All posts by FNU47

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Former Champion Sakio Bika meets Lionell Thompson in Super Middleweight Showdown on PBC Prelims on FS1 Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland – 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

March 22, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Bika vs. Thompson Replaces Previously Announced Jose Miguel Borrego vs. Jerry Thomas Fight After Thomas Withdraws***

**NATIONAL HARBOR** (March 20, 2019) – Former world champion **Sakio Bika** will face **Lionell Thompson** in an eight or 10 round super middleweight showdown that will be featured in PBC Prelims on FS1 action this Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Bika vs. Thompson replaces the previously announced Jose Miguel Borrego vs. Jerry Brown fight, after Brown withdrew from the fight.

The FS1 prelims broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also feature **Brandon Quarles** (21-4-1, 10 KOs) battling Kansas-native **Aaron Coley** (15-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout, plus Baltimore’s **Lorenzo Simpson**(2-0, 2 KOs) taking on **Earl Henry** (0-1-1) in a four-round super welterweight attraction.

The event is headlined by two-division world champion **Lamont Peterson** taking on former junior welterweight world champion **Sergey Lipinets** in a 12-round welterweight match that headlines PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visitingwww.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Additional action will see unbeaten **Cobia Breedy** (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight against California’s **Fernando Fuentes** (14-7-1, 4 KOs), San Antonio’s **Ramon Cardenas** (16-1, 9 KOs) facing Michigan’s **Ryan Lee Allen**(8-2-1, 4 KOs) for eight-rounds of featherweight action and unbeaten Maryland-nativeMark Duncan (3-0, 3 KOs) battling **Arturo Izquierdo** (5-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round middleweight attraction.

Rounding out the non-televised undercard action will feature a trio of Washington, D.C.-natives as unbeaten **Keeshawn Williams** faces **Evincil Dixon** in a six-round welterweight fight, undefeated **Patrick Harris** steps in for an eight-round super lightweight fight against Costa Rica’s **Bergman Aguilar** andwelterweight **Kareem Martin** squares off against **Joaquin Chavez** for six-rounds of action. The night will also see Cincinnati’s **Adrian Jerome Benton** making his pro debut in a four-round super lightweight duel against **Archie Weah.**

The 39-year-old Bika (34-7-3, 22 KOs) is a former WBC super-middleweight champion from Sydney, Australia by way of Cameroon, Africa. He won the title with a majority decision over Marco Antonio Periban in 2013 before losing the belt to Anthony Dirrell by unanimous decision in 2014. He moved up to light heavyweight to challenge Adonis Stevens for his and lost a unanimous decision. Since then Bika has won twice, most recently defeating Geard Ajetovic by unanimous decision in October.

Thompson (20-5, 11 KOs) has been campaigning at light heavyweight and is moving down in weight to take on Bika at super middleweight. The 33-year-old, who is from Buffalo, N.Y. and now lives in Las Vegas, defeated Derrick Findley by unanimous decision in his last fight in September. Thompson won his first 11 fights after turning pro in 2009.

# # #

***ABOUT PETERSON VS. LIPINETS***
Peterson vs. Lipinets is a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event that is headlined by former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson taking on former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets in the main event.

In the co-main event Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, will face former champion Argenis Mendez, plus super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark takes on unbeaten Vernon Brown as part of the telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MGMNatlHarbor, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing

Arthur Mercante, Jr. to join father in New York State Boxing Hall of Fame

March 22, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Arthur Mercante, Jr. was the third man in the ring for the March 13, 1999 world heavyweight title fight at Madison Square Garden between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Louis that ended in a draw

Sunday, April 28, Induction Dinner

***Don King, Jimmy Cannon, Jimmy Carter & Wilfredo Benitez headline Class of 2019 inductees***

NEW YORK (March 20, 2019) – International boxing referee **Arthur Mercante, Jr.** will join his father, the late **Arthur Mercante, Sr**., in the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) to become the first father-son inducted into the NYSBHOF.

The 24-member Class of 2019 will be inducted at the eighth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner on ***Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 28***, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Mercante, Jr. was an amateur boxer who lost in the 1976 New York Golden Gloves to **Juan LaPorte** (NYSBHOF inductee, Class of 2014). “I felt I beat him, and I wanted to turn pro,” Mercante, Jr. explained how he got into officiating. “My father said no as long as I lived in his house, but he suggested I try referring.”

Mercante, Jr. started refereeing in 1979 in the amateurs and moved up to the pro ranks in 1984. He has referred 336 fights, including 72 title fights. Mercante, Jr. has some wonderful memories, including a humorous story in which he was accidentally punched.

“I was referring a fight (unified world super middleweight title fight, on Jan. 14, 2017 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn) between **Badou Jack** and **James DeGale**,” Mercante, Jr. remembered. “I heard the 10-second warning at the end of the sixth round and started counting 5-4-3-2-1. At the same time, Jack hit me in the face with a left hook, and I slipped. Beau asked me if I was alright. I said I was fine. Later, he said that he had hit me with a good shot and that I owned him a good shot. After the fight, he told me I can take a good shot.”

Mercante, Jr. believed the key to be a good referee is breaking apart fighters in clinches and staying out of the picture, because a fight isn’t about the referee.

One of his most memorable moments of his career was working the same show as his father, who was 81 time, for the first time in 1981 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Father worked the main event between **Roy Jones, Jr**. and **David Telesco**, Mercante, Jr. handled a fight between **David Izon** and **Derrick Jefferson**.

Now, Mercante, Jr. is heading into the NYSBHOF to join his father. “I never thought I’d be in any Hall of Fame,” Mercante, Jr. commented. “When the call came January 27th (2019) from **Bob Duffy** (NYBHOF president), it couldn’t have come at a more special day, because my father would have turned 99 that day.

“It’s an honor, especially going in with this class. I worked a fight between Michael Olajide and Iran Barkley and Michael is getting in this year. Don King, of course, and I worked a lot of shows with Wayne Kelly. Ring 8 has always been a great organization. I’d like to thank everyone involved.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include (Bronx-born) three-time, two-division world champion **Wilfredo Benitez** (53-8-1, 31 KOs), Canastota welterweight **Dick DiVeronica** (44-13-1, 13 KOs), (Hempstead) WBO super featherweight world championRogelio Tuur (46-4-1, 30 KOs), (Bronx) 1968 U.S. Olympian **Davey Vasquez** (19-15, 6 KOs), WBO super middleweight world title challenger **Michael Olajide** (27-5, 19 KOs), of Manhattan, and Queens’ world heavyweight title challenger **Monte Barrett** (35-11-2, 20 KOs).

Posthumous participants being inducted are (Bronx) three-time lightweight world championJimmy Carter (84-31-9, 34 KOs), Brooklyn welterweight **Al “Bummy” Davis** (65-10-4, 46 KOs), (Schenectady) world welterweight champion **Marty Servo** (47-4-2, 14 KOs), (Bronx) world heavyweight title challenger **Roland LaStarza** (57-9, 27 KOs), Brooklyn world lightweight champion **Paddy DeMarco** (75-26-3, 8 KOs )and Manhattan’s Lower East Side lightweights **Sid Terris** (94-13-5, 12 KOs) and **Leach “The Fighting Dentist” Cross** (35-10-4, 22 KOs).

In addition to Mercante, Jr., other living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are New York City-based promoter **Don King**, Flushing judge **John McKaie**, Brooklyn sportscaster **Steve Albert**, and Bronx trainer **Bob Jackson**.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Utica matchmaker **Dewey Fragetta**, Corona, Queens referee **Johnny LoBianco**, Garden City referee **Wayne Kelly**, Flushing sportsman **Harry Hill**, award-winning journalist **Jimmy Cannon**, of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and NYSAC official/former NABF president **Joe Dwyer**, of Brooklyn.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2019 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:**Randy Gordon**, **Henry Hascup**, **Don Majeski**, **Ron McNair**, and **Neil Terens**.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

**NYSBHOF**

**CLASS of 2012**: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

**CLASS of 2013:** Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

**CLASS OF 2014:** Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

**CLASS OF 2015:** Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.

**CLASS OF 2016**: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein and Jimmy Jacobs.

**CLASS OF 2017**: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.

**CLASS OF 2018:** Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16) and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 ordepcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $200.00, by contacting Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

**ABOUT RING 8:** Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, **Jack Grebelsky**, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY GARCIA VS. ADRIAN GRANADOS LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS – Former Two-Division Champion Garcia Battles All-Action Granados on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

March 20, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Former Two-Division Champion Garcia Battles All-Action Granados on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California**

**Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/**
**Mayweather Promotions**

**LOS ANGELES** (March 19, 2019) – Former two-division world champion **Danny “Swift” Garcia** and veteran contender **Adrian Granados** previewed their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes main event showdown at a press conference in Los Angeles Tuesday as they prepare to square-off Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The April 20 broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features heavyweight contender **Andy Ruiz Jr.** taking on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender **Brandon Figueroa** battling Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from the Palms Restaurant Downtown L.A.:

**DANNY GARCIA**

“I’ve been training hard. I’ve seen Granados fight a few times and I know what he can do. I’m excited to be back in Los Angeles, because this is where the stars fight. This is another fight that can get me to where I want to go in my career.

“My mentality is that I have to stop Granados. Nobody has stopped him and I have to do that to make a statement. He’s never fought a counter puncher like me and I’m definitely the hardest puncher he’s faced. I’m going to showcase everything to get the stoppage.

“This is another fight for my legacy. There have been a lot of great fights in my career and this is another important one for me. I know he’s coming to fight, but I’m looking to make this one of my easiest wins.

“He’s a tough and aggressive fighter who likes to throw a lot of punches. He’s hungry, and that’s the type of guy that you have to watch out for. I’ve got to handle my business against Granados before I look to any bigger fights.

“This is a big platform for me to perform on. I’m going to show the world why I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“I plan on winning with style. I’m going to bring a lot of skill, a lot of will, a lot of power and I’m going to entertain my fans. April 20 will be the ‘Danny Garcia Show.'”

**ADRIAN GRANADOS**

“This is going to be a great fight. We’re two fighters who bring it. I’m coming for a victory in dominating fashion. This is the fight that I’ve wanted for a while now.

“I haven’t had the easiest road and that’s why I’m looking to get my respect in this fight. I’m looking forward to this. It’s going to be a barnburner. May the best man win.

“If he’s underestimating me it will definitely be a big mistake on his part. I don’t think he will though. I think he realizes now he’s in for a fight. If he didn’t know me before, he does now. I’m going to give him a piece of my mind April 20.

“I was never taken care of coming up. I always had to work harder to get to where I’m at. Danny and I basically had the same accolades in the amateurs, and I always gave him kudos for what he’s done in his whole career, but he doesn’t know what I’ve gotten through to get here.

“I’m coming to get my respect in this fight. I’m going to make Danny fight and see what he’s made of. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder but being able to take out a fighter like Danny is motivating me to another level.”

**TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions**

“Premier Boxing Champions has made a major commitment to bringing some of the best and biggest fights to Southern California. We started with the Wilder vs. Fury heavyweight title fight downtown in December and we’re back again in April at the Dignity Health Sports Park. This is the premier outdoor boxing venue in the United States and we have a great show there on April 20.

“Danny Garcia is a throwback fighter. A first-ballot Hall of Famer in my opinion. At 140-pounds he took on the best in the division and never backed down from a challenge. Danny was a 2-1 underdog when he fought Lucas Matthysse, and we knew what happened after, he proved the doubters wrong. I’m so excited to have him back in California on this great card.

“Adrian Granados could arguably be sitting up here with a record of 27-1, since all but one of his losses have been by split or majority decision, and usually it’s in his opponent’s backyard. He’s a battle-tested veteran who’s made a name for himself bringing action-packed fights to the fans. When we announced all the PBC on FOX fights, this is the one that I circled.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of President of Mayweather Promotions**

“This is going to be a terrific fight. I’ve really been looking forward to this fight because I’ve known these guys for a long time. Styles make fights and in this particular matchup, we have two fighters who are all action.

“Danny has shown that he’s an elite fighter, because he’s beaten a number of great world champions. Adrian Granados always comes to fight. He’s never ever in a boring fight. The styles mesh so well, with Danny being a world class counter-puncher and also being a superb boxer. Granados is going to force Danny to fight on the inside a lot more than usual.

“I think this fight is going to bring the best out of both Danny and Adrian. They’ve both fought a number of very good fighters and been in involved in numerous debatable decisions. They’re going to have to leave it all in the ring come April 20.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER VS. DOMINIC BREAZEALE NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

March 20, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***“Every man I’ve faced; they’ve landed on the canvas. I’m going to continue to do that on May 18,” – Wilder***

***“I’m sick of seeing this guy walking around with his belt. I’m going to put him down,” – Breazeale***

**WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder**
**Defends His Title Against Mandatory**
**Challenger Dominic Breazeale on Saturday, May 18**
**Live on SHOWTIME**^®**From Barclays Center in Brooklyn**

**Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME**

**BROOKLYN** (March 19, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight Champion **Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder** and mandatory challenger **Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale** went face-to-face Tuesday at a heated press conference to officially announce their heavyweight title showdown taking place Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for this BombZquad event go on sale Friday, March 22 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Beginning Saturday, March 23 at 12 p.m. ET, tickets can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center:

**DEONTAY WILDER**

“It’s a pleasure to be back here in Brooklyn. Barclays Center is very close to my heart. I’ve been here so many times and I have a real connection to this arena. I’ve had some of my most memorable moments in the ring here.

“It’s always great to get a mandatory out of the way. They’re like flies buzzing in my ear. I just want to get them out of the way so I can do great things for the heavyweight division. I want one champion, one face, one name, but you need a lot of cooperation to make that happen.

“I want to prove to the world that I’m the best. That’s what I believe in my heart. Until someone proves me wrong, I will continue to believe that. Breazeale is the next man in line. I can’t wait for this one.

“I’m just going to show everyone on May 18. The way I feel right now, the fight could be this week. The champion must always be ready for whatever a challenger can bring.

“I hope he’s training his hardest. I’m glad he has Virgil Hunter on his side to show him something new. Every man I’ve faced; they’ve landed on the canvas. I’m going to continue to do that on May 18.

“No man who gets in the ring will be able to defeat Deontay Wilder. I hold the keys to the heavyweight division. No fighter is doing what I’m doing. I’m trying to give the fans something they’ve never seen before.

“Enjoy this one, because it’s going to be a massacre. May 18 will be a beautiful day for me and a beautiful day to see what I’m planning to do for the sport of boxing.”

**DOMINIC BREAZEALE**

“I’m super excited for this. I’ve been waiting over a year and a half for a shot at this title. I’ve got three knockouts here at Barclays Center and I can’t wait for another.

“I’m a great fighter but there are always things to be learned. I’ve learned a lot already with Virgil Hunter. I bring something that everyone wants to see from heavyweights, and that’s trouble. I’m going to bring pressure and action.

“I’m sick of seeing this guy walking around with his belt. I’m going to put him down. People are going to be rising to their feet when I knock him down.

“I’m so excited to get this fight. I’ve been on Deontay’s undercards and I steal the show every time. Deontay does nothing right in the ring. He looks like a circus-act. All he does is talk. But there’s nothing he can say on May 18.

“Deontay loves to hear his own voice. All he does is talk and talk. It’s time to get in the ring. Nobody can get in there and save him. It’s just me and him. Leather on leather. We’ll see who lands first. Hopefully he gets off the canvas.”

**VIRGIL HUNTER, Breazeale’s Trainer**

“It’s a pleasure to be here at Barclays Center for a heavyweight championship fight. We have a monumental task to try to overcome. Dominic and I connected last month and after a few workouts, we saw we had a good fit and an understanding of what needs to be done.

“Dominic works hard, he’s very determined and he knows that this is his opportunity and he can’t let it slip away from him. He also knows the risk at hand. We’re looking forward to May 18.”

**STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.**

“We are thrilled to be bringing you Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale on SHOWTIME. It would be an understatement to say that there has been a lot of speculation regarding Deontay’s future. We’re proud to have him on SHOWTIME. It was critical for Deontay, for the sport and his fans, that this fight be available not on pay-per-view, but on SHOWTIME. Because of his insistence, that’s the primary reason we’re standing here today.

“SHOWTIME is where this fight belongs. We’re the home of the biggest fights and best talents, month in and month out. This is where a heavyweight title fight belongs. This will be Deontay’s 12^th appearance on SHOWTIME and or SHOWTIME PPV and we’ve built something special.

“Recently ESPN named its World Fame 100, which lists the most talked about athletes in the world. Deontay is ranked 34, two slots behind Tom Brady and higher than any other active boxer in the sport. He’s a bonafide superstar, there is no question.

“Dominic Breazeale is big, strong, experienced and powerful. Above all, he’s motivated. It’s no secret that there is a personal rivalry between these two fighters. This will not be a friendly promotion. There is genuine animosity. This is a premium fight and this is the heavyweight championship on May 18 live on SHOWTIME.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR BELLATOR 218: SANCHEZ VS. KARAKHANYAN 2 THIS FRIDAY ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

March 20, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**LOS ANGELES** – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. this Friday, March 22 has been completed with a stacked four-fight main card and a total of 10 preliminary contests.

The main event of Friday’s card at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Paramount Network, and simulcast on DAZN, will feature a 145-pound headliner, when former featherweight title contender **Emmanuel Sanchez** (17-4) rematches the returning **Georgi Karakhanyan** (28-8-1, 1 NC). Rounding out the stacked main card will see a heavyweight matchup pitting England’s **Linton Vassell** (18-7, 1 NC) in his divisional debut against Russia’s **Valentin Moldavsky** (7-1), the always-game **Gerald Harris** (25-7-1) returning to action against the surging **Anatoly Tokov** (27-2) in a middleweight contest and an intriguing middleweight contest between undefeated London Shootfighters-prospect **Norbert Novenyi** (2-0) and Kansas’ **Will Lavine** (1-1).

The prelims for *Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2* will be highlighted by multiple bouts featuring recent Bellator signings, including Duke Rufus-trained prospect **Jordan Newman**, the professional debut of **Christian Edwards** of Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, N.M., Sweden’s **Malin Hermansson** (2-0) and **Johnny Eblen** (4-0), who brings his undefeated record to Bellator. Anatoly Tokov’s younger brother, Vladimir Tokov (3-0), will also enter the Bellator cage for the first time when he competes at lightweight against **Ryan Walker** (8-4). Additionally, seven-fight Bellator veteran **John “Macapa”** (21-4) meets 30-fight veteran **Kevin Croom** (19-11) at featherweight.

*Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2* will be broadcast Friday, March 22 on Paramount Network at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and will stream LIVE on DAZN. Preliminary action for both events will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

*Complete Bellator 218: Sanchez vs. Karakhanyan 2* Main Card:

*Featherweight Main Event Bout:* **Emmanuel Sanchez** (17-4) vs. **Georgi Karakhanyan** (28-8-1, 1 NC)

*Heavyweight Co-Main Event:* **Valentin Moldavsky** (7-1) vs. **Linton Vassell** (18-7, 1 NC)

*Middleweight Main Card Bout:* **Anatoly Tokov** (27-2) vs. Gerald Harris (25-7-2)

*Middleweight Preliminary Bout:* **Nobert Novenyi** (3-0) vs. **Will Lavine** (1-1)

**Preliminary Card:**

*Middleweight Preliminary Bout:* **Johnny Eblen** (4-0) vs. **Chauncey Foxworth** (9-7)

*Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout:* **Christian Edwards** (Pro Debut) vs. **Roman Huerta** (1-0)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Vladimir Tokov** (3-0) vs. **Ryan Walker** (8-4)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **John “Macapa”** (21-4-2) vs. Kevin Croom (19-11)

*Middleweight Preliminary Bout:* **Jordan Newman** (Pro Debut) vs. **Joseph Holmes** (Pro Debut)

*Women’s Flyweight Preliminary Bout:* **Malin Hermansson** (2-0) vs. **Victoria Leonardo** (4-1)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Nick Page** (0-2) vs. **Nation Gibrick** (2-0)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Aaron Vickers** (3-1) vs. **Isaiah Gutierrez** (4-1)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Craig Fairly** (2-1) vs. **Luis Erives** (1-1)

*Women’s 130-lb. Catchweight Preliminary Bout:* **Deborah Kouzmin** (1-1) vs. **Ky Bennett** (1-1)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

ERROL SPENCE JR. RETAINS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER MIKEY GARCIA IN MAIN EVENT OF FIRST PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX SPORTS PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM AT&T STADIUM IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS

March 19, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Unbeaten Former Champion David Benavidez Scores Second-Round TKO of J’Leon Love, Undefeated Former Champion Luis Nery Earns Dominant Fifth-Round TKO of McJoe Arroyo & Heavyweight Fan-Favorite Chris Arreola Stops Jean Pierre Augustin In Round Three

***Former Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin Wins Via Disqualification on PBC Prelims on FS1***

**Click HERE for Photos from Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports**
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**Click HERE for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions**
**(Photos added shortly)**

**ARLINGTON, TX.** (March 17, 2019) – **Errol Spence Jr.** retained his IBF Welterweight World Championship in his hometown in front of 47,525 fans with a unanimous decision over four-division world champion **Mikey Garcia** in the main event of the first Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“The motivation fighting in front of my hometown crowd made me feel great,” said Spence. “These people have supported me since day one and I wanted to put on a good performance for all of them.”

“I really appreciate the love and support of the fans tonight,” said Garcia. “It’s a great night and all the credit to Errol, he’s a great champion. He’s the truth. He executed his game plan very well.”

The bout started technical, with Spence pumping a consistent jab and attempting to cut the ring off while Garcia was patiently looking for a chance to counter. Garcia had some success early throwing counter left hooks over Spence’s jab, but was never able to get in a rhythm against the busier champion.

“He came out here with a good game plan and kept the distance at his favor,” said Garcia. “I couldn’t get my rhythm going and he did what he had to do. I tried to make adjustments and he kept executing.”

In round four, Spence dominated most of the action before Garcia made a late surge and forced Spence into a defensive crouch for the final moments of the round. Garcia kept that energy going early in round five, putting Spence on the defensive temporarily before he regained his momentum and returned to connecting on powerful straight lefts.

Spence increased his body-punching as the fight went on and looked to wear down the fighter who was moving up in weight. Garcia began bleeding from his nose in round eight, at which point Spence increased his output and landed 35, 29, 34 and 25 punches in rounds nine through 12 respectively, according to CompuBox.

“Throughout training camp, a lot of commentators thought he was too smart and I couldn’t box as well as him,” said Spence. “I showed I can box and I can move my head if I want to. The game is to be smart, it’s the sweet science. I had the size and reach advantage, so why not use it to take away the jab? It’s a weapon for me and it takes away one of his weapons.”

“I was able to hold my own,” said Garcia. “I felt good and I felt strong myself. I think he felt my power, but he definitely has power also.”

While Garcia showed his mettle in making it the distance, Spence was simply too effective, with one judge even scoring round 11 10-8 for Spence. Spence threw a career-high 1082 punches and out landed Garcia by a staggering 345 to 75 margin.

After 12-rounds of action, all three judges saw the fight for Spence, by scores of 120-108 twice and 120-107.

“I give Mikey Garcia all the credit for taking this fight,” said Spence. “Mikey and I put on a great show in front of all these lovely fans. I respect him so much and I appreciate him for stepping up.”

“We just went 12-rounds with a great welterweight champion,” said Garcia. “That’s a feat no one has done recently. I’m proud of what I was able to do. I have to go back and think about it. I will probably go back to lighter divisions but we’ll have to think about it.”

After the fight, Spence declared that he wanted to fight boxing legend and welterweight titleholder **Manny Pacquiao** next, who entered the ring after the fight.

“He’s broken records here before, he’s a legend in the sport and it’d be my honor to fight him next,” said Spence.

“Yes, why not?” said Pacquiao, when asked about facing Spence next. “We’ll give the fans a good fight. I’m so happy to be here at AT&T Stadium and I hope I will be back here soon.”

In the co-main event, unbeaten former 168-pound world champion **David Benavidez**(21-0, 18 KOs) dominated **J’Leon Love** (24-3-1, 13 KOs) to earn a second-round stoppage in their super middleweight matchup.

“It’s a dream come true to fight on this stage in front of these fans,” said Benavidez. “These fans give me the motivation to get up every day and go the extra mile.”

From the opening bell Love sought to crowd the taller Benavidez, but the 22-year-old Benavidez quickly made him pay, landing a powerful left hook that stunned Love. Love was able to last the round, but took more powerful hooks from Benavidez before the bell.

“I expected to knock him out, but when I hit him with the first god shot, I knew he wasn’t going to last,” said Benavidez. “I tried to pace myself, but it wasn’t necessary tonight.”

Benavidez wasted little time in the second round, delivering power shots that put Love on the run. Benavidez caught Love with a clean combo on the ropes that stunned Love and forced referee Laurence Cole to jump in and stop the bout 1:14 into round two, as Benavidez began to throw furious combos.

“He was getting his shots off, but I don’t think I was taking too much punishment,” said Love. “I wasn’t out of the game completely but he did catch me with a couple good shots.”

After the bout, Benavidez set his sights on WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell, who was in attendance at the fight.

“I saw Anthony Dirrell with the WBC belt. He can’t call himself champion until he fights me. That’s my belt. I’m going to go get it. It’s mine.”

Additional action featured former bantamweight champion **Luis Nery** (29-0, 23 KOs) knock down former champion **McJoe Arroyo** (18-3, 8 KOs) four times on his way to a fifth-round victory by stoppage in his U.S. debut.

“We’re two great fighters who were here to put on a show,” said Nery. “That’s what you have to expect from fighters of our caliber. I’m happy to start on the right foot here in my U.S. debut and show everyone I’m still the best at bantamweight.”

Nery stalked Arroyo from the opening bell, throwing big power shots that forced his opponent to fight off his back foot. With 45 seconds left in round two, Nery scored his first knockdown with a left that stunned him and follow-up combination that put Arroyo on the canvas.

Arroyo was unable to keep the hard-charging Nery from coming forward and again hit the mat late in round three, as a wide left hook hurt Arroyo before he was put down from a flurry that followed. The trouble continued for Arroyo in round four, as he was knocked down twice more in the final minute of the round.

“I never felt like I was dazed or anything, they were just hard punches,” said Arroyo. “I went down but got right back up. If it were up to me I’d have kept going. I have to give respect to my opponent for his performance. This isn’t the end of my career. I’ve seen him fight before but I was surprised by his power. It was his night tonight.”

After the fourth round, Arroyo’s corner stopped the bout, making the official stoppage 10 seconds into round five. Nery dominated the bout, out landing Arroyo 87 to 36, while landing 44 percent of his power punches.

“We’re going to train hard and hopefully by June, we’ll have the belt back,” said Nery. “I want to win back my belt, then unify the division.”

The opening bout on pay-per-view saw heavyweight fan-favorite **Chris Arreola** (38-5-1, 33 KOs) score a third-round stoppage over previously unbeaten **Jean Pierre Augustin** (17-1-1, 12 KOs).

“Augustin is a hungry kid who tried to make a name off of me,” said Arreola. “I lose and I’m out, but I’m not going out. I touched him a couple of times and saw he was hurt. I stayed calm and the stoppage came.”

After blood started pouring from Arreola’s nose towards the end of round two, the Riverside, California-native got off to a quick start in round three, connecting with a straight left that stunned Augustin and nearly sent him to the canvas in the opening seconds.

As the round progressed, Augustin tried to hold and move to regain his composure, but was eventually caught with a flurry in the neutral corner that put him on the canvas. While he got up and was able to continue, another flurry in Augustin’s corner, including a big overhand left, eventually forced referee Neal Young to stop the fight 2:03 into round three.

“Every fighter feels like they can continue, but it is what it is, it’s out of my control,” said Augustin. “I was more stunned than hurt, but he jumped on me and finished.”

In the dominant final round Arreola landed 18 of 30 power punches, compared to just three punches landed in the round by Augustin.

“I love fighting,” said Arreola. “We’re both were trying to beat each other up and I love it. I’m blessed to be a fighter.”

Preceding the pay-per-view, PBC Prelims on FS1 featured former heavyweight champion **Charles Martin** (26-2-1. 23 KOs) winning via disqualification against previously unbeaten **Gregory Corbin** (15-1, 9 KOs) in the eighth-round of their showdown. After deducting a point from Corbin in rounds four, five and six because of low blows, referee Mark Calo-oy stopped the bout in round eight after another low blow. The official time of the disqualification came 53 seconds into round eight.

“I don’t think he really wanted to fight, he wanted to hit me low and see how much he could get away with,” said Martin. “I could sense that he didn’t want to engage anymore.”

“It is what it is, I thought I was hitting him on the belt,” said Corbin. “We wanted to go to the body, I thought he was tired. I hurt him once, but the low blows did it for me.”

“We’re going to get back in camp, take a few days off and then get back to work,” said Martin. “We’re staying busy in 2019.”

The event was promoted by Man Down Promotions and Garcia Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

GOOD FRIENDS, BETTER RIVALS: PAGLIARULO PUTS FRIENDSHIP ASIDE TO FACE RICHARD FOR NEF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE

March 19, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Portland, Maine (March 18, 2019) – Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo might be a man of mystery to many New England Fights enthusiasts, but the newcomer and his opponent at NEF 38: “Stormborn” require no introduction to one another.

Maybe it’s a stretch to say Pagliarulo and Zac “Rocky” Richard lead parallel lives, but the similarities are striking.

Each has a substantial, successful wrestling background. Both have accelerated from the finish line of their respective mixed martial arts careers, with one minor speed bump.

And in a world where prospective combatants usually don’t have to work hard to drum up drama and animosity, Pagliarulo, 21, said that he and Richard are reasonably good, if casual, friends.

“I’ve known Zac for a long time,” Pagliarulo said. “We’ve competed together at some of the same big, regional wrestling meets and kind of become friends through that. We have very similar backgrounds.”

Pagliarulo (2-1) will be forced to put those common denominators on the back burner for one night – Saturday, April 27 – when he confronts Richard for the vacant NEF amateur featherweight title at Aura in Portland, Maine.

The location is significant. Richard is a native of nearby Waterboro, and whether it’s that short 30-minute commute or a drive two-thirds of the way across the state to Bangor, his family and friends are fiercely loyal.

A product of Haverhill, Massachusetts, who now trains across the New Hampshire state line at both Spero’s Martial Arts Academy (Plaistow) and Burgess MMA (Manchester), Pagliarulo is fully aware that he’s walking into the belly of the beast.

“I’m going into his backyard. I know he brings a lot of fans and sells a ton of tickets,” Pagliarulo said, “Hopefully I’ll have quite a few following me, as well. He’s a great opponent. There’s no question it will be a tough fight in a tough spot. I’m just looking for opportunities to build myself and advance my career over the next two to three years.”

Pagliarulo said he accepted the risk and potential reward of his NEF debut for the same reason adventurer George Leigh Mallory once rationalized his attempt to climb Mount Everest: Because it’s there.

After three relatively short fights near his home base, Pagliarulo wasn’t satisfied with the potential competition close to home and had his handlers cast a wider net.

“I was looking for a fight anywhere in New England,” Pagliarulo said. “NEF was the first to give me this opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.”

MMA was a natural progression for Pagliarulo, who made his mark in the realms of both wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

He was captain of the wrestling team as a senior at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Pagliarulo’s transition to Plymouth State University was an immediate success: He was 16-10 and earned the team’s rookie of the year honors as a freshman in 2016-17.

All the while, he began training for the combat cage when his schedule permitted.

“I’ve always had it in the back of my mind,” Pagliarulo said. “From the time I was maybe 10 years old and started watching UFC, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I always loved fighting, loved the sport, so I started training for it as soon as I turned 18.”

After only four forays onto the wrestling mat as a sophomore, Pagliarulo hung up the singlet.

“There were some personal issues, and I got away from it,” Pagliarulo said. “I decided to focus on MMA, and I’ve done that exclusively for about the past year.”

Pagliarulo also stepped up his BJJ training. He is currently a blue belt.

“That’s also been for about a year now,” Pagliarulo said. “Between that and my wrestling, my ground game is definitely the most dangerous I’d say, but my stand-up is not something to be slept on.”

In his September 2017 MMA debut, Pagliarulo exploded onto the scene with a second-round stoppage of Harry Gigliotti via rear naked choke.

Brimming with confidence, he received a wake-up call five months later when Matt Brady locked Pagliarulo in a guillotine choke and dealt his initial loss in under a minute.

“I made a simple mistake, and my opponent took advantage of it,” Pagliarulo said. “But I bounced back with a first-round TKO, and I feel like I learned a lot from it.”

That 67-second knockout of Eddie Linscott put Pagliarulo in position for the first title fight of his career.

He’ll take on a hungry opponent who encountered adversity, of sorts, in his last fight. Richard fought veteran Fred Lear for the same belt in February, with the judges declaring a rare draw.

With Lear making the decision to eschew a rematch and turn pro, Pagliarulo is the beneficiary.

“To win a belt at this point in my career would be cool,” Pagliarulo said, “but I’m really just excited to take a fight of this caliber and find out where I stand.”

Pagliarulo remains in school as a back-up plan. He’s a junior academically. He would gladly put off using that degree, however, if it meant a chance to travel the world and jump with both feet into the sport he loves.

“UFC is definitely the end goal. Of course it is for everybody,” Pagliarulo said.

The guy who shares everybody’s dream … and was looking to fight anybody … hopes a win over an old wrestling buddy will help him get recognized as somebody.

NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.

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.