Tag Archives: boxing

RAGING BABE PRESENTS: PELTZ BOXING 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 4 AT 2300 ARENA

August 29, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

*Philadelphia’s boxing community to come together*
*To mark “The Boy Wonder’s” 50-year milestone*

PHILADELPHIA, PA–J Russell Peltz was 22 years old when he promoted his first boxing card 50 years ago at the legendary Blue Horizon. On Oct. 4, Peltz will celebrate half a century as a boxing promoter with a card at the 2300 Arena that will reflect his reputation for promoting Philly vs. Philly, no-quarters-given bouts.

The eight-fight card, promoted by Raging Babe, will feature junior welterweight Victor Padilla, of Berlin, NJ, by way of Vieques, Puerto Rico, in the main event. Padilla, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, is undefeated in five fights, all by way of knockout, and is considered by Peltz and others to be a future world champion. Peltz will serve as matchmaker for the event.

It has been nearly 20 years since Peltz received the Long and Meritorious Service award from the Boxing Writers Association of America and Philadelphia Sportswriters Association, followed in 2004 by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. While others might have considered retirement, Peltz has gone on to promote more than 150 additional events, bringing his total number of promoted shows to nearly 1,000. He has promoted or co-promoted more than 40 world championship fights.

After starting his career as sports editor of the Temple News–the daily student newspaper at Temple University–and then on the sports copy desk at the Evening and Sunday Bulletin, Peltz traded in his typewriter for the roller coaster that is professional boxing. He was dubbed “The Boy Wonder,” when he sold out the 1,346-seat Blue Horizon in his first event on Sept. 30, 1969, a night that featured a middleweight main event between Bennie Briscoe, of Philadelphia, and Tito Marshall, of Panama. The standing-room-only crowd was 1,606.

In more recent years, he’s taken Michelle Rosado (aka Raging Babe) under his wing, mentoring her and showing her the ins and outs of the boxing business with his unique brand of tough love.

“I can think of no one better to promote my 50th Anniversary Celebration,” said Peltz. “I have been able to sit in the passenger seat the last couple years while Michelle drove and I’m excited to share this special event with her.

“It seems like yesterday I was sitting outside the Blue Horizon in North Philly, selling tickets out of my car for my first card after the box office closed for the day. From there to the old Arena in West Philly, then to The Spectrum in South Philly, it’s been quite a ride. Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Europe, South America, the Orient–I cannot believe it’s been half a century.”

Rosado: “It’s an honor to put on this card with and for Russell’s 50th. He has been an incredible mentor and friend, and I think I have looked forward to this celebration of his legacy even more than he has.”

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.

Shearns Boxing Promotions presents “Friday Night Fights at The Station” Pro Boxing charity event

August 28, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

September 20 in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 21, 2019) – Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) has announced it will present a professional boxing charity event, “Friday Night Fights at The Station,” September 20 at historic Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Proceeds will benefit Why Me (Worcester Help for Youth) & Sherry’s House, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to providing love and support services to families with childhood cancer. Visit www.whyme.org to learn more about this organization.

“Help us KO cancer,” SBP president Chuck Shearns said. “We’re excited to be working with such a great organization and lucky to be able to take part in raising money for such an amazing group and worthy cause. The boxing card will showcase popular, up-and-coming New England-based boxers.”

Former decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), who captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments, will headline at home in Worcester, MA, against Maine heavyweight Justin Rolfe (1-1, 1 KOs) in the four-round main event.

The 6’ 1”, 235-pound Minor is arguably the top Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect in the past two decades.

Framingham, MA super featherweight Julio Perez (4-4) meets Luis Rivera (4-3), of Boston, in the six-round co-featured event.

Danbury, CT super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-12, 2 KOs) faces Andy Aiello(1-3-1), of Bridgewater, MA, in a six-round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round matches, are Worcester, MA heavyweightJake Paradise (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Joseph Raposo (0-1), of Woburn, MA; Worcester super welterweight Eslih Owusu (1-0) vs. Leonardo Ladeira (0-2), of Revere, MA; Worcester, MA super featherweight Philip Davis (2-1-1) vs. Carlos Marrero III (1-3-1), of Bridgeport, CT; and Bedford, MA cruiserweight Edet Mkpanam (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Rogero Dionizio, of Revere.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices start at $40.00 and may be purchased by going online at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-fights-at-the-station-tickets-65569061829

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Palley Advertising and Akuity Technology.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Brandon Figueroa Defends Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title Against Javier Nicolas Chacon in Homecoming Fight that Headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas

August 21, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**BRANDON FIGUEROA WESLACO, TEXAS MEDIA WORKOUT**
**QUOTES & PHOTOS**

**Click HERE for Photos from Christian Inoferio**

**WESLACO, TX.** (August 20, 2019) – Unbeaten interim WBA Super Bantamweight champion **Brandon Figueroa** showed off his skills at a media workout Tuesday before his homecoming title defense against Argentina’s **Javier Nicolas Chacon** that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday night from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

The Weslaco, Texas native Figueroa will make his homecoming title defense in the main event of action that begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as the 22-year-old looks to retain the title that he won by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in April on FOX.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Panterita Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased through bertogdenarena.comand/or AXS.com.

