Tag Archives: boxing

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz Ordered to Begin Negotiating Guzman vs. Wake Fight for Vacant IBF Super Bantamweight Title

Sampson Boxing Fighters Score Four Impressive KOs in One Weekend
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has been given the go-ahead to begin negotiating a world-title fight between his fighter, explosive KO punching Dominican Jonathan Guzman, and the promoters for Japan’s Shingo Wake.
As per their rules for vacant championships, Lewkowicz, representing Guzman, the IBF #2 super bantamweight, and Kyoei Promotions representing IBF #1 Wake were ordered to begin negotiations immediately and have them completed no later than June 2 of this year.
Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) is hot on the heels of a sensational eight-round stoppage victory over Daniel Rosas last Friday, April 29, in Atlantic City, in a voluntary eliminator for the #2 spot in the ratings.
Wake (20-4-2, 12 KOs) earned his number one spot by scoring a unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Mike Tawatchai last June.
Also per IBF rules neither boxer may compete in another match until they face each other.
“Any boxer who is contracted with a promoter, a network, or a state, tribal or national commission to take another fight, or who is ill, injured, under a legal impediment which could prevent the bout from taking place in the opinion of the IBF/USBA, or on suspension at the time the Championships Chairman and the President order a bout under this rule shall be considered unavailable. We would then move to the next available contender. Neither fighter can take another fight until this fight for the vacant title is concluded.”
In the event the camps cannot reach an agreement by June 2, the IBF will call for purse offers to be held to determine who will promote the bout, when and where it will be held.
The Guzman vs. Wake fight is more good news for Sampson Boxing, who had four different fighters score sensational victories over the weekend.
In addition to the aforementioned Guzman TKO, Sampson Boxing’s Jorge “Pilon” Lara scored a jaw-dropping KO 1 over former world champion Fernando Montiel at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, on Saturday. Lara had the formidable Montiel on the deck four times in a brutal beatdown that only lasted 1:37.
The same night in the same venue, future world champion and boxing prodigy David “El Bandera Roja/Red Flag” Benavidez destroyed capable New Yorker Phillip Jackson Benson by KO 2. Benavidez, now 14-0, 13 KOs, had way too much firepower for Jackson, who entered the ring a respectable 16-2, 15 KOs. The end came at 2:07 with Jackson down and ruled unable to continue without a count being needed. A star on the near horizon in boxing, high network demand means that Benavidez will be back in action in July.
And in his professional debut on Friday night, on the Guzman undercard in Atlantic City, highly decorated amateur star Abraham “Super” Nova turned professional the right way by levelling Delaware’s also debuting Weusi Johnson by KO 1.
Nova, of Braintree, Massachusetts, began his professional career undefeated by putting Weusi to sleep at 2:56 of the first.
“I am looking forward to getting my superstar KO artist Jonathan Guzman his first title shot later this year,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “And I give my congratulations to all my other fighters who won by knockout this past weekend. Jorge Lara is back in a big way and headed for a world championship after beating Montiel. David Benavidez is going to become the youngest Mexican super middleweight champion in boxing history and Abraham Nova let the world know he’s here with his power punching. I am proud to be promoting every one of these fighters.”

Christopher Brooker & Antowyan Aikens meet Face to Face before their big showdown this Friday, May 6 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA (May 2, 2016)–THIS Friday night, May 6th, a terrific night of boxing returns the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia as King’s Promotions presents a ten-bout card.
In the main event, rising super middleweight Christopher Brooker (8-1, 5 KOs) takes on Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1. 1 KO) in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
This past Friday night in Atlantic City, the Brooker of Philadelphia and Aikens of Atlantic City met for an impromptu face off and they are both ready for this important battle.
In the six-round co-feature, former world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron (35-5-2, 28 KO’s) of Reading, PA will be back in action when he takes on Eduardo Flores (23-20-3, 15 KO’s) of Quito, Ecuador in a jr. middleweight bout.

In a six-round super lightweight bout, Naim Nelson (12-1, 1 NC, 1 KO) battles Carlos Velasquez (24-23-2, 15 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua.

In a six-round super welterweight bout, Erik Spring (6-1,1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Justin Johnson (6-11-4) of Pittsburgh, PA.
In four-round bouts:
Scott Kelleher (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Robert Ramos (1-4, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super lightweight fight.
Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia will square off with Korey Sloane (2-8-2) of Philadelphia in  lightweight bout.
Amir Shabazz (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Tahlik Taylor (1-3) of Freeport, NY in a light heavyweight affair.
Aaron Brooks of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Ryan Bivins (0-1-1) of Philadelphia in super middleweight bout.

Thomas Velasquez (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Grashino Yancy (1-0) of Staten Island, New York in a super featherweight bout.

Emmanuel Folly (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will take on an opponent to be announced in a bantamweight contest.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $100 for Ringside, $75 for Premium, $50 for Reserved and $35 for Standing room and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

Lightweight World Champion Rances Barthelemy Battles Former World Champion Mickey Bey in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 From The Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino In Hollywood, Florida

Plus! Unbeaten Bantamweight Prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez
Takes on Mexican Brawler Victor Proa

Tickets on Sale Now!
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (April 29, 2016) – Undefeated lightweight world champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) will make his first title defense against former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-1-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, June 3 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT as unbeaten Puerto Rican prospectEmmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Mexican Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight affair.

“There were rumors that a fight between me and Mickey Bey was on the brink of happening prior to my fight against Denis Shafikov, so now that it is here, I know it was destined to happen,” said Barthelemy. “I’m not a rookie anymore. I’m not going into this worried or nervous about it being my first title defense at 135. I’m comfortable enough now to see every fight as just another challenge I need to execute my game plan the most effectively and with the least amount of errors.”

“Barthelemy won my title, I had to vacate it due to a hand injury, so all he is doing is keeping it warm for me,” said Bey. “Training camp is going great. I have been training hard for over a month. I have the best team in the business, with the most knowledgeable trainers. I’m looking forward to the challenge with him being undefeated and a two-time world champion. We both have a lot of skills, so it will make an entertaining fight for sure.”

“I want to challenge all of the bantamweight champions to fight me so they can see a real athlete in the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I have been training hard. This is a lifestyle for me. I have been training since December and on June 3, I am going to deliver a knockout.”

“I’m excited about this opportunity against a good young fighter,” said Proa. “I’ve been training hard and feel like this is my time. I’m going to come forward and see what this guy can do.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply.

“This will be a tremendous night of boxing on Spike TV,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Barthelemy is an up-and-coming star in the sport and he is facing a former world champion who never lost his belt in the ring. This will be a great fight and there should be a great atmosphere with a lot of Cuban boxing fans there to support their world champion.”

“We’re looking forward to bringing a great night of boxing to the State of Florida. We’re giving the fans another treat come June 3rd. The card is stacked with matchups that will undoubtedly be crowd pleasers,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Mickey Bey and Rances Barthelemy have world titles under their belts, so they will bring in the experience of being able to perform, and match it up against one another to see who will come out the best man standing at the end of the night.”

“We at Panther Promotions are very excited for this June 3rd card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Elliot Alvarado, CEO, Panther Promotions. “We are proudly joining forces with both Mayweather and Kings Promotions, which are featuring PBC on Spike TV. This is going to be a sensational evening of boxing featuring Cuban Lightweight Champion Rances Barthelemy vs. Cleveland’s own former champion, Mickey Bey. Our goal is to bring back the classic fights to the Seminole Hard Rock Live in South Florida.”

A Cuban amateur national champion, 29-year-old Barthelemy has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December.

Bey won his world title in 2014 with a decision victory over long reigning champion Miguel Vasquez. The 32-year-old vacated his title due to inactivity and injuries but returned in December to defeat previously unbeaten Naim Nelson by decision to earn himself a shot at the very title he vacated. Bey’s previous victories include defeats against Alan Herrera, Carlos Cardenas and Hector Velazquez.

At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. He made his U.S. debut in November by stopping Eliecer Aquino after previously taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against another tough opponent on June 3.

Fighting out of Monterrey, Mexico, Proa will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time when he takes on Rodriguez on June 3. The 31-year-old was unbeaten in his first 28 pro starts and has won his last two bouts, including most recently a first round stoppage of Oswaldo Delgado in February.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

BADOU JACK & JAMES DEGALE SET FOR FALL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT UNIFICATION AFTER JACK DRAWS WITH LUCIAN BUTE & DEGALE DEFENDS AGAINST ROGELIO MEDINA SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch The Replay Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos; Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE To Download Photos; Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Interview With Promoter Floyd Mayweather: http://s.sho.com/1TCWl6u
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2016) – Badou Jack retained his WBC Super Middleweight title in a controversial draw against Lucian Bute Saturday on SHOWTIME, setting up a fall unification with IBF champion James DeGale, who defended his IBF crown against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from the DC Armory.
“Let’s unify the decision and see who the best is,” DeGale said to Jack in a post-fight interview moderated by SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray.
“I’m ready in September, ready in August,” responded Jack.”  “I’m ready whenever.  Let’s do it where it makes the most sense financially.”
Jack was the sharper fighter from the opening bell, committing to pounding the body of the former long-time titlist.  Facing his second southpaw, Jack prevented Bute from fighting his game, smothering the Romania-born Canadian whenever he attempted to fight on the inside.
While Jack varied his punches with a diverse attack to the body and head, he slowed in the latter rounds and allowed Bute to climb his way back into the fight.  Bute had perhaps his best round in the 10th and closed the show well, in the 11th and 12th.  But it was too little too late for Bute, who escaped D.C. with what most felt was an undeserved draw.
“Bullshit, but is what it is.  Ask Bute as well, he knows what time it is,” said Jack, who landed nearly 100 more punches than Bute, including 61 percent of his power punches, and 40 percent total of his total shots.  “His punches weren’t hurting me.  I feel I won the fight.  Maybe I lost the last round.  He’s a great guy and a great champion, but I know I won the fight.
“It’s not Bute’s fault, it’s the judges.  People saw I won the fight.”
The 36-year-old Bute certainly looked like a fighter with plenty left in the tank, rejuvenated under trainer Howard Grant with his sights set on the new crop of stars in the super middleweight division.
“It was a close fight,” said Bute, who connected at just a 21 percent rate with his total punches.  “Believe me, it was very close fight.  My last fight with DeGale was very close, tonight was a very close fight.  I showed everyone I’m still at the top.”
James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship with a close, hard-fought unanimous decision against Rogelio Medina in the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.
DeGale was supremely accurate, landing 51 percent of his power punches compared to just 23 for Medina, including a staggering 66 percent of his power punches.  The switch-hitting southpaw attacked from unorthodox angles, and was most effective when he snuck in a right uppercut to back up Medina.  But the British titlist – a record 12th from Great Britain – failed to utilize his jab and was not able to deliver on his prediction of a knockout inside of six rounds.
“The boxing skills are too good,” DeGale said.  “If I’m being honest, he’s a very strong fighter, but skills pay the bills.  I watched this guy years ago and he didn’t have the engine like that.  He’s gotten better and stronger in the last year and a half.
“I’m a bit disappointed – I should be taking out people like Porky Medina, no disrespect to him.
“I’m always learning in the gym.  My inside work, my defense, my concentration.  I’m going to go back to the gym, I’m going to work and I’ll be ready in September.
“I want Badou Jack.  I want a fresh name on my record.”
Medina, on the other hand, nearly doubled DeGale, throwing 1,140 total punches, compared to 612 in the best performance of his career, but not enough to dethrone the champion.  The Mexican challenger pounded the body and was at his best with DeGale against the ropes, striking the British champion with a killer left hook to the body.
“He said he was going to stop me.  He was running all around and he didn’t stop me like he said he would,” said Medina, who’s seven losses have come against fighters with a combined record of 131-2-2.  “He’s the only one who thinks he won.  The fans think I won.  I definitely want the rematch.”
Saturday’s event was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing.
Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Andre Berto, Thomas Williams Jr. & Jorge Lora Score Huge Knockouts on PBC on FOX & FOX From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

 
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Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions
Carson, CA (April 30, 2016) – In front a packed house of 7,760 and a nationally televised PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes audience, Andre Berto, (31-4, 24 KOs) turned back the clock and successfully gained his revenge over “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, 31-6-2 (24 KOs) with a stunning fourth-round knockout in a rematch of their 2011 “Fight of the Year” on Saturday night at Southern California’s legendary open-air boxing venue StubHub Center.
Ortiz found success early dropping Berto with a straight left, sending the Winter Haven, Florida-native to the canvas. Berto turned the tables in brutal fashion in the fourth, drilling Ortiz with a right uppercut which sent the southpaw from Ventura, Calif. sprawling to the mat. Upon rising, Ortiz was met with a barrage of punches which sent him down again as referee Jack Reiss waived the fight off at the 1:14 mark of the round.
Said a thrilled Berto, “I wasn’t hurt by the first knockdown. I was more mad at myself for getting caught. Once he went down it was over, I knew he was hurt and I went right after him. He couldn’t take my power.

“I feel terrific, it’s a great comeback victory. I would take on Danny Garcia sure, just tell me when and I’ll be ready.”

From a disappointed Ortiz, “I didn’t really lose control. I dropped my hand and he caught me. He is a hard puncher just like myself.
“This was a history book type of fight. He went down. I went down. Righty vs. lefty. This is boxing.
“I knew as soon as the head butt happened that it was not good because the blood started pouring. That’s not a big deal. It happens in boxing.
“I never disliked Berto. It is part of the game. He acted like he didn’t like me, but I always tried to shake his hand. I don’t hate anyone.”
In the televised co-feature, Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr., 20-1 (14 KOs), continued his reign of terror in the light heavyweight division with a spectacular second round (2:59) knockout of Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (28-2 19 KOs).
With both contenders throwing and landing bombs from the opening bell, Williams and Rodriguez were each rocked in the first stanza. Towards the end of the second round with the action reaching a boil, Williams unloaded with a massive left hand that sent Rodriguez sprawling to the canvas resulting in an immediate stoppage.
Said an elated Williams, “I told you what was going to happen, that he was going be open for everything and he was. I countered him and hurt him with every punch. I could see his punches like it was slow motion.

“I want the title, absolutely I want to fight Adonis Stevenson next, he’s the champ and I want his belt.”

From a dejected Rodriguez, “I thought I could have continued. I didn’t know what the referee saw, but I could have kept going.”

“I didn’t fight the fight I was supposed to. I was supposed to go in there and box, and I didn’t do it. I should have taken my time.

“He throws like crazy and I wasn’t fighting defensively. I should have stuck to my game plan and that’s my fault.”

In the televised opening, unbeaten featherweight contender Jorge Lara, (28-0-2 20 KOs), savagely stopped former world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, (54-6-2, 39 KOs) in the first round. Montiel was drilled to the canvas four times before the action was halted at the 1:37 mark.
Said Lara, “It went totally according to plan. We trained for every round, but we knew that it wouldn’t go every round. After the first knockdown, I knew it wouldn’t go past the first round.
“I want the winner of either Mares v. Cuellar or Frampton v. Santa Cruz.
“I am honored to beat a great champion like Montiel.”
From a shocked Montiel on the quick start by Lara, “It’s what I expected. He didn’t do anything that surprised me. He just caught me with a shot. But he gave me a couple shots behind the head that weren’t good.”

When ask if he was fouled, “Absolutely. Especially when I was down and he hit me in the back of the head. The referee should have called that (a foul).”

In televised heavyweight action, Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington improved to 17-0-1 (11KO’s) with an eight round unanimous decision over former world title challenger “Fast” Eddie Chambers, 42-5 (23KO’s). Scores were 80-72 twice and 79-73.
In a televised swing bout top light heavyweight prospect, David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, 14-0 (13KO’s), stopped Philip Jackson, 16-3 (15KO’s) in the second round at the 2:07 mark.
PBC on FOX was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. For more information visitwww.premierboxingchampions.com  www.TGBPromotions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX.

Andre Dirrell Wins Unanimous Decision over Blake Caparello in Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Live from the Taj Mahal Casino & Hotel in Atlantic City

 
Anthony Dirrell Scores First Round Knockout Over Caleb Truax
 
Jonathan Guzman Stops Daniel Rosas in Title Eliminator
 
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Credit: Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
 
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (April 30, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (25-2, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-2-1, 6 KOs) by unanimous decision (98-91 X 3) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike main event from the Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
In a bout that started off with a lot of back and forth action, Caparello struck first with a left in the second round that sent Dirrell to the canvas.
“The knockdown I got in the second round felt good,” said Caparello. “I knew I had him hurt, but I wasn’t able to capitalize on it.”
Caparello again got Dirrell against the ropes and seemingly into a bit of trouble with a similar left in round three, but eventually Dirrell settled in and managed to gain control of the fight.
Dirrell said, “My focus, determination and my drive got me the win tonight. I know I’ve got more work to do, but I never stopped grinding in there tonight.”
Caparello continued to go to work and battle, but it was clear who the ring general was from the close of the third round and until the final bell rang.
Dirrell exclaimed, “I wanted to send the boxing world and this whole division a message. I’m coming for anyone with a belt. I’ll take on anyone who’s a champion. I know I’ll be a world champion. I have to be a champion. I don’t slow down for anyone. I’m going to keep pushing to get where I’m going.”
On his struggles in the later rounds, Caparello said, “I continued to look for the same left hand all night, it just didn’t come again. Andre has a lot of tricks, he is both good and fast. I am not happy with my performance.”
Dirrell concluded, “Tonight my brother and I were both able to display our talents in front of a national audience on Spike. Anthony is strong as an ox and got the win quickly tonight. I got the win on determination and heart. I had to use my toughness in this fight, and I pushed myself as hard as I could to get the win.”
In the second televised bout of the evening, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (29-1-1, 23 KOs) met former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-3-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair.
The former 168-pound titleholder Dirrell got off to a quick start, scoring two knockdowns in the first round, causing referee Harvey Dock to stop the fight at just 1:49 into the first round.
Dirrell said of the dominating performance, “What helped me tonight was landing my shots early. I was right on top of him with combinations and controlling my jab and that set the tone. I showed tonight that I work hard in the gym, and it paid off. If I work like I did this time leading up to the fight, then I know nobody can beat me.”
A stunned Truax said, “Everything was great leading up to the fight. I don’t know what happened tonight. He just caught me early. I think it was an overhand right.”
Reflecting on what the victory means for his struggling hometown of Flint, MI, Dirrell said, “My work tonight inside the ring made a big statement for what my brother and I are doing outside of the ring. A lot of people were watching tonight, and now they know a little bit more about what’s going on with the Flint Water Crisis back home.”
The opening televised bout featured undefeated knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (21-0, 21 KOs) continuing his hot streak in a 12-round super bantamweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Daniel Rosas (20-3, 12 KOs).
Guzman, an unbeaten fighter out of the Dominican Republic and now training in Massachusetts, stabilized early and easily controlled the action in the second half of the fight.
Guzman said, “I used a lot of concentration early and let him make errors so I could see what he was planning to do. Once I saw the mistakes he was making I let my hands go.”
Rosas was stunned in the third round, but Guzman was unable to close on the wobbled fighter. In the fifth round, Guzman landed a left that knocked Rosas back and followed it with another, dropping Rosas just before the bell.
“I wanted to let him throw some punches early. It helped me gain confidence and learn his tendencies,” said Guzman. “I saw him dropping that right hand, and I knew it would open up the opportunity for me to land my left.”
Rounds six and seven saw Rosas take a pummeling, but miraculously stay on his feet. At the end of the eighth frame, Guzman dropped Rosas for a second time, and again Rosas was saved by the bell.
However, referee Benjy Esteves had seen enough and stopped the fight following the close of round eight.
When asked about the stoppage, Rosas said, “The ref stopped the fight. I thought the fight should have continued, but he decided to stop it.” Rosas continued, “(Guzman) knocked me down, but I kept on fighting. I was never hurt. Guzman is a strong fighter, but I felt I could have continued and come back in the rest of the rounds.”
 
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The fight card was promoted by King’s Promotions.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

WBA Interim cruiserweight world champion & Mandatory challenger Beibut Shumenov protests Dorticos-Kalenga WBA “regular” world cruiserweight title fight

LAS VEGAS (April 29, 2016) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Interim cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs), the only Kazakhstan-native to hold world titles in two different weight classes, is disputing the WBA’s sanctioning of the WBA “regular” cruiserweight world championship fight, May 20 in Paris, between two lower-ranked WBA fighters, No. 2 Yunier Dorticos and No. 5 Youri Kalenga (recently upgraded to No. 3).
Last July, Shumenov defeated B.J. Flores by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to become the mandatory challenger for WBA “regular” cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev, who was later elevated to “Super” champion.
Lebedev hasn’t fought a mandatory defense in one year, ironically, when he won a 12-round decision over Kalenga, who had earned his world title shot, like Shumenov, by becoming WBA Interim world champion.  The WBA granted Lebedev an extension in terms of his due mandatory defense because of the Russian’s unification fight May 21 in Moscow against International Boxing Federation (IBF) title-holder Victor Emelio Ramirez.
“I’m very disappointed the WBA is sanctioning Dorticos-Kalenga for its ‘regular’ cruiserweight title, when I am the No. 1 ranked and current WBA Interim champion,” Shumenov said.  “I repeatedly informed the WBA through emails, texts and verbally that I was ready to fight back in January. I preferred to fight Lebedev but I was willing to fight Dorticos or anybody else in the top 15.  For the past few months, I’ve been laboring over what I believe is a very bad decision, letting two lower-ranked fighters, the No. 2 and No. 3 guys, fight for the WBA ‘regular’ title.  I am shocked and bewildered and do not understand the WBA’s rationale to have either of these fighters declared the WBA ‘regular’ champion without first defeating either Lebedev or me, the Interim champion and No. 1 rank contender.
“I appealed the decision but, so far, the WBA has done little in response to my appeals other than delay and stall before finally ruling that I will fight the Lebedev-Ramirez winner months from now, yet, ignoring my appeal to stop the regular title status of Dorticos-Kalenga and still sanction a fight between them, its No. 2 and No. 3 rated fighters, for the WBA ‘regular’ title.  This is unfair to fans, who deserve to watch the best fighting the best, especially when a world championship is at stake!  We now have this odd situation where there will be three separate WBA cruiserweight fights in May, all for a different version of WBA world title   I just don’t feel anyone should get the WBA ‘regular’ title without first defeating a champion or at least the top-ranked fighter in the division.  The WBA knew I was and am ready to fight.  Its decision makes no sense and, in my opinion, diminishes the prestige and meaning of the title.  I have respect for Dorticos and Kalenga but I think the legitimacy of any world title resulting from a fight between the No. 2 and No. 3 ranked contenders, when the No 1 mandatory contender who already holds the WBA Interim champion is ready and available, to say the least, is highly questionable.
“The WBA told me and announced to the media that it was working to have only one world champion in each division.  While I’ve been sitting out the last four months waiting to fight, the WBA has decided to allow six different guys to fight for three WBA cruiserweight world titles, practically on the same day, instead of crowning only one WBA cruiserweight world champion.  I look forward to returning to the ring and my manager, Al Haymon, has advised me that I will fight in May and we will announce next week.   I want to thank everyone for their support and I apologize to my family, friends, fans and my country, Kazakhstan, for this chaos the WBA has caused that has damaged and delayed my professional boxing career.  I will move forward and continue to fight inside the ring, letting my attorneys and manager fight this unfair situation outside the ring.”
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Petr Petrov Camp Notes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Santa Fe Springs, CA–NABA Lightweight champion Petr Petrov (36-4-2, 17 KO’s) has been training hard for his big showdown with NABF Lightweight champion Marvin Quintero (28-6, 24 KO’s) that will take place on Friday, May 6 at The Toshiba Plaza, adjacent to the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena.  The Toshiba Plaza is located on the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo.

Petrov took time out from his busy training schedule at the Santa Springs Boxing Club in Sante Fe, California to provide the following comments as he gets ready for this big opportunity:

“Camp is going great. We have had eight great weeks sparring. This is the best training camp I have had in all of my camps.   

On Quintero:
“He is a good boxer. He is a southpaw who has a lot of experience. He is a slick fighter, but I am experienced as well, and I am ready for anything.”

“This will get us the NABF title and get me ranked in the WBC, so this is the next step to getting closer to a world title.”

“It’s a big event weekend. We know there there will be a lot of media and fight fans there. I am a fan friendly fighter, and it comes down to putting on a great show in front of all the boxing people in attendance.”

“I am 100% ready to get the victory on May 6th. We have to win this fight, and we will be ready for anything else that comes after.”
Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo stated “We are very much looking forward to Petr having a great performance on May 6th and that will catapult him to the big opportunity that he has worked very hard to get.”
With 36 victories under his belt, lightweight contender Petr “Zar” Petrov holds an impressive boxing resume, included winning ESPN’s 2014 Boxcino Lightweight tournament. Petrov was last seen in April 2015 taking on former world champion Gamaliel “Platano” Diaz where he successfully defended his NABO and NABA Lightweight Titles via unanimous decision. As the current NABA Lightweight Title holder, Petrov will be looking to add another notable title to his name when he faces Quintero on May 6th.
This event is free and open to the public. Media interested in attending should submit a credential to credentials@mercuryllc.com

Petr Petrov vs. Marvin Quintero is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABA Lightweight title and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” Casa Mexico Tequila, DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13, and HANDS OF STONE: The True Story of Roberto Duran, in theaters this August. The first bout begins at 4:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT through 9:00 p.m.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com; follow us on Twitter at @BannerBoxing; visit us on Instagram at @BannerBoxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions; and follow the conversation at #TeamBanner.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Lightweight World Champion Rances Barthelemy Battles Former World Champion Mickey Bey in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday, June 3 From The Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino In Hollywood, Florida

 
Plus! Unbeaten Bantamweight Prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez
                          Takes on Mexican Brawler Victor Proa                         
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
HOLLYWOOD, FL. (April 29, 2016) – Undefeated lightweight world champion Rances Kid Blast” Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) will make his first title defense against former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (22-1-1, 10 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike Friday, June 3 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT as unbeaten Puerto Rican prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (14-0, 10 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Mexican Victor “Pitufo” Proa (28-1-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight affair.
“There were rumors that a fight between me and Mickey Bey was on the brink of happening prior to my fight against Denis Shafikov, so now that it is here, I know it was destined to happen,” said Barthelemy.  “I’m not a rookie anymore. I’m not going into this worried or nervous about it being my first title defense at 135. I’m comfortable enough now to see every fight as just another challenge I need to execute my game plan the most effectively and with the least amount of errors.”
“Barthelemy won my title, I had to vacate it due to a hand injury, so all he is doing is keeping it warm for me,” said Bey. “Training camp is going great. I have been training hard for over a month. I have the best team in the business, with the most knowledgeable trainers. I’m looking forward to the challenge with him being undefeated and a two-time world champion. We both have a lot of skills, so it will make an entertaining fight for sure.”
“I want to challenge all of the bantamweight champions to fight me so they can see a real athlete in the ring,” said Rodriguez. “I have been training hard. This is a lifestyle for me. I have been training since December and on June 3, I am going to deliver a knockout.”
“I’m excited about this opportunity against a good young fighter,” said Proa. “I’ve been training hard and feel like this is my time. I’m going to come forward and see what this guy can do.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Kings Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and Panther Promotions, are priced at $130, $80, $60 and $35 and are on sale now. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.com,www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with the first fight set to begin at 6:30 p.m. *Additional fees may apply.
“This will be a tremendous night of boxing on Spike TV,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Barthelemy is an up-and-coming star in the sport and he is facing a former world champion who never lost his belt in the ring. This will be a great fight and there should be a great atmosphere with a lot of Cuban boxing fans there to support their world champion.”
“We’re looking forward to bringing a great night of boxing to the State of Florida. We’re giving the fans another treat come June 3rd. The card is stacked with matchups that will undoubtedly be crowd pleasers,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.   “Both Mickey Bey and Rances Barthelemy have world titles under their belts, so they will bring in the experience of being able to perform, and match it up against one another to see who will come out the best man standing at the end of the night.”
“We at Panther Promotions are very excited for this June 3rd card at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Elliot Alvarado, CEO, Panther Promotions. “We are proudly joining forces with both Mayweather and Kings Promotions, which are featuring PBC on Spike TV. This is going to be a sensational evening of boxing featuring Cuban Lightweight Champion Rances Barthelemy vs. Cleveland’s own former champion, Mickey Bey. Our goal is to bring back the classic fights to the Seminole Hard Rock Live in South Florida.”
A Cuban amateur national champion, 29-year-old Barthelemyhas yet to taste defeat since turning pro in 2009. Born in Cuba but now fighting out of Las Vegas, he won a super featherweight world title in July 2014 by defeating Argenis Mendez in impressive fashion, and followed that up with a second round TKO victory over Angino Perez. After dominating former champion Antonio DeMarco in June, he won a world title in a second division when he impressively defeated Denis Shafikov in December.
Bey won his world title in 2014 with a decision victory over long reigning champion Miguel Vasquez. The 32-year-old vacated his title due to inactivity and injuries but returned in December to defeat previously unbeaten Naim Nelson by decision to earn himself a shot at the very title he vacated. Bey’s previous victories include defeats against Alan Herrera, Carlos Cardenas and Hector Velazquez.
At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. He made his U.S. debut in November by stopping Eliecer Aquino after previously taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against another tough opponent on June 3.
Fighting out of Monterrey, Mexico, Proa will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time when he takes on Rodriguez on June 3. The 31-year-old was unbeaten in his first 28 pro starts and has won his last two bouts, including most recently a first round stoppage of Oswaldo Delgado in February.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @MickeyBeyTMT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports,@KingsBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @PantherPromo and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and

Split-T Management signs World Amateur Sensation Marquis Moore; Set to make pro debut on tonight in Indianapolis

New York, NY (April 29, 2016) – Split-T Management is happy to announce the signing of International Golden Gloves Champion and two-time National Golden Gloves champion, Marquis Moore to a managerial contract. Moore, who was honorably discharged from the army after serving our country for 3 years, will be making his professional debut as a middleweight tonight in Indianapolis, IN on a card promoted by 4 Champs Promotions.

Moore, 25, was among the United States top amateur middleweights as he compiled a record of 140-15, highlighted by representing Team USA in many international events including winning the World National Golden Gloves as well as winning the gold medal in numerous national championships including the 2012 Armed Forces Championships, 2013 and 2014 National Golden Gloves, 2015 National PAL and US Olympic Trials Qualifiers.

Moore credits his relationship and trust with Split-T Management’s CEO David McWater with his decision to sign with the company.

“I signed with Split-T Management because of David McWater. I am very excited to have someone like him to guide my professional career. We first met in 2013 when I won the National Golden Gloves and learned he has been following my career for a while and our relationship built from there.” said Moore

“He has always believed in me and came through with everything he has promised.”

Said David McWater, “By the 2013 National Golden Gloves and I thought he was the best fighter in the tournament. He was so exciting of a fighter, and he was clearly the best amateur in the country at that time. At one point, he was undefeated for a 30 month period. He is a great fighter and a great guy and I’m thrilled to be part of his professional career.”

Moore, who was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado will continue to live there and train with world class trainer, Dickie Wood in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“Living and training here is so beneficial for my career” says Moore. I’m living and training thousands of feet above sea level. I’m a gym rat as it is, but training here where the air so thin, makes me have such an advantage over my opponents because I will never got tired. I’m learning new things from Mr. Wood every day and I can’t wait to put my boxing on display for the world to see.”

Wood, who has worked with many world champions in the past, including: Stevie Johnston, Oleg Maskaev, Diego “Chico” Corrales, and Buddy McGirt, feels he has a budding superstar in his hands.

“He is a multi-talented fighter with a blend of skills, speed and power. I truly believe he can become world champion in two years!” Says Wood.

” I have worked with several world champions in the past and his talents are comparable to them at this early a stage of his career.”

Moore agrees, “I see myself becoming a world champion and being a superstar in this sport. I live, eat, sleep boxing and will be the most exciting fighter to watch in today’s game. I’m a throwback fighter, and will remind everyone of Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker because I do things in the ring that fighters just don’t do anymore since the 80’s.”

Split-T Management growing roster includes World Ranked Welterweight Ray Robinson, Undefeated Bantamweight Antonio Nieves; Undefeated Light Heavyweights Joseph William; Bortirali Mamajanov and Mighty Joe Jones; Undefeated Welterweights Wesley Tucker and Boubacar Sylla; Undefeated Super Middleweight Deandre Ware; Undefeated Middleweight Marquis Moore and Bortisher Obidov; Undefeated Heavyweights: Darlington Agha and Trent Rawlins and Adonis Stevenson conqueror, Super Middleweight Darnell Boone.