All posts by FNU47

THIS SUNDAY!!! The 2017 Mid-Atlantic Awards Banquet in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (December 12th, 2017) – This Sunday, The 5th annual Mid-Atlantic Awards Banquet will take place in West Philadelphia.

The event will feature and recognize the most prominent amateur boxers in the area, which constitutes Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware.
The best amateurs in the area took home a staggering 47 national titles in 2017.
Several professional boxers including Tevin Farmer and Stephen Fulton will be on hand as well.
The banquet begins at 5 PM and will run until 7:30 at 5118 Walnut Street.
The cost to attend is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  The price includes a four-course meal.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577 or online at eventbrite.com 

Barrientes Twins From Pound-4-Pound Boxing Program   Win Belts at 2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championship

LAS VEGAS, NV (December 11, 2017) – This past week, the “Pound-4-Pound” gym, Las Vegas’ # 1 amateur boxing program, sent eight members to the 2017 USA Boxing Elite Youth National Championships & Junior Open.  The Barrientes twins, Chavez and Angel both qualified to represent Team USA in the Junior Division, by winning belts at the tournament.  Angel Barrientes was voted most outstanding boxer of the tournament.
The five-day tournament, which took place in Salt Lake City, UT, at the Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center, had the best amateur boxers fighting to see who would triumph and represent Team USA.
“I’m very proud of our entire team who all fought hard and had tremendous success in this tournament,” said Pound-4-Pound head coach Richard Barrientes. “Although everyone didn’t come home with a belt, they all gave it their best, and gained a lot of experience.  Angel and Chavez were outstanding, winning belts in their divisions.  We competed against the best amateur boxers in the USA and held our own.  Words can’t describe how happy I am with everyone’s performance.

HUMBERTO TORRES AND CRISTINA MORA  JOIN FORCES WITH PRINCE RANCH BOXING AND SUGAR PROMOTIONS

Photo by Sugar Promotions (L-R) Damien Vazquez, Humberto Torres, Oscar Vazquez, Cristina Mora
AGUASCALIENTES, MX (December 11, 2017)Prince Ranch Boxing is happy to announce the signing of super-middleweight Humberto Torres (18-1-1, 12 KOs) and undefeated female bantamweight Cristina Mora (6-0-2, 4 KOs), who both hail from Aguascalientes, Mexico.  The duo also signed promotional agreements with Damien Vazquez’ Sugar Promotions.
“We are pleased to add Torres and Mora to our outstanding roster,” said Greg Hannley, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “As we establish our foundation in Aguascalientes, Mexico, it’s important that we sign the top talent from that region, and Torres and Mora fit that mold.  Both are very popular fighters from the area and we know our shows will be sell outs, with exciting local talent performing.  Sugar Promotions is the perfect fit for these two talented fighters.”
“Damien and I have done our homework and we know Torres and Mora are going to be a great addition to Sugar Promotions.” Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions, stated. “We have big plans to promote a massive amount of shows in Aguascalientes and establish ourselves as the next great promotional company from Mexico.”
Humberto Torres is an orthodox fighter who stands 6’1″, with power in both hands.  He has a crowd-pleasing style and is happy to join forces with Prince Ranch Boxing and Sugar Promotions.
“I’m looking forward to a great working relationship with Greg Hannley and Oscar Vazquez.” Humberto Torres said. “It’s going to be an exciting next couple of years with all the fights coming to Aguascalientes, my hometown. I can’t wait to get in the ring and preform for my people.”
Cristina Mora is a slick boxer with great movement who is thrilled to be under the guidance of Greg Hannely, in addition to being promoted by Oscar Vazquez and Sugar Promotions.
“It’s a dream come true to be signed to a promoter like Sugar Promotions, who will be promoting all their shows in Aguascalientes, where I was born and raised” said Cristina Mora. “Prince Ranch Boxing is an elite management company with the best fighters from Mexico.  Right now, I’m happy to be associated with a great group of people.  As soon as they let me know when I’ll be fighting, I’ll be ready to go.”
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2017 National Golden Gloves champion Poindexter Knight, Jr. wins his Pro debut

New York (December, 11, 2017)–On December 1st, welterweight prospect Poindexter Knight, Jr. won his anticipated professional debut when he stopped Samuel Forjoe in the first round of their scheduled four-round bout at The Strand Ballroom and Theater in Providence, Rhode Island.
The 2017 National Golden Gloves champion out of Philadelphia landed a hard combination the corner that had Forjoe bending over, and the bout was stopped in just 63 seconds.
Knight is the latest top-prospect to debut for Split-T Management, and he is promoted by Evander Holyfield’s Sports and Entertainment.
“Everything went well, I was excited and nervous, but I got through it,”said Knight.
“I thought my opponent would have a little more for me, but I did what I had to do in there and I got him out of there.  It was great to get the knockout in my pro debut,” continued Knight.
Knight is eager to get his next victory, and he is looking to do in front of his hometown fans.
“I am hoping to fight in front of my hometown fans in 2018.  That would be a goal for the upcoming year.  I can’t wait as I am coming strong in 2018.”
Knight is trained by his father Poindexter Knight, Sr, and the elder Knight was happy with his son’s performance.
“Poindexter looked relaxed, and it looked like it was his 10th fight.  I am happy to be with Split-T Management.  They gave us a chance when no one else did.  We wanted to turn pro for a while and a lot of managers made a lot of broken promises.  I put Poindexter back in the Golden Gloves, and he won, which opened a lot of doors,” Said Poindexter Knight, Sr.
“Like my son said, I would like to see him get at least five fights for 2018.  That will keep him sharp, and he will continue to learn.  We had a great 1st fight, and we will continue to work hard and get better with each fight.”
Said David McWater, CEO of Split-T management, “I’m truly excited about Poindexter Knight’s future – he has the skill and more importantly the drive to be one of the very best.”

Knight vs Forjoe
Knight vs Forjoe

31stannual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony REVIEW & PICTURES

(L-R) — Ring 8’s Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year Vasyl Lomanchenko & Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch. (All pictures by Peter Frutkoff)
NEW YORK (December 11, 2017) – Less than 24 hours after he defeated previously undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux, WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl “Hi Tech” Lomachenko attended yesterday’s (Sunday, Dec. 9) 31st annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony to accept the Ring 8 2017 Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year Award.
The gala event was held Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York, and David Diamante once again served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Six world champions were in attendance, including three award winners: Lomachenko), International Hall-of-Famer Michael Spinks (Historical Award), and five-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (New York State Female Fighter of the Year); World champions Vito Antuofermo, Iran Barkley and Luis Collazo showed their support.
“Our awards banquet was one of the best ever,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “We are deeply honored that Vasyl Lomachenko attended the day after the biggest fight of his career. His presence created an electric atmosphere, the type that is rarely seen. The other honorees, led by Michael Spinks, made it an afternoon that will always be remembered.”
 
2017 RING 8 Award Winners
Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: Vasyl Lomachenko
Historical Award: Michael Spinks
(with presenter Jack Hirsch)
International Prospect of the Year: Michael Conlan
NYS Fighter of the Year: Marcus Browne
(with presenter Teddy Atlas)
NYS Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano
Sunnyside Gardens Award:: Bobby Cassidy, Sr.
(Bobby Cassidy, Jr. accepting for his father with presenter Henry Hascup)
NYS Prospect of the Year: Devaun Lee
(with presenter Felipe Gomez)
Sam Kellerman Media Award: Matt Christie
NYS Trainer of the Year: Hector Roca
Long & Meritorious Service: Edwin Torres
NYS Official of the Year: Robert Perez
NYS Promoter of the Year: Mercedes Vasquez Simmons
(with presenter Melvina Lathan)
Uncrowned Champion: Richard Kiley
(with presenter Vinny Maddalone)
Ringside Physician of the Year: Dr. Osric King
Good Guy Award: Joanne Doyle Hutchins
Ring 8 Member of the Year: George Newman
(with presenter John Rohe)
 
 
Community Service Award: Mike Reno
(with presenters Bob Duffy (L) and Bobby McGuire)
Rising Contender Award: Skender & Enver Halili

