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Q&A WITH TOP UNBEATEN  HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT TREVOR BRYAN AS HE PREPARES TO FACE VETERAN DERRIC ROSSY THIS FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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“I’m a young fighter coming up who is trying to take the old dog out of his misery.” –Trevor Bryan

 

 

 

ShoBox: The New Generation LIVE on SHOWTIME

This Friday, Aug. 28 at 11 p.m. ET/PT From “The D” in Las Vegas

 

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 24, 2015) – Promising up-and-coming heavyweight Trevor “The Dream” Bryan (15-0, 11 KOs) will put his unblemished record on the line when he faces his toughest opponent to date, experienced Derric Rossy (30-9, 14 KOs), in the 10-round heavyweight matchup in the main event of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live onSHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Bryan, who is making his ShoBox debut, is looking to establish himself in the heavyweight division after a standout amateur career in which he won five national championships in just 60 bouts. Since his debut at 22 in November 2011, the 6-foot-4 heavyweight, who recently turned 26, has registered 10 of his 11 knockout victories in three rounds or less.

 

Here’s what Bryan had to say:

 

How would you say your career is going?

 

“My career is going great. I can’t wait for this great heavyweight fight. Rossy is a guy who is on his last leg and I’m a young fighter coming up who is trying to take the old dog out of his misery.”

 

What type of role did your amateur career play in preparing you as a professional?

 

“My amateur career played a huge role in my development as a boxer. Attending all the national tournaments and fighting against top athletes from all over the world played a big role in my professional career. I have seen all different styles of fighting. I also went to several sparring camps in my amateur career and have sparred against Wladimir Klitschko andGuillermo Jones, among other champions.”

 

Some people chalk up your undefeated record to the fact that you haven’t faced any tough opposition. That will change when you face battle-tested veteran Derric Rossy. How are you preparing for the toughest test of your career?

 

“I’ve been doing everything that is physically possible to get ready for this fight. I stay in the gym and work hard. I have a great work ethic and have a great team around me. I feel confident and know that I will come out with the victory. The hours that I have put in the gym will pay off. I am in fantastic shape, I let my hands go, I have one of the best jabs in the division. I’m ready to show the world what a wonderful fight this is going to be.”

 

Although you won your last fight against Stacy Frazier, you were knocked down for the first time in your career. What did you learn in that fight?

 

“I touched the canvas for the first time in my career. It was a great learning experience for me. We know that it only takes one punch in the heavyweight division. I went into the fight with confidence. I threw a punch and was off balance, he countered me with a great shot and it woke me up and reminded me that it only takes one punch to end a fight. I learned to not play around, but instead to set the pace and see if my opponent can hang with me in the ring. The great champions are the guys who get knocked down and are able to get back up and finish the fight.

 

“I feel like I am world championship material. I learned a lot in the Frazier fight and I’m going to make sure that this will never happen again.”

 

How did you get into boxing?

 

“I was originally a football and basketball player. I came from a tough area in Albany, N.Y., and I never had any guidance growing up. I owe my career to my amateur boxing coach who was the hall monitor at the middle school I was attending. From day one he looked at me and said that he saw a champion in me. Every single day from then on, he tried to get me in the gym to train. This was when I was 11 years old; I was very arrogant and didn’t understand why I should be fighting in a ring when I could instead be fighting in the streets. That’s the mentality I had.

 

“One day I decided to go in for a workout and it was the greatest workout I have ever had. I was so tired after that workout that I had to call my mom to have her pick me up, I was so fatigued. From then on I have been in the gym every single day, and here I am today, a product of all my hard work and perseverance. I have a dream for myself that I want to be world champion and I’m not going to stop until I get it.”

 

What is it like being promoted by Don King knowing his history as a promoter, especially with his success with heavyweights similar to yourself?

“Don King is the greatest promoter in the world. He is not going anywhere. He started this boxing thing and I want to be a part of that history. The first time I met him he gave me a pamphlet of all the world champions he had. From that day on I knew I wanted to be involved with him. He has told me to work hard and not expect anything to be given to me.”

 

Do you look at an American heavyweight like Deontay Wilder as an inspiration? What type of impact does someone like him have on you and your career?

 

“Deontay is definitely an inspiration for me. I knew him in 2008 when I was getting him ready for the Olympic Games and just to see him from that point to now being a world champion; it definitely gives younger heavyweights the inspiration and extra desire. It’s hard to get there, but it’s even harder to stay there. No offense to Deontay, but there’s a young heavyweight coming up that’s hungry just like him—me. We will see how long he is able to hold the title. It is great to once again see an American heavyweight back on top.”

 

How did sparring with veteran, former champions like Guillermo Jones help you? 

 

“Guillermo Jones had so many different styles and different things he was able to do in the ring. He taught me that I couldn’t be one-dimensional and it was great to have that experience. I knew that for me to do my best, I must be able to do different things. He was bringing it to me and I had to harness all my strengths in order to compete with him.”

 

You are making your ShoBox debut, what does that mean to you?

 

“It’s mind-blowing. I finally have my chance. For me as the heavyweight to be the main event, it’s a dream come true. I’m ready to show people what I’m doing in my reality. I do not take this opportunity for granted, I have trained so hard and I’m ready to go.”

 

Your prediction?

 

“After I lay that big jab on him during the first three rounds, I think I should loosen him up by the fifth or sixth round. We’ll see if it goes past the sixth round.”

 

 

In an eight-rounder that will open the telecast, Samoa’s 6-foot-2, 280-pound heavyweight Natu “The Truth” Visinia (11-1, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., will face 5-foot-10, 235-pound Joey “The Tank” Dawejko (14-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer isGordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 62 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

About the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.

 

About the D Las Vegas

The D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino feature modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. The D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter at @theDLasVegas.

 

 

boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP MEDIA MEMBERS, FIGHTERS AND TRAINERS AT ODDS OVER WHO WINS LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. ABNER MARES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN SHOWDOWN

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Live From STAPLES Center Saturday, August 29
10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
LOS ANGELES (August 24, 2015) – With fight week officially underway, top media members, fighters and trainers offered up their fight night predictions for the highly anticipated featherweight match-up between Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz and Abner Mares headlining Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on ESPN Saturday, August 29 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
The long-awaited battle is considered to be one of the most evenly matched fights in the sport and fans can look forward to the best that boxing has to offer on basic cable as Premier Boxing Champions returns to ESPN for its third installment on the network.
Fitting in with the prevailing notion that this bout is a true 50-50 fight, the prognosticators were almost evenly split on their fight night predictions, with Santa Cruz slightly edging out Mares by a count of just 19 to 18 with two undecided.
The predictions were razor thin in every regard as current and former fighters favored Mares by a count of seven to five while trainers favored Santa Cruz by a margin of five to two with journalists split evenly having nine select each man.
Overall more experts believed Santa Cruz would win by knockout with a five to three advantage while Mares was picked more times to win by decision with a narrow 15 to 14 edge.
Here’s an explanation from each of the experts on how they see the action playing out August 29:
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Mexican Legend: Abner Mares W 12 – It’s a good fight that will end in a very close decision. If Abner Mares has the proper strategy, then he can make it. But Mares has to be in good condition, physically, and, mentally. If he is not, then Leo Santa Cruz can win.
Juan Manuel Marquez, Mexican great and four-division champion: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I think Abner Mares will win because he is a more technical fighter and more experienced.

Leo Santa Cruz has the virtue of throwing good combinations, but has the defect sometimes in that he is very mechanical. Abner’s virtue is very technical and he also throws good combinations. His defect is he cannot stand many punches.

Teddy Atlas, ESPN: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – This stands to be the most substantial fight that Leo Santa Cruz has had. He’s had a terrific career so far, but this is the most significant step up in class of competition he will have faced.

There’s not doubt in my mind that Abner Mares has fought the much better competition throughout his career and he’s a better puncher and a slightly bigger guy. But I’m going to say that Santa Cruz wins a decision.

The way that Mares beats Santa Cruz is to have to hurt him, which is possible. But I also qualify it by saying that has to happen within the first five or six rounds, slow him down and take him out of that rhythm before Santa Cruz has gathered to much momentum and put rounds under his belt.

Santa Cruz comes forward and dominates you with truckloads of punches and eventually wears you down by keeping you so busy defensively that he has the upper hand. At the end of the day, I have to hang my hat on Santa Cruz to win a decision. Santa Cruz understands that this is the biggest fight of his career and he hasn’t learned how to lose, yet.

Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz: I’m looking for Abner Mares to show flashes of greatness once again in a fight that really is a crossroads bout for both men.

This should be about as entertaining as it gets among the little guys, and will be a close competitive fight. I like Mares by decision in a tough scrap, handing Leo Santa Cruz his first loss.

 
Peter Quillin, former world champion, fights Michael Zerafa Sept. 12 on NBC: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – I honestly like them both. I like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s relentless with pressure and lots of punching. Mares is very strong and a good boxer. I think Santa Cruz wins by a split-decision in a really good fight
 
Paulie Malignaggi, former two-time champion: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- In a good fight, I’m picking Abner Mares. He seems a bit more versatile than Leo Santa Cruz and has been in with better opposition. That experience can help a lot when your opponent doesn’t have it.
 
Ronnie Shields, trainer of Erislandy Lara: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – It’s a good fight, but I like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s more of a boxer. Abner Mares is the bigger puncher, but Santa Cruz, the kid just fights to the level of his competition. I really like Santa Cruz and I think that he’s going to win a good fight by a close, unanimous decision.
 
Virgil Hunter, trainer of Andre Berto, Amir Khan:  Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – If Abner Mares boxes and uses his legs, he can present some problems to Santa Cruz, who sacrifices his height a lot. Being as tall as he is, he often squares up and fights too close.

That can play into Abner’s hands because he doesn’t have to worry about the reach. I would have to say this is a pick-em fight where it’s hard to give one fighter the edge. Abner can win, but he’s going to have to box. Leo can win with his volume punching. It’s just hard to pick a sure winner, but maybe Abner by a close split-decision.

 
Nigel Collins, ESPN: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Abner Mares has never looked quite the same since he was knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez, but I think he still has superior skills compared to Leo Santa Cruz.

But it’s not going to be easy. Santa Cruz is a volume puncher and is going to be winging shots at Mares all night in a fast-paced, fan-friendly fight.  However, I think Santa Cruz’s aggression will give Mares the opportunity to catch him with counters and box his way to a narrow decision victory.

Brian Campbell, ESPN: Abner Mares TKO 9 Leo Santa Cruz – In this long-anticipated battle between Mexican-born action stars, don’t expect either man to take a step backward. Abner Mares, the shorter yet naturally bigger man, will need to dial back to his freewheeling and borderline reckless style of old in order to be most effective.

Mares will have advantages in power and is the more proven fighter at this weight class than Leo Santa Cruz. The jury is still out regarding just how good Santa Cruz really is. But if he ends up trapped in a firefight from start to finish, look for Mares to be the last man standing.

