UNBEATEN RISING HEAVYWEIGHTS JERMAINE FRANKLIN & OTTO WALLIN TALK UPCOMING BOUTS & ROAD TO HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Franklin Battles Rydell Booker While Wallin Faces Nick Kisner Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, April 13 Leading Up to Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer Main Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (April 3, 2019) – Unbeaten rising heavyweight contendersJermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin will be looking to make a splash and announce themselves in the heavyweight division when they step in for separate bouts live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by Claressa Shields battling Christina Hammer for the undisputed women’s middleweight championship.
Franklin will face Rydell Booker while Wallin takes on Nick Kisner in a pair of 10-round attractions leading up to the main event. For both Franklin and Wallin, they see April 13 as a step towards their larger goals.
“Booker is in the way of where I’m eventually trying to be,” said Franklin. “I’m part of that next generation of heavyweights and I’m working hard to end up as the heavyweight champion when the dust settles. I always find a way to win and I’m going to show it on April 13.”
“Coming to the U.S. for the second part of my career is very exciting,” said Wallin. “I’ve accomplished a lot in my career in Europe but this is a new beginning. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of since I first laced up mitts and I can’t wait to introduce myself to the fans here.”
A 25-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan, Franklin hopes to show that he’s primed to become the next American heavyweight champion, and is ready to take the mantle from current WBC titlist Deontay Wilder and the long line of American heavyweight champions that came before him.
“I’m going to raise the competition amongst the heavyweights,” said Franklin. “The division is definitely back on the map and I’m planning on having a hand in making it must-watch TV once again. America needs another face in the heavyweight division and that’s going to be me.
“I already believe that I am the best heavyweight in the world. There are a lot of big, strong heavyweights, but I’m a balanced athlete, which makes me different. I’m strong, fast, athletic and getting better with each fight.”
Although his native Sweden is not known for boxing, Wallin’s home country has previously produced a heavyweight champion in Ingemar Johansson, who famously stopped Floyd Patterson in their first fight at Yankee Stadium in 1959. After defeating fellow Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat in his last fight, Wallin decided it was time to fight in the U.S., following previous training camps in New York with trainer Joey Gamache.
“Training here in New York brings me a great energy and it shows in my performance,” said Wallin. “It’s the center of the world, and while I’m fully focused on training, I feed off the energy of the city.
“Ingemar Johansson is of course a big inspiration for me. When he came to the U.S. and beat Floyd Patterson, he was the baddest man on the planet. I’m looking to take that mantle and become a hero for young Swedish boxers, just like he has been for me.”
In addition to being Wallin’s U.S. debut, the unbeaten heavyweights will make their first appearances on SHOWTIME and it will be Franklin’s first time fighting in the northeast. They each hope to show off their respective talents and are prepared for what comes with the increased platform.
“This is a great chance for me to showcase my skills, but I still treat it like just another fight,” said Franklin. “I’m going to adapt to my opponent and expose his weaknesses. I’m always improving because once you think you know it all, that’s when you find out you know nothing.”
“I’m just a kid from a small town in Sweden and I’ve worked hard to get to this point,” said Wallin. “Training here in the U.S. and fighting here is going to help me put on the best performance of my career. The fun begins on April 13 and I’m not stopping until I am champion.”
Both recently signed with Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions and on April 13 will begin a year that could leave each fighter on the precipice of a title shot.
“On April 13 two of the best heavyweight in the world, one from the U.S., one from Sweden, will both have a chance to make a claim that they are ready to challenge for the heavyweight title,” said Salita.
“Jermaine Franklin is by far the best American heavyweight prospect who is soon to be a contender and a champion. He will have a great opportunity to showcase his skills and worth against the experienced, hungry and accomplished Rydell Booker.
“Boxing is a sport of individual stories and Otto Wallin is a great example of that. A top-rated heavyweight from a small town in Sweden, he is showing that dreams, combined with hard work, can come true. He is one of the best heavyweight contenders from Europe and on April 13 he will show that he belongs with the elite in the U.S.”
With this opportunity to announce themselves in the resurgent heavyweight division, Franklin and Wallin are keyed for eye-opening performances next Saturday.
“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I believe right now I’m on the right path,” said Wallin, who is ranked No. 5 by the IBF and WBA. “I had good years fighting in Europe, but now is the time for me to go to the next level. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’m all about and give the fans great fights.”
“I’m planning to be a major force in the heavyweight division by the end of the year,” said Franklin. “It’s my coming out party. I feel like my dreams are going to come true. I’m going to show everyone who I am: the best new heavyweight in the world.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and atboardwalkhall.com.
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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
Viktor Postol And France’s Mohamed Mimoune Battle in 140-Pound Title Eliminator Plus Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Meets Once-Beaten Michael Wallisch on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions from The Chelsea Inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Tickets on Sale Monday, April 1!
LAS VEGAS – (March 29, 2019) – Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr.and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’sMohamed Mimoune in a WBC super lightweight title eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.
Easter vs. Barthelemy pits two highly skilled and explosive former 135-pound champions against each other as they look to grab a title and vault themselves back into the top echelon of the lightweight division.
Easter will return to the ring for the first time since losing his IBF title in a unification showdown with WBC Champion and pound-for-pound great Mikey Garcia last July on SHOWTIME. Barthelemy is undefeated at 135 pounds and returns to the lightweight division for his second fight since losing a 140-pound title rematch to Kiryl Relikh last March on SHOWTIME.
“Two former champions looking to reclaim their championship status speaks for itself in terms of the action and will to win that Easter and Barthelemy will bring on April 27,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both guys have already proven that they have what it takes to take care of business at this level. The eliminator bout, with Postol bringing his experience and Mohamed looking to take advantage of the opportunity, is a great lead-in to the main event attraction. Plus, Efe Ajagba will bring his A+ game in pursuit of a victory over Michael Wallisch. The fans in attendance at the Cosmopolitanhere in Las Vegas, and tuning in on SHOWTIME, are in for a treat.”
“Easter vs. Barthelemy is a true 50-50 fight that will end with one of these fighters leaving the ring with one of the top spots in the lightweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Both are former world champions at lightweight and possess the styles and attributes that should make this an action-packed match. Combined with a very competitive title eliminator between Viktor Postol and Mohamed Mimoune, plus the can’t-miss punching power of Efe Ajagba, this is going to be a dramatic night on SHOWTIME and at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, go on sale Monday, April 1, and can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.
The 28-year-old Easter (21-1, 14 KOs) won the IBF Lightweight Championship in 2016 by edging an exciting split-decision against then-unbeaten and current IBF titleholder Richard Commey. After two successful title defenses in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, Easter defeated former champion Javier Fortuna by decision in a January 2018 fight in SHOWTIME.
That victory set up a unification with WBC champion Mikey Garcia, in which Easter survived an early knockdown to push Garcia the full 12 rounds before coming up short on the scorecards. At 5-foot-11, Easter has continued to show the combination of size, skill and athleticism that made him a highly regarded prospect following an amateur career that featured a spot as an alternate on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
“I’ve wanted to fight Barthelemy since he had the lightweight title and vacated it, and now I have the chance,” said Easter. “He has an awkward style and I’m up for that challenge. I am still coming in as the taller fighter with a reach advantage and I’ll use it to make this fight go how I want it to. He is a former world champion and he is coming to bring it just like I am.”
A decorated Cuban amateur who hails from a boxing family that includes his older brother, Olympic Gold Medalist Yan, and younger brother, unbeaten featherweight Leduan, Rances Barthelemy (27-1, 14 KOs) will return to lightweight to vie against one of the best fighters in the division. The 32-year-old now trains in Las Vegas and previously captured a 135-pound belt by defeating Denis Shafikov in December 2015.
Barthelemy won a 130-pound championship by defeating Argenis Mendez in 2014 and attempted to become the first Cuban three-division champion when he moved up to 140-pounds for his first fight against Relikh, a title eliminator that he won by decision. After dropping the rematch to Relikh in a vacant title fight on SHOWTIME, Barthelemy returned to the ring in December and stopped Robert Frankel.
“I’m looking forward to a great fight against Robert Easter Jr,” said Barthelemy. “I know I have what it takes to beat him and capture another title and become a three-time world champ. My best performances have come at 135 pounds. Both of us are former world champions who are hungry and will give the fans a sensational night of boxing. I’ve never lost at lightweight and that will continue on April 27. Don’t miss this fight on SHOWTIME. It’s now or never!”
Originally from Ukraine, but now fighting out of Los Angeles, Postol (30-2, 12 KOs) previously earned a 140-pound world title by knocking out Lucas Matthysse in 2015. The 35-year-old dropped the title in a unification showdown with Terence Crawford in 2016 before bouncing back by defeating then unbeaten Jamshidbek Najmiddinov. Last June he dropped a decision to unbeaten contender Josh Taylor and most recently he defeated Siar Ozgul in November.
The 31-year-old Mimoune (21-2, 2 KOs) has fought professionally since 2010 and will be making his U.S. debut against Postol on April 27. Representing Haute-Garonne, France, he is unbeaten in his last 10 fights dating back to 2014. His last five victories have come in 12-round decisions, including two last year over then unbeaten Emiliano Dominguez and most recently against Franck Petitjean.
Nigeria’s Ajagba (9-0, 8 KOs) gained notoriety last August 24 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. The 24-year-old, 2016 Nigerian Olympian won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. In his last fight Ajagba, who lives in Stafford, Texas and trains with Ronnie Shields, defeated his toughest competition to date by stopping longtime contender Amir Mansour after two rounds.
Fighting out of Munich, Germany, Wallisch (19-1, 12 KOs) won his first 19 pro fights after turning pro in 2010, including a German heavyweight title-winning performance in 2013 against Alexander Kahl. The 33-year-old fought three times last year, picking up two knockout victories before losing to Christian Hammer in December.
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 28, 2019) – Heavyweight Jonathan Rice (10-3-1, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will battle Arslanbek Makhmudov (7-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBC International title, May 17, 2019, at the Montreal Casino, in Montreal, Canada. The 10-round main event is being promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management.
Rice has three consecutive wins, two by knockout, under the tutelage of former world champion Wayne McCullough, who took over as head trainer in September of 2018. With McCullough in his corner, Rice is confident that he will come out victorious against Makhmudov, who will be fighting in his backyard. Makhmudov is originally from Russia, but now resides in Montreal.
“I have great coach in Wayne McCullough, and I know I can beat Makhmudov with the game plan we have in place.” stated Rice. “I’ve improved tremendously over the last year and my confidence is at an all time high. Fighting in Makhmudov’s backyard will be no easy task. I will have to be at my best to show the world that I belong in the same conversations with all the top heavyweights in the world. Capturing the WBC International title will open up many doors for my career.”
“Jonnie Rice has come a long way with Wyane McCullough in his corner,” Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing said, “Rice has a lot of heart and its going to be one hell of a fight. These are the type of fights that will catapult him up the ranking, getting him one step closer to a world title.”
Also in Action! Veteran Brawler Alfredo Angulo, 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas & Sensational Lightweight Prospect Omar Juarez Competing in Separate Televised Bouts Beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT Following PBC on FOX Broadcast
CARSON, CALIF. (March 27, 2019) – Hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario takes on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a 10-round middleweight fight that headlines PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.
Battle-hardened veteran Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo will fight in the co-main event of the telecast, while exciting lightweight prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas takes on Pedro Vicente in a six or eight round bout and highly-decorated lightweight prospect Omar Juarez clashes with Mexico’s Luis Gerardo Perez Salasin a four-round match to open the telecast at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.
PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA will follow the PBC on FOX primetime show headlined by former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia battling rugged veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout.
Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The non-stop block of boxing promises wall-to-wall action for fans who tune into FOX, FOX Deportes and FS1.
Rosario (18-1-1, 13 KOs) was busy last year, scoring victories in three of four fights in 2018, including wins over then-unbeaten Jamontay Clark and contender Justin DeLoach. He is coming off a stoppage victory over Marcos Hernandez in February on FS1, which avenged a split draw the two boxers fought to in 2018. The 23-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic who now lives in Miami, Florida, will have his hands full against the hard-hitting Cota (28-2, 25 KOs). The 31-year-old Cota from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico has scored three straight knockout victories since losing to Erickson Lubin in 2017. He’s coming off a TKO victory over Euri Gonzalez in November
Balderas (7-0, 6 KOs) scored three stoppage victories in his fights last year and continues to progress up the lightweight ladder. The 23-year-old Balderas of Santa Maria, California, was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic boxing team and most recently stopped Jose Cen Torres in February. Vicente (6-2, 2 KOs) is looking to build on the momentum from his unanimous decision victory over Luis Miguel Ortiz in his last fight in January.
The 19-year-old Juarez (2-0, 1 KOs), who is from Brownsville, Texas, will be climbing back into the ring quickly after scoring a knockout victory over Phillip Percy in February. Salas (5-2, 1 KOs) is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses when he steps in against Juarez.
In other non-televised action, Los Angeles bantamweight Daniel Guzman (2-1-1, 1 KO) takes on Monterrey, Mexico’s Hugo Rodriguez (0-3) in a four-round bout, unbeaten Alhambra, Cal., welterweight Emmanuel Medina (16-0, 9 KOs) battles Japan’s Gaku Takahashi (16-9-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round match and Colorado Springs’ Ricky Lopez (20-4, 6 KOs) faces Joe Perez (14-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Round out the card is Fontana, California’s Raymond Murattala (6-0, 4 KOs) meeting Mexico’s Eduardo Reyes (9-15, 6 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout and Edinburg, Texas’ Nelson Hampton (4-2, 4 KOs) fighting in a four-round lightweight special attraction.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 26, 2019) – Last night at the Okada Manila Hotel and Casino in Paranaque City, Philippines, Prince Ranch Boxing’s female flyweight Casey “Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (8-1-3, 1 KO), retained her WBO Asia Pacific title with a split decision victory over Japan’s Chie Higano (8-8-1, 2 KOs). Scorecards read 94-96 for Higano and 97-93, 96-94 for Morton.
“I felt good to come back down to flyweight,” said Casey Morton, “I feel this is the weight where I can make my run toward a world title. Higano was a very tough opponent and I have a lot of respect for her. It’s very difficult to get a win overseas but I was able to do it. Now my goal is to capture the WBO world title. I’m hoping to get my shot by the end of the year.”
“Casey is a natural flyweight and she is best when fighting at this weigh,” said manager Greg Hannley ofPrince Ranch Boxing. “For her to go to the Philippines and pull off another monumental win is just amazing. A world title shot in 2019 is something I can see happening. I know she is ready to become a world champion.”
Morton, who is trained by Nonito Donaire Sr., feels she has the perfect team in place to take her career to the next level.
“With Nonito Donaire Sr. as my coach, I feel he’s the right person to make me into a world champion as a trainer,” Morton Continued. “In addition, my manager Greg Hannley is providing everything I need for these big fights, as well as Victor Conte who has my back every step of the way. The team I have in place now is the best in boxing and I’m grateful for all their support. Together we will go to the top.”
Saturday, April 13 from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City Headlined by Shields vs. Hammer Battle for Undisputed Middleweight Championship Live on SHOWTIME®
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (March 26, 2019) – Undercard action on Saturday, April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City will feature an exciting lineup, including a women’s featherweight world title matchup and unbeaten prospects stepping in the ring, leading up to the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader headlined by the Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer showdown for the undisputed 160-pound world championship.
The undercard lineup is highlighted by unbeaten Russian Elena Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) vying for her first world title when she takes on former two-time title challenger Brenda Karen Carabajal (15-4-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship.
“Women’s boxing is experiencing monumental growth throughout the world and as part of this historic night, we wanted to showcase top talent in significant fights,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I am delighted to feature two top contenders fighting for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title as highly-regarded and unbeaten Russian fighter Elena Gradinar and longtime Argentinian contender Karen Carbajal will battle to become champion. Top to bottom, April 13 will be a memorable night for boxing fans around the world.”
In super flyweight action, 23-year-old Detroit-native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (11-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Northfield, Minnesota’s Vicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.
The action will also include former heavyweight title challenger Samuel Peter (37-6, 30 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Mario Heredia (15-6-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round matchup and Jesse Angel Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest against New Jersey’s Edgar Joe Cortes (6-4-1). Flint, Michigan-native Darrion Lawson will look for his second pro win in as many fights when he faces Saul Almeida in a super middleweight bout.
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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.
RENO, Nev. (March 26, 2019) – The 2019 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships kicked off last night with 96 elite boxers taking to the rings to begin their journey in hopes of punching their ticket to the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing this December.
The three rings saw 16 exciting bouts in each ring to give a preview of what is to come during the week-long tournament at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nev. This year’s edition of the Western Elite Qualifier is the second event of the USA Boxing Olympic Trials Qualifying Series, which will see two boxers in each elite Olympic weight class advance to the Trials.
Action continues today with two sessions of boxing, beginning at noon with the prep and junior divisions, while the youth and elite men and women’s divisions will take to the ring beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST.
Follow all the action this week, including our free live stream, by clicking here.
Once-Beaten Contender Anthony Peterson & Former Champion Argenis Mendez Fight to Split Draw in Super Lightweight Showdown
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Super Welterweight Contender Jamontay Clark Recovers from Knockdown To Earn Unanimous Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Vernon Brown
Aaron Coley, Lorenzo Simpson and Cobia Breedy Take Home Wins In PBC Prelims on FS1
Click HERE for Photos from Kent Green (Photos to be added shortly)
NATIONAL HARBOR (March 25, 2019) – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) stopped former two-division champion Lamont Peterson(35-5-1, 17 KOs)in round 10 Sunday night in an action-packed welterweight showdown that headlined Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
“I feel great about the statement I made to the welterweight division,” said Lipinets. “I just fought an excellent fighter. This let me know where I’m at in the 147-pound weight class. I went into deep waters and showed that I belong.”
The fight featured near non-stop action and a thrilling finish, already earning Fight of the Year buzz after its’ conclusion. Peterson only occasionally retreated in defense for a moment or two while Lipinets was determined to close off the distance, making sure he didn’t let Peterson use his reach advantage, while using his own varied attack on the inside to occasional success.
“You can see that I have no problem with the size,” said Lipinets. “Peterson is an excellent fighter with unbelievable skills and he’s showed me what I can really do.”
Peterson was dedicated to attacking the body, punctuating numerous combinations with vicious left hooks to the midsection. He was the busier fighter but was still taking shots from Lipinets’ combination of hooks, uppercuts and body shots. Eventually one of those shots appeared to change the tide of the fight, when a straight right from Lipinets connected and clearly hurt Peterson.
The counter put Peterson on his back foot and in survival mode for the final minute of the eighth round until hearing the bell. With the momentum sharply turning toward Lipinets through round nine and midway through round 10, Lipinets finally landed a sweeping left hook during an exchange that hurt Peterson and signaled that the end was near.
“It was back and forth and we were hitting each other with some good shots,” said Peterson. “It kind of just came out of nowhere at the end.”
Lipinets followed up and put Peterson on the canvas as the towel came in from Peterson’s corner, stopping the fight at 2:59 of round 10.
The exciting action fight featured both fighters throwing a career high number of punches, according to CompuBox. Both fighters landed a nearly identical number of power punches (189-188 for Peterson), with Lipinets landing 23 in each of the final two rounds.
“You’ve seen what I did at 140-pounds and now what I can do here,” said Lipinets. “I made a big jump in competition from my last fight to this one. My new trainer Joe Goossen gets all the credit. We’ve had an excellent camp with perfect sparring that taught me a lot and got me ready for tonight.”
“There were no easy days in our gym for training camp,” said Goossen. “I feel like we clicked together and he got the best out of me because he was so agreeable to my methods and the way I pushed him.
“I thought Sergey’s defense was very good tonight. His jab worked good and he put real pressure on. The left uppercut was a good shot for him and he used a variety of punches in this fight to get it done.”
After the fight. Peterson, along with lifelong trainer and fellow Washington, D.C.-native Barry Hunter, announced his retirement from boxing in front of his hometown fans after a career that saw him win titles at 140 and 147-pounds.
“It’s been a long career but today is the day,” said Peterson. “I’m thankful for the support. I love everyone here and I’m always going to support this area, but I’m sure it’s time for me to hang it up. I couldn’t go out in a better way here at home. This will be the last time you see me in the ring.”
The night also featured Anthony Peterson (37-1-1, 24 KOs), Lamont’s brother, as he fought to a split-draw against former champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-2, 12 KOs) in a back-and-forth super lightweight showdown.
Peterson established his movement early on as he looked to pick his spots to attack Mendez with combinations to the head and body. Peterson flashed good speed and was the busier fighter especially early, often putting Mendez on the defensive during flurries in the first half of the fight.
“I could have thrown more punches in the first half of the fight,” said Mendez. “I think that was the difference, but I don’t think you can win the fight on the run.I knew that I was on his home turf and it was in my mind to do a little bit extra. Peterson is a great fighter and he’s good for the sport so I knew that I had to push the fight.”
Mendez began the fight looking to counter, but picked up his offense working off of a jab that swelled up Peterson’s left eye in the late rounds of the fight. Mendez was able to land with left hooks and uppercuts to open up his offense as the fight went on.
“Last night was actually the first night I really studied Mendez’s fights and I knew he was good and slick,” said Peterson. “There were times I didn’t engage cause of his countering. I took my time and used my jab and moved.”
While Peterson held a robust 137 to 83 advantage in punches landed, it was only a six punch difference in power punches landed. After 10 rounds all three judges saw the fight differently, with one score of 96-94 for each fighter and the third judge scoring it 95-95 resulting in the split draw.
“I didn’t think it was a draw,” said Mendez. “I know every round was close, but I think I won the fight. I don’t want to say it was easy but I think I won comfortably. He was running the whole fight and I was trying to throw counterpunches and catch him.”
“I can’t be that disappointed because I didn’t lose, but I was just happy to fight in front of my fans,” said Peterson. “I’ve been out of the ring for a long time and I think did okay, but if the judges saw a draw they saw a draw. I’m not mad about it.”
Additional action featured super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark (14-1, 7 KOs) surviving an early knockdown to earn a narrow unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Vernon Brown (10-1-1, 7 KOs) after 10 rounds of action.
Brown scored the first big blow of the bout, landing a perfect counter right hook on the inside that sent Clark crashing into the ropes. Referee Kenny Chevalier ruled it a knockdown, determining that Clark had used the ropes to avoid hitting the canvas.
“He had the reach and I was trying to catch him. I was throwing my hook but I was a little off. I still think I won the fight. I caught him with the better shots. He was just slapping me with the hook and trying to catch up that way.
Clark was able to survive the onslaught and finish the round and appeared to recover until behing hurt again late in round four. From there, Clark began to increase his punch output, out working Brown on his way to a 162 to 97 advantage in total punches landed.
“I boxed a little bit better the last few rounds and used my height,” said Clark. “I made him miss and made him over reach. That was the game plan.”
Brown tried to do more work on the inside with big power punches that would hurt Clark and potentially end the fight. According to CompuBox, only 49 seconds on average per round were fought on the inside, allowing Clark to gain an advantage in the second half of the fight.
After 10 rounds the judges saw the fight close, but all three ruled in favor of Clark with totals of 96-93 twice and 95-94.
“I’ve been down before and I’ve seen the worst of the worst,” said Clark. “This was nothing. I just kept grinding. I got the win and now I’m going to sit down and see what’s next for me.”
“If they want to do it again, let’s do it again,” said Brown. “Let’s make it a 12 rounder. I don’t think he can survive 12 rounds with me. My coach knew that I needed the knockout but it’s still on to the next. I’m just going to go into the gym and work even harder.”
Prior to the main telecast, PBC Prelims on FS1 saw Aaron Coley (16-2-1, 7 KOs) win a split-decision over Brandon Quarles (21-5-1, 10 KOs) by scores of 77-75 for Quarles and 79-73 and 78-74 for Coley after eight-rounds of super welterweight action. Plus, undefeated prospect Lorenzo Simpson (3-0, 2 KOs)scored a unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 and 40-35 twice in his middleweight bout against Jaime Meza (0-1) and featherweight Cobia Breedy (13-0, 4 KOs) remained unbeaten with a technical decision over Fernando Fuentes (14-8-1, 4 KOs) by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice after the fight was stopped in round six because of a cut suffered by Flores from an accidental head butt.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
PHILADELPHIA, PENN. (MARCH 24, 2019)–On Saturday, lightweight contender Petr Petrov scored a 4th round stoppage over Hermin Isava in Petrov’s home country of Spain.
The fight was Petrov’s 1st fight in Spain in almost seven years.
With the win, Petrov raises his mark to 39-6-2 with 20 knockouts, and the former Boxcino champion and two-time world title challenger is ready for another run at a world championship.
“I know Petr was happy to fight at home, and he was thrilled to fight, and win very impressively in front of his family and friends. Now we will look to bring him back in a significant fight that he deserves,” sad Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.
PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE NEXT FRIDAY, MARCH 29TH IN MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS AT GREG VENDETTI VS. MANNY WOODS
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.MURPHYSBOXING.COM Tony DeMarco at his statue dedication in Boston’s North End.
Boston, Massachusetts (March 22, 2019):
Coming off the heels of the sold out 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash which has amassed over 225,000 online views, Murphys Boxing is proud to announce the creation of the Warrior’s Code Award to celebrate the achievements of New England’s most legendary boxers.
The award’s first recipients will be 2019 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee,Tony DeMarco and one of Massachusetts’ most decorated amateur boxers, Mike D’Ampolo.
Both fighters will be presented with their awards next Friday, March 29th at the Murphys Boxing event at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.
At 87 years old,Tony DeMarco holds the distinction of being boxing’s oldest living world champion and has been a beloved figure in the Boston sports world for over half a century.
Known as ‘Nardo’, the Boston fighter of Italian descent, turned pro unbelievably just a few years after the end of World War II. In a 14 year career, DeMarco went 52-12-1 while fighting during boxing’s golden age. His legendary battles with Hall of Famers like Carmen Basilio and Kid Gavilin made DeMarco a star and he won the welterweight world title in 1955 against Johnny Saxton at the original Boston Garden in a fight that was voted one of Boston’s Top 10 Sports Moments.
DeMarco, who still can be found ringside at Murphys Boxing events and whose statue resides in Boston’s North End where he still lives, will receive the long overdue honor of joining the International Boxing Hall of Fame as a 2019 inductee this June.
“Murphys Boxing has always been very welcoming to me and my family.”, explains DeMarco.
“They have a true respect for boxing’s history. It’s an honor to be given their first ever award just months before entering the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I am looking forward to the evening.”
Joining DeMarco will be Melrose’s own, Mike D’Ampolo, who is considered one of the most successful amateurs ever to come out of the state of Massachusetts.
D’Ampolo was a New England Golden Gloves Champion, a 3x New England AAU Champ, a 2x Eastern Regional Champion and participated in the 1984 Olympic Trialsbarely missing a spot on the legendary 1984 USA Olympic Team with his weight class ultimately being represented by none other than Evander Holyfield.
On advice from his father, D’Ampolo made the decision to not enter the professional ranks and went onto become a successful businessman with his company, M&L Transit Systems based out of his hometown of Melrose, Massachusetts.
“I’m humbled. Back when we were fighting, there wasn’t much recognition or credit given to amateurs.”, says D’Ampolo.
“I used to be in the paper back then but it’s been a long time and I’m just very grateful to Murphys Boxing for remembering and honoring me here in my hometown.”
Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey explains the promotion’s decision to name Demarco and D’Ampolo as the first two recipients of the award named after one of the Dropkick Murphy’s signature songs, “The Warrior’s Code” which is a tribute to another New England boxing hero, Micky Ward.
“The idea stemmed from Tony DeMarco finally being inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. We wanted to celebrate Tony at one of our local shows before his big day and in talking we realized their were so many other retired New England based fighters both professional and amateur that, like Tony, deserved more recognition.”
“The Warrior’s Code Award is a way for us to honor those locally who have come before us and given so much to the sport we love. Boston and beyond has such a rich boxing history, it’s important for Murphys Boxing to respect and honor that as well as educate a new generation about these warriors that have paved the way.”
The presentation of Murphys Boxing’s 1st Annual Warrior’s Code Award will take place during the Murphys Boxing “Mayhem in Melrose” event next Friday, March 29th which features the return of Stoneham’s Greg Vendetti (20-3-1, 12 KOs) vs. Manny Woods (16-8-1, 6 KOs) in the 10 round main event as well as a packed undercard of Massachusetts based fighters including:
Quincy’s Ryan Kielczweski (29-4, 11 KOs) vs. Nick Otieno (31-15, 13 KOs).
Holbrook’s Mike Ohan Jr. (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Shaka Moore (12-23-3, 2 KOs).
South Boston’s Joe Farina (5-1, 3 KOs) vs. Carlos Galindo (1-8).
Mansfield’s James Perella (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Andre Belcarris (0-5).
Medford’s Joe Gagliardi Jr. (1-0) vs. TBA.
In addition two international fighters will take on Massachusetts natives…
Venezeula’s Luis Arcon (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Springfield’s Zack Ramsey (8-6, 4 KOs).
Ireland’s Craig O’Brien (9-1, 1 KO) vs. Brockton’s Antonio Fernandez (9-35-4).
Vendetti vs. Woods and The Warrior’s Code Award Presentation takes place next Saturday, March 29h at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts (590 Main Street). Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now at: www.murphysboxing.com
2019 MURPHYS BOXING RESULTS
1/26 – William Foster III (9-0) UD over Angel Suarez *Foster defended his NABF Jr. Super Featherweight Title
2/9 – Carlos Gongora (15-0) KO 5 over Jesus Aviles *Gongora won the WBC South American Middleweight Title
3/16 – Mark DeLuca (23-1) UD over Jimmy Williams *DeLuca defended his NABA Super Welterweight Title Charles Foster (18-0) KO 9 over Mike Jiminez *Foster defended his NABA Light Heavyweight Title Gary O’Sullivan (30-3) KO 6 over Khiary Gray Niall Kennedy (13-0-1) KO 1 over Mike Marrone
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, Abraham Nova, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!
