Tag Archives: boxing

TRIBUTE TO DR. KEN “DOC” COX

By: Tony Penecale

Lock Haven Boxing

Class of 1998

Dr. Ken “Doc” Cox was a legend of a man.  He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a confidant, and a friend.  He passed away on February 5, 2022 at the age of 88 years old, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

I’ve pondered over the last 24 hours how we are going to navigate through a world without Dr. Cox, aka “Doc”, a man who coached us, taught us, pushed us, and mentored us.  He was a man that could light up a room and command attention.  He could leave you hanging on every word as he shared life experiences or he could have you rolling on the floor, laughing until it physically hurt.

While his passing last night was not unexpected, it still hurt with the force of a thousand sledgehammers.  I know I will likely break down and sob or flat out cry several times while I am writing this piece.  There is definitely crying in boxing and tonight the Lock Haven Boxing and our extended collegiate boxing families are all in mourning.

Dr. Cox came into my life in 1994 when I was a freshman at Lock Haven University.  I decided to go to Lock Haven, in truth it was my only choice, because I had become so enamored with the dream of boxing.  When I found out that Lock Haven had a nationally-ranked team with a well-known coach, I set my heart on attending.

When I arrived on campus that fall semester, my first point of business was to seek out and meet Dr. Cox, armed with a list of excited questions.  He agreed to meet with me a few weeks before he held the open meeting for prospective team members.  I walked into the building where his academic office was located and it was then I saw a rotund man with white hair and a big smile on his round face walking towards me.  I’m not sure who he was but it certainly couldn’t be this legendary coach.  It was then he walked up to me and, in a voice that is so often imitated, he introduced himself.  I did not realize then that I had just met a man who would so positively influence my life.

To know “Doc” was a true blessing in life.  He could make you laugh or make you angry.  He would call you out and put you on the spot.  Being a professor, he valued education and he enforced that his student athletes, boxers at the time, and wrestlers before that, focused on their education.  He would, without hesitation, withhold a competitor from a show or tournament if they were not keeping up with their academics.

He knew when to push you and exactly what buttons to push.  He would bring the Lock Haven boxers to Rockview St. Penitentiary to train and spar with the inmates.  The first time he brought me along, I was getting bullied and beaten up by an older and more experienced inmate.  I was afraid and I kept looking over at him, in a way hoping that he would stop the sparring session.  But he looked back and his eyes calmed me and I knew to throw a counter punch out of the corner.  Dr. Cox believed in me at that moment when I didn’t believe in myself.  A few years later, after me appointed me President of the Lock Haven Boxing Club, he asked me to submit the paperwork on which of his boxers he was selecting to compete in an upcoming show in New York.  He also knew that I would see those papers so he wrote on there that I was “not nearly as talented” as another boxer on the roster.  While we never spoke of it, he knew that he would ignite a fire in me to overcome my lack of natural ability through dedication and determination.  It was just one of his many methods of motivation.  As he would often say, he was “using a negative stimulus to produce a positive result.”

In essence, Dr. Cox was a giver.  He shared his knowledge, his experience, and most importantly, his time to mold young men and women into competitive student athletes and decent human beings.  He shared his family with us, including his wife Glenda, who was the driver (“the pilot”) of so many of our road trips.  Those road trips, whether they were 45 minutes to Penn St. or several hours to Annapolis, were always entertaining life lessons.  We were never allowed to sleep on those trips as “Doc” found this was the perfect time for education.  He would discuss whatever topic hit his mind and they often came from left field.  Those trips were never boring.

Dr. Cox always implored us to give back to the sport that gave us so much.  He encouraged his student boxers to go into coaching and officiating, often allowing us to assist him in working the corner of one of our teammates, or setting up seminars so we could get our certification.  He would, without question, gladly write a recommendation for a job or internship.  He asked me to sit in his office while he wrote a letter of recommendation for me.  He educated me on how to effectively communicate through the written word and focused on using “power” and “impact” words that would command attention and respect.  He was always willing to be listed as a job reference because he wanted to see those who had trained and mentored become successful in life.

Since yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about my favorite “Doc” stories, the ones that I tell the most often.  Of course, you can’t tell a Doc story without imitating his voice and mannerisms.  Every year, when the LHU boxing alumni would gather for the annual boxing homeshow and after party, we would all tell our favorite stories while doing the Doc imitation.  Sadly, the next time we gather will be for his funeral.  This is a way for me to cope with his death and smile through the tears.  These are in no particular order.  For the most part, I will avoid using any names in the event someone doesn’t want to be called out.

  • First Roadtrip and “Barnyard Beef” – My first roadtrip with Doc and the LHU team was October 1994 to the US Naval Academy.  It was the annual season kickoff meeting and a round of sparring sessions with boxers from Navy, VMI, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, and Mansfield.  It was a relatively uneventful day except for one of the Haven’s novice boxers had taken a few solid punches and was now complaining how bad his jaw hurt.  On our way home, we were expecting to make a quick dinner stop, likely a McDonalds, until Doc spotted a little shack-looking place on the side of the road called “Barnyard Beef.”  Once he saw it, he implored Glenda to cut off the driver in the right lane so we could pull over as he boomed “Hun Hun… That’s where we need to stop.  It’s called Barnyard Beef.  It has to be good!”  He gave us all a few dollars to order and we all went with roast beef sandwiches with Doc getting an extra-large selection which looked to be about as big as the moon.  Our sulking boxer implored that his jaw was too sore to chew so he opted for a cup of soup.  Doc took the first bite of his gigantic roast beef sandwich and rolled his eyes in delight “Oh My God!  This is the BEST roast beef sandwich ever” and looking over at his lone soup-eating boxer, he followed with “You gotta get one of these!  Forget about your jaw! Stop being such a pansy and get one!”
  • Mad in the Corner – As mentioned, Doc wanted to give his student boxers opportunities to learn to coach.  There was a December card at Penn State my sophomore year where I and another teammate had our bouts canceled when our opponents from Buffalo were snowed in.  Doc saw an opportunity to have us help in the corners with each of us taking two bouts and he would allow you to get in the ring and give the instructions.  The first bout I worked with him was a clear Lock Haven victory.  The second bout I worked with him did not go so well.  The Lock Haven boxer was not doing well and certainly not up to his potential.  Through the first round, I could tell Doc was getting angry.  As the bell rang, he snarled “Let me have the ring” which was never a good thing.  As I sat there, I made a vow that situation would never happen to me.  Fast forward two months later, I am competing in that same PSU ring against a very sloppy and awkward opponent  and the first round was going poorly, very poorly.  The bell rung to end the first round and, as I started walking back to my corner, I saw Doc getting in the ring with a wild and angered look in his eyes.  I almost considered walking to my opponent’s corner and asking if I could stay there for the next minute because I knew my corner was not going to be a fun place to be.  In a crazy way, Doc’s unleashing on me actually forced me to refocus and allowed me to come back to win that one.
  • President’s Dinner – At the end of every year, the president of the university would have a dinner for the boxing team.  As Doc had retired as a professor in 1996, they decided that year that the dinner would not just be for the current team but also for some selected alumni.  After the boxing nationals had ended in April, Doc was flying to Fiji for a few weeks to participate in a boxing seminar.  He was scheduled to return only a day before the dinner banquet.  We were waiting for him at the gym so we could travel to the dinner as a team.  When Doc walked through the doors, our collective jaws hit the floor.  He was wearing a suit jacket and tie and a traditional Fijian sulu.  In our eyes, he was wearing something that resembled a skirt.  He just smiled back and said “These are so comfortable.  I think I am going to start wearing them more often.”  To say his attire was the talk of the dinner was an understatement for sure.
  • Pork & Beans – One of Doc’s defining characteristics in life was his generosity and willingness to help others.  He had a close relationship with the local Salvation Army and every year, he would set up a day for the boxing team to ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle.  When Doc found out that one of his boxers was struggling financially and unable to afford food, he worked out a deal with the Salvation Army where they would donate some food for him.  We were loading a box of groceries donated when this boxer who came from a Muslim family looked at the one item and declined it as it included pork.  Doc picked up the can and said “Are you sure?  How can you tell?” to which he was informed that it was a can of Pork & Beans.  He pondered for a moment simply said “Hmmm… You know I never knew that had pork in it?”
  • Don’t Eat the Pizza – We were traveling to New York for the annual show at the New York Athletic Center a few days before Thanksgiving.  This was a rare show with the weigh-in the day before the show and the whole ride to Manhattan, Doc was talking about how we were going out to eat after the weigh-in.  Since it was my first year competing on the NYAC show, he allowed me to choose the ethnic food we would be indulging in later.  Of course, I picked Italian.  Doc had one more very important piece of advice.  After the weigh-in, there would be pizzas there.  Even though we were all hungry from making weight for the show, he advised that we do not eat the pizza because we were going out to dinner.  The three Lock Haven boxers made weight and, after changing, we walked over to find Doc eating his third slice of pizza.  A short while later, we are seated at the famed Luna’s restaurant in Little Italy and Doc is complaining that he shouldn’t have eaten that pizza and he was too full to order a meal.  The legendary Dr. Cox, the man who stories recount ate so much Chinese Food the year before, was reduced to ordering a side salad.  As we were eating and laughing, Coach Ken Cooper made an astute observation.  Doc had finished his salad and was now eating from his wife’s plate, all the while mentioning how he wasn’t hungry.  Not missing a beat, Doc proceeded to take the extra meatballs from the one boxer’s meal.
  • Cigars and Vodka –This is one that I didn’t get to witness personally but he told it so often that I felt like I was there.  As a highly-respected wrestling coach, Doc was often invited to wrestling seminars in Russia where that sport is God-like.  Doc was often the recipient of many bottles of the finest Russian vodka.  He would attend boxing seminars in Cuba.  Before flipping truck tires became a trendy thing in most fitness centers, Doc borrowed the Cuban method and would have his fighters bounce on truck tires to increase leg strength and conditioning.  He also came home from many of these trips with some authentic Cuban cigars.  He would tell us how he would then go to the store and buy the cheapest cigars and vodka, only to switch the labels.  He would then imitate those smoking the cheap cigars and drinking the cheap vodka thinking they were consuming the real goods.  He would pantomime their sipping of the vodka and slow puffing of the cigars while commenting “how you can really taste the difference”, his whole time cackling at the knowledge that he knew they were really gushing over the lowest quality of both items.
  • Weight – It’s no secret, Doc wanted his boxers to compete in different weight classes.  He also always envisioned a dominant heavyweight on his team and he would workout football players or wrestlers who had exhausted their eligibility in those respective sports. At the beginning of each school year, I would show up around 190-195 and Doc would envision me being his solution at heavyweight, despite the fact that I didn’t have the height, and once I started conditioning, the weight to sustain it.  I still remember those conversations.  “Ok Penecale, you weighed in at 185 for last week’s bout.  What did you weigh today?”  I would respond with “182” and he would shoot back “Ok, this week, I am going to put you in with a ‘small’ heavyweight.”  When he meant “small”, it was usually anyone under 235 and I would show up to weigh-ins with rocks in my pockets.  Then one day, only a few days before regionals, he decided to try another avenue.  I had been between 178-180 and fully expecting to compete at 180 in the regionals when he asked “Do you think you can make 165 by Friday?”  It was already Tuesday afternoon.  He felt that was my best path to the National tournament so I agreed.  In spring 1997, between January 30 and April 12, Doc had me compete in five separate weight classes.
  • My last homeshow – Fitting that this anniversary is tomorrow (February 7) and I will be posting the Youtube video like I do every year.  The homeshow was always a big event and Doc would want everything to be perfect.  As Coach Coop would say to us, Doc would be very impatient or as so eloquently described “he would be a bear with a sore ass.”  The last thing you wanted to do was annoy Doc before, during, or after the homeshow.  My senior year, I was taking on a boxer from Army by the name of Michael Jordan.  My friends and roommates showed up with custom signs and shirts and they were seated in the bleachers close to my corner.  Earlier in the card, when I was getting changed, a boxer from Kentucky had knocked out an opponent from Penn State and drew the crowd’s ire by jumping on the ropes and showboating.  I was unaware of this, so as the emotion hit me at the final bell, I banged my gloves and started a run to my corner to jump on the ropes and salute my cheering section.  Doc read my mind and sternly said “NO!” which forced my momentum into an awkward gallop, looking like a bucking bronco that was just hit with a cattle prod.

