Alle berichten van FNU47

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

TICKETS TE KOOP DEZE WEEK VOOR DE RETOUR VAN BELLATOR NAAR ALLSTATE ARENA IN CHICAGO OP MEI 11

Februari 21, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

**BELLATOR LICHTGEWICHT CHAMP MICHAEL CHANDLER VERDEDIGT ZIJN TITEL TEGEN VEERGEWICHT KINGPIN PATRICIO 'PITBULL' IN LANG VERWACHTE GRUDGE MATCH LIVE OP DAZN**

**DE WELTERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX GAAT VERDER MET DOUGLAS LIMA DIE MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGINA IN HALFFINITIEVE ACTIE OPNEMT**

**MEER: ONDEFEATED PROSPECT A.J. MCKEE ONTMOET CHICAGO'S PAT CURRAN EN DE TERUGKEER VAN VOORMALIGE WWE STAR JAKE HAGER**

**LOS ANGELES** - Bellator's terugkeer naar Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ziek. op zaterdag, Mei 11 zit vol met een reeks gevechten die je gezien moet hebben, met als kop de huidige lichtgewicht titelhouder **Michael Chandler** (19-4) in zijn poging om de enige man te worden die beide Pitbull Brothers versloeg en een einde maakte aan hun jarenlange rivaliteit, wanneer hij zijn riem verdedigt tegen Bellator's 145-pond kampioen **Patrick "Pitbull"** (28-4) in het main event van *Bellator 221 -* die exclusief live wordt gestreamd op DAZN.

De co-headliner zal de voormalige tweevoudig Bellator-kampioen weltergewicht zien **Douglas Lima** (30-7) gezicht ongeslagen **Michael “Venom” Page** (14-0), beter bekend bij fans als "MVP,”In de eerste halve finale matchup in Bellator's Welterweight World Grand Prix. Elke vechter wil een stap dichterbij komen om Bellator kampioen weltergewicht te worden en een miljoen dollar mee naar huis te nemen.

Bovendien, misschien wel een van de beste vederlichte vooruitzichten ter wereld **A.J. McKee** (13-0) zal de zwaarste test van zijn jonge carrière onder ogen zien wanneer hij tweevoudig voormalig Bellator-vedergewichtkampioen vecht **Pat Curran** (23-7) op het thuisveld van Curran. Eindelijk, voormalig WWE-kampioen Jake Hager (1-0) keert voor het eerst sinds zijn overwinning in de eerste ronde in januari terug naar de Bellator-kooi, op zoek naar een voortzetting van zijn vroege dominantie in de kooi.

Een exclusieve online voorverkoop voor *Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* vindt plaats tussen woensdag, Februari. 20 bij 10 a.m. CT en donderdag, Februari. 21 bij 10 p.m. CT, met kaartjes die op vrijdag in de verkoop gaan voor het grote publiek, Februari. 22 bij 12 p.m. CT. Tickets voor het evenement zijn verkrijgbaar bij de kassa van de Allstate Arena, evenals Ticketmaster.com en Bellator.com.

*Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* wordt live uitgezonden DAZN bij 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, terwijl de voorbereidende actie zal streamen Bellator.com en wereldwijd op het Bellator Mobile App. Extra periodes zal worden aangekondigd in de komende weken.

Een van de meest gedecoreerde jagers in de geschiedenis van Bellator, Michael Chandler claimde afgelopen december het lichtgewicht kampioenschap om drievoudig titelhouder te worden. "Iron" heeft een who's who van de elite van de divisie verslagen, inclusief **Brent Primus**, **Benson Henderson**, **Patricky Pitbull** (x2), **Yamauchi up** en Eddie Alvarez. De voormalige worstelaar van de University of Missouri uit High Ridge, Mo., die nu Nashville naar huis belt, heeft een langzaam groeiende vete gehad met zijn May 11 tegenstander, verbaal sparren met zijn vijand die volgt op Patricio's broer Patricky en op sociale media. Nu, de tijd om te praten is voorbij en beiden zullen de Bellator-kooi betreden om eindelijk de score te vereffenen.

Afkomstig uit Natal, grote noordelijke rivier, Brazilië, tweevoudig vedergewicht kampioen Patricio “Pitbull” zal de Bellator-kooi betreden voor een 21e promotierecord. Met indrukwekkende overwinningen op zijn naam staan **Daniel Straus** (x3), **Daniel Weichel** (x2) en **Pat Curran**, hij versloeg onlangs **Emmanuel Sanchez** via unaniem besluit op *Bellator 209*. Voor het eerst sindsdien een gewichtsklasse verhogen *Bellator 160* toen hij Benson Henderson ontmoette, “Pitbull” is van plan om zijn stempel te drukken in een nieuwe divisie en neer te gaan als een van de all-time grootheden. Een finish hebben verdiend in 20 zijn 28 wint als een professional, de regerend kampioen is synoniem geworden voor opwinding en fans kunnen zeker meer vuurwerk verwachten als ze in mei een gelijktijdige kampioen in twee divisies lijken te worden 11.

Vechten uit Atlanta, Ga., via Goiania, Brazilië, Douglas "The Phenom" Lima is al bijna drie jaar een steunpilaar aan de top van de 170-pond divisie. Met overwinningen tegen mensen als **Lorenz Larkin**, **Andrey Koreshkov** (x2), **Paul Daley** en Ben Saunders, de 31-jarige ging door naar de halve finales van de Welterweight World Grand Prix na een overwinning op technisch gebied tegen Koreshkov. Een winnaar van negen van zijn laatste 11 prijsvragen, het product van het American Top Team blijft erop gericht de wereld te laten zien hoe dominant hij werkelijk is.

Een van de meest onorthodoxe stakers die ooit heeft gestreden, "MVP" heeft zich gestaag opgewerkt in de weltergewichtrangen sinds hij zich bij de organisatie heeft aangemeld 2013. Bekend om zijn unieke stijl en persoonlijkheid, zowel binnen als buiten de kooi, elk Michael Page-gevecht is entertainment dat je gezien moet hebben. Met een ongeslagen record van 14-0, en 11 van die overwinningen die door onderbreking komen, de 31-jarige uit London Shootfighters ging door naar de halve finale na een nauw omstreden unanieme beslissing om te winnen tegen rivaal Paul Daley op *Bellator 216.*

Vechten uit Long Beach, Calif., A.J. McKee zet zijn ongeslagen record op het spel tegen de voormalige kampioen in mei 11. Momenteel aan het trainen naast mensen als **Aaron Pico**,**"Baby Slice"** en **Joey Davis** bij The Body Shop onder de voogdij van zijn vader, MMA-veteraan Antonio McKee, de tweede generatie jager heeft behoorlijk naam gemaakt sinds hij bij de professionele rangen kwam. Op slechts 23 jaar, "Huurling" heeft het Bellator-record voor opeenvolgende overwinningen op 13, hebben verslagen **Daniel Crawford**, **Brian Moore**, **John “Macapa**, Justin Lawrence en **Dominic Mazzotta** onderweg. Bekend om zijn afwerkingen met hoogtepunten, McKee zal proberen ongeslagen te blijven en zijn naam in de recordboeken te houden wanneer hij Curran ontmoet op *Bellator 221.* Een voormalig tweevoudig Bellator-wereldkampioen vedergewicht, **Pat Curran** keert terug naar de kooi in de buurt van zijn geboorteplaats, op zoek naar een nieuwe kans op goud. Vechten uit Crystal Lake, Ill., "Paddy Mike" bevindt zich midden in een winstreak van drie gevechten die overwinningen omvat **Emmanuel Sanchez**, **John "Macapa"**en Georgi Karakhanyan. De oude Bellator-veteraan, die debuteerde bij *Bellator 14* in 2010, bezit extra overwinningen **Patrick “Pitbull**,**”Joe Warren**, **Roger Huerta** en **Daniel Straus**. Ook, een tweevoudig Bellator-toernooiwinnaar, De terugkeer van de 31-jarige naar de top van de 145-pond divisie begint met een zware test tegen McKee.

Een inwoner van Perry, Oklahoma., Hager liet de wereld nadrukkelijk zien dat hij thuishoort in de sport van MMA met een submission-overwinning op J.W. Kizer bij *Bellator 214* in januari. Een collegiale worstelaar aan de Universiteit van Oklahoma, waar hij een All-American was en het schoolrecord vestigde voor de meeste pinnen in de gewichtsklasse van 285 pond in één seizoen met 30. Na het afstuderen en een gesprek met de legendarische pro-worstel-omroeper en mede-Oklahoma Sooner, Jim Ross, Hager maakte de overstap naar professioneel worstelen en tekende bij World Wrestling Entertainment. Terwijl in WWE, Hager zou tijdens zijn tijd bij de organisatie meerdere felbegeerde professionele titels claimen, inclusief het WWE World Heavyweight Championship, ECW Championship en WWE United States Championship. Nu, de man die bij fans over de hele wereld ook bekend staat als "Jack Swagger" keert terug naar actie MMA-actie in Chicago tegen een binnenkort aan te kondigen zwaargewicht tegenstander.

**Bijgewerkt *Bellator 221: Chandler vs. Pitbull* Kaart:**

*Lichtgewicht wereldtitelgevecht:* **Michael Chandler** (19-4) vs. **Patrick "Pitbull"** (28-4)

*Weltergewicht World Grand Prix Halve finale:* **Douglas Lima** (30-7) vs. **Michael “Venom” Page** (14-0)

*Vedergewicht hoofdkaartgevecht:* **A.J. McKee** (13-0) vs. **Pat Curran** (23-7)

*Zwaargewicht hoofdkaartgevecht:* **Jake Hager** (1-0) vs. TBA

*Kaart kan worden gewijzigd

Kunt u terecht op Bellator.com voor meer informatie.

boksen, Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS SIGNS UNDEFEATED BOXER, FORMER “LUCHA UNDERGROUND” CHAMP DULCE MARIA GARCIA RIVAS TO EXCLUSIVE, MULTI-FIGHT MMA PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT

Februari 21, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

Prior to making her boxing debut in April 2017, Garcia had appeared in 57 episodes of El Rey Network’s Lucha Libre television series, Lucha Underground, and was crowned the first women’s champion in the show’s history on April 9, 2016.

Garcia is also a four-time champion of Mexico’s Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide professional wrestling organization, and the wife of former, three-time world boxing championJhonny Gonzalez.

boksen

Espinoza vs. Nuñez Main Event Added to “Rumble at the Rock IV” on Friday, Maart 1, op Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. en Live op BOXEO Telemundo

Februari 21, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

A second main event has been added to the professional boxing evenement op **Vrijdag, Maart 1,** bij de Hard Rock Event Center bij Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 PM ET / PT).

Georganiseerd door Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in samenwerking met All Star Boxing, Rumble at the Rock IV will now also feature highly touted WBO No.1-ranked and WBO Bantamweight Latin Champion **Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza** (22-2-19 KO) van Tijuana, Mexico, defending his title against Panama’s rugged veteran **Ricardo “El Matematico” Nuñez** (29-8-23 KO).

In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Miami via Puerto Rico’s **Derrieck Cuevas**(18-0-1, 14 KO) will face fellow Floridian **Ed “The Lion” Paredes** (38-7-1, 25 KO) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.

**Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 en $500 and are available through** ticketmaster.com.

Nuñez, een voormalig wereldkampioen titel uitdager, is looking to test his young opponent by bringing him into deep waters and kickstarting his boxing career for one last shot at a world title. Aan de andere kant, Espinoza is coming off a second-round stoppage of then undefeated Colombian prospect Yeison Vargas (17-1-12 Kos).

“My opponents tend to underestimate me because of my young age,” said Espinoza.“They soon realize my power once in the ring. I never underestimate anyone who has two hands.”

“I’ve seen that Espinoza has never fought into later rounds,” said Nuñez. “I’m looking to take him into uncharted waters to see if he still has the power he claims when we get into rounds 8, 9 and 10.”

Op Fight Night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., en de actie begint bij 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

boksen

“Popeye” returns to the South this Saturday in Charlotte, Noord Carolina

Februari 20, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

HARTFORD, Conn. (Februari 18, 2019) – Undefeated prospect Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera returns to the South this Saturday night (Februari. 23) in another “stay busy” fight on the “Christy Martin Fight Night” kaart, presented by Christy Martin Promotions, at Centerstage@Noda in Charlotte, Noord Carolina.

Vorige november 30^th, Rivera fought in Charlotte for the first time, knocking out local favorite Joshua Robertson in the sixth round. On Feb. 23 he will face veteran Mexican fighter **Jose “Olimpico” Corral** (20-23, 12 KO) in a scheduled six-round bout to be contested at a 187-pound catch-weight.

The Puerto Rican-American fighter didn’t have many supporters last time around but, based on his impressive performance, he won some fans over to his side, and he fully intends to add more this trip.

“Fighting there the first time was an interesting experience,” Rivera said. “I had some mixed emotions, but the fans there showed me a lot of love. People came up to me after the fight saying how much they enjoyed watching me fight. It was a good experience for me. I beat up a local fighter, but they want me back, and I’m going there to get the job done again.

“The plan is for me to have more fights this year to increase my ring experience. I feel more confident each fight. All I’m lacking is experience in big fights and that’s coming. The more confident I become in the ring helps me focus better on what I’m doing in there.

“I’ve had a few obstacles along the way, but I love boxing and fighting as ‘Popeye’. I wake up every morning ready to go.”

Rivera (9-0, 8 KO), the reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America light heavyweight champion, is part of a trio that formed Hartford Boxing Promotions (HBP) vorig jaar, which also includes Rivera’s manager/head trainer **Tony Blanco** and their other partner, **Michael Tran**.

Blanco noted that this fight for Rivera has added importance. “We’re talking to a big promoter about a deal to co-promote Richard,” Blanco explained. “Zo, he has to look good February 23^rd in Charlotte. He has the right combination of talent and marketability that fans love.

“Going to Charlotte to fight the first time was a good experience. They liked and respected him so much that he’s heading back by popular demand. We really love Christy, to be honest. She has already asked if Richard would fight on a card that she’s promoting in March in Jacksonville, Florida.”

Martin feels the same way about Team Rivera. “He’s an awesome kid,” voegde ze eraan. “He’s talented, a solid pro in the ring, and very charismatic outside the ring. Fans here love him as a fighter and person. I’ve been saying ‘Popeye’ is coming back and fans here are excited.

“And now he’s stepped out of his comfort zone, fighting outside of New England, in front of different crowds, and against fighters with different styles The sky’s the limit for him. I think he’s the real deal.”

Tickets zijn geprijsd op $70.00 (eerste rang) en $35.00 (general admission and available to purchase at the venue.

Deuren open om 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EN.

Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.

**INFORMATIE;**
Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter, /christymartinpromotions
Tjilpen: @hartfordboxing, @CMartinBoxing
Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera
You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CALEB HALL LOOKS TO CONTINUE WIN STREAK AT NEF 38

Februari 20, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

Voor onmiddellijke publicatie: Portland, Maine (Februari 18, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) zal haar volgende mixed-martial-arts presenteren (MMA) evenement, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” on April 27, 2019 bij Aura in Portland. The fight promotion just announced the addition of a professional lightweight fight to the card. Caleb Hall zal op zich te nemen Jay Ellis bij een gevecht gewicht van 155-pond.

Hall is on a five-fight win streak in the NEF cage going back to his amateur days. His last loss for the promotion was more than four years ago at “NEF 16” against current professional featherweight champion Josh Harvey. Hall closed out his amateur career with three straight wins, including capturing the amateur 145-pound strap.

He continued that success into the professional ranks in 2018. In his pro debut last spring, Hall submitted veteran John Ortolani in the first round with a Von Flu Choke. He followed up that performance with another first round submission, this time over CJ Ewer via D’Arce Choke this past September at “NEF 35.”

Hall cut his teeth on the wrestling mats of Dirigo High School in Dixfield, Maine where he was a two-time state champion. He now represents the Choi Institute based out of Recon Fitness in Portland.

“I am happy to be fighting in Portland at Aura again,” said Hall of the upcoming April 27 bout against Jay Ellis. “I am looking to pick up where I left off in 2018 and continuing my winning streak.”

NEF's volgende mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” zal plaatsvinden op zaterdag, April 27, 2019 bij Aura in Portland, Maine met een beltijd van 7 p.m. Tickets zijn nu te koop bijwww.AuraMaine.com.

boksen, Vos, Premier Boxing Champions

FRANCISCO ‘CHIA’ SANTANA TO MAKE PBC DEBUT

Februari 20, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

**WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER ADDED TO THE TELEVISED UNDERCARD OF PORTER VS. UGAS – LIVE ON FOX – MARCH 9TH**

Ventura, Californië: Februari 18, 2019

**Francisco ‘Chia’ Santana** (25-6-1, 12 KO) zal zijn **PBC** debut on the televised undercard of the **WBC Welterweight World Championship Fight** tussen **Shawn Porter** en **Yordenis Ugas** live op **Vos** op **March 9th** at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Californië.

Santana will face Arizona’s **Abel Ramos** (23-3-2, 18 KO) in what promises to be an action packed battle between two aggressive fighters both coming off victories, with the winner in line to face an opponent from PBC’s deep welterweight stable later this year.

Santana, who is coming off one of the biggest upsets of 2018 when he defeated **Olympisch gouden medaillewinnaar** and world title challenger, **Felix Diaz**, is currently ranked **#14** in de **WBC**.

“It’s crazy how much can change in a year.” legt uit, Santana.

“Last year at this time I was coming off back to back controversial losses that I felt I had won. My promoter had dropped me. I couldn’t find a fight. I had been out of the ring for a year. It looked like my career was over. I actually landed the Diaz fight because a friend entered me in an online contest to be an alternate fighter for a WBC tournament. The fans voted me in and when a fighter was injured, I was bumped up into the main tournament. I knew no one was giving me a chance to beat Diaz who was the favorite to win the whole tournament but when I’m overlooked that’s when I’m the most dangerous. The win landed me in the WBC’s Top 15 rankings allowing me to now be able to fight for their world title. I believe I am only one or two fights away from that opportunity and no one is going to stand in my way.”

Having worked with several promoters throughout his 14 jaar professionele carrière, Santana is happy to be featured on a major **Premier Boxing Champions** evenement.

“The amount of world class welterweights that PBC has is unreal, inclusief 4 van de 5 current world champions. It’s literally a who’s who of the division. I’m beyond excited to be able to make my PBC debut on Fox in primetime on the undercard of the WBC welterweight title fight. I have nothing but respect for a fellow hard working fighter like Ramos and I expect a war but I intend to make a statement on March 9th and come out victorious.”

Santana, a Santa Barbara native who lives and trains in Ventura, California atKnuckleHeadz Boxing Gym with trainer, **Jozef “Hoss” Janik**, is a favorite amongst hardcore boxing fans for his relentless in ring style and his fight anyone, overal, anytime attitude that has seen him give multiple future world champions all they could handle. Bovendien, he’s widely considered one of the friendliest fighters in the entire sport.

“I follow the golden rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. I’m a boxer but I’m a also massive boxing fan. Nothing is better than going to the fights and talking boxing with other fans. I’m no different than them. I wake up and run. I go to work all day with an hour commute back and forth. I hit the gym at night. I spend what little time I have left with my family. Then I go to sleep exhausted. I haven’t caught many breaks in this sport but I still haven’t given up on my dream of being a world champion. In life or in boxing, my motto is train, gevecht, overwinning. I think that’s something everyone can relate to.”
**FRANCISCO ‘CHIA’ SANTANA CAREER HIGHLIGHTS**

Former WBA International Champion
Has wins over 4 former world champions and challengers
Has a draw against world title challenger, Julian Williams
Has gone the distance with world champions like Jermell Charlo
Has taken the “De” uit 3 different prospects including Eddie Gomez
His 1st round KO of undefeated Kendal Mena was ESPN’s #2 Play of the Day

boksen, Vos, Premier Boxing Champions

ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. MIKEY GARCIA LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & FOTO'S

Februari 17, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

**Unbeaten Welterweight World Champion Spence Battles Undefeated Four-Division World Champion Garcia In Historic Showdown On First Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View Event**

**Zaterdag, Maart 16 Van AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas**
**Tickets On Sale Now at SeatGeek.com**

**Klik HIER voor foto's van Frank Micelotta/FOX Sports**

**Klik HIER for Photos from Andy Samuelson/**
**Premier Boxing Champions**

**Klik HIER for FOX Sports Press Conference Video**

**LOS ANGELES** (Februari 16, 2019) – Ongeslagen weltergewicht wereldkampioen **Errol Spence Jr.** and undefeated four-division champion **Mikey Garcia** previewed their upcoming showdown and faced-off live on FOX at a press conference in Los Angeles Saturday as they near their battle for pound-for-pound supremacy that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, Maart 16 van AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence and Garcia were joined on stage at the press conference by a living legend,**Thomas “Hitman” Hearns**, who won titles in five weight divisions and fought Sugar Ray Leonard in one of the most memorable welterweight fights in history.

The event also featured an interview via satellite with Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager **Jerry Jones**, who shared his thoughts on the electrifying event coming to AT&T Stadium, before Spence and Garcia were gifted personalize Cowboys jerseys by two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Tickets for the March 16 evenement, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, zijn nu te koop, en kan worden gekocht op SeatGeek.com, de officiële ticketaanbieder van AT&T Stadium.

Also in attendance at the press conference were undefeated former 168-pound champion **David Benavidez** and heavyweight fan-favorite **Chris Arreola**, who compete on the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard as Benavidez battles veteran contender **J'Leon Liefde**, while Arreola matches up against unbeaten **Jean Pierre Augustin**.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Saturday from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live-:

**ERROL SPENCE JR.**

“I train old school so I don’t worry about how Mikey is planning to get stronger at the weight. I’m not worried about it and I don’t think it will make a difference in the fight. I’m just going to focus on what I have to do to be at my best.

“Size always matters, but when you get in there, aan het einde van de dag, it’s about skills and intelligence. I’m not going to rely on size. I’m going to focus on my talent. If I can roll through him, then I’ll show my killer instinct and try to get him out of there. I’m going to use my ability to break him down.

“At first I thought he was just chasing my name when he was calling me out. Once it became real, I saw how serious he was. At that point I was very confident it would happen.

“I’m not the bully here because Mikey really pushed for the fight. The other champions weren’t available at the time, plus Mikey is the only top fighter who called me out. I knew this was a fight I wanted.

“Mikey is undefeated, has a great skill set and has won a title at 140-pounds. I don’t see him as that small a fighter. He has a technical style that’s very traditional. He likes to use angles to set his opponent’s up.

“We’re focused on what I can do and what our game plan is. I always spar the same people no matter what because they get me into the condition I need to be in and they have me primed for any challenge.

“The welterweight division has always been one of the strongest divisions in the sport and it is like that now. We just need to fight each other. I’m ready to fight any of them. Whoever ends up on top from this group, will end being a Hall of Famer. That’s how you become an all-time great.

“This is something I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’m focused and prepared for this challenge. It’s going to be all eyes on me and Mikey in that ring and I can’t wait.

“I’m happy that someone is challenging me. I’ve been looking for an opponent like him. He’s established himself in this sport. I’m happy to be able to take on this challenge. I’m looking for a skillful Mikey Garcia to bring the best out of me on March 16.

“My vision is that my hand will be raised in victory, whether it’s a knockout or a 12-round grueling fight, I’m preparing for the best Mikey Garcia skill wise, strength wise and as far as his ring intelligence.”

**MIKEY GARCIA**

“These are the kinds of challenges I want. I need someone like Errol Spence Jr., with his demeanor and style, to bring the best out of me. I want the world to finally see the full Mikey Garcia.

“The training that we did in the Bay Area definitely helped me. We are going up in weight and needed to do a different type of training. We wanted to make sure that we gained a little bit of mass so that I can be able to hold off Errol Spence’s weight and strength.

“The key to my strength training was that we didn’t want to lose my speed and explosiveness. I can see now that I’m back in sparring that I still have that speed while also gaining the muscle we had to.

“If people say Errol is bigger, that’s just obvious. But who’s faster? Who has better timing? There’s a lot more that goes into this sport and who’s going to win this particular fight.

“This has been one of the toughest camps I’ve ever had. We’re working on a lot of different methods and techniques to be at our very best. He’s going to be bigger than me on fight night, but that’s part of the challenge. I’ve know that since the beginning and that’s why we’ve trained the way we have.

“When I saw him fight Lamont Peterson I decided that Errol Spence Jr. was the fight I wanted one day. People tried to talk me out of it, but now they’re all on board. People have now started to see what I’m going to be capable of on March 16.

“I want the best Errol Spence Jr. I know he’s a great fighter with a lot of skills and talent. He hasn’t needed to use all of his skills, net zoals mij. He does everything well, but nothing spectacular. I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I think I have the advantage everywhere except maybe power, but we’ll find out on fight night.

“This is history in the making. I’m trying to establish a great legacy. This is the kind of fight that I need. I know my fans are going to show up and give me a lot of support. This fight truly excites me and motivates.

“I’m not going to let this fight slip away. I’m going to establish myself as one of the best of the generation and eventually one of the best of all time.

“Even though some people believe I’m the underdog, I don’t see myself that way. I’m undefeated and I think Errol knows that I pose a challenge. It’s no easy task for either one of us. This is the fight that I need for my legacy.”

**DERRICK JAMES, Spence Trainer**

“This fight is all about the skillset, not the size. Size will come into play a little bit, but we’re going to show the skillset that we have to beat this guy. That’s what Errol is going to show.

“Mikey Garcia has a good technical style. But there’s always a method to take down a great fighter. I think that a day like today will inspire us even more to work even harder. We can see him right in front of us. Its real and we can’t wait.

“When I first saw Errol we were actually sparring each other. We started working together and I got to see him walk through guy after guy. We knew he was a great athlete, but it took time to build to where I started to realize he was something special.”

**ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer**

“This is a big challenge for us to go up in weight to fight the best welterweight in the world. But it’s not like its’ never been done before and I know Mikey has the skills and power to pull it off. That’s what we’re coming to Dallas to do.

“This is an opportunity for Mikey to continue building his legacy. He wants to be known as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a win over Errol Spence Jr. is a big step toward that.

“I don’t think they’ve overlooking Mikey. “They know the talent he has. They’re getting ready for a great fight like they’ve done before. I think they know that they’re in for a real fight.”

**DAVID Benavidez**

“I’m back here in this stage and that’s all that matters. I’m living and learning. I can’t wait to be in position to again fight for the world title.

‘I actually sparred with J’Leon Love when I was 15-years-old. He’s a great fighter who’s a veteran. Ik ga hem niet met uitzicht. I’m training for this fight like it’s a world title fight. Whatever style he comes with, I’m going to be ready for it.

“I’m better than ever. Everything has been a lesson learned. I had to sit out while I lost my spot, so now I’m more motivated than ever. This year we’re leaving the past in the past and coming back stronger.”

**Chris Arreola**

“I’m excited to be back. It was a long layoff where I spent time with my son and watched him grow. I missed that feeling of being in front of fans and getting that nervous energy right before a fight.

“I’m anticipating and I’m hoping for a rowdy crowd on March 16. There will be a lot of Spence and Garcia fans and a whole lot of great fights. Us Mexicans, we love fights.

“I know that my opponent is a southpaw and he’s slick. He’s going to try to out box me. I know he’s not going to want to stay in my wheelhouse. I have to be in shape to go the distance and be ready for shots coming from different angles.”

**JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager**

*On hosting Spence and Garcia at separate Cowboys home games last season:*
“It was just good to rub elbows with champions. I want all that they have to rub off on me and the Dallas Cowboys.

“The fact that FOX is involved and their interest in this fight is amazing. We’ve had great events with FOX, including the Super Bowl. Our stadium was really built for boxing. These fighters will be standing 70 feet tall suspended above the ring on the video board. It’s an excellent way to feel like you’re so close you’re receiving the blows from these great fighters.

“We’re so excited for our Mexican-American fan base. This is a great area for boxing. We endear ourselves to be involved with an event like this in anyway the Cowboys can. Especially with two great fighters like Spence and Garcia.

“I think you’ll see a fight with outstanding champions involved on March 16. You don’t get to see the best against the best very often. At AT&T Stadium, you’ll see it in a way that can’t be matched at normal sports venues. The aura of having thousands of fans like at a football game is unmatched. It’s a grand experience and we’re proud to be a part of boxing.”

**RICHARD SCHAEFER, Voorzitter & CEO van Ringstar Sports**

“The winner of this fight will be pound-for-pound the best in the world. Everybody would agree both of these guys are near the top of that list, and I believe whoever wins will be number one. This is a coronation for who is today the king of the sport.

“Mikey Garcia is technically one of the best fighters in the world. Errol Spence Jr. is a strong, determined fighter who just wants to prove that he’s the best. This fight is a chance for both guys to prove they’re the best in the world.”

**TOM BROWN, President van TGB Promotions**

“This is a true blockbuster event, worthy of this incredible press conference live on FOX. These two fighters are not only superstars of the sport, but the winner of this fight will be able to make the claim of being number one pound-for-pound.

“FOX and the Dallas Cowboys have given a tremendous amount of support to this event and we anticipate an unforgettable evening on March 16. Mikey Garcia is truly daring to be great against a fighter in Errol Spence Jr. who has established himself as the class of the 147-pound division.”

# # #

***OVER SPENCE VS. GARCIA***
Spence vs. Garcia is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event that is headlined by unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. defending his title against four-division world champion Mikey Garcia on Saturday, Maart 16 van AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard will feature undefeated former super middleweight champion David Benavidez battling veteran contender J’Leon Love, unbeaten former bantamweight champion Luis Nery taking on former champion McJoe Arroyo and fan-favorite Chris Arreola facing unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin.

Voor meer informatie: bezoek www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage en www.foxdeportes.com, volgen op TwitterPremierBoxing, @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.

**About AT&T Stadium:**
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, de $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxe suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, de 2010 NBA All Star Game, de 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, de 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerten, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. Voor meer informatie, ga naar www.attstadium.com.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

JAKE BAGLEY AFTER DAZZLING MMA DEBUT: “I PLAN ON DOING BIG THINGS”

Februari 17, 2019 FNU47 Laat een reactie achter

Portland, Maine (Februari 16, 2019)—Jake “The Bull” Bagley has had a mythical reputation within the Maine wrestling community for well over a decade, but when he made his mixed martial arts (MMA) debut at “NEF 37: Sub Zero” on February 1^st in Bangor, a whole new legion of fans learned his name—fight fans. That’s because Bagley, a multiple-time state champion wrestler, brought the house down in his back-and-forth, fist-tastic battle with Canada’s Brady Macdonald. Bagley discussed his NEF MMA debut recently with Bryan Stackpole and Ryan Jarrell on the Between Rounds Radio podcast.

Bagley, now 25-years-old, grew-up wrestling for perennial powerhouse Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine, where he won two state championships. During his time on the mat, Bagley earned a reputation as a relentless competitor that never hesitated to bump up in weight to face the toughest challengers he could find at both the state and national levels. Blessed with a relentless desire to constantly test his abilities, Bagley’s interests naturally progressed to MMA at a young age.

“When I was 15, I believe I was a sophomore, I heard there was cage fighting going on in Berwick, Maine,” Bagley told Stackpole and Jarrell. “I went down and checked it out and that’s the first day I met Bill Jones. I was 15-years-old and I walked into Hall Brother’s Roofing and they’re out there behind a storage unit place, in a garage bay training. Ever since that day, Bill’s been kicking my ass and pushing me to it. In the last couple of months, I finally got serious about it and decided to do it.”

Bagley’s NEF debut earlier this month came against a fighter that had proven himself to be a wrestler’s kryptonite. Canada’s Brady Macdonald needed only 15-seconds to force multiple-time New Hampshire state champion Greg Waterbury to tap when he debuted with the promotion in June 2018. Early into his bout with Bagley, it looked like history might repeat itself when Macdonald was able to secure Bagley’s back during the first round. Bagley, echter, would have none of it.

“He caught me with that first overhand right right at the beginning of the fight and then it clicked—I realized I was in a fight,” Bagley recounted. “My adrenaline went up. I couldn’t have been happier. It was everything that I was looking for.”

Bagley fought off the choke and then, the fight was on. A frenetic, high-paced free-for-all followed that had all 1200 fans in the building on their feet.

“As soon as I realized how hard he could hit, I had no fear—I was going forward,” Bagley stated.

“I didn’t realize how many times he actually hit me until I saw the video,” Bagley continued. “That’s a big thing—I need to keep my hands up.”

One of the most dangerous moments of the fight for Bagley came when he found himself caught in a deep heel hook.

“I look at the video now and I see my foot facing down and my knee facing up and it definitely hurt,” Bagley explained. “He had it in there tight and I’m glad I got through it.”

“I didn’t notice anybody but Brady that night. When I was in there I couldn’t hear coaches yelling, I couldn’t hear fans yelling. Het was geweldig. It was pure focus because I knew if I wasn’t focusing he was going to catch me like I was catching him.”

Nu, a couple of weeks removed from his head-turning debut, the bumps and bruises have healed, but for Bagley—and the fans that were fortunate enough to witness it—the magic of the moment has not been forgotten.

“I’ve wrestled on a couple of national stages, but the emotion and the stuff after that fight… I still feel it today,” Bagley said.

"Het voelt geweldig,” he continued. “I’ve always been a competitor and I’ve always trained my entire life. I didn’t do much the last five years—I had a couple of kids and started a family. When I just got back into the gym it was like riding a bike. Once I get going, there’s not going to be anybody to stop me.”

Once again fully committed to a competition lifestyle, Bagley is ready to start racking up the wins the same way he did on the wrestling mat.

“I feel that now that I’m in it, I have that drive and motivation that I don’t think many people are going to be able to compete with,"Hij zei. “I’ve got unnatural athletic ability and my determination is going to be hard to match—I don’t care who you are.”

“I will fight anybody that wants to accept a fight with me,” he continued. “That’s how I feel. If I want to be the best, I’m going to go against the best. I’ll take on anybody right now.”

“I plan on doing big things.”

NEF's volgende mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 38: STORMBORN,” zal plaatsvinden op zaterdag, April 27, 2019 at Aura in Portland, Maine met een beltijd van 7 p.m. Tickets zijn nu te koop bijwww.AuraMaine.com. ��F�>s�O