Tag Archives: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

FNU Combat Sports Show: Mark Hunt Sues UFC, Dana White and Brock Lesnar; Mayweather offers Conor $15 million; Penn Makes UFC Comeback

Tom, Tony and Rich spend this week’s show catching up on the week’s major news in combat sports. We also preview upcoming fights in boxing and MMA. We highlight Mark Hunt’s recent lawsuit over a fight where Brock Lesnar tested positive for PEDs and discuss Ben Rothwell’s assessment of Travis Browne as a “Man Whore.” Listen to the hour long broadcast below.

Veazey to Conor McGregor: I’ll fight you now

Baltimore, MD (December 6, 2016) – There was much talk throughout the boxing world last week when UFC superstar Conor McGregor received a boxing license from the California State Athletic Commission.

McGregor, widely considered the best mixed martial artist in the world, has been clamoring for a superfight with Floyd Mayweather. The bout would be a traditional boxing match. Talk surrounding Mayweather-McGregor received heavy criticism and it’s highly unlikely an athletic commission would sanction a five division world champion with a 49-0 record against an opponent making his debut.

Typically, debuting boxers face opponents that only have a few professional bouts.

Enter Joey “Bazooka Joe” Veazey.

Living and fighting out of Maryland, the 18-year-old had a successful amateur career and turned pro with a four round decision victory in October. A big ticket seller in his home state, Veazey is an honor student focused on being a star in and out of the ring. While many other young professional boxers would wait for a high profile fight, Veazey is ready to show McGregor he should stick to his own sport.

“The whole boxing world already knows Conor McGregor doesn’t belong in the same ring as Mayweather. I just had my pro debut and he recently got licensed so on paper, that’s an approvable fight by the athletic commission. If he does face me however, I’d prove to the world that he’s not a boxer and end the hype he’s started. He thinks he can just walk into this sport and face the best? That’s not how it works. If you really want to get in the boxing ring, I’d gladly expose you right now because boxing is no joke!”

Veazey’s next fight is scheduled for January 13 in Maryland and his promoter Jake Smith of Baltimore Boxing has already discussed licensing McGregor with Maryland State Athletic Commission executives.

FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC 205 & Bellator 164 Previews, Trump’s Win, Jones Suspended and Stripped of Title, Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Rematch Talks

Tom, Rich and Tony break down the week’s combat sports news, recap last week’s fight cards and look forward to the huge events happening this weekend. UFC 205 features three world title fights while Bellator makes a historic debut in Israel on Friday. Danny Garcia will also take on Samuel Vargas to headline one of Premier Boxing Championships’ final blockbuster cards of 2016. We start off the broadcast with some political discourse about the election of Donald Trump as the 45th United States President.

 

 

7th TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS: IMPACTFUL, INFLUENTIAL AND BIGGER THAN EVER!

Las Vegas (Sept. 22, 2016) – Another memorable Titans of the Trade Breakfast of Champions is in the books as the seventh installment of the Mayweather Promotions’ ceremony which took place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tom Colicchios Craftsteak inside The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This year’s event resulted in a morning of excellence, regarded as the most influential to date, surrounded by powerful and accomplished women in the sports industry.
Honorees included the first African American VP in MLB history Marian Rhodes, Premier Boxing Champions President of Boxing Operations Sylvia Browne-Owens, Boxing’s WBC World Champion Alicia Ashley, and a newly added Young Trailblazer Award category recipients: the young and talented group of 6 siblings ages 8-18; The Finest Family, and record-setting high-jump phenomenon Vashti Cunningham.
For the second year in a row, the breakfast was hosted by HBO’s ‘Ballers‘ star Jazmyn Simon who opened the ceremony with her story on how she withstood the trials of all the hard work put into auditions and the “no’s” that came along with them before going to snag a starring role in HBO’s #1 rated 30-minute comedy series.
The Finest Family opened up the stage by receiving the first ever Young Trailblazers Award. The award was added to the program this year, to celebrate the young achievers in the sports & entertainment industry. The Finest Family showed us what unity and perseverance can bring.
We were once homeless, all we want to do is give back and let the families know to push hard. Now here we are accepting an award from Mayweather Promotions, who truly believes in our family. This award is dedicated to our parents, we would not be here accepting this Young Trailblazer award if it wasn’t for them.
“We fight the same battles as everyone else, we fight together as a family, and we fight to win. To motivate kids around the world to stay off the streets, and that we will not stop.”
Following a heartfelt speech, was boxing’s own Alicia Ashley who was honored with the Golden Glove Award, for her achievements in boxing and business accomplishments post-career. Ashley made history when she won the WCB super bantamweight title, becoming the oldest female champion at the age of 48.
“This was a great event, receiving such an amazing award among such amazing people, I am honored to be here with such strong women and to be The 2016 Golden Glove recipient!”
Marian Rhodes took the stage to receive The Titan of the Trade award, with her moving speech, and reminder to everyone that change is necessary.
“Al Campanis once said, African Americans could not hold positions in the front offices in baseball, most people would have saw that as a statement. I saw that as an opportunity. It was an opportunity to show how I was raised, how I was prepared in school growing up, who my parents were and taught me to be. That this is not about my race.
Now, I stand here proud to be the highest ranking African American woman in baseball, to have become the first African American Vice President at the St. Louis Cardinals organization back in 1994 (for a team who existed since 1881), and currently holding the highest position in MLB Human Resources, with the Arizona Diamondbacks. I am a Titan of the Trade!
Closing the ceremony of great exemplary recipients was Sylvia Browne-Owens who accepted The Meritorious Award, for her fearlessness and accomplishments, in the male dominated boxing industry.
I want to thank Mayweather Promotions, I am humbled and honored to accept such a prestigious award. I am proud to be among such powerful women in this industry.
I was put in a position where I would become someone, one day. I was put behind Al Haymon who was the best at what he did. I was molded to not take no as an answer and to work hard. Never put limits on what you can accomplish.”
This year’s ceremony brought unity amongst those in attendance. Each person was moved by these inspiring figures, and touched by their journey in becoming a Titan!
In conjunction with this great event, those who have a strong desire to work and contribute their efforts within the Sports & Entertainment Industry have an opportunity receive a scholarship from the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation. This program is designed to offer assistance to women who strive to make a positive impact, further their education, and benefit the profession as a whole. To apply for The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation: Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship visit:http://tfmjf.org/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for the spring 2017 semester is November 15.
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The Titans of the Trade: Breakfast of Champions was sponsored by: MGM Grand, Showtime Networks Inc., Las Vegas Tickets, FNOM, D’usse, Sababa Water,Artiques, Zoey Van Jones Brow Studio, The Birthday Suit, Hott Cakez of Las Vegas, and Box Human Landscapers.

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS AT TOM COLICCHIO’S CRAFTSTEAK INSIDE MGM GRAND LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO

Click HERE For Photos From From The Last Titans of the Trade Event
Las Vegas (Aug. 26, 2016) – For the 7th consecutive time, Mayweather Promotions’ staff prepares to leave its mark as the next installment of the signature event: Titans of the Trade Breakfast of Champions is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak restaurant inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The theme- Strength, Courage, and Glove Affairexemplifies the mission of the event: to inspire, support, connect and build a strong community of professionals who aspire to impact the sports and entertainment industry. ClickHERE to purchase tickets to the breakfast.
Theprevious Titans of the Trade honorees included the first female coach in the NFL Dr. Jen Welter, Floyd Mayweather’s mother Deborah Sinclair and longtime female boxing judge Patricia Jarman. The Golden Glove Award was honored to Deborah Sinclair, one of the prominent figures Floyd often attributes his extraordinarily successful career to. The Meritorious Award was presented to Patricia Jarman for her contributions to the boxing industry as a judge, amongst many other accomplishments. Dr. Welter culminated the event with an inspiring speech as she accepted the Titans of the Trade Award, who spoke about the power of achieving one’s goals, not being afraid to pave your own way and the close bond that sports creates amongst people from all walks of life.
This September, the breakfast is set to return with greatness as it embodies the achievements of the esteemed professionals highlighted during the event, demonstrating that the industry is connecting, growing, and diversifying. Highlighted honorees include, The Finest Family (also known as the Monster Kids), Alicia Ashley, Vashti Cunningham, Marian Rhodes and Sylvia Browne-Owens.
Honorees:
Young Trailblazers Award recipient – The Finest Family, are a group of siblings coming from the windy city of Chicago, whose passion is to dance and entertain. The Family had been through many obstacles in life has overcome the odds from having once been homeless, to gracing the stage of national television.
Golden Glove Award recipient – Alicia “Slick” Ashley has broken down barriers, and her success inside the squared-circle has lad to international recognition, being televised more than 10 times worldwide. Ashley’s notable career highlights are extensive, with her most recent achievement being obtaining the 2015 WBC World Super Bantamweight World Champion title, becoming the oldest female boxer to hold a world title.
Young Trailblazers Award recipient- Vashti Cunningham has taken the world by storm after earning her first opportunity to participate in the Olympics this summer. 2016 has been a breakthrough year for her after graduating from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas; the teenager set the new national high school record, jumped a mark equivalent to #3 in the world and World Youth Best, signed a deal with Nike, and turned professional all before the age of 18.
Titans of the Trade Award recipient – Marian Rhodes works behind the scenes for the Arizona Diamondbacks and has re-developed their human resources functions while reinforcing a workplace culture where the some of best and brightest in the sports industry want to work; she implemented programs that invested in the employees throughout the organization, which resulted in the D-backs being named one of the “Best Places to Work” in Phoenix, becoming the first sports organization to win such an honor.
Meritorious Achievement Award recipient – Sylvia Browne-Owens is the President of Boxing Operations for Haymon Sports, LLC- the creators of Premier Boxing Champions-a television series launched in 2015 that made the professional sport of boxing accessible to the public by bringing it back to national television after 30 years. Browne-Owens is an unstoppable force that is not afraid to strive for success in a male-dominated sport and takes great pride in being acknowledged as “the woman behind the most powerful man in boxing,” Al Haymon.
In addition, the event will be emceed by the beautiful and multi-talented star of HBO’s Ballers, Jazmyn Simon, who graces the stage for the second time and shares an inspirational story of a struggling actress who after over 200 different auditions finally landed her big break.
This year’s Titans of the Trade: Breakfast of Champions – Strength, Courage, and Glove Affair is sponsored by:Mayweather Promotions, Showtime Networks Inc., MGM Grand, and Las Vegas Tickets.
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In conjunction with this great event, those who have a strong desire to work and contribute their efforts within the Sports and Entertainment Industry, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation offers a scholarship for women on a bi-annual basis. This program is funded by the proceeds donated to the foundation as a result of the Titans of the Trade Breakfast. It is designed to offer assistance to women with the potential to make a positive impact, further their education, and benefit the profession as a whole. To apply for The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship visit: http://tfmjf.org/scholarships/. The deadline to apply for the sprint semester is November 15.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® CONTINUES CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® ALL THIS MONTH WITH “MAYWEATHER”

 

THE MONTH OF MAY(WEATHER)

 

Tune-In Tonight At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME® To Re-Live Mayweather’s Dominating Win Over Previously Undefeated Canelo Alvarez; Watch Round 7 Now:http://s.sho.com/23pPQXm

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (May 5, 2016) – Universally acknowledged as the most talented fighter of this generation and one of the greatest boxers in history, now-retired Floyd Mayweather will be honored during the month of May when SHOWTIME Sports® continues its year-long salute commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®with “MAYWEATHER”.

 

The fifth round of a 12-month tribute will be highlighted by four of the most memorable and meaningful fights in Mayweather’s magnificent 19-year career – against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Marcos “Chino” Maidana, Manny Pacquiao and Andre Berto.

 

The four fights will air on “Throwback Thursdays” all month at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME and are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.  Each fight will be wrapped with brief context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

 

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of May

  • Thursday, May 5: Mayweather vs. Canelo
  • Thursday, May 12: Mayweather vs. Maidana I
  • Thursday, May 19: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao
  • Thursday, May 26: Mayweather vs. Berto

 

May Days

 

(Mayweather-Canelo, Sept. 14, 2013) — In a blockbuster megaevent billed as “The One,” Mayweather won an impressive 12-round decision over previously undefeated Canelo Alvarez in the then-highest-grossing pay-per-view and most profitable boxing event of all time. For the night’s work, Mayweather collected Canelo’s WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine Super Welterweight Championships.

 

(Mayweather-Maidana 1, May 3, 2014) — Mayweather seized “The Moment” against Marcos Maidana, but it wasn’t easy. For a stirring moment – or two, in fact – it appeared the aggressive-minded Argentine might do the unthinkable — and deal Mayweather his first defeat. But the supremely skilled and savvy Mayweather rallied convincingly in the bout’s second half to take a 12-round majority decision.

(Mayweather-Pacquiao, May 2, 2015) – Five-Division world champion Mayweather won a clear 12-round unanimous decision over Eight-Division world champion Manny Pacquiao in a record-shattering “Fight of the Century.”  Regarded as one of the most anticipated sporting events of all time, Mayweather-Pacquiao demolished PPV records for buys, revenue, live gate and more. The fight nearly doubled the previous record of 2.48 million buys generated by the Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya match in 2007 and nearly tripled the record $150 million in U.S. pay-per-view revenue generated by Mayweather-Canelo in 2013.  Inside the ring, Floyd had his way throughout, winning by the scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice,

 

(Sept. 12, 2015, Mayweather-Berto) – Mayweather went to 49-0, matching the record of the late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over Berto. In command throughout, “TBE” landed an impressive 56 percent (232/410) in punches thrown and 67 percent of his power punches (132/196) to triumph by the scores of 120-108, 118-110 and 117-111. If this was Mayweather’s last fight, as he’s said, then the maestro manufactured yet one last masterpiece.

 

  Chris Van Heerden brings “The Heat” & slays “The Dragon” To win 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett

For Immediate Release
 
“Knockout Night at the D” Results
(L-R) — Steve Claggett & Chris Van Heerden
(All pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2016) – Former IBO World welterweight champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden put himself back into title contention position, winning a 10-round majority decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in this evening’s main event, under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, which airs live on CBS Sports Network, is presented by the D Las Vegas and DLVEC), promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and returns Saturday evening, May 21.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica, California by way of South Africa, used his 3-inch height advantage against Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), the Canadian champion from Calgary, Alberta.
Neither fighter was hurt during the fight, in which there were continual back-and-forth exchanges of stinging combinations.  Claggett battled to apply pressure in order to fight on the inside, while Van Heerden fought effectively from the outside.
The two evenly-matched welterweights patiently waited for the official announcement:  95-95 and 97-93 twice for Van Heerden.
“I knew I won this fight, 120-percent, but I knew it was close,” Van Heerden commented.  “We’re both winners tonight because of it was so close and we entertained the crowd.  Me and Claggett entertained the crowd…..we delivered.  I’ve been through so much and the lord helped me get this win.  I look forward to a rematch, but I want to move forward.”
Undefeated California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 KOs) had a lot to crow about in the 8-round co-feature against Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce, Jr.(10-3, 8 KOs).  Macias thoroughly dominated the action, firing non-stop shots from every conceivable angle.  His unrelenting pressure enabled Macias, whose come-forward approach made him an instant fan favorite, to control the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision.
“I knew he was going to be the toughest fighter I’ve fought,” Macias said.  “I give Ponce much respect.   We wanted to give fans a good show.”
Baltimore welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs) gave Errol “Spyda” Sidney (6-2-2, 2 KOs) a beating, fully displaying his arsenal of punches, hurting his gutsy opponent on several occasions. Hawkins’ aggressive style early in the fight broke-down Sidney, who was nearly finished at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds.  Hawkins trapped Sidney a neutral corner at the start of the sixth round and a powerful uppercut sent Sidney down to a knee.  Sidney beat referee Jay Nady‘s count but the veteran official had seen enough and he halted the bout 1:02 into the sixth.
“We’re back,” Hawkins proclaimed after the bout.  I’d give myself an 8 ½ this fight.”
Las Vegas’ promising prospect Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) outclassed Oregon junior lightweight Derek Barthemay (0-3) from the opening bell for a 4-round unanimous decision.
Flashy Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs) constantly pounded the body of his tough Mexican opponent, Jason “Gibbor” Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), for a 4-round shutout victory,
Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (2-0) dropped a game Matt “The KO Kid” Murphy (0-2), a junior lightweight from St. Louis, in the opening round on his way to an impressive one-sided win by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.
Complete results and more pictures of main event below:
 
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (12-0, 4 KOs), Palm Desert, California.
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-3, 8 KOs), Rock Island, Illinois
WELTERWEIGHTS
Chris Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 KOs), Santa Monica, California
WDEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Steve Claggett (23-4, 16 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Malik Hawkins (7-0, 6 KOs), Baltimore, Maryland
WTKO6 (1:02)
Errol Sidney, Jr. (6-2-2, 2 KOs), New Orleans, Louisiana
Jeremy Nichols (3-0, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-35)
Jason Gavino (3-2, 2 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Derek Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oregon
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Derick Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oreon
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
For More Information:
“Knockout Night at the D”: Bob Trieger, (978) 590-0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas:  Kara Rutkin / Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications, (702) 737-3100, krutkin@kirvindoak.com /acurry@kirvindoak.com
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Lisa Veltre, (702) 522-1636,lisa@royjonesjrboxing.com

“Knockout Night at the D” Undercard Announced  

 
This Saturday night live on
CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

.
LAS VEGAS (April 12, 2016) – An solid undercard showcasing promising prospects has been announced for this Saturday night’s “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and former IBO champion Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs),, fighting out of his native South Africa by way of Santa Monica, California, square off in 12-round main event.
Saturday’s “Knockout Night at the D” event will air (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Undefeated California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) faces former Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.
A Baltimore welterweight, undefeated Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), is in the first televised bout in a six-rounder versus New Orleans’ Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs). Jones signed Hawkins to a promotional contract after watching the youngster spar impressively, displaying tremendous power.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Mexican invaderJason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), slick Las Vegas featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) vs. TBA, dangerous Las Vegas junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Derek Barthemay (0-2), of Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles heavyweight Jonathan “Johnnie” Rice (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Antonio Robertson (4-5-1, 2 KOs), of Alexandria, Virginia.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
“BATTLE BORN BOXING: THE UPRISING” – Friday, April 15, 2016
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, will take place this Friday night (Apr. 15), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events.
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Heat” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett    Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

For Immediate Release

 

LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent  Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdaynight, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Narh, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, and Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said.  “Winning this fight is my only option!  I’m predicting a win, nothing less.  Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork.  I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted.  “I know I’ve faced guys with more power.  I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class.  He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, includingWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship.  He motivates me on a daily basis.  I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Lancaster, CA, takes on Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), of Baltimore, meets Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Dragon” to be unleashed April 16th    Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2016) – The April 16th10-round main event between Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and South Africa-native Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden embodies the “Knockout Night at the D” philosophy in terms of featuring  action fighters in evenly matched, entertaining bouts.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas andDowntown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
The broadcast team includes Jim “JR” Ross, Sean Wheelock and former world champion Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley. Joe Martinez is the ring announcer.
Claggett vs. Van Heerden is a crossroads fight for both boxers with critical consequences, especially for the winner who will use it as an invaluable springboard for his boxing career.
The 26-year-old Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), who is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion, is thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time.  “It’s a dream come true,” he explained.  “I’ve trained in Las Vegas often but now it’s time to show what I can do there in a fight.  A win will open many doors for me and could potentially lead to a path that will set up the rest of my boxing life.  Needless to say, I am focused and prepared for the opportunity.”
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Claggett, as well as Van Heerden, are known as high-action fighters, throwing punches in bunches, and something eventually has to give.  Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
“Van Heerden is a rangy, quick and active fighter,” Claggett said.  “I have an action style but, for many years, I was strictly a pressure fighter with a good body shot.  Nowadays, though, I have a couple of more tricks up my sleeve.  His heart and durability have been shown and is to be respected.  This match-up is sure to produce some good exchanges.  I expect this to be a high-action fight between two hungry fighters with him coming off a loss (to unbeaten rising star Errol Spence Jr. last September) and me coming off more than one fight falling through.  This is a great match up.  He is similar to the style of (Konstantin)Ponomarev (who Claggett lost an 8-round decision to last year) with range and movement.  And that motivates me!”
Undefeated Lancaster, California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) meets Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins(6-0, 5 KOs) faces Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
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Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins)