Tag Archives: KO Night Boxing

boxing

KO Night Boxing signs “The Dragon” Popular Canadian junior welterweight Steve Claggett

Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2018) — KO Night Boxing LLC announced it has signed popular Canadian junior welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett to an exclusive promotional contract.

The Las Vegas-based company also has 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and undefeated Wichita flyweight, Nico Hernandez (3-0), 2 KOs), among its growing stable of professional boxers.
The 28-year-old Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Calgary, is a fan-favorite because of his aggressive, non-stop style. Since the ultra-aggressive Claggett moved back down one division to junior welterweight, Claggett is a perfect 3-0 (1 KO), including a pair of title-winning 10-round decisions over previously unbeaten opponents,Yves Ulysse, Jr. (14-0) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American super lightweight title, as well as Emmanuel Robles (15-0-1) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) NABA USA super lightweight crown.
“I’m excited to be signed by John Andersen and KO Night Boxing,” Claggett said. “There were no guarantees (without a promoter). I’ve always had the talent but never the structure. I’ll have that now, though. It was always difficult making fights with long layoffs, dates falling through, and offers on short notice. I’ve only been able to show a little of what I’m capable. All I’ve ever wanted is a fair shake and this opportunity will allow me to show what I can do. This year is going to be big for me and KO Night Boxing.
“I’m just approaching my prime. I’ve only been working with my trainer, Vlad Goldenstein, for a little more than a year, but I’m 3-0 with him and have won two belts. I’m an old-school fighter, action-packed and who brings the pace. This is a great for me and my boxing career.”
“We’re taking a big step in the right direction by signing Steve,” Claggett’s new promoter Andersen commented. “I’m excited. Steve deserves this opportunity and we’re going to deliver for him.
“Steve is an action fighter, always coming forward, and he hasn’t been in a bad fight during the three years I’ve known him. He took a risk but really opened some eyes with his performance against Ulysse. What an accomplishment fighting an undefeated fighter in his backyard. He took a big risk and got a big win.  And now he’s beaten the man (Ulysse) who has beaten the man (21-0 Cletus Seldin, WDEC10, Dec. 16, 2017 on HBO). Steve’s undefeated on this run as a junior welterweight, beating two previously unbeaten opponents, and he deserves more recognition and a shot at a big fight.”
“Steve’s an animal in the squared circle and the farthest thing from it outside the ring,” Claggett’s manager Max Matheny added. “He has all the attributes of a champion. His boxing IQ and ability to adapt under pressure makes Claggett a serious challenge. He can beat anybody in the division on any given night. We’ve had a multitude of promotional offers to consider at the end of a strong 2017 and are very excited to align with KO Night Boxing. They are going to give us the opportunities to show the world how good ‘The Dragon’ really is. His signature is turning into an autograph in 2018, mark my words.”
The boxing irony is that Ulysse, not Claggett, is now world ranked. Considering the half-Chinese, half-European Claggett beat Ulysse in his Montreal hometown, Steve proved that he’ll fight anybody, anywhere, unlike many fighters who make that claim but don’t back it up. “Me and my team aren’t afraid to fight anybody,” he spoke about his most significant fight to date. “Bring it on! I’m willing to fight in hostile territory against an A-side fighter. We don’t pick and choose. Too many fighters pad their records, but that only upsets fans, and delays fights. I’m looking for tough fights to judge how much I’ve grown. I’d love to fight the top guys.
“My fight with Ulysse was my biggest but not best fight. I thought I boxed a little robotic and fell back into some old habits. I’d give myself a B- for that fight. I got the win and put on a great show that was fast paced. Ulysse and Robles box, run and move. I’d like an opponent who comes to me, stays in the pocket, and fights. I know it’ll be a helluva fight.”
Maybe Claggett’s next fight will be on a higher platform, perhaps, against a legitimate fighter’s fighter like Steve.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /SteveClaggett
Follow Steve Claggett on Twitter and Instagram @SDragonC
About KO Night Boxing LLC
KO Night Boxing is an emerging combat sports promotional company whose core value is “Fighters First!” KO Night Boxing produces live events for CBS Sports Network. Follow us on Twitter @KONightBoxing.
boxing, Roc Nation

