All posts by FNU47

LFA BRINGS HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT  TO MINNESOTA WITH LFA 38 – HUGHES vs. GREENE

MAIN EVENT:
LFA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
JEFF HUGHES
vs.
LFA #1 HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER
MAURICE GREENE
HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE FIGHT
 
 
CO-MAIN EVENT:
BEVON LEWIS
vs.
COLLIN HUCKBODY
 
MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN
 
 
FRIDAY, APRIL 27th LIVE on AXS TV
 
LIVE at THE ARMORY
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
 
Tickets are on sale NOW through CageTix.com
HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) CEO Ed Soares announced today that LFA will return to Minnesota in April with a heavyweight title fight headlining LFA 38. The event will take place at The Armory, which is a historic venue in downtown Minneapolis.
The main event of LFA 38 will feature the return of LFA heavyweight champion Jeff “Lights Out” Hughes when he defends his title against LFA #1 heavyweight contender Maurice “The Pirate” Greene. LFA 38 – Hughes vs. Greene takes place Friday, April 27th at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
“I am excited to bring the LFA heavyweight world championship to downtown Minneapolis at LFA 38”, stated Soares. “LFA has a long and exciting history in the state of Minnesota dating back to the days of RFA and Legacy FC. We look forward to bringing an event to a historic venue in the state’s largest city. Jeff Hughes will defend his heavyweight title against Maurice Greene at The Armory on Friday, April 27th.”
Tickets for LFA 38 – Hughes vs. Greene are available for purchase NOW at  CageTix.com.
Hughes (8-1) is widely considered the top heavyweight prospect in the world. He solidified this claim by taking the LFA heavyweight title from Richard Odoms via Unanimous Decision at LFA 26 in November. The proud Ohio native also happens to train alongside the top heavyweight fighter in the world. That would be none other than UFC heavyweight champion and fellow Ohio native Stipe Miocic. The two heavyweight champions, Hughes and Miocic, were featured training together in Episode 1 of the UFC 220 Embedded: Vlog Series. Hughes played a pivotal role in helping Miocic defeat Francis Ngannou, which broke the record for most consecutive title defenses for the UFC heavyweight championship. Now Miocic looks to return the favor by helping Hughes set the record for most title defenses for the LFA heavyweight championship when he faces Greene at LFA 38.
Greene (5-1) is a a towering heavyweight, measuring 6’7″ and weighing 265-pounds. His formidable size, fearsome fighting style, and affable personality have helped make the man known as “Moe The Pirate” a fan favorite in both MMA and professional kickboxing, where he made a name for himself competing in GLORY. Greene’s most memorable moment in GLORY came at GLORY 21 when he flattened Ashley Epps with a left hook in the first round. Greene later showcased his devastating striking skills in MMA at Legacy FC 60 when he knocked out Zach Thumb with a knee in just 25 seconds. Lately, Greene has been grabbing headlines with his impressive grappling skills as he has won his last two MMA bouts via first round submission. That includes a Triangle Choke submission victory over the previously undefeated Bellator vet Jermaine McDermott last summer at LFA 19.
The co-main event of LFA 38 will feature the return of one of Bevon Lewis (4-0). The Jackson Wink MMA product burst on to the MMA scene last year with an impressive LFA debut win over three-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler Sonny Yohn at LFA 10. Lewis showed poise, adaptability, and a dynamic skill set against the decorated wrestler that drew comparisons to the fighting abilities of his teammate Jon Jones.
Lewis returned on the eighth episode of Dana White’s Contender Series last summer with another breakthrough performance. This time he stopped undefeated TUF 23 alum Elias Urbina via TKO in the second round. This drew the praise of the UFC President himself as Dana White gave him rave reviews and said, “Bevon Lewis is now 4-0. He is a young guy, he’s 26-years-old, and I think he has a ton of talent. Both the matchmakers think this guy is special and can be something. What we’re gonna do is we’re gonna take this kid and put him in our developmental league. We have a place where we develop young up-and-coming fighters and we’re gonna put him there. So we’re gonna bring him in. He’s not getting a contract here, we’re gonna put him in this developmental league. We love this kid.”
In the immortal words of pro wrestling icon Ric Flair, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man” and that is exactly what Collin “Young Huck” Huckbody (3-1) will be looking to do at LFA 38. He is the man tabbed to face Lewis in the co-main event. The 23-year-old Minnesotan will look to utilize his home crowd advantage and considerable wrestling chops to derail the wave amount of momentum and attention that Lewis is currently receiving and enjoying. If successful on April 27th, Huckbody will be the man everyone is talking about next.
Main Card (Televised on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT):
Main Event | Heavyweight Title Bout (265 lb)
– Jeff Hughes (8-1) vs. Maurice Greene (5-1)
Co-Main Event | Middleweight Bout (185 lb)
– Bevon Lewis (4-0) vs. Collin Huckbody (3-1)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
– Tat Romero (26-6) vs. Dane Sayers (12-3)
Welterweight Bout (170 lb)
– Charlie Brown (11-7-1) vs. Chris Bachmeier (10-1)
Featherweight Bout (145 lb)
– Lou Radecki (3-0) vs. Nate Richardson (5-1)
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
– Josh Shaw (3-1) vs. Kenn Glenn (7-4)
Lightweight Bout (155 lb)
– Marcus LeVesseur (22-7) vs. Cody Lincoln (4-1)
In September 2016, RFA and Legacy FC officials announced that they would be merging to form LFA. This new powerhouse promotion would serve as the premier developmental organization in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) starting in January 2017. RFA and Legacy FC have launched the careers of over 130 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.
LFA 38 will be the sixth LFA event to take place in the state of Minnesota. RFA and Legacy FC hosted a combined nine events in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” before the merger. LFA 38 will be the first event the promotion has hosted in the city of Minneapolis. The entire main card of LFA 38 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Please visit LFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. LFA is on Facebook at Legacy Fighting Alliance. LFA is also on Instagram at @LFAfighting and Twitter at @LFAfighting.

ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME TEAMS UP WITH EVANDER HOLYFIELD, REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AND BOARDWALK HALL FOR LIVE PRO BOXING DURING 2018 INDUCTION WEEKEND

  

Atlantic City, N.J. – March 21, 2018 – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) teams up with 4-time Heavyweight World Champion and 2018 ACBHOF Honoree, Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield and his company Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, in association with Mis Downing Promotions, for a Fight Night affair at the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Adrian Phillips Theater for a Live Pro Boxing event that will take place on Saturday, June 2nd, from 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

According to Ray McCline, President of ACBHOF “This newly formed relationship with 4-time World Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield and his promotion company “Real Deal Sports & Entertainment” will have groundbreaking influence in effecting elevated exposure to the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 2nd Annual Induction Weekend.” 
“Spectra Venue Management is excited to see this Boxing event here at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. We appreciate the efforts of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame who got us together with the folks from Real Deal Sports and Entertainment. Everyone expressed a desire to try to grow something that could start inside Adrian Phillips Theater and grow into an Arena sized event down the road. Our partners at the CRDA are supportive and encourage our efforts to work with new promoters and cultivate opportunities for bringing new events and people to Atlantic City. There is a rich history of Boxing here which is celebrated by the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, and this is a great opportunity to rebuild on some of that history during their induction weekend.” – Jim Wynkoop General Manager Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Spectra Venue Management

During the 2nd Annual Induction Weekend, the multi-tiered event is slated to be unparalleled and reflective of the rich boxing history in Atlantic City. The ACBHOF is looking to celebrate the magnificent careers of legends in boxing throughout the induction weekend. Rodrick L. Green Vice President of Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame said, “The partnership is a “win-win” for the City of Atlantic City, Boardwalk Hall, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment and Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and for tourism in the southern New Jersey region.”
The three-day event will kick-off with an Opening Bell VIP Meet & Greet Reception, then segue into the highly coveted Fight Fan Experience and conclude with the 2nd Annual Induction Ceremony. More details on Induction Weekend and the schedule of events can be found by visiting www.acbhof.com
“An exciting boxing event will be an intricate part of this year’s Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Aside from being one of this year’s inductees, the great champion Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield, will be promoting his first boxing event in the State of New Jersey with his company Real Deal Sports & Entertainment on June 2nd, at the Boardwalk Hall. It is our hope that this event will be just one of many that this outstanding champion will present in our state as we continue our quest to revive the sport of boxing in our great state and specifically in Atlantic City,” Commissioner Larry Hazzard, NJ Athletic Control Board said in a statement.
Hotel packages can be purchased by visiting www.claridge.com. Promo code “ACBHOF” can be used for a room discount.
“I’m honored to be promoting my first card in Atlantic City on Saturday, June 2nd. My second professional fight was in Atlantic City and it was the location where I made the first defense of my world heavyweight title against ‘Big” George Foreman in 1991,” said Evander Holyfield. “Having great memories throughout my career of Atlantic City, I’m very inspired for The Real Deal Boxing to promote a true fan-friendly event on June 2, 2018 as well as working with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame featuring many of the top prospects in boxing fighting in competitive and entertaining bouts.”

About
Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame: (http://www.acbhof.com)
The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame mission, vision and purpose are to offer fans and visitors alike, a highly interactive Sports & Entertainment Boxing Curation Experience. We are committed to preserving the rich boxing history of Atlantic City, through live historical curation, exhibits, legendary boxing stars, and personal appearances. We will also conduct our annual year-round events, well paired with multicultural entertainment.

Real Deal Promotions: (http://therealdealboxing.com)
In 2017, four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield partnered with long-time boxing promoter Sal Musumeci to form Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is the parent company to a promotional entity (The Real Deal Boxing), a broadcast series (Real Deal Championship Boxing), and much more soon. The company will promote world-class and entertaining boxing events and will strive to be a company that does what is best for the sport and the fighters.

Boardwalk Hall: (http://www.boardwalkhall.com)
Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra by Comcast Spectacor provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Boardwalk Hall and the AC Convention Center.Historic Boardwalk Hall has played host to a sparkling list of dazzling entertainers and knockout sporting events throughout its 87-year history. A premier entertainment spot for visitors and residents alike, this unique seaside arena has helped to uphold the city’s new slogan “Do AC” by bringing exciting events into Atlantic City in addition to their already stellar variety of offerings.

About the CRDA: ( www.njcrda.com)
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.

For destination photos and videos media may visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline where dozens of assets are available for download. For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoAtlanticCity and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitAC hashtag #DOAC.

Mis Downing Promotions:
Mis Downing Promotions LLC, a New Jersey-based company was established in 2017 by Mis Downing, one of few African-American women to head a boxing company in the Tri-State Region. Mis Downing affectionately referred to as the “Princess of Boxing” has shown a drive, focus, and dedication unmatched by many in the business of boxing. Mis Downing’s mission is to promote quality events where amateur and professional boxers are given a platform and opportunity to display their skills and talents in a High Energy Environments that fuse Music & Entertainment, Fashion, and Fun with the great sport of boxing.

WBC WORLD CHAMPION DAVID BENAVIDEZ AND FORMER WBA WORLD CHAMPION  JOSÉ BENAVIDEZ CONFIRMED FOR FOURTH EDITION OF BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE ON CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND, SATURDAY MAY 5, IN LAS VEGAS

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, current and former world champions, boxing celebrities and industry people in an up-close personal setting.
Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite
Las Vegas (March 21, 2018) – Current WBC Super middleweight champion David  Benavidez and former WBA lightweight Champion José Benavidez have confirmed that they will appear, have a booth, and hold a Meet & Greet with their fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 4th edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 5, 2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo fight weekend.
Team Benavidez, David and José will appear for the first time at this year’s Expo, where they will be signing gloves, photos and have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with these two brothers and rising boxing stars. Fans will also have an opportunity to meet their father and one of the best trainers in boxing, José Benavidez sr.
About David Benavidez
David Benavidez is a Mexican-American professional boxer. He has held the WBC Super middleweight title since September 8, 2017 by defeating Ronald Gavril in Las Vegas. David also became the youngest champion in Super middleweight history at the age of 20. He is trained by his Father José Benavidez sr., and he’s also the brother of former world lightweight WBA champion and current top welterweight champion José Benavidez.
About José Benavidez
José Luis Benavidez is a Mexican-American professional boxer and the former WBA lightweight champion. He is currently undefeated with a record of 25 wins and presently competing at the welterweight division. He is the son of boxing trainer José Benavidez Sr. of Arcelia, Guerrero, Mexico, and the Brother of current WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez. In the late summer of 2016, José was shot in the leg by an unknown assailant while walking his dog in Arizona. The severity of the injuries sustained to his leg left doubt on his professional career. But José was determined to come back stronger than ever. After a rigorous 2 years of rehabilitation of hard work at the gym, José is back and presently a top contender in the Welterweight division.
David and José will join, Zab Judah, Shannon Briggs, Badou Jack, Kelly Pavlik, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…
Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!
Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.
Throughout the next several weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:
Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927
For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com
More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com
You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

 BOXING PHOTOGRAPHERS TO EXHIBIT THEIR WORK AT BRISCOE AWARDS

THIS SUNDAY!!!
PHILADELPHIA – Nine area photographers will each exhibit one photo highlighting local boxing action from 2017 at the 11th Annual Briscoe Awards on March 25, 2018, at the VBA Clubhouse in Philadelphia. The photos will also be judged by those attending the event to determine the “2017 Photo of the Year”. All attendees of the event will be given a ballot and asked to vote for their favorite photo from the nine selections. The photo chosen as the best of the year will win its photographer a Briscoe Award.
“This is the second year we’ve shined a spotlight on the many ring photographers who cover our local fight scene,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “I really appreciate what the photographers do and the contribution they make to our boxing scene. Their photos capture the highs and lows of the sport we love, and it is important to acknowledge that.”
The Briscoe Awards commemorate the biggest and best accomplishments of the Philly-area boxing scene. In addition to the photography award, ten other prizes will be given out in a variety of categories, including “Philly Fighter of the Year”, “Philly Fight of the Year”, “Knockout of the Year”, “Amateur of the Year”, “Rookie of the Year”, “Prospect of the Year”, and others.
Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket. The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.
The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

Top Contenders Julian Williams & Nathaniel Gallimore Clash in 154-Pound Title Eliminator Saturday, April 7 Live on SHOWTIME® from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

 
Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd 154-Pound Title Unification Headlines Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Caleb Truax & James DeGale Square-Off in 168-Pound World Title Rematch in Co-Main Event Of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Tripleheader
 
 
LAS VEGAS (March 20, 2018) – Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore, two young, skilled contenders in the stacked 154-pound division, will clash in a 12-round world title eliminator on Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event will see Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clash with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The three-fight telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Caleb Truax making the first defense of his 168-pound title against James DeGale in a rematch of their exciting first bout in December.
Williams and Gallimore will look to put themselves into the mandatory position for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Title currently held by Hurd.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
The epitome of a Philadelphia fighter, Williams (24-1-1, 15 KOs) has won his last two fights after suffering the first loss of his career to Jermall Charlo in his first world title fight in 2016 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old Williams rebounded by stopping Joshua Conley last June before picking up a victory over former champion Ishe Smith in his most recent fight in November.
“This is going to be a really good fight on April 7,” said Williams “Gallimore has been talking a big game, but I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder, and I’ve been training like it. I think he’s going to bring out something different in me. He’s going to find out that there are different levels to this game. He’s a bit of a stalker in the ring and he’s been knocking people out. He thinks he’s a puncher, but he hasn’t really fought the level of competition that I have. I don’t care if he’s training with Buddy McGirt now, because no one can save him when he’s in that ring.”
The 29-year-old Gallimore (20-1-1, 17 KOs) has stayed active while rising up the ranks at 154-pounds and picking up four knockout victories in 2017. The Jamaican fighter, who now trains in California with Buddy McGirt, impressively stopped previously unbeaten Jeison Rosario and then once-beaten Justin DeLoach in two performances that announced his arrival as 154-pound contender.
“This is going to be my coming out year,” said Gallimore. “This is a huge opportunity to present my skills and my abilities to the world. There’s no mistaking why I’m here, and I’ll make a statement starting with ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams. I call him ‘J-Pebbles’ because he’s not a ‘J-Rock.’ He’s an average fighter. There’s nothing special about him. The best way he can prepare is to do chin pushups, because I’m going to test his chin and that’s the only thing that can protect him. I’m going to dismantle him piece-by-piece, round-by-round, and when that time comes to seek and destroy, I’m going to take him out. I’m the one they should be worried about.”
 
                                    #          #          #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

The Debut premieres to rave reviews at First Glance Film Festival

Beverly Hills, Calif. (March. 20, 2018) – Independent movie The Debut Premiered last week to rave reviews at the renowned First Glance Film Festival in Los Angeles.
The film which chronicles 21 year-old Shane Shapiro, a cancer survivor, desire to become a boxing manager.  The movie document’s Shapiro and the unique relationship with his first fighter, middleweight Cem Kilic, one week before their professional debut.
Cem Kilic and Shane Shapiro
The film performed in front of a sold out crowd of more than 300 people, which forced the festival to move the showing of the film to a larger theater which which was The Laemmle Theater in North Hollywood.
The film finished in the top four films out of 16 entered in the festival.
 “This experience of having our film shown on a big screen is beyond words. This moment is much bigger than me, this is for every one who has been touched by Cancer in some way, with a dream a desire there is No Limit to one’s success. I want to thank my family who have always been by my side and my biggest inspiration in life, my grandfather David Wiener, a holocaust survivor who inspires me everyday.” – Shane Shapiro.
The Los Angeles premiere at Shapiro’s alma mater, Beverly Hills High School will be announced shortly.
Shapiro is the Executive Producer.  Matt Conrad is the director.
For more information on the movie, access www.thedebut.life
Below is the official trailer for the film.
About the First Glance Film Festival
 
First Glance Film Festival 2018: http://firstglancefilms.com/
Since our inception in 1996, First Glance Film Festival’s have become one of the fastest growing truly independent film fests in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Named five times as one of the “Best Film Festival Investments” and “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by Movie Maker Magazine and “One of the Festivals for the Rest of Us” by Time Magazine, First Glance has become a leader in mid-sized film festivals.

Former World Champ Payano to Face Undefeated Plania in Co-Main at ‘Rumble at the Rock’ This Friday at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

Former WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Juan Carlos Payano’s 10-round fight against undefeated Philippine “Magic” Mike Plania has been elevated to the co-main event at this Friday’s “Rumble at the Rock” event at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Payano (19-1, 9 KOs) vs. Plania (14-0, 7 KOs) will serve as the chief supporting bout to the 12-round WBA Interim World Bantamweight Championship main event between St. Louis’ Stephon “Showstopper” Young (17-0-3, 7 KOs) and Reymart “GenSan Assassin” Gaballo (18-0, 16 KOs) from General Santos City, Philippines.
“Rumble at the Rock” is presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory. Tickets are priced at $255, $130, $80 and $55. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.myhrl.comwww.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply.
Thirty-three-year-old southpaw Payano, a native of the Dominican Republic, who now lives in Miami, is in the third fight of his mission to regain his world championship. He has notched two solid victories since splitting a pair of championship fights with top-level bantam Rau’shee Warren. A victory over undefeated Plania would move him one step closer.
Twenty-one-year-old Plania is a mostly unknown commodity in North America, as he’s never fought on this side of the ocean. He currently resides in Miami and is looking to make Payano the first big name on his growing resume. He is currently riding a three-fight KO streak.
“This is a tremendous match-up with world championship implications for the winner,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing for The Heavyweight Factory. “Juan Carlos has said he wants no easy fights on his way to regaining his belt, and undefeated Plania will be a stiff challenge. Plania will be looking to make his mark in the US by defeating a recent world champion. He will be very determined to score this big win. I’m excited to see what plays out in the ring on Friday.”
“Rumble at the Rock” is proudly sponsored by Armero Tequila. Special guests expected for the evening include former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, Hard Rock Event Center will open its doors at 6 p.m. with the first bout starting at 7 p.m.Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Florida.
About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,500-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

Braulio Rodriguez fractures hand in bout with Christopher Diaz

NEW YORK, NY (March 20th, 2018) – This past Saturday night at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, featherweight prospect Braulio Rodriguez (19-3, 17 KOs) locked horns with undefeated prospect Christopher Diaz in a battle for the WBO-NABO Super Featherweight title.
Through the first two-plus rounds, Rodriguez was holding his own with Diaz, until Rodriguez hurt his right hand.
Unfortunately Rodriguez could not continue, and the bout was stopped 28 seconds into round four.
Rodriguez was diagnosed with a Metacarpal fracture on his right hand.
“Braulio proved that he can compete with the top 130 pound fighters out there,” said Rodriguez manager, Felipe Gomez of El Matador Management.  “He suffered a freak injury before he could really get going.  He was landing some good shots, and I feel he had a good chance of winning.  When he heals, hopefully we can get a rematch or some big fight as I feel he should be in the mix for those opportunities.
Rodriguez is promoted by Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing.
  
www.elmatadormanagement.com

Follow El Matador Management :

Twitter: @BoxingAdvisor
Facebook: @ElMatadorManagement
Instagram: @ElMatadorManagement
SnapChat: @ElMatadorMngmt
YouTube: @NewLegendPromotions

World ranked Yenifel Vicente comes out in defense of Latinos for derogatory comments by father / trainer of champion Isaac Dogboe

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Renowned Dominican boxer Yenifel ‘El Rayo’ Vicente (31-3-2, 23 KO’s) has been aware of the expressions made by Paul Dogboe, father and trainer of the Interim World Boxing Organization champion (WBO) 122 pounds, Isaac Dogboe (18-0, 12 KO’s), who is scheduled to face WBO world champion, Mexican American, Jessie Magdaleno (25-0, 18 KO’s), on April 28 in Philadelphia .

Paul Dogboe had expressed that his son not only will defeated Magdaleno, but deported the Mexican-American born in Las Vegas after the victory by throwing it on the wall that divides both countries and in the celebration, they will present the world title to the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

“If Dogboe defeats Magdaleno, I will ask my promoter Lou DiBella to fight him,” said Yenifel Vicente.

“If we have to fight in Ghana, we will be ready to travel and put the Latinos and people who respect others regardless of their race with a big victory for them. Those comments create hatred and divisions. We live in a world where we all breathe the same air and we are the same. I will not allow them to insult our Mexican brothers and others who work hard in search of a better quality of life, “said Yenifel Vicente.

Vicente has won six consecutive bouts, including the PBC’s Knockout of the Year, a three-round knockout over the undefeated favorite, Juan ‘Baby Tito’ Dominguez.

Vicente’s manager, Raúl Patrana, President of the ‘Spartan Boxing Club’, is willing to help with the fight.

“If Dogboe wins, we are willing to make the necessary arrangements so that Dogboe’s first defense can be against Vicente who is ranked 12th in the WBO and of course in the best coliseum available in Ghana. We wish the best of luck to Magdaleno. At the end, we hope both fighters make a good fight for the fans and leave healthy after that”.

The Case for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Vs. CM Punk in the UFC Cage

By: Rich Bergeron

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is not done fighting. The money he made with Conor McGregor in a one-sided boxing match will not be very easy to make outside the dangerous world of combat sports. Retirement always seems to eat at Floyd, and sooner or later he comes back for another blockbuster bout that shocks the world.

 

CM Punk needs a draw to get us interested in his career. Even if he beats the ever living crap out of the next guy they feed him in the UFC Octagon, Punk will still have a lot to prove. Put him in against Mayweather in a welcome to MMA bout for the world-class boxer, and make it the dream setup for Floyd that gives him all the perks and sponsorship concessions he wants in the contract.

 

Floyd would be an automatic underdog going in against McGregor immediately in the cage. A challenger like CM Punk gives him more of a fighting chance. It gives CM punk a chance to really launch his career if he can beat Floyd.

 

The fact is, Mayweather can learn the sport of mixed martial arts quickly, and with his speed and athleticism, given more striking options he could actually shock us in his first MMA fight… if he really backs up his talk of fighting in the cage with action.

 

During the tour for the boxing match, Floyd repeatedly referenced the idea of fighting McGregor in the cage after the boxing match went his way.  He doesn’t say things out loud that he doesn’t really think are true or could be true if he sunk his effort into it.

 

I had the good fortune of standing on the edge of the ring next to Leonard Ellerbe during a Mayweather training session in Las Vegas years ago.

 

Before he threw any punches on the mitts I asked him what he liked most about boxing. I didn’t attempt to get close during the big press rush, so I think he didn’t expect the question.

 

He sat silent, and I didn’t want it to go hanging like a bad fart in the wind. I asked it again, even louder. He didn’t look my way as he shadowboxed with himself. “Everything.” he finally conceded, and then he went to to work on exhibiting his speed and punching prowess for all the media to see.

 

Incorporating elbows, backfists, kicks and wrestling into his fighting routine could create a real monster out of Mayweather. Also, the money from boxing that would follow him to the cage could be tremendous for him and the UFC alike. It will take a ton of work at his age to adapt to the new sport, but CM Punk as a first opponent sets the bar fairly low with both men getting a chance to show they belong. Give them both a serious training camp, make a reality show out of it, and it could happen.

 

 

 

“Money” is already preparing to train in mixed martial arts with UFC Champ Tyron Woodley, and he heaped some praise on both Woodley and McGregor as fighters recently:

 

“So we have to tweak a few things then, take things to that next level. You know I can’t overlook or knock any MMA guy. Tyron is unbelievable. Unbelievable fighter, tough competitor. Conor McGregor, he’s a tough competitor, helluva fighter. There’s a lot of tough, rugged guys out there in MMA and I can’t overlook or disrespect those guys.”

 

 

 

The MMA versus Boxing debate has been going on since long before I decided to do my own take on it with a series of radio shows pitting one expert against another. One of my favorites was “Iceman” John Scully against Ken Shamrock.

 

Not surprisingly, the debate between these two fighter/trainer experts drifted into Mayweather making the crossover to MMA. This is not a new concept to Floyd. He’s been hearing the critics yap about him never making it in MMA for more than a decade now, always thinking about how he could one day prove his haters wrong.

 

 

Anyone who thinks the best MMA fighter in his weight class demolishes Floyd has never watched him train. What could this guy do with a couple of tune-up fights and a title tilt? How about 9 months of hard training in takedown and submission defense?

 

Everybody and their brother who knows anything about MMA decides to use the argument of all the past boxers who failed at MMA. They remind us all of the freakshow fight involving Randy Couture easily defeating James Toney. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is not only on  a different level than James Toney was when he got the chance to fight in the cage,  he’s on a different planet.

 

 

Floyd can afford the best trainers, the best of everything really in preparing to enter the UFC Octagon. He will spare no expense in finances and sweat equity in cementing his legacy as the best crossover fighter in the history of the boxing and MMA rivalry. Who has the best true athletes? Mayweather is representing boxing’s best, and he doesn’t have much time left to prove that a world class boxer can dominate the MMA scene with the right approach and strategy.

 

 

 

McGregor did prove that he could give Floyd a few fits in the boxing ring,  but on the third fight into a UFC contract that match could happen again in the cage. Floyd just has to show he belongs, but the first step is having the guts to back up his words with actions. He did say on the boxing press tour for the McGregor fight that when he beat McGregor in his own craft, he would go to the UFC and beat Conor in the cage, too.

 

 

 

I anticipate a “Shark Tank” type of negotiation between Mayweather and UFC President Dana White. Floyd will need to get a piece of the promotion itself, access to a wild amount of sponsorship cash, options to collect on media income, and at least $10 million per fight in just base pay. To get the billion dollar contract he envisions, the lawyers will be ironing out the details for as long as Floyd decides he needs to train for his first fight.

 

Floyd could easily rake in $90+ million in sponsorship and media income to make $100 million per fight with Showtime executives in his corner and a familiarity with being in front of the cameras. A five fight deal means there is a 1/2 billion dollar gap unless I am underestimating how much the UFC would give Floyd for base pay. Even if he makes $200 million per fight, the rest would have to come out of the overall corporation itself as equity, which is what Conor McGregor has been asking for.

 

Floyd just has a bigger upside to being an owner/partner and would be a huge asset when it comes to the UFC wanting to promote boxing at some point. He can also bring his fans and everyone who wants to see him get whipped and schooled in the new discipline. He brings eyeballs, extreme attention and money with him wherever he goes. At a $5 billion valuation, the UFC would likely be able to part with a ten percent chunk of the promotion to bring Mayweather officially on board and get him locked in for a long-term deal.

 

 

The other area that Floyd could have a huge impact on is in attracting more boxers to cross over to MMA. We’ve seen football players like Matt Mitrione and Greg Hardy experience virtually immediate success in MMA, so why not a world class boxer like Floyd? 19-0 Pro Boxer Gervonta Davis is already hinting at following his protege Floyd to MMA and says he’s just waiting for Dana White’s phone call. Then there are the heavyweight boxers to think about bringing into the cage, and Word Champion Anthony Joshua is keen on giving it a shot, too.

 

 

 

So, the odds are high that Mayweather steps into the cage to compete by December of this year if you believe one of his most controversial videos to date on the subject:

 

 

Mayweather could be an incredible MMA fighter if given half the chance. He is not a man who takes a challenge like this lightly. He will have the best approach possible to get into cagefighting shape. He will bring all kinds of interest back to the boxing vs. MMA debate and actually might even inspire a whole new phase of that debate. The combat sports world as a whole will benefit if Floyd and the UFC can make this partnership work.

 

 

As for those who think Floyd will get eaten alive, they are certainly entitled to their opinion, but don’t use McGregor’s failure to adapt to boxing as your bar for Floyd. Mayweather will not take on a world class MMA fighter the first time he steps in the cage. He will not bring in the MMA equivalent of Paulie Malignaggi to get up to speed on the sport. He will spare no expense to get the best preparation possible. He’s already showing that to be true by bringing Tyron Woodley on as his official training partner. He will hand pick his first opponent and likely not get any crack at a title until two or three fights go his way.

 

Critics of people who think they can show up to an MMA gym and come out in six weeks at the UFC level will call me crazy, but Floyd truly is an amazing athlete who can quiet his doubters, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s now or never to solve that question of which sport  is truly better at crafting the ideal fighter.