Tag Archives: Sergio Lopez

Chris Van Heerden brings “Ukushisa” & slays “The Dragon” To win 10-round majority decision over Steve Claggett

For Eliseduze Release
“Knockout Night at the D” Ezenye
(L-R) — Steve Claggett & Chris Van Heerden
(All pictures by MannyMittsMurillo / Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions)
Las Vegas (April 16, 2016) – Former IBO World welterweight champion Chris “Ukushisa” Van Heerden put himself back into title contention position, winning a 10-round majority decision over Steve “The Dragon” Claggett in this evening’s main event, under the neon lights at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC) outdoor venue.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, which airs live on CBS Sports Network, is presented by D Las Vegas and DLVEC), kugqugquzelwa Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and returns Saturday kusihlwa, May 21.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 Kos), fighting out of Santa Monica, California by way of South Africa, used his 3-inch height advantage against Claggett (23-3-1, 16 Kos), the Canadian champion from Calgary, Alberta.
Neither fighter was hurt during the fight, in which there were continual back-and-forth exchanges of stinging combinations. Claggett battled to apply pressure in order to fight on the inside, while Van Heerden fought effectively from the outside.
The two evenly-matched welterweights patiently waited for the official announcement: 95-95 futhi 97-93 twice for Van Heerden.
I knew I won this fight, 120-Amaphesenti angu, but I knew it was close,” Van Heerden commented. “We’re both winners tonight because of it was so close and we entertained the crowd. Me and Claggett entertained the crowd…..we delivered. I’ve been through so much and the lord helped me get this win. I look forward to a rematch, but I want to move forward.
Undefeated California junior middleweight Neeco “The Rooster” Macias (12-0, 6 Kos) had a lot to crow about in the 8-round co-feature against Limberth “El Gallito” Ponce, Jr.(10-3, 8 Kos). Macias thoroughly dominated the action, firing non-stop shots from every conceivable angle. His unrelenting pressure enabled Macias, whose come-forward approach made him an instant fan favorite, to control the fight from start to finish for a unanimous decision.
I knew he was going to be the toughest fighter I’ve fought,” Macias said. “I give Ponce much respect. We wanted to give fans a good show.
Baltimore welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (7-0, 6 Kos) wanikela Errol “Spyda” Sidney (6-2-2, 2 Kos) a beating, fully displaying his arsenal of punches, hurting his gutsy opponent on several occasions. Hawkins’ aggressive style early in the fight broke-down Sidney, who was nearly finished at the end of the fourth and fifth rounds. Hawkins trapped Sidney a neutral corner at the start of the sixth round and a powerful uppercut sent Sidney down to a knee. Sidney beat referee Jay Nady‘s count but the veteran official had seen enough and he halted the bout 1:02 into the sixth.
We’re back,” Hawkins proclaimed after the bout. I’d give myself an 8 ½ this fight.
Las Vegas’ promising prospect Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO) outclassed Oregon junior lightweight Derek Barthemay (0-3) from the opening bell for a 4-round unanimous decision.
Flashy Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (3-0, 2 Kos) constantly pounded the body of his tough Mexican opponent, Jason “GibborGavino (3-2, 2 Kos), for a 4-round shutout victory,
Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (2-0) dropped a game Matt “The KO Kid” Murphy (0-2), a junior lightweight from St. Louis, in the opening round on his way to an impressive one-sided win by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.
Complete results and more pictures of main event below:
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (12-0, 4 Kos), Palm Desert, California.
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 79-73)
Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-3, 8 Kos), Rock Island, Illinois
WELTERWEIGHTS
Chris Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 Kos), Santa Monica, California
WDEC10 (97-93, 97-93, 95-95)
Steve Claggett (23-4, 16 Kos), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Malik Hawkins (7-0, 6 Kos), Baltimore, Maryland
WTKO6 (1:02)
Errol Sidney, Jr. (6-2-2, 2 Kos), New Orleans, Louisiana
Jeremy Nichols (3-0, 2 Kos), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-35)
Jason Gavino (3-2, 2 Kos), Tijuana, Mexico
AMANANI OKUKHANYA KAJUNIOR
Randy Moreno (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Derek Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oregon
Sal Lopez (3-0, 0 Kos), Las Vegas, Nevada
WDEC (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)
Derick Bartlemay (0-3), Salem, Oreon
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
(L-R) – Chris Van Heerden & Steve Claggett
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco kanye nge satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 nesitsha Network Channel 158. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe, kuhlanganise nesimiso full izinhlelo nendlela uthole CBS Sports Network, iya ku www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
ULWAZI:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)
For More Information:
“Knockout Night at the D”: Bob Trieger, (978) 590-0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, @FightPublicist
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas: Kara Rutkin / Alaina Curry, Kirvin Doak Communications, (702) 737-3100, krutkin@kirvindoak.com /acurry@kirvindoak.com
Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions: Lisa Veltre, (702) 522-1636,lisa@royjonesjrboxing.com

“Knockout Night at the D” Undercard Announced

Lokhu ngoMgqibelo night live on
CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas

.
Las Vegas (April 12, 2016) – An solid undercard showcasing promising prospects has been announced for lokhu ngoMgqibelo ebusuku “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by D Las Vegas futhi Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), kugqugquzelwa Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 Kos) and former IBO champion Chris “Ukushisa” Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 Kos),, fighting out of his native South Africa by way of Santa Monica, California, square off in 12-round main event.
NgoMgqibelo “Knockout Night at the D” event will air (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. KANYE) hlala e CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Undefeated California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 Kos) faces former Chicago Golden Gloves champion Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 Kos), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.
A Baltimore welterweight, Ezingakanqotshwa Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 Kos), is in the first televised bout in a six-rounder versus New OrleansErrol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 Kos). Jones signed Hawkins to a promotional contract after watching the youngster spar impressively, displaying tremendous power.
Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round fights are flashy Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 Kos) vs. Mexican invaderJason Gavino (3-1, 2 Kos), slick Las Vegas featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) vs. TBA, dangerous Las Vegas junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Derek Barthemay (0-2), of Eugene, Oregon, and Los Angeles heavyweight Jonathan “JohnnieRice (3-1-1, 3 Kos) vs. Antonio Robertson (4-5-1, 2 Kos), of Alexandria, Virginia.
Zonke ukulwa kanye fighters angaphansi ushintsho.
Amathikithi, ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com nomawww.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors evulekile at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco kanye nge satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 nesitsha Network Channel 158. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe, kuhlanganise nesimiso full izinhlelo nendlela uthole CBS Sports Network, iya kuwww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
“BATTLE BORN BOXING: THE UPRISING” – Friday, April 15, 2016
The inaugural event, “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising”, kuyokwenzeka lokhu Friday ebusuku (Ephreli. 15), outdoors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
The “Battle Born Boxing” series will present amateur boxing events the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional events.
Created to support amateur boxing in Nevada, “Battle Born Boxing” also provides a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.
ULWAZI:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“Ukushisa” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas

For Eliseduze Release

Las Vegas (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “Ukushisa” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by D Las Vegas futhi Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), kugqugquzelwa Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Ephreli. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdayebusuku, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. KANYE), hlala e CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 Kos), fighting out of Santa Monica (NJENGE), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight iqhawe.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Price, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, futhi Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said. “Winning this fight is my only option! I’m predicting a win, nothing less. Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork. I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 Kos) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion. “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted. “I know I’ve faced guys with more power. I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class. He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, okubalaWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier futhi The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship. He motivates me on a daily basis. I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 Kos), fighting out of Lancaster, NJENGE, liba Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 Kos), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature. Themba Ezingakanqotshwa welterweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 Kos), of Baltimore, ihlangana Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 Kos), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 Kos), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
Zonke ukulwa kanye fighters angaphansi ushintsho.
Amathikithi, ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com nomawww.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors evulekile at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco kanye nge satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 nesitsha Network Channel 158. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe, kuhlanganise nesimiso full izinhlelo nendlela uthole CBS Sports Network, iya kuwww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
ULWAZI:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Dragon” to be unleashed April 16th Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (April 5, 2016) – The April 16th10-round main event between Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and South Africa-native Chris “Ukushisa” Van Heerden embodies the “Knockout Night at the D” philosophy in terms of featuring action fighters in evenly matched, entertaining bouts.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by D Las Vegas futhiDowntown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), kugqugquzelwa Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Ephreli. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday ebusuku, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. KANYE), hlala e CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
The broadcast team includes Jim “JR” Ross, Sean Wheelock futhi owabe wezwe iqhawe Kevin “The Flushing FlashKelley. Joe Martinez is the ring announcer.
Claggett vs. Van Heerden is a crossroads fight for both boxers with critical consequences, especially for the winner who will use it as an invaluable springboard for his boxing career.
The 26-year-old Claggett (23-3-1, 16 Kos), who is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion, is thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time. “Ukuthi kufezeka iphupho,” he explained. “I’ve trained in Las Vegas often but now it’s time to show what I can do there in a fight. A win will open many doors for me and could potentially lead to a path that will set up the rest of my boxing life. Needless to say, I am focused and prepared for the opportunity.
VIDEO PROMO LINK:
Claggett, as well as Van Heerden, are known as high-action fighters, throwing punches in bunches, and something eventually has to give. Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 Kos), fighting out of Santa Monica (NJENGE), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight iqhawe.
Van Heerden is a rangy, quick and active fighter,” Claggett said. “I have an action style but, for many years, I was strictly a pressure fighter with a good body shot. Namuhla, noma, I have a couple of more tricks up my sleeve. His heart and durability have been shown and is to be respected. This match-up is sure to produce some good exchanges. I expect this to be a high-action fight between two hungry fighters with him coming off a loss (to unbeaten rising star Errol Spence Jr. ngoSepthemba odlule) and me coming off more than one fight falling through. This is a great match up. He is similar to the style of (Konstantin)Ponomarev (who Claggett lost an 8-round decision to last year) with range and movement. And that motivates me!”
Undefeated Lancaster, California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 Kos) ihlangana Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 Kos), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature. Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins(6-0, 5 Kos) ubuso Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 Kos), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 Kos), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
Zonke ukulwa kanye fighters angaphansi ushintsho.
Amathikithi, ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com noma www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors evulekile at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco kanye nge satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 nesitsha Network Channel 158. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe, kuhlanganise nesimiso full izinhlelo nendlela uthole CBS Sports Network, iya ku www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
ULWAZI:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins)

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions Brings “The Dragon” & “Ukushisa” to April 16th “Knockout Night at the D” umcimbi

Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (March 28, 2016) – D Las Vegas futhi Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media, announced today that Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is the licensed promoter of record for the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series to be held at the DLVEC.
The Ephreli. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday ebusuku, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. KANYE), hlala e CBS Sports Network from the DLVEC outdoor venue in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas.
RJJ promises fans in attendance and those watching live on CBS Sports Network will feel the heat of the 10-round main event as “The Dragon,” Steve Claggett, izimpi “Ukushisa,” Chris Van Heerden, in a fan-friendly welterweight showdown.
We are truly passionate about bringing outdoor boxing back to Las Vegas and are excited to work with Roy Jones Jr. to showcase local fighters and give them an amazing platform at ,” wathi Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “We feel this fight series will become a major event in the city’s boxing scene, as it will bring together world-class athletes, local businesses and fans from near and far.
Anytime I have the opportunity to showcase my fighters in Las Vegas and put on a show is a win-win for me and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions,” commented Roy Jones Jr., Co-Founder of RJJ. “Las Vegas has helped make my career what it is today; it feels like home to me. ‘Knockout Night at the Dis going to be a spectacular night for boxing and the fans. Downtown Las Vegas Event Center is an outstanding venue for boxing fansthere isn’t a bad seat in the house!”
I’m honored to work with such a reputable venue such as the Downtown Las Vegas Center,” remarked Keith Veltre, CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. “This venue is exactly what the boxing community needs to spark the excitement of boxing that ‘Knockout Night at the Dwill deliver. The team has been very accommodating to RJJ and it is a pleasure to work with a class act. We are happy to call the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center home to RJJ.
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 Kos), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion. As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
South African-native Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 Kos), fighting out of Santa Monica (NJENGE), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight iqhawe. (Van Heerden is pictured to the left.)
The 8-round co-feature matches undefeated Lancaster, California Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 Kos) ngokumelene Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 Kos), of Rock Island, Illinois. Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins (6-0, 5 Kos) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a 4-round bout.
The remainder of the undercard features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 Kos), junior featherweight Sal Perez (2-0) futhi bantamweight Sergio Lopez (2-3, 1 KO). Nichols (ifanekiselwa kwesobunxele) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
Zonke ukulwa kanye fighters angaphansi ushintsho.
Amathikithi, ontengo yakhe yayinqunyiwe at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com nomawww.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors evulekile at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco kanye nge satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 nesitsha Network Channel 158. Ukuze uthole ukwaziswa okwengeziwe, kuhlanganise nesimiso full izinhlelo nendlela uthole CBS Sports Network, iya kuwww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
ULWAZI:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce)

Undefeated prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Returns to ring this Saturday night vs. Gabino Cota in Studio City, California

Kahn-Clary picture courtesy of
Top Rank

Cranston, RI(February 8, 2016) – Rising super featherweight star Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary(17-0, 11 Kos) returns to action this Saturday night against Mexican opponent Gabino “Flash” Cota (18-5-1, 16 Kos) at Sportsman Lodge in Studio City, California.

A decorated American amateur boxer (131-11 irekhodi), his career highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 2010 Gloves National Golden Tournament, Kahn-Clary is a native of Liberia who passed on a shot to make the 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, turning pro eminyakeni emithathu edlule.
Kahn-Clary’s impressive second-round stoppage of Sergio “Cuatito” Lopez (19-10-1, 13 Kos) last November was supposed to lead him graduating to a 10-round fighter. His promoter Top Rank’s show lokhu ngoMgqibelo, headlined by Alex Saucedo vs. Clarence Booth, doesn’t have a single 10-round fight, in favor of three 8-rounders including Kahn-Clary vs. Cota.
That really doesn’t matter to me,” Kahn-Clary said. “I trained to beat this guy, not how many rounds. I’m a lot better fighter than I was a year ago. I’m a lot more relaxed in the ring. I think more as I’m moving in the ring, adjusting a lot better, and my combinations are coming out a lot better.
A former WBC FECOMBOX and Mexican featherweight champion, Cota is a dangerous opponent who has knocked out 16 of the 18 fighters he’s defeated as a professional.
Cota may have lost four of his last six but they were all title fights or on television against name opponents,” Kahn-Clary ikhanda trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. kuqashelwe. “He has some pop, throws a zillion punches and just keeps coming forward. This is a good step up for Toka.
Toka is ready for this fight. He’s had a lot of good sparring. Toka is aggressive, well-conditioned, a good defensive fighter who can crack. There wasn’t a 10-round fight available on this card but we wanted this fight. Toka’s still only 23 so there’s no reason to rush things.
Cota is battle tested having fought world title challengerJonathan Oquendo, Puerto Rica Olympian Orlando Cruzand Russian champion Andrey Klimov.
I like fighting guys that come to me like Cota,” Kahn-Clary remarked. “It makes my job easier. I can setup my punches and fights against guys like this aren’t as much as a chess match. I’ll be landing hard shots and fans like that better than a chess match.
Landela Kahn-Clary on Twitter and InstagramTokaKahnClary, noma umngane kuye on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.

Themba Ezingakanqotshwa Toka Kahn-Clary, abathweswa iziqu ukuba 10-round fighter

-konke izithombe ngezilokotho Mikey Williams / Top Rank-
Cranston, RI (November 25, 2015) – After his impressive second-round stoppage of Sergio “Cuatito” Lopez (19-10-1, 13 Kos) ngoLwesihlanu olwedlule ebusuku The yedorobheni Las Vegas, Ezingakanqotshwa blue-chip featherweight ithemba Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (17-0, 11 Kos) uye iziqu ngokusemthethweni kusukela ayisishiyagalombili kuya eziyishumi nxazonke fighter.
“”Ukusebenza My kwakukuhle,” Kahn-Clary looked back on his knockout of Lopez. “I didn’t do anything to make it a difficult fight. I was a little concerned that my opponent came in overweight (128 lbs. isisindo inkontileka kodwa Lopez kuhlaziywe 132.2 lbs.), but I didn’t think too much of it. I really wanted to go four or five rounds for some more experience, phansi kodwa mina wamfaka emzuliswaneni wesibili nge hook ilungelo, futhi out wamthatha. (Lopez kwaba awakwazi ukuphendula lo insimbi for the nxazonke wesithathu.)
(L-R) Toka Kahn-Clary futhi umahluleli Jay Nady
“Ngingumfana nakanjani isilungele 10-rounders. (Head trainer) Peter (Manfredo, Sr.) ubelokhu me enza umsebenzi omningi conditioning. Thina sparred a lot of emahlandla for nesishiyagalombili round ukulwa, so I’ve been ready for 10-round fights. I won’t be fighting again until next year, kodwa Ngizobuya in the gym uMsombuluko ozayo.”
A ahlobisa amateur American owayenonembeza 131-11 irekhodi, esiqokonyiswa ukusebenza ngegolide-ngendondo at the 2010 Gloves National Golden Tournament, Kahn-Clary awadlulisela a shot ukwenza 2016 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, turning pro eminyakeni emithathu edlule.
(L-R) – Head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. & Toka Kahn-Clary
“Ngicabanga Toka wenza isitatimende big kanjalo Top Rank (Umgqugquzeli Kahn-Clary sika),” Manfredo added. “They’re so high on him that they want to put him in a big fight. I told them to give us a 10-round fight first, mhlawumbe January noma ngo-February, and then we can talk about him fighting a top guy. There’s no rush; yena kuphela 23.
Toka’s really maturing. He still doesn’t have ‘man strengthbut he’s getting there. He always works hard. He spars hard with bigger guys. He doesn’t just beat up a sparring partner, ushaya up ejimini, three or four fighters a session. And most of the time he’s sparring bigger guys and using big gloves.
Wazalelwa e Liberia, the 23-year-old Kahn-Clary is a rising star with lofty expectations. “Ngifuna ukuncintisana ezingeni phezulu,” he explained. “Ngonyaka ozayo, I will keep working hard and hopefully fight some decent named opponents. I’m not ready for the top guys in my division, hhayi okwamanje, kodwa ngizoba khona omunye ngomnyaka.”
Landela Kahn-Clary on Twitter and InstagramTokaKahnClary, noma umngane kuye on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.

Ezingakanqotshwa blue-chip ithemba Toka Kahn-Clary Liberia making native igama in America

Ukuze silwe Sergio Lopez lokhu ngoMgqibelo in Las Vegas

(konke izithombe by Jeny Luna Hernandez-Watson)
Providence (November 16, 2015) — Themba Ezingakanqotshwa featherweight Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (16-0, 10 Kos) Kungenzeka kube umhlabeleli, kuqhathaniswa “engaziwa” prizefighter kuleli lizwe, okungenani ngaphandle of New England.
A ahlobisa amateur American owayenonembeza 131-11 irekhodi, esiqokonyiswa ukusebenza ngegolide-ngendondo at the 2010 Gloves National Golden Tournament, Kahn-Clary ubuyela ring lokhu ngoMgqibelo ebusuku (Nov. 20) at The edayisa ukudla kwamazwe ahlukene Las Vegas ngokumelene abaphikisi Mexican Sergio “Cuatito” Lopez (19-9-1, 13 Kos) kulokho okufanele ukuba Kahn-Clary lokugcina okuhleliwe nesishiyagalombili round iziqubu ngaphambi kokuba iziqu ukuba 10-rounders.
“Muhle ukulwa ezinzima Mexican abangakwazi ebhokisini kancane on the ngaphandle,” Kahn-Clary ekhuluma ngabangane nje umphikisi wakhe olandelayo, “kodwa eza phambili, too. Muhle abanolwazi futhi ubelokhu nge eziningi labamelene okuhle.”
Lopez ukuhlolwa sína for yanoma imaphi amathemba. His last three fights include a loss to 18-0 Alejandro Luna (KO4) lokhu August esidlule, 10-round amanzi uqhekeko 24-7-1 Joksan Hernandez, futhi okwesihlanu-round Knockout emangalisa lobuchwepheshe 16-0 Victor Betancourt.
“Lopez kuyinto Gamer,” Kahn-Clary ikhanda trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. wanezela. He’s tough but our plan is for Toka to take him apart and eventually take him out. Toka’s not far away from a really big fight, kungenzeka 8-10 izinyanga. We were offered a big fight but, kudingeka one 10-round mpi wokuqala, futhi uthole ukuthi impi ekuqaleni konyaka ozayo.”
Kahn-Clary, ukulwa out of Providence, uyeza off ukunqoba kwakhe enhle kakhulu njengoba June last professional, lapho wangena ekilasini ukuwuthatha 33-11 Jonathan Perez, yangaphambili Colombian super bantamweight futhi World Boxing Council (WBC) champion. Kahn-Clary stopped Perez in the sixth round of their fight on a card headlined by Timothy Bradley'S emhlabeni wesikhashana welterweight title ukunqoba kuka Jessie Vargas at StubHub Center e Carson, California.
The oneminyaka engu-23 ubudala, owazalwa Toka Kahn, will never face obstacles in the ring more difficult to overcome than his early life experiences. Now a blue-chip prospect, he was born in Liberia and came to America with his younger sister to join their father when he was only six. He lived in Philadelphia only one year before his father was killed in a shooting. Toka’s arduous journey continued as he and his sister moved to Providence, lapho ngahlala nabazali bokutholwa ngubani, ngokungagwegwesi, weyengenandaba kwenzekani kubo.
Zonke izimpawu bakhomba Toka ukuthola senkingeni emigwaqweni Providence ngisemusha, ikakhulukazi ngezikhathi, lapho engenakhaya. Ngenhlanhla, noma, umngane wamletha Gym Manfredo ngo Pawtuckert, RI. Boxing truly saved his life. Manfredo, USA Boxing New England umengameli Jim Perella futhi lo mbhangqwana ukuthi wagcina ebe naye, Andrea Watson futhi Ron Clary, Sakushintsha ukuphila kwakhe.
Kahn-Clary usayine inkontileka asetshenzisiwe kanye Top Rank, lapho, kanye nomphathi Mike Criscio futhi Manfredo, baye bathuthela Kahn-Clary at a engaguquki, ijubane phezulu. Kahn-Clary, Phela, uzobe ukulwa okwesithathu kulonyaka, ngemuva kokuba emihlanu ngonyaka odlule.
“Top Rank wenze umsebenzi omuhle ukugcina kwami ​​umatasa,” southpaw Kahn-Clary commented. “I know that it takes time to climb the ladder and I still need to improve a few things. I need to beat a top fighter to get into the world rankings. I’ll be ready when I get that call.
“Sengilungele manje for a 10 noma 12 round mpi. I’ve done a lot of sparring to help me get ready to step up. I’m excited about fighting 10 futhi 12 round fights because it’ll be a test for me and I love to be test. The top guys in my division are the (Gary) Russell, (Ekhathelel) Lomachenkofuthi (Lion) Santa Cruz. I have the skills and heart to compete with them.
Quality sparring e New England singekho, ikakhulukazi ukulwa ezincane-isisindo ezifana Kahn-Clary, oye yazuza okuhlangenwe nakho olungenakuqhathaniswa sparring kanye WBA super featherweightJavier Fortuna (29-0-1, 21 Kos), ezintathu-time US Olympian Rau'shee Warren futhi akubo New England kanye nomngane, New Haven’s Luis “KO King” Rosa (21-0, 10 Kos).
“Peter (Manfredo) futhi mina bahambe ukuze Worcester (MA) futhi Connecticut ukuze uthole umsebenzi omuhle,” the gifted boxer-puncher Toka-Kahn explained. “It’s been a great help for me. I’ve gotten a lot of valuable experience in there with fighters like Fortuna and Warren. Sengike ngakubona ring yabo generalship, ukunyakaza kwabo, and I’ve learned from them. They’re smart. I’ve learned from them, even try to copy them. It’s not just about sparring, okuyinto a isipiliyoni ukufunda. Uma ungafundi kusukela sparring, konke uzoba njalo unguphathina sparring.”
Manfredo kade futhi eqaphela ukuthi ukwenza kwakhe umfundi umklomelo, Kahn-Clary, will need to go away to training camp for good sparring when he starts fighting 10-rounders. “Ngikhathazekile abangane obuhle Freddie Roach futhi sizobe ukuphuma California futhi aqeqeshe at the Wild Card Gym,” Manfredo concluded. “I’m very happy with the way Toka’s been moved. I have faith in Brad Goodman, ongomunye the best, if not the best matchmaker in the world. They’ve moved Toka along at a good pace. They know what they’re doing.
Khonamanjalo, Toka Kahn-Clary plans to make his name in boxing next year. Okokuqala, noma, anakho ukuze uthole esidlule Lopez lokhu ngoMgqibelo ebusuku ukugcina umfutho wakhe uya.
Landela Kahn-Clary on Twitter and InstagramTokaKahnClary, noma umngane kuye on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.