Tag Archives: boxing

MBC & PBA Ink Deal – British Masters Title Fights For MBC UK Events

It was announced earlier today that Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) and the Professional Boxing Association (PBA) have inked a deal, that will not only mean that the hugely popular British Masters Championship, but also the  as well as the all new European Masters Championship, that is being created specifically for the MBC, can now be campaigned for on MBC sanctioned events in the United Kingdom for the first time.

 

For the past sixteen years or so, both the British and International Masters Championships have only been available on British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) sanctioned events in the UK, however with the MBC’s rapid growth in the United Kingdom, projected to be sanctioning in excess of forty events in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2015, it became clear to PBA Chairman Mr Bruce Baker that there was potential for further growth for the Championships if they were also available on MBC sanctioned events.

 

Over the past sixteen years or so there have been close to six hundred Masters title fights that have taken place in the UK, many of the Masters Champions have then gone on to campaign for major accolades on the domestic, international and even the World stage.

 

The most famous of these Masters Champions is no less than former two division WBO World Champion Ricky Burns, who after winning the International Masters Super Featherweight title against Romania’s Gheorghe Ghiompirica in May 2008, was catapulted onto the International stage, where in his very next bout the Scotsman successfully challenged American based Ghanaian Osumanu Akaba for the vacant Commonwealth title.

 

Burn’s successfully defended the Commonwealth crown three times before moving onto the World scene, where he then successfully challenged then WBO World Super Featherweight Champion Roman Martinez from Puerto Rico.

 

Once more Burn’s successfully defended his WBO World Super Featherweight crown three times before moving up a division and beating Australia’s Michael Katsidis for the interim WBO World Lightweight title in November 2011.

 

On his very next fight Burn’s secured the full WBO World Lightweight title, beating Namibia’s Paulus Moses at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow in March 2012.

 

Burn’s successfully defended his second World title four times before succumbing to the skills of Omaha, USA’s Terence Crawford in March 2014.

 

With such an illustrious Championship career blossoming from Burns’ first tilt at a title, there can be no doubt of the importance of the Masters titles on the domestic scene, something that now can also benefit the boxers, both British and those from overseas that box on the UK events sanctioned by the MBC.

 

The inaugural Masters Championship, that will take place on an MBC sanctioned event in the UK, sees Czech Republic’s Nikolas Botos challenge Bradford’s Tasif Khan for the International Masters Bantamweight title on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted event which takes place at York Hall in London on Saturday May 2nd.

 

Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from any of the boxers taking part, on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) – For further information on the Malta Boxing Commission please go to:

Web: www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Twitter @MaltaBoxingComm

Facebook www.facebook.com/MaltaBoxingCommission

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/malta-boxing-commission

E.mail: admin@maltaboxingcommission.com

50-YEAR OLD “BRONCO” BILLY WRIGHT COMPLETES 500 MILE TREK FOR CHARITY

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 22, 2015) – After trekking a remarkable 500 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona, 50-year heavyweight contender (WBC #17), Bronco Billy Wright (47-4, 38 KOs), has a message to send to the boxing community and the heavyweight division.

 

“I did this 500 mile “Trek for Cures”, Run, Walk and Ride to help raise money for charities that are close to my heart,” said Bronco Billy Wright. “In addition I wanted to send a message to the heavyweight division, letting everyone rated in the WBC top 15 know that I’m a serious athlete coming for their rankings. My next fight will be announced shortly, and my goal is to take out everyone in my path.  I don’t think there is a heavyweight out there that can handle my power.  I humbly want to thank the WBC Cares and everyone who supported me during this journey.

 

The trek ended at the Central Boxing Club in downtown Phoenix, where Bronco Billy was greeted by its members, which included undefeated super-lightweight Jose Benavidez Jr. (22-0, 15 KOs) among others.

 

“The fighters and coaches at the Central Boxing Club were gracious enough to let me end my trek at their gym and it was fantastic.” Bronco Billy Wright continued. “There were some local TV cameras there to talk about my story.  It was a great success and I’m ready to begin my march toward the heavyweight championship of the world.”

 

Billy currently holds the WBC LATIN AMERICAN, FECARBOX , and United States (USNBC) Silver titles.  Right now Bronco Billy is riding a 18-fight knockout streak, 14 of which came by first round KO.  With a few more first round knockouts he’ll break Shannon Briggs world record.  Look for Bronco Billy to make his return to the ring this summer.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (April 22, 2015) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday in Chicago as fighters on the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike fight card participated in the final press conference before entering the ring on Friday, April 24 at UIC Pavilion.

