticipated professional debuts on the card as well.

The card is the first of three events on the books for Victory Boxing Promotions in Philadelphia in the first half of 2017. In addition to January 28th, the promotion has scheduled events on March 31st and June 17th ntawm 2300 Arena.

We’re very excited about bringing some of the top Victory Boxing Promotions fighters to the 2300 Arena on January 28th, and again in March and June,” said Victory Boxing Promotions’ Owner & Promoter Chris Middendorf. “The community’s response there has been so positive, and we’re looking forward continuing to showcase these world class Philadelphia fighters in their hometown.

Tickets for Super Brawl begin at $40, and are now on sale at victoryboxingpromotions.com. Qhov rooj qhib rau ntawm 6:00 p.m., and first bell is at 7:00 p.m. Yog xav paub ntxiv mus xyuas victoryboxingpromotions.com.

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Yog xav paub ntxiv, press only:
Emily Pandelakis
Victory Boxing Promotions
For more information on Victory Boxing Promotions:

Lubin drops the ‘Hammeras PBC’s Rising Star of the Year

Nyem NTAWM NO for story and NTAWM NO for video via PremierBoxingChampions.com
Even before he signed a professional contract on his 18th birthday, Erickson Lubin had high expectations set upon him for 2016.
Nyob rau hauv 2013, Lubin was one of the United Statestop amateur boxers and being targeted as a surefire standout on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. Txawm li cas los, the talented southpaw swapped that dream for another on October 1, 2013, when he turned pro and began his quest to become a world champion.
While Erickson “Rauj” Lubin has yet to fight for a world title, let alone obtain one, his decision to forgo a shot at Olympic gold has remained fruitful.
Lubin (17-0, 12 Kos) continued his ascent in the 154-pound division in 2016 by winning all four of his fights in dominating fashion-two by knockout and two by unanimous decision. With his perfect performance, the staff of Premier Boxing Champions selected Lubin as PBC’s Rising Star of the Year.
The 21-year-old Orlando, Florida, native beat out fellow young guns Justin DeLoach, Jarrett Hurd thiab Sergey Lipinets, all of whom convincingly moved up the ladder in their respective weight classes this year.
Lubin, who in addition to his “Rauj” moniker has dubbed his right hand “Jack” and his leftSledge,” got his year started on Lub ib hlis ntuj 31 nrog ib tug 10-round decision over Mexico’s Jose De Jesus Macias in Immokalee, Florida.
While Lubin was unable to knock out Macias-a veteran who has never been stopped in 28 pro fights-he gained a fifth-round knockdown with a counter right hook and won every round on two scorecards, with the third judge giving him all but one round.
Lubin returned to the ring on Lub rau hli ntuj 18, kos ib tug third-round TKO of Daniel Sandoval nyob rau hauv Chicago. Hauv qhov kev sib tw ntawd, Lubin pounded the head and body of his Mexican opponent before hurting him with a body shot late in Round 3. While Sandoval did not go down, referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight at the 2:36 cim.
Less than a month later, Lubin jumped back in the ring against his third straight Mexican opponent, battling Ivan Montero in Birmingham, Alabama, rau Lub Xya hli ntuj 16. Montero entered the eight-round bout with a record of 20-1, and he gave Lubin his toughest test yet, as the fight went distance. Nyob rau hauv lub kawg, tab sis yog, the young southpaw proved his skills were superior, sweeping all three judges’ scorecards.
Lubin, who has never fought a boxer with a losing record, capped his year earlier this month in emphatic fashion with a second-round KO of Juan Ubaldo Cabrera nyob rau hauv Los Angeles. Hauv qhov kev sib tw ntawd, Lubin used both “Jack” thiab “Rauj” to drop Cabrera twice in Round 2 and gain his sixth stoppage in his last eight bouts.
As he continues to sharpen his skills with each passing bout, don’t be surprised if Erickson Lubin’s star continues to rise in 2017-perhaps all the way to the top of the super competitive 154-pound division.
Coming Wednesday: the PBC Knockout of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website

Easter, Commey hit all the right spots in PBC’s Round of the Year

Nyem NTAWM NO for story and video via PremierBoxingChampions.com
Entering the late stages of a competitive, action-packed fight with a vacant 135-pound world title at stake, Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey upped the ante in a thrilling three minutes that brought out the best in both men.
After Commey gained a questionable knockdown of Easter in the eighth round of their Cuaj hlis 9 bout at Santander Arena in Reading, Pennsylvania, there was complete uncertainty to which fighter had the edge on the judges’ scorecards.
With a date with greatness up for grabs, Robert Easter Jr. thiab Richard Commey wasted no time going back at it in Round 9, which the staff of Premier Boxing Champions has selected as PBC’s Round of the Year for 2016.
Easter-Commey beat out three other worthy candidates: Puag ncig 9 ntawm Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter, Puag ncig 2 ntawm Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton and Round 4 ntawm Adonis Stevenson vs Thomas Williams Jr. It was a closely contested round, with two of the judges siding with Easter and and one giving Commey the nod, which factored into Easter winning a split decision.
Cia li 10 seconds into Round 9, Easter and Commey moved into close quarters, exchanging heavy blows with both hands for nearly 30 seconds with little pause.
The fighters backed off nearly a minute in as they regrouped from the heated exchange and resumed a more measured approach working primarily with their jabs.
Commey, Txawm li cas los, quickly ramped the action back up about 90 seconds into the round as the Ghana native began to let loose with his right hand coming behind the jab.
With a minute left in the round and a partisan crowd filled with family and friends from his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, rooting him on, Easter appeared to gain the upper hand as he pinned Commey against the ropes and landed a couple of solid rights during a flurry of punches.
After escaping the barrage, tab sis yog, it was Commey’s turn to return fire as he landed a couple of rights before Easter responded with a head-turning left hook.
In the final 25 vib nas this, both fighters again exchanged rapid-fire blows before backing off just before the bell so that not only they could catch their breath, but that everyone watching could as well.
For a complete look back at Easter vs Commey, visit our fight page.
Coming Tuesday: the PBC Rising Star of the Year. For all of our year-end honors, follow our Best of PBC 2016 entries.
*This article originally ran on the Premier Boxing Champions website

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2017

Sunday, Plaub Hlis Ntuj 30 Induction noj
Dick Tsov, Jose Torres, Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo Snipes & Arthur Donovan head new class
TSHIAB YORK (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 26, 2016) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), txhawb nqa los ntawm nplhaib 8, has announced its 15-member Class of 2017. The sixth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday yav tav su (12:30-5:30 p.m. THIAB), Plaub Hlis Ntuj 30, ntawm Russo lub Rau Bay nyob rau hauv Howard Puam, New York.
“Ib zaug dua, “said NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy, “we’re honoring New York’s finest in our sport. This is all about recognizing great fighters, as well as others involved in boxing, from the state of New York. We’re expecting another knockout night.
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include Manhattan welterweight GasparEl IndioOrtega (131-39-6, 69 Kos), Yonkersworld heavyweight title challenger Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes (39-8-1, 22 Kos), Yonkers middleweight DougCobraDewitt (33-8-5, 19 Kos), thiab “Lub Bronx Bomber,” world middleweight title challenger Alex Ramos (39-10-2, 24 Kos)
Posthumous participants being inducted are Queensformer middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Dick Tiger (60-19-3, 27 Kos), Brooklyn/Manhattan light heavyeight world champion JoseChegui” Torres (41-3-1, 29 Kos), thiab “The Nonpareil”, Williamsburg middleweight world champion Jack Dempsey (51-4-11, 23 Kos).
Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are QueensInternational agent Don Majeski, Long Island matchmaker Ron Katz, Manhattan manager Stan Hoffman and past Ring 8 president/NYSAC judge Bobby Bartels.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn boxing historian Hank Kaplan, Long Island cut-man Al Gavin, Bronx referee Arthur Donovan and New York City columnist Dan Parker.
Txhua inductee yuav tau txais ib tug kev cai-tsim siv signifying nws induction rau hauv lub NYSBHOF.
Lub 2017 inductees raug xaiv los ntawm cov NYSBHOF nominating pawg neeg: Jack Lub, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero thiab Neil Terens.
Tag nrho boxers yuav tsum tau mus yuav tsaug zog rau tsawg kawg peb lub xyoos yuav tsum tau tsim nyog rau NYSBHOF induction, thiab tag nrho cov inductees yuav tsum tau nyob rau hauv New York State rau ib tug tseem ceeb feem ntawm lawv boxing hauj lwm los yog thaum lub sij hawm lub prime ntawm lawv cov hauj lwm.
HOOB ntawm 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Qab Zib” Ray Robinson, Noob Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Leej Fleischer, Bill Gallo thiab Arthur Mercante, Sr.
HOOB ntawm 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Phooj ywg” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry ua lag luam, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Txhab Rickard thiab Don Dunphy.
HOOB NTAWM 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Noob Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D'Amato, William Muldoon thiab Tom O'Rourke.
HOOB NTAWM 2015: Xa-u Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon thiab Al Weill.
HOOB NTAWM 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein thiab Jimmy Jacobs.
Daim pib no yog luv nqi ntawm $150.00 ib tug neeg laus thiab $70.00 rau cov me nyuam (nyob rau hauv 16), thiab muaj xws li ib tug tag nrho brunch thiab cocktail teev raws li qhov nkag, pib thaum 12:30 PM/THIAB, raws li zoo raws li noj hmo (prime tav, ntses los yog poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Daim pib muaj nyob rau yuav hu rau NYSBHOF / nplhaib 8 tus thawj tswj hwm Bob Duffy ntawm 516.313.2304. Tawm rau lub NYSBHOF kev pab cuam no muaj nyob rau, xws li los ntawm $80.00 rau $250.00, los ntawm kev hu Duffy. Mus hauv on line ntawm www.Ring8ny.com rau cov lus qhia ntxiv txog lub New York lub xeev Boxing Hall ntawm koob meej.
About Ring 8: Tsim nyob rau hauv 1954 los ntawm ib tug ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Nplhaib 8 ua lub yim chaw hauj lwm ntawm dab tsi yog ces hu ua tus National qub tub rog boxers Association – li no, NPLHAIB 8 – thiab hnub no lub koom haum txoj motto tseem nyob: Boxers Pab boxers.
NPLHAIB 8 yog tag nrho cog lus rau txhawb tsawg hmoo neeg nyob rau hauv lub boxing zej zog uas tej zaum yuav pab nyob rau hauv cov nqe lus ntawm kev them nqi xauj tsev, cov nqi kho mob, los yog txawm justifiable xav tau.
Mus rau kab www.Ring8ny.com yog xav paub ntxiv txog NPLHAIB 8, qhov loj tshaj plaws pab pawg neeg ntawm nws zoo nyob rau hauv lub tebchaws United States nrog ntau tshaj 350 neeg. Txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab dues tsuas yog $30.00 thiab txhua tus mej zeej muaj cai mus rau ib tug buffet noj hmo tom NPLHAIB 8 txhua hli rooj sib tham, tsis suav Lub Xya hli ntuj Lub yim hli ntuj thiab. Tag nrho cov active boxers, pib xyaum ua thiab kev, muaj cai mus rau ib tug complimentary NPLHAIB 8 txhua xyoo ua tswv cuab. Guests ntawm nplhaib 8 cov mej zeej yuav txais tos ntawm ib tug nqi xwb $7.00 rau ib tug neeg.

National and International Prospects Appearing at Detroit Brawl on January 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit

Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions has announced the featured fighters for a special Sunday edition of hisDetroit Brawlseries on Lub ib hlis ntuj 22, 2017, at Masonic Temple in Detroit.
In addition to Detroit fan favorite LanardoPain ServerTyner (30-10-2, 19 Kos) appearing in the eight-round main event will be an impressive group of local and international talents.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, daim pib rau “Detroit Brawlare priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 thiab $60, Seating is $40, thiab $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and

In separate eight-rounders will be recognizable former cruiserweight world title challenger “Nag xob nag cua” Junior Wright (15-2-1, 12 Kos) from Evanston, Illinois; transplanted cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (13-1, 8 Kos), from Magnitogorsk, Russia, now living in Detroit and Detroit’s all-action bantamweight James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 Kos).
In six-round bouts will be welterweight KO artist BakhtiyarBakha Bullet” Yeyubov (11-0, 10 Kos) from Houston, Texas, via Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan; resurgent Detroit welterweight “Xob Laim” Larry Ventus (7-11-1, 3 Kos); talented, undefeated bantamweight Ja’RicoGreat Lakes KingO’Quinn (4-0, 3 Kos); 2016 Olympic alternate and undefeated middleweight Ardreal Holmes (4-0, 2 Kos) of Flint; and undefeated Toledo super middleweight prospect DeAndre Ware (8-0, 6 Kos).
In a scheduled four-rounder will be undefeated Detroit heavyweight and former National Golden Gloves champion Marcus Carter (1-0, 1 KO).
All opponents are, deb deb li no, TBA, but matchmaker Dennis Turner is hard at work to make another spectacular night that these shows are known for.
Rau kev sib ntaus hmo ntuj, qhov rooj qhib rau ntawm 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit.
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For more information on theDetroit Brawlor Salita Promotions, mus ntsib www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook thiab Twitter: @DetroitBrawl