All posts by FNU47

Caleb Plant Las Vegas Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 
Undefeated Contender Plant Battles Rogelio Medina in Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator Saturday, February 17 in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
 
Click HERE for Photos from Mario Serrano/Team Plant
 
LAS VEGAS (February 7, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday as he prepares for his world title eliminator showdown against Rogelio “Porky” Medina Saturday, February 17 as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Don Haskins Center on the UTEP campus in El Paso, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by a 12-round duel between former welterweight world champions Victor Ortiz and Devon Alexander. Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
 
Here is what Plant had to say Thursday from City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:
CALEB PLANT
“Medina is a rough, tough competitor who comes to win every time. He puts it all on the line, so I expect it to be a great fight. He’s going to fight to the very end so I have to be ready.
“Training camp has been excellent. A lot of fighters say this, but this truly has been my best camp. My sparring and my strength training has been on point. My weight is on point and I’m ready to put it all together on February 17.
“My team has done a great job putting me in a position to be at my best on fight night. We’re going to keep working so that everything finishes with me putting on a great performance in El Paso.
“It’s great to be fighting in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes. I know I’ll have a lot of eyes on me but I’m not going to let it affect what I do. I’m going to stay under control and execute the game plan we worked on.
“Caleb Truax just won the IBF title and after this fight I’ll be number two in that division. That’s definitely a fight that we want and will look to make happen after this one. David Benavidez is the fight I would want first after I win the IBF title.
“This is going to be a fun USA vs. Mexico fight and I’m looking to represent for my country. I think the competitiveness will be extremely high on fight night.
“I’m thankful to everyone who has supported me and I’m going to keep giving them great performances on February 17.”
#          #          #
Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOX, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

AMATEUR GOLD WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 33 IN PORTLAND

Portland, Maine (February 7, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur featherweight title bout to the card.  Taylor Costantino (3-3) will meet Shawn Lunghi (4-0) for the vacant 145-pound championship.

 

 

 

Taylor Costantino is a native of Long Island, New York where he began his MMA career in 2011 after being crowned a USA and Pan American Sambo champion.  After moving to Maine, Costantino continued training and made his NEF debut in early 2016 with a 25-second TKO victory over Frank Johanson (2-2).  Currently, he is a member of Evolution Athletix based in Saco.

 

 

 

“I’m very excited to fight in Portland against a tough opponent,” said Costantino. “I’ve never taken an easy opponent, and this fight is no different. I have a lot to prove to my coaches, my teammates and myself – and a man with something to prove is a dangerous man.”

 

 

 

Undefeated Shawn Lunghi has been dominant in two previous NEF cage appearances.  The Florida native first traveled north in the fall of 2016, scoring a second round submission of Alex Clark (4-2).  Last weekend, Lunghi returned to take on Devin Corson (1-1).  It took just over a minute for Lunghi to pull out another submission win on Maine soil.  He will have little time to rest after the upcoming battle at “NEF 33.”  In late April, Lunghi will leave for Fort Bliss, and from there will travel to Afghanistan in May as part of his service in the Army National Guard.

 

 

 

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the NEF cage for NEF 33 and take a shot at the featherweight title,” said Lunghi. “Taylor is an experienced, game opponent and I expect he will be ready for a war. This will be my last fight for awhile as I will be deploying with the Army National Guard for the next year, but I can’t think of a better send off then to win the 145-pound title and celebrate with my RMNU team in Portland, Maine.”

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

HUMBERTO “TITO” VELAZCO CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Photo by Mario Serrano – Prince Ranch Boxing
AGUASCALIENTES, MX (February 6, 2018) – Light heavyweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (18-1-1, 12 KOs), who is managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannely and promoted by Damien Vazquez’ Sugar Promotions, talks training camp and more ahead of his showdown with Thomas Williams Jr. (20-3, 14 KOs).
This 10-round bout, takes place on the undercard of Victor Ortiz vs. Devin Alexander, which airs live in Primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas onSaturday, February 17 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Here is what Velazco had to say about training camp, making his USA debut, and more…
 
On his current training camp in Aguascalientes, MX …
“I’ve been training with former world champion Cruz Carbajal out here in Aguascalientes, Mexico. For the first time in my career, I flew out a durable sparring partner to help me prepare for this fight. We are finalizing the last few sparring sessions this week. My body is healthy and I’m in great shape. I’ll be ready for war on fight night.”
 
On facing opponent Thomas Williams Jr…
“All I know about Williams is he’s a southpaw, who is coming off a couple of losses, and has fought for a world title. He’s been in the ring with some elite fighters, so I know he’s a very good opponent. I know he’s hungry to get back in the win column so I’m preparing for his best. This is a big step up in competition and I’m ready for the challenge.”
 
On making his USA debut…
“Where I’m from, you always dream about what it would be like to fight in the United States of America. Now that dream is coming true and I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. There will be some very important people watching this fight. I promise I will not disappoint.”
On what a win will do for his career…
“A victory against Williams will be great for my career because I know it will lead to bigger fights. My goal is to make a statement in this fight and show those watching that I’m the real deal.”
# # #

UNDEFEATED REGIS PROGRAIS TO FACE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION VIKTOR POSTOL FOR WBC INTERIM SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FRIDAY, MARCH 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

Ivan Baranchyk To Meet Fellow-Unbeaten Anthony Yigit In IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator

 

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

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 6, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Regis Prograis and former world champion Viktor Postol will face off for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Championship on Friday, March 9 in the 12-round main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, South Dakota.

 

 

 

 

Prograis (20-0, 17 KOs), of Houston by way of New Orleans, has scored knockouts in 13 of his last 14 fights and is a rising star in the wide-open 140-pound division. The aggressive-minded southpaw will face the toughest test of his career in Postol (29-1, 12 KOs), a former WBC Super Lightweight World Champion with only one loss on his record.

 

 

 

 

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated 140-pound contenders Ivan Baranchyk (17-0, 10 KOs) and Anthony Yigit (21-0-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator to become the mandatory challenger for IBF champion Sergey Lipinets.  Lipinets will defend his belt the following day, March 10, on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® against undefeated three-division champion Mikey Garcia.

 

 

 

 

The event is presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Elite Boxing, Fight Promotions Inc., Holden Productions and Sauerland Promotions. Tickets, priced at $200, $80 and $60, go on sale Friday, Feb. 9, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 907-4726

 

 

 

 

“I feel I’m one of the best junior welterweights in the world and this is my chance to display my belief in myself,” Prograis said.  “I’m very excited to be fighting Viktor Postol – he’s a very experienced fighter that previously held the WBC world title.  I want to become a world champion this year, and I know Viktor Postol wants to reclaim his title, but we have to go through each other first. This is a great fight for boxing because you have two hungry fighters.  It’s a can’t-miss fight.”

 

 

 

 

“My goal is to become a world champion again and I know a win over Regis Prograis will bring me one step closer,” Postol said.  “I have been training hard for the past couple of months and I’m very excited for the opportunity to face Prograis on March 9.”

 

 

 

 

“My next fight is very important for my career and I am preparing for it very seriously,” Baranchyk said.  “A few months ago, I moved to Miami, Fla., where I am now being trained by Pedro Diaz. I have strict discipline for everything in my training.  I’m working on improving my skills, tactics for the fight, my skill set and physical strength.  I’m also maintaining a much stricter diet and eating very healthy.  I want every fighter to know if I am in the boxing ring you will never have an easy fight with me.”

 

 

 

 

“My dream is to become a world champion and I need to defeat Baranchyk to continue on my path,” Yigit said. “This will be my first time fighting in the United States but I’m ready to show the boxing fans that I have what it takes to become a world champion.  From Stockholm, Sweden to Deadwood, South Dakota, onward my journey continues.”

 

 

 

 

“Two excellent super lightweight matchups highlight this SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on March 9.  At the Deadwood Mountain Grand in South Dakota, the rising young gun will duel the seasoned ex-champion,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis can earn a world championship by beating his toughest foe, the respected and formidable Viktor Postol, with the interim WBC title at stake. Undefeated puncher Ivan Baranchyk is truly ‘The Beast’ in the ring and is determined to blaze a path toward a world title shot in his IBF eliminator, taking on Sweden’s European Champion, former Olympian, Anthony ‘Can You Dig It?’ Yigit.”

 

 

 

 

“Prograis and Baranchyk have appeared a combined nine times on ShoBox: The New Generation and it’s fulfilling to see their development from talented prospects to legitimate contenders,” said Gordon Hall, ShoBox Executive Producer and SVP Production, SHOWTIME Sports.  “We view this progression as a validation for the ShoBox series, and we’re thrilled to see their hard work pay off with these potentially career-changing opportunities.  These are two tough fights that will determine who is ready to take the next step in this exciting division.”

 

 

 

 

“We are thrilled that DiBella Entertainment is bringing big time boxing back to South Dakota,” said Susan Kightlinger, General Manager at Deadwood Mountain Grand. “Deadwood is renowned for its rough and tumble past and professional boxing fits that mold perfectly.  It’s an amazing card, great fighters and SHOWTIME is the ultimate name in boxing. It’s a perfect fit!”

 

 

 

 

A consensus top-10 ranked fighter at 140 pounds, the 29-year-old Prograis has beaten three previously undefeated fighters on the SHOWTIME developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation.  Prograis stamped his arrival as a legitimate contender in the 140-pound division on June 9 scoring four knockdowns of previously undefeated Joel Diaz Jr., en route to a second-round TKO.  Following the fight, Prograis called out the top players in the 140-pound division, including Terence Crawford and Adrien Broner, and on March 9, he’ll get his first chance to prove he’s ready to face the division’s elite.

 

 

 

 

Prograis’ nickname “Rougarou” originates from Louisiana folklore and is defined as a werewolf-like creature. Originally from New Orleans, Prograis relocated to Houston following Hurricane Katrina. 

 

 

 

 

Postol won the vacant WBC 140-pound World Championship with a stunning and dominating 10th round knockout of Lucas Matthysse in 2015.  The 34-year-old Ukrainian attempted to unify the division in his first defense, losing via unanimous decision to then-WBO champion Terence Crawford in 2016.  He has since bounced back with a win over previously unbeaten Jamshidbek Najmiddinov last September in his native Ukraine.  A win would move him one step closer to earning back the coveted WBC title he lost.

 

 

 

 

The co-feature also pits two of the top prospects in the 140-pound division, each with an opportunity to score the biggest win of their respective careers.

 

 

 

 

The aggressive-minded Baranchyk is a former amateur standout that packs power in both hands.  The 25-year-old native of Belarus is currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF at 140 pounds and owns seven wins over previously undefeated fighters.  He’s gone the 10-round distance three times and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over then-undefeated Keenan Smith last July on ShoBox in his adopted hometown of Miami, Okla. 

 

 

 

 

The 26-year-old Yigit competed in the 2012 Olympics for Sweden, advancing to the second round before losing a very narrow decision to eventual Silver Medalist Denys Berinchyk.  The Stockholm native has tallied 21 victories in just four years following the Olympics while campaigning in Europe.  The southpaw will make his U.S. debut against Baranchyk as he looks to prove he’s ready to contend on the world stage.

 

 

 

 

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.

STRIKERS WILL BE THROWING BOMBS AT NEF 33 IN PORTLAND

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 6, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland onApril 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the card.  Carl Langston (0-0) is scheduled to make his professional debut against Ernesto Ornelas (2-7) at a fight weight of 135-pounds.

 

 

 

 

Carl Langston is one of the longest-active members of the NEF roster, having made his debut with the promotion as an amateur in the fall of 2013.  Langston brought an extensive background in Taekwondo with him to the cage, resulting in many exciting striking battles over the years.  Langston finished his amateur career with a record of 7-9 and a win over Ornelas’ Choi Institute teammate Henry Clark (3-4) at “NEF 31″ in Portland last fall.  Langston is currently a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“I couldn’t be more pumped to be making my pro debut in the city of Portland where I grew up,” said Langston when reached for comment. “I’ve been waiting four years for this moment, and I’m going to capitalize on it by finishing this guy, beating him just like I beat his teammate.”

 

 

 

 

There are very few MMA competitors with hands as fast as Ernesto Ornelas.  Now residing in Portland, Ornelas was a multi-time Golden Gloves champion during his amateur boxing days in his home state of California.  He is currently 1-1 as a professional boxer.  Ornelas will return to the cage after more than a year-and-a-half absence from MMA competition.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited to be fighting in Portland, especially under the NEF banner this time,” said Ornelas.  “I’ve lived in Portland for about six years and have adopted the city, working and training out of the Portland downtown. I’ve come to know everyone and the city so well, and I’m excited to give Portland a show and show them what’s brewing in downtown at the Portland Choi Institute. As for welcoming Carl into the pro ranks, I know it’s going to an exciting fight. I’ve coached against Carl three times and seen the opportunities he presents stylistically. That being said, I’ll be two steps ahead of Carl on this one. It’s going to be some thunder and lightning in Portland that night, but everyone knows lightning strikes first and thunder just makes noise. And April 14 lightning is going to strike—and I’m the one bringing the lighting.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Streaking Russian Female Star Elena Savelyeva to Fight 10 Rounds in Fourth Pro Fight

In just her fourth professional fight, rising female flyweight prospect Elena Savelyeva will take the leap to 10-rounders.
Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world and a 2012 Olympian, Savelyeva (3-0, 3 KOs), of Pushkino, Russia, will face former world title challenger Nevenka Mikulic of Croatia on Saturday, February 10 at Qin Shi Huang Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
“I feel great,” said Savelyeva, “Everything has gone completely according to plan. The fight itself will show what great shape I’m in. My training is always very intense, and I always have planned-out goals in mind.”
Co-promoted by Salita Promotions and Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, Savelyeva went 134-15-1 as an amateur, winning the world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) championships She represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.
She has been preparing for her first 10-round fight between gyms in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
“I haven’t experienced any difficulties at all so far,” said Savelyeva of the transition to the professional ranks. “My opponents allowed me to develop and progress properly. I have an extensive amateur background, fighting and beating the best in the world. I expect to do the same in the pros and win a professional world title, hopefully by the end of this year.”
“Elena is progressing quickly, as any fighter with her amateur experience would,” said co-promoter Dmitriy Salita. “After this fight, she will be looking for world-title fight, especially if its against her former amateur rival, (UK-based) Nicola Adams.”
###
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. For more information, visit salitapromotions.com.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO PRESENT ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. JOSEPH PARKER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION SATURDAY, MARCH 31 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

 

All Four Heavyweight World Championship Titles At Stake On Industry-Leading 2018 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Schedule

 

Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing; Click Image For High-Res Version

 

NEW YORK – February 5, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the heavyweight world championship unification between undefeated IBF and WBA World Champion Anthony Joshua and unbeaten WBO World Champion Joseph Parker on Saturday, March 31 live on SHOWTIME from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. 

 

 

 

 

The British sensation Joshua, who has knocked out all 20 of his professional opponents, burst onto the global scene with a dramatic knockout of long-reigning heavyweight kingpin Wladimir Klitschko in the universally acclaimed 2017 Fight of the Year. In two fights last year, Joshua drew 168,000 spectators combined to massive stadium events in the U.K. Now, he faces another significant challenge in Parker, a native of New Zealand with 24 wins, no losses and 18 knockouts.  Parker is attempting the third world title defense of his WBO belt.

 

 

 

 

With the addition of Joshua vs. Parker, all four heavyweight world championship belts will be at stake in the same month on SHOWTIME as undefeated American Deontay Wilder (39-0, 38 KOs) will defend his WBC title against unbeaten Luis Ortiz (28-0, 24 KOs) on Saturday, March 3 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The four top-rated heavyweights — Wilder, Ortiz, Joshua and Parker — boast a combined record of 111 wins, zero losses and 100 knockouts. 

 

 

 

 

Both heavyweight championships are cornerstones of a remarkable 2018 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING schedule that now includes 16 undefeated fighters and 13 world titles fights across 11 marquee events through the first six months of the year. 

 

 

 

 

“The heavyweight division is in the midst of a renaissance, and SHOWTIME is delivering all of the pivotal bouts to our subscribers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programing, Showtime Networks Inc. “Anthony Joshua is a global superstar, and we’re proud to present his sixth, and perhaps most challenging, world title fight to the U.S. audience. Joshua vs. Parker will be the 12th heavyweight world championship match on SHOWTIME since Deontay Wilder won his title in 2015, an undisputed industry-leading offering in boxing’s preeminent division.”

 

 

 

 

Joshua vs. Parker is just the second heavyweight championship unification in history between undefeated world titleholders. The only fighter to emerge victorious from a matchup of unbeaten heavyweight world champions was Mike Tyson in 1987.

 

 

 

 

The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Duco Events. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise the event live from Principality Stadium where organizers expect a sell-out of 80,000 spectators. The host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Brian Custer. Mauro Ranallo calls the action from ringside along with International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paul Malignaggi. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSIP BOXING is produced by David Dinkins Jr, and directed by Chuck McKean. The start time for the March 31 telecast will be announced. 

 

 

 

 

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

Kermit Cintron to now take on Marquis Taylor on Tuesday, February 13th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center

Frank De Alba battles Carlos Padilla in main event on
Mykal Fox takes on Ricardo Garcia in co-main event
Undefeated fighters Colby Madison,  Michael Coffie, Juan Sanchez, & Martino Jules in action
Heavyweight contender Joe Hanks takes on Nick Guivas
Bethlehem, PA (February 5, 2018) – Two-time world welterweight champion, Kermit Cintron will now face Marquis Taylor in a ten-round bout on Tuesday, February 13th at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.
Already announced were two eight-round co-main events featuring Frank De Alba(22-2-2, 9 KOs) taking on Carlos Padilla (16-6-1, 10 KOs) as well as Mykal Fox(15-0, 4 Kos) battling Ricardo Garcia (14-1, 9 KO’s) in a super lightweight bout.
The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.
Taylor of Houston, Texas has a record 8-1.
The 24 year-old is a five year veteran, who has a victory over previously undefeated Oscar Torres (8-0).  Taylor has won five fights in a row which includes his last fight when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Hector Mercado on November 11, 2017 in Houston.
Cintron of Reading, PA has a record of 39-6-3 with 30 KOs.
The 38 year-old Cintron is a 18 year professional who won his first 23 fights (20 via stoppage) by defeating the likes of Leon Pearson (9-1-1), Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackillop (14-1), Luis Rosado (29-5), Elio Ortiz (25-6), & Teddy Reid (22-5-1). 

On April 23, 2005,  Cintron was stopped by Antonio Margarito in his bid to win the WBO Welterweight title.

Cintron scored two wins, which included a 10th round stoppage over contender David Estrada (18-2) before stopping Mark Suarez in six-rounds to capture the IBF Welterweight title on October 28, 2006 in Palm Beach, Florida.
Cintron made two defenses of the crown which was highlighted by a two-round destruction over Walter Matthysse (26-1), before being stopped by Margarito in their rematch.
Cintron then sandwiched wins over Lovemore Ndou (46-10-1), Alfredo Angulo (15-0) and Juliano Ramos (15-2) around a draw with Sergio Martinez (44-1-1) before dropping fights with world champions Paul Williams and Carlos Molina.
In his last bout, Cintron was stopped in five round by Tyrone Brunson.
The “Philly Fight of the Year” Candidate saw Cintron score two knockdowns in round four, but Brunson came back to drop Cintron three times in round five.
“This is a fight to comeback to get back where I need to be.  After the Brunson fight, it was back to the drawing board.  this fight will start to get me back to the top one more time,” said Cintron.
In an eight-round bout, heavyweight contender Joe Hanks (22-2, 14 KOs) of Newark, NJ will fight Nick Guivas (14-9-2, 9 KOs) of Topeka, Kansas.
In six-round bouts:
Colby Madison (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland will fight Dante Selby (2-3-1) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight bout.
Blake Mansfield (5-1-1, 3 KOs) of Burlington, NC will fight Darryl Bunting (3-2-2, 1 KO) of Asbury Park, NJ in a middleweight tilt.
Chiase Nelson (6-1, 3 Kos) of Mansfield, OH will fight Vincent Jennings (5-4-1, 4 KOs) of Grand Rapids, MI in a featherweight battle.
In four-round bouts:
Michael Coffie (1-0, 1 KO) will take on pro debuting Nicoy Clarke of Jersey City, NJ in a heavyweight bout.
 

Martino Jules (2-0) of Allentown, PA will fight Malik Loften (1-0, 1 KO) of Suitland, MD in a featherweight bout.

Juan Sanchez (4-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA will take on Sergio Aguilar (2-6, 2 KOs) of Homestead, FL in a featherweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

A PRO DEBUT AND THE RETURN OF A POPULAR ATHLETE AT NEF 33

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (February 5, 2018) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to Aura in Portland on April 14, 2018 with the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 33: Riptide.”  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of a professional lightweight bout to the card.  John Ortolani (8-11) will meet Caleb Hall (0-0) at a fight weight of 155-pounds.

 

 

 

 

John Ortolani, a native New Englander now residing in Florida, is one of the most popular athletes to ever step into the NEF cage. Ortolani has made his mark both in MMA and on the lacrosse field where he has played for several teams in the Major League Lacrosse circuit over the years.  Having competed regionally in MMA since 2009, Ortolani made his NEF debut in the fall of 2012 with a submission win over Bruce Boyington (14-11).  The upcoming fight with Hall will be Ortolani’s fifth trip to the NEF cage, not counting one further appearance in the NEF boxing ring.  He currently trains with Robson Moura Nations United (RMNU) in Tampa, Florida.

 

 

 

 

“I’m excited for the fight with Caleb,” said Ortolani. “He’s had a great amateur career and has a lot of experience. I can’t wait to perform in front of the NEF fans again and welcome Caleb to the pro ranks the hard way!”

 

 

 

 

Caleb Hall has had a prolific amateur MMA career with an impressive record of 8-3.  Prior to entering the MMA ranks, he was a two-time Maine state champion wrestling for Dirigo High School in Dixfield.  Hall later wrestled for both Plymouth State University (PSU) in New Hampshire and the University of Southern Maine (USM).  He captured the NEF Amateur Featherweight Title in the spring of 2016 with a submission of Erik Nelson (2-3).  He later successfully defended that title against Johnny Crafts (4-1) at “NEF 25” in the fall of that year.  Hall is a member of the Choi Institute in Portland, Maine.

 

 

 

 

“Every fighter’s goal is to get to the UFC,” said Hall.  “To get there, you have to beat the toughest guys you can find on the regional circuit. Beating Ortolani, a 20-fight pro veteran, is a step towards my goal of where I want to go in this sport.”

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at www.AuraMaine.com.  For more information on the event, please visit www.NewEnglandFights.com.

 

 

 

 

About New England Fights

 

 

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

BOYINGTON TRIUMPHANT IN RETURN, ERICKSON SETTLES A SCORE AT NEF 32

Lewiston, Maine (February 4, 2018) – Two years of traveling the world in pursuit of mixed martial arts glory had not even a shred of negative impact on Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington’s mystique in the New England Fights cage.

 

 

 

 

Battered, bloodied Taylor Trahan somehow made it to the end of the second round at Androscoggin Bank Colisee, but a relentless Boyington punctuated a dominant performance with a rear naked choke at 1:08 of the third in the 150-pound main event at “NEF 32: Super Saturday.”

 

 

 

 

Boyington (15-11) had fought in such diverse locales as New York City and Moscow since his most recent NEF appearance. He extended his winning streak in the promotion to four fights at the expense of Trahan (7-9).

 

 

 

 

Four other professional bouts and 10 amateur affairs highlighted the busy evening.

 

 

 

C.J. Ewer’s bid to become the first simultaneous NEF champion in two different divisions fell short against Kemran Lachinov.

 

 

 

 

Lachinov (6-2), a Bellator veteran based out of Ludlow, Massachusetts, captured the vacant welterweight crown with a tapout to a kneebar at 3:01 of the first round.

 

 

 

Ewer was undefeated in three previous pro fights, including a submission victory over Mike Hansen for the middleweight strap six months ago.

 

 

 

 

Hansen also absorbed a choke-out loss on this card. Coming off a week of controversy about their agreed-upon catch weight, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson showed that his apparent size disadvantage was no issue.

 

 

 

 

After dominating the early exchanges, Erickson (10-7) applied a guillotine. With Hansen (5-9) appearing unresponsive, the referee stepped in and stopped the contest at 2:41 of the opening round.

 

 

 

 

Aaron Lacey rebounded from the first loss of his career, thoroughly dominating veteran Josh Parker in a 145-pound tangle. Lacey (5-1) controlled the lone round of the bout, dropping Parker (6-10) with a knee to the head. He maintained control with a vicious assault to the body, then sent Parker to dreamland via rear naked choke at 4:30.

 

 

 

 

Persistence paid off for independent mainstay Zenon Herrera, who picked up his first professional victory in his seventh try. Both Herrera and opponent Nate Charles have an extensive boxing background, but it was Herrera’s domination on the ground that paved the path to an unanimous decision.

 

 

 

 

In the headline amateur event, Ryan Burgess scored a narrow victory over Nate Boucher in a grueling, ground-and-pound flyweight fracas.

 

 

 

 

The bout between former Mountain Valley High School wrestling teammates was billed as a grudge match, fueled by a war of words on social media. Not surprisingly it ended in a lengthy embrace after the bell, with both men lying spent in the center of the cage.

 

 

 

 

There was little to choose between the Rumford rivals. Burgess (3-2) pushed the attack in rounds two and three and may have gained the final 29-28 edge on two scorecards with a few well-placed knees to the midsection. Boucher (2-2) swept all three rounds in the other judge’s estimation.

 

 

 

 

With the victory, Burgess snapped a two-fight losing skid and earned a June title fight against Justin Witham. Burgess initially won the title back in 2015.

 

 

 

 

Kam Arnold (2-0) left an indelible impression on both the crowd and opponent Kyle Kenney in his first-round victory. After patiently finding a seam, Arnold slammed Kenney to the canvas early in the bout and gained the TKO with a barrage of strikes at the two-minute mark.

 

 

 

 

Former amateur light heavyweight champion Ryan Glover (4-2) made a triumphant return in his first appearance since losing the belt exactly one year ago. Glover ended a slugfest with newcomer Joe Berube by verbal submission to strikes in the opening seconds of the third round.

 

 

 

 

Mohammad Al-Kinani ran his amateur record to 3-0 with a first-round TKO of Isaac Therrien. It was Al-Kinani’s stand-up acumen against Therrien’s wrestling background, and Therrien gained the early advantage with three takedowns. He was unable to keep the action on the deck, however, and Al-Kinani’s fistic prowess proved too tough to overcome.

 

 

 

 

Likewise, Shawn Lunghi kept his record perfect through three fights with a first-round rear naked choke over previously unbeaten Devin Corson. The convincing, 68-second victory earned Lunghi an April shot at the amateur featherweight title against Taylor Costantino at NEF 33 in Portland.

 

 

 

 

Former University of Maine football standout Carlton Charles delivered the quickest knockout of the evening. Charles rebounded from his initial loss in November with a 12-second stoppage of Delmarkis Edwards, who was making his debut at 175 pounds.

 

 

 

 

Stacy Lupo picked up his first win in the cage over David Hart. Lupo used knees and kicks to gain the advantage before gaining the TKO via strikes at 1:10 of the opening round of the 155-pound scrap.

 

 

 

 

In a wildly entertaining women’s bout to christen the card, B.J. Garceau made a successful amateur debut with a split decision over Sarah Ziehm. All three judges offered a 29-28 verdict, but a strong start and authoritative finish gave Garceau the edge. Garceau dedicated her debut to awareness of diabetes, a disease she battles outside the cage.

 

 

 

 

 

Two other women’s bouts went the distance. Catie Denning won her debut by unanimous decision over Chelsea Elizabeth, while Amanda Gallo made her trip from Florida pay off with a clean sweep of the cards against 2017 NEF rookie of the year Jayda Bailey.

 

 

 

 

NEF returns to Portland, Maine, at Aura on Saturday, April 14. To purchase tickets for “NEF 33: Riptide,” go to www.auramaine.com and use pre-sale code “NEF.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.