All posts by FNU47

The Worlds Number One Boxing Designer Javier Zinzun Jr. Gives Inspirational Speech to Students

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

The Worlds Number One Boxing Designer Javier Zinzun Jr. Gives Inspirational Speech to Students

SANTA ANA, CA (November 15, 2021) – Last week, the worlds number one boxing designer and WBC Cares Ambassador, Javier Zinzun Jr., gave an inspirational speech to students at the Samulai Academy in Santa Ana, California, giving back to the community he was raised in.

“I know firsthand the perils of drug abuse, violence, peer pressure and more, so it’s very important for me to give back in my own community,” said Zinzun Jr. with a smile on his face. “When people are young, they’re very impressionable, and for me to be living my dream in a positive and cool manner, is what I want to do. I want to lead by example, and let people know anything is possible.”

Life was not always easy for Zinzun as he almost lost his life in 2011 due to alcohol and drug abuse. This near-death experience was a turning point for him.

“I knew in the middle of my overdose this couldn’t be it,” continued Zinzun. “I have told the story many times, but it was up to me to find my own path. I went home, got rid of everything, the drugs, alcohol, all of that and told my family, I was a new person, and since then never looked back.”

“I want to thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to our campus and share your knowledge with our students,” said Oscar Reyes. “It is at events like these that our students get the most value and impact. It is not every day that our students get to be in front of professionals like you and hear their life journey and success stories which is where they find inspiration to keep finding their way in life. The feedback I received from staff, teachers, and especially students was overwhelmingly positive and that of gratitude.”

Zinzun who has designed trunks for “Canelo” Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, recounted stories of creating the ring outfit for the brave boxers performing on fight night.

“A lot of the young people are fans of the fighters, so just to tell them stories about the people I have worked with and let them know they’re people just like us and see the joy in hearing these stories makes it so meaningful,” concluded Zinzun. “I am just trying to be the person I wish I had when I was their age.”
# # #

Javier Zinzun Jr. is a self-made American success story overcoming the perils of drugs and alcoholism to start one of the best boxing fashion brands “I Got My Own Back”, working with the likes of Ryan Garcia, Canelo Alvarez, and Mario Barrios, as well as being involved in the creative design process of “Creed 2” the movie. Above you will see his designs worn by David Benavidez and Jaime Munguia, both whom fought this past Saturday on the global stage.

boxing

Top Northeast boxers to be showcased this Saturday night on “Fall Brawl” card at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, MA

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Top Northeast boxers to be showcased this Saturday night on “Fall Brawl” card

Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, MA

BOSTON (November 15, 2021) – Presenting its fourth event in fewer than 60 days since its inaugural event this past September 24^th, Vertex Promotions will end its first year of successfully promoting professional boxing events, “Fall Brawl,” this Saturday (Nov. 20) night at its Boston suburb home, Mosely’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Many of the Northeast’s most promising and popular prospects will be in action in the intimate surroundings at Mosely’s.

GO HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO PROMO: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWJH7kgjiVy/?utm_medium=copy_link

Undefeated 23-year-old lightweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (14-0, 11 KOs), the reigning ABF American West and NBA Continental champion from Albany (NY), will headline his third Vertex card in the 8-round, main event (non-title fight) against Colombian veteran Daulis Prescott (32-14, 24 KOs).

Prescott fought Nicholas Walters for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World title in 2012. He is the younger brother of Breidis Prescott, who shocked the boxing world in 2008, when he knocked out 2004 Olympic silver medalist and future 3-time World champion Amir Khan in the opening round.

In the co-feature event, undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), faces Floridian Andre Byrd (8-11-2, 1 KO) in Perella’s first scheduled 8-round bout.

Perella, 29, was a standout USA Boxing amateur as a 4-time USA New England and 4-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Another hot, undefeated prospect, Weymouth (MA) boxer Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (8-0, 8 KOs), goes for his 9^th win with his 9^th KO in a 6-round Special Super Welterweight Attraction against his Mexican opponent, Danny “Venado” Flores (15-25-1, 8 KOs). Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, as well as a 2019 New England Golden Gloves gold medalist.

In four 6-rounders, New Bedford (MA) middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (3-0-2, 3 KOs) faces Ginno Montoya (0-6), Springfield (MA) super lightweight super lightweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (4-0, 3 KOs)) throws down with . Austin Reed Ward (0-9), and undefeated Colorado super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (9-0, 5 KOs), the ABF American West champion, has been added to the card versus David Rohn (0-9-1).

Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole moved to Friday’s DAZN show in Manchester, NH

Irish light heavyweight prospect Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (1-0, 1 KO) was originally scheduled to fight on this Saturday’s Vertex show, but he was moved to Friday (Nov. 19) evening’s Andrade-Quigley card, streaming live on DAZN from SHNU Arena (former Verizon Center) in Manchester New Hampshire.

The 23-year-old O’Toole (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Galway, Ireland, won his pro debut this past September 25^th on a Vertex show at Moseley’s in which he knocked down Francisco Ariri Neto three times for a spectacular first-round knockout. O’Toole is matched against Texan Mark Malone (1-0) this Friday in a 4-round bout.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round matches are Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, vs. Ecuadorian Ronny Arana (0-2), Malden (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Deshawn Kennedy (0-4), Boston welterweight James Murrin (1-0) vs. pro-debuting Miguel Valencia, of Worcester (MA), Kansas City (KS) super lightweight Marcus Davidson (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Marlon Hardnick, and Salem’s (MA) pro-debuting welterweight Kenny Larson vs. Seigenald Daley, Jr. (0-1).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are on sale for $150.00 (ringside), $65.00 (general admission), $50.00 (standing room) and $2000.00 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, go online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vertex-promotions-fall-brawl-tickets-192621806007, or contact any of the competing fighters. Limited tickets may be available fight night at the door.

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

boxing

Falcao to fight for IBF Latino Title January 15 in Brazil

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Yama 2.png — Sao Paolo, Brazil (November 15, 2021) – Super middleweight standout Yamaguchi Falcao will look continue his winning ways when he fights an opponent to be determined Saturday, January 15 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Falcao’s WBC Latino title will be on the line as will the vacant IBF Latino championship in a ten round matchup.

Fresh off a dominant victory over veteran contender Jorge Daniel Miranda, Falcao is 19-1-1 as a pro with 8 knockouts. In his last two contests, the 33-year-old southpaw’s won the WBA Fedecaribe, WBC Latino and ABF Continental Americas super middleweight championships.

Falcao, a Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games, also has plans to return to America and face a top 15 ranked opponent.

Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, is happy his fighter will have another opportunity to entertain his native fans but is mapping out a strategy for the rest of 2022.

“If all goes as planned, we’re bringing Yama back to the US shortly after his fight in January. The biggest opportunities and best training resources are available to Yama here in the US. He’s long stated that he is more than happy to face any top 168 pound opponent. Bringing him back stateside will get him ready for whatever challenge arises if everything goes as expected January 15.”

More information on the card will be available shortly.

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

boxing, Granite Chin

“Championship Road” Official Results from Hampton, NH: Mike “Bad Boy” Ohan, Jr. Destroys Israel Rojas in 2 rounds

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

(L) Mike Ohan destroyed Israel Rojas

(pictures by Emily Harney/Fightography)

boxing, FITETV, Golden Boy Promotions

Nicco Tapia, 16-Year-Old Son of Late Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia, to Make Amateur Boxing Debut Nov. 20

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

16-YEAR-OLD JOHNNY “NICCO” TAPIA STRIVES TO FOLLOW IN HIS LEGENDARY DAD’S FOOTSTEPS AS HE MAKES HIS AMATEUR BOXING DEBUT ON HIS MOM TERESA’S FIGHT CARD

SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 2021, IN MESCALERO, NEW MEXICO

Youngest son of late Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia to fight on the preliminary portion of Tapia Promotions’ Barrera vs. De Leon: “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 13, 2021) – While countless high school juniors concern themselves with standardized test scores and submitting college applications, Johnny “Nicco” Tapia, the youngest son and namesake of the late five-time world champion, will commence his pursuit of a pro boxing career when he makes his amateur debut on the preliminary portion of his Mom Teresa’s Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon pay-per-view fight card Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

“Boxing is a passion,” said the 16-year-old currently working toward earning his diploma online. “I love stepping into the ring, getting hit, and feeling the crowd’s energy.”

