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boxing, UK Boxing

Carney, Clayton and Russo In Knockout Form at BIBA Inaugural Event

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On Friday night, at the Kyle Gallagher (Fight Club) promoted event at the Devonshire House Hotel in Liverpool, the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) successfully sanctioned their inaugural event, since taking over the British and Irish operations of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) earlier this month.

The first bout of the night, see Lee Clayton make his professional debut against two-bout veteran Thomas Murry.

The two combatants went at it hammer and tongs from the off, both men vying for centre ring with a passion. As the round progressed into the second minute Clayton began to dominate, letting rip with vicious body shots whenever the opportunity arose.

By the third minute Clayton stepped it up even further and then on around two minute thirty mark Clayton landed a peach of a body shot to send Murry down. The Mancunian lad initially attempted to rise but was clearly in a lot of pain and motioned to Referee Jimmy Byrne that he couldn’t continue and the bout was waived off at the 2 minute and 42 second mark.

Local lad Dayle Clayton faced Belfast’s Marty Kayes in the second bout of the night. From the opening bell right through to the closing bell of the bout these two warriors battled it out much to the delight of the packed house, after four very closely fought rounds Referee Jimmy Byrne scored the bout 40-36 in favour of Dayle Gallagher, whose record now stands as 2-0.

Third bout of the night see Hyde, Cheshire’s Will O’Reilly make his professional debut against Newark, Nottingham’s Vaclav Skromach.

Again another full on war from start to finish, both men giving their all for the full four rounds, as with the Clayton-Hayes bout each round was very close, in this case so close that Referee Jimmy Byrne scored the bout 39-37 in favour of debut kid Will O’Reilly.

Next up see Liverpool’s Lee Boyce against Castlerae, Ireland’s John Waldron. Another cracking all action bout.

Boyce dominated the majority of the first round, using his exceptional movement to keep the Irishman out of range, before moving forward and letting rip with clean sharp shots to body or head.

Many in attendance thought it was going to be an early finish, after Waldron was sent down following a vicious body shot in the first, but the Irishman is of much tougher stock, as proved in the second round which Waldron won.

Third and fourth rounds were full on Battle Royales with Boyce capturing one and Waldron the other, so after four sensational rounds of boxing it was clearly going to be close, so no surprise that Referee Jimmy Byrne’s scorecards showed Boyce the victor by a very close 38-37, the first round knockdown being the difference. A seriously great fight and surely a rematch in the future should be on the cards.

The fifth bout of the night saw former England Amateur star Nathan Russo making his debut against the equally talented and also debuting James McDonald.

The first minute or so of the bout was sensational to put it mildly, first one lad dominated the other and then visa versa, however as the round progressed Russo began to get major success with vicious body-shots and big lefts to the head, so much so around the two minute thirty mark Russo stepped it up even further, forcing McDonald to cover up much more than he had in the early parts of the round, then just as the bell to end the round was about to be rung Russo let rip with a huge left to the head, sending McDonald straight down and out.

Referee Jimmy Byrne realized the instant the punch landed it was a knockout and dived straight to the prone lads side to check his condition before signaling to the ringside medical team to enter the ring to attend to the injured warrior.

The crowd stood respectfully quietly, as did Nathan Russo, as the medical team went to work on the prone McDonald, but when eventually McDonald was assisted to the stool some two or three minutes later the entire crowd to a man (or woman) stood and applauded.

Although James McDonald seemed to be fully recovered, he was taken to hospital for checks to be on the safe side.

The final bout of the night see local lad Jay Carney against pro debuting Jak Johnson, from Newcastle.

Everyone was expecting this to be a serious good fight, as these two lads had fought each other previously in the amateurs, and they were to proved right.

What a first round, these two really went for it, both lads boxing beautifully throughout. Early in the second Johnson began to take control, landing some pinpoint perfect shots, Carney though is as tough as they come and weathered the onslaught and as the round progressed fought back magnificently and began to regain control.

Around the two minute thirty mark Carney stepped things up and started landing some big shots, causing Johnson to cover up, however this tactic opened up the body, which Carney took advantage of, throwing a huge body shot to send Johnson down.

As with Thomas Murry, initially Johnson tried to rise but was too winded to do so. Referee Jimmy Byrne waived the fight off on the two minute forty five second mark of the second round.

Following the event British & Irish Boxing Authority Vice President and CEO Gianluca Di Caro spoke briefly about the event.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better event to launch the British & Irish Boxing Authority, Kyle (promoter Kyle Gallagher) had put together a fantastic show, he’s without doubt one of the UK’s best promoters, his attention to detail is first class.

