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boxing, ShoBox

Antoine Douglas takes on Istvan Szili to headline ShoBox on Friday, July 17 at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem

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Plus Derrick Webster – Arif Magomedov; Adam Lopez – Eliecer Aquino & Jerry Odom – Samuel Clarkson on televised quadruple header  
 
Bethlehem, PA (June 12, 2015)–On Friday night, July 17 undefeated Middleweight Antoine “Action” Dougas will headline a televised quadruple header when he takes on fellow undefeated Istvan Szili in a 10-round bout from the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and will be televised on Showtime’s acclaimed ShoBox: The New Generation (10 PM ET)
The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, Main Events and King’s Promotions.
In the 10-round co-feature, it will be a battle of undefeated Middleweights as Derrick Webster will fight Arif Magomedov.
In an 8-round Super Bantamweight bout, Adam Lopez will take on fellow undefeated Eliecer Aquino.
Opening the television portion of the card will be Super Middleweight Jerry Odom(13-1, 12 KO’s) who will take on Samuel Clarkson in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.
Douglas of Burke, Virginia has a record of 17-0-1 with 11 knockouts.  He will be making his second consecutive appearance on ShoBox and fourth overall.  He is coming off a 6th round stoppage over previously undefeated Thomas LaManna on March 13 in Westbury, New York.  Previously he has victories over former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1), Marquis Davis (8-0-2) & Colby Courter (4-0).  He is currently ranked number-14 by the WBA.  He also has a win over spoiler Don Mouton and a draw with highly regarded former world title challenger Michel Soro.  Soro just scored a stirring knockout of Glen Tapia.
Szili (18-0-2, 8 KO’s) of Frenkendorf, Switzerland will be making his American debut.  Szili has been a professional for six years and has fough some good opposition in Europe.  In his last bout, Szili won the UBF Middleweight title with a 6th round stoppage over Mathias Zemski (13-1) on August 30 in Zurich, Switzerland.  Szili also has wins over Jetmir Kuqi (6-0), Dzmitriy Lubachkin (18-2) and Aliaksandr Sushchyts (1-0-1).
Webster of Glassboro, New Jersey has a record of 19-0 with 10 knockouts.  He will be making his national television debut.  The southpaw is coming off a 5th round stoppage over William Johnson on May 29 in Memphis, Tennessee.  Webster has a 22 second knockout over Obodai Sai (23-1).
Magomedov of Chekhov, Russia has a record of 15-0 with 9 knockouts.  He is coming off an impressive 1st round stoppage over the upset specialist Darnell Boone on May 22 in Las Vegas.  Magomedov won the Russian Middleweight title with a 1st round stoppage over Marat Khuzeev.  He added the UBO Intercontinental Middleweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Thomas Mashali (9-1-1).  He continued to win titles as he won the WBA Fedlatin Middleweight Title with a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated A;ex Theran (16-0).  In his next bout, he won the WBA Intercontinental Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Patrick Mendy.  On October 24, 2014, Magomedov added the WBO Youth Middleweight and WBO Asia Pacific Middleweight crowns with a 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Zerafa (15-0).  Magomedov is currently ranked number-10 by the WBC and number-6 by the WBO.
Lopez of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 12-0 with 6 knockouts and is making his 2nd ShoBox appearance. In his first appearance, he scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over previously undefeated Pablo Cruz on March 13 in Westbury, New York. Since then, the 24 year-old Lopez has racked up two wins with the latest being a 6-round unanimous decision over Miguel Tamayo on May 22 in Corona, California.

Aquino of Higuey, Dominican Republic has a record of 17-0-1 with 11 knockouts. The 8 year veteran has racked up some titles in his undefeated resume. He won the Dominican Reoublic Super Flyweight championship in just 6th fight. He captured the WBA Fedecaribe Super Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Guzman (18-3). He later won the WBC FECARBOX Super Flyweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over former world title challenger Omar Soto. Aquino is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Rayci Rosa (5-0) on September 27, 2014 in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
Odom of Bowie, Maryland has a record of 13-1 with 12 knockouts.  The 22 year-old is making his 2nd consecutive ShoBox appearance and 3rd overall.  In his last bout, he avenged his only blemish when he stopped Andrew Hernandez in one round.  That fight took place on March 13 in Westbury, New York.  The bout was a rematch of their controversial fight that took place on January 9 when Odom was disqualified.  In Odom’s previous ShoBox appearance, he scored an exciting 7th round stoppage over Villier Quinonez (8-0) on July 25, 2014 in Verona, New York.
Clarkson of Cedar Hill, Texas has a record of 14-3 with 8 knockouts.  He has won four in a row.  In his last outing, Clarkson scored a 6th round stoppage over Jay Williams on April 3 in Irving, Texas.  Clarkson scored the biggest win of his career on February 20 when he won an 8-round split decision over former world title challenger Cedric Agnew (27-1).  The 24 year-old Clarkson has quality wins over Izaac Cardona (9-1).  Chad Trahan (7-0), Kenneth McNeil (3-0) and Thomas Falowo (6-0).
“This is a stacked show and when you look at the combined record it is 125-4-4 with 75 knockouts.  I want to thank Showtime and especially Gordon Hall for recognizing the talent in our company. I also would like to thank the Sands for hosting this event.  We have made tremendous strides in the last year.  We at GH3 Promotions will continue to our upward trajectory as we will be working with the bigger companies in the business like Main Events and Greg Cohen Promotions.  Working hand and hand with them can only help one another in the future.  I am looking to showcase all of my top prospects on this card in putting them in competitive bouts,” said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki.
“I want to thank Dennis Porter and Ronald Sims who have everything in place in camp with our stable in Virginia.  They keep our guys hungry and working hard. With GH3 Promotions and Kay Koroma, we are very happy with the way we are moving our fighters strategically.  We are looking for bigger and better things.”
A loaded undercard will feature some of the best prospects on the East Coast.
Lavarn Harvell (14-1, 7 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take part in a 6-round Light Heavyweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Rickey Nuno (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA will take on Tim Kunkel of Pennsylvania in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
Seeing action against opponents to be named will be Super Middleweight Christopher Brooker (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; Lightweight Samuel Teah (5-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia and Super Bantamweight Manny Folly (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia.
Ticket Information will be announced shortly.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. RETURNS TO THE RING TO BATTLE MEXICAN BRAWLER MARCOS REYES ON SATURDAY, JULY 18 LIVE ON SHOWTIME ® FROM THE DON HASKINS CENTER IN EL PASO, TEXAS

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Plus Undefeated Bantamweights Square Off As

 McJoe Arroyo Meets Arthur Villanueva

For A Vacant Bantamweight World Title

 

Tickets Are On Sale Now!

 

EL PASO, TEXAS (June 12, 2015) – Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) will return to the ring to face hard-hitting Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in a classic Mexican vs. Mexican main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) on Saturday, July 18 live from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas live on SHOWTIME®.

 

In the evening’s co-main event, a pair of top bantamweights put their undefeated records on the line as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs) of the Philippines for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

 

Earlier that day, Premier Boxing Champions on CBS will present a card at the same Don Haskins Arena featuring an exciting battle between Carl Frampton and Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez plus an exciting heavyweight matchup featuring boxing star Chris Arreola.

 

“Thanks to SHOWTIME for putting together this great fight,” said Chavez. “Reyes is a Mexican warrior and this will be a tough battle for me. This guy likes to brawl.  But at 168 pounds I am the best and will prove it with a great victory for my fans.”

 

“I’m looking forward to this huge opportunity against Chavez Jr. on July 18 in El Paso,” said Reyes. “Fighting another Mexican, especially a Chavez, is huge motivation for me. I want to put on a great show for all the Mexican fans who will be watching. I will be the better man on July 18.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Chavez Promotions, in association with TGB and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 dollars and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the University Ticket Center at (915) 747-5234. Tickets are also available atwww.ticketmaster.com.

 

The oldest son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, the 29-year-old Chavez Jr. is a former middleweight world champion. Born in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, Chavez Jr. turned pro in 2003 and won his first 23 fights. After running his record to 41-0-1, he earned a middleweight world title shot against Sebastian Zbik, which he won by majority decision. He would go on to successfully defend his belt against Peter Manfredo Jr., Marco Antonio Rubio and Andy Lee. He looks to bounce back from a recent defeat in impressive style with a new trainer and a lower weight class when he takes on Reyes on July 18.

 

A professional since 2007, the 27-year-old Reyes won the first 13 fights of his career with 11 coming inside the distance. He made his U.S. debut in 2010 with a dominating second round TKO victory over Victor Villereal in Las Vegas. The power-puncher out of Chihuahua, Mexico has two separate streaks of 10 consecutive knockouts in his career. He is coming off of a unanimous decision over David Alonso Lopez in January and will face the toughest test of his career when he squares off against Chavez Jr. in Texas.

 

A 2008 Olympian for his native-Puerto Rico, Arroyo won bronze medals at the 2007 World Amateur Championships and the 2006 Central American Games. The 29-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2010. On July 18 he returns to fight in the United States for the first time since 2010 when he takes on the toughest challenge of his career.

 

A pro since 2008, the Bago City born Villanueva has fought almost exclusively in the Philippines throughout that time. In 2014 he put up an impressive pair of victories of Fernando Aguilar and Henry Maldonado. The 26-year-old got off to a good start in 2015 when he defeated Julio Cesar Miranda by unanimous decision in February.

 

Don Haskins Center doors for the Chavez Jr. vs. Reyes card open at 5:30 p.m. MT.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezReyes become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

 
boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED SUPERSTAR CARL FRAMPTON MAKES HIS U.S. DEBUT AGAINST ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ JR. ON SATURDAY, JULY 18 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS EVENT LIVE FROM THE DON HASKINS CENTER IN EL PASO, TEXAS

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PLUS, HEAVYWEIGHT KNOCKOUT ARTIST CHRIS ARREOLA IN ACTION!

 

Televised Coverage Begins At 4 P.M. ET/2 P.M. MT/1 P.M. PT

 

 

EL PASO, TEXAS (June 12, 2015) – Undefeated British superstar Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs) makes his U.S. professional debut when he takes on quick-fisted Mexican Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs) on Premier Boxing Championson CBS, Saturday afternoon, July 18 from the Don Haskins Center at UTEP in El Paso, Texas. Televised coverage on CBS starts at 4 p.m. ET/2 p.m. MT/1 p.m. PT.

 

Also featured in televised action is heavyweight star Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs), who will be returning to the ring for the first time since March.

 

The event is the first of two at Don Haskins Center on Saturday, July 18 with Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. battling Marcos Reyes and McJoe Arroyo taking on Arthur Villanueva for a vacant world title on SHOWTIME with coverage starting at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT/7 p.m. PT.

