All posts by FNU47

SHOWTIME SPORTS® LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL TALK SHOW BELOW THE BELT

 

 

Exploring The Intersection Of Combat Sports And Pop Culture Through The Eyes Of Former Fighter, Comedian And Red Carpet Host Brendan Schaub

 

Premieres On YouTube And Facebook On Wednesday, February 28

 

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK – February 22, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports continues to expand its position at the intersection of combat sports and culture with a first-of-its-kind, sports talk show, BELOW THE BELT hosted by Brendan Schaub. The twice-monthly, 30-minute show debuts on Wednesday, February 28 on SHOWTIME Sports digital platforms, days before American heavyweight Deontay Wilder defends his WBC title against Luis Ortiz. The announcement was made today by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

 

 

 

 

BELOW THE BELT premieres each new show on the Below the Belt YouTube Channel and the Below the Belt Facebook Page. The program explores the latest news in combat sports and pop culture, with Schaub delivering candid thoughts in his unique and unfiltered style. BELOW THE BELT features interviews with the biggest names in combat sports and entertainment, road trips, fight camp visits, sketches, animation and pop-culture spoofs. The initial guest list of combat sports athletes and entertainers scheduled to appear on BELOW THE BELT includes Stone Cold Steve Austin, Paulie Malignaggi and Joe Rogan.

 

 

 

 

 

“Brendan brings an edge that resonates with today’s fight fans,” said Espinoza. “He has a fresh voice that is equal parts knowledgeable, funny and opinionated. BELOW THE BELT will complement SHOWTIME Sports programming to a broad audience on our digital platforms.”

 

This multi-platform program is unique in that it includes a weekly podcast and a composite program that airs once per month on SHOWTIME EXTREME. Following the digital debut on February 28, new shows launch on March 14, March 28, April 11, April 18, May 2 and May 16. The BELOW THE BELT podcast premieres on March 6, and the composite program premieres on March 29 on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Schaub is a multi-platform entertainer, best known for his career in the UFC and as a personality in podcasting and comedy. Following his successful fighting career, where he was the runner-up of Spike TV’s “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” Schaub has served as an expert analyst for both ESPN and Spike TV. Schaub currently co-hosts the popular podcast “The Fighter and The Kid” averaging over nine million downloads per month. His “Big Brown Breakdown” podcast, averaging over four million downloads per month, transitions under the BELOW THE BELTfranchise. Parlaying his hosting talent from podcasts to television, Schaub was named a correspondent on “After Party” for the E! Network, and co-hosted this year’s Golden Globes and Grammy Awards after-shows. Schaub is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Academy Awards after-show. Additionally, Schaub performs sold-out live comedy shows across North America, Australia, London and Dublin, including regular solo stand-up sets at the world-famous Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv and The Laugh Factory.

 

BELOW THE BELT is produced by SHOWTIME Sports with Embassy Row.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel, and offers Smithsonian Earththrough SN Digital LLC. 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.

NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS Open division semifinal results from Lowell

New England
Tournament of Champions

Open Division semifinals results from Lowell

 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities
Golden Gloves Championship
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Division championship finals tonight in Lowell 
LOWELL, Mass. (February 22, 2018) – A highly-competitive semifinal round was held last night, setting the stage for this evening’s finals of the New England Tournament of Championships, at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The New England Tournament of Champions, also known as the All-New England’s, is part of the 72nd annual New England Golden Gloves Championships.
Tonight’s individual winning N.E. champions will qualify for Team New England, which will compete at the National Golden Gloves Championship, starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. Western New England is seeking its fifth straight N.E. team title.
“After watching last night’s semifinals,” N. E. Executive Director Bobby Russo said, “I can’t wait for tonight’s great match ups in the finals. These are the best amateur boxers in New England and all the winners will have a shot at national titles.”
Also, USA Boxing will host a USA Boxing Alumni Association meet-and-greet tonight.All USA Boxing Alumni Association members, as well as any prospective members, are welcome to attend this unique meet-and-greet, starting when doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, until the first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Many of New England’s all-time great amateur boxers will participate, including former wotld champions such as hometown hero and three-time New England champion,“Irish” Micky Ward, Jose Antonio Rivera, Travis Simms and Iran Barkley, The Contender star Peter Manfredo, Jr., John Scully, Richie LaMontagne, Dave Sullivan, USA Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey and many other past New England Golden Gloves favorites including Tarvis Simms, Bobby Harris, Joe Alloj and Troy Wortham. (subject to change)
Tickets start at $18.00, only $7.00 for students (ID required) and are available to purchase by calling the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or ordering online at www.lowellauditorium.com. Buy tickets early to avoid long lines the night of the show.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (starting May 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Feb.21, 2018)
 
NEW ENGLAND TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
OPEN DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS
FEATHERWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Felix Parilla, North Haven, CT / WNE
WDEC (5-0)
Joseph Valdes, Nashua, NH / Central CNE
LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Joseph DePina, Dorchester, MA / CNE
WDEC (3-2)
Joshua Orta, Springfield, MA / WNE
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Sharad Collier, Hartford, CT / WNE
WDEC (4-1)
Mike Bloodworth, Woonsocket, RI / SNE
WOMEN’S JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (141 lbs.)
Ashleigh Moore, Buzzards Bay, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Deborah Basora, Hartford, CT / WNE
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 LBS.)
Josniel Castro, Portland, ME / NNE
WDEC (5-0)
Luca Botis, West Point, NY / WNE
James Perella, Mansfield, MA / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Charles Espinel, Salem, MA / CNE
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (178 lbs.)
Miguel Teo, Marlboro, MA / CNE
WDEC (5-0)
Tony Adams, Bridgeport, CT / WNE
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201 lbs.)
Edmond Worley, Lowell, MA / CNE
WDEC (4-1)
Hampton Miller, Waterbury, CT / WNE
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Tim Hatfield, Providence, RI / SNE
WDEC (5-0)
Zack Calmus, Gloucester, MA / CNE
WNE – Western New England
CNE – Central New England
NNE – Northern New England
SNE – Southern New England
 
72nd annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
New England Tournament of Champions
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 22
INFORMATION:
New England Golden Gloves Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials: Laurie Purcell
Ring Announcer: John Vena
Venue: Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter: @LowellGloves

Former Irish National Team head coach Billy Walsh Now rebuilding Team USA boxing program

 
2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour:
Mar. 12 Boston, Mar. 15 Springfield, Mar. 21 Manchester, NH

Billy Walsh (center) is shown here receiving his Best of 2017 Elite World Championships Award

C
OLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 22, 2018) – USA Boxing head coach Billy Walsh was the head coach of his native country’s amateur program in Ireland for 12 years and, ironically, those two squads will compete in three friendly duals next month on the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Tour.
A 1988 Ireland Olympian, Walsh coached the Irish Team from 2003 to 2015, and he took over Team USA in 2015, capturing the AIBA’s World Coach of the Year the past two years.
The USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour will commence March 12 at Boston’s Royale Entertainment Complex, followed by match-ups on March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., and Manchester, NH will close out tours onMarch 21 at The Manchester Downtown Hotel. Boxing will begin at 7:00 p.m. EST in all three cities.

Tickets for any of these events may be purchased online at http://go.teamusa.org/2nX3Vjc. Each city will showcase up to 12 bouts, each to be live-streamed, free of charge, on USA Boxing’s website (www.usaboxing.org).

“At the end of the day,” the 54-year-old Walsh admitted, “it is an unusual situation for me. But I’ve been coaching here two years and Team USA is my team now. I didn’t come here for just a few years. When I eventually leave, Team USA will have developed continuity and a solid program.
“I am a true Irishman who developed through a system that won multiple titles and I was the Irish Team captain for five years. I’m helping develop strong relations between USA and Ireland that can help both programs. Ireland has been among the best of the world – amazing considering the geographical size of Ireland — with its fighters’ great hearts along with their technique and skill. There’s a lot of talent and resources in the states, but amateur boxers have been taught to develop skills more for professional boxing. Here there is a variety of different ethnic groups: Mexicans, African-American and Caucasians, too. It’s truly a melting pot and each has a unique style of boxing. We are now providing coaching education for US programs to be sustainable long term.”
Boston, of course, is known for being Irish friendly, to say the least. The Mayor of Boston, for example, is Marty Walsh. Coach Walsh has only been in Boston once, 10 years ago with his wife for a short holiday.
“I didn’t do or get to see too much,” Walsh added. “but I know that there’s a lot of Irish history in Boston. Boston is a home away from home for the Irish. I have some friends and family there. I even joke that the mayor is my cousin. I understand that there are a lot of Irish in Springfield and Manchester, as well. I’m looking forward to going to all three cities on this tour.”
Rosters for the USA and Irish teams will soon be announced.
To stay up to date on the USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour click here.

USA vs. Ireland Schedule

March 12: Royale Entertainment Complex, Boston, Mass.
March 15: MassMutual Center, Springfield, Mass.
March 21: The Manchester Downtown Hotel, Manchester, N.H.
All boxers and bouts are subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Action-Packed Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz Undercard Includes Long Island’s Alicia Napoleon vs. Femke Hermans for Vacant WBA Women’s Super Middleweight World Title

 
Saturday, March 3
Barclays Center in Brooklyn
 
BROOKLYN (February 21, 2018) – The undercard for the heavyweight world title showdown between Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz set for Saturday, March 3, from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING, will now feature an outstanding 10-round women’s world title clash between Long Island’s Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (8-1, 5 KOs) and undefeated Femke Hermans (6-0, 3 KOs), of Londerzeel, Belgium, for the vacant WBA Women’s Super Middleweight World Title.
“I’m thrilled to be fighting at Barclays Center for this world title,” said Napoleon. “This means so much to me and for women’s boxing in the United States. I’ve worked very hard for many years and dreamed of becoming a world champion and to have my Long Island fans see me challenge for the title makes it even more special.”
“DiBella Entertainment, Premier Boxing Champions, Brooklyn Boxing and SHOWTIME remain committed to women’s boxing and together we have staged, or at least scheduled, a women’s fight of significance on every card we’ve worked on at Barclays Center,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Napoleon is a very charismatic and popular fighter from Long Island and, on March 3, she will have a chance to achieve her dream of becoming a world champion in front of her hometown fans.”
Owner of the two popular Overthrow boxing gyms in Brooklyn and Manhattan, Napoleon made her professional debut in August 2015 winning her first seven fights, including five by stoppage.
Following her first loss on December 10, 2016, to world ranked contender Tori Nelson, Napoleon bounced back to defeat Nikolett Papp, on November 18, 2017, in Queens, New York.
Victorious three times in 2017, Hermans will be leaving Belgium for the first time in her professional career for the world title fight with Napoleon. In her last bout, the 28-year-old won a unanimous decision against Ester Koneca, on September 30, 2017.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the highly anticipated Wilder vs. Ortiz matchup and will see undefeated former 154-pound champion Jermall Charlo take on Hugo Centeno, Jr. for the interim WBC middleweight title in the co-feature. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with top super middleweight contender Andre Dirrell battling hard-hitting Jose Uzcategui in a rematch for the interim IBF168-pound world title.
#          #          #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
follow us on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

MONSTER ENERGY BELLATOR MMA FIGHT SERIES OPENS 2018 AT MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS IN ATLANTA

 

 

ALSO, APPEARANCES BY FAN-FAVORITE AND MONSTER ENERGY ATHLETE ROY ‘BIG COUNTRY’ NELSON AND MMA LEGEND DAN HENDERSON

 

 cid:image002.png@01D3AB08.6153DB50

 

LOS ANGELES — The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series returns for its first event of 2018 in Atlanta when Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, visits Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, March 3. The series kicks off its second season with fights set to take place just hours before Round 9 of the premier indoor off-road motorcycle racing championship.

 

 

 

 

Prior to the start of the race on Saturday, March 3, the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will feature mixed martial arts action throughout the afternoon beginning at 4 p.m. ET at the Pit Party inside the Georgia World Congress Center, located next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Monster Energy Pit Party Passes are $20 each and are available through Ticketmaster. A valid event ticket is also required along with the Pit Pass for entry. Fans can also recycle an empty can of Monster Energy at the entrance to the Pits for free entry into the Pit Party.

