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Tag Archives: light heavyweight
GLORY KICKBOXING ADDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT BETWEEN ZACK ‘THE BLACK WARRIOR’ MWEKASSA & SAULO ‘CASSIUS CLAY’ CAVALARI TO ‘BELLATOR MMA: DYNAMITE’
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 30, 2015) – On Saturday, September 19, Bellator MMA will present a landmark event in American combat sports history with “Bellator 142: Dynamite,” featuring Tito Ortiz taking on Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion Liam McGeary. A spectacle so big, it will include two fields of battle – a Bellator cage and a Glory kickboxing ring, takes place at the SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., and airs live and free on Spike at 9/8c.
Today, Glory kickboxing has also added its own Light Heavyweight Championship bout to the “Bellator 142: Dynamite” docket. Congolese power-puncher Zack “The Black Warrior” Mwekassa (13-2, 12 KO) will look for revenge against the last man to defeat him, Brazilian knockout artist Saulo “Cassius Clay” Cavalari (31-2, 19 KO), in an explosive clash that headlines the kickboxing portion of the card featured during “Bellator MMA: Dynamite.”
The new bout joins the previously announced fight card, which features MMA legend Ortiz (18-11) challenging Bellator’s reigning light heavyweight king, McGeary (10-0) and the four-man, one-night light heavyweight tournament to determine the No. 1 contender in the division that includes the promotional debut of Phil Davis (13-3), as well as Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), Linton Vassell (15-4-1) and the return of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (15-4, 1 NC).
In their previous meeting, Cavalari defeated Mwekassa in the third round with a show-stopping head kick knockout. Additional Glory kickboxing bouts and competitors for “Bellator MMA: Dynamite” will be announced shortly.
Tickets for “Bellator 142: Dynamite” start at just $30 and are on sale now at the SAP Center box office and are also available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.
About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
About GLORY:
Founded in 2012, GLORY is owned and operated by GLORY Sports International (GSI), a professional martial arts organization and television content provider that maintains offices in New York, Denver, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore. GLORY programming is seen in over 170 territories. GLORY kickboxing rules are comprised of a mix of several combat disciplines including Karate, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do and traditional Boxing. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @GLORY_WS, and visit us online at gloryworldseries.com.
About SAP Center in San Jose
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SAP Center at San Jose is the premier sports and entertainment venue in Northern California. Each year, SAP Center hosts approximately 175 events featuring professional and amateur athletes, Olympic athletes, Grammy award-winners, international recording artists, and a variety of performers who appeal to children and families alike. SAP Center at San Jose is home to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League as well as the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League. For more information about SAP Center at San Jose and for a list of upcoming events, visit the SAP Center home page atwww.sapcenter.com.
Your Dynamite PreSale Code
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BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES A LANDMARK EVENT IN COMBAT SPORTS HISTORY
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER IN AMERICA: MMA AND KICKBOXING APARATUS IN THE SAME ARENA, ON THE SAME NIGHT, FROM THE SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE, CA. ON SEPTEMBER 19 ON SPIKE
Tito Ortiz Battles Liam McGeary for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Title
Four-Man, One-Night Light Heavyweight No. 1 Contender Tournament Featuring Phil Davis, Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal, Emanuel Newton, and Linton Vassell
In Addition, World-Class Kickboxing Action Featuring Bellator & Glory Fighters Joe Schilling and Paul Daley
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Bellator MMA will present a landmark event in American combat sports history on September 19 from the SAP Center in San Jose, which will air live on Spike. An event so big it will include two fields of battle – a Bellator cage and a Glory kickboxing ring.
“I’m so proud and honored to bring this truly amazing event to my hometown of San Jose,” said Scott Coker, President of Bellator MMA. “This mega-card will feature something for every combat sports fan- MMA legends, rising stars, a stacked tournament, plus many of the world’s best kickboxers. It will be an unforgettable night for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching at home.”
In the main event, MMA legend Tito Ortiz (18-11) will take on Bellator’s reigning light heavyweight king, Liam McGeary (10-0). This will mark McGeary’s first defense of his coveted title.
The epic evening will also showcase a four-man, one-night light heavyweight tournament to determine the No. 1 contender in the division. The participants include the return of Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (15-4, 1 NC), former champion Emanuel Newton (25-8-1), the always dangerous Linton Vassell (15-4-1) and Phil Davis (13-3), who makes his highly anticipated Bellator Debut.
First round pairings for the tournament, as well as further details on the tournament format will be announced shortly.
The event will also feature Glory Kickboxing bouts that will feature many of the best fighters in the world. Namely, Bellator MMA competitors Joe Schilling and Paul “Semtex” Daley. Opponents for Schilling and Daley, as well as additional kickboxing matchups will be announced shortly.
Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Dynamite” will go on sale Friday, June 26 with an exclusive presale taking place on Thursday, June 25th. With the announcement of “Bellator MMA: Dynamite!!!,” Coker is making his triumphant return to Northern California, a region where he pioneered the sport of mixed martial arts as owner of Strikeforce.
Seconds Out Promotions Signs Light Heavyweight Powerhouse Marcus Oliveira to a Promotional Agreement
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Dodson and Economides Head Up Vaughan’s Star Studded 23rd May Liverpool Event.
Renowned Liverpool based promoter Stephen Vaughan is clearly determined to raise the bar, for Small Hall Boxing events, to a whole new level, with his latest offering, dubbed ‘NEW ERA – An Evening Of Professional Boxing’, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.
For those that were at Vaughan’s previous event, at the Grand Central Hall back in March, there is no need to stress just how good the event was.
May 23rd promises much, much more, on paper NEW ERA looks set to not only be a true small hall classic, but also looks likely to set a new standard that very few small hall promotions could possibly match.
Heading up the twelve bout card is Liverpool’s very own Tony Dodson, who will be back in hometown action for the first time since beating Darren Stubbs to secure the IBO Light Heavyweight International title, back in October 2011.
On the 23rd May, Dodson, who in his previous fight secured a solid points victory over one of the toughest opponents around – the mischievous, yet highly durable, Jody Meikle, will be facing Latvia’s big punching Andrejs Pokumeiko.
In March last year, Pokumeiko secured a good solid points win over Ilford’s Kevin Greenwood at York Hall in London, which is the only points win on his record, every other win has come by way of stoppage victory.
The main support sees Chester’s WBF Intercontinental Champion Paul ‘Spartan’ Economides, in a non-championship contest against Estonia’s Sergey Tasimov.
Back on Vaughan’s previous event Economides put in another top class performance, against Ghana’s two time Commonwealth title challenger Isaac Quaye, on way to securing another sensational second round stoppage victory.
That particular win says a lot about Economides’ power as Quaye hadn’t been stopped on any of his previous thirty six fights, some feat considering Quaye has battled it out with the likes of Commonwealth champion Don Broadhurst, British, Commonwealth and European Champion Kevin Satchell and WBO European Champion Iain Butcher amongst other notable stars.
What’s more, on May 2nd Economides went one better, with a clinical first round stoppage of the Czech Republic’s Petr Gyna, at the York Hall in London.
Globe trotting Tasimov, has fought some of the UK’s top stars previously, including interim WBA World Champion Derry Mathews, British and European Champion and upcoming IBF World title challenger Lee Askins, as well as former British and Commonwealth Champion Nicky Booth.
Whilst most cards have a top-flight domestic bout or two heading up the show, the support card is usually made up of local ‘house’ fighters tentatively building their records. Not this card; only three of the undercard fights feature developing talent, the rest are already well and truly established prospects and stars.
One of the most interesting match ups on the card pits Liverpool’s Nick Quigley against … you’ve guessed it, the aforementioned Jody Meikle.
Quigley made short work of his last opponent, Ludvik Gina, sensationally stopping the Czech in just fifty five seconds of the first round.
Don’t think the same will happen against Meikle, but do expect six rounds of truly entertaining boxing, with some mischievousness sprinkled in for maximum effect, based on Meikle’s last outing against Onder Ozgul at York Hall on May 2nd.
Next up is the exciting prospect of watching one of the World’s most successful Kick Boxing stars ever, thirteen time World Champion Marlon Hunt, making his highly anticipated transition to the pro boxing ranks, against Latvia’s Uldis Pucens.
Hunt recently said “After winning 13 Professional World titles in Full Contact Kickboxing, K – 1Rules and Muay Thai and Unifying the Big 5 WBC, ISKA, WAKO PRO, IKF & WKA and winning other mid and low Tier World Titles and various Semi Pro Boxing Titles it’s time to take on the Professional Boxing world. “
Hunt has made clear that he isn’t taking up pro boxing to just make up the numbers, he’s a hundred percent determined to be the first ever four discipline World Champion.
Whilst on the subject of World Champions, Chester’s World Boxing Federation Welterweight World Champ Chris Goodwin is back in action once more, in a non-championship bout, against Finsbury Park, London’s Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander.
Goodwin, a two division World Champion, will be making his first appearance since beating Georgia’s Mikheil Avakyan to win the coveted WBF World crown back in August.
Alexander, who had been training and fighting in America until recently, scored a third round stoppage victory over Tadas Stulginskas on his return to UK action at York Hall in London last October.
Birmingham’s undefeated Lightweight sensation Antonio Counihan is back in the ‘Pool, this time to face Janis Puksins.
Counihan, the former England Amateur Captain, has been nothing but sensational in each of his six previous bouts, stopping five inside the distance, however it was his last performance that proved that the Brummie youngster is destined to rise to the very top.
Back in March, Counihan took on previously unbeaten Czech Lukas Radic, Counihan didn’t just beat Radic, he plain destroyed him in just two minutes and twenty eight seconds of the first round.
Puksins is another globe trotter that should be quite well known to British fans, having fought the likes of former Prizefighter winner Ricky Owen, former WBU, WBF, WBC and Prizefighter Champion Choi Tseveenpurev, British Champ James Dickens and upcoming Commonwealth title challenger Jason Cunningham amongst others.
Another youngster who is fast heading towards World stardom is Liverpool based, Russian Featherweight prospect David Agadzhanyan, who will face former Ghanaian Champion Isaac Osuwu on May 23rd.
Like Counihan, Agadzhanyan has stopped all but one of his previous opponents and coincidently the bout against the one that went the distance, another previously unbeaten prospect Daniel Bazo, featured on Vaughan’s last event.
What a fight, it was something truly special and a fight that many of those in attendance would love to see re-matched sometime in the near future, although have to say the result would probably be the same as Agadzhanyan is a tremendous talent, one that is likely to follow in the footsteps of Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev – yep, he’s that special.
Since that win, Agadzhanyan totally destroyed Czech Republic’s Josef Redlich, putting the Czech lad down three times before finally stopping him on the two minute and twenty five second mark of the first round, at the York Hall in London on May 2nd.
Liverpool’s former British, Commonwealth and WBF World title challenger Tony Moran is set for his first hometown fight since beating Czaba Andras at the Olympia back in 2005.
On May 23rd Moran will be facing Blackpool’s former WBC United States title challenger Mathew ‘The Rock’ Ellis.
Welsh Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher makes his first Liverpool appearance on May 23rd, against Latvian Zaurs Sadihovs.
Back in March Churcher took on Nottingham’s Matt Scriven, after both their original opponents failed to make their flights to the UK.
Have to say I doubt the original match-ups would have been anywhere near the Battle Royale these two fought out on that night. It was a sensational close fought bout, with both protagonists giving their all in front of a highly appreciative crowd.
Churcher won on points, but have to say the real winners were the fans in attendance on the night, as that was one seriously exciting, all action fight.
Sadihovs, who has a won four, lost two record, however each of the wins came way of first round stoppage victories, including a full blown KO of Olegs Asejevs in January.
Making his third pro outing on May 23rd will be big punching Liverpudlian Featherweight Jay Carney.
Young Carney is proving to be one of the finds of the year, two outings, two fantastic stoppage wins.
Back in December Carney utterly outclassed Patrik Gadzo before stopping him on the one minute and thirty two second mark of the first round.
Then in March followed that great win up with a third round stoppage victory over the highly experienced Petr Gyna. Have to say that was a great fight, young Carney was far more relaxed and just performed perfectly, dominating Gyna for virtually every second the bout lasted.
Carney’s opponent on May 23rd is Dmitrijs Gutsman, is another big puncher, whilst his record is two wins and four losses, it should be noted that the wins both came way of first round stoppage.
Also making his third pro outing on May 23rd is Liverpool’s Lee Boyce, who will be taking on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.
Back in March Boyce literally destroyed Matus Olah with the very first power shot he threw, a cracking bodyshot that sent Olah down and out after just twenty seconds of the first round.
It should be noted that the power shot from Boyce actually cracked Olah’s rib, so whilst we didn’t get to see much action we now know just how powerful Boyce’s punches are.
Finally making his professional debut on the 23rd May is Liverpool Welterweight Dayle Gallagher, who goes up against Nottingham’s experienced Matt Scriven.
Gallagher is a classy young boxer and Scriven is as tough as they come, so expect fireworks when they go toe to toe.
So there you have it, one seriously great card for what is clearly going to be one seriously great fight night, so now you know it’s time to go and get those tickets because if you miss it, you’ll regret it.
The Stephen Vaughan promoted NEW ERA event takes place at the Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 2SF, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.
Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets priced £30 & £40 are available direct from any of the boxers taking part or call Stephen Vaughan on 07789 037802.
Khan Reigns Supreme – Topples Soloninkini, Now Eyes Further Title Challenges
Bradford’s sensational Bantamweight prospect Tasif Khan secured his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, when he beat Georgia’s Mikheil Soloninkini by unanimous points decision at the iconic York Hall in London last Saturday night.
What really makes this achievement even more special is that Khan only returned to the ring in January this year, following a two year sabbatical from the sport.
On his return in January Khan scored a decisive first round stoppage victory, over the highly experienced Hungarian Richard Voros, in a bout that also took place at the York Hall.
Khan followed that win up with an equally impressive first round stoppage victory, over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, six weeks later in Liverpool.
Last Saturday, whilst it seems everyone else were preparing for the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight, Khan was taking part in the biggest fight of his career to date.
Right from the off Khan boxed beautifully behind his solid jab to keep his slightly more experienced foe on the back foot.
By midway point Khan began to slow the pace, whilst continuing to keep full pressure on Soloninkini.
Midway through the sixth round, during a rather hectic exchange Khan was a little slow bringing up his gloves, which opened the door for Soloninkini, who let rip with a big right to send Khan to the canvas.
On the restart Soloninkini when in hard in an attempt to finish the still slightly wobbly legged Khan, however the Bradford lad remained calm and collected, whilst the hyper Georgian continued to come forward throwing huge bombs.
During a number of these skirmishes Khan sensibly grabbed hold until referee Lee Murtagh issued the order break. This tactic allowed Khan a little time in order to clear his head.
Soloninkini continued to push hard for the final three rounds, however Khan is one seriously cool character, he just got behind his jab and just plain boxed his way out of danger, each time the Georgian made a forceful foray.
After ten rounds of first class boxing from Khan, judges Ken Curtis 99-94, Obie Garnett 98-90 and Matt Hamilton 98-91, all scored in favour of the new International Masters Champion Tasif Khan.
Speaking from his home earlier Khan spoke about the fight as well as hinted at further Championship forays in the near future.
“Yeah, I won my first title.
It’s been my dream since I was a kid, winning a title, hopefully this will be the first of many, onwards and upwards.
Saying that I don’t want to take away the importance of being the International Masters Champion, that was like winning a World title to me that night.
I’ve had a tough two and half years, I’ve come through it, got back fighting this year and now have a belt, yeah I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.
I was absolutely fine coming into the fight, training went well, I went away with Nadeem Siddique one of my coaches, he’s a professional himself. I had a good training camp abroad, went to Greece,
Came into the fight brilliant, working of my jab, using my jab more as I felt I had a good chance, I was finding it quite comfortable to be honest, I was finding him quite easily with the jab.
He was a tough kid, took some good shots to the body, I found I could walk him down, then I think it was either the third or fourth round I overstretched my right arm, I felt at the time I must have damaged my shoulder, I tried not to show it, but as the rounds went on I struggled to throw big shots.
It wasn’t hurting, it did limit me on my shots as the fight went on, but I think I got a little complacent and gave him the opportunity to catch me with a good shot, it didn’t hurt me at all, but had to see that round through, because I had won every single round but that round, I boxed smart and stayed at a distance when I could and other times let him punch himself out.
To be honest I feel I could have stopped him, with all the pressure and that decided to just box my way through.
I’m really appreciative of my fans as always, they travel down to London in numbers, if all goes well though my next fight will be a lot nearer to home, maybe even Bradford, but I’m always grateful to my fans, even those that are unable to travel to watch me fight in London or Liverpool.
Since day one I’ve had good support, a great fan base, but fighting away all the time makes it hard for everyone to be at every fight, so I’d really love to do something big in Bradford, or at least more local and fingers crossed we’ll get a big title on that show.
I’d like to thank all my team, Martin Stainsby, Bee, Junior Witter, Rio (Gianluca Di Caro), Johnny Eames and all those that work behind the scene, I can’t forget to mention my Missus, she puts in all the hard work and puts up with me when I’m on a diet and my family, who have all been so supportive.
Before I forget I want to make a comment, I’ve been boxing since the age of ten, I made my mind up as the years went on that I wanted to really do something in Boxing, I had no intention of just making up the numbers, I had no option, I want to do well and win titles, I want to put Bradford on the map, winning the International Masters title has put me in the right direction, as such I want to dedicate the win to my eldest brother Tahir Khan, because if it wasn’t for him pointing me in the right direction, he’d keep me fit and take me to the gym, he’s the first person to totally support me in boxing, always been there for me and he’s the one that made all this possible.
As I say if it wasn’t for Tahir, I wouldn’t be in boxing and I wouldn’t have this International Masters belt, thank you for everything Tahir, really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.
I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.
Finally I would like to say a huge thanks to Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott, who gave me the opportunity to fight for the title on their show.”
-END-
Fight Report: Ozgul and Khan Secure Titles In York Hall Thriller
Report by: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
Let’s face it, with the amount of column inches dedicated to Mayweather-Pacquiao over the past few weeks, you could easily be forgiven thinking that there were no other boxing events that took place on May 2nd.
Well, there was another fight card, and I’m pleased to say that I was at that event – the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted Lords of the Ring event at the iconic York Hall in London.
OK, admittedly York Hall in Bethnal Green doesn’t have anywhere near the cachet of being at such a mega fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but when it comes to drama and excitement, sorry you just can’t beat small hall boxing, especially when it’s at York Hall.
When the event was announced it was due to feature fourteen bouts, but immediately after May-Pac was announced a significant number of the bouts were cancelled, as the fighters wanted to be ringside in Vegas, then in the final build up further fights were off the card, due to injuries, leaving a seven card fight show on the night, or was it.
The card was further reduced on the day, after one of the fights was cancelled on safety grounds – due to a 5kg difference in the weight between the two debuting fighters – and if that wasn’t bad enough Manny Muhammad’s opponent, Rafael Snow failed to turn up, leaving just five fights on the night.
First up was a six rounder between Liverpool based Russian hot prospect David Agadzhanyan, against Czech Republic’s Josef Redlich, who stepped in at the last minute to save the bout, following Ghana’s Isaac Owusu being forced to pull out due to illness.
