All posts by FNU47

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION RETURNS WITH EXCITING 154-POUND PROSPECT CHARLES CONWELL FACING FELLOW UNBEATEN WENDY TOUSSAINT ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

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Quadrupleheader Features Total of Six Fighters with Undefeated Records

NEW YORK – September 19, 2020 – ShoBox: The New Generation returns for the first time since March with a four-fight card headlined by exciting, undefeated super welterweight prospects Charles Conwell and Wendy Toussaint in a 10-round main-event bout on Wednesday, October 7 live on SHOWTIME ® (9 p.m. ET/PT) from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

The four-fight telecast will feature eight prospects who boast a combined record of 109-4-3, including six boxers who have yet to taste defeat at the professional level. The lastShoBox event was held March 13 in Hinckley, Minn., and was one of the final live sporting events to take place before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months.

A decorated amateur and U.S. representative at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the 22-year-old Conwell (12-0, 9 KOs) hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and will make his secondShoBox appearance –  and first in nearly three years – when he takes on up-and-comingToussaint (12-0, 5 KOs) at 154 pounds.

The co-feature is another bout of unbeatens as Conwell’s half-brother Isaiah Steen (14-0, 11 KOs) matches up against Kalvin Henderson (12-0-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout. The ShoBox event will open with two eight-round welterweight showdowns as Detroit’s Janelson Bocachica (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on fellow Puerto Rico native Nicklaus Flaz (9-1, 7 KOs) and hard-hitting Brandun Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) returns to ShoBox in the telecast opener against Jimmy Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs).

“Charles Conwell is the quintessential ShoBox fighter,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation since its inception in 2001. “He had a successful amateur career and he has shown real promise in his pro campaign. Now, he’ll face his first undefeated opponent in Haitian-born Wendy Toussaint who should be a tough test. In the co-feature another battle of unbeatens in Steen vs. Henderson and rounded out by promising prospect Janelson Bocachica and rising star Brandun Lee. These are the type of fight cards that make this series unique and important for the development of young fighters on both sides of the bout sheet.”

The event is promoted by Tony Holden Productions.

Charles Conwell vs. Wendy Toussaint – 10-round Super Welterweight Main Event

Known for his lightning quick fast hands and power, the rising prospect Conwell is currently ranked No. 9 by the IBF in one of boxing’s deepest divisions at 154 pounds led by Jermell Charlo, Jeison Rosario, Tony Harrison, Erickson Lubin, Julian Williams, Terrell Gausha and Jarrett Hurd.

Conwell was 116-14 as an amateur and was the National Golden Gloves Champion in 2015. In his last fight in February, Conwell scored a fifth-round stoppage over Ramses Agaton. He is co-promoted by Tony Holden of Holden Productions and Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment. He is managed by Dave McWater at Split-T Management.

Fighting in front of his hometown fans in Cleveland in his ShoBox debut in 2017, Conwell went the six-round distance for the first time in his young career beating a game Roque “Rocky” Zapata with an impressive unanimous decision.

“I am happy to be back on ShoBox, and I am going to put in a good performance and do what I do best,” said Conwell. “My opponent is undefeated, and he will come to win, but I think that I am just better overall and all around.  I am a very smart boxer with fast hands and power. When people see me, they will see Aaron Pryor, Mike Tyson and Andre Ward rolled up into one! I am happy to be headlining ShoBox and being able to show my talent to the whole world.”

Nicknamed “Haitian Fire”, Toussaint, 28, was born in Haiti and currently trains in Huntington, New York where eight of his 12 pro fights have taken place. He is promoted by Hall of Fame New York promoter Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Toussaint fled Haiti for France in 2010 following the devastating earthquake and currently works as a firefighter on Long Island. He is the main sparring partner of No. 1-ranked (WBO) light heavyweight world title contender Joe Smith Jr. Toussaint has won his last five of seven fights by knockout. Fighting on the undercard of the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith card August 22 in Las Vegas, Toussaint won an eight-round decision over Isiah Jones.