RIZIN FIGHTING FEDERATION WORLD GRAND PRIX 2017

RIZIN Fighting Federation
World Grand Prix 2017 action to close 2017 MMA season
 
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic & Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi return New Year’s Eve
Dec. 29 & 31 LIVE on PPV from Japan
NEW YORK CITY (December 11, 2017) —International mixed-martial-arts and kickboxing fans can close out the 2017 season in grand style, viewing double-barreled RIZIN Fighting Federation World Grand Prix action, highlighted by the return of combat sports superstar Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic,December 29 & 31, airing live on pay-per-view from Saitama City, Japan.
The Dec. 29th winners of the men’s bantamweight quarterfinals will advance to the Dec. 31st women’s super-atomweight and kickboxing semifinals and then later in the finals (see below).
The Special Added Attraction on the Dec. 29thcard is a light heavyweight match between Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka (19-3-0, 16 KO/TKO, 2 SUB), Czech Republic vs. Karl Albrelktsson(6-1-0, 2 KO/TKOs, 3 SUB), Sweden.
The Dec. 29 and 31 (1 a.m. /10 p.m. PT start) will be live-streamed worldwide (excluding Japan on the FITE.TV platforms for $19.99 or the two-day RIZIN Pack special offer for only $29.99. Fans may simply download the FITE app – free to download from iTunes and Google Play – and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
Integrated Sports Media will distribute via cable and satellite PPV on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 315:00 a.m. ET / 2:00 a.m. PT start) extravaganza live in North America via iN Demand, Vubiquity, and DISH in the U.S., as well as on SaskTel and Telus in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.
“We’re excited to close the year with two entertaining events, RIZIN World Grand Prix 2017, plus the return of international MMA stars Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi,” said Flipps Media Co-founder and CEO, Kosta Jordanov. “These events will cap of our very successful combat sports programming in 2017.”
“We’re happy to bring this New Year’s Eve event from Japan, featuring ‘Cro Cop’ and the RIZIN World Grand Prix finals to American and Canadian combat sports fans,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs remarked. “This is a rare opportunity for North American MMA and kickboxing fans to watch some of the best international fighters.”
The finals of the RIZIN World-Grand Prix kickboxing, women’s super-atomweight and men’s bantamweight championships will be preceded by three entertaining matches. Croatian heavyweight “Cro Cop” Filipovic (35-11-0, 27 KO/TKO, 5 SUB) takes on Japanese favoriteTsuyoshi Kosaka (27-19-2, 8 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) in a Special Added Attraction on the Dec. 31stcard. Also, the long-awaited return of Japanese lightweight Takanori “The Fireball Kid” Gomi(18-6-0, 13 KO/TKO, 6 SUB) will be showcased in his throw-down with fellow countrymanYusuke Yachi (18-6-0, 5 KO/TKO, 1 SUB). A women’s match between American flyweights Shinju “Juju” Auclair (1-0-0, 1 SUB) and pro-debuting Chelsea LaGrasse is also on tap.
A special one-day kickboxing tournament will be held Dec. 31st between Japan’s Kazuyuki Fujita and Mitsuhisa Sunabe and undefeated knockout artist (20-0, 16 KOs) Tenshine Nasukawa vs. TBA with the winners facing off in the championship round on the card’s championship final.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
RIZIN WORLD GRAND PRIX MATCHES
Men’s Bantamweights
Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall (13-5-0), USA vs. Manel Kape (8-1-0), Angola
Kyoaji Horiiguchi (20-2-0), Japan vs. Gabriel Oliveira (10-0-0), Brazil
Takafumi Otsuka (23-13-0), Japan vs. Khalid Tahna (11-0-0), Germany
Shintaro Ishiwatari (23-6-0), Japan vs. Kevin “The Macine Gun” Petshi (12-3-0), France
Women’s Super-Atomweights
Rena Kubota (5-0-0), Japan vs. Irene “La Nina” Rivera (7-4-0), Spain
Kanna Asakura (9-2-0), Japan vs. Maria Oliveira (10-2-0), Brazil
Kickboxing
Yamato Fujita, Japan vs. Mitsushisa Sunabe, Japan
Tenshin Nasuikawa, Japan vs. TBA
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @FiteTV, @IntegratedPPV

Attention USA Boxing Alumni

   
Attention USA Boxing Alumni:
 
Help support our boxers.

On November 1, 2017, USA Boxing launched the USA Boxing Alumni Association as a way of connecting former and current boxers, coaches and fans with the goal to raise money for current and future boxers.

As a local gym that is the home to many USA Boxing members we are requesting that if you are a USA Boxing Alumni, please join the Alumni Association for the annual donation of $40.00 to support the 31,924 boxers.

Not only will you support boxers from grassroots level to World Class competition, you will receive:

· Opportunities to attend national, regional and local events
· December 8: Inaugural Alumni Association Hall-of-Fame Reception in Salt Lake City, UT
· USA Boxing Alumni Association T- Shirt, Key Chain and E-Wallet
· Subscription to USA Boxing Alumni Association quarterly newsletter
· Opportunity to sponsor a USA Boxing boxers
· Select discounts on USA Boxing merchandise

It takes less than three minutes and you can make a huge impact on the lives of our young boxers just click the link below:

USA Boxing – Alumni Association

As a recently appointed member of the USA Boxing advisory board, this is a cause close to my heart and I hope you can help spread the word.

Sincerely,

Joe Hand Jr.
Director
Joe Hand Boxing Gym & Computer Lab

Vito Mielnicki, Jr wins United States Junior National Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah

Nutley, NJ (December 11, 2017)–This past week in Salt Lake City, Utah, Vito Mielnicki, Jr. captured the United States Junior National championship in the 145-pound division.
Mielnicki of Roseland, New Jersey moved up an unprecedented 10 weight classes where he competed at 106-pounds at the 2017 tournament, and defeated the number-two seed, Adam Calixto of Tampa, Florida in the semifinals.  In the finals, Mielnicki defeated top seeded Obed Bartee-El of Huntsville, Alabama.
With the title, Mielnicki gained a spot in the 2018 United States Junior National Team,  Where he will be heading to train with teammates on February 4th at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado to get ready for international competition.

Mielnicki is trained by Ahmad Elliot and Willie Moses, as well as strength and conditioning coach Fred Caruso.
Mielnicki is the son of the GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

Can Saunders Secure His Most Impressive Win to Date Over Lemieux?

Billy Joe Saunders will take to the ring on December 16 in Canada as the reigning and defending WBO middleweight champion, being the proud owner of a belt which he won way back in December 2015 when defeating fellow traveller Andy Lee. 

 

But since outpointing Irishman Lee with a majority decision success to become world champion at the Manchester Arena, Saunders has only defended it on two occasions, with unanimous decision triumphs over Artur Akavov and Willie Monroe Jr., more recently. 

 

Against game Russian Akavov, the undefeated world title holder was far from impressive and perhaps even lucky to get such a comfortable decision in the end at the Lagoon Leisure Centre on Scottish soil. The win over American challenger Monroe Jr was a lot better, having then undertaken Dominic Ingle as his newest coach. 

 

But the latter bout was still a drab affair and did nothing to further or boost Saunders’ appeal to a broader audience, as he outworked the New York-born southpaw quite comfortably. For most of the title defence, he was barely made to work at all, with Monroe having come in with a bizarrely inefficient gameplan. 

 

However, the 28-year-old will next face undoubtedly his toughest career test to date against former 160lbs champion David Lemieux, a far more serious challenge than an inexperienced and youthful Chris Eubank Jr, an indifferent Andy Lee and the far from threatening Willy Monroe Junior.

 

Hard-hitting Canadian Lemieux will enter the ring ropes as the evens outsider in the latest boxing odds to prevail on home territory, a promising price for a fighter on a strong surge of victories of late. Since being viciously stopped in a gallant showing against the division kingpin Gennady Golovkin in October 2015, the 28-year-old has earned four consecutive wins, including two big knockouts of Glen Tapia and Curtis Stevens. 


Of all the opponents Saunders has gone toe to toe with to date, none have possessed the punching power of Lemieux, and that could be a decisive factor come fight night. The latter home hope is promoted by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy, who are seemingly keen to match the Canadian up with main cash cow Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez next year, rather than throw him in with ‘GGG’ once again in a highly awaited rematch. 

 

Despite being the favourite to prevail and maintain his unbeaten record on what will be his maiden venture outside of the UK in his professional career, it seems the odds are actually stacked against Saunders for this latest encounter.

 

It has been evident, too, that Saunders doesn’t boast the massive power capable of keeping a fleet-footed Lemieux away from the danger areas throughout their match-up. Knockout artist Lemieux produced what could eventually be voted stoppage of the year back in March when he brutally put Stevens’ lights out in New York City.

 

Could another vicious stoppage success be on the cards on home soil? It’s up to Saunders and Ingle to execute their upcoming gameplan perfectly to secure what would be a highly impressive victory on the road, but it looks likely of being a truly testing night in Quebec. 

Granite Chin’s “Rumble at The RIM” OFFICIAL RESULTS

Richard “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera
Good to finish because he eats his spinach
 
Russell Kimber wins pro debut
HAMPTON, N.H. (December 9, 2017) — Colorful light heavyweight prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera remained undefeated (5-0, 4 KOs), veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela, last night (Sat.) in the “Rumble at The RIM” main event, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at The RIM Sports Complex in Hampton, New Hampshire.
Rivera, fighting out of Hartford (CT), controlled the action from the opening bell against his battle-tested opponent from Mexico, who had a tremendous experience advantage in his 147th pro fight, compared to Rivera’s fifth.
Valenzuela spent most of the time on the ropes, while Rivera teed-off on him, until a beautiful placed left hook by Rivera decked Valenzuela, who failed to get up until after referee Mike Ryan completed the 10-count.
A busload of Rivera’s fans drove five hours from Hartford through a snowstorm, arriving just before Rivera entered the ring. “That means a lot to me,” Rivera smiled as he spoke about his fans. “We’re more than a gym, we’re family.
“I was so used to an amateur style but now I’m a pro. I’m relaxing and picking my punches. Next, I want to win the New England title. It’s vacant and I want it!”
“This was our first show in New Hampshire and I consider it a success,” co-promoter Chuck Shearns said, “despite some things going against us like tonight’s weather. We’re grateful for the support we received from Hampton, New Hampshire, the commission and local businesses. They worked with us and we can’t wait to return.”
The son and nephew of multiple-time world kickboxing champions – father Tommy and uncle – worked his corner — Peabody, MA Russell Kimber had a promising pro debut against tough Nathan Schulte in a match contested at a 185-pound catchweight. The 32-year-old Kimber, who was the crowd favorite having lived several years in New Hampshire, overcame the determined Schulte for a hard-fought victory by way of a four-round majority decision.
“I was a little nervous with this being my first time in a pro ring,” Kimber admitted after his fight. “I hadn’t been in a ring for 1 ½ years and there was some ring rust. Now, I know what I need to good, and I’ll be a lot better next fight. This was my first camp and I’ve learned a lot.  I’d like to stay busy, come back in late January, early February.”
Undefeated Whitman, MA junior welterweight prospect Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr.charged across the ring, unloading a powerful right that immediately sent Bardraiel Smith to the canvas. Smith somehow got to his feet but Ohan quickly ended Smith’s night, only 30-second into round one, as referee Ryan waved off the action.
New England cruiserweight champion and the show’s co-promoter, Iraq War veteran Chris Traietti (25-5, 19 KOs) outclassed Fabian Valdez en route to a win by second-round knockout in a stay-busy fight to close out 2017. In a non-title fight contested at a 185-pounds catchweight, the Quincy, MA-based Traietti floored his game Mexican opponent with a straight right midway through the opening round, closing the show in the second round with a series of unanswered punches.
The only New Hampshire native on the card, Claremont junior middleweight Ricky Ford(1-1-1) won his first pro fight, taking a lop-sided, four-round unanimous decision over pro MMA fighter Andy Aiello, who made his pro boxing debut.
In another stay-busy fight, former world-rated Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski(27-3, 9 KOs), fighting out of Quincy (MA), needed only 51-seconds to finish off Mexican lightweight Francisco “El Mono” Medal. Kielczweski hit Medal with a with a lethal left to the body, leaving Medal in obvious pain and unable to rise before the 10-count.
New Jersey middleweight Chris “Sandman” Thomas (7-0-1, 4 KOs) kept his unbeaten pro record intact with a second-round stoppage of Demetrius Thomas. Thomas used a rapid-fire combination to drop Thomas, who beat the count, but he was getting hammered when referee Ryan stopped the fight late in the second round.
Complete results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
185-LBS. CATCHWEIGHT
Chris Traietti (25-4, 20 KOs), Quincy, MA
WKO2 (1:13)
Fabian Valdez (2-2, 1 KO), Cananea, Mexico
Russell Kimber (1-0, 0 KOs), Peabody, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 38-37, 38-38)
Nathan Schulte (0-4), Woburn, MA
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Richard Rivera (5-0, 4 KOs), Hartford, CT
WKO2 (1:48)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-76-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Mexico
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Chris Thomas (7-0-1, 4 KOs), Beachwood, NJ
WTKO2 (2:55)
Demetrius Thomas (0-7), Philadelphia, PA
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ricky Ford (1-1-1), Claremont, NH
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Andy Aiello (0-1), Bridgewater, MA
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Mike Ohan, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), Whitman, MA
WTKO1 (0:30)
Bardraiel Smith (0-3), Philadelphia, PA
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Ryan Kielczweski (27-3, 9 KOs), Quincy, MA
WKO1 (0:51)
Francisco, Medel (11-11, 7 KOs), Uruapan, Mexico
Event sponsors included Seabrook Inn, Tobin Scientific, Jeremy’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar, and Matrix Aerospace.