Tag Archives: boxing

“Knockout Night at the D” Undercard Announced  

 
This Saturday night live on
CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

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LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – An solid undercard showcasing promising prospects has been announced for this Saturday night’s “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and former IBO champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs),, fighting out of his native South Africa by way of Santa Monica, California, square off in 12-round main event.
Saturday’s “Knockout Night at the D” event will air (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Undefeated California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) faces former Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.
A Baltimore welterweight, undefeated Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), is in the first televised bout in a six-rounder versus New Orleans’ Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs). Jones signed Hawkins to a promotional contract after watching the youngster spar impressively, displaying tremendous power.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invaderJason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), slick Las Vegas featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) vs. TBA, dangerous Las Vegas junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Derek Barthemay (0-2), of Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles heavyweight Jonathan “Johnnie” Rice (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Antonio Robertson (4-5-1, 2 KOs), of Alexandria, Virginia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
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 towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
“BATTLE BORN BOXING: THE UPRISING” – Friday, April 15, 2016
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place this Friday night (Apr. 15), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events.
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
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)

  Demetrius Andrade vs. Willie Nelson WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator Added to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®on June 11

 

 All Logos3

Dejan Zlaticanin To Face Emiliano Marsili For WBC Lightweight World Championship In Opening Bout Of Ruslan Provodnikov vs. John Molina Jr. Tripleheader

 

Live on SHOWTIME® At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

During International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend

From Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

NEW YORK (April 11, 2016) – An outstanding super welterweight clash has been added to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 11 as undefeated, former WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade will face hard-hitting perennial contender Willie Nelson in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. The winner of the 12-round co-feature will become the mandatory challenger to the winner of the May 21 showdown between Jermell Charlo and John Jackson, who face off for the vacant WBC 154-pound title on SHOWTIME.

 

Andrade vs. Nelson will serve as the chief support to the all-action matchup between former junior middleweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov and former world title challenger John Molina Jr., live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.  Andrade vs. Nelson is a co-promotion with Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and DiBella Entertainment

 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader during International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend, WBC No. 1-ranked lightweight Dejan Zlaticanin will take on No. 2-ranked Emiliano Marsili for the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

 

Fighting out of his native Providence, R.I., the 28-year-old Andrade has compiled an unblemished record of 22-0 with 15 knockouts since turning professional in 2008 after representing the United States in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

 

A crafty southpaw with a piston-like jab and knockout power in each hand, Andrade won the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship with a career-best performance over Vanes Martirosyan on November 9, 2013 and successfully defended the title against No. 1-ranked mandatory challenger Brian Rose on June 14, 2014.  Most recently Andrade, who is a consensus top-5 super welterweight, scored a second-round knockout over Dario Fabian Pucheta on October 17, 2015.

 

A true road warrior who is extremely tall for a junior middleweight at 6-foot-3, Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KO’s) has faced and defeated numerous top contenders over his 10-year career. Fighting only once in 2015, the Cleveland native upset highly regarded and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Tony Harrison with a ninth-round knockout on July 11 in Tampa, Florida. In his first start of 2016, Nelson stopped Jonathan Batista in the second round on March 25.

 

Other notable names the all-action Nelson has defeated include John Jackson, Luciano Cuello, Michael Medina and Yudel Jackson.  On October 14, 2014, Nelson came up just short against Martirosyan, losing a hotly contested 10-round decision on SHOWTIME.

 

The southpaw Zlaticanin (17-0, 10 KOs) was an accomplished amateur in Eastern Europe before making a statement in his U.S. debut with an impressive fourth-round TKO of previously undefeated Ivan Redkach in a 135-pound title eliminator last June 13on SHOWTIME.

 

Two bouts prior to the win over Redkach, Dejan (pronounced “DAY-han) Zlaticanin (silent “z” – pronounced “la-ti-CAH-nin) earned a well-deserved 12-round split decision over hometown favorite and former two-division world champion Ricky Burns in 2014.

 

The 31-year-old Zlaticanin is an offensive-minded fighter who constantly pressures his opponents, outworks them and wears them down.  Zlaticanin, of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro, will be making his first start in nearly 12 months.

