Tag Archives: Russia

Ukrainian KO artist Serhii Bohachuk returns home to fight with compatriot Carlos Ocampo Manriquez new opponent for Mikael Zewski in main event Groupe Yvon Michel/Probellum Series to Launch March 25th in Trois-Rivieres, Canada

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TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022) – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).
 
Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.
 
Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.
 
Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.
 
“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who  we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated  super welterweight.
 
“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”
 
In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.
 
Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.
 
Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.
 
Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo   
“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.
 
Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.
 
Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.
 
Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.
 
#GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk 
 
Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

Complete Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson

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Complete Event Photos Here – Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA
 
BELLATOR 269 Post-Fight Interviews
 
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD RESULTS AND QUOTES:
 
Fedor Emelianenko (40-6, 1 NC) def. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-8) via KO at 1:46 of round one
 
Fedor Emelianenko:
“I feel very great. I feel good. Two years passed. I’m happy that everything worked out the way we were thinking.
 
“I’m very happy for the fact that we made the audience happy and we delivered such great joy to our fans. To those who follow our career and Bellator events.
 
“Its much easier for me to perform in America. I don’t have such huge attention, or maybe I do get the attention, but all the events are strictly planned. Here at home all our camp and our preparation for the fight took place under the supervision of media, journalists and so forth and so on.
 
“Its difficult to say, I think this is one of the most important wins of my career taking into consideration the location, the country (Russia), the age. Taking into consideration the force of Tim Johnson, who is a strong opponent.
 
“Thank god I’m still in sports and I’m not losing my speed.
 
“Its difficult to answer the ‘what if’ questions. I would like to say that at this moment I’m not planning on finishing my career. I will talk to Scott Coker and my family.”
 
No. 8 Said Sowma (8-2) def. Vitaly Minakov (22-2) via TKO at 3:08 of round three
 
Said Sowma:
“I couldn’t hit the guy while he was fixing his finger when it was broken. I told the ref that his finger was messed up when he was telling us to keep fighting. I want to fighting him like a true martial artist, not like that.
 
“I haven’t thought about who’s next, I’m just excited about this one right now. He was a lot heavier than I was, but it wasn’t a fight that I took on short notice. I just wanted a step up in opponents. I believe that if you fight bums your whole life, then you will be a bum. I hope I laid a path for everyone at home that you can achieve anything you set your mind to no matter where you’re from.
 
“Minakov didn’t finish me in one minute like he usually does with his opponents so I’m pretty happy, but it was definitely a bit of a bittersweet win for me.”
 
No. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) def. Patrik Pietila (11-9) via submission (RNC) at 4:06 of round one
 
Usman Nurmagomedov:
“I’m feeling good. I want to thank God for this victory. It was amazing fighting here in Russia. I am so happy right now.
 
“I certainly planned on taking this fight to the ground. I was trying to catch him so that I could take it to the ground, where I knew I had an advantage.
 
“I want to take on a top fighter next. A Top-10 or Top-15 fighter, it doesn’t really matter to me, but I want a top fighter. I will need about a week of rest and then I will be back and ready to go.
 
“I have not yet talked to Scott Coker about anything in relation to title shots. I don’t know who will win the world title fight between Patricky Pitbull and Peter Queally, but I’m going to take that belt and bring it back home with me.”
 
Anatoly Tokov (30-2) def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-4-1) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

Anatoly Tokov:

“I felt a little bit rusty in this fight because of the two-year absence. It felt like my reach was a bit off. It was not an easy fight. I was glad that it went three rounds because it allowed me to breath and it allowed me to take control of the situation.”
“Nothing was surprising about this fight because we used to train together and I know his strengths and I know that he’s a really serious fighter. It was a true challenge for me, but nothing was surprising about this one. I also wasn’t nervous at all and in fact I knew that I took care of him in each round.”
 
