All posts by FNU47

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR SATURDAY’S BELLATOR 220: MACDONALD VS. FITCH INSIDE THE SAP CENTER AT SAN JOSE – EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN

April 24, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**SAN JOSE, Calif.** – All 18 bouts for the highly anticipated *Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch* event, streamed exclusively on DAZN, have been announced when Bellator returns home to the SAP Center at San Jose on Saturday, April 27.

Two title fights sit atop the card, as Bellator welterweight champion **Rory MacDonald** (20-5) defends his title world against **Jon Fitch** (31-7-1, 1 NC) in the final opening round bout of the Welterweight World Grand Prix, while undefeated Bellator flyweight champion **Ilima-Lei Macfarlane** (9-0) returns to action against **Veta Arteaga** (5-2) in the evening’s co-headliner.

*Bellator220: MacDonald vs. Fitch* will stream live exclusively on DAZN, the fastest-growing sports streaming service in the world, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

Limited tickets remain available at the ThreatMetrix Ticket Office at SAP Center at San Jose, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Three former world champions will also appear on the main card, as **Benson Henderson** (26-8) takes on the Bay Area’s own **Adam Piccolotti** (11-2) at lightweight, while **Phil Davis**(19-5, 1 NC) will run it back with **Liam McGeary** (13-3) in light heavyweight action. Additionally, featherweight **Gaston Bolanos** (4-1) looks to add to his impressive highlight reelwhen he kicks off the main card versus **Nathan Stolen** (8-4).

Preliminary action for *Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch* will feature the U.S. debut of second-generation Israeli fighter **Aviv Gozali** (1-0) in his sophomore appearance againstTravis Crain (Pro Debut).

*Complete Bellator 220: MacDonald vs. Fitch* Main Card:

*Welterweight World Grand Prix Title Bout:* **Rory MacDonald** (20-5) vs. **Jon Fitch** (32-7-1, 1 NC)

*Women’s Flyweight World Title Bout:* **Ilima-Lei Macfarlane** (9-0) vs. **Veta Arteaga** (5-2)

*Lightweight Main Card Bout:* **Benson Henderson** (26-8) vs. **Adam Piccolotti** (11-2)

*Light Heavyweight Main Card Bout:* **Phil Davis** (19-5, 1 NC) vs. **Liam McGeary** (13-3)

*Featherweight Main Card Bout:* **Gaston Bolanos** (4-1) vs. **Nathan Stolen** (8-4)

**Preliminary Card:**

*Lightweight Undercard Bout:* **Aviv Gozali** (1-0) vs. **Travis Crain** (Pro Debut)

*160-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout:* **Chris Avila** (6-7) vs. **Brandon Faumui** (4-3)

*Flyweight Undercard Bout:* **Justin Tenedora** (2-1) vs. **Matt Perez** (2-2)

*140-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout:* **Cass Bell** (2-0) vs. **Peter Ishiguro** (1-0)

*Featherweight Undercard Bout:* **Hyder Amil** (2-0) vs. **Paradise Vaovasa** (6-3, 1 NC)

*140-lb. Catchweight Undercard Bout:* **Josh San Diego** (8-4) vs. **Brandon Laroco** (5-1)

*Middleweight Undercard Bout:* **Diego Herzog** (4-2-1) vs. **Jordan Williams** (7-2, 1 NC)

*Welterweight Undercard Bout:* **Justin Roswell** (3-2, 1 NC) vs. **Abraham Vaesau** (4-2, 1 NC)

*Featherweight Undercard Bout:* **Ignacio Ortiz** (2-0) vs. **Roger Severson** (3-3)

*Light Heavyweight Undercard Bout:* **Chuck Campbell** (1-0) vs. **Bruno Casillas** (Pro Debut)

*Featherweight Undercard Bout:* **Boris Novachkov** (Pro Debut) vs. **Chris Inocencio** (0-1)

*Welterweight Undercard Bout:* **Thomas Ponce de Leon** (2-0) vs. **Jamario Mulder** (2-3)

*Flyweight Undercard Bout:* **Erik Gunha** (Pro Debut) vs. **Jon Adams** (Pro Debut)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT RUBEN VILLA TO FACE ONCE-BEATEN LUIS ALBERTO LOPEZ IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

April 23, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Unbeaten Lightweights Michael Dutchover and Ramon Mascarena Jr. Clash in Co-Featured Bout of Tripleheader Live At 10:30 p.m. ET/PT From Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.***

***Tickets Are On Sale NOW***

NEW YORK – April 23, 2019 – Undefeated featherweight prospect Ruben Villa will face once-beaten and top-15 ranked contender Luis Alberto Lopez in the main event of *ShoBox: The New Generation* on Friday, May 10 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

The 22-year-old Villa (15-0, 5 KOs) returns in a 10-round bout for his second consecutive test on the prospect developmental series after dispatching then-unbeaten Ruben Cervera in the first *ShoBox* telecast of 2019. The two-time National Golden Gloves Amateur Champion and highly touted prospect Villa will take on the Mexican Lopez (17-1, 8 KOs), who is coming off an upset victory over Ray Ximenez in his U.S. debut in February.