Here is what Figueroa had to say Tuesday from Panterita Boxing Club in Weslaco:

**BRANDON FIGUEROA**

“A victory on Saturday in front of my hometown family and friends would be amazing. These are the people who have been supporting me and wanting to see me live for several years. Finally getting to this moment is a big honor to me.

“It’s different fighting at home and sleeping in my own bed during fight week. It’s a nice feeling. I’m just focused on what I have to do, and that’s train and fight.

“I feel incredible. My weight is coming off well. Physically and mentally I’m very ready. I can’t wait for Saturday. It’s going to be fireworks and an amazing show.

“It’s an honor to be the first boxer to headline at Bert Ogden Arena. I’m breaking it in and making history, so I know it’s going to be a memorable moment for me.

“My power is really continuing to grow and I’m more explosive in the ring now. We’re always increasing the volume of punches we can throw and we’re getting stronger every day.

“This will be one of the most special fights of my career because I’m fighting in this arena in front of my family and supporters. It’s going to be an amazing night.

“I never underestimate any opponent ahead of a fight. I train hard for every fight like it’s the biggest fight of my life. We’re working on my power, my speed and my defense. I have to work on all of that to be at the world class level.

“I’ve been fighting grown men since I was in the amateurs. My father and brother have always instilled it in me to not fear any opposition. I’ve never said no to any fight, that’s just the way we were raised. I’m fearless.

“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing, which is fight. I have a lot of passion for boxing and I want to put my hometown on the map. It’s about being an inspiration for kids inside and outside of the ring.

“My work ethic is all about consistency. Even in my off time I’m always working out and keeping myself in shape. My conditioning is always the most important thing.”

# # #

***ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. CHACON***
Figueroa vs. Chacon will see unbeaten Brandon Figueroa defending his interim WBA Super Bantamweight title against Javier Nicolas Chacon in a 12-round bout that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. taking on Isaac Avelar in a 10-round super bantamweight match in the co-feature.

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.com, ht
tp://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/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

Javier Martinez making Milwaukee proud on the way to World Championships in Russia

August 21, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 19, 2019) – Milwaukee isn’t known as one of the leading producers of world-class boxers, however, Team USA middleweight
**Javier Martinez** may be the rare exception.

“Milwaukee isn’t really a great place for boxing,” Martinez agreed, “but (coach) **Izzy Acosta** always had a great program that produced a lot of national champions. Hopefully, one day I can do what he’s done for my city. We do have a few good fighters coming out of my gym who are still on the rise. Look out for my boy, **Luis Feliciano**, a former USA National champion (the 26-year-old junior welterweight is 12-0 as a pro with eight wins by knockout).”

The most famous fighter to come out of Milwaukee is world kickboxing champion **Rick “The Jet” Rufus**. There have been a few Milwaukee boxers of note over the years, including **Myron “Pinky” Mitchell**, who became the first junior welterweight champion of the world in 1922, **Robert “Caveman” Moha** (1910-15), former national champion **Tyrone “The Butterfly” Trice**, and Pan American Games bronze medalist and two-time national amateur champion, **LeChaunce Shepard**.

Martinez is currently training in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center for the World Championships, September 7-21, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

“It’s a good feeling and I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Martinez spoke about competing at the World Championships. “I love coming to Colorado; it’s like therapy for me, keeping me away from the distractions back home. I’m very excited to be going to Russia. I’m thankful to USA Boxing for all the opportunities I’ve had, and I hope to bring back a medal from Russia.”

Martinez says he didn’t have a normal childhood, explaining that he looked up to the wrong people. His life changed for the better when his father introduced him to boxing and meeting Coach Acosta, who was recently honored by the USA Boxing Alumni Association for his contributions to amateur boxing as a boxer and coach for the past half-century.

