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SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT EPISODE 1 OF EMMY® AWARD-WINNING SERIES ALL ACCESS, CHRONICLING DECEMBER 1 WILDER VS. FURY HEAVYWEIGHT BLOCKBUSTER

November 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Barry Pepper, ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY Episode 1 Premieres This Saturday, November 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME^®

WATCH, SHARE AND EMBED: https://youtu.be/a3oB84JEpsY

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

SHOWTIME Sports released an exclusive look at ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. FURY, the latest installment of the Emmy-Award winning series premiering this Saturday, Saturday, November 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Watch the video HERE.

Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Barry Pepper, ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY chronicles the buildup to the most significant heavyweight fight in the U.S. in more than 15 years. The critically acclaimed series peels back the curtain on the lives and training camps of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury as the towering figures prepare to put their undefeated records on the line Saturday, December 1 live onSHOWTIME PPV^® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Episode two of ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY will premiere Saturday, November 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE, which spotlights the intensity of fight night and the solemn aftermath of world championship prizefighting, will premiere on Saturday, December 8. The acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports original series will be accompanied by digital features released throughout fight week on the networks’ social media channels.

A special sneak peek of Episode 1 will air immediately following the conclusion of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation three-fight telecast beginning at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Night of Non-Stop Action to Include the Returns of Former World Champion Robert Guerrero & Former Heavyweight Title Challenger Chris Arreola Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles

November 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Plus! 105-Pound Title Fight Between Unbeatens Carlos Liconna & Mark Barriga & Unbeaten Cruiserweight Prospect Marsellos Wilder

Undefeated Featherweight Isaac Lowe & Undefeated Flyweight Prospect Jesse Rodriguez Also in Action

LOS ANGELES (November 14, 2018) – Former multiple-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and former heavyweight title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola will make their ring returns as part of an exciting night of undercard action presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, December 1 live from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown presented by Premier Boxing Champions that pits WBC champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV^®. The PPV undercard features unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks.

Additional undercard action will see Deontay Wilder’s brother and unbeaten prospect Marsellos Wilder (2-0, 2 KOs)in a cruiserweight attraction. Plus, an IBF Minimumweight World Title showdown will see Westminster, California’s Carlos Licona (13-0, 2 KOs) take on the Phillippines’ Mark Anthony Barriga (9-0, 1 KO) while unbeaten featherweight Isaac Lowe (15-0-3, 5 KOs) competes in an eight-round bout. Undefeated light flyweight prospect Jesse Rodriguez (7-0, 4 KOs) battles Mexico’s Alex Aragon (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout and hard-hitting British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde (17-0, 16 KOs) is also in action.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

One of the sport’s most fearless warriors, Guerrero (33-6-1, 18 KOs) will return the ring for a 10-round welterweight attraction in his first action since July 2017. Representing the Bay Area and fighting out of Gilroy, California, Guerrero’s championship run began at featherweight in 2006 and went through a memorable 2012 triumph over Andre Berto for an interim welterweight championship. Along the way Guerrero has challenged and often engaged in memorable wars against the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

Born in Los Angeles, Arreola (36-5-1, 31 KOs) fights for the first time since challenging for Wilder’s WBC title in 2016 and will match up against Houston’s Maurenzo Smith (20-10-4, 13 KOs) in a 10-round attraction. Arreola previously battled Bermane Stiverne in two exciting heavyweight title fights and former champions Vitali Klitschko and Tomasz Adamek. He owns victories over Eric Molina, Jameel McCline, Joey Abell and Seth Mitchell throughout his career.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @BronzeBomber, @Tyson_Fury, @TGBPromotions,@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.

boxing, DAZN

Integrated Sports Media Announces agreement to distribute DAZN programming to U.S.commercial establishments

November 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Integrated Sports Media Announces agreement to

Distribute DAZN programming to

U.S. commercial establishments

TENAFLY, N.J. (November 14, 2018) — Integrated Sports Media (ISM), one of the leading distributors of combat sports programming in North America, has announced it has a signed, exclusive agreement to distribute DAZN programming to commercial establishments in the United States.