“I would like to thank my trainer Frankie Globuschutz, my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for this great opportunity to shine in a ShoBox main event,” Toussaint said. “I am ready to fight. I have always been ready to fight. Nothing changes for me, and I am bringing the Haitian Fire.”

Isaiah Steen vs. Kalvin Henderson – 8-round Super Middleweight Co-Feature

Like his half-brother Conwell, the 24-year-old Steen of Cleveland also had a successful amateur career with a record of 85-15. Fighting on the same card as Conwell back in February, Steen needed less than a round to stop Kenneth Council in Hammond, Ind., in his last fight. Steen is co-promoted by Holden and DiBella and managed by McWater.

“This is my first fight on TV so it’s going to be a big one,” said Steen. “This is a big stage to show everybody what I am coming for and I am very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME. This is a major step-up fight. I am just going to keep to my game plan and keep my distance. It’s amazing to be able to be on a television card with my brother.”

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Henderson currently resides and trains out of Fayetteville, Ark., where he was a six-time Arkansas state champion in the amateurs. Following high school, Henderson got a full-ride music scholarship to the University of Arkansas as a percussionist graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2012. The 30-year-old Henderson is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“I am ready to get back to what I do great,” said Henderson, who is married with four children and a fifth on the way. “My opponent is undefeated, but on October 7th, he will have his hands full. I am excited to finally showcase by skill-set on a national level as the co-main event.”

Janelson Bocachica vs. Nicklaus Flaz – 8-round Welterweight Bout

A native of Puerto Rico and fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Bocachica is just 21 years old and already has four years of pro experience. He began boxing at age eight, won four consecutive Ringside Championships (2011-14), the National PAL Championships and the 2015 Detroit Golden Gloves. He boasts an amateur record of 55-5. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa. Bocachica is managed by McWater of Split T-Management and promoted by King’s Promotions.

“I am fighting another Puerto Rican fighter which will surely produce fireworks and an exciting, all-action fight,” Bocachica said. “He is a power puncher and a brawler. He seems to be very confident, and I like fighting guys like that. If he wants a brawl, he will get a brawl, but if he wants to box, I will outbox him. I am versatile like that.”

Puerto Rico’s Flaz is part of current WBA and IBF 154-pound World Champion Jesion Rosario’s camp under the guidance of Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. Flaz has knocked out his last two opponents and competed in two 10-round bouts during his pro career, which has included six wins against fighters who had winning records.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills,” Flaz said. “I know he’s an undefeated guy and a good opponent but I’m going to put some punching power on him. You can expect me to come in and be explosive. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Brandun Lee vs. Jimmy Williams – 8-round Welterweight Bout

Just 21 years old, the knockout artist Lee from La Quinta, Calif., has KO’d all but two of his opponents (89.5 percent), including 11 in the first round, four in the second and two in the third. The third-year pro is making his third ShoBox appearance. In March, Lee scored an impressive third-round TKO over 33-year-old challenger Camilo Prieto. This is Lee’s third fight of 2020 as he knocked out Miguel Zamudio in a non-televised January 17 bout in Sloan, Iowa.

Lee had a decorated amateur career with an estimated record of 196-5. He was the 2015 U.S. Junior National Champion, taking home the gold medal at 145 pounds. With lightning quick hands that pack power, the exciting Lee has sparred with Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley Jr., Thomas Dulorme, to name a few.

“I am ready to go,” said Lee, a full-time college student who is trained by his father Bobby Lee and managed by Cameron Dunkin of D&D Boxing. “I was supposed to fight on September 19th, and now I have an extra three weeks of training, so that will be great for me. My opponent is bigger and has fought at higher weights, and he was ranked in the top-15. This is a step up and it is exactly what I need for my career. I am looking forward to being back on ShoBox and I will come to perform. The audience wants knockouts, and that is what I am here for.”

A pro since 2013, Williams is a former college football standout who has yet to fight in 2020. Williams grew up in Plainfield, N.J., before moving to New Haven, Conn., and played wide receiver at Southern Connecticut State University.