The venue was superb and the matching of the bouts was first class and more importantly, well to us, featured both British and Irish boxers, so we are over the moon he has chosen to be with the British & Irish Boxing Authority.

I have nothing but praise for every single fighter tonight, every single one of them fought their hearts out and put on a great show.

I am pleased to report that James McDonald is fine, but have to admit I was worried as it looked quite serious at the time, and to be honest if it wasn’t for the quick reactions of Jimmy (Referee Jimmy Byrne), John (Dr John Oates) and Chris (Trauma Medic Chris Say) and his team it could so easily have been.

With our first event done and dusted, it’s onwards and upwards. Events are coming in thick and fast, so much so that next weekend we have two events, Lee Murtagh’s event at the Aria Suite in Leeds, that will feature the pro debut of the excellent Sophie Varley as well as a full card of well matched bouts on the Friday and on SaturdayThomas Melville’s quadruple WBF title headed show at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley.”

For further information on the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) please see the official website; www.boxbiba.com and also please follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/BibaBoxing and Twitter www.twitter.com/BIBABoxing

boxing, CBS Boxing, Las Vegas

  Chris Van Heerden brings “The Heat” & slays “The Dragon” To win 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett

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For Immediate Release
 
“Knockout Night at the D” Results
(L-R) — Steve Claggett & Chris Van Heerden
(All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2016) – Former IBO World welterweight champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden put himself back into title contention position, winning a 10-round majority decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in this evening’s main event, under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, which airs live on CBS Sports Network, is presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC), promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and returns Saturday evening, May 21.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica, California by way of South Africa, used his 3-inch height advantage against Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), the Canadian champion from Calgary, Alberta.
Neither fighter was hurt during the fight, in which there were continual back-and-forth exchanges of stinging combinations.  Claggett battled to apply pressure in order to fight on the inside, while Van Heerden fought effectively from the outside.
The two evenly-matched welterweights patiently waited for the official announcement:  95-95 and 97-93 twice for Van Heerden.
“I knew I won this fight, 120-percent, but I knew it was close,” Van Heerden commented.  “We’re both winners tonight because of it was so close and we entertained the crowd.  Me and Claggett entertained the crowd…..we delivered.  I’ve been through so much and the lord helped me get this win.  I look forward to a rematch, but I want to move forward.”
Undefeated California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs) had a lot to crow about in the 8-round co-feature against Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce, Jr.(10-3, 8 KOs).  Macias thoroughly dominated the action, firing non-stop shots from every conceivable angle.  His unrelenting pressure enabled Macias, whose come-forward approach made him an instant fan favorite, to control the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision.
“I knew he was going to be the toughest fighter I’ve fought,” Macias said.  “I give Ponce much respect.   We wanted to give fans a good show.”
Baltimore welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs) gave Errol “Spyda” Sidney (6-2-2, 2 KOs) a beating, fully displaying his arsenal of punches, hurting his gutsy opponent on several occasions. Hawkins’ aggressive style early in the fight broke-down Sidney, who was nearly finished at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds.  Hawkins trapped Sidney a neutral corner at the start of the sixth round and a powerful uppercut sent Sidney down to a knee.  Sidney beat referee Jay Nady‘s count but the veteran official had seen enough and he halted the bout 1:02 into the sixth.
“We’re back,” Hawkins proclaimed after the bout.  I’d give myself an 8 ½ this fight.”
Las Vegas’ promising prospect Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) outclassed Oregon junior lightweight Derek Barthemay (0-3) from the opening bell for a 4-round unanimous decision.
Flashy Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs) constantly pounded the body of his tough Mexican opponent, Jason “Gibbor” Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), for a 4-round shutout victory,
Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (2-0) dropped a game Matt “The KO Kid” Murphy (0-2), a junior lightweight from St. Louis, in the opening round on his way to an impressive one-sided win by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.
Complete results and more pictures of main event below:
 
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (12-0, 4 KOs), Palm Desert, California.
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-3, 8 KOs), Rock Island, Illinois
WELTERWEIGHTS
Chris Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 KOs), Santa Monica, California
WDEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Steve Claggett (23-4, 16 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Malik Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs), Baltimore, Maryland
WTKO6 (1:02)
Errol Sidney, Jr. (6-2-2, 2 KOs), New Orleans, Louisiana
Jeremy Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-35)
Jason Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Derek Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oregon
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Derick Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oreon
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country 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.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
For More Information:
“Knockout Night at the D”: Bob Trieger, (978) 590-0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas:  Kara Rutkin / Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications, (702) 737-3100, krutkin@kirvindoak.com /acurry@kirvindoak.com
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Lisa Veltre, (702) 522-1636,lisa@royjonesjrboxing.com
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GARY RUSSELL JR. KNOCKS OUT PATRICK HYLAND TO RETAIN WBC FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME®

