All posts by FNU47

Two-Division World Champion Michael Spinks Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco de Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Box Fan Expo – the Largest Boxing Fan Event held in the U.S –

the Ultimate Boxing Fan Experience

*Tickets On-Sale Now at EventBrite*

For Immediate Release

Las Vegas (February 20, 2020) – Two-division world champion Michael Spinks has confirmed that he will appear at the sixth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spinks will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com– @BoxFanExpo

**Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:**
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2020

Spinks will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Spinks will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Jinx.”

**About Michael Spinks**
Spinks is a two-division world champion, having held the undisputed light heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985, and the lineal heavyweight title from 1985 to 1988. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Spinks is the brother of former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, and uncle of Cory Spinks, a former welterweight and light middleweight champion.
Spinks went undefeated in his first 31 professional fights, beating such opponents as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Marvin Johnson and Eddie Davis en route to becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Following ten successful title defenses, Spinks moved up to heavyweight, and as an underdog defeated long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; in doing so, Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight world champion to win the heavyweight title. Spinks only defeat in his professional career came to the hands of Mike Tyson on June 27, 1988. The International Boxing Research Organization and BoxRec rank Spinks among the ten greatest light heavyweights of all time.

**About Box Fan Expo**
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FRED LEAR RETURNS TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 20, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional bantamweight bout to the card. Fred Lear (0-1) will take on Jason Rine (1-7) at a fight weight of 135 pounds.

Fred Lear, who wrestled and played football for John Bapst Memorial High School in nearby Bangor, Maine, had one of the most successful amateur careers in NEF history. Lear finished his amateur career in 2019 with a record of 6-2-1 and an NEF Amateur Bantamweight Title to his credit. He entered the professional ranks last April in Portland, Maine, losing his debut to Bryant Bullock (2-1) via second-round submission. Lear experienced a disappointing setback when an opponent pulled out on him the night before weigh-ins at “NEF 40” last September. The Young’s MMA product will now look for the first win of his professional career on April 18 against Rine.

“2019 and the September fight card were difficult for me, but I wasn’t going to let it get in the way of supporting my team,” said Lear. “I feel as though people have forgotten who I am and what I’m here to do. Jason Rine is a Bellator vet and a consummate professional. I’m here, I’m hungry, and April 18th I’m making the walk and leaving my mark.”

Jason Rine is indeed a Bellator veteran, having competed on the Bellator 215 card last year. Based out of Fredericktown, Ohio, Rine has become well-known throughout the New England region in recent years, traveling in to fight on many area events. While his record may appear on the surface to be that of a journeyman, Rine has taken nothing but tough bouts throughout his professional career, always showing up to fight. April 18 will see him make his debut with NEF.

“I’m very excited to come to Maine and fight for NEF against a game opponent in Fred Lear,” stated Rine when reached for comment. “I’m ready to test myself in a new promotion in a new state. Time for a fresh start and a new beginning.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets will be on sale this week at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT KEITH HUNTER TRAINING CAMP NOTES AHEAD OF SHOBOX MAIN EVENT

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Hunter Faces Fellow Unbeaten Malik Hawkins in Main Event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, February 28 Live On SHOWTIME^®***

**Click HERE for Hunter Photos; Credit: Team Prince Ranch Boxing**

**LAS VEGAS** – February 19, 2020 – Undefeated super lightweight sensation and Las Vegas native, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs), talks about training camp in advance of his upcoming showdown against fellow undefeated prospect Malik Hawkins (18-0, 11KOs) in the main event of a *ShoBox: The New Generation* on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from *Sam’s Town Live* in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5KOs) in a 10-round bout and once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup that opens the telecast.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ *Sin City Showdown* start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Hunter, 27, returns to *Sam’s Town Live* after an impressive 2019, in which he won a decisive 10-round unanimous decision against Cameron Krael and scored an upset victory over former amateur standout Sanjarbek Rakhmanov. He comes from a family of fighters, he’s the younger brother of heavyweight contender Michael Hunter and his father was a well-respected boxer who sparred with Mike Tyson. Hunter has spent the entirety of his training camp at Prince Ranch Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, where he trains alongside undefeated welterweight Blair Cobbs.

Here is what Hunter had to say about his recent training camp and upcoming battle with Hawkins:

***On his opponent…***

“This is my time to shine. Hawkins is a good fighter, he is talented, but he stands in my way. I am not just fighting for myself, but for my family. If you look at my record, I’ve fought some very tough guys. I know I’m battle ready to take my career to the next level. Hawkins is going down. I am going to make people respect the Hunter name once again

“I have nothing bad to say about Malik Hawkins. He is a hard-working fighter. I just feel that I am better. This is my time, and no one can take this opportunity away from me. The problem for Hawkins is, I have trained harder than ever to get the win. I am more focused than ever.”

***On training camp…***

“I wanted this camp to be very specific. I get good sparring at Bones Adams’ gym and a lot of top pros have come through there like Shakur Stevenson, Manny Pacquiao, and many others. I have watched how they trained, and I have used that same work ethic and principles for this camp with the supervision of my coaches.”

***On his status as a contender…***

“I’m now ranked 13 by the WBA, which makes me a contender. I must get past Hawkins, so believe me when I tell you I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I’m looking at this fight like it’s a world title. Losing is not an option.”

***On making his SHOWTIME debut…***

“I am excited to headline on *ShoBox: The New Generation.* It’s a platform that launches fighters’ careers, and SHOWTIME has a fantastic and professional production crew. One goal from the beginning was to showcase my talent on a big stage like this, now I’m here. This is a very big opportunity for me, I’m not going to let it slip away.”

Hunter is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, advised by former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman promoted by Greg Cohen, Founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.

# # #

For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, and on Instagram @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, orwww.bit.ly/sincityshowdown.

amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

RICHARD TO PUT LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ON THE LINE AGAINST CORSON AT NEF 43

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 19, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT. Zac “Rocky” Richard (6-2-1) is scheduled to defend the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title that evening against the challenge of Devin Corson (3-1). They will meet at the lightweight championship limit of 155 pounds in a bout scheduled for five three-minute rounds.

Richard won the then-vacant championship last November in Portland, Maine with a unanimous decision victory over “Magic” Mike Murray (3-2). He is no stranger to titles, having won a Maine State Championship wrestling for Massabesic High School in Waterboro in 2015. The win capped a tremendous sophomore year in the cage for Richard as the follow-up to his 2018 “Rookie of the Year” season. The last time Richard fought on the stage of the Collins Center, in September 2019, he scored a vicious slam knockout of Erik Tainter (0-2). The slam has become a signature move for Richard over the course of his young career. He is a product of Nostos MMA of Somersworth, New Hampshire where he trains under UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Lightweight Champion Devin Powell (10-4).

“Devin can say whatever he wants about me winning my title ‘at the right time,’” said Richard. “He’s had his offers. He’s got it. Unluckily for him, he’s got the most motivated Zac there has ever been. I do predict this fight, though, to be a great one.”

Speaking of slams, there may be no athlete who has ever delivered more highlight-reel slams in the NEF cage than the challenger Devin Corson. Like Richard, Corson brings a strong wrestling base with him to the MMA game, having been a standout competitor on the mats for Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. Corson is currently riding a two-fight win-streak with unanimous decision wins over both Jacob Deppmeyer (now 1-0 as a pro) and Taylor Bartlett (2-3-1) in 2019. He represents the Outlet based in Dexter, Maine.

“I don’t think much about Zac besides he is in my way,” stated Corson. “He’s the man I have to defeat to get the 155 belt. After all is said and done, I will be the one with my hand raised.”

About New England Fights

Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA, Paramount Network

FULL FIGHT CARD AND BROADCAST DETAILS FOR BELLATOR 239: RUTH VS. AMOSOV THIS FRIDAY, FEB. 21

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**MAIN CARD TO AIR ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK & DAZN AT 9 P.M. ET**

**LOS ANGELES** – The full slate of bouts for Bellator’s return to WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Okla. this Friday, February 21 has been finalized with a stacked four-fight main card airing at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Paramount Network and DAZN. Additionally, a total of 13 preliminary fights will stream on Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel and DAZN beginning at 6:15 p.m. PT/5:15 p.m. CT.

