All posts by FNU47

amateur boxing, USA Boxing, women's boxing

Los Angeles flyweight Heaven Garcia Fighting for another gold medal at Summer Youth Olympic Games   Buenos Aires 2018

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Heaven can’t wait….
 
 
Oct. 6-18 in Argentina
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 2, 2018) — Los Angeles flyweight Heaven Garcia is on a mission to become only the third American boxer, second female, to capture gold medals at the Youth World Championships and upcoming Youth Olympics during the same year, joining Shakur Stevenson and Jajairia Gonzales, who both accomplished this rare feat in 2014.
 

 

The Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 will be held Oct. 6-18 at Parque Polidesportivo Roca in Argentina.

 

 

Garcia explained that her unusual first name is the result of her father being told he could never have children and upon her birth, he felt it was a miracle, aptly naming her, Heaven.

 

 

 

 

Heaven started boxing when she was eight. “After a week,” Garcia said, “I fell in love with boxing. I never played any other sports.

 

 

 

“My short-range goal in boxing is to win my second gold medal at the Youth Olympics.   Long-range is to qualify and win a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics, and then turn pro and become world champion.”

 

 

 

The 18-year-old Garcia, who was a 2015 Junior World Champion, avenged her quarterfinal loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhansaya Abdraimova at last year’s Youth World Championships, winning the rematch with a 3-2 decision in the semifinals of the 2018 Youth World Championships final.  Garcia picked up her second World title with her 4-1 split decision victory over India’s Anamika

 

 

 

Garcia doesn’t consider herself a pure boxer or devastating puncher, at least at this stage of her relatively young boxing career. “I’m a fighter who goes forward,” she noted. “I pressure my opponent, go to the body a lot, and hit her when the right spot is there.”

 

 

 

Garcia will be ending her youth career at this month’s Youth Olympics, after which she will move up to become an Elite boxer. “I feel I’m ready for the Elites,” Heaven remarked. “Every step I take is to progress.

 

 

 

“I’ve had a good year,” she admitted. (she also won a gold medal at this year’s Youth Continental Championships) “I’ve also traveled to Taiwan, Hungary and now Argentina.”

 

 

 

Heaven can’t wait to capture her third gold medal at a 2018 International tournament.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing

 Unbeaten Ruben Villa Fights in Hometown of Salinas, CA on Saturday, Oct. 13

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Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2018) – Promising featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (13-0, 5 KOs) headlines a talent rich card from his hometown of Salinas, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 13.

 

 

 

Villa, 21, returns to the Salinas Storm House for the second time this year. The talented southpaw faces Mexico’s Miguel Carrizoza (10-3, 2 KOs) in the 8-round “New Blood”main event.

 

 

 

Villa last fought from the Salinas Storm House in April, when he routed fellow prospect Marlon Olea in route to winning the vacant WBO Youth featherweight championship. It was Villa’s first title since turning professional in July 2016.

 

 

 

The two-time national Golden Gloves winner fights for the fifth time this year after registering six wins in 2017.

 

 

 

“It’s incredible how fast I’ve developed,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora and trained by Max Garcia. “It feels like it was yesterday that I was in four round fights and now I’m routinely headlining shows.”

 

 

 

The lefty, who sometimes conducts training camps in the sparring rich city of Riverside, Calif., decided to stay close to home for this fight. Him and his team have zeroed in on what is required to defeat Carrizoza.

 

 

 

“He fought my stablemate, Michael Dutchover [undefeated junior lightweight], last year so Mike gave me a pretty detailed scouting report on him,” Villa said. “He’s a bruiser. He likes to come forward and get you onto the ropes or just backpedaling. I know how to fight guys like that. I’ve fought against guys like that before and I’ve seen a bunch of them in previous training camps. We are really comfortable in our game plan.”

 

 

 

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $75, & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Drive in Salinas, CA 93907.

 

 

 

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6 p.m.

 

 

 

All fights will be live streamed on our Facebook page.

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

 

 

 

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

 

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

 

 

 

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HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECTS KYE BROOKS AND JONATHAN RICE SCORE KNOCKOUTS IN MEXICO

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Photos by Prince Ranch Boxing

TIJUANA, MX (October 1, 2018) – Prince Ranch Boxing heavyweights, Kye Brooks (4-0, 3 KOs) and fellow stablemate, heavyweight Jonathan Rice (9-3-1, 5 KOs), both who are managed by Greg Hannley, were victorious this past Saturday in Tijuana, MX.

 

 

 

Jonathan Rice scored a first-round knockout against, Juan Carlos Moreno. After a few explosive exchanges, Rice caught Moreno with a counter right hand that sent him to the canvas. Moreno got up and came firing back, only to get caught again with a strait right cross, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 2:19 mark of round one.

 

 

 

“Fighting in Mexico is a challenging experience when the whole crowd is against you,” said Rice. “After a few exchanges I got comfortable in there and took him out. I’m thankful to my manager Greg for keeping me busy. I’m ready to get right back in the ring and keep this momentum going.”

 

 

 

Brooks, who hails from Las Vegas, scored a first-round knockout over Jorge Jimenez. After dropping him twice with two powerful left hooks, a barrage of punches followed, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 2:37 mark.

 

 

 

“I came out here and got the knockout out,” stated Brooks. “After being out of the ring for a few months, it felt good to get back in there. I’m hoping to return to the ring at least one more time before the year ends.”

 

 

 

“Fighting in Mexico is something we plan on doing moving forward as I want to keep my guys busy.” said Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Kye and Jonnie both got knockout victories and the march continues. Both these heavyweights got the talent to compete with anyone. I’m just going to move them one fight at a time.”

 

 

 

This even was promoted by Gonzalez Boxing Promotions, in association with GM3 Boxing.

boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

 MMA Title Bout Headlines FFC 31 Night of Champions at Fight Dome

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Clay Collard battles Dave Courchaine for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship on Oct. 12

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Oct. 1, 2018) – The main event is set for “FFC 31 Night of Champions” and it will consist of two rising stars in Mixed Martial Arts as Clay “Cassius” Collard (16-7-1) of Price, UT, battles Dave “Insane” Courchaine (20-7-0) of Cheney, WA, for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship at the all-new Fight Dome Las Vegas at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

 

 

 

After suffering two straight losses under the UFC banner in 2015, Collard returned to MMA in 2018 and responded with two straight victories, a TKO win over Troy Dennison, and a submission win (by triangle choke) against Carson Gregory.

 

 

 

As for Courchaine, he was on a five-fight win streak dating back to 2014 before losing to Arthur Estrazulas by 1st round KO in January of 2017. Both fighters are hungry and both fighters have something to prove when they step into the ring on Oct. 12.

 

 

 

There will be one other MMA title bout on the “Night of Champions” as Ben Egli (10-2-0) of Tigard, OR, takes on Brazilian, Roberto Neves (10-3-0) for the FFC Welterweight Title. The remainder of the multi-discipline fight card will consist of championship bouts involving boxing and kickboxing.

 

 

 

The WBU cruiserweight title will be up for grabs in boxing as Dennis Morris (14-2-1) of Milwaukee, WI, goes up against Shawn Miller (18-4-1) of Troy, NY.

 

 

 

In Kickboxing, Glory veteran, François Ambang (18-7-1) of Mechanicsville, VA (via Cameroon), will fight battle-tested Albanian, Shkodran Veseli (83-18-1) for the FFC Welterweight Title, and Brazilian, Jhonata Diniz (16-5-0) faces off against, Croatian sensation, Mladen Brestovac (54-14-1).

 

 

 

“FFC 31 Night of Champions” will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST).

 

 

 

General ticket prices begin at $69. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For groups of 10 or more call 866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

 

 

 

For more information about Final Fight Championship, please visit finalfightchampionship.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/FFCFighting, and Follow on Instagram/Twitter @FFCFighting

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

DEONTAY WILDER vs. TYSON FURY LONDON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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 Tensions Rise As Two Larger-Than-Life Personalities Trade Verbal Jabs In Kick-Off Of International Press Tour Ahead of December 1 WBC Heavyweight Title LIVE on SHOWTIME PPV ® 

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Mark Robinson/SHOWTIME

Watch the Full Press Conference HERE

LONDON (October 1, 2018) – The Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury Press Tour got off to a combative start as the two heavyweight giants went face-to-face in London on Monday, exchanging verbal jabs ahead of their December 1 showdown for the WBC Heavyweight World Championship live on SHOWTIME PPV from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Amidst the back-and-forth jawing, the 6-foot-7 Wilder and the 6-foot-9 Fury had to be separated when Wilder refused to back down from Fury’s challenge to engage in a sparring session.

 

 

 

“I want to feel the power,” Fury said to Wilder. “You’re going to feel the Fury, I want to feel the Alabama slammer.”

 

 

 

“I’m going to show you the full power”, Wilder quipped back. “This ain’t no game!” Watch the confrontation HERE

 

 

 

To watch Monday’s press conference in full, visit the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel: https://s.sho.com/2Qf3mgW

 

 

 

Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury. America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, including knockouts in all seven of his title defenses. Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion who is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s coveted lineal heavyweight title.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, go on sale Wednesday, October 3 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets are priced starting at $75, plus applicable fees, and are available via AXS.com.

 

 

 

In anticipation of the biggest heavyweight event in the U.S. since Mike Tyson-Lennox Lewis in 2002, the Wilder vs. Fury International Press Tour continues Tuesday at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York and concludes Wednesday in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Below are flash quotes from today’s event at BT Sport Headquarters in London:

 

 

 

DEONTAY WILDER

 

 

 

“I believe every word that I say. When I say I’m going to knock a man out and tell him where and how he may lay, it comes to pass. I’m all about devastating knockouts, that’s what I do. There’s no pressure on me. You just need to be there to witness it.

 

 

 

“He has two months to get ready. He’s lost a lot of weight but he needs to lose a little bit more. He already knows he’s going to get knocked out. He can hoot and holler, he can build himself up but he needs to take my advice and speak it, believe it, receive it. He’s going to feel pain he’s never felt before.

 

 

 

“Some people don’t even think I should be fighting Fury at this point in time. Whether they want to see another fight or they don’t think he’s ready right now, we can’t live off other’s opinions. When you come to see a Deontay Wilder fight, you’re only coming to see one thing and that’s me knocking somebody out. You all are looking at the 41st person that’s going to be knocked out.

 

 

 

“The antics aren’t going to work against me. I’m not (Wladimir) Klitschko, this is Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

“I definitely think I’m the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t feel I was the best. I’m not worried about any other fighters or what they’re saying or how they are hyping themselves up. I already know I’m the part. All you have to do is tune in. I’m about to put him in the oven and make a muffin.”

 

 

 

TYSON FURY

 

 

 

“I am no challenger for no man. I am the lineal heavyweight champion of the world. That means I’m the best of the best. The elite champion. This is two champions colliding, this is equal-rights champion vs. champion.

 

 

 

“I’m savoring nothing. The only thing I’m savoring is smashing Deontay Wilder’s teeth in. The press has all turned up today to see the biggest fight of our generation between two undefeated giants, and boy are you going to get a fight. You’re in for a real treat, don’t worry about that. I’m in no mood to dance around the ring. There’s not a 15 stone man on the planet that can beat Tyson Fury.

 

 

 

“I have no concern at all about my lack of fights in recent years. If you can fight, you can fight. I picked this fight. I said to Frank, get me this fight. I could have fought another 10 bums and won them too. Nobody forced me to fight Deontay Wilder, I picked him because I believe he’s an easy touch.”

 

 

 

“I will stand right in front of him and prove what I will do. I will punch his face seven days a week and twice on a Sunday. If we fought 30 times, I’d win 30 times.”

 

 

 

LOU DIBELLA

 

 

 

“It’s been a long time since the heavyweight division has had two giants like this. Two champions at the top of their game, at the top of their division willing to fight one another. It’s not rocket science making a fight. Deontay spent a lot of time trying to make a fight with another guy from England who didn’t want to fight. When Fury got himself back into the ring and got himself in the shape he is in now, Shelly (Finkel) and Frank (Warren) were able to make this fight very quickly.

 

 

 

“When two great champions want to make a fight, the fight happens. That’s why December 1 is happening. We’re going to know right then and there who the best heavyweight on the planet is until proven otherwise. The winner of this fight will be the best heavyweight on the planet.

 

 

 

“Fury is an interesting guy who has had to overcome a lot of adversity. I think he should be proud of himself for getting his life in order and being able to turn things around. What he’s done in the last six months has been remarkable. I’m still going to admire him after he gets knocked out on December 1.”

 

 

 

SHELLY FINKEL

 

 

 

“I have nothing but respect for our challenger, Fury. When I was handling Klitschko, we didn’t think Fury had a chance against him. He proved me wrong. He won’t prove me wrong twice.

 

 

 

“We didn’t pick to fight Tyson because we thought he was easy, we believe he’s the best out there. We want to fight the best, and only the best. We have respect for you because your countryman didn’t want to fight even though he was offered a fortune to fight. When it was presented, he said no. I commend you for stepping right in.”

 

 

 

FRANK WARREN

 

 

 

“These are the two best heavyweights because they’re willing to step in the ring together. That’s what great fighters do. We are going to see something special on December 1. I think it’s going to be a fight that nobody expects. This is not going to be cat and mouse, it’s going to be a war. Tyson has a fighter’s mentality. He’s not trying to duck out through contracts, through a backdoor method. He wanted the fight and Shelly and I worked together to make this happen. You cannot miss it. This will be one of the best heavyweight fights for a long time.

 

 

 

“Fury is traveling to the other guy’s backyard like he did when he went to Germany and took Klitschko to school. He’s going to take Deontay’s belt and this is a fight you cannot afford to miss.”

 

 

 

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

 

 

 

“This is a fight that has captivated America and will continue to captivate America. We have two mythical figures and that’s what people love about the heavyweight division; they are almost superheroes. In particular, these two individuals are the two largest men in the heavyweight division and I mean that in a physical sense as well as their personalities. On paper, in the ring, on the press tour, it’s a phenomenal matchup.”

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association Profile:   1972 Olympic Bronze Medalist JESSE VALDEZ

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  (L-R) – Austin Trout, Jesse Valdez, Raphael Marquez and B.J. Flores

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (October 5, 2018) — 1972 Olympic bronze medalist Jesse Valdez, who was an outstanding amateur boxer, never turned pro because he chose security for his family rather than take a risk and parlay his amateur pedigree into a prize fighting career.

 

 

 

Valdez first went to the local Boys’ Club when he was 11. The youngest of seven children in a low-income family, headed by his single mother, in which the kids all slept in one bedroom, girls in a bed, boys on the floor, sharing space with cockroaches.

 

 

 

“I started going to the club and I guess I did well because I started beating older and bigger guys,” Valdez remembered. One day a coach asked me if I was interested in learning how to box. At 11, USA Boxing people were interested in me, not me the boxer, and they always gave me guidance. Because of my background, I knew I wouldn’t be going to college, and these people helped me and gave me guidance.

 

 

 

In 1964, 16-year-old Valdez upset Olympic bronze medalist Quincey Daniels at the National AAU Championship in the welterweight division, and later that year he qualitied for the U.S. Olympic Team as an alternate. Valdez captured a gold medal at the1967 National Golden Gloves in the light middleweight weight class and he added a bronze medal from the prestigious Pan-American Games.

 

 

 

“I wanted to be a better boxer and that (defeating Daniels) also helped me become a better person. I had never traveled outside of Texas before then. I went to the Regionals and Nationals and then I was asked if I wanted to go to East Africa. All I knew about Africa was Tarzan, Jane and Cheetah. In high school, I was offered college scholarships, but my grades were bad because I spent more time out than in school. I didn’t have a father figure.”

 

 

 

While he served in the U.S. Air Force, Valdez won a gold medal at the 1970 National AAU Championship as a light middleweight and two years later, he became the 1972 National Golden Gloves welterweight champion. A USA Olympic Team alternate for the second time in 1968, the third time was the charm for Valdez, who qualified for the 1972 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team by defeating future world champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.

 

 

 

“My dream came true in 1964,” Valdez noted. “I was a USA Olympic Team alternate in 1964 and again in 1968. But in 1972, I wanted to win a gold medal, even though I ended up with bronze.”

 

 

 

Valdez became a household name in America because his Olympic fights in Munich, Germany, aired live on ABC Wide World of Sports, the award-winning Saturday afternoon show during the seventies, when legendary announcer Howard Cosell took a shine to Valdez. Unfortunately, Jessie was eliminated in the semifinals by the eventual gold medalist, Emilio Correa, by way of a controversial decision, and Jesse settled for a bronze medal.

 

 

 

The 1972 Olympics, however, is sadly remembered for the deaths of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches taken hostage and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist group, Black September.

 

 

 

“The Olympic village was built in a circle,” Valdez explained. “There were athletes everywhere from all around the world. My roommate and I had a routine after eating. We walked to digest our food and that night we started to walk, when guards with guns and rifles wouldn’t let anybody go past them. We didn’t know why and didn’t speak German. We then asked our coaches what had happened, and they said people were shot that afternoon. Later, we saw what happened on television.

 

 

 

“I was team captain and all the captains from every sport were asked what the athletes wanted to do, continue (competing) or go home. We decided to go on because, if we had stopped, that’s what they (terrorists) wanted. The Olympics were halted one day for a memorial recognizing those who had died.”

 

 

 

 

TEAM USA vs. TEAM GERMANY, OCT. 6 & 12 in CHATTANOOGA

 

 

 

Team USA and Team Germany, two of the world’s top amateur boxing programs, will meet in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for two separate duels taking place Saturday, October 6 and Friday, Oct. 12, at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

 

 

 

The duels will feature some of the top male and female elite boxers as they prepare for the lead up to the Olympics in 2020. The two events will take place alongside this year’s Eastern Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships, which is expected to have more than 650 boxers, aged 8-40, compete from Oct. 8-13.

 

 

 

 

After the 1972 Olympics, promoters lined-up to offer Valdez a pro contract, but he quickly turned down all offers having other options as well. He could have remained in the Air Force and been a coach. Instead, he accepted an offer from a Houston television station that wanted to benefit from hiring the Olympic bronze medalist returning home. Valdez became a reporter and the station’s ratings immediately went up, but other reporters became jealous and that became a problem for Jesse. At first, he contemplated a return to the Air Force, but Valdez liked working in television and he became a photo journalist until he retired in 2005.

 

 

 

Why not take advantage of his fame as an Olympic bronze medalist and turn pro?

 

 

 

“When I was 14 or 15 there were pros training at the gym I went to after school,” Valdez explained, “There was one professional boxer there I really liked and looked up to. He was a world champion, who will remain nameless, and I watched him work out. I’ll never forget, he asked me if he could borrow $1.00. I didn’t even have a nickel and that really opened my eyes. Here was a world champion asking me for money. It stuck in my mind. I took a job as a reporter because I really needed (medical) benefits.

 

 

 

“I try to go to clubs and help amateurs, but I don’t watch pro fights.”

 

 

 

 

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 hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual 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.

 

 

 

 

Now 70, the Mexican-American from Houston has never regretted the decision he made nearly a half-century ago, or, of course, his experience at the 1972 Olympics. Jesse Valdez has become a valued speaker for the USA Boxing Alumni Association.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

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Darmani Rock takes on Pedro Julio Rodriguez in main event on Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

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Jeremy Cuevas vs Jerome Rodriguez in co-feature
Branden Pizarro to see action
Also featuring undefeated Gadwin Rosa, Christian Tapia, Marcos Suarez and Marcel Rivers

Philadelphia, PA (October 1, 2018) – A terrific night of action is rounding into place as Hard Hitting Promotions presents an eight-bout card THIS Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

In the main event, undefeated heavyweight Darmani Rock (12-0, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia takes Pedro Julio Rodriguez of Miami, Florida, via Cuba in an eight-round bout.

 

 

 

Rock of Philadelphia, who was the number-one amateur heavyweight in the United States and former Youth Amateur champion, has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts.

 

 

 

The 22 year-old Rock is a two-year professional who has a 1st round stoppage over Carlos Cotto (8-1-1) on his resume.  Rock is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Marquis Valentine on July 20th in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

This will be Rock’s 3rd appearance in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Rodriguez has an impressive mark of 23-5 with 19 knockouts.

 

 

 

The 32 year-old Rodriguez is an eight-year professional, who has defeated four undefeated fighters.  Rodriguez holds a win over Andy Perez, who was 19-2 at the time.

 

 

 

Rodriguez is coming off a loss to Andrey Afonin on May 19th.

 

 

 

In the six-round co-feature, Jeremy Cuevas (10-0, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight Jerome Rodriguez (7-9-3, 2 KOs) of Allentown, PA in a lightweight contest.

 

 

 

Branden Pizarro (11-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on 24 fight-veteran Justin Johnson of Pittsburgh in a six-round junior welterweight fight.

 

 

 

Gadwin Rosa (7-0, 6 KOs) of Ocala, Florida takes on David Berna (16-5, 15 KOs) of Budapest Hungary in a super featherweight bout.

 

 

 

In four-round bouts:

 

 

 

Christian Tapia (5-0, 4 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico fights Hector Marengo (7-13-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico in a lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Marcos Suarez (5-0-1,1 KO) of Bronx, New York battles Israel Suarez (4-6-2, 1 KO) of Luquillo, Puerto Rico in a lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Benny Sinakin of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Alexander Lara in a light heavyweight bout.

 

 

 

Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

 

 

 

Tickets available now! $50 GA , $70 Premium, $125 VIP +fees

 

 

Purchase Tickets online at hardhittingpromotions.com ;  2300arena.com or by calling 267.758.2173  as well as the 2300 Arena Box Office.

 

Doors 6PM – First bout 7PM

 

 

 

Follow Hard Hitting Promotions at:

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View on Instagram

 

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

BRANDON FIGUEROA KNOCKS OUT OSCAR ESCANDON IN FINAL ROUND IN PBC ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES MAIN EVENT FROM CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO

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  Joe Joyce Makes Impression Against Iago Kiladze in U.S. Debut; Both Joey Spencer and

Efe Ajagba Knock Out Opponents in First Rounds of Respective Fights;
Stephen Fulton Dominates German Meraz in TV Opener
 
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Luis Meija/Ringstar Sports

Ontario, Calif. (Sept. 30) – In a marathon night of fights, Southern California fans were treated to performances in a variety of weight classes headlined by Brandon Figueroa (17-0-0, 12 KOs) of Weslaco, TX against Columbian Oscar Escandon (25-5-0, 17 KOs) in an action-packed 10-round super bantamweight bout that ended with a knockout by the young prospect Figueroa in the final round live on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Citizens Business Bank Arena.

 

 

 

Both Figueroa and Escandon picked up the pace early as they went toe-to-toe battling in an entertaining fight from the first bell. Figueroa, who typically fights at a distance, wanted to make a statement that he isn’t afraid to fight on the inside. An accidental head butt caused a large cut over the left eye of Figueroa, as blood poured the remainder of the fight. The combatants continued to throw high volumes of punches throughout the bout, but Figueroa remained more accurate and active as Escandon did his best to stay strong. In the tenth and final round, Figueroa sealed the win with a powerful combination that ended in a right upper cut to Escandon’s chin, sending him to the canvas rendering him unable to stand at minute 1:42.

 

 

 

“Escandon is tough. He is short and it was hard to get to the body,” said Figueroa. “I can fight both inside and outside, but his size did matter. I had to get in there and he wasn’t backing up. I was ready for this fight. Opportunities like this don’t come often so I had to take it and run with it. I have been training all summer and I am ready to take a few days off and get right back to it.”

 

 

 

“I knew Figueroa was good, but I was surprised at how tough he was,” said Escandon. “Everyone can get caught with a punch. I wasn’t tired. I just got caught. I am okay. I am going to keep going.”

 

 

 

The co-main event saw British Silver Medalist Joe Joyce (6-0, 6 KOs) make his U.S. debut in a heavyweight fight domnation against Iago Kiladze (26-4-0, 18 KOs) of Georgia. Thirty seconds into the second round, Joyce sent Kiladze through the ropes with a flurry of right hands. Kiladze recovered and fought back, surviving the remainder of the round. He entered the third throwing everything he could, but Joyce hit him with a hard hook to the body forcing him to the canvas again. The fight ended in the with 41 seconds to go in the fifth round as Joyce landed a hard left hook to Kiladze’s body knocking him out.

 

 

 

“It is great to be here,” said Joyce. “I started training in the United States because it was the best way to start my career here,” said Joyce. “It is great to have my sixth win here and I look forward to getting in the ring again soon. I think I made a great impression here tonight and I just want to continue that streak.”

 

 

 

Also featured on the card was fast-rising star Joey Spencer (5-0, 5 KOs) of Union City, Calif. Against Cory Macon (0-3-0) of Durham, NC in a four-round middleweight bout. The 18-year-old Spencer, with dreams to become the youngest American with a world title, went to work immediately, going to the body of Macon. He continued to attack the body, but with a hard left hook, he sent Macon to the canvas, ending the fight just inside round number one at minute 2:36.

 

 

 

“I stay active and stay in the gym. It keeps me focused and ready,” said Spencer. “My goal is to become a world champion by age 20. Fans need to keep an eye on me and my career because I am here to stay.”

 

 

 

Efe Ajagba (7-0-0, 6 KOs) faced Nick Jones (7-1-0, 5 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a six-round heavyweight fight that didn’t even last one round. With a hard right hand, Ajagba sent Jones to the canvas with a devastating knockout in 2:25 of the first.

 

 

 

“Now we know why my last opponent walked out of the ring. He was afraid that was going to happen to him,” said Ajagba. “I watched tape of Jones and I knew he was slow. I was ready to attack the minute I got into the ring. I want anyone that my management will put in front of me. I am ready. I prepared for six rounds and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

 

 

 

In a televised swing bout, young prospect Jose Balderas (5-0-0) of Santa Maria, Calif. was tested by Mexican Ivan Martino (3-3-0, 3 KOs) in a bantamweight, but was able to get his shots off, connected with several left hooks to Martino’s body.

 

 

 

“He is a strong guy and he kept coming, but we were ready for it,” said Balderas. “I think I got the rounds he needed. I have been improving since my first fight. I am going to keep learning and keep growing.”

 

 

 

Stephen Fulton (14-0-0, 6 KOs) of the fighting city of Philadelphia faced German Meraz (61-50-2, 38 KOs) of Mexico opened the telecast in a scheduled eight-round featherweight fight. Fulton, who took this fight with 72 hours’ notice, used his jab throughout the and dominated every round. In the first minute of the eighth and final round, Fulton knocked Meraz down, setting up the win. In the end, the judges ruled the bout a unanimous decision.

 

 

 

“I wasn’t worried about taking the fight on such short notice,” said Fulton. “I knew I was going to dominate. I might have prepared for someone else, but that didn’t matter. I have the experience to be able to adjust. He could have had 100 fights or five fights and I would have bene ready. I want Brandon Figueroa next.”

 

 

 

To kick off the night, FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcasted a slate of preliminary fights. Below please find the results of those exciting match-up:

 

 

 

Jesse Rodriguez of Los Angeles (7-0-0, 4 KOs) won via unanimous decision against Edwin Reyes of Las Vegas (8-4-3, 5 KOs) in an eight-round light flyweight bout.

 

 

 

British light heavyweight Kody Davies (7-0-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jerhed Fenderson (4-7-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas via unanimous decision.

 

 

 

In his professional debut, Oscar Juarez of Brownsville TX, defeated Matt Gaver (0-2-0) of Bakersfield, Calif. via unanimous decision in a six-round super lightweight bout.

 

 

 

Arnold Alejandro of Dallas (8-0-0, 7 KOs) defeated Francisco Camacho (7-9-1, 3 KOs) of Matamoros, Mexico via fifth round knockout in a featherweight fight scheduled for six rounds.

 

 

 

To open the night of fights at Citizens Business Bank Arena, former world champion James DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) defeated Fidel Moterrosa (39-19-1, 31 KOs) via third round KO.

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR 206: MOUSASI vs. MACDONALD RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Complete Fight Night Photos

  

Bellator 206: Mousasi vs. MacDonald Main Card Results:

Gegard Mousasi (44-6-2) defeated Rory MacDonald (20-5) via TKO (punches) at 3:23 of round two

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13) defeated Wanderlei Silva (35-14) via TKO (punches) at 4:32 of round two

Douglas Lima (30-7) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (21-3) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:04 of round five

Aaron Pico (4-1) defeated Leandro Higo (18-5) via KO (punches) at 3:19 of round one

Keri Taylor-Melendez (3-0) defeated Dakota Zimmerman (0-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Gaston Bolanos (4-1) defeated Ysidro Gutierrez (4-3) via knockout (punches) at 1:37 of round two

 

Preliminary Card Results:

Adam Piccolotti (11-2) defeated James Terry (20-10) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Jeremiah Labiano (12-6) defeated Justin Smitley (10-8-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:28 of round one

Arlene Blencowe (11-7) defeated Amber Leibrock (3-2) via TKO (slam, punches) at 1:23 of round three

Josh San Diego (8-4) defeated Joe Neal (6-4) via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)

Chuck Campbell (1-0) defeated Joseph Ramirez (1-2) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Anthony Figueroa Jr. (1-0) defeated Samuel Romero (0-2) via unanimous decision (29-27, 28-26, 29-26)

Cass Bell (2-0) defeated Ty Costa (3-4) via verbal submission (armbar) 3:06 of round two

Isaiah Gonzalez (2-0) vs. Khai Wu (2-1)

Jacob Ycaro (1-0) vs. Ignacio Ortiz (1-0)

Laird Anderson (0-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelaziz (0-0)

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Undefeated Roman Bogatov captures M-1 Challenge lightweight title

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M-1 CHALLENGE 97 / TATFIGHT 7
OFFICIAL RESULTS
New M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Roman Bogatov

KAZAN, Russia (September 29, 2018) – Undefeated Russian wrestling sensation Roman Bogatov captured the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title last night, taking a unanimous decision over Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira, in the M Challenge 97 / Tatfight 7 main event, held in Kazan, Russia.

 

 

 

The judges were very busy as all five main event fights, plus three of five undercard matches, went the full distance on a card of evenly matched fights.

 

 

 

Competing fighters represented nine different countries: Russia, Brazil, Spain, France, Canada, China, Finland, Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland.

 

 

 

Fighting out of Orenburg, Russia, Bogatov improved his pro MMA record to 7-0, 6-0 in M-1 Global competition, displaying improved striking ability to complement his outstanding wrestling skills.

 

 

 

Pereira’s (20-6-0) superior BJJ techniques from bottom were nullified Bogatov when the fight went down to the mat. Pereira was adversely affected by Bogatov’s takedown attack, which opened-up strong punches to Pereira’s head, resulting in a flash knockdown in the third round. Pereira got back in the fight midway through round four, connecting with punches and knees to the body, but the Brazilian needed a strong fifth and final round to win a decision. Bogatov, however, remained aggressive, firing strikes and making take-downs, on his way to a unanimous five-found decision and the coveted M-1 Challenge lightweight title belt.

 

 

 

In the co-featured event, veteran Spanish middleweight Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1) registered a unanimous decision victory against previously undefeated Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0), of Russia. Torres decked Shamilov early in the opening round, controlled the match, never relenting for a hard-earned win.

 

 

 

Past M-1 Challenge title challenger Maxim Grabovich (9-4-0), of Russia, overcame a rocky moment in the second round against his Brazilian opponent, Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1), to control most of the action to take a split decision.

 

 

 

French lightweight Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (18-9-2) and always tough Russian Alexey “Ataman” Makhno battled tooth and nail in a bloody war (see pictures below). Lebout hit Makhno in the face with everything but the proverbial kitchen sink, but the Russian refused to go down and even landed a few solid shots on Lebout, who also has good “whiskers”. Lebout won an entertaining fight by way of a unanimous three-round decision.

 

 

 

In the main card opener, dangerous striker Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0) edged grappling specialist Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0) by way of a split decision in a showdown between Russian lightweights. The fighters were upright in the first two rounds, much to Gordeev’s advantage, and the previously Albogachiev was unable to close the gap in the final frame.

 

 

 

On the undercard, Canadian welterweight Spencer “Judge” Jebb (13-6-0) overcame a first-round knockdown, pounding his way to a unanimous decision versus Russian Vladimir “The Woodcutter” Tyurin (4-4-0) and another Canadian, bantamweight Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (13-4-0) outworked the much younger Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0), of Russia, to win a three-round unanimous decision.

 

 

 

Russian featherweight Timur Dorinin (4-1-0) locked in a rear naked choke to defeat Kangkang “The Knife” Fu (3-3-0), of China, by submission in round two.

 

 

 

Finnish lightweight Jani Salmi (9-6-0) scored his second M-1 victory, using a rear naked choke for an opening round win by submission over Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0), of Russia. In a spirited match between Russian bantamweights, settled by a unanimous decision, Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0) was too much to handle for Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1).

 

 

 

On the pre-undercard, Russian heavyweight Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0) punched out Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0), fighting out of Northern, Ireland, via an unanswered barrage in the opening round. Russian middleweight Denis Titulialin (3-3-0) connected with a devastating knee, knocking out pro-debuting, fellow countryman Nikita Shamov in round one. Azerbaijan welterweight Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev turned in an impressive pro debut, knocking out Russian Zakhar Popel (1-1-0) via punches midway through the first round.

 

 

 

Full results and more pictures below:

 

 

 

 

MAIN CARD

 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Roman Bogatov (7-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC5

Rubenilton Pereira (20-6-0, M-1: 4-3-0), Brazil

(Bogatov won vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title)

 

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Enoc Solves Torres (23-10-1, M-1: 7-7-1), Spain

WDEC3

Ruslan Shamilov (4-1-0, M-1: 4-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Maxim Grabovich (8-4-0, M-1: 6-4-0), Russia

WDEC3

Tiago Varejao Lacerda (27-6-1, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Brazil

 

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Mickael Lebout (18-9-2, M-1: 2-1-0), France

WDEC3

Alexey Makhno (18-7-0, M-1: 5-4-0), Russia

 

Pavel Gordeev (12-1-0, M-1: 6-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Alik Albogachiev (5-1-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

UNDERCARD

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Spencer Jebb (13-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Vladimir Tyurin (4-4-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jani Salmi (9-6-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Finland

WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 3:52)

Ruslan Khisamutdinov (10-5-0, M-1: 1-2-0), Russia

 

 

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Timur Doronin (4-1-0, M-1:1-0-0), Russia

WSUB2 (rear naked choke – 3:06)

Kangkang Fu (3-3-0, M-1: 0-2-0), China

 

 

 

BANTAMWEIGHTS

Chris Kelades (13-4-0, M-1: 2-1-0), Canada

WDEC3

Sergey Klyuev (6-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Russia

 

Ivan Eremenko (8-2-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

WDEC3

Nidzhat Imanov (4-4-1, M-1: 1-1-1), Russia

 

 

 

PRE-UNDERCARD

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Nikolay Rachek (8-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (punches – 4:28)

Midaugas Gerve (3-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Northern Ireland

 

 

 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Denis Tiuliulin (3-3-0, 1 NC, M-1: 1-1-0), Russia

WKO1 (knee – 2:56)

Nikita Shamov (0-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Gadzhibaba Gadzhibabaev (1-0-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Azerbaijan

WTKO1 (punches – 3:20)

Zakhar Popel (1-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Russia

 

 

 

 

Roman Bogatov (L) remained undefeated with a decision win vs. Rubenilton Pereira

 

 

 

AND THE NEW M-1 CHALLENGE 97 CHAMPION IS…..ROMAN BOGATOV

 

 

 

Enoc Solves Torres & Ruslan Shamilov (front) had a close fight

 

 

 

Alexey Makhno (L) and Michael Lebout had a bloody war (pictured above & below)

 

Pavel Gordeev (L) & Alik Albogachiev battled from start to finish

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.M1Global.tv

www.mixfight.ru

www.wmmaa.org

 

 

 

 

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

 

 

 

Facebook:

 

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews