Tag Archives: Canada

Super Channel to air Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Miguel Marriaga This Saturday night in Canada

EDMONTON, Alberta, Canada (July 31, 2017) – Super Channel subscribers in Canada will have the opportunity to watch superstar Vasyl Lomachenko, arguably the No. 1 pound-for-pound professional boxer in the world today, as the Ukrainian defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Association Junior Lightweight World Championship for the second time, this Saturday night (August 5), starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The 29-year-old Lomachenko (8-1, 6 KOs) will be challenged by two-time world title challenger, dangerous Colombian knockout artist Miguel “The Scorpian” Marriaga (25-2, 21 KOs), the WBO No. 10-ranked contender, in the 12-round main event.
Three exciting fights on the stacked “Lomachenko vs, Marriaga” card, promoted by Top Rank, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
Super Channel has recently aired major boxing events live like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, and Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham.
“we are all ecstatic to be bringing this exciting bout featuring one of the world’s best boxers, Vasyl Lomachenko, to our viewers and to be presenting another top-notch card from legendary promoter, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, to Canadian fight fans,” said Troy Wassill. Director of Programming, Domestic Distributors & Sports for Super Channel.
Lomachenko is regarded by many as the greatest amateur boxer of his time and arguably all-time having captured two Olympic gold medals (2008 & 2012) and three World Championships, reportedly losing only once in 396 amateur bouts.
Eight (7-1) of his nine fights during his three-year pro career have been in world title fights, including world title winning performances in two different weight classes, WBO featherweight and junior lightweight. Lomachenko has defeated world champions Gary Russell, Jr., Roman Martinez and Nicholas Walters.
Marriaga, who is moving up to junior lightweight to challenge Lomachenko, is a battled-tested challenger with good power and a strong amateur background.
In the 12-round co-feature, NABO & NABF lightweight champion “Sugar” Raymundo Beltran (33-7-1, 21 KOs) defends his titles against former two-time Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Featherweight World Champion Bryan Vasquez (36-2, 19 KOs).
Mexico-native Beltran, fighting out of Phoenix (AZ), is a two-time world title challenger who is knocking on the door for another world title shot. Beltran is ranked No. 2 in the world by the WBO, World Boxing Council (WBC) and International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as No. 6 by the WBA.
Vasquez, fighting out of Costa Rico, is rated the No. 1 lightweight contender in the world by the WBA
In the eight-round Super Channel opener, 2012 Olympic silver medalist Esquiva Falcao (17-0, 12 KOs), the undefeated Brazilian middleweight, steps up in terms of class opposition to face Ivan “Terrible” Montero (20-2, 8 KOs), of Mexico.
To see the “Lomachenko vs. Marriaga” live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @SuperChannel
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Aliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.

Fight Network Presents ENFUSION LIVE #51 from Halifax this Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET

For Immediate Release – July 6, 2017

TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents the Canadian debut of ENFUSION LIVE this Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET, as ENFUSION LIVE #41 emanates from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, headlined by a five-round showdown between England’s Iman Barlow and Canadian Ashley Nichols for the Enfusion -54 kg world championship.

The live broadcast of ENFUSION LIVE #41 will air at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fight Network across Canada. The full line-up includes:

-54kg World Title – Iman Barlow (England) vs. Ashley Nichols (Canada)

-80kg – Thomas Dalziel (Canada) vs. Ariel Abreu (USA)

-85kg – Mark MacKinnon (Canada) vs. Joey George (Canada)

-75kg – Justin Condie (Canada) vs. Matthew Kendell (Canada)

-70kg – Chris McMillan (Canada) vs. Kyle Nelson (Canada)

-60kg – Lenny Wheeler (Canada) vs. Desmond Johnson (Canada)

Ahead of ENFUSION LIVE #41, the UFC 213 PREFIGHT SHOW will air live at 7:00 p.m. ET, featuring final predictions and analysis from Las Vegas, including UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping and retired contender Kenny Florian serving as desk analysts with host Karyn Bryant and reporter Megan Olivi conducting on-site interviews.