The main event of *Bellator 239* will feature an exciting welterweight clash between two of the division’s best prospects, as three-time NCAA National Wrestling Champion **Ed Ruth** (8-1) takes on undefeated Ukrainian striker **Yaroslav Amosov** (22-0). Also on the card, a premiere lightweight matchup between Minnesota’s own **Brandon Girtz** (16-8) and recent Bellator free agent signing **Myles Jury** (17-5), as well as two pivotal matchups in the heavyweight division as **Tyrell Fortune** (8-0) is set to meet UFC-veteran **Timothy Johnson** (12-6) and top contender **Javy Ayala** (11-7) goes to battle against a member of Fedor Emelianenko’s team in Russia, **Valentin Moldavsky** (8-1).

Preliminary action for *Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov* will be highlighted by a number of young undefeated prospects returning to the cage, including Oklahoma’s **Kyle Crutchmer** (5-0), **Christian Edwards** (2-0), **Chris Gonzalez** (3-0), **Grant Neal** (2-0) and Texas’ **Lucas Brennan** (2-0), while familiar names in **Cris Lencioni** (5-2), **Gaston Bolanos** (5-2) and **Shawn Bunch** (9-4) are also scheduled to compete on the card.

Additionally, the prelims will feature appearances by two Bellator Kickboxing champions in flyweight champ **Denise Kielholtz** (4-2) and featherweight titleholder **Gabriel Varga** (1-0) as they both return to the Bellator MMA cage.

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

*Bellator 239: Ruth vs. Amosov* Main Card:

**Paramount Network and DAZN**

9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT

*Welterweight Main Event:* **Ed Ruth** (8-1) vs. **Yaroslav Amosov** (22-0)

*Lightweight Co-Main Event:* **Brandon Girtz** (16-8) vs. **Myles Jury** (17-5)

*Heavyweight Main Card Bout:* **Tyrell Fortune** (8-0) vs. **Tim Johnson** (12-6)

*Heavyweight Main Card Bout:* **Javy Ayala** (11-7) vs. **Valentin Moldavsky** (8-1)

**Preliminary Card:**

**Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel and DAZN**

6:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. CT:

*Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout:* **Christian Edwards** (2-0) vs. **Marco Hutch** (3-2)

*Bantamweight Preliminary Bout:* **Shawn Bunch** (9-4) vs. **Keith Lee** (5-3)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Gabriel Varga** (1-0) vs. **TeeJay Britton** (5-2)

*Flyweight Preliminary Bout:* **Denise Kielholtz** (4-2) vs. **Kristina Williams** (3-2)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Gaston Bolanos** (5-2) vs. **Solo Hatley Jr.** (7-2)

*Bantamweight Preliminary Bout:* **Josh Hill** (18-3) vs. **Vinicius Zani** (11-5)

*Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout:* **Grant Neal** (2-0) vs. **Claude Wilcox** (1-1)

*175-lb. Contract Weight Bout:* **Kyle Crutchmer** (5-0) vs. **Scott Futrell** (11-9)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Cris Lencioni** (5-2) vs. **Salim Mukhidinov** (7-3)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Adil Benjilany** (5-2, 1 NC) vs. **Kevin Croom** (20-12)

*Featherweight Preliminary Bout:* **Lucas Brennan** (2-0) vs. **Jamese Taylor** (0-1)

*Lightweight Preliminary Bout:* **Chris Gonzalez** (3-0) vs. **Aaron McKenzie** (7-1-1)

*Heavyweight Preliminary Bout:* **J.W. Kiser** (5-2) vs. **Davion Franklin** (Pro Debut)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, ESPN Boxing

MENG FANLONG EARNS TITLE SHOT VS. BETERBIEV – LOOKS TO BRING HAPPINESS TO HOMELAND AT DIFFICULT TIME

February 21, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

February 17th, NYC — China’s Meng Fanlong (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight IBF & WBC light heavyweight champion, Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs), March 28th at the Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada. Beterbiev vs. Meng is presented by Top Rank in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Gestev, and will be broadcast live on ESPN along with a co-feature bout at 10 PM ET.

Fanlong, who is from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia China, has more than just his world title shot on his mind. His home country has been essentially shut down due to the recent Coronavirus outbreak.

“The majority of my country has been shut down for weeks.” Says Meng. “My fellow citizens need something to help them escape from this very difficult time. I hope to bring some positivity, happiness, and joy to them with this fight. I want to put pride in their hearts.”

On the 28th of March, Meng will be stepping into the ring with one of boxing’s most dangerous punchers. Champion Artur Beterbiev has won all of his professional fights by knockout – including his thrilling title unification bout against Oleksandr Gvozdyck in October. Meng was in attendance that night in Philadelphia and observed with great interest.

But facing one of boxing’s most dangerous fighters in the ring pales in comparison to the concerns and troubles that are affecting hundreds of millions of Chinese across the globe.

“Fanlong is the best Chinese fighter in the world – everyone will learn that on March 28th.” Says Meng advisor Tommy Lane. “This is a historic fight because he is the first Chinese boxer to fight for the light heavyweight championship. And with what is going on with coronavirus, this is a fight that can bring joy and positive energy to the people at this challenging time.”

It is unknown when the coronavirus will be under control or when the citizens of the The People’s Republic of China can get back to normal life.

“My country needs me. We will get through this.”

Tickets for Beterbiev vs. Meng can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ca or the Videotron Center box office Meng. More event details will be announced at a later time. For interview requests and media opportunities, please contact Terry Lane – tmlane@gmail.com.

**#BeterbievMeng** – official hashtag

**ABOUT MENG FANLONG**

Meng Fanlong is a Chinese, undefeated, professional boxer who competes in the light heavyweight division. Meng has a long list of amateur boxing accomplishments, including earning a spot on the the 2012 Chinese Olympic team. He is now the number one ranked light heavyweight contender.

**ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING**

New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane. The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for nearly fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent. Terry and Tommy are the sons of former referee Mills Lane.

Bare Knuckle Boxing

HECTOR LOMBARD DEFEATS DAVID MUNDELL BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN MAIN EVENT OF BKFC 10 SATURDAY AT THE GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CONVENTION CENTER IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.

February 17, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Jim Alers Secures Majority Decision Victory Against***
***Kaleb Harris in Co-Main Event Action***

Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Phil Lambert/BKFC

Click HERE for Video Highlights
Credit: Evan Zentar/BKFC

**FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.** (February 16, 2020) – In his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) debut, combat sports legend **Hector Lombard** defeated **David Mundell** by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) Saturday in the headlining event of BKFC 10 live on pay-per-view from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

In a cruiserweight clash that went the full five rounds, Lombard controlled the majority of the fight, but Mundell used his jab and was able to land a few notable right hands to keep the fight interesting.

“I was aggressive and I scored the points,” said Lombard in victory. “He was backing up the whole time, but my hat off to him. I never thought it was going to be that tough, but he put up a good fight.

“I wanted to be in bare knuckle because I wanted the experience, and now I have it,” continued Lombard. “I’m pretty sure I have to change my game plan and some little things, but it was an amazing experience.”

A frustrated Mundell said, “I kept the distance really well. I played the better boxing game. I understand this is bare knuckle and everybody wants to see us slug it out, and he gave more pressure. I give him props for that, but let’s run it back and see what happens.”

The BKFC 10 co-main event featured **Jim Alers** defeating **Kaleb Harris** by majority decision (50-44, 48-46, 47-47) in an all-action 155-pound contest. Alers swarmed Harris from the opening bell, knocking Harris down :30 into the first stanza. Alers then got off to another fast start in round two, using his jab to set up devastating right hands.

In round three, Harris settled in and proved himself a game opponent. However, Alers got right back to his ferocious ways in round four, punishing Harris early and landing numerous clean shots. Alers continued to use his superior striking in the fifth round to close out the decision win.

“Our game plan was to just stay in his face,” said Alers. “He had long range and good power. I wanted to stay close, use my clinch, not get hit by those hooks. He’s a tough (guy) though. I hit him with some hard shots and he just kept on coming.

“My Jiu Jitsu helps and comes in handy,” continued Alers. “I’m able to push him around, control his weight, and it definitely plays a part in this game. In MMA, I always wanted to take people down and submit them. Now that I get the chance to just knock people out, I’m hungry for blood. I’m hungry for those knockouts. Next one, I promise you guys a knockout!”

On the pay-per-view undercard, **Luis Palomino** dominated **Elvin Brito** in a 155-pound bout that went the distance. Palomino was able to avoid getting hit and cruised to a wide unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45) victory.

**Ulysses Diaz** got a quick stoppage victory over **Brian Maxwell** in a 195-pound contest. Midway through the first round, Diaz landed multiple punches in the clinch as Maxwell grabbed his forehead and fell to the canvas in pain. Maxwell appeared unable to continue and the referee halted the contest 1:13 into round one.

**Dat Nguyen** squared off against **Abdiel Velazquez** in an extremely spirited 135-pound fight. It was a furious pace from the opening bell, Nguyen landing first and dropping Velazquez. Velazquez continued to force the fast action and he caught Nguyen, dropping Nguyen to the mat for the first time in his professional combat sports career. As the fighters settled into the later stages of the first round, Nguyen landed a huge left that knocked Velazquez out cold. The referee immediately waved off the fight 1:51 into round one.

**Gustavo Trujillo** defeated **Lorenzo Hunt** by technical knockout in the first round of their 205-pound scrap. As Hunt lunged forward to throw a punch, Trujillo landed a powerful, short right hand of his own, send Hunt crashing to the canvas face-first. Hunt made it back to his feet, but the referee had seen enough, calling a stop to the action just 1:01 into the first frame.

**Francesco Ricchi** stopped **Fred Pierce** in the first round of their 175-pound contest. An extremely reckless Pierce got caught and dropped early by Ricchi. Pierce elected to get up and fight on, but continued his wild ways, got stunned again and then stopped on his feet at the 1:38 mark of round one.

In the opening pay-per-view bout, **Travis Thompson** secured a second-round stoppage victory over **Joshua Boudreaux** in their 135-pound fight. Thompson focused on the body and dropped Boudreaux twice, once in the first round and again in the second round, on his way to a technical knockout at the :15 mark of the second round.

# # #

**About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship**
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

CALEB PLANT DELIVERS STERLING PERFORMANCE IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN FANS, STOPPING VINCENT FEIGENBUTZ ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES FROM BRIDGESTONE ARENA IN NASHVILLE, TENN.

February 17, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Abel Ramos Stuns Bryant Perrella in Co-main Event Welterweight Battle***

Click HERE for Photos
Credit: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions

**Nashville, Tenn.** (February 15, 2020) – Fighting in front of a raucous hometown crowd for the first time in his professional career, undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion **Caleb “Sweethands”** Plant (20-0, 12 KOs) put on a show.

Plant dominated mandatory challenger **Vincent Feigenbutz** (31-3, 28 KOs) of Germany, scoring a 10^th-round TKO Saturday night in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Plant, who grew up in neighboring Ashland City, successfully made the second defense of the world title he won in January 2019 with a thrilling 12-round unanimous decision over then-titlist Jose Uzcategui. “Sweethands” lived up to his moniker, breaking down Germany’s Feigenbutz before putting him away.

“I was super fueled by the crowd tonight,” Plant said. “I could have gone all night. The whole city came out. Nashville stand up!”

Plant gave them plenty to cheer about from the opening bell, landing his jab up and downstairs. The aggressive Feigenbutz, 24, struggled to land anything in return.

Plant began landing the combinations in the third, bringing the crowd to his feet with a series of well-placed volleys.

Watch early round highlights HERE and HERE.

Those shots slowly took their toll, but Feigenbutz was game. He came alive in the sixth, pinning Plant against the ropes and unloading his own combinations. Plant covered up and shook his head as if unbothered.

Watch Feigenbutz fight back in Round 6 HERE.

Plant pounded Feigenbutz in the seventh and eighth, opening up a cut on his nose and swelling his right eye. The challenger absorbed more punishment in the ninth, causing the ringside doctor to take a hard look at him in between rounds.

Watch Plant dominate Round 9 HERE.

The end came swiftly in the 10^th as Plant, sensing his foe was weakening, pounded away until referee Malik Waleed mercifully stepped in. The official time of the stoppage was 2:23 of the 10th.

Watch the stoppage in Round 10 HERE.

“I felt great out there,” said Plant. “I was relaxed and sharp. I told you I was going to stop this before the 12th round. I want to dedicate this to my daughter, to my mother, my grandfather and the whole city of Nashville.”

The champion also stated his desire to unify versus unbeaten WBC counterpart and rival, David Benavidez.

“Everyone knows I want that unification fight with David Benavidez,” Plant stated. “You know who the best 168-pounder is. If you want that, you’ve got to come see me. I want that fight; I’ve been asking for it and I’m tired of waiting!”

In the co-main event, **Abel Ramos** scored a stunning last second TKO victory overBryant Perrella in a scheduled 10-round welterweight match. Heading into the 10^thand final round Ramos was told by his cornermen that he needed a knockout to win. Ramos (26-3-2, 20 KOs) delivered, badly hurting and dropping Perrella twice in the waning seconds of the frame, prompting referee Jack Reiss to wave the welterweight co-main event off with just one second remaining.

“I know the fight’s not over until it’s over,” said Ramos. “That’s the game. I’ve been sick for two weeks. But no excuses. I wanted to come here and perform.

“I watched the Chavez-Taylor fight like 10 million times and I never thought I’d be in something like that. It just goes to prove that fights are never over till it’s over. You have to fight every single second of every single round.”

Watch Ramos stun Perrella at the end of Round 10 HERE.

Perrella (17-3, 14 KOs) was up on all three cards at the time of the stoppage; 87-84 and two scores of 88-83.

“This is boxing. It’s like Meldrick Taylor and Chavez,” said Perrella, agreeing with Ramos’ comments. “These things just happen. I’m not going to take anything away from my opponent. I was winning every round convincingly. What can I say? There was second left in the 10th round. It’s like a needle in the haystack. It is what it is.”

Southpaw Perrella controlled much of the action, using side to side movement, angles and rapid-fire combinations to stifle Ramos’ offense. A left hook in the third briefly buckled Ramos. Another in the fifth stunned him.

“Perrella’s a tough fighter,” said Ramos. “He’s a strong, strong fighter. I have nothing but respect for him. I expected a tough fight and that’s what happened.”

Ramos never stopped coming forward, picking up the pace as Perrella slowed down. With 34 seconds remaining in the 10^th, Ramos landed a perfect left uppercut flush on the chin. Perrella sank to the mat, getting up on unsteady legs. Ramos pounced once action resumed, unloading until a straight right drove Perrella to the floor again. Again, he made it to his feet but couldn’t walk straight without stumbling. Reiss immediately waved it off at 2:59.

“Everything was going well, and I was winning the fight, round by round,” said Perrella. “I don’t know. This is boxing. That’s the thing about the sport. It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m not going to make up any excuses or take anything away from my opponent. It’s just an experience that you go through in life and you have to overcome it. Absolutely I’d like to do it again with him. We can get a rematch in for sure.”

“I want all the welterweights,” Ramos exclaimed. “I’d like to have another big TV fight and go out there and prove myself.”

The FOX PBC Fight Night opener featured a back-and-forth battle between lightweightsAustin Dulay and **Diego Magdaleno**. Magdaleno produced one of the finest performances of his career, dropping Dulay on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory in a minor upset.

The 33-year-old Magdaleno (32-3, 13 KOs) was simply busier, particularly down the stretch in this battle of southpaws.

“I knew mentally I could break him down,” said Magdaleno. “If I attacked the body, I knew I could break him down. He’s a young prospect. He’s taller than me so my plan of attack was to get in close and go to the body.”

Dulay disagreed with the decision. “I boxed the hell out of him every round, making him miss, catching shots, countering. Yeah, he hit me with a few good body shots. That doesn’t replace the heavy shots that I hit him with every single round for 10 rounds straight. That is madness. And it was a unanimous decision? That’s crazy. That’s unbelievable to me.

“Even Diego just told me that he had nothing to do with the decision. He knows. How can they do that to me in my hometown? That’s dirty man.”

Fighting in front of his fellow Nashville residents, Dulay (13-2, 10 KOs) started fast, landing several clean lefts in the second. Magdaleno never stopped coming forward, working behind the jab and landing to Dulay’s body.

Watch early round action between Austin Dulay and Diego Magdaleno HERE andHERE.

Some of those shots strayed low which elicited warnings from referee Jack Reiss. However, the work paid off as Dulay’s output dropped over the course of the bout. The sixth featured some of the best exchanges of the bout. Magdaleno got the better of those, landing a right to the ribs followed by one upstairs.

Magdaleno continued to press the attack in the seventh, scoring the fight’s only knockdown with a hard left hook to the solar plexus.

Watch Magdaleno score a knockdown vs Dulay in Round 7 HERE.

Once action resumed, Magdaleno pounded at his ribs until a left hook strayed low and dropped Magdaleno, causing Reiss to deduct a point.

“Every round he was hitting me low and, in the back, and on the hips,” said Dulay.
“It was more times than he got called for. I won that fight 100%.”

Sensing the fight slipping away, Dulay picked up the pace over the last three rounds. It wasn’t enough to overcome Magdaleno’s work rate, which earned him a win by scores of 97-91, 96-92 and 96-92.

“Experience has everything going for me. In my previous fight, I lost my head,” said Magdaleno. “This time I took my time. My camp said slow it down. Happy for the victory tonight.”

On the non-televised undercard, former world bantamweight champion **Rau’Shee “Nuke” Warren** (17-3, 4 KOs) ended a 13-month layoff with a wide 10-round unanimous decision over **Gilberto Mendoza** (15-8-3, 7 KOs).

The 33-year-old Warren used his fast hands to land an assortment of shots from his lefty stance. In the fourth, a clash of heads opened a cut over the left eye of Mexico’s Mendoza. Warren sought to close the show, but Mendoza was game, firing back though outgunned.

Two judges scored it 99-91 and the third judge had it 100-90.

“It felt good to get back in there after being off for a year,” Warren said. “I didn’t feel like a rookie. I felt like I had to get a little rust off me. But I think I got most of the rust off when I was in the gym training. Going 10 rounds it felt good.”

“I hope to get back in May,” said Warren. “I only need 90 days. I’ve already had my long layoff since last January when I fought on Pacquiao and Adrien’s card. I’m ready to get it on. I’m ready to move on. The only thing he did that I didn’t expect him to do was stay up.”

The event was promoted by Sweethands Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sauerland Promotions.

# # #

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tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ISAAC CRUZ SCORES UPSET WIN OVER SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION VETERAN THOMAS MATTICE FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

February 17, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Ra’eese Aleem Wins Via TKO Over Adam Lopez; Montana Love and Joseph Jackson Earn Impressive Unanimous Decision Victories At 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Catch The Replay Monday, February 17 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME^®

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

PHILADELPHIA – February 15, 2020 – Undefeated 21-year-old lightweight prospect Isaac Cruz stunned ShoBox: The New Generation veteran Thomas Mattice in a closely contested majority decision win in the ShoBox main event Friday night from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. Watch the fight highlightsHERE.

Cruz, of Mexico City, rode his superior work rate, a lethal body attack, and his ability to neutralize Mattice’s jab to the victory. The judges scored the fight 95-95 and 96-94 twice.

Cruz threw an average of 69.4 punches per round, compared to 57.8 punches per round for Mattice. The much shorter Cruz, standing at 5’4” ½, was fearless from the opening bell and held an 82-31 advantage in body punches connected. Mattice, 5’8” ½, was also out-jabbed 34-30. Making his sixth appearance onShoBox, Cleveland’s Mattice was hampered by another slow start, a theme in his previous appearances on the prospect development series. Through the first two rounds, Cruz held advantages of 49-15 in overall punches landed and 39-8 in power punches connected.

“We were going for the knockout but it didn’t come up so we’ll take the decision,” said Cruz. “I thought I won all 10 rounds. I don’t know what fight the judges were watching. Round one to 10 I dominated and I was never hurt.”

A strong finish in the 10^th and final round was not enough for Mattice to salvage a draw.

“I came up short,” said Mattice. “He was the better man. He could hit a little bit. I started out a little slow, trying to see what he had. He jumped out to an early lead and I was just trying to get familiar with his power. I have no excuses. He was the better man tonight.”

In the co-featured bout, Ra’eese Aleem (16-0, 10 KOs) burst onto the scene in his national television debut, putting on a boxing clinic by scoring a fourth-round TKO in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout over San Antonio’s Adam Lopez (19-4-2, 9 KOs).

Aleem, from Muskegon, Mich., proved to be overwhelming for Lopez, who was making his record eighth appearance on ShoBox. From the opening bell, Aleem attacked from all angles as a reactive and slower Lopez was unable to cope with the wide array of punches. The 29-year-old Aleem held a commanding 92-11 advantage in overall punches, including a lopsided 61-7 power punches advantage.

With blood dripping from his nose and scalp, Lopez’s corner asked referee Gary Rosato to stop the fight at 1:31 of round four. Watch the TKO HERE.

“I put in a lot of hard work,” said Aleem, who now lives and trains in Las Vegas. “I didn’t see any film on the guy but knew he was a tough Mexican fighter. Once we got in there, I could see the speed difference. I could see his punches coming. I did rush some punches and made some mistakes. But it was good and I kept my hands up and my speed and movements were good. And I’m glad I stopped him. I didn’t want to go the distance.

“I want a world title fight and I’m knocking on the door. I’m hungry and I’m ready. I know Danny Roman just lost the title. Brandon Figueroa, whoever is there in the top-10 I’m ready for. I’m hungry and I’m coming and I want that fight.”

In the second fight of the four-fight telecast, Cleveland’s flashy unbeaten super lightweight Montana Love (13-0-1, 6 KOs) improved his record to 2-0-1 onShoBox, putting in a professional display en route to a unanimous decision over Jerrico Walton (16-1, 7 KOs), who fights out of Houston by way of New Orleans. The judges scored the fight 78-74 and 77-75 twice. Watch fight highlights HERE

“I think Love did enough to win,” said SHOWTIME Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. “The rounds he won, he won more convincingly. Love did the serious damage in the fight.”

Walton, with noted trainer Ronnie Shields working his corner, threw slightly more punches than Love, but in a fight decided by big moments, Love had more of them, especially in the late rounds. Love was more accurate on his power punches (43 percent to 21 percent) and in body shots (56-23). The southpaw also hurt Walton on two separate occasions, but the 29-year-old did enough to hang on and survive the rounds.

“I give my performance a C-plus,” said the 25-year-old Love. “I could have been more active in there. I didn’t get hit a lot and I hurt him a few times but I let him off the hook.

“I was getting off good shots, and the thing I’m mad about is that the fight should not have gone the distance. I’m ready for whatever’s next. My team is trying to get me to 135 pounds.”

Walton was making his national television debut. “I think the fight was closer than it was scored; I think it was at least a draw,” he said. “I don’t think the fight was 78-74. I’m very disappointed but I’m not going to stop. They’re going to see me again. This is only going to push me harder.”

With his first career loss, Walton became the 191^st fighter to lose his undefeated record on ShoBox, boxing’s ultimate proving ground.

In a battle of unbeaten super welterweights making their ShoBox debuts in the telecast opener, North Carolina’s Joseph Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) handed Derrick Colemon, Jr. (11-1, 8 KOs) his first career loss. Jackson overcame a slow start to earn the unanimous decision. The scores were 77-75, 80-72, 78-74. Watch the decision HERE.

The younger and more aggressive Colemon of Detroit started strong, controlling the first three rounds before the savvier and more mature Jackson commanded the second half of the bout. In rounds six through eight, Jackson out-landed Colemon 76-19 overall and 50-9 on power punches. Jackson’s movement and activity frustrated and tired Colemon, who went past five rounds for the first time in his career. Farhood scored the first three rounds in favor of Colemon and the final five rounds for Jackson.

“We just dug deep and got the job done,” said the 31-year-old Jackson. “I’d give my performance an eight out of 10. I know I can show better. I had about 40 people come out from Greensboro, N.C., and support me.

“I’ll fight whoever they put out in front of me next. It’s SHOWTIME and my first televised fight and first fight outside of North Carolina so it was important to put on a show.”

Friday’s fights were promoted by King’s Promotions in association with GH3 Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, February 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME^® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND^®.

The four-fight telecast was the third of four ShoBox presentations over six weeks showcasing some of boxing’s brightest young prospects in their toughest tests to date. Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

boxing, ESPN Boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY II IS AS BIG AS IT GETS

February 17, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Fight News Unlimited

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ISAAC CRUZ SCORES UPSET WIN OVER SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION VETERAN THOMAS MATTICE FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

DEONTAY WILDER VS. TYSON FURY II IS AS BIG AS IT GETS

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