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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (October 16, 2024) – Ahead of Friday night’s “BIG TIME BOXING PUERTO RICO” event taking place at the iconic Coca-Cola Music Hall, the fighters participated in a press conference on Tuesday and a media workout Wednesday at Felix Pagán Pintor Boxing Gym and hosted by International Boxing Hall of Famer Ivan Calderon.
Undefeated Joshua James Pagan (10-0, 4 KOs) from Grand Rapids, Mich., will take on hard-hitting veteran Haskell Rhodes (31-6, 16 KOs) from Las Vegas in a 10-round bout in the lightweight division. In the co-featured bout, the vacant IBF LATINO belt in the light heavyweight division will be on the line as unbeaten Argentine prospect Juan Carrillo (12-0, 9 KO) takes on Gilbert Castillo (25-5-1, 19 KO) from Miami, Fla.
The night of fights will air live globally on DAZN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Here is what the fighters had to say.
Joshua James Pagan:
“I see this [press conference] as the hard part. I just love fighting and training; that’s the easy part. It’s my full-time job and what I love to do, and what I’ve been doing my entire life. Camp’s been great, and I went to Vegas for about a week and a half and got some good sparring from Bruce Carrington and came here last week to close out camp.
“I’ve fought in Atlantic City, but Vegas is my next step. That’s the dream right there, and I can’t wait to take one more step on Friday night to make it happen.
“I want to thank my opponent, Haskell Rhodes, for accepting the fight. I have no doubt in my mind that we have a great fight on our hands for everybody here. Growing up, I always dreamed of fighting here in Puerto Rico, let alone the main event. So, it truly is a blessing to be here. I used to watch Tito Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, and it always inspired me to be the next great fighter with Puerto Rican lineage.”
Haskell Rhodes:
“If you’ve ever seen me fight or the way I dress, it’s definitely influenced by Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho, down to my red and black shoes with all the sparkles. I’m bringing a heavy vibe of Hector Camacho on Friday night!
“I love the atmosphere and being around all the fighters – it makes me happy. I fought at the MGM Grand, and I was the main event where the Spurs played in San Antonio. So, this fight is right up there.
“I want to thank God because this wouldn’t be possible without him. Thank you, Salita Promotions. I grew up watching Puerto Rican fighters like Miguel Cotto and Héctor Camacho. Those guys were my heroes when I was coming up. When I got the phone call to take this fight, it wasn’t even a question. I’ve been to Puerto Rico twice, so the third time’s the charm for me to fight.”
Da’Velle Smith:
“First, I want to thank Salita Promotions for making this fight happen. I want to thank my manager and my whole team. I am really excited to be here in general. I grew up with lots of Puerto Ricans in Detroit, so much so that I thought I was Puerto Rican. I am excited to get in there and put on a great performance for the fans here in Puerto Rico and everyone who’s tuning in around the world.
“I’ve been here since Monday and just can’t wait for Friday night. I have Puerto Rico in my heart, and I’ve been trying to get here for 16 years. Hopefully, what’s next for me are bigger fights and showing everyone that I’m ready to put my foot on the gas and become a world champion.”
Juan Carrillo:
“I’m so grateful for Salita Promotions for giving me this opportunity. I have confidence that I will win this fight on Friday night. I wanted [Dmitry] Bivol to win, but I thought [Artur] Beterbiev won the fight.”
Gilbert Castillo:
“There is a lot of attention right now on the light heavyweight division, which is very deep in talent. To fight now for the IBF vacant Latino belt is a privilege and honor.”
Kiria Tapia:
“This is a huge and historic event at Coca-Cola, and I know my opponent will come to fight. I grew up watching great women’s champions like Laila Ali and Cristy Martin. They inspired me to be the fighter I am, and I hope I can be the one to show future girls and women what it takes to become a world champion boxer.”
Ivan Calderon, International Boxing Hall of Famer:
“Thanks to Salita Promotions for bringing ‘Big Time Boxing’ to Puerto Rico and get ready to hear it loud inside the Coca-Cola Music Hall, just like Madison Square Garden where I fought, and Tito [Trinidad] and Miguel [Cotto] fought. It’s going to be that kind of energy and excitement that they had there, you will have here in Puerto Rico.”
David Berlin, Salita Promotions General Counsel
“We are thrilled to be here in Puerto Rico, which has such a rich boxing tradition, and expect that this will be the first of many Big Time Boxing USA shows on the island.
Big Time Boxing USA is the premier talent development series in the United States. We came to Puerto Rico because it has such a rich boxing history and an impressive pool of young talent. We are looking for the next Tito Trinidad, the next Miguel Cotto, the next Ivan Calderon.”
ABOUT THE FIGHTS: Undefeated Joshua James Pagan (10-0, 4 KOs) will take on hard-hitting veteran Haskell Rhodes (31-6, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout in the lightweight division. The IBF vacant Latino belt will be on the line when unbeaten Argentine prospect Juan Carrillo (12-0, 9 KO) steps into the ring against Lenin Castillo (25-5-1, 19 KO) from Miami, Fla., in a 10-round bout. In the TV opener, Salita Promotions’ popular and undefeated Da’Velle Smith (9-0, 7 KOs) of Detroit, Mich., returns to the ring to contest a middleweight bout at six rounds against Brazil’s Gilberto Pereira dos Santos (16-15, 12 KOs). In addition, an exciting women’s fight has been added to the broadcast as local San Juan, P.R., product Kiria Tapia (4-0, 0 KOs)will take on Hungary’s Beata Dudek (4-4, 4 KOs) in a junior lightweight (130 pounds) special attraction.
HOW TO WATCH: The night of fights will air live globally on DAZN at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Corey Erdman will handle the blow-by-blow call, with International Boxing Hall of Famer announcer Al Bernstein joined by former IBF Junior Middleweight world champion Raul Marquez handling the commentary. Doors open at 5 pm ET with the first fight to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketera.com and the venue’s official website: www.cocacolamusichall.com.
“BIG TIME BOXING PUERTO RICO” is promoted by Salita Promotions in collaboration with PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) and 21 Events and is part of Salita Promotions’ “Big Time Boxing USA” series, the leading developmental series for promising prospects and young contenders on their journey toward a world championship.
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.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — LFA CEO Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return to Brazil in November with a Championship Headliner at LFA 197. In the main event, the interim women’s strawweight title will be on the line.
This will be the nineteenth LFA event to take place in Brazil after the promotion’s international expansion began in the summer of 2021. This will also be the twelfth LFA event to take place in the state of São Paulo, which is Brazil’s most populous state. LFA has also visited the Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco.
LFA 197: Kuziutina vs. Guimarães, presented by Monster Energy, takes place Friday, November 22nd at the Ginásio do Polvilho in Cajamar, São Paulo, Brazil. The main event will feature an interim women’s strawweight title fight when interim champion Natasha “Kuzya” Kuziutina defends her title against top contender Yasmin Guimarães. The entire main card will be available worldwide on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
“We are excited to bring another world-class title fight to Brazil,” stated Soares. “We have an incredible fan base in São Paulo and throughout Brazil, which is the birthplace of modern day MMA. The country will now host two of our biggest international stars in the main event of LFA 197.
Natasha Kuziutina is a three-time Olympian in Judo and the first woman from Russia to win an LFA title. She will defend her interim women’s strawweight title for a second time against Brazilian star and Muay Thai standout Yasmin Guimarães. The winner will get a chance to unify the title against current champion Rose Conceição early next year.”
Kuziutina (6-1) is the first woman from Russia to win an LFA title, and once again, she is looking to do something that has never been done. That will happen if she is able to defend her LFA interim women’s strawweight title for a second time as she and Jaqueline Amorim are currently tied with one title defense a piece. Kuziutina won the title by defeating five-time IBJJF champion Giovanna Canuto at LFA 173. She then defended her title for the first time in August by defeating longtime Bellator standout Bruna Ellen in the main event of LFA 189.
Prior to her MMA success, Kuziutina enjoyed an incredible Judo career and is now the most decorated judoka to ever compete in the strawweight division of MMA. She has represented Russia at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 (took place in 2021) Summer Olympics. It was at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, where she earned an Olympic bronze medal. She now heads back to Brazil for her second title defense making her the first woman to headline LFA events on two continents.
Guimarães (8-1) is a decorated MMA and Muay Thai fighter that has built her world-class skill set by competing around the globe. The Brazilian dynamo built her name and reputation by competing successfully in both sports throughout Europe and the Middle East. In that time, she has competed twice for KSW, which is a leading MMA promotion in Europe.
She has also competed and trained in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and her home country of Brazil. This includes challenging for the WBC Muay Thai super-bantamweight title. After competing around the world in multiple disciplines at flyweight and bantamweight, the proud Carioca returned home to Rio de Janeiro in May, where she made her debut in the strawweight division in the main event of LFA 183. Guimarães was triumphant that night by handing top prospect Naizi Cantanhede the first loss of her career. She now looks to capture LFA gold, while defending home turf, as Brazilians have never lost an LFA main event in Brazil.
Main Card (Worldwide onUFC FIGHT PASS® at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Interim Women’s Strawweight Title Bout (115 lb)Natasha Kuziutina (6-1) vs. Yasmin Guimarães (8-1)
Co-Main Event | Lightweight Bout (155 lb) Samuel Dias (10-2) vs. Samuel Silva (12-4-1)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)Felipe Oliveira (10-3) vs. Márcio Barbosa (15-2)
RENES, Lausanne, Switzerland (October 16, 2024) – Former multiple world heavyweight champion and Atlanta 1996 gold medalist, Wladimir Klitschko, has backed World Boxing and its President, Boris van der Vorst, in their bid to ensure that boxing remains a part of the Olympic Movement.
Speaking in a specially recorded 39-second video clip, the Ukrainian legend explained why he believes boxing should remain part of the Olympic Games and expressed confidence in World Boxing and its President to deliver this.
Klitschko said: “Boxing is one of the most spectacular and oldest sports in the Olympic program. Speaking as the 1996 Olympic Champion I want to advocate that boxing must be safe for LA2028.
“Boxing stands as a brilliant sport and is so good at delivering on the values of the Olympic Charter through the diversity of the athletes and in the number of countries taking part.
“I support World Boxing, and its President Boris van der Vorst in their efforts to achieve this goal and believe they can keep the Olympic dreams of boxers alive.”
Wladimir Klitschko represented Ukraine at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta where he won a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division. From 1996 to 2017 he competed as a professional boxer where he held multiple versions of the world heavyweight title.
Boris van der Vorst added: “Wladimir Klitschko is one of the most widely admired boxers in the recent history of the sport, who has achieved an enormous amount both inside and outside of the ring, so it is great for World Boxing to have the support of such a hugely respected and knowledgeable figure.
“As someone who achieved great success in both Olympic-style and professional boxing, Wladimir completely understands the pivotal importance of the Olympic Games to boxing and the way it provides inspiration and opportunities for boxers to pursue their dreams at all levels in every part of the world. “That Wladimir has chosen to express his public support for World Boxing is a clear signal of the widespread recognition amongst people that care about the sport of the need for change in international boxing and the critical importance of ensuring that boxing is restored to the program for Los Angeles 2028 and continues to remain a part of the Olympic Movement.”
World Boxing was launched in April 2023 and aims to keep Boxing in the Olympic Games. On 7 May 2024, it held the first formal meeting with the IOC which signaled the start of formal collaboration aimed at establishing a pathway for boxing to remain in the Olympic Games.
World Boxing is a non-profit international federation set up to administer the sports of Olympic-style boxing, Paralympic boxing (otherwise called “Adaptive boxing”) and E-sport boxing. It is a civil association founded for an unlimited period of time having its own legal identity as a non-profit organization in accordance with Article 60 of the Swiss Civil Code. World Boxing is under the jurisdiction of Switzerland.
Yoshida to defend her IBF Bantamweight World title Oct. 23 vs. Shurretta Metcalf on ProBoxTV live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK CITY (October 14, 2024) – Three-time, two-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) will out her developing boxing legacy in Japan on the line October 23rd, when she makes the first defense of her International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight crown against No. 1 contender Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (13-4-1, 2 KOs), at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Yoshida vs. Metcalf will headline the “Heroes on the Hudson 2” card, presented by DiBella Entertainment and broadcast live on ProBoxTV, in the 10-round (2-minutes each) main event to celebrate and support heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces in advance of Veterans Day in the latest addition of the popular Broadway Boxing series.
One of only 23 female world champions from Japan, The 35-year-old Yoshida is only the sixth from her country to capture world titles in two or more divisions. She captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight crown twice in 2019 and 2021.
Japan is a powerbase in men’s professional boxing with contemporary superstars such as Undisputed Junior Featherweight World Champion Naoya “The Monster” Inoue (28-0, 25 KOs) and World Boxing Council (WBC) Bantamweight World Champion Junto Nakatani (29-0, 22 KOs). However, in women’s boxing today, Yoshida is arguably the best from Japan, as well as one of the greatest female prizefighters of all-time from the Land of the Rising Son, behind only retired Japanese fighters Naoko Fujioka (19-3-1, 7 KOs), Japan’s only five-weight class female world champion, and possibly Emiko Raika (24-8-1, 10 KOs).
A single mother of daughter Mina, Miyo is known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, where she is a revered role model. Yoshida received the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award from The Ring magazine.
“I hope to further shape the way that was created by our predecessors into a better one for the next generation,” Yoshida said.
To cement her legacy, Yoshida must first get past Metcalf in their rematch, avenging Miyo’s loss by way of 10-round decision a year ago, and advance in the Great 8 Tournament to determine the undisputed women’s bantamweight world champion. Fortunately, all of the world bantamweight champions – WBC/WBO & The Ring Champion Dina Thorslund (22-0, 9 KOs) of Denmark, IBF Ellie Scotney (9-0, 0 KOs) from the United Kingdom, and the Yoshida vs. Metcalf winner (their fight technically launches the tournament) – will compete in the Great 8 along with some of the leading contenders such as Cherneka Johnson (16-2, 6 KOs), Yulihan “La Cobritas” Luna Avila (27-4-1, 4 KOs), and Segolene “Majestic” Lefebure (18-1, 1 KO).
“Right now,” Yoshida noted, “I’m only thinking of defending my title belt. I had been hoping for unification fights since I was able to become world champion again. I was impatient with this interval between matches because it is the last chapter due to my age. If I couldn’t compete in boxing, I thought about returning to kickboxing or MMA. I didn’t want to be in between fights, and I thought it would be better for me and for women’s boxing if I became well known.”
“Japan’s boxing scene carries a rich history with a strong cultural connection to its people,” Miyo’s manager Keith Sullivan commented. “Japanese boxers honor a tradition of competitive excellence and outstanding sportsmanship. Miyo embodies these qualities as she fights for the pride of Japan. She is an exemplary champion for her native country.”
Sullivan is a former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, who manages IBF and WBA #6 rated welterweight Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs), and WBC #9 rated super middleweight Nisa Rodriguez (2-0, 0 KOs), amongst several other professional fighters.
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IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida to have 4-time World Champion Jorge Linares in her corner
Oct. 23 vs. Shurretta Metcalf Theater at Madison Square Garden
(L-R) – Miyo Yoshida & Jorge Linares NEW YORK CITY (October 7, 2024) – Three-time, two-division World Champion Reigning Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) will add a special addition to her corner on October 23rd, when she makes the initial defense of her International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title against No. 1 contender Shurretta “Chiccn” Metcalf (13-4-1, 2 KOs), at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Yoshida vs. Metcalf will headline in a 10-round (2-minutes each) main event on the “Heroes on the Hudson 2” card, presented by DiBella Entertainment, which will celebrate and support heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces in advance of Veterans Day in the latest addition of the popular Broadway Boxing series.
Future Hall of Famer Jorge “El Nino de Oro Golden Boy” Linares (47-9, 29 KOs), the four-time, three-division world champion from his native Venezuela, will be making the trip from his home in Tokyo to the Big Apple, where he fought twice during his 21-year pro boxing career. “My senior, Jorge Linares, will be joining me as my second this time,” through a translator Yoshida explained the difference between her first fight with her Oct. 23rd challenger. “It is reassuring to have someone who can give me instructions in Japanese for spur-of-the-moment decisions during this fight. The members of Team Sosa (Jimmy Sosa is her head trainer) are also learning Japanese. The team is united.
“Although I am struggling with the English language, I am very happy to have come to New York City. I am grateful to Lou DiBella (her promoter, DiBella Entertainment) for giving me the opportunity. The condition from him was for me and my daughter to immigrate here. I am very thankful to my manager, Keith Sullivan, for handling the business side and guiding me. Even though I don’t speak English, I have met many friends who saw what I was doing and supported me.”
Linares moved to Japan at the age of 17 because he wanted to turn pro and would have had to wait until he was 18 if he had remained in Venezuela. He was 10-4 in world title fights, defeating six world champions: Hugo Rafael Soto, Oscar Larios, Gamaliel Diaz, Jesus Chavez and Anthony Crolla (twice).
Yoshida, 35, captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Flyweight crowns twice in 2019 and 2021. She is one of 23 female world champions from Japan, only the sixth to capture world titles in two or more divisions.
In her last fight, Metcalf defeated Yoshida by way of a 10-round unanimous decision for the International Boxing Federation (IBF), ironically, on the original “Heroes of the Hudson” last November 7 also at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Last December in her most recent fight, Yoshida put on a boxing clinic in San Francisco, replacing injured Avril Mathie on less than two weeks’ notice to defeat defending IBF bantamweight title-holder Ebanie Bridges (9-1) by way of a dominant 10-round unanimous decision (99-91, 99-91, 97-93).
A single mother of daughter her, Mina, Miyo is known as the “Fighting Single Mother” in Japan, where she is a revered role model back, and for that reason as well as her success in the ring, Yoshida received the 2023 Most Inspirational Female Fighter award from The Ring magazine.
Yoshida vs. Metcalf launches the beginning of the Great 8 Tournament to determine the undisputed women’s bantamweight world champion “Miyo is a 3-time World Champion, she has proven she knows what it takes to win. Outside the ring she is an amazing single mother raising her beautiful daughter in a foreign country. Few have made the sacrifices to create opportunities for her and her daughter the way Miyo has. It is an honor to be working with such a dynamic and exciting world champion”, said Miyo’s manager New York City-based lawyer Keith Sullivan.
Sullivan is a former Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Athletic Commission, who manages IBF and WBA #6 rated welterweight Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (4-0, 2 KOs), and WBC #9 rated super middleweight Nisa Rodriguez (2-0, 0 KOs), amongst several other professional fighters.
Wednesday,May 22, 2024 – Week eight of Team Combat League’s exciting second season began with a shock upset, as the league-leading Philly Smoke (4-1) watched their formerly undefeated record disappear against a determined Boston Butchers team (2-1-1) by a score of 226-225.
Fighting at their home base of the Royale in Boston, the Butchers broke open a tightly fought match in Round 19 with the second of two 10-8 knockdown rounds scored by the night’s honorary first star, Alejandro Paulino, against Philadelphia’s Francisco Rodriguez making the ultimate difference.
The Philly Smoke, coached by Bob Kane, had every reason to feel confident coming into the match, with their last appearance coming in a dominant 233-221 victory over the Miami Stealth on May 2, while the Butchers, coached by Marc Gargaro, were coming off a disappointing 228-217 loss to the Atlanta Attack on May 11.
The Butchers’ strong performances by Team Captain Rashidi Ellis, heavyweight Skylar Lacy, making his first appearance of the second season, and the two knockdowns Paulino scored in his two fights, one over Philly’s Nahir Albright in Round 11 and Rodriguez in Round 19 carried the day in a nail-biter that went down to the final round.
The night got off to an exciting start, as Philly’s Avery Sparrow and Boston’s Elijah Peixoto engaged in a non-stop slugfest in Round 3, with Peixoto nipping it 10-9 on the cards.
Heavyweight Skylar Lacy, a force in TCL’s first season, returned to first defeat throwback Philly heavyweight favorite Joey Dawejko in Round 8 and then gained revenge in a rematch from last season against Conja Nathan in Round 16.
The Fight of the Night was judged to be the Round 22 women’s back-and-forth battle between Philly’s Shamara Woods and Boston’s Stevie Jane Coleman, won by Coleman 10-9. Philadelphia’s Brittany Sims was named the night’s second star for her 10-8 victory over Boston’s Leesh Pike in Round 2.
LAS VEGAS HUSTLE ROUTS DALLAS ENFORCERS SQUAD FOR 212-201 TEAM VICTORY
Click HERE to Watch Dallas vs. Las Vegas Launch Rounds Via the Team Combat League YouTube Channel
Thursday, May 23, 2024 – In the front half of a doubleheader at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, the Las Vegas Hustle moved into a four-way tie for second place overall in the Team Combat League standings with a dominating 212-201 team victory over the Dallas Enforcers.
Guided by Jeff Mayweather, the Hustle (2-1) were coming into the ring off the positive momentum gained by their previous matchup, a 226-224 win over the Houston Hitmen in Houston on May 9. The Tony Mack-led Dallas Enforcers (0-2), on the other hand, were looking to secure their first win of the season. They were last seen dropping a tough 226-225 heartbreaker to the New York City Attitude on April 20.
Las Vegas jumped out to an early lead by winning five of the first six fights in the Launch Rounds, but the scores looked to be tightening in the Middle Rounds, when Samoan crowd-favorite and Las Vegas Hustle heavyweight Patrick Mailata basically put the match out of reach for Dallas in Round 16 by laying out former NFL defensive end turned fighter, Greg Hardy.
Mailata caught Hardy along the ropes with a mix of power shots to the body and then head to leave Hardy on the canvas and bring the overall score to 153-146. For his power-punching efforts, Mailata was awarded First Star of the Night honors, post-fight.
“I’ve been working hard man,” said a happy Mailata. “I’ve been in Vegas for five years now and I’ve been in the gym just getting my work in and TCL has given me the opportunity to do what I do. Greg Hardy is a tough guy, but I came to win, and I came to put on a show for my ancestors and my family and I did that.”
Mailata says he’s proud of his teammates and their determination to pull out the “must win,” rounds. “I’m with some dangerous guys (on this team) and I know how it goes down in Vegas. Some of these homies have just been waiting around for their chance. One thing I know is if I take care of my job, everybody else will take care of theirs.”
Other performances of special distinction came from Dallas’ Avoran Graham and Las Vegas’ Joseph Macedo, who battled to the Fight of the Night award in their bruising three-minute encounter.
The lime green-haired Darian Castro and Dallas’ Jalen Moore put on a dazzling display in their Round 4 fight, with both men having their impressive moments.
Cuba’s Castro proved to be too slick and fast, winning the round 10-9 with his superb skills. Dallas’ Adolphe Stevens was awarded third star of the night for his two victories over Sharif Rahman and Las Vegas’ talented Israel Taylor was given the night’s second star for his two-knockdown KO over Dallas fighter Jordon Jones.
HOMETOWN LA ELITE REGISTER FIRST TEAM WIN BY CRUSHING THE SAN ANTONIO SNIPERS IN IMPRESSIVE FASHION 198-180
Click HERE to Watch San Antonio Snipers vs. LA Elite Launch Rounds Via the Team Combat League YouTube Channel
Thursday, May 23, 2024 – In the back half of the doubleheader at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, the home team LA Elite appeared to gel as a fighting force in real time, while administering a dominant beating to the visiting San Antonio Snipers by a final score of 198-180.
The Elite (1-1), skillfully guided by coach Manny Robles, lost just two fights all night while gaining their first team victory this season after having dropped their debut appearance 229-224 to the Philly Smoke on April 10 in Philadelphia.
The LA victory simultaneously kept the AC Bryant-coached San Antonio Snipers winless on their season at 0-2, 2 KOs. The Snipers lost their opening performance on April 18 by a score of 227-224 to the Houston Hitmen in Houston.
The only knockout of the night was awarded to LA’s Angel Munoz for his Round 4 stoppage of San Antonio’s Cresencio Ramos. Munoz’s power-punching display earned him the honor of being named the match’s first star and gave his LA squad a three-point 10-7 round to bring the score at the time to 40-34 for LA.
“You guys seen it now, coming from the LA Elite!” shouted a happy Munoz, post-event. “We got Vegas next week and it’s going to be the same thing. (The fact that Vegas is coming off a win over the Houston Hitmen) That don’t matter to us, we come to do what we come to do. We’re coming for everyone and we’re going to win!”
In an uncommon TCL result, San Antonio’s Amin Mitchell, whose eye was cut by an accidental head butt in his first fight, had his cut reopened by a dragging shot from LA opponent Alex Esponda in Round 14. The fight between Mitchell and Moreno was waved off and scored a 10-10 No Decision.
The “Fight of the Night” was awarded to Calgary, Alberta, Canada’s Tiana Schroeder and her opponent, Jade Thompson of Oklahoma, fighting for her adopted home of LA, for their three-minute back-and-forth punchout, narrowly won by Thompson, 10-9.
The third star of the night was judged to be LA’s Brayan Leon for being the busier and more powerful fighter in his two 10-9 wins over fellow Cuban prospect Dayan Depestre of San Antonio.
Completing the sweep of all three stars of the night, heavyweight crowd favorite Raul Salomon for his two victories over the formidable Isaac Carbonell of San Antonio. Salomon scored a knockdown of Carbonell in their first matchup, but Carbonell came back strong in the second matchup, despite losing it in a razor-thin 10-9 verdict.
Super lightweight contender Delante “Tiger” Johnson took a break in training for his June 8 matchup against Tarik Zaina at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City, to be in attendance. “It’s exciting!” said Johnson of his first taste of TCL. “I was entertained the whole night. Shout out to everybody who came out to fight and good luck.”
### About Team Combat League:Through its innovative event structure, Team Combat League (“TCL”) has disrupted the professional boxing industry. With a roster of 12 teams competing out of major U.S. markets, TCL combines rising talent with seasoned veterans in a format that lends itself to non-stop action. Weekly events feature male and female boxing across a series of weight classes in 1 round contests within a tournament format culminating in the Money Rounds where winning and losing is determined by overall team performance.
The Team Combat League Concept: There are 24 three-minute rounds of continuous action, with competitors competing in one-round matches across eight weight classes (six male and two female). Each match consists of three periods: Launch Rounds (1-8), Middle Rounds (9-16) and Money Rounds (17-24). Scoring is based on a 10-9 system for decision wins, 10-8 for knockdowns and 10-7 for two knockdowns or a stoppage.
Three judges from a state athletic boxing commission score each round individually, and the team with the highest total score after all 24 rounds wins!
LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc. has signed undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA Super Featherweight Champion, to an exclusive promotional contract.
Brooks, 28, has traveled on a particularly rough journey through the years, overcoming many obstacles, including homelessness, to become a legitimate boxing prospect.
“I felt that Toro treated me the best and showed me the most respect of any promoter,” Brooks explained why he signed with Toro. “I needed to sign with a promoter to get my career going. It’s tough being a free agent. Toro believes in me like I do, others didn’t. Signing with Toro is a good choice for me.”
“Both Toro Promotions and Sheer Sports management see Austin Brooks as the embodiment of the American Dream,” Toro Promotions president Azat Torosyan commented. “We are in agreement that he has been overlooked and is capable of accomplishing tremendous things in the sport and we will stop at nothing to help him in his quest.”
Born in Idaho, Brooks lived in multiple cities in five different states, but now he’s happy to be settled down living in San Diego.
“I was raised by a single parent, and she did her best, but we had a lot of ups and downs,” Brooks explained. “It made me tougher; moving from school to school, I had my fair share of fights. I lived out of my car and in foster homes, but I wouldn’t change anything. Looking back, it made me who I am. and the love of this sport pulled me through because I felt it could help me be somebody. I’ve had a lot of good experiences and met a lot of good people.”
Brooks watches a lot of fights, particularly old-school classics, and the first boxer that he picked things up from was Roy Jones, Jr., along with James Toney and Pernell Whitaker. His goals include positioning himself for a world title shot in late 2025, early 2026.
Trained by Basheer Abdullah, Brooks is managed by Sheer Sports, a highly respected management group specializing in boxing.
Brooks, 28, defends his super featherweight title on June 15, headlining “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. in association with Whitfield Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington.
Brooks captured his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA belt in his last fight when he knocked out previously unbeaten Cuban boxer Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0. 3 KOs) in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.
In his Toro debut on June 15th, Brooks will make his first title defense against 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
“He (Avagyan) will be my best opponent so far,” Brooks noted. “He’s tough and experienced. I treat every fight as just my next fight and treat all my opponents the same. Right now, I’m focused 100-percent on doing what I should to be great.”
EQC FIGHT NIGHT LINEUP
MAIN EVENT – WBA CONTINENTAL USA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)
Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), Champion, San Diego, CA
vs.
Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs), Challenger, Burbank, CA by way of Armenia
CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)
Tsotne Rogava (8-0, 7 KOs), Marina del Rey, CA by way of Ukraine & Georgia
vs.
Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), Seattle, WA
SPECIAL HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)
Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way of Nigeria
vs.
Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), Cypress, TX
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)
Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 7 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua
vs.
Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin (16-37-7, 10 KOs)
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), Hoquiam, WA
vs.
Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), Tucson, AZ
LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Agustin Tovar (1-0, 0 KOs)
vs.
TBA
(Card subject to change)
Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777. Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend.
PROVIDENCE (May 28, 2024) –Providence police officer Kyana “Special Kay” Williams, a 2024 New England Golden Gloves Champion, captured a bronze medal in the welterweight (146-pound) division at the recent National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions hosted by the City of Detroit.
The National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions features a Who’s Who of amateur boxing in the United States. Virtually every great U.S. boxer since 1928 has competed in this prestigious competition.
Williams shutout Zamyla Thurman-Houston in the opening round by way of a unanimous decision, 5-0, and she was edged in the semifinals round, 3-2, by Brianna Gulia, the eventual runner-up.
“I proved that I’m one of the best in the country,” an ecstatic Williams said about her performance. “I’m really excited about it.”
Williams, a resident of Providence, is coached by David Keefe and Joshua Lemar at Bishop’s Boxing in Bridgewater and Veloz Boxing in Providence.
TEAM WILLIAMS (R-L) – Joshua Lemar, Kyana Williams and Dave Keefe
“She came out of nowhere,” coach Keefe explained. “Three years ago, I was training fighters and Kyana was in the gym. I told her that when she was ready to contact me, I’d train her. We started together four months ago and look at what she’s done. She could turn pro right now, but I’d like to keep working on a few more things before she does.”
Williams had several obstacles to overcome to get where she’s at in life as well as boxing. When Keefe first saw her, Kyana wasn’t ready to commit to boxing, largely because of her new career as a police officer. Today, she is in her eighth year as a member of the Providence Police Department, patrolling the North End of the city. She recently made the Detective list, and she expects to be promoted very soon.
Because her work schedule is between 6:45 a.m. ET and 2:45 p.m. ET, she is able to juggle her vocation and boxing. Her typical day starts at 5 a.m. for strength-and-conditioning training, followed by a morning run, and she does her boxing workouts at night.
“I’m an early riser,” she admitted, “so I don’t have any trouble (managing her time). I do have a job to do, rules are rules and laws are laws, and I try to make people’s days easier when I go on call. In the ring, though, I give my opponents a hard time.”
Williams started in combat sports as a kickboxer when she was 13, competed for the first time when she was 15, and she first started boxing in 2013. She took seven years off from boxing, although she always popped into the gym like she did when she met Keefe.
“I was policing, but you can’t play boxing,” she admitted. “I wasn’t all in (boxing). It was like riding a bike. I’ve learned a few things that have helped me in boxing. I have to be calm doing police work like I do in the ring. The level of confidence I have as a police officer helps me in the ring, too.
There were a couple of other issues. In 2015, she and her father were both shot during a home invasion. Williams was shot below the hip, her father in the toe. Doctors chose not to take out the bullet because of potential nerve damage and/or infection, believing exercising would safely move the bullet away from nerve damage. “If I ran six miles,” she noted, “my leg would go numb. I needed to build strength in my left and, as long as I do yoga and stretch, I’m good now.”
During her respite from boxing, Williams added weight and when she was ready to commit to boxing, she needed to lose weight and lost 65 pounds.
“When I saw Dave,” the 27-year-old Williams added, “ I knew I had to get back in shape before I contacted him about training me. It was the best decision I ever made.”
One other pertinent question is if she will remain boxing as an amateur or turn pro.
“I’m happy being part of USA Boxing,” she concluded, “but I’ll listen if the right deal is offered. I did open a lot of eyes at The National Golden Gloves.”
LAS VEGAS HUSTLE ROUTS DALLAS ENFORCERS SQUAD FOR 212-201 TEAM VICTORY 
