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EPIX® Sets Premiere Date for The Contender, Reveals 16 Fighters Vying for the Champion Belt

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Mark Burnett’s 12-Episode Boxing Competition Series

From MGM Television and Paramount Television Set to Premiere on Lub yim hli ntuj 24

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 27, 2018 - Premium pay television network EPIX® has announced the 16 fighters who will be facing off with one another for the championship belt on the revival of boxing franchise series Lub contender this fall. The highly anticipated 12-episode season, from MGM Television and Paramount Television, will premiere on EPIX on Aug. 24, 2018 ntawm 10 PM ET/PT.

 

 

 

Hosted by undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward, the first-of-its-kind competitive documentary series for the network will feature 16 fighters pushing their limits in grueling elimination-style fights and testing their grit and determination to achieve their boxing dreams. The fighters will be overseen by legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach, and renowned Philadelphia trainer Naazim Richardson.

 

 

 

“The Contender takes unscripted TV to its grittiest. It has incredible professional fighters and real professional fights. The edge of your seat drama and true stories sets a tone that our audiences will be expecting and I love it,” said Mark Burnett, President of MGM Television.

 

 

 

“With this new iteration of Lub contender, the focus is on the gritty, personal stories of the fighters battling for boxing glory,” said Michael Wright, Thawj Tswj Hwm, EPIX. “It was important for us to find individuals who not only displayed the boxing chops and resilience in the ring, but who also showed a depth of heart and humor outside of it. Peb 16 fighters are vivacious, tough, funny, sensitive, driven and inspiring, and we are excited for our fans to get to know their stories and root for them inside the ring and out.”

 

 

 

Lub 16 Contenders come from a wide variety of professional boxing backgrounds and stations in life, bringing their unique stories, personalities, strengths and motivations to the series.

 

 

 

Each fighter will be vying to be declared the new 160-pound middleweight champion of Lub contender and take home the winner’s six-figure purse — a prize, uas, for all the fighters, represents a better life for their families and loved ones who have been there with them through all the ups and downs of their journeys.

 

 

 

Lub 16 fighters on Lub contender this season are:

 

 

  • Ievgen “The Ukranian Lion” Khytrov, Muaj hnub nyoog: 29, Rank: 20, Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y..– A Ukrainian immigrant, Olympian, Ievgen Khytrov recently relocated to America to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion and to create a better life for his family. A dedicated, quiet, religious man. He’s also the one to beat.

 

 

  • Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker, Muaj hnub nyoog: 34, Rank: 68, Hometown: Plaquemine, Lub. – Incarcerated at 15 years old and spent 14 years behind bars for robbery and attempted murder, Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker learned to box while in prison. He is now fighting for a second chance at life, living proof that it’s never too late to live out your dreams.

 

  • John “Apollo Kid” Thompson, Muaj hnub nyoog: 29, Rank: 70, Hometown: Newark, N.J. – After losing his mother to AIDS at six years old, this married performing artist, painter and fighter, John “Apollo Kid” Thompson is here to prove to the world that he can’t be boxed into a single category despite holding impressive titles including the 2015 WBA-NABA Super Welterweight, WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight and Boxcino Tournaments.

 

  • Malcolm “The Punisher” McAllister, Muaj hnub nyoog: 27, Rank: 172, Hometown: Long Beach, California. –Always at the center of schoolyard fights growing up, Malcolm “The Punisher” McAllister now channels his energy into helping others rebuild outside of foreclosure and his young, growing family. In boxing has built an impressive KO record and the 2014 Golden Gloves title on his journey to take the title of The Contender.

 

 

  • Brandon “The Cannon” Adams, Muaj hnub nyoog: 28, Rank: Inactive, Hometown: Los Angeles, California. – A bold fighter in the ring, Brandon “The Cannon” Adams knows firsthand what it means to push through adversity and step up to care for his family when there’s no one else around to. Coming from a poverty stricken neighborhood, this larger than life father of two marks his return to boxing after a three year hiatus, initiated by a loss to fellow competitor, John Thompson.