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Jose Pedraza Remains Unbeaten With Unanimous Decision Over Stephen Smith In IBF Junior Lightweight Championship

 

Catch The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Replay
This Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Apr. 17, 2016) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. retained his title with a remarkable TKO of Irishman Patrick Hyland Saturdayon SHOWTIME from Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn.  In the co-feature, Jose Pedraza defended his IBF Junior Lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Stephen Smith.

 

Tonight’s event was a family affair with Russell Jr. working his brother Antonio’s corner during tonight’s undercard and boxing’s Smith brothers, including current WBO Super Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith, cheering from the crowd.

 

A relentless Russell brought the main event to a quick halt by registering three knockdowns in the second round, the last of which forced referee Danny Schiavone to end the contest at 1:33.  From the first bell, the Washington, D.C. native came out swinging with his trademark hand speed and dangerous power.  Russell, a southpaw, successfully broke down—and knocked out—Hyland with multiple vicious right hooks.

 

“We stuck to the game plan. We stayed sharp,” said Russell Jr., who improves his record to 27 wins, one loss, 15 knockouts.

 

“I’m ready to fight anyone in the division – Santa Cruz, Lee Selby.  We are ready. But what I really want is [Vasyl] Lomachenko.  I don’t care if he moves up to 147 pounds.  I will go anywhere to get that fight,” Russell said.

 

“There aren’t many fighters who you instantly know are special,” said SHOWTIME Sports expert analyst Steve Farhood. “The combination of Gary Russell’s hand speed and accuracy instantly shows us that he’s special. That was plainly evident tonight and at times his hand speed was frightening.”

 

Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) remained disciplined and came out victorious during his second IBF 130-pound world title defense. A combination of timing, hand speed and good defense allowed the Puerto Rican native to dominate the 12-round championship fight.

 

“This definitely was a tough fight but the training really came to advantage in this fight,” Pedraza told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray. “I knew he was a tough fighter so I was always aware.”

 

“I had better focus tonight. I had a better training camp,” said Pedraza, referring to his controversial split decision win over Edner Cherry two fights ago.  “I knew that Stephen Smith was a great fighter and even after the knockdown, we were very cautious not to rush in.”

 

“Pedraza won tonight with different weapons. Mostly right hands to the head,” said Farhood. “I had the fight even after eight rounds and once Pedraza dropped Smith in the ninth, he gained momentum that he never lost and he pulled away. It was an impressive performance but also an important one because it erased a lot of the negative criticism Pedraza received in his controversial win over Edner Cherry.”

 

Pedraza was the more accurate fighter, landing 50 percent of his power punches over the 12-round bout. The Sniper was able to pick his spots and pocket rounds once he figured out the distance.  Smith had his moments, but wasn’t active enough.

 

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.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

MARIO BARRIOS DOMINATES IN 2016 DEBUT

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Photo by Leo Wilson / Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN, NY (April 16, 2016) – IBF #15 super-featherweight ranked contender,Mario Barrios, remained undefeated with a dominating unanimous decision victory over Edgar Gabejan (26-33-6, 9 KOs) a veteran of over 500 ronds, improving his record to (15-0, 8 KOs).
Barrios, who hails from San Antonio, TX, came out guns blazing, dropping Gabejan in round one.  Towering over his opponent, Barrios, who stands over six feet tall, used his height and reach to perfection as he landed precise punches throughout the remainder of the fight.  Gabejan made it to the final bell but was severely beaten up.  Scorecards read 80-71 across the board, all in favor of Barrios.
This marks the first fight for Barrios in 2016.  With the win, Barrios hope to get back in the ring as soon as possible.  A world title fight by the end of the year is what Barrios has is mind set on.
“I’m happy with my performance tonight,” said Mario Barrios. “My opponent showed a lot of heart making it to the final bell.  Going the full eight rounds was great experience for me.  I feel I’m improving with each fight and I’m hoping by the end of the year I’ll be ready to challenge any of the champions in my division.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Rising Star Errol Spence Jr. Makes A Statement In The Welterweight Division With Dominating Fifth-Round Stoppage Of Former World Champion Chris Algieri In Primetime On Premier Boxing Champions On NBC Live From Barclays Center In Brooklyn

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Krzysztof Glowacki Drops Steve Cunningham Four Times On His Way To Retaining Cruiserweight World Title
&
2012 U.S. Olympian Marcus Browne Remains Undefeated With Split-Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Radivoje Kalajdzic
Click HERE For Photos From Leo Wilson/Ryan Greene
Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Fight Highlights from Premier Boxing Champions
 
BROOKLYN (April 17, 2016) – Undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (20-0, 17 KOs) went emphatically from prospect to contender with a fifth-round stoppage of former world champion Chris Algieri (21-3, 8 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday night from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
“It meant a lot to get the stoppage,” said Spence Jr. “I did something Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan couldn’t do. That shows where I’m at in the welterweight division.”
Spence Jr. was superior in every regard as he took control of the fight from the beginning with world-class bodywork and blazing speed. Algieri was expected to be a major step-up for the 2012 U.S. Olympian, but was unable to bother his opponent despite landing 31 percent of his punches to Spence Jr.’s 30 percent per CompuBox stats.
“I can’t take anything away from this young hungry lion,” said Algieri. “He did a great job. I trained really hard for this fight. I hope that people appreciate me and how hard I worked and what I brought to the fight.”
“The Truth” dominated by landing 41 percent of his power punches over the five rounds and only lost one round on the three judges’ scorecards. Spence Jr. sent Algieri down for the first time in the fourth round with a combination finished off by a straight left hand.
Algieri survived the round, but Spence Jr. was determined to get a stoppage and he connected with another straight left that put Algieri on the canvas early in round five.
“It was pretty one-sided, I felt,” said Spence Jr. “I started slowly. He said he was going to take me to deep waters so I wanted to pace myself.”
“I just wasn’t sticking to the style and the strategy like I should have,” said Algieri. “We had a couple of different styles that we were going to show him and I never stayed in one style long enough to be effective.”
Spence Jr. saw his opportunity and launched a vicious attack in an attempt to end the fight. A massive left hook connected clean with Algieri’s jaw and put him on the canvas for the third and final time, as referee Benjy Esteves waved off the bout at :48 seconds into the fifth round.
“Everyone wanted to see what I could do against a proven fighter and I blew him out of the water,” added Spence Jr.
In the opening bout of the telecast, Polish star Krzysztof Glowacki (26-0, 16 KOs) sent former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-8-1, 13 KOs) to the canvas four times on his way to a unanimous decision to retain his cruiserweight world title in front of a raucous Polish-heavy crowd.
“Power and precision is my trademark,” said Glowacki. “That’s always been my game. I was a little bit reluctant because of the surgery, but I got more comfortable as the fight went on.”
Glowacki got the action going early as he scored his first knockdown with a left hand that he would use to control the fight and knocked down Cunningham a second time shortly after the former champion rose to his feet.
“I’m just disappointed,” said Cunningham. “I knew I just had to work. The corner kept telling me to go to the body more in the later rounds. I’ve been down before. I knew I had to go at this guy.”
The southpaw from Walcz, Poland and the orthodox veteran from Philadelphia combined for several exciting exchanges as Cunningham was able to land his share of power right hands but was more often than not met with Glowacki’s thudding left.
“The plan from the beginning was to hit him with the left hand and you could tell I was hitting with full power,” said Glowacki. “I couldn’t hit that hard against Marco Huck because of my injury and now I’m hoping to keep that power up in my next fight.”
Cunningham went down again in the 10th round from a short right hand but was able to rally and stun Glowacki with a big right hand. The champion recovered quickly, but Cunningham did arguably his best work of the fight in the 11th round as he aggressively attacked Glowacki with combinations to the head and body.
The fireworks continued in the final round as a strong combination put Cunningham down for the fourth time in the fight. The challenger rose to his feet and attacked effectively at times, but the left hand proved to be too much.
“He punched with me and caught me coming in,” said Cunningham. “I knew after the second round knockdowns that I had to get rounds back and go get him. He’s a smart fighter.”
Cunningham was actually able to land a higher percentage of punches than Glowacki as he connected on 34 percent versus just 25 percent from Glowacki. However the knockdowns and Glowacki’s output advantage of 462 to 366 was enough for him to retain his title by scores of 116-108 and 115-109 twice.
“The fans were my motivation throughout the fight,” said Glowacki. “I just wanted to give them more and more. I want to thank everyone who came and watched me.”
The televised swing bout saw 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (18-0, 13 KOs) remained undefeated with a narrow split-decision victory over previously unbeaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight contest.
“Establishing my jab was the key,” said Browne. “Once I did that, he couldn’t get past it. He got me with a couple of good shots.”
Kalajdzic was emphatic that the judges were wrong in their decision.
“I don’t see how I lost,” said Kalajdzic. “I was the aggressor. I showed my heart. If he feels like he beat me, give me the rematch.”
The southpaw Browne was able to jab his way into control of the fight by landing 52 jabs to the 54 thrown by Kalajdzic the whole fight. Browne was able to bruise and eventually open up a cut over Kalajdzic’s left eye late in the fight.
In the first round, Browne was credited with a controversial knockdown as it appeared via replay that a slip had occurred and Browne had hit Kaladjzic after he was down.
Kalajdzic was effective with his power punches throughout the fight as he landed 36 percent of his power punches to 29 percent from Browne. His most effective moment came in round six when he sent Browne to the mat with a right hand.
“He caught me with something that grazed me,” said Browne. “I didn’t even know what it was. I walked into the punch but I was able to get up from it and get back in rhythm.”
“He didn’t do anything that bothered me,” said Kalajdzic. “I was doing my thing. I should have listened to my coaches more and I would have stopped him.”
Browne was able to recover for the final two rounds and earn the split-decision by scores of 76-74 for Kalajdzic, 76-74 for Browne and 76-75 again for the still unbeaten Staten Island-native.
“I love fighting in front of my fans and family. We gutted this one out and it’s on to the next one,” added Browne.
PBC on NBC was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform was presented by AARP. PBC on NBC was sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
 For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,@ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing,@NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing

KEITH THURMAN TO DEFEND WELTERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST SHAWN PORTER ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION JESUS CUELLAR BATTLES FORMER THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION 
ABNER MARES IN CO-MAIN EVENT
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS
Presented By Premier Boxing Champions Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
Tickets On Sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m.!
 
BROOKLYN (April 16, 2016) – An action-packed primetime doubleheader of world title fights, headlined by the explosive, eagerly-awaited clash between welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter,will come to Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, June 25.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) broadcast will begin with a co-main event featherweight battle between current champion Jesus Cuellar and former three-division world champion Abner Mares.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Thurman (26-0, 22 KOs), of Clearwater, Fla., and Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs), of Las Vegas by way of Akron, Ohio, are both coming off superb 2015 campaigns that solidified the fresh faces among the elite of arguably boxing’s most exciting division.  With perennial pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather now retired, the 27-year-old Thurman and the 28-year-old Porter are hungry to stake their claim as the future of boxing.
Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, will make the second defense of his WBA 126-pound title against Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs), a popular brawler from Southern California who has compiled a staggering resume over the past five years while earning titles at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.  Cuellar vs. Mares joins a stacked lineup of featherweight bouts that showcases many of the world’s best 126-pounders aiming to unifying one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
“Keith Thurman against Shawn Porter is one of the best matchups that can be made in the welterweight division right now,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans in attendance at Barclays Center and those watching on CBS will witness a passing of the torch as the hard-punching world titleholder Thurman and the highly skilled former champion Porter vie to prove who will be the next heir to the throne in the post-Mayweather era of the 147-pound division. The explosive co-main event between Jesus Cuellar and Abner Mares will give fans a fight to remember.”
“Barclays Center has featured many memorable welterweight fights and the long-awaited Thurman vs. Porter matchup promises to become the best one yet,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @KeithFThurmanJr, @ShowtimeShawnP, @AbnerMares, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/BarclaysCenter.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

NIKOLAY POTAPOV & STEPHON YOUNG FIGHT TO A DRAW, MASON MENARD STEALS THE SHOW WITH HIGHLIGHT-REEL KO ONSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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VIDEO: Menard Knocks Out Previously Unbeaten Eudy Bernardo: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Catch The Replay Tuesday, April 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME®

 

VERONA, N.Y. (April 15, 2016) –  Undefeated bantamweight prospects Nikolay Potapov and Stephon Young fought to a majority draw in theShoBox: The New Generation main event Friday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The bout was scored 96-94 Potapov and 95-95 twice.

 

Potapov and Young were facing their toughest opponents in each other.  Potapov (14-0-1, 6 KOs) controlled the pace early with his jab and was the more active fighter, throwing nearly double the punches that Young threw.   Young picked up steam and gained confidence in the middle rounds and was at his best when he pressed the action and let his hands go.  But the Russian Potapov, who had gone at least 10 rounds in his last six fights, was clearly more comfortable as the fight progressed.

