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Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic living the American Dream Headlining this Thursday in Montebello, CA, steaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

March 14, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Kilic celebrating.jpg — **LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2022)** – What a long, strange trip it’s been for Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic, part of a growing 3 Point Management (3 PM) stable, resettling in California from Germany despite the pandemic, to headline this Thursday night’s “Hollywood Fight Nights, presented by 360 Promotions, at Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California.

The 27-year-old Kilic faces Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (21-8-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event, which will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

A member of the Turkish National Boxing Team, Kilic moved eight years ago from Germany to Sherman Oaks, California, where he still resides. A native of Germany whose family comes from Turkey, Kilic showed tremendous courage simply by relocating halfway around the world with a mere $200 in his pockets, as well as the inability to speak English other than a few words.

“I still spend a lot of time at home,” Kilic remarked. “During the pandemic, I lived with my family in Germany, and I have a lot of family in Turkey. It was very rough growing up. I had always dreamed of living in the United States from watching movies. I wanted to do something different. I’m a big fan of Hollywood movies. Muhammad Ali is my idol and that’s another reason I wanted to come here to box.

“I didn’t speak English when I first came to America, only basics, and nobody I met here spoke German or Turkish. but I learned English watching old movies and using Google translator. I learned quicky, though, and was comfortable speaking English in six months. And now I live only 10-minutes from Hollywood.”

Kilic hit rock bottom after suffering his first loss January 11, 2020, to 15-0 Steve Nelson in Atlantic City, in which his corner threw in the towel midway through the eighth round due to several facial cuts. The fight was for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title. Cem took time off in the U.S. during the pandemic.

“Everything was closed,” he explained. “I put on weight and become even more depressed. I let myself go after my first loss. My wife said I needed to get back in shape, so I watched a training video on YouTube and, at first, I couldn’t get through the warmup. But I slowly got in shape and that fueled my interest again in boxing. I didn’t have a promoter and I separated from my manager and trainer. I was trained by a friend and went up to Abel Sanchez’ place in Big Bear and got some good work. I sparred a lot of champions: Jermell Charlo, (Gilberto) ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez.”

(L) Cem Kilic is a fighter’s fighter

A self-described aggressive fighter with a warrior mentality, Kilic says the late Arturo Gatti was one of his favorite fighters, who he emulates in terms of style. Cem has watched the Gatti-(Micky) Ward trilogy about 20 times, which led him into boxing as a career.

“I knew about Gatti, but I really got into boxing after watching his fights with Micky Ward,” Kilic fondly remembered. “They were so tough, and I love the way they fought. They were throwback fighters to the ’40 and ‘50s.”

The current Team Kilic was formed after his only loss. He is trained by 4-time, 2-division World champion Brian Viloria, in addition to being managed (3PM), which also manages 43-0 “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, presently the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.

“I knew Brian and met him at Brickhouse,” Kilic explained. “One day I told my strength-and-conditioning coach I needed a new coach and asked him to talk to Brian about me. I liked Brian and knew he was a world champion with a lot of knowledge. We’ve only worked together for one fight, but I’ve improved in a lot of ways.

“I was waiting for an opportunity to sign with a manager and did with 3PM. The guys are great and I’m much more motivated than before. It’s been amazing.”

Kilic is prepared to display his development under Viloria and 3PM this Thursday night against Hernandez. “I can’t wait,” Kilic concluded. “He has fought some good names (Caleb Plant, Jesse Hart, Ali Akhmedov, Ahmed Elbiali, Patrick Teixeira, and Arif Magomedov). I always prepare to go the full distance. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, but I look for openings.”

Cem “Champ” Kilic is truly living the American Dream, especially because of the support he has from his new team members.

**INFORMATION:**
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Facebook: /CemKilic
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @KilicBoxing
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Kilic action.jpg — **LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2022)** – What a long, strange trip it’s been for Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic, part of a growing 3 Point Management (3 PM) stable, resettling in California from Germany despite the pandemic, to headline this Thursday night’s “Hollywood Fight Nights, presented by 360 Promotions, at Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California.

