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boxing

Baltimore Boxing Presents “Madness at Michael’s” March 10!

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Madness at Michaels.jpg

Baltimore, MD (February 24, 2016) – Jake Smith’s Baltimore Boxing Promotions returns to Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD for “Madness at Michaels” Thursday, March 10.

The card is topped by two title bouts and features some of the area’s notable rising fighters.

Tickets purchased in advance start at $25, reserved seats are $35, reserved tables for ten are $350, $50 VIP seats and $500 VIP tables of 10 can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the fights begin at 8.

In the main event, fans will be treated to a heavyweight title bout when “Dangerous” Dallas Butts challenges Drew Ryan for the East Coast Super Heavyweight crown. Butts is making a quick return to the ring, having fought January 28.

Renowned Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey of the Baltimore Boxing Club will do battle with Travis Roberts for the East Coast Junior Middleweight belt. The wildly popular Veazey, who has been ranked both nationally and internationally, has his sights set on turning pro in the near future.

Fast rising light heavyweight Donald Wallace meets Genc Pllana. Wallace, who fights out of the Baltimore Boxing Club, was amongst the biggest surprises during the 2016 Olympic Trials and went from being virtually unknown to one of the most discussed fighters on the local scene.

In other action, Clayton Frazier challenges Joe Nolan while former basketball star Stefon McCray, Tyrell Boyd and Ernest Hall all face opponents to be announced.

“Michael’s Eighth Avenue has been great for Baltimore Boxing,” said Jake Smith. “The crowd loves coming out to Michael’s and we’re going to reward them with two title fights and a special attraction bout featuring a future star in Donald Wallace. The community’s interest in Baltimore Boxing’s events has been strong and it’s important to me that we give them a great event.”

For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com.

Amateur MMA, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

SECOND PRO BOXING BOUT ANNOUNCED FOR NEF 22

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Lewiston, Maine (February 25, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a light-heavyweight contest to the boxing portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Crowsneck Boutin (0-0-1) is scheduled to face Brandon Montella (3-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.

 

Crowsneck Boutin, a regular on NEF MMA cards since 2012, made his professional boxing debut earlier this month on the “NEF 21” event in Lewiston.  He fought Joel Bishop (0-0-2) to a draw in an exciting slugfest that had the Colisée crowd on the edge of its collective seat.  Boutin, considered the underdog in that bout, expertly worked his jab to control the first two rounds of the fight.  Like the Bishop match, Boutin is preparing for another war with Montella on April 23.

 

“Brandon is a very tough opponent,” said Boutin.  “He’s going to present me with many obstacles. My training is grueling and I’ll be prepared for a war.”

 

Brandon Montella is a 1998 graduate of Carrabec High School in North Anson, Maine.  Following graduation, Montella joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and served until 2003 with an honorable discharge.  Montella worked in construction in Virginia until 2011 when he moved with his wife to the Boston, Massachusetts area.  He owns and operates The Way, LLC boxing gym in Woburn, Massachusetts.

 

“Coming back home from to Maine after all these years to fight in a place of such history is an amazing feeling,” said Montella.  “It will bring my friends and family from the past and the present together under one roof for an awesome event.”

 

Montella had a very successful amateur boxing career with a final record of 14-7.  In 2011, he won the prestigious Rocky Marciano Tournament.  Montella went on to win the New England Golden Gloves the following year.  He turned pro in 2015 and has won his first three bouts with two finishes.

 

“As far as my opponent Crowsneck Boutin, I have seen his fights and read his back story,” Montella continued.  “What I see is a man like myself – someone who is determined to change his life and take matters into his own hands instead of sitting around like too many men do today. When two men as determined as we are get in the ring in front of a large crowd, magic happens. We grow larger than life and the fans get one hell of a treat.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE READY TO SHAKE UP HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION

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Upland, California (February 24, 2016) – The supremacy of the heavyweight division is uncertain at this point in time as a handful of contenders are waiting for their turn to be called on to challenge three current world heavyweight champions for their respective titles. Three new champions within the past year has brought excitement back to a division that was ruled by the Klitchscko brothers for the past decade. The division

is ripe for the picking and one particular heavyweight contender is ready to shake it up.

One month ago, Dominic “Trouble”
Photo c/o Suzanne Teresa, PBC

Breazeale was triumphant in an exciting heavyweight match up against heavyweight veteran Amir Mansour.  Everything that led up to that bout was challenging for Breazeale as he had to deal with fight dates and opponents being changed and the sudden tragic

loss of his mother a few weeks before the fight.  Regardless of the adversity, Breazeale chose not to postpone the fight and decided to go through with it.

“Everything leading up to the fight with Mansour was tough on me mentally. I had to deal with a lot before the fight, but hey that’s part of life and also part of being in this business.  I am thankful that I have a supportive wife and family that helped me through one of the toughest times in my life.  But I am a fighter and fighting is what I do to support my family, so the obvious choice was to to go through with the fight,” Breazeale said.
Breazeale’s last fight with Mansour was by far his toughest opponent to date and he showed a lot of guts and heart by picking himself off the canvas in the third round and later stopping his opponent after the fifth round.  He entered the ring as a prospect and later that night left the ring as a legitimate heavyweight contender and the newly crowned WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion.  Breazeale, who is now 17-0 with 15 KO’s finds himself in a position where he can be fighting for a world title within the year.
“The bout with Mansour was a bout that I will remember and learn a great deal from.  My trainer and I knew that he was going to come in swinging and he did that for the first few rounds, but his punches were not that strong. Granted he knocked me down, but he caught me with a good shot I didn’t see coming.  After the knockdown, I started to box him and landed some powerful shots and I know I hurt him at times but I couldn’t close in on him as I would have liked.  Fortunately for him, he decided not to come out in the sixth round and I think that was a good idea on his part as I would have stopped him soon thereafter.”
“This last bout showed that I
Photo c/o Suzanne Teresa, PBC

am a contender and that I belong here.  I have fought tougher opposition than all the current world champions did when they had their first 17 fights and I know I’m ready to challenge any one of them right now.  Every bout I have had, I have learned from and I continue to learn everyday in the gym with my trainer Manny Robles.  I’m ready for whatever my adviser Al Haymon has next for me and I always tell him I want to fight the best,” Breazeale said.

After taking some well deserved time off after a tough fight, Breazeale is back in the gym preparing for his next bout.  Breazeale is also busy in the planning stages of hosting his very own “1st Annual Trouble Boxing Camp”. This free event is scheduled to take place later next month and Breazeale is excited to be able to return the favor by giving back to the kids in the local communities of the Los Angeles area.
“It has always been a passion of mine to work with kids and I am truly honored to be hosting my first event which is going to be called the “1st Annual Trouble Boxing Camp”.  The free event will consists of young kids and teens coming out to the gym for the day, where they will learn the basic fundamentals of boxing and how to live a healthy lifestyle.  The participants will also hear motivational speeches from special guests which will consist of professional boxers, trainers and local community leaders.  It’s going to be a great event and I’m happy and blessed that I am able to give back.”
“Here Comes Trouble“
 
#
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

GH3 Promotions Lopez, Foster, Odom and Frometa shine this past Friday night in Atlantic City

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Nutley, NJ (February 24, 2016) – This past Friday night at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City four members of the GH3 Promotional banner, put on great performances and three of those were televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation that was seen on SHOWTIME®.
In the main event, Super Bantamweight, Adam Lopez (15-0) remained undefeated as he scored an emphatic unanimous decision Mario Munoz to retain the WBA Fedlatin title.
Jerry Odom (13-2-1) continued to establish himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the super middleweight division with a 8-round draw with previously unblemished Ronald Ellis.
Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KO’s) scored a beatdown over previously undefeated Lavisas Williams by scoring a 7th round stoppage in an scheduled 8-round bout.
In a non-televised bout, welterweight Hector Frometa (2-0) went to 2-0 with a 4-round unanimous decision over Jordan Rosario.
“We are very proud of our fighters that fought on Friday night,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.
“Adam put on a very solid performance against a tough fighter from Mexico.  He is a couple fights away from fighting for a world title.  We feel when that time comes, he will not only be competitive but he has the talent to win a title and be a player for many years to come.”
“As for Jerry Odom, he fought a great fight and it was very close.  Once again his fight was filled with action and he earned another opportunity to compete against anybody at 168 pounds.  He shows the heart of a fighter and doesn’t turn down anybody.  He will be back in another good fight in the next couple months.”
“O’Shaquie showed everyone that his fight in November was just a bad night.  He has a ton of ability and he put on a great performance.  He is back on track and we still envision huge things for him.”
“Frometa is a prospect that has great natural ability and he will be stepping up the opposition with each fight.  He comes from the Cuban amateur system, and he fits into what GH3 Promotions is about and that is developing fighters and have them prepared to fight big fights when the are ready.”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing

 “Knockout Night at the D” series To air on CBS Sports Network

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Hall of Fame broadcast team
Al Bernstein, Jim Ross & Kevin Kelly
Tickets on sale for inaugural event Mar. 12 at
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
 
Zab Judah returns in main event vs.  Josh Torres
LAS VEGAS (February 23, 2016) – CBS Sports Network will be home of the new monthly professional boxing series, “Knockout Night at The D,” which officially launches Saturdaynight, March 12, at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
It has also been announced that the “Knockout Night at the D” broadcast team will feature a pair of Hall-of-Fame announcers, color commentator Al Bernstein and Jim “JR” Ross will handle blow-by-blow responsibilities, as well as former world featherweight championKevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley, who will conduct post fight and celebrity interviews.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, created by the D Las Vegas and DLVC, along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, will be held at the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas.  The inaugural event Mar. 12th, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016.  There are three other series broadcast dates – April 16, May 13 and June 10 (subject to normal Nevada Commission approval) – with other dates to be determined in September, October, November and December.
“It has been our vision to bring outdoor boxing back to the city, so it excites us to see this dream of ours come to life at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center,” Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC said. “We look forward to partnering with Neon Star Productions to present a series of incredible match-ups that will be talked about for years to come.”
Bernstein is arguably the preeminent boxing announcer in the world.  In 1980, Bernstein joined ESPN as its boxing analyst.  The 1988 Sam Taub Award winner for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism, Bernstein served as boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.  A 2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Bernstein has been boxing analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing since 2003, as well as the main commentator the past four years for Channel 5, a terrestrial network in the United Kingdom.
“I am extremely happy to be a part of the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” Bernstein said. “The venue is great, the event creates a lot of excitement in Downtown Las Vegas, and CBS Sports Network viewers will see excellent boxing on our telecasts. The operative word here is fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
The wildly popular Ross, who was the voice of the WWE, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.  Although he is best known for his work in wrestling, Ross is an experienced sports commentator who has called professional boxing and mixed material arts events. He has also developed his own brand of barbeque sauces and cookbooks.
“I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to broadcast big time, world-class boxing from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas,” Ross remarked. “Working with Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, the best analyst in the game, and with the ‘Flushing Flash’, Kevin Kelly, equates to a unique broadcasting trifecta. Ring the bell…it’s Slobber Knocker time!”
Kelley (60-10-2, 39 KOs) captured the World Boxing Council featherweight championship December 4, 1993 in Reno, by way of a unanimous 12-round decision, and he successfully defended his title twice against Jesse Benavidas and Jose Vida Ramos.  Kelley, who lives in Las Vegas, is an experienced boxing analyst.
“I would like to thank the team of CBS Sports Network, the D Hotel, Al Bernstein and Jim Ross for this life changing moment,” Kelley commented. “With my hands-on fighting experience and their knowledge of boxing, we come together perfect like a hand in glove.”
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, meets upset-minded Albuquerque, NM junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12th 10-round main event.
In the 8-round co-feature, Las Vegas fan favorite Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces lightweight Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  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 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.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

UNBEATEN RISING CONTENDER SERGEY LIPINETS & LEVAN GHVAMICHAVA MEET IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES ON FOX DEPORTES TUESDAY, MARCH 15 FROM ROBINSON RANCHERIA RESORT & CASINO IN NICE, CALIFORNIA

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Plus! Olympic Silver Medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar Battles
Rafael Vazquez In Featherweight Action
 
Tickets On Sale Now!
 
NICE, CALIF. (February 23, 2016) – Unbeaten 140-pound contender Sergey Lipinets(8-0, 6 KOs) will take on Levan “The Wolf” Ghvamichava (16-1-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX DeportesTuesday, March 15 from Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, California.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with 2012 Olympic Silver medalistTugstsogt Nyambayar (4-0, 4 KOs) battling hard-punching Brooklyn’s Rafael Vazquez (16-2, 13 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight contest.
“I’m very excited to be fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes against ‘The Wolf’ on March 15,” said Lipinets. “This is a big test for me to show the world that I can be a future world champion which has been my goal since I turned professional two years ago. I’m so thankful to everyone involved in this show and I will put on a memorable performance.”
 “I’m looking forward to facing off against Sergey Lipinets on March 15,” said Ghvamichava. “He is a tough, skilled fighter but I am preparing hard for victory with my trainer Virgil Hunter. I’m very grateful to my team and excited for this fight.”
“We are looking forward to working with Michael Starr and his team at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino for what is sure to be another exciting Tuesday night on FS1 and FOX Deportes card and the first of many events there,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “These fights feature young and hungry prospects who are looking to take another step toward furthering their careers and getting those world title opportunities.”
“Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino is honored and excited to welcome Premier Boxing Champions action on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino CEO, Michael Starr. “It’s nice to be working with Tom Brown again, who specializes in putting on quality, professional shows that are competitive and crowd-pleasing. While this is our first nationally televised boxing event, it certainly won’t be our last.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets call the players club at (707) 262-4000.
An accomplished amateur who was born in Kazakhstan but fights out of Russia, Lipinets turned pro in April of 2014 with a decision victory over Franklin Varela. The 26-year-old recorded six knockouts in a row before he defeated the previously unbeaten Lydell Rhodes in their October fight. He also owns victories over veterans Kendal Mena, Cosme Rivera and Daniel Lomeli.
Ghvamichava enters this bout on a five-fight win streak and is unbeaten since 2013. The 30-year-old took down previously unbeaten fighters Jonathan Garcia and Chris Singleton in 2014 and followed it up with triumphs over Cameron Kreal and Cosme Rivera in 2015. Originally from Poti, Georgia, Ghvamichava now trains out of Hayward, California.
Representing his native Mongolia, Nyambayar won the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The 23-year-old turned pro in 2015 and delivered four stoppage victories, most recently knocking out Pedro Melo in the second round. The unbeaten pro now trains out of Carson, California.
Born in Puerto Rico, but training and living out of Brooklyn, Vazquez fights for more than glory inside the ring. With an autistic daughter and a wife diagnosed with cervical cancer, Vazquez fights for his family. Getting a late start to boxing, Vazquez, who lost both of his parents at an early age and endured a stint in prison as a wayward youth, turned pro in September 2010. He has since donated portions of his purses to autism research, while also holding fundraisers to help raise awareness.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com, www.samstownlv.com/entertain andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

ANTOINE DOUGLAS TO FACE AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE IN MARCH 5 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® CO-FEATURE

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Khurtsidze Replaces The Injured Sam Soliman

 

Julian Williams Takes On Marcello Matano In 154-Pound Eliminator In Main Event Of Tripleheader Live On SHOWTIME® From Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2016) – Undefeated middleweight contenderAntoine Douglas will face hard-hitting Avtandil Khurtsidze in the co-feature of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

 

Khurtsidze (30-2-2, 20 KOs) steps in to face GH3 Promotions’ Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout for the WBO International title after Sam Soliman pulled out of the fight last week with a knee injury.

 

Khurtsidze, of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kutaisi, Georgia, has won eight straight – including six by knockout – since dropping a controversial decision to then-unbeaten Hassan N’Dam in a bout for the vacant interim WBA World Middleweight Title in Paris in 2010.

 

Khurtsidze was scheduled to face N’Dam in a rematch last November 21 in Paris, but the event was cancelled following the tragic November 13 terror attacks in France.  The rematch with the former world champion was to be contested for the IBF No. 2 spot at 160 pounds.

 

A pressure fighter, Khurtsidze was also slated to fight last week on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing event and has been training since the fight with N’Dam was called off.  The 36-year-old, who has also campaigned at super middleweight, is coming off a knockout victory over Melvin Betancourt last August.

 

“Avtandil is a world class guy, a former silver titlist and has been at the top of the division for years,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a great opportunity for him and a huge step up for Douglas.  Avtandil had been on his way to France to fight for the No. 2 ranking against N’Dam when the tragic terrorist attacks hit Paris, which was a terribly unfortunate situation for all.  Now, he looks to impress in this fight against the highly regarded Douglas.  The winner of this bout moves up significantly in the middleweight world rankings and will be in line for a major fight in the 160-pound division later this year.”

 

In the main event of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader, Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154 pounds. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HEREat www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas,  @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

 Errol Spence Jr. Takes on Chris Algieri, PLUS! CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI TAKES ON FORMER CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION STEVE CUNNINGHAM & UNDEFEATED 2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN MARCUS BROWNE TAKES ON UNBEATEN RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC TO ROUND OUT STACKED NIGHT OF EXCITING FIGHTS

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Tickets on Sale Today!
 