In the co-feature, fast-rising 21-year-old Texan Michael Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) will take on fellow undefeated prospect and former Chilean National Champion Ramon Mascarena Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest. In the opening bout of the tripleheader that features six fighters with a combined two losses, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs) battles Mexican Brandon Leon Benitez (14-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, are priced at $125, $75 and $60 and can be purchased online at www.thompsonboxing.com
or by calling 714-935-0900.

“This ShoBox show brings back former amateur standout Ruben Villa in his toughest test to date as he continues his quest to turn from prospect to contender,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of *ShoBox: The New Generation*. “We get to see for the first time unbeaten Michael Dutchover, who went 130-17 in the amateurs, and now faces his first unbeaten opponent. In the opener, we have *ShoBox* newcomer and unbeaten Saul Sanchez who will try to stand out against a once beaten opponent. All three top amateurs, top pro prospects and looking to make a name for themselves as must see fighter. Only time will tell.”

“I am very excited for Ruben [Villa] and Michael [Dutchover],” said Artie Pelullo, President and CEO, Banner Promotions. “Ruben is headlining the May 10 *ShoBox* in just his second time on the network. There is a lot of pressure on this 22-year-old, as he is expected to achieve and produce great things due to his amateur background. Michael is the diamond in the rough. Also an amateur standout who has power in either hand, he is looking for this SHOWTIME event to be his coming out party.”

“This is our 19th anniversary and what better way to celebrate it than with three of our top prospects fighting on *ShoBox*,” said Ken Thompson, President, Thompson Boxing. “It will be a real pleasure to put on a heck of a show alongside our friend Artie Pelullo as we witness Ruben [Villa], Michael [Dutchover] and Saul [Sanchez] take huge steps towards stardom.”

Villa, who started boxing when he was just five years old, compiled an impressive 166-17 record as an amateur. The Salinas, Calif. native was a two-time Junior Olympic National Champion and the 2014 and 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion. He owns impressive amateur victories over Shakur Stevenson, Davin Haney and Gary Antonio Russell.

Villa has registered 15 consecutive professional victories since turning pro in 2016 shortly after the Olympic Trials, including a dominating unanimous decision over Cervera in his *ShoBox* debut in January. A legitimate prospect, Villa hopes to continue his rapid ascension in the featherweight ranks with an impressive showing against Lopez.

“I am very excited to get the opportunity to headline on *ShoBox* after being the co-feature earlier this year,” said Villa. “I have been working really hard and getting good sparring in Riverside. My opponent is 17-1, and he has won some regional titles. He is no stick in the mud. I know he comes forward and that should make for an exciting fight. I am looking to put on a great performance because I know a win will open doors for bigger fights.”

Lopez, a native of Mexicali, Mexico, is coming off the biggest win of his career. In his U.S. debut and first fight outside of Mexico, Lopez won a technical decision over prospect Ray Ximenez to pick up the vacant WBO International Featherweight title. Ranked the No. 11 featherweight in the world by the WBO, the 21-year-old Lopez has won his last five bouts since suffering his only defeat as a pro to Abraham Montoya in 2018.

“I have a belt for a reason and I’m going to defend it proudly on May 10,” said Lopez. “I know Ruben Villa is regarded as a top prospect, but I know I’m better than him and I’m planning to show the world on May 10^th.”

The 21-year-old Dutchover, from Midland, Texas, began boxing when he was eight years old compiling a notable amateur record. He was a runner-up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. Turning pro in 2016 at the age of 18, Dutchover has won his first 12 professional fights, including knockouts in his last four bouts.

“I’m very excited, I’ve been working for this opportunity all my life,” said Dutchover, who now trains in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Danny Zamora. “I know my opponent is tough and durable. Being on *ShoBox*is a great opportunity and it is the next steppingstone to reach my ultimate goal, and that is to become world champion.”

Chilean-born Mascarena, who currently resides in Tijuana, Mexico and trains in San Diego, Calif., turned pro in 2017 and has compiled a perfect record through his first ten contests—all within just 12 months. Fighting exclusively in his home country, Mascarena will finally be able to make his U.S. debut after he had a fight fall through in late 2018 and a second fight cancelled in February. Mascarena, who has fought mostly at 140 pounds, has not fought since his unanimous decision victory over Hector Medina 10 months ago.

“I’ve been in top share for a while now, I was set to fight in February but my fight got cancelled,” said the 25-year-old Mascarena. “I come from a family of boxers and we take the sweet science very seriously. On May 10, I will not only be fighting to make a good impression in my U.S. debut, I will be fighting for my family and my entire country. I will make them proud.”

The 21-year-old Sanchez, of Encino, Calif., began boxing when he was eight and compiled an amateur record of 90-18 before turning pro at 19 years old. Fighting exclusively in his home state of California, Sanchez has built up an 11-0 record under famed trainer Joel Diaz. The brother of featherweight prospect Emilio Sanchez, Saul is coming off a majority decision over Luis Fernando Saavedra but faces a stiff step-up in competition against Benitez.

“I’ve always dreamed of having an opportunity like this,” said Sanchez. “To fight on national television against a tough guy like Benitez. I know this fight will not be easy, but I’m ready. I will shine on May 10.”

Benitez, from Queretaro, Mexico, has stayed busy in late 2018 and early 2019, fighting four times in a span of six months. The 21-year-old, who fought 186 times as an amateur, is the lone blemish on featherweight prospect Chaise Nelson’s resume. Benitez has won five fights in a row since the only loss of his career, which came to then 10-0 and current 20-0 Mexican Irving Turrubiartes.

“I’m young and hungry and I know Saul Sanchez is a great opponent for me, but I’m not concerned about him,” said Benitez. “I don’t think he does anything special in the ring. I do, I’m confident I will win. I’m going for the KO.”

Barry Tompkins will call the *ShoBox* action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.

# # #

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 79 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, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing

BOXING LEGEND AND 4 DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION ROY JONES JR. CONFIRMED FOR 5TH ANNUAL BOX FAN EXPO DURING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND, SATURDAY MAY 4, IN LAS VEGAS

April 23, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, current and former world champions, boxing celebrities and industry people in an up-close personal setting.

*Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite*

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Las Vegas (April 23, 2019) – Boxing legend & four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a meet and greet with his fans at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Expo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

Jones will make his 2nd appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos,personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this Boxing living legend, considered by many as one of the greatest Pound for Pound, and best Boxer of all time.

Jones joins Mayweather Promotions, Anthony Dirrell, WBA, Julio Cesar Chavez, RiddickBowe, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Mia St,John, Juan Manuel Marquez, Vinny Paz, Devin Haney, Earnie Shavers, Al Bernstein, Michael Spinks, WBC, Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

**About Roy Jones Jr**.
Roy Jones Jr. is an American professional boxer who has captured numerous championships in the Middleweight, Super middleweight, Light heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. He is the only boxer in history to start his career as a junior middleweight, and go on to win a heavyweight title. He is also noted for holding the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, NABF, WBF, and IBA light heavyweight championships; a record seven belts at the same time. Jones left his mark in boxing history when he won the WBA heavyweight title, becoming the first former middleweight champion to win a Heavyweight title in 106 years. As of February 2018, Jones holds the record for the most wins in unified light heavyweight title bouts in boxing history, at twelve. The Ring magazine named Jones the Fighter of the Year in 1994, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame named him the Fighter of the Year for 2003. He is also a three-time winner of the Best Boxer ESPY Award (1996, 2000, and 2003). Jones was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 1990s by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

**About Box Fan Expo**
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and-greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Pazienza, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…
Exhibitors include: boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth,

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF 38 SELLS-OUT IN RECORD TIME; SIXTH STRAIGHT SELLOUT FOR MAINE-BASED FIGHT PROMOTION

April 23, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (April 22, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” this April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced that tickets for the event were officially sold-out.

The sellout comes a full five days prior to the event, marking a new record for the fight promotion. The previous record holder, “NEF 37,” sold out three days before that event earlier this year. This marks the sixth straight sellout for NEF, a streak stretching back to April 2018.

“The NEF brand is stronger than ever and continues to grow,” remarked NEF promoter and co-owner Nick DiSalvo. “It’s a time where we’re seeing competitors falter around us with half-empty venues and weak fight cards. But not NEF. We have been the trendsetter for the way in which we promote our fighters ever since we arrived on the scene in 2012. And it shows in the numbers we have done, and continue to do, at the box office.”

“We have competitors flying in from all over the country for ‘Stomborn,'” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “With four title fights, three women’s fights, decorated wrestlers and all colors of the BJJ belt spectrum represented, it’s no wonder this show sold out early. We’ve got a couple of surprises in store for fans on Saturday too. It’s never hyperbole when we tell people to get their tickets early. If you were sleeping and missed out on this one, don’t wait on getting your tickets early for June 22nd when we go back to the Colisee to celebrate all things America. Tickets go on sale tomorrow!”

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place this Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets to the event are officially sold-out.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

wrestling