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UNDEFEATED UKRAINIAN WELTERWEIGHT TARAS SHELESTYUK FACES UPSET-MINDED JAIME HERRERA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, NOV. 4, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Undefeated Cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru & Stivens Bujaj Meet In Co-feature; Nephew of Former World Champion Popo Freitas, Vitor Jones Freitas Faces Manuel Mendez

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT

From Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.

 

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Oct. 13, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze MedalistTaras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will face upset-minded Jaime Herrera in the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, Nov. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.

 

Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of the Ukraine,  was a member of a 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team that included featherweight gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko and heavyweight gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk.  Jaime Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs), of Chicago, Ill., has defeated unbeaten prospects in four of last nine fights and is 8-1-1 overall since July 2012.

 

In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC  Continental Americas titles.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., in an eight-round bout.  The 23-year-old Freitas is the nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.

 

Four of the six fighters on the distinctly international tripleheader will risk their unbeaten records against what likely will be their toughest assignments to date.  Shelestyuk and Bejanaru will be making their second ShoBox starts.  It’s also the second time ShoBox has aired from Omega. The first took place Oct.5, 2007, and featured victories by Yonnhy Perez and Mickey Bey Jr., who would both go on to become world champions, two of the 67 boxers on ShoBox to do so.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.

 

TARAS SHELESTYUK  VS. JAIME HERRERA – 10-Round Welterweight Main Event

Taras Shelestyuk (pronounced “TARE-as SHELL-es-took) averaged 85 punches per round in his ShoBox debut last November, winning an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Aslanbek Kozaev.  In his most recent start and lone outing this year last May 20, the 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Shelestyuk knocked out Erick Martinez in the third round at Ontario, Calif.

 

“My training is going great, I am more powerful and my speed is better,” said the former international standout.  “Herrera is a rough fighter, but it doesn’t matter to me because I am looking to step up and get into championship level fights.’’

 

Shelestyuk, who is trained by Eric Brown at Wild Card West, possesses solid skills, movement and punching power.  Since turning pro in March 2013 he has exclusively campaigned in the United States.  Many from the outstanding 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team became immediate prospects as professionals, including Lomachenko, who won a featherweight world championship in just his third fight on SHOWTIME.   Now, it’s Shelestyuk’s turn to step up to the plate.

 

“I follow the 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team, and all the guys are doing very well and I’m happy for them,’’ said Shelestyuk, who went 300-15 in the amateurs. “But I do not compare my results with anybody else because I have my own career and my own path to a championship belt, and I am enjoying this journey.”
Herrera, a pro since December 2009, seems to be a legitimate test for Shelestyuk. Herrera has won three straight, defeated undefeated prospects in four of last nine fights, and is 8-1-1 overall since dropping a decision to Adrian Granados in 2012.  One of those wins was an upset knockout of one-time highly ranked welterweight and world title challenger Mike “Machine Gun” Jones on Aug. 23, 2014.

 

“Taras is a great fighter and I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve surprised some fighters before and I’m confident and ready to give it my best and win again,” said Herrera.  “I’m coming into this fight with the same mentality I had in those fights against the other unbeaten guys. The way I see it, Taras has everything to lose and I fight as I have nothing to lose.’’

 

“I’ve been training very seriously and I’m excited to be able to showcase my skills on television. I grew up watching ShoBox. There will be more eyes on me and they will see my ability to fight. Getting a win will increase my ranking and open up more doors for my career.”

 

CONSTANTIN BEJENARU VS. STIVENS BUJAJ – 10-Round Cruiserweight Bout

Bejenaru (pronounced “bay-zhin-nah-ROO”) was an accomplished amateur.  The southpaw boxed on the Romanian national team for 10 years and was a nine-time national champion.

 

In his ShoBox premiere last April 15, the active and athletic native of Ungheni, Moldova, scored a unanimous eight-round decision over previously unbeatenAlexey Zubov (10-0), a former Russian amateur champion and seven-time European amateur champion.

 

Bejenaru is anxious to return to ShoBox and continue his winning ways. “Bujaj is a great boxer, we are both undefeated but there can only be one victor, and I do not plan on losing this fight,’’ he said. “I entered this fight with the intention of winning. That is what I train to do, that is what I am going to do.