 

The win over Redkach last June earned Redkach the WBC’s mandatory position at 135 pounds.  He was scheduled to face WBC Champion Jorge Linares in early 2016, but Linares pulled out of the bout with a broken hand.  Due to the injury, the WBC has since named Linares their champion in recess, creating the opportunity for the vacant title shot.

 

The Italian Marsili (32-0-1, 14 KOs) will make his 2016, U.S. and SHOWTIME debut.  The undefeated southpaw has fought all but one of his professional fights in Italy, the lone exception a 2012 TKO of veteran contender Derry Matthews in Britain.

 

The 39-year old fought twice in 2015, a seventh-round TKO of Gyorgy Mizsei Jr., for the European lightweight belt and a 12-round unanimous decision over Gamaliel Diaz for the WBC’s 135-pound silver title.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.banner-promotions.comfollow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BannerBoxing; @RuslanProvod, @johnmolinajr135 or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports. www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions

Former World Champion Chad Dawson, Featherweight Contender Ryan Kielczweski & Undefeated Prospects Antonio Russell & Carlos Gongora Highlight Undercard Action on Saturday, April 16 From Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

 
Doubleheader of World Title Fights Featured on
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
(11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT)
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (April 11, 2016) – A stacked undercard of action featuring former world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (33-4, 18 KOs), featherweight contender Ryan Kielczweski (24-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated prospects Antonio Russell (5-0, 4 KOs) and Carlos Gongora (4-0, 3 KOs) comes to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT., on Saturday, April 16.
The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader of world title fights: WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. battles Ireland’s Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland and IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza takes on top contender Stephen “Swifty” Smith from the UK, with televised coverage beginning live on SHOWTIME at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.
Dawson will face the veteran Cornelius White (23-4, 17 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout, Kielczweski enters the ring for eight rounds of featherweight action,  Gongora competes in a super middleweight attraction while Russell takes on Leonardo Reyes (3-9, 1 KO) in a bantamweight fight.
Also entering the ring is popular super bantamweight contender Shelley Vincent (16-0, 1 KO) out of Providence, RI., who will have plenty of support behind her when she takes on New Mexico’s Elizabeth Anderson (4-7, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.
Rounding out the action are a pair of prospects making their pro debuts as Providence’s Anthony Marsella Jr. fights in a four-round junior welterweight match and Connecticut’s Mykquan Williams in a four-round welterweight contest. Williams is a highly touted local prospect who fought to a 45-13 amateur record including three gold medal performances at the Ringside World Tournament.
A former world champion at light heavyweight, Dawson returns to the ring looking for the 34th victory of his successful career. The 33-year-old owns victories over former world champions Bernard Hopkins, Antonio Tarver and Tomasz Ademek and most recently defeated Shujaa El Amin in December 2015. The veteran owns a 17-1 record in fights in his home state of Connecticut. He takes on the veteran White out of Houston who picked up victories in his last two starts over Marcus Oliveira and William Johnson.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 25-year-old Kielczweski has become a staple fighting in his native New England. Born and raised in Quincy, Mass., he bounced back from his first defeat to deliver a first-round knockout over Anthony Napunyi in May 2015 and followed that up with a victory over veteran contender Rafael Vazquez in October of last year. During this camp, Kielczweski served as a chief sparring partner of the 126-pound champion Russell Jr.
Twice a National Golden Gloves runner up, Russell won the national championship in 2013 and he now looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and current 126-pound world champion Gary. A 23-year-old fighting out of Washington, D.C., Antonio has won four of his five fights inside of the distance. He faces the 22-year-old Mexican Reyes.
Fighting out of Brooklyn but originally from Esmereldas, Ecuador, Gongora was an Olympian in 2008 and 2012. Since turning pro in 2015, the 26-year-old has picked up four victories, including a fourth-round stoppage of Derrick Adkins in his most recent triumph in January.
For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

Del Valle Demolishes Crespo in Two

Del Valle straight right.jpg
For Immediate Release
Salem, NH (April 10, 2016) – Super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle of Bayamon, PR scored a dominant second round stoppage over local favorite Josh Crespo Saturday, April 9 at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH.
With a standing room only crowd on hand, Del Valle pressured Crespo early in the opening round and found a home for right hands. In the second, Del Valle continued to connect with clean shots including a perfectly placed hard overhand right to Crespo’s temple that sent him crashing to the canvas. The game Crespo got up and immediately stumbled back to the canvas but incredibly made it back to his feet before the count of 10. Seconds later, Del Valle swarmed his badly hurt foe and landed a number of punches until Crespo’s corner threw in the towel at 2:17.
I knew early in the first round that I was the stronger fighter and would be able to hurt him with my punches,” Del Valle said after improving his record to 21-2 with 16 KO’s. “I give him all the credit in the world for stepping up to fight me and having tremendous heart. I thought the referee was going to stop it because I’ve never seen a fighter get knocked down, stand up, fall again then get back up in less than ten seconds.”
Del Valle who scored his third consecutive stoppage since losing a controversial decision to Luis Rosa, is confident that he’ll land another bout against a top fighter in the very near future.
I did what I had to do last night and it’s onto bigger and better things. In my mind, Darchinyan is the only fighter to defeat me and I’ve grown a lot since then. There are many great fighters at 122 pounds that I’d love to get in the ring with and I’m confident it will happen soon.”
Del Valle’s next bout is scheduled to be televised and formal details will follow shortly.
Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @Orlanditoboxing or Facebook.com/Orlandito-Del-Valle-111406195543360.

TOP FIGHTERS IN 154-POUND DIVISION TAKE CENTER STAGE ON SHOWTIME®

 

Three World Title Fights Including Lara vs. Martirosyan Rematch & The Charlo Twins Attempting To Make History In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader

 

Saturday, May 21 Live On SHOWTIME At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

 

NEW YORK (April 9, 2016) – The 154-pound division will take center stage on Saturday, May 21 in a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader featuring three world title fights in the same division.  In a rare showcase of the division’s elite, five of the top-six super welterweights* will square off live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Venue and ticket information are forthcoming.

 

(*via Transnational Boxing Rankings)

 

In the main event, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara—the consensus No. 1 fighter at 154 pounds—will defend his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship against U.S. Olympian and top contender Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan in a rematch of their 2012 bout that ended in a technical draw.

 

Brothers Jermall and Jermell Charlo will look to make history in co-featured bouts as the first twins to hold world titles in the same division.  Unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Jermall faces his toughest test when he makes the second defense of his belt against former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout.  Jermell will take on exciting contender John Jackson in a bout for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

The event is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

 

With five of the top-six ranked fighters on the telecast, the May 21matchups join an already stellar slate of recently announced boxing events on SHOWTIME.  The super welterweights join the top fighters at featherweight, welterweight, super middleweight and heavyweight in a series of fights that features  accomplished  champions  and young stars facing each other in the most significant divisional matches that can be made.

 

“This is yet another example of SHOWTIME Sports’ commitment to delivering the best lineup in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We’re featuring three important championship fights in one of boxing’s most intriguing young divisions – a tripleheader that will bring our 2016 tally of world title bouts to 14 – all free to SHOWTIME subscribers. We’re excited to offer this rare opportunity to see the top fighters in a division all on the same telecast.”

 

“Mayweather Promotions is thrilled to bring this fantastic tripleheader of super welterweight world champions to fight fans,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.  “The best of the 154-pound division will be on display on May 21 and we expect an action-packed night of drama.”

 

“We’re very excited to work with SHOWTIME on this action-packed tripleheader,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.  “Erislandy Lara and Vanes Martirosyan have a huge score to settle from their 2012 bout, and Jermall and Jermell Charlo are in high-stakes matchups against Austin Trout and John Jackson, respectively, in what promises to be a highly entertaining evening of boxing.”

 

A technical master, Lara is considered one of the toughest men to beat in the sport and will look to continue his reign at 154 pounds against the always-game Martirosyan, who is set on becoming a world champion on his second try.

 

The 25-year-old Charlos are aiming for history against stiff opposition from a former champion in Trout and the Olympian from the Virgin Islands in Jackson.

 

The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Ishe Smith and Freddy Hernandez. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba dominated Delvin Rodriguez in June of last year and followed that up with a third-round stoppage of former champion Jan Zaveck.

 

Born in Armenia, but fighting out of Glendale, Calif., Martirosyanrepresented the U.S. at the 2004 Olympics. As a professional, he won his first 32 fights before fighting Lara to a draw in 2012. The 29-year-old suffered a narrow defeat by split decision in his first world title shot against Demetrius Andrade, but has rebounded with solid victories over Mario Lozano, Willie Nelson and most recently Ishe Smith.

A newly crowned champion at 25-years-old, Charlo grabbed his title with a dominant third-round stoppage of Cornelius Bundrage in September 2015. Residing in Houston, Charlo built up his resume in 2014 with dominant triumphs over Hector Munoz, Norberto Gonzale, Lenny Bottai and Michael Finney. In his most recent outing, he successfully defended his title with a fourth-round stoppage of Wilky Campfort in November.

 

In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2011 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to make four successful defenses, including a career-best, dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a four-fight win streak after knocking out Joey Hernandez in September to set up his world title opportunity.

 

Younger-by-one-minute than Jermall, Jermell Charlo is a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old earned his shot at a world title with victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano in 2014 and Martirosyan and former world champion Joachim Alcine in 2015. He impressed last time out by disposing of Alcine in the sixth-round of their fight in Houston in October.

 

Since representing his native Virgin Islands in the 2008 Olympics,Jackson has put together an impressive pro career. The St. Thomas-born fighter won his initial 13 fights after making his debut in January 2009. The 27-year-old earned the No. 1 spot and the title shot with a shutout victory over Dennis Laurente in August. Jackson comes from a fighting family; his father John David Jackson was a world champion and feared power-puncher while his brother, Julius, is a contender in the 168-pound weight class.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com,www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @SHOSports, @LaraBoxing, @VanesBoxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @TwinCharlo and @Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

“BATTLE BORN BOXING” New amateur series coming to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Inaugural event, Friday night, Apr. 15
LAS VEGAS (April 8, 2016) -Neon Star Media, on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas,  today announced the formation of a new amateur boxing series, “Battle Born Boxing.”
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events, airing live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place Friday night, April 15 (starting at 7 p.m. PT), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
“We are thrilled to add this new component to our ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of the D and DLVEC. “We are always seeking new ways to support Las Vegas businesses, and this event will truly give local boxing amateurs, programs and gyms a moment in the spotlight.”
“On behalf of Neon Star Media,” commented John Andersen, SVP Integrated Sales, “First and foremost, I would like to thank Derek Stevens, who is working very hard to help instill boxing in downtown Las Vegas.  I think that by supporting ‘Battle Born Boxing,’ clubs and the gyms in LasVegas, he is willing to do whatever it takes to not only support professional boxing, but also support kids in local amateur programs. We at Neon Star Media simply thought this was a vision that we had to do and who better to make it happen than the DLVEC and Derek?”
“This is blowing up big,” added event coordinator Dawn Berry.  “Derek Stevens is one of the nicest, most honest people I’ve met in this business.  He loves boxing and really wants to do this series.  I’ve worked with Derek before and he’s so easy to deal with.  Derek has always supported amateur boxing and we’re so grateful because it really helps the community.  We’ve had a huge turnout of so many people who want to be involved that I’ve had to cutback the number of matches to 15 or 20.  We have some boxers coming from New Mexico and California. The next date is May 20th and we have boxers coming here from Arizona for that show. It’s a great venue for boxing, too.”
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” tickets, priced at $15.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $10.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com.  All tickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Apr. 16) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event.  Those tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will be streamed live atwww.knockoutnightboxing.com.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas

Unbeaten Power-Puncher Murat Gassiev & Cruiserweight Contender Jordan Shimmell Meet In World Title Eliminator That Headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, May 17 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

 
Live From Black Bear Casino Resort In Carlton, MN In the Otter Creek Event Center – Tickets On Sale Now
 
Plus! Heavyweight Battle Between Unbeaten Wes Nofire & Former Title Challenger Joey Abell & Hometown Prospect Javontae Starks Takes On Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas
 