 

 

 

 

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet Bellator heavyweight and Monster Energy athlete Roy “Big Country” Nelson, as well as former PRIDE and STRIKEFORCE titleholder Dan “Hendo” Henderson, on Saturday, March 3 at the Pit Party at 2 p.m. ET. Pit Party access is required.

 

 

 

 

“Following the success of the Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series last year, we knew that we wanted to continue hosting these unique shows in 2018,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “We had the opportunity to put on exciting fights at Monster Energy NASCAR Cup races last season, and now, we look forward to entertaining fans at Monster Energy Supercross events as well. The entire team at Monster Energy has been instrumental in making Bellator MMA a great part of the fan experience and helping to build crossover interest between MMA and motorsports.”

 

 

 

 

Through Bellator MMA, alongside longstanding partner Monster Energy, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance. The lineup on Saturday will consist of four MMA bouts featuring some of the best regional up-and-coming talent, with the main event prospects in consideration to be signed to a multi-fight Bellator MMA contract.

 

 

 

 

Monster Energy Supercross at Mercedes-Benz Stadium takes place Saturday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the Pit Party beginning at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets to the race and Pit Party are available at Tickemaster.com or by visiting www.SupercrossLive.com/tickets.

 

 

 

 

Updated Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series Atlanta Fight Card:

 

 

 

Featherweight Main Event: Lawson McClure (12-7, Atlanta, Ga.) vs. Josh Blyden (6-2, Savannah, Ga.)

 

 

 

Middleweight Bout: Devorius Tubbs (4-1, 1 NC, Atlanta, Ga.) vs. Joseph Creer (4-0-1, Columbus, Ga.)

 

 

 

Bantamweight Bout: Zac Cooper (4-4, Athens, Ga.) vs. Devante Sewell (4-2, Atlanta, Ga.)

 

 

 

Featherweight Bout: Mike Galitello (1-1, Atlanta, Ga.) vs. John Vaughan (Pro Debut, McDonough, Ga.)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for details.

 

*Event schedule subject to change.

ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK BOXING FEATURING LAMANNA VS. BRACERO WRAPS UP FACEBOOK FIGHTNIGHT LIVE WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER ON SATURDAY

Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi call the action live from the boardwalk; Ten month-old fan-friendly fight series averages 88,952 views per show and recently eclipsed 1,000,000-view milestone
NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2018) – Recently reaching 1,000,000 views for the series, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE looks to establish another benchmark this FridaySaturday, Feb. 23-24, with back-to-back-to-back shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. A red-hot card from the Jersey Shore caps the epic weekend, as the fan-friendly streaming service partners with Rising Star Promotions on Saturday night, Feb. 24. Fans from across the globe can catch seven bouts beginning at 7 p.m. wherever Facebook is available, including a crossroads main event battle featuring Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (25-2, 9 KOs) and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).
“We’re excited to be taking this next step for the series, and to be capping the weekend with an outstanding card that will delight fight fans, called by Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Boardwalk Boxing at The Showboat will be back in a big way on Saturday night with names like LaManna, Bracero, Rainone, Julan, Varmall and hot prospects and local favorites all displaying their talents and passion on Facebook. As a bonus, we’re proud to produce the PPV and pro debut of Mike Rashid, who has conquered the worlds of fitness and digital media and is looking to do big things in the fight game.”
In the main event on Saturday night, New Jersey’s LaManna fights for the 19th time in the shore town, as he takes on the battle tested, Brooklyn-based Bracero. The card will feature some of the best prospects in the region that includes Jahmal Dyer of Baltimore, Md. (4-0, 2 KOs), Donald “No Love” Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, Frederick Julan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn and Alvin Varmall, Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs) of Catskill, N.Y.
“We are excited to be bringing this great event and our first Boardwalk Boxing card from The Showboat to the fans all over the world on FIGHTNIGHT Live.  We have a main event that everyone is talking about, and we are featuring some terrific prospects on an outstanding undercard,” said Debbie LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat WaterMontauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday night, Feb. 24, live from live from The Showboat in Atlantic City, N.J., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network and former IBF and WBA World Champion Paulie Malignaggi, now of Showtime, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Network. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on
Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

WBSS Semifinals finale Super Middleweights in Germany:  Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken

AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL

(L-R) – Nieky Holzken & Callum Smith
(Picture courtesy of World Boxing Super Series)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (February 21, 2018) – World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond champion Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs) takes on late replacement Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs) this Saturday in the last World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) semifinals-round match in the super middleweight division, at Nurnberger Versicherung Arena in Nuremburg, Germany
The Smith vs. Holzken card, starting at 2 p.m. ET, will air live in Canada, exclusively on Super Channel.
Holzken, an undefeated Dutch prospect, has replaced two-time world champion Juergen Braehmer, of Germany, who withdrew from the WBSS semifinals match due to illness.
“I have been battling a feverish infection since Sunday,” Braehmer explained. “Unfortunately, a fight in this state is out of the questions. It is not possible for me to go into the ring like this and I would like to apologize to my fans. I was well prepared and looking forward to fighting Callum.”
The Smith-Holzken winner will advance to the WBSS super middleweight championship final against World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) Super Middleweight World Champion “Sir” George Groves (28-3, KOs), of the United Kingdom, June 2at The O2 Arena in London, in a battle for the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy.
Super Channel acquired the exclusive rights in Canada to broadcast the World Boxing Super Series from MP & Silva, a leading international media company that provides media rights, digital, technology and sponsorship services.
Smith was the least tested WBSS semifinalist in terms of having faced quality opponents, as well as the youngest at 27. The undefeated Brit is one of four fighting Smith brothers.
In the WBSS quarterfinals, Smith took a 12-round unanimous decision from previously unbeaten Erik Skoglund to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Diamond super middleweight title.
“I gave an interview last week and said it was great there have been no drop-outs,” Smith said. “Looks like I spoke too soon. We got the call as we were boarding the plane. I am committed to fighting Saturday and will fight whoever the World Boxing Super series puts in front of me.”
The 34-year-old Holzken was preparing to fight Dmitri Chudinov in Saturday’s WBSS Super Middleweight Substitute Fight. He has had only four scheduled 10-round matches during his five-year professional career, the most notable being a win by 10-round unanimous decision in 2016 over Farouk Daku (20-9-1) for the vacant BeNeLux super middleweight title.
Holzken is determined to make the most of this opportunity by upsetting Smith, despite his obvious leap in class. “I’ve been waiting for this chance to come,” Holzken commented. “I signed up as a substitute fighter, so I’m in great shape and prepared for Saturday. I’ve watched Callum fight many times. I study everyone in my weight class. He’s a good, solid fighter. We’re both big body punchers. It will make for an excellent fight. Callum, you better be ready, because I am, and I’m coming to beat you!”

Five exciting fights on the “Smith-Holzken” card, presented by Sauerland Event, will air exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.
In the 10-round WBSS Substitute Fight, Dmitrii “Night Wolf” Chudinov (20-2, 13 KOs), of Russia, faces an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic (3-0, 3 KOs), of Croatia, faces Irishman Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout; former WBC Youth light heavyweight champion James Kraft (13-0, 9 KOs), of Germany, meets Cameroon native Bernard Donfack (23-17-3, 11 KOs) in an eight round super middleweight match; 19-year-old German super middleweight Leon Bauer (12-0-1, 8 KOs) squares off with Marco Miano (6-6, 2 KOs), of Italy, in a six-round fight to open the Super Channel broadcast. A six-round “swing bout” between German super middleweight Toni Kraft(12-0-1, 4 Kos) and Hungarian Jozsef Racz (7-20-1, 2 KOs) may also be aired.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES SEMIFINALS SCHEDULE
 
CRUISERWEIGHTS
January 27, Riga Arena, Riga, Latvia – WBO/WBC Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), Ukraine
WMDEC12 (115-113, 115-113, 114-114).
Mairis Briedis (23-1, 18 KOs), Latvia
(Usyk retained his WBO title and won the WBC championship)
February 3, Bolshoy Ice Dome, Sochi, Russia – IBF/WBA Unification
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), Russia
WTKO12
 Yunier “The KO Doctor” Dorticos (21-1, 20 KOs), Cuba
(Gassiev retained his IBF title and won WBA championship)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
 
February 17, Manchester, Arena, Manchester, UK – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom
WDEC12 (117-112, 116-112, 115-113)
Chris “Next Gen” Eubank Jr. (26-2, 20 KOs), IBO World Champion, United Kingdom
(Groves retained his WBA title and won IBO championship)
 
February 24, Nurnberger Versicherung Arena, Nuremburg, Germany
Callum “Mundo” Smith (23-0, 17 KOs), United Kingdom – Ring #3
(WBC Diamond Super Middleweight Champion)
vs.
Nieky “The Natural” Holzken (13-0, 10 KOs), Netherlands
WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
CRUISERWEIGHTS
 
May 11, 2018, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – WBC/WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Unification
Oleksandr “The Cat” Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs), WBO/WBC Champion, Ukraine – Ring #1
vs.
Murat “Iron” Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs), WBA/IBF Champion, Russia – Ring #2
June 2, 2018, The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom – WBA/IBO Unification
“Saint” George Groves (28-3, 20 KOs), United Kingdom, WBA/IBO Champion – Ring #2
vs.
Callum Smith-Nieky Holzken winner
All WBSS semifinals and championship fights will also be available on Super Channel On Demand.
In addition to all the WBSS quarterfinal and semifinals matches, Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao-Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and Smith vs. Williams II.
To watch all the World Boxing Super Series action live, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

LFA alum shine at UFC Fight Night 126 in Austin, Texas

9 former fighters compete, 7 win, 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, were well-represented and shined on the biggest stage when the UFC traveled to the state capital of Texas on Sunday night.

Nine former fighters competed, which included five former champions. This included former titleholders from LFA, RFA, and Legacy FC. The nine fighters included Derrick Lewis, Curtis Millender, Steven Peterson, Sage Northcutt, Diego Ferreira, Geoff Neal, Brian Camozzi, Roberto Sanchez, and Alex Morono. That group made up 37.5% of the entire card. Seven of the nine fighters were victorious, but that is because one of the fights pitted two of these fighters against each other. The other loss, resulted in a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus and also received widespread praise.
“I was excited to watch so many of the talented fighters from LFA, RFA, and Legacy do so well at UFC: Austinon Sunday night,” stated LFA CEO Ed Soares. “The goal of LFA is to develop top prospects, so when they get to the UFC, they will continue to impress under the bright lights of the UFC for years to come.”

In the co-main event, former Legacy FC heavyweight champion Derrick Lewis, who also fought for RFA, did what “The Black Beast” does best. The no-nonsense Texan unleashed his unforgiving power-punching in the third round to pick up the TKO, his tenth UFC win, while also picking up his fourth UFC bonus. This time it was a $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Millender made his UFC debut on the main card just one month after winning the main event of LFA 30. The win at LFA 30 was Millender’s third straight win in an LFA headliner and his second straight via Head Kick KO. The win earned him a UFC contract and a debut fight against a former UFC title challenger in Thiago Alves. This time around, he used a knee to score the walk-off KO. The impressive debut also earned Millender the other $50,000 UFC “Performance of the Night” bonus.
The main card also saw Northcutt, a former Legacy FC star, earn his fifth win inside the UFC Octagon, while former Legacy FC bantamweight champion and LFA standout Peterson earned a $50,000 UFC “Fight of the Night” bonus for his wildly entertaining UFC debut, which took place in the featherweight division. Peterson’s UFC debut also earned him widespread praise from fans and fellow fighters alike. Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was quick to tweet: “Peterson is my new favorite fighter!!”
Ferreira, a former Legacy FC lightweight champion, showed no signs of ring rust as he picked up a quick TKO win in less than two minutes into the final fight of the preliminary card. The win came after Ferreira made a come back to the sport after a two-year layoff. In the bout before Ferreira’s successful return, it was a battle of LFA / Legacy FC star Geoff Neal and former RFA welterweight champion Brian Camozzi. Neal made a big statement in his UFC debut and picked up the win via Rear Naked Choke.
Sanchez also picked up his first UFC win. The inaugural LFA flyweight champion earned a submission win via Rear Naked Choke less than two-minutes into the bout. Morono got things moving in the right direction for our LFA/RFA/Legacy FC alum, when the former Legacy FC welterweight champion submitted longtime UFC vet Josh Burkman via Guillotine Choke early in Round 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 150 athletes that have reached the pinnacle of MMA by competing in the UFC.

LFA returns on Friday, March 2nd with LFA 34 – Watley vs. Jenkins. The main event will feature the return of LFA lightweight champion Robert “Contact” Watley when he defends his title against LFA #1 lightweight contender Brandon “The Human Highlight Reel” Jenkins. The event will take place at the Minnetonka Ballroom inside the new Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
LFA 34 will be the fifth 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. Six of those events took place under the RFA banner inside the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. The entire main card of LFA 34 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.

Mikey Garcia & Sergey Lipinets Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Garcia vs. Lipinets Junior Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, March 10 from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2018) – Three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Sergey Lipinets participated in an open media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday as they prepare for their world title showdown Saturday, March 10 live on SHOWTIME from Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also see 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.
The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator.
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.
Joining Garcia and Lipinets at Tuesday’s workout was former title challenger Josesito Lopez, who competes in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum on March 10.
Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday from the City of Angels Boxing Club in Los Angeles:
MIKEY GARCIA
“I’m excited to have another opportunity on March 10 to show my fans what I’m all about and what I can do in the ring. I’m preparing to win another world title and that’s all that’s on my mind right now.
“Neither one of us wants to lose. We’re both undefeated and no one wants to give up that ‘0’. That’s going to make this a great fight for the fans.
“I don’t have a number of titles that I’m chasing, but I do believe I will be a champion at 140-pounds and eventually at welterweight. Each fight is unique and I’m going to keep taking it one fight at a time.
“I’ve been winning and dominating my fights, but I still have room to show the fans more of my skills. I need opponents who will bring the best out of me. I’m going to keep trying to dominate each fight and make it easy for myself in the ring.
“It was a little upsetting that we had to wait to have this fight, but it’s part of the sport. We took a day off when we heard the news and then we went back to work. Now we’re ahead of schedule so it worked out great.
“We’re excited to be where we’re at and to have the opportunity to win another world title. I’m most excited that this really takes me closer to the kind of recognition we deserve and the goals I want to achieve.
“Sergey Lipinets is the number one priority right now. He’s an undefeated world champion and I can’t take him lightly at all. I’m going to follow my game plan and right now I’m on track to put on a great performance.
“The number one thing I see in Sergey is his size. He’s the bigger man so I’ll have to be prepared for the weight. Because he’s a young new champion, he’s really got nothing to lose. He’s coming with everything he has.
“I know he’s going to take this fight more seriously than any other he’s taken. I know that he has that fire in him. I have to be aware of his power and use my boxing skills to overcome it.”
SERGEY LIPINETS
“This is going to be a great fight. We’ll both be at 100 percent on fight night and ready to give our best. This won’t be a one-sided fight. It’s going to be two gladiators going at each other.
“Mikey is a great fighter. He has a lot of skills, especially defensively. I’m going to be ready for him. It’s going to be blood, sweat and tears.
“If you’ve watched my previous fights you know that this will be a great fight. We’re both going to be there in front of each other and we won’t be kissing and hugging.
“I’m very excited to be in this position and I’m planning to take advantage of it. It meant a lot to win a world title, but these are the kind of fights you get into boxing for. This is a chance to really put my name in the history books.
“Everything is on schedule for the hand. I’ve been using it at will with no problems. I’ll be ready to go on fight night. I never stopped working so the transition was very easy once the hand had healed.”
JOSESITO LOPEZ
“I can’t wait to show some new things that I’ve worked on in camp. I feel really strong, fast and quick and I’m excited to put it all together on fight night.
“Sparring with Mikey Garcia has been good for me. He’s a really intelligent fighter, he’s very precise and he does everything with a purpose. Being in there with him makes me a better fighter.
“I’m anxious to get back in the ring. I’ve worked hard with Robert Garcia on different game plans and perfecting my style. My body feels good and I’m ready to compete with the top fighters.
“Robert has a great gym in Riverside with a lot of talented fighters. We’re always working and you have to be ready to spar with anybody. The young guys have really given me good work and kept me on my toes, which I’ve needed these last few years.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer
“Lipinets has power and we’re fighting in his weight division. Lipinets is the naturally bigger fighter and we know he’s a dedicated fighter. I’m sure he’s training like never before.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Lipinets. Winning this fight puts him in a great position, so we have to be very careful. We can’t take him lightly, because it won’t be easy. But fighters like Mikey, with his skills, are sometimes able to overcome any disadvantage.
“Fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were able to move up in weight and still dominate, because of their great skills. Very few fighters are able to do that. We believe that Mikey is one of those special fighters.”
BUDDY MCGIRT, Lipinets’ Trainer
“The key is to not be one-dimensional. Sergey is going to give him different looks all night. Once he steps on the gas, we’ll see what Mikey’s made of.
“Mikey hasn’t fought anyone competitive since he came back. I believe it’s been awhile since Mikey’s been in a fight where he’s had to dig down and work. Once Sergey steps on the gas, we’ll see what’s inside of him. I don’t doubt him, because he comes from a family of great fighters and trainers. But sometimes that ring rust will kick in at a time when you can’t afford it.
“We’re prepared for any and everything. Once we get in there, we’ll give Mikey all we can when the time comes.
“We’re watching Sergey and we could tell if he’s hesitating or holding back when throwing his right hand. He hasn’t been doing that. It’s just a matter of time now. Everything is running on schedule.”
# # #
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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.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE ROCKS ON SATURDAY, FEB. 24 WITH MURPHY’S BOXING MATINEE AS WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER CONTINUES

Dropkick Murphy’s Boxing Card runs from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday as part of a big weekend of free boxing on Facebook.
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its tripleheader weekend with a Murphys Boxing matinee on Saturday, live from the Mohegan Sun Ballroom in Connecticut. Fight fans from across the nation and around the globe can catch an outstanding card with international appeal on any device wherever Facebook is available from 3-7 p.m., brought to fans by the promotion born out of the Dropkick Murphys popular Celtic punk band.
“Times are changing for boxing just like streaming changed music. With the built-in audiences we have we are reaching a higher viewership with our streams than many of the televised fight cards are these days. We are proud of the fights we are putting on and the big audiences we are drawing, and it’s great for our fighters to get the exposure,” said Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys Frontman and President and Founder, Murphys Boxing.
Recently hitting the 1,000,000 views mark, Saturday afternoon’s show continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s historic Feb. 23-24 back-to-back-to-back Friday and Saturday shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. The Dropkick Murphys are live in concert at Mohegan Sun Arena for fans onsite after Murphys Boxing, but ringside access on the Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel takes viewers to the Jersey Shore after the closing bell in Uncasville, Conn.
“We’re excited about Saturday, and also to begin a two-fight promotion with Murphys Boxing,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “The card is filled with undefeated up-and-comers with international appeal, and Facebook is a terrific medium to deliver these great fights and outstanding athletes to a global audience. We’re thrilled that the Murphys are part of the action and can’t wait to hoist a pint with them during our St. Patrick’s Day show in Boston as well.”
Murphys Boxing action at Mohegan Sun on Saturday afternoon features a battle for the WBA-NABA light heavyweight title between undefeated Charles Foster (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Haven, Conn. and Justin Thomas (19-3, 7 KOs) of Baton Rouge, La. A bevy of unbeaten battlers will be featured on a packed undercard that includes heavyweight Niall Kennedy (10-0, 6 KOs), super featherweight William Foster III (4-0, 3 KOs), super middleweight Carlos Gongora (10-0, 8 KOs), super featherweight Abraham Nova (9-0, 8 KOs) and super lightweight Ray Jay Bermudez (2-0, 1 KO).
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:  https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat WaterMontauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24, live from live from Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Vladimir Lik of The RING, Round By Round Boxing and the Russian language newspaper Russkaya Reklama, and analyst Xavier Porter of BrooklynFights.com and Notorious Boxing. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.