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS:
 
Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6) def. Rab Truesdale (10-8-1) via TKO at 2:01 of round one
Katarzyna Sadura (5-4) def. Darina Mazdyuk (4-2) via TKO at 3:17 of round two
Irina Alekseeva (4-1) def. Stephanie Page (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Nikita Mikhailov (8-1) def. Brian Moore (14-8) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Alexey Shurkevich (13-4) def. Grachik Bozinyan (11-5) via KO at 2:25 of round one
Aiden Lee (10-5) def. Alexander Osetrov (8-3-1) via submission (RNC) at 3:41 of round one
 
For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com
 
** Card subject to change ** 

World-Rated Russian Light Heavyweight Ali Izmailov Returns Saturday for Showdown Against Detroit’s James Ballard in Dearborn, MI

This Saturday, October 16, IBF #11, WBC #14 and WBO #15 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (5-0, 3 KOs) returns to action against capable hometown veteran James Ballard (10-3, 3 KOs) in the eight-round main event of promoters Kenny D Moore and Vi Tran’s of Second 2 None Promotions’ “Best of Tomorrow 12” event at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.


The 28-year-old Izmailov, from Malgobek, Russia, is a former amateur standout who won multiple elite international tournaments. Already world-rated as a professional at just 5-0, 3 KOs, Izmailov recently started working with world-famous Florida-based trainer John David Jackson at his Action Jackson Boxing Academy in Fort Lauderdale.


Jackson, who has spent the last three weeks sizing up his new protegee, says Izmailov is a diamond in the rough waiting for polish.


“The sky is the limit for him with his punching power,” said Jackson of Izmailov. “He’s a tremendous puncher, but he’s also got natural boxing skills. As a fighter, I don’t think he realizes his potential. I’m getting him to move his head more and throw more combinations, instead of one power punch at a time. Nothing against his old trainers, but once he learns to throw three or four shots to set them up and camouflage the hard ones, he will be unstoppable.”


Jackson says the 32-year-old Ballard will be a good test for Izmailov and his newfound skills, but shouldn’t be able to derail any of their plans.


“Ballard is good, but Ali just has to pressure him and go to the body to break him down. Once his opponents feel his power, they all have a change of heart. Once Ali hits him with some good shots, it’ll be a matter of time.”


“Ali has amazing potential to be a star and John David is the perfect trainer to bring that out of him,” said Izmailov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “I think you’ll see the improvements immediately under his expert tutelage. Ali was already the best prospect in the light heavyweight division.”


Tickets for “Best of Tomorrow 12” are priced at $25 – $1,000 and can be purchased online through Eventbrite.com. On fight night, the action starts at 7:00 pm. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, MI. The event is sponsored by One Punch Knockout Gym, Topbreed Management, Pharaoh Website Hosting & Restaurant Online Ordering Service, MJ Diamonds, Family Tied Entertainment.

FEDOR EMELIANENKO SET TO MEET TIM JOHNSON AT MOSCOW’S VTB ARENA ON OCT. 23 IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MOSCOW: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON

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LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA announced this morning that the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will take on number two ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson (15-7) in the main event of BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the VTB Arena.
 
Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru. Additional matchups and SHOWTIME telecast details will be revealed soon.
 
Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and BELLATOR’s Interim Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky. With his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.
 
2020 was a huge year for Johnson, as the UFC vet notched three wins in as many fights with impressive first-round finishes over Matt Mitrione and Tyrell Fortune and a decision victory over Cheick Kongo during the historic, first-ever major MMA event in France.  The Xtreme Couture-product showed that he’s got the skill and stamina for championship rounds as he went the full five with Team Fedor’s Valentin Modlavsky (11-1) this past June. Proudly hailing from North Dakota, Johnson is a current member of the United States National Guard who won two national championships while wrestling at Minnesota State University.
 
Updated BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson Card:
 
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-Tim Johnson (15-7)
 
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*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Fedor Emelianenko Returns Home to Moscow’s VTB Arena on Oct. 23 to Main Event BELLATOR: Moscow

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WATCH TODAY’S BELLATOR: MOSCOW ANNOUNCEMENT HERE

PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT HERE – PHOTO CREDIT: WILL FOX

 
LOS ANGELES – It is with great pride that BELLATOR MMA announces that on Saturday, Oct. 23, the promotion will hold its first-ever event in Moscow, Russia, at the VTB Arena and that the historic card will be headlined by the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC). 
 