CARLTON, MN (April 8, 2016) – Unbeaten knockout artist Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Jordan Shimmell (20-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight world title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, May 17 from Black Bear Casino Resort in Carlton, MN.
The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round heavyweight showdown between unbeaten Wes Nofire (19-0, 15 KOs) and former title challenger and Minnesota-native Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (31-9, 29 KOs) and hometown prospect Javontae Starks (13-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight affair against Olympic Bronze medalist Yordenis Ugas (15-3, 7 KOs).
Gassiev and Shimmell will square off for the top spot for the cruiserweight title currently held by Victor Emilio Ramirez and the winner will be in line to face the winner of the unification bout between Ramirez and Denis Lebedev also taking place in May.
“I have seen Jordan Shimmell in the ring and I feel like this is a good fight for me,” said Gassiev. “I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring after the mistake I made last fight. I’m going to be real sharp on May 17 and I will not disappoint.”
“I’m excited to get back in the ring and fight in another televised bout,” said Shimmell. “I know I’m in there with a tough, strong opponent, but with my skills and ability it shouldn’t be a problem. As long as I fight smart and do the things I’ve been training to do, I will come out with the win.”
“This is a big opportunity for me in a competitive televised bout,” said Nofire. “This is a chance for me to move past being a regional fighter. I’m preparing not just to win but to look spectacular. My opponent has done well enough as a pro but he’s never been able to take the next step. Training is going very well. I’m ready to ramp it up for the final six week push to fight time.”
“I usually take fights on short notice so I feel very lucky to get this fight,” said Abell. “I don’t know much about my opponent but I’m taking him seriously and training my hardest. I’ve been sparring with Anthony Joshua and Luis Ortiz so I know I’m going to be at my best on May 17.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Seconds Out Fights, are priced at $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.blackbearcasinoresort.com or by calling 1-888-771-0777.
“Warriors Boxing is excited to put on this event at the Otter Creek Events Center at the Beautiful Black Bear Casino Resort and proud to be working with FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Leon Marglues, President of Warriors Boxing. ” The Gassiev vs. Shimmell fight is an important cruiserweight bout with a world title opportunity hanging in the balance. Wes Nofire and Joey Abell will be a terrific heavyweight matchup and the boxing world will get another look at local product Javontae Starks. I have enjoyed my relationship with Tony Grygelko and Seconds Out Fights and I’d like to thank him for his work in putting this show together. Boxing fans are in for a treat on May 17.”
A fast-rising 22-year-old contender, Gassiev is undefeated since turning pro in 2011 and has delivered three straight stoppage victories since making his stateside debut in January 2015. Most recently, he earned a no contest in a December fight with fellow unbeaten Isiah Thomas after Thomas was ruled unable to continue due to a blow from Gassiev deemed after the bell. Representing Vladikavkaz, Russia, the Abel Sanchez-trained fighter owns victories over the previously unbeaten Leon Harth and veterans Felix Cora Jr., Ismail Adbdoul and Levan Jomardashvili.
The 27-year-old Shimmell is a former amateur standout who became the first heavyweight to win four Michigan Golden Gloves titles. The Hudsonville-native won his first 19 pro bouts before dropping a decision to fellow unbeaten Isiah Thomas but rebounded with a victory over Willis Lockett in February of this year. He owns victories over a slew of veterans including Damon McCreary, Epifanio Mendoza, Galen Brown and Jonathan Corn.
A Cherokee-citizen born in Oklahoma and training out of Miami, Nofire will look to make a mark when he faces his toughest test to date on May 17. The 29-year-old picked up victories in 2015 over Joell Godfrey, Sylvester Barron and Yasmany Consuegra and has stopped seven of his last eight fights inside the distance.
Fighting near his hometown of Champlin, Minnesota, Abell has challenged for a piece of the heavyweight crown and has shared the ring with current heavyweight king Tyson Fury. He picked up victories on 2015 over Juan Goode and Travis Fulton and has taken down veterans Maurenzo Smith, Josh Gutcher and Galen Brown.
Representing Minneapolis, Starks racked up an impressive 98-16 amateur record before turning pro in 2009. The 27-year-old picked up six victories in 2014 and 2015 and will be looking to bounce back from a competitive loss to unbeaten Samuel Figueroa in October. He will fight in his home state for the sixth time as a pro.
A sensational Cuban amateur, Ugas picked up a Bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and also owns Gold medals from the 2005 World Amateur Championships and 2007 Pan American Games. Now fighting out of Miami, the 29-year-old owns victories over Cosme Rivera, Kenny Abril and Adan Hernandez.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MuratGassiev, @TeamShimmell, @NofireBoxing, @JavontaeStarks, @WarriorsBoxingProm @FS1, @FoxDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