 

“It’s an honor to be making my U.S. debut on CBS,” said Frampton. “I’ve accomplished a lot in my career and I’m looking forward to even more success starting July 18. It’s going to be a great afternoon for all of the fight fans watching.”

 

“I’m thrilled to be fighting Carl Frampton in El Paso, Texas and I promise I will leave everything in the ring,” said Gonzalez Jr. “I know there will be lots of Mexican fans there supporting me and my plan is to fight hard and take away Frampton’s perfect record.”

 

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and show my skills on CBS,” said Arreola. “I’m about excitement and I know that everyone who comes out in El Paso and everyone watching on television will get an entertaining fight.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing and Cyclone Promotions, are priced at $50 or $25 for general admission and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at(800) 745-3000 or the University Ticket Center at (915) 747-5234. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

An accomplished amateur who won Irish national championships in 2005 and 2009, plus a European Union Juniors silver medal in 2007, the 28-year-old Frampton has had major success leading to his U.S. debut on July 18.  From Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Frampton won his world title in Sept. 2014 with a dominant unanimous decision over Kiko Martinez. His most recent fight was a title defense in February of this year in which he blasted Chris Avalos on the way to a fifth round stoppage.

 

The son of a former world champion, the 22-year-old Gonzalez Jr. is looking to make his mark in this nationally televised fight. The Tijuana, Mexico native was impressive in his previous bout on U.S. soil, knocking Leopoldo Gonzalez down three times on his way to a first round TKO in El Paso. He returns to El Paso looking to build on his three fight win streak which has seen him take down Javier Franco, Alem Robles and Gonzalo Garcia.

 

The 34-year-old Arreola defeated Curtis Harper in a thrilling heavyweight showdown onMarch 13 in Ontario, Calif. Born in Escondido, Calif. but fighting out of Los Angeles, Arreola has long been one of the most feared punchers in the heavyweight division. Having challenged the best in the division, Arreola knows what it takes to succeed at this level and looks to entertain the fans on July 18.

 

Don Haskins Center for the Frampton vs. Gonzalez Jr. card open at 12 p.m. MT.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @RealCFrampton, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Commbecome a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoor visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.
Boxcino, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ERISLANDY LARA WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION AGAINST DELVIN RODRIGUEZ

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ARTUR BETERBIEV SCORES SEVENTH ROUND

KNOCKOUT OVER ALEXANDER JOHNSON

 

Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions

 

CHICAGO (June 13, 2015) – Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike returned to Chicago’s UIC Pavilion on Friday night with another installment of spectacular fights. The opening televised bout saw Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) manage a seventh round knockout against Alexander Johnson (16-3, 7 KOs). The second televised bout featured Erislandy Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) as he secured a unanimous decision victory over Delvin Rodriguez (28-8-4, 16 KOs).

 

Below are comments made by the televised fighters following their performances tonight:

 

ERISLANDY LARA

 

“Thanks to my whole team and to Delvin for being a great competitor. Thank you Al Haymon.

 

“This was a great performance tonight. I was able to land my left. Delvin was really just trying to survive in there, so I knew what I was doing was working.

 

“I was trying to bait him to come in, but it wasn’t working. So I had to get aggressive in there.

 

“It’s never a comfortable feeling leaving it up to the judges. I’d like to win every round and get the knockout if possible, but at least I got the win tonight.

 

“I’m going to sit down with my team and Al (Haymon). The future is clear. We want the best. We want Floyd Mayweather. We want Miguel Cotto. We want Gennady Golovkin at 160 lbs.”

 

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“It was very uncomfortable in there for me tonight. He was sharp and giving me lots of weird angles to work with.

 

“He was always looking to land his left. He caught me once to the body though and that took three or four rounds to shake off.

 

“I think PBC is great for the sport. They’re taking boxing to a whole new level. Some of the things they do are really going to catch on with the fans. Keeping the focus on the fighters is a big part of that.

 

“It’s hard to say what’s next right now. There are still some great fights for me. Just because I lost to a skilled, technical fighter like Lara doesn’t mean there aren’t great fights left for me.”

 

ARTUR BETERBIEV

 

“This is a big plus for me and great experience for my pro career. I’m very happy to have gone past four rounds tonight.

 

“Nothing was really working that well for me tonight though. I like to box smart and find the right openings. Maybe the righty to lefty switch in the last week made a difference.

 

“I’m very happy and proud to have been part of another PBC card and to have had a fight here in the United States. The last time I was in Chicago was back in 2007 in the same venue. So it felt great to be back.

 

“I’m a boxer, but I don’t like to call people out and insult them. I can’t predict the future, but I’ll work hard to make my winning streak even better than this one. I want the biggest belt that I can get. That’s my goal.”

 

ALEXANDER JOHNSON

 

“Short notice doesn’t matter because it’s part of the game to always be prepared. I have no excuses. He was the better man tonight.

 

“He got in one rabbit punch behind the ear that affected me more than some of the other shots, but overall he was just the better fighter tonight.

 

“I think PBC is great for the sport of boxing. I can’t take anything away from them and I’m just grateful for the opportunity to fight on their card tonight.

 

“I’m heading back to the gym and I’ll discuss what comes next with my family.”