 

After slowing in the seventh and eighth, Young (14-0-3, 6 KOs) found another gear in an impressive ninth, winning the penultimate round on all the judges’ scorecards.  But, even after urgent instructions from his corner, Young couldn’t carry the momentum into the 10th and lost the final round on all three scorecards.

 

“I am very unhappy with the decision. For every time he hit me, I hit him twice,” said Potapov, who threw 315 jabs compared to just 113 for Young.  “I was the much busier fighter. I don’t know what fight the judges were watching.  At the very most I lost four rounds.

 

“I’ve never had a draw before. I feel cheated from a win. I was very happy to be fighting in America but I now feel cheated.”

 

After the fight, St. Louis native Young was disappointed but knew that he needed to throw more punches.

 

“I feel like it was a good fight, but I should have got the decision,” Young said.  “I hurt him every time I hit him.  I let him be busier than me, but as far as the contact, I feel like I landed the more effective punches.  That was my strategy.

 

“I should have come on a bit sooner. That was my plan, but I got a little relaxed in the fight.  I came on in the ninth round when my coach told me to get him out of there.

 

“I most definitely want a rematch. I would like to do that again.”

 

Once-beaten Louisiana lightweight Mason Menard knocked out previously undefeated Eudy Bernardo with a vicious one-punch KO at2:11 of the third round.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/1NtEYjW

 

Facing his toughest opponent to date, Menard floored (31-1, 23 KOs) Bernardo for the first time in his career with a series of rights near the end of the second round.  The Dominican Bernardo beat the count and finished the round, but he had no answer for Menard’s power.  Less than one minute into third, Menard connected with a huge right, knocking Bernardo (21-1, 15 KOs) out before he even hit the canvas.

 

“I made a statement tonight.  Not many people knew who I was going into this, but they know me now,” said Menard, who landed nearly 50 percent of his power shots.  “My speed, power and footwork were the difference.

 

“I said a prayer for him in the middle of the ring that he goes back to his family healthy.”

 

Bernardo, who was removed from the ring on a stretcher as a precautionary measure, was taken to nearby Oneida Healthcare where he was awake and responsive.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated cruiserweightConstantin Bejenaru handed Alexey Zubov the first loss of his career in a convincing eight-round unanimous decision scored 77-74, 78-73 twice.

 

Save for a flash seventh round knockdown, Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs) controlled the fight from the outset.  The Moldova native overcame a four-inch height disadvantage, attacking from different angles and controlling the exchanges on the inside and outside.  Zubov (10-1, 6 KOs) never got into rhythm and failed to capitalize on his reach advantage against the active and athletic southpaw.

 

“He was a good classical boxer, but he’s too straight up and he couldn’t adjust,” Bejenaru said.  “It wasn’t as easy as it looked to beat him. I adjusted my style to do that because I knew it would make him hesitate. I knew if I just constantly attacked him he wouldn’t know what to do.”

 

Zubov and Bernardo are now the 146th and 147th boxers to suffer their first pro loss on the prospect developmental series.

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will re-air Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning April 16