ISM will be responsible for distributing DAZN programming in the U.S. to bars, restaurants, casinos and sports books.

“We’re thrilled to distribute DAZN programming in the U.S. market and help grow its reach across the country,” ISM president Doug Jacobs said. “We have a signed deal to distribute DAZN’s world-class combat sports programming like Golden Boy Promotions, Bellator MMA and Matchroom Boxing.”

DAZN’s recent groundbreaking deal with superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez to its live and on-demand services for his next 11 fights strengthens DAZN’s promise to revolutionize the way fans watch sports, as well as signals the beginning of the end for traditional pay-per-views events.

ISM is distributing its first DAZN boxing program on Saturday, December 15, showcasing Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs), who will move up one weight class for his Madison Square Garden debut in New York City. Alvarez, who is a 3-time junior middleweight and 3-time middleweight world champion, will challenge WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Rocky Fielding (27-1, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

The 28-year-old Alvarez, arguably the No. 1 pound-4-pound boxer in the world today, is already a boxing icon in his native Mexico, one of the true hotbeds in boxing today. The wildly popular Alvarez has defeated a Who’s Who list of boxers during his incredible 13-year professional career, including past or present world champions such as Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Liam Smith, Amir Khan, Miguel Cotto, Erislandy Lara, Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, Lovemore Ndou and Carlos Manuel Baldomir.

Fielding, 31, captured his WBA world title in his last fight, when he stopped previously unbeaten, defending champion Tyron Zeuge in the fifth round this past July in Australia. Fielding has also defeated world-class fighters such as Brian Vera, Noe Gonzalez Alcoba and Charles Adamu, among the more notables.

Locations interested in airing DAZN programming in the U.S. may call 1.866.396.8283 or email info@ismsports.com for additional information.

All fights and fighters subject to change.

INFORMATION:

www.integratedsportsnet.com

Twitter: @IntegratedPPV

boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

FOX SPORTS AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE EIGHT TITLE FIGHTS OVER FIRST THREE MONTHS, SPENCE JR. VS. GARCIA, MARCH 16

November 16, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Five FOX, Four FS1 PBC Fight Nights, Plus First Pay-Per-View

Highlight Schedule

Former Champions Lennox Lewis, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, and Erik “El Terrible” Morales Head Up FOX Sports, FOX Deportes Broadcast Teams

LOS ANGELES – FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions today announced eight televised world title fights in the first three months of the new deal, featuring eight world champions and more than two dozen of the world’s best boxers going toe-to-toe. The schedule includes five world-class boxing fight nights live on FOX and FOX Deportes, four more on FS1 and FOX Deportes, and the first FOX PBC Pay-Per-View in March.

“We’re thrilled to have Premier Boxing Champions’ brightest stars coming to FOX Sports reaching the biggest audiences on broadcast television,” says Mark Silverman, FOX Sports President, National Networks. “The 2019 PBC schedule kicks off with high-stakes action and excitement, making FOX the premier home for boxing and the continued leader in live sporting events.”

Schedule highlights include world champion twins Jermall and Jermell Charlo defending their titles in separate fights live in primetime on FOX on December 22; followed by welterweight champion Keith Thurman’s ring return on FOX January 26; featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz headlining on FOX February 23; 147-pound Champ Shawn Porter defending his world title March 9 on FOX; and the blockbuster showdown between welterweight Champ Errol Spence Jr. and four-division world champion Mikey Garcia, on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View March 16, live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

FOX Sports and FOX Deportes also announced the on-air personalities who will call all the thrilling action. Former heavyweight world Champion Lennox Lewis and former lightweight world champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini join FOX Sports as boxing analysts, while Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Chris Myers and Emmy Award-nominee Kenny Albert serve as blow-by-blow announcers. Seasoned FOX broadcaster Kate Abdo joins as a studio and fight night host. Plus, Boxing Hall of Famer Larry Hazzard works as a Rules Expert/Unofficial Scorer.

FOX Deportes taps International Boxing Hall of Fame member and former four-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales, working with Jaime Motta and Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award winner Jessi Losada.

TEN BOUT CARD SET FOR THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENT CENTER

November 15, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Anvar Yunusov takes on Jose Salinas in main event

Two fights featuring undefeated adversaries as:

Alejando Jimenez battles Desmond Moore;

Kendall Cannida fights Travis Toledo

Undefeated fighters Yeuri Andujar, Christian Montano, Michael Coffie, Joseph George & Sebastian Fundora in action

Bethlehem, PA (November 13, 2018) –A stacked ten- bout card has been finalized for this Friday night at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the main event, three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov takes on Jose Salinas in a scheduled eight-round super featherweight bout.

Yunusov, who competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics for his native Tajikistan, is now 5-0 with two knockouts as a professional.

The 31 year-old fights out of Philadelphia, and turned professional in 2017. He has registered his two knockouts in his last two outings with a 4th round stoppage over former contender Mike Oliver, and in his lat bout when he destroyed Angel Monreal in one-round on September 14th in Philadelphia.

Salinas of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has a record of 10-3-1 with five knockouts.

The 28 year-old Salinas is a six-year professional who has wins over undefeated Rafael Casas (2-0), and the highly regarded Dardan Zenunaj (12-1).

Salinas is coming off a loss to undefeated Erick De Leon (14-0) on January 27, 2017 in Studio City, California.

In six-round bouts:

Christian Montano (7-0, 6 KOs) of Houston, Texas takes on Paul Holley (6-1-1, 5 KOs) of Sarasota, FL in a light heavyweight bout.

Michael Coffie (4-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY takes on 68-fight Veteran Jamaal Woods of Forest City, AL in a heavyweight contest.

Joseph George (7-0, 6 KOs) takes on Josue Obando (16-24-1, 12 KOs) of Jalisco, MX in a light heavyweight bout.

Sebastian Fundora (10-0, 6 KOs) of Cochella, California fights Jonathan Batista (18-15, 11 KOs) of San Pedro, DR in a junior middleweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Jeffrey Torres of Bethlehem will make his pro debut against Steven Lopez (0-2) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight bout.

Yeuri Andujar (1-0, 1 KO) of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic fights debuting Haziz Self of Philadelphia in a featherweight bout.

In a battle of undefeated bantamweights, Alejandro Jimenez (3-0, 1 KO) of New Hope, PA fights Desmond Moore (1-0-1, 1KO) of Bethlehem, PA.

Ricky Nuno (2-1, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA fights Ashton Sykes (2-2) of Colombia, MD in a middleweight bout.

Undefeated light heavyweights get it on as Kendall Cannida (2-0) of Philadelphia battles Travis Toledo (2-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, MD.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® CAPTURES A DAY IN TRAINING CAMP WITH WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JARON ENNIS AS HE PREPARES TO HEADLINE IN HIS HOMETOWN OF PHILADELPHIA

November 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Ennis vs. Serrano Headlines ShoBox: The New Generation Live On SHOWTIME^® At 9:35 p.m. ET/PT From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia

Photo Credit: SHOWTIME

Watch, View & Share Via YouTube: s.sho.com/2QyCjOp

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports delivers a day in the life of training camp with Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis as he prepares to face Raymond Serrano in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, November 16, live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Ennis (21-0, 19 KOs), who knocked out Armando Alvarez via third-round stoppage in hisShoBox debut in July, has knocked out 11 consecutive opponents. He faces perhaps the toughest test of his career in Serrano, a 29-fight veteran whose five losses have come against opponents with a combined fight night record of 89-1-1.

Training under his father Bozy, who also trained Jaron’s older brothers Derek Jr. and Farah, the 21-year-old undefeated prospect puts in work in what he describes as an ‘old-school’ training camp consisting of chopping wood, flipping tires and climbing rope. With victory in his hometown on his mind this Friday, Ennis vows to become a household name in the sport of boxing.

“When you’re a boxer from Philly, it means you have to put on a show,” says Ennis. “I love fighting at home, that’s the best feeling ever. People let the crowd get to them, I just feel at home. I feel comfortable and relaxed. I get to show out on SHOWTIME in Philly, get a win and look good doing it.

“My goal is to be world champ and be a great example for the kids. I want to unify, get all the belts, move up in weight and keep going, and keep going. Watch out all 147’s. A young animal is on the way!”

In the co-feature of Friday’s live ShoBox telecast, series veterans Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1, 4 KOs) and Samuel Teah (14-2-1, 7 KOs) meet in an eight-round super lightweight bout. Undefeated Ukrainian Arnold Khegai opens the three-fight card when he takes on New Jersey’s Jorge Diaz (19-5-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

boxing

Super Prospect Shoh Ergashev Brutalizes Ramsey with First-Round KO, Saturday in Chicago

November 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Uzbekistani super lightweight Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev showed why he’s the new 140-lb fighter to watch in boxing last Saturday, November 10, at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, as he destroyed opponent Zack Ramsey in the first round.

The current WBA International Super Lightweight Champion, Ergashev (now 14-0, 13 KOs), tore into Ramsey from the opening bell of their scheduled six-rounder, dropping him within the first 15 seconds with a right hand and finishing it at 1:09 with a thudding body shot.

Fighting on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight Tournament doubleheader Ergashev elicited “oohs and ahhhs” from the crowd with his brutal display of force. Former unified super lightweight and current welterweight champion Terence Crawford was among the impressed onlookers in the crowd.

Ergashev’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says that in preparation for this fight, Ergashev had been knocking out heavyweights in the Kronk Gym where he trains.

“Shohjahon is one of the hardest punchers in any weight class,” said Salita. “His skills and physical strength make him not only one of the best in his division, but I believe one of the most exciting and powerful fighters in all of boxing.”

26-year-old Ergashev growls that he’s ready for anyone in the world.

“I want to fight the best names in the division and look forward to having an opponent that can last some rounds with me! I am coming!”

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

BADOU JACK MAKES BIG MOVES IN DUBAI

November 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

(Photo Credit: Badou Jack Instagram)

Two-Division World Champion Makes Whirlwind Trip that Featured Invitation to Participate in Dubai Fitness Challenge,

Meeting Khabib Nurmagomedov & More

LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2018) – Two-division boxing champion Badou Jack continued to show that he is truly a champion of the entire world as he made an exciting trip to Dubai that included an invitation to participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a meeting with UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov and much more.

With an invitation from Dubai Tourism, Jack participated in the initiative that encourages UAE nationals, residents and visitors to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, for 30 consecutive days. A public event gave Jack a chance to further spread his positive messages.

“It was such an honor to be invited to this event that was part of an unforgettable trip,” said Jack. “I’m very thankful to the city of Dubai for letting me talk to people about the importance of staying active. It’s important for me to be able to make an impact all over the world and this was a great opportunity.”

In addition to that invitation, Jack visited with UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov, fresh off his victory over Conor McGregor last month. The two world champions, who both practice the Muslim faith, met for the first time and discussed a variety of topics, while also touring a local boxing/MMA gym and posing with Jack’s championship belts.

“It was an awesome experience to get to talk with another champion and competitor like Khabib,” said Jack. “I’m a big fan of what he’s able to do in the ring and as a fellow ambassador for the Muslim faith. It was really a fun time talking to him while we were both in Dubai.”

As part of the trip, Jack spoke with Men’s Health Middle East for an article that will run inside the magazine and detail more of the numerous endeavors Jack is currently pursuing both inside and outside of the ring. Jack’s time in Dubai also saw him invited by GQ Middle East as a special guest to the launch event ahead of their inaugural issue.

“I love taking these trips around the world to experience a variety of cultures and also continue to build my brand and give back anywhere that I can make a difference,” said Jack. “Whether it’s Ripper Nutrition, the Badou Jack Foundation or my boxing career, I’m proud to use my platform. I have a lot of goals and dreams in the sport of boxing, but also outside of it. Making these kinds of connections is going to aid me long past my boxing career.”

With more and more recognition being laid upon Jack year after year, the groundswell of worldwide support for “The Ripper” is rising as he prepares to return to the ring in early 2019. Keep an eye out for more news from Jack, including charity events for the upcoming holiday season.

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

World Class referee….. Tom Cleary USA Boxing Alumni Association, Class of 2018 Inductee

November 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 12, 2018) – The late Tom Cleary was one of the most respected referees in the world during his illustrious career. He joins a select group in the Class of 2018 getting inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

The second annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception, held in conjunction with the 2018 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, December 2-8, will be held December 7, at the Radisson Hotel (215 S. Temple St.) in Salk Lake City, Utah.

In addition to Cleary, the Class of 2018 also includes U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (professional) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward and Claressa Shields, as well as a past USA Boxing National Director of Coaching, the late Emanuel Steward.

The charter class inducted last year included Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, as well as veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders and Tom Coulter.

A longtime resident of Westchester, Ohio, Cleary was a USA Boxing member since 1982, and he served as Chief of Officials for the National Collegiate Boxing Association from 2002 until his passing May 21, 2017.

He refereed in 12 different countries, on four continents, as an International Official assigned by AIBA. Tom earned a three-star rating and he was selected to work the World Series of Boxing.

“Tom’s dedication to amateur boxing and respect he garnered from boxers, coaches and fellow officials are second to none,” said Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “The Alumni Association emphatically endorsed his case for the Hall of Fame, and his induction was received both by those close to him, as well as the entire amateur boxing community. Tom’s commitment to serving USA Boxing provides a great example for all of us and we couldn’t be prouder to call him a member of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”

Tom never forgot where he came from, dedicating countless hours to the youth of Cincinnati, in addition to helping boxing clubs run efficiently throughout his community for more than a quarter-century.

The 2017 NCBA Official of the Year, Tom worked local, regional, national, International, world and Olympic levels of boxing. Highlights included working numerous U.S. National Championships, four U.S. Olympic Trials (2000, 2004, 2008 & 2012) and the 2007 World Championships in Chicago.

“When I was a young coach at the Air Force Academy,” USA Boxing coach Ed Weichers commented, “we needed to replace an AIBA top notch referee who was retiring. We were looking for a highly qualified person and Tom Cleary was recommended. He came out the next 25 years straight. Tom was one of the best referees. He cared so much about the safety of the boxers and Tom was also a valuable mentor.

“Tom was a wonderful man who everybody loved. He administered referee clinics in the United States and always helped those in need, youngsters and adults. Tom’s work in the Cincinnati area influenced so many boxers and coaches for more than 25 years. We dearly miss him.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing. Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee. New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Tom is survived by his wife, Diane, their two children and eight grandchildren.

Tom Cleary’s leadership and mentor-ship inspired all those who were fortunate enough to meet him. He cared passionately about the boxers he shared the ring with, offering words of advice before, during and after bouts.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

Bare Knuckle Boxing

WBKFF Results: Chris Leben destroys Phil Baroni in one round Dakota Cochrane stuns Johny Hendricks in two

November 13, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

RISE OF THE TITANS

Chris Leben vs. Phil Baroni

Johny Hendricks vs. Dakota Cochrane

November 9, 2018 * Casper Events Center * Casper, Wyoming

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation

Chris Leben destroys Phil Baroni in one round

Dakota Cochrane stuns Johny Hendricks in two

“Rise of the Titans”

OFFICIAL RESULTS & PICTURES

“The Crippler” (R) stopped “The New York Bad Ass” – Chris Leben stops Phil Baroni

(all pictures by Christopher Cook)

CASPER, Wyoming (November 10, 2018) – Bombs away was the theme last night (Friday) as combat sports veterans made their bare-knuckle fighting debuts on the exciting “Rise of the Titans” worldwide pay-per-view event, presented by the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF), at Casper Events Center in Casper, Wyoming.

Blood was flying, fighters were dropping, and fans and a near capacity crowd was really into the constant brawling throughout an evening entertaining, competitive and memorable fights.

The main event showcased a pair of combat sports icons, Chris “The Crippler” Leben and“The New York Bad Ass” Phil Baroni, in a special light heavyweight attraction. Left-handed Leben, fighting out of San Diego, shook off Baroni’s early roughhouse tactics, floored him, and then put his lights out midway through the first round.

“He was clinching and I wanted to stand in the middle of the ring and bang,” Leben remarked. “Down he went from a big left hand. He does have a hard head.”

(L) Dakota Cochrane finished off Johny Hendricks

In the co-featured event, former UFC welterweight champion Johny “Biog Rigg” Hendrickscame out of a one-year retirement from fighting to take on dangerous MMA veteran Dakota Cochrane, of Omaha, NE. Hendricks was originally scheduled to fight in the main event against “Irish” Brennan Ward, who withdrew earlier this week. Cochrane was already fighting on the card and he quickly agreed to replace Ward and take on his popular Fort Worth opponent in a middleweight special attraction.

Hendricks suffered a cut under his right eye in round one, then Cochrane suddenly and shockingly ended the fight 21-seconds into the second round with an explosive, straight right that silenced the pro-Hendricks crowd.

“It (bare knuckle fighting) was definitely different,” a jubilant Cochrane said after the fight. “I love my big right hand, I’ve been practicing it.:

“Honestly, I’m moved” said an elated WBKFF CEO and founder Tom Stankiewicz after the conclusion of his organization’s inaugural show. “I was very surprised by the underdog, Munoz, and a new star was born tonight, Dakota Cochrane. Everybody fought their best, they were all warriors. I hope all these fighters stay with us. We are planning our second show for February 9 at a site to be determined.”

Fight of the Night: Julian Lane (L) and Joey Angelo each won a new Ford Mustang (see picture below)

Always tough Ohioan fighter Julian “Hellboy” Lane and Las Vegas’ middleweight Joey Angelo had the ultimate showdown, which broke out into a fire-fight in the third round, at least until Lane connected with a straight right on the chin to drop Angelo. Trailing on the scorecards, Angelo opened the fifth round going for broke, but Lane was the aggressor from start to finish, as well as the more efficient puncher, earning a split decision victory. Lane overcame a broken left hand he suffered in the third round.

Christina Marks (L) bloodied Jasmine Clark en route to an impressive win

San Diego MMA fighter Christina Marks, 2017 The Ultimate Challenge runner-up, and former world boxing title challenger Jasmine Clark, of Texas, squared off in a female bantamweight match. Marks, who celebrated her 33rdbirthday in style, cut Clark over the right eye midway through the opening round. Marks swarmed her opponent in the second, keeping her distance and landing stinging shots on Clark’s damaged eye, until she was no longer able to defend herself and retired.

The $100,000 WBKFF Lightweight Tournament launched last night with two black-and-blue type fights. Former UFC and Strikeforce fighter Robbie “Problems” Peralta, of Escondido, CA, caught Ireland-born Jay “The Mellow Fellow” Cucciniello, now living Spain, in the second round with an overhand right that dropped him. Blood dripping down his face like a badge of courage, the gutsy Irishman finished the third round strong, and the two fighters battled on equal turf in the fourth. Despite Cucciniello’s vision obviously hampering him, he kept coming forward in the fifth, but Peralta maintained control, effectively picking his spots, en route to an impressive win by unanimous decision.

South African Leon “The Iron Lion” Mynhardt, now living in Fairfield, CA, was too much for Texan Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez in the other tournament match, and the fight was eventually halted by the referee in the second round because of excessive punishment.

Former UFC and Bellator fighter Josh “The Dentist” Neer, fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa, had not fought in 2-½ years, when he entered the ring to fight boxer “Mad” Max Alderete, of Albuquerque. Neer needed a round for the rust to wear off, after which he walked down Alderete and unloaded on his head and body, mostly throwing upper cuts, one putting him down near the end of the third round. Alderete was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round.

Brazilian MMA veteran Marcelo “Mello” Alfaya put late replacement Joey Munoz on his back with the first punch he threw, but his Nebraska opponent showed tremendous heart, resulting in the crowd getting behind him. Attrition started to play a role in the third round, as both fighters slowed down, but they battered each other in a wild fourth round. In the fifth and final round, Alfaya was penalized a point for hitting after the break, and Munoz closed the show, pulling off the first upset of the evening by way of a five-round majority decision. Munoz took the fight on one-day notice, lost 17 pounds, and drove three hours to Casper.

Former UFC and Strikeforce fighter Issac Vallie-Flagg and upset minded Cory Simpsonopened the PPV segment of the night fighting at a 175-pound catchweight. After a somewhat strategic first round the pace changed abruptly in the second round as both fighters opened-up. Class soon prevailed as Vallie-Flagg, of Albuquerque, knocked down a game Simpson early and he then finished him off with a barrage of brutal body shots for a second-round knockout.

Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. joined WBKFF’s all-star announcing team –Bas Rutten, who is also WBKFF president, Kenny Rice and Jessica Penne -for the pay-per-view and Preview airings, distributed by Integrated Sports Media.

Super heavyweight C.J. “Big Cake” Leveque suffered a cut to his right eye in the opening round, courtesy of Houston’s Juan Torres, but the 288 ½ pound Californian immediately responded by decking Torres, who spotted his opponent 212-pounds, with a roundhouse right early in the second. Torres bounced right back, though. He drilled Leveque with a vicious shot in tight-quarters, sending him face-first to the canvas for a second-round knockout to conclude the preliminary card.

The first preliminary card fight set the tone right from the opening bell in a 160-pound catchweight fight. Long-haired favorite Jeff Chiffens, fighting out of Delaware, came out firing shots and 15-seconds in the opening round, Chiffens drew blood first, opening-up a cut overFred Pierce‘s right eye. After the ring doctor examined and cleared Pierce to fight, the action resumed and Chiffen dropped Pierce with a powerhouse right. Pierce beat the count, but referee stopped the fight at the 1:04 mark of round one.

Newly adopted rules including holding and striking, spinning backfists and hammer fists were allowed, and a traditional boxing ring was used for optimum viewing and safety. All men and women’s matches were scheduled five (two-minute) rounds.

Complete results and more pictures below:

PAY-PER-VIEW CARD

MAIN EVENT – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Chris Leben, San Diego, CA

WTKO1 (1:19)

Phil Baroni, Long Island, NY

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Dakota Cochrane, Omaha, NE

WKO2 (0:21)

Johny Hendricks, Fort Worth, TX

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Julian Lane, Mansfield, OH.

WDEC5 (49-46, 49-46, 47-48)

Joey Angelo, Las Vegas, NV

WBKFF FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS

Christina Marks, San Diego, CA

WDEC2 (1:54)

Jasmine Clarkson, Cedar Hill, TX

$100,000 WBKFF LIGHTWEIGHT TOURNAMENT KICK-OFF

Robbie Peralta, Escondido, CA

WDEC5 (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Jay Cucciniello, Malaga, Spain

Leon Mynhardt, Fairfield, CA

WTKO2 (0:56)

Nick Gonzalez, Austin, TX

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Josh Neer, Des Moines, IA

WTKO3 (2:00)

Mike Alderete, Albuquerque, NM

180-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT

Joey Munoz, Scotts Bluff, NE

WDEC5 (48-46, 48-47, 47-47)

Marcelo Alfaya, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil

175-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT

Issac Vallie-Flagg, Albuquerque, NM

WKO2 (1:20)

Cory Simpson, Las Vegas, NV

PRELIMINARY CARD

SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS

Juan Torres, Las Cruces, NM

WKO2 (1:33)

C.J. Leveque, Brentwood, CA

160-POUNDS CATCHWEIGHT

Jeff Chiffens, Wilmington, DE

WTKO1 (1:04)

Fred Pierce, Talihina, OK

The two participants in the Fight of the Night – winner Julian Lane and Joey Angelo – each won a new, high-powered Mustang from WBKFF

Lane floored Angelo before he broke his hand in third round

(L) Robbie Peralta and Jay Cucciniello put on a show

Jeff Chiffens (R) landed a picture-perfect punch on Fred Pierce

Joey Munoz (back on ropes) pulled off the upset of the night

IT’S CALLED BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING

INFORMATION:

Website: www.WBKFF.com

Facebook: /WBKFF

Twitter: @WBKFF

Instagram: @WORLDBKFF

ABOUT WORLD BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING FEDERATION (WBKFF): Based in Chicago, WBKFF’s mission is to become the worldwide leader in combat sports. The WBKFF stable of fighters already exceeds 100. Bare knuckle fighting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Only the strong will survive when the gloves are off and all that stands between opponents is their will and determination.

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