Tag Archives: The Dropkick Murphys

Pro Boxer Walter Wright Joins the FNU Combat Sports Show

Image result for Walter Wright, boxing Walter Wright (16-4, 8 KOs) squares off against Mark DeLuca (21-0, 13 KOs) in the main event at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH this Saturday night. (see poster below) This week we caught up with Walter before he made the trip east from Seattle. We interviewed him about the big fight and discussed his career in general. We also recapped all of last week’s boxing and MMA events and provided some other news tidbits like the Creed II trailer release and Ronda Rousey’s 30-day suspension from the WWE. Listen to the full broadcast with the interview included here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bl8h8ywh1wokwhc/tomtonyrichfirstdayofsummer2018.mp3?dl=0

 

Listen to just the Walter Wright interview by itself here:

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CLASH 3 DANNY O’CONNOR VS. STEVE CLAGGETT

                 
WBC Silver International Junior Welterweight Championship

March 17, 2018 * House of Blues * Boston, Massachusetts

LIVE ON PPV & SUPER CHANNEL
10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3
 
No. 1 world-ranked junior featherweight T.J. Doheny
bringing Irish “Power” to Boston
 
Mar. 17 on PPV & Super Channel
LIVE from Boston
 
Plus, special Dropkick Murphys live acoustic set
NEW YORK CITY (March 13, 2018) – Ireland’s undefeated, No. 1 mandatory world junior featherweight contender T.J. “The Power” Doheny(18-0, 13 KOs) will put his record and status on the line this Saturday (Mar. 17) in the eight-round co-featured event on the “St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3” Pay-Per-View, card, also airing in Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from the House of Blues in Boston.
Local fan favorite, Irish-American Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (29-3, 11 KOs), fighting out of nearby Framingham, MA, will make his first World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver International junior welterweight title defense against Canadian challenger Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs).
“St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3”, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, is presented by Murphys Boxing in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The popular Dropkick Murphys will play a live acoustic set prior to the main event.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3” in the United States on cable, satellite and digital PPV via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and FITE.TV app and website for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Viewers in Canada will be able to see it live on Super Channel, which will showcase Calgary’s rising star Steve Claggett to the entire country on Saturday, March 17.
Fans around the world can also order “St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3 via FITE TV live streaming platform (excluding Canada) for $24.95. For details visit www.fite.tv
Preceding the PPV fights, 8-10 p.m. ET / 5-7 PT, four undercard bouts will be available to watch live and for free on FACEBOOK FIGHT NIGHT.
The 31-year-old Doheny takes on former International Boxing Organization (IBO world champion “Machine-Gun” Mike Oliver (26-4-1, 17 KOs) in the eight-round, co-featured event. A southpaw like Doheny, Oliver is a familiar figure in Boston having been a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion.
Doheny is a native of Ireland, who has lived in Australia, but he recently resettled in Boston’s predominantly Irish section of Dorchester. He is a five-time Irish National Champion who has more than 150 amateur matches, including a victory over Belfast’s Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (26-1, 14 KOs), who is a two-division world champion as a professional fighter.
Last December, Doheny traveled to Bankok to fight Thai favorite Pipat Chaiporn (44-10-1) in a International Boxing Federation (IBF) eliminator to determine the No. 1, mandatory contender for IBF world champion Kenichi Ogawa (23-1, 17 KOs), of Japan. Doheny emerged with a win by12-round split decision (117-11, 116-112, 113-115).
Against Oliver, Doheny will be risking his undefeated record and IBF No. 1 contender rating, but Ogawa is also a veteran southpaw like Oliver, who is viewed by Murphys Boxing and Team Doheny as a good opponent to better prepare Doheny for Ojawa.
O’Connor (29-3, 11 KOs), who was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves and US Future Stars champion as an amateur, is coming off .a third-round knockout of previously unbeaten Daniel Gonzalez (14-0-1) for the vacant WBC Silver Intercontinental crown last November at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
Calgary-native Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs) hit the road last October and upset previously undefeated Yves Ulysse, Jr. (14-0) in his backyard for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American super lightweight title. Neither Claggett’s IBF North American nor his NABA USA title will be at stake versus O’Connor.
Top New England prospects, “The Silent Assassin” William Foster III (6-0, 6-0 (5 KOs) and Irvin Gonzalez, will be showcased in a pair of six-round matches.
Foster, a lightweight from New Haven, CT, faces former WBC International bantamweight champion Nick “Kanyankole” Otieno (31-13, 13 KOs)., Reigning UBF All-American super featherweight champion Gonzalez, of Worcester, MA, takes on a fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect, Ugandan Sulaiman Segawa (9-0, 3 KOs).
On Facebook Fight Night, New England champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetta (17-2-1, 10 KOs), Stoneham, MA, vs. Engleberto Valenzuela (11-12, 3 KOs), Mexico, 6 rounds; Russian welterweight Yurik Mamadov (6-1, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY, vs. Daniel Sostre (13-16-1, 5 KOs), Puerto Rico, 6 rounds; featherweight Amanda Pavone (2-0, 1 KO), Burlington, MA vs. Sarah Click (pro debut), Framingham, MA, 4 rounds; lightweight Tomas Romain (5-1), NY vs. Israel Rojas (13-20, 5 KOs), Mexico, 6 rounds.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV, @SCSportsTV, @FiteTV, @konightboxing, @DropKickMurphys, @StarBoxing, MurphysBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Doc_Boxing, @SDragonC

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CLASH 3: DANNY O’CONNOR VS. STEVE CLAGGETT

                  
WBC Silver International Junior Welterweight Championship

March 17, 2018 * House of Blues * Boston, Massachusetts

LIVE ON PPV & SUPER CHANNEL
10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3
 
Danny O’Connor vs. Steve Claggett title fight &
No. 1 junior featherweight contender T.J. Doheny
 
Mar. 17 on PPV & Super Channel
LIVE from Boston
 
Plus, special Dropkick Murphys live acoustic set
NEW YORK CITY (March 7, 2018) – “St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3” will air on Pay-Per-View, as well as on Super Channel in Canada,starting at 10 p.m
. ET / 7 p.m. PT, Saturday night, March 17, live from the House of Blues in Boston, featuring a championship match between hometown favorite Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor and Canadian challenger Steve “The Dragon” Claggett. A special Dropkick Murphys acoustic set will be aired live prior to the main event.
“St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3”, presented by Murphys Boxing, will be distributed in the United States by Integrated Sports Media on cable, satellite and digital PPV via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and FITE.TV app and website for a suggested retail price of only $24.95.
Viewers in Canada will be able to see it live on Super Channel which will showcase Calgary’s rising star Steve Claggett to the entire country on Saturday, Mar. 17.
Fans around the world can also order “St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3 via FITE TV live streaming platform (excluding Canada) for $24.95. For details visit www.fite.tv
“We can’t wait for this show,” offered promoter Ken Casey, also the front-man for Dropkick Murphys. “This is going to be our best St. Paddy’s Day show. Danny O’Connor-Steve Claggett is a ShoBox or HBO Boxing After Dark quality fight. Plus, the No. 1 world contender, T.J. Doheny, is fighting a former top contender; undefeated featherweights Irvin Gonzalez and Sula Segawa are 17-0 between them, and William Foster, one of the most talented young fighters in the country, fights a veteran of 44 pro fights who has never been stopped. This is truly a world-class event at the most fun venue in Boston, House of Blues. The Dropkick Murphys will be playing a set before the main event. This is a show you don’t want to miss!”
The 10-round main event between extremely aggressive junior welterweights O’Connor and Claggett figures to be a barn-burner from the opening bell to the end. Neither fighter takes a step backwards, nor do they ever stop firing punches, which makes for an incredibly entertaining, can’t miss showdown.
“I’m going to pick Claggett apart,” the 32-year-old O’Connor predicted. “A lot is at stake and that’s why I pushed for this fight. I could have fought an easier opponent, but I didn’t want to. I’m going to break into the elite level of boxing and this is a step towards that.”
O’Connor (29-3, 11 KOs), fighting out of Framingham, MA, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver International junior welterweight title for the first time. The popular boxer was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, as well as the 2008 National Golden Gloves and US Future Stars champion as an amateur.
The aggressive Irish-American southpaw has won his last three fights, including a third-round knockout of previously unbeaten Daniel Gonzalez (14-0-1) for the vacant WBC Silver Intercontinental strap last November at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
“I’m happy to be fighting at home in front of my support system,” the affable O’Connor said. I have a great fan-base and it’s motivating to know I will again have the chance to showcase my talent in front of them. I’m grateful for the continued support along my boxing journey.”
The 28-year-old Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs) has resurrected his career since he decided to drop back down to super lightweight three fights ago, all victories,including a pair of title-winning 10-round decisions over previously unbeaten opponents, Yves Ulysse, Jr. (14-0) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American super lightweight title, as well as Emmanuel Robles (15-0-1) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) NABA USA super lightweight crown. Neither of Claggett’s titles will be at stake versus O’Connor.
“Many people are under the impression that I’ve been brought in as a B-side opponent for this match up, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” the non-stop Claggett explained. “We selected Danny O’Connor shortly after my last fight in October and have worked tirelessly to make it happen. I’m looking forward to facing someone who fights moving forwards. Nobody is going to try and tap dance on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Much like his last fight this past October, in which he traveled to Montreal and Ulysse, Jr. in his backyard, Montreal, Claggett is fighting in his opponent’s backyard again, only this time against a popular Irish-American in Boston on St. Patrick’s Day.
“No problem,” Claggett commented, “bring it on. I have no fear of any man! My team will sit down with my promoter, KO Night Boxing, after this fight to look at the next move. I expect that I’ll be positioned to fight for a world junior welterweight title soon enough.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity to showcase my talents, live on Super Channel, for my large, supportive fanbase in Canada. I appreciate Super Channel stepping up to allow its viewers and my fans to join us on this big night. Subscribe to Super Channel for your front row seats on St. Patrick’s Day.”
In the eight-round co-feature event, Irish junior featherweight T.J. “Power” Doheny (18-0, 13 KOs), fighting out of Australia, puts his undefeated record and status at risk as the mandatory No. 1 contender in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), against former International Boxing Organization (IBO World champion “Machine-Gun” Mike Oliver (26-7-1, 8 KOs, of Hartford.
Two of New England’s most promising, undefeated prospects, “The Silent Assassin” William Foster III (6-0, 6-0 (5 KOs) and Irvin Gonzalez, will be showcased in a pair of six-round matches.
A gifted junior lightweight fighting out of New Haven, CT, Foster takes on former WBC International bantamweight champion Nick “Kanyankole” Otieno (31-13, 13 KOs), while UBF All-American super featherweight champion Gonzalez, of Worcester, MA, meets fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect, Ugandan Sulaiman Segawa (9-0, 3 KOs), who now lives and trains in Silver Springs, Maryland.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @IntegratedPPV, @SCSportsTV, @FiteTV, @konightboxing, @DropKickMurphys, @StarBoxing, @MurphysBoxing
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Doc_Boxing, @SDragonC

ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK BOXING FEATURING LAMANNA VS. BRACERO WRAPS UP FACEBOOK FIGHTNIGHT LIVE WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER ON SATURDAY

Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi call the action live from the boardwalk; Ten month-old fan-friendly fight series averages 88,952 views per show and recently eclipsed 1,000,000-view milestone
NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2018) – Recently reaching 1,000,000 views for the series, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE looks to establish another benchmark this FridaySaturday, Feb. 23-24, with back-to-back-to-back shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. A red-hot card from the Jersey Shore caps the epic weekend, as the fan-friendly streaming service partners with Rising Star Promotions on Saturday night, Feb. 24. Fans from across the globe can catch seven bouts beginning at 7 p.m. wherever Facebook is available, including a crossroads main event battle featuring Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (25-2, 9 KOs) and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).
“We’re excited to be taking this next step for the series, and to be capping the weekend with an outstanding card that will delight fight fans, called by Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Boardwalk Boxing at The Showboat will be back in a big way on Saturday night with names like LaManna, Bracero, Rainone, Julan, Varmall and hot prospects and local favorites all displaying their talents and passion on Facebook. As a bonus, we’re proud to produce the PPV and pro debut of Mike Rashid, who has conquered the worlds of fitness and digital media and is looking to do big things in the fight game.”
In the main event on Saturday night, New Jersey’s LaManna fights for the 19th time in the shore town, as he takes on the battle tested, Brooklyn-based Bracero. The card will feature some of the best prospects in the region that includes Jahmal Dyer of Baltimore, Md. (4-0, 2 KOs), Donald “No Love” Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, Frederick Julan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn and Alvin Varmall, Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs) of Catskill, N.Y.
“We are excited to be bringing this great event and our first Boardwalk Boxing card from The Showboat to the fans all over the world on FIGHTNIGHT Live.  We have a main event that everyone is talking about, and we are featuring some terrific prospects on an outstanding undercard,” said Debbie LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat WaterMontauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday night, Feb. 24, live from live from The Showboat in Atlantic City, N.J., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network and former IBF and WBA World Champion Paulie Malignaggi, now of Showtime, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Network. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on
Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE ROCKS ON SATURDAY, FEB. 24 WITH MURPHY’S BOXING MATINEE AS WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER CONTINUES

Dropkick Murphy’s Boxing Card runs from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday as part of a big weekend of free boxing on Facebook.
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its tripleheader weekend with a Murphys Boxing matinee on Saturday, live from the Mohegan Sun Ballroom in Connecticut. Fight fans from across the nation and around the globe can catch an outstanding card with international appeal on any device wherever Facebook is available from 3-7 p.m., brought to fans by the promotion born out of the Dropkick Murphys popular Celtic punk band.
“Times are changing for boxing just like streaming changed music. With the built-in audiences we have we are reaching a higher viewership with our streams than many of the televised fight cards are these days. We are proud of the fights we are putting on and the big audiences we are drawing, and it’s great for our fighters to get the exposure,” said Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys Frontman and President and Founder, Murphys Boxing.
Recently hitting the 1,000,000 views mark, Saturday afternoon’s show continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s historic Feb. 23-24 back-to-back-to-back Friday and Saturday shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. The Dropkick Murphys are live in concert at Mohegan Sun Arena for fans onsite after Murphys Boxing, but ringside access on the Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel takes viewers to the Jersey Shore after the closing bell in Uncasville, Conn.
“We’re excited about Saturday, and also to begin a two-fight promotion with Murphys Boxing,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “The card is filled with undefeated up-and-comers with international appeal, and Facebook is a terrific medium to deliver these great fights and outstanding athletes to a global audience. We’re thrilled that the Murphys are part of the action and can’t wait to hoist a pint with them during our St. Patrick’s Day show in Boston as well.”
Murphys Boxing action at Mohegan Sun on Saturday afternoon features a battle for the WBA-NABA light heavyweight title between undefeated Charles Foster (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Haven, Conn. and Justin Thomas (19-3, 7 KOs) of Baton Rouge, La. A bevy of unbeaten battlers will be featured on a packed undercard that includes heavyweight Niall Kennedy (10-0, 6 KOs), super featherweight William Foster III (4-0, 3 KOs), super middleweight Carlos Gongora (10-0, 8 KOs), super featherweight Abraham Nova (9-0, 8 KOs) and super lightweight Ray Jay Bermudez (2-0, 1 KO).
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:  https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat WaterMontauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24, live from live from Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Vladimir Lik of The RING, Round By Round Boxing and the Russian language newspaper Russkaya Reklama, and analyst Xavier Porter of BrooklynFights.com and Notorious Boxing. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND CRAIG BAKER TO SQUARE OFF IN BOSTON AS PART OF PBC ON NBC CARD TAKING PLACE

SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 23

 

Plus Undefeated Javier Fortuna Battles Bryan Vazquez

In Undercard Action

 

Undercard Bouts To Support Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale

Super Middleweight Showdown

 

BOSTON (May 8, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs)and Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) enter the ring on Saturday, May 23 in Boston as part of a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC.

 

The live PBC on NBC event starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

Further undercard action pits a pair of dangerous junior lightweights as Javier Fortuna(27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vazquez (34-1, 18 KOs)do battle at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. These undercard bouts will support the super middleweight contest between Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) and James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs).

 

“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to be on this great card,” said Rodriguez. “I will show the world and all the top light heavyweights, especially Kovalev, Stevenson and Fonfara, that I am a force to be reckoned with by taking Craig Baker’s undefeated record in an entertaining fashion.”

 

“I’m well prepared to seize the opportunity that this fight presents,” said Baker. “A win on May 23 puts me closer to a world title fight and I’ve only dreamed of actually accomplishing something that big. I’ve seen Rodriguez in action before and he’s a good fighter, but I’m working to be in great condition so that I can put on a show for the fight fans in Boston. We’re having a great camp and making major accomplishments, things should be pretty interesting.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

An accomplished amateur who won a 2006 National Golden Gloves gold medal and a 2005 U.S. National Championship gold medal, the 29-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight as the winner of his last two bouts. Born in the Dominican Republic but fighting out of nearby Worcester, Mass., Rodriguez’s lone loss came to undefeated star Andre Ward in 2013 and he owns victories over previously undefeated fighters Will Rosinsky, Jason Escalera and Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.

 

An undefeated fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having stopped his last four opponents inside the distance. The 31-year-old took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out Umberto Savigne. Fighting out of his hometown of Baytown, Texas, Baker will look for a big victory as he takes a step up in competition.

 

Undefeated and owner of a 4-0 record in 2014, the 25-year-old Fortuna is a prospect on the rise looking to make an impression on May 23. After a split draw decision against Luis Franco in 2013, he has bounced back to win five straight fights. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Roman and Patrick Hyland.

 

A former world title challenger whose only loss came to Takashi Uchiyama in 2012,Vazquez comes into this fight on an impressive five fight-winning streak. The 27-year-old began his career with 29 wins and has recently added victories over Sergio Thompson, Jose Feliz Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. Fighting out of Costa Rica, Vazquez has a big chance for a signature victory on May 23.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC

ANDRE DIRRELL AND JAMES DEGALE TO MEET IN EXCITING SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 23 FROM AGGANIS ARENA IN BOSTON LIVE ON NBC & NBCSN

 

 

OLYMPIC MEDALISTS BATTLE IT OUT ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AS 

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO BOSTON

 

Tickets Are On Sale Now!

 

BOSTON (April 21, 2015) – A Memorial Day weekend showdown takes center stage when Olympic stars battle it out as 2004 Bronze medalist for the United States Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) meets 2008 Gold medalist for Great Britain James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in a super middleweight bout as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC comes to Boston on Saturday, May 23 live on NBC and NBCSN.

Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Dirrell. “I’m so happy and honored to be fighting on NBC for a world title against a worthy opponent in James DeGale.”

“We are almost there, on May 23 it’s my time to make history as the first Briton to win an Olympic gold medal and a world title,” said DeGale. “I’m excited about coming to the U.S for this fight, Boston is a great city and I will be bringing plenty of support from the UK. It’s been a frustrating period waiting for my shot but now it’s here and no one is taking it away from me.”

“I’m thrilled to bring Premier Boxing Champions to the Agganis Arena at Boston University on May 23,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Holiday fireworks will begin Saturday afternoon when America’s skilled technician and Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell takes on Britain’s Olympic gold medalist James DeGale for the world super middleweight championship. The card will also feature strong co-featured and undercard bouts, including Boston, New England and Irish title contenders.”

An amateur standout who won two U.S. Amateur World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 31-year-old Dirrell looks to keep up his recent win streak when he battles DeGale on May 23. A winner of his last six fights, Dirrell’s only blemish on his record is a split decision loss to Carl Froch in 2009. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens.

Born in London, DeGale won a Commonwealth Championship Bronze medal in 2006 and an Olympic Gold medal in 2008. The 29-year-old turned pro in 2009 and won his first 10 starts while ending eight of those opponents within the distance. His only loss came in 2011 when he lost to fellow countryman George Groves by a narrow majority decision. Since then he has won 10-straight bouts including his most recent victory over Marco Antonio Periban.

PBC and DiBella Entertainment are proud to be working in association with Ken Casey and his Murphys Boxing on this event. The Dropkick Murphys front man has been on the front lines of the boxing resurgence in Boston.

“Boston deserves to have big time fight cards like this. We have rabid boxing fans and a ton of talented world class fighters, many of which will be featured on May 23,” said Casey.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC