All posts by FNU47

New York’s Premier Amateur Boxing Tournament “New York Metro Qualifier: The Road to the Garden” Opens with a Bang!

March 7, 2018 – New York, NY – Competitors and fans alike braved the elements as Mother Nature’s “bomb cyclone” struck the area, selling out the first two nights of Metro’s The Road to the Garden event. World champion Iran Barkley and five-time Golden Gloves champion David Villar were among the luminaries witnessing the events, along with former New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan. Yonkers PAL saw ten exciting bouts in the 152 pound (welterweight) Novice class, with nine going to a decision and one stopped by the referee:
  • Zachary Blumberg (Freeport PAL) defeated Muhammad Saeed, (Rustam’s BC) – RSC, Rd 2.

 

 

  • Abdraimov Arat (Unattached) defeated Cristian Calderon (Woodside BC) – SD.

 

 

  • Wilson Valencia (Morris Park BC) defeated Joshua Wilson (Atlas Cops & Kids) – SD.

 

 

  • Patrick Gough (Green Fitness) defeated Hansel Gonzalez (John’s Gym) – UD.

 

 

  • Richard Daunt (Finest Fitness BC) defeated Salvatore Pomilla (Champs BC) – UD.

 

 

  • Jayson Capetillo (Brotherhood BC) defeated Jason Castanon (Sweatbox BC) – UD.

 

 

  • Davaughn Stevens (John’s Gym) defeated Bryant Kim (New York Athletic Club) – UD.

 

 

  • Kevin Anderson (Gleason’s Gym) defeated Jeffrey Barreau (FDNY BC) – SD.

 

 

  • Lloyd Rosario (Starrett City BC) defeated Karem Elnokrashy (Mendez Boxing) – UD.

 

 

  • David Moore (Freeport PAL) defeated Damion Nelson (Lou Benson’s Elmcor BC) – UD.
Friday night, March 2, at Church Street Boxing, the 132-pound and 141-pound Novices showed what amateur boxing is all about, hosting seven 132 pound (lightweight) bouts as well as one 141 pound (light welterweight) bout.
  • Desean McCain (Lou Benson’s Elmcor BC) defeated Nestor Velez (Ardon’s Sweet Science) – UD.

 

  • Taquee McDaniel (Eastern Queens BC) defeated Michael Feldman (Extreme Fight Club) – UD.

 

  • Brandon Pena (Atlas Cops & Kids) defeated Gerald Alvarado (Unattached) – RSC Rd 2.

 

  • Kelvin Renoso (John’s Gym) defeated Elijah Brown (Brotherhood BC) – SD.

 

  • Arique Hayes (Green Fitness BC) defeated Algenis Amparo (Ardon Sweet Science) – UD.

 

  • Ronny Reyes (Morris Park BC) defeated Wagner Morales (John’s Gym) – RSC Rd 2.

 

  • Musa Cham (Morris Park BC) defeated Chanel Delacruz (El Maestro BC) -UD.

 

 

  • Julius Wallace (Kayo BC) defeated Alex Marshall (Main Street BC) – UD.
With competitions scheduled through March and into April, the tournament promises many more exciting matches. For information, go to usaboxingmetro.com, and be sure to watch the action live on YouTube and Facebook at Puglife Chronicles (@publifechronicles).
The tournament continues this week on Thursday night, March 8, starting at 7:30 PM at Main Street Boxing, 156 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon, featuring the 178 (light heavyweight) Novice weight class. On Friday night, March 9, the 165 (middleweight) Novice weight class will compete at Work Train Fight, 636 Broadway in Manhattan, also starting at 7:30 PM.

SPARROW BREAKS THROUGH WITH TWO BRISCOE AWARDS

PHILADELPHIA – Rising Philadelphia boxing star, Avery Sparrow, really made a career breakthrough in 2017. The junior lightweight won four bouts during the year, including two main events, and two national TV appearances. He started 2017 as a promising young local, but by the end of the year, Sparrow had broken into the world rankings.
On March 25, 2018, Sparrow will be honored with two Briscoe Awards for his accomplishments. First, he led the fan voting in the “Prospect of the Year” category, and also won the “Breakout Fighter of 2017” unopposed. Sparrow will receive his two awards at the 11th Annual Briscoe Awards ceremony, a party for the boxing community, at the VBA Clubhouse in Philadelphia.
“Sparrow really made a name for himself in 2017,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “Big expectations have surrounded Sparrow since the beginning of his career, but last year he really showed everyone what big potential he has.”
A number of other fighters like Jaron Ennis, Tyrone Brunson, Dylan Price, Marcel Rivers, Kermit Cintron, and Jerome Conquest, will also be honored in various categories for their 2017 accomplishments.
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.