 

  • Quatavious “Cash” Cash, Muaj hnub nyoog: 26, Rank: 161, Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. – This Atlanta native is the current record-holder for fastest KO in Georgia, a four0time Golden Gloves state champ and Bronze medalist. Quatavious Cash is fighting for his late mother and for the chance to prove that a life of fighting street gangs can be channeled for good.

 

 

  • Shane “Sugarman” Mosley, Jr., Muaj hnub nyoog: 27, Rank: 149, Hometown: Raug Monica, California. – The lone single contender, son of legendary Hall of Fame boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Shane “Sugarman” Mosley Jr. is fighting to step out of his father’s shadow and carve out his own legacy.

 

  • Daniel “El Chapulin” Valdivia, Muaj hnub nyoog: 25, Rank: 116, Hometown: Tulare, California. – A natural salesman and real estate agent by day, nicknamed “El Chapulin” (“Grasshopper”) for his boundless energy, Mexican immigrant Daniel Valdivia was born to step into the ring. With several titles including the NABF Super Welterweight Champion as an underdog, he’s chasing fame to prove giving up college for boxing was the right move.

 

 

  • Michael “The Silverback” Moore, Muaj hnub nyoog: 31, Rank: 252, Hometown:Cleveland, Oh. – Reformed from a hard life on the streets, fraught with drugs, death and family suicide, Michael Moore is a natural hustler and leader. Married with two kids, Moore is constantly moving from state to state with his family in tow in pursuit of the boxing dream.

 

  • Gerald “G5” Sherrell, Muaj hnub nyoog: 24, Rank: 216, Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. – A fan of the original Contenderseries growing up, Gerald “G5” Sherrell is an undefeated and explosive fighter with a level of unrivaled and self-proclaimed swagger. Hailing from the projects, this multiple time Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves and Junior Olympic competitor, this local zoo security guard by day, and young father by night, is looking to bring boxing glory back to his hometown of Pittsburgh.

 

 

  • Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch, Muaj hnub nyoog: 34, Rank: 154, Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. – Injury-plagued throughout his career, the Native American hailing from Southern Louisiana is a married father of three. Knowing that he’s old for the sport, Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch has one last shot at making his boxing dreams come true.

 

  • Marcos “Mad Man” Hernandez, Muaj hnub nyoog: 24, Rank: 104, Hometown: Fresno, California. – Having been bullied from a young age after an accident left him with burns on 30 percent of his body, Marcos “Mad Man” Hernandez is fighting for his young autistic son, in hopes that he won’t be bullied the same way he was. With Junior Olympics, 2012 Blue and Gold titles and “Mexican-go-forward” style fighting he may be overlooked and underestimated.

 

 

  • Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson, Muaj hnub nyoog: 33, Rank: 39, Hometown: Philadelphia, PA – At a time when he needed to sell drugs to support himself at the age of 13, a stepfather’s ultimatum: be grounded or go to the boxing gym was his saving grace. Now a humble father of two, and sitting with one of the best rankings in the competition, nws 24 KO’s send a signal that he will not fight silently but his cocky attitude has beat him more than just once.

 

  • Lamar “Omega” Russ, Muaj hnub nyoog: 31, Rank: 115, Hometown: Wilmington, N.C. -One of four kids raised by a single mom and the first person in his family to graduate college, Lamar “Omega” Russ takes pride in being the underdog, and beneath the loud exterior is a boxer that needs to prove he can put his money where his mouth is. HBO, ESPN and a first round KO on Showtime do all the talking.

 

 

  • John “The Rock” Jackson, Muaj hnub nyoog: 29, Rank: 63, Hometown: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – A divorced father of two, this slick and agile boxer, Virgin Islander John “The Rock” Jackson started fighting at 12 xyoo, following in his world champion father Julian Jackson’s footsteps at the Pan American Games and 2008 Olympics. He comes from wealth but cares for the underprivileged and dreams of making his island proud bringing visibility to those struck by recent natural disasters.

 

  • Devaun “Unique” Lee, Muaj hnub nyoog: 30, Rank: 82, Hometown: Jamaica Queens, N.Y..

When one of his friends was shot and killed at 16, Devaun “Unique” Lee knew he needed a way out from the mean streets of Queens. Boxing keeps him straight. So do long hours fueling airplanes and caring for his five year old daughter. The real love of his life. Fatherhood and the sport are the motivation to take his NY State Middleweight championship to the next level.

 

 

The original Contender series ran for four seasons (2005-2009) and launched multiple fighters into contention for world titles, including title winners Sergio Mora, Cornelius Bundrage, Saki Taurus, and Sam Soliman.

 

 

Eric Van Wagenen serves as executive producer and showrunner of the revived franchise alongside Mark Burnett. The format is owned by MGM Television and Paramount Television.

 

 

EPIX is available nationwide through cable, satellite, telco and streaming TV providers including Charter Spectrum, Cox, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-nqe, Dish Network, Sling, PlayStation Vue and, as of June 13, Comcast.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Ntsia hlau loj TV

RANCES BARTHELEMY WINS LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TOE-TO-TOE BATTLE AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV IN HEADLINING BOUT OF FINAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE CARD OF 2015 FROM THE PEARL AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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Nyem NTAWM NO Rau cov duab
Yees duab Credit: Jann Hendry/Premier Boxing Champions
Nyem NTAWM NO Rau cov duab
Yees duab Credit: Idris Erba / Mayweather Promotions
Las Vegas (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 18) – Lub “force” was with Cuban star and newly crowned lightweight world champion Rances Barthelemy (24-0, 13 Kos) as he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Russian southpaw Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 Kos) in the headlining bout of the final Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) rau cov ntsia hlau loj fight card of 2015. The four-fight telecast, which was supported by non-televised fights featuring some of Mayweather Promotions’ nce hnub qub, took place at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Coming off of a luxury world tour, Floyd Mayweather returned stateside and sat ringside as promoter of tonight’s fights. The recently retired five-division world champion, who also learned today he was selected asCov kev ua si taw qhia Fighter ntawm lub xyoo, was animated and engaged through the final bell of the evening.
Cov ntsiab kev tshwm sim, which started off as a close toe-to-toe battle, ended in the Barthelemy’s favor as he swept the latter quarter of the bout. Shafikov controlled the beginning of the fight, staying in the pocket and throwing more powerful punches than Barthelemy as the Cuban had a difficult time adjusting to the significantly shorter, yet stronger, style of Shafikov.
The turning point of the fight occurred when a cut caused by a punch by Barthelemy opened up above Shafikov’s right eye in the eighth round. The blood began to poor furiously and referee Vic Drakulich called the ringside doctor over to inspect the cut. When the fight resumed, Barthelemy attacked the Russian’s eye and never let up for the remainder of the fight. He took advantage of the cut and coupled it with his height and reach advantage which led to a recipe for success as he is now a two-division world champion. The judges saw the bout 119-109 thiab 116-112 ob zaug.
“There were moments where I was trapped into my style of fighting. It took me a minute to adjust to Shafikov’s style and exchange punches with him,” hais tias Barthelemy. “I’m really happy with the number of punches I was able to get off.
“I was really impressed with Shafiov’s warrior style. He never gave up even after getting hurt with punches that were affecting his fight. That really caught me by surprise and also that he was able to last the whole fight. The fact that he continued really says something about him as a fighter.”
“I’m not sure if I won the fight,” hais tias Shafikov. “I’m very disappointed and I want a rematch.”
The co-main event saw a bizarre ending to what was to be a cruiserweight elimination bout. Detroit southpawIsiah Thomas (15-0, 6 Kos) was winning the fight on all three judges’ scorecards through round three when Russian power-puncher Murat “Hlau” Gassiev (22-0, 16 Kos) threw accidental late blows to Thomas’ head after the bell. The punches forced referee Jay Nady to make the tough call that the punches “diminished the value” of Thomas’ ability to continue. As the fight had not yet gone four rounds, unified rules state that the fight does not go to the scorecards, thus ruling it a no contest.
Chris Pearson (16-1 11 Kos), a promising super welterweight from Dayton, Ohio put his previously undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (12-0, 6 Kos) of Plaquemine, Louisiana in the second televised bout. Walker came out strong, dominating the early rounds against Pearson, another member of the stable of rising stars from Mayweather Promotions. A wobbled Pearson persevered and attempted to turn the tide in an action-packed fifth round with a series of head shots.

The seventh round saw both fighters exchanging a brutal barrage of punches culminating with a fast-paced eighth and final round drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The underdog Walker, who spent 13 years in Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana, scored a unanimous decision victory (79-71, 78-74, 80-72) winning the biggest fight of his life in front of a captivated national TV audience.

“If you believe in God and work hard at what you’re doing, you’re going to succeed,” Hais Walker. “Look at me now.
“I had watched his previous fights and knew that my right hand would be too much for him and that I could land it anytime,” continued Walker. “My conditioning was really the difference tonight. I was in great shape and I was able to rely on that when the going got tough.”

Pearson was disappointed in the decision and was left wanting a rematch.

“I take my hat off to him,” said Pearson. “His punches were crisp and hard. I just couldn’t get going on anything consistently. I thought it was closer than the judges’ scorecards and I definitely want a rematch as soon as possible.”

Nyob rau hauv lub qhib sib ntau sib tw ntawm yav tsaus ntuj, one of boxing’s fast rising stars, Gervonta “lub ib” Davis (14-0, 13 Kos) out of Baltimore put his undefeated record on the line against Mexico’s Luis Sanchez (17-5-1, 5 Kos) in a lightweight clash.

Davis, a 21-year-old protégé of Mayweather, lived up to his reputation as a budding superstar scoring a hard-fought ninth round knockout victory. Sanchez showed his toughness and resiliency as he forced Davis to fight three rounds longer than any fight of his career.Davis showed his speed and power in the eighth round as he landed an uppercut to knock down his determined opponent. In the ninth round, he threw a massive left hand to finish Sanchez, sending Mayweather to his feet in celebration.

“It felt great to fight all of these rounds and get the work in,” hais tias Davis. “He’s a tough fighter and I learned a great deal tonight. It was a very good experience for me.
“I just listened to my corner and Floyd, took my time and broke him down. I want to fight again as soon as possible for a world title.”
Mayweather, who was very pleased with Davis’ performance, sees the young undefeated fighter’s future as bright.
“It’s always good to go out there and get the W,” Hais Mayweather. “Nws yog cov tub ntxhais. He’s still learning. We’re looking forward to him being a world champion some day.”
Mayweather relished in the opportunity to promote one of the final fights of the year in his hometown of Las Vegas saying, “I’m so happy we were able to showcase on national television some of the talented fighters we have at Mayweather Promotions. Yeej los yog poob, I am proud of all of them.
“More importantly I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and thank for them supporting me, Mayweather Promotions and The Money Team throughout all of these years. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
# # #
PBC on Spike was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.
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SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON MEETS FELLOW UNBEATEN ERIC WALKER & RISING STAR GERVONTA DAVIS TAKES ON LUIS SANCHEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, KAUM-OB HLI 18 LOS NTAWM COV Pearl AT xib teg twv txiaj yuam pov chaw uasi nyob rau Las Vegas

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NTXIV! FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS ISHE SMITH & MICKEY BEY FEATURED ON STACKED UNDERCARD
Las Vegas (Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 14, 2015) – Undefeated contender Chris “Hluas King” Pearson (13-0, 10 Kos) will meet fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (11-0, 6 Kos) in a super welterweight battle while rising star Gervonta “lub ib” Davis (13-0, 12 Kos) yuav siv sij hawm nyob rau hauv Luis Sanchez (17-4-1, 5 Kos) in a lightweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) rau Ntsia hlau loj Friday, Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino resort in Las Vegas.
PBC rau cov ntsia hlau loj yog headlined los ntawm undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 Kos) thiab Russia lub Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 Kos) nyob rau hauv ib tug sib ntiaj teb no title sib ntaus. Televised kev pab them nqi pib thaum 9 p.m. THIAB/PT thiab nta Detroit tus Isiah Thomas(15-0, 6 Kos) thiab Russia lub Murat “Hlau” Gassiev (22-0, 16 Kos) in a battle of unbeaten cruiserweights.
Daim pib rau lub nyob kev tshwm sim, uas yog nce los ntawm Mayweather Promotions nyob rau hauv lub koom haum nrog Warriors Boxing, yog luv nqi ntawm $100.50, thiab $25.50 ntxiv uas siv nqi, thiab yog muag tam sim no. Daim pib yuav raug muas ntawm www.ticketmaster.com los yog los ntawm kev hu mus rau lub chaw ua hauj lwm ntawm Pearl Box 702-994-3200 los yog Ticketmaster ntawm (800) 745-3000.
Part of the stacked undercard of exciting fights will see former world champion Ishe “Qab Zib Shay” Smith (27-8, 12 Kos) tiv thaiv Tommy “Lub rab chais” Rainone (24-6-1, 5 Kos) in a super welterweight showdown and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (21-1-1, 10 Kos) in a lightweight contest against unbeaten Naim Nelson(12-0, 1 KO).
Rounding out the action is 29-year-old Romanian Ronald “Cov kev xyiv fab” Gavril (14-1, 10 Kos) against the Dominican Republic’s Mariano Hilario (12-4, 5 Kos) nyob rau hauv super Middleweight txiav txim, 26-xyoo-laus Brian Castano (13-0,9 Kos) againstMexico’s Aaron Garcia (12-4-1, 7 Kos) in a super welterweight tussle and Fabian “TNT” Maidana (8-0, 6 Kos), brother of former world champion Marcos, in a welterweight bout against Washington’s Virgil Green (11-3, 4 Kos).
Yug nyob rau hauv Dayton, Ohio, Pearson tau lub siab heev muaj zog yeej tshaj Steve Martinez, Hais tias El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner thiab yav tas los unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira nyob rau hauv plaub sib ntaus ua ntej nws yeej Janks trotter nyob rau hauv lub Cuaj Hli Ntuj. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status with a victory over the 22-year-old Walker out of Plaquemine, Louisiana who is yet to lose since turning pro in 2013.
A highly regarded prospect who won the 2012 Lub teb chaws Cov hnab looj tes championship, lub 21-xyoo-laus Davis twb kaw plaub stoppage victories nyob rau hauv 2015. Uas nyuam qhuav, lub Baltimore-haiv neeg nres qub ntiaj teb no zus Cristobal Cruz nrog ib tug vicious ua ke nyob rau hauv lawv cov sib ntaus Lub kaum hli ntuj. Now he is challenged by the 23-year-old Sanchez out of Cancun, Mexico who owns victories over Miguel Beltran and Adan Mares.
After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “Lub contender” to competing at the top level at 154 thiab 160 phaus, Smith finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight world title in 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He continues to challenge the best and recorded his most recent victory in April by defeating Cecil McCalla. He takes on a dangerous veteran contender in New York’s Rainone who enters this fight having beaten Francisco Reza and Allen Litzau.
Bey returns to the ring on Kaum Ob Hlis Ntuj 18 rau thawj lub sij hawm txij li thaum winning ib lub ntiaj teb nyob rau hauv lub Cuaj Hli Ntuj npe 2014 nrog ib tug yeej tshaj Miguel Vazquez. He has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Sawv cev Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning with the 25-year-old Philadelphia-native Nelson.
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