Tag Archives: boxing

PELTZ BOXING: A LIFE-LONG LOVE STORY; J Russell Peltz Celebrates Half Century in Boxing

PHILADELPHIA — For 50 years, J Russell Peltz has lived and breathed boxing. On October 4, he will celebrate his Golden Anniversary as a Philadelphia promoter with an eight-bout card titled “Blood, Sweat & 50 Years,” at the 2300 Arena. Since Sept. 30, 1969, he’s been an institution in the city, providing a platform for hundreds, if not thousands of Philadelphia fighters to showcase their talent. He’s promoted over a thousand boxing events and over 40 world title bouts. For half a century, Peltz has ridden the roller coaster of small- and big-time boxing, with stops all over the world. 


Peltz’ love for boxing has outlived mentors, parents, a sister, a son and a marriage. It’s been the constant throughout the entirety of his adult life, and a refuge from guilt, sadness and loss. It was the cane he used when he couldn’t stand, and the mountain from which he screamed his successes. It has been an enduring passion and a safe, faceless pool where he could pour out an immense amount of love, out loud, and without guilt or fear of judgement. 


He has an savant-like ability to recall dates of fights, who was on every card, and what happened in every round. He remembers detailed 40-year-old stories, fights, conversations and events like they happened yesterday. 


For his 14th birthday, his dad took him to his first fight and it was love at first bell. He knew he was going to be a part of the beautiful brutality of boxing. His mom refused to allow him to go to more fights; she didn’t want him to be part of “that element.” He would lie and say he was out with friends or at parties, then go to the fights. Eventually she relented, and his father took him to more fights. He would abandon a burgeoning sports journalism career and promote his first event on Sept. 30, 1969. 


J Russell Peltz grew up in an upper middle-class family, moving from Philadelphia to the wealthy community of Bala Cynwyd on Philadelphia’s Main Line when he entered third grade. His father, Bernard Peltz, a plumber like his own dad, had expanded Peltz Plumbing to include heating and air-conditioning. By all measurements, his business was successful, catering to both residential repairs and large company and government installations. His father was beloved by his employees.


Peltz had a taste of the plumbing life over two summers in 1963 and ’64 and was decidedly bad at it. It was a disastrous endeavor for teenage Peltz, who was not mechanically inclined. One error resulted in the destruction of several oil paintings belonging to a wealthy client, and a large bill for his father to foot. 


His father wasn’t much of a sports fan outside of boxing. His father, Peltz’ grandfather, was an avid fan and worked for Western Union. On fight nights, including during the Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney fight in 1926 in Philadelphia, he would be ringside, gathering updates and copy and communicating them to the wire services. 


As Peltz tells it, his father, like many parents of kids who came of age in the 50s and 60s, was not expressive with his emotions. “He was just not the kind of person,” Peltz began, then paused. “Any more than I am, that could show it. My mom was the emotional, loving one.”


What shines through when conversing with Peltz, is how much his parents loved each other. In a time where men were not supposed to cry, Peltz’s father, who he described as a “man’s man,” took care of his wife while she was sick for years with emphysema. “They were passionately in love,” said Peltz. “Things became rocky later, especially when my mother became sick, but he always loved her.


“She was so weak he would have to cut her meat and pre-chew it, so she would be strong enough to chew the rest of it,” remembers Peltz. “He would do those things and you could see that he loved her.” 


After his mother passed away in 1975, Peltz found a box among her belongings: “When my mom died, I found a box of newspaper clippings of stories about me, some of which I’d never seen before. I knew she loved me.”


His father gave him an office to work from, and twice lent him money when Peltz needed a boost to get through a show or a bad year. If Peltz hadn’t been weighed down with remorse, he might have seen these gestures and support of his son’s boxing promoter career, of which he outwardly didn’t approve, as his father’s way of saying I love you. 


A rift developed in the family when Peltz married his first wife, a non-Jewish girl, in 1969, against the wishes of his parents. This disagreement would color the remainder of their years together. 


At 72 years old, Peltz looks back over those years and sees a selfish, immature version of himself, who didn’t treat his parents all that well. “I never had a mature relationship with my parents,” Peltz would say more than once. “I have terrible regrets about that.” His uncle had told him that his decision to marry his first wife was killing his mother, and Peltz believed him. The guilt is palpable as he describes his mother’s final days. 


The bitterness he had felt at his parents’ reaction to his marriage and their nagging “get a real job” attitude toward his chosen profession put space in between them. After both had passed, pride and resentment quickly gave way to guilt and regret. 


In the end, it was his sister’s home and then his parents’ home he’d go to when his first marriage fell apart. Every day he’d stop in and say hello to his father, who had built him an office over his plumbing company. His family’s foundation, which had been built on silent love and commitment, proved unyielding throughout the years.