 

# # #

The card was promoted by promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM) and Star Boxing. For more information visitwww.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

 
boxing

ROBERT ‘THE GHOST’ GUERRERO TO DONATE 100K TO BFC FOUNDATION GRANTING WISHES TO CHRONICALLY ILL CHILDREN

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GILROY, CA (June 11, 2015) – This Saturday June 13, 2015, join Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in remembering Caley Camarillo as he will donate 100K to the BFC (Breathe For Caley) Foundation.  Guerrero will kick off the foundations first fundraiser as the organization will host its inaugural event titled “Caley’s Carnival”.  The Ghost will present his 100K donation at 3:00 PM.

 

The BFC Foundation helps families with the financial struggles that comes with caring for chronically ill children while granting this kids with a wish of their desire.

 

Carnival rides, food, entertainment, shopping all in one place!!!!  Admission is FREE but you can purchase your unlimited rides wristbands at a discounted price online. Click here and enter the codeGHOST and get a $10 discount.  Wristbands will be $30 at the event.

 

All media outlets are welcome to attend. 

WHERE:      Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Park
14485 Monterey Road
San Martin, CA 95046

WHEN:         Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

                      *Donation/Wish Ceremony: 3:00 PM
                     Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
                      *Meet and Greet with Robert Guerrero: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

 

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostfans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GHOSTBOXING

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ghostboxing
GLORY, kickboxing

GLORY 22 videos unlocked for FREE!

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GLORY World Series Homepage
GLORY 22 France
CLICK TO WATCH FREE FIGHTS
GLORY 22 France brought the kickboxing action that everybody loves, featuring massive knockouts and tactical striking wars. To watch all main card fights UNLOCKED, click HERE! We’re also thrilled to announce GLORY 23 Las Vegas on August 7th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with tickets going on sale soon.
GLORY 23 Las Vegas
Fight for Education
Rankings Updated
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New GLORY Gear
Check out our full lines of men’s and women’s GLORY apparel, plus our full line of GLORY training gear including gloves, Muay Thai style shorts, and exclusive Jaco training shorts atwww.gloryshop.com
boxing, Showtime Boxing

THE HOMECOMING: DEONTAY WILDER VS. ERIC MOLINA  FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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“Everybody knows that Deontay Wilder gets the job done. I worked too hard to get here to just give up the belt. I want all the belts, I’m greedy like that.” — Deontay Wilder

 

“When my dream becomes a reality on Saturday, I’ll come right back here and give Wilder the rematch.” – Eric Molina

 

THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 13, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

FROM BARTOW ARENA IN BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

Tickets Still on Sale!!!

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (June 11, 2015) – Two days before the first-ever world title fight in the state of Alabama, undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and challenger Eric Molina participated in a tense final press conference Thursday at Embassy Suites in Birmingham.

 

The hard-hitting Wilder (33-0, 32 KOs), of Tuscaloosa, Ala, will be making the first defense of the heavyweight title he won impressively from Bermane Stiverne in January, when he meets Molina (23-2, 17 KOs), of Lyford, Texas, this Saturday, June 13, in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

 

In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, undefeated Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza(19-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, will be opposed by Andrey Klimov (19-1, 9 KOs), of Klimovski, Russia, in a 12-rounder for the vacant IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship.

 

In the main event on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME®, undefeated world-ranked contendersIvan “El Terrible” Redkach and Dejan “El Dinamita” Zlaticanin will square off in a 12-round eliminator. The winner between Redkach (18-0, 1 ND, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, and Zlaticanin (16-0, 9 KOs), of Montenegro, becomes the mandatory challenger to Jorge Linares, the WBC 135-pound world champion.

 

Opening the SHO EXTREME telecast, unbeaten top 10-ranked super welterweight Julian “J Rock” Williams (19-0-1, 11 KOS, 1 ND), of Philadelphia, will be opposed by Armenia’s Armen Ovsepyan(14-4, 11 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., in an eight-round bout.  Time permitting, hard-hitting light heavyweights Ahmed Elbiali (10-0, 9 KOs, 1-1 WSB), of Miami, Fla, and Donta Woods (8-4, 7 KOs), of Atlanta, will collide in a four/six-round swing match.

 

Below is what the fighters and Hall of Fame promoter Don King had to say today:

 

DEONTAY WILDER, Heavyweight World Champion

 

“I’m thankful to everybody who has put together this great event. This is a dream come true for me. When I made my dream to become undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I wanted to do something to change the Alabama sports landscape.

 

“People wanted me to rush my career, even I did at some points, but I’m a man who believes in timing and that there’s a moment when things should happen. We have to wait for our time.

 

“This is my destiny. Once I had my precious daughter she changed my life forever and she became my motivation to get here. She’s the reason I go hard in the gym, she’s the reason I carry myself the way I do.

 

“I worked too hard to get to this position. We’re not planning on this being the end.

 

“It’s a privilege to make history with the first world title fight in Alabama, in any division. I’ve been about making history my entire career since the amateurs.

 

“I love to fight, I love this sport. They say you have to eat, sleep and breathe it and I do. I’m never out of shape. This is my life.

 

“Everybody knows that Deontay Wilder gets the job done. I worked too hard to get here to just give up the belt. I want all the belts, I’m greedy like that.

 

“We respect Eric Molina and what he’s trying to do. It’s a great opportunity for him. I was once where he was, in my last fight.”

 

ERIC MOLINA, Heavyweight Contender

 

“I want to thank all the people of Alabama, who have made me feel right at home this week. My training team has been incredible.

 

“I’ve had Oliver McCall in my camp for four years, and he’s prepped me for my moment to shock the world, just like he did against Lennox Lewis.

 

“I’ve dreamed about that moment, I’ve thought about it since even before I got this fight. I was going to knock someone out and become heavyweight champion of the world. It seemed so real to me in my mind, and when we signed the fight it all came together.

 

“Everybody has written me off. I’ve never been undefeated and I’ve always been the underdog.

 

“When my dream becomes a reality on Saturday, I’ll come right back here and give Wilder the rematch.”

 

 

JOSE PEDRAZA, Undefeated Junior Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m very happy about this opportunity. I’m not worried about the big stage because I’ve been on the big stage before. I’ve been in the big fights before and I just want to make the most of this opportunity.

 

“It’s been a long camp this time but other than that there has been nothing different in training. It’s been the same great preparations as all my other fights.

 

“I have a different level of skills than Klimov. I’m fast and I can do it all. Right and left handed, you’ll see all my skills on Saturday.

 

“This means a lot to me and to the people of Puerto Rico. They want another champion and I’m going to be next. This is the most important fight of my career and I’m going to give it my all in there.

 

“Whoever says they don’t get butterflies before a big fight is lying, but I’ve been on this stage before so I know how to control them. One that bell rings I’m going for it.”

 

ANDREY KLIMOV, Junior Lightweight Contender

 

“I’ve been fighting in the U.S. for five years. I turned pro a little late but I always knew that I had the chance to be a world champion.

 

“Coming in as an underdog is nothing new to me. It’s happened over and over. I’m going to be there to fight, I’ll never give up.

 

“The loss was a learning experience. It was my first time under the real bright lights. I took the fight because I wanted to prove something. I was upset because I knew I could do better.

 

“People are going to talk about me differently after I win this world title. I’ve worked together great with my team. All the bumps in the road have gotten us to here.

 

“Pedraza was a great amateur and a very good fighter. Everyone at this level is a good fighter. If you look at who we fought, my level of competition has been much higher.”

 

JULIAN WILLIAMS, Undefeated Junior Middleweight Contender

 

“We had a very tough training camp. It seems like Ovsepyan comes forward a lot and throws a lot of punches. I’m going to just keep it simple, use the jab and work punches off of that.

 

“I haven’t thought about any other opponents besides Ovsepyan for the past three or four weeks because he’s the guy that I’m fighting, he’s the guy that’s gloved up. Nobody else will be in that ring besides him on Saturday night, so he is who I am worried about.

 

“I definitely tailor my training camp based on the opponent I will be fighting. I get certain guys to come in and spar with me that have similar fighting styles and body types as my opponent. I try to get the closest thing to my opponent in my sparring partners so that I can get a good feel for what the fight will be like.”

 

ARMEN OVSEPYAN, Junior Middleweight Contender

 

“I’m feeling prepared, boxed over 60 rounds for this fight and I’m definitely ready to go.

 

“I’m a fighter; I take hard fights, that’s what real fighters do.

 

“He’s very well-regarded but we’ll see how he likes it when I put a lot of pressure on him from the start. We both have two hands, I can win this fight.

 

“It’s going to be the best fight of the night, whether we need to go the distance or if we get the knockout early.”

 

 

IVAN REDKACH, Undefeated Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m excited for this; I’m never scared of the big moment. June 13 is going to be the most important date of my career.

 

“I’ve been in camp for four months and feel 120 percent that I’m ready to fight.

 

“My opponent always tries to go forward and is very strong. He’s always trying to throw, sometimes weird punches from bottom to side to top.

 

“I have harder fights ahead of me but we’ll see after this one if this is my toughest test so far.

 

“I’m very happy for this chance to fight on SHOWTIME, my teammates have prepared me very well for this and I’m excited.”

 

DEJAN ZLATICANIN, Lightweight Contender

 

“I’m not a novice, I’ve been around and I know how to fight. I’m strong and I’m not afraid to come forward. I know Ivan is the same way, so you know it’s going to be a great fight.

 

“In my mind, I’ve already seen Ivan knocked out. I’ve seen it happen and I’m going to see it again on Saturday.

 

“I’m going to come to work hard. I come from a small country in Montenegro and I’m not here to give anything away, I’m taking full advantage.”

 

 

DON KING, Hall Of Fame Promoter

 

“We’re going to have a terrific fight here in Alabama on Saturday night.

 

“Deontay Wilder has proven to be a tremendous fighter and he last proved it on January 17. I’m certain that Wilder doesn’t mean to transfer the belt like Bermane Stiverne did.

 

“Texans have an out of the box way of thinking, they just take what they want. You’re going to have an unstoppable force against the unmovable object. Only one will win.”

 

 

# # #

“WILDER vs. MOLINA,” a 12-round fight for Wilder’s WBC Heavyweight Championship, takes place Saturday, June 13, at The Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Ala. DiBella Entertainment and Bruno Event Team have joined forces to bring this event to Alabama. In the co-main event co-promoted by DiBella in association with Universal Promotions, Jose Pedraza will face Andrey Klimov in a 12-round bout for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title. It will air live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).  Preliminary bouts will be televised live on SHOWTIME EXTREME (7 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

 

WILDER vs. MOLINA Official Weigh-In will be available for viewing across multiple platforms, including LIVE via satellite feed and the SHO Sports YouTube Page.  Friday’s feed from Birmingham City Hall will be hosted by Mauro Ranallo and will be available in High Definition.

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team are on sale now.  Tickets start at only $25 with the best seats in the house going for $200.  VIP packages are also available.  To purchase tickets fans should visit alabamatitlefight.com.  Tickets are selling fast and a sellout is anticipated.

 

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com and www.dbe1.com follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #WilderMolina, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/
boxing

Randall Bailey returns June 20 in Atlanta area Moving up to junior middleweight for last hurrah

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  SHS BOXING MANAGEMENT     

MIAMI (June 11, 2015) – Three-time, two division world champion Randall “KO King” Bailey (44-8, 37 KOs) returns to the ring June 20 after a long absence to fight veteran Gundrick “Sho-Gun” King (18-14, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event at Riverdale Center of Arts in Riverdale, Georgia.

 

Contrary to some erroneous reports and misconceptions, the 40-year-old Bailey never retired. Unfortunately, he hasn’t fought in 1 ½ years, only four times in nearly five years, due to his well-earned reputation as, pound-for-pound, one of the hardest one-punch boxers in the world.

 

Bailey, fighting out of Miami, last fought November 23, 2013 in Tampa, after a 13-months of inactivity, defeating Ecuador welterweight Humberto “Bam Bam” Toledo (41-11-2, 25 KOs) by way of an eighth-round disqualification. He will be making his junior welterweight debut against King, launching the final chapter of his storied boxing career.

 

“I haven’t been sitting out because I wanted to,” Bailey explained. “We’ve tried to get fights but I’ve been frozen out. It’s been rough but I won’t let it bother me. I just go with the flow, what’s been given to me. I couldn’t get the top junior welterweights to fight me; I’m not afraid to move up to junior middleweight, where I hope to fight ‘Canelo ‘(Saul Alvarez) or (Erislandy) Lara.

 

“I try to explain that I’m not your average 40-year-old boxer. I’m not out every night drinking, getting high, or doing any extra-curricular activities. If these guys really felt I was old, they’d be fighting me. In the Mike Jones fight, they saw a guy losing after 11 rounds but, with a drop of a dime, I let my hands go and ended the show. (Bailey knocked out 26-0 Jones in the 11th round to capture the IBF welterweight title.) They all fade but I don’t.”

 

Bailey has shattered many fighters’ dreams during his 19-year professional career. In addition to Jones, Bailey has defeated a strong group of junior welterweights and welterweights of the past two decades, including Rocky Martinez, Carlos Gonzalez,Hector Lopez, Demetrio Ceballos, Anthony Mora, DeMarcus Corley and Jackson Osei Bonsu. Seven of Bailey’s eight career losses have been to world champions Miguel Cotto, Diosbelys Hurtado, Ener Julio, Ishe Smith, Juan Urango, Corley and Devon Alexander. His only other professional loss was to two-time world title challenger Herman Ngoudjo.

 

Bailey is a promotional free agent. “I’ve come to the point where I’m been having trouble with it,” Bailey’s manager Si Stern spoke about his difficulties landing fights the past few years for a high-risk, dangerous fighter such as Bailey. “If I were a promoter who had a fighter with a great record, why wouldn’t I want to test him against Randall Bailey? I don’t understand these promoters. If Randall knocks his fighter out, they save a lot of time, energy and money. If Randall is beaten, they’ve got a hot fighter who beat a 3-time world champion. That makes all the sense in the world to me. I keep hearing the same excuses from promoters who say television doesn’t want Randall, but that’s BS because fans love watching a KO artist like Randall. And promoters always bring up his age as a safety factor. Most of Randall’s fights didn’t go the distance and he’s never really been on the wrong end of a war. His body hasn’t taken the wear and tear like a lot of other fighters his age. He just went up to Atlanta early to meet with the boxing commission just to show them that he’s in top shape, physically and mentally. We can do that every fight, if needed, without any problems whatsoever.

 

“Let’s face it, promoters and managers are afraid to let their guys fight Randall because they’ll get knocked out. Everybody knows Randall will fight anybody. He made himself available to fight (Floyd) Mayweather and (Manny) Pacquiao, but they didn’t want any part of him. This is what we’ve face with Randall Bailey the past few years.”

 

Bailey has been training for the first time with veteran coach Orlando Cuellar, who is best known for training former world champion Glen Johnson.

 

“Training with Orlando is all about hard work,” Bailey said. “The first week – I can’t really explain how my body felt – but everybody in the gym thought he was killing me. I wasn’t used to working like that but, once I got used to it, I started feeling it.

 

“I know I have power but, after working with Orlando, I realize it’s irrelevant without a good front hand. My jab orchestrates everything. My left look is just as good as my right, if it comes off my jab. Orlando’s helped me bring that back. I’m bringing my power to the 154-pound division and I’m excited about the change.”

 

The feeling is mutual. Cuellar, who also trains 46-year-old heavyweight contenderAntonio Tarver, the five-time, two-division world champion, as well as undefeated world light heavyweight contender Yunieski Gonzalez, among the more notables in his growing stable of fighters, believes age is simply a number for elite boxers who dedicate themselves to conditioning.

 

“Randall is still going to have his power and because he’s not depleting himself making 147,” Cuellar noted, “his power will be even greater at 154. He’ll have gas in his tank late in fights, instead of it being empty from working to make weight like he did at 147. He can run with the big dogs at 154 and still have the most knockout power.

 

“Randall was the most feared 147-pounder in boxing. Hopefully, it won’t be that way at 154, so he can be more active. As a fighter matures in age, sometimes, it’s best to move up in weight instead of using up so much energy to make weight. At 154, Randall will be better because he’ll be more active in the ring. We’re working on stuff other than his big right hand, which we’ll be masking with other punches. We’ve been together six months and he’s looked fantastic. Things are coming along nicely. I have him applying pressure, breaking down his opponent, using three distances – short, medium and long – and then using his signature (right) punch. I don’t want him to rely on knocking out a guy. We have Randall using his speed, movement, power and touching the (his opponent’s) body. He’s bought into my theory and the second coming of Randall Bailey is going to be very exciting.”

 

The final chapter, according to Bailey, will conclude with either his 50th career victory or 10th loss. “It’s all over for me if I win my 50th fight or lose my 10th,” he concluded. “I’m not going to be anybody’s opponent and, if I get to 50 wins, it’ll be all over for me.”

 

Bailey’s journey for his third divisional world title officially kicks-off June 20.

 

Follow him on Twitter @KOKING_Bailey.

 

 

Bailey’s SHS Boxing Management stablemate, 2008 Cuban Olympian Robert Alfonso (5-0, 1 KO), faces an opponent to be determined in a six-round heavyweight bout on the same June 20th card in Georgia..
boxing

RUSLAN “SIBERIAN ROCKY” PROVODNIKOV CONFIRMED FOR SECOND ANNUAL  BOX FAN EXPO TAKING PLACE  SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 IN LAS VEGAS

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The ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, boxing celebrities and industry people in an up-close, personal setting

 

For Immediate Release


Las Vegas (June 11, 2015) –  Former WBO world champion Ruslan Provodnikov has confirmed that he will appear at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday Sept. 12. The Box Fan Expo will coincide with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight and Mexican Independence weekend.

 

Ruslan Provodnikov also known as the “Siberian Rocky,” is a Russian professional boxer in the Light Welterweight division and is a former WBO Light Welterweight Champion. He is a fan favorite because of his fighting style and how he developed a reputation for being an exciting, come-forward, aggressive fighter. His fight with Tim Bradley was named “2013 Fight of the Year” by Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America.

 

Provodnikov joins “Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor and “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

 

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.
Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.
Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Sergio Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Terry Norris, Shawn Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija ,Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, Mia St-John, Erislandy Lara, Peter Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.
The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several months and weeks leading up to the event.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com
View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here:

View Promo Flyer here:
View Photos Gallery 2014 here:

http://www.boxfanexpo.com/photos/
For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:
U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

 

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at:
BET Network, boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FOR JUNE 20, 2015 ANDRE WARD VS. PAUL SMITH throne boxing EVENT AT ORACLE ARENA IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA LIVE ON BET NETWORKS & TIDAL

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Nipsey Hussle, Sway Calloway & DJ Franzen Comprise Entertainment Line Up

 

Antonio Nieves vs. Stephon Young Featured In Televised Co-Featured Bout

 

Luis Arias, Aaron Coley, Daniel Franco, Tony Hirsch, Meng Fanlong & Wang Zhimin

To Be Featured on Undercard

 

NEW YORK – JUNE 10, 2015 – The highly anticipated return to the ring of WBA Middleweight World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Andre Ward (27-0, 14 KO’s) against former World Title Challenger Paul Smith (35-5, 20 KO’s) of England on June 20 has been elevated to another level with the announcement that the event will now include a live musical performance by Los Angeles-based rapper Nipsey Hussle immediately before Ward and Smith do battle. Fans will also be able to catch the action and performance live on BET Networks in the United States and globally on TIDAL.com, the newly launched music streaming service that combines the best high fidelity sound quality, high definition music videos and expertly curated editorial.

 

Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at(800) 745-3000.

 

In an intriguing televised co-featured bout pitting two unbeaten prospects against one another, Cleveland native Antonio Nieves (12-0, 6 KO’s) and Stephon Young (13-0-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis will battle it out over eight rounds in a featherweight bout. Cleveland has been known as a hotbed for producing promising boxers, including undefeated prospect Nieves who was a highly touted amateur, winning over 60 fights while becoming a five-time Cleveland Golden Gloves champion, a National Golden Gloves silver medalist and competing in the Olympic Trials. 28-year old Nieves made his professional debut on November 12, 2011 securing a unanimous decision against DeWayne Wisdom at La Villa Banquet in Cleveland, Ohio. Nieves has continued to rack up victories picking up five wins in a busy 2014, including three by knockout. In his last outing, less than two weeks ago on June 6, Nieves earned a first round technical knockout win over Gabor Molnar at Presque Isle Downs Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania. On June 20, fellow undefeated prospect Young will look to end Nieves’ winning streak. Also a decorated amateur who rose as high as a number two national ranking and narrowly missed making the 2012 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, Young made his pro debut on August 12, 2011 with a unanimous decision victory over Ricky Lacefield at Ameristar Casino in Saint Charles, Missouri. Young’s undefeated run continued most recently on March 27 against Jesus Gonzalez with a second round technical knockout at The Ambassador in Saint Louis, Missouri.

 

In addition to the action inside the ring, Roc Nation Sports will bring other major names to the throne boxing experience at Oracle Arena including notable event emcee, radio personality, MTV news correspondent and Oakland-native Sway Calloway, who will serve as the event’s host, and hit master DJ Franzen, resident DJ at Las Vegas’ Hot 97.5. Sway and Franzen will entertain together throughout the night to keep the energy up between bouts.

 

There will be several notable faces ringside ready to catch all the action on June 20 including WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto, Michael B. Jordan, Frank Gore (Indianapolis Colts), Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco 49ers), E-40, Brice Butler (Oakland Raiders), Marcell Reece (Oakland Raiders), James Jones (Oakland Raiders), Too Short and Ryan Coogler.

 

In non-televised undercard action, Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s undefeated prospect Luis “Cuba” Arias (10-0, 4 KO’s) will make his second appearance of 2015.  Arias began boxing at the age of seven and compiled an amateur record of 140-25, earning U.S.A Boxing’s number one men’s junior ranking in 2006, the number one men’s under-19 ranking in 2008 and the number one men’s ranking in 2010.  He captured the U.S.A. Men’s Under-19 National Championship in 2008 and two U.S.A Men’s National Championships in 2009 and 2010. Arias’ professional debut took place on November 10, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles where he defeated Josh Thorpe via a four-round unanimous decision. He began 2013 with three victories, all by knockout, which were followed by a decision win over DonYil Livingston on May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  He closed the year with three more victories including a second-round knockout of Cameron Allen in his first scheduled eight-round fight. In his most recent bout on March 14at Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Arias defeated Zachariah Kelley when Kelley was disqualified in the second round for repeated low blows. On June 20, he’ll look to keep his winning ways going in a six round super middleweight bout against an opponent to be determined.

 

Local Hayward, California favorite Aaron Coley (9-1-1, 6 KO’s) joins the undercard looking to come back from his first professional loss which came via unanimous decision against the highly touted Ievgen Khytrov at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn, New York on April 10 in fight that was televised on Showtime’s ShoBox. He will look to get back on a winning track on June 20 when he takes on Yosmani Abreu (4-9-2) of Las Vegas, Nevada in a six round junior middleweight clash.

 

Hailing from Riverside, California and fighting out of the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, undefeated junior lightweight Daniel “Twitch” Franco (10-0-3, 7 KO’s) began boxing at the age of eight, amassing an amateur record of 67-15, winning the Oxnard PAL Championship in 2006 and the California State Silver Gloves Championship in 2007 along the way. During Franco’s professional debut on December 18, 2010, he defeated Emanuel Machorro at Club 401 in Ontario, California via a third round technical knockout. Despite being enrolled as a full-time student at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Franco impressed early in his career, compiling an undefeated record with two draws in venues throughout California by the end of 2013. One of those draws came against Alejandro Ochoa at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California on September 20, 2013, but in a rematch three months later, Franco outmatched Ochoa scoring a six-round unanimous decision victory at Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. In his most recent bout on January 17, he scored an impressive first-round knockout win over Sergio Najera at the Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme, California. On June 20, Franco, who recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports, will see action in an eight round junior lightweight bout against Jonathan Alcantara (7-13-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, California.

 

Another product of the Bay Area, Oakland’s Tony Hirsch (18-6-2, 8 KO’s) captured the vacant WBC United States Middleweight Title against then-undefeated Wes Capper by majority decision in his last fight on March 14, 2015 at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hirsch joins the undercard on June 20 looking to continue his winning ways an opponent to be named in a six round middleweight fight.

 

Meng “Cold Blood” Fanlong (1-0) was the Chinese national light heavyweight champion for seven consecutive years from 2008 to 2013. Hailinging from Chi Feng, Inner Mongolia, the seven-time national Chinese champion also was awarded a gold medal during the Chinese National Games. Fanlong’s list of credits in the amateurs also includes representing China in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, where he won his opening bout before falling to highly touted Brazilian Yamaguchi Falcão in the round of 16; reaching the finals of the Asian Championship in 2011 when his took home the silver medal; winning three bouts at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships in dominant fashion to reach the quarterfinals; and making it to the semifinals of the 2010 Asian Games, from which he brought home a bronze medal. Meng made his professional debut on January 17, 2015 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, scoring a decision victory over Marcellus Yates. He will now look to continue his professional rise when he takes on Albert Avina (0-3) of Stockton, California in a four round cruiserweight bout on June 20.

 

Rounding out the undercard will be Wang “Jimmy” Zhimin (9-1) of Ning Bo, China who will face Jose Guzman (6-10-1) of The Bronx, New York in a six round junior welterweight bout. In 2010, Zhimin reached the final of the Chinese National Boxing Championships where he received a silver medal. A year later in 2011, Zhimin reached the pinnacle of his amateur career when he won the gold at the World Series of Boxing in his native China. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition. Zhimin made his professional debut on January 17, 2015 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut scoring a unanimous decision victory over Kin Moy (Pro Debut).

 

Ward vs. Smith, a 12 round bout presented by Roc Nation Sports, takes place Saturday, June 20 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, will be televised live on BET and streamed globally on TIDAL.com at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT and is presented in association with Matchroom Sport. The fight is sponsored by The Waterfront Hotel, Venue Kings , Shoe Palace, Q 102.1, 95.7 the GAME and KBLX 102.9. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Nipsey Hussle taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee Sway Calloway and will also feature hit master DJ Franzen who will serve alongside Sway throughout the night. Tickets priced at $250, $125, $90, $60 and $30, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 3:00 PM, the first fight begins at 3:10 PM and the BET telecast and TIDAL.com stream begins at 10:00PM ET/7:00 PM PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.