Tag Archives: boxing

The GOAT boxing trainer….. Emanuel Steward

    
 
 
USA Boxing Alumni Association, Class of 2018 Inductee
(L-R) – The great Tommy Hearns & the late Manny Steward

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 19, 2018) – The late Emanuel Steward, arguably the greatest boxing trainer of all-time, is a member of the Class of 2018 getting inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

The second annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception, held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, December 2-8, will be held December 7, at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

 

 

 

Steward was a boxer, trainer extraordinaire, and HBO commentator until his untimely death in 2012 at the age of 68. His boxing career culminated with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1996.

 

 

 

At the age of 12, Manny moved with his mother from West Virginia to Detroit, where his life soon turned to boxing. As an amateur boxer, he compiled a 94-3 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 1963 National Golden Gloves Tournament as a bantamweight, but he decided against trying out for the US Olympic Boxing Team.

 

 

 

In 1971, Steward became a part-time trainer at Kronk Gym, where he eventually guided many of the country’s top amateur boxers. Kronk Gym later became a property of Steward’s and he developed it into one of the most successful and famous boxing gyms in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Steward also served as National Director of Coaching for USA Boxing in the early 2000’s.

 

 

 

Throughout his incredible career, Steward reportedly trained 41 world champions, perhaps, the most noteworthy were Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. He also trained Julio Cesar ChavezMiguel CottoOscar de la HoyaNaseem HamedEvander Holyfield, and Mike McCallum. Manny also trained a young Detroit rapper, Eminem, how to box at Kronk Gym.

 

 

 

The last world champion Manny trained was Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, who remains the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) World light heavyweight champion since 2013.

 

 

 

“Emanuel would always say, knockouts sell!” Stevenson fondly remembered. “He was also the first to tell me, ‘You will be a superstar and a world champion. Just make sure you don’t listen to people with bad intentions because you’ve got natural talent.’ He believed in me even if some people did not think I would ever become a world champion.”

 

 

 

“Emanuel Steward impacted the lives of so many who walked through the doors of Kronk Gym,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “While he’s most recognized for his achievement at the professional level, his impact was significant in the amateurs. Manny serves as a model coach for USA Boxing today, and his impact will be felt for a long time. The USA Boxing Alumni Association overwhelmingly supports his induction and looks forward to honoring him as part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”

 

 

USA Boxing Alumni Association

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

“For years he would come to my National Silver Gloves Tournament that I sponsored and put on in Kansa City just to show his support of the youth program,” added USA Boxing president John Brown added. “Every year I would tell him to let me know if he was coming, so I could VIP him, and every year he would ignore me and just quietly show up. I would notice him in the crowd.  I would ball him out and then we did the same thing the following year.

 

 

 

“I also used to see him at big fights and he would always make me feel special by saying my company saved boxing in the seventies and eighties by providing safe, well-made, fair priced boxing equipment for the sport.  No one else ever gave me that recognition. He was humble and not a blowhard, my kind of guy.”

 

 

 

Emanuel Steward left his mark on earth, not only as a multi-faceted personality in boxing, but he’s also remembered for his magnanimous charity work in Detroit, in which he helped youths in their pursuit of education.

 

 

 

In short, though, he taught boxing, and nobody has ever done it any better.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

Hard Hitting Promotions goes 5-for-5 this past Friday night in Philadelphia

 
Samuel Teah gets big win on ShoBox: The New Generation

Pizarro, Rosa, Tapia and Sinakin all gain wins on the undercard 

PHILADELPHIA — November 19, 2018 — This past Friday night, five members of the Hard Hitting Promotions stable scored big victories in front of a sold-out crowd at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

Samuel Teah scored a eight-round unanimous decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in the co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation card.

 

 

 

The win was the biggest win of Teah’s career, who improved to 15-2-1.  Teah put on a great performance in the fight, which saw many toe-to-toe exchanges.  Teah landed more, and the harder punches, which thrilled the hometown crowd the was rooting Teah on.

 

 

 

Teah won by scores of 79-73 and 77-75 twice.

 

 

 

In fights that were seen live on Facebook Fightnight Live:

 

 

 

Branden Pizarro won the NBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight title with a six-round unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez.

 

 

 

Pizarro of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to raise his mark to 13-1.

 

 

 

Gadwin Rosa was systematic in winning a six-round unanimous decision over 114-fight veteran German Meraz to capture the NBA Intercontinental super featherweight title.

 

 

 

Rosa won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice over the durable Meraz, and the Ocala, Florida native stays perfect at 9-0.

 

 

 

Christian Tapia stopped Darnell Pettis at the end of round three of their scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Tapia was dominant until the corner of Pettis had seen enough.  Tapia of Coamo, Puerto Rico is 7-0 with six knockouts.

 

 

 

Light Heavyweight Benny Sinakin needed just 2:23 of the 1st round stop Darren Gibbs.

 

 

 

Sinakin scored one knockdown before the bout was halted due to a barrage of punches on the ropes.

 

 

 

Sinakin of Philadelphia is now 2-0 with one knockout.

 

 

 

“This was a huge night for Hard Hitting Promotions.  We were able to showcase some of our younger talent with Branden and Gadwin winning their 1st of what we think will be many titles.  Samuel Teah gave an incredible performance, and he beat a good fighter in Kenneth Sims Jr.  Samuel will be in big fights, and he proved he can compete at the highest levels.  We had an incredible turnout for this show and, we look forward to announcing our 1st card for 2019 real soon,” said Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz of Hard Hitting Promotions

Granite Chin Promotion presents Thanksgiving Eve show “Championship Boxing at The Armory”

 
This Wednesday at National Guard Armory in Dorchester, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (November 19, 2018) – A major change has been made to this Wednesday night’s (Nov. 21) “Championship Boxing at The Armory” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) on Thanksgiving Eve, at the National Guard Armory (70 Victory Road) in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The originally scheduled headliner, three-time world title challenger Aleksandra Magziak Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), withdrew when she accepted a world title shot Dec. 8 in Carson, California, against undisputed World welterweight champion Cecelia “First Lady” Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs) in the main event on HBO.

 

 

 

Many of New England’s most talented and popular boxers will still be in action this Wednesday evening. GCP co-promoter Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), fighting out of Quincy (MA), will defend his New England cruiserweight title against challenger Nick Lavin (5-9, 4 KOs), of Shelton (CT), in the new eight-round main event.

 

 

 

The 33-year-old Traietti, an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, defeated the heavy-handed Lavin by way of an eight-round unanimous decision August 5, 2017 for the N.E. title.

 

 

 

“As disheartening as it was to lose Aleks on this show,” Traietti said, “we are thrilled she’s getting a career defining opportunity on HBO.  She’s worked hard for the opportunity and we wish her the best of luck December 8th.

 

 

 

“We shuffled some of the bouts around and moved my fight to the main event.  Last time we fought, Nick showed up and gave me eight tough rounds.  I have no doubt he’s going to deliver a similar performance.  Overall, we are excited about this card as it features a mix of local veterans and prospects.  Fans are in for a fun night that will be action packed.”

 

 

 

In the six-round co-featured event, former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (14-2, 7 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, faces Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-15, 8 KOs), who has been a gatekeeper for NE’s top prospects over the past few years.

 

 

 

Claremont, NH favorite Ricky Ford (3-1-1, 1 KO) will be shooting for his fourth consecutive when he meets Saul Almeida, of Woburn, in a four-round middleweight match.

 

 

 

2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament Champion Henry Gedney (1-0), a promising super middleweight prospect from Gloucester, MA, is matched versus Francisco Neto (0-1), of Woburn, in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Pembroke, MA cruiserweight Vinnie “American Dream” Carita (18-1-1, 17 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA and Pembroke, MA resident, takes on 61-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, the former Mid-West middleweight titlist, in a scheduled eight-round fight.

 

 

 

Undefeated New York junior welterweight prospect Ray Jay Bermudez (4-0, 2 KOs) throws-down with Bruno Dias (0-4), of Woburn (MA), in a four-rounder.