The live UFC 213 POSTFIGHT SHOW airs at approximately 1:00 a.m. ET, recapping the championship doubleheader featuring the rematch between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko, plus the clash between Yoel Romero and Robert Whittaker for the interim middleweight crown.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Largest MMA event in The Americas July 14-15 in Monterrey, Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONTE CARLO, Monaco (May 3, 2017)- The World MMA Association (WMMAA) has announced that its 2017 Pan-American Championships, the largest MMA event ever in The Americas, will be held this coming July 14-15 in Monterrey, Mexico.
National teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Brazil, along with special guest Spain, are expected to compete in the 2017 Pan-American Championships.
“Representing your country on the biggest continental competition of nations, it strikes you, your heart starts to race in anticipation of the grand journey into WMMAA history,” Pan-American Division president Tomas Yu said.
The PAN-AM Board of Directors met again this past month during a collaboration with USA Boxing, during the latter’s 2017 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open, when the tentative announcement was made that Monterrey (Mexico) would be the event host this July.
Albuquerque, New Mexico was a leading destination host, however, PAN-AM Board members voted in favor of Monterrey as the ultimate location.
“WMMAA Mexico, as well as Monterrey as the host city this year, is a huge step in the development of the championships and movement as a whole,” Yu added.  “Monterrey has been an active sport city. It was the first city to bid on the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. Monterrey had never bid on an Olympic Game prior to its effort to bid for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics. The city did host several matches of the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
“The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here as the 2017 Pan-American Championships will take place in Monterrey, Mexico this coming July 14-15. The final decision has been made and now it is time to exhale, relax, and peacefully wait for the upcoming grand event, gathering people from all around the world to watch their country’s athletes competing among the best.”
INFORMATION:

Promoter Yvon Michel sets record straight about Cancelled Beterbiev-Barrera IBF title eliminator

Nobody wants to fight undefeated light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (R)
(Photo by Vincent Ethier)
MONTREAL (March 13, 2017 – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) president Yvon Michel has responded accordingly to unfounded allegations recently made in the media by Sullivan Barrera about GYM and its undefeated world light heavyweight contender, Artur Beterbiev, to set the record straight regarding the recently announced cancelled Beterbiev-Barrera International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title eliminator.
“Despite Barrera’s claims,” Michel insisted, “he didn’t sign a contract because he never intended for fight Artur.  In Team Barrera’s letter, he lied and showed his ignorance trying to distract from the facts.
“For the conclusion of this unfortunate saga, the IBF has informed me that it has ruled to ban Barrera from its world rankings, or from participating in one of its sanctioned fights, for the next six months.  I’ve also been informed that, if nobody in the IBF top 10 is available and agrees to fight Artur, the IBF will declare him as its No. 1 mandatory challenger for the winner of the Ward-Kovalev rematch.  Artur will be back in the ring in late April, early May. The mandatory defense for the Ward-Kovalev II winner, or Ward if that fight doesn’t happen, is due in September.”
IBF Light Heavyweight Ratings: Champion – Andre Ward, 1. Unrated, 2. Artur Beterbiev, 3. Sergey Kovalev, 4. Erik Skoglund, 5. Enrico Kolling, 6. SUSPENDED, 7. Oleksandr Gvozdyk, 8. Dominic Bosel , 9. Robert Stieglitz, 10. Trent Broadhurst.
Below, Michel sets the record straight, point-by-point, in terms of the open letter Team Barrera sent to the media.
Michel didn’t negotiate with Barrera’s promoter, Kathy Duva, and asked for it to go to an immediate purse bid.
“Kathy Duva (CEO/Main Events) came to my office the day before the deadline set for Barrera’s acceptance to participate in the IBF title eliminator to speak about the situation.  Our hope was to fight Barrera but because he is prohibited from traveling to Canada, I confirmed our intention with Ms. Duva to accommodate Barrera and leave Canada and make the fight in the United States.  We were in the same position a year ago, when Barrera pulled out of the same title eliminator because he couldn’t get a visa to fight in Canada.   Artur was then supposed to fight Karo Murat, but he suffered an injury and was unable to fight.  Barrera later defeated Murat to move into the IBF mandatory position in which he then lost to Andre Ward.
“Kathy told me the number she had in mind to make the fight.  I said that I would see if there were enough resources for that amount and promised to call her the following day.  I did and explained that there weren’t enough resources to meet that purse structure.  Nevertheless, not long after I received confirmation Barrera was officially taking the challenge, I then decided to move forward and immediately requested a purse bid date, which is the prerogative of any promoter, knowing what was Main Events’ expectation in terms of their fighter’s purse. In this business, everybody knows the best way to determine the true market value of a fight is a purse bid, where promoters are evaluating their resources and making their bid accordingly. We still had still seven days to make an offer, one and other, and make a deal up to five minutes before the bid was due. Main Events never made us an offer and neither did we.”
GYM’s winning purse bid was $251,000, substantially more than Main Events’ bid of $182,000, of which Beterbiev would receive 75-percent of the winning bid.  Barrera would have received $62,750, compared to $45,500 he would have earned if his own promoter had won the bid.
Beterbiev reported on social media that his fight versus Barrera would be held March 4th in Brooklyn, New York and Michel reported that the fight would be held in late March, early April, in New York.  Barrera had trained for those dates but didn’t receive a contract.
 
“GYM won the purse and pursuant to IBF rules and regulations, the fight had to be held within 30 to 90 days,” Michel continued.  “We deposited $50,000, per IBF rules, and received a confirmation letter from the IBF all was conform.  As per IBF regulations, within 15 days after the purse bid, we filed contracts for the two fighters.  Artur signed his five minutes after he received the contract and it was then sent to the IBF.  We executed Barrera’s contract, sending it to Main Events for Barrera with a copy sent to the IBF. Soon after I received notice from the IBF that everything was in order and that we had complied with the IBF requirements.”
Michel sent an improper agreement to Main Event listing various dates.
 
“We knew we had a PBC date, either April 14, 21 or 29.  It’s very common for fight dates written in the initial fighter contract to vary one week before or after the date listed.  I contacted IBF president Daryl Peoples and said April 21st was the most likely date but that it could end up being a week earlier or after.  He recommended to be transparent and  to write all three potential dates into the contract. We did and then sent it to Main Events for Barrera to sign.  Main Events noted that IBF rules said only one date and site could be written in the contract.  Daryl complied with the objection so we then officially confirmed April 21st would be the date of the fight and Florida the site.  We then sent a GYM executed corrected IBF bout agreement back to Main Events to be signed by Barrera and filed with the IBF on February 16th.
“Meanwhile, GYM received a request, from Main Event to produce a Provision of Service agreement for Barrera’s participation. GYM was not obliged to positively fulfill that request but, as a display of good faith, we did so in belief the contract that Barrera would sign and Main Events would file it at the IBF office, on that date, as per its rules. Soon after, GYM received a letter from IBF championship chairman, Mr. Lindsey Tucker, that all requirements had been fulfilled to officially sanction the bout.”
The Florida location for the fight had been selected by GYM for three reasons. 1. Beating Barrera in his own backyard would send strong message for Beterbiev within the division; 2. GYM had received an offer from Miami-based SMY Sports and Entertainment’s president M. Eric Senecal, who wanted the buy the rights to produce the event; 3. GYM’S longtime and very close relationship with Florida-based Warriors Promotions, Mr. Leon Margules.
On behalf of GYM, Margules had reserved the April 21st date with the Florida Athletic Commission.  SMY Sports & Entertainments made a deal with GYM that had a deadline to deposit the agreed upon money guarantee. They had reserved the Seminole Hard Rock arena in Fort Lauderdale. If SMY was not able to deliver money and site, GYM had a backup plan, proposed by Margules, who had a deal and a site on hold, Hialeah Racetrack in nearby Hollywood (FL). No matter what would transpire, the fight was guaranteed at a site in Florida, April 21st for a PBC event to be televised on FS1.
Barrera’s manager was contacted by one of the promoters to help pay Yvon Michel and finance the bout.
 
“This is a tortuous claim and a terrible lie,” Michel said.  “Nobody representing GYM ever made that kind of request.  The truth is a local promoter, M. Michael Luzbet, whom I’d never met and never made any deals of any sorts with in the past, wanted to be a partner with SMY Sports and Entertainments. He tried to raise his share of money to participate but SMY rapidly disassociated themselves from Michael Luzbet.
“How the group (SMY) was raising money wasn’t really my concern, but they had found sponsors and were counting on the important Quebec community residing in Florida at that time of the year, as well as the important Cuban population and their contacts with the Russian community, to sell VIP tables and tickets.  It wanted the rights to put the show on in Florida but they were concerned because they had heard a rumor that Barrera hadn’t signed a contract and he was going to pull out of the fight.
They then requested a guarantee that Barrera (who lives in Miami) was going to fight before confirming their money deposit. I was in Quebec City at that time for the Alvarez-Bute fight.  Mr. Lindsey Tucker was there representing the IBF and I spoke to him.  He said he believed the IBF had received a signed contract from Barrera.  I contacted SYM to say everything was fine and that I had requested a copy (of the Barrera-signed contract) from Lindsey.  Daryl People then informed me that there was a misunderstanding and they did not have a signed contract from Barrera.  It is only then I realized Main Events had pressured Barrera to sign the agreement without success. We asked the IBF president to pressure Main Events to have Barrera sign the contract because, without it, we were jammed in the promotion of the event. This is exactly what happened.”
Team Barrera implied that Yvon Michel couldn’t promote a show of this magnitude in the U.S.
 
“I’ve promoted more than 200 shows, never defaulting or cancelling a single show, including  involvement in more than 50 world championship fights and many multi-million dollars events, much bigger than this title eliminator.  This statement just shows his ignorance about what we’re all about and who we are and was just smoke screen to his behavior.  I’ve promoted shows with the majority of the major promoters in the world; DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Promotions, Don King Promotions, Golden Boy, Main Events… just about everybody. It was unbelievable for them to write such an impertinent line.”
Team Barrera unjustly belittled the quality of Beterbiev’s last two opponents, calling them cow farmers from Argentina.
 