The last two days have been emotional and difficult, from finding out that Doc was soon-to-be transitioning to the crushing news of his passing. Being an admin on the LHU Boxing Facebook page, one of the abilities is to approve posts.  I saw so many posts submitted for approval from friends, family, fellow alumni including so many photos.  It was nearly impossible not to break down.  

Dr. Cox was a coach, an educator, a mentor, and a friend.  As I first said in the post after his passing, he taught me so many lessons in and out of the ring.  He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.  He pushed me to be better, a better boxer, a better student, a better son, a better friend, and a better human.  Those life lessons still impact me every day and I find myself sharing them often.

Coach Cooper added in his tribute “He who is in the hearts of so many is never truly gone”.  That is a true statement.  Dr. Cox will live on through the positive impact that he has made through so many of his students, athletes, family, and friends.

You will certainly be missed, Dr. Cox.  Thank you and We Love You!!!

World Cup Boxing Series signs 2-time World title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte

Aston Palicite.jpg
LOS ANGELES (February 7, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, has announced it has signed 2-time World title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (28-4-1, 24 KOs) to a multi-year promotional contract.

The 31-year-old Palicte, who fights out of Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines is the two-time World junior bantamweight title challenger against a pair of future Hall of Famers, fighting to a draw with fellow Filipino Donnie Nietes (43-1-6, 24 KOs), losing to current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Bantamweight Champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15 KOs).

A veteran matchmaker, Taylor has known and had a working relationship with Palicte and his manager, Jason Soong, for the past six years.
“We had a great run,” Taylor said. “Getting the old team together feels like and old music group coming back for one more hit album. I think we’ve all learned a lot during this experience and realize we are a better unit when this team is together.”

“I am very happy that they still believe in me,” Palcite commented. “I’m excited to make another run for a world title.”

“I am really excited to go on our next title journey at bantamweight with World Cup Boxing Series,” Soong added. “We have been working with Guy Taylor since day-one and it just feels right that we continue our next chapter with him.”

In his 2016 United States debut, Palicte faced off in Las Vegas with former World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 5-rated contender and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super-Flyweight Champion Oscar Cantu (14-0) in Las Vegas Nevada. Palicte defeated the then-undefeated Texan by 10-round split decision to capture the NABF and WBO Inter-Continental Championships.

Nearly one year to the day, Palicte took on former world champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (32-6) in Texas, scoring an emphatic 5-round technical knockout victory.

The two aforementioned triumphs set-up the biggest fight in Palicte’s career September 8, 2018, when the stage was set in Los Angeles for an All-Filipino matchup with legend Nietes on HBO for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship.

In a very close and entertaining bout, in which both men had their moments, the judges couldn’t come to an agreement and rendered even scorecards to keep the title vacant. Nietes would claim the vacant title three-months later, defeating Ioka by way of a 12-round split decision.

The WBO ordered a “Title Eliminator” that Palicte won with a second-round stoppage of WBO No. 4 contender Jose Martinez (20-0), setting up a rematch between Nietes and Palicte. However, Nietes vacated the world title just hours before the scheduled WBO purse bid, positioning Palicte versus Ioka in Japan for the vacant WBO Jr. Bantamweight Championship. In another all-action war,  Palicte seriously hurt Ioka in the seventh round, only to get caught himself in the 10th as Ioka caught and wobbled Palicte, prompting the referee to halt the action.

There are some great potential matchups in the bantamweight division for the powerful Filipino, including a showdown with Jason Moloney 22-2 (18 KOs), who is the current WBC “Silver” Bantamweight Champion and WBC #2 contender, but more notably would be against the Bantamweight King Pin and unified World champion (WBA and IBF), Naoya Inoue 22-0 (19 KOs). Palicte is presently ranked No. 9 by the International Boxing Federation, as well as No. 14 by the WBO.

“I feel Aston can compete with anyone at 118 pounds,” Taylor concluded. “He was the strongest contender at 115 and that was after depleting himself. Can you imagine what he will be like at his natural weight of 118? My partner (Terry Hollan) and I are already working on a bout in the late March / early April timeframe and, after that, we would like an eliminator bout for the mandatory position against anyone in the top 15.”
Palicte joins rising Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) in the relatively new WCBS stable.


INFORMATION:
Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries
Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN MAKES STATEMENT WITH DECISION WIN OVER MARIO “EL AZTECA” BARRIOS

Leo Santa Cruz Dominates Keenan Carbajal in Pay-Per-View Co-feature, Jesus Ramos Delivers KO Win, Plus Luis Nery Outpoints Carlos Castro In Pay-Per-View Undercard Action & Luke Santamaria & Omar Juarez Victorious in PBC on FOX Action
 
Click HERE for Photos (To be uploaded shortly)
Credit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2022) – Former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman is back.
 
Thurman proved he is still an elite welterweight, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.


“This was a comeback fight after two and a half years away,” said Clearwater, Florida’s Thurman. “I wish I had my best performance, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. “I grade this performance a C+ or B- for myself.”
 
In his first fight in over 30 months, the 33-year-old Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) displayed the attributes that led him to the top of the 147-pound division. Thurman got off to a strong start and never relinquished control, at times punishing Barrios with hard shots.
 
Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) had his moments in his welterweight debut, particularly in the eighth when a left hook to the body caused Thurman to back up. The 26-year-old slugger from San Antonio, Texas also showed grit, gamely fighting back despite Thurman’s heavy artillery.
 
“Tonight I showed the Mexican warrior in me. I take my hat off to Keith Thurman, he’s a warrior as well. We gave the fans a great fight,” said Barrios.


Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to overcome what was a fine performance from the relentless Thurman. 
 
“We rocked him. We weren’t able to put him down and out, but we had a great performance and a great fight,” said Thurman.
 
“I want the belts. I want the champions. I want to be back on top, so whoever is willing to send Keith Thurman the contract, let’s go!”
 
In the super featherweight co-main event, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz delivered another vintage performance, overcoming adversity to win a wide 10-round unanimous decision over Keenan “Bedo” Carbajal.
 
“I went good rounds. If I had gone in there and finished him fast, I wouldn’t have gotten the experience I needed,” said the 33-year-old Santa Cruz. “I felt the long layoff a little bit, but I did my best and hopefully the fans loved it and want to see me again.”


Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs) suffered a cut underneath his left eye and one along his right eyelid both from accidental headbutts.
 
Undaunted, “El Terremoto” dominated the action, hurting Carbajal (23-3-1, 15 KOs) several times on his way to winning every round on all three scorecards (100-90).
 
“We’re going to go back to the gym, get better and work on what we did wrong,” Santa Cruz said. “We want to unify and defend our title. We want all the champions at 126 pounds.”
 
Pay-per-view action also saw rising super welterweight sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos (18-0, 15 KOs) deliver a spectacular performance in the biggest fight of his career. The 20-year-old Ramos remained undefeated by knocking out dangerous veteran Vladimir Hernandez (13-5, 6 KOs) at 2:21 of the sixth round.
 
“I was boxing him smartly and I wasn’t really looking for the knockout,” said Ramos. “He’s a tough, durable guy. I broke him down round by round, landing a clean shot that hurt him, so I got the job done.
 
The end came swiftly in the sixth when a Ramos overhand left caused Hernandez to lose control of his legs. Ramos proceeded to batter him to the head and body until referee Mike Ortega mercifully stepped in.
 
“We want to build our resume, like Floyd Mayweather did,” said Ramos. “He had Gatti, Corrales, Castillo and all the guys. That’s something you can’t take away from him and that’s what I want to do. I want to earn my reputation. I’m not here to have Instagram followers. I’m here to make a statement in boxing.”
 
In the pay-per-view opener, former two-division world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery dropped Carlos Castro in the first round on his way to a 10-round split decision win in a tactical battle between super bantamweights.
 
“My experience was definitely a factor,” said Nery. “I have three world title fights under my belt and have faced tougher opponents than he has. It showed tonight.”
 
The action heated up in the first when southpaw Nery connected with a straight left that deposited Castro on the seat of his trunks. The Phoenix, Arizona native managed to rise and survive the frame.
 
The bout turned into a chess match in the middle rounds as both Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) and Mexico’s Nery (32-1, 24 KOs) had their moments. In the end, Nery’s defense and accuracy proved to be the difference as he won 96-93 and 95-94 on two cards, while a third judge scored it for Castro, 95-94.
 
“I wanted to show everyone that I’m not just about haymakers,” said Nery. “If I wanna brawl and be tactical, I can do that too.
 
“I knew I could knock him out, but I wanted to win proving I could box too. I would counter-punch and attack the way I wanted to.”
 
Preceding the pay-per-view, the PBC on FOX main event saw Luke Santamaria (13-2-1, 7 KOs) overcome a stiff challenge from Abel Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs) to win a 10-round unanimous decision in their welterweight encounter. Following a slow start, Santamaria found his footing, often switching from orthodox to southpaw and having success from both stances. Ramos was game throughout, but all three judges saw Santamaria winning clearly by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 96-94.
 
In the co-main event on FOX, super lightweight contender Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez (13-1, 5 KOs) won a hard-fought 10-round split decision over Ryan “Cowboy” Karl. Juarez controlled the early action, surviving a mid-fight surge from Karl (19-4, 12 KOs) to walk away with the victory. One judge scored the action 95-94 for Karl while the other two judges had Juarez winning by scores of 96-93 and 95-94.
 
#         #         #
 
ABOUT THURMAN VS. BARRIOS
Thurman vs. Barrios saw former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman return to the ring against former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlined a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz battled Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos dueled Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown. The pay-per-view telecast began at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battling unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.
 
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.

“St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” changes New headliner is undefeated prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan Feb. 12th in Dedham, MA

Hogan poster.jpg
BOSTON (February 3, 2022) – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs) has been elevated to the headliner on “St. Valentine’s Day’s Massacre” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, February 12th at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The cancellation of the original main event between Adrian Sosa and Zack Kuhn resulted in a few changes. Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs) is now fighting another undefeated prospect, James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), in an 8-round Special Welterweight Attraction.

The 21-year-old southpaw Hogan, fighting out of Weymouth (MA), has knocked out each of his 9 professional opponents to date. The popular fighter was a celebrated amateur boxer, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championships.

“It’s Tank Time” once again, but this fight Hogan will be making his debut as a headliner, in addition to fighting in his first scheduled 8-rounder.

The 6-round fight between Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs) and Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12) has moved up to the co-featured event.
Perella’s (8-0, 5 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), was supposed to fight Mexican challenger Danny “Venado” Flores (15-26-1, 8 KOs), but he was injured during training, and he has been replaced by  Kuhn. “The Slim Reaper” is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Irish light heavyweight  Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole” (2-0, 2 KOs), of Galway, is matched against Greg Hackett (3-20-1) in a 4-rounder. O’Toole was the 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist, who a powerful southpaw returning to the Boston area for his third pro fight.

Five 6-round bouts are on tap: South Boston super welterweight Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Houston super lightweight Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jaica Pavilus (1-4-1, 1 KO), undefeated Philly welterweight Tahmir Smalls (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Leonides Fowlkes (2-7-1), popular Dorchester featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, vs. Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), and super lightweight Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs).

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Southbridge (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Grimmett (0-5), as well as the Davidson’s older brother from Kansas City (KS), pro-debuting lightweight Marcell, a 2-time Ringside World and 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, vs. TBA.
Fighters subject to change.

Tickets are on sale for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room). Tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-valentines-day-massacre-21222-tickets-243038654157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Ruben Torres vs. Cristian Mino all set for February 18th Thompson Card

ORANGE, CA (February 2, 2022) – Thompson Boxing’s undefeated rising star, lightweight Ruben “Ace” Torres (17-0, 14 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming main event bout as he will face the dangerous Argentine power puncher, Cristian Mino (20-4-2, 17 KOs). Torres vs. Mino, an 8-round main event bout, will headline Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event, on Friday, February 18th, 2022.


This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.


“I’m happy to be back in the main event for the next Thompson Boxing show,” said Torres from his training camp. “I must be tested if I want to become a champion and I know my promoter will challenge every step of the way. Mino is a dangerous fight because he has a lot of power, but I have complete confidence in myself to be victorious. These are the type of fights I’ve been seeking.”


In the 8-round co-feature, Isaac “Dinamita” Zarate (16-5-4, 2 KOs), of San Pedro, Calif., will square off in a rematch against Horacio Garcia (34-4-1, 25 KOs) in the featherweight division.


“I’ve been waiting patiently to return to the ring and what better than a rematch against Horacio Garcia,” said Zarate. “I beat him the first time out and I’m sure he will be seeking revenge, so I’m expecting this to be a grueling fight. I’m ready to bring the best out of me for my hometown fans and get back in the win column.”


This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV, our proud Media Partner. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.


UNDERCARD BOUTS:
Welterweight Loui Lopez (9-1-1, 4 KOs) of Corona, Calif. will face Cristian Dominguez (11-3, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada. (6-rounds)


Featherweight Japhethlee Llamido (10-0, 7 KOs) of Norwalk, Calif., battles Eric Barrios Santos (3-1, 3 KOs), of San Marcos Calif. (6-rounds)


Heavyweight Oscar Torrez (7-0, 4 KOs), of Rialto, Calif., will face Daniel Najera (9-6-1, 4 KOs) of Monterey, Mexico. (6-rounds)


Opening the card will be super bantamweight clash between Ivan Zarate of San Pedro, Calif (3-0, 1 KO), and Sean Brewer (1-0), of Las Vegas, NV. (4-rounds)


This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.


For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.


Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson
Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight Kareem Hackett joins same 3 Point Management stable as 43-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez

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(L-R) — Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez & Kareem Hackett


LAS VEGAS (February 2, 2022) – Undefeated Toronto light heavyweight prospect Kareem Hackett (8-0, 7 KOs) has signed a managerial contract with 3 Point Management (3PM), which also manages 43-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, and today the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.

“Kareem is a great talent that just needs an opportunity,” Ramirez said. “He’s been a good sparring partner for me in the past and I’m glad he can be in the same stable as I am, 3 Point Management.”

In Canada, Hackett participated in combat sports like kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and boxing. He had a 40-6 amateur boxing record, including a pair of Ringside International boxing titles, as well as being crowned a Canadian National kickboxing champion.

Now a resident of Los Angeles, where Kareem trains at Brickhouse Boxing Club, in which “Zurdo” is part of its ownership. Hackett is coached by Ramirez’ head trainer, Julian Chua.

“I met ‘Zurdo’ through Julian,” Hackett explained. “We have the same trainer, Julian. Sparring with ‘Zurdo’ is great. Afterwards, we always talk about boxing. He has a lot of experience and he’s taught me so many different things. It also adds to my competitiveness. I try to bring different things I’ve learned from him into our sparring, and that’s been great for me.

“I work with Julian; he is here in Los Angeles. Because of the pandemic, it’s been complicated for me, so I haven’t been going home a (Toronto) is much as I used to or want to. We’re super spoiled at Brickhouse. I grew up in a classic gym, and I was used to its griminess. I can’t believe how nice Brickhouse is.”     

“Kareem is a very skillful fighter that has been under the radar too long,” Chua remarked. “He’s one of the best strategists in the ring I’ve ever seen. We started his professional career together and we’ve built a brother bond. He knows he can trust my eyes in the corner like I can trust his skills in the ring.”

Hackett, 31, is a southpaw from Toronto, who has learned from sparring sessions with world boxing champions such as “Zurdo,” Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sergio Mora, Mathew Macklin, David Benavidez, and Dmitry Bivol. Hackett’s 3PM stablemate, “Zurdo” Ramirez, is the mandatory challenger for Bivol, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Champion.

“What I’ve learned most from sparring all these world champions is, unlike a lot of guys who believe they need to knockout their opponent in one round,” Hackett noted, “it’s not a one-round fight and could go as long as 12 rounds. I’ve learned long-term strategy. Boxing is more like a marathon-like mindset than a sprint.”

In his most recent action, Hackett stopped 2-0 Giovanni Lizarraga Garate midway through the opening round last April in Mexico.
Self-described as using a strategic violence style, Hackett is a smart, elusive, accurate, and opportunistic. Sounds as if he’s describing “Zurdo.” “We do have the same coach,” Hackett added.

Hackett’s goals in 2022 includes knocking out each opponent he faces, as well as capturing U.S. or Canadian regional titles. His first fight of 2022 is tentatively set for February 17 in Texas against an opponent to be determined.

“Kareem is a smart, intelligent fighter with a gifted physic to be a force in this game,” Ramirez concluded.

INFORMATION:
Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.comwww.KareemHackett.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @kareemwins
Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, @SupremeUncanny

Coyle to face Lopes February 19 in Melrose, MA

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Melrose, MA (February 1, 2022) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle risks his perfect record against Brazilian knockout artist Rodrigo Lopes Saturday, February 19 at Memorial Hall in Melrose, MA.



Coyle, who is from Northern Ireland but trains in St. Petersburg, FL, is 14-0 with 6 of his victories coming by knockout. 
The 31-year-old was slated to face rugged contender Guido Nicolas Pitto of Argentina but he was forced to withdraw.



Since suffering his only career defeat, Lopes, 8-1 (7 KO’s) has been in the gym working on his craft. Team Lopes claims their boxer will be a totally different fighter than the one previously seen since he’ll be competing as a full-fledged middleweight rather than a weight drained welterweight.


The eight round Coyle-Lopes matchup is for the ABF Continental Americas Middleweight title.


The bout serves as the co-main event of Reyes Boxing’s “Down & Dirty”. Presented by Reyes Boxing, tickets for 
“Down & Dirty” are on sale now by going to Tinyurl.com/4TMZAWXE. The card will also be broadcast on Throwdownsports.com. More information is available by calling 978-745-4007 or going to ReyesBoxingClub.com.
 
Doors open at 6:30 and Melrose Memorial Hall is located at 590 Main St.
 
Headlining this exciting evening of boxing is an international super middleweight battle featuring 2012 Olympic medalist Yamaguchi Falcao of Brazil and Fernando Ezequiel Farias of Argentina. Falcao and Farias are a combined 29-2-3 and will battle it out over 10 rounds for the WBC Latino 168 pound title.


Junior welterweight Joseph Fernandez of St Petersburg, FL by way of Springfield, MA fights for the first time in The Bay State when he meets Gonzalo Dallera in an eight rounder. Fernandez is 14-3-3 with 5 KO’s and is coming off an impressive 3rd round KO of Jose Forero. Dallera hails from Argentina and is a veteran of 24 fights.


Coyle, Falcao and Fernandez are promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.


“Down and Dirty” features a total of 12 fights including lightweight Alejandro Paulino, heavyweight Donnie Palmer, welterweight Eric Goff, cruiserweight Bernard Joseph and junior welterweight Marqus Bates in separate bouts.


All fights are subject to change.


“We’ve got a nice mix of local boxers and world class global talent on this card,” said Michael Reyes of Reyes Boxing. “The Boston region has a large Irish and Brazilian population, so there should be strong support for Connor Coyle and Yamaguchi Falcao as well.”


For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez fights back against Dmitry Bivol’s claim of turning down a title fight

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LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2022) – Back in December, right after Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) stopped Yunieski Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs)  who suddenly and surprisingly went dark, until he recently make an unsubstantiated claim that “Zurdo” had turned down an offer to fight him.


Bivol was quoted in a recent boxing news report, which was also picked up by other media outlets, saying, “I know for a fact that my team did offer Team Ramirez to fight me December 11th in Russia, and the purse offered was about the same as what I was offered to fight him on a (Golden Boy Promotions) show. He rejected the offer.”  


“I don’t know why he’s saying they offered a fight to me,” Ramirez countered, “but he must be really confused. To be clear there was never a contract that was sent to my team or Golden Boy for a fight; unlike how a contract was delivered to him and his team from Golden Boy for the December bout. I’m confused why he continues to be a pawn and create false narratives and tries everything to hide from this fight. It’s just a matter of time before that belt comes to where it belongs.”


Ramirez, the first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion, who earned his title shot against Bivol by winning his WBA Title Eliminator versus Gonzalez.


“After Bivol, Joe Smith is my next target since he has my belt (WBO) that I had at 168 pounds,” Ramirez remarked. “I am the best light heavyweight out there and it’s not even close. There’s a reason why these champs are scared to call my name, but soon they won’t have a choice. I would end Smith in less than 6 rounds.”


Bivol also said in the aforementioned story: “My motivation and my ambitions have not changed for a long time – I want to fight the best. I want to prove that I am the best in my division.”


Guess what, Dmitry, 43-0 “Zurdo” is the best!


INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Jesús “Mono’’ Ramos Clashes With Vladimir Hernández on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, February 5 From Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

Josesito Lopez Injured in Training, Forced to Withdraw Against Abel Ramos on PPV Undercard
 
FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Headlined By Showdown Between Former Champions Keith Thurman & Mario Barrios
 
LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2022) – Rising unbeaten star Jesús “Mono” Ramos will take on super welterweight contender Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown on the undercard of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay.
 
Josesito Lopez was injured in training and forced to withdraw from his bout against Abel Ramos in a pay-per-view attraction. Jesús Ramos vs. Hernandez replaces the Abel Ramos vs. Josesito Lopez bout on the pay-per-view lineup.
 
The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman battling former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, and also features four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz taking on Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in the co-main event. Plus, two-division champion Luis Nery will battle unbeaten Carlos Castro in the 10-round pay-per-view opener.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at axs.com.
 
Ramos (17-0, 14 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, has paved his way to stardom with highlight-reel KOs, but has shown his ability to outbox opponents in his last two fights. After winning a unanimous decision over Javier Molina in May 2021, Ramos most recently dominated Brian Mendoza en route to another unanimous decision in September on FOX. Prior to those fights, the 20-year-old southpaw had scored five-straight knockout victories.
 
The 32-year-old Hernandez (13-4, 6 KOs) has revitalized his career during his current three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a split-decision over former unified champion Julian Williams in an October 2021 action fight. Hernandez’s previous outing had seen him upset longtime contender Alfredo Angulo in August 2020, with a July 2020 decision over Aaron Coley kicking off the run. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Hernandez now fights out of Stockton, California as he looks to spring another upset on February 5.
 
#         #         #
 
ABOUT THURMAN VS. BARRIOS
Thurman vs. Barrios will see former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman return to the ring to take on former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlines a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz will battle Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battles unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten Jesús “Mono” Ramos dueling Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown.
 
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.

Jeter Promotions Returns to Live Casino Hotel Maryland with Stacked Card on Saturday, February 19th

TICKETS ON SALE AT AXS.COM
 
Jordan “Short Dog” White takes on Gadwin Rosa in Main Event
 
Demond “D’Bestatit” Nicholson takes on Gabriel Pham in Co-Feature
 
Also Jeter Promotions Fighters Brandon Chambers, AJ Williams, Victor Williams and Mansaborie Conde
 
Appearances by Jaqeem Hutcherson, Tyrek Irby, Colby Madison, Thyler Williams, Ahmad Muhammad Jones and Joseph Veazey



Hanover, MD (January 27, 2022) — Jeter Promotions returns to The HALL at Live! inside Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland on Saturday night, February 19th.
 
Jeter Promotions is back at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland for the 7th time and 1st of 2022 on the heels of a near capacity show on October 23rd.
 
In the main, event, Jordan White, 12-1 with 10 knockouts of Washington, DC takes on Gadwin Rosa, 11-2 nine knockouts of Ocala, Florida in a 10-round bout for the WBC USNBC Super Featherweight title.
 
The co-feature is a 10-round super middleweight clash will pit Demond Nicholson (24-4-1, 20 KOs) of Laurel, Maryland battling Gabriel Pham, 15-2 with eight knockouts of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
 
White, 24, is a seven year-professional and has wins over Ronaldo Solis (4-0-1), Misael Lopez (11-0), and his last bout when he stopped Joe Perez on October 23rd at The HALL at Live!
 
Rosa, 27, is a six-year professional, and has a win over Jonathan Irizarry (3-0). Rosa is coming off a defeat to George Acosta on May 7.
 
Nicholson, 28, is a nine-year professional, who has wins over German perez (11-1-3), Joshua Okine (28-5-1) and Isaac Rodriguez (25-2). Nicholson is coming off a unanimous decision over Victor Darocha on October 23rd at The HALL at Live!
 
Pham, 32 is a 13 year-professional, has big victories over Michael Glenn (2-0), Chauncey Fields (4-1), Jaba Khositashvili (4-0), Derrick Webster (28-2), Rafael Fernandez Sosa (8-0) and his last contest when he stopped Israel Valerio Nino(15-3) on October 16th in the Dominican Republic.
 
In six-round bouts:
 
Jeter Promotions signeeBrandon Chambers (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Gwynn Oak, Maryland fights an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.
 
Jeter Promotions signee and Penn State Graduate, AJ Williams (5-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on an opponent to be named.
 
Jeter Promotions signee, and former Dartmouth star Wide Receiver, Victor Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight fight.
 
Thyler Williams (5-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Maurice Anthony (3-3, 3 KOs) of Ypsalanti, Michigan in a junior welterweight fight.
 
Colby Madison (9-3-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight.
 
Jeter Promotions Signee Tyrek Irby (9-0, 3 KOs) of Landover, Maryland battles on opponent to be named in a junior welterweight contest.
 
In four-round fights:
 
Jeter Promotions signeeMansaborie Conde (4-0, 3 KOs) of Laurel, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.
 
Ahmad Muhammad Jones (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.
 
Joseph Veazey (5-0, 3 KOs) of Baltimore fights an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.
 
Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $65-$150 and can be purchased at AXS.COM

The HALL at LIVE! is a 75,000-square-foot, three-story multi-use concert and event venue that features some of the nation’s best touring acts, comedians, championship boxing and other show-stopping entertainment. With a capacity of up to 4,800 persons, the state-of-the-art performance venue features three levels of seating: a main orchestra level, intimate loge-level boxes and a plush VIP Level with private bar, lounge and balcony. Each of these options afford spectacular views and immerse audiences in audio visual systems unparalleled in the region. 
 
The $10 million state-of-the-art audio and visual system provides absolute acoustic perfection combined with stunning visual displays. The built-in performance stage, surrounded by massive, high resolution LED screens, is 60 feet wide by 40 feet deep and, from a technological standpoint, rivals the largest and most advanced performance venues anywhere. The HALL is the largest theater in any casino in the state of Maryland, as well as in Anne Arundel County. The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is located at 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Maryland 21076.