Undefeated Former Olympian Mytrofanov to Face Hernandez as Natex Boxing’s ‘The Chicago Rumble’ Returns on April 14 in Northlake, IL

On Saturday, April 14, Chicago’s newest promoter, Andrew Sobko, CEO of Natex Boxing Promotions, will return to the Midwest Conference Center in Northlake, Illinois, for his next installment of “The Chicago Rumble.”
A night of action-packed professional boxing featuring local and international talent in competitive match-ups, the night’s main event will pit Oxnard, California’s (via Chernigov, Ukraine) undefeated dynamo, and 2016 Olympian, Dmytro Mytrofanov (2-0, 1 KO) taking on dangerous Mexican spoiler Vladimir “24K” Hernandez (10-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight showdown.
In the night’s six-round light heavyweight co-main event, undefeated Rustam Tulaganov (1-0) of Oxnard, California (via Tashkent, Uzbekistan) will face capable Chicago-based slugger Martez McGregor (5-1, 4 KOs).
 
Tickets for “The Chicago Rumble” are priced at General Admission $50.00, Seating ROW 1 $150.00 and Seating ROW 2-3 $90.00. VIP Tables are available for $159 per seat, and Gold VIP Tables at $249.00 per seat. Both include private seating and bar access. They are available for purchase online at natexboxing.com or at the door on fight night.
In addition to his Olympic appearance two years ago, 28-year-old Mytrofanov, won Ukrainian national amateur titles in 2008 and 2012 and a bronze medal at the 2011 European Championships. He turned professional late last year and now trains at Oxnard’s Boxing Laboratory (formerly Robert Garcia Boxing Academy) under former Robert Garcia protegee Marco Contreras.
Denver (via Mexico’s) Hernandez is no easy challenge for any fighter, especially one with just two pro fights. In just the past year, Hernandez slapped highly rated prospect Danny Valdivia with his first two career losses (now 14-2) via deserved decisions.
“I’m very happy to be going back to Chicago to fight,” said Mytrofanov. “I’ve been training very hard for this fight in Oxnard for the last weight weeks with world-class sparring partners. I’m in terrific shape and looking forward to a great win. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I will make adjustments in the ring because I’m ready for anything anyone brings.”
I’m very excited about this show,” said promoter Andrew Sobko. I have been following boxing since my father was a Ukrainian boxing champion. I grew up in the boxing industry. I am honored to be able to bring this great event to the boxing-rich city of Chicago and its great fans. My matchmaker, Jerry Alfano, is doing a wonderful job of making sure every fight will be an action-packed war.”
The terrific undercard will be announced shortly.
On fight night, the action starts at 6 pm. The Midwest Conference Center is located at 401 W Lake Street in Northlake, IL. For more information, visit natexboxing.com, Twitter: @natexboxing or visit us on Facebook atfacebook.com/natexboxing.

AWE to Air Live Bellew v. Haye II, on Saturday, May 5th

 

 

The Highly Anticipated Rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye to air Live and Exclusively on AWE

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – March 7, 2018 –On Saturday afternoon, May 5th, AWE is featuring former world champions Tony Bellew and David Haye in one of the most anticipated rematches of all time. The heavyweights will square off in an epic bout that will be carried live and exclusively by AWE, A Wealth of Entertainment, in the United States.
The network announced that it secured the US rights for the fight, which is the sequel to the unforgettable first bout, which took place on March 4, 2017. The rematch will take place at the same 02 Arena in London.

In the first bout, Bellew was able to survive an early onslaught by Haye to score two knockdowns en route to an 11th round stoppage. The first fight can rival any of the Rocky movies for drama and determination. Bellew suffered a broken hand in the early rounds with Haye barely able to stand due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Both fighters exhibited tremendous heart, leading to much excitement heading into this rematch. 
The rematch was originally ticketed for last December 17th but had to be postponed after Haye tore a bicep.
“We’re ecstatic to be bringing this epic rematch to AWE viewers,” stated Charles Herring, president of AWE. “This fight has broad appeal because the first bout, which aired on AWE, was one of the most amazing fights in 2017. It had a true “Rocky” feel, with Haye challenged by his injury. Bellew has broad appeal in the United States due to his appearance in the movie Creed. Boxing fans love heavyweights for their explosive power and exciting matches, and the winner should be in a position for a shot at a world title bout.”
Bellew, of Liverpool, has a record of 29-2-1 with 19 knockouts and is the former WBC Cruiserweight champion. The 35-year-old is an 11-year professional who has big wins over Edison Miranda, Isaac Chilemba, Valery Brudov, Julio Cesar Dos Santos, Marteusz Masternack, and former world champion Nathan Cleverly. Bellew won the WBC Cruiserweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Ilunga Makabu. He defended the crown once with a 3rd round stoppage over BJ Flores before he moved up to heavyweight for the historic Haye bout.
Haye, of London, has a record of 28-3 with 26 knockouts. He is the former WBA, WBO, and WBC Cruiserweight champion, and the former WBA Heavyweight champion. The 37-year-old Haye is a 16-year proven professional who has wins over former world title challenger Alexander Gurov, and former world champions Arthur Williams and Giacobbe Fragomeni. Haye won the WBA and WBC Cruiserweight title with a 7th round stoppage over JeanMarc Mormeck. He added the WBO belt with a 2 round destruction of Enzo Maccarinelli. Haye won the WBA Heavyweight championship with a 12-round majority decision over Nikolay Valuev. Haye made defenses against John Ruiz and countryman Audley Harrison before being dethroned by Wladimir Klitscko.
The time of the event will be announced shortly.

The fight card will also be streamed live via KlowdTV on the AWE channel. Visit www.klowdtv.com for additional information.

 

LFA alum emerge as the biggest stars of UFC 222 in Las Vegas, Nevada

7 former fighters compete,
Several stars are born, and
$150,000 in bonus money earned
HOUSTON, Texas – Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and the two promotions that merged to create it, RFA and Legacy FC, saw several more alum show up in full force and shine on the biggest stage when the UFC hosted UFC 222 in Las Vegas this past weekend.

Seven former fighters competed, which included three former champions. The seven fighters included Brian Ortega, Sean O’Malley, Mackenzie Dern, Alexander Hernandez, Pedro Munhoz, Zak Ottow, and Jordan Johnson. That group made up 29.16% of the entire card. Six of the seven fighters were victorious with the lone loss coming via controversial split decision.
“I am always excited to watch the many fighters from LFA, RFA, and Legacy show what they can do in the UFC,” stated LFA CEO Ed Soares. “What we saw on Saturday night at UFC 222 is further proof that we are are producing the top prospects in MMA.”

In the co-main event, former RFA featherweight champion Brian Ortega, stole the show with a first round knockout of former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. The undefeated contender known as “T-City” is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous submission masters in the sport, but it was an uppercut that allowed him to become the first person to finish the future Hall of Famer. The win also earned Ortega a shot at the UFC featherweight title and a $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
The “Sugar Show” was also in full effect on the main card as Sean O’Malley continued to wow fans with his creative and wildly entertaining striking arsenal against Andre Soukhamthath. The LFA standout unleashed a flurry that nearly finished his opponent at the end of Round 1. Soukhamthath was literally saved by the bell as he was stumbling around as the round ended. The second round saw O’Malley impress on the ground with his underrated submission attack. However, it was the third and final round, that etched O’Malley’s name in MMA lore. After badly injuring his right foot, to the point he couldn’t stand on it, O’Malley finished out the fight by grappling. The huge lead he had built on the score cards through the first two rounds gave him the Unanimous Decision win. It resulted in a $50,000 UFC “Fight of the Night” bonus and the first time Joe Rogan interviewed a winning fighter while he was lying on his back.
Mackenzie Dern made the most anticipated UFC debut of the year in the final fight of the preliminary card. The multiple-time jiu-jitsu world champion got her start in MMA with LFA and Legacy FC. Dern has since seen every step of her progression in the sport followed closely by media and fans alike. The daughter of legendary jiu-jitsu and judo black belt Wellington “Megaton” Dias, Dern possesses the greatest grappling skills of any woman to compete in MMA. Dern used those skills in her UFC debut to close out the final round on her opponent Ashley Yoder’s back. She was unable to finish the Rear Naked Choke, but it was enough to earn her the Split Decision win.
Alexander Hernandez made his UFC debut on a week’s notice against #12 ranked Beneil Dariush. Like the old adage states, “with great risk comes great reward.” The Texan powerhouse, who made his mark under the LFA and RFA banners, wasted no time in dispatching his heavily favored and much more experienced opponent. “Alexander The Great” connected with a big left hand to knock out Dariush in just 42-seconds. The win earned him the other $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Zak Ottow also picked up a quick first round win. The RFA and Legacy FC alum earned a TKO win over UFC mainstay Mike Pyle midway through the opening round. The bout served as Pyle’s retirement bout and Ottow gave a touching show of respect to Pyle in his post-fight interview. This was Ottow’s third UFC win and the first after signing a new extension with the promotion.
Jordan Johnson got things moving in the right direction for the LFA alum at UFC 222. The former RFA light-heavyweight champion kept his undefeated record intact with a Split Decision win over former UFC heavyweight Adam Milstead. The win should set up a marquee matchup for the man who was victorious in the final bout under the RFA banner.
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 returns this Friday, March 9th with LFA 35 – Newell vs. Luque. The main event will feature the comeback fight of bona fide MMA star and inspirational congenital amputee “Notorious” Nick Newell when he faces the gritty south Texan and Bellator vet Sonny “El Loco” Luque. The event will take place at the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.
LFA 35 will be the fourth LFA event to take place in the City of Houston. It will also be the ninth time that the LFA has traveled to “The Lone Star State” of Texas. The entire main card of LFA 35 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.

Brandon Robinson headlines against Oscar Riojas on Friday, April 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

               
Former world title challenger Jose Gonzalez takes on Zac Ramsey

Marcus Bates fights Raeese Aleem in battle of undefeated Super Bantamweights

Plus undefeated Steven Ortiz, Poindexter Knight, Colby Madison, Joshaphat Ortiz & Jesus Perez
Philadelphia, PA (March 6, 2018) – Rising super middleweight, Brandon Robinson will take on veteran Oscar Riojas in an eight-round bout that will headline a huge night of boxing on Friday night, April 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
The 10-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Robinson of Philadelphia has a record of 9-1 with seven knockouts.
The 29 year-old Robinson is a two-year professional, and has won nine straight fights.  He has a 1st round knockout over previously undefeated Brandon Clark, as well a eight-round unanimous decision over tough veteran Christopher Brooker.  In his last bout, Robinson disposed of Juan Zapata in the 1st round on January 26th in Philadelphia.
Riojas of Monterrey, Mexico has a record of 16-8-1 with five knockouts.
The 34 year-old Riojas is a five year professional who won his first 11 bouts.  Riojas has been in the ring with title challengers Ronald Gavril, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy as well as undefeated fighters Conrad Cummings, Immanuwel Aleem, Francy Ntetu, Enrique Collazo & Ronald Ellis.
Riojas is on a two-fight win streak with his latest triumph coming on October 28th as he stopped Ivan Lagunas in the 1st round in Mexico.
In the eight-round co-feature, former world title challenger Jose Gonzalez will take on Zac Ramsey in a super lightweight bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
Gonzalez of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico has a record of 24-2 with 19 knockouts.
The 34 year-old is 10 year professional won his 1st 22 bouts with wins over Osenohan Vazquez (1-0), Eric Cruz (5-1-2), Hector Marengo (5-0-4), &  Edgardo Soto (12-2) before challenging Ricky Burns for the WBO Lightweight title.
In that fight, Gonzalez was well on his way to becoming a world champion before having to bow out of the fight with an injured hand.
Gonzalez went on to become a two-time WBO Latino Lightweight champion and defeated Marvin Quintero.  In his last bout, Gonzalez lost to Diego Magdaleno when Gonzalez could not continue due to a severe low blow.
Ramsey of Springfield, Massachusetts has a record 8-2 with four knockouts.
The 28 year-old Ramsey is a six-year professional.
Ramsey won his first seven bouts, has two wins over undefeated fighters Edwon Soto (9-0-2) and Divante Jones (9-0).  He is coming off close decision loss to Philadelphian Raymond Serrano on September 22, 2017.
In an eight-round battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Marcus Bates (8-0-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, DC fights Raeese Aleem (10-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV.
 
