Tag Archives: Chicago

 Andrey Fedosov battles Joey Dawejko this Saturday in Ekaterinburg, Russia


 

PHILADELPHIA, PENN / CHICAGO, ILL. (October 11, 2018)-This Saturday, 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight champion, Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) will take on tough Joey Dawejko in a 10-round bout in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

 

 

 

This will be Fedosov’s 2nd bout in the past four months after he defeated Francisco Mireles in the 1st round on June 30th in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

 

 

“I have been hearing that Joey has been talking a lot on social media that he was going to knock me out, but on Saturday, he will find out that he is barking up the wrong tree,” said Fedosov.

 

 

 

The 32 year-old Fedosov will return to his home country of Russia for the 1st time in 10 years when he steps into the ring at the Ekaterinburg Expo.

 

 

 

“I am very excited to be once-again fighting in Russia.  It has been a while.  I have a lot of family and friends who will be there and have not seen me fight in person for a long time, so I know that I cannot fail them.”

 

 

 

With a win over the tough Dawejko, who was a former world amateur champion himself, Fedosov will once-again establish himself as one of the top heavyweights in the world, and will look for the biggest names in the division.

 

 

 

“I believe that I am one of the top heavyweights in the world right now.  I just need that opportunity to fight one of the top guys to prove that I belong there.  After this fight, I feel that I will get that opportunity.”

 

 

 

“This is a good step up for Andrey in his comeback,  This is a big deal for him to be fighting in Russia on Match TV.  After this fight, there will be big opportunities for Andrey,” said Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions, who along with Hitz Boxing, co-promotes Fedosov.

 

 

 

“We look forward to seeing Andrey fight on Saturday,” Said Bobny Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing.  “He is in there with a good opponent in Dawejko, who is battle tested, so when Andrey wins on Saturday, it will serve notice to the rest of the heavyweight division that he is a contender for big fights.”

 

 

 

“It’s a great fight for Andrey.  Dawejko believes that he will win the fight.  Andrey can’t wait to meet him in the center of the ring.  It will be a real exciting fight,” said Fedosov’s manager, Andrew Zak.

 

 

 

The fight will be aired live in Russia on Match TV.

 

 

 

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

Legendary 3x All-Pro NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman signs to fight in World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event this fall

 
Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming

CHICAGO (August 1, 20-18) – Retired National Football League 3x All-Pro linebacker and 3x Pro Bowl fan-favorite Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman has signed to fight on World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation’s (WBKFF) inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans,” airing on worldwide pay-per-view (full details to come) this fall, live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.

 

 

 

The 34-year-old Merriman, fighting out of Los Angeles, played 8 seasons in the NFL between 2005 and 2012 between 2005 and 2012 for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He was drafted out of the University of Maryland in the first round, 12th overall pick, by the Chargers in the 2005 NFL draft.

 

 

 

Known as an extremely physical football player, the 6′ 4″ Merriman will take his powerful presence into the ring as a bare-knuckle fighter, against his heavyweight opponent to be announced.

 

 

 

“This is really exciting for me,” Merriman said. “It’s a real privilege and honor for me to come out and fight. Thank you to everyone at the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation for your support. It’s time for Lights Out!”

 

 

 

“We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team,” WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz commented. “It’s a very exciting time for everyone.  Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring.  We feel that Shawne’s signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator sport.  Bare knuckle fighting is the combat sport for the 21st century.  We welcome Shawne as part of our family!”

 

 

 

WBKFF will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by women’s MMA superstar, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.

 

 

 

The announced co-featured event is a showdown between a pair of legendary MMA fighters, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.

 

 

 

Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson will square off for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.

 

 

 

WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.

 

 

 

Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” GuillardTom “Da Tank” GallicchioJosh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as undefeated professional Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).

 

 

 

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

 

 

 

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

Website: www.WBKFF.com

 

 

Facebook: @WBKFF

 

 

Twitter: @WBFFF

 

 

Instagram: @WORLDBKFF

World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Inaugural event set for October 20

 
Airing on worldwide PPV live from Casper, Wyoming

CHICAGO (July 26, 2018) – World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) announced today that its inaugural event, “Rise of the Titans”, will be held Saturday night, October 20, to air on worldwide pay-per-view live from Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.

Full PPV details will soon be announced.

WBKFF also announced it will host a star-studded meet-and greet for fans during fight week, “Fandamonium”, featuring an appearance by the Queen of MMA, Cris Cyborg, along with former UFC champions and other celebrities.

