PONCE, Puerto Rico – In an emotional and busy Christmas activity, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and its president Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, accompanied by former world champions, prospects, WBO World Jr. Flyweight Champion Ángel Acosta, regional champions, and other figures of the sport were delivering gifts to children at the Sor Isolina Ferré Center in Ponce, as part of the successful world ‘WBO Kids Drug Free’ program.
An emotional Sister Mildred Vázquez, Spiritual Director of the centers of Puerto Rico, said: “The WBO and Paco Valcárcel have been committed to us for around 20 years.There are many gifts that will be distributed to the other centers that we have in Puerto Rico. Since day one, which was a long time ago, I remember that Paco told us that the WBO was never going to forget us. His deed is very important for all of us. We will never forget the great help you gave us then Hurricane María hit us hard; we are very grateful”.
“Respect for the
school, respect for the church, respect for their fathers and mothers, respect
for the elderly and respect for their peers. Respect is the most important
priority in life said our Savior”, Valcárcel expressed to the large number
of children present. “Sister Sor Isolina always knew how to multiply the
fish and bread. She was sent from God. They can count on us every year, the
commitment will continue, and we love them very much”.
The world champion Ángel “Tito” Acosta said: “Many children left happy with their gifts and bicycles. I always tell the youth that they have to get away from the streets to concentrate on their studies”.
Participating in the activity were Acosta, former professional basketball player Javier “Toñito” Colón, WBO Latino Featherweight Champion Luis”Popeye” Lebrón, WBO Interim Latino Heavyweight Champion Víctor Bisbal, the former world champions Samuel Serrano, Alex “El Nene” Sánchez and Ángel “Cholo” Espada, along with boxers Alfredo “El Salsero” Cruz, Jean M. Rivera, Edwin “Chin” Valentín, and amateur boxer Bryan Rodríguez.
Also in the event were boxing managers Margaro Cruz, coaches Jesús “Tongui” Ortiz, Ángel Vargas, Yoel “Yowy” González, and Félix Pagán Pintor, referees José Hiram Rivera and Ramón Peña; professional boxing judge César Ramos. For the WBO, other than Valcárcel, legal advisor Gustavo Olivieri, WBO Treasurer Adolfo Flores, and WBO Chairman Ratings Committee Edgardo López Sasso were also present.
WBO Kids Drug Free is an
international program aimed at children and young people in order to carry a
message of prevention to the use of drugs and to motivate them to continue
studying, using sports as a tool to stay on good steps, as well supporting causes
aimed at those in need in order to contribute to a better quality of life.
About the Sor Isolina
Ferré Center:
CSIF has contributed to the well-being, security and socioeconomic development of Puerto Rico since its foundation 49 years ago at the Ponce Beach by Sister Isolina Ferré, MSBT. Its corrective programs and prevention, human development and community development provide solutions to address problems such as school dropout, violence, and unemployment and the economic crisis. The different programs and services are offered in 24 towns of the Island, including regions of Ponce, Guayama, San Juan, and Canóvanas, among others.
Also in Action! Unbeaten Adam Kownacki Faces Gerald Washington in Heavyweight Attraction & Unbeaten Featherweight Contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar Battles Claudio Marrero
Tickets on Sale Now!
BROOKLYN (December 18, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event o Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar battles Claudio Marrero to open the telecast.
Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com,or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. Nyambayar and Marrero are guaranteed to add fireworks to an already thrilling show. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.’’
“I speak for boxing
fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return
to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great
success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year
of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local
favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud
fans.”
Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center,the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez.
Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.
“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,’’ said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve-wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”
The 34-year-old Lopez(36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.
“I’m approaching this fight leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,’’Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens,chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”
Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.
“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.’’
Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career.The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.
“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,’’ said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.’’
Nyambayar (10-0, 9KOs) has made a rapid ascent through the talent-laden featherweight division with precision and power. The 26-year-old Nyambayar, who is from Ulan-Bator Mongolia and now lives in Carson, California, won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the Mongolian boxing team. He scored a KO victory over Oscar Escandon in his last fight on May 26.
Marrero (23-2, 17KOs), a 29-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is coming off a stunning KO victory over Jorge Lara in his last fight on April 28.Marrero two losses have come against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013 and Jesus Rojas in 2015. A victory over Nyambayar will putMarrero in position to fight for a world title again.w
SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL To Air Live At 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT On SHOWTIME And The Network’s Streaming Service
NEW YORK – December 18, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated rematch between top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora this Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. As with all SHOWTIME programming, the event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service.
Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will go toe-to-toe once again in a rematch of one of 2016’s best fights, live from London’s The O2 on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL.The all-British affair between the bitter rivals has been brewing since Whyte narrowly edged Chisora in a back-and-forth slugfest that necessitated a rematch.
“SHOWTIME continues to lead the industry by delivering more of the most compelling boxing events from around the world to our premium cable subscribers and online streaming customers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports. “This network has televised all of the most important heavyweight fights during the division’s renaissance and we are proud to join Matchroom Sports in delivering Whyte-Chisora II to our audience. Their first fight was action-packed from bell to bell. Now, with the stakes as high as they have ever been for both men,this bout promises to be even better. I hope that the boxing pundits have not yet cast their vote for Fight, Knockout and Round of the Year. Saturday’s matchup may challenge some of this year’s best.”
The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with host Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood calling the action.
The stakes are high in the rematch, as both Whyte and Chisora have been working toward world title opportunities against IBF, WBA and WBO Champion Anthony Joshua and WBC Champion Deontay Wilder. Whyte holds the No. 1 ranking in the WBC and WBO, as well as the WBA’s No. 4 position. Chisora is ranked No. 5 by both the WBA and IBF, as well as No. 9 by the WBC. Their first matchup was widely regarded as the best heavyweight matchup of 2016, and round five of their “sensational fight” earned Round of the Year honors from ESPN.”
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, January 19
From the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
Plus! Former World Champion Rau’shee Warren
Meets Unbeaten Nordine Oubaali for Vacant WBC Bantamweight Title &
Unbeaten Featherweight Jhack Tepora Takes on
Former World Champion Hugo Ruiz
LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2018) – Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic match up that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten JhackTepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.
In the main event,
Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world
champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns
to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title
against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien
“The Problem” Broner.
Tickets for the event,
which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in
association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at
$100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online
through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM
Resorts International box office.
“Not
only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy
three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view
portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather
Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name
for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and
Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC
title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for
his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further
strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent
on boxing’s biggest stage.”
Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs)
has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super
middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was
born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics
and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a
majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the
title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought
majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout
at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light
heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson
in his last fight on May 19.
“I’m looking
forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across
the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said
Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on
January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s
available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this
fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”
The 28-year-old Browne
(22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles
Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the
contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring
three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan
and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y.,
scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on
August 4.
“This is really an
honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big
time pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner,” Browne
said. “Badou Jack is a championship-caliber fighter and one of the
toughest guys you can fight in the light heavyweight division. I’m ready for
the step up in competition and focused on being a household name in the sport
sooner rather than later.”
Warren (16-2, 4 KOs) is
looking to return to the world championship ranks with a victory over Oubaali.
The 31-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he
qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His Olympic run
came to an end against Oubaali when he lost a narrow 19-18 decision in the
first round of the 2012 London Games. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren
won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan
Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by
split-decision.
“This fight means
everything for me and it’s about to be the biggest moment of my career,”
Warren said. “Not only am I fighting for the WBC belt, but it’s on
pay-per-view. When I first won the title it was like winning the gold medal at
the Olympics. After I lost the title, it made me much hungrier and I want to
get it back even more. I fought this guy in the Olympics, so I’m fighting for
revenge. This isn’t the Olympics. This is 12 rounds and I don’t think he’s
fought anybody like me. I have no choice but to put it all on the line on
January 19.”
The 32-year-old Oubaali
(14-0, 11 KOs), an unbeaten southpaw from Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France, has
knocked out his last five opponents. His most recent KO of Luis Melendez on
April 17 moved Oubaali up the ranks to position him for a world title shot.
Oubaali, who is the sixth of 18 children born in France to parents who are from
Morocco, twice represented France at the Olympics, qualifying in 2008 and 2012
when he defeated Warren.
“Many people are
waiting for this fight because it’s the second time we meet,” said Oubaali.”I
beat Rau’shee Warren at the 2012 London Games in a great battle. In the
meantime, Rau’shee captured a world championship and lost it. Right now, I’m
the WBC No. 1 ranked bantamweight fighter in the world. It will be a great
fight in Las Vegas on January 19 and I intend to beat Rau’shee again to become
the new WBC world champion.”
The 25-year-old Tepora
(22-0, 17 KOs) has steadily risen up the ranks since turning pro in 2012 and
most recently captured the WBA interim featherweight crown with a ninth-round
stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega in July. Representing Cebu City, Philippines,
Tepora enters his U.S. debut on January 19 with stoppage wins in 11 of his last
12 contests.
“It
has always been a dream to fight in the United States,” said Tepora.
“I never dreamed that my first fight in the U.S. would be on a card with
Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner. I look forward to a tremendous fight
on January 19 and defending my title versus former world champion Hugo Ruiz. As
you all know the best rivalry in boxing is Filipino vs. Mexican. It’s going to
be a great fight.”
Fighting out of Los
Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ruiz (38-4, 33 KOs) will make his featherweight debut
on January 19 after picking up two victories in 2018. The 30-year-old won a
super bantamweight world title with a first round stoppage of Julio Ceja in
2016, avenging his previous loss to Ceja in one of 2015’s most exciting fights.
He now seeks to position himself for a world title at 126 pounds with a victory
against Tepora.
“I
expect it to be a good fight because Tepora is undefeated and a good Filipino
champion,” said Ruiz. “But I’m ready. I don’t think he can handle my
power. I’m going to knock him out. I want to do my best to win the title. I’ve
been watching videos of him and I’ve been training hard. I’m really focused on
how to beat him. I’m still young, but I’ve got the experience to handle him in
this fight.”
In a pivotal year for women’s boxing that saw the sport reach more people than ever before, two-time United States Olympic gold medal winner Claressa Shields continued to soar, as she successfully defended her two world middleweight titles, then added three super middleweight belts before the end of a campaign that earned her the 2018 Christy Martin Award, which is given to the Boxing Writers Association of America’s Female Fighter of the Year.
“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. It is a dream come true, and it furthers my goal to lift women’s boxing to new levels,” Shields said.
“In 2019 my goals are to become undisputed champion, to be ranked in the top 10 pound-for-pound list regardless of gender, and to continue the march of women’s boxing toward equality with men.”
The 23-year-old from Flint, Michigan becomes the second winner of the award, which was established in 2017. She will be honored at the BWAA’s annual award dinner, which will take place in 2019 at a site and date to be determined.
“In such a big year for women’s boxing, it wasn’t a surprise that there were so many worthy nominees for this award, but in 2018, Claressa Shields took things to a new level by becoming a two-division world champion and successfully defending her titles at both 168 and 160 pounds in Showtime and HBO-televised bouts,” said Thomas Gerbasi, chairman of the BWAA’s women’s boxing committee. “That’s impressive in its own right, but the fact that she’s done this all before her tenth pro fight and under the glare of the spotlight that comes with being the face of the sport in the United States made her a unanimous choice for this year’s Christy Martin Award.”
Joining Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward and the late Emanuel Steward as members of the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018, Shields began the year on a collision course with middleweight champion Christina Hammer, but first she finished up her business at 168 pounds by successfully defending her IBF and WBC titles with a shutout victory over Tori Nelson in January.
Next was Shields’ middleweight debut against Hanna Gabriels in June, and what followed was a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Shields rebound from the first knockdown of her career to win a clear-cut decision and the IBF and WBA belts. Soon after, the news came that Hammer had to withdraw from her November clash with Shields due to injury, but “T-Rex” didn’t slow down, as she defeated Hannah Rankin and Femke Hermans to successfully defend her middleweight titles while adding the WBC crown to her trophy case.
Featuring Julian Lane Against Leonard Garcia, the Return of the Queen of Bare Knuckle Bec Rawlings, the Rematch Between Tony Lopez & Joey Beltran & Much More Action from Beto Avila Stadium
Tickets on Sale December 19!
Click HERE to View “BKFC 4: USA vs. Mexico” Promotional Video
PHILADELPHIA (December 17, 2018) – A night of high-stakes BareKnuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) action will come to Cancun,Mexico with a jam-packed card of exciting USA vs. Mexico matchups live on pay-per-view Saturday, February 2 from Beto Avila Stadium.
The historic event will feature former Ultimate Fighter competitor Julian Lane battling Mexican-American UFC Veteran Leonard Garcia, “Queen of BareKnuckle “Bec Rawlings defending her title against Puerto Vallarta’s Cecilia Flores and a highly-anticipated rematch between Tony Lopez and Joey Beltran, who engaged in an epic showdown at BKFC 1 that was narrowly won by Beltran.
“BKFC
4: USA vs. Mexico” will be broadcast across the United States and
Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all
major television and streaming distribution outlets for $29.95. It will
also be available world-wide via streaming to all in-home and out-of-home
connected devices.
The action will also see a pair of former UFC standouts as 20-fight UFC veteran Chris Lytle faces Mexico City’s Erick Montano, BKFC heavyweight tournament runner-up Sam Shewmaker returns to action to take on Tijuana’s Joel Paredes, plus former WEC Middleweight Champion and 12-fight UFC veteran Joe Riggs competes in his second BKFC attraction as he looks for anothervictory, this time against Mexico City’s Heriberto “El Rudo” Tovar, who has fought in Combate Americas, the largest Hispanic-based MMA organization in the sport.
Tickets for “BKFC
4: USA vs. Mexico” will be available starting December 19 at www.bareknuckle.tv.
“We
are very excited to be making our international debut in only our forth
show,” said BKFC Founder and President David Feldman. “We have this
card stacked from top to bottom as Mexico’s toughest fighters will battle the
USA’s toughest fighters. We are very happy with the reception we have received
so far in Cancun and are looking forward to putting on another stellar
event.”
“I’m
extremely pumped for my BKFC debut,” said Julian Lane. “I’m always
looking forward to a battle and I’m excited to be fighting in Cancun, Mexico.
This will be the third country I have fought in and I’m traveling to Garcia’s
backyard, so that makes it even better because that’s what I’m used to. I won
the BKB world title in England one year ago against Jimmy Sweeney in his
backyard, so this isn’t my first rodeo. I’m definitely looking forward to the
fight and to making history at BKFC’s biggest show to date. They put the king
of bare knuckle fighting on the card and the world always wants to see me bang!”
“It
feels great to be a part of the first international BKFC event,” said
Leonard Garcia. “I’m excited to mix it up. BKFC is an organization that I
feel I was made for and on February 2 I’ll get to live out my dream of
competing in a sanctioned event with no gloves.”
Ohio’s Lane is most
known for competing on the UFC Ultimate Fighter series. He owns 12 wins out of
20 career professional MMA contests and has also competed for Bellator. Lane
will take on Garcia who is an experienced MMA fighter who competed on the first
televised featherweight bout in UFC history. Garcia earned multiple Fight
of the Night honors while with UFC, won the 2010 Fight of the
Year award for his contest against the Korean Zombie Chan-Sung Jung in WEC
and most recently competed with Legacy FC.
Rawlings has made a name
for herself with action-packed victories in her first two BKFC fights. The
Australian-born fighter picked up wins on the first two BKFC cards to stake her
claim as the leading female bare knuckle fighter. She will now travel to her
opponent’s home turf to face Mexico’s Flores.
Lopez and Beltran took
part in a sensational showdown on the first BKFC card that can be viewed in its
entirety HERE. Beltran won a brutal unanimous decision,
avenging a pair of MMA losses he had suffered to Lopez earlier in his career.
Beltran has 17 professional MMA wins including triumphs with UFC and Bellator.
Lopez has put together a prolific MMA career that includes compiling 61 wins.
# # #
About Bare Knuckle
Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018,
Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports
history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle
event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took
place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the
auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission.
BKFC uses only
established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing,
MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated
by ABC member Athletic Commissions.
Presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN (December 17, 2018) – Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has stepped up to challenge Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim Middleweight Championship live in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Korobov is replacing Willie Monroe, Jr., who was removed from the main event after he tested positive for a banned substance by VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is conducting further investigation into the matter.
Korobov was due to fight on the undercard and had been training to fight December 22. He willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement for Monroe.
“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. That means the celebration is going to be sweeter as well. He was fighting on the undercard, so he’s prepared. But now fighting for the title in the top spot is going to make him fight harder. I love it. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.”
“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice because I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it. Make sure you tune-in to FOX for a great fight.”
The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC middleweight championship bout against Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.
Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel, has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014. His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when he was caught by a right hand from Lee that resulted in a sixth round TKO loss.
The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista.
Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET.
Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Bangor, Maine (December 17, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: Sub Zero,” on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of a professional catchweight bout to the card. CJ Ewer (3-2) will take on Mark “Pockets” Gardner (0-0) at a fight weight of 180-pounds.
CJ Ewer is the reigning NEF Professional Middleweight Champion, having submitted Mike Hansen at “NEF 30” in August 2017 to claim the title. It was a special night for Ewer, not only as a night he would capture his first gold as a professional, but also as the night he got to compete on the same card with his brother Roger (1-0) in front of their many friends and family. “NEF 37” will be the second time the Ewer brothers fight on a card together as Roger is scheduled to be in amateur heavyweight action against Bryce Bamford (2-0). The Ewers represent Young’s MMA of Bangor.
“Mark has proven himself as a very tough competitor, and I have all the respect in the world for his gym and his coaches at The Academy,” said CJ Ewer. “It will be a very tough, great fight for the fans. The last time Roger and I fought on the same card was the most memorable night of my MMA career when I won the middleweight title. I’m looking forward to having another memorable night February 1st.”
Mark Gardner will make his professional debut at “NEF 37” after an amateur career that saw him put together a perfect 3-0 record. He finished all three of his opponents, including a pair of first-round submissions. Gardner, who trains with The Academy of MMA in Portland, Maine, was scheduled to make his professional debut at “NEF 35” earlier this year, but his opponent pulled out on the day of the fight. That setback has made Gardner more determined than ever to get back in the cage for battle.
“I’m pretty excited to get in there and fight again in February,” said Gardner. “I’ve been training hard since the last one. I’ve seen CJ fight a couple times now and the dude’s tough for sure. It’s going to be a good one.”
NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: SUB ZERO,” will take place on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine with a bell time of 8 pm. Tickets are on-sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.
HOUSTON, TX (December 14, 2018) – Tonight at the Arabia Shrine Center in Houston, Texas, Prince Ranch Boxing’s super bantamweight prospect, Raeese Aleem (13-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated with a 5th round TKO against Derrick Wilson (12-8-2, 3 KOs).
From the opening bell Aleem started to dominate the fight, using superior lateral movement, in addition to accurate punching. Although Wilson was game for the first few rounds, Aleem eventually got him out of there with a barrage of punches in round five. The time of the stoppage was 1:53 of round five.
“I feel I’m the best super bantamweight in the world and every time I step in the ring, I’m going to prove it,” said Aleem, who is promoted by Kings Promotions and trained by Bones Adams, along with Brandon Woods. “I’m ready to battle the best fighters in my division with the goal of becoming a world champion. I’m coming for everyone at 122 pounds.”
“Tonight, Raeese Aleem showed why his is one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His incredible boxing ability is a thing of beauty. 2019 will be a big year for him as I see him in a big fight with one of the top contenders.”
Bangor, Maine (December 14, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: Sub Zero,” on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur bantamweight fight to the card. Nate Boucher (3-3) will take on Dillon Henry (0-0) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.
Nate Boucher will step into the NEF cage to compete for the seventh time at “NEF 37.” He started his amateur career at a perfect 2-0 before challenging Justin Witham (4-4) for the NEF Amateur Flyweight Title. Boucher would lose a very close split decision in that fight and then another split decision in his next fight against fellow Mountain Valley High School wrestling alum Ryan Burgess (3-2). After rebounding from a three-fight skid with an impressive first-round submission of Jordan Young last month at “NEF 36,” Boucher now has his sights set on capturing the flyweight title that has eluded him to date. He trains with Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Lewiston, Maine.
“I’m grateful to Dillon for stepping up and taking this bout,” said Boucher. “I’m in a growth season in the sport. My skills and techniques are constantly expanding as I continue toward my goal of becoming the NEF flyweight champion in 2019—and I’m not stopping until I get there.”
Dillon Henry will make his MMA debut at “NEF 37.” Like Boucher, Henry comes from a wrestling background having competed for Windham High School in Windham, Maine. Currently, he trains with First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine. Henry has every intention of playing the spoiler to Boucher’s title aspirations in 2019. He trains with Walt Shea (3-1) – the last fighter to hand Boucher a loss – and Henry feels this will give him the edge in the upcoming bout.
“I hold Nate, his skills and the teams he trains with to a high regard,” stated Henry, “but plain and simple – I’m bringing a diverse skillset to this fight, and I plan on walking away with that ‘W.’”
NEF’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 37: SUB ZERO,” will take place on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine with a bell time of 8 pm. Tickets are on-sale now at www.CrossInsuranceCenter.com.