BROOKLYN (February 23, 2016) – Rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (19-0, 16 KOs) will take on former world champion Chris Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight showdown headlining an exciting night of matchups on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC in primetime on Saturday, April 16 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The NBC coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten world champion Krzysztof Glowacki (25-0, 16 KOs) of Poland squaring-off against former two-time cruiserweight world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham(28-7, 13 KOs) plus 2012 U.S. Olympian and unbeaten light heavyweight “Sir” Marcus Browne (17-0, 13 KOs) of Staten Island takes on undefeated Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round battle.
PBC on NBC kicks off 2016 with the consensus Prospect of the Year, Spence, Jr. taking a serious step up in competition by going in against popular Long Island-native and former world champion Algieri.
Plus, the first world title defense of Poland’s Glowacki, fresh of a Fight of the Year upset over Marco Huck, against former U.S. Naval officer and former cruiserweight champion Cunningham in a battle that is sure to thrill those watching on NBC and at Barclays Center. For the light heavyweight rising star Browne, this represents a step up in platform and competition as he is featured in a primetime telecast for the first time and will no doubt look for an emphatic victory in his record 11th appearance at Barclays Center.
“I’m excited to be back again, fighting on NBC. This is a huge opportunity for me, to be this young and early in my career and headlining a primetime event, just the exposure alone,” said Spence. “Of course, I’m happy to be fighting in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. New York City is known for putting on great fights, and this is going to be a big event with a big-name fighter. Chris Algieri has been in the ring with Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao and Ruslan Provodnikov and he’s a former world champ. This is a big fight for me and a step up, but I plan to rise to the occasion. I’m going to handle him like I’ve handled all of my past opponents.”
“I am so excited to come back to the US for a major fight,” said Glowacki. “I respect Steve Cunningham as a sportsman and as a man. He is a world class fighter and I know that he will be well prepared against me. I would like to thank my Polish promoters, my coaches, Al Haymon, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, and DiBella Entertainment. They gave me the opportunity to face Marco Huck for the world title last year and I knocked him out, doing what I promised. Come April 16, I will once again honor my promise and defeat Cunningham in spectacular fashion. Polish and American fans, be prepared for the return of Glowacki!”
“I’m ready to take this step up on my career. We are both putting our ‘0’s on the line and do what I’ve been taught to do,” said Browne. “This is the perfect time for this opportunity in my career and there is no better place than to do it at Barclays Center. To be able to win and make a statement on primetime TV from Barclays Center where it all really started for me will be a turning point and I can’t wait.”
“I am ready and excited to showcase my skills and power come April 16,” said Kalajdzic. “I am happy to be part of such a huge card and to have the opportunity to fight on NBC and show the world I am one of the best 175 pounders in boxing.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets will also be available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“Errol Spence may be the premier prospect in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He will be tested by a resurgent former world champ, Chris Algieri. Chris nearly upset the applecart for Amir Khan. He looks to stop the rise of a young star and achieve a mega fight. Glowacki’s war with Huck was highlight reel stuff; another barnburner can be expected when he puts his title on the line against Steve Cunningham.”
“It’s great to be doing another event in Brooklyn at Barclays Center with Chris Algieri headlining on NBC,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “This marks the fourth appearance by Chris at the Barclays Center and I expect another exciting performance by Chris as he takes on the very dangerous and undefeated former U.S. Olympian, Errol Spence, on April 16.”
“We look forward to opening our 2016 PBC on NBC schedule in April with an exciting slate of primetime matches from Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC and NBCSN.
“We are delighted to have Long Island’s Chris Algieri return to our ring where he won the fight of his career in 2014,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “This card is going to produce another electric atmosphere at Barclays Center as we continue to make 2016 our biggest year yet for boxing.”
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team who boasted a highly decorated amateur career, the 26-year-old Spence Jr.is set for the toughest test of his career as he enters the ring in his first primetime main event.  Spence Jr. is widely regarded as a future star in the sport and was dominant in his previous PBC on NBC primetime appearance when he stopped Phil Lo Greco in the third round in June. His huge 2015 also included TKO victories over Chris van Heerden, Samuel Vargas and Alejandro Barrera and concluded with him being named ESPN’s Prospect of the Year.
Algieri rose to fame in June 2014 at Barclays Center when he upset Ruslan Provodnikov for a super lightweight world title. The 31-year-old returns to Brooklyn for his third consecutive fight after earning a unanimous decision over Erick Bone in December. The former kickboxing champion from Huntington, N.Y., built his boxing record on the strength of his excellent movement and skill with the jab. His victory over Provodnikov earned him a shot at Manny Pacquiao in Nov. 2014, a bout that Algieri lost.  He had previously defeated strong contenders Mike Arnaoutis and Emanuel Taylor on the way to his world title and now seeks a title in the welterweight division.
Representing the great fight city of Philadelphia, Cunningham will look to put on a show in his Barclays Center debut. Twice a world champion as a cruiserweight, he defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in 2006 to capture his belt before defending his title against Marco Huck via a twelfth-round TKO. He became a world champion again in 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in the fifth round. The experienced veteran also owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Amir Mansour and Natu Visinia and scored a knockdown of Tyson Fury in a losing effort during their 2013 bout.
Glowacki defends his world title for the first time after his sensational 2015 knockout of cruiserweight king Marco Huck in August 2015. The fighter out of Walcz, Poland will receive heavy support from the large Polish population in Brooklyn as he fights in the U.S. for the second time. Prior to his world title winning performance, he picked up victories over Nuri Seferi, Thierry Karl and Ismail Abdoul.
Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011 and the 25-year-old Staten Island-native put together a big 2015 with victories over Cornelius White and Aaron Pryor Jr. before he knocked out former world champion Gabriel Campillo in the first round in September and closed the year by stopping Francisco Sierra in December. Browne’s first primetime appearance will give him an opportunity to show off the lightning speed and impressive power.
Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina but now training out of Saint Petersburg, Fla., Kalajdzic ended 2015 with first round stoppages of Fabio Garrido and Gilberto Matheus Domingos. The 24-year-old also owns victories over Otis Griffin, Donta Woods and Samson Onyango and will be fighting in New York for the first time as a pro.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. 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. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

KEITH THURMAN SUSTAINS INJURY FORCING POSTPONEMENT OF TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST SHAWN PORTER

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DiBella Entertainment, Mohegan Sun and Showtime Evaluating Options to Continue with the Remainder of the March 12 Fight Card
 
NEW YORK (Feb. 22, 2016)–Undefeated world champion Keith Thurman sustained an injury as a result of a car accident that has forced his March 12 welterweight title defense against Shawn Porter to be postponed.  The announcement was made today by promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment.  According to his doctors, Thurman’s injuries are not considered serious and he is expected to be cleared to resume training in the coming weeks.  Thurman vs. Porter was the main event of a scheduled two-fight card to be broadcast in prime time on CBS.  This fight and the network broadcast will now be rescheduled for a later date.
DiBella Entertainment, Mohegan Sun and Showtime are evaluating the option of continuing with the remainder of the fight card on Saturday, March 12 with a transition of television coverage to SHOWTIME.  Complete details are forthcoming.
“While it’s unfortunate that we must temporarily postpone this marquee matchup, a main event of the magnitude of Thurman vs. Porter requires both fighters be healthy and at their best.” said DiBella.  “Keith is anxious to resume training as soon he is able and both he and Shawn are looking forward to a new fight date.”
boxing

Salita Promotions Signs Russian Super Bantamweight Vladimir Tikhonov

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Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated super bantamweight prospect Vladimir Tikhonov to a promotional contract.
                              
A pro since 2008, the 25-year-old southpaw, from Saint Petersburg, Russia, sports an undefeated record of 13-0, 7 KOs. As an amateur boxer who finished with a record of 85-15, Tikhonov was a gold medallist at the 2008 All-Russia Class A Tournament 2008 in Togliatti and a silver medallist in 2007 and was recognized as the best boxer of the tournament. He has also been given the designation as a Sport Master of Russia.
Tikhonov has had only 13 fights in eight years and ventured out of his native country only once as a professional. Promoter Salita says that’s about to change.
“Vladimir is an extremely talented fighter with excellent potential to become a world champion,” said Salita. “We are going to get him active and bring him to the United States where he can become known as a top contender in his division. I am very happy to have formed this agreement with one of Russia’s best up-and-coming fighters.”
“I am excited to sign with Salita Promotions and look forward to fighting the best fighters in my division,” said Vladimir Tikhonov. “I have been boxing my whole life. My amateur and pro experience will be important in fights against top competition. I am very hungry to show that I am the best Super Bantamweight in the world.”

Salita says Tikhonov’s first fight under his promotional banner will be announced shortly, but the focus will be on securing him a shot against one of the division’s best including WBA Champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Scott Quigg, as well as IBF Champion Carl Frampton and WBO boss Nonito Donaire.