 

“As a man who has been boxing for over 22 years, I feel extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity.  In my previous ShoBox fight, I was labeled as the underdog. Those who doubted me quickly changed their opinions once they saw me fight, and even more so once the referee raised my hand in victory.’’

 

Bujaj (pronounced “Boo-ha”) was born in Kelmend, Albania, but relocated to the Bronx, New York at an early age.   The unbeaten prospect was a two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion at heavyweight who’s made for good fights every time out and mostly made it look easy. This is Bujaj’s third scheduled 10-round start, while Bejenaru will be making his 10-round debut.

 

The 26-year-old has won his last four in a row, including his last two by knockout, since boxing a split 10-round draw in a slugfest with then-undefeated three-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion Junior Wright (10-0) in May 2014.

 

“I’m getting prepared,’’ said Bujah who’s coming off a first-round TKO over previously undefeated beaten Sergio Ramirez (11-0) on June 11.  “I’m training like this is a world title fight, and I’m totally ready to win.  I know my opponent is undefeated and I can’t overlook him.  The way I feel, I’m on my ‘A’ Game.  I was training in Las Vegas and now I am back in New York with Sharif Younan and I am ready to do everything I can to win this fight.

 

“This is the exposure and opportunity I’ve been waiting for.  I just want to pick up these WBC titles that we are fighting for and be bumped up the rankings. Once I pick up these belts, I will be in the top 10 and anything is possible.’’

 

VITOR JONES FREITAS VS. MANUEL MENDEZ – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas has been victorious in 12 consecutive bouts since fighting a No-Contest in his pro debut in July 2012.  He’s coming off a fifth-round TKO over Rodolfo Franz last May 21.

 

Two outings ago, Freitas captured the Brazilian lightweight crown with a 10-round decision over Sidney Siquiera.  This will Freitas’ sixth U.S. start; his last five fights were in Brazil.

 

“My uncle had many great fights on SHOWTIME and on Nov. 4, I am looking to carry on his legacy,” Freitas said.  “This will be another step in following in his footsteps to become a world champion.’’

 

Mendez, who is trained by the respected Joel Diaz, is coming off a fourth-round knockout over Erick Martinez this past Sept. 23 in Ontario. Mendez used a strong, bruising style in which he mixed his punches well to punish Martinez.  The 5-foot-8, 26-year-old Mendez has gone 12-0-2 since getting stopped in his pro debut in October 2010.

 

“I am excited about this opportunity to fight on ShoBox,’’ said Mendez who is a sparring partner for Ruslan Provodnikov and Timothy Bradley. “I know with a win, my career will escalate to a new level. I am looking to knock out Vitor.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand 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.

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Melson to headline November 19 at Foxwoods Casino

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New York, NY (October 11, 2016) – Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson makes his return to the ring to help the fight against heroin in Staten Island Saturday, November 19 at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Melson’s fight headlines a DiBella Entertainment promoted Pro-Am card as part of the recently relocated but wildly popular Broadway Boxing series. This fight card is a special event. Broadway Boxing by way of Lou DiBella, is offering a Veterans Appreciation fight card with 4 of the undercard bouts consisting of Cadets from the West Point Boxing Team boxing against Cadets from the Coast Guard Academy.

Living and fighting out of New York City, Melson’s made a name for himself in and out of the ring. His outstanding professional ledger stands at 15-1-1 with 4 knockouts and in May 2015 he won the WBC-USNBC junior middleweight championship by dominating Mike Ruiz. Since the victory, he’s spent most of his time doing public speaking around the country as well as raising funds and awareness for various charitable causes such as Suicide Prevention among Armed Forces Veterans, working with disadvantaged youth and helping fight drug addiction among youth and young adults.

Following the match, Melson’s donating 100% of his purse to help combat the severe heroin problem across Staten Island, NY.

“I was fortunate enough to have had a meeting with the Staten Island District Attorney Mike McMahon a few weeks ago,” said Melson. “My dear brother Ibrahim Kurtulus arranged my requested meeting I asked him to help set up after I read an article published in May of 2016 discussing the heroin plague in that borough. The article stated that through May of this year, there were 40 reported deaths in Staten Island due to overdosing on heroin. During my meeting with McMahon, he told me that the number is now at 70. McMahon forced the issue to have a change in the local law in Staten Island where users arrested for using heroin will be sentenced to rehabilitation instead of prison. The commencement date for this policy has not yet begun.”

Melson, who considered himself retired from boxing, came back to the sport in part to help combat the problems in Staten Island.

“I need to come out of retirement so I can start going to bat for the people in the borough of Staten Island. Staten Island is the borough that I spent my childhood in while growing up in Brooklyn. I was a frequent visitor at Bayley Seton Hospital as a child for weekly allergy shots, Fort Wadsworth to visit my friends and on Arthur Kill Road to visit my aunt. I decided that I needed to find a way to help and draw attention within the five boroughs to Staten Island; a borough that residents say they feel forgotten in. I also decided that I am going to donate my purse to an organization within the borough aimed at helping addicts once they leave their rehabilitation. It also means a lot to me as a West Point graduate that I’ll have the opportunity to box on a card with Cadets that are coached by the same man that coached me while I was a Cadet in Colonel Dr. Ray Barone.”

“I’d like to thank Lou DiBella for this great opportunity. He has been an incredible supporter of my career and what I’ve fought for every single punch of the way and he his actions always remind me of this. I considered myself retired from boxing after my last fight. I told my family that I am done boxing. I have not been boxing or in the gym for a year and a half. After reading that article on the heroin problem in Staten Island, I could not sit around helpless when I believed I could help.  Heroin is the number one issue harming the quality of life in Staten Island as well as the taker of lives. So I decided to suffer one more time with making weight and getting in shape so that the people of Staten Island know that they are not facing this plague of heroin alone. My family has a history of addiction so I understand how severe it can be.”

Melson’s opponent in this eight round middleweight contest will be announced shortly and tickets can be purchased by going to http://knockoutpublicity.com/tickets-to-boyd-melsons-november-19-fight/.

boxing, Roc Nation

MGM Resorts’ Odds-maker Jay Rood Weighs in on Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward ‘Pound For Pound’

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Saturday, November 19, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

Presented Live By HBO Pay-Per-View®

 

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 11, 2016): As WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) and former Two-Time World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) prepare for their epic “Pound For Pound” showdown scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, fans, media, experts and odds-makers around the world are split on who will be the favorite to win this virtually even-money battle.

And with good reason.  Both Kovalev and Ward are undefeated and in their prime, making for a rare and exciting boxing match-up and a testament to the moxie of the boxers and the promoters.

 

Jay Rood, Vice President of Race & Sports for MGM Resorts International, provides his expert analysis of this exciting match-up:

 

“I really believe this could end up being a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate. Usually fighters in good form don’t meet up.”

Because of that, this fight opened close, has remained so and, most likely, will close so.

 

“It’s not very often that a fight in Las Vegas that’s this significant is this close in terms of odds,” says Rood.  “Ward opened at -145 and he now is at -150. I don’t believe it will change much from here.”

 

The fact that Ward is the slight favorite is because, in part, the public, especially those bettors who consider themselves as experts or ‘sharps,’ tend to go with the boxer over the puncher.

 

But while Ward is considered the boxer and Kovalev the puncher, both are versatile, in keeping with the tremendous skill each possess.  In other words, Ward, the perceived boxer, has power, and Kovalev, the perceived puncher, can box.

 

“The public is perceiving this fight, right or wrong, as ‘Boxer vs. Puncher,’” added Rood.  “Usually the boxer draws the ‘sharp’ action.  Most of the ‘sharp’ money will be on the boxer.”

 

However, the general betting public appears to be trending toward Kovalev.

 

According to Rood, “Kovalev will draw good action, otherwise this number would need to be closer to -200 to balance the fight (betting action). I don’t think it will be that one-sided.  I think the crowd going to the fight will be 60 percent on Kovalev.”

 

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound For Pound”, a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Titles, takes place Saturday, Nov. 19, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. “Pound for Pound” is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and is sponsored by MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Rosneft and Corona Extra. 

 

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Free Agent Boxing Management Signs Managerial Agreement with Former World Champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez

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José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management proudly announces the signing of former world champion Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez to a managerial agreement.
27-year-old Rodriguez (31-4-0, 19 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico, won the Interim WBA World Light Flyweight Championship on November 19, 2011, by upsetting then 27-1 Nethra Sasiprapa of Thailand. He also won the WBC Youth Intercontinental Light Flyweight Championship in 2009 and made four successful defenses. He is also a former sparring partner of Nicaraguan four-division and current WBC World Super Flyweight Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Currently looking for the third fight of his comeback after nearly two years off, 27-year-old Rodriguez plans to compete in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions.
“I am happy to sign with Free Agent Boxing,” said Rodriguez. “My career was on hold for a while, but I am back now and eager for my team to find me big fights. Taking some time off did me good. I have never felt this strong and healthy. I’m looking forward to getting a few more wins and then winning back my championship.”
Acevedo who has previously done well for his brother, former super middleweight contender Roberto, and middleweight puncher Jorge Melendez in advisory roles, says he’s beginning to work with Rodriguez at the perfect time.
“The flyweight and super flyweight divisions are red hot right now,” he said. “I am working to get Torito a ranking by the IBF and WBC. He said he wants to fight the best, so we are working to find him the fights that will get him to a title shot. One guy he really wants is (IBF Champion Jerwin Ancajas from the Philippines). We’re hoping to get him in the ring soon.”
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“Cancun Boxing” September 24 replay featuring Mexican KO artist Jhonny Gonzalez to air this Wednesday at 10 p.m. PT on CBS Sports Network

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CANCUN, Mexico (October 10, 2016) – The replay of the August 24th “Cancun Boxing” card, presented by Pepe Gomez Boxing in association with Neon Star Media, will air this Wednesday night (Oct. 12, starting at 10 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. ET, on CBS Sports Network. Encore presentations will be Friday, Oct. 21 (7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET) and Friday, Oct. 28 (1 a.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET).

The event is the third installment of the “Cancun Boxing” series that will air on CBS Sports Network in 2016. Grand Oasis Cancun the Hotel Complex, Cancun`s ONLY Ultimate All-Inclusive Entertainment Resort, will play host to all events in this ongoing series.

Hall-of-Fame announcer Al Bernstein and Sean Wheelock called the action live from ringside in Cancun, Mexico.

Future Hall of Fame candidate Jhonny Gonzalez (61-10, 51 KOs) defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver super featherweight title for the fourth time, against Japanese invader Hiroysugi Yamamoto (19-12-2, 3 KOs), in the scheduled 10-round main event.

Gonzalez is Mexican knockout machine (51 career KOs) who, as the saying goes, has never been in a bad fight. The 3-time, 2-division world champion Gonzalez, rated No. 4 by the WBC going into this fight, has been on a mission for one more world title shot.

The 35-year-old Gonzalez has defeated 11 world champions during his illustrious 17-year professional boxing career, including a Who’s Who of the bantamweight, featherweight and super featherweight divisions: Mark Johnson (KO8), Abner Mares (KO1), Jorge Arce (TKO11), Ratanachai Sor Vorapin (KO7), Fernando Montiel (DEC12), Irene Pacheco (TKO9), Elio Rojas (DEC12), Maurice Pastrana (TKO4), Hozumi Hasegawa (TKO4), Francisco Tejedor (TKO1) and Adams Rivas (DEC12).

Yamamoto, who was fighting in North America for the first time, is a former WBC Asian Boxing Council and Asia Pacific title challenger.

(L-R) Yamamoto and Gonzalez (photo courtesy of Pepe Gomez Boxing)

In the 10-round co-feature, Mexico City archrivals Diego “Demoledor” Cruz (16-3-1, 13 KOs) and Ivan “Macanon” Cano (23-7-2, 15 KOs) battled for local welterweight bragging rights, while Mexico City flyweight Lourdes “Le Pequena Lulu” Juarez (17-2 2 KOs) took on Cancun’s favorite daughter, Yesenia Gomez (13-4, 8 KOs), in an 8-round bout that opened the televised segment of the “Cancun Boxing” event.

CBS Sports Network is available across the United States through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com

INFORMATION

Twitter: @pepegomezcancun, @cancun_boxing, @Neonstarmedia

Instagram: @pepegomez1

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pepigomezquiqui, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532

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Sampson Boxing Signs Argentina’s Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo to a Promotional Agreement

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Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Argentinean welterweight slugger Cesar Miguel “La Joya” Barrionuevo to an exclusive long-term promotional contract.
Barrionuevo (30-3-2, 20 KOs), from Salta, Argentina, first turned the heads of the boxing world in January of this year, when he scored a devastating one-punch KO of capable Panamanian contender Azael Cosio in the quarter finals of the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight tournament.
In a dominant performance, the southpaw Barrionuevo had Cosio down once each in the first, second and fourth rounds then down twice in the fifth, the last of which was a single left hook that put Cosio to sleep.
He was then scheduled to face Pennsylvania’s Sammy “The Who Can Mexican” Vasquez in the semi-finals, however, Vasquez elected to give up his chance for a green WBC belt and instead take a fight and lose to 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz last July.
In his seven-year professional career, the 27-year-old southpaw Barrionuevo has already held the Argentina (FAB) Welterweight and WBC Latino Welterweight Championships. The Cosio KO was the only time he has ventured outside his native Argentina to fight.
“I am happy to be joining Sampson Lewkowicz and his company,” said Barrionuevo. “I am ready to fight anyone in the world at 147 lbs and with him, I can get the fights I want. I have always said I just need the opportunities and I will do the rest.”
Lewkowicz, an expert at finding hidden boxing talent in foreign markets, says Barrionuevo has what it takes to be a top contender.
“He is 27 years old and still getting better with every fight,” said Lewkowicz. “Cesar is a talent who is coming to the North American market to make trouble for a lot of fighters. I am working on finding him a big fight to showcase his skills, whether against Diaz, or any other top-15 welterweight contender. He won’t be unknown for long once that happens.”
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Middleweight contender Antoine Douglas signs managerial deal with Henry Rivalta

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Miami, Florida (October 7, 2016)  Henry Rivalta is pleased to announce the signing of middleweight contender Antoine “Action” Douglas to a managerial contract.
Douglas of Washington, D.C. has a record of 19-1-1 with 13 knockouts.
The 24 year-old is a four-year professional, and has wins over Les Sherrington (35-7), Istvan Szili (18-0-2), Thomas LaManna (16-0), former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1), Marquis Davis (8-0-2) and Colby Courter (4-0).
“I welcome Antoine to my stable,” said Rivalta.  “It’s a pleasure to work with Antoine.  I have seen what he has done up to this point in his career, and he is a very talented athlete.  I think he has the potential to be a world champion, and I am excited to help in his path to winning that title.”
“I am glad to sign with Henry,” stated Douglas.  “He has the experience at the highest level, and me and my team can focus on what everybody’s role will be.”
Rivalta continued to glow about his new acquisition.
“I love his passion and style.  When you see the special relationship he has with his mother, it tells me a lot about him.  He has the tools to be world champion, and his promoter, GH3 Promotions has done a great job and he sticks by his fighters.  On the same line, it’s a pleasure to work with Vito Mielnicki and GH3 Promotions.”
“I know that Antoine is a television and fan friendly fighter, and and I am happy to have a multi-year agreement with him.”
Douglas next bout will be announced shortly.
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Curtis Stevens vs. James De La Rosa Added to Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” Non-Televised Undercard

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 6, 2016): Curtis “Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (28-5, 21 KOs) returns to the ring and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on the Kovalev-Ward “Pound For Pound” non-televised undercard to face James “The King” De La Rosa (23-4, 13 KOs) in a ten-round middleweight showdown.

