All posts by FNU47

Light Heavyweight Bout Featuring Yoel Romero Against Melvin Manhoef Added to BELLATOR’s Return to Paris on May 6

A group of men posing for a picture

Description automatically generated with medium confidence
PARIS, FRANCE – Two iconic mixed martial artists with an undeniable track record of thrilling performances will square up as Yoel Romero (13-6) takes on Melvin Manhoef (32-15-1, 2 NC) in the co-main event of BELLATOR MMA’s return to Paris’ Accor Arena on Friday, May 6. BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 will be televised live in America on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. CEST/4 p.m. ET.
 
With mixed martial arts becoming legalized in France in 2020, BELLATOR became the first promotion to hold a major MMA event with BELLATOR 248 in October of that year. The success of that historic card propelled BELLATOR to make a return to “The City of Lights” in 2022 in a big way with a main event featuring undisputed BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) defending his crown in enemy territory against hometown favorite and No. 2-ranked heavyweight Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC).
 
In addition to the main and co-main event, a lightweight tilt pitting the last man to defeat media darling Paddy Pimblett, Søren Bak (15-1) against England’s Saul Rogers (15-4) is also official. Bak has only tasted defeat once in his 16 professional fights and held both the featherweight and lightweight titles in Cage Warriors before joining the BELLATOR roster. Fighting out of Denmark, “The True Viking” is riding a seven-fight win streak into battle against the SBG Manchester product, Rogers. Known as “The Hangman,” Rogers also has amassed 15 victories on his resume including wins over Artem Lobov, Ryan Hall and Georgi Karakhanyan.
 
The preliminary card is guaranteed to feature a showcase of French talent and has begun to take shape with the return of Yves Landu (16-9), who takes on Liverpool’s Gavin Hughes (10-2) in a lightweight affair. Preliminary card action will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6:30 p.m. CEST/12:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets for the fight are on sale now at accorarena.com and bellator.fr. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/
 
Fighting out of Miami, Florida, Romero will be making his second BELLATOR appearance on May 6 in Paris. Following a seven-year stint under the direction of the UFC, the American Top Team-product became one of the most sought-after free agents prior to signing with the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2020. With 11 of his 13 career victories coming by way of knockout, including four of the first-round variety, “Soldier of God” possesses the type of knockout power that can force any opponent into submission. A three-time World Cup Freestyle Wrestling Champion, five-time Pan-American Freestyle Wrestling Champion, and 2000 Olympics Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medalist, the Cuban-born Romero has continuously showcased his elite talents at the highest level of competition. The only missing trophy to a near-flawless legacy is a BELLATOR world title.
 
Making his tenth appearance for BELLATOR MMA, Dutch superstar Melvin “No Mercy” Manhoef has put together an impressive resume throughout his illustrious career in multiple combat sports disciplines that has seen him finish 29 of his 32 MMA victims via knockout, including 26 in the first round and eight in the opening minute of action. A native of Amsterdam, Netherlands, the ageless wonder and No. 10-ranked BELLATOR light heavyweight will now look to add to a trio of impressive knockouts that he’s collected since joining the promotion back in 2014.
 
BELLATOR PARIS: BADER VS. KONGO 2 MAIN CARD:
SHOWTIME (U.S.) / RMC SPORT (FRANCE) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)
Friday, May 6, 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
 
Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #C-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC)
Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Yoel Romero (13-6) vs. #10-Melvin Manhoef (32-15-1, 2 NC)
Lightweight Bout: Søren Bak (15-1) vs. Saul Rogers (15-4)
Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-9) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit www.Bellator.fr and Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.
Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR MMA 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE
Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis
Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA
Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

BELLATOR 276 OFFICIALLY SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 12 IN ST. LOUIS

A group of men

Description automatically generated with medium confidence
LOS ANGELES – A future shot at the BELLATOR Featherweight World Championship will be on the line when No. 2-ranked Adam Borics (17-1) meets a man also ranked No. 2 in the Official BELLATOR Rankings, Mads Burnell (16-3) in the main event of BELLATOR 276 on Saturday, March 12 at The Family Arena in St. Louis.
 
In the co-main event former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against No. 4-ranked Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. The main card will also see a pair of skilled lightweights compete, when undefeated Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) moves up in weight to meet Dagestan’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2).
 
SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 11 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place the day prior.
 
BELLATOR MMA 276 preliminary battle between two heavy-handed light heavyweights No. 8-ranked Alex “Easy” Polizzi (9-1) and Team Pitbull’s Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC) is also official. Additional contests will be announced shortly.
 
A multi-faceted fighter with tremendous success in two different combat sports, Adam Borics knocked out all 25 of his amateur opponents en route to compiling 10-0 (kickboxing) and 15-0 (MMA) records. Holding a three-inch height advantage and tied with upcoming opponent Mads Burnell as the No. 2 featherweight in the BELLATOR rankings, the Ft. Lauderdale featherweight commenced his pro career with 14 straight triumphs, including ten by KO or submission.
 
Much like his upcoming foe, the nine-time BELLATOR veteran, armed with an 8-1 promotional record, prefers to dispose of his counterparts quickly as evidenced by ten of his 18 career wins culminating in knockout or submission. Additionally, the former Hungarian Fight Championship Featherweight kingpin has fought only 41 rounds since turning professional in Aug. 2014, an average of only 2.3 per outing.
 