The co-featured event is a dream match-up between two of the most polarizing MMA fighters of all time, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and “The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni for the WBKFF light heavyweight title.

The 37-year-old Leben, who lives in Portland, Oregon, is coming out of a five-year retirement

A veteran UFC title contender, Leben’s victims include Wanderlei SilvaYoshihiro Akiyama,Alessio Sakara, Patrick CoteTerry Martin and Mike Swick

Baroni, 42, came out of a four-year retirement earlier this year. Fighting out of Long Island, New York, he is a former pro kickboxer (7-0) and wrestler, who has successfully fought in the UFC, Bellator, PRIDE, Strikeforce, Dream and other MMA organizations.

Another sighed fight will match Ultimate Fighter contestant and UFC veteran Christina Marks and professional boxer Jasmine Clarkson for the WBKFF Women’s Flyweight Championship.

WBKFF will also launch its $100,000 Grand Prize 8-Man Lightweight Tournament, showcasing eight fighters in four separate bouts to determine the semifinalists for WBKFF’s second event, culminating with the championship final in its third event.

Tournament contestants include UFC veterans Melvin “The Young Assassin” GuillardTom “Da Tank” GallicchioJosh Neer and Issac Vallie Flagg, as well as professional boxers Nick Casal (23-4, 18 KOs) and undefeated Joey Bryant (16-0, 12 KOs).

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

Additional fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

INFORMATION:

Website: www.WBKFF.com

Facebook: /WBKFF

Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF

World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation Officially Up & Running

 
Inaugural event set for October on worldwide PPV

 

CHICAGO (July 16, 2018) — Combat sports’ newest organization, World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), officially announced today that it is fully operational and targeting this October to promote its inaugural professional event, to air worldwide on independent pay per view.

 

 

 

WBKFF principals include CEO Tom Stankiewicz, COO & Director of Operations JC and matchmaker Paul Tyler.

 

 

 

The exact date of this historical event, venue, complete PPV details, and bouts will be announced during this summer.

 

 

 

“WBKFF will soon become the biggest, most popular in combat sports,” JC predicted. “This all started from our passion for hand-to-hand combat and to give fans what they deserve. WBKFF and fan-friendly will be synonymous. We’re going to give combat sports fans what they want and deserve: integrity, passion and fairness.”

 

 

 

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists will be used in all WBKFF fights, which will be contested in a traditional boxing ring for optimum viewing and safety. All men’s and women’s matches will feature five (two-minute) rounds.

 

 

 

WBKFF has actively scouted and recruited battle-tested veterans and promising prospects alike from boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling and other combat sports disciplines.

 

 

 

Members of the WBKFF stable of fighters range from legendary MMA veteran and undefeated kickboxer Phil “New York Bad Ass” Baroni to Street Beats Internet and YouTube MMA sensation Chris “Mighty Mouse” Yarborough, pro-debuting Team USA national boxing champion Tika “Ice Cold” Hemingway and former University of South Alabama football star Desmond LaVelle, former UFC fighters Seth “Polish Pistola” BaczynskiTom “Da Tank” Gallicchio and Christina Marks, former Bellator fighters Virgil “Rezdog” Zwicker and Dakota Cochrane, and former world boxing title challenger Jasmine Clarkson, among the more notables to date.

 

 

 

Additional signings, including some with major names in MMA and boxing, are in negotiation stages.

 

 

 

 

 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

Website: www.WBKFF.com

 

 

 

 

Facebook: /WBKFF

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram: @WBKFF

WBO News: Another Successful Boxing Officials’ Seminar Was Held In Chicago

The World Boxing Organization and the Illinois State Athletic Commission concluded a successful training seminar for boxing officials at the Garfield Park – Golden Dome, Chicago, Illinois.

 

 

 

This event covered different topics, such as refereeing, judging, rules, and ethics; the seminar followed an interactive format with the purpose of giving ring officials the necessary knowledge, confidence and experience to execute good judgement of a boxing match.

 

 

 

John Duggan, First Vice-President of the WBO, stated that some of the objectives of these events are to “improve the quality of officiating” and he highlighted the importance of cross training ring officials in order to ensure the correct decisions are made during a boxing match, “correct officiating is important to ensure the right and deserving winner is named in a fight”.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, referee Celestino Ruiz and former referee Gino Rodriguez conducted the referees’ training and stressed out the importance of taking control from the moment instructions are given in the locker room; the necessity of having proper knowledge of the rules and being correctly positioned during a fight.

 

 

 

Ethics and professionalism were also covered, as fundamental aspects in the development of a career as a boxing official.

 

 

 

Videos were used to exemplify, analyze and break down different decisions during a boxing match, this is important to help participants understand some of the scenarios they may have to face, it offers them the possibility to clarify doubts while at the same time put their knowledge to test.

 

 

 

The WBO values these opportunities to contribute with the training of boxing officials and help them attain mastery of their skills.

 

 

 

Video with more details: John Duggan, First Vice-President of the WBO

https://youtu.be/_47jBaikgPI

Mike Lee Breaks Rib in 1st round and despite not being able to breathe, defeats Jose Hernandez to claim NABO Light Heavyweight title

Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2018) -WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee Broke his rib in the 1st round, but still claimed the NABO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

 

 

 

Lee pressed the action as he looked to land power shots early.  Hernandez fought gamely, but Lee was consistent with his right and left hands.

 

 

 

Lee showed incredible heart, as in round one, he suffered a broken rib and had trouble breathing throughout the whole ten round fight.

 

 

 

Hernandez was cut from Lee’s work, and the Notre Dame graduate cruised home with the victory by scores of 97-93 on all judges’ cards.

 

 

 

With the victory, Lee remains perfect with a record of 21-0, and will now look to face any of the world champions in either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

 

 

 

“I came out wanting the knockout,” said Lee.  “I give credit to Jose, he was tough.  I got a little excited early, and I was a little sloppy.  In the beginning, I was just throwing power shots, I wasn’t double jabbing and using my athletic ability.  Every fight is a learning lesson, and tonight I had to bite down and get the win.”

 

 

 

With the win, Lee will now look to challenge any of the champions and big names in and around his weight class.

 

 

 

“Let’s go.  I want a shot at the world title.  Whether it is at 168 pounds or 175 pounds, I am just waiting on a phone call.  We wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I don’t know what happened with that.  I just want someone with the belt.”

FNU Combat Sports Show: Huge Weekend for Boxing, UFC 225 and PFL Debut Night

Tom, Tony and Rich have a ton of ground to cover in this episode. We recap last week’s most significant fights, starting with the first sanctioned bareknuckle boxing event in hundreds of years. We also break down the latest UFC Fight Night card where Jimmie Rivera took the first loss in his last 21 fights. We discuss Dana White’s tirade against fighters who don’t take the fights the company wants them to, and we blast Canelo Alvarez and his team for destroying all chances of another fight with GGG. We take a good chunk of the show to outline and analyze all the various boxing matches taking place this Saturday, from Tyson Fury’s return to the ring against Sefer Seferi to the battle of pound for pound best and undefeated welterweights Jeremy Horn and Terrence Crawford fighting on ESPN+ (which we criticize heavily).  We also touch on the debut card for PFL, a fight league where all the prize money comes at the end of the season. Finally, we preview UFC 225 and discuss CM Punk’s chances of proving himself a true cage fighter.

 

Listen to the full show below:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n8oq38byukkzqim/fnushowjune72018.mp3?dl=0

 

 

Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins chimes in on world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee

Lee takes on Jose Hernandez this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago and Live on

CBS Sports Network (9 PM ET)

Chicago, Illinois (June 4, 2018) -When WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Jose Hernandez (19-3-1, 9 KOs) this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago.  The card will be broadcast live on CBS Spots Network (9 PM ET) with an all-star announce team of International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and renowned Teddy Atlas.

 

 

 

Tompkins, who has been calling the biggest fights in the world for nearly 40 years, has seen his share of fighters, but not many with the versatility of a fighter who could be speaking to corporate America one day, and competing at a championship level in the ring…. the very next day.

 

 

 

“This fight will be a nice little test for Lee.  This is something that he has been striving for a long time, and I will be happy to see him get that chance that he has been wanting.  It is a real opportunity for him to show himself as one of the great fighters around,” said Tompkins.

 

 

 

Lee, who is one of a real select few that is able to give motivational speeches to Fortunate-500 companies, is a national spokesperson for major cooperation’s, and be a world class fighter all wrapped up in one.

 

 

 

Lee, who is holds a finance degree from Notre Dame, spends time and money for kids diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he is always fighting for a higher cause

 

 

 

“He is a very sellable guy whether he fights or not, and that’s the thing.  He has the opportunity to be a real spokesman, not only for himself but for the sport of boxing in general.  He is that in general He can really fill a room and he is excellent at dealing with all walks of life and all generations of people.  I haven’t been around too many that can do that.  “Sugar” Ray Leonard comes to mind who can do that. Leonard has a very galvanizing personality, and Mike has a lot of that in him.  He is very good spokesperson for the sport.”