Promoted by Jimmy Burchfield of CES Boxing, the 34-year-old Williams has battled adversity as his father passed away from cancer, and his mother was murdered in what is still an unsolved case.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

boxing, USA Boxing

Shreveport to Host 2020 USA Boxing National Championships

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Louisiana city to host USA Boxing’s Return to National Stage
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (Sept. 18) – USA Boxing announced today the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships will now take place at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La., Dec. 5-12.
 
“Hurricane Laura wreaked havoc on the city of Lake Charles and rendered their Civic Center inhospitable for this year’s National Championships.  This came on top of the pandemic which already nearly wiped out the 2020 National Tournament calendar,” stated Michael Campbell, USA Boxing Events and Operations Manager.  “Our events staff immediately pivoted and was determined to replace the event with as little disruption as possible for our coaches and boxers that had been training with their goals fixed on participating in this event to end the year.”
 
“Shreveport stepped up quickly to provide us a great alternative within the same footprint as the planned event, therefore we could keep our same scheduled dates and remain in the great state of Louisiana. Shreveport will provide good accessibility, weather and hospitality for our members and their Convention Center will be ideal for the implementation of our #BackToBoxing protocols that are designed to ensure the safety of our boxers, coaches, officials and members of the community.”
 
“Shreveport, Bossier City, and the State of Louisiana are proud to host the 2020 National Boxing Championships in December,” said Kelly Wells, Executive Director for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. “Primarily, I would like to acknowledge my unwavering respect for Lake Charles and their investment in USA Boxing, which ultimately highlights Louisiana as a destination for national, elite sporting events.”
“As they recover from the detrimental effects of Hurricane Laura, Shreveport-Bossier is excited to keep this event within our state, which is expected to bring an estimated $2 million in economic impact to the area. We’re honored to welcome approximately 1,000 athletes to Shreveport-Bossier, as well as their coaches, friends, families and other boxing enthusiasts. On behalf of the Sports Commission team and Shreveport-Bossier community, I would like to thank the USA Boxing family for entrusting us with this incredible event, as well as Lt. Governor Nungesser, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Shreveport Convention Center, Hilton Shreveport and the local boxing community. We’ll deliver nothing less than world-class hospitality in sportsman’s paradise.”
Registration for the event will open Oct. 1. The fact sheet, which will include check-in information, hotels and schedule will be released in the coming days.
 
As a reminder, due to COVID-19 and being the sole USA Boxing tournament in 2020, this year’s National Championships will be an open tournament, with a minimum bout requirement, for pee-wee to elite divisions. Boxers competing in Olympic/International Federation weight divisions in junior, youth and elite age groups will be competing for their place on Team USA’s High Performance teams. Complete selection procedures will be announced in the next few weeks. More information about High Performance can be found here.
 
This year’s championships will also have other changes to help provide a safer and easier tournament experience for our members, including staggered check-in days, set late coaches check-in hours, no general weigh-in, as well as a quota for all weight classes. All important changes and information will be released here.
 
Continue to check USABoxing.org and USA Boxing’s social media platforms for important updates on this year’s tournament.

Tournament Information
Venue: Shreveport Convention Center
Registration Opens: Oct. 1
Registration Closes: Nov. 30
Early Check-in: Dec. 5
Full Check-in: Dec. 6
Staggered Check-in: Dec. 7-10
First day of bouts: Dec. 7
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LUIS NERY TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

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“After I win this belt on September 26, I want Brandon Figueroa next!”

Unbeaten Former Champion Nery Takes on Undefeated Aaron Alameda for Vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title Saturday, September 26 In Co-Main Event of Part Two of a SHOWTIME PPV® Doubleheader Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

NEW YORK – September 17, 2020 – Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery shared updates from his training camp as he prepares to take on undefeated Aaron Alamedafor the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-main event of part two of a SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader Saturday, September 26 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
For this fight, Nery is training for the first time under the guidance of Eddy Reynoso at his gym in San Diego, alongside Canelo Alvarez and former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr., amongst others. Although Nery enters this fight on an 11-fight knockout streak, he has been able to hone other facets of his arsenal under Reynoso.
 
