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boxing

Hometown Hero Erick DeLeon Ready to Leave Everything in the Ring in Homecoming Main Event April 12 in Dearborn, Michigan

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Undefeated heavyweight prospect Brandon Moore has been added to the bout lineup of Salita Promotions’ next Detroit Brawl event on Saturday April 2, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI.


The current WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Champion as a professional, and a former USA national champion as an amateur with several victories over other current professional prospects including unbeaten Dacarree Scott, the 6’ 6” southpaw Moore (11-0, 7 KOs) will appear in an eight-round showdown against divisional gatekeeper Curtis Harper (13-7, 9 KOs).


The two heavyweights will meet in support of the night’s eight-round main event featuring the return of one of Detroit’s own, as undefeated power-punching lightweight contender Erick De Leon (19-0-1, 11 KOs) will return after nearly three years’ absence from the sport due to injuries to face hard-nosed Mexico City veteran Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (28-11, 20 KOs).


Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE.


PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling Lina (313.529.7604).


Guided by rising promotional entity Probellum and co-managed by Keith Connolly and Ryan Rickey, Lakeland, Florida’s Moore won his WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Championship with a fourth-round knockout over Mexico’s Elvis Garcia in August 2021 and successfully defended it in October of that year with a first-round KO over Mexico’s Jesus Angel Nerio. Moore was last seen in December making quick work of Mexico’s Abraham Pascual via KO 1 in Canadian boxing hotbed Montreal.


28-year-old Moore has also sparred with several of the world’s top heavyweights, including superstar former champion Deontay Wilder.


“I’m excited to fight in Detroit,” said a happy Moore. “Dmitry Salita is a great promoter and he always has first-class events. Fighting here is like the resurrection of Joe Louis in his adopted hometown. Get ready for a show! I’m the most exciting and energetic heavyweight in the world. April 2, everyone gets to see!”


“Brandon Moore is an exciting new force in boxing’s most glamorous division and the fans are in for a treat,” added Dmitriy Salita. “He’s up against a tough and unpredictable opponent in Harper, who has pulled off a few surprises. I’m happy to be joining forces with Brandon and his team to present another young and powerful force in heavyweight boxing to the great fans in Detroit.”


In the main supporting bouts will be a pair of world-class contenders, as undefeated former amateur star and professional middleweight Timur Kerefov (12-0, 6 KOs) and WBC #9, IBF #15, WBO #14 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (7-0, 5 KOs) will both make appearances, 8 and 10 rounds respectively, against separate opponents, while undefeated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur lightweight star Joshua “Double J” Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) will appear in a four-round special attraction.


Kerefov will take on well-respected trialhorse Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-9-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. The murderous-punching Izmailov’s, as well as Pagan’s opponents are yet to be announced.


All bouts are subject to change. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 8:00 pm.

ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:


The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.


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

Ruben Villa Returns Headlines Thompson Boxing Event on April 15th in Ontario CA

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Ruben Villa Returns Headlines Thompson Boxing Event on April 15th
ONTARIO, CA (March 16, 2022) – Returning after his first chance at a world title, Thompson Boxing’s featherweight contender Ruben “Drac” Villa (18-1, 5 KOs), who is co-promoted with Banner Promotions, will make his 2022 debut as he headlines Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on Friday, April 15, 2022. Villa will square off against battle tested veteran, Horacio Garcia (35-5-1, 25 KOs), of Guadalajara, Mexico in a 10-round main event.

This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900.

As one of several talented Thompson Boxing fighters to challenge for a world title, Villa makes his long-awaited return to the ring. Villa’s last fight was a narrow loss against Emanuel Navarrete (35-1, 29 KOs) in October of 2020. After a year and a half break from action, Villa is energized and focused on his goal of becoming a world champion.

“I have fallen in love with the sport of boxing once again, the year or so I was out, I focused on all the things I need to improve on,” said Villa in the comforts of his newly remodeled gym in Salinas, California. “I have always said I want to bring a world title fight to Salinas, and that is still the goal. So, this is just the start of a new beginning, and a better version of myself. The road to redemption starts on April 15th against a worthy opponent in Garcia.”

In the 6-round co-feature, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (10-0, 4 KOs), of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., will face Walter “2 Guns” Wright (17-8, 8 KOs) of Seattle, Washington, in a middleweight bout. 

“I am ready to start 2022 off on the right track and I’m looking forward to having a big year with Thompson Boxing,” said Brewart. “I’m going to make noise in my division this year. The goal is to fight as much as possible and work my way toward ten-round bouts by the end of the year. I know that fighting in meaningful fights gives me a chance at belts, and I want to collect as many of those as I can. I have not taken an easy road, and I will continue to show how talented I am in April.”

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. In addition, Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Lightweight Pedro Valencia (8-0, 7 KOs) of Las Angeles, Calif. will face an opponent to be named at a future date. (6-rounds)

Welterweight Esteban “Stone Hands” Munoz (5-1, 3 KOs), of San Bernardino, Calif., will face Jessie Nares (2-1, 1 KO) of Oxnard, Calif. (6-rounds)

Middleweight “Knuckle” Nelson Oliva (1-0, 1 KO) of Riverside, Calif, will face Antonio Duarte (2-2) of Tijuana, Mexico. (4-rounds)

Opening the card is bantamweight Alejandro “Chako” Barajas (pro debut) of Los Angeles, Calif., facing Ulises “Duende” Rosales (0-5), of Huntington Park, Calif. (4-rounds)

This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Check out our Live Stream on YouTube at ThompsonBoxingTV. For updates follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @ThompsonBoxing.
Photo by ROSIE COHE/SHOWTIME
boxing, Granite Chin

Granite Chin Promotions announces “Hometown Royalty” May 7th in Bridgewater, MA Mike Ohan, Ryan Kielczweski, Edet Mkanam, Dave Ribeiro and Damon Towns

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Granite Chin Promotions announces “Hometown Royalty”

May 7th in Bridgewater, MA

Mike Ohan, Ryan Kielczweski, Edet Mkanam, Dave Ribeiro & Damon Towns

QUINCY, Mass. (March 16,  2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its third promotional event of 2022, “Hometown Royalty,” scheduled on Saturday night, May 7th, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.).

“Hometown Royalty,” is presented by Granite Chin in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions.

Professional boxers from the South Shore of the Bay State will be featured including reigning New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Ban Man” Ohan (14-1, 8 KOs), of Holbrook, Quincy lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), New Bedford light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), and Brockton’s pro-debut of 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, welterweight David Ribeiro.

Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Townes (4-0, 3 KOs) is also slated to be in action.  

“This is the kind of show the South Shore has been waiting for since everything got shut down,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “It really is an event that everyone – fighters and promoters – are coming together to make something special. Rich Cappiello and Chuck Shearns have been easy to work with and eager to get to work. Over the coming days, we will be announcing fights and getting tickets out to the public. We have no doubt this is going to be a packed house with an electric atmosphere with amateurs fighting during the day and our star-studded pro show in the evening.”

Bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.

Tickets will go on sale next week and be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® UNVEILS LOADED BOXING SCHEDULE FEATURING MARQUEE MATCHUPS FROM PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS

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TWO WORLD TITLE UNIFICATIONS, SEVEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS AND THREE WORLD TITLE ELIMINATORS ACROSS FIVE MONTHS

Star-Studded Lineup Is Highlighted by Errol Spence Jr., Gervonta Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo

NEW YORK – March 15, 2022 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announced nine boxing events across the first half of 2022 featuring some of the sport’s most accomplished and dynamic stars in highly competitive matchups. The lineup pits champions against champions and top contenders against top contenders to form the strongest and most ambitious schedule in the industry. The robust lineup includes:

  • Nine marquee events across five months featuring 21 undefeated fighters;
  • Two world championship unifications bouts, one for all four world title belts and the coveted title of Undisputed Champion, and one for three world title belts;
  • Seven world championship matches with at least 13 world title belts at stake and three world title eliminators;
  • All of the top-six ranked super welterweights fighting in a seven-week span;
  • Several pivotal crossroads fights from super bantamweight to super middleweight with an average of two events per month through July.

The massive schedule features the sport’s biggest stars: Errol Spence, Jr., Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Jermell Charlo, David Benavidez and Jermall Charlo.  There are also 18 fighters aged 27 years and younger including unified world champion Stephen Fulton, Jr., and highly regarded, undefeated welterweight contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis. With this emphasis on youth and kingmaking, SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions are well positioned to carry the sport into the future. Led by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc., and four-time Emmy® Award-winning executive producer David Dinkins, Jr., who guides an all-star cast of commentators and production aces, SHOWTIME® remains the most tenured and trusted platform in boxing. Arguably the best active welterweight of this era, the undefeated Spence, already a unified champ, will seek to collect a third world title when he puts his WBC and IBF straps on the line against WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas on Saturday,April 16 in the main event on SHOWTIME PPV® at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Spence-Ugas is only the 12th unification match in the history of the welterweight division, joining classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas HearnsI and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. The match is rich with intrigue as Spence attempts to claim supremacy in one of boxing’s deepest divisions, while Ugas, who nearly quit the sport, aims to complete a stunning turnaround after beating eight-division world champion Pacquiao in August. Boxing superstar and five-time, three-division world champion TankDavis will headline his fourth straight SHOWTIME PPV event against nemesis Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, for Davis’ WBA Lightweight World Title. The bout comes on the heels of Davis’ hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision win over Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in which Davis overcame an injury in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd in Los Angeles last December. WBO 154-pound No. 1-ranked contender Tim Tszyu, the son of Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, who fought many of his most memorable bouts on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, will make his U.S. debut Saturday, March 26 against 2012 U.S. Olympian and top contender Terrell Gausha at The Armory in Minneapolis. The streaking southpaws Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora will engage in a Super Welterweight Title Eliminator, for the WBC interim title, in the second of back-to-back, intriguing crossroads matchups in the division on Saturday, April 9 from Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño once again will seek to become the first undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era and just the third overall undisputed champion today when they meet in a rematch of their 2021 classic on Saturday, May 14 in Los Angeles. Plus, rising welterweight star Ennis, possibly the most talented boxer yet to win a world title, returns as the co-feature against Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. Former two-time world champion Benavidez returns to action on Saturday,May 21 against knockout artist David Lemieux at 168 pounds in Phoenix, Ariz., in a bout between two of the sport’s biggest punchers. Fulton, in his first bout since his title unification win in the 122-pound division against Brandon Figueroa, will defend his titles on Saturday, June 4 in Minneapolis, against former unified world champion Danny Roman in another can’t miss matchup. Jermall Charlo will defend his WBC Middleweight World Championship for the fifth time on Saturday, June 18, when he faces former world title challenger, WBC No. 6-ranked Maciej Sulecki on the Juneteenth holiday weekend in Houston.  On Saturday, July 9, in San Antonio, Texas, newly minted WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark Magsayo will make his first title defense since dethroning Gary Russell Jr., on SHOWTIME against unbeaten mandatory challenger and former super bantamweight titleholder Rey Vargas.
Additional high-stakes matches will be announced as individual fight cards fill out. “It’s a good time to be a boxing fan and SHOWTIME viewer with so many high-level, consequential matchups on our schedule,” said Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We continue to grow the sport at every level, from our grassroots series SHOBOX to crowning unified and undisputed champions across boxing’s deepest divisions. When you consider the competitive nature of these fights, the star power of fighters like Errol Spence, Jr., ‘Tank’ Davis, David Benavidez, the Charlo brothers—and the youthful vitality of Stephen Fulton, Jr., Jaron Ennis and Brandun Lee—it’s never been clearer that SHOWTIME is the destination for the most compelling fights and will be for years to come. This SHOWTIME Boxing lineup is hands down the most potent of any network or platform in 2022.” The SHOWTIME Sports boxing schedule features seven editions of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® and two significant SHOWTIME PPV events, all presented by Premier Boxing Champions: ·       March 26 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGThe Armory, Minneapolis, Minn.
o Tim Tszyu vs. Terrell Gausha, Super Welterweight Bouto Michel Rivera vs. Joseph Adorno, Lightweight Bouto Elvis Rodriguez vs. Juan Jose Velasco, Super Lightweight (142 LBS) Bout ·       April 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Las Vegas
o Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora, WBC Super Welterweight Interim Titleo Tony Harrison vs. Sergio Garcia, Super Welterweight Bouto Kevin Salgado vs. Bryant Perrella, Super Welterweight Bout ·       April 16 – SHOWTIME PPV__AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
o Errol Spence Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas, WBC, WBA & IBF Welterweight World __Championship Unification
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (preceding PPV):o Radzhab Butaev vs. Eimantas Stanionis, WBA Welterweight Title Bouto Brandun Lee vs. Zachary Ochoa, Super Lightweight Bout ·       May 14 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Los Angeleso Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño II, Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super __Welterweight World Championship Unificationo Jaron Ennis vs. Custio Clayton, IBF Welterweight Eliminator ·       May 21 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Phoenix
o David Benavidez vs. David Lemieux, Super Middleweight Bouto Yoelvis Gomez vs. Jorge Cota, Super Welterweight Bout ·       May 28 – SHOWTIME PPV__Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
o Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero, WBA Lightweight World Championship ·       June 4 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Minneapolis
o Stephen Fulton, Jr. vs. Danny Roman, WBO & WBC Super Bantamweight World Championshipo David Morrell vs. Kalvin Henderson, WBA Super Middleweight World Title ·       June 18 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__Houston
o Jermall Charlo vs. Maciej Sulecki, WBC Middleweight World Championship  ·       July 9 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING__San Antonio
o Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas, WBC Featherweight World Championship\

For more information and future fight announcements visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing. Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

boxing, UK Boxing

Traynor Victorious over Mulberry in FOTY Contender Battle Royale to Secure British Title

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The highly anticipated PBC British Super Featherweight Championship clash between Denny’s Kevin Traynor (5-0-0 3KO) and Basildon’s Lewis Mulberry (4-1-0 1KO), finally took place on Saturday night, on the Lee McAllister promoted LET BATTLE COMMENCE VI event that took place at Rivals in Wishaw, Scotland.

The heavily hyped title clash exceeded all expectations, it was an exceptional closely fought twelve round Battle Royale and rightly is being touted as a leading contender for FIGHT OF THE YEAR accolades.

No surprise really as both warriors went at it hammer and tongs for the full twelve rounds, much to the delight of the fans in attendance as well as those around the world that watched the sensational contest live on FITE+

Speaking from his home, following some well earned rest and relaxation with his family, Traynor said;

“What a night!

“The fight had been built up for the past year or so and I think it definitely lived up to expectations, and much more.

“Lewis was a great opponent very, very explosive but I kept my cool stuck to my game plan and everything went exactly the way I felt that it would, only thing I didn’t expect was for it to go the distance, I thought I would have got him out of there but the lad proved how tough he was.

“I knew how dangerous he would be early and the first three or four rounds would be the toughest, but I remained composed and continued to box smart before stepping it up later in the fight.

“It was a fantastic fight to be involved in and was an excellent experience fighting in my first twelve round fight.

“I enjoyed every second on it and would like to thank Lewis for being a fantastic dance partner, he is only a young lad and can definitely come again and do some great things in the sport.

“As for myself I’m not 100% sure what is next for me, I had a great camp for the fight but with my baby son being born it was hard to train the 2 or 3 times a day, work and be a dad so I will spend some time with my family consider what options I have then take it from there.

“Thanks to Lee McAllister, Assassin Promotions, BIBA and the PBC for the opportunity to fight for my first Championship, it has been a great journey so far and much, much more to come.”

In addition to the sensational Traynor versus Mulberry potential FOTY title clash, fans in attendance, as well as those watching on FITE+ were treated to a night of sensational closely matched contests, the standouts being;

The opening contest of the night see Aberdeen’s Samer Carol (1-1-0) and Newcastle’s Jak Johnson (1-4-0) in action against each other.

Originally Carol was due to face India’s Jaideep Singh (0-1-0) and Johnson was matched against India’s Sukhdeep Singh (1-0-0), however both Indian lads visas were not through in time, so some quick rejigging of the card led to the pair squaring off against each other in a fantastic all action, closely fought four rounder that had the potential of being Fight of the Night, had it not been for the exceptional Traynor-Mulberry title clash.  After four all action rounds Referee James Ancliff’s scorecard read 39-39, it was that close!

Unbeaten Liam Allan (3-0-0 3KO) had his hands full when he faced late replacement in Kent’s Adam Harris (Debut), in a four round Heavyweight contest.

What a cracking fight, it was hard to believe it was at Heavyweight as the action was more akin to a Super Middle contest, and what’s more Harris became the first fighter to go the distance, in the pro ranks, with the big punching Aberdeen youngster. Referee James Ancliff scored the contest 40-36 in favour of Liam Allan.

Paisley’s Craig Kelly (11-15-1 2KO) was expecting a really testing full on nights work, when he faced Accra Ghana’s big punching Theophilus Ofei Dodoo (9-2-0 9KO), however fate stepped in to cut the fight short, as Dodoo suffered a serious hand injury during the first stanza that forced him to retire at the end of the round. However believe me the first round is definitely worth watching on FITE+ as it was one seriously great all action affair.

Another fight that only went one round was the heavyweight clash between Barrow’s Lee Kellett and Belfast’s Darren Burns. This was another all action affair, that was until just seconds in to the second minute of the contest when Kellet let rip with a massive hook to send Burns crashing to deck.

Originally the event was due to be headlined by two time WBO Featherweight World Champion Scott Harrison versus Razak Nettey PBC Commonwealth title clash, however that contest was forced to be cancelled just thirty minutes or so before it was due to take place.

Full replays of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE VI event are available to subscribers on FITE+

boxing

Boxing prospects to be showcased Streaming Live & Exclusively from Mexico, Mar. 24th on UFC FIGHT PASS

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Mexican quartet of undefeated pro Boxing prospects to be showcased

Streaming Live & Exclusively from Mexico, Mar. 24th on UFC FIGHT PASS®

LAS VEGAS (March 15, 2022) – Mexican boxing’s future will be on full displayed March 24th on RJJ Boxing card, showcasing an undefeated quartert of professional boxing prospects, at Palenque de la Feriz in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.

Presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing) in association with De La O Promotions, World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS) and Team Cruz Promotions, the action will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS event is part of the 40th Nayarit National Festival, which is celebrated between March 10 and 27. The festival displays the cultural identity of Nayarit, like the Indigenous community, also providing entertainment by offering regional artists at national and international events. It attracts between 20,000 and 30,000 people each day of the festival.

The four 19-year-old Mexican fighters have a combined pro record of 24-0 (15 KOs): lightweights Jorge “Jorgito” Lugo Cota (7-0, 5 KOs) and Marco Cota Moreno (5-0, 4 KOs), as well as twin Tepic brothers, featherweight Hector “Tigre” Perez Cruz (6-0, 5 KOs) and super featherweight Paolo “Leon” Perez Cruz (6-0, 5 KOs).

The Mexican quartet had an incredible 470-24 amateur record: Lugo (155-15), Moreno (146-4), Pablo (86-2) and Hector (83-3) Cruz.

“These young men are the future of boxing in Mexico,” RJJ Boxing’s veteran matchmaker Guy Taylor said. “I have never had four undefeated boxers with nearly 500 combined amateur victories, all under the age of 20, fighting on the same card as this.”

Cota, who has become a semi-regular fighting on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS shows, is matched against Ricardo “Palmito” Badillo Rodriguez (7-2-2, 1 KO), of Tepic, in a 6-round match. Cota is the youngest member of the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family, led by 3-division world champion Fernando Montiel.

Moreno was a decorated amateur boxer who captured five-Sonora State championship titles. He will meet Jonathan Zuniga (6-3, 3 KOs) in a 4-round fight. 

The Cruz twins are slated to fight in 6 and 4 round bouts, respectively, Hector versus crosstown rival Victor “Tyson” Tadeo Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), and Paolo vs. TBA (off-UFC FIGHT PASS).

The RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS 8-round main event finds hometown favorite Salvatore “Chango” Tapia (12-3-1, 10 KOs), the former WBC FECOMBOX super lightweight champion, and lightweight Emiliano “Letal” Cruz (13-3, 12 KOs) in a potentially explosive battle between Mexican knockout artists who have combined for 22 knockouts in their 25 victories (88-percent win percentage).

In the co-featured event, WBO Latino Super Middleweight Champion Lester Martinez (10-0, 9 KOs) returns on the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS platform in a non-title fight. The WBO No. 14-rated Martinez, who  fights out of Guatemala City, Guatemala, figures to be tested in an 8-round bout by Jose Luis “El Caras” Zuniga (16-6-1, 9 KOs), the former Mexico Super Welterweight Champion.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

boxing, Granite Chin

Christmas in April for Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina Headlining “Slugfest” vs. Ryan Venable This Saturday night at N.E. Sports Center in Derry, NH

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QUINCY, Mass. (March 1, 2022) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina will headline for the first time this Saturday night on the “Slugfest” professional boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.


The 22-year-old Molina (7-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Lowell (MA), will face “Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-10, 6 KOs) in the 6-round main event.


Woburn (MA) middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-1, 2 KOs) faces Brian Urday (1-0), of Whitman (MA), in an 6-round co-featured event that could steal the “Slugfest” show.


The undercard finds former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (6-3-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield (ME), versus Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (3-6), of Mexico, in an 8-round bout.


Rhode Island intra-state rivals John Ferrera (0-2), of Tiverton, takes on Providence’s pro-debuting Michael Vongsavath, Jr. in an intriguing 6-round match-up.


Also fighting on the “Slugfest” undercard, each in 4-round confrontations, is Pittsfield’s (MA) rising super middleweight prospect Steve Sumpter (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Kynndale Prather (3-11, 1 KO), undefeated New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Somerville’s (MA) pro-debuting Igor Pessoa, and Methuen’s (MA) pro-debuting heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov vs. Andrew Nolan (0-3).


Card subject to change.


Tickets are available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SLUGFEST). Ticket prices are $35.00 (Bleacher Seating), $45.00 (Floor Seating, and $260.00 for a table of 4. Use discount code: DERRY to receive a special online discount.


Doors open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

boxing, UFC

Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic living the American Dream Headlining this Thursday in Montebello, CA, steaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

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LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2022) – What a long, strange trip it’s been for Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic, part of a growing 3 Point Management (3 PM) stable, resettling in California from Germany despite the pandemic, to headline this Thursday night’s “Hollywood Fight Nights, presented by 360 Promotions, at Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California.

The 27-year-old Kilic faces Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (21-8-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event, which will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.


A member of the Turkish National Boxing Team, Kilic moved eight years ago from Germany to Sherman Oaks, California, where he still resides. A native of Germany whose family comes from Turkey, Kilic showed tremendous courage simply by relocating halfway around the world with a mere $200 in his pockets, as well as the inability to speak English other than a few words.


“I still spend a lot of time at home,” Kilic remarked. “During the pandemic, I lived with my family in Germany, and I have a lot of family in Turkey. It was very rough growing up. I had always dreamed of living in the United States from watching movies. I wanted to do something different. I’m a big fan of Hollywood movies. Muhammad Ali is my idol and that’s another reason I wanted to come here to box.


“I didn’t speak English when I first came to America, only basics, and nobody I met here spoke German or Turkish. but I learned English watching old movies and using Google translator. I learned quicky, though, and was comfortable speaking English in six months. And now I live only 10-minutes from Hollywood.”


Kilic hit rock bottom after suffering his first loss January 11, 2020, to 15-0 Steve Nelson in Atlantic City, in which his corner threw in the towel midway through the eighth round due to several facial cuts. The fight was for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title. Cem took time off in the U.S. during the pandemic.


“Everything was closed,” he explained. “I put on weight and become even more depressed. I let myself go after my first loss. My wife said I needed to get back in shape, so I watched a training video on YouTube and, at first, I couldn’t get through the warmup. But I slowly got in shape and that fueled my interest again in boxing. I didn’t have a promoter and I separated from my manager and trainer. I was trained by a friend and went up to Abel Sanchez’ place in Big Bear and got some good work. I sparred a lot of champions: Jermell Charlo, (Gilberto) ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez.”


Kilic action.jpg
(L) Cem Kilic is a fighter’s fighter


A self-described aggressive fighter with a warrior mentality, Kilic says the late Arturo Gatti was one of his favorite fighters, who he emulates in terms of style. Cem has watched the Gatti-(Micky) Ward trilogy about 20 times, which led him into boxing as a career.

“I knew about Gatti, but I really got into boxing after watching his fights with Micky Ward,” Kilic fondly remembered. “They were so tough, and I love the way they fought. They were throwback fighters to the ’40 and ‘50s.”


The current Team Kilic was formed after his only loss. He is trained by 4-time, 2-division World champion Brian Viloria, in addition to being managed (3PM), which also manages 43-0 “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, presently the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.


“I knew Brian and met him at Brickhouse,” Kilic explained. “One day I told my strength-and-conditioning coach I needed a new coach and asked him to talk to Brian about me. I liked Brian and knew he was a world champion with a lot of knowledge. We’ve only worked together for one fight, but I’ve improved in a lot of ways.


“I was waiting for an opportunity to sign with a manager and did with 3PM. The guys are great and I’m much more motivated than before. It’s been amazing.”


Kilic is prepared to display his development under Viloria and 3PM this Thursday night against Hernandez. “I can’t wait,” Kilic concluded. “He has fought some good names (Caleb Plant, Jesse Hart, Ali Akhmedov, Ahmed Elbiali, Patrick Teixeira, and Arif Magomedov). I always prepare to go the full distance. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, but I look for openings.”


Cem “Champ” Kilic is truly living the American Dream, especially because of the support he has from his new team members.


INFORMATION:
Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Facebook: /CemKilic
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @KilicBoxing
Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ARDREAL HOLMES SURVIVES TOUGH TEST IN UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER VERNON BROWN IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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Edwin De Los Santos Scores Devastating Second-Round Knockout Over Former Unbeaten Luis Acosta; Giovanni Marquez Shines in his Pro Debut in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

DEADWOOD, S.D. – March 11, 2022 – Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes fought through injury and survived a tough test in his return to the ring for the first time in 28 months scoring a unanimous 10-round decision over Vernon “Sub Zero” Brown in the main event of SHOBOX: The New Generation as part of an action-packed tripleheader on SHOWTIME Friday night at the Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, S.D.

(Full-fight highlights, click HERE)

The Flint, Mich., middleweight prospect Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs) remained undefeated fighting past the eighth round for the first time in his career even while hurting his left hand sometime in the second round during a flurry of punches. The scores were 98-92, 97-93, 96-94 as Holmes seemed to get his second wind as the fight progressed over Chicago’s Brown (13-2, 9 KOs).

(Holmes scores unanimous decision, click HERE)

“I was reborn tonight,” Holmes said. “This performance showed that I still have it in me. I hurt my left hand in the second round. I couldn’t punch how I wanted to. I was in a bunch of pain but I pulled through. Thinking about my family pushed me through the pain.”

The 27-year-old southpaw Holmes had a 194-129 edge in total punches while landing more than 40 percent of his power punches. A total of 280 of the combined 323 total punches landed were power punches.

“He was the better man tonight,” Brown said. “I give it up to him. He studied me. He knew the punches I was going to throw. His corner kept yelling, ‘Watch the right hook.’ He did knock the wind out of me a couple times with body shots. I had to take a second to recover. In the last round, he was catching me with head shots.

“I need to work on my left hand. I need to be like Manny Pacquiao and work on my left hand because guys know I have power in my right hook. But I’m going down to 147. That’s my true weight.”

Holmes said no matter how much Brown hurt him, he was going to push through the pain. “I was rusty. I believe I need another fight to get the rust off. My timing wasn’t there. I’ve been off for like 800 days, but this fight showed that I have a lot of heart. I want Paul Kroll next. He was talking a lot of junk against me. We have a history in the amateurs. He’s who I want.”

In the co-main event, heavy-hitting lightweight Edwin De Los Santos (14-1, 13 KOs) scored a devastating second-round knockout against Luis Acosta (12-1, 11 KOs), who suffered the first loss of his career. Acosta became the 211th fighter to have his undefeated streak snapped in the 21-year history of the prospect series.

(To watch the KO, click HERE)

“One-hitter quitter for De Los Santos!” SHOBOX analyst Brian Campbell said of De Los Santos’ clean left cross that sent Acosta to the canvas as referee Mark Nelson signaled the end of the fight at 48 seconds in the second round. 

“It was a left hand that was just a thing of beauty,” said International Boxing Hall of Famer and SHOBOX blow-by-blow announcer Barry Tompkins.

Dominican Republic’s De Los Santos landed 19 punches before scoring the fight-ending knockout in his second SHOBOX appearance. 

“I’m back,” said De Los Santos, who suffered a loss in his first SHOBOX appearance in January to William Foster III. “Everyone was counting me out after the last fight. They thought I was done after the loss to Foster. But I’m back. This is the kind of statement that I should have made last time. This is a new beginning for me. I thought I was going to catch him later in the fight but the opening came early with the straight left. My preparation was just better this time, I was just more focused and better prepared and this was the result. I’m ready for anyone.”

In the telecast opener, highly regarded prospect Giovanni Márquez (1-0) became the seventh fighter in the history of SHOBOX to make his professional debut on the series, extending the streak to 7-0 in those bouts as Marquez scored a four-round unanimous decision over a game Nelson Morales. The scores were 40-36, and 39-37 twice in the welterweight bout. 

(Marquez scores unanimous decision, click HERE)

“I felt great,” said Marquez. “I hurt my left hand in the second round on a jab. I think I would have been able to stop him if I hadn’t hurt my hand.”

With his father and trainer, former world champion Raul Marquez, barking instructions from his corner, Houston’s Márquez – the 2021 national Golden Gloves 152-pound champion – dominated the welterweight affair, displaying his offensive skills and using his jab and uppercut effectively as the quicker and busier fighter. Marquez landed 30 percent of his total punches (85 for 280) compared to Morales at 21 percent (42 to 201).

“All the attention, it’s really not normal for a 21-year-old,” said the elder Marquez, as he joined Tompkins and Campbell in the booth before the main event. “He handled all the pressure. I’m really proud of my son. I’m very satisfied.”

Added Giovanni: “It was a great experience. He was a tough, durable guy, but I feel like I handled everything, the cameras, all the attention pretty well. I started a little slow but after the first round I settled down and fought my fight. I felt fine without the headgear. We kept bumping heads, but he never hurt me. There was a lot of pressure on me, and I was a little nervous in the leadup to the fight, but once I got into the fight I relaxed and I felt comfortable. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Following a competitive first round, the 21-year-old Marquez dominated the second round, his confidence surging with every second that passed against the Dominican-born Morlaes.

“I think I did OK,” said the 30-year-old Dominican Republic-born Morales (2-1) now living in Scranton, Pa. “My strategy was to go in and box. He cut the ring off and applied good pressure. I can’t say too much because it wasn’t the best of me. He was OK. I’ll be back.”

The six other fighters’ victorious in their SHOBOX pro debut include Dominic Breazeale, Marcus Browne, Terrell Gausha, Errol Spence Jr., Rau’Shee Warren and Gary Russell, Jr.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Campbell serving as expert analysts. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood was the unofficial scorer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by Holden Productions. The SHOBOX tripleheader will re-air on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #SHOBOX, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association to Host Northeast Ohio Celebration at National Qualifier

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Col. (March 10, 2023) — The USA Boxing Alumni Association will host two events during the 2022 National Qualifier in Cleveland, Ohio, to honor Northeast Ohio Olympians, World Champions, legendary coaches and officials, and others who have helped shape history of amateur Olympic-style boxing in the region. 

The weekend celebration will begin with a meet and greet gathering on Saturday, April 23 at Masthead Brewing Company. This will be open to all USA Boxing Alumni Association members to gather ahead of the weeklong national tournament. The event, which will be free entry, will run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The events will continue on Sunday, April 24 at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom for the Northeast Ohio Alumni Celebration Banquet. Two-time welterweight champion and Northeast Ohio native “Showtime” Shawn Porter will serve as Master of Ceremonies of the event that is expected to include Ohio greats like Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Raynell Williams, Charles Conwell, Terrell Gausha, Delante Johnson, Oshae Jones, Mickey Bey, Kelly Pavlik, and many more.

“I’m excited about Cleveland hosting this major National USA Boxing tournament,” said former IBF and WBC welterweight champion, Shawn Porter. “We were like a family growing up through the amateur system. I can’t wait to MC this Alumni Association banquet and have fun just like old times.”

The USA Boxing Alumni Association will also be awarding Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event.

The event, which will be from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., will be a ticketed event. Tickets will be $65.00 and will include dinner. Limited tickets will be available for purchase here. There will be no tickets sold at the door, so be sure to get them while they last.

“The USA Boxing Alumni Association is extremely excited to honor Northeast Ohio legends to kick off the National Qualifier,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Director. “This weekend will bridge the past with the present. By celebrating the accomplishments of these great champions, coaches, and officials, we hope to inspire the next generation of champions on their road to the 2024 Olympics.”

For more information, please contact alumni@usaboxing.org.
 
USA Boxing Alumni Association
Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches, and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain, and e-wallet.

INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.