Tag Archives: boxing

HEAVYWEIGHTS TONY THOMPSON & MALIK SCOTT COLLIDE AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS – THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV RETURNS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 AT 9 P.M. ET FROM  THE VENUE AT UCF IN ORLANDO

 
Plus Two Contests Between Undefeated Prospects: Lydell Rhodes Battles Sergey Lipinets and Javontae Starks Takes On Samuel Figueroa
 
ORLANDO, FL (October 7, 2015) A heavyweight clash between Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (40-5, 27 KOs) and Malik “King” Scott (37-2-1, 13 KOs) will headline Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) – The Next Round on Bounce TV and BounceTV.com on Friday, October 30 from The Venue at UCF, located behind the CFE Arena in Orlando, Fla.
The 10-round heavyweight battle will anchor televised coverage also streamed live beginning at 9 p.m. ET and is the third installment of PBC – The Next Round on Bounce TV. The first two PBC on Bounce TV fight cards, held on August 2 and September 18 respectively in nearby Winter Park, Fla.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are on sale tomorrow at12 p.m. ET. Tickets are priced at $102, $52 and $27 and can be purchased by calling Warriors Boxing at (954) 985-1155 or by visiting www.warriorsboxing.com. Tickets also available through ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the CFE Arena Box Office.
In the co-main event, undefeated super lightweights Lydell Rhodes (23-0-1, 11 KOs) andSergey Lipinets (7-0, 6 KOs) will meet in a 10-round bout. Televised coverage begins with more undefeated prospects as Javontae Starks (13-0, 7 KOs) and Samuel “El Macho” Figueroa (9-0, 4 KOs) square off in eight rounds of welterweight action.
“It’s great to be fighting on PBC on Bounce in a heavyweight fight like this,” said Thompson. “I’m not looking past Malik Scott because he’s an experienced and crafty fighter. I think most fighters will stay away from a style like Malik’s but everyone knows I will fight anyone.  I’ll be looking to make a statement against him by pressing the action and keeping him out of his comfort zone.”
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity and ready to put on a great performance,” said Scott. “It was exactly one year ago on this date, October 30, that I went to Australia and beat Alex Leapai and I look forward to getting in the ring and putting on a show against Tony Thompson. Tony is a world-class fighter and a victory over him will lead to bigger and better things for me.”
One of the most experienced fighters in the heavyweight division, Thompson, has twice challenged Wladimir Klitschko in his 15-year career. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland but fighting out of Washington, D.C., Thompson comes off of a victory over Odlanier Solis in February, his second over the heavyweight contender since 2014. He also owns a pair of victories over heralded heavyweight David Price, whom he stopped twice fighting in his opponent’s home country.
An accomplished heavyweight from Philadelphia, Scott has also fought professionally since 2000 and reeled off 35-straight wins to start his professional career. His most recent victory was perhaps his most impressive as he traveled to Australia and defeated Alex Lepeai. The 34-year-old also owns a final-round stoppage of Bowie Tupou in 2012 and fought undefeated Vyacheslav Glazkov to a draw in 2013.
A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes looks to remain unbeaten on October 30. The 27-year-old is coming off of a competitive split-draw with Jared Robinson in June. Before that fight, Rhodes recorded four victories in 2014 including triumphs over Miguel Angel Huerta and John Nater.
An accomplished amateur who was born in Kazakhstan but fights out of Russia, Lipinets turned pro in April of last year with a decision victory over Franklin Varela. The 26-year-old has recorded six-straight knockouts since then, with his most recent victories coming over veterans Kendal Mena and Cosme Rivera. Lipinets will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on October 30.
Fighting out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Starks racked up an impressive 98-16 amateur record before turning pro in 2009. The 26-year-old has ramped up the activity since 2014, recording seven victories including wins over Carlos Galvan and Jeremiah Wiggins in 2015.
Fresh off a September victory over previously unbeaten Fernando Paliza, the 24-year-old Figueroa makes a quick return to the ring looking to build off of that success. The Puerto Rican-born fighter turned pro in 2011 and recorded stoppage wins in four of his first six fights.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MalikKingScott, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/BounceTV and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.
Bounce TV is carried on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage.  Bounce TV is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce TV has grown to be available in more than 85 million homes across 90 markets and 90% of African American television homes — including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce TV are iconic American figures Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King III. For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.
The Venue at UCF – Managed by Spectra Venue Management, The Venue at UCF is located behind the CFE Arena on the campus of the University of Central Florida. The Venue at UCF is home to the UCF Women’s Volleyball team and host to concerts and other attractions in the Central Florida area. Visit www.CFEArena.com for more information.

EXCITING UNDERCARD ACTION FEATURES IVAN REDKACH FACING ERICK MARTINEZ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 AT GILA RIVER ARENA IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA

 
Premier Boxing Champions On ESPN Headlined By
Welterweights Devon Alexander vs. Aron Martinez
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
GLENDALE, AZ. (October 7, 2015) – Exciting contender Ivan Redkach (18-1, 14 KOs) returns to battle Erick Martinez (11-2-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout onWednesday, October 14 from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The October 14 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN event is headlined by former world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” (26-3, 14 KOs) taking on battle-tested Mexican Aron Martinez (19-4-1, 4 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with the U.S. debut of featherweight world champion Lee Selby (21-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on former three-division world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (54-4-2, 39 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Ring Pros Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25 for general admission, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.gilariverarena.com.
Further undercard action pits 18-year-old undefeated flyweight Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (7-0, 3 KOs) out of Thornton, Colorado against Mexican Francisco Lapizco(7-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round bout, 2012 Olympic Silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar(3-0, 3 KOs) of Mongolia in a super bantamweight bout against Mexico’s Ricardo Proana (11-2, 9 KOs) and Phoenix’s Alexis Santiago (19-3-1, 8 KOs) as he takes on Mexican Gustavo Molina (10-8, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.
Rounding out the action is 30-year-old Lionell Thompson (15-3, 9 KOs) out of Buffalo as he takes on Kentucky-native Thomas Hanshaw (6-6, 4 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated super middleweight prospects Kevin Newman “The Second Coming” (3-0-1, 1 KO) fighting out of Las Vegas and David Benevidez (9-0, 8 KOs) of Phoenix in separate undercard bouts.
Born in Ukraine but fighting out of Los Angeles, Redkach began boxing at the age of six and has put together an impressive career since turning pro in 2009. The 29-year-old owns victories over Tony Luis, Sergey Gulyakevich and Yakubu Amidu. He will be opposed by the 24-year-old Zamudio out of Sinaloa, Mexico.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.gilariveraarena.com.Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TheRealDevonA, @LeeSelby126 @ESPNBoxing, @GilaRivArena and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  www.facebook.com/GilaRiverArena.com and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

  WBC WORLD TITLE FIGHT FEATURING BROOKLYN’S ALICIA “SLICK” ASHLEY SET FOR OCT. 29 AT BROOKLYN BRAWL

48-year-old Ashley looks to extend Guinness World Record by knocking off undefeated Christina McMahon of Ireland.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Oct. 7, 2015) – ATTENTION GUINNESS! The Book of World Records may need to be updated after the Thursday, Oct. 29 Brooklyn Brawl card at the Aviator Sports Complex. Boxing champion-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita announced on Wednesday that an already-outstanding card is adding a female world title fight with possible historic implications.

Brooklyn’s own Alicia “Slick” Ashley, who will be 48 years, 81 days when the bell rings later this month, is a former world titleholder who currently owns the Guinness World Record as the most mature female boxing world champion. She first earned the distinction on Oct. 13, 2013, when she defended the WBC Super Bantamweight belt with a victory over Zenny Sotomayer in Tijuana, Mexico, at 46 years, 61 days, thus etching her place in the renowned global archive.

Ashley (22-10-1, 4 KOs) – ranked second in her division by BoxRec and noted as one of the best pound-for-pound women’s battlers in the world – has the chance to re-write history once again and put her own world record further out of reach when she challenges undefeated Irish fighter and current Interim WBC Bantamweight champion Christina McMahon (7-0, 3 KOs). McMahon has compiled an unblemished slate since beginning her professional career in 2010 and will look to halt Ashley’s attempt at extending her Guinness mark on Thursday, Oct. 29 – the winner takes home the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight title.

“This will be another, epic Brooklyn Brawl show with a WBC world title fight featured at the event. This show will have prospects and contenders, and fighters from all parts of the globe and from all around New York City,” said Salita, the former IBF, WBA and NABA International Junior Welterweight Champion who fights out of Flatbush, Brooklyn, as a professional. “Alicia is one of the most highly-regarded boxers in the world and is looking to follow in the footsteps of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins by re-capturing a title at this point in her career. Her great skills will certainly be put to the test against an undefeated contender in Christina McMahon.”

On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Aviator Sports and Events Center in South Brooklyn will serve as the next proving ground for many New York City-based rising stars. The exciting undercards will build toward the featured events, where Ashley and McMahon will square off and unbeaten Russian and top-10 world-ranked bantamweight contender, Nikolay Potapov, is set to make his U.S.A. debut.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6:30 p.m., as the Brooklyn Brawl looks to once again captivate New York City with fistic fury. Tickets begin at $20 and are available by calling 1-844-890-2120 or by visiting SalitaPromotions.com.

Potapov – currently ranked as the No. 14 bantamweight in the world by the WBO and now rated No. 10 globally by BoxRec – will put his undefeated 13-0 record (6 KOs) on the line as he makes his debut on U.S. soil. The fast-rising battler piled up more than 180 amateur tilts and amassed a number of national and international tournament victories, and now as a 25-year-old pro has climbed quickly to challenge himself with four 10-round bouts and a 12-rounder against top competition. In his last pro victory, Popatov earned the WBA Asian title by beating Jason Canoy, who is rated No. 14 in the WBC and No. 12 in the IBF.

Welterweight prospect “Trigger” Tresean Wiggins (7-1, 6 KOs) – fresh off a third-round knockout at the Aug. 25 Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach affair – will be back on the Aviator card. The fighting pride of Newburgh, N.Y., was impressive last month against Baltimore’s Kevin Womack Jr. and looks to add another stoppage victory to his burgeoning resume.

Undefeated junior lightweight contender Dimash Niyazov of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, will have his mettle tested once again at the Aviator complex. The Brooklyn police officer, whose story was chronicled by the Wall Street Journal in August, improved to 8-0-3 (5 KOs) with a six-round Boxing At The Beach unanimous decision over local fighter Ariel “Fuego” Duran in a Brooklyn-Queens crosstown rivalry bout.

Detroit’s James Gordon Smith (8-0, 5 KOs) is another rising star putting his unblemished record to the test in Brooklyn. The eight-time Motor City Golden Gloves title-winner and former national amateur champion is intent on making a name for himself in the pro ranks.

A light welterweight and Olympian making his professional debut, Serdar Hudayberdiyev comes to the Brooklyn Brawl after an accomplished international amateur career. The pride of his native Turkmenistan on the West Coast of the Caspian Sea, he captured gold in the Asian games and was selected his country’s flag bearer in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Heavyweight Emilio Salas (3-1-1, 1 KO) of Puerto Rico – who opened up the Boxing At The Beach slate with a second round TKO at the expense of opponent Glenn Thomas – will add some thunder to the Oct. 29 card while welterweight Giorgi “Goga” Gelashvili (2-0, 2 KOs) of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, will provide the lightning. Gelashvili, a former three-time Georgian national champion, overwhelmed opponent DeLoren Gray-Jordon last August with a speedy salvo of blows in round two, leading to his second stoppage victory in as many fights and as many months.

A product of Corona, Queens, Edward Valdez was recently added to the upcoming Brooklyn Brawl slate. A veteran at 13-11-2 (10 KOs), Valdez will face Aik Shakhnazaryan (16-2, 7 KOs) of Samara, Russia, in an eight-round lightweight contest.

Broadcast information will be announced at a later date. Interested corporate partners should contact Mark Fratto at mfratto@linacremedia.com.

For ticket information and updates on the Thursday, Oct. 29, Brooklyn Brawl please log on to SalitaPromotions.com and AviatorSports.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and Instagram, or by accessing the hashtag #BrooklynBrawl.
For more information visit SalitaPromotions.com
For More Information on Salita Promotions and media credential requests: Contact:

John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson media workout video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Manchester, England (October 7, 2015)–WBO number-five ranked junior middleweight contender & Boxcino 2015 champion, John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson participated in Tuesday’s media workout in advance of his WBO junior middleweight world title bout against Liam Smith this Saturday at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
Thompson is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Banner Promotions
Below is video highlights of that workout.  Media outlets may use the video on their websites & digital platforms by copy/pasting the embedded code:
John Thompson Media Workout, October 6, 2015
John Thompson Media Workout, October 6, 2015

 

JOSE UZCATEGUI KNOCKS OUT JULIUS JACKSON IN THE SECOND ROUND OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 AND FOX DEPORTES FROM COWBOYS DANCEHALL IN SAN ANTONIO, TX

 
Argenis Mendez Wins Unanimous Decision Over Miguel Vazquez
 
Click HERE For Photos
Credit: Josh Jordan/PBC
Jackson vs. Uzcategui Highlights Available HERE
Vazquez vs. Mendez Highlights Available HERE
 
SAN ANTONIO (October 6, 2015) – The main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, TX saw Jose Uzcategui (24-1, 20 KOs) stop Julius Jackson (19-1, 15 KOs) 45 seconds into the second round. Uzcategui got off to a blistering start, dropping Jackson three times in the first round. Jackson was never able to regain his footing and the fight was stopped before the midway point in the second round.
The opening televised bout featured Argenis Mendez (23-3-1, 12 KOs) scoring a unanimous decision (99-90, 97-92, 95-94) over Miguel Vazquez (35-5, 13 KOs) in a hard fought battle.
The next edition of Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays will take place on October 13 as Gerald Washington (16-0, 11 KOs) takes on Amir Mansour (22-1, 16 KOs) from Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.
Here is what tonight’s fighters said about their performances:
JULIUS JACKSON
“It was a pretty fast start and that was about it. I just got hit and I don’t remember much after that.
“We wanted to control the fight with my jab, but he countered well and hurt me. I never recovered after that.
“I never thought about holding. I was busy working.
“I was trying to pop something in between and got caught.”
JOSE UZCATEGUI
“Our plan was to go round by round, but sometimes opportunities arise. As soon as I saw I hurt him I took advantage. Speed was the key tonight.
“We didn’t underestimate him at all, but once we saw our advantage after the start I jumped on him.
“I knew that he was a great athlete, and a good fighter, so I came out here and did what I had to do. I know what it’s like to have a stumble in the course of my career though, so I hope he doesn’t get discouraged by this. But tonight was mine.
“This is everything we’ve been working towards for three months. I want to thank my entire team because they constantly drilled into me that when (Jackson) throws the jab I should immediately shoot the right hand over the top. We knew that the best part of his game was his jab, but we were focused all training camp to throw the right hand and tonight we were able to do so.”
MIGUEL VAZQUEZ
“I wanted to pressure him a little more. Unfortunately things didn’t turn out the way we planned because we didn’t get the win.
“I feel good, but tonight (Mendez) was a little more technical than I was.
“It’s an honor to fight on this card. I want to thank Al Haymon. This was huge opportunity for me and my career.”
ARGENIS MENDEZ
“My plan was to be aggressive, use my jab and break him down every round. That’s what I did.
“I was able to land the bigger, cleaner shots throughout the fight.
“He was holding me a lot and using his head. I was trying to do what I could to deal with it, but they were letting him fight.
“I want a world title fight next. From this point on people are going to get used to seeing 100% out of me.”
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Jackson vs. Uzcategui was promoted by Leija Battah Promotions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JuliusTheChef1, @LeijaBattahPR, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @CowboysDanceHal and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

THE RECLAMATION DEGALE VS. BUTE WORLD SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP November 28 at the Vidéotron Centre in Quebec City

(L-R) head trainer Howard Grant and Lucian Bute
(L-R) James DeGale and head trainer Jim mMcDonnell
(pictures by Stevens Leblanc, Quebecor Media from today’s press conference, see below for quotes)

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (October 6, 2015) — Popular local favorite and former world champion Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs), of Montreal, will try to recapture his world title belt against 2008 Olympic champion and reigning super middleweight world champion James DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs), of England, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME, Saturday, November 28, at the Vidéotron Centre of Quebec City.
 
This super boxing event, “The Reclamation,” is co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM and Interbox, sponsored by Vidéotron and Mise-O-Jeu.
“I am extremely happy to have this opportunity at this point of my career,” Bute said. “I lost my title in England against an English fighter and now, I will box in Quebec against another English boxer, for the same title I defended for five years. I am really motivated for this opportunity to regain the title I lost in 2012. The fact that the fight will take place in front of my fans in Quebec City, where I’ve never lost, will be the factor that will make the difference. I give all my respect to the champion, James DeGale, for accepting to travel for his first defense, but the IBF belt will stay in Quebec November 28!”
 
“Bute is a world class, elite-level fighter, who kept his world title for five years,” DeGale commented. “Anyone who can do that deserves some serious respect. I’m the champion and he will be very fired up trying to win back his old title, but I’m too young, too fast, and too skilful to let that happen. I’m lucky enough to have boxed in Canada only a few years ago, when I took on Sebastien Demers in Quebec in 2013. I met some great people out there. It is a lovely country and I can’t wait to go back. I beat Demers in a couple of rounds and I’d take the same result again. Whatever happens, however I win, I’m coming back with my belt.”
 
“For Lucian, this is THE defining fight of his career,” explained the President of InterBox and La Cage – Brasserie sportive, Jean Bédard.  “This is a unique chance to regain his IBF super middleweight title. We are really happy to have concluded a deal for this fight against James DeGale. Once again, the Quebec boxing fans will be pleased with this first boxing card in the brand new Vidéotron Centre.
 
“This event is possible thanks to the collaboration and help of major partners,” GYM president Yvon Michel added. “I would like to thank the Executive Vice President & General Manager, Sports and Event Programming of Showtime Network, M. Stephen Espinoza,Pierre Dion, President and CEO of Québecor, Benoît Robert, President and CEO of Groupe Sports et divertissement of Québecor, and the President of La Cage – Brasserie sportive, Jean Bédard, as well our partners, Vidéotron and Mise-O-Jeu.
 
November 28, Quebecers will have the privilege to assist, support and contribute for this important challenge for Bute – who defended his title for a record nine times – to regain his old title, which was never done before here,” Michel added. “The task will be hard because the champion is extremely skilled and is not afraid to defend his brand new belt in the former champion’s backyard. I would like to thank James DeGale for having accepted the invitation, but the whole GYM team is proud to promote this event and is rooting for Lucian Bute in his historic quest.”
 
We are very proud to present a world championship fight between Lucian Bute and James DeGale for the first boxing card ever at Vidéotron Centre,” Dion remarked. “There is beautiful love story between Quebec City’s people and Lucian Bute, who won the four fights he has had in the old capital during his pro career.
 
Lucian Bute, Quebec’s fan favorite
Bute is a boxer who has always been very popular in Quebecers’ hearts.  After a solid amateur career, punctuated by a gold medal performance at the 2001 Francophone Games in Ottawa, plus participation in three World championships, Bute chose Quebec as his second home.
 
Starting as a sparring partner for then World Boxing Council (WBC) world super middleweight champion Eric Lucas, the southpaw showed the extent of his talent and charisma, in addition to learning a new language, French.
 
Extremely dedicated and disciplined, the native of Pechea, Romania quickly rose through the ranks of professional boxing, stopping many tough and experienced fighters.

A clear crowd favorite, Bute realized his dream of becoming world champion on October 19, 2007 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, knocking out Colombian Alejandro Berrio to win the IBF super middleweight belt.


With nine successive defenses of his world title, the 35-year-old gladiator still holds that record for a Canadian boxer. Bute also obtained his Canadian citizenship March 26, 2012.
After a win over Russian Denis Grachev at the end of 2012, the athlete who now lives in Laval moved up to the light heavyweight division for a super fight against local rival Jean Pascal. In front of a sellout crowd in Bell Centre on January 18, 2014, Bute lost a unanimous against the former lineal light heavyweight champion.
 
After an 18-month layoff, crowd favorite Bute returned in spectacular fashion, destroying European Union super middleweight champion Andrea Di Luisa by way of a fourth-round stoppage.
 
November 28, Bute will try to avenge his loss to Carl Froch against another Englishman and recapture his lost title.
 
DeGale from Olympic champion to pro champion
A native of London, DeGale became a British hero by winning a gold medal as a middleweight (165 pounds) at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
 
To do so, he bested Egyptian Mohamed Hikal (the last man to defeat Gennady Golovkin), American Shawn Estrada, Kazakh Bakhtiyar Artayev (2004 Olympic gold medalist 2004), Irishman Darren Sutherland and Cuban Emilio Correa Jr.
DeGale moved on to the pro ranks in 2009, winning his 10 first fights before losing a controversial decision to domestic rival George Groves in May 2011.
 
Obviously not shaken by his first loss, the switch-hitting DeGale returned to the win column five months later, beating the European and WBO Inter-Continental super middleweight champion, Piotr Wilczewskiof Poland.
 
Since that victory, DeGale won 10 bouts including one in Quebec, May 2013, at Lac-Leamy Casino in Gatineau, where he defeated Sébastien Demers by KO in the second round.
 
DeGale became IBF super middleweight champion in his last outing, May 23 in Boston, with a unanimous decision win over slick American Andre Dirrell.
 
DeGale is the only British fighter to have won an Olympic gold medal and a professional boxing title.
 
Alvarez and Beterbiev also in action
Also fighting on the card are light heavyweight world title challengers Eleider Alvarez andArtur Beterbiev. Both will fight in their respective 175-pound division elimination bouts. A press conference will take place in the next few weeks to provide additional details.
 
 
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
 
LUCIAN BUTE
 
“I am really happy to be back in Quebec City. Some of my best memories are here. I won four fights here. Six years ago, November 28, 2009, the same day I will fight James DeGale, I knocked out Librado Andrade. And I also defeated Glen Johnson in Quebec City. DeGale is a great champion, but to come here to face me in my hometown, in front of 15,000 people, it won’t be easy for him. I am the challenger, I am the underdog, and he is the champion, but the pressure is on him. I have lived this when I faced Carl Froch in England. My dream is to regain my world title. I always believe in me and in my tools to do so. The belt will remain in Quebec.”
 
JAMES DEGALE
 
“You should call me the road warrior! I am excited to face an elite fighter like Lucian, who was champion for five years. But the way I am training, nobody will beat me. You can see my character just by the fact I accepted to come here and take that fight. Be ready for a furious and spectacular fight.”
 
HOWARD GRANT (Bute’s head trainer)
 
“My job is simple: I have to prepare Lucian to win the title. British fighters were always dominant in the 160 pounds and 168 pounds divisions. DeGale is explosive, he won at the Olympic Games in 2008, and a World Championship in the United States…but that won’t work November 28th.”
 
JIM MCDONNELL (DeGale’s head trainer)
 
“James is different. He did everything on the rough path: being an Olympic champion, winning the British title at his ninth fight, and becoming World champion in the United States. The more pressure he has, the better he is. I never knew anybody like him before. He can’t be intimidated. James respects Bute, but they say when you win a title, you get better. It will be frightening.”
 
JEAN BÉDARD
 
“It’s going to be a fun night. I have two great defining moments in my 10 years in the boxing world. The first one was October 19, 2007, when Lucian became World champion live on TVA (Quebec TV channel) and November 28, 2009, in front of a jam pack crowd of 16,000 fans at the Québec Coliseum when Lucian beat Librado Andrade. Howard Grant (who was in Andrade’s corner) still remembers that I am sure! Now, six years later, we are ready for an historic date.”
 
YVON MICHEL
 

“No champion in Quebec’s boxing history ever regained a World title after losing it. The task will be hard, because DeGale is very skilled and brave. He won his title in the United State, far from his home. Still, we root for Lucian Bute at 100%. We have a 12 000 spectators configuration in the brand new Vidéotron Centre and we had already brought more people before for some of Lucian’s fight. We are convinced that Quebec’s boxing fans will also root for Lucian.”

 
Tickets are on sale at Vidéotron Centre box office, on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM(514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.
 
@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca, @stormalvarez,@abeterbiev, @SHOsports, @premierboxing

Darleys Perez defends WBA Lightweight title against Anthony Crolla in a rematch on Saturday, November 21, LIVE on AWE

Ordered by the WBA – One of the most anticipated rematches of the Year
San Diego, CA – October,6 2015 – On Saturday afternoon, November 21, Darleys Perez will defend the WBA Lightweight title in a rematch against Anthony Crolla in a bout that can be seen live and exclusively in the United States on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment
 
The bout will take place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
There’s a saying in boxing that if a title challenger ends the night with a draw, it means he beat the champ. For boxing fans of Anthony Crolla, the saying is more than true. Here’s the history on Crolla v. Perez I and why Crolla Perez II is a must watch rematch.
On July 18, 2015, boxing fan favorite Anthony Crolla made an emotional return into the ring to fight Darleys Perez for the WBA World title. Seven months prior, Crolla suffered a fractured skull, not in the ring, but at the hands of a burglar using a concrete slab as a weapon. Crolla risked his life to help a neighbor who was being burglarized.

Some thought Crolla was lucky to be alive, much less return to the ring to fight again. All leading to a very emotional evening in July as Crolla challenged Perez for the WBA World Title. Yet another devastating blow was coming. After twelve rounds of world-class boxing, Crolla finished the night with an extremely controversial draw. Boxing fans thought Crolla won the fight, before a two point deduction was taken against Perez for low blows. Crolla’s outraged home crowd fans were stunned and left the arena in silence. Amir Khan, the fast-handed UK fighter expected to fight Manny Pacquiao in early 2016, tweeted “What a joke!” characterizing the decision of Crolla fans worldwide.

Perez and Crolla will return to the scene of the first bout, in front of a raucous crowd at the Manchester Arena.

Perez of San Pedro de Uraba, Colombia has a record of 32-1-1 with 20 knockouts.
He won his first 28 bouts, which included wins over Samir Torres (10-2-1), Patricio Antonio Pedrero (20-1-1), Ramesis Gil (6-0-4), Oscar Meza (22-4) & Bahodir Mamadjonov (11-0).
He challenged then undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Interim Lightweight title on June 8, 2013 in Montreal.  Perez came up just short, but two bouts later he defeated Argenis Lopez (19-0) to win that same title on June 28, 2014 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The 32 year-old Perez made two defenses of the interim crown by defeating Jaider Parra (23-1-1) and Jonathan Maicelo (21-1) being being elevated to the WBA Lightweight champion.
Crolla of Machester, England has a record of 29-4-3 with 11 knockouts.
He turned professional on October 14, 2006 with a win over Abdul Rashid (1-0).
The 28 year-old has amassed wins over 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie (36-3-1), Andy Morris (19-3), John Watson (13-1), Willie Limond (34-3), Syephen Jennings (5-1-1), Kieran Farrell (14-0), former Jr. Welterweight world champion Gavis Rees (37-2-1), Stephen Foster (31-4-1) & Former world title challenger John Murray (33-2)
The start time and a full undercard will be announced shortly.
Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates.

