All posts by FNU47

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SAMMY VASQUEZ vs. EMMANUEL LARTEY SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Tripleheader TONIGHT! LIVE on SHOWTIME®

From CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME

 

PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 19, 2015) – Pittsburgh favorite and undefeated welterweight Sammy Vasquez tipped the scales at 147 ¼ pounds and Emmanuel Lartey measured 146 ½ pounds during Thursday’s official weigh-in for tomorrow’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.

 

Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs), who has knocked out nine straight opponents, and Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, who has never been knocked down, will meet in the 10-round welterweight main event, live onSHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

In the co-feature of the Goossen Promotions tripleheader, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweightHumberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout.  Savigne measured 176 pounds and Baker weighed-in at 174 pounds.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match.  Marrero stepped-in at 126 ¼ pounds while Rizo was at 126 pounds.

 

Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” are on sale through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.

 

Here’s what the fighters had to say before Thursday’s weigh-in:

 

SAMMY VASQUEZ

“This fight is definitely going to be exciting.  I can’t talk trash about Emmanuel – he’s a tough guy who has faced two U.S. Olympians and never been dropped.  So there’s not much I can say about him.

 

“I’m looking to open up some flaws.  I’ve seen a couple of things I can do to maybe make him hit that canvas.

 

“I hope everybody tunes in.  We’ve trained hard and this is just the beginning.  It’s the start of 2015 and by the end of the year I hope to be a top contender or get a title shot.  But I have to get past Emmanuel first and that won’t be easy.”

 

EMMANUEL LARTEY:

“He hasn’t faced the type of guys that I’ve faced; he hasn’t faced the opposition that I have.  He’s going to be surprised when he steps in the ring with me.

 

“No, I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown.  I can win with a decision, but I’m going to be looking for the knockout to make an impression and make a statement.

 

“He’s definitely underestimating me.  Sammy has built up his record with cupcakes.

 

“This is going to be a good test for him and a good test for me.  I’m going to be the one walking out with a W.”

 

HUMBERTO SAVIGNE:

“I don’t take any opponent lightly. I know Baker is going to try to break me, but I’ve trained very hard and, in all honestly, I’m better than he is. Don’t take me wrong, I’m not overlooking him.  I’m just determined to win, and I will, either by decision or knockout.

 

“I know I’m fighting a tough guy, but I’ve trained hard and this is my year.  I’m lucky to be surrounded by such of great team.

 

“I feel that 2015 is my year. I’m ranked third in the WBC, and that’s only because I had six months of inactivity, otherwise I’d be second. After Baker, I want [Adonis] Stevenson.

 

“I suggest fans to get ready, sit back and enjoy because I’m going to give them a real show.  I’m going to make Baker see fireworks.”

 

CRAIG BAKER:

“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for.  I’m finally getting an opportunity to make a statement and surprise some people.  I know I’m the underdog, but that doesn’t bother me.  I’m undefeated for a reason.  He’s the one with a loss on his record.

 

“A win would do wonders for my career.  It would open up the door to some great opportunities.

 

“It will be an interesting fight.  I’ll play it by ear, but I’m ready to be the aggressor and I’m ready to go 10 rounds.”

 

CLAUDIO MARRERO:

“I’m not intimidated by Rizo’s amateur accomplishments.  If he says he trained hard, well, I trained ever harder than him. I think he’s the one that doesn’t know what he’s in for. Trust me – this is not going to be a day in the park. This is going to be a war.

 

“I wish Orlando Rizo good luck. He’s going to need it not to get knocked down.

 

“I’m not a trash talker. It’s simply not my style. I do all the talking I need to do with my fists in the ring.”

 

ORLANDO RIZO:

“I know this is not going to be an easy fight. I know Claudio Marrero is tough, but I’m ready for him.  I’ve been training very hard for him.  He better be ready, because I know I am.

 

“I don’t think he has ever fought anybody like me. My amateur credentials are impeccable. I’m a four-time military boxing champion, three-time Central American champion and former Nicaraguan and FECARBOX Champion. I also got a Bronze Medal in the 2007 Pan-American games in Brazil. So he better be ready for a tough fight, because I’m not going to make it easy for him.

 

“Claudio Marrero better have his A-game on, because I’m coming to take him down.”

 

# # #

 

CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website,www.consolenergycenter.com

 

Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, Showtime Sports@SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.

 

For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website atwww.GoossenPromotions.com. For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing

50-YEAR CONTENDER “BRONCO” BILLY WRIGHT SPEAKS ON CAREER AND UPCOMING FIGHT

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WBC #17 Heavyweight Contender Bronco Billy Wright Speaks On Career

LAS VEGAS (February 19, 2015) – Heavyweight “Bronco” Billy Wright (46-4, 37 KOs) speaks on his amazing career as a 50-year  heavyweight contender and his upcoming fight against Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-2, 20 KOs) on March 13, 2015.  The fight will take place at the We Ko Pa Casino in Fort McDowell, Arizona.
Tickets priced $20 general admission, $35 and $50, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Bronco Billy Wright at (702) 524-3331.
The We Ko Pa Casino is located at 10424 North Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264.  Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight is at 7:00 P.M.

Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino Heavyweight quarterfinal weights from Verona, NY

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Verona, NY (February 19, 2015)–Weights from Friday night’s Boxcino Heavyweight quarterfinal fights at the Turning Stone Resort Casino

Donovan Dennis 222 – Steve Vukosa 218

Andrey Fedosov 220 1/2 – Nate Heaven 227

Razvan Cojanu 265 – Ed Fountain 236 1/2

Jason Estrada 261 – Lenroy Thomas 237

Greg Jackson 150 – Paulo Souza 149
Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez 145 – Bryan Abraham 144
Guillermo Sanchez 132 – TBA

Promoter: Banner Promotions
Venue: Turning Stone Resort Casino
1st Bell:  7 PM (Boxcino quarterfinals begin at 9 PM ET on ESPN 2)
Photos by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions
The entire Boxcino tournament is promoted by Banner Promotions. This Friday’sfights will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night fights beginning at 9 PM ET.
There will be a post fight press conference immediately following the completion of the last bout in the Cypress Room.

Tickets for the February 20th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling 315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees.

Host of the February 20th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. February 20th fight will mark Turning Stone’s 14th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the February 20th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm.

Professional media requesting credentials for the February 20 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

ROBERT GUERRERO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp

 

AROMAS, CALIF. (Feb. 19, 2015) – Media in the Bay Area gatheredWednesday to watch Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero prepare for his headlining welterweight showdown with Keith “One Time” Thurmanon the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC taking place Saturday, March 7 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available
at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Here is what Guerrero had to say heading into his historic bout with Thurman:

ROBERT GUERRERO, Former Four-Division World Champion

“I’m very happy that the fight is right around the corner. I’m looking forward to giving fans a great night in boxing. A lot of big shots are going to be thrown from my end.

“I know Keith Thurman is training hard and so am I. This fight is going to be a war and I’m looking forward to it.

“Training camp is wrapping up and my body feels great. This is one of the best camps I’ve had in a very long time and the fans can count on me being at peak performance on fight night.

“I can’t wait to show the world and everybody watching on NBC what I’m all about. March 7 can’t come soon enough. I’m ready to go!”

                 # # #

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC is promoted by Goossen Promotions and features Keith Thurman vs. Robert Guerrero and Adrien Broner vs. John Molina, Jr. in bouts that will air live on NBC (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT). The Abner Mares vs. Arturo Santos Reyes bout will be televised live on the NBC show (8:30-11 p.m. ET) or on the NBCSN telecast (11 p.m. ET).

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

boxing, Warriors Boxing

Warriors Signs Exciting Bantamweight Sergio Perales to Co-Promotional Contract

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Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules proudly announces the signing of bantamweight Sergio “Time to Shine” Perales to a co-promotional deal, along with Julio Marines of Marines Promotions.

 

27-year-old southpaw Perales (24-2, 15 KOs) is a native of Brownsville, Texas, with an aggressive fan-friendly style, fast hands and good power. He turned professional at age 20 and had over 100 fights as an amateur. Currently ranked #5 in the IBF, Perales slowed his boxing career for a couple years to obtain his degree in nursing, but is now back full-time and looking to take on the world’s best bantamweights.

 

In his last fight, Perales won a thrilling TKO 10 over Texas rival and two-time world title challenger Raul Martinez. After nine rounds of action-packed brutality, Perales busy hands and sharp combinations finally wore Martinez down. After a knockdown, referee Rafael Ramos signified he had seen enough at the 35-second mark.

 

In May of 2013, Perales lost a very questionable decision to future world champion Stuart Hall. Fighting in Hall’s homeland of the United Kingdom, Perales appeared to outwork Hall in the majority of rounds, only to fall victim to a unanimous decision from the judges. The fight was for the IBF Inter-Continental Bantamweight Championship and propelled Hall into a world-title fight.

 

“I’m happy to be adding a fighter as exciting as Sergio to Warriors Boxing’s stable,” said Leon Margules. “He will step directly into the mix at 118 lbs and with his skills and exciting style, he will quickly become a favorite of fans worldwide. I have tremendous optimism for Sergio’s career.”

 

Julio Marines, who has been Parales’ promoter from the start of his career said “I think this deal is a great thing for Sergio. I’ve said for years that he’s the most talented bantamweight in the world. I’ve taken him as far as I can and now I’m trusting my partner Leon to take him to the next level. He’s done a lot of good for my other fighter, Roberto Garcia, and I know he’ll do the same for Sergio. We will take anyone in the world at 118 lbs. Sergio is a future world champion.”

# # #

 

About Warriors Boxing

 

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

 

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

 

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

 

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

ANTONIO TARVER AND JIMMY SMITH NAMED COLOR ANALYSTS FOR “PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS” SERIES ON SPIKE TV

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New York, NY, February 19, 2015 – Spike TV has added some serious punch to their “Premier Boxing Champions” series announce-team. Five-time, two-division world champion boxer Antonio Tarver and popular Bellator announcer and former professional MMA fighter, Jimmy Smith, will serve as color analysts for Spike TV’s inaugural season of “Premier Boxing Champions.”
Spike TV’s first “Premier Boxing Champions” event will take place on Friday, March 13 at 9:00pm ET/PT from the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. The event will showcase two marquee match-ups including Andre Berto vs. Josesito Lopez and Shawn Porter vs. Robert Garcia. Spike will announce the color commentator shortly.
Tarver and Smith complete Spike’s “Premier Boxing Champions” announce team which includes Dana Jacobson as host and Scott Hansen as blow-by-blow announcer.
“We are thrilled to add two dynamic and knowledgeable voices who each possess their own unique perspectives of combat sports,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Branded Entertainment. “Antonio delivers a huge personality with a championship pedigree and Jimmy will bring his incredible insight and energy that he has for MMA to boxing.”
Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver, from Tampa Fla, had one of the sport’s most-decorated amateur careers. In 1995, he became the only fighter to have won the Pan American, U.S. National Championships, and World Championships in the same year.  After winning the bronze medal in 1996 Olympics, he turned pro and ascended the ranks of light heavyweight division. In 2003, Tarver defeated Montell Griffith in the biggest win in his career up to that point to claim the IBF and WBC title belts. After a tough 12-round decision loss to Roy Jones Jr, Tarver avenged that bitter defeat with an incredible 2nd round knockout of Jones Jr., shocking and amazing boxing fans worldwide. After splitting two fights with Glen Johnson, Tarver topped Jones Jr. with a 12-round decision victory in the third fight of their memorable trilogy. The 46-year-old Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) is on a mission to become the oldest heavyweight champion of the world.  He is currently world-rated in the heavyweight division at No. 5 by the IBO and No. 9 by the WBA. His last fight (Dec. 11, 2014) resulted in an impressive seventh-round knockout of 29-2-1 Johnathon Banks. He has also served as a color commentator for Showtime Championship Boxing and starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in the feature film “Rocky Balboa” as the character “Mason Dixon.”
Jimmy Smith is currently the color analyst for Bellator MMA on Spike TV. Smith began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in in 2000 while at UCLA and became a professional MMA fighter in 2003.  Smith compiled a 5-1 record before retiring in 2006 to focus on a television career. Smith starred in the Discovery Channel show, “Fight Quest,” where he traveled the world learning different fight disciplines. He joined Bellator in 2010 and has served as its lead color analyst ever since, partnering with blow-by-blow announcer, Sean Wheelock.
About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
boxing

Frank De Alba to take on Jose Bustos for UBF All Americas Jr. Lightweight title this Saturday night at the Econo Lodge in Allentown, PA

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Plus undefeated Juan Dominguez fights Jose Cen Torres for UBF Super Bantamweight All Americas title as well as undefeated John Magda, Ivan Golub, Christian Molina and Paul Koon
Allentown, PA (February 19, 2015)–He is one of the hottest fighters on the east coast.  He has become a prospect on everyone’s radar and this Saturday night, Jr. Lightweight Frank De Alba will look for his 13th consecutive victory when he takes on Jose Bustos for the UBF Jr. Lightweight All Americas title in the main event at the Econo Lodge.
The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.
De Alba of Reading, PA has a record of 14-1-2 in and in addition to 12th straight wins, he is unbeaten in his last 14 bouts.
De Alba, who won a 8-round unanimous decision over Jesse Carridine last October 4, went right back in the gym shortly after that bout.
“Training camp has been great.  I have been in camp for two months.  I feel great and excited.  I am ready and in shape and am 100% ready for Saturday,” said De Alba.
On Bustos, De Alba doesn’t seem to know much on the man who will trying to break that winning streak.
“I know nothing about him other than he is from Mexico.  Mexican fighters always come to fight, so I know it will be an exciting fight.”
2015 plans to be a moving year for De Alba for prospect to contender and he knows that this fight could be a dangerous one.
“I know this is a big year.  I have a good streaking going and by the end of the year I should have a good step up fight.  First I am ready for Saturday and I have to start off on a good foot.  I am ready to give my all.”
Bustos of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico has a record of 7-2-3 with 4 knockouts.
The 23 year-old is unbeaten in his last three which includes that last two victories.  He is coming off a 10-round split decision over Hector Mendoza on April 11, 2014 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Juan Dominguez (17-0, 11 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Jose Cen Torres (13-6, 1 KO) of Merida, Mexico in an 8-round bout for the UBF All Americas Super Bantamweight title.
In 6-round bouts:
Super Middleweight John Magda (8-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will take on Jay Williams (3-4) of West Monroe, LA

Ivan Golub (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on David Lopez (4-11-3, 1 KO) in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
Danny Kelly (6-1-1, 5 KO’s) of Washington, DC will  take on Kevin Franklin (6-10, 3 KO’s) of  in a Heavyweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Christian Molina (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will fight debuting Stacey Harris of Washington, DC in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
 
Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will battle Benjamin Burgos (2-10-1) of Mount Pocono, PA in a Featherweight bout.  This bout is a rematch of a bout from May where Irizarry won a unanimous decision.
Christopher Booker of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Andrew Sosa(0-4-1) of Farmers Branch, TX i in a Middleweight bout.
Paul Koon (2-0, 1 KO of Philadelphia will battle Rex Harris (1-0-2) of Wikes-Barre, PA, in a Heavyweight bout.
Tickets for this great night of boxing are $45 for General Admission and $60 for Ringside and can be purchased by clicking: www.kingsboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

The Econo Lodge is located at 1151 Building Drive in Allentown, PA
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK TO SHOWCASE MILITARY VETERAN SAMMY VASQUEZ FOR UNIFORMED PERSONNEL OVERSEAS

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Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME® To Be Available to Uniformed Personnel in More Than 175 Countries

NEW YORK (Feb. 19, 2015) – For the second time, nearly one million uniformed military personnel serving abroad will be able to watch and support U.S. Armed Forces veteran Sammy Vasquez as part of a special agreement between SHOWTIME and the American Forces Network.

 

Vasquez, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, is featured in the main event of Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader, which airs live at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

“It means so much to have my brothers and sisters in my corner and supporting me every step of the way.  It’s just an awesome feeling,” said the undefeated Vasquez.  “The military has helped me get to this point in my career and it’s a huge honor to represent them.  It’s nice to give them a little taste of back home from a soldier who’s been there before.  I can’t wait to make them proud this weekend.”

 

The service men and women of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines stationed around the globe in over 1,000 outlets in more than 175 countries and on the high seas will have free access toFriday’s ShoBox telecast.  All SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecasts are offered to AFN as part of a gratis license agreement between the networks.  AFN also aired Vasquez’s last ShoBox appearance, a first round TKO of then-undefeated Juan Rodriguez Jr. on April 18, 2014.

To give those abroad a better opportunity to view Vasquez on Friday’sShoBox, the three-fight telecast will be shown on a slightly delayed basis. The schedule:

  • Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 7 a.m. ET on the AFN|sports channel.
  • Noon for Greater Europe (CET)
  • 2 p.m. local for Iraq
  • 3:30 p.m. local for Afghanistan
  • 8 p.m. local for North Asia (Japan, S. Korea)

Vasquez, who served in the National Guard from 2003 until 2012, was deployed to Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq for his first tour in ‘05-’06.  He later returned to Iraq for a second tour in ’08-’09.

 

“My first tour was with the Second Brigade, which is not with the National Guard, but because of the high demand for soldiers needed over there, they started deploying the National Guard,” said Vasquez in April. “When I went the second time, I was at JSS Fallujah in Taji, Iraq. That was with the 56th Stryker Brigade. I was with the first National Guard Stryker unit to go over there.”

 

Vasquez (17-0, 13 KOs) will be seeking his 10th consecutive victory by knockout when he takes on fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, this Friday.

 

In the co-feature, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in a 10-round bout. Talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will face southpaw Orlando Rizo (18-5, 11 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua, in an eight-round match that will open the telecast.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

amateur boxing, boxing, Goodwin Boxing, UK Boxing

It’s make or break for Sharif in rematch on Matchroom fight Pass show

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When 32 year old Aji Sharif turned professional in 2013 he had high hopes with his sole defeat as an amateur coming at the hands of Olympic Gold Medallist Anthony Joshua.

His professional career started off in good fashion with 3 straight victories including a stoppage. His fourth professional fight was set for December 2013 on a Goodwin Promotions Matchroom fight pass show where he took on 6 foot 9 ins “The Giant” Imantas Davidaitis. Davidaitis had been to the UK shores before knocking out Sheffield prospect David Howe in two rounds.

“It was a fight I was happy to take” said Sharif. I needed to beat the likes of Davidaitis to move onto toSouthern Area title level. However 6 weeks before the fight my trainer Andy Edge decided that he needed to take a break from training and I was left without a professional training establishment. Looking back I should have pulled out of the fight but I stupidly went through with it.” Sharif continued “People around me tried to help but it just was not working”.

Sharif went through with the fight to get knocked down twice in the first round and then getting stopped in the second. “My Manager/Promoter and his family were great afterwards. They all came to my dressing room and I could see they were as upset as me. A week later I went to Steve’s offices and told him I wanted an immediate rematch. Steve was initially reluctant to do this but it is pride. I have to avenge this loss. Steve then went and got me the best training camp which will be revealed after the fight. I am in the best shape both physically and mentally of my life”

Sharif finished by saying “I really need everyone’s support in this rematch as it is a career make or break for me”.

Sharif will be back under the lights on another Matchroom fight Pass show as he goes to avenge the loss. There is no doubt that this is an intriguing undercard clash supporting the Larry Ekundayo v Dale Evans (British Welterweight title eliminator) Lee Markham v Jahmaine Smyle (English Super-Middleweight title) and Johnny Garton v Nathan Weiss (Southern Area Welterweight title) clashes.

The show also features former Premiership professional footballer Leon McKenzie in his first title shot when he takes on Ivan Stupalo from Croatia for the International Masters Super-Middleweight title.

13 fights in all and one of the best non mainstream tv cards to be shown for a long time.

Remaining tickets can be obtained from either www.goodwinpromotions.co.uk or from Aji Sharif himself at www.iboxingtickets.com

Here is the full footage of the first Sharif v Davidiatis fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gDI9RgNrB0

 

 

boxing, Ring 8

Attorney Jack Stanton & Luis Orlando Cruz Ring 8 Guest Speakers Thursday night in New York

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NEW YORK (Feb. 18, 2015) – Attorney Jack Stanton and new gym owner Luis Orlando Cruz are scheduled to be Ring 8 guest speakers tomorrow night, Feb. 19(doors open 6 p.m, meeting starts at 8 p.m.), at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, New York.

 

“We’re fortunate to have two very interesting speakers of interest for our members,” Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. “Jim is an expert in all aspects of boxing litigation, while Luis has opened a new gym in Brooklyn, Fight for Fitness.”
ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.