It wasn’t long after his mother’s death that he met the woman who would become his current wife–a former classmate at Lower Merion High School. Peltz knew from their first date that he would marry Linda Sablosky. All the nagging feelings of doubt he had going into his first marriage were nowhere to be found. For someone who sees himself as unemotional and unexpressive, the enormity of his love and devotion to Linda from that first date until this day is evident. In four hours of interviews, it was when he spoke about Linda that he sounded the most fulfilled and uplifted. 


“Family is everything to Linda,” said Peltz. “She brought together estranged cousins and other family members and she became very close to my father, calling him every day.


“If my mom had met Linda,” he continued, weeping softly, “she would have had a reason to live.” 


Linda fit effortlessly into his boxing world. She would often attend events, traveling with Peltz. “Linda is the kind of person who can exist in any world, in any atmosphere, and everybody loves her.” Peltz said. “It helped me in boxing. People say, ‘How bad can he be? She married him!’


“Linda is never idle. She can fill up 24 hours a day. She’s the Queen of the Dollar Store. She can’t stand sitting around doing nothing. If Linda has 400 things to do and I only want to do 200 of them, she says I’m boring.”


The two would have two sons, Matthew and Daniel. Matthew, the oldest, was interested in music and girls. He was a ‘Deadhead,’ the moniker bestowed upon Grateful Dead fans, and traveled with them for a summer. He eventually moved to Israel and became a Rabbi. He married and had four children. 


Daniel was the athlete, participating in various sports, including a short amateur boxing career that Peltz hid from Daniel’s mother for a short period of time. 


Peltz did his best to never miss a game. “He was always there for me,” said Daniel. “He traveled a lot, but he always made time for my sporting events. He didn’t miss a milestone.” 


Peltz and his wife lost Matthew to a drug overdose in 2017. He was only 38. The pain in Peltz’ voice when he talks about the years they tried to save their son is heart-wrenching. Countless trips to rehab, broken promises and relapses litter the last years of their time together. He loved Matthew as hard and as completely as any parent could have, but the thief that is drug addiction took Matthew away from his parents, his brother and his children. 


At his son’s funeral Peltz told the story of a bidding scandal that rocked the plumbing industry in Philadelphia when he was a kid. The story had hit the newspapers, and when he was able to get his hands on the article, he read every word, looking for his dad’s name among those involved, hoping and praying it wasn’t there. His voice cracks again as he retells it. “When I got to the bottom of the story, it listed all those companies involved in the fix… and his name wasn’t in there. I felt so proud.of him.


“So it’s just that I knew that Bernie Peltz provided a hard day’s work for a fair day’s wage. Thirty years later, I came home from work one day and Linda hands me the phone. Your son wants to talk to you. I said ‘What’s up Matt.’ He said ‘Dad, how come when the sports writers write about boxing promoters, they always write bad things like they cheat the fighters, they steal their money, they pay off the judges and the referees, they fix the rankings… but whenever they write about you,” he paused and sniffed heavily as tears fell, “they always write nice things. He finished by saying ‘that’s so cool.’ I didn’t realize it at the time but as the years went by I realized that my son felt the same way about me that I felt about my dad.” 


Peltz carries the weight of his Linda’s pain in addition to his own at the loss of their son. “All Linda ever wanted was to be a mother. To be there when the kids came home from school,” Peltz recalled. “That’s what made losing Matthew so devastating for her. She questioned her ability as a mother.


“If Matthew had had any other mother,” Peltz said, his voice cracking with emotion, “he wouldn’t have made it to even 20.” 


Peltz finds comfort in his grandchildren. “Pop Pop is very affectionate with the kids,” said Daniel, who has two daughters. “He has six grandchildren — he loves them and they adore him.” 


Over the years, Peltz has brought many boxers into his inner circle, many of them becoming family. Osnel Charles, who fights on October 4, asked Peltz to be the co-best man in his wedding. He spoke at many hall-of-fame inductions, weddings and funerals over the past half century. 


He talks about one of his more recent charges, Jason Sosa, with affection. One of the highest points in his long career was witnessing underdog Sosa stop Javier Fortuna to win a world title in 2016 in Beijing, China. 


“When that fight was over we walked back to the hotel,” he remembered. “Linda went up to the room because she was tired. I went into a bar in the hotel. One of these really modern neon lit bars. I sat at that empty bar and I felt so on top of the world. People back in the states are just getting the news and here I am in Beijing having a beer by myself and I felt so good. You know why? Mostly because at the time of my career that it happened. To win a world title like that, in a foreign land, coming from behind off the canvas, with no shot to win except by knockout…with Linda screaming and crying and she jumped up because she loves Jason. It was just like so great. Such a wonderful feeling. One of the highlights of my career. It’s not number one but it’s like 1A.”


Number one, he added, was when his first charge, Bennie Briscoe, knocked out Tony Mundine in Paris in 1974: “That will always be number one. It was an eliminator. We were underdogs. It was my first trip to Europe and it was the biggest fight you could have without it being for the title. It was just such a wonderful night.” 