“The Heat” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett    Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

For Immediate Release

 

LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent  Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdaynight, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Narh, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, and Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said.  “Winning this fight is my only option!  I’m predicting a win, nothing less.  Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork.  I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted.  “I know I’ve faced guys with more power.  I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class.  He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, includingWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship.  He motivates me on a daily basis.  I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Lancaster, CA, takes on Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), of Baltimore, meets Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
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 towww.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)

APRIL 16 TRAINING CAMP NOTES: GARY RUSSELL, PATRICK HYLAND, JOSE PEDRAZA, STEPHEN SMITH

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® World Title Doubleheader

Live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT) from
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT

                                                                                                                     

NEW YORK (April 7, 2016) – The boxers who will be fighting Saturday, April 16 on aSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® world title doubleheader are deep into their respective training camps as they continue preparation for their bouts at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

 

In the main event, live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT), the talented and speedy southpaw Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC Featherweight World Title against Irish contender Patrick Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs).  In the SHOWTIME co-feature, unbeaten sniper Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) risks his IBF 130-pound world title as he defends his title for the second time against a mandatory challenger, Stephen Smith (23-1, 13 KOs).

 

Russell, who won the 126-pound title with a fourth-round knockout over defending champion Jhonny Gonzalez on March 28, 2015, trains in Washington, D.C.

 

Hyland, whose only loss suffered was to WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Javier Fortuna, has been training at a gym in Dublin, Ireland, owned and operated by his trainer, Paschal Collins, whose older brother Steve was a former two-time WBO world champion. Paschal Collins also boxed as a pro but is best known for being Irish heavyweight Kevin McBride’s head trainer during his shocking knockout of Mike Tyson.

 

The switch-hitting Pedraza, a 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian, has been working out in his native Puerto Rico. Smith, of Liverpool, England, has been training in the UK.

 

Below is what the confident boxers had to say with less than two weeks to go before their major fights:

 

GARY RUSSELL JR., WBC Featherweight World Champion

(On Training Camp)

“I’ve been in camp in Washington, D.C. for about eight weeks. I suffered the head butt before my November fight but I have been able to train this whole time and returned to sparring eight weeks ago. It’s been a really long training camp but I’m ready to go. This is the hardest part. Fighting is easy, but the preparation before the fight is where the hard work comes in. Being out of the ring so long is difficult, but it’s part of the business. Everything happens for a reason and I’m just really keyed in mentally.”

 

(On fighting Patrick Hyland)

“Hyland is going to come in there to win. You have to have that confidence to get in the ring. He’s preparing himself, but the question is, will it be good enough? I highly doubt it. We don’t take anyone lightly and we prepare to the best of our abilities. Everyone in the ring can pull off the upset. That’s why I have to be prepared to the fullest.”

 

“He’s not really a pressure fighter so I might have to take the fight to him. He’s long and rangy and he tries to keep his distance. He’s not a big puncher but he definitely has the ability to steal a fight.”

 

(On the fighting Russell family)

“My brother Antuanne made the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team in the 141-pound division and he has a chance soon to qualify for the games with a tournament in Azerbaijan. My other brother Antonio is going to be on my undercard as well. Within my family we’re actually the first set of four brothers to all win the National Golden Gloves. That just goes to show the level of coaching we get from our dad, to have a world champion, two Olympians and four National Golden Gloves winners. We’re trying to leave a legacy in this sport. We’re all very similar in temperament and attitude. We all want to be world champions.”

 

(On dealing with injuries)

“I’ve never had a fight where I was 100 percent. There’s always been something going on. I have had hand injuries since the beginning of my career but we have creative ways to handle that and preserve my hands. Right now, I feel great. I just have to pick my shots more, but that’s where the speed becomes a factor.”

 

(On possible future opponents)

“If I can get by Hyland, I want to fight the winner of the Lee Selby vs. Eric Hunter fight and unify titles. After that I’d like to see Leo Santa Cruz and take care of that. Then I want another crack at Vasyl Lomachenko. I don’t care what weight Lomachenko is at, I’ll follow him. He has to see me.”
PATRICK HYLAND, Featherweight Contender

 

(On Training Camp)

“I’ve been training at Celtic Warriors Gym in Dublin since before Christmas because I had a fight here (Ireland) on Feb. 6 but pulled out when I got word that I was fighting on March 12 (at Mohegan Sun). When that fight was postponed, I took it easy for two weeks until the April 16show was announced. That’s when I started picking up training again.  I’ve been training really hard and putting everything on the line to become WBC champ. We plan to arrive in the U.S. a week prior to the fight.”

 

(On fighting Gary Russell Jr.)
“To challenge a great champion, Gary Russell, Jr., is an honor for me.  I think Gary is an awesome fighter with great hand speed and boxing ability. I’ve been working with Jono Carroll, an unbeaten Irish southpaw with good hand speed and good movement, who is ideal for what I have to work on to beat Russell.”

 

(On fighting again in the U.S.)
“I love fighting in the U.S. because there’s always a great atmosphere at the fights and it’s the real home of boxing. I’ve met friends for life who I consider family from the Marlboro area (Hyland lived in Marlboro, N.Y., for a couple of years).  They’ll be at this fight, as always.”

 

(On the fighting Hyland brothers)
My brothers are no longer fighting.  Their last fights were on the same show, Jan. 28, 2012 in Atlantic City, which I headlined in (against Emmanuel Lucero).  My older brother, Edward (“Pride of Tallaght”) fought at super featherweight. He runs his own Boxing Club in Dublin. My other brother, Paulie, was a former European and Irish super bantamweight champion. He is back doing a bit of training. No other members of our Hyland family were in professional boxing.  I’m hoping we’re not the last, though, as I’ve got a few nephews and my own son now.  One day they might lace up the gloves.”

 

JOSE PEDRAZA, IBF Super Featherweight World Champion

 

(On Training Camp)

“I am currently training in the Municipal gym in Cidra, P.R., where I took my first steps in boxing. I decided to train here because it feels like home and I can feel the warmth of my people and I am able to set an example for those who are starting out in boxing as well.”


“My training started in December and it is divided into two sections (morning and evening). During the morning portion we work on all of the specifics of boxing, including gloving up in addition to physical training lasting about three and a half hours. For the evening portion of the training I run. Two days a week it is track training and four days of the week it is distance running for about two hours in the evening, making it a total of about five and a half to six hours of work daily.’’

 

(On his diet)

“Actually, thank God, I do not have a strict diet and can eat all varieties of foods. I am doing really well with weight and I just reduce portions in the evenings during the final stages of the camp to meet the required 130 pounds. That’s why I do not miss any foods. My favorite foods are steak and other grilled foods. After the weigh-in I prefer the pastas my mom makes. She always prepares three different kinds for me.’’

 

(On his team)

“My team is composed of Mr. Luis Espada (trainer-manager), Francisco Flores (conditioning and track trainer), Andres Melendez (strength and conditioning) and Dr. Hector Santos (cutman and spiritual director). I’ve been with my trainer, who is my father, for 14 years ever since I threw my first punch. I haven’t made any major changes since I became champion. I’ve remained the same humble young man from a small town. I just push myself more to reach the bigger fights in the five categories from 130 to 154.”

 

(On his challenger Stephen Smith)

“I have seen some videos with my team of his fights and I can see that he is a boxer with a lot of resources who utilizes hooks to the body just as much as to the head. He is strong but something that works in my favor is that he is a come-forward fighter. He can handle 12 rounds comfortably. I hope on fight night I can neutralize all of his abilities and get the victory. I wouldn’t doubt if the win came by a KO anywhere from the sixth through the eighth round.’’

 

(Plans for his future in boxing)

“There are conversations about going up to 135. I’ve been at this weight since 2007; my body is demanding for me to go up to 135. Eventually my aspirations as a boxer are to be able to make boxing history not just in Puerto Rico but in the world. I want to go up and be the champion in five categories.”

 

“First and foremost I would like to face Francisco Vargas; he’s a seasoned boxer and is strong with a lot of rage. He went to the Olympics like I did in 2008 and he became a champion in what could be considered the fight of the year for 2015, very dramatic. It would be the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry. Another fighter who I would like to face is the champion Javier Fortuna. He is simply just a loud mouth with a poor memory (or selective memory) but I’ll send him a note to look up what happened in boxing history during the Roman Cup 2006 in the Dominican Republic. I’ll leave it to him as an assignment.’’

 

(On his inspiration and role models)

“My biggest inspiration is my family. It is they who always, day after day, are there supporting me as my No. 1 fan. I am a pro-family man and my family is my engine with God as my strength. Together they inspire me to carry the responsibility on my shoulders of doing my best in and out of the ring.’’

 

“Floyd Mayweather. He is an intelligent boxer and his abilities distinguish himself. He also works and trains very hard and puts in the gym time. He’s a man of his word and he invests 100 percent to each in his training camps and knows how to manage his fans as well. So many fans would like to see him win and just as many like to see him lose, but people just want to see him.’’

 

STEPHEN SMITH, IBF No. 1 Super Featherweight Contender

 

(On the significance of this matchup)

“All fights are important but this one is especially very important for me to win so that I can get back to where I was in the division.’’

 

(On finally getting a crack at the world title)

“I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, but the timing couldn’t be better. I’m excited to get the opportunity to win the world title live on Sky Sports in the UK and on SHOWTIME in America.’’

 

(His views of the defending champion)

“Pedraza is a good fighter with a good amateur background and he’s not a world champion for nothing. He can box from either stance but I am confident of winning. I wouldn’t expect it to be an easy fight. It’s a world title fight, it’s meant to be tough. I’m preparing for the best of him; I don’t think he was at his best last time out against (Edner) Cherry.

 

“He could have lost that fight, but he got the win and he’s going to look to show he’s better than that. We’ve covered all bases as far as sparring for whatever way he comes out, and I think I have the game plan to beat him.

 

“It’s not like he’s looked at me and thought ‘he’s an easy fight’ – he has no choice if he wants to keep his title. I think this fight has happened at the right time for me. It’s dragged out a bit but I’ve got a good head on my shoulders and I think that everything happens for a reason. My last outing was a career-best performance and I think that this has come at the right time.’’

 

(On his strategy)

“(Trainer) Joe Gallagher is as meticulous as anyone when it comes to preparing to face someone. Pedraza’s a lot more aggressive from the orthodox stance, but we’ve studied everything and we’re really confident. The gym is still going strong; we were gutted for Scott Quigg as we know how much he gives in the gym for each fight. Spirits were down for a bit but big fights keep coming round, and now I have my fight.”

 

(On answering the critics who said he’d never fight for a title after his 2011 defeat to Selby)

“Because I had such a successful amateur career, I think that big things were expected of me. I had a bit of bad luck with injury, the loss to Selby set me back, but that was more from people writing me off. Lee is world champion now so there’s no disgrace in that, but people were saying after that fight that I wouldn’t fight for a world title. It can be a fickle sport at times but I’ve come back stronger and I think I will prove a lot of people wrong in America.’’

 

(On his fighting brothers, Paul, Liam and Callum)

“The family is doing great things, but it’s just something that we all set out to do when we started boxing so it’s not really come as a surprise to us. We work hard every day and we’ve hit the goals we’ve set ourselves; Liam is world champion, Paul has boxed for the world title twice, Callum is on the verge and I box for a world title soon. Four brothers fighting for world titles is a massive achievement but for us, it’s not enough — we want to win them. I think it’s very achievable for us, Paul is back tonight and he’s looking for another shot, so it’s realistic to say that three of us will box for world titles this year.’’

 

(On making his U.S. debut)

“The training is the same but there’s more pressure and more media attention on this one as it’s the big one. I’ve never boxed in the states myself but I’ve been over there with Paul and Callum, and anyone who has brothers that box will tell you it is worse when they are fighting than when it’s your own fight. I know what to expect over there and I’m going to embrace it and soak it all up.”

 

For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella,@FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

 

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. The bout featuring Pedraza and Smith is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.

 

ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKOUT VIDEO COMPILATION

Undefeated heavyweight contender Anthony Joshua has 15 knockouts in his 15 professional fights.  Check out this video compilation from SHOWTIME Sports showcasing all of Joshua’s KOs.  And tune in this Saturday to watch the 2012 British Olympic Gold Medalist challenge undefeated American titlist Charles Martin for the IBF Heavyweight World Championship, live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.