Nicknamed “The Kid,” the former Thai and Hungarian Thai Boxing World Titleholder, who lives by the adage “Practice laborious, battle easy,” and holds knockout wins over former BELLATOR featherweight champion Pat Curran and ferocious featherweight Aaron Pico. Born in Budapest, Hungary, the Sanford MMA fighter, who signed a multi-fight extension with BELLATOR in January 2021, launched his promotional campaign by submitting Anthony Taylor via rear-naked choke in April 2017. After dropping his lone BELLATOR bout at the hands of former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell in the quarterfinals of the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight Grand Prix, Borics has outpointed his last three opponents under the company banner. 
 
Currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, Mads Burnell prefers to dispatch of his opponents early. In 19 career fights, the submission specialist has stopped more than half of his adversaries (10), including eight in the opening round. Additionally, the Copenhagen, Denmark, native has not fought past three rounds in his professional career, while averaging a mere two per contest. The Arte Suave Copenhagen product, who will turn 28 less than one week prior to his fourth consecutive promotional appearance at BELLATOR MMA 276, opened his vocation by defeating his initial five opponents, including three via submission.
 
A first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burnell captured the Cage Warriors featherweight title by submitting then-champion Dean Trueman by Japanese necktie at 3:04 of the second round on June 29, 2019. Two months after signing with the company, the ferocious featherweight took the mixed martial arts world by storm when he recorded his lone career knockout and floored Darko Banovic at 3:13 of the first stanza in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 248 on Oct. 10, 2020, in Paris, France.
 
Following a second-round destruction of “The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber” standout Saul Rogers via rear-naked choke at BELLATOR MMA 257, the three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran returned to the cage less than four months later and upset Emmanuel Sanchez via three-round unanimous decision (29-28 and 30-27 twice) in a non-stop battle at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. A former European No-Gi champion, Burnell hopes to keep his undefeated BELLATOR record intact when he challenges fellow No. 2-ranked Adam Borics.
 
BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:
Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 
 
Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)
Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)
Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)
 
PRELIMINARY CARD: 
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV
6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT
 
Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

Heavyweights Simms and Johnson to Rumble in Main Event of Salita Promotions’ Next Detroit Brawl on Saturday, March 5, in Dearborn

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MichiganSalita Promotions will present another edition of the “Detroit Brawl” series, this time featuring Saginaw, Michigan, heavyweight spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) taking on undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.


Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35. Order tickets online or call or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event.


A proven spoiler, in six years as a professional, Simms has faced a number of quality opponents, often as the B side of the bout sheet, taking upset victories over then 15-1 Joe Cusumano (W 6), then 8-0-2 Colby Madison (W 8), and in his last ring appearance, a unanimous decision over then 8-1 Aaron Quintana last March. Still improving, Simms has lost only one fight of his last seven.


Born and raised in Huntington, New York, 29-year-old Johnson has gone undefeated, thus far, in his four-year career, stopping all but one opponent. As an amateur, Johnson was a 2015 Golden Gloves Champion in the super heavyweight open class. Johnson has worked as a sparring partner for top heavyweight Daniel Dubois. Simms represents, by far, his toughest opponent to date.


Featured in the co-main event will be Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (21-1-1, 10 KOs). Also seeing action will be undefeated middleweight terror Marlon Harrington (6-0, 5 KOs), as well as popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur stars Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), and Joshua Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) in separate four-rounders.


All undercard opponents will be announced shortly.


“The last Detroit Brawl was a tremendous success and we’re coming back to the same terrific venue for another night of world-class Michigan boxing,” said event promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “We’ve got many of the best prospects in the state that will be in tough match-ups, starting with our heavyweight main event, that I can’t pick a winner of. Both guys have a lot to prove, so it should be a sensational night of boxing from beginning to end.”


PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604.


The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. This event will also be streamed on the Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel.

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

BELLATOR’S TOP FOUR WELTERWEIGHTS CONVERGE ON LONDON’S OVO ARENA WEMBLEY FRIDAY, MAY 13

A group of men

Description automatically generated with low confidence
LONDON, UK – Today, BELLATOR MMA has added several explosive fights to BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, taking place at OVO Arena Wembley – formerly known as The SSE Arena, Wembley – in London on Friday, May 13. 
 
With an electric atmosphere expected in London, fans will be treated to a mouthwatering welterweight co-feature as former champion and No. 2-ranked Douglas Lima (32-10) takes on No. 3-ranked Jason Jackson (15-4). British fan favorite Luke Trainer (5-0) will be looking to make the most of his home crowd advantage when he faces Simon Biyong (7-2) in a light heavyweight match up packed with knockout potential.
 
The promotion’s exciting return to OVO Arena Wembley for BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, sees home favorite No. 1-ranked Michael “Venom” Page (20-1) look to steal the world welterweight title from the undefeated champion, Yaroslav Amosov. The Ukrainian, who is 26-0, will be aiming to spoil the party in MVP’s own backyard, and deny the Londoner a slice of MMA history in the process.
 
Also confirmed previously for what is already shaping up to be an incredible card is a women’s flyweight feature fight between No. 3-ranked Denise Kielholtz (6-3) and No. 4-ranked Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) and a featherweight feature fight between No. 8-ranked Daniel Weichel (41-13) and Robert Whiteford (16-4).  
 
BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP will be broadcast live in the UK at 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, following last week’s announcement of the major UK broadcast deal with the BBC. SHOWTIME will televise the fight live in America.
 
Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk  and Bellator.com.
 
Douglas Lima is also set for another visit to the English capital, following his headline bout against MVP last year, with a return to winning form on his mind in familiar territory. He takes on Jason Jackson in what is set to be another exhilarating clash. Lima is one of the most experienced fighters on the Bellator roster and will be hoping to add to his 32 career victories. Standing in his way is the formidable challenge of “The Ass Kicking Machine” who is performing true to his nickname with five straight victories. Jackson’s most recent win was a convincing unanimous decision triumph over Paul Daley at Bellator 260 and he’ll be hoping to continue his strong professional record.
 
After a devastating knockout victory over Yanick Bahati in his biggest test to date at Bellator 267 in London last year, Luke Trainer will be looking to extend his unbeaten professional record to six fights as “The Gent” takes on Simon Biyong. With both fighters possessing genuine knockout power, the Cameroonian will hope to get on top in the striking exchanges and silence a partisan crowd. Trainer returns to home turf looking to continue his journey as one of Bellator’s fastest rising stars after an explosive performance last time out.
 
In addition to the aforementioned bouts, Londoner Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis (14-4) is also set to make a homecoming when he takes on fellow countryman Tim “The Experiment” Wilde (14-4) in a lightweight preliminary bout. The pair were due to meet in 2020 but will clash in front of their home faithful in a domestic clash that is certain to grab the attention of English fight fans. “The Axe Man” will be searching for the form that saw him go four fights undefeated prior to a unanimous decision loss last time out at Bellator 259. Wilde will not be in accommodating mood however, as he aims to string together three consecutive victories for the first time in his Bellator career.
 
There is another English talent on show in the women’s flyweight division as former title challenger Kate Jackson (11-5-1) takes on Greek athlete Elina “Gunner” Kallionidou (8-4). Jackson will be backed all the way by the London crowd but faces an opponent who was victorious on her last appearance in Wembley with a first-round stoppage victory at Bellator 267.
 
****
UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP MAIN CARD:
SHOWTIME (U.S.) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)
Friday, May 13, 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT
 
Welterweight World Title Main Event: #C-Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) vs. #1-Michael Page (20-1)
Welterweight Bout: #2-Douglas Lima (32-10) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (15-4)
Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3-Denise Kielholtz (6-3) vs. #4-Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (5-0)vs. Simon Biyong (7-2)
 
UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP PRELIMINARY CARD:
BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)
BBC iPlayer (UK)
Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT
 
Featherweight Bout: #8-Daniel Weichel (41-13) vs. Robert Whiteford (16-4)
Lightweight Bout: Alfie Davis (14-4) vs. Tim Wilde (14-4)
Flyweight Bout: Kate Jackson (11-5-1) vs. Elina Kallionidou (8-4)
 
*Card subject to change.
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
 
Updated schedule of BELLATOR events
Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.
Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, IRE
Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA
Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London
 

LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

LANGSTON STEPS IN TO REMATCH RICHARD AT NEF 46 THIS SATURDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 8, 2022) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 46: Decade of Dominance,” on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine. The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. The leading regional promotion launched on February 11, 2012. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional featherweight bout to the fight card. Carl Langston (0-6) will take on Zac “Rocky” Richard (1-0) at a fight weight of 145 pounds.

Langston stepped in on short notice to replace Richard’s previous opponent Urias Osorio (0-0) who pulled out of the fight earlier in the week.  Likewise, Langston was recently left without an opponent on the “NEF 46” card when his originally-scheduled opponent Shaun Ray (2-1) revealed to promoters that he could no longer pass medicals to obtain a fight license.

The bout will now be a rematch of the first meeting between Langston and Richard that took place last November at “NEF45.”  That fight, which was Richard’s professional debut, saw Richard defeat Langston by technical knockout in the first round.  Langston says the outcome will be different this Saturday.

“When I got asked to take this rematch on short notice it was a no brainer for me,” said Langston.  “Thank you to NEF for the opportunity and Zac’s team. This fight is going to have a very different outcome.”

“I’m very disappointed in the original fight being dropped,” noted Richard. “However, I worked too hard to sit on the sidelines and watch. I’m thankful to still have the opportunity to fight.”

“NEF 46: Decade of Dominance” takes place this Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Aura in Portland, Maine.  The event will commemorate NEF’s ten-year anniversary. Doors open at 6 pm with first fight at 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.com.  The event will also stream live in its entirety at www.CombatSportsNow.com at a price of $29.99.

TRIBUTE TO DR. KEN “DOC” COX

By: Tony Penecale

Lock Haven Boxing

Class of 1998

Dr. Ken “Doc” Cox was a legend of a man.  He was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a confidant, and a friend.  He passed away on February 5, 2022 at the age of 88 years old, leaving a void in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

I’ve pondered over the last 24 hours how we are going to navigate through a world without Dr. Cox, aka “Doc”, a man who coached us, taught us, pushed us, and mentored us.  He was a man that could light up a room and command attention.  He could leave you hanging on every word as he shared life experiences or he could have you rolling on the floor, laughing until it physically hurt.

While his passing last night was not unexpected, it still hurt with the force of a thousand sledgehammers.  I know I will likely break down and sob or flat out cry several times while I am writing this piece.  There is definitely crying in boxing and tonight the Lock Haven Boxing and our extended collegiate boxing families are all in mourning.

Dr. Cox came into my life in 1994 when I was a freshman at Lock Haven University.  I decided to go to Lock Haven, in truth it was my only choice, because I had become so enamored with the dream of boxing.  When I found out that Lock Haven had a nationally-ranked team with a well-known coach, I set my heart on attending.

When I arrived on campus that fall semester, my first point of business was to seek out and meet Dr. Cox, armed with a list of excited questions.  He agreed to meet with me a few weeks before he held the open meeting for prospective team members.  I walked into the building where his academic office was located and it was then I saw a rotund man with white hair and a big smile on his round face walking towards me.  I’m not sure who he was but it certainly couldn’t be this legendary coach.  It was then he walked up to me and, in a voice that is so often imitated, he introduced himself.  I did not realize then that I had just met a man who would so positively influence my life.

To know “Doc” was a true blessing in life.  He could make you laugh or make you angry.  He would call you out and put you on the spot.  Being a professor, he valued education and he enforced that his student athletes, boxers at the time, and wrestlers before that, focused on their education.  He would, without hesitation, withhold a competitor from a show or tournament if they were not keeping up with their academics.

He knew when to push you and exactly what buttons to push.  He would bring the Lock Haven boxers to Rockview St. Penitentiary to train and spar with the inmates.  The first time he brought me along, I was getting bullied and beaten up by an older and more experienced inmate.  I was afraid and I kept looking over at him, in a way hoping that he would stop the sparring session.  But he looked back and his eyes calmed me and I knew to throw a counter punch out of the corner.  Dr. Cox believed in me at that moment when I didn’t believe in myself.  A few years later, after me appointed me President of the Lock Haven Boxing Club, he asked me to submit the paperwork on which of his boxers he was selecting to compete in an upcoming show in New York.  He also knew that I would see those papers so he wrote on there that I was “not nearly as talented” as another boxer on the roster.  While we never spoke of it, he knew that he would ignite a fire in me to overcome my lack of natural ability through dedication and determination.  It was just one of his many methods of motivation.  As he would often say, he was “using a negative stimulus to produce a positive result.”

In essence, Dr. Cox was a giver.  He shared his knowledge, his experience, and most importantly, his time to mold young men and women into competitive student athletes and decent human beings.  He shared his family with us, including his wife Glenda, who was the driver (“the pilot”) of so many of our road trips.  Those road trips, whether they were 45 minutes to Penn St. or several hours to Annapolis, were always entertaining life lessons.  We were never allowed to sleep on those trips as “Doc” found this was the perfect time for education.  He would discuss whatever topic hit his mind and they often came from left field.  Those trips were never boring.

Dr. Cox always implored us to give back to the sport that gave us so much.  He encouraged his student boxers to go into coaching and officiating, often allowing us to assist him in working the corner of one of our teammates, or setting up seminars so we could get our certification.  He would, without question, gladly write a recommendation for a job or internship.  He asked me to sit in his office while he wrote a letter of recommendation for me.  He educated me on how to effectively communicate through the written word and focused on using “power” and “impact” words that would command attention and respect.  He was always willing to be listed as a job reference because he wanted to see those who had trained and mentored become successful in life.

Since yesterday, I have been thinking a lot about my favorite “Doc” stories, the ones that I tell the most often.  Of course, you can’t tell a Doc story without imitating his voice and mannerisms.  Every year, when the LHU boxing alumni would gather for the annual boxing homeshow and after party, we would all tell our favorite stories while doing the Doc imitation.  Sadly, the next time we gather will be for his funeral.  This is a way for me to cope with his death and smile through the tears.  These are in no particular order.  For the most part, I will avoid using any names in the event someone doesn’t want to be called out.

  • First Roadtrip and “Barnyard Beef” – My first roadtrip with Doc and the LHU team was October 1994 to the US Naval Academy.  It was the annual season kickoff meeting and a round of sparring sessions with boxers from Navy, VMI, Lock Haven, Shippensburg, and Mansfield.  It was a relatively uneventful day except for one of the Haven’s novice boxers had taken a few solid punches and was now complaining how bad his jaw hurt.  On our way home, we were expecting to make a quick dinner stop, likely a McDonalds, until Doc spotted a little shack-looking place on the side of the road called “Barnyard Beef.”  Once he saw it, he implored Glenda to cut off the driver in the right lane so we could pull over as he boomed “Hun Hun… That’s where we need to stop.  It’s called Barnyard Beef.  It has to be good!”  He gave us all a few dollars to order and we all went with roast beef sandwiches with Doc getting an extra-large selection which looked to be about as big as the moon.  Our sulking boxer implored that his jaw was too sore to chew so he opted for a cup of soup.  Doc took the first bite of his gigantic roast beef sandwich and rolled his eyes in delight “Oh My God!  This is the BEST roast beef sandwich ever” and looking over at his lone soup-eating boxer, he followed with “You gotta get one of these!  Forget about your jaw! Stop being such a pansy and get one!”
  • Mad in the Corner – As mentioned, Doc wanted to give his student boxers opportunities to learn to coach.  There was a December card at Penn State my sophomore year where I and another teammate had our bouts canceled when our opponents from Buffalo were snowed in.  Doc saw an opportunity to have us help in the corners with each of us taking two bouts and he would allow you to get in the ring and give the instructions.  The first bout I worked with him was a clear Lock Haven victory.  The second bout I worked with him did not go so well.  The Lock Haven boxer was not doing well and certainly not up to his potential.  Through the first round, I could tell Doc was getting angry.  As the bell rang, he snarled “Let me have the ring” which was never a good thing.  As I sat there, I made a vow that situation would never happen to me.  Fast forward two months later, I am competing in that same PSU ring against a very sloppy and awkward opponent  and the first round was going poorly, very poorly.  The bell rung to end the first round and, as I started walking back to my corner, I saw Doc getting in the ring with a wild and angered look in his eyes.  I almost considered walking to my opponent’s corner and asking if I could stay there for the next minute because I knew my corner was not going to be a fun place to be.  In a crazy way, Doc’s unleashing on me actually forced me to refocus and allowed me to come back to win that one.
  • President’s Dinner – At the end of every year, the president of the university would have a dinner for the boxing team.  As Doc had retired as a professor in 1996, they decided that year that the dinner would not just be for the current team but also for some selected alumni.  After the boxing nationals had ended in April, Doc was flying to Fiji for a few weeks to participate in a boxing seminar.  He was scheduled to return only a day before the dinner banquet.  We were waiting for him at the gym so we could travel to the dinner as a team.  When Doc walked through the doors, our collective jaws hit the floor.  He was wearing a suit jacket and tie and a traditional Fijian sulu.  In our eyes, he was wearing something that resembled a skirt.  He just smiled back and said “These are so comfortable.  I think I am going to start wearing them more often.”  To say his attire was the talk of the dinner was an understatement for sure.
  • Pork & Beans – One of Doc’s defining characteristics in life was his generosity and willingness to help others.  He had a close relationship with the local Salvation Army and every year, he would set up a day for the boxing team to ring the bells for the Salvation Army kettle.  When Doc found out that one of his boxers was struggling financially and unable to afford food, he worked out a deal with the Salvation Army where they would donate some food for him.  We were loading a box of groceries donated when this boxer who came from a Muslim family looked at the one item and declined it as it included pork.  Doc picked up the can and said “Are you sure?  How can you tell?” to which he was informed that it was a can of Pork & Beans.  He pondered for a moment simply said “Hmmm… You know I never knew that had pork in it?”
  • Don’t Eat the Pizza – We were traveling to New York for the annual show at the New York Athletic Center a few days before Thanksgiving.  This was a rare show with the weigh-in the day before the show and the whole ride to Manhattan, Doc was talking about how we were going out to eat after the weigh-in.  Since it was my first year competing on the NYAC show, he allowed me to choose the ethnic food we would be indulging in later.  Of course, I picked Italian.  Doc had one more very important piece of advice.  After the weigh-in, there would be pizzas there.  Even though we were all hungry from making weight for the show, he advised that we do not eat the pizza because we were going out to dinner.  The three Lock Haven boxers made weight and, after changing, we walked over to find Doc eating his third slice of pizza.  A short while later, we are seated at the famed Luna’s restaurant in Little Italy and Doc is complaining that he shouldn’t have eaten that pizza and he was too full to order a meal.  The legendary Dr. Cox, the man who stories recount ate so much Chinese Food the year before, was reduced to ordering a side salad.  As we were eating and laughing, Coach Ken Cooper made an astute observation.  Doc had finished his salad and was now eating from his wife’s plate, all the while mentioning how he wasn’t hungry.  Not missing a beat, Doc proceeded to take the extra meatballs from the one boxer’s meal.
  • Cigars and Vodka –This is one that I didn’t get to witness personally but he told it so often that I felt like I was there.  As a highly-respected wrestling coach, Doc was often invited to wrestling seminars in Russia where that sport is God-like.  Doc was often the recipient of many bottles of the finest Russian vodka.  He would attend boxing seminars in Cuba.  Before flipping truck tires became a trendy thing in most fitness centers, Doc borrowed the Cuban method and would have his fighters bounce on truck tires to increase leg strength and conditioning.  He also came home from many of these trips with some authentic Cuban cigars.  He would tell us how he would then go to the store and buy the cheapest cigars and vodka, only to switch the labels.  He would then imitate those smoking the cheap cigars and drinking the cheap vodka thinking they were consuming the real goods.  He would pantomime their sipping of the vodka and slow puffing of the cigars while commenting “how you can really taste the difference”, his whole time cackling at the knowledge that he knew they were really gushing over the lowest quality of both items.
  • Weight – It’s no secret, Doc wanted his boxers to compete in different weight classes.  He also always envisioned a dominant heavyweight on his team and he would workout football players or wrestlers who had exhausted their eligibility in those respective sports. At the beginning of each school year, I would show up around 190-195 and Doc would envision me being his solution at heavyweight, despite the fact that I didn’t have the height, and once I started conditioning, the weight to sustain it.  I still remember those conversations.  “Ok Penecale, you weighed in at 185 for last week’s bout.  What did you weigh today?”  I would respond with “182” and he would shoot back “Ok, this week, I am going to put you in with a ‘small’ heavyweight.”  When he meant “small”, it was usually anyone under 235 and I would show up to weigh-ins with rocks in my pockets.  Then one day, only a few days before regionals, he decided to try another avenue.  I had been between 178-180 and fully expecting to compete at 180 in the regionals when he asked “Do you think you can make 165 by Friday?”  It was already Tuesday afternoon.  He felt that was my best path to the National tournament so I agreed.  In spring 1997, between January 30 and April 12, Doc had me compete in five separate weight classes.
  • My last homeshow – Fitting that this anniversary is tomorrow (February 7) and I will be posting the Youtube video like I do every year.  The homeshow was always a big event and Doc would want everything to be perfect.  As Coach Coop would say to us, Doc would be very impatient or as so eloquently described “he would be a bear with a sore ass.”  The last thing you wanted to do was annoy Doc before, during, or after the homeshow.  My senior year, I was taking on a boxer from Army by the name of Michael Jordan.  My friends and roommates showed up with custom signs and shirts and they were seated in the bleachers close to my corner.  Earlier in the card, when I was getting changed, a boxer from Kentucky had knocked out an opponent from Penn State and drew the crowd’s ire by jumping on the ropes and showboating.  I was unaware of this, so as the emotion hit me at the final bell, I banged my gloves and started a run to my corner to jump on the ropes and salute my cheering section.  Doc read my mind and sternly said “NO!” which forced my momentum into an awkward gallop, looking like a bucking bronco that was just hit with a cattle prod.

The last two days have been emotional and difficult, from finding out that Doc was soon-to-be transitioning to the crushing news of his passing. Being an admin on the LHU Boxing Facebook page, one of the abilities is to approve posts.  I saw so many posts submitted for approval from friends, family, fellow alumni including so many photos.  It was nearly impossible not to break down.  

Dr. Cox was a coach, an educator, a mentor, and a friend.  As I first said in the post after his passing, he taught me so many lessons in and out of the ring.  He believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.  He pushed me to be better, a better boxer, a better student, a better son, a better friend, and a better human.  Those life lessons still impact me every day and I find myself sharing them often.

Coach Cooper added in his tribute “He who is in the hearts of so many is never truly gone”.  That is a true statement.  Dr. Cox will live on through the positive impact that he has made through so many of his students, athletes, family, and friends.

You will certainly be missed, Dr. Cox.  Thank you and We Love You!!!

World Cup Boxing Series signs 2-time World title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte

Aston Palicite.jpg
LOS ANGELES (February 7, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, has announced it has signed 2-time World title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (28-4-1, 24 KOs) to a multi-year promotional contract.

The 31-year-old Palicte, who fights out of Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines is the two-time World junior bantamweight title challenger against a pair of future Hall of Famers, fighting to a draw with fellow Filipino Donnie Nietes (43-1-6, 24 KOs), losing to current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Bantamweight Champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15 KOs).

A veteran matchmaker, Taylor has known and had a working relationship with Palicte and his manager, Jason Soong, for the past six years.
“We had a great run,” Taylor said. “Getting the old team together feels like and old music group coming back for one more hit album. I think we’ve all learned a lot during this experience and realize we are a better unit when this team is together.”

“I am very happy that they still believe in me,” Palcite commented. “I’m excited to make another run for a world title.”

“I am really excited to go on our next title journey at bantamweight with World Cup Boxing Series,” Soong added. “We have been working with Guy Taylor since day-one and it just feels right that we continue our next chapter with him.”

In his 2016 United States debut, Palicte faced off in Las Vegas with former World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 5-rated contender and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super-Flyweight Champion Oscar Cantu (14-0) in Las Vegas Nevada. Palicte defeated the then-undefeated Texan by 10-round split decision to capture the NABF and WBO Inter-Continental Championships.

Nearly one year to the day, Palicte took on former world champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (32-6) in Texas, scoring an emphatic 5-round technical knockout victory.

The two aforementioned triumphs set-up the biggest fight in Palicte’s career September 8, 2018, when the stage was set in Los Angeles for an All-Filipino matchup with legend Nietes on HBO for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship.

In a very close and entertaining bout, in which both men had their moments, the judges couldn’t come to an agreement and rendered even scorecards to keep the title vacant. Nietes would claim the vacant title three-months later, defeating Ioka by way of a 12-round split decision.

The WBO ordered a “Title Eliminator” that Palicte won with a second-round stoppage of WBO No. 4 contender Jose Martinez (20-0), setting up a rematch between Nietes and Palicte. However, Nietes vacated the world title just hours before the scheduled WBO purse bid, positioning Palicte versus Ioka in Japan for the vacant WBO Jr. Bantamweight Championship. In another all-action war,  Palicte seriously hurt Ioka in the seventh round, only to get caught himself in the 10th as Ioka caught and wobbled Palicte, prompting the referee to halt the action.

There are some great potential matchups in the bantamweight division for the powerful Filipino, including a showdown with Jason Moloney 22-2 (18 KOs), who is the current WBC “Silver” Bantamweight Champion and WBC #2 contender, but more notably would be against the Bantamweight King Pin and unified World champion (WBA and IBF), Naoya Inoue 22-0 (19 KOs). Palicte is presently ranked No. 9 by the International Boxing Federation, as well as No. 14 by the WBO.

“I feel Aston can compete with anyone at 118 pounds,” Taylor concluded. “He was the strongest contender at 115 and that was after depleting himself. Can you imagine what he will be like at his natural weight of 118? My partner (Terry Hollan) and I are already working on a bout in the late March / early April timeframe and, after that, we would like an eliminator bout for the mandatory position against anyone in the top 15.”
Palicte joins rising Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) in the relatively new WCBS stable.


INFORMATION:
Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries
Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN MAKES STATEMENT WITH DECISION WIN OVER MARIO “EL AZTECA” BARRIOS

Leo Santa Cruz Dominates Keenan Carbajal in Pay-Per-View Co-feature, Jesus Ramos Delivers KO Win, Plus Luis Nery Outpoints Carlos Castro In Pay-Per-View Undercard Action & Luke Santamaria & Omar Juarez Victorious in PBC on FOX Action
 
Click HERE for Photos (To be uploaded shortly)
Credit: Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2022) – Former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman is back.
 
Thurman proved he is still an elite welterweight, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in the main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.


“This was a comeback fight after two and a half years away,” said Clearwater, Florida’s Thurman. “I wish I had my best performance, but I did the best I could under the circumstances. “I grade this performance a C+ or B- for myself.”
 
In his first fight in over 30 months, the 33-year-old Thurman (30-1, 22 KOs) displayed the attributes that led him to the top of the 147-pound division. Thurman got off to a strong start and never relinquished control, at times punishing Barrios with hard shots.
 
Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) had his moments in his welterweight debut, particularly in the eighth when a left hook to the body caused Thurman to back up. The 26-year-old slugger from San Antonio, Texas also showed grit, gamely fighting back despite Thurman’s heavy artillery.
 
“Tonight I showed the Mexican warrior in me. I take my hat off to Keith Thurman, he’s a warrior as well. We gave the fans a great fight,” said Barrios.


Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough to overcome what was a fine performance from the relentless Thurman. 
 
“We rocked him. We weren’t able to put him down and out, but we had a great performance and a great fight,” said Thurman.
 
“I want the belts. I want the champions. I want to be back on top, so whoever is willing to send Keith Thurman the contract, let’s go!”
 
In the super featherweight co-main event, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz delivered another vintage performance, overcoming adversity to win a wide 10-round unanimous decision over Keenan “Bedo” Carbajal.
 
“I went good rounds. If I had gone in there and finished him fast, I wouldn’t have gotten the experience I needed,” said the 33-year-old Santa Cruz. “I felt the long layoff a little bit, but I did my best and hopefully the fans loved it and want to see me again.”


Santa Cruz (38-2-1, 19 KOs) suffered a cut underneath his left eye and one along his right eyelid both from accidental headbutts.
 
Undaunted, “El Terremoto” dominated the action, hurting Carbajal (23-3-1, 15 KOs) several times on his way to winning every round on all three scorecards (100-90).
 
“We’re going to go back to the gym, get better and work on what we did wrong,” Santa Cruz said. “We want to unify and defend our title. We want all the champions at 126 pounds.”
 
Pay-per-view action also saw rising super welterweight sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos (18-0, 15 KOs) deliver a spectacular performance in the biggest fight of his career. The 20-year-old Ramos remained undefeated by knocking out dangerous veteran Vladimir Hernandez (13-5, 6 KOs) at 2:21 of the sixth round.
 
“I was boxing him smartly and I wasn’t really looking for the knockout,” said Ramos. “He’s a tough, durable guy. I broke him down round by round, landing a clean shot that hurt him, so I got the job done.
 
The end came swiftly in the sixth when a Ramos overhand left caused Hernandez to lose control of his legs. Ramos proceeded to batter him to the head and body until referee Mike Ortega mercifully stepped in.
 
“We want to build our resume, like Floyd Mayweather did,” said Ramos. “He had Gatti, Corrales, Castillo and all the guys. That’s something you can’t take away from him and that’s what I want to do. I want to earn my reputation. I’m not here to have Instagram followers. I’m here to make a statement in boxing.”
 
In the pay-per-view opener, former two-division world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery dropped Carlos Castro in the first round on his way to a 10-round split decision win in a tactical battle between super bantamweights.
 
“My experience was definitely a factor,” said Nery. “I have three world title fights under my belt and have faced tougher opponents than he has. It showed tonight.”
 
The action heated up in the first when southpaw Nery connected with a straight left that deposited Castro on the seat of his trunks. The Phoenix, Arizona native managed to rise and survive the frame.
 
The bout turned into a chess match in the middle rounds as both Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) and Mexico’s Nery (32-1, 24 KOs) had their moments. In the end, Nery’s defense and accuracy proved to be the difference as he won 96-93 and 95-94 on two cards, while a third judge scored it for Castro, 95-94.
 
“I wanted to show everyone that I’m not just about haymakers,” said Nery. “If I wanna brawl and be tactical, I can do that too.
 
“I knew I could knock him out, but I wanted to win proving I could box too. I would counter-punch and attack the way I wanted to.”
 
Preceding the pay-per-view, the PBC on FOX main event saw Luke Santamaria (13-2-1, 7 KOs) overcome a stiff challenge from Abel Ramos (27-5-2, 21 KOs) to win a 10-round unanimous decision in their welterweight encounter. Following a slow start, Santamaria found his footing, often switching from orthodox to southpaw and having success from both stances. Ramos was game throughout, but all three judges saw Santamaria winning clearly by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 96-94.
 
In the co-main event on FOX, super lightweight contender Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez (13-1, 5 KOs) won a hard-fought 10-round split decision over Ryan “Cowboy” Karl. Juarez controlled the early action, surviving a mid-fight surge from Karl (19-4, 12 KOs) to walk away with the victory. One judge scored the action 95-94 for Karl while the other two judges had Juarez winning by scores of 96-93 and 95-94.
 
#         #         #
 
ABOUT THURMAN VS. BARRIOS
Thurman vs. Barrios saw former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman return to the ring against former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlined a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
 
In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz battled Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos dueled Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown. The pay-per-view telecast began at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battling unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

BELLATOR MMA ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW UK BROADCAST DEAL WITH BBC

New deal sees 2022 European events air live on new broadcast channel BBC Three with USA events airing live on BBC iPlayer

London UK – Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today announced an exciting new partnership with BBC Sport which will see events emanating from outside America air live on the newly launched BBC Three channel and BBC iPlayer.

The ground-breaking broadcast deal will see BELLATOR MMA become one of the staples of the new channel. BBC Three and BBC iPlayer will have live broadcast of BELLATOR events taking place outside of the USA throughout 2022 whilst the promotion’s USA events will be available to watch live on BBC iPlayer.

The deal represents a commitment from the BBC to continue showing all BELLATOR events live across its platforms in 2022 following the promotion’s hugely successful partnership with the broadcaster in 2021. BELLATOR news, features and results will also be regularly featured across BBC Sport’s digital platforms such as the BBC Sport website and app.

BELLATOR MMA is home to some of the most entertaining and skilled mixed martial artists in the world including Ryan Bader, AJ McKee, Gegard Mousasi, Cris “Cyborg,” Yaroslav Amosov and London’s own Michael “Venom” Page.

The BBC Three tie-up will kick off in style with a triple-header of exciting European cards, starting with BELLATOR’s highly anticipated return to Dublin’s 3Arena on Friday, February 25. The card features a middleweight title fight between MMA legend Gegard Mousasi and the undefeated Austin Vanderford.

Following Dublin is another huge night in Paris on Friday, May 6, as BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader defends his title against iconic French mixed martial artist Cheick Kongo. The promotion made history in the capital in 2020 by becoming the first major MMA promotion to hold an event in France, which was also the first time an MMA event was shown live on the BBC.

Rounding out the first three massive European events live on BBC Three will be BELLATOR’s return to London on Friday, May 13, with another world title fight topping the bill. After an electric London show in October, the UK’s Michael “Venom” Page takes on the undefeated welterweight champion, Yaroslav Amosov, as he aims to become just the second British BELLATOR MMA champion.

Head of BELLATOR MMA Europe, David Green, said: “We’re thrilled to be renewing our relationship with the BBC and to be on BBC Three. We’ve enjoyed an incredibly successful first year partnered with the broadcaster and we’re looking forward to reaching millions more UK homes as part of an exciting new channel. We’ve worked incredibly hard to bring live action from this amazing sport to as many people in the UK as possible, and this is yet another landmark step on that journey.”

President of BELLATOR MMA, Scott Coker, added: “I’m so excited by the continued growth of MMA in the UK and delighted that we’ll continue to enjoy the support of the BBC by bringing our events live to existing British fans and new audiences in 2022.”

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

“St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” changes New headliner is undefeated prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan Feb. 12th in Dedham, MA

Hogan poster.jpg
BOSTON (February 3, 2022) – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs) has been elevated to the headliner on “St. Valentine’s Day’s Massacre” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, February 12th at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The cancellation of the original main event between Adrian Sosa and Zack Kuhn resulted in a few changes. Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs) is now fighting another undefeated prospect, James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), in an 8-round Special Welterweight Attraction.

The 21-year-old southpaw Hogan, fighting out of Weymouth (MA), has knocked out each of his 9 professional opponents to date. The popular fighter was a celebrated amateur boxer, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championships.

“It’s Tank Time” once again, but this fight Hogan will be making his debut as a headliner, in addition to fighting in his first scheduled 8-rounder.

The 6-round fight between Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs) and Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12) has moved up to the co-featured event.
Perella’s (8-0, 5 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), was supposed to fight Mexican challenger Danny “Venado” Flores (15-26-1, 8 KOs), but he was injured during training, and he has been replaced by  Kuhn. “The Slim Reaper” is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Irish light heavyweight  Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole” (2-0, 2 KOs), of Galway, is matched against Greg Hackett (3-20-1) in a 4-rounder. O’Toole was the 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist, who a powerful southpaw returning to the Boston area for his third pro fight.

Five 6-round bouts are on tap: South Boston super welterweight Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Houston super lightweight Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jaica Pavilus (1-4-1, 1 KO), undefeated Philly welterweight Tahmir Smalls (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Leonides Fowlkes (2-7-1), popular Dorchester featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, vs. Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), and super lightweight Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs).

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Southbridge (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Grimmett (0-5), as well as the Davidson’s older brother from Kansas City (KS), pro-debuting lightweight Marcell, a 2-time Ringside World and 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, vs. TBA.
Fighters subject to change.

Tickets are on sale for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room). Tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-valentines-day-massacre-21222-tickets-243038654157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.