The 27-year-old Kilic faces Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (21-8-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event, which will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

A member of the Turkish National Boxing Team, Kilic moved eight years ago from Germany to Sherman Oaks, California, where he still resides. A native of Germany whose family comes from Turkey, Kilic showed tremendous courage simply by relocating halfway around the world with a mere $200 in his pockets, as well as the inability to speak English other than a few words.

“I still spend a lot of time at home,” Kilic remarked. “During the pandemic, I lived with my family in Germany, and I have a lot of family in Turkey. It was very rough growing up. I had always dreamed of living in the United States from watching movies. I wanted to do something different. I’m a big fan of Hollywood movies. Muhammad Ali is my idol and that’s another reason I wanted to come here to box.

“I didn’t speak English when I first came to America, only basics, and nobody I met here spoke German or Turkish. but I learned English watching old movies and using Google translator. I learned quicky, though, and was comfortable speaking English in six months. And now I live only 10-minutes from Hollywood.”

Kilic hit rock bottom after suffering his first loss January 11, 2020, to 15-0 Steve Nelson in Atlantic City, in which his corner threw in the towel midway through the eighth round due to several facial cuts. The fight was for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title. Cem took time off in the U.S. during the pandemic.

“Everything was closed,” he explained. “I put on weight and become even more depressed. I let myself go after my first loss. My wife said I needed to get back in shape, so I watched a training video on YouTube and, at first, I couldn’t get through the warmup. But I slowly got in shape and that fueled my interest again in boxing. I didn’t have a promoter and I separated from my manager and trainer. I was trained by a friend and went up to Abel Sanchez’ place in Big Bear and got some good work. I sparred a lot of champions: Jermell Charlo, (Gilberto) ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez.”

(L) Cem Kilic is a fighter’s fighter

A self-described aggressive fighter with a warrior mentality, Kilic says the late Arturo Gatti was one of his favorite fighters, who he emulates in terms of style. Cem has watched the Gatti-(Micky) Ward trilogy about 20 times, which led him into boxing as a career.

“I knew about Gatti, but I really got into boxing after watching his fights with Micky Ward,” Kilic fondly remembered. “They were so tough, and I love the way they fought. They were throwback fighters to the ’40 and ‘50s.”

The current Team Kilic was formed after his only loss. He is trained by 4-time, 2-division World champion Brian Viloria, in addition to being managed (3PM), which also manages 43-0 “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, presently the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.

“I knew Brian and met him at Brickhouse,” Kilic explained. “One day I told my strength-and-conditioning coach I needed a new coach and asked him to talk to Brian about me. I liked Brian and knew he was a world champion with a lot of knowledge. We’ve only worked together for one fight, but I’ve improved in a lot of ways.

“I was waiting for an opportunity to sign with a manager and did with 3PM. The guys are great and I’m much more motivated than before. It’s been amazing.”

Kilic is prepared to display his development under Viloria and 3PM this Thursday night against Hernandez. “I can’t wait,” Kilic concluded. “He has fought some good names (Caleb Plant, Jesse Hart, Ali Akhmedov, Ahmed Elbiali, Patrick Teixeira, and Arif Magomedov). I always prepare to go the full distance. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, but I look for openings.”

Cem “Champ” Kilic is truly living the American Dream, especially because of the support he has from his new team members.

**INFORMATION:**
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Facebook: /CemKilic
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @KilicBoxing
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

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ARDREAL HOLMES SURVIVES TOUGH TEST IN UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER VERNON BROWN IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

March 14, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Edwin De Los Santos Scores Devastating Second-Round Knockout Over Former Unbeaten Luis Acosta; Giovanni Marquez Shines in his Pro Debut in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME^®

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

DEADWOOD, S.D. – March 11, 2022 – Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes fought through injury and survived a tough test in his return to the ring for the first time in 28 months scoring a unanimous 10-round decision over Vernon “Sub Zero” Brown in the main event of SHOBOX: The New Generation as part of an action-packed tripleheader on SHOWTIMEFriday night at the Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, S.D.

(Full-fight highlights, click HERE)

The Flint, Mich., middleweight prospect Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs) remained undefeated fighting past the eighth round for the first time in his career even while hurting his left hand sometime in the second round during a flurry of punches. The scores were 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 as Holmes seemed to get his second wind as the fight progressed over Chicago’s Brown (13-2, 9 KOs).