Emelianenko’s opponent, along with additional matchups, and SHOWTIME telecast details will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Fedor for 12 years and nine of his fights during his time with BELLATOR and STRIKEFORCE,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “It’s an honor to bring him home to compete in front of his fans who have followed his entire career. In addition to Fedor, we will showcase BELLATOR’s deep roster of Russian talent and put together a historic card for our first trip to Russia on Oct. 23.”
 
Tickets for Fedor’s highly anticipated return home are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru.
 
Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and Valentin Moldavsky, who is fighting for the interim heavyweight title tonight. Already proving to be a formidable head coach, with his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.
 
BELLATOR returns to action later this evening as Team Fedor’s Valentin Moldavsky (10-1) vies for the Interim Heavyweight Championship against No. 1 ranked Tim Johnson (15-6) at BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky. Tonight’s event will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in America and live on OKKO Sport in Russia.
 
Updated BELLATOR: Moscow Card:
 
Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. TBA
 
****
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

SALITA PROMOTIONS TO LIVESTREAM FREE 14-FIGHT RUSSIAN BOXING EVENT ON SUNDAY, JUNE 27, AT 9:00 AM ET/6:00 AM PT, ON SALITA PROMOTIONS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

WBO #3 and IBF #7 Bantamweight Nikolai Potapov Continues Campaign to Meet and Defeat ‘The Monster’ by Taking on Tanzania’s Oscar Richard


Fans of international boxing can wake up to boxing for brunch this Sunday, June 27, at 9:00 am ET (6:00 am PT), as Salita Promotions proudly presents another marathon 14-fight matinee of Russian boxing on their popular YOUTUBE CHANNEL, free of charge from the Soviet Wings Sport Palace in Moscow, Russia. The event, entitled “Fight and Win” and presented by Shamo Boxing in association with Salita Promotions, will feature a rugged eight-round battle between WBO #3 and IBF #7 bantamweight Nikolai Potapov (22-2-1, 11 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, now residing Brooklyn, and Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania’s Oscar Richard (7-3-1, 2 KOs).


And in the 10-round co-main event, Beshariq, Uzbekistan’s Bakhromjon “B.F.” Fozilov(3-1-3, 3 KOs) will face 18-fight veteran Andrey Tomashchuk of Chelyabinsk, Russia for the WPBF International Middleweight Championship.


30-year-old Potapov has bounced back nicely from his highly controversial “loss” to fellow contender Josh Greer by scoring two big victories, including his last outing, a shutout unanimous decision over Ukraine’s then 16-2 Oleksandr Hryshchuk in December 2020 in Moscow. In his 11-year career, Potapov has already held the WBA Asia and WBO NABO Bantamweight Championships.


“I look forward to returning to the ring and putting on an exciting performance for my fans in Moscow and worldwide,” said Potapov, who has steadily moved back into contention for another big fight, whether a rematch against Greer or a challenge of one of the division’s champions.


Also scheduled for battle in featured fights are Saint Petersburg, Russia’s Zurab Kvitsiani (7-1, 2 KOs) taking on Khimki, Russia’s David Nikolaev (9-7-1, 5 KOs) in a middleweight eight-rounder; Grozny, Russia’s (via Almaty, Kazakhstan) undefeated super lightweight Shamil Malsagov (3-0, 1 KO) up against Ufa, Russia’s Rustem Fatkhullin (8-8, 3 KOs) over eight rounds; and once-beaten Tikhon Netesov of Irkutsk, Russia (5-1, 2 KOs) facing Khimki, Russia’s (via Vanadzor, Armenia) Arkadi Harutyunyan(4-17, 1 KO) in a six-round super lightweight battle.


The event’s complete bout sheet can be found HERE.


I am thrilled to bring a Sunday show from Moscow to boxing fans in the US via ourYOUTUBE CHANNEL, said Dmitriy Salita. “Nikolai is one of the best bantamweights in the world. Coming off this weekend with Inoue’s incredible performance, I believe Nikolai will show that he is elite and ready to challenge ‘The Monster.’”


Calling the action in English will be Canada’s Corey Erdman, a commentary veteran for ESPN, NBC, CBS, SpikeTV, BoxNation, DAZN and SNY, as well as UFC Fight Pass’ recurring series Broadway Boxing. Erdman is also a lead columnist for Boxing Scene, and a regular combat sports contributor to VICE.


The livestream is part of Salita Promotions’ ever-expanding YOUTUBE CHANNEL, that already offers thousands of hours of past fights from many of the biggest names in boxing, free of charge, and attracts more than 5 million monthly views with 196,000 subscribers and hundreds of thousands of daily viewers. Check the Salita PromotionsYOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.


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About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
 
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

SALITA PROMOTIONS AND SHAMO BOXING TO PRESENT FROM RUSSIA WITH GLOVE, A 13-FIGHT MATINEE OF RUSSIAN BOXING TOMORROW, FRIDAY, MAY 15, ON FITE

UNDERCARD ACTION STARTS AT 10:00 AM ET ON STREAMING GIANT FITE.TV; COREY ERDMAN TO PICK UP THE LIVE COMMENTARY AT 12:30 ET MARATHON BOXING CARD PRESENTED FOR JUST USD $9.99

(Friday, May 14, 2021) Tomorrow (Saturday, May 15), beginning at 10 am ET and carrying on throughout the day, Salita Promotions and Shamo Boxing will present “FROM RUSSIA WITH GLOVE,” another matinee of international professional boxing, on the popular streaming platform FITE.TV for just USD $9.99 from the Soviet Wings Sport Palace in Moscow, Russia.


The main event of the marathon 13-fight event, will feature a 10-round women’s showdown for the WBC CISBB (Boxing Bureau of the CIS, Slavic and Baltic Countries) Strawweight Championship between Vichuga, Russia’s Anna Levina (6-1, 5 KOs) and Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania veteran Halima Vunjabei (9-6-1, 5 KOs). And in the 10-round co-main event, Beshariq, Uzbekistan’s undefeated Mirzakamol Nematov (4-0, 2 KOs) will face Sergiev Posad, Russia’s Evgeny “The Eagle” Nikitin (5-5, 2 KOs) for the World Professional Boxing Federation Super Welterweight Championship.


Veteran commentator Corey Erdman will begin calling the action for the key fights on the card, beginning at 12:30 pm ET, with undefeated super welterweight Vadim Musaev(3-0) taking on Mariupol, Ukraine’s Artem Lim (5-4, 2 KOs).


Also featured will be Vladimir, Russia’s Vaghinak Tamrazyan (17-8, 5 KOs) taking on Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania’s Meshack “Smart Boy” Mwankemwa (21-9-2, 13 KOs) in a middleweight eight-rounder, as well as undefeated Russian redhead Alexander Devyatov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Saratov, Russia, going against durable South African veteranRofhiwa “The War Child” Maemu (19-10-3, 12 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight struggle.


And in an “all Russian” female special attraction, Moscow’s Luiza Davydova (4-2, 2 KOs) will face Saint Petersburg’s Yuliya Smyzhina (0-2) over six rounds in the super welterweight division.


THE FULL RUNDOWN OF ALL 13 FIGHTS CAN BE FOUND HERE. CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE EXCITING EVENT FROM FITE.TV NOW!


“This card is packed with the next generation of boxing talent from the from the former Eastern Bloc,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. Don’t miss a chance to see many of the Russian stars of tomorrow before they become big names in the United States. Thanks to my partners, Shamo Boxing, and to the FITE.TV team who always go above and beyond.”


Erdman, a boxing-media insider and commentary veteran for ESPN, NBC, CBS, SpikeTV, BoxNation, DAZN and SNY, as well as UFC Fight Pass’ recurring series Broadway Boxing, says he’s happy to be returning to his duties behind the microphone for Salita’s ongoing series of livestreamed events.


“Dmitriy continues to do the important work of giving women platforms in boxing and beyond that, normalizing them being in the main event of a broadcast,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to calling this event, the Levina vs. Munjabei main event in particular. Tamrazyan vs. Mwankemwa is a really interesting fight as well, because both of these guys are used to getting assignments against top prospects and hometown fighters, so they’re both underrated. Now they get a chance to be in a 50-50 fight and could produce fireworks together. Tamrazyan had a good argument for winning his last fight against Bobby Mominov who went on to fight on NBC not long after. Both Tamrazyan and Mwankemwa are really solid fighters that are better than their records suggest.”


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Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.

WBO #7 AND IBF #8 BANTAMWEIGHT NIKOLAI POTAPOV BACK IN ACTION ON CHRISTMAS EVE AGAINST UKRAINE’S OLEKSANDR HRYSHCHUK

SKILLFUL RUSSIAN LOOKING TO STAY IN LINE FOR ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE WITH IMPRESSIVE VICTORY
 
WBO #7 and IBF #8 bantamweight Nikolai Potapov will return to the ring on Christmas Eve, December 24, at Soviet Wings Sport Palace in Moscow, Russia, to take on Ukrainian contender Oleksandr Hryshchuk.
 
Potapov (21-2-1, 11 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, now residing Brooklyn, will face Hryshchuk (16-2-1, 6 KOs) of Bilytske, Ukraine, as part of a mammoth 19-fight event presented by Shamo Boxing.
 
30-year-old Potapov was last seen obtaining a DQ victory over foul-plagued Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani in five rounds last November. Before that, he suffered an extremely controversial decision loss to fellow highly rated contender Joshua Greer in July. Hryshchuk is no walkover opponent, as the tough Ukrainian once held and defended the WBA Intercontinental Flyweight Championship.
 
“I am happy to be back in the ring,” said Potapov. “I feel that I am the best bantamweight in the world. On December 24, I will be showcasing my skills with my eye on the champions in 2021.”
 
Potapov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says he has got high expectations for the Russian bantamweight.
 
“It’s been a challenging time for the boxing community, worldwide,” said Salita. “I am happy to end the year with a fight for Nikolai in his hometown. I’m looking for an impressive performance from Nikolai, who I believe is one of the best in the division.”
 
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:


Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
 
Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

Atif Oberlton representing City of Brotherly Love all the way to the World Championships

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 22, 2019) – There’s a new rising force on the international boxing scene and his name is Atif Oberlton, a light heavyweight from Philadelphia, who is on a mission to make a name for himself in boxing.

Oberlton will be competing at the Elite Men’s World Championships, September 7-21, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Lacking confidence is not an issue for the 21-year-old boxer who claims, “It’s very important for me to do well and win at the Worlds, because I know for a fact that, in my heart, I’m the best fighter in the world.  Also, I’m new on the international scene, so it’s time for me to give a piece of what they’ve been missing.”

Oberlton started boxing at the age of nine, although he didn’t start competing until he was 14, because he was the only boy in his family, and his father wanted him to learn how to defend himself.  Like so many of his teammates, he fell in love with boxing.

In the last five years, Oberlton has captured gold medals at the 2018 and 2016 National Golden Gloves Tournament, 2018 Eastern Elite Qualifier and 2014 National Junior Olympics. He also was a victor in the USA vs. Netherlands Dual.

“My greatest accomplishment so far is making Team USA and being where I’m at, because for years and years I was denied, and here I am today in the top spot where I belong.  I’m a top-spot fighter, so I deserve it, and I put down top-notch work, too”

Overlton has taken advantage of training in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, where he has shown improvement from day one, honing his skills to become a complete boxer.

“Conditioning plays a big part in my improvement; also seeing different styles, and getting top work has elevated me,” he spoke about training as a Team USA member.  “I always break new barriers on the road to greatness and this (The Worlds) is another one I’m looking to smash through.”  

In addition to representing his country, Oberlton is a proud Philly fighter continuing the long, rich boxing tradition in the City of Brotherly Love, which has produced the likes of Bernard HopkinsMathew Saad MuhammadBennie BriscoeJoey GiardelloMike Rossman,James ShulerEugene Hart and so many more great fighters over the years.

“My city is known for its great boxing history and I wear ‘The City of Philadelphia’ on my back,” Oberlton added.  “In a few more years down the line, I see myself leading the next wave of Philly boxers.  In fact, I feel like I am the wave, right now, as we speak.  Everyone’s watching me. I will do them all proud, from both the old and young generations.