His protege, Raging Babe Michelle Rosado, who is promoting “Love, Sweat & 50 Years,” is one of many who see Peltz as a father figure. His seven-year mentorship of Rosado will culminate in his passing the torch to his hardworking mentee. “Leaders build leaders. Because he doesn’t have an ego, and wasn’t inclined to protect his secrets at all costs like so many of his peers, he was able to mentor BAM [Brittany Rogers] and I and teach us the ropes. I’m honored that he trusts me to continue his legacy.” Peltz is known to brag about Rosado to his colleagues in the business. When he talks about her, his tone alternates between that of a proud father and professional respect and admiration. They may fight and scream but will always eventually reconcile like family so often does.


Peltz is ready to slow down after his 50th anniversary celebration. The changes to the sport have worn thin his desire to keep going. “It’s not the sport I fell in love with,” he says. “It’s not like it used to be. Guys just wanted to fight. If guys were within 10 pounds we had a fight.” 


On October 4, he will wind down his matchmaking career with the kind of card that he’s become known for in Philadelphia over the last 50 years. Tough, Philly versus Philly toss-up matches. The kind of card that drew him to boxing and kept him there for half a century. 


These relationships, the ones that Peltz has with Linda, Daniel and his grandchildren, with Michelle, with Osnel Charles, Bennie Briscoe, Jason Sosa and countless other boxers–these relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built on respect and on love. Love that isn’t screamed out loud, but is felt by actions. Love that is disguised as feeling proud, or as the weight of guilt and regret. A love that’s equal to or perhaps even more than that of his love for boxing. Boxing will always be the place where Peltz can love out loud, but his legacy will forever be the quiet way he loved those he touched over the past 50 years.


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Tickets to “Peltz Boxing 50th Anniversary Celebration” are priced $50, $70 and $90. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-758-2173 and/or 215-765-0922. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm. Credential applications are due by September 20 and can be requested at ragingbabe.com/credentials. Blood, Sweat & 50 Years is brought to you by Rocco’s Collision and Cricket Wireless.

Next wave continuing rich Reno boxing history

Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event
Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions

Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS



LAS VEGAS (September 16, 2019) – The next wave of Reno boxers will continue its rich boxing tradition October 25 on “RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®,” co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW in Reno, Nevada.
 
The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.
 
Local boxers such as featherweight Ricardo Lucio Galvan (2-0, 2 KOs) and super lightweight Wilfred Mariano (1-0, 1 KO) are all slated to fight on the Oct. 25th card against opponents to be determined.
 
Organized boxing was held during the early 1880’s in small mining towns in the Northwest section of Nevada, professional boxing matches were conducted there later that century.
 
Hall of Fame promoter Tex Richard and legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson first put Reno on the boxing map on July 4, 1910, when World heavyweight champion successfully defending his title against James J. Jeffries, stopping him in the 15th round at what was reportedly the only venue ever built for a single boxing event. When President William Taft declined Richard’s offer to referee, Richards became the third man in the ring. Boxing stars including Jake KilrainTommy Burns, and Abe Attell were introduced to the reported crowd of 16,528.
 
Richard first brought another Hall of Fame heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, to Reno in 1915 for his ninth pro fight, when Dempsey stopped Emmanuel Campbell in the fourth round at Airdrome Arena. To fight, Dempsey had to “ride the rails” from Utah to Reno, stored away on a train with hobos. Dempsey returned three years later to knockoutJack Moran in the opening round at Moana Spring Arena.
 
Dempsey may have been involved in unsanctioned fights in Reno as well. Desperate for money during the early part of his boxing career, Dempsey is infamous for walking into saloons and saying, “I can’t sing, and I can’t dance, but I can lick any SOB in the house.”
 
In 1982 on HBO, future Hall of Famer “Sugar” Ray Leonard successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight World titles at Centennial Coliseum, knocking out Bruce Finch in round three.
 
Reno-based Gilbert’s first three (2001-2003) and last three (2010) pro fights were held in Reno, where he had a 7-2 (6 KOs) pro record.
 
Gilbert commented, “Having fought as both an amateur and a professional at these same properties; THE ROW, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, which are like a second home to me and all Nevada boxing alumni, it’s really an honor to bring boxing and combat sports back to Northern Nevada, a true fight town, and to provide world class entertainment and an incredible digital production through Roy Jones JR Boxing and UFC FIGHT PASSs, in a partnership with the very casinos and environment that helped make me who I am today; I couldn’t be more delighted to be a part of this opportunity with Eldorado Resorts and UFC Fight Pass through Roy Jones Jr Promotions. I’m looking forward to a prosperous partnership with everyone involved, including the local community and all fight fans in the area.”

Hall of Fame referee Mills Lane was an adopted son of Reno, arguably the No. 1 referee in the world of boxing, during his high-profile stretch of activity.
 