 

 

 

Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Concepcion (1-0, 1 KOs), trained by World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, squares off with former Pacific Coast lightweight champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela in the four-round opener.

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

Tickets, priced at $60.00 ringside and $40.00 standing room, are available to purchase on line at

https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=WWW.TICKETRIVER.COM&data=02%7C01%7C%7C8eadd0515808469a4cdc08d63606ecc5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636755800699338618&sdata=iDQvM%2FOsaWTYc1IDC3t%2B%2Fu9EtMbj8Egv1vbhT2YYqU4%3D&reserved=0.

 

 

 

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Yunusov stops Salinas in seven to remain undefeated

      
Coffie, George, Montano, Jimenez, Andujar & Toledo remain undefeated on King’s Promotions card at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center 

Bethlehem, PA (November 18, 2018) —This past Friday night, Three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov remained perfect by stopping Jose Salinas in the 7th round of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout the headlined a nine-bout card at

The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

 

 

 

The show was promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

Yunusov, who competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics for his native country Tajikistan, dominated the action, and finally broke Salinas down in the 7th frame.

 

 

 

With the win, Yunusov, who now resides in Philadelphia has a record of 6-0 with three knockouts.

 

 

 

Salinas of Las Cruces, New Mexico falls to 10-4-1.

 

 

 

“We are thrilled with Anvar’s performance.  Salinas had fought and defeated some credible opponents, and Anvar fought very well, and we are excited for what 2019 will hold for him,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

In the co-feature, debuting Jeffrey Torres thrilled his hometown fans with a four-round unanimous decision over Steven Lopez in a bantamweight contest.

 

 

 

Torres of Bethlehem is 1-0.  Lopez of Philadelphia is 0-3.

 

 

 

Big heavyweight, Michael Coffie remained undefeated by stopping veteran Jamaal Woods.

 

 

 

Despite his record, Woods was game, but the 277 pound Coffie was too much and finally got his foe out of there at 2:50 in the 4th frame.

 

Coffie of Brooklyn is 6-0 with five knockouts.  Woods of Forest City, Arkansas is 18-44-7.

 

 

 

Joseph George took a six-round unanimous decision from Josue Obando in a light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

George of Houston is now 8-0.  Obando of Mexico gave a good effort, but is now 16-25-1.

 

 

 

Christian Montano needed just 2:05 of the 1st round to take out Paul Holley in their scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

 

 

 

Montano scored three knockdowns, with the final coming from a hard body shot.

 

 

 

Montano of Houston is 8-0 with seven knockouts.  Holley falls to 6-2-1.

 

 

 

Alejandro Jimenez remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Desmond Moore in a battle of previously undefeated bantamweights.

 

 

 

Jimenez of New Hope, PA is 4-0.  Moore of Allentown, PA is 1-1-1.

 

 

 

Good looking bantamweight prospect Yeuri Andujar made it two straight stoppage victories with a 1st round stoppage over debuting Haziz Self of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Andujar of Reading, PA is 2-0 with both wins coming early.

 

 

 

In a fight heavyweight contest featuring previously undefeated light heavyweight, Travis Toledo took an entertaining four-round majority decision over Kendall Cannida.

 

 

 

Both guys had their moments in the spirited brawl, but it was Toledo who came away with the victory to raise his mark to 3-0.  Cannida of Philadelphia drops to 2-1.

 

 

 

Vincent Floyd used two 1st round knockdowns to catapult himself to a four-round unanimous decision over Ricky Nuno in a welterweight clash.

 

 

 

Nuno made a great effort after the 1st round, but he dug himself too far of a hole to catch Floyd.

 

 

 

Floyd of Philadelphia is 4-5-1.  Nuno of Bethlehem is 2-2.

 

 

 

KING’S PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA ON FRIDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 7TH WITH BRANDON ROBINSON TAKING ON KALVIN HENDERSON IN THE MAIN EVENT.

  Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) Stops Ruben Tamayo in the Third Round on Friday Night

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2018) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) closed out Thompson Boxing’s season finale in emphatic fashion by knocking out the well-tested veteran Ruben Tamayo (27-12-4, 18 KOs) in the third round Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

 

 

 

Dutchover, who had turned 21 the day prior, celebrated his birthday weekend with his fifth win of the year and fourth straight knockout victory.

 

 

 

The West Texas-based Dutchover used his patience in the first round to learn the appropriate angles against Tamayo, who had previously been in the ring against first class talent such as Jhonatan Romero, Oscar Valdez, Joseph Diaz and Jesus Cuellar.

 

 

 

In the third, Dutchover unlocked his power with a left hook to the body that stunned and forced Tamayo to take a knee. After Tamayo beat the count, Dutchover attacked and landed a right onto the midsection, which dropped Tamayo once again.

 

 

 

Referee Lou Moret immediately waived off the fight at the 2:15 mark.

 

 

 

“I feel like I’m growing into a better fighter with each and every fight,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by industry veterans Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I took my time in the first round, but then my corner advised me to start letting my hands go and I got the knockout win. I’m looking forward to another great year in 2019.”

 

 

 

To watch a replay of “Locked n’ Loaded,” please click here.

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page  , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

 

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Kickboxing Rocks The Dome at FFC 34

 
Petje Retains FFC Lightweight Title After 5 Round War With Gazani

Photo: Bruno Gazani (left) takes a body kick from FFC Lightweight Kickboxing Champion Samo Petje (right)
 
Photo courtesy: Sergey Baranov/Final Fight Championship

 

Las Vegas, NV, (November 17, 2018) – The Main Event of “FFC 34” featured an unforgettable Kickboxing title bout that was filled with non-stop action for all five championship rounds.

 

 

 

Samo Petje (36-6-1) retained his FFC Lightweight Kickboxing Title by defeating a very game challenger, Bruno Gazani (60-7-0), by majority draw (47-47, 47-47, 46-48).

 

 

 

As advertised, these two warriors (Gazani and Petje) went toe-to-toe in a very entertaining Main Event that had no shortage of crowd-pleasing highlights and thrilling moments. Gazani came forward and pressed the action for most of the night, using his solid boxing skills to his advantage. Petje was able to counter with high knees and vicious body kicks that ultimately led to the majority decision victory. It looked as if Gazani had knocked Petje down in the fifth round but it was ultimately ruled as a slip.

 

 

 

The night’s Co-Main Event, was another war that featured two MMA Heavyweights standing and striking for three straight rounds. Tony “Hulk” Johnson (12-4-1) defeated D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman (21-15-0) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in what was an absolute slugfest. Linderman suffered a large cut above his right eye early on in the fight and despite the constant stream of blood running down his face, he still decided to stand in the pocket and trade blows with Johnson.

 

 

 

Kevin “Thunderstorm” Johnson (6-1-0) went the distance with Isaac Luna (3-1-0) in their Super Lightweight Boxing bout. Keys won by unanimous decision (59-55, 58-56, 59-55) in an exciting fight where Luna kept coming forward and forcing Johnson to engage all night long. Johnson countered well and was able to use crisp combinations to get the decision.

 

 

 

In a Kickboxing Catchweight matchup, Meletis “Nightmare” Kakoubavas (33-7-0) caught Jermaine “J.J.” Soto (24-7-0) with a high right kick to the side of Soto’s head at the fifty-two second mark of round two of their three round fight. The fight was stopped after Soto rose to his feet from the canvas, resulting in a TKO victory for Kakoubavas.

 

 

 

The night began with Heavyweight Zac Cavender (1-0-0) winning his professional MMA debut with a first round TKO victory over Marius Cantoneru (0-2-0). Cavender’s ground and pound worked to perfection as a series of fists to the side of Cantoneru’s head caused the stoppage at the 2:30 mark of round one.

 

 

 

“FFC 34 promised to deliver action-packed fights, and as advertised, that is exactly what we delivered to our fans,” said FFC CEO/Founder, Orsat Zovko. “All of our fights, in every discipline, were competitive and that is what this Fight Dome experience is all about.”

 

 

 

“FFC 34” took place at its permanent home, “Fight Dome”, which is located at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas. The event aired nationwide on CBS Sports Network, and Claro Sports in Mexico and Latin America.

 

 

 

Final Fight Championship (FFC) is the first and only professional combat sports franchise offering fans a unique ‘multi-discipline’ experience (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA), where every event culminates with a championship title bout. All FFC events take place inside “Fight Dome” at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, the all-new mecca of combat sports.

 

 

 

 

Complete “FFC 34” MMA results below:

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

(KICKBOXING) FFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Samo Petje (36-6-1), Ljubljana, Slovenia

Win by Majority Draw, 5 Rds. (47-47, 47-47, 46-48)

Bruno Gazani (60-7-0), Sao Paulo, Brazil

(Petje Retains FFC Middleweight Title)

 

 

 

(MMA) HEAVYWEIGHTS

Tony Johnson Jr. (12-4-1), Nashville, TN

Win by Unanimous Decision, 3 Rds. (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

D.J. Linderman (21-15-0), Yreka, CA

 

 

 

(BOXING) SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Kevin Johnson (6-1-0), Las Vegas, NV

Win by Unanimous Decision, 6 Rds. (59-55, 58-56, 59-55)

Isaac Luna (3-1-0), El Paso, TX

 

 

 

(KICKBOXING) LIGHTWEIGHTS

Meletis Kakoubavas (33-7-0), Athens, Greece

Win by TKO, Referee Stoppage, (:52 – 2nd Rd.)

Jermaine Soto (24-7-0), Los Angeles, CA

 

 

 

(MMA) HEAVYWEIGHTS

Zac Cavender (1-0-0), Tooele, UT (Pro Debut)

Win by TKO, Punches, (2:30 – 1st Rd.)

Marius Cantoneru (0-2-0)Las Vegas, NV

 

TOP WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JARON ENNIS ELECTRIFIES HOMETOWN CROWD WITH DEVASTATING SECOND-ROUND KNOCKOUT OF RAYMOND SERRANO IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

 

Philadelphia’s Sam Teah Outclasses Kenneth Sims Jr. in Co-Featured Bout

 

Catch The Replay Monday, November 19 At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Watch the Ennis KO: https://s.sho.com/2TlRIDm

PHILADELPHIA (November 17, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight Jaron Ennis electrified his hometown crowd with a devastating second-round knockout of Raymond Serrano in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation in front of a standing-room only crowd at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Watch the knockout here: https://s.sho.com/2TlRIDm

 

 

 

The main event of the telecast – which featured five ShoBox veterans and three fighters who call Philadelphia home – did not last long. The battle-tested Serrano (24-6, 10 KOs), whose six professional losses have come against opponents with a combined fight night record of 111-1-1, proved to be no match for Ennis. The flashy southpaw with a deadly combination of speed and power scored three highlight reel knockdowns in round two, and capped off the night with an explosive uppercut to the jaw. The 21-year-old Ennis (22-0, 20 KOs) has now knocked out 12 consecutive opponents and has proven his worth as one of boxing’s brightest prospects.

 

 

 

“It was a good fight, I was just in there having fun,” said Ennis, who is trained by his father Bozy. “My dad said to start touching the body and that set up the big shots. That’s exactly what I did.

 

 

 

“I knew after the first knockdown, the fight was over. He’s a good fighter and it looks good to have his name on my resume. I’m ready for anybody in my division. I will knock any of them out.”

 

 

 

Ennis wouldn’t speculate if he was the best prospect in the U.S. “I don’t like to talk,” he said. “I do my talking in the ring.”

 

 

 

In the middle bout of the tripleheader, Philadelphia’s Sam Teah (14-2-1, 7 KOs) energized the hometown crowd by putting in a dominating performance en route to a unanimous decision (79-73 and 77-75 twice) over Chicago’s Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-2-1, 4 KOs). ClickHERE for the highlights.

 

 

 

Cheered on by chants of his nickname “Tsunami”, the 31-year-old Teah utilized his jab and set the pace throughout the eight rounds. Executing a clever game plan, Teah beat the volume-punching Sims at his own game as he averaged nearly 86 punches per round to Sims’ 59. After an even first two rounds, Teah began to pull away, as he landed 164 punches to just 91 for Sims in rounds three through eight. Teah grew stronger throughout the fight, and put the contest out of question in the final two rounds as he out-landed Sims, 53-28.

 

 

 

“Oh my goodness, this feels great,” said an overjoyed Teah. “This is my biggest stage. I’ve fought on SHOWTIME several times but now I’m at home in front of my friends and family and the energy was amazing. Body shots and uppercuts; that was the game plan. I had more in my arsenal to show tonight. My head might look like an acorn by tomorrow, but it’s worth it.

 

 

 

“I’m asking for the biggest fights,” he continued. “This is what I asked for. Let’s level up and whatever’s biggest next, let’s do it.”

 

 

 

Unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., was in attendance at the jam-packed 2300 Arena and spoke to SHOWTIME’s Steve Farhood about his upcoming bout with Jason Welborn. Hurd returns to the ring to defend his IBF and WBA titles on the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury SHOWTIME PPV event on December 1 in Los Angeles in his first fight since undergoing rotator cuff surgery. Watch the interview here: https://s.sho.com/2Fti97o

 

 

 

In the telecast opener, undefeated Ukrainian prospect Arnold Khegai (14-0-1, 9 KOs) kept his unbeaten record intact with a hotly contested unanimous decision win over New Brunswick, N.J. native Jorge Diaz (19-6-1, 10 KOs), who announced his retirement immediately following the fight. The judges scored the fight 79-72, 77-74 twice. Click HERE for highlights.

 

 

 

Khegai, known for his aggressive come-forward style, stayed true to his reputation by pressing the action early. Despite suffering a cut over his left eye after an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round, Khegai was more accurate in all phases while Diaz’s activity made the fight competitive throughout the first five rounds. Khegai dazed Diaz in the fifth with a big left hook and followed it up by scoring the only knockdown of the fight in the sixth, landing a combination that forced Diaz to a knee. Tied at 122 total connects after seven rounds, Khegai clinched the fight with a huge eighth and final round where he landed 31 power punches to just 13 for Diaz.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to get the win against a very uncomfortable fighter,” said Khegai through an interpreter. “He was tough and I had to stick to my game plan. He was doing different things and leaning in with his head. My main idea was to win the fight and I tried to get the knockout.

 

 

 

“I think I can fight a top 15 fighter next time and someday win a world title. Of course, it’s important to look good on SHOWTIME, but it’s even more important to have a good fight in America and to get the win. That’s what is most important.”

 

 

 

Diaz showed toughness and grit throughout the fight. “I am done. I am retiring,” he said. “I have so much more to do and accomplish in life. I gave it my all in rounds seven and eight. I got caught with a body shot in the last round and that’s when he jumped on me. I think he won because of the last round.”

 

 

 

Tonight’s tripleheader was promoted by Victory Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions.

 

 

 

The full telecast will replay on Monday, November 19 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

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

 

 

 

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

2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas fights for 1st title against Jesus Perez in Kissimmee, Florida

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NEW YORK (November 16, 2018) –2016 United States Olympian, and undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas (8-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring when he fights Jorge Perez in an eight-round bout at the Civic Center Kissimmee, Florida.

The bout will be the 1st scheduled eight-round bout for Vargas, and it will be for the Jr. NABF Bantamweight title.

Vargas of Kissimmee, will be fighting for his 1st title and he will be doing it  in front of his hometown fans.  This will be the  for 3rd time this year that Vargas will be fighting in Kissimmee.

Vargas is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Felipe Rivas on September 28th in Puerto Rico.

I’m very excited to fight for my first professional title. To top it all off, I get to do it in front of my family and friends,” said Vargas.

“My community has always been very supportive of me since my amateur days and, they continue to support me as many of them make the trip to my fights when I fight here in Florida. I trained harder than I ever train and you will see the best of Antonio Vargas tonight!”

Said Split-T Management’s David McWater, “Nobody is more deserving than Antonio Vargas.  Along with being a great talent, he is such as great kid.  This will be the first of many professional titles for Antonio!”

COMBAT GO Delivers International Coverage from the World’s Top MMA, Muay Thai, Boxing, & Wrestling Promotions

New Linear Network on Roku Channel

 

  

 

 

Los Angeles, CA, November 8, 2018 –Today FITE announced their content partnership to power the first all-digital martial arts channel COMBAT GO by Jungo TV as a linear offering on the ad-supported Roku channel.  

 

 

 

Roku users can easily access COMBAT GO through the Roku Express®, Roku Streaming Stick®, and Roku Ultra® devices, as well as on a variety of smart TVs and Roku TVs® from brands including TCL, Hisense, Hitachi, Sharp, Insignia and RCA, delivering Cinedigm’s content to more than 21 million viewers.

 

 

 

COMBAT GO is a partnership between Cinedigm and global television distributor JungoTV. COMBAT GO, created by JungoTV CEO George Chung, a five-time karate champion and world-renowned black belt, presents curated content selected by martial arts experts, featuring in-depth fight commentary and analysis, original docuseries, and martial arts movies. Through its partnership with FITE, the network covers combat events from around the globe including MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling and boxing, highlighting promotions such as RIZIN, Glory of Heroes, Kun Lun Fights, and Brave Fighting Championship. COMBAT GO also covers a number of alternative combat sports geared toward millennial audiences.

 

 

 

“FITE is excited about this opportunity for both our programmers and for fight fans to make all forms of combat sports available on an additional combat sports platform,”  said FITE COO Michael Weber. “Currently, FITE offers over 800 live combat sports programs a year, and this relationship will help expand the overall viewership for these programs.”

Vargas Having His Best Training Camp Ever, Preparing to Face Espinoza at “Rumble at the Rock III” on Friday, Nov. 30, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. and Live on Boxeo Telemundo 

Colombian bantamweight Yeison “El Mulo” Vargas will be experiencing a number of career firsts in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, and live on Boxeo Telemundo, on Friday, November 30.

 

 

 

That’s when Cartagena’s undefeated Vargas (17-0, 12 KOs) will face Mexico’s Ricardo Espinoza (21-2, 18 KOs) for the WBO-NABO Championship in the 10-round main event of promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory’s (in association with All Star Boxing) “Rumble at the Rock III” event.

 

 

 

In the first important crossroads fight of his three-year career, Vargas be fighting for the first time outside his homeland, and also having his first fight under The Heavyweight Factory promotional banner.

 

 

 

To prepare, Vargas has spent training camp working with well-known Florida-based trainer Herman Caicedo in Miami. “This is the best training camp I’ve ever had,” said Vargas. “I’m learning so many new skills and different techniques from Herman. I feel so good, I can’t wait to hear the bell ring.”

 

 

 

28-year-old Vargas, the current Colombian Champion, says he’s ready for a gritty battle if that’s what it takes against Espinoza, the WBO Latino Bantamweight Champion. “I know he’s a good fighter and that he won’t lay down. He will be there to win too, and I need to be impressive in beating him. I also know he’s a big puncher. That’s what I like to hear. We can go to war.”

 

 

 

Vargas says he hooked up with the Hollywood, Florida-based Heavyweight Factory through his manager Angel Villegas and is hoping to start cultivating a fan-base in Florida, and because of the TV exposure, North America.

 

 

 

“This is my most important fight yet,” said Vargas. “Winning this fight means climbing the ladder in the United States. That’s been my dream since I started boxing. I want the fans to know I’m going to put on an exciting performance for them, so they remember my name.”

 

 

 

In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Derrieck Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will face well-known Miami via Barranquilla, Colombia, veteran Breidis “Khanqueror” Prescott (31-14, 22 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets cost $500, $200, $150 and $100. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.comwww.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Explore the new Hard Rock Event Center with a 360-degree virtual seat map of the venue at www.myhrl.com. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. Additional fees may apply.