 

 

 

With a win on Friday night, Lee could be just a fight or two away for fighting for a coveted world championship.

 

 

 

“I know that is something he has looked forward to.  I am in favor of him getting an opportunity.  His record says that he is worthy of an opportunity.”

Undefeated Former Olympian Mytrofanov to Face Hernandez as Natex Boxing’s ‘The Chicago Rumble’ Returns on April 14 in Northlake, IL

On Saturday, April 14, Chicago’s newest promoter, Andrew Sobko, CEO of Natex Boxing Promotions, will return to the Midwest Conference Center in Northlake, Illinois, for his next installment of “The Chicago Rumble.”
A night of action-packed professional boxing featuring local and international talent in competitive match-ups, the night’s main event will pit Oxnard, California’s (via Chernigov, Ukraine) undefeated dynamo, and 2016 Olympian, Dmytro Mytrofanov (2-0, 1 KO) taking on dangerous Mexican spoiler Vladimir “24K” Hernandez (10-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight showdown.
In the night’s six-round light heavyweight co-main event, undefeated Rustam Tulaganov (1-0) of Oxnard, California (via Tashkent, Uzbekistan) will face capable Chicago-based slugger Martez McGregor (5-1, 4 KOs).
 
Tickets for “The Chicago Rumble” are priced at General Admission $50.00, Seating ROW 1 $150.00 and Seating ROW 2-3 $90.00. VIP Tables are available for $159 per seat, and Gold VIP Tables at $249.00 per seat. Both include private seating and bar access. They are available for purchase online at natexboxing.com or at the door on fight night.
In addition to his Olympic appearance two years ago, 28-year-old Mytrofanov, won Ukrainian national amateur titles in 2008 and 2012 and a bronze medal at the 2011 European Championships. He turned professional late last year and now trains at Oxnard’s Boxing Laboratory (formerly Robert Garcia Boxing Academy) under former Robert Garcia protegee Marco Contreras.
Denver (via Mexico’s) Hernandez is no easy challenge for any fighter, especially one with just two pro fights. In just the past year, Hernandez slapped highly rated prospect Danny Valdivia with his first two career losses (now 14-2) via deserved decisions.
“I’m very happy to be going back to Chicago to fight,” said Mytrofanov. “I’ve been training very hard for this fight in Oxnard for the last weight weeks with world-class sparring partners. I’m in terrific shape and looking forward to a great win. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I will make adjustments in the ring because I’m ready for anything anyone brings.”
I’m very excited about this show,” said promoter Andrew Sobko. I have been following boxing since my father was a Ukrainian boxing champion. I grew up in the boxing industry. I am honored to be able to bring this great event to the boxing-rich city of Chicago and its great fans. My matchmaker, Jerry Alfano, is doing a wonderful job of making sure every fight will be an action-packed war.”
The terrific undercard will be announced shortly.
On fight night, the action starts at 6 pm. The Midwest Conference Center is located at 401 W Lake Street in Northlake, IL. For more information, visit natexboxing.com, Twitter: @natexboxing or visit us on Facebook atfacebook.com/natexboxing.

WINDY CITY FIGHT NIGHT WEIGHTS FROM UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO

 
Josh Hernandez 127.5 lbs. vs. Gavino Guaman 130.5 lbs.
Shawn Simpson 117.5 lbs. vs. Jose Elizondo 117 lbs.
Jessica McCaskill 133 lbs. vs. Brenda Gonzalez 134.5 lbs.
William Hernandez 129 lbs. vs. Giovanni Mioletti 131.5 lbs.
Aidar Sharibayev 135 lbs. vs. Orlando Perez 135 lbs.
Ruben Schobitz 167.5 lbs. vs. Cesar Ruiz 168 lbs.
 
Promoter: Warriors Boxing Promotions
Venue: UIC Pavilion, Chicago
Tickets for Windy City Fight Night are on sale now and priced at $101, $76, $51 and $36 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com; by calling 1-800-745-3000, or the Warriors Offices: 312-226-5800 or the UIC Pavilion Box Office: 312-413-5740 or by visiting the UIC Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Or they can be purchased the night of the event. A special VIP Lounge experience is available to select sponsors. Please call 312.622.7668 for more information.
Windy City Fight Night doors open at 7:00 pm CT and the action starts at 8:00 pm. The UIC Pavilion is located at 525 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago. The entire bout card is subject to change.
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.