Reno has also hosted major amateur boxing events like the 2016 NCBA (college) Western Regional Championships at the Eldorado Hotel and USA Boxing’s 2018 Western Elite Qualifier and Regional Open. Reno will host the 2020 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open, March 21-28, 2020.
 
Undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, faces Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who lives in Belmont, California, in the eight-round main event on Oct. 25th.
 
The co-featured event pits undefeated Sacramento cruiserweight Blake McKernan (10-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Rivas (15-2, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round bout.
 
Undefeated WIBA World female bantamweight champion Rosalindo Rodriguez (10-0, 2 KOs), of Miami, takes on Las Vegas’ unbeaten Jamie “The Miracle” Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round non-title fight.
 
Galvan is matched against Sacramento’s pro-debuting Samir McQueen, while Mariano faces an opponent to be determined.
 
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in separate four-round bouts against TBAs are undefeated Las Vegas lightweight Daquan Mays (3-0, 1 KO) and Sacramento lightweight Sergio Vega (2-0, 2 KOs).
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE.
 
Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.  
 
Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

NFORMATION:

Websiteswww.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.SilverLegacy.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacy
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyReno
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino

Rising star Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda To headline RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHTPASS® show at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada

Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event

Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions 

Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS

LAS VEGAS (September 9, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda plans to do some early trick or treatin’ October 25th, when he headlines another installment of “RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®,” co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW in Reno, Nevada.

The Oct. 25th show in Reno will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.

The 25-year-old Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, is a rising star and reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) super lightweight champion. His last fight was an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over dangerous knockout-artist Eudy Bernardo (24-3) last March.

“An impressive win on UFC FIGHT PASS means everything for me and my career,” said the personable Castaneda, who will be fighting outside of his native Texas for only the third time as a professional.  “Getting back in the ring is just another date for me. Come October 25th, the people are in for a ‘Tremendous’ thrill, because I will portray Michael Myers on a classic Halloween Night of Boxing.”  

Castaneda had approximately 120 amateur fights, highlighted by his gold-medal winning performance at the 2018 Ringside World Championships.  He was also a two-time San Antonio and Texas State Golden Gloves champion (201102012), losing both times at the Golden Gloves National Championships to the eventual champion.

At 18, Castaneda decided that he’d had enough of amateur boxer and he turned pro, largely because he his style is much better suited for the pro ranks.  

Castaneda will face the stiffest test of his young career, Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who fights out of Belmont, California, the main event.

Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE. 

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.   

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET


INFORMATION: Websiteswww.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com www.SilverLegacy.comTwitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyInstagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyRenoFacebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino

UNBEATEN AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT JERMAINE FRANKLIN TO FACE PAVEL SOUR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON UNDERCARD OF CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. IVANA HABAZIN

Plus “All Detroit” Showdown Between Rising Contender Ja’Rico O’Quinn & James Smith Highlights Non-Televised Undercard Action From Dort Federal Events Center In Flint, Mich.

NEW YORK – September 5, 2019 – Undefeated American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will face Pavel Sour on Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Events Center in Flint, Mich.

Franklin (19-0, 13 KOs) will make his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 as he seeks a definitive victory less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich. The 25-year-old will take on once-beaten Czech Republic heavyweight Sour (11-1, 6 KOs) on the undercard of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin.

Headlining the non-televised undercard will be an “All Detroit” showdown between crosstown rivals, as West Detroit’s Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn and East Detroit’s James “O.G.” Smith battle in a 10-round fight for Motown super flyweight supremacy.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

Considered one of the top American heavyweight prospects, Franklin is a former amateur standout and 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. He passed on the opportunity to compete for a spot on the 2016 Olympic Games and, after turning professional in 2015, built his undefeated record with relative ease through his first 17 fights. In 2019, Franklin stepped up his level of opposition in consecutive fights on SHOWTIME, earning a unanimous decision over former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in April, followed by a hard-fought split-decision over Jerry Forrest in July. Now, the 6-foot-2 Franklin returns for his third bout of the year seeking a conclusive victory for his hometown fans.

“This is what I have been waiting for,” said Franklin. “I can’t wait to put a show on in front of my hometown with friends and family in the crowd. I’ve been working on my diet and taking better care of my body since my last fight. I’m focused on not wasting any punches and letting the knockout come naturally, not pushing for it. I’m going to be better conditioned and more patient and finally prove to fans why I’m America’s next great heavyweight.”

Sour turned professional in 2016 and has won 11 of his first 12 professional bouts. The 36-year-old is coming off a career-best win over previously undefeated Tomas Salek for the regional Czech heavyweight title. The 6-foot-5 Sour has fought all but one of his professional bouts in his native Czech Republic and will make his U.S. debut against Franklin. He was an accomplished amateur overseas and racked up an 80-43-2 record while representing the Czech national team from 2008 to 2015. The lone blemish on Sour’s record is a 2017 loss to highly regarded unbeaten heavyweight Filip Hrgovic.

“I have the technique, speed and power to beat Jermaine Franklin,” said Sour. “I am in great shape, I’m training hard and I’m very confident heading into this fight. Franklin is underestimating me because of my age, but I’m going to show him he’s wrong and have my hand raised when the final bell rings.”

“Jermaine Franklin is on a mission to show the world that he is the top new heavyweight on the scene,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He will fight the big and strong Pavel Sour who is coming off a career-best win. This is a significant heavyweight fight that will add to the already historic and electric event on October 5 headlined by Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin.”

The 24-year-old O’Quinn (12-0-1, 8 KOs) stands 5-foot-6 and is rated No. 13 in the world by the WBO. Blazing-fast hands and effortless combination punching have allowed the undefeated O’Quinn to become a favorite among Motor City fight fans. O’Quinn was the No. 1-ranked amateur bantamweight in the country before turning professional in 2015. He was last seen on April 13 of this year at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, winning a dominant unanimous eight-round decision over Minnesota veteran Vicente Alfaro Martinez.
 

“On October 5 you can expect nothing less than what I always do and that’s win!” said O’Quinn. “This is the biggest fight of my professional career and my first 10-round fight and I’m taking it very seriously. I will look the best I’ve looked as pro on that night and after the fight I’ll be looking for bigger names to take on in the super flyweight division.”


A 29-year-old standing 5-foot-3, Smith (13-2, 7 KOs) carries a reputation as a throwback and one of the most exciting Detroit fighters of the last decade. Known for his fearless aggression in the ring, Smith’s fights are always “must see” fare for Detroiters. Also an accomplished amateur, Smith is a former National Amateur Champion and eight-time Golden Gloves Champion. His last fight came in February of this year at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Mich., where he won a unanimous six-round decision over Mexico’s Jonathan Lecona Ramos.

“My opponent is solid, but he’s not on my level,” said Smith. “He throws a lot of punches but he slaps a lot. There is nothing he can show me that I have not already seen before. The fans can always expect an exciting fight when it comes to me. I’m going to always put it all on the line to win.”

“Detroit is one of the best boxing fight cities in the country and this fight is an example of that,” said Salita. “Ja’Rico is touted as one of the best American super flyweights, while James Smith was a can’t-miss prospect when he turned professional. This fight could turn out to be the fight of the night because both guys will leave it all in the ring to win.  Will it be Ja’Rico’s speed and timing, or will James Smith grind him down with his aggression and pressure? No matter who wins, this will be an unforgettable war.”

Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. U�5rkl�

Khan to Defend World Crown Against Rios in Bradford this Saturday 7th Sept

Bradford’s four time, two division World Champion Tasif Khan returns to his home town this coming Saturday, where he is set to face Mexico’s Luis Alberto Rios at St Georges Hall on the 7th September in his first defence of the World Boxing Union (WBU) World Super Flyweight Crown he secured in Lagos, Nigeria via a third round knockout over Ghana’s Asamoah Wilson last December.

Khan (17-1-2), who is promoted by Prince Stanley Williams’ Pennsylvania and London based Monarch Events and Promotions, has stopped ten of his opponents, more importantly his last seven opponents which includes everyone he has fought for World Championship honours.

Rios (25-5-1) is tough and a big puncher with an impressive KO count, in his case seventeen.

Rios secured the Panamanian title on just his eighth fight, he then won both the Panamanian and WBA Fedalatin Minimum Weight titles on his next outing and followed that up on his next fight with WBO Latino Minimum weight title.

In 2012 he won the WBC Latino Light Flyweight title against Arnoldo Solano and then successfully defended it against Luis Carilio.

In 2013 he unsuccessfully challenged John Riel Casimero for the IBF World Light Flyweight title before successfully winning the WBC FECARBOX Flyweight title in 2014 and a year later added the Panamanian Flyweight title and then went on to win the WBC Latino Flyweight title but came up short when he fought Otto Games for the IBA World Bantamweight title last year.

Besides Khan-Rios World title fight, there are two further Championships fights this Saturday.

Nigeria’s Sule Olagbade defends his Super Welterweight WBU Super Welterweight World Crown against France’s Fouad El Massoudi and Australia based Nigerian King Davidson defends his WBU Interim Middleweight World title against Mexico’s Fernando Castaneda.

Supporting the three World Championship bouts Prince Stanley Williams has put together a seriously mouthwatering International undercard;

Ghana’s highly rated Cruiserweight Briamah Kamoko (30-1-0) is set for a ten round battle Royale with Hungary’s Ferenc Albert (27-16-0) and also boxing in the Cruiserweight division is Dubai’s Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid who goes toe-to-toe with Germany’s Rojhat Bilgetekin.

There are also two Heavyweight contests on the bill, Germany’s Rad Rashid against fellow German Hasan Kurnaz and Avni Selimi, also from Germany, against Lithuanian Tomas Vaicickas.

Tasif Khan versus Luis Alberto Rios for the World Boxing Union (WBU) World Super Flyweight Championship, headlines the Prince Stanley Williams’ Monarch Events and Promotions THE HOMECOMING, at St Georges Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT on Saturday 7th September 2019.

The event, which is sponsored by Pearls Tearoom and Patisserie, Knight Ryder, Insane Air and Quantuma, will be streamed live on www.go-boxing.net from 7:30pm on Saturday 7th September.

Standard tickets priced £20.00, £25.00, £30.00 as well as VIP £60.00 and VIP Ringside £100.00 are available on-line at www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or by calling the Ticket-Line on 01274 432000 and also limited tickets will be available on the door.

BRANDUN LEE TO FACE MILTON ARAUZ IN OPENING BOUT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 LIVE FROM MIDLAND, TEXAS

Michael Dutchover Faces Thomas Mattice in Homecoming Bout While Ruben Villa Squares Off Against Highly Touted Prospect Enrique Vivas

NEW YORK – September 5, 2019 – Undefeated welterweight prospect Brandun Lee will make his television debut against Nicaraguan Milton Arauz in the eight-round opening bout of a three-fight ShoBox: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 20 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from La Hacienda Event Center in Midland, Texas.


In the previously announced main event, Midland native and fast-rising prospect Michael Dutchover will face ShoBox veteran Thomas Mattice in a 10-round lightweight bout while undefeated featherweight prospects Ruben Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) and Enrique Vivas (17-0, 9 KOs) clash in a 10-round matchup.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in association with GH3 Promotions, Garcia Promotions and Now Boxing Promotions, are priced at $120, $100 and $80 and can be purchased online atwww.haciendamidland,com or by calling 432-563-3737.

Super lightweight prospect Lee (15-0, 13 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif. turned pro at 17 after a decorated amateur career (196-5). He has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Mauricio Herrera. Trained by his father Bobby, the 20-year-old has built up an 87-percent knockout ratio. A very active fighter, he had five bouts in 2018 and he will be facing his fourth opponent this year. He last fought on August 23 and is looking for a definitive win on his TV debut.

“I’m really excited about my first television fight on ShoBox and my first eight-round fight,” Lee said. “I’m in camp training really hard with my dad and trainer. This is an amazing opportunity for me. I will not disappoint on September 20.”

 

The 27-year-old, Arauz (10-1-1, 5 KOs), of Jinotega, Nicaragua, had a successful amateur run. He fought 80 amateur bouts and compiled a record of 74 wins against six defeats. He turned pro in 2014 and won his first nine bouts. His lone loss came in May of 2017, when he was disqualified for repeated low blows against Angel Galo. Nicknamed “El Norteño”, Arauz will be fighting outside of his native Nicaragua for the first time on September 20.

 

“I’m very excited to showcase my talent on such a big network,” Arauz said. “Knowing so many great fighters had the opportunity to fight on ShoBox, I’m ready to put on a show. Also being able to come to the United States for the first time. I’m ready to give it my all and put on a great performance.”

 

Arauz said he’s aware of the undefeated Lee’s background and that he was also an outstanding amateur. “That’s not going to stop me, and I’m ready to give it my all and take it to him,” Arauz said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the win.”

 

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

 

USA BOXING HEAVYWEIGHT ADRIAN TILLMAN IN U.S. ARMY

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 3, 2019) – No. 2 rated American heavyweight Adrian Tillman, who is also ranked No. 5 as a light heavyweight, is not only representing his country as a member of USA Boxing’s 2019 Men’s Elite team, he’s also serving in the U.S. Army at the same time.

Tillman, 24, is able to do both, because he’s an active soldier enrolled in the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), in which qualified athletes have an opportunity to train fulltime for the Olympics.

“As of right now,” Tillman said, “my focus is on the Olympics.  I love the military and I love boxing.  So, I’ll just see where life takes me.  But, as of now, 2020 Tokyo, Japan, is the one thing on my mind.

“Training (in Colorado Springs) with the Elite team has definitely elevated my game all around. The coaches and trainers are always teaching me.  It’s a non-stop learning environment with the team.”

Born in Riverside, California, Tillman started boxing in 2008, because he wanted to lose weight and learn how to defend himself and his siblings as he was about to enter high school.

The heavyweight with a stiff jab is a three-time National PAL champion (2018, 2017 and 2015), in addition to capturing a gold medal at the 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier.  His greatest accomplishment, however, may be a little surprising, because it isn’t about winning medals, trophies and belts. 

“My greatest accomplishment was being able to qualifying two weight classes (lightweight and heavyweight) for the Olympic Trials.”

Tillman has traveled throughout South America and Europe. He is with his Team USA teammates training in England before going straight to Yekaterinburg, Russia, to compete in the 2019 Elite Men’s World Championships, September 7-21.

