Tag Archives: Florida

boxing

Coyle to defend NABA title December 11 in Orlando

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Orlando, FL (November 7, 2022) – NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle will defend his title against knockout artist Anibal Cleto Francisco in a battle of unbeatens Sunday, December 11 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.

The card takes place during the WBA’s annual Centennial Convention, which is held at the Caribe Royale from December 11-14.

A native of Derry, Northern Ireland who trains out of Pinellas Park, FL Coyle’s 17-0 with 7 knockouts. Coyle became the NABA champion this past May when he earned a hard-fought decision against Antonio Todd. He was slated to face Felix Cash October 8 in England but the entire card was cancelled after main event participant Conor Benn failed a drug test. 

Hailing from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, Francisco’s 10-0 with 9 of his victories coming by KO. On July 2, the 22-year-old stopped Yeison Gonzalez in the fifth round to capture the WBA Fedelatin title. 

“After the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Connor’s fight in England, we wanted to find a good opportunity,” said Coyle’s promoter Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “The WBA Centennial Convention is a great event and Connor loves fighting at the Carribe Royale because he’s got a big fan base in Central Florida. He’s already back in the US preparing with Jim McLaughlin for this fight and is planning to put on a great show December 11.”

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions.

More information on the card including ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

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Falcao to battle Bonelli March 26 in Orlando, FL

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Tampa, FL (March 8, 2022) – Yamaguchi Falcao will meet heavy-handed Argentine Damian Bonelli for the vacant WBA NABA Gold super middleweight championship Saturday, March 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.
 
The ten round Falcao-Bonelli bout airs live on the Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV.
 
The card is promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions and tickets are on sale now at cariberoyale.com/boxing.
 
Representing his native Brazil and currently residing in Florida, Falcao’s an outstanding 20-1-1 with 9 of his wins coming by knockout. On February 19, the skilled southpaw destroyed once-beaten Fernando Farias in less than two rounds. A 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, Falcao has his sights set on facing the world’s best 168 pound fighters if all goes as planned against Bonelli.
 
Known as “El Pollero,” 20 of Bonelli’s 24 victories are via knockout. The Buenos Aires native faced a number of contenders including Maciej Sulecki, Steve Rolls, Magomed Kurbanov, Carlos Gongora, Derrieck Cuevas and Fiodor Czerkaszyn, who were a combined 112-0-1 at the time. On December 4 2020, Bonelli defeated the aforementioned Cuevas (23-0) and is confident he’ll emerge victorious against Falcao.
 
“This is a great platform for Yama to showcase his skills to fans watching around the world,” said Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Yama looked great his last fight and is fighting more aggressively but Bonelli’s a tough fighter that’s been in with outstanding opposition. This is the type of fight we need to win in impressive fashion.”
 
Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.
boxing

Don King Returns to Ohio to Present WBC Cruiserweight Champion Fight on Saturday, Jan. 29 Pitting Makabu & Mchunu

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DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (November 26, 2021)—Homecoming At Last! The fight for the forgotten people (the homeless, poor, and downtrodden people) will benefit from this championship doubleheader.
 
The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, as he presents another blockbuster for the forgotten people, who won’t be forgotten any more, world championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.
 
The WBC world championship fight for the love of the people, will be held at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH.  In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, Louisiana risking his perfect record against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN.
 
King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May.
 
Alvarez will be ringside in Warren, OH to see who his next opponent will be.
 
“This is going to be one action packed WBC world championship fight with a very big fight on the horizon for the winner,” said King.  “They are both warriors and this war for the recognition of the homeless will start the new year in grand style, recognizing the homeless, and helping others.” 
 
Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December. 
 
Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.
 
Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019.  He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021.  Thabiso has won his last four fights.
boxing, Probox Promotions

BOXING’S ‘FUTURE STARS’ TO BE SHOWCASED IN ATLANTA 11/19

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November 2nd, 2021 – TAMPA, FL — World class boxing returns to Atlanta as Garry Jonas’ Probox Promotions presents “Future Stars” on November 19th.

Probox Founder Garry Jonas is excited to bring his product to a new market.

“Atlanta has recently shown that it is a boxing town, and we are thrilled to showcase some of our best talent in Buckhead on November 19th.”

In his previous venture, Jonas was owner, founder, and former partner of Mike Tyson in ‘Iron Mike Promotions’. Now he plans on bringing his extensive experience in the boxing business to his new project. 

“Probox Promotions has some big plans that will be announced in the near future, and Atlanta fits perfectly into them. We have one of the best young stables in boxing. We are taking the world’s best amateurs and properly transitioning and developing them into professionals. Fight fans in Atlanta will have an opportunity to see that firsthand.”

November 19th will feature undefeated German heavyweight Christian Thun (6-0, 4 KOs). Thun, who is 6’8’’ 270 lbs and was a primary sparring partner for WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, looks to bring the heat to Hotlanta as he is set to face Terrell Jamal Woods – a veteran of eighty-four professional bouts. Thun vs. Woods is scheduled for six rounds. 

Top cruiserweight prospect and Atlanta’s own Najee “Chino” Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) continues his professional campaign at home. Lopez, who was a standout amateur and Olympic hopeful for both the United States and Puerto Rico, is coming off of an exciting first-round knockout win over Wallace Nass Silva in August. For his second bout, Lopez is stepping up the competition and is scheduled to fight Anthony Hollaway (3-1-2, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. 

Also from the ATL, and making his anticipated professional debut, is Najee Lopez’s brother Casey “KChamp” Dixon in a four-round super-middleweight bout. 

Undefeated super middleweight Mexican knockout sensation Raul Salomon (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to continue his KO streak on November 19th. A decorated amateur, Salomon turned professional in October of 2020 and hasn’t looked back. In that time, he’s managed to stay busy by fighting eight times – finishing all of his opponents. 

Also fighting in Atlanta is undefeated super bantamweight prospect Daniil Platonovschi (3-0, 1 KO). Platonovschi, from Moldova, now lives and trains in the Tampa Bay area. Platonovischi’s bout is scheduled for four rounds.

Rounding out ‘Future Stars’ is top lightweight prospect Jusiyah Shirley (2-0, 2 KOs) in along with top local fan favorites such as Headly Scott (16-1, 12 KOs) and Trayvion Butts (3-2, 2 KOs) in separate bouts.

‘Future Stars’ will be held at the Buckhead Fight Club: 3293 Buford HWY NE #500 Atlanta, GA. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at proboxpromotions.us. First bell – 6:30 pm.  Fight card subject to change. 

Image – ‘Future Stars’ Artwork 

ABOUT PROBOX PROMOTIONS

Plant City, Florida based Probox Promotions was created by experienced boxing promoter & manager Garry Jonas in 2021. Probox has quickly amassed a stable of top global boxing talent, including world-ranked contenders as well as top amateur prospects. 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GLOBAL STAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ON SHOWTIME PPV

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GLOBAL STAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ON SHOWTIME PPV®

Paul And Fury Put Their Undefeated Pro Boxing Records on the Line

Live at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, November 10

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 29, 2021) – International super star Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face undefeated professional boxer and U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury in a sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight bout after months of heated back-and-forth between the two men. Paul and Fury will headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Saturday, December 18 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The main event bout will be contested at a 192-pound catchweight, as Paul continues to challenge himself and deliver on his promise to disrupt the combat sports industry. 

On the heels of an impressive performance against former mixed martial arts world champion Tyron Woodley in August, Paul looks forward to his fifth professional boxing match as he takes a sizable step up in competition and puts his undefeated record on the line. Paul, the social media sensation, has garnered unprecedented attention for a young boxer since he entered the ring against NBA star Nate Robinson and defeated him with a show-stopping knockout that made headlines around the world. Paul is now taking the next step in his young career as he goes after Love Island reality TV star Fury, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury. 

Paul and Fury will meet for the first time since their fight was announced on Saturday, November 6 in Las Vegas and will make an additional appearance in Tampa on Monday, November 8. More details on both events to follow.

Titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, the event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV and promoted in association with Tony Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10, at www.amaliearena.com. 