“Coach Reynoso has been helping me a lot with my defense,” said Nery. “We’re working on boxing with my hands up and on my accuracy. He’s helping me do everything possible to maximize my power and speed. I feel very strong and I’ve been sparring 12 rounds for a while now. I’m extremely ready for September 26 and focused on nothing but that.”
 
Nery and Alameda were set to square off in a bantamweight battle on SHOWTIME® in March, before the pandemic delayed that showdown. With Rey Vargas vacating his 122-pound title due to an injury, the rescheduled fight came with the addition of that title being on the line. While he knows Alameda will bring his best, Nery is confident in continuing his winning streak.
 
“I know that Alameda is a tough, undefeated fighter who’s going to leave it all in the ring,” said Nery. “I know he wants to win, just like me, and I know he’s working every day so that he can perform to his maximum potential. I believe that my speed and my overall talent will make me the winner. The postponement has given me even more time to train and prepare for this matchup. I’m 100% ready.”
 
Nery has long established himself as a force in the bantamweight division, winning his title in 2017 by traveling to Japan and handing Shinsuke Yamanaka his first loss via fourth-round stoppage. While September 26 is his first championship fight at 122-pounds, he has his sights set on dominating the super bantamweight division and beyond.
 
“At this moment, I want to fight at both 118 and 122-pounds,” said Nery. “There are a lot of great fights to be made in those weight classes. Sometime next year, I want to move up to 126-pounds so that I can dominate all three divisions.”
 
The stacked September 26 PPV undercards feature a wealth of champions and top talent at both the 118 and 122 weight classes. If he’s victorious next Saturday night, Nery has his eyes on a fight against WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa, who defends his title against Damien Vazquez in the co-main event of part one of the doubleheader.
 
“After I win this belt on September 26, I want Brandon Figueroa next,” said Nery. “I’m not overlooking Alameda at all, but if I had my choice, me and Figueroa would give the fans a great show my next time in the ring.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JERMALL CHARLO VIRTUAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“I’m striving to be one of the best to ever lace up a pair
 of gloves.”

“Derevyanchenko calls himself ‘The Technician’, but we’ll see how technical he is once I start putting my jab in his face.”

Unbeaten WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo Faces Top Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Saturday, September 26 Headlining Part One of SHOWTIME PPV® Doubleheader Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Click HERE for Photos from Andrew Hemingway/SHOWTIME

HOUSTON – September 14, 2020 – Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World ChampionJermall Charlo brought fans and media into his training camp Monday with a virtual media workout as he prepares to face top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko to headline part one of a first-of-its-kind SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader Saturday, September 26 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
Charlo was joined Monday by his longtime trainer Ronnie Shields as he showed off a variety of skills while training for the toughest opponent of his pro career. Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko will headline the first part of the special PPV doubleheader that begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, before his twin brother and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo steps in for the main event of part two against WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario.
 
The workout streamed live on the PBC YouTube page and can be viewed in its entiretyHERE. Here is what Charlo and Shields had to say Monday:
 
JERMALL CHARLO
 
“I know that it’s my time to shine and my time to give everyone the best that I can give. I’m striving to be one of the best to ever lace up a pair of gloves.
 
“The fans that love me can expect me to do what I do. The fans who don’t know about me, they’re going to see a smart, strong and athletic fighter. You’re going to see all of it in the ring on September 26.
 
“I came from nothing, so I want to put everyone on. I want to make sure Ronnie Shields gets into the Hall of Fame. We’re looking to do something in boxing that no one has ever done.
 
“When I look outside this gym, I say there’s no way I’m losing. I’m carrying my whole family on my back. Houston, we have another one. I’m doing it for everybody here.
 
“I’m telling those other middleweights to buckle your seatbelts. It’s lift off. Everyone that doubted me, everyone who wants a chance, you’ll get your turn. I’m running the show. You just stay locked in.
 
“My power is growing along with me. With some fights you need to add more power and sometimes your power just naturally increases. I’ve gotten a lot stronger and a lot smarter, so I’ve been able to use my skills to go along with my power heading into this fight.
 
“Derevyanchenko is a come forward fighter. He’s going to bring a lot of power and speed with good technical skills. He calls himself ‘The Technician’ but we’ll see how technical he is once I start putting my jab in his face. I’m going to use all my natural skills in this fight.
 
“After I win this fight the sky is the limit. I know people will respect me a lot more after this, but I’m focused on only this fight. This fight is another big stepping stone toward even bigger fights to come.
 
“A lot of people don’t really know where the Charlos came from and they’re getting the chance to learn it throughout this time. It’s taken to this point for everyone to see that we belong on this big stage. I’m grateful for everyone around me who’s embraced me with love.
 
“We don’t have too much longer to be doing this. Where are the rest of the belts at? I’m ready. Watch next Saturday night, because I’m making this statement loud for everyone who doubted me.”
 
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer
 
“It means a lot to be in this position. It shows you that your fighter has made it to the top. He’s at the point where people want to see the champion of the world. It’s great to be there with him and help him to this level in the sport.
 
“At this moment, Jermall is in great shape and he’s just about ready. We still have another week of hard training to go, then we’ll start coming down next week. He’s really sharp right now and we just have to keep him that way.
 
“Houston loves winners and this guy is a winner. People know he’s a family man also and he works very hard for everything he’s gotten. He’s always shouting out Houston because this is where he’s from and it’s important to him.
 
“I’ve had so many good fighters in my career, but Jermall is right up there at the top with Evander Holyfield, Vernon Forrest and Pernell Whitaker. He works hard and pays attention to what he has to do. The thing that separates them is that he knows how to watch his opponent and he knows what he’s in for.
 
“Just like every opponent, we expect Sergiy to be at his best. We expect Sergiy to come in and try to win and be the best he can possibly be. Jermall is doing the same thing. No stone will be left unturned. We go over the game plan every day.”
 
# # #
 
 
ABOUT CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER PPV
The CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER takes place Saturday, September 26 on SHOWTIME PPV with an unprecedented event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV begins at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. The SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins with the Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko three-fight card followed by a 30-minute intermission and then the Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario three-fight card.
 
Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV is headlined by WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.
 
The second three-fight card is headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery will battle undefeatedAaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces off against former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.
 
The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.
 
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
 

boxing

Ukrainian super lightweight prospect ZORAVOR PETROSYAN REMAINS UNDEFEATED

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BOSTON (September 14, 2020) – Undefeated Ukrainian super lightweight prospect Zoravor Petrosyan improved his pro record to 8-0 (4 KOs) last Saturday night in Russia, stopping out-classed Eubenii Vazem in the fourth round in Ekaterinburg. 

Petrosyan, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, has won the first three rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards, 30-27.  The 22-year-old Petrosyan, fighting out of Kiev, was outweighed by 7 ¼ pounds against late replacement Vazem (9-12, 4 KOs), who had even more of a weight advantage when they fought as opposed their 7 ¼ lbs. difference at the weigh in. 

“I’m very proud of my fighter,” Roach said.  “His opponent fell out and he was matched against an opponent who fights two weight classes higher than Zoravor.  He did very well and displayed some great boxing skills.  He adapted well to the size differential and broke him down.  It’s a big win for Team Petroysan.” 

Petrosyan was a multi-national champion who captured a bronze medal at the 2016 World Youth Under-19 Championships.     

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes a talented Ukrainian trio comprised of North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs), and word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs).  Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Salem, MA welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion; Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs), Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez (9-0, 6 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs), super featherweight Jesus Vasquez, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (4-0, 2 KOs) plus Irish National  champion Paul Ryan, who will fight as a welterweight in the pro ranks, and U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr., who will making their pro debuts. 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers  by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

boxing, FITETV, women's boxing

HISTORIC BRITISH ALL FEMALE PRO BOXING EVENT SET FOR 21ST NOV – LIVE ON FITE TV

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Five division World Champion and Promoter Lee Mcallister and the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) jointly announced an historic all female professional boxing event, that will take place in the United Kingdom on Saturday 21st November 2020 as part of the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK and broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV.

To date the LET BATTLE COMMENCE series, which are broadcast live on FITE TV and delayed broadcast in the UK on Sports Channel Network (Freeview/Youview Channel 265), has featured female contests on all events.

The first took place on the 18th July 2020 and hosted the professional boxing debut of ten time Kick Boxing World Champion Caitlin Foran against PBC International Silver Champion Jaime Bates.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE II, which was broadcast live on Friday 4th September, featured three female contests, the first featured PBC International Silver Super Flyweight Champion Nicola Hopewell versus Tasha Boyes, also featured on the card were Elite Amateur Stars Hollie Towl and Ellie Coulson who made their respective professional boxing debuts against Jaime Bates and Beccy Ferguson.

The upcoming LET BATTLE COMMENCE III, which takes place on the 3rd October features two female contests; Sophie Varley versus Tasha Boyes and Elite Amateur Estelle Scott makes her professional Boxing debut against Carly Mackenzie.

The interim card for the 21st November LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES event sees WIBA Minimum-weight World Champion Denise Castle and MBC International Champion Marianne Marston co-headlining, against yet to be named opponents.

The stacked card hosts the rematch between Nicola Hopewell and Tasha Boyes, following Boyes’ unfortunate retirement during their previous encounter due to an arm injury.

Former ten time Kick Boxing World Champion Caitlin Foran will make her second appearance in the series and will face Shrewsbury’s Beccy Ferguson.

Former English National Amateur Champion Ellie Coulson will also be making her second appearance in the series, this time she faces Ester Konecna from the Czech Republic.

Ellie’s esteemed team mate at the Xbox Academy in Worksop, Hollie Towl, faces Italy’s Angela Cannizzaro.

World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai World Champion Natacha De Almeida from Switzerland, will be making her professional boxing debut against York’s Carly Mackenzie.

Former Elite Amateur, South Shields’ Estelle Scott, is back in action against debuting Kirsty Biswas from Middlesbrough.

Manchester’s Sophie Varley, who now competes at Super Flyweight, will face debuting Ivette Garcia.

Shrewsbury’s PBC International Silver Bantamweight Champion Jaime Bates will go toe-to-toe with the highly experienced Kenyan Jane Kavulani.

Further contests are planned, including a second World title fight between American Heavyweights Carlette Ewell and Gwendolyn O’Neil, subject to UK Government travel restrictions permitting.

Currently this event is being planned as a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ special event at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen, however it is expected that Spectators will be permitted to attend events by November, subject to government restrictions, and if they are then it is expected that the event will take place in London, subject to suitable size venue availability.

LET BATTLE COMMENCE – THE LIONESSES, in association with PAPA JOHN’S PIZZA and NEON ENERGY DRINK, will take place on the 21st November 2020 and will be broadcast exclusively live on FITE TV (PPV @ $12.99)

www.letbattlecommence.com

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 246: ARCHULETA VS. MIX RESULTS AND PHOTOS

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Complete Event Photos Here
 
Bellator 246: Archuleta vs. Mix Main Card: 
Juan Archuleta (25-2) defeated Patchy Mix (13-1) via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
Neiman Gracie (10-1) defeated Jon Fitch (32-8-2, 1 NC) via submission (heel hook) at 4:47 of round two
Liz Carmouche (14-7) defeated DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:17 of round three
Keoni Diggs (9-0) defeated Derek Campos (20-11) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round three
 
Preliminary Card: 
Daniel Madrid (18-6) defeated Pat Casey (6-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Ty Gwerder (5-1) defeated Tuco Tokkos (4-2) via TKO at 1:05 of round three
Davion Franklin (2-0) defeated Ras Hylton (6-5) via technical decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 245: DAVIS VS. MACHIDA 2 RESULTS AND PHOTOS

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Complete Event Photos Here

Bellator 245: Davis vs. Machida 2 Main Card: 
Phil Davis (22-5, 1 NC) defeated Lyoto Machida (26-10) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Cat Zingano (11-4) defeated Gabby Holloway (6-6) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Taylor Johnson (6-1) defeated Ed Ruth (8-3) via submission (heel hook) at :59 of round one
Raymond Daniels (2-1, 1 NC) and Peter Stanonik (5-4, 1 NC) ended in a no content (accidental low blow)
 
Preliminary Card:  
Alex Polizzi (7-0) defeated Rafael Carvalho (16-5) unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Leslie Smith (12-8-1) defeated Amanda Bell (7-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28. 29-28)
Tyrell Fortune (8-1, 1 NC) and Jack May (11-6, 1 NC) ended in a no content (accidental low blow)
Keith Lee (7-3) defeated Vinicius Zani (11-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
 
Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.
Bellator, CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA AND CBS SPORTS NETWORK TEAM UP ON NEW TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP

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COVERAGE KICKS OFF THURSDAY, OCT. 1 WITH BELLATOR 247 LIVE FROM MILAN, ITALY
 
PLUS, CHAMPION CRIS ‘CYBORG’ AND ARLENE BLENCOWE MEET IN EPIC WORLD TITLE BOUT IN PRIMETIME ON OCT. 15

LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA, a leading mixed martial arts promotion owned by ViacomCBS, and CBS Sports Network have announced an exciting new partnership that will see the organization’s live events featured on the 24-hour home of CBS Sports beginning this fall.

CBS Sports Network will televise Bellator events, both domestic and international, LIVE in all U.S. markets, while preliminary matchups will stream on CBSSports.com and Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

To kick off the new partnership, CBS Sports Network will air Bellator events live from Europe, including Bellator 247 on Thursday, Oct. 1 (4 p.m. ET) in Milan, Italy, as well as the monumentalBellator Paris event on Saturday, Oct. 10 (11:30 a.m. ET) in France. Bellator 247 is headlined by a welterweight battle between veteran Paul Daley (42-17-2) and Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC), while Bellator Paris sees “MVP” Michael Page (17-1) take on Ross Houston (8-0, 1 NC) at welterweight and Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) face Tim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight bout.

The first primetime event live from the U.S. takes place Thursday, Oct. 15 (9 p.m. ET) with a massive card anchored by the first world title defense of current champion Cris “Cyborg” (22-2, 1 NC), who takes on Australia’s Arlene Blencowe (13-7), at Bellator 249 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

“We’re excited to have CBS Sports Network serve as the new home of live Bellator MMA events. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the best events and biggest names in the sport,” said CBS Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Dan Weinberg. “Adding Bellator MMA to the CBS Sports portfolio will allow for greater promotion, engagement and exposure across all our platforms and assets including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports HQ as well as our various social accounts.”

“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu.

Bellator will continue to produce all of its own live events, led by Executive Producer Scott Fishman.

The second Bellator woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, Cris “Cyborg” is coming off of a dominant performance over Julia Budd in January to win the 145-pound world title. Already an MMA legend at 35-years-old, “Cyborg” will be looking to further her legacy as the greatest woman’s mixed martial artist of all-time when she meets Arlene Blencowe on Oct. 15. After winning the Bellator belt in her 12th career title fight, “Cyborg” made history by becoming a world champion in her fourth major promotion, previously holding belts in both the UFC and Strikeforce. With a professional record of 22-2, 1 NC, including 18 wins by way of finish, the Brazilian-born fighter holds victories over tough competition such as Budd, Holly Holm, Felicia Spencer and Gina Carano.

With wins in six of her last seven fights, including five knockouts, “Angerfist” has put herself in position to challenge for the women’s featherweight title. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Leslie Smith, the former two-time boxing world champion will look to keep her momentum rolling and claim her first MMA title. Tied for the most knockouts in Bellator woman’s featherweight history, the fighter out of New South Wales, Australia aims to claim sole possession of that record, as she takes on her toughest challenge to date in Cris “Cyborg.”

A longtime MMA veteran, Paul Daley has competed professionally since 2003, amassing over 60 career fights. Throughout his tenure, “Semtex” has been one half of some of the most memorable bouts in MMA history, including a knockout of the year over Brennan Ward in 2017. Most recently, the Nottingham, England native notched consecutive wins over Erick Silva and Saad Awad, running his record in Bellator MMA to 8-4. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., the 30-year-old Derek Anderson will be making his 11th appearance for Bellator MMA in search of his third consecutive victory. With 11 of his 16 career wins coming by way of finish, “The Barbaric” hopes to earn his eighth promotional victory and first of his 2020 campaign.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael “Venom” Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, with 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and improve on the three submission victories already to his name by using his known Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender in Tim Johnson. Coming off a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione at Bellator 243 in August, Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February.

*Fight cards subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Bellator, mixed martial arts

BELLATOR TO HOLD FIRST MAJOR MMA EVENT IN FRANCE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 AT ACCOR ARENA IN PARIS

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WITH FANS IN ATTENDANCE, FRANCE’S CHEICK KONGO FACES TIM JOHNSON AT HEAVYWEIGHT, WHILE MICHAEL ‘VENOM’ PAGE TAKES ON THE DEBUTING ROSS HOUSTON
 
Tickets on sale Tuesday, Sept. 15!

LOS ANGELES – France has approved the practice of mixed martial arts and has placed the sport under the supervision of the French Boxing Federation (FFB). With these recent government approvals, Bellator is pleased to announce that it will become the first promotion to hold a major MMA event in France with a monumental show on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Accor Arena in Paris. Bellator Paris will feature 13 MMA bouts and three boxing matchups.

Among the athletes competing at Bellator Paris, 10 French fighters will appear on the card, including the renowned Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC), who will face off against Tim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight clash. Additionally, an exciting welterweight bout between Michael “Venom” Page (17-1), better known to fans as “MVP,” and the debuting undefeated Ross Houston (8-0,1 NC) is also booked for the event.

A limited number of fans will be allowed in attendance for this historic event. Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. CEST on Tuesday, September 15 at accorarena.com and bellator.fr.

Following the governmental decree, the French Boxing Federation is responsible for the implementation of MMA in France. “If I made the choice to initiate a delegation procedure for MMA, it was for its recognition; it is to liberate, supervise and develop its practice,” indicates the Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu. This is a turning point in the history of French sport, as MMA is a discipline that is enjoying growing success, proven by these events capable of bringing together thousands of people and attracting millions of spectators.                    

 

“This is a monumental moment in the history of the sport, as well as our organization, and I am honored that Bellator will promote the very first MMA event in France by a major promotion,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Many people have worked tirelessly to bring this to fruition, and it would not have been possible without the support of the Minister of Sports, Roxana Maracineanu, as well as the French Kickboxing Federation sanctioning body. I would also like to thank Accor Arena, who have been an incredible venue partner, and I cannot wait for the French fans to be in attendance and join us live for what will be an unforgettable night of action in Paris on Oct 10.”

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender, Tim Johnson. With the most fights (15) and wins (12) in Bellator heavyweight history, as well as victories over Vitaly Minakov, Mirko Cro Cop, Antoni Hardonk and Matt Mitrione, the Parisian is planning for a successful homecoming on Oct. 10.

On the heels of a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione at Bellator 243 in August, Tim Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Cheick Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February. Boasting a career record of 14-6, with 11 coming by way of finish, the Minnesota-born military veteran looks to carry his momentum into a fight that has future world title implications.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael “Venom” Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, with 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. In addition to his MMA accolades, Page is a 10-time kickboxing world champion and also undefeated as a professional boxer.

After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Ross Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Michael Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and moving one step closer to Bellator gold in the toughest test of his career to date. With three submission victories to his name, Houston’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills make him a viable threat if the fight goes to the ground against one of Bellator’s most feared strikers.

Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/.

Please visit www.Bellator.fr and Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated Bellator Paris Card:

Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) vs. Tim Johnson (14-6)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (17-1) vs. Ross Houston (8-0, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

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