Olympian Nico Hernandez remains undefeated Tramaine Williams, Armando Alvarez & Zhilei Zhang victorious

Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
“KO NIGHT BOXING” RESULTS FROM KANSAS
PALM CITY, Kansas (September 24, 2017) – The name of last night’s “KO Night Boxing: Step Up” event certainly was appropriate as 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez had to overcome a major obstacle to remain undefeated at Hartman Arena in Palm City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” was a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Roc Nation Sports and Hartman Arena, sponsored by Mort’s Cigar Bar, Jimmy Egg and Twister City Harley-Davidson. The action was taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
St. Louis southpaw Kendrick “Uprising” Latchman outweighed regular flyweight Hernandez by more than 10 pounds when the two fighters entered the ring because Hernandez’ scheduled opponent, Basyzbek Baratov (2-1-2), abruptly pulled out of the fight after the weigh in due to a contractual disagreement. Hernandez weighed in at 113 pounds, Baratov was 112, which was the contracted weight. The Kansas Athletic Commission, however, automatically allows one-pound over for all non-title fights. Baratov refused to fight but Latchman agreed to fight at a 125-pound catchweight. Hernandez gained four pounds and the fight was on.
Wichita hero Hernandez was unmoved by the late change, largely due to his standout amateur career, in which his opponents often changed at the last moment. Latchman (1-5-1, 1 KO) is a pro boxer-MMA hybrid fighter who is 6-3 (5 KOs) in MMA, including a 55-second stoppage of 14-7-1 Cody Land this past July.
Latchman buzzed Hernandez in the first round, much to the chagrin of the Hernandez’ loud hometown crowd. The U.S. Olympian displayed a good chin and went on to win a six-round unanimous decision to improve his pro record to 3-0 (2 KOs).
“They (his corner and fans) were nervous,” the 21-year-old Hernandez said after the fight, “but I wasn’t. My coach (father Lewis Hernandez) told me to feint and go in, but I lunged a little too much. Hey, I’m staying in my division (flyweight) before moving up in weight.”
“Nico had to step up, fighting a new opponent on 24-hour notice, along with the difference in their weights,” promoter John Andersen commented. “Everything turned out okay but it wasn’t an easy fight. My palms were a little sweaty in the first round when he got hit hard, but Nico pulled out the win and he’ll be an even better fighter because of this experience. His father said Nico had never been hit like that before. It was a good card and the crowed was really into it.”
KO Night Boxing LLC announced that Hernandez would return December 2 to headline another show at Hartman Arena.
USBA No. 2- rated featherweight Tramaine “The Might Midget” Williams (13-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of New Haven (CT), cruised to his 13th victory without a defeat, taking a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision over Derrick Murray (13-3, 5 KOs), in the co-featured event.
Key West, FL welterweight Armando “The Gentleman: Alvarez (17-0, 11 KOs) remained undefeated, winning a 10-round unanimous decision against Hungarian champion Gabor “Squirrel” Gorbics (23-8, 14 KOs) in a competitive Special Welterweight Attraction. Alvarez is the WBC Latino welterweight title holder.
Undefeated Chinese heavyweight prospect Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang (18-0, 14 KOs), the reigning WBO Oriental champion, needed only 2:28 to stop veteran Byron “The Bear” Polley(30-22-1, 13 KOs). Zhang, as well as Williams, are promoted by Roc Nation Sports.
In the most dramatic fight of the night, Los Angeles heavyweight Scott Alexander (13-2-2, 7 KOs) rebounded from being decked, as well as a pre-fight cut, to knockout 361-pound Richard “Silverback” Carmack (15-12-1, 12 KOs) in the second round. Alexander suffered a cut on his shin that resulted from a step breaking as he entered the ring.
Milwaukee junior middleweight Akeem Black (3-1, 1 KO) won three of four rounds on all three judges’ scorecards for a four-round unanimous decision over Marcus Neal (2-2, 2 KOs).
Wichita light heavyweight Jeff Strum pitched a shutout in his pro debut against Topeka’s (KS) previously unbeaten Chris Ortega (3-1-1), winning all four rounds in impressive fashion.
Complete results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (3-0, 2 KOs), Wichita
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
Kendrick Latchman (1-5-1, 1 KO), St. Louis, MO
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (13-0, 5 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC10 (98-91, 98-91, 97-92)
Derrick Murray (13-3, 5 KOs), St. Louis, MO
SPECIAL WELTERWEIGHT ATTRACTION
Armando Alvarez (17-0, 11 KOs), Key West, FL
WDEC10 (100-90, 98-92, 96-93)
Gabor Gorbics (23-8, 14 KOs), Budapest, Hungary
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Zhilei Zhang (18-0, 14 KOs), Las Vegas, NV
WKO1 (2:28)
Byron Polley (30-22-1 (13 KOs), Saint Joseph, MO
Scott Alexander (13-2-2, 6 KOs), Los Angeles, CA
WKO2 (1:45)
Richard Carmack (15-12-1, 12 KOs), Kansas City, MO
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jeff Strum 1-0), Wichita, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Chris Ortega (3-1-1), Topeka, KS.
JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Akeem Black (3-1, 1 KO), Milwaukee, WI
Wdec4 (39-36, 39-36, 39-36)
Marcus Neal (2-2, 2 KOs), Kansas City, MO.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, Roc Nation