Steven Ortiz (8-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on David Perales (10-11-1, 5 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico lightweight fight.
In six-round bouts:
Carlos Rosario (7-3, 4 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights Seifullah Wise (3-4, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super featherweight affair.
Jordan Peters (2-1-1, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC squares off with Joshaphat Ortiz (2-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA.
In four-round bouts:
Colby Madison (6-0-1, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills. MD fights Guillermo Del Rio (2-2, 2 KOs) of South Houston, TX in a heavyweight battle.
Rasheed Johnson (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Latorrie Woodberry (1-6-1) of Roanoke, VA in a welterweight battle.
Poindexter Knight (2-0, 2 KOs) will fight Vincent Floyd (3-4-1, 2 KO) of Philadelphia, in a welterweight fight featuring fighters from Philadelphia.
Jesus Perez (3-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA tangles with pro debuting Sultan Isakov of Philadelphia in a welterweight affair.
Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50

 

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

 
Unbeaten 140-Pound Contender Fights in His Hometown Against Eudy Bernardo Saturday, March 10 Live on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowski
SAN ANTONIO (March 6, 2018) – Unbeaten 140-pound contender Mario Barrios makes his ring return in his hometown of San Antonio when he faces Eudy Bernardo in SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME action Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum.
The SHO EXTREME telecast begins live at 8 p.m. ET/PT and features undefeated Alejandro Luna facing former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT and also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.
Barrios has won four fights in a row by knockout since moving up to the 140-pound division in 2017, all while under the tutelage of renowned trainer Virgil Hunter in Oakland. Here is what Barrios had to say about training camp, his upcoming fight and more:
On his matchup with Eudy Bernardo…
“He is a solid opponent with a lot of experience. He has a high work rate that you can tell that by his nickname ‘AK-47’. He is the perfect opponent for me at this point in my career as I start my climb to a world title. I know he’s coming to fight as am I, so there will definitely be some fireworks.”
On filling in to the 140-pound division…
“I have filled out perfectly for this division and working with Virgil Hunter has helped a lot. It is no secret that I have had four fights with Virgil Hunter and each one of them has ended with a knockout. I am stronger than ever, and I feel completely comfortable at junior welterweight. This is the weight class that I’ll be campaigning for a world title at.”
On fighting in his hometown of San Antonio….
“It is a blessing to fight in my hometown. I get homesick sometimes when I train as I think about family, friends and all the places I love to visit back home. It feels good, not just to be able to fight at home, but to put on a great show for everyone that knows me as well. San Antonio needs a big star they can get behind and I feel I can be the one to fill that role.”
On fighting on SHO EXTREME…
“Whenever your fight is televised it is a great honor, but I truly believe SHOWTIME is doing amazing things for boxing right now, and to be on this telecast is tremendous. I work very hard in the gym and pride myself on a fan-pleasing style and getting opportunities to show off my skills on such a large platform is amazing and something I am very grateful for.”
On his recent training camp…
“This camp has been very good. I’ve gotten lots of different looks and I’m well prepared to go into battle. I love training at Virgil Hunter’s Boxing Gym because we have a great routine, with a lot of top fighters. I also started training with SNAC’s Remi Korchemny, who is increasing my speed and endurance, which will be very noticeable in this fight. I have trained very hard for this fight, so you can expect a great performance.”
# # #
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @Ringstar @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/RingstarSports. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

IVAN BARANCHYK TO FACE PETR PETROV IN IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT ELIMINATOR THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

 

Petrov Replaces Anthony Yigit, Who Was Forced to Withdraw Due to Illness

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Junior Fa To Face Craig Lewis In Opening Bout Of SHOWTIME Tripleheader

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT From Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota

 

 

 

NEW YORK (March 6, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Ivan Baranchyk will now face former world title challenger Petr Petrov this Friday, March 9, in the co-featured bout on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, SD. The contest will be an eliminator for the No. 2 position in the IBF junior welterweight world rankings.

 

 

 

 

Petrov replaces Anthony Yigit, who has withdrawn due to illness.

 

 

 

 

 

Also added to the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader is a heavyweight matchup featuring undefeated prospect Junior Fa taking on once-beaten Craig Lewis in an eight-round bout to open up the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/PT. 

