Tag Archives: Frank Galarza

boxing, Showtime Boxing

JARRETT HURD KNOCKS OUT FRANK GALARZA IN MATCHUP OF UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®

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Sergiy Derevyanchenko & David Benavidez Shine With Quick Knockouts

At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 14, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight prospectJarrett Hurd handed Frank Galarza the first loss of his career with a sixth round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generationon Saturday from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs), who was fighting for his fourth time onShoBox and favored against the relatively unknown Hurd, became the 136th fighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series.  VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1NTILdM

 

Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) was the sharper, more accurate fighter from the opening bell against the largely stationary Galarza.  Hurd floored Galarza with a huge right uppercut –his favorite weapon– with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth, knocking “The Brooklyn Rocky” down for the first time in his career.  Galarza made it to the bell, but was clearly hurt and never recovered.

 

Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., blasted Galarza with another big uppercut in the sixth, forcing a clearly finished Galarza to turn his body away in defeat.  Referee Russell Mora had seen enough and stepped in to stop the bout at :59.

 

“I knew he was an experienced, tough fighter, but I stuck to my game plan, listened to my corner and came out victorious,” Hurd said.  “Once I was able to set up my counter shots, I knew I

could hurt him.

 

“This was my first time on national TV and I knew how important it was to be successful.  I’d like to fight again soon, hopefully early in 2016.  I’m ready to take my next step.”

 

Galarza promised to be back after the crushing defeat.

 

“I tip my hat off to Hurd, he was the better man tonight,” Galarza said.  “I didn’t fight my fight and he did. This type of stuff happens in our sport.  I’m disappointed in my performance, but mark my words I’ll be back, better and stronger than ever.”

 

“It’s a crushing blow to Galarza’s career,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood.  “Because of his late start in boxing and his age, he can’t afford a loss like this.  After the first round, he didn’t show any adjustment and lost every subsequent round.

 

“With that said, the story is obviously Jarret Hurd, who hadn’t fought a high level of opposition coming in, but stuck with a sound game plan, executed it well and showed no nerves in his national television debut.  He made a name for himself in stopping a legitimate tough guy in ‘The Brooklyn Rocky.’”

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, blue-chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenkodefeated Jessie Nicklow with an impressive diet of body shots and uppercuts in a dominating, third round TKO.

 

Derevyanchenko (7-0, 5 KOs) attacked Nicklow from the outset, landing an astonishing 72 percent of power punches and 56 percent of his total shots.  The durable Nicklow, who took the fight on short notice, could do nothing against the former Ukrainian amateur standout.  In the third, Derevyanchenko backed Nicklow (25-8-3, 8 KOs) against the ropes and unleashed a series of punishing shots against a defenseless opponent, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest at 2:18 of the third.

 

“This was a great performance by me,” Derevyanchenko said.  “Jessie was a very tough opponent.  I feel like I showed another element to my game tonight.  No one has done to Jessie what I did to him tonight.

 

“I’m improving every time and I feel like I’ll be ready for a title shot by the end of 2016.”

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated light heavyweight prospect David Benavidez scored three knockdowns en route to a first round TKO (2:00) of veteran Felipe Romero.   VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:http://s.sho.com/1NxpwT0

 

Benavidez (11-0, 10 KOs) had no trouble facing his most experienced opponent to date, knocking Romero (15-10-1, 9 KOs) down with a series of lefts to the body and head with less than a minute into the fight.  Romero got up, but Benavidez continued to pepper Romero and floored him again with a left hook to the body.  Ramirez again beat the count, but only lasted a few seconds before Benavidez finished him off with this third knockdown in just two minutes.

 

“I know how strong my body shots are and I knew they would be effective,” Benavidez said.  “I wanted to make a great impression in my first nationally televised fight.  I’m ready to get back in the ring gain as soon as possible.”

 

In a non-televised bout, former WBC Heavyweight World ChampionBermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) defeated Derric Rossy (30-11, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision (95-94, 96-93, 96-93) in his first fight since losing the title to Deontay Wilder last January.

 

“I feel good—it was great to be back in the ring again,” Stiverne said.  “I wasn’t rusty, but maybe I sparred too much in the gym.  He was a tough guy.  The knockdown was more of a flash knockdown.  It was a good punch, but I was a little off balance, too.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring soon and work my way back to become a world champion again.”

 

Stiverne knocked down with 10 seconds left in the first round.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air on Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Sunday, Nov. 15.

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Chuck McKean directing.