(Holmes scores unanimous decision, click HERE)

“I was reborn tonight,” Holmes said. “This performance showed that I still have it in me. I hurt my left hand in the second round. I couldn’t punch how I wanted to. I was in a bunch of pain but I pulled through. Thinking about my family pushed me through the pain.”

The 27-year-old southpaw Holmes had a 194-129 edge in total punches while landing more than 40 percent of his power punches. A total of 280 of the combined 323 total punches landed were power punches.

“He was the better man tonight,” Brown said. “I give it up to him. He studied me. He knew the punches I was going to throw. His corner kept yelling, ‘Watch the right hook.’ He did knock the wind out of me a couple times with body shots. I had to take a second to recover. In the last round, he was catching me with head shots.

“I need to work on my left hand. I need to be like Manny Pacquiao and work on my left hand because guys know I have power in my right hook. But I’m going down to 147. That’s my true weight.”

Holmes said no matter how much Brown hurt him, he was going to push through the pain. “I was rusty. I believe I need another fight to get the rust off. My timing wasn’t there. I’ve been off for like 800 days, but this fight showed that I have a lot of heart. I want Paul Kroll next. He was talking a lot of junk against me. We have a history in the amateurs. He’s who I want.”

In the co-main event, heavy-hitting lightweight Edwin De Los Santos (14-1, 13 KOs) scored a devastating second-round knockout against Luis Acosta (12-1, 11 KOs), who suffered the first loss of his career. Acosta became the 211^th fighter to have his undefeated streak snapped in the 21-year history of the prospect series.

(To watch the KO, click HERE)

“One-hitter quitter for De Los Santos!” SHOBOX analyst Brian Campbell said of De Los Santos’ clean left cross that sent Acosta to the canvas as referee Mark Nelson signaled the end of the fight at 48 seconds in the second round.

“It was a left hand that was just a thing of beauty,” said International Boxing Hall of Famer and SHOBOX blow-by-blow announcer Barry Tompkins.

Dominican Republic’s De Los Santos landed 19 punches before scoring the fight-ending knockout in his second SHOBOX appearance.

“I’m back,” said De Los Santos, who suffered a loss in his first SHOBOX appearance in January to William Foster III. “Everyone was counting me out after the last fight. They thought I was done after the loss to Foster. But I’m back. This is the kind of statement that I should have made last time. This is a new beginning for me. I thought I was going to catch him later in the fight but the opening came early with the straight left. My preparation was just better this time, I was just more focused and better prepared and this was the result. I’m ready for anyone.”

In the telecast opener, highly regarded prospect Giovanni Márquez (1-0) became the seventh fighter in the history of SHOBOX to make his professional debut on the series, extending the streak to 7-0 in those bouts as Marquez scored a four-round unanimous decision over a game Nelson Morales. The scores were 40-36, and 39-37 twice in the welterweight bout.

(Marquez scores unanimous decision, click HERE)

“I felt great,” said Marquez. “I hurt my left hand in the second round on a jab. I think I would have been able to stop him if I hadn’t hurt my hand.”

With his father and trainer, former world champion Raul Marquez, barking instructions from his corner, Houston’s Márquez – the 2021 national Golden Gloves 152-pound champion – dominated the welterweight affair, displaying his offensive skills and using his jab and uppercut effectively as the quicker and busier fighter. Marquez landed 30 percent of his total punches (85 for 280) compared to Morales at 21 percent (42 to 201).

“All the attention, it’s really not normal for a 21-year-old,” said the elder Marquez, as he joined Tompkins and Campbell in the booth before the main event. “He handled all the pressure. I’m really proud of my son. I’m very satisfied.”

Added Giovanni: “It was a great experience. He was a tough, durable guy, but I feel like I handled everything, the cameras, all the attention pretty well. I started a little slow but after the first round I settled down and fought my fight. I felt fine without the headgear. We kept bumping heads, but he never hurt me. There was a lot of pressure on me, and I was a little nervous in the leadup to the fight, but once I got into the fight I relaxed and I felt comfortable. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Following a competitive first round, the 21-year-old Marquez dominated the second round, his confidence surging with every second that passed against the Dominican-born Morlaes.