 

 

 

 

 

In the previously announced 12-round main event, undefeated 140-pound contender Regis Prograis will face former unified world champion Julius Indongo for the Interim WBC Super Lightweight World Championship.

 

 

 

 

 

“Baranchyk and Petrov are both known for their all-action styles and are never in a bad fight. It is a tremendous addition to this card and I’m thrilled we were able to put the bout together on short notice. The fact that Petr was training for another fight once again made it possible to create a superior fight under difficult circumstances,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “New Zealand heavyweight prospect Junior Fa made a huge statement in his last appearance on SHOWTIME and he’ll look to keep that momentum going this Friday at Deadwood Mountain Grand against the tough Craig Lewis. Boxing fans will remember Fa’s two amateur victories against Joseph Parker, who will attempt to unify heavyweight title belts against Anthony Joshua on SHOWTIME on March 31.”

 

 

 

 

Sporting a record of 38-5-2 with 19 KOs, the 34-year-old Petrov, of Ryazan, Russia, and based in Madrid, Spain, will look to bounce back into the win column following a hotly contested 12-round decision loss to WBO Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan on April 8, 2017, in Manchester, England.  Prior to the loss to Flanagan, Petrov was on a six-bout winning streak, including victories over Michael Perez, Marvin Quintero and Gamalial Diaz. Over the last 10 years, Petrov’s only other losses have come against world champions Marcos Maidana and Dejan Zlaticanin.

 

 

 

 

The Baranchyk (16-0, 10 KOs) vs. Petrov bout is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Fight Promotions Inc., Holden Productions, Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

 

The 28-year-old Fa made an astounding statement in his U.S. network debut, stopping Fred Latham in the first round on November 10, 2017, in Cleveland on ShoBox: The New Generation. Prior to turning professional, the New Zealand native defeated current WBO Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker twice in the amateurs.

 

 

 

 

 

Fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Lewis (14-1-1, 8 KOs) returns to battle following a second-round knockout of Galen Brown on August 12, 2017.  He was undefeated through the first 15 fights of his professional career and was the 2014 National Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist at heavyweight.

 

 

 

 

 

The event is presented by DiBella Entertainment. Tickets, priced at $200, $80 and $60, are on sale now, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 907-4726. The doors open and first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. More information on the Deadwood Mountain Grand can be found on their website at www.DeadwoodMountainGrand.com.

Salita Signs Promotional Deal with Undefeated Ukrainian Junior Featherweight Arnold Khegai

Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated Korean Ukrainian junior featherweight prospect Arnold Khegai.

From the town of Razdelnoye in the region of Odessa, in the Ukraine, Khegai (11-0-1, 8 KOs) was last seen ripping away the undefeated record of then 11-1 Russian prospect Valery Tretyakov via last-second tenth-round KO.
“I really want to win over the audience in the US with my exciting style and my physical strength and endurance,” said the 25-year-old Khegai. “I am ready and willing to fight the best fighters in my weight class; anyone who stands in my path of getting a world title belt.”
Khegai switched over from being a world champion Thai boxer to a professional boxer in 2015 and has torn through a stiff level of domestic competition along the way.
Married with a degree from the Institute of Food Academy, Khegai says the deal with his promoter will set all of his dreams in motion. “I am very excited about signing this deal with Salita,” he continued. “Now that I have time to properly prepare, my goal is to fight my way through the 122-lb division and become undisputed world champion.

 

 

 

 

 

“Arnold is a proud member of the small Korean community in the Ukraine,” said Dmitriy Salita. “He is incredibly strong and powerful and will be a challenge for anyone in the division. I am excited to have him make his debut on American soil on my show on April 20. I have no doubt he will quickly become a fan favourite and world champion.”

IWBHF Announces 2018 Inductees

Myriam Lamare, Belinda Laracuente, Jessica Rakoczy,
Mary Jo Sanders, Vonda Ward, Julie Lederman,
Belle Martell & Bernie McCoy
The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame has announced the 2018 inductees. The eight honorees include five retired boxers, a referee, a boxing judge and a journalist. The fighters include Myriam Lamare, Belinda Laracuente, Jessica Rakoczy, Mary Jo Sanders and Vonda Ward; the boxing judge is Julie Lederman, the referee, honored posthumously, is Belle Martell and the journalist, the first male ever so honored, is Bernie McCoy.

The 2018 inductees bring the five-year IWBHF total to thirty-seven. The Hall was conceived and founded in 2014 by Sue Fox, publisher and editor of WBAN, the longtime site of record for the sport of Women’s boxing. WBAN, for over two decades, has spotlighted and brought awareness to the sport of female boxing and five years ago, Fox crystallized that focus with the establishment a Hall of Fame, centered solely on the sport.

The five boxers being honored represent headline fighters from the past two decades in the sport and represented an era when the best of the female boxers, more often than not, were matched with other top fighters in their weight class. The five inductees represent countries ranging from France, Puerto Rico and Canada and include two U.S. athletes, an indication of the burgeoning international flavor into which the sport has evolved.

Myriam Lamare epitomized the noun “fighter.” She had one gear, “all out” and knew only one direction, “straight ahead.” It is not an overstatement to call her two bouts with Anne Sophie Mathis fights that served to ignite interest in the sport of female boxing in Europe. Lamare fought 177 rounds over her career and was in the ring with every top boxer in the sport, ranging from Mathis to Holm to Braekus.

Belinda Laracuente set the bar high for a “go anywhere, fight anyone” reputation. The Puerto Rican born boxer fought every good fighter in the sport, including Christy Martin, Sumya Anani and Holly Holm in this country and Myriam Lamare in France, Esther Phiri in Zambia, Duda Yankovich in Brazil, Jelena Mrdjenovich in Canada and Emiko Raika in Japan. It was said that Laracuente, in the ring, had every move in the book along with some that were only in rare editions.

Jessica Rakoczy came out of Hamilton, Ontario and followed the pattern of the other inductees in looking up the rankings for opponents, fighting Layla McCarter, Jenifer Alcon and Jane Couch. But it was her 2007 loss to Ann Marie Saccurato that is often talked about when the subject is “best fights, ever,” in the sport. For Rakoczy, the bout was a text book example of the ring adage that even in defeat, the “good ones” often bring out the best in themselves and their sport.

Mary Jo Sanders had twenty-five wins over a sterling career coming out of the quintessential fight town of Detroit. She also had a loss and a draw on her record, both against the “face” of the sport, at the time, Holly Holm. The Holm bouts were the highlights of a career for a very fundamentally skilled fighter who had big wins against Layla McCarter and Chevelle Hallback.

Vonda Ward might well be considered the best all-around female athlete ever to box professionally. She was an outstanding high school basketball player in Cleveland before matriculating to the University of Tennessee to play for legendary coach Pat Summitt. In the ring, Ward compiled an estimable 23-1 record, beating heavyweight fighters such as Carleton Ewell, Martha Salazar and Marsha Valley, losing only to highly regarded Ann Wolfe.

Julie Lederman grew up in a boxing household. As such, it is fair to assume she was probably exposed to the sport from a young age. Those two circumstances may have had something to do with her gravitating to the sport as a boxing judge. Those two circumstances have nothing to do with her becoming one of the top officials in the NYSAC. Similar to the fighters honored by the IWBHF, she is a very good boxing judge, not a very good female boxing judge; she is also not a very good judge with a well- known last name. She is a very good judge well worthy of induction into the IWBHF.

Belle Martell, who is honored with induction posthumously, was the first female referee licensed in California in April,1940. She continued, along with her husband, Art, to be a factor in boxing for the following two decades serving also as an active promoter in the state’s amateur ranks along with being a highly-sought after ring announcer.

Bernie McCoy began writing while in the Army, serving with the Armed Forces Press Service. Upon discharge, he alternated between advertising (copywriting for the Reynolds Tobacco and Coca-Cola accounts) and the newspaper business (sports writing in St. Louis, New Orleans and various New York suburban papers) before retiring from two decades as part of the Media department at Pepsi Cola. Subsequently, he has written extensively about Women’s boxing for a number of Internet sites, most notably, WBAN. Founder and publisher, Sue Fox remarked “while always a staunch advocate and strong supporter of the sport, (McCoy) never pulled his punches in his writing.”

While the fifth class of the IWBHF may be slightly more diverse than previous groups, including three “non-participant” inductees, this ground breaking enterprise continues to forge ahead with its focus and mission, to provide recognition to a sport and it’s integral figures, past and present, who have contributed to the progress thus far achieved  and to the future growth of the sport and it’s athletes.

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