 

Stevens, 31, of Brownsville, Brooklyn returned to the ring on May 7 of this year and stopped previously undefeated Brazilian prospect Patrick Teixeira in the second round on the HBO Pay-Per-View® undercard of Canelo-Khan. The victory over Teixeira catapulted Stevens back into the ranking of all four sanctioning bodies, including top ten ratings in both the IBF and WBC. He is hoping to continue that momentum and secure another shot at the middleweight title.

 

De La Rosa, 28, is originally from Mexico but now resides in San Benito, Texas. His most recent win was a unanimous decision upset over former title contender Alfredo Angulo on the undercard of Mayweather-Maidana. De La Rosa has suffered two back-to-back losses since his win over Angulo but both have come at the hands of two previously undefeated prospects in Hugo Centeno Jr. and Jason Quigley. Commonly, fighters in his position would prefer a tune-up to get back on a winning track but, in this case, De La Rosa opted out of that easy route and decided to test himself against another former title contender in Stevens.

 

According to Stevens, “I’m happy someone is willing to fight me. Bless the Gods. Now, it’s time to turn it up a notch and get ready to check in and check out. The Bully is back!”

 

This will be Stevens’s second fight working with world-renowned trainer and former world champion John David Jackson. Jackson added, “Curtis Stevens is happy to be stepping back in the ring on November 19 against De La Rosa. He is eager to show the world that he deserves another chance to win the middleweight world title.”

 

“It’s always good to fight on a big stage,” said De La Rosa. “As always, I’m coming to fight and put on a show. I know I have a tough fighter in front of me in Curtis Stevens. With his style and my style, we’ll warm the fans up for Kovalev-Ward. Thanks to Main Events and AC Sports Management, LLC for putting this together.”

 

De La Rosa’s manager Adrian Clark added, “This is a must win situation for James and I know that he has the potential to pull off an upset. Curtis Stevens is a very dangerous opposition but again, I believe that JDLR can spoil things and leave Vegas with a ‘W’. It is great to finally work with Main Events again. It has been too long!”

 

Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year Jolene Mizzone had this to say about the match-up: “Kudos to both guys for taking this fight. Curtis Stevens could have waited around for someone to finally accept his challenge, but he wants to keep busy and challenge himself at the same time. James could have looked for that every popular “tune-up” fight but instead opted for a much tougher competitor in Stevens.  It’s a breath of fresh air when I get to work with boxers who want to fight!”

 

*Note: This morning (October 6, 2016) Curtis Stevens and his fiancée welcomed their son King Stevens at 10:12 am. King weighed in 4 lbs 12oz. Mother and baby are both doing well.

 

Kovalev vs. Ward takes place Saturday, Nov. 19, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. “Pound for Pound” is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and sponsored by MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.  

 

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GH3 Promotions card at the 2300 Arena MOVED TO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

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GH3 Promotions card at the 2300 Arena MOVED TO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
Adam Lopez to take on Carlos Valcarcel on FRIDAY, November 11th

at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia and LIVE on ONE World Sports

Broadcast begins at 9:00 PM ET

Undefeated welterweight Ed Brown in the co-feature
Jerry Odom takes on Taneal Goyco


Plus undefeated Arturo Trujillo, Keenan Smith, John Joe Nevin, Jaron Ennis, Emanuel Folly, Joshua Jones & LeRoy Davila
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (October 5, 2016, 2016) – DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT, World ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez will take on Carlos Valcarcel on Friday, November 11h at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.  The broadcast is slated to begin at 9:00 PM ET.
The scheduled eight-round bout will be the featured bout of the inaugural broadcast on

ONE World Sports.

The card is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Victory Boxing Promotions.

Lopez of San Antonio, Texas is ranked 4th by the WBA and has a record of 15-0-1 with seven knockouts.
The 25 year-old Lopez is a four year pro and has wins over Pablo Cruz (11-0), Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1), former world champion Erik Aiken & Mario Munoz (16-0-1).
In his last bout, Lopez fought to a ten-round split draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22nd in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Valcarcel has a record of 14-8-4 with five knockouts.  The 34 year-old native of Miami, Florida has wins over Jovanny Soto (15-2-1), Rodolfo Garay (14-2-1) & Leivi Brea (16-4-3).
The 12 year veteran also has fought former world champion Eric Morel and future world title challenger Jessie Magdaleno.
Valcarcel is coming off a 6th round stoppage defeat to undefeated Erick DeLeon on June 25thin Dallas, Texas.
Seeing action in the eight round co-feature will be undefeated welterweight Ed Brown.
The 24 year-old native of Chicago has a record of 18-0 with 15 knockouts, and has established himself as one of the top welterweight prospects in boxing.
Brown is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas on July 30th in Hammond, Indiana.

In an eight-round super middleweight bout, hard-punching Jerry Odom will take on Taneal Goyco.

Odom of Washington, DC has a record of 14-2-1 with 13 knockouts, and is a four-year professional.  The 23 year-old Odom won his first twelve bouts, which included a thrilling come from behind stoppage over previously undefeated Vilier Quinonez (9-0) on July 25, 2014 in a nationally televised bout on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Odom avenged a controversial disqualification defeat by destroying previously undefeated Andrew Hernandez (8-0) in one round.   In his last bout, Odom stopped Julius Jackson (19-1)in three rounds.
Goyco of Philadelphia has a record of 8-9-1 with three knockouts.
Goyco has upset the apple-cart on several occasions.  He has wins over undefeated Dennis Morris (1-0), Jeremy Trussell (8-0) & Devin Butcher (5-0) plus upset victories over Frankie Filippone (14-2-1) and Dennis Hasson (16-1).  Goyco is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Tony Hirsch on June 11th in Oakland, California.
Opening up the ONE World Sports television broadcast will be talented prospect Jaron Ennisof Philadelphia.
Ennis, 19 years old has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.  In his last bout, he was taken the distance for the first time, but pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Eddie Diaz on September 15th.
In off-television action and appearing in six-rounds bouts will be super welterweight Arturo Trujillo (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Easton, PA, super lightweight Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Steve Belmontes (2-1) of Corpus Chrsti, Texas;  junior lightweight John Joe Nevin (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Mullinger, Ireland; Derrick Webster (20-1, 10 KO’s) of Willingboro, New Jersey will compete in a middleweight bout.
In four-round bouts:
junior featherweight Emmanuel Folly (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia; lightweight Joshua Jones (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia and bantamweight LeRoy Davila (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, NJ. will take on pro debuting Bennie Culpepper of St. Lois, Missouri.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $100, $75, $50 and $40 and can be purchased by calling 267-273-0945 and www.2300arena.com
ONE World Sports is available on some of the country’s biggest cable providers which include DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, Verizon Fios, Charter, among others.
boxing

Willie Monroe, Jr.: “I know Canelo would fight me.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (October 5, 2016)–After his emphatic unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Rosado on September, 17th, it was widely understood in the boxing industry that middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. would get an opportunity to face Canelo Alvarez in a bout this winter or next spring.
Now it seems, Canelo’s team, led by trainer Eddie Reynoso, have seemed to do a 180 degree turn, and they don’t want their prized fighter anywhere near the former world title challenger.
“I don’t think it’s Canelo himself, but it is his team.  I know Canelo would fight me,“said Monroe.  “I think it is trainers who fear that they can’t prepare Canelo for my style.“
Monroe points to pre-fight talk that came from Canelo’s side that the winner of the fight between Monroe & Rosado would be the front-runner to receive the fight with Alvarez.
“If he is a true man, they should stick to their word.  The plan was for the winner of that fight to be able to fight Canelo.  They thought Rosado would win, and he would just be a guy that would get pounded by Canelo.” 
“If the shoe was on the other foot, and it was me who did not want to fight an aggressive fighter, I would look like a punk.”
“They keep putting me on the “B” side, and I just keep on winning.  Remember Rosado was the guy who kept saying he was going to knock me out and talking a lot, calling me scared and a bum;  I am not that type of guy.  I don’t have nine gold chains around my neck or gold teeth in.”

Watch the fight with Rosado.  I stood in the middle of the ring with my feet planted in.  I was waiting for Rosado to come in, and after I hit him a few times, he looked scared and it was me pressing him.”
“All I want is the opportunity.  Canelo got to where he is by fighting big names, so I feel I deserve this opportunity.”
Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions