|
|
Tag Archives: middleweight
NEF WILL TAKE FIGHT FANS TO THE PROMISED LAND THIS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
Lewiston, Maine (June 3, 2016) – It will be a celebration of all things Americana when New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée on Saturday, June 18, 2016. The wildly popular fight promotion will once again give fans a full night of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing action.
In the main event of the boxing portion of the fight card, Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1) will defend the Northeast Junior Welterweight Title against challenger James “The Motor City Bad Boy” Lester (10-9-1). The two fought to a draw on the judges’ scorecards this past April in Lewiston. They agreed to rematch with Berry’s title on the line. This time, however, there will be an odd number of rounds (seven to be exact) to make the chances of another draw very slim.
Also on the boxing portion of the card, former USA New England Middleweight Champion Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour (13-2) and Casey “The Buzzsaw” Kramlich (4-0-1) from the Portland Boxing Club in Portland, Maine will both make their respective NEF Boxing debuts.
The professional MMA portion of the card will see Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (6-5) return to the cage after his third unsuccessful attempt at capturing the lightweight title this past April. Erickson will have his work cut out for him in the form of the always tough Amos Collins (4-5) at a catchweight of 161-pounds.
Erickson’s teammate, Matt “Ken Doll” Denning (3-2), will also see action on the professional MMA card when he meets Brandon Bushaw (1-2) in a featherweight bout.
The amateur MMA card will be headlined by a flyweight title rematch as Ryan Burgess (2-0) defends against the former champion, and the athlete he took the title from, Dustin Veinott (4-4). Veinott’s loss to Burgess last fall via split decision put a stop to his four-fight win streak.
Also on the amateur card will be 46 year-old Dr. Steve Bang, Sr. (1-1), a bariatric surgeon from Auburn, Maine. In an unplanned homage to Father’s Day, he will be joined on the fight card by his sons Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5),Shawn Bang (1-1), Skyler Bang (0-0) and foster son Conner Murphy (1-0).
The “NEF 24” fight card (subject to change):
PROFESSIONAL BOXING
140*TITLE Brandon Berry (11-1-1)(c) vs James Lester (10-9-1)
HWT Vinnie Carita (11-1-1) vs Francisco Mireles (17-10)
190 Steve Collins, Jr. (7-0-1) vs Jose Humberto Corral (19-21)
160 Russell Lamour (13-2) vs Roberto Valenzuela (69-71-2)
154 Casey Kramlich (4-0-1) vs Zenon Herrera (0-1)
PROFESSIONAL MMA
250 Michael Hansen (4-4) vs Robert Laroski (1-1)
170 CJ Ewer (1-0) vs Phil Rowe (1-2)
161 Jesse Erickson (6-5) vs Amos Collins (4-5)
145 Matt Denning (3-2) vs Brandon Bushaw (1-2)
AMATEUR MMA
125*TITLE Ryan Burgess (2-0)(c) vs Dustin Veinott (4-4)
170 Shawn Bang (1-1) vs Mike Bezanson (1-0)
155 Steve Bang Sr. (1-1) vs Stacy Lupo (0-0)
155 Derek Daley (0-0) vs Johel Stephenson (0-0)
155 Steve Bang, Jr. (3-5) vs Dominic Cofone (6-5)
145 Skyler Bang (0-0) Eddie DeRoche (0-0)
125 Conner Murphy (1-0) vs Justin Witham (1-4)
115 Alex Walker (0-1) vs Nicole Burgess (0-0)
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.
For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
HAITIAN SENSATION WILL MAKE NEF DEBUT ON JUNE 18
Lewiston, Maine (May 31, 2016) – The Androscoggin Bank Colisée has a storied history of professional boxing inside the arena’s four walls. On June 18, Russell “The Haitian Sensation” Lamour, Jr. (13-2, 6 KOs) will add the next chapter to that story when he enters the New England Fights (NEF) ring for the first time. At “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND,” Lamour will make his NEF debut in a middleweight bout against Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-71-2, 56 KOs).
“Definitely excited to be making my NEF debut,” said Lamour. “NEF does a lot of shows here in Maine, and from what I hear it’s always a packed show. So I’m looking forward being on this card. I am excited about fighting at the Colisée ’cause I can then say that I fought in the same building that Muhammad Ali fought in and also that it’s right here at home in Maine. Fighting here at home again is always a great feeling, especially when you’re fighting in front of the people that support you the most. Can’t ask for anything better than that when fighting here in your backyard.”
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Lamour entered the Portland Boxing Club shortly after graduating from Deering High School in Portland, Maine. He had a stellar amateur boxing career, finishing with a record of 79-16. Among his numerous amateur accomplishments, Lamour was a five-time New England regional Golden Gloves champion. He competed in the semi-pro World Series of Boxing (WSB) where he was the number-one ranked middleweight in the Americas.
Lamour’s success carried over to the professional ranks where he won his first 11 bouts. Over the course of that impressive run, Lamour would capture the vacant USA New England Middleweight Title with a TKO victory over Laatekwei Hammond (21-6) in Lamour’s hometown of Portland, Maine. Lamour has competed on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights before a national audience. Last month, he scored a TKO win over Borngod Washington (3-17) in Salem, New Hampshire. Lamour hopes to make it two in a row with a win over Valenzuela on June 18.
“He is a journeymen,” Lamour said of his upcoming opponent. “He’s been fighting for a while and has seen many different styles, but to me he’s just someone else that’s in my pathway that I have to beat to get to where I want to be, so I have to get him out of my way.”
Roberto Valenzuela is no stranger to Maine fight fans. He travelled from his home in Sonora, Mexico to Lewiston, Maine last fall to battle Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (11-1-1). Valenzuela would lose the bout via unanimous decision, but he impressed all in attendance with his gritty performance, roughing up Berry and cutting him above the eye in the process. Valenzuela has faced the likes of former world champions Andre Berto (31-4, 24 KOs) and Steve Forbes (35-14, 11 KOs) and current world champion Zahir Raheem (35-3, 21 KOs). He held the Mexican Pacific Coast Super Featherweight Title from 2003 to 2007.
“I am very excited to come back to Maine and fight again,” said Valenzuela through a translator. “I love New England, and I’ve fought in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island during the course of my career. I’ve also worked corners in Connecticut and been pulled over for speeding in New Hampshire, so that must count for something. The last time I was in Maine, I busted open Brandon Berry’s eye and waged a bloody war. I’m ready to do the same with Russell Lamour. I hope he’s ready too.”
NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.” Tickets for “NEF 24” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at207.783.2009 x 525.
For more information on the events and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”
Straight Rights and Straight A’s: The Joey Veazey Story
For Immediate Release
Baltimore, MD (May 3, 2016) – In the movie Coach Carter, Samuel L. Jackson famously quipped to his team of academically struggling players “you are student athletes, student comes first.”
Unfortunately, some standout athletes believe their talents supersede performing in the classroom. This has led to high schools and colleges warning or suspending players if their grades didn’t improve.
On the contrary, there are those who take great pride in starring as an athlete and student; such as 17-year-old Joey Veazey.
Known by his moniker of “Bazooka Joe” Veazey is multi-time amateur champion and was ranked internationally. On Thursdayevening, Veazey fights Chris Perkins for the East Coast junior middleweight championship at Michael’s Eighth Ave in Glen Burnie, MD as a featured fighter on a card promoted by Baltimore Boxing.
The card serves as a tribute to Murray “Bushwacker” Smith Sr., father of Baltimore Boxing’s Jake Smith. Tickets purchased in advance start at $25, reserved seats are $35, reserved tables for ten are $350, $50 VIP seats and $500 VIP tables of 10 can be purchased by calling 410-375-9175. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the fights begin at 8.
Slated to compete in his 100th match, Veazy is a big ticket seller in the Baltimore area and regularly draws large crowds when he enters the squared circle. To Veazey however, he is most proud of his accomplishments outside of the ring, where he’s an honor student finishing up his senior year at Northeast High School.
In August, Veazey will enroll in college locally and major in either mechanical engineering or computer science. At the same time, he’ll prepare for his professional debut while still working as a trainer at the Baltimore Boxing Club. Most see being a fighter or student as a full time responsibility, but Veazey believes his work ethic and focus will help him continue to excel in and out of the ring.
“You have to be disciplined in the ring and classroom,” said Veazey. “I know there’s a lot on my plate but I thrive on excelling as a boxer, student and a trainer at the Baltimore Boxing Club. Focusing and paying attention to the task at hand helps keep me dialed in with whatever it is I’m doing at that time. Ultimately, my goal is to continue excelling with my academics and win a world title. I believe both are reachable and can become a reality with continued hard work.”
Smith, who has literally watched Veazey grow as a person and fighter during the last decade, has trained hundreds of fighters and considers Bazooka Joe one of his most special.
“Joey could’ve told himself boxing will be his everything because of how successful he’s been but he’s extremely humble and intelligent far beyond his years,” said Smith. “He literally goes from one task to another and excels at each of them. Whether he’s a world champion boxer, engineer, computer scientist or all of the above, Joey Veazey epitomizes what it means to be a well-rounded person and I’m very proud of him.”
In the co-feature, Upton Boxing’s Tyrell Boyd and 2016 Golden Gloves champion Aston Sykes will do battle for the Maryland State Middleweight title. Boyd is a former East Coast Middleweight titlist and looks for his second belt while Sykes is riding a wave of confidence having won the Golden Gloves in one of America’s toughest regions.
Popular Clayton Frazier faces Elvin Rodriguez in a battle between boxers from the Baltimore Boxing Gym. Frazier, who has only two fights, is a crowd favorite and hopes to claim local bragging rights in what Smith calls the “Battle of Baltimore Boxing.”
Former basketball star Stefon “Showtime” McRay and future pro standout Donald Wallace will also appear on the card in separae bouts.
For more information, visit Baltimoreboxing.com
Unbeaten Gibbs to meet Perry May 21 at Firelake Casino in OK
For Immediate Release
Oklahoma City, OK (April 6, 2016) – Bo “Hands of War” Gibbs Jr. looks to take another step in the right direction when he defends his Oklahoma State middleweight championship against experienced Abel “Truth Serum” Perry Saturday, May 21 at the Firelake Arena in Shawnee, OK.
The card is promoted by HD Boxing and tickets can be purchased on Firelakearena.com and HDBoxing.net or by calling 405-273-1637.
Living and fighting out of Carney, OK, Gibbs Jr. is 15-0 with 7 victories by knockout. As an amateur, he excelled locally en route to competing in the US National Championships and National Golden Gloves tournament. On January 9, he outpointed veteran Delray Raines over ten rounds at the Firelake Arena to capture the Oklahoma State title. At 24 years old, Gibbs Jr. is progressing nicely in the paid ranks and is aiming to become a player at 160 pounds in the near future.
A pro for more than ten years, Perry is one of Gibbs’ craftiest foes to date. He’s faced the likes of Jonathan Gonzalez, James De La Rosa, Grady Brewer and Cecil McCalla. In 2007 he scored a career best win, shutting out previously unbeaten Skylar Thompson (11-0) in Washington State. Perry also owns a victory over Kevin Rooney protégé Jay Krupp. Born in Alaska and based in Arkansas, Perry has a solid 18-8 record and is well regarded in the Sooner State.
“Abel’s fought ten times in Oklahoma and the fans here know that he can really fight,” said Bobby Dobbs of HD Boxing. “He is definitely better than his record indicates since he’s not one to turn down opportunities against quality opposition. Bo told me that he wants to continue facing better opponents every time out but Abel believes Bo’s bit off more than he can chew here. I’m really looking forward to this one!”
Shawnee junior middleweight Dennis Knifechief meets fellow Oklahoman Jesse Comer of Norman in a six round rematch. In August 2015, Knifechief and Comer put on one of the most exciting bouts in recent memory, which Knifechief taking a split decision. Both fighters are confident there will be no doubt as to who the victor is this time around.
Welterweight Martin Morales, 3-1 (2 KO’s), goes for his fourth straight win when he faces an opponent to be named in a four round contest.
Additional bouts will be announced shortly.
For more information and updates, please visit HDBoxing.net
Fight Report: Churcher KOs Horvath To Secure WBF title as Herbert Shines In Wales
Lee Churcher pulled out a sensational against the odds victory over Hungarian Balazs Horvath on Saturday night to secure the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight title, at the Pill Millennium Centre in his hometown of Newport.
Churcher, who was World ranked some two hundred plus places lower than Horvath, dominated the bout right from the off. Working behind a good solid jab, the Newport lad enthralled the local fans with some slick combinations, to both body and head, so much so that the more experienced Hungarian soon had to result to holding tactics whenever Churcher was in close range.
The canny Welshman was having none of it though and just patiently waited for any opportunity that came his way to punish Horvath with vicious body shots.
By midway through the first round Churcher’s confidence really began to grow, after badly shaking Horvath with the aforementioned body shots, so it came as no surprise to anyone when shortly after Churcher sent Horvath to the deck.
Horvath recovered but once again resorted to holding tactics to frustrate Churcher through to the end of the round.
More of the same in round two more or less, except Churcher really started to get into a flow, catching Horvath with more vicious body shots, the Hungarian tried to cover up, before again trying to grab hold of the Welshman, Churcher is canny though and worked behind the jab again before letting rip with yet another huge right hand to send Horvath down for the second time.
The Hungarian made the count and immediately on the restart Churcher went back on the attack, but the Hungarian tried to stifle the Welshman’s attacks by attempting to grab hold again, Churcher though used this to his advantage and let rip with a huge body shot to send the Hungarian back down to the canvas.
Clearly in distress, Horvath made an initial attempt to get back to his feet before settling to be just up on one knee, the pain showing on the Hungarian’s face clear for all to see as he attempted to unsuccessfully beat the count.
Whilst it may not have been a classic, nothing, but nothing can take away from Lee Churcher the artistry of his craft and tactics throughout and of course claiming the third Championship accolade of his career, the World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Middleweight Championship, to add to his British Masters and BBBofC Welsh Area Title.
Main support for the Churcher-Horvath Championship bout, featured a four round Super Welterweight bout between Nottingham duo Carwyn Herbert and Matt Scriven.
What a cracking fight, both combatants going at it hammer and tongs in close combat for the full three minutes of each and every round.
After the full four rounds of non-stop action referee Chris Kelly scored the bout 40-36 to the youngster Carwyn Herbert, however that doesn’t really express the closeness of each round or the full on intent of either competitor throughout.
Supporting the two pro bouts were six Wales versus England exhibition bouts, supervision courtesy of Wales Boxing. Whilst I’m not going to cover these because they were not pro, have to say the final two bouts of the six were excellent and really could have featured on any pro card and nobody would have known the difference.
Have to say plaudits must go to co-promoters Dave Murphy (Acourtier Events) and Steven Fisher (Lights Out Promotions) for digging deep into their pockets to bring both the MBC and the WBF Championship to Wales for the first time, even if it meant there wasn’t enough money in the kitty to justify a full pro show, hopefully the Welsh fans will get behind Lee Churcher so his first defense of the WBF title can also be in Newport or nearby.
John David Jackson’s Star Pupil Luis “Cuba”Arias Ready for His First Headlining Bout
 |
|
Undefeated Middleweight headlines this Saturdaynight in Columbus, Ohio. |
|
For Immediate Release
NEW YORK, NY (March 3, 2016)–This Saturday night in Columbus, Ohio,
Victory Sports & Entertainment is pleased to announce that undefeated middleweight prospect, Luis “Cuba” Arias will make the first in what we hope, are many headlining appearances when he takes on power punching Gilberto Santos of Brazil in a bout scheduled for ten rounds under the direction of world class trainer, John David Jackson. Arias of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a perfect record of 13-0 with six knockouts.
“Camp has been excellent. Things have been coming together nicely and on time. I get better and stronger every camp,” Said Arias. “I am not overlooking Santos as he’s a strong fighter who’s coming to win but this is my time and I want to make a statement in my first headliner.”
“Training with John David Jackson has been a great. Having someone with his level of experience has helped me develop as a fighter. He has helped take my game to another level. Him and Derik Santos have been a great fit for me. I feel I have the best training team in boxing.”
The 25 year-old came into the pro ranks with high aspirations after a stellar amateur career that saw him win two US National Championships and a National PAL title, in addition to numerous medals on the international level.
In Jackson, he has a trainer who has trained many world champions and is currently one of the hot cornermen in boxing due to his work with current Light Heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
“Luis has had a great camp he’s strong and on weight. He’s ready for his first headlining bout and wants to showcase his talent and show people that he’s the real deal,”said Jackson of his prized pupil,” said Jackson.
“For this camp we are stressing the body attack. Luis is a good boxer with excellent skills and power. We are trying to develop his all-around game so we are focusing more on working the body for this fight.”
Jackson does not feel Cuba Arias is just any boxer. He sees major things in the future for him.
“Luis has the potential to become a World Champion. He was a tremendous amateur, he’s tough, determined with excellent power and great all around skills. 2016 should be his breakout year. He has the skills and needs to be showcased on a bigger stage. It’s time to take the wraps off and let him prove himself. He can fight, he gets better each time out, he wants to test himself in bigger fights and is ready for the challenge.”
“After this fight, I want a real test for Luis, a good name fighter where he can be challenged and have to work. I know he can be great and will rise to the occasion so I just want him to get the opportunity to showcase his skills and show everyone what a great fighter he is.”
Arias, who is promoted by Roc Nation Sports and managed my Victory Sports & Entertainment, now has the complete team in place with the addition of the world class trainer.
Said Victory Sports & Entertainment’s Rick Torres, “2016 is the year where Cuba has to step up the level of competition and show everyone how great he is. This is his first headlining bout which is a big deal for him and we know Santos is a dangerous opponent with real punching power so this should be a good test for Cuba. After this fight we are looking forward to Roc Nation putting him on higher profile fights, TV fights where the world can see what we already know – that he’s one of the best young fighters in the world and a future Champion. With the right development Cuba can become a star attraction in the sport and we know Roc Nation can make this happen. We just want the opportunity and Cuba will handle the rest.”
Victory Sports & Entertainment is an athlete management company with offices in New York and Las Vegas. Founded by noted sports attorney Rick Torres and boxing trainer Michael Leanardi, Victory has steadily built an impressive stable of young prospects that it is grooming for future stardom. Victory Sports’ website is www.victorysportsent.com.
|
Yory Boy Campas farewell fight against Anthony Bonsante to be streamed LIVE, this Saturday onGFL.TV
|
M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev Named M-1 Global’s 2015 Fighter of the Year
|
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 12, 2016) – M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev has been named M-1 Global’s 2015 Fighter of the Year.
Russian welterweight Alexey Kunchenko was selected as “Prospect of the Year,” whileM-1 Challenge 63 was the M-1 Global “Event of the Year.” Emeev (13-3-0, M1: 7-1-0), fighting out of Russia, was a runaway winner as “Fighter of the Year,” garnering 84.5-percent of the votes to easily outdistance runner-up Viktor Nemkov(23-5-0, M-1: 14-4-0), the reigning M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion.
In 2015, Emeev won both of his M-1 fights with his title-winning submission (choke) of defending champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky in the opening round of their rematch last April at M-1 Challenge 56, and first title defense this past December 4th at M-1 Challenge 63 when American challenger Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fioravanti was unable to answer the bell for the third round.
 (L-R) Emeev pounds Fioravanti
Kunchenko (12-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), the undefeated Russian, defeated “Prospect of the Year” runner-up Adam “Beard” Yandiev and third-place finisher Raul Tutarauli (6-3-0, M-1: 3-0-0). Kunchenko won all five of his fights in 2015, highlighted by his opening-round stoppages of Dez Parker at M-1 Challenge 57 and Alexandre Ramos at M-1 Challenge 62.
 (L-R) Kunchenko vs. RamosM-1 Challenge 63 was headlined by the highly entertaining rematch between defending M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz, of Germany, and Nemkov, of Russia, in the latter’s victory by five-round decision. Emeev’s triumph over Fioravanti was the M-1 Challenge 63 co-feature. M-1 Challenge 56, headlined by Emeev’s title-winning performance against Vasilevsky, was “Event of the Year” runner-up.
 Nemkov (R) strikes Puetz in M-1 Challenge 63 “Event of the Year”
Information
Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
|
SHOWTIME® UNVEILS SATURDAY’S MIDDLEWEIGHT MAIN EVENT IN 360 VIDEO, WHERE UNDERDOG DANIEL JACOBS KNOCKED OUT PREVIOUSLY UNDEFEATED PETER QUILLIN
Viewers Can Watch The All-Brooklyn Showdown In Virtual Reality On Multiple Platforms
Photos: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
NEW YORK, NY – December 8, 2015 – For the first time ever, a boxing match has been released in its entirety in 360 degree immersive virtual reality, as SHOWTIME captured the shocking first round TKO from Saturday night’s main event between WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs’ and previously undefeated challenger Peter Quillin. The all-Brooklyn main event has been made available in 360 video from ring-side, giving fans an unprecedented boxing experience. The virtual reality video engrosses viewers in the matchup of the top middleweights, facing off in the prime of their career, where Brooklyn’s Jacobs (31-1, 28 KOs) won the “Battle For Brooklyn.” The 360 footage is viewable on the SHOWTIME Sports’ YouTube channel*, the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page, on the Samsung Gear VR via the MILK VR app and Littlestar VR apps for Samsung Gear VR, iOS and Android.
The telecast is currently available On Demand, on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and on the SHOWTIME streaming service. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event happened live on SHOWTIME on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. One minute into the fight, Jacobs landed a straight right to Quillin’s temple and pounced with an onslaught of punches while his opponent was against the ropes. Quillin stumbled forward and referee Harvey Dock looked in Quillin’s eyes and halted the fight without the challenger ever touching the canvas.
The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing. Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.