“I don’t know what I’d be doing today (if not for boxing),” noted Martinez, who turns 24 on August 24. “I just know that boxing was my way out of the ‘hood. Coach Izzy is a very loving person, and a great person to have around. He had a very good boxing career and it’s great to have a person like that in my corner.”

Martinez, who is the No. 2 ranked middleweight in the U.S., captured a gold medal at the 2018 Elite National Championships and silver at the 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. He’s also brought home bronze from the 2013 National Junior Olympics and Feliks Stamm Tournament.

Self-described as an awkward southpaw who can give anybody problems, Martinez’ short-term goal is to be an Olympic gold medalist, long-term to be world champion.

Javier Martinez is making Milwaukee proud by punchin’ his way to the top.

**INFORMATION:**
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Bare Knuckle Boxing, Valor Bare Knuckle

Former World Boxing Champion Ishe Smith on Sept 22 Valor Bare Knuckle PPV

August 13, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

VALOR BARE KNUCKLE INC. (VBK™) SIGNS WITH INTEGRATED SPORTS MEDIA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF VBK™ **LIVE FIGHTS AND ANCILLARY PROGRAMMING**

Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 8, 2019 – Ken Shamrock, the World’s Most Dangerous Man and co-founder of Valor Bare Knuckle Inc. (VBK™), today announced he has signed with Integrated Sports Media (ISM), one of the leading distributors of combat sports programming in North America, to present VBK ancillary programs and live fights.

Shamrock also announced VBK: 1, Valor Bare Knuckle’s inaugural event taking place from New Town, North Dakota at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge will feature a one-night heavyweight tournament between three UFC Vets: Jack May, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Mark Godbeer and legend of the kickboxing ring “Mighty Mo.” Also, former world champion boxer Ishe Smith will make his bare-knuckle debut on the Sept. 21 card.

“We are pleased that every major cable, digital and satellite provider is being so responsive to the Valor Bare Knuckle brand of fighting,” said Shamrock. “Doug Jacobs and Integrated Sports Media did a phenomenal job securing OTT and traditional pay-per-view platforms for our events. No doubt, September 21 will be an intriguing night that delivers an unprecedented combat sports experience for fight fans everywhere. Valor Bare Knuckle is here, and it’s here to stay.”

“Integrated Sports Media is thrilled to be distributing the inaugural Valor Bare Knuckle event to the pay-per-view audiences in the United States and Canada,” said Doug Jacobs, Owner, Integrated Sports Media. “It is an honor to represent Ken Shamrock, who is not only a combat sports and wrestling legend, but also has fought with and without gloves in the ring and the cage. We are excited about this promotion and its future as a regulated professional sport throughout North America.”

Valor Bare Knuckle’s inaugural event, **VBK: 1** will be available live via on pay-per-view at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH, VUBIQUITY in the United States, as well as Bell TV, Shaw Communications, Rogers and SaskTel in Canada, and the FITE.TV digital platform for a suggested retail price of $29.95. (taxes and fees may apply).

**VBK: 1** will take place live from the New Events Center of 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019.

Shamrock is a UFC® Hall of Famer and a four-time heavyweight world champion fighter and a WWE® Superstar and international wrestling legend. He is the UFC Superfight heavyweight champion, King of Pancrase champion, NWA/TNA champion, and the WWE IC champion.

The sport of bare-knuckle fighting is regulated in Florida, Mississippi and Wyoming and is under consideration with several more states across America.

boxing

Before and After: The Incredible Rebirth of Mikey ‘Baby Face’ Faragon

August 13, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

The incredible rebirth of Albany, New York’s Mikey “Baby Face” Faragon (19-1, 9 KOs) is complete and he will return to action in a six-rounder tonight, Friday, August 9, at a GCP and Rapacz Boxing show at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota against Missouri’s Demetrius Wilson.

Faragon was once a super lightweight prospect touted as one of the most promising young fighters to ever come out of the Capital Region, but a severe foot injury forced him out of boxing five years ago.

During his extended recovery, which included several painful surgeries, 32-year-old Faragon fell into depression and unhealthy living and gained a great deal of weight.

With his mobility now restored, Faragon challenged himself to get back in shape and said he would fight again if he could. Pictured above, right, Faragon is back in fighting shape and, against Wilson, will be looking to gauge how much of that immense potential he still has.

boxing, USA Boxing

Legendary Air Force Academy boxing coach Ed Weichers coached perfect storm

August 13, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 8, 2019) – Boxing coach Ed Weichers, a charter member of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, guided the United States Air Force Academy from 1976-2014 to a record of 19 national collegiate boxing team championships.

Coach Weichers’ Fighting Falcons’ squads produced a remarkable 258 All-America boxers and 97 individual champions. His teams never finished lower than second in the nation for 27 years and he also served as president and vice president of the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA).

Coaching sports at a military school is much different, largely because student-athletes in most cases, especially boxing, are not professional prospects. “Our Cadets were not trained to be elite level amateurs or pros,” the now 68-year-old Weichers explained. “In 1976, the cost to put one Cadet through four years at the Academy was $80,000 but, in 2014, the year of my retirement, that figure was $417,000. Cadets are trained to go forward and serve. They fly, fight, win and defend freedoms that we all enjoy. Boxing at the next level is not part of the discussion. I got calls at the time about our boxers going to the next level, fighting in Tough Man Contests, etc. My answer is and has always been consistent: ‘You are not trained to be a boxer in the Air Force. Do not jeopardize your pilot qualifications or commission ability with a boxing injury.’ The Air Force has an investment in them, and I urged them to go forward and serve. I send them back to the real purpose of the boxing class/program at AFA. It teaches them how to handle press, stress, fear and anxiety. Boxing gives them the self confidence and self esteem to make good decisions in combat under pressure. The ability to handle these pressures and make good decisions are the difference in life and death in combat.”

Coach Weichers, of course, attributes a large share of his success to the Cadets, who are intelligent, disciplined and team oriented. All Cadets take a mandatory core curriculum boxing course (10 lessons) their freshman year, followed by an intramural boxing program comprised of 40 squadron teams with a minimum of eight to a maximum of 16 boxers per team.

Not only did Weichers work with this incredible feeder system, the next step was the AFA Wing Open Boxing Championships, in which Cadets voluntarily signed-up to compete in one of 12 divisions to box for the No. 1 spot, earning a roster spot on the AFA Intercollegiate boxing team that competes in regional and national tournaments. The advancing 12 Cadets represented the entire Air Force Academy.

“Bottom line,’ Coach Weichers noted, “this formula was a perfect storm. I must give credit to and thank two Physical Education Department heads, Col. Don Peterson and Col. Larry Fariss, and two athletic directors who were instrumental to our support and success, Col. John Clune and Col. Randy Spetman.

“I was blessed with young men who I describe as overachievers. Cadets are tenacious. We built on an individual sport with a team concept. I had great assistant coaches, the best training facilities, and an environment of being surrounded by quality people in all phases.”

After he retired as head boxing coach at the Air Force Academy, Weichers led Team USA in 2014 and 2015 to five medals, including two golds, at the Pan American Games in Toronto.

“The plan was to hire Billy Walsh, who was the head coach of Team Ireland,” Weichers added. “I committed to sponsor Coach Walsh upon his arrival and make his transition smooth. I did that and Coach Walsh and I have become good friends. He is the correct man for the job, and he brings a great resume and reputation. He has helped turn the program around and created a winning culture. Team USA is back, ranked among the top 10 in the world, and that is a direct result of Coach Walsh.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Weichers joined the USA Boxing Alumni Association because he is a huge supporter of John Brown, former President and current Vice President of USA Boxing.

“John had the idea or concept (to form the alumni association) and I looked at the purpose and thought it would be a way to honor and recognize those who contributed over the years,” Weichers remarked. “I hope that successful professionals from the past and present recognize those who contributed over the years. I also hope that they remember their roots were with USA Boxing and give back. We all had help and our start and success did not happen alone. Be humble and grateful and give back.”

Weichers is high on Team USA, especially its overall potential in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, saying, “We’re solid going into 2020. The key to success, in my opinion, is head coach Billy Walsh. He is very experienced. His reputation and resume are top shelf. Coach Walsh is well known and respected on the international level. He has the ability to reach out to other countries and make positive things happen for our athletes. He has adjusted the culture in our boxing program, identifying our strengths, and making adjustment where weak. Coach Walsh brings leadership and credibility. Bottom line, we have the right coach for the job in place.”

Weichers’ association with the NCBA led to his relationship with USA Boxing at various levels and capacities. He has always felt gratified to give back to boxing, as well as an obligation to grow the sport at every level.

“I was lucky/blessed to work in a place I refer to as Camelot,” Weichers concluded. “It’s an athletic paradise; core values, honor code, and a mission that anyone can connect with and admire. I can say that I am a better person for my experience at the Air Force Academy.

“I love the sport of boxing, because of what it did for me, in terms of molding my life. The gratification that comes with seeing how young men and women grow and mature, as a result of their experience with boxing was very positive.

And countless Cadets are better people because they were coached by Ed Weichers.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.