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @Notorious_FG, @Swift_JHurd, @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“The Brooklyn Rocky” Frank Galarza Faces Fellow Undefeated Jarrett Hurd

Plus, BlueChip Prospects Sergiy Derevyanchenko & Unbeaten Light Heavyweight David Benavidez Featured in ShoBox Tripleheader

 

Tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Live On SHOWTIME®

 

Click To HERE Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 13, 2015) – A ShoBox: The New Generationtripleheader, highlighted by a super welterweight matchup between undefeated prospects Frank Galarza and Jarret Hurd, blue chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko and undefeated light heavyweight David Benavidez is set for tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 14 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

 

Featured in the main event, Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., will make his fourth ShoBox appearance as he faces fellow undefeated Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), of Accokeek, Md., in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

 

Former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) faces veteranJessie Nicklow (25-7-3, 8 KOs) in the eight-round super middleweight co-feature. In the opening bout of the tripleheader, David Benavidez(10-0, 9 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., makes his ShoBox debut against veteran Felipe Romero (15-9-1, 9 KOs), of La Paz, Mexico, in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

Galarza and Hurd, both tipped the scales at 154 ½ pounds each. Derevyanchenko measured at 164 ¾ pounds, while his opponent, Nicklow, weighted 165 ½. Benavidez measured at 171 ¼ pounds while his counterpart, Romero, weighed-in at 173 ½ pounds.

 

In non-televised action, Bermane Stiverne weighed-in at 254 ½ pounds, while Derric Rossy measured at 230 ¾ pounds. Charvis Holifield weighed 142 ¾ pounds, and Dwain Victorian weighed-in at 140 ¼ pounds. Sanjarbek Rahkmannov measured at 143 ½ pounds, while his opponent Somner Martin weighed-in at 143 ¼ pounds andTrakwon Pettis tip the scale at 138 ¾ pounds, while his opponent,Marquis Hawthorne weighted at 140 pounds even.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to Friday’s weigh-in:

 

Fank Galarza

“I don’t mind challenging fights. You put me in with a tough opponent and you’re going to see a tough Frank Galarza.

 

“We’ve been here already. We know what it takes to put my undefeated record on the line. I’ve faced the tougher fighters.  I know I can swing, but is he ready to swing?  I’ve been the [under] dog and been in with the sharks before. And I swam with them.

 

“I don’t think he’s ready for what I bring to the table. He hasn’t been in with someone like me.

 

“He’s going to try to come forward and bully me, but that’s not going to happen.

 

“It takes a tough guy to go in that ring. Anything can happen. At the end of the day, it comes down to who wants it more.

 

“I’m ready for a 10 rounder. I’ve been looking for one for a while.

 

“No matter how much video we watch, no one knows what it’s going to happen in the ring. We have to capitalize on his mistakes. Boxing is about adapting and I adapt very well.”

 

Jarrett Hurd

“It’s a great opportunity for us. We’ve been thinking about fighting [Frank] Galarza since last December.

 

“Frank might be confident, but he doesn’t intimidate me. My confidence is skyrocketing. My style matches up perfect for him.

 

“I know what I can do. I sparred with guys that are elite fighters –Lamont Peterson, Antoine Douglas, Dominic Wade, Austin Trout, Jerry Odom. We’ve been sparring with some of the best in [Washington] D.C. and Maryland.

 

“This is a huge fight for me. It could open the doors that I’ve been waiting for.”

 

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“He [Jessie Nicklow] doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. He has experience, but I’m ready to show off what I’ve been working on at the gym.

 

“I can always get better. I’m learning in every fight. There’s a big difference between the amateurs and the pros. I’m leaning new combinations, new techniques. I learn from my sparring partners every day.

 

“I was preparing for a fight in December, so that’s why the weight is contacted at 166. But I’m a middleweight –the future is 160.

 

“I’m ready to take the next step. [Gennady] Golovkin is the champion of the world, of course I’d like to fight him.

 

“Fighters from the Ukraine, we work hard because we know where we come from. Life wasn’t easy for us growing up.”

 

Jessie Nicklow

“I can back this guy up. The guy [Sergiy Derevyanchenko] is 30 years old and he has six pro fights. They think this is an easy fight, but I’m going to beat the crap out of him. I’m really excited.

 

“I think these people are stupid –I can’t believe they’re flying me in to fight this guy who’s got six fights. He’s got a big amateur background, but he’s only got six pro fights. I cannot wait to get in the ring Saturday night.

 

“I’ve fought an [Ryota Murata] Olympic Gold Medalist before. This guy doesn’t have anything I haven’t seen before. I’m not coming to lose. He’s on my soil and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I’m 100 percent. This guy is smaller than me.  I’m used to fighting big guys.”

 

David Benavidez

“[Fernando] Romero is better than most of the opponents I’ve faced, so this is definitely a step-up for me.

 

“I’ve knocked down every fighter I’ve faced. I’m looking forward to putting this guy down.

 

“We sparred with southpaws in camp, so we’re ready if he switches on us.

 

“He likes to throw a lot of wild punches. We know there will be a lot of open opportunities for me.

 

“I sparred with Kelly Pavlik, Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin, Julius Jackson. I’m 18 and I’ve been sparring with some of the best fighters in the world.

 

“I’m focusing on fighting at 168. I don’t have any problem making the weight. I contracted higher for this fight [173], but 168 is the future for us. I’m very excited to fight on national TV for the first time.

 

“I used to be a lot bigger than I am now. I was 5-foot-4, 250 pounds when I was 13-years-old. I lost the weight and I started to grow.

 

“I don’t regret not fighting much in the amateurs. I’m happy I turned pro at 16. I had to move to Mexico to do it, but it was the right move for my career.”

 

Felipe Romero

“This is the best weight for me. I’m a natural light heavyweight.

 

“I’m working with a new trainer and we’ve been working on some new things. I’m focused full time on fighting.

 

“I know he’s good, he’s strong, he’s young, but he’s been fighting guys who aren’t very good. He hasn’t faced anyone with my experience. I’ve faced tougher guys and I’m coming to beat him.

 

“I need to be smart and use my experience. He hasn’t fought many rounds so we’re going to push him.  He’s not going to knock me out.

 

“I’ve fought all over the world. Fighting as an underdog is nothing new to me.”

 

Bermane Stiverne

“Training has been excellent and I’m ready to fight tomorrow night.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting again.  I’ve been off too long.

 

“I’ve climbed the mountain to become a world champion and I’m prepared to do it again.  I want to get my title back.”

# # #

 

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @Notorious_FG, @Swift_JHurd, @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

Galarza vs. Hurd, 10-round super welterweight main event of ShoBox: The New Generation taking place on Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas and promoted by TGB Promotions. In the co-feature, Sergiy Derevyanchenko faces Jessie Nicklow in an eight-round middleweight bout and in the telecast opener, David Benavidez measures against Felipe Romero in an eight-round light heavyweight matchup.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO & UNBEATEN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DAVID BENAVIDEZ ADDED TOSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 14, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Unbeaten Super Welterweights Frank Galarza & Jarrett Hurd Square Off In Main Event Of Tripleheader From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

Live At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2015) – Former Ukrainian Olympian and undefeated middleweight prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (6-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) returns to face veteran Jessie Nicklow (25-7-3, 8 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation, this Saturday, Nov. 14, live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

 

In the opening bout of the tripleheader, unbeaten light heavyweight David Benavidez (10-0, 9 KOs), of Phoenix, Ariz., will make hisShoBox debut against veteran Felipe Romero (15-9-1, 9 KOs), of La Paz, Mexico, in an eight round bout.

 

In the ShoBox main event, undefeated super welterweights Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jarrett Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs), of Accokeek, Md., will square off in a 10-round bout.

 

Derevyanchenko (pronounced der-i-van-CHENK-oh) compiled an astonishing amateur record of 390-20 and represented his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympic Games.  Derevyanchenko, who is ranked No. 9 by the IBF at 160 pounds, went 23-1 in the World Series of Boxing and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. The 30-year-old will make his first start since winning an eight-round decision over former world title challenger Elvin Ayala on Aug. 7 on ShoBox.

 

The 28-year-old Nicklow, of Baltimore, Md., is experienced against solid opposition having faced former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, Fernando Guerrero and Ronald Gavril.  Nicklow is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Raymond Terry onOct. 10.

 

The 18-year-old Benavidez is the younger brother of interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Jose Benavidez.  He’s knocked out nine of his 10 opponents since turning professional in 2013, largely against limited opposition.  Benavidez will take on his most difficult opponent to date in the veteran Romero, a well-traveled, 31-year-old veteran who has fought in Mexico, Poland, China, Germany, Ukraine and the U.S.

 

# # #

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

OSCAR ESCANDON GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN AGAINST GARY RUSSELL JR. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

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Live On SHOWTIME® at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Escandon
LAS VEGAS (November 2, 2015) – As he nears his Saturday, Nov. 14 showdown against WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs), featherweight contender Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) is primed and ready for the challenge.  The 12-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main-event will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast), from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The co-main event of the evening will see undefeated super welterweights Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) and Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.
Less than one month after Russell Jr. and Escandon square off, SHOWTIME Sports® will present another high-profile matchup between elite 126-pound fighters as WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar defends against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo on Dec. 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
While working out in Las Vegas with Coach Ruben Guerrero, Escandón gave his thoughts on training camp, fighting Gary Russell Jr., and his quest to become a world champion.
On his matchup with Gary Russell Jr.:
 
“Gary Russell Jr. is a very skilled fighter but he doesn’t know what it’s like to be in a rugged fight.  Everyone knows I come to fight and Russell is going to find out firsthand what it’s like to be in a war. He better be ready to take some lumps.”
On training in Las Vegas:
“Running in the high elevation here in Las Vegas has been great for my stamina.  I’ve adjusted to the atmosphere and my body feels extremely strong.  I’ve gotten some great sparring with a lot of different looks, guys that move like Russell. I couldn’t be more prepared then I’ll be for this fight.”
On working with Ruben Guerrero:
“Ruben and I have been working great together.  His knowledge of fighting southpaws is excellent and we have a great game plan going into this fight.  Everyone can expect to see me throw a lot of punches.”
On his quest to become a world champion:
“Becoming a world champion is something I’ve wanted my whole life.  I’ve been close a couple of times.  In those fights I made the mistake of leaving the decision in the judges’ hands.  This time around, I’m going for the knockout, to assure myself victory.”
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED CONTENDERS FRANK GALARZA & JARRETT HURD  MEET IN SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® CO-FEATURED EVENT

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SATURDAY, NOV. 14, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS
 
LAS VEGAS (October 28, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweights Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-0-2, 11 KOs) and Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (16-0, 10 KOs) will meet in an important 10-round clash that serves as the co-featured event for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) on Saturday, Nov. 14 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The main event, live on SHOWTIME®, will feature WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr.(26-1, 15 KOs) in the first defense of his world title against Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KOs).
“I’ve been here before but I know that I still have something to prove,” said Galarza. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m ready to show the world I’m one of the best 154-pound fighters in all of boxing.”
“It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hands,” said Hurd. “I’m excited about this fight and ready to show the world my ability come Nov. 14.”
“Galarza and Hurd represent two of the best undefeated prospects in the super welterweight division,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “It’s a high risk, high reward fight which will bring out the very best in both fighters for those watching on SHOWTIME and in attendance at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.
A contender in the 154-pound division, Galarza has won six straight fights since the start of 2014, including a thrilling second-round knockout over previously unbeaten John Thompson. A Brooklyn native who turned pro in 2010, the popular Galarza has inspired many with his personal story of perseverance. In his last appearance on April 10, Galarza scored a third round knockout of Sheldon Moore in his hometown of Brooklyn on ShoBox: The New Generation.  The 30-year-old will look to make his mark in his first shot on a big stage when he enters the ring on Nov. 14.
Fighting out of Accokeek, Md., Hurd has an unblemished professional record since turning pro in 2012. The 25-year-old opened up 2015 with a third-round stoppage of veteran Eric Mitchell and followed with a seventh-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Jeff Lentz in August. He will take a step-up in competition when he challenges Galarza on Nov. 14.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

FRANK GALARZA vs. SHELDON MOORE IEVGEN KHYTROV vs. AARON COLEY SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO vs. ALAN CAMPA FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

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ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader LIVE TONIGHT on SHOWTIME®

From Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Rosie Cohe / SHOWTIME

 

ALL ACCESS: Chavez, With Unparalleled Access To Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Sr.

Premieres Immediately Following Friday’s ShoBox

 

NEW YORK (April 9, 2015) – Brooklyn-native, unbeaten Frank “Notorious” Galarza weighed-in at 154 pounds and Belgium’s Sheldon “The Closer” Moore measured 153 ¼ pounds during Thursday’s official weigh-in for the main event of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Galarza (16-0-2, 10 KOs), regarded by many as “The Brooklyn Rocky,” and Moore (13-2-1, 9 KOs) will square off in the eight-round super welterweight headliner of the televised tripleheader from theAviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

 

Undefeated power-punching middleweight Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (9-0, 9 KOs) tipped the scales at 161 ½ pounds and fellow unbeaten Aaron “Heavy Metal” Coley (9-0-1, 6 KOs), of Hayward, Calif., measured 160 ½ pounds for their eight-round middleweight bout.

 

In the opening fight of the telecast, blue-chip super middleweight prospect Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (4-0, 3 KOs/World Series of Boxing: 23-1, 7 KOs) will take on once-beatenAlan “Amenaza/Threat” Campa (13-1, 1 NC, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight match.  Derevyanchenko, of Ukraine and now training in Brooklyn with Khytrov, measured 163 ¼ pounds while Mexico’s Campa weighed-in at 165 pounds.

 

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc. and New Legend Boxing are on sale and priced at $100, $70 and $35. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say prior to Thursday’s weigh-in:

 

GALARZA:

“We had some great sparring with guys like Daniel Jacobs, Sadam Ali, Khytrov.  They always give me top tough work.  That’s top competition right there.  Fighting guys like that builds my confidence.  If I can hang in there with them then I can hang with anyone.  They’re going to help to bring me to another level.  I feed off their energy.

 

“Moore is an aggressive fighter, but I’m a come-forward guy, too.  I can be aggressive, but smart aggressive.  Not just aggressive to punch and throw punches wildly.  It’s more being smart, using my defense, my offense and countering when he makes mistakes.

 

“I try not to think about fighting in the main event in Brooklyn, but it helps and it definitely motivates me.  I mean, it doesn’t get any better than that – fighting in my home in the main event.

 

“It’s my backyard, so I have to put on a show.  It doesn’t give me jitters because I’ve fought in my home before, but the main event is different.  I just need to do my job.

 

“For me, it’s will and skill.  I bring my skill level to the next level.  How bad do I want it?  Am I going to perform well enough to move to the next level and face those top contenders?

 

“I want to face the top prospects so I can earn a spot as a contender.  But I need to get through this guy first.”

