All posts by FNU47

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT COLLEGE WRESTLERS OF ALL-TIME, OLYMPIC CONTENDER ED RUTH

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 11, 2015) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of one of mixed martial art’s most sought-after prospects, Ed Ruth. A dominant and decorated collegiate wrestler, Ruth joins Bellator MMA with an exclusive, multi-fight deal.

 

The 25-year-old’s focus is currently set on the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where the general consensus is that he will be a shoo-in to compete in the 86kg. division.

 

“I’ve known for a long time now that after I get Olympic gold around my neck, I was going to go get some MMA gold for my waist,” said the phenom Ruth.  “I’ve been talking with all the major organizations, and at the end of the day, I really believe in what Scott Coker is doing with Bellator. They’re signing the top talent, they’re putting on exciting fights, and they’re letting me secure my own sponsors. It will be a little while until I step into the cage for the first time — but when I do, everyone they put in front of me is in for a world of hurt.”

 

Ruth attended High School at Blair Academy in Susquehanna Township, PA, where he was the top-ranked recruit in Nation for his weight class.  Ruth would elect to stay local and attend wrestling powerhouse Penn State University. The masterful grappler added three National Championships and four All-American accolades to his trophy room while wrestling with the Penn State University’s Nittany Lions.

 

The three-time national champion joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospect Aaron Pico on the roster. Both competitors will turn their focus to MMA following the Olympic Games next year. When the time comes, Ruth will be competing in Bellator’s middleweight division alongside current title-holder Brandon Halsey, Kendall Grove, Rafael Carvalho, Joe Schilling, Alexander Shlemenko, Melvin Manhoef, amongst others.

 

Fight Network, Judo, kickboxing, mixed martial arts

FIGHT NETWORK MMA & KICKBOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (May 11-17, 2015)

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Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Monday, May 11

 

6:30 p.m. ET – 2014 Judo Astana Grand Prix– Highlights from the 2014 Judo Astana Grand Prix from Oct. 10-12, 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Final Fight Championship 4: Perak vs, Joni – Featuring Maro Perak vs. Tibor Joni in the MMA main event and Sergei Lascenko vs. Mladen Brestovac in a kickboxing attraction from May 5, 2013 in Zadar, Croatia.

Tuesday, May 12

 

1:00 a.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Firas Zahabi – Sit-down interview with Tristar Gym head coach Firas Zahabi, trainer for the likes of Georges St. Pierre and Rory MacDonald.

 

1:30 a.m. ET – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

 

2:30 am. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S pro and amateur MMA.

 

4:30 a.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

7:00 & 7:30 p.m. ET – Xtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Wednesday, May 13

 

3:00 a.m. ET – Texas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star State’s top prospects in the cage.

 

6:00 p.m. ET – Best of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Antonio Silva, Victor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

7:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit Season 4 – Compilations of international MMA fights from SFL, FFC, M-1 and more.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – Cage Warriors 74 – Featuring Nicolas Dalby vs. Mohsen Bahari for the Cage Warriors welterweight title from Nov. 15, 2014 in London.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – MMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

 

11:30 p.m. ET – TakeDown Wrestling – Extensive coverage of amateur wrestling events, including the latest news, behind-the-scenes coverage from events and exclusive interviews.

Thursday, May 14

 

1:30 a.m. ET – Ultimate Challenge MMA 7: Mayhem – Featuring Ben Smith vs/ Amokrane Sabet and Francis Hegney vs. Tim Radcliffe from Sept. 19, 2009 in London.

 

6:00 p.m. ET – Championship Fightling Alliance – Pro MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Kyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkie, Luis Palomino and others.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Rookies – Aspiring kickboxers climb the ladder of success in the sport as rookies compete for a chance to become professionals and get experience needed to succeed at a higher level.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – Super Fight League 3 – Featuring James Thompson vs. Bobby Lashley and Trevor Prangley vs. Baga Agaev from May 6, 2012 in New Delhi, India.

Friday, May 15

 

2:00 a.m. ET – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

 

4:00 a.m. ET – Best of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

 

5:00 a.m. ET – Best of Jewels – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

 

6:00 – p.m. ET – M-1 Challenge – Professional MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

 

7:00 p.m. ET — Fight News Now. MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

7:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Urijah Faber – John Ramadeen chats with UFC bantamweight superstar Urijah Faber about his upbringing and evolution in the sport.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m by 12m arena with three-level obstacle structures.

 

9:00 p.m. ET — KSW 17 – Featuring Mamed Khalidov vs. Jesse Taylor, Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. James Thompson and Jan Blachowicz vs. Tameau Thierry Sokoudjou from Nov,. 26, 2011 in Lodz, Poland.

Saturday, May 16

 

1:00 a.m. ET – SuperKombat: World Grand Prix II – Featuring Jamie Bates, Flavius Boiciuc, Miles Simson and Mijan Vidovic in a one-night, single-elimination light heavyweight tournament from Mamaia, Romania.

 

6:00 a.m. ET – Best of TKO – Featuring Shonie Carter vs. Jason MacDonald from TKO 21.

 

7:00 a.m. ET – UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber Pre-Show – LIVE pre-fight coverage of UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. Faber in the Philippines.

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest, hosted by UFC veterans Matt LIndland and Chael Sonnen. This episode features the rise of SportFight champion Enoch Wilson.

 

4:00 p.m. ET – DEEP: 63 Impact – Featuring Kazuhiro Nakamura vs. Henry Miller and Tatsumiutsu Wada vs. Yuki Motoya from Aug. 25, 2013 8n Tokyo.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – World Combat Games: Sambo Package – Coverage of the Sambo event from the 2013 SportAccord World Combat Games from Oct. 19, 2013.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – World Combat Games: Sambo Package 2 – Coverage of the Sambo event from the 2013 SportAccord World Combat Games from Oct. 20, 2013.

Sunday, May 17

 

12:30 a.m. ET — World Combat Games: Sumo Package – Coverage of the Sumo event from the 2013 SportAccord World Combat Games from Oct. 19, 2013.

 

6:00 a.m. ET – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Name Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

 

11:00 a.m. ET – Elite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world featuring premium international stand-up fighters takingon the renowned Thai National team.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and look back at the past.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Judo Tashkent Grand Prix 2014 – Highlights from the Judo Tashkent Grand Prix from Oct. 16-18 in Uzbekistan.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

Bellator, mixed martial arts, Spike TV

“Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” lineup complete with 14 fights, including the addition of hard-hitting veterans Justin Lawrence, Adam Cella

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B138_PR_header2

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 11, 2015) – June’s blockbuster “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” event now has a complete lineup of 14 action-packed contests with the addition of Spike.com-streamed matchups of featherweights Justin “The American Kid” Lawrence (7-2) vs. Sean “P-Town” Wilson (34-25), lightweights Eric Irvin (9-3) vs. Hugh Pulley (4-2) and bantamweights A.J. “Let’s Go” Siscoe (0-1) vs. Garrett Mueller (1-0), as well as a pair of dark preliminary contests with welterweights Adam “El Natural” Cella (6-3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (3-0) and lightweights Garrett Gross (6-3) vs. Chris “Stump” Heatherly (8-3),

 

Featuring one of the most anticipated fights in the history of the sport with Kimbo Slice vs. Ken Shamrock, “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” takes place Friday, June 19, at St. Louis’ Scottrade Center and airs live on Spike.

 

Tickets for “Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business,” which start at just $30, are currently on sale at Ticketmaster.com

 

The night’s first contest takes place at 6 p.m. CT local time, while the Spike-televised main card starts two hours later.

 

Lawrence, of Pacific, Mo., is a former national boxing and kickboxing champion and RFA featherweight champion who now makes his Bellator MMA debut on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. He faces Wilson, of Omaha, who has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision just once in 59 career contests.

 

Irvin, of Pilot Knob, Mo., boasts a four-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in his past seven appearances. He now fights for Bellator MMA for the first time and meets fellow Missouri native Pulley, who hopes to snap a two-fight losing streak.

 

Cella is a five-time Shamrock FC veteran and “TUF” former cast member who now faces the undefeated Kurtz – a Missouri fighter who already boasts three career victories despite just turning pro in January.

 

In a battle of Illinois-based fighters, Gross has won four of his past five outings and has gone to a judges’ decision just once in nine professional appearances. His opponent, Heatherly, is a big show veteran who hopes to snap a disappointing two-fight losing streak, the first consecutive losses of his career.

 

Siscoe and Mueller each make their Bellator MMA debuts.

 

“Bellator MMA: Unfinished Business” – Friday, June 19, Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Mo.

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Kimbo Slice (4-2) vs. Ken Shamrock (28-15-2)

Bellator Featherweight Title Fight: Champ Patricio Pitbull (23-2) vs. Daniel Weichel (35-8)

Bellator Featured Heavyweight Fight: Bobby Lashley (12-2) vs. James Thompson (20-14)

Bellator Featured Featherweight Fight: Daniel Straus (22-6) vs. Henry Corrales (12-0)

Bellator Featured Lightweight Fight: Michael Chandler (12-3) vs. Derek Campos (15-4)

 

Preliminary Card (7 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Strawweight Prelim Fight: Dan O’Connor (5-4) vs. Miles McDonald (0-1)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Justin Lawrence (7-2) vs. Sean Wilson (34-25)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Eric Irvin (9-3) vs. Hugh Pulley (4-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Malcolm Smith (4-4) vs. Luke Nelson (2-1)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Kain Royer (1-1) vs. Enrique Watson (1-0)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: A.J. Siscoe (0-1) vs. Garrett Mueller (1-0)

Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Adam Cella (6-3) vs. Kyle Kurtz (3-0)

Bellator Welterweight Dark Prelim: Steve Mann (10-1) vs. Justin Guthrie (17-8)

Bellator Lightweight Dark Prelim: Garrett Gross (6-3) vs. Chris Heatherly (8-3)

boxing, CBS Boxing

Championship Boxing Returns to CBS Sports Network on Friday, May 29 in Memphis

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Greg Cohen Promotions Proudly Presents
Kayode vs. Kisner in Cruiserweight Main Event

 

On Friday, May 29, Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions, produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, proudly announce the return of “Championship Boxing,” which will air live on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET) from the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Headlining the night will be an intriguing 10-round cruiserweight battle between long-time undefeated contender Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and once-beaten “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 in a regional title fight 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 super featherweight showcase, as well as super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line.

 

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236.

 

32-year-old Lateef Kayode was born in Lagos, Nigeria but resides in California. Known for his immense strength and punching power, Kayode has been a top contender at 200 lbs for many years and is the current WBO-NABO and NABF Cruiserweight Champion. He is trained by four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach. Kayode has also held the WBA-NABA Cruiserweight Championship. In 2013, Kayode fought to a draw with multiple world champion Antonio Tarver.

 

A naturally fluid boxer with superb skills, 24-year-old Nick Kisner hails from Baltimore, Maryland. As an amateur, and among countless distinctions, Kisner was a three-time National Silver Gloves Champion and Ringside World Champion. He holds the distinction of being the youngest boxer in American history (17) to ever win a Men’s National Title in the Heavyweight Division. As a professional, Kisner’s two losses are a controversial draw in the opponent’s hometown and a split decision loss to fellow top prospect Junior Wright in Wright’s hometown of Chicago.

 

29-year-old Josh King is from Townsville, Queensland, Australia. As a professional, he has already held the Australian Super Lightweight and WBF World Super Lightweight titles and is the current WBO Oriental Lightweight and WBO Asia Pacific Lightweight Champion. As an amateur, King was 50-15 and a five-time Australian and five-time Golden Gloves Champ, among many distinctions.

 

26-year-old southpaw Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs) is a former Staten Island amateur champion, New York City Golden Gloves amateur champion, and Empire State amateur champion. She turned professional in 2009 and has already won the NABF Featherweight, Universal Boxing Federation World Featherweight, Women’s International Boxing Association World Featherweight, IBF World Super Featherweight, Universal Boxing Federation Inter­Continental Super Featherweight, and WBO World Lightweight Championships. She is currently ranked # 1 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), #2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and in the World Boxing Council (WBC) is ranked #5 at the featherweight.

 

Throughout his pro career, 32-year-old southpaw Derrick Webster has trouble finding opponents. At 6′ 4″ the towering super middleweight with the heavyweight reach is a handful for anyone in the world. Webster has worked as a sparring partner for former WBC and IBO Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal, Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Hopkins, light heavyweight king Sergey Kovalev and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

 

“It’s great to be back in Memphis, working with my good friends Brian and Russ Young,” said Greg Cohen. “This will be a world-class event, featuring a mix of championship contenders and local talent. The card will be stacked from top to bottom with action-packed bouts that will have the crowd on Beale Street energized all night long. This is a truly special event and I couldn’t be more pumped!!”

 

Several local favorites will be showcased on the night’s undercard. 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.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

SUPERSTAR ROBERT GUERRERO TO BATTLE LOS ANGELES’ OWN ARON MARTINEZ  ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, JUNE 6 AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC COMES TO STUBHUB CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF. STARTING AT 3 P.M. ET/NOON PT

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Plus! Chris Arreola & Alfredo Angulo

To Compete In Separate Bouts

 

And a Featherweight Showdown Between Jesus Cuellar & Vic Darchinyan

 

CARSON, CALIF (May 11, 2015) –Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-3-1, 18 KOs) returns to the ring as he squares off against Aron Martinez (19-3-1, 4 KOs) on Saturday afternoon, June 6 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC comes to StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.   The broadcast begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.

 

Also featured on the card are perennial stars Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) and Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo (22-5, 18 KOs) who will compete in separate bouts. Rounding out action is a sure to be action packed featherweight showdown as Jesus Cuellar (26-1, 20 KOs) battles Vic Darchinyan (40-7-1, 29 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

 

“I’m very happy to be making a quick return to the ring, especially on NBC.”  said Guerrero. “It’s an honor to be fighting at StubHub Center once again as the main event. I’m going to bring it like always and give the fans an exciting fight. I can’t wait for the bell to ring!”

 

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight Robert Guerrero on network television,” said Martinez. “Since my last fight, I’ve been in the gym working extremely hard. I want to shock the world and beat ‘The Ghost.’ Make no mistake about it, I’m coming to win.”

 

“I am so happy to be getting back in the ring so soon after my last fight [March 13],” said Arreola. “The opportunity to stay busy and fight at StubHub Center is great and I plan on showcasing my skills.”

 

“I am grateful for the chance to fight on such a great card in Southern California where I have fought several times before,” said Angulo. “I see this as an important fight for me and I know that the fans won’t be disappointed.”

 

“We’re very excited to return to StubHub Center and work with the

NBC team on an action-packed card” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Robert Guerrero and Aron Martinez will provide fireworks from the opening bell in

the main event and we’ll be adding a full card of terrific undercard fights

for a complete afternoon of entertainment for Southern California fight fans.”

 

The 32-year-old Guerrero out of Gilroy, California owns victories over Andre Berto, Selcuk Aydin and Michael Katsidis. He most recently electrified fans with an exciting performance against Keith Thurman on the inaugural PBC card on March 7 of this year. A former world champion in four weight classes, Guerrero looks to put on another outstanding performance on June 6 at StubHub Center.

 

Born in Uruapan, Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico, but fighting out of East Los Angeles, Martinez makes his StubHub Center debut on June 6. The 33-year-old turned pro in 2005 and won his first seven starts before a technical draw in 2007 against Vito Gaspayran. A tough fighter Martinez strung together 10 straight victories between 2009 and 2012..

 

The 34-year-old Arreola defeated Curtis Harper in a thrilling heavyweight showdown on March 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 his hometown fans on June 6.

 

A hard fighting Mexican warrior born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico but fighting out of Coachella, Calif.,Angulo is looking for a big victory in front of his adopted hometown fans. Always ready to challenge the best in the sport, the 32-year-old has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best fighters in the world and holds knockout victories over Gabriel Rosado, Joachim Alcine and Joel Julio.

 

A fast-rising star out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cuellar looks to make it 10 victories in a row when he battles Darchinyan on June 6. His power in both hands has led him to six knockouts of his last nine victories including a second round destruction of Puerto Rican icon Juan Manuel Lopez in Sept. 2014. The 28-year-old will make his first career start in California when he enters the ring at StubHub Center.

 

Looking to put himself back into the discussion of top featherweights, the 39-year-old Darchinyan comes in with the kind of experience to topple the explosive Cuellar. A former world champion, the fighter from Armenia who fights out of Glendale, California is coming off of a ninth-round TKO over Juan Jimenez in February of this year. Having fought against top contenders such as Abner Mares, Nonito Donaire and Nicholas Walters, Darchinyan also owns victories over Yonnhy Perez, Jorge Arce and Cristian Mijares.

 

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

DANIEL GEALE  ARRIVES IN THE UNITED STATES; TRAINING CAMP TO BE HELD IN NEW JERSEY

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Photos by Team Geale

NORTH BERGEN, NEW JERSEY (May 11, 2015) – Former world champion, Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) has arrived in the United States for his upcoming showdown with WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s).  Geale will host the remainder of his training camp in North Bergen, NJ.

 

“I’ve arrived in the States with my trainer Shaw and I’m excited to get camp started in New Jersey,” said Daniel Geale. “Gary Shaw has provided me with a nice gym and I’m going to start my sparring sessions right away.  This is a big fight, not only for my team and I, but for my countrymen as well. A new champion will be crowned on June 6th.”
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 is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. 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 at www.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 at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

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

boxing, CBS Boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

OMAR FIGUEROA DEFEATS RICKY BURNS AT STATE FARM ARENA IN HIDALGO, TEXAS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

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Jamie McDonnell Earns Close Decision Over

Tomoki Kameda

 

Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/PBC on CBS

 

HIDALGO, TEXAS (May 9, 2015) – Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs) remained undefeated as he put on an exciting show in front of a raucous hometown crowd and earned a unanimous decision over Ricky Burns (37-5-1, 11 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS live from State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

 

Figueroa was the sharper fighter who landed harder punches and was able to dictate the pace of the fight. Burns was deducted a point in both the eighth and 11th rounds by the referee for excessive holding. “Panterita” won by scores of 116-110 twice and 117-109.

 

In the first televised fight of the afternoon, British star Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs) earned a narrow but unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs). McDonnell was knocked down for the first time in his career by a sharp right hand from Kameda in round three but quickly recovered to win by a score of 114-113 on all three judges’ cards.

 

Here are what the fighters had to say after their bouts:

 

OMAR FIGUEROA

 

“Fighting a fight like that, it takes a lot to go even four rounds, much less 12. With a fighter like that, leaning on you and using his weight on you it’s tough. I’m just glad I was in shape and didn’t let my fans down.

 

“I’m a very offensive fighter, so the holding kind of slowed me down. I tried to do what I could and, thankfully, the judges saw that.

 

“My hands are a little sore, but I really did hold back on my punches, especially because he has one of those European guards where he holds his hands up high and his elbows are exposed. I had to be careful going to the body because that’s how I hurt my hands most times, from hitting the elbows. I felt ridiculously strong at the new weight, but I didn’t think my hands would hold up, so I was holding back and trying to win the fight on points and if I could hurt him I would try to stop him.

 

“He was punching me behind the head, so I felt like I had to do the same. If you want to play like that, I can play that game.

 

“At the end of the fight, he came with a good body shot that hurt me a bit. That’s why I slowed down at the end. I have to give it to Ricky. He’s a tough fighter.

 

“It’s time to rest up. I’ve been training since the beginning of the year and I deserve a little rest.”

 

RICKY BURNS

 

“We knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I didn’t agree with the deductions for holding. I thought he was holding as much as me and that’s why I had to tie him up.

 

“We moved up in weight for this one but still had some trouble making weight, but I didn’t want to jeopardize my chance to fight in America.

 

“I think it was his size that gave me problems more than anything. I don’t know what weight he was in that ring, but it was a lot bigger than me.

 

“The plan was to try to stick to boxing for the first half of the fight, but once the size really took over I had to stand and exchange more than I would have liked. I couldn’t get him off of me. I’ve got no excuses, as I said the best man will win.

 

“I always leave everything in the ring and that’s all I can do. I hope everyone who watched enjoyed the fight.

 

“We’ve enjoyed the experience of being in the U.S., obviously the decision didn’t go our way which puts a damper on it, but overall everyone here in Texas has been great. I want to say a big thank you to everybody. I hope to back again.”

 

JAMIE MCDONNELL

 

“I felt in control all the way through. It was a great performance. I know I should have just boxed but I wanted to fight.

 

“I didn’t think I was going to get the decision being abroad, but it’s more than spectacular to come out of here victorious. He’s a great, undefeated champion.

 

“His speed surprised me on the knockdown. I knew he was going to be fast, but I didn’t expect it like that. I didn’t see the shot and next thing I knew I was on the floor.

 

“Hit and move, hit and move, that was the strategy. I remember being in there and thinking, ‘Man, this isn’t easy.’ I knew the crowd was going to go his way but it was a great experience.

 

“It’s been a fantastic time being here in America. I’d like to see some familiar faces but it’s a new experience. I was up against it but I knew I could pull it off. I knew deep inside that I could do it.

 

“I think I’m going to move up in weight. I want to catch the big fights before they’re gone.”

 

TOMOKI KAMEDA

 

“I think I won the fight. I did enough to win. He did a lot to win the last rounds, but I did more over the fight. I don’t agree with the judges decision, but I respect it.

 

“I knew he would get up after the knockdown because he’s a world champion. He’s a great fighter and I take my hat off to him, but I won the fight.

 

“I want a rematch.”

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SHOSports, @OmarFigueroaJr, @RicksterKO, @TomokiKameda, @JamieMcDonnell1, @WarriorsBoxPromo and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo andwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.

kickboxing, Spike TV

Kickboxing on Spike TONIGHT at 11/10c

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GLORY World Series Homepage
GLORY 21 TONIGHT!
WATCH ON SPIKE
TONIGHT kickboxing hits Spike at 11/10c, and we’re bringing you the most exciting fights on the planet, featuring a five-round fight for the middleweight World Title between champ Artem Levin and #1 contender Simon Marcus, plus the one-night, four-man heavyweight qualification tournament, and the return of human highlight reel Raymond Daniels. Mark your planner, set your DVR, and tell a friend – It’s time for GLORY 21 San Diego!
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ AND CRAIG BAKER TO SQUARE OFF IN BOSTON AS PART OF PBC ON NBC CARD TAKING PLACE

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SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 23

 

Plus Undefeated Javier Fortuna Battles Bryan Vazquez

In Undercard Action

 

Undercard Bouts To Support Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale

Super Middleweight Showdown

 

BOSTON (May 8, 2015) – Exciting light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs)and Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) enter the ring on Saturday, May 23 in Boston as part of a special Memorial Day weekend edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC.

 

The live PBC on NBC event starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

Further undercard action pits a pair of dangerous junior lightweights as Javier Fortuna(27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vazquez (34-1, 18 KOs)do battle at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. These undercard bouts will support the super middleweight contest between Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) and James DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs).

 

“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity to be on this great card,” said Rodriguez. “I will show the world and all the top light heavyweights, especially Kovalev, Stevenson and Fonfara, that I am a force to be reckoned with by taking Craig Baker’s undefeated record in an entertaining fashion.”

 

“I’m well prepared to seize the opportunity that this fight presents,” said Baker. “A win on May 23 puts me closer to a world title fight and I’ve only dreamed of actually accomplishing something that big. I’ve seen Rodriguez in action before and he’s a good fighter, but I’m working to be in great condition so that I can put on a show for the fight fans in Boston. We’re having a great camp and making major accomplishments, things should be pretty interesting.”

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

An accomplished amateur who won a 2006 National Golden Gloves gold medal and a 2005 U.S. National Championship gold medal, the 29-year-old Rodriguez enters this fight as the winner of his last two bouts. Born in the Dominican Republic but fighting out of nearby Worcester, Mass., Rodriguez’s lone loss came to undefeated star Andre Ward in 2013 and he owns victories over previously undefeated fighters Will Rosinsky, Jason Escalera and Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna.

 

An undefeated fighter who turned pro in 2008, Baker enters this fight having stopped his last four opponents inside the distance. The 31-year-old took home victories over Anthony Greeley and Sergio Cordoba in 2014 and kicked off 2015 by knocking out Umberto Savigne. Fighting out of his hometown of Baytown, Texas, Baker will look for a big victory as he takes a step up in competition.

 

Undefeated and owner of a 4-0 record in 2014, the 25-year-old Fortuna is a prospect on the rise looking to make an impression on May 23. After a split draw decision against Luis Franco in 2013, he has bounced back to win five straight fights. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Roman and Patrick Hyland.

 

A former world title challenger whose only loss came to Takashi Uchiyama in 2012,Vazquez comes into this fight on an impressive five fight-winning streak. The 27-year-old began his career with 29 wins and has recently added victories over Sergio Thompson, Jose Feliz Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. Fighting out of Costa Rica, Vazquez has a big chance for a signature victory on May 23.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys andwww.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC