All posts by FNU47

TUREANO JOHNSON PROVIDING GREAT SPARRING FOR DANIEL GEALE

 

NEW JERSEY (May 26, 2015)Gary Shaw Productions middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is now the chief sparring partner for Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) as he prepares him for his upcoming WBC title clash with Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs).  Johnson, who captured the WBA International and WBC Silver middleweight titles in his last bout, is currently ranked WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #8 and WBO #13.  He gives his thought on sparring with Geale.

 

“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills,” said Tuerano Johnson. “He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there.  I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise.  Everyone is counting Geale out but not me.  Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”

 

“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive.  I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”

 

Tureano Johnson is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak, three of which came by stoppage.  Highly ranked across the board of all sanctioning organizations, Johnson is on the cusp of landing a big fight.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO  TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES

ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER

 

Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez.  The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event…

“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans.  This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free.  PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show.  Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

On staying active…

“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference.  My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training.  When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level.  This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time.  Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

On fighting at the StubHub Center…

“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in.  The fans are incredible.  Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting.  It’s like there right on top of you.  For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone.  It’s a great place to fight!”

On training camp…

“Training camp has been going great.  Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother.  I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level.  I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on.  My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress.  Everything has come together really nice.  It’s time to go to war!”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO VS. DANIEL GEALE ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN NAMED OFFICIAL KICK-OFF EVENT OF NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE WEEK 2015

Cotto Receives Honorary Title of “Athlete of the Year”

NEW YORK (May 26, 2015) – The National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) today announced that its 2015 Parade, scheduled for Sunday, June 14 on New York’s Fifth Avenue, will officially kick off a week of festivities with the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It was also announced that Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be making a contribution to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund.

“Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are thrilled to be aligned with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and to kick off their week of festivities with our event on June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said David Itskowitch, COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports. “New York’s Puerto Rican community has supported Miguel throughout his career and we look forward to mirroring that support through our scholarship fund contribution and association with the Parade’s mission to promote education and empowerment.”

In addition, to honor Cotto’s impressive athletic accomplishments spanning over a decade which include him becoming Puerto Rico’s first and only Four Division World Champion, the NPRDP has bestowed upon him the honorary title of “Athlete of the Year.”

“It’s a privilege for my June 6 fight against Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to be named the official kick-off event of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and I want to express my deepest gratitude for being honored me as Athlete of the Year,” said Cotto. “New York is truly my second home because I have been embraced by its Puerto Rican community. I’m looking forward to seeing my New York fans at Barclays Center on June 6.”

The NPRDP established the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Awards Program to help promote the pursuit of higher education within the community. In 2015, the organization will double the total dollar figure and number of scholarships awarded from the previous year to 30 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. In celebration of the 2015 class of scholarship winners, Miguel Cotto, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions will be contributing $5,000 to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Scholarship Fund in support of helping other high school and college students pay for their educations.

“The mission of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is to create an awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican contributions to the United States by holding an annual parade that displays the culture and diverse achievements of the Puerto Rican community and by supporting the higher education of our youth through our scholarship program,” said Ululy Rafael Martinez, Vice-Chair of NPRDP. “We are proud to honor Miguel Cotto as Athlete of the Year and express our deepest gratitude to Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Productions for contributing to our scholarship fund.”

The 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on New York’s Fifth Avenue. The Parade’s overall theme will be a continuation of “Un Pueblo Muchas Voces” (One Community, Many Voices) with a special commemorative theme “Celebrating Afro-Boricua Heritage,” meant to coincide with the designation of the next decade as the “International Decade for People of African Descent” by the United Nations. Spectators can watch the Parade from any designated areas between E. 44th and E. 79th Streets. NPRDP 2015 official events include the following:

May 27 – Education Leadership Awards
May 30 – 152nd Street Festival in the Bronx
June 6 – Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
June 6 – Rising Stars Challenge
June 7 – Annual Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
June 12 – Annual Gala of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade
June 14 – 58th National Puerto Rican Day Parade

For more information please visit www.nprdpinc.org. Follow NPRDP on Twitter: @PRparadeNYC, Instagram: NPRDP, #PRparade, and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/NationalPuertoRicanParade.

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores and Venue Kings. 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 Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

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

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Susan Cingari Joins Fight Time Promotions Broadcast Team

Miami, FL (May 26, 2015): Floridas premier mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, Fight Time Promotions, announced today that they have appointed Susan Cingari as their official ‘in-house’ Reporter. Cingari is an Emmy Award Winning Journalist and seasoned reporter with over 20 years of experience covering sports and entertainment news. As a member of the broadcast team, Cingari will conduct pre and post-fight interviews and will take fans behind-the-scenes during Fight Time Promotions’ professional MMA events, which currently air on the CBS Sports Network. Cingari will begin her journey with Fight Time onMay 29 at the Fight Time 25 ‘It’s Fight Time in the Magic Cityevent in Miami, Florida.

As an MMA Reporter, Susan Cingari aims to deliver compelling stories that resonate with fans everywhere, especially fans that are new to the sport.  Due to her unique interview style and long-standing relationships in the media industry, Cingari is able to generate unparalleled visibility for MMA athletes and the organizations they are affiliated with. It is no surprise that Fight Time executives sought out Cingari to fill the reporter role, as she brings a rare and exciting dynamic to the team.

1976 Boxing Olympic Gold Medalist and CEO of Fight Time Promotions, Howard Davis Jr. had this to say, We are very excited to have Susan Cingari as a member of our broadcast team. Not only does Susan possess impeccable credentials, she shares our passion for shining a light on deserving fighters and generating positive publicity for the sport. As a reporter, Susan takes the time to connect with fighters on a personal level, delivering powerful interviews that go well beyond the cage. We are happy to have her on the Fight Time team!!

According to Cingari, “Words cannot express how honored I am to be a part of the Fight Time Promotions MMA family. Fight Time Promotions has been bringing quality MMA shows to the Southeast for five years. Not only do they continue to deliver fight cards stacked with match-ups that fans want to see, they offer fighters and sponsors optimal media exposure by broadcasting their MMA events on the CBS Sports Network.  I am thrilled to be joining Fight TimePromotions broadcast team and look forward to a long and successful career with the organization!

Susan Cingari has over twenty years of experience as a mainstream media journalist and producer for such shows as: Entertainment Tonight, “The Insider”,“Fox News Channel,” “Rachel Ray”, “Inside Edition” “Discovery” “Travel Channel”Disney, “CBS”, “CNN”, “MTV”, “ America’s Most Wanted”, “ESPN”, NBC Sports”,“CNBC”, “ MTV”, Extra and many more.

Cingari turned her focus to mixed martial arts after working on a story about a female wrestler. The wrestler had a strength and conditioning coach by the name of JC Santana who trained many of the top MMA fighters and introduced her to the sport of MMA. One visit to the American Top Team (ATT) training facility in Florida was all it took. She was particularly impressed with the determination and discipline the fighters had as well as their team spirit. Cingari now focuses as much time as possible on covering the sport of MMA.

To learn more about Susan Cingari please visit at www.susancingari.com. For information on Fight Time Promotions, please visitwww.fighttimepromotions.com.

About Susan Cingari:

As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Susan Cingari has over twenty years of experience in newspapers, radio and television broadcasting and has been freelancing as a writer, reporter, host and producer for nearly two decades. Cingari has reported on a broad range of stories in the sports and entertainment industries with a strong focus on mixed martial arts (MMA). Her strong ties with top-tier sports and mainstream media outlets translates into unparalleled visibility for the organizations she represents and athletes she interviews.  For more information on please visit at www.susancingari.com. To view Cingari’s MMA event coverage and in-depth fighter interviews, visit www.mustlovemma.com. Fans can follow Cingari on Twitter at @susancingari or on Facebook by liking herFan Page.

About Fight Time Promotions

Fight Time Promotions, LLC is a full service professional sports entertainment company founded by 1976 Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist – Howard Davis Jr. and his wife and former Journalist – Karla Guadamuz-Davis. This family-owned business continues to strive to make a difference in the industry through integrity, consistency and uniqueness. In 2011, Fight Time Promotions held more shows than any other fight promoter in the State of Florida (boxing or MMA). The “Fight Time” series take place in South Florida from the historic War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Fight Time Promotions provides fans with action-packed MMA professional fights and is geared toward fans, who want to see live action and support Mixed Martial Arts. “It’s Fight Time!” For more information on the promotion or to view the 2015 fight schedule, please visitwww.fighttimepromotions.com.

Andrey Fedosov & John Thompson crowned Boxcino champions with stoppage wins

   

For Immediate Release

Corona, California (May 26, 2015)--Memorial Day weekend started out with a bang as Andrey Fedosov and John Thompson were crowned Boxcino 2015 champions in the Heavyweight and Jr. Middleweight divisions with stoppage wins over Donovan Dennis and Brandon Adams this past Friday night at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The Boxcino Tournament was promoted by Banner Promotions, while Friday’s card was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
The event also served as the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Fedosov scored an 8th round stoppage, while Thompson got off the canvas in round 1 to score a 2nd round stoppage.

Fedosov landed some hard power shots in round 2 that Dennis was able to withstand. Fedosov dropped Dennis in round 3 from a left hook to the head. Dennis started being effective the jab in round 4, and he started mixing the straight left behind it.

In round 6, Fedosov hurt Dennis again as he ripped two hard rights off the face of the southpaw. In round 7, it was more power shots that hurt Dennis and made him take a knee.

In round 8, Fedosov landed a perfectly timed right hand that sent Dennis hard to the canvas. Dennis got to his feet but the fight was waved off 54 seconds into round 8.

Fedosov, 220 1/2 lbs of Hollywood, California via Russia is now 28-3 with 23 knockouts.  Dennis, 219 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 14-3.
“I was being patient and waiting for a counter, and I was able to hit him with it,” said Fedosov of the knockout blow.  “Now I will look for a big fight.”

John Thompson got off the deck in round 1 to come back and score an explosive 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Adams to win the Boxcino Jr. Middleweight title.

Adams dropped Thompson in the opening seconds from a left hook. In round 2, Thompson landed a huge shot that sent Adams to the canvas. Thompson then pounded on Adams and a right hand wobbled Adams into the ropes and a knockdown was ruled. Thompson finished off a visibly hurt Adams with a heavy combination and the fight was stopped at 2:18 of round 2.

Thompson, 153.2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 17-1 with six knockouts. Adams, 154.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 17-2.

“This is a new beginning for me,” Thompson said. “We’re in a whole different ball game now. This is where I’m suppose to be.”

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “It was a great night, and John and Andrey earned these titles.  We expect to have them in big fights very soon.  On another note, I am glad that these two thrilling fights were part of the last ESPN Friday Night Fights show.”

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO TRAINING CAMP UPDATE   FORMER FOUR-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION BATTLES ARON MARTINEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT STUBHUB CENTER

 

Coverage on NBC Starts At 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

 

Click HERE For Photos From Team Guerrero

 

GILROY, CA (May 26, 2015) – While entering the final days of training camp, four-division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs), gives his thoughts on his upcoming PBC on NBC main-event attraction against Aron Martinez.  The 10-round bout will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., June 6, 2015 and will air live on NBC starting at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT.

 

On fighting in the PBC on NBC main-event:

“First I really want to thank Al Haymon for bringing boxing back to the fans.  This is another wonderful opportunity where fans from all walks of life can see me fight on NBC for free.  PBC on NBC has taken boxing back to its glory days and I’m honored to be headlining my second show.  Everyone knows I come to fight and you can expect the same when I step in the ring with Martinez.

 

On staying active

“When a fighter is constantly staying busy, it makes a world of difference.  My timing is down, my body is used to the rigorous training.  When I’m on the grind, I perform at a much higher level.  This will be the first time I’ve had back to back fights in a very long time.  Everyone watching this fight will see the difference in my fighting style.

 

On fighting at the StubHub Center

“The StubHub Center is probably my favorite venue to fight in.  The fans are incredible.  Everyone has a great seat and you can feel the energy from the crowd while you’re fighting.  It’s like there right on top of you.  For some reason the StubHub Center brings out the warrior spirit in everyone.  It’s a great place to fight!”

 

On training camp…

“Training camp has been going great.  Like I mentioned before, when you stay active, everything flows a lot smoother.  I’ve taken my sparring sessions to a new level.  I’m quicker on my feet and my timing is spot on.  My dad Ruben who trains me, is really happy with my progress.  Everything has come together really nice.  It’s time to go to war!”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Lightweight Contender Tony Luis to Serve on Broadcast Commentary Team on CBS Sports Network, this Friday, May 29 in Memphis

 

Lightweight contender Tony “Lightning” Luis says it’ll be the realization of a childhood dream when he serves as guest analyst on the broadcast team this Friday, May 29.

Luis will join Ron Kruck, Steve Kim and Patrick Ortiz for the live call of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network,” will air live on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET) from the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network will be headlined by a 10-round cruiserweight battle between Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and “Slick” Nick Kisner (14-1-1, 5 KOs).

In the co-main event, promising WBO #10 lightweight Josh King of Australia will make his US television debut against Batesville, Arkansas’ Rogelio Casarez (9-3, 4 KOs). Also featured in televised action that night will be women’s superstar Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight showcase against Nairobi, Kenya’s Fatuma Zarika (24-10-2, 14 KOs), as well as super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-rounder against Mississippi’s William Johnson.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visit www.gcpboxing.com.

 

“It’s another childhood dream come true,” said Luis of doing commentary. “My mom was a stickler with me over reading when I was little, but once I got the hang of it and discovered boxing, look out! I drove her crazy reading my dad’s boxing collection to her all the time. And she would always say I had what it took to do what the guys on HBO were doing. I can hear the ‘I told you so,’ from heaven.”

Luis will be joining a solid broadcast team of veterans. Blow-by-blow man Ron Kruck is an MMA correspondent for the longest-running Mixed Martial Arts news show on television, Inside MMA, on Mark Cuban’s AXS TV. Long-time boxing journalist Steve Kim is internationally recognized for his commentary and opinion preceding major pay-per-view boxing bouts. Patrick Ortiz is the President of Ringside Ticket Inc and Lords of the Cage, which specializes in providing Mixed Martial Arts and Boxing events for Tribal Casinos.

“Max Kellerman motivated me when i was younger,” said Luis of his influences. “I saw a young guy with a passion for boxing. Max is a very good commentator and has developed a good eye for the sport, but I feel I have an edge because I actually live it and know what it is like to be in that ring.”

Luis (19-3, 7 KOs), who lost a controversial decision in a world-title fight in England against England’s Derry Matthews in April, will next be seen, in ring, on June 25 in Niagara Falls, New York against an opponent that is TBA.

Seconds Out Promotions Signs Light Heavyweight Powerhouse Marcus Oliveira to a Promotional Agreement

Tony Grygelko of Minneapolis-based Seconds Out Promotions proudly announces the signing of hard-punching former world-title challenger Marcus Oliveira to a promotional contract.

 

From Menominee, Wisconsin, and of Menominee Nation, native, heritage, 36-year-old Oliveira (25-1-1, 20 KOs) is also a former NABF and WBA Fedebol Light Heavyweight Champion.

The promotional agreement is a reunion of sorts, as Grygelko was Oliveira’s promoter for much of his early professional career.

 

“I used to promote Marcus, prior to him signing with Don King, and it’s truly an honor to be able to promote him again and help position him for another world title shot,” said Tony Grygelko. “It seems that with his previous promoter not actively seeking fights, and his loss to Jurgen Brähmer, that Marcus has been written off, but the truth is he is extremely focused and has a burning desire to show all his fans that he has the talent to win a World Championship! He plans to shake off some ring rust off with a couple fights and then he’ll be looking to go after some of the big names in the division, such as Andrezj Fonfara, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, and a rematch with Brähmer.”

 

Oliveira, who was a heavily decorated amateur boxer before turning pro in 2006, said he feels his career had been stalled by an agreement he signed with another promoter. He says he happy to now be free of that contract and back to working with someone he trusts.

 

“I was looking for someone who could get me to the next level in my career and Tony has already done that for quite a few guys, so it was an easy decision,” said Oliveira. “He’s always straight-up with me and treats me well. I have a great relationship with him. I’m very happy about this new direction.”

 

“We’re very excited to be back working with Tony,” said Oliveira’s Manager, Douglas Ward from the Underground Boxing Company. “It’s good to be working with a promoter that has our same set of goals.”

 

Oliveira joins a Seconds Out stable that also includes Carson Jones and recent world-title challenger Caleb Truax.

Support Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells in her Next Title Championship Fight.

 

New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment continue their support of Women’s Boxing at Resorts World Casino onSaturday, May 30, 2015. 

Gleason’s very own World Champion Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells will be featured in a title bout for the vacant NYS Title super flyweight title.

 

Fire has a professional boxing record of 7 wins and 2 losses.

 

The address is 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, 43rd Ave. Jamaica, NY 11420.

 

The doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout starts at 7:00 pmsharp.

 

Ticket prices are $50 (General Admission), $75 (Reserved Seating), $125 (Ringside) and $150 (VIP Ringside)

 

The event will be a sell out so order your tickets early.

 

Buy the tickets through Gleason’s Gym and you will be supporting Fire.

 

Call 718 797 2872 or Email info@gleasonsgym.net

 

 

 

BELLATOR MMA TO AIR ON AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 25, 2015) – On a holiday when Americans take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving in the country’s armed forces, Bellator MMA officials are honored to announce a new partnership with the American Forces Network.

 

With the new deal in place, the American Forces Network will now broadcast Bellator MMA events on its global networks to American servicemen and women, as well as U.S. Navy ships at sea.

 

“We at Bellator are always looking for ways to give back to our troops,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “We’re all extremely grateful for all that they do abroad to keep us safe, and we hope that they will enjoy some Bellator fights during any downtime they may have.”

 

Multiple Bellator athletes including Bobby Lashley and Mike Richman have served in the American Military.

 

“I’m personally thrilled for this new partnership,” said Bobby Lashley, who fights James Thompson on June 19. “AFN is providing a platform for me to be fighting for my brothers and sisters who are away from home, fighting for us.”

 

The new partnership commences with June’s dual Bellator MMA events.

 

On June 19, Bellator MMA visits St. Louis’ Scottrade Center for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock. Also, several current Bellator fighters as well as some of the sport’s biggest legends will pay a visit to Scott Air Force Base on Wednesday, June 17.

 

On June 26, the promotion touches down at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., with “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which sees French striking specialist Cheick Kongo and Russian knockout artist and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov stand toe-to-toe in the Bellator MMA cage.

 

Complete details of the new Bellator MMA-American Forces Network partnership will be available shortly.