The 24-year-old Paul (4-0, 3 KOs) is a world-renowned content creator. He began his professional boxing journey in January 2020 and has proven to be an influential participant in the sport’s landscape with his outsized personality and quickly developing skill set. The Cleveland-native is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the eye of former boxing cruiserweight contender and world title challenger B.J. Flores, who has been training Paul from his first professional fight. After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his debut and defeating Robinson with a knockout heard around the world, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April with a first-round knockout. The win over Askren was Paul’s first victory over a seasoned professional fighter and he followed it up with an impressive performance against Woodley, arguably his most dangerous opponent to date. 

“I started my professional boxing career less than two years ago on January 30th, 2020. Four fights, three pay-per-views, two as the headliner, and one sold-out arena, I’m looking forward to my toughest challenge yet and continuing to prove the critics wrong,” said Paul. “Fight a real boxer they’ve said, and that is exactly what I’m doing. An undefeated boxer from the legendary Fury bloodline. However, this one is more than just boxing for me. It’s for America and showing the world there is no other country that gives you the opportunity to achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s for every young person who has a dream and dedicates their life to achieving it.  On December 18th I’m continuing to fulfill my dreams and turning a Fury into a Fumbles.”

Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old. With 12 amateur bouts, he won two regional titles and reached the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury’s first professional fight came in 2018, a win by decision. From there he proceeded to knockout or TKO his next four opponents and put the boxing world on notice. He has fought three times in 2021, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard in August, where the 22-year-old earned his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. Paul is clearly facing his biggest challenge to date in the undefeated Fury (7-0, 4 KOs), who comes from a renowned family of boxers and has been trained by British star Ricky Hatton.

“Jake Paul is about to learn a serious life lesson. This is my world, and he doesn’t belong here,” said Fury. “I’m not one of these MMA men or basketball players, I have been boxing my whole life. On December 18th I will show the world the difference between a YouTuber and a real fighting man. Thanks to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and Showtime for giving me the opportunity to shut this clown up once and for all.”

#PaulFury: One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Paul and Bidarian serve as Executive Producers of the #PaulFury event.

# # #

For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing

Fernandez captures ABF title; Haddabah Shines in Clearwater

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Joseph Fernandez.jpg
Clearwater, FL (October 19, 2021) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returned to Banquet Maters in Clearwater Saturday, October 16 and treated fans to an entertaining 7 fight card.


Popular junior welterweight Joseph Fernandez of St. Petersburg, FL became the ABF champion with an impressive third round stoppage against veteran Jose Forero of Panama. Backed by a large cheering section, Fernandez got off to a strong start and landed many clean shots against the rugged Forero. In round three, the southpaw Fernandez connected with picturesque right hook to Forero’s head that sent him crashing to the canvas.


Forero bravely got up at the count of 8 but was in no condition to continue, forcing Referee Michael DeJesus to halt the contest at 2:10.


With the victory, Fernandez improves to 14-3-3 with 5 knockouts. Forero slips to 13-9-1 (11 KO’s).


Light heavyweight Imran “El Toro Arab” Haddabah of St. Petersburg destroyed Los Angeles, CA’s Victor Garcia Rivera in 1 minute and 51 seconds. The heavy-handed Haddabah scored three knockdowns and is now 3-0 with all of his victories coming by first round stoppage.


135 pound up and comer Iron Alvarez of Tampa, FL improved to 14-0 (11 KO’s) following a hard-fought decision over Miami, FL based Argentinian Jonatan Hernan Godoy, 5-11 (2 KO’s).


Alvarez had a significant height and reach advantage and peppered Godoy with jabs and straight rights from the opening bell. Alvarez’ repeated blows opened a cut over Godoy’s left eye and helped him score a hard knockdown but Godoy had no intentions of packing it in.


Bleeding and down on the scorecards, Godoy begun pressing the fight and successfully connected with a number of punches to Alvarez’ head.


After six entertaining rounds, scores were 58-55 and 59-54 twice.


Junior lightweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey of Tampa improved to 8-0 with an impressive six round decision over Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s Pedro Hernandez. An Army veteran and multi-time amateur champion, Bailey displayed solid skills and looks to be a prospect on the rise.


In a women’s flyweight contest, Maryguenn Vellinga Hinz scored a third round TKO over debuting Simona Sarpa of Tampa. Vellinga Hinz, of Park City, UT, is 3-1-2 with 2 wins by knockout.


Cruiserweight Adrian Pinheiro of Orlando, FL improved to 3-0 (3 KO’s) with a first round knockout of Wilson, NC’s Dequanti Johnson and Tampa middleweight Christopher Rodriguez moved to 2-0 (2 KO’s) by KO’ing Milwaukee, WI’s Jay Ellis in round one.


 “I am thrilled we were able to give the fans an entertaining show,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing. “There is a lot of up and coming talent in the Tampa-St Pete region and the fans have always been great in packing the house on fight night. We’re looking forward to our next show.”


Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returns to Banquet Masters on January, 28. More information will follow.


For more information, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.
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Hard working Fernandez ready for first main event

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10 16 Fire Fist Poster.jpg
St. Petersburg, FL (October 14, 2021) – To say that St. Petersburg junior welterweight Joseph Fernandez has a good work ethic would be an understatement.


Each weekday, Fernandez’ morning begins at 4:15 AM when he wakes up to get ready for strength and conditioning training at 5. Following the class, Fernandez grabs something to eat, cleans up and heads to his fulltime job installing hurricane windows and doors. The labor-intensive position has him working 8 to 10 hours per day. After work, Fernandez has a short time to relax and recharge before a 2-3 hour workout at Fight Fitness Center in Pinellas Park, FL.


Needless to say, it’s a challenge for the St. Petersburg native.


“It requires a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Fernandez, who has an excellent 13-3-3 professional ledger with 4 wins by KO. I have to remain focused on what I’m doing at that moment and not think about what else I’ve got going on during the day.”


On Saturday, October 16, Fernandez headlines for the first time when he meets tough Panamanian Jose Forero in a ten round contest for the ABF Atlantic 140 pound championship.


A veteran of 22 fights, Forero’s shared the squared circle with champions and contenders including George Kambosos, Jezreel Corrales, Jaime Arboleda and Willian Silva.


“He’s a durable fighter who likes to come forward and he won’t go down easily,” Fernandez said of Forero. “I’ve watched him a few times and he’s been in there with some really good fighters but we’re prepared for everything he has to offer. I’m excited to be headlining a card for the first time and worked incredibly hard to get here. The plan is to put on a great show and emerge victorious!”


The card is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions in association with Pahlavan Promotions and takes places at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL.


13-0 lightweight Iron Alvarez of Tampa, FL will swap leather with Jonatan “El Guapo” Godoy of Argentina over six rounds in the lightweight division. Alvarez, has 10 wins by knockout and scored a 2nd round stoppage of Pablo Cupul last month.


Lightweight Daniel Bailey of Tampa puts his 7-0 record on the line against upset-minded Puerto Rico’s Pedro Hernandez in a six rounder. In his last bout, Hernandez beat 5-0 Daniel Perez and Bailey will be Hernandez’ sixth straight unbeaten foe.


In separate for round contests, light heavyweight Imran Haddabah of St. Petersburg meets Victor Rivera of Los Angeles, CA, flyweight Simona Sarpa of Tampa by way of Italy squares off against Park City, UT’s Maryguenn Vellinga Hinz, cruiserweight Adrian Pinheiro of Orlando, FL faces Wilson, NC’s Dequanti Johnson and Tampa middleweight Christopher Rodriguez challenges Milwaukee, WI native Jay Ellis.


Former Kazakh amateur champion Nikoay Shvab, a lightweight residing in Miami, FL, and Tampa bantamweight Luis Rivera are scheduled to appear in separate contests.


Tickets are on sale at bit.ly/boxing-tickets or by calling 727-525-3159. Doors open at 5:30 and the opening bell will sound at 6:30.


For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.
boxing

Undefeated Featherweight Edward Vazquez in Action Tomorrow Night in Weston, Florida

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Weston, Florida (June 11, 2021)–TOMORROW NIGHT at The Bonaventure Resort Spa in Weston, Florida, undefeated featherweight Edward Vazquez will be back in action when he takes on Yeison Vargas in a six-round bout.


Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 9-0 with one knockout. The 25 year-old Vazquez is managed by DKO Management, will be making his first start since winning an eight-round split decision over Irvin Gonzalez (14-2) on November 28th in Las Angeles to capture the WBC USNBC Title.


Vazquez also has wins over Everado Jhoao (1-0), Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0) and Adan Ochoa (11-1).


Vargas of Colombia is 16-6 with 11 knockouts.


Vargas, 30, has wins over Ramiro Rojas (12-1-1) and Sander Diaz (5-1-1).


Vargas’ six losses are to fighters with a combined record of 116-5-4


“It has been a pleasure to work with Blake Davis and the entire BAD Promotions team In putting this bout together. We look forward to Edward earning his 10th straight victory in convincing fashion on Saturday night,” said Dave Dubinsky, cgno-manager of DKO Boxi


“Edward had an amazing training camp, under the tutelage of Raymond Barrera, and he is ready to go. Edward fears no one, and he will prove once again that he is the most dynamic prospect in the featherweight division,” said DKO Boxing co-manager, Jim Kurtz


Said John Anderson who promoted Vazquez under the KO Night Boxing banner, “KO Night Boxing is so excited for Edward to be fighting in Florida . Edward has been in some unbelievable exciting fights as of late. I thought he was fight of the night on the Tyson -Jones card his last time out and he showed the same type of fight on ESPN before that . Edward Vazquez is what boxing needs more of and that’s the warrior spirit he brings .I expect nothing less on Saturday night.”


Vazquez weighed 125.8 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Vargas was 126 lbs.



Photos by BAD Promotions
boxing, DAZN

Heavyweight Andrey Fedosov back in Action on Saturday, April 17th against Mahammadrasul Majidov at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida and LIVE on DAZN

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PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 8, 2021)–Former Boxcino Heavyweight champion, and, current contender, Andrey Fedosov returns to action when he takes on Mahammadrasul Majidov on Saturday, April 17th at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.


Fedosov of Shuya, Russia, will be making his first ring appearance of 2021, and has a record of 31-3 with 25 knockouts.


The former Boxcino champion, who began his career in his native country, has been very successful when taking his career stateside, as he has a record of 12-2 with 11 knockouts, which includes scoring three knockout victories to win the Boxcino Heavyweight title


Fedosov, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Newsboy Boxing, is a former WBO Intercontinental and WBA Fedlatin Heavyweight champion.


Mojidov is 3-0 with three and knockouts, and is a three-time world amateur champion.


“I am excited to be back in the ring. The Pandemic held me back, but I am ready to go on April 17th. I know my opponent was a decorated amateur, but I am a very experienced professional. That will be the difference on fight night,” said Fedosov


“With a win, Andrey puts himself back in the mix in the heavyweight division. He has the ability to defeat anybody, and we look forward to him putting on a major performance on April 17th, said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.


“I am excited to be part of the team with Banner Promotions. We are looking forward on Andrey having a great performance and working towards being a top contender in the heavyweight division,” said Gary McCarthy of Newsboy Boxing Promotions.


Said Steve Burman of Newsboy Boxing Promotions, “This is going to be a great fight for Andrey. I can not wait for Andrey to get in there and display that he is one of the top heavyweights in the world. With a win, the sky is the limit for his success.”


The fight will be streamed live on DAZN.




For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing
 
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Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera finds new home in Orlando

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Returns to ring Feb. 12th in Orlando on Christy Martin-promoted card 

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 4, 2021) – It seems only appropriate that undefeated cruiserweight Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (18-0, 13 KOs) has found a new home in Orlando (FL), although his heart remains in his native Hartford (CT), since he followed his partner/head trainer Tony Blanco there nearly six months ago,   

“I recently went to Universal Studios and it’s definitely Popeye-friendly,” the charismatic Rivera reported.  “They had Popeye rides, souvenirs and novelties.  I felt like it’s my part of town.” 

Due to financial strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Boxing Center (HBC) was closed by the state March 15 and it never reopened. Blanco and his family traveled south to the Sunshine State, where he opened the Orlando Boxing Club (OBC at 7335 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando, Florida).  Soon after “Popeye” packed his bags and joined Blanco. 

“The business was bleeding, and I have a family to support,” Blanco explained.  “We’ve more or less brought Hartford Boxing Center to Orlando, where there are so many opportunities for us.  It is what it is, there was no other way to survive.  We’ve turning a negative into a positive. 

“It was a cool ride alongside the Hartford community.  We were sad to announce the Hartford Boxing Center had closed its doors.  We are deeply indebted to Hartford for giving us the opportunity to meet such a loving community that made us feel like family.  We will miss each and every one there and, hopefully, we left our legacy there in good standing with everyone.  We hope everybody stays safe, healthy and continues their goals and dreams The fight continues!” 

Florida’s weather alone has advantages over Connecticut, in addition to no state tax, and “Popeye” has taken full advantage as he marches towards the top of the cruiserweight division.   

“I’ve taken it all in,” he commented.  “Down here I’m able to run in weather when it isn’t freezing or in the snow, although that did make me more of an animal.  But it was harder training in Hartford and there are so many reasons not to run and train there.  Not in Orlando where I have nothing but quality runs and workouts. I get solid sparring here in Orlando with partners who have different styles and I EVEN went over to the gym owned by my idol, Roy Jones, Jr., in Pensacola. 

“It’s especially difficult being here during the pandemic with so many of my family and friends back in Hartford.  I’m still showed a lot of love back there where I have my roots.  Florida is awesome, but I still have a lot of living left, so we’ll need to wait to see what’s ahead for me in the future.”    

Meanwhile, Rivera and Blanco found a strong ally and friend in Hall of Famer Christy Martin, who is now a boxing promoter in Florida and North Carolina.  Rivera’s last fight was this past August 15th in Daytona Beach (FL) on a Martin-promoted card, in which he knocked out Ryan Soft in the opening round. 

“Popeye” is scheduled to fight on her February 12th show in Orlando against veteran Mexican fighter Ulises “El Cirillo” Jimenez (24-26-1, 18 KOs) in an 8-round featured bout.  

“This will be the fifth time I’ve fought on one of her cards,” Rivera noted.  “She’s awesome.  Boxing is a little cutthroat, but I felt comfortable with Christy right away. She doesn’t need to have me fighting on her cards.  I’m blessed to have her continue to watch after me. I’m also blessed to have a promoter like Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing), especially during this pandemic, because he doesn’t have to let me fight on cards that he doesn’t promote like on February 12th.” 

The feeling between Martin and Team Popeye is mutual.  “I really like Popeye and Tony,” Martin offered.  “He understands that this isn’t all about fighting. Fighters need to market themselves. and everybody here loves Popeye.  After each fight he goes to talk to fans, especially kids, sign autographs for them and pose for pictures.  There’s nothing like being here in Florida.  It’s the best for training. Good weather all around and coming from the north like him, no excuses to work-out because of the cold. He’s improved the basic stuff since I first watched him.  He’s keeping his head up, improved his power, and is more relaxed in the ring.  He’s certainly headed in the right direction.  He hasn’t been in any battles and I think he’s getting ready to take a big leap into a title fight.” 

Rivera has benefitted from being promoted by DeGuardia in several ways, including his role as a regular sparring partner for Star Boxing light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs), who is preparing for a Feb. 13th showdown with Maxim Vlasov (45-3 (26 KOs) airing on ESPN live from The Bubble in Las Vegas.  They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.  

“’Popeye’ is a colorful character and an exciting fighter who has a very entertaining style,” DeGuardia remarked.  “He has a great way about him.” 

When asked about putting “Popeye” on Christy’s show, DeGuardia stated: “Every decision is unique and made with a view towards what’s best for both the promoter and fighter.  Does it make sense? Is it good for Star Boxing and our fighters?  If it fits, I have no problem having our fighter on somebody else’s card.  This makes sense for everybody.  Christy gets a good, featured fighter on her card, hopefully ‘Popeye’ gets a win, and our fighter stays busy.  While in this COVID-19 pandemic a few good wins for your fighter is a good thing,” 

His heart may always be in Hartford, but ‘Popeye” Rivera has found a new home in Orlando, and his boxing career continues to rise. 

INFORMATION. 

Website: www.OrlandoBoxingClub.com, www.StarBoxing.com 

Facebook: /orlandoboxingcenter, /StarBoxing   

Twitter: @orlandoboxing, @StarBoxing 

Instagram: @orlando.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera 

You Tube: /c/OrlandoBoxingCenter, /StarBoxingInc