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Returns this Saturday at home in Kansas

Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez
Returns this Saturday at home in Kansas
“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (September 19, 2017) — 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandezreturns to the ring this Saturday night for his third professional fight, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Step Up!”, at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.

“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Hartman Arena, Mort’s Cigar Bar, Jimmy Egg and Twister City Harley-Davidson. The action will be taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Wichita, has a new opponent in the six-round main event, Kyrgyzstan flyweight Basyzbek Baratov (2-1-2).
  Nico Hernandez (R) is in action this Saturday night
(picture courtesy of Tony Schock, GS Memory Maker)
Fighting out of Philadelphia, Baratov has had some tough luck, in terms of scoring, with two draws and a loss by split decision. His pro record could easily be 5-0.
A pair of undefeated Roc Nation Sports fighters, New Haven (CT) featherweight Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (12-0, 5 KOs) and Chinese heavyweight Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang(17-0, 13 KOs), will be showcased.
USBA No. 2-rated Williams faces Derrick Murray (13-2 (5 KOs), of St. Louis (MO), in the 10-round co-feature. Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Zhang meets Missouri veteran Byron “The Bear” Polley (30-21-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout.
Also fighting on the televised portion of the card is a 10-round welterweight match pitting undefeated rising star Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (16-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Key West, Florida, against Hungarian champion Gabor “Squirrel” Gorbics (23-7, 14 KOs).
In an eight-round battle of heavyweights, Los Angeles’ Scott Alexander (12-2-2, 6 KOs) facesRichard “Silverback” Carmack (15-1-1, 12 KOs), of Kansas City (MO).
The already loaded undercard continues to provide a boxing platform for local fighters in four-round fights: Kansas City (MO) junior middleweight Marcus Neal (2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Akeem Black(2-1, 1 KO), of Milwaukee, Wichita’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Jeff Sturm vs. Chris Ortega(3-0-1), of Topeka (KS), and Topeka’s Brian Clements (0-0-1) vs. Liberian junior welterweightArchie Weah, fighting out of Ohio.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005308B32459E5 Prices are $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $75.00, $50.00, $30.00 and $25.00.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, CBS Boxing

Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams To headline “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2”

Leave a comment
July 29 on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary

LONG BEACH. Calif. (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams will headline the “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” card, on July 29, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary’s outdoor venue in Long Beach, California.
Presented by Black Tree, “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” is promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC and Roc Nation Sports.
Williams (11-0, 4 KOs) faces Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with Black Tree, Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Roc Nation Sports and The Queen Mary for another great ‘Knockout Night Boxing’ event,” KO Night Boxing president John Andersen said. “Tramaine Williams is one of the hottest prospects in boxing and we’re excited to have him fight on another ‘KO Night Boxing’ show.”

After a sizzling start to his pro career, the New Haven, Conn. Native was inactive for nearly two years (2-13-2015) due to out-of-the-ring issues, but bounced back strong in January 2016, signing a promotional contract with Roc Nation Sports.

In his first fight under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Williams dominated Eduardo Garza (6-1) en route to an eight-round unanimous decision.in the CBS Sports Network co-featured event in Wichita, Kansas last March.

In his last fight on the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev II card at Mandalay Bay, Williams produced the most signature victory to date, stopping former NABO, WBC US and California State super featherweight champion Christopher Martin (30-8-3) in the second round.

Williams first began boxing at the age of nine, accumulating an impressive record of 97-10 over his amateur career. During that span, he was a ten-time national amateur champion, a two-time Ringside World champion and a four-time Silver Gloves champion. He also was a PAL National Junior Golden Gloves champion.

Luna, fighting out of the Dominican Republic, is a proven upset specialist having defeated then unbeaten (15-0-1, 11 KOs) Jose Lopez, on June 6, 2015 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, by way of a six-round unanimous decision. Lopez is currently the reigning WBO International super featherweight champion.
Former amateur boxing prodigy, undefeated Brooklyn light heavyweight prospect Junior “The Young God” Younan (12-0, 9 KOs), will face an opponent to be determined in the eight-round co-featured event. Also fighting under the Roc Nation banner, the 21-year-old Younan compiled a sterling 90-5 amateur record, highlighted by his three-time Ringside World and three-time National PAL championship performances.
A pair of California heavyweights square off in the in the six-round CBSSN opener as Rodney Hernandez (10-5-2, 2 KOs), of Modesto, meets Los Angeles’ Jonnie Rice (6-2-1, 4 KOs), a former Winthrop College (SC) basketball player.
Fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Los Angeles featherweight Sergio “El Nino” Quiroz (3-0) vs. Lupe Arroyo (2-0), of Huntington Beach (CA), Whittier (CA) lightweight George Acosta (2-0), and pro-debuting welterweights Eric Gomez, of Santa Ana (CA), and Long Beach’s Raul Calderon.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
All tickets are priced at $60.00 and on sale to purchase by calling 949.760.3131.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
boxing

Olympian Nico Hernandez had boxing float In Wichita’s Riverfest Sundance Festival parade

Leave a comment
Airing live on CBS Sports Network from
Hartman Arena in Kansas

PARK CITY, Kansas (June 7, 2017) – Team Hernandez, featuring Wichita-native Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, entered a boxing float in this past Fridaynight’s 45th annual Riverfest Sundance Festival parade in Wichita.

An estimated 50,000 people turned out to enjoy the parade, as well as the opportunity to support hometown hero Hernandez, who will fight at home once again in less than two weeks.
The 21-year-old Hernandez returns to action Saturday night, June 17, in the six-round main event against Mexican-born flyweight opponent Jose Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), headlining “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire”, which will air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC.
Unbeaten Canadian featherweight Marc “Gwapo” Pagcaliwangan (10-0-1, 8 KOs) faces Angel “Terrible” Monrreal (10-8-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round co-featured event. Wichita junior middleweight Noel Esquada (7-3-2, 5 KOs) meets 2012 Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce (12-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round match,
In the televised opener, Garden City (KS) featherweight prospect Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) takes on pro-debuting Humberto “Tito” Tellez, fighting out of Winfield (KS).
The non-televised “KO Night Boxing: Rapid Fire” undercard is loaded with local talent: pro-debuting Topeka (KS) junior welterweight Brian Clements vs. Bryan Montalvo (1-9, 1 KO), of Garden City (KS); Winfield light heavyweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Oklahoman Matt Dixon in his pro debut, and pro-debuting middleweights Eddie Chavez, of Wichita, and Garden City’s Fernando Jasso throw-down in the opening bout.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are on sale at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/060052A193761C74. Prices are $175.00 (VIP ringside package ticket which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt and a ticket to the official after-party with a meet-and-greet opportunity), $150.00 (floor seat which includes a limited-edition event T-shirt), $75.00, $35.00 and $20.00. Tickets will also be sold in Wichita at Angela’s Café (2119 W. 21st St. N, or call Team Nico (Jeremiah @ 316. 393.3743 or Lewis @ 316.806.0144).
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.