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

boxing, charity, Team Fight to Walk

The Real People’s Champ: Melson making a major difference outside of the ring

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New York, NY (April 15, 2016) – WBC USNBC junior middleweight champion Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson is remaining busy outside of the squared circle raising funds, speaking to various groups and helping multiple causes.
Last month, Melson spearheaded a fundraiser at SPiN NYC that netted $5,000. To help fundraising efforts, Melson literally let anybody who donated $50 or more at the event get in the ring with him for three minutes and throw punches at him. The funds were split 50/50 between Team Fight to Walk an BOXER INC. Melson recently joined the Board of Directors for BOXER INC. which is a NYC based nonprofit founded by Melson’s close friend and former amateur boxer Mustafa Abullah. BOXER INC. is a mentorship program through the use of boxing to help develop leadership, discipline and offer exercise to youth at inner-city schools in New York City. Academy Award Winner Susan Sarandon, a part owner of SPiN, helped promote the event on social media and personally expressed her interest in running a second fundraiser this fall.
Less than 24 hours after the SPiN event, Melson was a special guest speaker at the United Spinal Association Connecticut Chapter’s annual gala. The Connecticut Chapter honored Melson’s speaking at their gala by donating $2500 to Team Fight to Walk.
On Tuesday, April 12, Melson, a 2003 West Point grad, headed to the the army base of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his time at Fort Bragg, he spoke to Delta Company, 3rd Military Information Support Battalion (Airborne). This Battalion is a PSYOP (Psychological Operations) Battalion in the US Special Operations Command that directly supports the United States Army Special Forces. At the end of Melson’s speech to Delta Company, he was asked to return two more times this year.
This request involves Melson, an Army Reserve Captain himself, returning in July to deliver a speech to the entire 3rd Military Information Support Battalion followed by a speech to the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition in the fall. The Care Coalition was formed to offer support to Armed Forces members that served in the Navy Seals, Delta Force, Special Forces, or Ranger Battalion, and were injured in combat now facing physical disabilities.
In the last few months, the “Rainmaker” has voluntarily offered his time addressing youth of all ages at multiple tri-state area elementary, middle and high schools as well as delivering a pre-game pep talk to the Johns Hopkins University Women’s Basketball Team prior to their game. Melson, upon invitation, attended the Jewish Youth Organization BBYO’s (B’nai B’rith) annual event in Baltimore. He was partnered with former NFL Quarterback Jay Fiedler as they both took turns sharing their individual journeys as Jewish professional athletes with a few hundred Jewish high school aged teens.
Four days after visiting Fort Bragg, Melson will be in Aston, Pennsylvania for a three day Spinal Cord Injury and Concussion forum. The event features a special exhibition hockey game featuring many former NHL players and other notables helping raise money for both of these physical challenges. The event is sponsored by Johnson&Johnson, a company Melson once worked for. During this event, Melson will speak on Spinal Cord Injuries and perform a ceremonial puck drop to kick the game off.
“The universe continues to conspire. When you follow what is in your heart with divine love, I believe that the universe submits. When this submission takes place allowing its elements to conspire, what is beating in your heart with divine love becomes a tangible space. I just have to keep moving forward with the same type of stamina I needed inside the ring. I can’t get tired. This fight has many rounds to it. Our FDA Approval to begin conducting this study is less than a year out- that round is almost here!
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Unbeaten Prospect Stephen Fulton Takes On Undefeated Adalberto Zorilla & Super Featherweight Contender Frank DeAlba Returns To Battle Veteran Mexico’s Daniel Perales

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Tuesday, April 19 From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
 
Plus Full Night Of Exciting Undercard Action!
 
BETHLEHEM, PA. (April 15, 2016) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Stephen Fulton (8-0, 3 KOs) faces undefeated Puerto Rican Adalberto Zorilla (5-0, 5 KOs) and local super featherweight contender Frank DeAlba (17-2-2, 6 KOs) faces Mexico’s Daniel Perales (6-4-1, 3 KOs) as part of an exciting undercard on Tuesday, April 19 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes is headlined by lightweight contender Ivan Redkach (19-1, 15 KOs) will facing off against Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (22-4, 16 KOs). Televised coverage begins ay 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with brawling 160-pound prospect Immanuwel Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) taking on Jonathan Cepeda (17-1, 15 KOs) while Dominican Olympian Junior Castillo (9-0, 9 KOs) faces Delaware’s Kyrone Davis (10-0, 4 KOs).
Fulton and Zorilla will square-off in a six-round super bantamweight bout while DeAlba and Perales meet in six-rounds of super featherweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Further action will feature a pair of Pennsylvania prospects in their pro debuts as Harrisburg’s Dustin Pague takes on Philadelphia’s Rafael Davis in a four-round welterweight fight, super welterweight Nicholas Hernandez (3-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout against Newark’s Jamil Gadsden (0-6), Philadelphia’s Emmanuel Folly (6-0, 4 KOs) in four-rounds of lightweight action and St. Louis-native Vincent Cruz (9-0, 6 KOs) in eight rounds of super lightweight action against Allentown’s Jerome Rodriguez (7-3-3, 2 KOs).
At just 21-years-old, the rising prospect kept busy in 2015 as he picked up five victories including his last out in Bethlehem where he defeated previously unbeaten Joshua Greer. The Philadelphia-product will look to open his 2016 with a victory over the unbeaten Zorilla out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
The 28-year-old De Alba had a 19 fight unbeaten streak snapped in his last outing in which he dropped a narrow majority decision to unbeaten Omar Douglas. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico but now fighting out of nearby Reading, Pennsylvania, he’ll battle the 24-year-old Perales out of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @IRedkach, @FS1, @TheSBEC, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes andwww.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Victor Ortiz Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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Former Welterweight Champ Talks Training, Ortiz vs. Berto Rematch and More Heading Into Saturday, April 30 Clash on
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes From
StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba & Premier Boxing Champions
“Berto comes to fight. He comes for war and wont give up ever, but that makes two of us.” – Victor Ortiz
 