“I haven’t been to Russia and I’m looking forward to going there.  It’s always good to see the world. I always like to go back where I’m from and try to convince others to see the world, because it’s much bigger than our neighborhood.”

Oberlton is like a chameleon in the ring, constantly changing and adjusting to his opponent.  “I consider my style like water,” he concluded.  “It’s wavy because I adjust to win, and I can beat any style.  I can outsmart anybody, fighting mind over matter.  Boxing is 80-percent mental, 20-percent physical, and I have it all.

“My short-term goal is to win gold at The Worlds and everything else leading to the Olympics. And winning no less than gold at the Olympics.  My long-term goal is to be the greatest fighter to ever walk the universe.”

Confidence is definitely not a problem for Atif Oberlton.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

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Undefeated M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Roman Bogatov to headline M-1 Challenge 104

August 30 in Orenburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (August 7, 2019) – Undefeated M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Roman Bogatov defends his title against Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout, headliningM-1 Challenge 104: Battle in the Heart of the Continent, on day, August 30, at Sports Arena Orenburgzhye in Orenburg, Russia.

WKG & M-1 Challenge 104 will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 104 will also beavailable on www.FITE.TV.

Bogatov (8-0, M-1: 7-0), fighting out of Russia, is a grappling master who literally put to sleep three of his last four victims.  Bogatov, who has a superior ground attack, captured the coveted M-1 Challenge title last September at M-1 Challenge 97, when he won a five-round decision over Rubenilton Pereira.  In his first title defense this past January, Bogatov used an arm triangle choke to submit another Brazilian challenger, Michel Silva.

Lebout (19-9-2, M-1: 3-1) is a dangerous challenger from France, who has won three of four M-1 Global fights to date.  An all-around fighter, Lebout can adjust to his opponent, whether he needs to use his striking, grappling and tactical skills to win.

Former M-1 Challenge title challenger Andrey “Iron” Lezhnev (18-8, M-1: 6-4) brings his invaluable experience into The Rage to face popular Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (11-2-1, 3-0-1) in the co-featured event.

Lezhnev, of Ukraine, has won eight of his last 10 fights, knocked down M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Nate Landwehr, albeit in a losing effort, in his most recent action. Abdibait Uulu, the pride of Kyrgyzstan, has defeated three tough opponents in a row to set the stage for his biggest test in Lezhnev.

Brazilian flyweight Flavio “Madruga” de Silva Santos (9-3, M-1: 0-0) makes his M-1 Global debut against Arman Ashimov (10-3-1), of Kazakhstan.   Santos is the latest in a wave of Brazilian fighters who’ve found a home in M-1 Global.

Brazilian National Champion and BJJ black belt, Jean “Panqueka” Petrick (10-3-1, M-1: 2-0) throws-down with Boris “Bora” Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-0), of Ukraine.  The winner of this bout will likely position himself for a title shot.

Opening the main card is a bantamweight showdown between Vazha Tsiptauri, Georgian National MMA and kickboxing champion, and Russian prospect Selem Evloev.

American bantamweight “Gorgeous” George Garcia (9-3, M-1: 1-0) took his M-1 Global debut fight on short notice, yet he used his grappling acumen to defeat Yuriy Chobuka, by way of a rear naked choke, only 20-seconds into the opening round of their fight last March atM-1 Challenge 101.  The California grappler, who is riding a six-fight win streak, returns on the undercard against notorious finisher Bair Shtepin, of Russia.

Also fighting on the undercard is French featherweight Anthony “La Masse” Dizy (12-3, M-1: 1-0) vs. Russian Zalimbek Omarov (10-3-1, M-1: 7-2-1), Russian welterweight Mikhail “Bulldozer” Doroshenko (3-0, M-1: 0-0) vs. Azerbaijan Bayram Mamedov (0-1 (M-1: 0-0), and a battle between Russian strawweghts Zarina Gumerova (1-1-1, M-1: 0-0) vs. Asiya Klyutova (1-1, M-1: 1-0) in a rare female M-1 Global fight.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

www.M-1Global.com

www.mixfight.ru

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@M1GlobalNews

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Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Aug. 30, 2019 – M-1 Challenge 104: Roman Bogatov vs. Mickael Lebout in Orenburg, Russia.