 

The night of fights features Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-0-1, 22 KOs) battling Badou Jack “The Ripper” (18-1, 12 KOs) and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (28-1, 25 KOs) taking on Caleb “Golden” Truax (25-1-2, 15 KOs). The televised action on Spike begins at 9 ET/8 CT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

 

Here are what the press conference participants had to say:

 

ANTHONY DIRRELL

 

“I’m a better fighter now because I’m working harder. You have to work harder to stay at this level. Now everybody is gunning for you because you have what they want.

 

“I’m glad that because of this platform, everybody knows what I’ve been through now. People can see that anything is possible. Going through something like defeating cancer has helped me achieve my dreams.

 

“Badou Jack is a good fighter, but he hasn’t fought a guy like me.

 

On Friday night I just have to hope that Jack doesn’t run. I want him to stand in there with me and we’ll see who’s better. I’m going to test his chin like nobody else has.”

 

BADOU JACK

 

“I had the best training camp I’ve ever had and I’m ready to bring the title back to Las Vegas.

 

“I don’t do the social media trash talking, I save it for the ring and on Friday I’m going to show the world why I deserve to be world champion.

 

“I respect Anthony Dirrell for winning the fight against cancer. I lost two of my amateur trainers to that disease and I’ll be dedicating this fight to them.

 

“His team likes to bark and talk a lot of trash but they can’t fight for him. Come Friday night it’s just going to be the two of us in the ring.

 

“I don’t bark, I don’t talk trash, I let my fists do the talking.

 

“Opportunities like this don’t always come around and I will make sure I don’t let this one slip away.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

 

“Fighting here in Chicago serves as extra motivation for me. I’ve always been the guy fans favored at Barclays Center, and I may have gotten a little spoiled. So I’m excited to be the guy that people want to see lose. Truax will probably have a larger crowd supporting him, and those fans will motivate me to be stronger and fight better on Friday.

 

“People love a great story. I’m extremely proud of my story and for having beat cancer, but let’s not forget about my skill set.

 

“Truax can say he’s tired of hearing about ‘The Miracle Man’ all he wants, but he shouldn’t be thinking about my cancer when we get in the ring. He should just fear me. I’m going to be a cancer to him once we start fighting.

 

“I’m not saying I’m going to knock him out. I’m just saying I’m going to win because that’s what I came to do. I’ll take a win however I can get it.”

 

CALEB TRUAX

 

“This is a huge fight and a huge opportunity for me. It’s a career-changer and life-changer for my career in boxing. I’ve got to be smart in this fight.

 

“I couldn’t be in any better shape right now. Physically I’m mature at 31-years-old. This is the right spot for me and a great opportunity.

 

“I want to thank all of my fans and you should expect to see a lot of people from Minnesota coming down to see me. It’s going to be great to celebrate with all of them.”

 

#          #          #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AnthonyDirrell, @BadouJack, @DanielJacobsTKO, @GoldenCalebT, @WarriorsBoxProm, @MayweatherPromo and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

Omar Douglas to take on Jose Angel Beranza this Saturday night at Harrahs Philadelphia 

Plus undefeated Kyrone Davis, Angel Ocasio, Christopher Brooker, Earl Newman, Stephan Shaw, Adam Kownacki, Stephen Fulton, Jovontae Starks and Raynell Williams
Chester, PA (April 22, 2015)–This  Saturday night, April 25, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia with a terrific card promoted by King’s Promotions and XFE.

 

In the main event, undefeated lightweight Omar Douglas will see action in an six-round bout when he takes on 70-fight veteran Jose Angel Beranza (36-32-2, 28 KO’s) of Tepito, Mexico.

 

Douglas of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 13-0 with ten knockouts.  He turned pro on May 27, 2011 with a 3rd round disqualification victory over Eric Hall.

 

Douglas won the NABA USA Super Featherweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Jean Javier Soto.  Douglas also has a quality win with a 8-round unanimous decision over Jesse Carradine (8-2-2).  In his last bout, Douglas scored an explosive first round stoppage over Osnel Charles on December 5, 2014 at Harrahs Philadelphia.

 

“Training camp has been great.  I started preparing for this fight as soon as the last fight was over.  I have been sparring with the best fighters in the area.  When I started my camp, I was only seven pounds over the contract weight,”said Douglas.

 

Douglas knows very little about Ortiz.

 
“I really only know that he is from Mexico and he has a pretty decent record.”

 
This will be the first time that Douglas headlines in his home region and he not about to have any of the distractions to go with that.

 
“I take it in stride.  I consider it just another day at the office.  The only difference is that I am closing the show.”

 
This being his 14th pro fight, Douglas is now rounding into a situation where he knows what he has to do to continue to get better.

 
“I have been very responsible with my defense.  I always knew I had a pro style.  It was my late trainer Lewis Lum who told me I was better suited to become a professional world champion than an Olympic gold medal winner.”

 
Douglas sees himself continuing to grow and fighting on more high profile platforms as the year progresses.

 
“I see myself on bigger cards.  I am with Al Haymon so to fight on a PBC card is a goal for the year.  By the end of the year, I should be considered a hot prospect and I should get in three or four more fights that should put my name out more.”

 

Douglas finished by saying, “On April 25, expect a show.  I will be smart and put everything together.  I train for every opponent like they are the best.  Once it all comes together it will be lights out!!”

 

In a six-round co-feature, Kyrone Davis (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will fight Carlos Garcia (7-13-1, 7 KO’s) of Aguada, PR in a super middleweight bout.

 

In an eight-round bout, Javonte Starks (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN. will takeJeremiah Wiggins (10-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Newport News, VA in a welterweight bout..

 

Also in six-round bouts:

 

Angel Ocasio (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Justin Johnson (6-7-4) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. welterweight bout.

 

Adam Kownacki (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will try to keep his perfect knockout streak going when he fights Randy Easton (3-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a heavyweight bout.

 

Stephen Fulton (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will fight Jamal Parram (7-10-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO in a featherweight bout.

 

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will square off with Jose Del Valle (4-10-3) of Corozal, PR in a lightweight bout.

 

In four-round bouts:

 

Christpher Brooker (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA take on Maurice Amaro (2-8, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a super middleweight bout.

 

Stephan Shaw (3-0, 3 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO will battle Zachary Bunce  (2-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, NV in a heavyweight bout.

 

Earl Newman (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Julio Garcia  (6-8-3, 3 KO’s) of Rincon, PR in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

“MAYPAC” POP-UP SHOP COMING TO LAS VEGAS FOR FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO SHOWDOWN STARTING FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Store To Feature Unique Interactive Fan Experience, Official Gear and Merchandise, Art Gallery From Official Fight Artists, Plus Celebrity Appearances

 

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2015) – With the historic Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao match up just over a week away, fans will have a unique opportunity to engage in the pre-fight excitement at the official “MayPac” pop-up shop opening this Friday, April 24 at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont St.

 

The 1,700 square foot space will offer a one-of-a-kind fan experience featuring an interactive game, official merchandise and VIP meet and greets. The pop-up shop will remain open to fans through fight night onSaturday, May 2.

 

The fight simulation experience will give fans the opportunity to step into the ring as either Mayweather or Pacquiao and take on the other as an opponent. Custom designed to resemble Mayweather and Pacquiao’s own training rings, each game is equipped with a high-impact punching sensor and a video screen over 10 feet tall, delivering an immersive experience like no other.

 

Onscreen elements direct the user through punch combinations that allow them to take down their opponent blow-by-bow, culminating in a final knockout punch – that is, if you don’t get knocked out first!

 

For each use that succeeds in delivering a knockout punch, the crowning moment will be captured with a 360-degree camera. All winners will go home with a looping image of their knockout punch.

 

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase official fight gear, merchandise and art commemorating the historic matchup in addition to attending celebrity meet and greets.

 

More information including shop hours and celebrity appearances is available at http://maypacstore.com/

 

 

*          *          *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comwww.toprank.comwww.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweatherwww.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/TRBoxingwww.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Raging Babe Soiree benefiting the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on April 29 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (April 22, 2015) – The Raging Babe Soiree: Reaching New Heights presented by RAGING BABE will take place on April 29, 2015, just three days before the fight of the century, Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Over 100 of boxing’s most prestigious and influential women have been invited to attend this exclusive event. The Raging Babe Soiree will be held at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, located in The Linq Promenade in Las Vegas. After dinner, the women of boxing will take in the best views of Las Vegas aboard the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller which features 28 spherical passenger cabins which can accommodate up to 40 passengers each, and is illuminated with dynamic multicolored LED lights nightly. Concluding the night with custom cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes.

“I’m amazed at how far this event has come,” said Michelle Rosado, CEO of Raging Babe. “There were only about 30 invitees at our first event in 2013 and now, two years later, we have over 100 invitees and this is our ‘night out’ to celebrate our accomplishments. Each event we strive to continue developing a strong network and camaraderie amongst these amazing women in professional boxing. It is something that cannot be duplicated.”

The event’s honoree is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, COO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and widow of champion boxer, Diego “Chico” Corrales.

Hosting will be Jackie Kallen, “The First Lady of Boxing” and Boxing Insider correspondent. “I am thrilled to once again be joining forces with Michelle Rosado to host the premier female boxing event of the fight weekend. It’s a pleasure to do something to benefit the NVBHOF and give the women in a boxing an event of their own,” stated Kallen.

In addition to honoring Michelle Corrales-Lewis, Raging Babe will donate a percentage of all financial contributions from event sponsors to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame organization. The NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization that prides itself in honoring the sport of boxing and celebrating to accomplishments of those within it. NVBHOF also supports several community programs, amateur boxing clubs, collegiate boxing programs and several boxing related causes. To learn more, please visit www.nvbhof.com.

Sponsoring this wonderful event is the World Boxing Council (www.wbcboxing.com), Champs Boxing & Fitness Club (www.champsboxingclub.org), 3-Point Tequila, DJ Nina9 (www.nina9.com), Sprinkles Cupcakes (www.sprinkles.com), Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar (www.chayolv.com), and Ramblin Ralph.

Aside from ring announcing, RAMBLIN RALPH’S main goal is to protect boxing superstars and prospects alike, along with their families, outside of the ring. RAMBLIN RALPH has aligned himself with sports biggest agencies to offer programs for boxers such as 401k, pension, and life insurance. He also brokers deals providing branding, licensing and promotional opportunities with the biggest companies in the world. The goal of RAMBLIN RALPH is to shorten the time of a boxer in the ring, and increase their portfolio outside the ring. You can contact RAMBLIN RALPH for more information at 602-695-5798 or by email at ralphvelezjr@gmail.com.

For more information and/or to become a sponsor of the Raging Babe Soiree – Reaching New Heights, contact Michelle Rosado at michelle@ragingbabe.com.

Limited tickets still available for this Sunday’s 4th annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner at Russo’s On The Bay, Howard Beach, NY

    

 

NEW YORK (Apr. 22, 2015) – Limited tickets are still available for this Sunday afternoon’s (April 26, 12:305:30 p.m. ET) fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 

NYSBHOF Class of 2015

 

Boxers

 

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby      Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra                          Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol                           Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston                     New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley                                       Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach                              Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham                        Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro                                 New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan                   Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery                                Buffalo

 

Non-Participants

 

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy                                         Manhattan/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz                                                                            Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher                                                                   Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller                                                                Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade                                             Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman                                                                    Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson                                                        Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner                                                                    Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson                                                      New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon                                                                   Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill                                                             New York City

 

 

Renown ring announcer David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

 

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

 

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

 

During the NYSBHOF ceremonies, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ring 8 will honor the late Joe Dwyer and Tony Mazzarella, both longtime Ring 8 members who passed away earlier this year. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman will make a special presentation to Dwyer’s family. Ring 8 will make presentations to the Dwyer and Mazzarella families. Dwyer was president of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF). Mazzarella, who served many years as Ring 8’s treasurer, was a major influence in the founding of the NYSBHOF.

 

 

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

 

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

 

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

 

 

Limited tickets are still available and priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), which includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.

 

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, 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, 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.

Once again, Provodnikov a hit with television viewers

Philadelphia, PA (April 22, 2015)–For his fourth consecutive fight on HBO, “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov garnered over 1 million viewers. Ruslan’s fight with Lucas Matthysse averaged 1.243 million viewers and peaked at an outstanding 1.380 million viewers for the clash, which is now a leading candidate for 2015 Fight of the Year.

The bout comes on the heels of Provodnikov’s three previous appearances on the network, where he drew 1.2 million (peaked at 1.4 million) for his 2013 Fight of The Year with Timothy Bradley; his WBO title winning effort against Mike Alvarado that drew 1.232 Million viewers; and his controversial split decision loss to Chris Algieri which drew 1.046 million and peaked 1.1 million viewers.

“Ruslan again showed he is a huge attraction,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo. “He is without a doubt the most entertaining fighter in boxing today, and it is proven by the ratings for every one of his fights.”

Banner Promotions, Inc.
2501 Wharton Street, Suite L
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard Update: Sid El Harrak eagerly awaiting Pearson Showdown!

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2015) – In less than two weeks, Sid El Harrak will have the chance to change his life and boxing career when he faces undefeated Chris Pearson as part of the historic Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

To prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, El Harrak’s dedicated all of his time to various aspects of training. From cardio to strength and conditioning, sharpening his skills in the gym and intense sparring sessions, the California based Londoner is covering everything imaginable. Most importantly, he believes the grueling training sessions he’s gone through at both Wild Card Boxing Gym locations is already paying off.

 

“It’s very important to have an ample amount of time to train for a fight and that’s not something I’ve had my whole career,” said El Harrak, who is 12-2-2 with 7 wins by knockout. “Mentally, I feel 100 percent ready to go out there and shine in the biggest fight of my life. I’m still working hard to balance everything out so the world sees the best Sid El Harrak next Saturday.”

 

He also loves being considered the underdog against the 11-0 and heavily hyped Pearson.

 

“I have a lot of pride and knowing that I’m coming into this fight as the B-side pushes me that much more. I love the fact that Pearson’s supposed to be “the guy” in this fight. If I fought who he did, I’d be undefeated. At the same time, had he faced the opponents I did under the same circumstances, he’d have a few losses. To be honest, I’m sick of thinking about him. This is the most eager I’ve been for a fight in my career and I can’t wait to show everybody what I can do on May 2nd!”

 

The El Harrak-Pearson ten round junior middleweight bout will be televised on various networks throughout the world.

 

 Canada’s Tony Luis Disappointed in Scoring of Controversial Loss, but Vows to Keep Fighting for his Goals!

Canadian lightweight Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-3, 7 KOs) says he’s disappointed with the scoring of his controversial unanimous-decision loss last weekend to Derry Mathews (38-9-2, 20 KOs) for the interim WBA Lightweight title in Matthews’ hometown of Liverpool, England, but won’t let it deter him from his goals.

Despite taking the fight on three days’ notice, Luis seemed to outwork Matthews in most rounds and would probably be wearing a championship belt today, had the fight been contested on neutral ground. Unfortunately, the European judges saw it another way, scoring it 114-112 (Jean Legland, FRA), 115-112 (Dave Parris, UK) and 114-112 (Stefano Carozza, ITA), all for Matthews.

“I can’t say I feel good,” said Luis, home safely in Cornwall, Ontario. “This was my shot and I didn’t get the decision, but I know with my performance, I’ll get another one. Most of the press and the fans, especially in North America, know what’s up and saw the fight for what it really was. Derry did what he had to do to survive but not enough to win. He was cagey and made the fight look more competitive than it was, and that’s what a veteran is supposed to do.”

Despite his disappointment in the scoring, Luis says taking the fight was still a good career choice. “It was absolutely the right decision. You don’t turn down a title shot. But taking it on three days’ notice, we knew we’d have to shake off the jetlag quickly. My game plan was good, but on such short notice, it wasn’t muscle memory. I had to keep thinking about it in the ring. That’s why I think it took me three rounds to get going. Despite all this, I still won the fight. Now I know I belong among the champions in this division and that’s a good feeling.”

Luis’ promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says he’s pleased with his fighter’s strong performance and will immediately go to work for the 27-year-old.

“Tony looked sensational on Saturday,” said Cohen. “Taking the fight on such short notice, you’d think fatigue would play a role, but he was a machine in there. That shows you how hard he works in the gym. Of course we’re disappointed in the scoring, but looking at the big picture, we now know we have a championship-caliber fighter in Tony. He responded perfectly to the pressure of a world championship fight. I will be petitioning the sanctioning bodies to keep Tony high up in the ratings and give him another title shot very soon. This time on neutral ground.”

Luis will be returning to action quickly, he is set to fight for a regional title against an opponent TBA on June 26 at the Seneca Niagara Event Center in Niagara Falls, New York, and live on CBS Sports Network.

“I’m a bit discouraged from the politics,” continued Luis, “but am I deterred from my goals? Absolutely not. The people have spoken, the fans know who won and that is consolation for me. I will keep moving forward!”