 

MOORE:

“The main reason why I came all the way to the United States is because here is where boxing is at its best.  I’m really excited about this opportunity. Being on SHOWTIME as a main event is huge for me.

 

“It’s not going to be easy, I’m fighting a guy from Brooklyn in Brooklyn in his back yard.  But I’ve been in this situation before, I’ve fought abroad many times before and I’m not intimidated.  It’s another day at the office for me.

 

“This is it for me, there’s no turning back.  I have to win.  I just don’t see myself losing tomorrow.

 

“I’ve seen a couple Galarza videos on YouTube. He was more of a brawler at the beginning of his career.  Now, he’s a more disciplined boxer. That can backfire sometimes, something to watch out.

 

“You’ll see fireworks and excitement.  I’m not going to look for the knockout.  I think it’s a bad strategy to do that.   If it comes, it comes.  I’ll be looking to win, no matter what.  This is a very big fight for me, so it’ll be all about winning, impressing and being at my best.”

 

KHYTROV

“The atmosphere training in Big Bear was amazing.  It was one of the best training camps I’ve had.  I’ve never been through a camp in the amateurs like that.

 

“I had a chance to meet Gennady (Golovkin) in Big Bear and we spoke and actually became pretty close.  We talked about training regime, stuff athletes talk about.  I loved it there.

 

“The adjustment from amateurs to pros has been fine.  The only difference is handling the different rounds and realizing that you have to pace yourself for these eight, 10, 12 round fights.

 

“The best time to knock a guy out is in the first two rounds when they aren’t warmed up yet.  I tried against (Jorge) Melendez but I couldn’t get him out.  I just realized I needed to pace myself for the other six rounds and work the body.  It was nice to get those rounds and experience against a tough fighter.

 

“I know he (Coley) is a pretty hard-hitting southpaw.  I assume that he won’t come forward, but maybe he’ll surprise me.  He has a few knockouts, but I’m going to watch him, learn and adapt.

 

“I faced southpaws in the amateurs.  His style won’t give me any issues.  I could even switch to a southpaw stance if I need to.

 

“Personally, health allowing, I think I should be a contender by the end of 2015.  But I put all my trust into my team.  They know best.  My job is just to train and prepare for everything they put in front of me.

 

“Yes, 100 percent I’d like to face Gennady.  To be the best you have to fight the best.  And right now I consider him to be the best 160 pound fighter in the world.”

 

COLEY:

“Fighting on TV for me is a big deal.  When I was little, my father used to throw fight parties to watch big fights and tomorrow he’s throwing one for me. That alone makes me so proud.  I’ll have my own viewing party.  I’m fighting on national television, on SHOWTIME.  That’s such of big deal for me. This is my breakout. This is the sign I’m made it.

 

“I stay in shape all year round, but for the past two months I’ve been taking it to the extreme. Training hard, sparring even harder.

 

“I’ve been working very hard. I’ve sparred with world champions and I’ve been doing well.  I think this is my time to step up and show everybody how good I am.

 

“I’m predicting there will be a stoppage in the later rounds.”

 

DEREVYANCHENKO:

“The competition I faced in the WSB was, for the most part, the best fighters in the world.  So far, the guys I’ve faced in the pros don’t have that resume, that skill level.  So I think I’ve fought in more than just four pro fights.

 

“I’m working hard in the gym to make the transition from amateur to pro.  I’m taking it step-by-step.  I don’t want to jump the gun or make a mistake too fast.  I’m looking forward to increasing my level of opposition gradually.

 

“I’ve seen some of his (Campa) fights.  In some fights he boxes different than in other fights.  We’ll see what he does in the ring and adjust accordingly.  But I don’t think he can bring anything that I haven’t seen before.  But he’s a Mexican fighter so we know he won’t give up.

 

“I’m going to show what I’m worth.  I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.  Now is my chance to build my fan base and show what I can do in the ring.”

 

CAMPA:

“This is my first fight in the U.S., and I’m planning to take full advantage of this opportunity.

 

“My training was intense, a lot of running, especially in the mountains. I worked on my conditioning and my speed.  I’m at the best shape I’ve ever been.

 

“When I found out about my opponent, I watched video on him and I know I’m better than him.  I think my main advantages are age and speed. My opponent is 29, I’m 23.  I’m younger and quicker and I’m not about to make it easy for him.

 

“I’m going to read him in the early rounds and, if I feel he’s not hurting me, I’ll go the distance.

 

“This fight is a huge step-up for me.  I see it as key fight.  I feel it might be a make or break for me.  We’ll see, I might get a chance to deliver a knockout and that might spark some attention in the boxing world.”

 

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 59 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

* * * VIDEO ALERT * * *FRANK GALARZA LOOKS TO STAY UNBEATEN THIS FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION AFTER REGISTERING ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE KNOCKOUT VICTORIES OF 2014  

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In his ShoBox: The New Generation debut in January 2014, Frank “Notorious” Galarza registered one of the most memorable knockouts of the year against the favored John Thompson. Galarza, regarded by many as “The Brooklyn Rocky,” faces Belgium’s Sheldon Moore thisFriday, April 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®

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About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 59 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

Tickets for the DiBella Entertainment event are on sale and priced at $100, $70 and $35. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

UNBEATEN BROOKLYNITES FRANK GALARZA, IEVGEN KHYTROV AND SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO FEATURED ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER AT AVIATOR SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTER IN BROOKLYN, N.Y.

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Friday, April 10 At 10 p.m. ET/PT; Live on SHOWTIME®

                                                                                                           

NEW YORK (April 2, 2015) – Brooklyn-native, unbeaten Frank “Notorious” Galarza (16-0-2, 10 KOs) returns to the ring to battle Belgium’s Sheldon “The Closer” Moore (13-2-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout headlining ShoBox: The New Generation  tripleheader on Friday, April 10 from the Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

Galarza, regarded by many as “The Brooklyn Rocky,” continues to make up for lost time. His shocking second-round knockout victory over the favored John Thompson on his ShoBox: The New Generationdebut, was one of the most memorable knockouts of the year.  Galarza has been on a tear since.

 

“Galarza was a fortuitous find by ShoBox,’’ acknowledged boxing historian and ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood. “Since he upset Thompson, he’s won four more times, and looked better each time. The level of his opposition doesn’t allow him to be called a contender yet, but he’s made major strides. I would think at age 29 he would try to make this a breakthrough year for him.”

 

The Galarza-Moore bout is one of three scheduled eight-rounders on a telecast that has a distinct Brooklyn flavor to it. Undefeated power-punching middleweight Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (9-0, 9 KOs) and stablemate, blue-chip super middleweight prospect Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (4-0, 3 KOs/World Series of Boxing: 23-1, 7 KOs) also reside in Brooklyn.

Khytrov takes on fellow unbeaten Aaron “Heavy Metal” Coley (9-0-1, 6 KOs), of Hayward, Calif., while the world-ranked Derevyanchenko will box once-beaten Alan “Amenaza/Threat” Campa (13-1, 1 NC, 9 KOs), of Sonora, Mexico.

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc. and New Legend Boxing  are on sale and priced at $100, $70 and $35. Tickets can be purchased by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:45 p.m. ET.

 

For Galarza, who’s creeping up in the world rankings, the recent surge couldn’t come at a better time. A physically strong, aggressive boxer-puncher, Galarza got a late start in boxing and had only 11 amateur fights.

 

“The time for me is definitely now,’’ he said. “My first ShoBox fight set the platform for me. I didn’t just win a fight that absolutely nobody thought I could, I won it in grand style. I made a statement. I’ve continued to grow and feel I’ve gotten better since that fight. But I’m here to show people what I’m all about, continue to train very hard and just take it little by little, one fight at a time.

 

“It’s exciting to fight in the televised main event in my backyard. I’ve never been more motivated for a match. I want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me another opportunity to fight on ShoBox.’’

 

Style-wise, Galarza believes this is a great matchup for him. “Moore looks physically big and strong, tough and hungry and comes to fight,’’ he said. “He’s aggressive and that’s the best part about it – it should make for a great fight. I can be aggressive, too. I know he’s coming to fight and everybody knows I’m not moving backwards, so I expect fireworks.

 

“I come to fight every time, especially on SHOWTIME, on ShoBox where they give you opponents of good caliber who are expected to put on a show and expected to make a good fight.

 

“It’s in Brooklyn, my hometown, and I want to entertain the people. This is my show, my homecoming, and I will defend my home turf. I have a job to do on April 10, but after that, the big names of the division are going to be forced to deal with me. I’m 29 and laying it all on the line.’’

 

In his most recent ShoBox appearance, Galarza won a unanimous eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Sebastien Bouchard (8-0 going in) on May 16, 2014, by the scores of 78-73 and 77-74 twice despite having a point deducted for a low blow in the final round.

 

Galarza’s opponent, 27-years-old Moore, is making his ShoBox debut and fourth start in the United States where he is 1-1-1. He last appeared in the U.S. in June 2012.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and my career, hands down this is the biggest fight of my life,” Moore said. “It is a must-win fight for me. I have seen a few of Galarza’s fights and I am fully confident that I have what it takes to upset him in his backyard. This is a dream come true for me, fighting on national television, and I plan on showing the boxing world that I belong at the elite level of this division.

“My style is definitely aggressive. I like to walk down my opponent. Galarza has good movement and good reach. But this fight will be the first fight where I don’t have to work on the side during the preparation. I’m 100 percent dedicated to the sport and set to go on April 10.”

 

The 5-foot-10 Moore has won his last two fights, the most recent on a first-round knockout over Janos Varga last Dec. 20 in Belgium. Just like Galarza, he got a late start in boxing and had a limited amateur career (27 bouts). He did kickboxing when he was 15, but didn’t have his first amateur fight until the age of 19.

 

Khytrov (pronounced HE-trov) was a phenomenal amateur with reportedly 500 amateur bouts. He was the 2011 amateur world champion and a representative for Ukraine in the 2012 Olympic Games.

 

This will be his second appearance on ShoBox. In his debut on Jan. 9, he destroyed the previously undefeated Maurice Louishomme, winning by third-round TKO. He lit up Louishomme with right hands and uppercuts to the body, staggering him on multiple occasions in a one-sided affair that was stopped at 0:24 in the third round.

 

Aggressive, offensive-minded Khytrov has fought a total of 27 rounds in nine starts, an average of three rounds a fight – and that includes his career-best eighth-round TKO over always-tough Puerto Rican Jorge Melendez on March 6.

 

“Ievgen [pronounced YEV-gin, with a hard G] is as fan-friendly a fighter as you’ll find, never takes a backwards step, looks to hurt his opponent with every punch,’’ Farhood said.  “After nine fights, he shows all the signs that he’ll be a title contender in a year-to-18 months. His most recent, a stoppage over Jorge Melendez, was a bold move to take on a dangerous and experienced opponent and he took him out, broke him down. What does that tell me?”

 

One of the top prospects in boxing, the 5-foot-11, 26-year-old Khytrov has been moved at a much faster pace than most other prospects at this stage of their careers. He made his professional debut at age 25 in December 2013 and fought six times in 2014. This is his third fight of 2015. All of his fights have been in the United States.

Khytrov, who relocated to Brooklyn shortly after the 2012 Olympics, is eager for April 10 to arrive. “I am very excited to be returning to the ring on April 10, especially being that the fight is in my adopted home of Brooklyn,’’ he said. “I want to thank my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. and my manager Al Haymon for this opportunity to once again showcase my skills on ShoBox.

“I expect a tough fight out of Coley, who, like myself, has never been defeated as a professional. We knew that 2015 was going to be a big year for myself and my career, and I promise yet another spectacular performance on April 10 as we continue to move up the ranks of my division.”

Khytrov compares his style to one of boxing’s all-time greats. “I’ve got a Roberto Duran style. I’m an all-out brawler,’’ he said. “I attack the body. I love the TV spotlight.’’

 

Coley is a left-hander and two-year pro who’s taking an immense step up in this fight, his ShoBox and eight-round debut. A prospect at 160 pounds – he moved up from the junior middleweight division in his last fight – he iscoming off the sixth knockout of his career, a fifth-round KO over Loren Myers on Oct. 11, 2014.

 

“I’m very excited about showcasing my skills on a platform like SHOWTIME,’’ said the always well-conditioned Coley, who has never been knocked down as a pro or amateur. “I’ve seen Khytrov fight. From what it looks like, he is a decent fighter. I really don’t think there’s anything special about him. He’s pretty straightforward, an Eastern European dude who just comes in and uses little angles. He’s a hard puncher with good power, but I don’t know the guys he’s been fighting.

 

“Plus, you can’t hurt what you can’t hit.”

 

An agile boxer who now works out of Virgil Hunter’s gym in northern California, Coley is making his second start for new trainer Eddie Croft.He had been living and training in Las Vegas. He went 8-0 at the outset of a pro career that began in April 2012.

 

Regarding his nickname, Coley said, “My dad owns a scrap metal business.”

 

Derevyanchenko (pronounced der-i-van-CHENK-oh), who is making hisShoBox debut, has the look of a “can’t-miss” contender. One step further, many expect his ascent in the world rankings to be nothing less than meteoric. He’s currently ranked No. 12 in the IBF, No. 25 in the WBC.

 

“I’m very excited about my first fight on American television,’’ he said. “This will be my first time appearing on ShoBox and I’m absolutely thrilled. This is my coming out party. I’m preparing day and night, and I’m ready to showcase my skills to the world. I’m ready to show them ‘The Technician.’

 

“My style is very technical, but once I figure my opponent out, I attack viciously. With hard work and a great team behind me, I will become a world champion in my division. There is no doubt in my mind.”

 

An exceptional amateur, the 5-foot-7 Derevyanchenko compiled an astonishing record of 390-20 while representing his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympic Games. One year before, he won the bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships.

 

This will be Derevyanchenko’s fifth start in a row outside the World Series Of Boxing where he went 23-1. He was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. He fought in the WSB from November 2010 to April 2014.

 

Derevyanchenko won his first fight outside the WSB on a second-round TKO over Cromwell Gordon on July 23, 2014. In his last start this pastFeb. 20, he scored a one-sided second-round TKO over Vladine Biosse.

 

As for his opponent, Derevyanchenko said, “Campa is a good fighter – tall, strong. He looks durable, a solid opponent.’’

 

Campa is making his ShoBox debut on April 10 and it will be his first fight outside of Mexico. He has won four in a row, three by knockout. He knocked out Christian Chavez in the second round in his last outing lastDec. 6.

The 6-foot-1, 23-year-old is taking a gigantic leap in class and the odds are against him, but none of that matters to him once the opening bell sounds.

“I am very excited to finally make my dream a reality and fight in the United States,’’ he said. “This is just the opportunity that I have trained and fought for the last five years. I am versatile; I can fight aggressively or box and move.

“Many promising young prospects got their start on ShoBox and went on to win world titles. On April 10, Alan Campa will start paving the road to join the list of ShoBox world champions.

“I have trained very hard. I know I can win this fight.”

Campa also had a strong amateur background (182-6). Before turning pro in September 2010, he was a five-time Sonoran state champion, a five-time regional champion, and a four-time national champion. He was also the gold medalist at the 2010 Pan American Youth Championships at 165 pounds.

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 59 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing

Boxing manager A.J. Galante opens up boxing gym in Danbury, Connecticut

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Danbury, CT (January 24, 2015)- Professional Boxing manager A.J. Galante and former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz are proud to announce that the Grand Opening of their new boxing gym, Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will take place on Saturday February 28. Feliz, who moved to Danbury as a child from the Dominican Republic, has the distinction of being Danbury, CT’s first professional boxer. As a heavyweight, he compiled a record of 23-9 in a career that spanned 15 years. He discovered the sport of boxing when he came across Danbury’s Hat City Boxing, which closed its doors in 2001. Since then, the city has yet to re-open an exclusive boxing gym until now. “It’s been my dream since I retired to give back to the community.” Feliz stated, “I have always wanted to open a boxing gym, because boxing saved my life. I am glad to finally accomplish a major goal in my life. I am looking forward to making the city of Danbury proud with this gym.” Fernely Feliz, now a trainer, is excited to develop an amateur team in the city, while continuing to work with both professional boxers and MMA fighters. Feliz’s partner is one of professional boxing’s youngest managers, A.J. Galante, who currently manages hot Junior Middleweight prospect Frank Galarza. “When Fernely approached me with this idea, I didn’t think twice. I couldn’t be prouder of this gym” Galante said, “Everyone who I have previewed the gym to, falls in love with the environment. It has an old-school feel to it, yet has a lot of new school amenities. Once you walk in you never want to leave.” Champs Boxing Club houses a professional elevated 18 foot ring, multiple traditional and specialty heavy bags, wall bags, double end bags, brand new cardio equipment and a weight area. There is also a high definition camera above the ring where all sparring and instruction can be recorded, and then studied with trainers on an HDTV or sent to a members’ tablet.

In speaking of the gym, what lit up owner A.J. Galante’s eyes is when he spoke on a very special area of his gym. “I sit on the board of my boxer Frank Galarza’s non profit organization, Youth Fighting Forward. It is an unbelievable organization that attaches itself to boxing gyms, and gives our youth a place to develop discipline and confidence. It’s a combination of both boxing and mentorship, with strict requirements involving school attendance, grades and attendance. I am proud to say that Champs Boxing Club will join Starrett City Boxing Club of Brooklyn, in hosting a Youth Fighting Forward chapter.” Galante spoke on the many requirements Frank Galarza developed for Youth Fighting Forward, and when asked about how Champs Boxing Club will ensure the best environment possible for success, Galante stated that both he and Galarza developed a study room for members, with donated computers, printers and other school supplies. “In terms of having the tools to meet academic requirements including homework, there are no excuses” Galante exclaimed.

The Grand Opening of Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will be open to the public from12pm-3pm, Saturday February 28th. There will be free giveaways, food and refreshment, as well as the opportunity to meet WBC Latino Junior Middleweight Champion Frank “Notorious” Galarza and UFC Star and Danbury resident Glover Teixeira. Visit www.champsboxingclub.org for more information.
boxing, Fight Network, Ring 8

Fight Network a proud sponsor of Ring 8 Holiday Events & Awards Ceremony

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(L-R) Hall-of-Famers Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor and Carlos Palomino
All pictures by Peter Frutkoff / Ring 8

NEW YORK/TORONTO (Jan. 13, 2015) – Ring 8 was a proud sponsor of the recent 28th annual Ring 8 Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, held at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Ring 8, formed in 1954 by ex-prizefighter Jack Grebelsky, became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, Ring 8 – and today the organization’s motto is still the same: Boxers Helping Boxers. With its 350+ plus members, Ring 8 is the largest group of its kind in the United States. It remains fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Below find a photo gallery from the aforementioned event:

 

Former world welterweight champion Tony DeMarco

(L-R) – Ring 8 president Bob Duffy & Ring 8 2014
Fighter of the Year Chris Algieiri

Ring 8 2014 Comeback of the Year – Daniel Jacobs

Ring 8 2014 Contender of the Year – Frank Galarza

Ring 8 2014 Prospect of the Year – Julian Williams

Information:

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Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes throughout North America, available on all major carriers in Canada, streaming live on website KlowdTV.com, and in more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.