DANNY O’CONNOR VS. GABRIEL BRACERO II, RYAN KIELCZWESKI VS. RAFAEL VAZQUEZ CONTINUES BOSTON VS. NYC RING RIVALRY

 
PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS
8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, Mass. (October 6, 2015) – The great Boston vs. New York City sports rivalry continues Saturday, October 10 in the ring on national television with northeast bragging rights on the line as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN comes to historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts.
The Boston home team sends out welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) and featherweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs), respectively, against Brooklyn invaders Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) and Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
O’Connorwill be seeking revenge for 2011 loss to Braceroin the 10-round main event, while Kielczweski faces the toughest test of his career versus Vasquez in their 10-round bout to open the NBCSN broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
In the other scheduled televised fight, undefeated Dominican super bantamweight KO artistJonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), fighting out of nearby Lawrence (MA), takes on Connecticut’s upset-minded Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.
Boston vs. New York is a classic matchup that has dominated sports headlines in the northeast for years as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox waged countless wars while the New England Patriots faced the New York Giants in two Super Bowls and continued their longtime rivalry with the New York Jets. The rich tradition of this rivalry has also spilled into the ring as many top fighters from each region have faced-off over the years.
The first significant Boston vs. NYC fight goes back to 1927 at Yankee Stadium, when Jack Dempsey stopped Jack “The Boston Gob” Sharkey in the seventh round of their heavyweight title eliminator to challenge world champion Gene Tunney.  Controversy surrounded this fight as Sharkey, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, fought his boxing idol, Dempsey, who along with Babe Ruth ruled Manhattan during America’s Golden Age of Sports in the 1920s.  Sharkey out-boxed Dempsey for six rounds until, complaining to the referee about Dempsey’s low punches, he was knocked out cold with a picture-perfect left hook.
Another legendary heavyweight champion from the Boston area, Rocky Marciano, wouldn’t have retired with his famous 49-0 record if one round or another were scored differently against Bronx favorite Roland LaStarza in 1950.  Marciano took a questionable 10-round decision from LaStarza at Madison Square Garden. Three years later at the Polo Grounds, Marciano successfully defended his world title, knocking out LaStarza in the 11thround of their 1953 Fight of the Year.
A pair of Hall of Fame heavyweights from Brooklyn, Floyd Patterson and “Iron” Mike Tyson, respectively, knocked out Boston’s Tom McNeeley and his son, Peter McNeeley.  McNeeley dropped Patterson once but he hit the deck 11 times before finally succumbing in the fourth round of their 1961 title fight in Toronto.  His son, Peter, lost by first-round disqualification to Tyson who was fighting for the first since being released from prison.
A fireman from Boston with brittle hands, Paul Pender, twice defeated arguably the consensus Greatest of All-time, Harlem’s “Sugar” Ray Robinson, not once but twice by 15-round split decisions in 1960 world middleweight title fights at the Boston Garden.
“Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, a transplanted New Jersey fighter who lived in Marciano’s hometown of Brockton, Mass., felt ripped off when he was given a draw in his first world title fight against Brooklyn’s defending champion Vito Antuofermo in Las Vegas. Two years later in 1981, Hagler captured the coveted crown at the Boston Garden as Antuofermo retired after four rounds.
Even Lowell’s “Irish” Micky Ward had a New York City rival in Brooklyn’s Zab Judah, who he dropped a hard-fought 12-round decision to in 1998.  For many years Judah said Ward was the toughest opponent he ever fought.
More recently, Irish Olympian Kevin McBride, fighting out of the Dorchester section of Boston, ended Tyson’s career in 2005 with a sixth-round TKO victory that left the boxing world in shock, and Boston heavyweight John Ruiz – the only Latino heavyweight champion of the world – won a 2008 fight in Mexico against Harlem’s Jameel McCline by 12-round decision in a world title eliminator.
On October 10, O’Connor, Bracero, Kielczweski and Vazquez will have their opportunity to not only represent their hometowns, but to etch themselves into the annals of the rivalry.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic to face Knockout Artist Domingos October 10!

Lakeland, FL (October 5, 2015) – Rising light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic faces his toughest test to date when he meets cement-fisted Gilberto “El Magico” Domingos Saturday, October 10 in the main event of Mad Integrity Fight Sports’ “Bombs Away 4” at the Florida Orange Event Center in Lakeland.
 
Tickets to “Bombs Away 4” are $30 for general admission and $60 for VIP. They are available now atMadbombsaway4.bpt.me or by visiting Atomic Tattoos in Lakeland and Bulldog Boxing & Fitness in Tampa. All VIP ticket holders 21 years and older will receive free beer from Brew Hub. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the opening bell scheduled for 7.
 
Prior to the main event, American Idol finalist Jeremy Rosado will sing the national anthem. Mad Integrity Fight Sports is also hosting a special birthday and victory celebration for junior middleweight contender “Silky” Wilky Campfort, who knocked out Ronald Montes in two rounds September 18 on Bounce TV.
 
Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Domingos will trek more than 4,000 miles to face Kalajdzic. The 29-year-old has an excellent 23-3 professional ledger with 21 of his victories coming by knockout. A fighter at heart, Domingos competed between light heavyweight and heavyweight, traveling thousands of miles to challenge unbeaten Arnold Gjergjaj and world rated “Bronco” Billy Wright.
 
Residing in St. Petersburg, FL, Kalajdzic emigrated from Bosnia in 1998. He’s a perfect 19-0 with 12 wins by knockout and outpointed well regarded Lionell Thompson last year in what was his biggest win to date. Having recently signed with promoter Lou DiBella, Kalajdzic’s aiming to dominate but will have to fight smart against his heavy handed foe.
Domingos has an impressive record and is a vicious puncher” said Joey Orduna of Mad Integrity Fight Sports. “He’s fought as a heavyweight and knocked out multiple fighters up there. Hot Rod is looking to prove that he’s amongst the best young fighters out there and the fans will be in for a treat with this exciting match up on Saturday evening.”
 
The Kalajdzic-Domingos fight is scheduled for eight rounds and will take place at a catch weight of 185 lbs.
 
Undefeated junior middleweight Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez of Miami looks to go 8-0 when he meets Jacksonville’s Juan Aguirre for Sunshine State bragging rights in a six rounder.
 
In four round undercard bouts, former football star Leanthony ‘Tyga” Fleming of Lakeland faces Louisiana’s Randy Heddrick FL’s, Michael Guillen fights Curtis Vert, Joseph White challenges Roger Streeter, Wytama Faulk tests his talents against Clark Brightwell, Alexander Charneco squares off versus Leonardo Kenon and Brian Meadows battles Raynard Younger.
 
All bouts are subject to change and fans can keep up with Mad Integrity by visiting  https://www.facebook.com/MadIntegrityFightSports.

HISTORIA, HERENCIA Y CORAZÓN: PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

 
From Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Robert Guerrero, Danny Garcia, Peter Quillin, Sammy Vasquez, Erislandy Lara, Josesito Lopez and More, Latinos are Shaping the Sport of Boxing
 
With nearly 30 Million Viewers to date, PBC Fighters Share their Pride, Inspiration during Month
LAS VEGASOctober 5, 2015 – The history, heritage and heart – la historia, herencia y corazón – of Hispanic fighters is celebrated and showcased in the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) boxing series seen on CBS, NBC & NBCSN, ESPN & ESPN Deportes, FS1 & Fox Deportes, Spike, and Bounce in the U.S. With nearly 30 million viewers to-date, PBC has become one of the fastest growing sports series on broadcast and cable networks in the U.S. since its launch. During Hispanic Heritage month (September 15-October 15), the PBC is proud to salute the many Hispanic boxers, trainers, coaches and staff working in its series.
From Mexican fighters like Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares, Sammy Vasquez, Omar Figueroa, Robert Guerrero, Josesito Lopez, Chris Arreola, cand Jose Lara, to Cuban fighters Erislandy Lara, Peter Quillin and Rances Barthelemy, Dominican fightersJavier Fortuna, Juan Carlos Payano and Edwin Rodriguez, Puerto Rico’s Carlos Velasquez, Puerto Rican/American Danny Garcia and more, PBC fighters have met fans, discussed their heritage and helped to share their many inspirational stories on their boxing journey during Hispanic Heritage month.
“As a Mexican-American, it is important for me to share my culture, my heritage and my dedication to this sport with my fans. Boxing is in my blood and it’s an important part of my culture. It’s exciting to be joining other Latino fighters in bringing the sport to more of our fans on free tv,”said Leo Santa Cruz, three division champion.
“As a fighter, we fight for all different reasons but something that connects us is our pride for where we come from and who we fight for. I’m proud to be of Puerto Rican descent and everything it means to be part of the Puerto Rican culture. It’s a blessing to be able to follow in the footsteps of great Puerto Rican fighters and share with the world how proud I am of my roots,” said Danny Garcia, undefeated champion.
“I fight for my fans and they know that I was born in Mexico, live in the United States but call both home. This month is important to me to show everyone the pride, heritage and story of our lives that make us who we are. From the music I listen to when I train, to the culture and traditions I celebrate, I’m proud to be Latino, proud to be Mexican and proud to be in the PBC,” said Abner Mares, three division champion.
“My journey to the U.S. represents hope, freedom and being a champion. Coming from Cuba, I have a great respect and love for this country, however my Cuban heritage and culture will always be with me. Latinos have contributed so much to the sport of boxing, and through the PBC, I’m proud and glad to be able to have it showcased on TV across the U.S. and Latin America for everyone to see and hopefully be inspired by,” said Erislandy Lara, current Super Welterweight champion.
“Hispanic Heritage month is a time when to show the great achievements that Latinos have accomplished worldwide,” said Robert Guerrero. “Our heritage shapes us and it is passed down from generation to generation;  in boxing, our heritage, the pride and alma  of the sport, represents just that – the commitment and science that has been taught and passed down. I’m proud to be Latino, I’m proud to be part of the history and new traditions of boxing. And most importantly I’m proud to be a Mexican Warrior,” said champion Robert Guerrero.
“It’s important for everyone to know their heritage, who they are, where they come from. As a Mexican American and a proud armed services veteran, I am my heritage and also the future. Culture brings us together and boxing is a way for me to continue the great story of Hispanic athletes,” said Sammy Vasquez, undefeated fighter.
“I was born in the U.S. to parents from Mexico. I am a proud Mexican American who wears both cultures and countries on his sleeve. My heritage – my parents, my grandparents and my loyal fans- are vital to me. It’s who supported me in my career in boxing, and helped teach and show me the dedication, hard work and knowledge that makes me the man I am today. I am proud to be able to fight on the PBC where people of all races, language and interests can watch me push the sport further,” said Heavyweight boxer Chris Arreola.
The Premier Boxing Champions will continue to highlight fighters from around the globe on its website www.premierboxingchampions.com The site will continue to highlight fighters from around the globe that are shaping one of the world’s most popular sports.
For a full schedule of all PBC fights go to www.premierboxingchampions.com