“I think I did OK,” said the 30-year-old Dominican Republic-born Morales (2-1) now living in Scranton, Pa. “My strategy was to go in and box. He cut the ring off and applied good pressure. I can’t say too much because it wasn’t the best of me. He was OK. I’ll be back.”

The six other fighters’ victorious in their SHOBOX pro debut include Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spence Jr., Rau’Shee Warren and Gary Russell, Jr.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by Holden Productions. The SHOBOX tripleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

# # #

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

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

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Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Facing U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, March 26 Live on SHOWTIME

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Rising Undefeated Lightweight Contender Michel Rivera Duels Fellow Unbeaten Joseph Adorno in Co-Main Event**

**Super Lightweight Contender Elvis Rodríguez Takes on**
**Juan José Velasco in Telecast Opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT**

**Tickets on Sale Now!**

**MINNEAPOLIS – March 9, 2022 –** Top super welterweight contender and rising star **Tim Tszyu** will make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian **Terrell Gausha** in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender **Michel Rivera** dueling fellow unbeaten **Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno** in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender **Elvis Rodríguez** faces **Juan José Velasco** in the 10-round telecast opener.

“Tim Tszyu has risen up the rankings and established himself as a serious contender at the top of the loaded 154-pound division, and he’ll look to make a splash stateside when he faces the highly-skilled and experienced Terrell Gausha,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The action will be coming throughout this lineup, as lightweight phenom Michel Rivera takes on the undefeated Joseph Adorno, while Elvis Rodríguez looks to continue his ascent in the super lightweight division against the always tough Juan José Velasco.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

The son of former unified champion Kostya, Tim Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising contenders at 154-pounds. Tszyu headlines on SHOWTIME following in his father’s footsteps after Kostya competed 10 times on the network, including memorable knockouts of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Zab Judah. Fighting out of his native Sydney, Australia, Tszyu will make his U.S. debut on March 26 after earning his first 20 pro wins in his home country. The 27-year-old went the 12-round distance for the first time in his last fight, dominating Takeshi Inoue on his way to a unanimous decision in November 2021. The decision victory came after Tszyu had put together stoppage wins in eight of his previous ten outings.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in the U.S., especially on SHOWTIME, where my dad was featured for most of his career,” said Tszyu. “I’m proud and excited to continue on the Tszyu name with SHOWTIME. Once I take care of Gausha, I will be coming for the title.”

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif., where he is trained by Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer. The 34-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Erickson Lubin. Gausha showed improved power in his most recent bout, stopping rising contender Jamontay Clark in two rounds in March 2021.

“I’ve been ready for this fight for a long time,” said Gausha. “I came into this game to be a world champion and fight the best. I expect Tim to come in great shape and I’ll also come in my best shape to put on a great fight for the fans. My coaches are getting me prepared perfectly for the kind of fight I need to put on so that I can leave the ring victorious.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (22-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron on *SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION*^®. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera carried his dominance into 2021 with three more victories, including a stoppage of Anthony Mercado in February before delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME. He most recently scored a shutout unanimous decision over Matias Romero in October.

“This is a great opportunity for me to display my talents once again against a high-quality opponent in Joseph Adorno,” said Rivera. “I’m ready to take on anyone willing to challenge me until my time comes to fight for the world title. My goal is to be victorious on March 26 and then face Gervonta Davis for his title. With each fight I’m getting closer to reaching that goal. I can’t wait to show off all the hard work that I’ve put into this camp on fight night.”

Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) has fought to a draw in each of his last two fights, dropping fellow unbeaten Jamaine Ortiz twice in April 2021 after dueling Héctor “Guadaña” García in January 2020. The 22-year-old was born in Union City, New Jersey and now resides in Allentown, Pa., having fought in nearby Philadelphia five times throughout his career. Adorno turned pro in 2016 at the age of 17 after a standout amateur career where he amassed a 178-22 record and beat Shakur Stevenson’s twice. He has scored knockout victories in nine of his first 10 pro fights.

“This fight is a chance for me to show my true talents,” said Adorno. “Not taking anything away from Rivera, but I know I’m going to be the better fighter on March 26. I’m working with a new trainer, Raúl ‘Chino’ Rivas, who has trained many talented fighters, and I’m ready to showcase myself at my very best. I’m more focused than ever and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Everybody better be ready for a show on March 26.”

Rodríguez (12-1-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from his first career defeat, a majority decision loss to Kenneth Sims Jr., to knockout the previously unbeaten Juan Pablo Romero on the Canelo vs. Plant SHOWTIME PPV^® undercard in November. The 26-year-old burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights and put together an impressive five wins in 2020. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez now lives in Los Angeles

“March 26 is another step toward my world championship goal,” said Rodríguez. “I am fighting a tough veteran fighter who has faced top-level competition. I’ve stayed in camp through Christmas so that I can be 100% ready for this fight. Winning on March 26 means a lot for my career and I hope that a win will put me in contention for a title shot this year. I want to show the world that I’m ready for the big names in the division.”

The 34-year-old Velasco (23-2, 14 KOs) enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, having most recently earned a split decision victory over Zachary Ochoa in February 2021. A native of Jujuy, Argentina, Velasco has tangled with some of the toughest fighters in the 140-pound division, including former champions Mario Barrios and Regis Prograis. Velasco will fight in the U.S. for the fifth time on March 26.

“I’m very honored to be on a great card like this,” said Velasco. “This is actually the second time that I’ve been preparing to face Rodríguez, so I know what I’m up against. He’s going to come into the right at 100%, just like I will. May the best man win on March 26.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

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Falcao to battle Bonelli March 26 in Orlando, FL

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Yama 2.png — Tampa, FL (March 8, 2022) – Yamaguchi Falcao will meet heavy-handed Argentine Damian Bonelli for the vacant WBA NABA Gold super middleweight championship Saturday, March 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The ten round Falcao-Bonelli bout airs live on the Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV.

The card is promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions and tickets are on sale now at cariberoyale.com/boxing.

Representing his native Brazil and currently residing in Florida, Falcao’s an outstanding 20-1-1 with 9 of his wins coming by knockout. On February 19, the skilled southpaw destroyed once-beaten Fernando Farias in less than two rounds. A 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, Falcao has his sights set on facing the world’s best 168 pound fighters if all goes as planned against Bonelli.

Known as “El Pollero,” 20 of Bonelli’s 24 victories are via knockout. The Buenos Aires native faced a number of contenders including Maciej Sulecki, Steve Rolls, Magomed Kurbanov, Carlos Gongora, Derrieck Cuevas and Fiodor Czerkaszyn, who were a combined 112-0-1 at the time. On December 4 2020, Bonelli defeated the aforementioned Cuevas (23-0) and is confident he’ll emerge victorious against Falcao.

“This is a great platform for Yama to showcase his skills to fans watching around the world,” said Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Yama looked great his last fight and is fighting more aggressively but Bonelli’s a tough fighter that’s been in with outstanding opposition. This is the type of fight we need to win in impressive fashion.”

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

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Miguel Madueño to Fight in WBA Title Elimination Bout Against Jezzrel Corrales on March 12th

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Ukrainian KO artist Serhii Bohachuk returns home to fight with compatriot Carlos Ocampo Manriquez new opponent for Mikael Zewski in main event Groupe Yvon Michel/Probellum Series to Launch March 25th in Trois-Rivieres, Canada

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

**TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022)** – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25^th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).

Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.

“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated super welterweight.

“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.

Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.

Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.

Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo
“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.

#GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

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JAMAINE ORTIZ DAZZLES IN STANDOUT PERFORMANCE AGAINST TOUGH NAHIR ALBRIGHT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

February 20, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Paul Kroll and Marquis Taylor Battle to a Spirited Split Draw in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME^®

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

ORLANDO, Fla. – February 18, 2022 – Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz used his superior hand and foot speed to dance and dish out punishment against game Nahir Albright to win the vacant NABF title in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation as part of an action-packed doubleheader on SHOWTIMEFriday night at the Caribe Royale Resort.

Ortiz (15-0-1, 8 KOs) sailed to a unanimous decision win by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93 to remain undefeated and stamp his name as a player in a loaded lightweight division. Click HERE to watch video of the decision.

Whether he was walking Albright (14-2, 7 KOs) down or punching on the move, Ortiz produced a dominant and flashy performance over 10 rounds, wowing a crowd that included former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver and San Francisco 49ers All-Pro offensive lineman Trent Williams. Click HERE to watch highlights of the ninth round.

After he was dropped twice in his last fight against Joseph Adorno in a majority draw in April, Ortiz looked more poised and patient in the early going, picking his punches carefully and hitting and moving while avoiding Albright’s big right hand.

As the difference in speed became apparent, Ortiz began to open up in the second after he scored with a big left that caught Albright clean. From that point on, Ortiz maintained control of the distance and pace, leaping at Albright with lefts and rights or peppering him with jabs.

“I think I showed maturity in this fight,” Ortiz said. “I was cautious in the beginning. I didn’t want to get caught like I did in my last fight. After I took the first couple rounds to feel him out, I saw that I could do whatever I wanted in there and I started to get into a groove and let my punches go.”

Ortiz, of Worcester, Mass., landed 48% (103 of 216) of his power punches, compared to 41% for Albright (88 of 216), but it was his body punching that produced the biggest numerical disparity. Ortiz out-landed Albright 42 to 4 to the body, showcasing that aspect of his game in the fifth round when he found a home for several thudding body shots. Afterward, Ortiz called out the power-puncher Rolly Romero (14-0, 12 KOs) as the opponent he wants to face next.

“He’s got a big name,” Ortiz said. “He’s a big puncher, but he can’t box. That would be an easy fight. My goal is to have a title eliminator and to win a title. After that, my goal is to be one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.”

Ortiz’s signature round was the sixth, when he showcased his footwork and speed, darting around the ring and landing rights and lefts. He connected with an overhand right on the run while New Jersey’s Albright was on the ropes and then landed several unanswered right uppercuts to punctuate the round.

Albright, an aspiring R&B singer, showed his toughness and resilience by trying to match Ortiz’s output each round. He had success in spurts, but it was fleeting. In the ninth, he landed a pair of overhand rights, only for Ortiz to use his footwork to avoid taking further punishment.

“He was the better man in there tonight,” an emotional Albright said. “It was a great experience and I saw a different look. I know that I have all the talent and ability, and this will not deter me at all from being a world champion.”

In the telecast opener, Paul Kroll and Marquis Taylor fought to a spirited split draw in their eight-round super welterweight bout by scores of 77-75 for Kroll, 80-72 for Taylor and 76-76 in a verdict that frustrated both fighters. Click HERE to watch video of the decision.

Before the bout, Philly’s Kroll spoke of the little respect he had for Taylor’s power, since Taylor only had one knockout on his ledger, but it was Taylor who was the harder and busier puncher in the contest, relying on a check left hook that continually found its mark.

Houston’s Taylor connected on 34% of his power punches compared to 29% for Kroll, outscoring him 98 to 71 and out-landing him 109 to 84 in total punches.

Taylor (12-1-2, 1 KO) staggered Kroll (9-0-1, 6 KOs) in the sixth with the biggest punch of the fight, a left that caused Kroll to fall against the ropes as Taylor followed up with digging shots to the body.

“I thought I had it for sure,” Taylor said. “I thought I had the fight in the bag. I don’t know what the judges saw. I was being the aggressor and I landed the clearer shots. I thought I really had that fight with no questions. I don’t know what else I could’ve done.”

The busier and fresher fighter, Taylor didn’t sit in between rounds and at times had to be restrained by his trainer from running to the middle of the ring before his minute of rest was up.

Normally a patient and technically sound fighter, Kroll, a former amateur star who won the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, went after Taylor in the first, throwing a wild right hand that continually missed its mark.

Kroll fought well in spurts and with urgency in the eighth and final round, but Taylor was ready for him.

“I thought I won the fight 5-3,” Kroll said. “I took the beginning and the end. He won a couple rounds in the middle. We can run it back on the next ShoBox. I am ready to fight him again. He was awkward, but I outworked him on the inside. I won that fight.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by King’s Promotions. The ShoBox doubleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME^®.

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