“This is terrible to be so insolent to fellow world contenders. Both fighters were world ranked in the top 15 at that time. (Ezequiel Osvaldo) Maderna (23-2, 16 KOs) had never been knocked out and (Isidro) Prieto (26-1-3, 22 KOs) had suffered only one loss, a decision to the WBC #1 contender Eleider Alvarez.  Beterbiev knocked them both out (Maderna in the fourth round, Prieto in the first), so downgrading the quality of Artur’s 2016 opponents was totally unwarranted.  If Barrera ever actually got into the ring with Beterbiev, he would have fallen into the same category as Maderna and Prieto, who were both fierce competitors but not in the same league of Beterbiev.”
Michel firmly believes Barrera never intended to fight Beterbiev for his share of the purse bid and, to cover up, he tried to place the blame on others. His promoter spent time and money for the bid at the request of its fighter, Barrera, believing he had a legitimate chance of winning the fight. It is obvious that sentiment was not shared by Barrera, even if the fight was to be held in his own backyard in Florida.
“The truth of this matter is that Barrera lied to distract media attention from the fact he didn’t sign a contract and clearly wanted no part of Beterbiev,” Michel concluded.  “We don’t disrespect any contender who prefers not to challenge Artur Beterbiev for the mandatory position. We also believed that Main Events did everything in its power to convince their fighter to keep his words and to go forward with the fight. Main Events is not at blame. We also have respect for Barrera’s fighting abilities but we have no respect for the person Barrera is with his despicable, unprofessional, shameful and disgraceful attitude in handling the present situation.
“On a personal note, I have never met Sullivan Barrera. I never had to directly communicate with him, I never had to do business with him, everything went through his promoter, Main Events, and I really don’t envy them! Soon, GYM will have two light heavyweight world champions and I can guarantee Barrera will never be in their plans.
“We’ve moved on from Sullivan Barrera to find an opponent who has the desire to step into the ring to fight Artur Beterbiev. While Barrera will still be suspended by the IBF, Beterbiev will be World Champion!”
Beterbiev, a two-time Russian Olympian, holds two amateur victories over his fellow countryman, Kovalev, the former world light heavyweight champion. Whether it’s Kovalev or Ward, Artur Beterbiev will be more than ready for the challenge to fight for the world light heavyweight championship this September.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @ABeterbiev
Instagram: @YvonMichelGYM, @Groupeyvonmichel, @ArturBetebiev
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

GYM SIGNS FRENCH OLYMPIAN CHRISTIAN M’BILLI ASSOMO

 

Photo Credit: JBAutissier/Panoramic
 
MONTRÉAL (December 27, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) is proud to announce the promotional contract signing of 2016 French Olympian Christian M’Billi Assomo to an exclusive promotional contact.He will settle in Quebec and make his professional debut there in early 2017.
 
Known in the ring as ”Le Solide” (The Solid), Assomo will arrive in Montreal at the beginning of January, when he will start working with world-class trainer Marc Ramsay and his outstanding team.
 
The spectacular 21-year-old Assomo has all the tools to achieve his goal of becoming world champion, as well as a great star in international boxing. As a Frenchman, his primary language is that spoken in Quebec, which will facilitate his adaptation and connection with the local media.
 
A native of Yaoundé in Cameroon, he moved at the age of seven to France, where he learned by chance to box at the Montargis Club.  Assomo quickly developed into a powerful, serious tough and highly successful boxer. He became a major name on the international amateur scene in the middleweight division (165 lbs./75 kg).
 
A member of the French Army, Assomo had a truly impressive amateur record, capturing gold medals at the 2013 European Junior Championship, 2014 European Union Championship and European Olympic Qualification Tournament, as well as maintaining an unbeaten record (4-0) in the World Series of Boxing (WSB).
 
At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Assomo defeated Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov and Ecuadorian Marlon Delgado prior tolosing in a furious battle to the eventual Olympic gold medalist, Arlen Lopez, ofCuba.
 
“At the outset,” GYM President Yvon Michel said, “we were interested in his talent, determination and willingness to do well. There’s also his engaging personality and he has the discipline to become the best. We are very excited to work with him. I am convinced that he has the potential to become world champion.”
 
“I am very pleased with this agreement with the Groupe Yvon Michel,” Assomo added. “I’m sure this is the beginning of a great adventure. I look forward to my first performance. GYM knew how to attract me: by its past, by the boxers it supports, by its structure,”
 
“After a good career among amateurs, rich in results,” French National Boxing Team coach John Dovi explained, “it is time for Christian to go into the pro ranks. His offensive style and overall boxing skills will allow him, I am sure, to reach the highest level.”
 
“I started following Christian M’Billi’s amateur career two years ago and his successes on the international scene were more than impressive,” Ramsey commented. “I am very happy to associate myself with such a disciplined and talented boxer. I see a very promising future for this young man.”
 
“Christian M’Billi fuels such high intensity,” GYM Vice President of Operations and Recruitment Bernard Barré noted. “Fans will be in ecstasy watching such a powerful and exciting pugilist.”
 
Assomo, who is currently training in France, fought his last amateur bout on December 3rd. The goal is to have him boxing on February 9 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.
 
Facts:
 
Age: 21 (March 26, 1995)
Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon
Residence: Montargis, France
Division: Middleweight (165 lb in the amateurs)
Height: 5’9”
Stance:  Orthodox
Nickname: ”Le Solide”
 
Performances;
 
Participant at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Undefeated in the World Series of Boxing (WSB), 4-0 record
Gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic European Qualification Tournament
Gold medalist at the 2014 European Union Championship
Gold medalist at the 2013 European Junior Championship
Gold medalist at the 2015 French Championship
Record of 72-13-1
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events.  GYM is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

Lee Baxter Promotions Card Postponed; McGuinness and Miljas to fight October 28

 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (October 25, 2016) – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lee Baxter Promotions’  card scheduled for Thursday evening at the Powerade Center in Brampton, Ontario has been postponed until further notice.

Two of Baxter’s fighters scheduled to appear on that card, 130 pound contender Logan “Cotton” McGuinness and heavyweight prospect Mladen “Monster” Miljas, will now fight October 28 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

A former NABA champion at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, McGuinness signed with Lee Baxter Promotions in July.  McGuinness, 23-0-1 (10 KO’s), is fighting for the first since May 2015 and meets Noel Rincon, 18-9-1 (10 KO’s), of Mexico over eight rounds. With a victory, the 29-year-old Ontario native hopes to get back in the mix.

Known as “Monster” due to his crushing power and impressive physical stature, Miljas looks to go 2-0 as a pro when he challenges Mexican Adrian Garcia, 1-1 (1 KO), in a four rounder.

“”I’m glad I was able to keep Logan and Mladen fighting even after our card was postponed,” said Lee Baxter. “The card will be rescheduled in the near future but in the meantime it’s important to keep my fighters busy. Logan’s been very sharp in training and Mladen has the look of a good heavyweight prospect based on what we saw in his pro debut.”

Baxter, who is growing his stable of talented boxers, also looks forward to the career changing opportunity his fighter Samuel Vargas has when he faces unbeaten Danny GarciaNovember 12.

“We’ve got a lot of nice things on the horizon and I believe that Sammy is going to surprise a lot of people. His trainers know everything there is to be known about Garcia and Team Vargas was thrilled when we heard he accepted the fight.

I’ve also got Kane Heron returning from a few lingering injuries and he’ll be back by the end of the year. He is a truly special talent and one of boxing’s best kept secrets. Most importantly, we will continue to grow and invest in our fighters while providing quality events in Canada.”

For more information, please visit LeeBaxterpromotions.com.

ARTUR BETERBIEV TO FACE ISIDRO PRIETO DECEMBER 23  AT THE CASINO DU LAC LEAMY, GATINEAU

A TRUE CHRISTMAS GIFT
MONTRÉAL (September 29, 2016– Ottawa and Outaouais boxing fans in Canada will receive a special Christmas gift when Montreal’s adopted son and the most dangerous world title challenger, Artur Beterbiev (10-0, 10 KOs), faces Paraguay slugger and reigning WBC Latino light heavyweight champion Isidro Ranoni Prieto (26-1-3, 22 KOs) in a real power punching affair, December 23 in Gatineau as part of the GYM Boxing Series, presented by the Casino de Lac Leamy in collaboration with Videotron.
Beterbiev is world ranked by all over the major sanctioning bodies: International Boxing Federation (IBF) #2, World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) #3, World Boxing Organization (WBO) #4, and The Ring magazine #6.
WBO #10 rated contender Prieto has won his last two fights by knockout, since losing by unanimous decision to Eleider Alvarez in a spectacular 12-round fight, in which he refused to give an inch to the WBC # 1 challenger on August 15, 2015 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Expect fireworks as the KO ratio for Beterbiev and Prieto is an incredible 80-percent.
“Despite the claims of some promoters and light heavyweight challengers,” Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM president Yvon Michel said, “it’s a fact that Artur Beterbiev is the most dangerous and biggest threat to all of the world light heavyweight champions All contenders for titles change their minds when it comes to getting in the same ring with him,” said the president of GYM, Yvon Michel.
“Isidro Prieto is a fierce fighter who accepted the challenge, also believing he has the style to repel even the most courageous boxer. He is determined to make a name for himself December 23rd. We certainly admire his determination.”
 
Artur Beterbiev
Beterbiev is a bright GYM prospect. A true jewel, the Chechen fighter brutalized the international amateur scene.
The ferocious Beterbiev represented Russia in two Olympic Games in Beijing and London. He also won a gold and silver medals at the prestigious World Amateur Championships, as well as gold medals in numerous amateur tournaments including the Wold Cup and European Championships.
In 2010, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) named him its Boxer of the Year, as the best pound-for-pound amateur fighter in the world. He also defeated current WBO light-heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev in the amateurs.
The gladiator from Daghestan left behind family and friends to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional world champion.
“He has all the qualities required to become world champion,” highly regarded strength-and-conditioning coach Andre Kulesza said of Beterbiev when he first signed a promotional contract with GYM. “He is healthy and always positive. He is highest level of athlete who I have ever had the chance to work with in Montreal. He has a superior genetically than anybody I ever work with and that’s really saying something! Artur is naturally strong, agile and flexible. He will go up very quickly and destroy his rivals. Expect lots of KOs,”
As a professional, Beterbiev has destroyed every opponent he’s faced. In only his sixth fight, he crushed former IBF champion Tavoris Cloud in less than two rounds to capture the NABA strap.
In his Showtime debut, Beterbiev stopped previously undefeated Jeff Page Jr. second round. Spaniard southpaw Gabriel Campillo was next in line, in an IBF eliminator bout for the IBF #2 world ranking, which was televised in the first Premier Boxing Champions show, live on CBS. Campillo, a former WBA champion, was dropped and then viciously knocked out in the fourth round.
Beterbiev knocked out American southpaw Alexander Johnson in the seventh round, live on Spike TV, June 12, 2015 in Chicago.
After a one-year absence due to a shoulder injury, Beterbiev climbed back in the ring, his first main PBC main event broadcasted on ESPN this past June 4 at the Bell Centre against Argentine Olympian Ezequiel Maderna, who failed to get through the fourth round.
Highly ranked by all the sanctioning bodies despite having only 10 pro fights, Beterbiev has opened eyes all around the boxing world, and the scariest part is that it is only the beginning for him.
“I’m really happy with the turn of events,” Beterbiev remarked. During his time in Montreal Prieto has shown that he is a true warrior and that’s the kind of opponent I want to face. “
“With his WBO #10 ranking, “Beterbiev’s trainer Marc Ramsay noted, “Prieto is by far the best fighter available to fight Artur. He is very aggressive and his style insures a fight filled with action. “
Isidro “El Guerrero” Prieto
Prieto has dreamed of becoming the first Paraguayan world boxing champion.

After winning his first six pro fights and the Paraguay national title, he resettled in Argentina in 2009 to continue his development.  In Buenos Aires, Prieto was taken under the wing of the first coach, Raul Paniagua, mentor and uncle of former world championSergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

“We have always encouraged each other, me and Sergio,” Prieto said in an interview with a South American website. “He started from the bottom and that is why we have so many things in common.”

Currently ranked # 10 by the WBO, “El Guerrero” has wiped out South American competition, knocking out most of his rivals, including Brazilian brawler Jackson Junior.
His lone defeat was to WBC Silver champion Alvarez, and since then Prieto has won two bouts, both by knockout.  Slick and freakishly strong with heavy hands, Prieto is a serious threat.
“I’ve worked in various places but the Casino du Lac Leamy is one of the places I love the most, ” added Éric Bélanger, trainer and organizer of events in the Gatineau and Ottawa region “It’s beautiful and prestigious; intimate but the atmosphere is amazing. Everyone connects and is part of the show. Gatineau also has a fan base that loves boxing. With Artur Beterbiev, it will be a major league boxing card, and I am sure that the region will be happy to be part of it.”
Ticket information will soon be announced

OCTOBER 20th CARD ANNOUNCED FIRST EVENT OF THE SEASON AT THE CASINO DE MONTRÉAL

2012 Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton to headline
 

Undefeated welterweight prospect Custio Clayton will headline GYM’s Oct. 20th show in Montreal
 

MONTRÉAL (September 23, 2016) –– The “GYM 2016-2017 BOXING SERIES”, a “Presentation of Casino de Montreal in collaboration with Videotron” will officially begin October 20 and that professional boxing card has been announced today by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) president

Yvon Michel.
In the 10-round main event, 2012 Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton (9-0, 7 KOs) will face the biggest challenge of his young career in his tenacious Mexican opponent, Ramses “El Faraon” Agaton (17-4-3, 9 KOs).
Clayton, based in Montreal since his professional debut, also headlined the  “GYM-CASINO” series last season. In three series bouts held at the Cabaret du Casino in 2016, he stopped Frenchman Stanislas Salmon (25-3-2), American Hector Munoz (23-17-1) and Mexican Jose Emilio Perea (23-6-1).
“I work hard every week and I always feel better when I work out,” Clayton said.  “I had a solid training camp in Montreal and a few days in Ottawa with my trainer. I’ll be ready!”
Agaton is a fast, skilled and aggressive southpaw who lost a tough, majority decision to the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) welterweight champion, Konstantin Ponomarev (28-0), of Russia, last November in Las Vegas. Agaton has notable victories over Ronald Montes (16-0), Alejandro Barrera (25-1) and Alvaro Robles (17-2-2).
Charismatic Marie-Eve Dicaire (4-0, 0 KOs)of St-Eustache, will step into the ring in a 6-round fight for only the second time of her career versus Karla Zamora (3-2-0, 1 KO), of Mexico, in the co-feature.
Dicaire will be fighting at Cabaret du Casino for the fourth time having already defeated Manitoba’s Christina Berry (0-2-0), Mexican Martha Patricia Lara (9-4-0) and American Ashleigh Curry (7-9-4) in her previous appearances in her previous fights there
“The Casino is becoming my home, ” the 30-year-old southpaw commented. “I cannot wait to box again This is the longest I’ve been without climbing into the ring and everything is good to the point. I am transformed! I look forward to applying the new details worked on in the gym.”
A protégé of world light heavyweight contender and 2-time Russian Olympian, Artur Beterbiev, pro-debuting super bantamweight Vislan Dalkhaev (7-0-0, 2 KOs) will try to continue his demolition work in the pro ranks against Rodrigo Adrian Campos (10-4-0, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in a scheduled 8-round fight.
During his illustrious amateur career, Dalkhaev’s major accomplishment was defeating 2-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez, of Cuba, at a 2010 tournament in Kazakhstan. Ramirez recently beat American star Shakur Stevenson championship final of the bantamweight (56 kg) division at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil this past summer. Based on his rich amateur pedigree, Dalkhaev has a very promising pro boxing career.
“Vislan is very impressive in training and he is improving with every bout,” his trainer
Marc Ramseynoted. “We see consistent development by him,”
Twenty-two-year old Dario Bredicean (9-0, 3 KOs), who is trained by the Grant brothers, will also be in action against tough Frenchman Baptiste Castegnaro (8-9, 4 KOs).
An American of Romanian descent who was discovered by former world champion Lucian Bute, Bredicean fought twice at the Casino last season, winning impressive decisions over Mexican Jaudiel Zepeda (12-14-1) and Quebecer François Miville (7-4).
Patrice Volny (2-0, 1 KOs), of Montreal, will fight for the third time at the Cabaret of the Casino de Montréal. Spectacular in his two previous appearances there, where he delivered a brutal KO overMichel Tsalla (1-11-2) and dominated Charles Hauver (pro debut), he will trade blows this time with pro-debuting Cuban Oscar Masso Cando, who is a veteran of 250 amateur fights and now lives in Lévis, Québec.
Lightweight Dwayne Durel, of nearby Laval (4-0-0, 2 KOs), is a former kickboxer, also trained by the Grant brothers, who also will be on the card against a rival to be determined.
Alexandre Choko against doping
In a special attraction, Montreal’s Alexandre Choko will make his pro debut at the age of 42. An activist in boxing’s anti-doping, he wants to raise awareness of the dangers of doping products by fighting in the ring himself.
The identity of his rival will be unveiled next week.
Events at The Casino
“GYM BOXING SERIES PRESENTED BY THE CASINO DE MONTRÉAL IN COLLABORATION WITH VIDEOTRON” is based on a formula that has been very popular from 2005 to 2010. During this period, no less than nine participants went on to become world champions. For its 13th year, GYM repeated this formula in which the proximity of the action, along with the warm and electrifying ambiance, plus the intensity of the fights, provides a unique experience.
In addition, at each event ticket holders will receive a private invitation to mingle with the athletes and observers in an exclusive Casino bar this unique purpose.
“We are very proud to launch this series with this excellent event. This is the first of 18 planned at the Casino of Montreal and Lac Lemay, over the 3 next years, a real gift for boxing fans in Quebec” Michel concluded. “These are our stars of tomorrow. And again, each event at the Casino is a colorful show, a one of a kind party. This is exactly the kind of happening that fight fans do not want to miss!”
Event tickets for the event or season tickets are available to purchase via www.admission.ca or by calling at GYM’s office (514-383-0666).
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

Lee Baxter Promotions Inks Logan McGuinness

 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (August 3, 2016) – Toronto-based Lee Baxter Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated super featherweight contender Logan “Cotton” McGuinness to an exclusive promotional agreement.

Living and fighting out of Orangeville, Ontario, McGuinness has an outstanding 23-0-1 professional ledger with 10 victories coming by knockout. The 29-year-old McGuinness is a former WBA-NABA champion at 126, 130 and 135 pounds, earning NABA Fighter of the Year in 2011.

Formerly ranked number 4 in the world by the WBA, McGuinness has been inactive since May 2015 due to out of the ring issues and is excited to get back in the squared circle.

McGuinness said of his new promotional agreement and return to fighting in Canada “it feels great to have signed with Lee Baxter and this is something I feel has been a long time coming. I think the two of us will make some noise and do big things together. I have had an unfortunate couple of years as anyone who has followed my career understands but I’m a true believer in things happening for a reason and everything seems to be falling into place. I’m motivated and rejuvenated. I can’t wait to fight in Toronto!”

Baxter, a longtime fixture in the Canadian boxing scene who recently created the “Next Generation” fight series, is thrilled to be working with a longtime friend who he believes has a bright future ahead of him.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Logan and the timing is great for both of us. He had some unexpected layoffs but is still unbeaten and a very talented fighter. There’s been a public demand for him to fight in Canada again since 18 of his professional matches have been here and we’re proud to be making this happen. I’m looking at having him potentially fight twice in 2016 and the people in Ontario are as excited to see him fight as he is to fight in front of them. The sky is definitely the limit with Logan!”

Details on Logan’s return to the ring will be announced shortly.

Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Scores Sensational Knockout Over Hard-Hitting Contender Thomas Williams Jr. In Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Main Event Friday Night From Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada

 
Middleweight Contenders Immanuwel Aleem & Demond Nicholson
Fight to Majority Draw
&
Top Contender Eleider Alvarez Dominates Robert Berridge On Way to Unanimous Decision Victory
 
Click HERE for Photos from Dave Nadkarni/Premier Boxing Champions
(Photos to be added shortly)
 
Click HERE for Main Event Highlights
QUEBEC CITY (July 30, 2016) – Light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight reel knockout victory over Thomas “Top Dogg” Williams Jr. (20-2, 14 KOs) in the fourth-round of an exciting main event showdown on Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Friday night from Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada.
“It was a firefight,” said Stevenson. “He put pressure on me so I decided to put pressure on him too. It was a fight with two guys who could punch and it was spectacular. It was my daughter’s birthday and I gave her a great gift.”
The defending champion Stevenson, fighting in his adopted hometown, put Williams down in round one with a straight left hand. Williams was able to recover and began to fire back in round two. However, Stevenson’s jab consistently sent Williams backtracking, while Williams abandoned the jab and attempted to cut the distance with power punches from difficult angles. Williams staggered the world champion several times, using an effective counter right hand while getting the best of many exchanges.
Both men were hurt in an exciting third round that saw momentum swing in each man’s favor before the bell rang to end the round. A cut opened up over the left eye of Williams in the end of the round that was tended to in his corner. Williams hit the canvas as a result of a low blow early in the fourth, but regained his footing shortly after.
The notorious power puncher Stevenson eventually landed the deciding blow of the night when he caught Williams’ chin hanging in the pocket and delivered a straight left hand that put the challenger to the floor. The Washington, DC area-native was unable to recover, prompting referee Michael Griffin to stop the bout 2:54 into the fourth round.
Additional televised action saw rising middleweight contendersImmanuwel Aleem (16-0-1, 9 KOs) and Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) fight to a majority draw in their eight-round bout.
Neither fighter was able to control of the fight with Nicholson attempting to use his length and jab while Aleem tried to cut the distance and attack with short punches. Nicholson appeared to have the more effective attack in the early rounds, while Aleem began to have more success as the fight shifted to toe-to-toe action in the second half of the fight.
The judges’ scores reflected the close nature of the fight as one judge had it 77-74 for Aleem while the other two judges had it a 76-76 draw.
The televised opener saw Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (20-0, 10 KOs) keep his perfect record intact with a unanimous decision victory over New Zealand’s Robert Berridge (27-5, 21 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight affair.
“I am happy with the win, but I would have liked a knockout! He was tough, but he did not hurt me at all and I thought that I hurt him. I am ready for my next challenge, which will hopefully be a world title fight.”
The top-rated contender for Stevenson’s title, Alvarez established his jab early on while attacking the body of Berridge with right hooks. Alvarez continued to control the fight from a distance as Berridge was slow to begin increasing his output before he started putting the pressure on in round five.
The southpaw Berridge was able to land occasionally on Alvarez with a looping left hand, but never put the undefeated fighter in danger. Alvarez began to have more success varying up his attack with right uppercuts and hooks that eventually left Berridge’s right eye swollen and bruised.
Alvarez took home the decision by scores of 99-90 and 98-92 twice.
PBC on Spike was promoted by Group Yvon Michel (GYM).
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, @TopDoggJr, @yvonmichelgym @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing,and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.