“Gaining a medal at the World Championships is important to me because,” he noted, “not only am I representing my country, I’m also representing the Army and my family.”

When he’s in the ring, Tillman adjusts to his opponent, brawling or boxing equally, whatever it takes to win.

Adrian Tillman is a true patriot who also happens to wear boxing gloves. Whether he qualifies as a heavyweight or light heavyweight, all that matters to him is boxing for Team USA at the 2020 Olympics.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  To promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

“Marvelous” Mykquan Williams Meet-and-Greet & Back to School Backpack Giveaway a KO

Everybody had a good time with “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams
(Photo gallery below, courtesy of Emily Harney / Team Williams) 

MANCHESTER, Conn. (August 22, 2019) — Even dangerous thunderstorms and tornado warnings couldn’t deter fans from attending yesterday’s meet-and-greet and back to school backpack give-way with undefeated super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, presented by DiBella Entertainment and Team Williams, at ROCS Gym in Manchester, Connecticut.
 
Williams signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave each child (K-12) a free backpack for school.
 
The 21-year-old Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), who lives in East Hartford (CT), has an inspiring story in which his father was murdered when Mykquan was eight months old, and the family house burned to the ground when he was 10.
 
“Everything went very well,” a happy Williams said. “All the kids got a backpack and had a good time. My team made it possible for me to do it. Shout out to DiBella Entertainment, Wet Paint and Capital Bail Bonds. I did this event to give back to the community but, more importantly, help parents who may have a little bit of difficulty getting everything their kids need for school.”
 
Williams is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion, who is rated No. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), and No. 12 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).
 
He is promoted by Lou DiBella, managed by Jackie Kallen and trained by Paul Cichon.


 

Former World Champion Peter Quillin Takes on Hard-Hitting Alfredo Angulo in FS1 PBC Fight Night Main Event & on FOX Deportes Saturday, September 21 from Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California

Plus! Unbeaten Rising Prospect Chris Colbert Battles Former

Title Challenger Miguel Beltran Jr.; Undefeated Welterweight Terrel Williams Collides with Thomas Dulorme & Unbeaten Prospect Jesus Ramos Faces Rickey Edwards to Kick Off Telecast at

10:30 p.m. ET p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

FS2 PBC Fight Night Prelims Feature 154-Pound Title Eliminator Showdown Between Jeison Rosario & Bakhram Murtazaliev in Action Beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale This Saturday, August 24 at 12 p.m. PT

BAKERSFIELD, CA. (August 22, 2019) – Former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin will duel hard-hitting Alfredo Angulo in a 12-round super middleweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes on Saturday, September 21 from Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

Coverage on FS1 begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT and features fast-rising prospect Chris “Prime Time” Colbert entering the ring for a 10-round lightweight matchup against former title challenger Miguel Beltran Jr., plus unbeaten welterweight Terrel Williams goes up against Thomas Dulorme in a 10-round attraction, while unbeaten prospect Jesus Ramos takes on Rickey Edwards in a 10-round super lightweight match to open FS1 PBC Fight Night.

FS2 PBC Fight Night Prelims will precede the main card and begin at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, highlighted by hard-hitting Jeison Rosario against unbeaten Bakhram Murtazaliev in a 12-round IBF 154-pound title eliminator.

“This is a great fight card with anything a boxing fan could want, featuring former champions, top contenders and future stars, all in evenly-match bouts that promise drama,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Peter Quillin vs. Alfredo Angulo promises to be a good, old fashion slugfest with two fighters looking to prove they’re ready for a world title fight next. With exciting prospects like Chris Colbert and Jesus Ramos, plus evenly matched fights between contenders in Williams vs. Dulorme and Rosario vs. Murtazaliev, this will be an action-packed night from top to bottom.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale Saturday, August 24 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at www.rabobankarena.com and AXS.com.

Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) is seeking to climb back into the championship ranks and must go through Angulo before reaching them. The 36-year-old, who was born in Chicago and now lives in Brooklyn, won the middleweight world title against Hassan N’Dam in 2012. He successfully defended it three times. He is coming off a no-decision against former super middleweight champion Caleb Truax on April 13 in an FS1 PBC Fight Night main event. He had taken the first two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards before the action was halted when a deep cut over Truax’s right eye, caused by an accidental head butt, brought an end to the fight and resulted in a no-decision.

“It looks like the Caleb Truax fight wasn’t meant to be, but this fight against Angulo is an important fight for me to establish myself in this division,” said Quillin, who was originally scheduled to rematch Truax on August 31, before Truax withdrew due to an Achilles injury. “I’m ready to go 12 rounds right now. I just have to stay ready and stay in shape because we’ve had a great camp where we were able to build on certain things. This is what was meant to be and I’m going to make the most of it with a great performance on September 21.”

Angulo (25-7, 21 KOs) enters the match against Quillin after a knockout victory over Evert Bravo on April 20. The 37-year-old veteran, who was born in Mexicali, Mexico and now lives in Coachella, California, has been in with some of the top boxers and sluggers during a career that has seen him in numerous exciting bouts against the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara amongst others.

“I am looking forward to showing my fans the best Alfredo Angulo on September 21,” said Angulo. “I have been working hard towards this opportunity. This is a chance to move closer to a world title and with hard work and the support of my team, I’m going to win that title.”

Representing his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (12-0, 4 KOs) has begun to make a name for himself showing off tremendous skills across his first 12 pro victories. The 22-year-old turned pro in 2019 after an impressive amateur career and most recently dominated Alberto Mercado on his way to a unanimous decision on FOX in June.

“I’m dedicating this bout to the fight against childhood cancer,” said Colbert, who was inspired after recently being introduced to a young fan who has cancer. “I plan on going in to Rabobank Arena and doing what I do best on September 21. I never make predictions for my fights, but I’m always looking to dominate and if the knockout comes then it comes. I have a job to do and I just have to stay focused on the man in front of me. It’s going to be ‘Prime Time’ on September 21 so that fans will want to make sure to tune-in for this one.”

Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Beltran (33-7, 22 KOs) will return to action after dropping a decision to former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa last November. The 30-year-old challenged Roman Martinez for a super featherweight title and lost by split decision in September 2012.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to fight Chris Colbert on FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Beltran. “I have fought the best 130 pounders in the world – Rocky Martinez, Gamboa, Mickey Roman and I have challenged for the world title twice. This is the type of fight I need on national TV to get myself back in contention. I’m very serious about winning and happy to have my training camp in Los Angeles with my cousin, former world champion Ray Beltran, who is helping me prepare for victory.”

Williams (18-0, 13 KOs) extended his unbeaten record in April with a split decision victory over Justin DeLoach in Las Vegas. The 35-year-old from Los Angeles previously won a decision over David Grayton in September 2018.

A longtime contender, Dulorme (24-3-1, 16 KOs) earned a majority draw in his last fight against former world champion Jessie Vargas last October. The 29-year-old had previously dropped a narrow decision to top contender Yordenis Ugas in August 2017. That defeat came after a streak where the Puerto Rican fighter won eight of nine fights, with his only loss during that stretch coming in a title fight against Terrence Crawford.

At just 18-years-old, Ramos (10-0, 9 KOs) scored knockouts in his first nine fights since turning pro last May. The Casa Grande, Arizona-native most recently went the distance for the first time in his pro career, winning a shutout unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks in June on FOX.

Fighting out of Paterson, New Jersey, Edwards (12-3, 3 KOs) won his first 11 pro fights including victories over then unbeaten fighters Azriel Paez and John Delperdang. The 29-year-old most recently lost a decision to undefeated Mykquan Williams in May.

The 24-year-old Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) has won his last five fights and is unbeaten in eight bouts since his only pro loss to Nathaniel Gallimore in 2017. The Dominican-born fighter residing in Florida has taken down a slew of contenders and top prospects including Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach, Marcos Hernandez and most recently, Jorge Cota on FS1 in April.

Russia’s Murtazaliev(16-0, 13 KOs), who now resides in Oxnard, California and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 26-year-old has delivered knockout victories over Elvin Ayala and Bruno Leonardo Romay in 2019.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Unbeaten Rising Heavyweight Frank Sanchez Battles Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in Heavyweight Attraction Saturday, August 31 on FOX PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis

Former World Champion Caleb Truax Withdraws from Scheduled Bout Against Peter Quillin Due to Achilles Injury

Former World Champion Erislandy Lara Battles Ramon Alvarez for WBA Super Welterweight Title in Main Event, Plus Fast-Rising Super Welterweights Sebastian Fundora & Jamontay Clark Square Off In Co-Main Event of Broadcast Beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

MINNEAPOLIS (August 22, 2019) – Fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

 
Sanchez vs. Bisbal replaces the previously scheduled bout between former champions Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax, after Truax was forced to withdraw due to an Achilles injury.
 
Coverage on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Ramon Alvarez in a 12-round bout for the WBA Super Welterweight title. The co-main event will see a pair of sensational young super welterweights collide as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.
 
A former amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sanchez (12-0, 10 KOs) now lives in Las Vegas and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2017. The 27-year-old scored knockouts in his first six pro fights, and picked up nine victories in 2018. Sanchez most recently scored a dominant second round stoppage over Jason Bergman at The Armory in July.
 
After representing Puerto Rico at the 2004 Olympic games, Bisbal (23-3, 17 KOs) won 21 of his first 22 pro fights, including a 16-fight winning streak from late 2006 until 2013. He suffered defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Magomed Abdusalamov before winning his last two fights heading into August 31. His last outing saw him Edson Roberto Dos Santos Borges in December 2018.
 
#          #          #
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
 and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.