CARSON, CALIF. (April 14, 2016) – Former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz held a media workout in Los Angeles Thursday andshared thoughts on his upcoming primetime rematch with former champion Andre “The Beast” Berto on Saturday, April 30 on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Televised coverage starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features light heavyweight sluggersEdwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs)and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.(19-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round brawl and unbeaten Mexican brawler Jorge Lara (27-0-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout against former three-division world championFernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-5-2, 39 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53, and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.
Ortiz and Berto will square-off in a rematch of their 2011 Fight of the Year in which Ortiz took home a victory as both men hit the canvas throughout the 12-round affair. Now, Ortiz is preparing for another big victory that could catapult him back to world title contention.
Here is what Ortiz had to say about Berto, training camp and more:
VICTOR ORTIZ
On his first bout against Berto:
“I made a lot of mistakes that night but I did enough to get the victory. I always said if I ever got the rematch, I would end him and now I have the chance.
“Berto had an off night. I wasn’t at my best either, but I destroyed him regardless. This time we’ll both be at our best.
“Berto just talks and talks. When you have to hype yourself up just to think you have a chance, that’s on you. I don’t need to talk myself into thinking I’m going to win. I just know I’m going to win.
“We’ve both had some wars since our first fight, but if you can’t back it up, you should just stop.
“I had injuries heading into the last fight, but now you have two guys who are 100 percent. That is going to make for an even better fight this time around.”
On the rematch with Berto:
“Berto comes to fight. He comes for war and wont give up ever, but that makes two of us.
“We have been through a lot in the last five years. He hates me. I have no hate in my heart, but I know it’s a sport. I’m not leaving that ring without a victory.
“Berto wants to hurt me just as bad as I want to hurt him. I’m ready to go again. This is going to be a Fight of the Year for sure.
“Anytime you have to convince yourself that you’re going to beat me. That you actually had a chance the first time, there’s a lot wrong with you.
“It’s a sport. It’s not personal. Two guys going back and forth. I want to rip his head off and he wants to rip my head off. Its nothing personal. We can go get a burger after the fight.
“He’s a heck of a fighter and a boxer and I am too. He’s had his fair share of wars. He’s had his fair share of injuries and I’ve had mine.
“I would hate someone that took my undefeated record. So maybe he hates me, but I don’t hate him. Whatever his mindset is, April 30 is right around the corner and I’m ready.”
On working with Coach Joseph “Hoss” Janik & David Rodela:
“Coach Hoss has always been there 100 percent. He has been in my corner about a decade and he knows the game better than a lot of the people I’ve worked with. Every fighter needs to find a ‘zen’ with their coach and I have that with Coach Hoss.
“I feel like this is the best fit for me. Hoss has been with me through it all, from being dropped, to the hospital and everything. He always says that this is just another way to make you stronger.
“I also have coach David Rodela in my corner. We were once upon a time rivals and now we are closest of friends. It is a true ‘Grudge Match’ right there. Now he just tortures me in training.
On his acting career:
 
“At this point I have one focus. For the next three or four years I am going to be 100 percent focused on boxing.
“I’ve had big celebrities and actors come up to me and say ‘you’re Victor Ortiz, can we take a picture?’ It’s mutual respect, but it’s also kind of crazy. I don’t overstep my boundaries.
“I don’t watch the movie I’ve been in. That is too much. Some people like to see themselves on the screen, I’m not one of those people.
On his positive attitude:
 
“I believe that if you’re a bad person, bad things happen. I’m a hard worker. I used to work construction and out in the fields. I never complained. Always smiled.
“I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face. People take some things too seriously. Of course there are haters out there, but I don’t pay attention to any of that. I’ve found that a good positive attitude goes a long way.
“It doesn’t matter what people say. What matters what I want, what I’m going to do. April 30is going to be the rebirth of me.”
On what’s next after April 30:
 
“I’m ready to fight for a world title. Especially after this victory that’s coming. This is for personal satisfaction. Berto has been talking for five years and I’m ready to go.
“I took a different route, a different approach. Why? Because I wanted to try other things. Do I have to be here? No. I turned down two movies to be here. Boxing is my first and true love.
“I’m ready to conquer the 147 and 154 pound divisions and Andre Berto is standing in my way right now.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andfoxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto,@LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.