In the Nov. 20 main event, two Mexican boxing legends will lace up the gloves for one final night when Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) returns to the ring for only the second time in more than a decade to square off against former two-time world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon (45-7, 35 KOs). The six-round super welterweight exhibition and four additional bouts will air live on pay per view from Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the five-bout main card live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET

A native of Las Cruces, N.M., Nicco trains in the Tapia home garage, enjoys studying sociology to “look at people from a different perspective,” dislikes mathematics, and currently has no plans to further an academic career following his 2023 graduation.

“I don’t really plan to go to college,” said the music fan who freestyle raps in his downtime. “I want to keep pushing myself in the ring and turn pro as soon as I get enough experience.”

Surrounded by the sweet science from an early age, Nicco fondly looks back on innumerable heartwarming memories of watching his father train for upcoming fights.

“I used to go to the gym and run around with my Dad every day. When the bell rang, I held up the gloves with him.”

Outside of boxing, the father-son pairing spent quality time playing other sports, enjoying delicious desserts, and tuning into their favorite television programs.

“We used to go to the park, play basketball, and jump on the trampoline,” Nicco recalled. “Dad used to give me ice cream sandwiches. I remember going into his room and watching the show ‘Cops’ together.”

Aiming to find inspiration and discover boxing tips from one of boxing’s all-time greatest fighters, young Nicco frequently rewatches Johnny’s classic bouts.

“I study his speed, head movement, and angles,” said the teenager who models much of his fighting style after his Dad and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.

When asked to name his favorite “Mi Vida Loca” fight, Nicco did not hesitate in listing Johnny Tapia’s hard-fought victory over fellow Albuquerquean and former world champion Danny Romero for the IBF/WBO junior bantamweight titles on July 18, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nev.

“The crowd was wild and crazy,” Nicco recollected. “I love studying my Dad’s boxing technique.”

Originally scheduled to fight at Inn of the Mountain Gods on July 31, 2021, the aspiring actor and former viola player pulled out of his amateur debut when he sustained a hand fracture.

“I was playing football with friends and landed on my hand wrong,” lamented the proud holder of a driver’s license. “It was the first time I injured myself.”

Less than four months later, Nicco is eager to thrill the Mescalero crowd on Nov. 20 before Barrera and De Leon take center stage.

“I am ticking off the days and can’t wait for this night to come.”

Kicking off the festivities, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream Nicco Tapia’s debut and four additional outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.

A Spanish-language broadcast will be available as a viewing option for both the pay-per-view and preliminary bouts.

Those hoping to attend the unforgettable, 10-fight Tapia Promotions extravaganza in person can purchase tickets starting at $75 through innofthemountaingods.com and TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Two legendary former world champions return to the boxing ring one final time for a special six-round welterweight exhibition, as Tapia Promotions presents Barrera vs. Ponce De Leon “La Ultima Batalla” – “The Last Stand” on Saturday, Nov 20, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico. The thrilling five-fight main card will be available via pay-per-view for $9.99 through both FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET. For the audiences watching in Mexico, both FITE and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will offer a Spanish-language broadcast of the event for $4.99. Kicking off the festivities two hours earlier, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

Teresa Tapia formed Tapia Promotions to continue the legacy of her legendary late husband, six-time world champion/Hall of Famer Johnny Tapia by providing thrilling boxing events to fight fans everywhere. One of the first female boxing promoters in the United States, Teresa successfully managed Johnny Tapia’s career from 1995-2011, and accepted his 2017 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBOF). Additionally, in 2004, Teresa became the first and only female boxing manager in sweet science history to receive a special recognition award from the IBOF. The multi-faceted promoter branched out in 2020 to produce the sports reality series “Stars and Champions,” which featured an intimate look at boxers’ lives both inside and outside of the ring.

About FITE

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV, and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Virgin Media, Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN and Facebook. FITE: It’s ON.

About GOLDEN BOY

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Full Fight Night Results, Quotes & Photos For BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

A picture containing person, sport

Description automatically generated — **Complete Fight Night Photos Here** **– Please Credit: Lucas Noonan / BELLATOR MMA**

*BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH* MAIN CARD:

C-**Cris “Cyborg”** (25-2, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Sinead Kavanagh** (7-5) via KO (strikes) at 1:32 of round one

**Cris “Cyborg:”**

*“I didn’t do anything we planned. You never know. I had a feeling about the fight. I feel great. I am happy with the win.”*

*“I knew she was more of a striker, so I went to the ground game. The right hand did it fast and was the key. I was very excited for the count.”*

*“I really appreciate Kayla Harrison coming to the fight. If she wants to fight me one day, that would be great.”*

#6-**Linton Vassell** (22-8, 1 NC) defeated #5-**Tyrell Fortune** (11-2, 1 NC) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

**Linton Vassell:**

*“I am happy that I was able to out grapple a wrestler considering I’m from the U.K. and I have no wrestling background”*

*“I give myself a good 7. I am not 100 percent happy with my performance, but I am super happy with the outcome.”*

*“I was able to reverse him (Tyrell Fortune), get on top of him, and add some damage.”*

*“I used to watch WWE. When I first started to train, I did wrestling moves like that.”*

*“I always feel like we’re our own worst enemies. I wanted a knockout.”*

*“Tyrell was so strong and powerful. There were a few times where he just stood up and shook me off.”*

*“I went for the submission. I just carried on and tried to wear him down but couldn’t do it.”*

#6-**Aaron Pico** (9-3) defeated #8-**Justin Gonzales** (12-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

**Aaron Pico:**
“I knew going into the fight that he (Justin Gonzales) was going to be a tough fighter. He is a former wrestler. One thing about us wrestlers is we don’t quit. All my coaches knew he was going to be tough.”

*“He was just holding on to me and is really strong. When people hold on to you, it’s kind of hard to get strikes.”*

*“Thank God I walked out of here relatively healthy. I’m just happy I got my full paycheck.”*

*“It is the first time I’ve gone three rounds. It’s my first decision. I need the experience. I’m happy I got the win.”*

*“I knew I was the dominant performer, but I have to get better. I am just so hard on myself. I want to finish guys.”*

*“Let’s go back to the drawing board. Once I step out of this cage, it’s going to be a whole different ballgame. I have to get prepared for the next opponent, so let’s get to work.”*

#1-**Arlene Blencowe** (15-8)defeated #7-**Pam Sorenson** (9-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
**Arlene Blencowe:**

*“I am my own worst critic. It wasn’t the performance that we trained for, or that I was hoping for.”*

*“I felt my first right hand land and then just went head hunting with my hands. I was respecting her take downs.”*

*“I feel like I’m such a well-rounded fighter now. I didn’t showcase any of that. I didn’t hit the ground though.”*

*“You know what is not next? Retirement. I’m 38. Old girls rule. Retirement is nowhere near on the horizon. I’m No. 1 in the division. It is only up from here.”*

“I’m heading home to Australia. I haven’t been home in six months. I haven’t seen my kids, my partner, my family, my friends. I’m just going to go home and enjoy the rest of the year. I’ll just enjoy some family time.”

*“Pam Sorenson is a tough girl. She tried to take me down. I went head hunting and really wanted the knockout. I am convinced that I did enough to win the fight.”*

**PRELIMINARY CARD:**
*#7-***Steve Mowry** (10-0)defeated **Rakim Cleveland** (22-14-1, 1 NC) via submission (kimura) at 3:28 of round one
**Bruna Ellen** (6-3) defeated **Desiree Yanez** (5-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
**Roman Faraldo** (6-0) defeated **Robert Turnquest** (11-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:17 of round one
**Cody Law** (6-0) defeated **Colton Hamm** (4-4) via knockout (elbows) at 4:21 of round one
**Valerie Loureda** (4-1) defeated **Taylor Turner** (5-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
**Waldo Cortes-Acosta** (4-0) defeated **Muhammed DeReese** (9-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
**Ethan Hughes** (3-0) defeated **Mahmoud Sebie** (3-1) via TKO (punches) at 4:05 of round three

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

**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.

**About** **SHOWTIME**
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

boxing, FITETV, Golden Boy Promotions

Abel Mendoza Has Survived Homelessness to Fight on Nov. 20 Barrera-De Leon Pay-Per-View Event

November 17, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Text

Description automatically generated

UNDEFEATED EL PASOAN ABEL MENDOZA HAS SURVIVED HOMELESSNESS AND VIOLENT CHILDHOOD SURROUNDINGSTO BATTLE FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER VICTOR ZALETA SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 2021, ON FITE AND GOLDEN BOY PAY PER VIEW

Hard-hitting knockout artist to put his perfect record on the line at Tapia Promotions’ Barrera vs. De Leon: “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) live from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 12, 2021) – From overcoming a crime-ridden, west Texas childhood environment to his father’s incarceration and living out of a car as a teenager, the path toward fighting three-time world title challenger Victor Zaleta on Tapia Promotions’ Marco Antonio Barrera vs. Daniel Ponce de Leon pay-per-view card Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, has been anything but smooth sailing for the undefeated El Paso boxer Abel Mendoza.

“I was surrounded by violence growing up,” said the 25-year-old lightweight contender who is 30-0 with 23 KOs. “A lot of people that I was around went to prison; I was the only one who didn’t. Boxing was my way out, my safe haven. The sport saved me.”

FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the five-bout main card live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET

After initially lacing up the gloves at four years old and capturing the Regional Silver Gloves at age eight in Odessa, Texas, the Fort Stockton native secured five titles while defeating all but 20 of his 300 amateur boxing opponents.

However, numerous obstacles have beset Abel on his road toward achieving he and his father’s goal of the young fighter becoming a world champion.

“My Dad got into some trouble at the beginning of my boxing career,” Abel said. “He was on house arrest and then went to jail for a while. It was an extremely difficult time for my family.”

While still in high school, the 17-year-old Mendoza often slept in his vehicle after moving from Odessa to El Paso to become a professional boxer.

“That was a point in my career when I was homeless,” the aspiring titleholder recalled. “I was surrounded by a lot of violence and crime in Odessa and left because I wanted a fresh start. Sometimes I had to stay in my car.”

Never one to shy away from strenuous manual labor, Mendoza’s first job consisted of unearthing fruit in a Pecos, Texas, field with his grandfather at age 13.

“It was summer, and we picked cantaloupes in the hot sun all day,” said the multi-faceted student who is currently taking psychology classes at Odessa College. “That was the year I first won Nationals. I still trained while working in the fields. It was the best and the worst.”

Recalling the arduous memories when he did not know where he would sleep or locate his next meal, the Native American history fan finds solace in giving back to the El Paso community during the holiday season.

“I love to help out at shelters because I have been in that situation where I needed food and a place to stay,” said Santa’s helper who also hands out gifts at west Texas hospitals each December. “It makes me feel good to see the children smile.”

Hoping to battle for a world crown within the next year, the never-married Mendoza counsels the wedded on social media when not honing his skills in the squared circle.

“I go on Instagram Live because people ask me for marriage advice. A lot of people need help.”

Kicking off the festivities, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2 p.m. PT/3 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.

Additionally, a Spanish-language broadcast will be available as a viewing option for both the pay-per-view and preliminary bouts.

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

About FITE

About GOLDEN BOY

boxing

BLUEMOONFIGHT.TV WILL BE IN THE RING WITH CANELO ALVAREZ AND CALEB PLANT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IN LAS VEGAS

November 5, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

boxing, USA Boxing

Four Team USA Boxers Advance to Finals of 2021 World Championships

November 5, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

BELGRADE, Serbia (November 4, 2021) — Team USA’s impressive 2021 Elite Men’s World Championships will continue into the finals, as four boxers won their semifinal bouts to advance to their championship bout.

Flyweight Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas) kicked off the evening session for Team USA in dominating fashion over his opponent, Akhtem Zakirov, of the Russian Boxing Federation. Hill used his height to his full advantage over Zakirov to take all five judges’ cards every round. Hill will face the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist and 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan on Saturday.

The American will look to become the first American male featherweight World Champion since Rau’shee Warren accomplished the feat in 2007. Hill is also the first World Championships flyweight male medalist since 2011, when Warren won silver.

Jahmal Harvey (Oxon Hill, Md.) picked up his fourth win of these World Championships to secure his spot in the featherweight finals. Harvey, who was facing 2020 Olympian Samuel Kisohurry of France, began the bout extremely strong, taking all five judges’ cards at the end of the round. The American did not slow down in the second, taking all five cards again to have a comfortable lead heading into the final round.

Even with a 3-2 final round in favor of Kisohurry, the 18-year-old American claimed the unanimous decision to set up a final against 2020 Olympian Serik Temirzhanov of Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Rahim Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) closed out the evening session with what may end up being the bout of the whole World Championships. Gonzales was faced with the tough task of taking to the ring with Serbia’s own Vladimir Mironchikov.

After seeing the first round go in favor of Mironchikov, 4-1, Gonzales came back strong in the second round, taking the round 3-2. With the bout on the line, the American light heavyweight did not back down and left it all in the ring to grab all five judges’ cards and the final decision, 3-2. Gonzales, who has earned just the fourth light heavyweight World Championship medal since 1974 and first medalists since Michael Simms gold in 1999, will step into the ring on Saturday with Aliaksei Alfiorau of Belarus.

Welterweight Omari Jones (Orlando, Fla.) was scheduled to go head-to-head against Georgia’s Lasha Guruli in the first session of the day, however, Guruli pulled out of the competition due to injury, advancing Jones to the finals against 2020 Olympian Sewonrets Okazawa of Japan, tomorrow.

Jones is now guaranteed either a silver or gold medal in his World Championships debut and becomes the first American male to win a welterweight World Championships medal since Demetrius Andrade won gold in 2007.

Jones will compete in tomorrow’s first day of finals, while Harvey, Hill and Gonzales will take to the ring on Saturday. Click here to follow all the action.

Semifinal Results
51 kg: Roscoe Hill, Spring, Texas/USA, dec. over Akhtem Zakirov/RBF, 5-0
57 kg: Jahmal Harvey, Oxon Hill, Md./USA, dec. over Samuel Kistohurry/FRA, 5-0
67 kg: Omari Jones, Orlando, Fla./USA, won by walkover over Lasha Guruli/GEO, WO
80 kg: Rahim Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, dec. over Vladimir Mironchikov/SRB, 3-2

boxing, Golden Boy Promotions

Barrera-De Leon Nov. 20 on FITE and Golden Boy Pay Per View

November 5, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA TO BATTLE DANIEL PONCE DE LEON

IN FINAL FIGHT OF THEIR HISTORIC BOXING CAREERS

SATURDAY, NOV. 20, 2021,

ON FITE AND GOLDEN BOY PAY PER VIEW

Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch and FITE will stream the preliminary bouts of Tapia Promotions’ “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) live

from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Nov. 3, 2021) – Two Mexican boxing legends will lace up the gloves for one final night when Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera returns to the ring for only the second time in more than a decade to square off against former two-time world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon on Saturday, Nov 20, 2021, live on pay per view from the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

Viewers have an opportunity to ring in the Thanksgiving holiday five days early as both FITE PPV and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will televise the thrilling, six-round super welterweight exhibition as well as four additional main-card bouts live on pay per view for $9.99 at 4:30 p.m. PT /5:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. ET. For the audiences watching in Mexico, both FITE and Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Paid Online will offer a Spanish-language broadcast of the event for $4.99.

Kicking off the festivities two hours earlier, Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch Facebook.com/GoldenBoyFN and FITE will stream the five outstanding preliminary bouts for free at 2:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. MT/5:30 p.m. ET.

Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) will make only his second exhibition appearance since the International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted the legendary fighter in 2017. The “Baby Faced Assassin” last fought fellow retired boxer Jesus Soto Karass in a six-round contest featuring two-minute rounds, 16-ounce gloves, and no judges on June 11, 2021, Pico Rivera, Calif.

Ranked No. 43 among the greatest boxers of all time by ESPN, Barrera has captured world titles across three weight divisions and earned 43 consecutive victories at the onset of his illustrious pro career.

Never one to shy away from an opponent, the pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, has battled many of the sweet science’s finest, including fellow Hall of Famers Erik Morales (three times), Johnny Tapia, and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well as future IBOFer Manny Pacquiao, Paulie Ayala, Naseem Hamed, and Amir Kahn.

De Leon (45-7, 35 KOs), of Chihuahua, Mexico, will make his dramatic return to the famed squared circle for the first time in more than seven years. Fighting out of West Covina, Calif., the 2000 Mexican Olympic team member opened his career with 24 consecutive victories, including 23 by knockout.

A former two-division world champion, De Leon claimed the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title in October 2005 and made six successful defenses. Nearly seven years after earning his first world title, the southpaw slugger garnered a second with an eight-round technical decision over Jhonny Gonzalez in September 2012 to claim the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown.

In the first exciting pay-per-view co feature, undefeated Abel Mendoza (30-0, 23 KOs) of El Paso, Texas, hopes to keep his perfect record intact and ascend to the upper echelon of the 135-pound division when he takes on Mexican brawler Victor Zaleta (20-5-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

Rounding out the pay-per-view card will be a welterweight showdown of hard-hitting Albuquerque pugilists as undefeated Clinton Chavez (5-0, 4 KOs) faces once-beaten Cristian Castillo (3-1, 3 KOs), as well as a 270-pound battle royale pitting two Streetbeefs standouts making their pro boxing debuts when Cody Beck takes on Jonathan Rice.

A fifth pay-per-view fight and the complete preliminary card for “La Ultima Batalla” (The Last Stand) will be announced soon.

“We are thrilled to partner with FITE and Golden Boy Promotions to bring this momentous night to boxing fans around the world,” said Teresa Tapia, president of Tapia Promotions. “It is an honor to present two legendary fighters showcasing their talents one last time.”

“FITE is pleased to offer this special PPV event to its users around the world,” said Michael Weber, COO of FITE. “The return of Marco Antonio Barrera and Daniel Ponce de Leon to the ring will be a battle you won’t want to miss.”

“Golden Boy Promotions is excited to work with Tapia Promotions and FITE for this historic night of boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I am proud to say that I have worked with Barrera and Ponce De Leon, who are two of the sport’s great Mexican legends. I have always loved their boxing style and know that they will deliver a fight to remember. I can’t wait to see them return to the ring for their ‘Ultima Batalla’ Nov. 20.”

About BARRERA-DE LEON: La Ultima Batalla (The Last Stand)

Tickets starting at $75 are available through innofthemountaingods.com and TicketMaster.com by searching “La Ultima Batalla – The Last Stand.”

About TAPIA PROMOTIONS

About FITE

About GOLDEN BOY

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