Deontay Wilder, heavyweight world champion, fights Johann Duhaupas Sept. 26 on NBC: Leo Santa Cruz TKO 11 Abner Mares – I’m going with my gut feeling and picking Leo Santa Cruz over Abner Mares. I see an 11th-round stoppage for Santa Cruz. I’m just going with a gut feeling on this one.
Keith Thurman, welterweight world champion: No pick – To be honest, I don’t have a pick. I’m just anticipating a good fight and a great performance between two great fighters.

I’ve seen both fighters fight but I can’t really break that one down. I like to be as accurate as I can be, and I don’t feel comfortable picking one over the other. It’s a great matchup this year, when boxing’s doing its thing.

Claudia Trejos, ESPN: Abner Mares MD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Either one has real KO power. But the fight is at 126 pounds, where Abner Mares is most comfortable. This is a jump for Leo Santa Cruz.

Mares’ experience against top level opponents is an important element as well. If we the same Mares that showed up versus Anselmo Moreno, this would be new territory for Santa Cruz due to his limited experience against top quality fighters.

Nonetheless, I respect the high volume, high-octane fighter we find in Santa Cruz. It is always a crowd-pleasing style that can tantalize the eyes of the judges.

Bob Velin, USA TODAY Sports/Boxing Junkie: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Leo Santa Cruz is one of the best pure boxers in the sport today. But Santa Cruz has not faced the quality of competition Abner Mares has faced.

Since his stunning first-round KO loss to Jhonny Gonzalez two years ago, Mares has taken his game to another level. He is a better boxer and now says Santa Cruz, a former sparring partner, is not at his level. I wouldn’t go that far, but I believe Mares’ combination of boxing skills and punching power will be an edge against Santa Cruz.

Steve Farhood, Boxing Historian for Showtime & Premier Boxing Champions: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I think that it’s going to be a great fight, but I have the slight edge to Abner Mares. He’s naturally the bigger guy.

Leo Santa Cruz will be putting on the pressure, but Mares punches a little bit harder and Santa Cruz can be hit, and I just think that that power edge might give a slight advantage to Mares in a long very exciting fight.

Mitch Abramson, New York Daily News: Leo Santa Cruz KO 10 Abner Mares – I’ll take Leo Santa Cruz by 10th-round knockout over Abner Mares. I think that he’ll get stronger as the fight goes on and eventually overpower Mares. I think that his power will carry up into the 126-pound division.
Joe Santoliquito, BWAA President, RingTV.com: Abner Mares KO 9 Leo Santa Cruz- I’m going to with Abner Mares over Leo Santa Cruz. I just think that Abner still has a hunger about him that makes him a special fighter. I’m going to go with Abner by a knockout in the ninth-round.
Omar Figueroa Jr., former junior welterweight champion, fights Antonio DeMarco Sept. 26 on NBC: Abner Mares MD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- I think that unless Leo Santa Cruz is really, really smart, then he’s going to lose. I think that Abner Mares is stronger and obviously naturally bigger fighter, and it depends on Santa Cruz and whether he’s able to keep the distance.

Santa Cruz is going to have to keep Mares outside, because if Mares manages to get inside and he’s able to use his strength, then Santa Cruz will be in trouble. I think that it will be Mares by decision.

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight title contender, fights Caleb Truax Sept. 18 on Bounce TV: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – Leo Santa Cruz has been in a great position with his momentum, and I’ve seen Abner Mares fight and he’s a really good fighter also.

But I think that if I have to pick, I would go with Leo because his momentum has just been awesome and he doesn’t know what defeat is. They’re two strong fighters, even though Mares has that upset loss to Jhonny Gonzalez.

So they’re both really good fighters who are Mexican and when you have that, you’re always going to have a war. I don’t see a knockout, but I do see Santa Cruz winning by a split-decision.

Jake Donovan, BoxingScene.com: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz – Leo Santa Cruz was once among the hottest stars on the rise, but I believe missed his chance at becoming something special by failing to maximize his talents in the 122-pound division.

Abner Mares may not be the same fighter he once was when he was among the best in the world as an unbeaten champion over three weight classes, but I believe a reincarnation of sorts will take place.

A boxing match early becomes a slugfest late (despite the perception that Mares is more reserved these days), with Mares edging it in a fight that can go either way.

Ryan Songalia, RingTV.com: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – I like this fight a lot. It’s an all-action fight between two guys who won’t have to look for each other. I think that Abner Mares is a bit more versatile and has more options.

But Leo Santa Cruz is going to have to go out and do what he does and keep the punch volume up. I don’t think that Mares is a big enough puncher, so unless he can outwork Santa Cruz, I think that Santa Cruz wins a unanimous decision, maybe 8-4 in rounds.

Bernard Fernandez, Philly.com: Abner Mares TKO 8 Leo Santa Cruz- I presume that this is one of the fights that does not go to the scorecards. I’m sitting on the fence a little bit, but I’ll tip one way to Abner Mares over Leo Santa Cruz in the eighth round by a technical knockout.
Shawn Porter, former welterweight world champion: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – I give that fight to Leo Santa Cruz. I’ve known Leo for a very long time. We fought in the amateurs together and made some national trips together, so obviously that’s where my heart lies.

But I think that overall, he’s got the work output and all of the intangibles to go with it to beat Abner Mares. I think that most likely the edge in the punching power will most likely go with Mares. But Mares seems to step back and admire his work where Leo just continues to work.

Mares is a very sharp fighter, but I think that in overall boxing ability, that I would go with Leo. Leo has a very high boxing pace and I think that he’s very smart in the ring and sees what he wants to see and throws what he wants to throw, accordingly.

Gary Russell Jr., 126-pound world champion: No pick – Between Abner Mares and Leo Santa Cruz, I honestly just can’t pick a winner. I believe that Abner brings more to the table and that he’s more of a well-rounded fighter than Leo is, but I don’t know how Abner’s going to deal with Leo’s overwhelming pressure.

It’s going to be really interesting to see how Abner tries to offset that. In the end, it’s going to be a really exciting fight but it’s a coin-toss for me.

I would love for Abner to win, because he’s got a bigger fan base and I would love to fight him. Either way, I’d love to get the winner God-willing we get through our next fight.

If I had to choose between who I’d rather fight between Leo and Abner, it would be Abner based upon his fan base. But it’s too difficult to pick a winner.

Thomas Gerbasi, Senior Editor for BoxingScene.com, Editorial Director for Zuffa (UFC / Strikeforce):Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares – While I love this long overdue matchup, Abner Mares doesn’t seem to be the same fighter he was before the Jhonny Gonzalez fight.

Maybe this is the fight for him to get his mojo back, but Leo Santa Cruz’s volume attack should allow him to take over in the middle and late rounds and earn him the decision.

Matt Richardson, Fightnews.com: Leo Santa Cruz W 12 Abner Mares- I think it’s a really great fight and a hard fight to pick, but I’d probably lean toward Leo Santa Cruz. I think that Abner Mares has lost a little confidence in his abilities after being brutally knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez.

Then, to see Gonzalez get knocked out the way he did by Gary Russell, that has to affect Mares in some way, mentally. It’s a pick-em fight and an action fight that Santa Cruz wins by a close decision.

Ruben Guerrero, trainer & father of Robert Guerrero: Leo Santa Cruz KO Abner Mares – I’m going with Leo Santa Cruz.  He’s a bad-ass fighter.  Abner Mares is good too, but Leo is a bigger man and has a longer reach.

I think Leo will be too strong and powerful for Mares.  I’m picking Leo to win by knockout in the later rounds.

Kenny Porter, trainer & father of Shawn Porter: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares- Right now I’m going to say Leo Santa Cruz. I look forward to that fight. Leo’s going to beat Abner Mares by a unanimous decision. I think that he will out-work him and out hustle him and out-box him.

Leo’s a combination guy and he’s boxing and he’s punching and he’s got pressure and he’s got the volume and he’s nonstop with his energy. He’s a hustler who is constantly moving and working.

Norm Frauenheim, The Ring magazine/www.15rounds.com: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares: A rematch is probably the best pick. Abner Mares and Santa Cruz have been destined for this showdown. They know each other, as old friends and wary rivals.

In the here and now, however, it’s what they won’t know until opening bell.  Has soft opposition softened Santa Cruz? Is Mares still the tentative fighter he has been since getting KO’d by Jhonny Gonzalez?

The answers might determine the winner. But the guess here is that both will move beyond what the questions suggest, meaning a tough, edgy Santa Cruz and Mares at his aggressive, clever best.

That leads to the later rounds, when Santa Cruz will score with an advantage that isn’t a question. Despite going up in weight, Santa Cruz is longer. His three-inch advantage in reach will trouble Mares, forcing him to back pedal into a narrow scorecard loss that sets up the sequel.

 
Gary “Digital” Williams, Fightnews.com: Leo Santa Cruz UD 12 Abner Mares: I am leaning towards Leo Santa Cruz by unanimous decision.  Santa Cruz was very accurate and dominant in his last outing and I just think he will be too fast and accurate for Abner Mares. It should be a great fight.
Jermall Charlo, undefeated title contender, fights Cornelius Bundrage Sept. 12 on NBC: Abner Mares UD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – I’m going with Abner Mares. He’s a motivated fighter who wants to make up for his one loss. I’m thinking that he’ll win a 12-round decision.

Mares will try to load up, but that’s only going to be to push Leo Santa Cruz backward.
Santa Cruz is going to try to set the pace, but Mares is going to be the more dominant fighter in the end.

Jhonny Gonzalez, former champion: Leo Santa Cruz KO 8 Abner Mares – I believe that  Leo Santa Cruz will win by a knockout in the later rounds. Abner Mares is not the same since I knocked him out. Santa Cruz will waste himand then knock him out in the eighth round.
Jack Obermayer, Fight Fax Inc.: Leo Santa Cruz W 12 Abner Mares- I will take Leo Santa Cruz by decision based on his work rate. I think that Abner Mares is a little bit over the other side of the hill and that Santa Cruz will outwork him.
John J. Raspanti, Maxboxing.com/Doghouseboxing.com/Ringside Boxing Show: Abner Mares SD12 Leo Santa Cruz- Leo Santa Cruz versus Abner Mares is a classic 50-50 fight. Santa Cruz is a current junior bantamweight champion.

Mares is a former two-division champion. Santa Cruz, 27, is the younger man by two years.

Mares has fought stiffer competition–having battled the likes of former world champions Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko, Anselmo Moreno, and Jhonny Gonzalez.

I have a feeling the more experienced Mares will win the fight by a razor-thin 12-round split decision.

Robert Guerrero, former welterweight world champion: Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz – This is a very tough fight to pick because both guys, when they are on top of their game, can beat anyone in their division.

With that being said, I’m leaning toward Abner Mares because I believe he’s got the better boxing skills.  Leo Santa Cruz brings a lot of pressure and that could be troublesome for Abner.  I’m picking Mares to win a close split decision.

Chris Algieri, former junior welterweight champion: Abner Mares SD 12 Leo Santa Cruz- I’m going with Abner Mares by a split-decision based on experience and better competition.

This is a big fight for both men. Leo Santa Cruz is going to fight tooth and nail to keep that “0,” and Mares always brings it and will scrap till the finish. Should be a fun fight to watch.

Mikey Garcia, former champion: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – I actually think this fight is a toss-up. It all depends on which fighter can make the fight go their way. What I mean by that is Abner Mares is probably a more technical fighter and has more skills. He can box and he can punch and he can brawl if has to.

But for this fight, Mares has to use his skills and stay on the outside, use his jab and his right hand. That way, he can pull of a decision. On the other hand, Leo Santa Cruz is a come-forward volume puncher. If he can get that game plan going and keep Mares on the ropes and in the corners, he’s going to be scoring points and get the victory that way.

I think that I’m going to have to side a little more with Santa Cruz, because I think that his pressure is very difficult for a fighter. I think that Santa Cruz, by a small edge, might be able to pull it off. I think that it will be Santa Cruz by a split-decision.

Gary Russell Sr., father and trainer of champion Gary Russell Jr.: Leo Santa Cruz SD 12 Abner Mares – Leo Santa Cruz is going to come straight forward and constantly apply pressure. Abner Mares is going to try to box, but I think that he’ll be taken out of his comfort zone because of Leo’s pressure. I think it will come down to a split-decision win for Leo Santa Cruz.
Miguel Diaz, trainer, cut man: Leo Santa Cruz KO 8 Abner Mares – I worked about six or seven fights as the cut man in the corner of Abner Mares, and I worked the corner of an opponent against Leo Santa Cruz. Based on that, I would go in favor of Santa Cruz, 60-40, or, 55-45.

I think that Santa Cruz has shown a great chin and what you need to be a champion, and the other guy, Mares was knocked out by Jhonny Gonzalez, who is a good puncher. I think it will be a knockout in the seventh or eighth round.

Bob Santos, assistant trainer, Robert Guerrero: Abner Mares W 12 Leo Santa Cruz- Wow this is a tough one.  Abner Mares is the better boxer and Leo Santa Cruz is the better puncher.  Santa Cruz has never tasted defeat and that will be a very difficult task to overcome for Abner. I always go with the better boxer in these situations so I’m picking Mares to win by decision, but it won’t be easy.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com andwww.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.
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RE-AIR SCHEDULED FOR MSG NETWORKS IN SEPTEMBER
BROOKLYN (Aug. 24, 2015) – – Broadcast and digital television information is now available for the Tuesday, Aug. 25 Brooklyn Brawl, announced by boxing champion-turned promoter Dmitriy Salita. ESPN3 will carry the event live from 8-11 p.m. via its multiscreen network, available to 99 million households nationwide. Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated Boxing At The Beach event is also scheduled to be available to more than 10 million broadcast households, re-airing during the month of Sept. courtesy of MSG Networks.

MCU Park in Coney Island hosts the exciting event on Tuesday. Gates open at 6 p.m. with two preliminary bouts scheduled for 7 p.m., lasting four rounds apiece. ESPN3 will have live coverage at 8 p.m. as “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach” brings pro boxing to the Coney Island boardwalk for the first time in 14 years. The last professional boxing event at the Brooklyn Cyclones’ venue occurred on July 8, 2001, when Hector Camacho Jr. defeated Jesse James Leija via a controversial, referee-halted TKO.
ESPN3 is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The network is currently available at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.
“Live coverage on ESPN3 will be tremendous exposure for boxing in New York City, and for the Brooklyn Brawl series,” said Salita. “I am grateful that the talented boxers under my banner will appear live before a national audience. I grew up watching boxing on ESPN and am very honored to be promoting a show on ESPN3.”
MSG Networks is the exclusive local television home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres (Upstate New York only), New York Liberty, Westchester Knicks and New York Red Bulls, and the official regional sports networks of the New York Giants. MSG Networks also telecast over 100 live college events from top national conferences, as well as horse racing, boxing and award-winning original programming.
“We are happy that New York sport fans will have the ability to connect with world class athletes that live and train in the five boroughs,” said Salita of the MSG Networks partnership. “The Brooklyn Brawl series is one of a kind. It features many local boxers that have tremendous accomplishments inside the ring.  This show will feature cross-town rivals fighting for recognition in New York City, which will have impact on their careers in the world of boxing.”
            Brooklyn resident Michael Woods, RING Magazine boxing contributor and editor of The Sweet Science website will handle play-by-play duties, while Brian Adams of the New York Daily News Golden Gloves event will serve as the analyst for the evening.  New York City-based Linacre Media has been selected for production.
In the main event, former world title challenger Alex Miskirtchian (25-3-1, 9 KOs) tops the slate against former NABO champion and well-known Brooklyn battler Cornelius Lock (22-7-2, 14 KOs) in a featherweight clash scheduled for 10 rounds. Cruiserweight title challenger Junior Wright (13-1, 11 KOs), coming off a solid showing in a world title challenge in Russia, meets rugged Harvey Jolly (14-22, 7 KOs) in a bout scheduled for six rounds. By way of Kazakhstan, and now making his home in Marine Park, Brooklyn, Bakhtiyar Eyubov (6-0, 6 KOs) looks to impress his new hometown fans with another knockout performance as he faces Cory Vom Baur (2-3) of Spokane, Wash., also in six.
Meanwhile, many Irish eyes will be smiling as Emerald Islander and two-time Olympian John Joe Nevin (3-0, 2 KOs) brandishes his 2012 silver medal skills for four rounds against bantamweight Mexican mauler Victor Capaceta (4-7, 2 KOs). NYPD officer Dimash Niyazov (7-0-3, 5 KOs) meets Ariel “Fuego” Duran (8-7-1, 5 KOs) of Queens in a highly-anticipated lightweight bout scheduled for eight rounds as part of a nine-bout card in Coney Island.
Log on to BrooklynCyclones.com to purchase tickets or call 718-507-TIXX (718-507-8499). Interested corporate partners should contact Mark Fratto at mfratto@linacremedia.com.
For ticket information and updates on “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach,” please log on to BrooklynCyclones.com andSalitaPromotions.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and at @BrooklynBrawl on Instagram, or by accessing the tags #BrooklynBrawl and #BoxingAtTheBeach.
About ESPN3
ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible online at WatchESPN.com, on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app and streamed on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The network is currently available to more than 99 million homes at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. The network is also available at no cost to approximately 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.
About MSG Networks
MSG Networks is the exclusive local television home of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres (Upstate New York only), New York Liberty, Westchester Knicks and New York Red Bulls, and the official regional sports networks of the New York Giants. MSG Networks also telecast over 100 live college events from top national conferences, as well as horse racing, boxing and award-winning original programming. In 2015, MSG Networks received 16 New York Emmy Awards, including 13 for MSG Network and three for MSG+. MSG Network’s 112 Emmys over the past eight years are more than any single network or station in the region during that time.
About Brooklyn Brawl
Brooklyn Brawl is a series of electrifying New York City-based boxing events showcasing the talents and skills of fighters from throughout the city, across the country and around the world. Brooklyn Brawl fighters include veteran boxers working their way toward a world title shot, as well as talented prospects, many of whom have already won prestigious national and international amateur titles, including Golden Gloves championships and others. Young contenders often challenge veteran boxers in exciting crossroad title fights that bring winners one step closer to a world title.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7 p.m. as “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach” brings pro boxing to the Coney Island boardwalk for the first time in 14 years. The last professional boxing event at the Brooklyn Cyclones’ venue occurred on July 8, 2001, when Hector Camacho Jr. defeated Jesse James Leija via a controversial, referee-halted TKO.
Snag your tix for “Boxing At the Beach” today, to insure you wind down the season with a rock em, sock em evening of pugilism.
Doors open at 6 PM. Log on to BrooklynCyclones.com to get your tickets or call 718-507-TIXX (718-507-8499).

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

For ticket information and updates on “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach,” please log on toBrooklynCyclones.com and SalitaPromotions.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and at @BrooklynBrawl on Instagram, or by accessing the tags #BrooklynBrawl and #BoxingAtTheBeach.
boxing

HERNANDEZ TO FACE LUGO AT FIGHT CLUB OC THIS THURSDAY IN CO-MAIN EVENT

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Photo By Team Hernandez
FRESNO, CA (August 24, 2015) – Unbeaten super-welterweight prospect, Marcos “The Madman” Hernandez (6-0, 2 KOs) makes his Fight Club OC ring return at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California this Thursday, August 27, 2015 against Luis Alfredo Lugo (14-22-1, 5 KOs).  The 8-round bout will be the third fight of the year for the 6’2 Fresno, CA native and serve as the co-main event of the night.  Managed by Al Haymon, Hernandez is looking to give the fans a great performance as he looks to remain undefeated.
“I love fighting on the Fight Club OC cards at the Hanger,” said Marcos Hernandez. “This will be my fifth time fighting there. The fans really appreciate a good fight and that’s what I plan to do once again.  I want to thank Al Haymon for keeping me busy and I’m very grateful to my team for their support.  I’m learning more about myself with each fight and I can see the improvement.  This will be another great opportunity to sharpen my skills.  Lugo has been in the ring with a lot of good fighters and I know he’s is coming to fight.  I’m looking forward to the challenge and my goal is to keep my undefeated record intact.”
Tickets for the Aug 27th Fight Club OC show are SOLD OUT!  Standing room only tickets will be sold for $30 the Night of the show by calling (949) 760-3131.  Doors open at 5:00 pm. first bout starts at5:30 pm.
Fight Club OC – Pro Boxing & Pro MMA
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
OC Fair and Events Center – The Hangar Building
88 Fair Drive
Enter – Gate 8 Off Arlington Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Map & Directions

Website: http://www.fightcluboc.com

boxing

“The Knock Out King” goes Korean style Randall Bailey signs with AK Promotions Scheduled to fight Oct. 4 in South Korea

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      SHS BOXING MANAGEMENT     
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
MIAMI / SEOUL (August 24, 2015) – Three-time, two-division world champion Randall “The Knock Out King” Bailey (45-8, 38 KOs) has signed an exclusive promotional contract with South Korean-based AK Promotions, Bailey’s manager Si Stern (SHS Boxing Management) announced today.
Bailey, who fights out of Miami and is trained there by Orlando Cuellar, is scheduled to make his AK Promotions debut October 4, in the main event versus an opponent to be determined, at Seonhak Boxing Stadium in Inchon, South Korea.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Randall,” Stern said.  “I’ve had personal experiences in the Far East and one of my fighters, Sherman ‘Tank’ Williams, won a couple of titles there. (WBO China Zone and interim WBO Asia Pacific championships via a 12-round decision, June 28, 2012, vs. Chauncy Welliver in Macao, China)  I’ve been to South Korea and it’s an extremely exciting place. The great career of Randall Bailey will continue.  I’d like to thank promoter Andy Kim for presenting us with this tremendous opportunity.”
“I’m very happy to have signed Randall Bailey,” AK Promotions president Andy Kim commented. “I hope this helps boost the Korean boxing scene. There are US Army personnel and a lot of foreigners in Korea and I hope it interests them, too. Hopefully, Randall can get another world title shot soon and bring back a championship belt to Korea.”
Bailey has defeated a litany of top junior welterweights and welterweights during his 19-year professional career, including Mike Jones, Rocky Martinez, Carlos Gonzalez, Hector Lopez, Demetrio Ceballos, Anthony Mora, Juan Polo Perez,Frankie Figueroa, DeMarcus Corley, Harrison Cuello, and Jackson Osei Bonsu.
Bailey, 40, was the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight champion (1999-2000), Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) junior welterweight titlist (2002) and International Boxing Federation welterweight champ (2012),
Now on a mission to win a fourth world title in his third weight class, the always dangerous and feared junior middleweight believes this signing has given him a new lease on his boxing career.  He has had many problems securing fights in the past few years simply because he’s such a risky opponent for champions, contenders and top prospects alike.
“I can’t wait to go there,” Bailey (pictured on left with his head trainer Orlando Cuellar) said.  “This is going to do a lot for my career.  I spoke to my new promoter and he’s as excited about signing me as I am about signing with him.  He told me that getting me another world title is his goal.  He knows me, liked what he saw, and he’s all about doing his job as my promoter.
“I went to South Korea in 2005 with female boxer we brought there to fight. It was a nice trip, a lot of fun.  Traveling to fight there won’t bother me a bit. I have a good contract, no complaints at all with what they’re giving me.  I’ll go there a week before my fight to get acclimated.  When I come back from a fight, I’ll only take two or three days off, and then go back in the gym because I know that I’ll be fighting every three or four months.  I’m excited and ready to get there to fight.”
“The boxing center of gravity will soon shift towards South Korea when Randall Bailey makes his debut there,” Cuellar predicted.  “One look at his devastating one-punch power and Koreans will fall in love with him.  What Manny Pacquaio is in Macau and Roy Jones, Jr. in Russia, Randall Bailey will become in South Korea.  Bailey has a great opportunity to make a big splash in South Korea.  Once Korean boxing fans get a taste of Bailey, they will be hooked.”
Bailey has joined a growing stable of AK Promotions fighters, including newly signed heralded Pakistan amateur (87-16) super flyweight Muhammad “Falcon” Waseem, WBC Asian Boxing Council welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat (3-2-2), of India, and middleweight Dilbag Singh (1-0), of India.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @AK-Promotions, @KOKing_Bailey
boxing, UK Boxing

ROCKIN’ ROBIN DEAKIN SEEKS HIS RENAISSANCE

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By Jon Collins
In 1950 a fifty something year old salesman called Ray Kroc had the title of the worst milkshake vendor in Illinois.

Except that Kroc knew he was better than that. Several years later by 1954 he was a multi millionaire after founding McDonalds. “Persistence alone is omnipotent” wrote Kroc later.

There’s been better boxers than Robin Deakin. Titles of “the worst boxer in the UK” or “the human punchbag” levelled at him are way off the mark though.

Deakin CHOSE, at an early stage, to be a member of what I shall term British Boxing’s Fine Journeyman Club (FJC), sacrificing the glamour and allure of titles for regular paydays.

Hull’s Tony Booth, a fabled stylist and humorist in the ring, was a legendary member of the FJC, as was Brum’s Peter Buckley who retired with a pro record of 32-256-12. That’s 256 losses.

Warley’s Howard Clarke fought the legend Fernando Vargas for the IBF light middleweight world title at the Madison Square Garden in 1999, putting up stern resistance for 4 rounds. Clarke returned to the UK and lost his 68 of his next 70 bouts before retiring.

Booth, Buckley and Clarke were actually fine boxers, Deakin belongs to this club somewhere. A record of 1-51 doesn’t tell the story of hometown decisions, fights taken at short notice, weight given away to heavier opponents etc. Yet still Robin drove on and on, helping promoters up and down the UK, until terminating his license with the Board of Control.

Today Deakin seeks to alter matters. He wants out of the FJC and wants an Indian summer. Still only 29, he boxes under an MBC pro license.

An endearing personality, he’s the first total stranger ever to have been freely chatted to by my 6 year old daughter when I interviewed him.

On Saturday 29th August, at his old haunt in York Hall, he will strive to win a 2nd pro contest in a 4 x 3 bout v Latvia’s Deniss Kornilovs. Trained for this comeback by former champ Michael Jennings, Deakin is in the best condition of his life.

Ably assisted by his PR Lisa, celebs like Daniella Westbrook plus members of Big Brother and Towie will be in attendance ringside on the 29th. Even Barry Hearn, the great impresario himself, is meant to be coming.

A legion of Deakin fans from all over the gaffe will turn out to roar Robin to hopeful victory. Rockin’ Robin could become Renaissance Robin.

Deakin, no stranger to adversity, is a trier of historic proportions. He will get to the end of the journey in whatever path in life he chooses.

“Persistence alone is omnipotent” – the clarion call of winners – rings though the very psyche of a man whose failed 51 times in the ring so far, but is born to win!

The Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys promotions LORDS OF THE RING II event will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 29th August 2015.

This event is sanctioned courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets, priced £35 (standard seated) and £65 (Ringside) are available from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com and www.wiseguypromotions.com or call 07960 850645 or 07807 282559.

boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

TOP RISING STARS MARCUS BROWNE AND HUGO CENTENO ADDED TO UPCOMING PBC ON NBC CARD

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
 
PETER QUILLIN TAKES ON MICHAEL ZERAFA
IN FEATURE BOUT LIVE ON NBC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M. ET/1 P.M. PT
AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN MASHANTUCKET, CONNECTICUT
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 21, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight rising star “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) will take on former world champion Gabriel Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) while undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno(22-0, 12 KOs) battles Poland’s Lukas Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs) as part of the featured undercard bouts on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC event on Saturday, September 12 from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The September 12 card is headlined by undefeated middleweight star Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0-1, 22 KOs) taking on Michael Zerafa (17-1, 9 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight matchup, while super welterweight world champion Cornelius “K-9” Bundrage (34-5, 19 KOs) defends against undefeated rising star Jermall Charlo (21-0, 16 KOs) in the co-main event. Live coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on NBC.
The undercard, which is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, will feature two of the brightest young up-and-coming stars in all of boxing putting their undefeated records on the line as Browne and Centeno compete in their separate 10-round matchups.
A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Browne has been very impressive since making his pro debut in November 2011.The 24-year-old Staten Island-native is coming off his two most impressive victories to date this year. In May, Browne dominated Cornelius White (21-3) over 10 rounds at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Prior to that, in April, Browne scored an impressive sixth-round TKO over perennial contender Aaron Pryor Jr. Browne is looking to throw his name into the mix of the top fighters in the 175lb. division, and an impressive showing against the former world champion Campillo would do just that.
Campillo is 3-1 in his last four bouts, including a huge upset stoppage victory over previously undefeated Thomas Williams Jr. (17-0) in August of last year. The 36-year-old owns victories over Beibut Shumenov, Hugo Hernan Garay and Mirzet Bajrektarevic over a career that dates back to 2002. The fighter out of Madrid, Spain knows that if he is going to make another run at a light heavyweight title, he cannot afford another loss.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In his most recent fight, he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Ready to make his move on the middleweight elite, Centeno will take on the 26-year-old Maciec out of Lubin, Poland. Maciec enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, including victories over Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten fighters Jussi Koivula and Sasu Karapetyan. Maciec is 15-1-1 in his last 17 bouts and is ready to show the world that he belongs at the top of the 160lb. division when he makes his U.S. debut.
The Browne or Centeno fight could end up as a swing bout for the NBC broadcast pending the outcome of the two scheduled televised bouts.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $85 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information visit www.premierboxingcghampions.com, www.dbe1.com andwww.nbcnbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KidChocolate, @K9Boxing, @FutureOfBoxing, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and Swanson_Comm, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing Champions,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, Ring 8

Ring 8 Family Picnic This Sunday afternoon in Nassau, Long Island, NY 

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK (August 24, 2015) – Ring 8’s annual Family Picnic will be held this Sunday afternoon (Aug, 30), 12-6 p.m. ET, at Brady Park in Massapequa Reserve, Nassau on Long Island, New York.
“All Ring 8 members, along with their families and friends, look forward to our annual picnic,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  “It’s all about having fun, not necessarily boxing, but conversations do usually end up being about our favorite sport.  This is also one of the few opportunities for Ring 8 members to bring their family and meet other members’ families and friends.”
This year’s barbecue will consist of hamburgers, chicken, hot dogs, corn-on-the-cob, macaroni and potato salads.  Beer, water, soda, coffee and tea are also included, as well as cookies and cakes for dessert.
Brady Park includes a playground, hiking trails, and horseshoe area, as well as basketball, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts.  There is also a lake stocked every year for fishing.  There will be plenty of children activities, including a face painter and magician.
Admission is only $10.00 per adults, $7.00 for children, and $30.00 for families of four or more.  For additional information call Duffy at 516.313.304.
Directions: Exit 31 on South State Parkway, bear right until you reach a dead end and make a left onto Linden St., go 200-yards to Lakeshore Drive, take right and go approximately 2 miles to the end.  Brady Park will be on the right, or take LIRR to Massapequa Park and walk to blocks west.
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing

Melson to play in Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game!

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Boyd Melson army photo.jpg


For Immediate Release

New York, NY (August 23, 2015) – WBC USNBC junior middleweight champion Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will participate in the Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game on Saturday, August 29 at First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ.
Individual tickets for $10 and $40 VIP seats including dinner, drinks and time with the participants are available by calling 732-901-7000 or at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/BuyClear.asp?EventID=149462&continue=buynew.asp#.VXC1Ps9Vikr. VIP seats are limited to the first 100 guests.
Gates open at 3 PM and there will be a home run derby at 4:30, followed by the softball game.
The event is presented by Oceans Six Real and Partners. Proceeds will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and others disabled to enhance their health and self-esteem. The game was started to help veterans’ rehabilitative sports programs and assist various military-based organizations,
Melson will play for the Purple Heart Heroes, a team featuring many soldiers wounded serving our country. They will be opposed by The Legends, a squad made up of former athletes including major leaguers Jeff Frazier, Jay Johnstone and Andy Ashby plus Super Bowl XXV Champion Stephen Baker and members of the rock band Madison Rising.
Following the game, WBC Cares Foundation President Jill Diamond will hand out medals to the winning team.
“It is an incredible honor to be asked to play in the game,” said Melson, an Army Reserve Officer and 2003 West Point graduate who donates his fight purses to Team Fight to Walk to help cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. “The Wounded Warrior Project has been close to my heart and my mother is also a huge supporter. These Purple Heart recipients deserve the absolute best and an event like this is the least we can do for those brave soldiers injured protecting our freedom.”
Fans can interact with Boyd via twitter @BoydMelson orhttps://www.facebook.com/boyd.melson.9.

 

boxing

‘Kid Pacquiao’ Training in Cebu City, Waiting on U.S. Work Visa

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Undefeated lightweight Jonel “Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran (6-0, 3 KOs) will continue to train in Cebu City, Philippines, while waiting on a work visa to the United States.
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is moving the entire camp from Las Vegas to Cebu City to work with the 17-year-old slugger, including top trainer Jun Agrabio.
“Agrabio is going there to help this kid get to the next level,” said Lewkowicz.
Lewkowicz says that Dapidran will have one or two fights in the Philippines while awaiting the proper visa.
“I want to keep him active so that when he makes his US debut he will be ready to put on a great show,” explained Lewkowicz.
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.