It took Agadzhanyan just forty five seconds to send Redlich to the canvas for the first time and about the same again to put him down a second time.
Redlich was plain outclassed so no surprise that when he went down for the third time that referee Ken Curtis decided to call a halt to proceedings on the two minute and twenty five seconds mark.
I’ve seen Agadzhanyan in action a couple of times, including the excellent win over then unbeaten Daniel Bazo back in March, so was really looking forward to seeing him in action against Owusu, a tough uncompromising former Ghanaian Champion and Commonwealth title eliminator challenger, but that’ll have to wait until later this month when the rescheduled bout takes place in Liverpool.
Next up was WBF Inter-Continental Champion Paul Economides, in a non-championship six rounder, against another late replacement, Czech Republic’s Petr Gyna, following former British Champ Andy Bell pulling out the week prior and then the original replacement pulling out just two days before the show.
Economides is another class act, so no surprise that Gyna was on the canvas within just thirty seconds, on the restart Gyna decided that attack is the best form of defense, however in taking the fight to Economides he played straight into his hands, literally as Economides punished him with a big right, that sent the Czech down to the canvas for a second and final time, on the one minute and twenty five second mark.
With both the opening fights finishing early and the live TV broadcast not due to start until 9pm, the promoters had no option but to have quite long interval before the next bout, a six round Light Heavyweight contest between Champions TKO’s unbeaten Hackney based Turkish prospect Onder Ozgul and the entertainer himself Jody Meikle.
Throughout the first four rounds Ozgul just walked Meikle down, letting rip with massive right hands at every conceivable opportunity, Meikle is as tough as they come and seemed content to absorb the punishment dished out by the man dubbed ‘Little Mike’ by the Turkish fans.
Ever the joker, Meikle played down the punishment he was taking, happily playing to the crowd, as well as infuriating his opponent, by pulling faces and insinuating that there was no power in the Turkish lads shots, however by the fact that Meikle had toned down his antics, clearly showed that Ozgul shots were indeed having the desired effect.
Meikle toned down the playfulness of his tactics even further in the fifth, as Ozgul stepped up his attacks, putting even more power into his shots.
Right from the start of the sixth it was clear that Ozgul was intent on punishing Meikle even further, backing the Scunthorpe man onto the ropes before letting rip with big double handed flurries, one of which, a cracking body shot, literally knocking the wind out of Meikle and forcing him to take to one knee.
On the restart Ozgul went in for the finish, this time Meikle went defensive, no further playing to the crowd, to see it through to the final bell.
After six highly entertaining rounds Referee Ken Curtis scored the bout 60-53 in favour of Ozgul.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fight, I know it wasn’t a classic, but boy oh boy it was very entertaining.
The fourth bout of the night see Bradford’s Tasif Khan in Championship action for the first time, against Georgia’s Mikheil Soloninkini, for the International Masters Silver bantamweight title.
Khan started fast, boxing beautifully behind his jab the Bradford man kept his slightly more experienced foe on the back foot for the majority of the bout.
By midway point Khan slowed the pace slightly, at the same time keeping the pressure on Soloninkini, however about midway through the sixth, during a routine exchange Khan was a little slow bringing up his gloves, leaving an opening for the Georgian to let rip with a big right, which sent Khan to the canvas.
On the restart Soloninkini went full out in attack, Khan remained calm and got behind his jab again, the Georgian was well hyped and continued to come forward at pace before throwing huge bombs.
During these skirmishes Khan sensibly grabbed hold until referee Lee Murtagh issued the order break. This tactic worked and Khan was able to clear his head enough to turn control back round to himself.
Khan had his hands full for the final three rounds though, as Soloninkini had the bit between his teeth and was pushing hard, however Khan is a cool character and seemed content to box of the back foot each time the Georgian made a forceful foray.
After ten rounds of excellent boxing, the judges scorecards read – Ken Curtis 99-94, Obie Garnett 98-90 and Matt Hamilton 98-91, all in favour of Tasif Khan.
Jennifer Burton, the Northern Region Secretary of the Malta Boxing Commission, presented the familiar blue International Masters belt to the victorious Tasif Khan.
Have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the fight, even though it was quite one sided for a lot of the time, let’s face it that’s not a statement on the quality of Soloninkini, as his pedigree is well known, this kid’s a tough nut to break, as proved by having taken Jamie Williams the distance, when they fought for the Bronze Masters back in March, as well as fought the sensational Charlie Edwards a couple of weeks later, but to my mind the one-sidedness of the fight as well as the result shows just how good Tasif Khan fought.
The headline fight of the night see a rematch between Champions TKO’s unbeaten Hackney based Turkish prospect Siar Ozgul, yep brother to the aforementioned Onder, against Nottingham’s Matt Scriven and this time there was a Championship on the line – The MBC International Welterweight title.
When these two first fought, back in October last year, it was an out and out war, Ozgul won but the rounds were so close it could have been a very different result.
The bout started in a very similar manner to their October showdown, neither man wanting to concede any ground, however just before the end of the first round Ozgul let rip with a massive right to Scriven’s body, which forced the Nottingham man to cover up to see the round to it’s conclusion.
The shot to the body must have really hurt Scriven as he seemed more intent on defense, rather than full on attack, from the start of the second, a pattern that remained for the rest of the bout.
Ozgul made most of the running throughout, however Scriven more than held his own during the many skirmishes that ensued, although have to admit he was a little more cautious than during the opening round.
After ten rounds of superb boxing the judges scorecards were read out – Lee Murtagh and Matt Hamilton scored the bout 100-90 and Obie Garnett 100-88 all in favour of Siar Ozgul.
This was followed by the presentation of the MBC International belt to Siar Ozgul by his fellow Champions TKO gym mate and the current MBC International Super Bantamweight Champion Marianne Marston.
All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the event, especially the final three bouts, however I was a bit disappointed that some of the planned fights, such as those featuring Iain Weaver, Antonio Counihan, Mark Prince, George Hillyard and the aforementioned Marianne Marston, failed to materialize, because to my mind if they had taken place I feel this almost certainly would have been one of the best shows at York Hall this year, as it was it still was a highly enjoyable and entertaining evening of pugilistic action and a fitting prelude to the May-Pac fight, which promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott arranged for the boxers, their teams and attendees of the event to watch live via satellite at a private function room.
Ritehook Promotions brings boxing back to Gulf with Family Fight Night
Biloxi, MS (April 30, 2015) – On Saturday evening when most of the boxing world is glued to the TV watching the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight, those in the Mississippi Gulf will have the chance to not only witness the historic bout but also enjoy top notch talent before their own eyes.
Live at the Hard Rock Hotel in Biloxi, Ritehook Promotions will proudly present “Sweet Science 3”. The event is open to children of all ages but all minors must be accompanied by an adult over 30. With a number of promoters coming and going in the Gulf Coast, Ritehook Promotions CEO William Hunter is committed to boxing’s comeback in the Magnolia State.
Headlining this family friend event will be a showdown between highly touted Radivoje “Hod Rod” Kalajdzic and local spoiler William Johnson. Kalajdzic’s been perfect thus far as a pro, compiling a record of 17-0 but will be tested by a 50-plus fight veteran who has faced many top opponents.
In the semi-main event, Ritehook Promotions prospect Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods will try to take another step towards contention when he squares off against granite chinned Aaron Anderson. The fearless Woods has a solid 12-3-1 professional ledger and is eager to fight the best.
Tony Johnson Jr. meets grizzled veteran Marvin Hunt over four rounds in a heavyweight special attraction bout. The Nashville, TN based Johnson is 1-0 as a boxer but is best known as a top MMA fighter in the Bellator organization.
Fans will also get to enjoy separate bouts featuring Mike Bissett, Joey Bryant, Cameron Springer and Tom Howard.
“Boxing’s popularity is on the rise overall and with Mayweather-Pacquiao taking place the same night as our card, the interest on Saturday, May 2 will be at an all-time high,” said Hunter. “Ritehook Promotions is based out of this area and we have a great relationship not only with the community and venue, but the fighters we’re promoting. Those who come out to the Hard Rock Saturday evening will get to see talented fighters in Radivoje Kalajdzic, Manny Woods and Mike Bissett plus the man that I consider the biggest sleeper prospect in boxing Tony Johnson Jr.”
“Tony is a top rated MMA fighter and is 1-0 as a boxer. I truly believe he’s the Bo Jackson of Boxing. The goal is to get him a title fight by the time he’s 10-0 and make him the first dual sport champion. If you haven’t already done so, get your tickets now because we’re almost sold out!”
Tickets start at just $35 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com, at the Hard Rock Box Office or by calling228-217-5555. All ticketholders are invited to stay at the Hard Rock following the live fights and watch Mayweather-Pacquiao on a 35-foot screen.
For more information, go to Ritehookpromotions.com.
Khan-Soloninkini Battle For Title Supremacy In London This Saturday
Bradford’s exciting Bantamweight prospect TASIF KHAN is set to challenge for his first title this Saturday, when he takes on Georgian #1 ranked MIKHEIL SOLONINKINI, for the vacant International Masters Silver Bantamweight Championship, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING event at the iconic York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London on May 2nd.
Khan earned the title shot with a pair of sensational first round stoppage wins earlier this year, following his return from a two year sabbatical from the sport.
In January this year, Khan dispatched Hungarian #2 ranked Richard Voros in just one minute and five seconds of the first round at the York Hall, then two months later followed up with an almost identical stoppage victory, this time in one minute and fifteen seconds of the first round, over the Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.
Originally Khan was to face Patrik Bartos, however the Czech lad was TKO’d by Andrew Cain, on the undercard of Derry Mathews WBA title fight, at the Echo Arena, a couple of weeks ago.
Bartos’ replacement, Mikheil Soloninkini, has been quite a regular figure on the UK scene, having fought here four times in the past year, including an unsuccessful challenge for the International Masters Bronze title, which he lost out on points to Jamie Williams back in March.
Speaking from his home earlier, Khan appeared unperturbed with the late change of opponent.
“It’s a shame, I had been preparing for Patrik Bartos, but what can I say he got stopped and has a twenty eight day suspension, these things happen.
I would have preferred if we’d known earlier who was going to replace Patrik, but three potential opponents backed out last week and then a fourth that had been proposed got knocked back by the MBC as not suitable.
Luckily though this new lad agreed terms on Tuesday and now the fight is set and ready to go, I can’t wait.
I’m not expecting it to be a quick finish like the past two fights, they were four and six rounders, this time I’ll have to pace myself just in case I have to go the full ten rounds, but if the chance comes, I’ll take him out early.
Trainings been great, always is, I’m ready and raring to go, can’t wait.
My fans are great so far this year they’ve come out in force to support me in London and Liverpool and Saturday they’ll be back in London again, I can’t thank them enough, they’re a great bunch that really get behind me, making plenty of noise, letting me know that they’re there, they’re really are brilliant and I’ll thank them the best way I know, winning the title.
I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.
Finally I have just been told that Mark and Billy (Promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott) have arranged a function room so that everyone can watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight live after my fight, so if you haven’t got tickets yet, you know what to do, either call me or get down to York Hall on Saturday as there are still some tickets available. “
Tasif Khan versus Mikheil Soloninkini, for the vacant International Masters Bantamweight Championship, co-headlines the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.
Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from Tasif on 07756 311857, or at the venue on the night or pre-book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645
Tickets for the after event private viewing of the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight live via satellite, that cost just £10, will be available for purchase at York Hall on the Saturday night.
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PHOTOS
6698 – Tasif Khan in action against Richard Voros at York Hall in January.
PHOTO CREDIT
Please feel free to use all photos supplied – photo credit is not required but should you do so, please credit – Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro