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Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts

BELLATOR BRINGS FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX TO MOHEGAN SUN ARENA ON MARCH 13 WHEN CHAMP PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ DEFENDS HIS TITLE AGAINST PEDRO CARVALHO

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FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX QUARTERFINALS CONTINUE AS DANIEL WEICHEL MEETS EMMANUEL SANCHEZ IN THE CO-MAIN EVENT

 

Tickets on sale next Friday, January 17

 

LOS ANGELES – On Friday, March 13, Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. will host Bellator 241, an event featuring TWO quarterfinal matchups of the Featherweight World Grand Prix. In the main event, fans will see a featherweight world title bout with two-division Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” (30-4) defending his 145-pound crown against SBG Ireland-product Pedro Carvalho (11-3).

 

In addition to the five-round championship main event, a second Bellator Featherweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal will also take place, as two former title challengers, Daniel Weichel (40-11) and Emmanuel Sanchez (19-4), meet for the first time since their 2016 razor-thin split decision.

 

Tickets for Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho are available early through an exclusive Bellator Nation pre-sale beginning Thursday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Friday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office, as well Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

 

Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho will stream exclusively on DAZN on Friday, March 13 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Preliminary action will stream on DAZN, Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in coming weeks.

 

Hailing from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, two-time featherweight champ Patricio “Pitbull” will enter the Bellator cage for a promotional record 23rd time on March 13. With impressive wins to his name over Daniel Straus (x3), Daniel Weichel (x2) and Pat Curran, the 32-year old continues in the Featherweight World Grand Prix not far removed from his lightweight championship win over Michael Chandler in May of last year. Having earned a finish in 21 of his 30 wins as a professional, the simultaneous two-division champion most recently bested Juan Archuleta on the scorecards in an exciting opening round grand prix matchup and fans can certainly expect more fireworks when he meets Carvalho on March 13. 

 

Portuguese submission specialist Pedro Carvalho will be entering the Bellator cage for just the fifth time in his eight-year professional career, looking for his seventh consecutive victory and his first world title victory. With victories in nine of his last 11 contests, including against Derek Campos, Daniel Crawford and a face crank submission over Sam Sicilia in the opening round, the 23-year-old SBG Ireland-product is on the cusp of becoming an elite force in the 145-pound division – winning the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix would be the perfect way to solidify it.

 

With over 50 professional fights to his name, Germany’s Daniel Weichel is ready to make his 2020 debut in a highly anticipated grand prix quarterfinal bout with Sanchez, a fighter Weichel got the better of nearly four years ago at Bellator 159. Following his Bellator debut in 2014, “Drake” has enjoyed an impressive promotional mark of 9-3, including pivotal victories over Sanchez, Pat Curran,Georgi Karakhanyan and Saul Rogers.

 

On the heels of yet another masterful performance that ended in a submission victory over Tywan Claxton in the opening round of the grand prix, “El Matador” is ready for another title run as he prepares for the undefeated 50-fight veteran and the man who beat him once before, Daniel Weichel. Since joining forces with Bellator in 2014, the Milwaukee, Wisc. resident has collected 11 victories over a 14-fight stint, including key wins over the likes of Claxton, Daniel Straus, Marcos Galvao and Georgi Karakhanyan (2x).

 

Updated Bellator 241: Pitbull vs. Carvalho Main Card:

DAZN

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

 

Featherweight World Title Bout/FWGP Quarterfinal: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (30-4) vs. Pedro Carvalho (11-3)

Featherweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal: Daniel Weichel (40-11) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (19-4)

 

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. Defends His Title Against Unbeaten Mandatory Challenger Tugstsogt Nyambayar Saturday, February 8 Live on SHOWTIME® from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania in Premier Boxing Champions Event

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Former World Champions Guillermo Rigondeaux & Liborio Solís Square Off for Vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in

Co-Main Event

Plus! Jaime Arboleda Takes on Jayson Vélez in WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator

Tickets on Sale Now!

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (January 6, 2020) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar Saturday, February 8 live on SHOWTIME from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event. The telecast opens withJaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Veléz in a 12-round bout WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator.

The main event showdown will see Russell make the fifth defense of his title as he looks to again display the skills and speed that have made him one of the elite featherweight fighters in the world. He will be challenged by the 2012 Olympic silver medalist “King Tug”, who quickly rose up the rankings facing quality opposition throughout his 11-fight career.

“Gary Russell Jr. has proven himself to be at the very elite level of this sport and one of the best fighters in the featherweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “His speed, power and overall skillset has made him a must-watch every time he steps into that ring. He’s going to get all he can handle from an undefeated fighter in ‘King Tug’ Nyambayar, who has the pedigree and power to make this a memorable fight. You won’t want to blink during this high octane showdown February 8 on SHOWTIME from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.”

“The February 8 card is co-headlined by two of the most skilled boxers in the sport today,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.  “Gary Russell Jr. – arguably the fastest hands in boxing – will be facing his toughest challenge as world champion against the aggressive power-puncher ‘King Tug’.  And in the co-main event, Guillermo Rigondeaux, one of the best boxers on the planet since his days as an amateur in Cuba, moves down in weight to the bantamweight division for the first time in his pro career as he faces former world champion Liborio Solis with a world title at stake.  Add in a compelling super featherweight eliminator and we have the makings of an action-packed tripleheader on February 8.” 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.pplcenter.com/events (direct link HERE).  

The Capitol Heights, Maryland native Russell (30-1, 18 KOs) has held his WBC Featherweight Title since 2015 when he stopped multiple division champion Jhonny Gonzalez to emphatically capture the belt. The 31-year-old is part of one of boxing’s premier fighting families as he is trained by his father Gary Sr., and trains alongside his younger brothers, unbeaten super lightweight Gary Antuanne and undefeated bantamweight Antonio. Russell most recently stopped former champion Kiko Martinez in May on SHOWTIME after previously defeating then unbeaten challenger Joseph Diaz Jr in 2018 in a hometown defense.

“I’m forced to defend my title against another mandatory challenger and I’m going to show on February 8 why none of the other champions want to face me,” said Russell. “I’m the longest current reigning WBC champion but no one has stepped up to the challenge I present. I’m going to take care of business against a strong opponent and display all my skills like I always do.” 

The 27-year-old Nyambayar (11-0, 9 KOs) represented his native Mongolia in the 2012 Olympics but now lives in the U.S. and is training out of Las Vegas. Nyambayar ascended up the featherweight rankings after his extensive amateur career with victories over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre and former interim champion Oscar Escandon. Most recently he won his first 12-round decision by defeating former champion Claudio Marrero in January.

“This is going to be an exciting fight for everyone watching on February 8,” said Nyambayar. “Gary Russell Jr. is a great champion who is very talented, but he has the WBC belt and that’s what I want. I’m training hard to win this fight and I will be ready for anything that Russell brings to the ring.”

Rigondeaux (19-1, 13 KOs) will look to move down and capture a title in a second weight class in his SHOWTIME debut.  Since turning professional in 2009 after one of the best amateur careers in history, Rigondeaux has showcased masterful technical skills that made him a unified 122-pound world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. Most recently, Rigondeaux scored an exciting eighth-round stoppage of former champion Julio Ceja in June.

Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Panama, Solís (30-5-1, 14 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on February 8 while riding a five-fight winning streak. Solís captured a super flyweight world title in 2013 amidst a 14-bout unbeaten run. He has lost by decision in his two previous attempts at 118-pound title, including a controversial loss to Jamie McDonnell, which he has bounced back from on his current win streak.

Arboleda (15-1, 13 KOs) has ripped off five straight victories by stoppage since he suffered the only loss of his career against Recky Dulay in 2017. The 25-year-old Arboleda from Curundu, Panama will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time in his career. He’s coming off a knockout victory over Victor Betancourt on August 24.

The 31-year-old Veléz (29-5-1, 21 KOs) has strung together three straight knockout victories since losing to Ryan Garcia in 2018. The Juncos, Puerto Rico resident is coming off a knockout victory over Hector Ruben Ambriz Suarez on July 27 and is looking for another championship opportunity. He came up short in his previous attempt when he fought to a draw against Evgeny Gradovich for the featherweight world title in 2014.

#          #          #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

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Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz Hammerin’ his way to medical school

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WORCESTER, Mass. (January 6, 2020) – Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) isn’t a typical professional boxer whose life entirely revolves in and around the “Sweet Science.”

The 23-year-old Ortiz is also a licensed carpenter with diverse interests ranging from engineering and psychology to philosophy, and his ultimate post-boxing career aspiration is to attend medical school.  First, though, Ortiz’ goal is to become world champion, which would be a first for a native of Worcester, Massachusetts.

“I was always fascinated by architecture, starting with my mother’s house, and that spun off to engineering,” Ortiz explained. “I wanted to learn how to build to better understand and became a carpenter after graduating from high school. I’m not worried about getting hurt at work.  I do work with my hands, but I’m in the union and everything is safe, and I’m very careful. 

“Medical school is my dream.  I want to help people working with cells, blood and muscle tissues, understanding the body.  I’m not sure if I’ll do research or be working with patients, maybe in internal medicine, but not in traditional medicine.   I’m interested in natural, holistic medicine, and working for the benefit of people.”

Ortiz, who started boxing at the age of six, will return to the ring in early 2020 for, most likely, his final WBC Youth World title fight, because this title is for fighters 23 or younger, and Jamaine turns 24 on April 28.    

The WBC World Youth title has been a stepping-stone for great champions such as Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Timothy Bradley,Danny Garcia and Leo Santa Cruz, among the more notables.

“I’m proud to be the WBC World lightweight champion, but I’ll have to give it up in April when I turn 24.,” Ortiz remarked.  “I’ll win bigger titles as I get older.  This has been good for now, but I’m going on to bigger and better things.  I’m confident that I’ll be world champion in 2021 and I want to be a multiple wight-class world champion before I retire.”

Ortiz recently gained even more confidence when Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World lightweight championship, knocking out defending champion Richard Commey in the second round this past December.

At the 2015 National Golden Gloves, Ortiz lost a decision to Lopez in the championship final.  “He didn’t do that stuff to me (like he did to Commey),” Ortiz noted.  “He didn’t beat me up.  I lost a decision, but I showed that I could fight with him.  He was nothing like you saw on television (vs. Commey), though.  I’ve watched him get better and better.

So is Ortiz and before he swaps his boxing gloves for a stethoscope, he has unfinished business in boxing. Nothing short of capturing a world championship crown will satisfy “The Technician.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CLARESSA SHIELDS SHARES NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION & PREVIEWS UPCOMING TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST IVANA HABAZIN FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

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Undisputed Middleweight Champion Shields Battles Habazin for Vacant WBC & WBO 154-Pound Titles Live on SHOWTIME from

Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.

MIAMI (January 2, 2020) – As the calendar flips to a new decade, undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields shared her New Year’s resolution ahead of her upcoming showdown against former champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBC and WBO 154-pound titles taking place Friday, January 10 live on SHOWTIME from the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.

“I really have just one main resolution for the new year – no compromising,” said Shields. “That goes for both my personal and professional life. I also want to get closer to God and stay undefeated. I was going to say stop cursing also, but that’s just not happening.”

Shields vs. Habazin will open up the 2020 year of big boxing events, with Shields seeking to become the fastest fighter in boxing history, male or female, to become a three-division world champion.

“I’m very happy to kick off 2020,” said Shields. “Gervonta Davis ended 2019 on SHOWTIME and then the GWOAT brings in the New Year for SHOWTIME in 2020. It’s going to be a great start to the year. I’m coming in with a bang and gunning for the knockout.

“I’m super excited to have Jaron Ennis on the undercard, too. To me, he’s the next Roy Jones Jr. of boxing. He’s slick, he has power, he can box and he’s an all-around dedicated athlete. I look forward to sharing the card with him as a future world champion.”

Shields has trained in Miami with her head coach John David Jackson ahead of her 154-pound debut and has been able to maintain her focus and worked to stay sharp despite the fight’s two postponements.

“I made 154 pounds back in October before the cancellation,” said Shields. “After our fight was cancelled, I stayed active and only put on about 10 pounds. I’ve been down in Florida for the last six or seven weeks. It’s been hard work. I’ve pushed myself and I’m not taking Habazin lightly. I want the knockout because Ivana talks too much. I’m staying focused on being focused, and not letting anyone throw me off by talking nonsense.

“I don’t eat meat anymore. I haven’t in over three months, so my body is more toned now. I actually have a six-pack already with just a little more weight to lose. I think people are going to be surprised at the 154-pound version of me. I’m going to be very strong and very fast because I’ve basically had five months to prepare and to get ready for her specifically.”

Despite training camp taking her through the many holiday events that are gluttonously celebrated by the masses, Shields has stayed disciplined ahead of her opportunity to make more history.

“Balancing around the holidays is something I’ve been doing for years,” said Shields. “I saved a lot of money by not going home for Christmas, that’s for sure. But I still spoke with all my family and connected with everyone. I have a very strict diet in camp and I actually trained on Christmas. I consider my diet more of a life plan in general, and I have my days where I’ll splurge, but I stay disciplined.”

Ahead of next week’s event in Atlantic City, Shields plans to unleash and make another statement on her way to another championship-winning performance.

“No matter what she says, this beat down was coming in October,” said Shields. “All I’m doing is bringing it to Atlantic City. I’m going to knock her out. I’m going to put down a whole different beat down on her because of the level of disrespect she has shown me. I’m not going to let her be disrespectful towards me and I’m going to knock her out to shut her up.”

The event is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with T-REX BOXING PROMOTIONS. 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. YURIORKIS GAMBOA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Two-Time Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis Battles Former Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for Vacant WBA Lightweight Title this Saturday, December 28 Live on SHOWTIME from

State Farm Arena in Atlanta


 
Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME


 
Click HERE for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/

Mayweather Promotions


 
ATLANTA (December 26, 2019) – Boxing’s hottest attraction, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, went face to face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they battle for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title this Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.


 
The press conference also featured WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and two-division champion Badou Jack, who will square off in the co-main event, and former champion Jose Uzcategui and Lionell Thompson, who battle in the opener of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 


 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and available through Ticketmaster.com. Good tickets are still available. All tickets start at $54 and $104.


 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel:


 
GERVONTA DAVIS


 
“Training camp has been great. I’ve been training with my brothers and sister on the undercard. Saturday night we’re going to make history again. There hasn’t been a title fight in over 20 years and I’m excited to be in this position to open doors for others and myself.


 
“This is my first time fighting in Atlanta. I’ve been coming here for over four or five years and I’ve been wanting to fight here. Atlanta always shows me love and I always thought that me fighting here would be big. I knew I had a big fan base here.


 
“Saturday night we’re going to have a big fight. Thank you to Gamboa for taking the chance. Saturday night it’s going to be an action-packed fight and we’ll see who’s got what it takes.


 
“I’m pretty sure Gamboa watched my last fight. He’s just saying he didn’t to be cocky. I know he at least watched it heading into this fight. We’ll see Saturday night. He’s been a little cocky, so I have to make him pay.


 
“I can’t say whether I’ll get the knockout, but I’ve trained very hard and I’ve been focused on the main goal, which is to get the win. I know that Gamboa is a tough opponent and he’ll lay it all on the line. If it goes 12 rounds, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m looking to make this a great fight for me and also for the fans.


 
“I believe that I haven’t gone past nine rounds and I’m undefeated, so I think that’s a good thing for me. I’ve been doing this for so many years that I believe Gamboa can’t bring anything to the ring that I haven’t seen.


 
“I know that I have to come in there focused, strong and fast. Let’s see what it all comes out to. I’m ready and hopefully he’s ready to give the fans what they want to see.


 
“Saturday night everyone should be looking for a great fight, not just from Gamboa and me, but the whole undercard. On Saturday night the fight fans win. We’re both bringing our all and we’ll see what Saturday night brings for each of us.”


 
YURIORKIS GAMBOA


 
“My job isn’t to pay attention to any trash talk. My only focus is to go in there at 150% and give it my all. I don’t care about any of the chatter outside of the ring.


 
“The confidence that I have comes from my focus and the hard work that I’ve put into this camp. I know what I have to do December 28. Everything from camp has unfolded how I wanted to leading into fight night.


 
“I’m very appreciative to have this opportunity to fight for the world title on Saturday night. I have to make the best of this position that I’m in. I’m still at the level where I know that I can compete and beat the best fighters in the sport.


 
“My focus and discipline has allowed me to get to the position that I’m in today. I’ve always relied upon that heavily and it hasn’t failed me yet.


 
“Gervonta knocking his opponents out and not going past the ninth round is great for him, but I don’t think it has anything to do with my resume. I’ve faced stronger fighters than Gervonta and I’ve been able to beat them. He’s not going to bring anything I haven’t seen.


 
“We’re thrilled that the fight landed in Atlanta and we can tell you that the fans are going to be very happy with the fight they see Saturday. I came here to win and I’m definitely ready to go all 12 rounds if I have to.


 
“I’ve had a great training camp and I know what I’m able to give on Saturday. I’m giving my all and then some. Atlanta, be ready. We’re going to give you a war.”


 
JEAN PASCAL


 
“This is my first time in the city of Atlanta and I might have to move here after my victory on Saturday night.


 
“I’m excited to be able to display my talents on SHOWTIME on Saturday night. I’m at the top of my game and my whole team has helped me get to here.


 
“Badou Jack is a solid fighter with great defense and good attack. I’ve had a great camp in Puerto Rico. I’ve been away from my family for three months and I’m war ready. Make sure you tune in.


 
“Badou and I sparred, but it was a long time ago back in 2014. Sparring is sparring. I was getting ready for Sergey Kovalev. It was a good session, but at the time he was at 168-pounds. I don’t rely on that sparring because it was so long ago.


 
“I know that Badou has had a long layoff and he’s fresh and will be even hungrier. I’m always hungry and that will make it a great fight on Saturday night.


 
“I’ve been fighting at the highest level for the last 11 years. That means something. I’m a special fighter. I have things that nobody can teach, which is a chin and a heart.”


 
BADOU JACK


 
“I had a great training camp, which everyone says, but I really do feel great. I’m 36 and I feel like I’m 26 again. I can’t wait for Saturday night to hear ‘and the new’.


 
“I guess you have to wait until Saturday night for me to prove that I still have it. I was flat against Marcus Browne, regardless of the cut, but I feel much better this time than I did heading into that fight.


 
“All of the close decisions I’ve had in the past, everyone who watched those fights knows that those were wins. Saturday night I’m going to win and there will be no doubt.


 
“Gervonta was on my undercard and now I’m on his and I’m very proud of him. He’s already a superstar.


 
“I take care of myself. I don’t do anything outside the ring to jeopardize my career. I have a great nutritionist who gives me all organic foods. You can talk to my strength and conditioning coach as far as how I’m looking, but I feel amazing.


 
“I’m going to take everything one fight at a time. I think Pascal can bring the best out of me on Saturday night. Styles make fights and I think our styles will mesh.


 
“Pascal and I both come to fight. Marcus Browne is a southpaw and he’s more evasive. So it’s hard to compare. Pascal is a tough guy and I expect nothing less than a tough fight.”


 
JOSE UZCATEGUI


 
“I’m grateful to be back in this position and I promise the crowd won’t be disappointed. I’m going to be around for a long time and I’m going to get my world title back.


 
“I don’t talk much, but since he says I only have power, we’ll see on Saturday. Don’t talk today and then run around the ring.


 
“After I knock out Lionell Thompson, we’ll see what Caleb Plant has to say after that. I hope he will stand and fight. The only reason Plant is champion is because I messed up.


 
“When I’m at my best, I’m the best super middleweight on the planet. Everyone will see on Saturday.”


 
LIONELL THOMPSON


 
“I want to thank Uzcategui and his team for taking the fight. This is my first time in the super middleweight division and I plan on being victorious.


 
“To everybody that has helped me and supported me, I promise I won’t let you guys down. I’m planning on giving my best performance on Saturday night.


 
“I’ve been in there with bigger punchers at light heavyweight and the only time I was stopped was early in my career. I’ve beaten good guys and undefeated prospects that could punch.


 
“I believe that moving down in weight, and doing it right with a nutritionist, will be better for me. Anyone can hurt you. Everyone says that he can punch, but anyone who hits you right can hurt you.


 
“I’m focused on being perfect. I don’t plan on making any mistakes. I know what I can do. Anyone who has shared the ring with me will say I’m one of the most skillful fighters out there. Floyd Mayweather even said it.


 
“I know Uzcategui is tough, but I’m not worried because I’m bringing my best. I believe I’ll be victorious. I respect him and he’s definitely a force to be reckoned with, but I just believe in myself.”


 
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions


 
“Saturday night, it’s going to be lit. I’m very excited about this card. I can recall when we first talked about bringing this fight to Atlanta, there was only one name that was synonymous with tapping into a market that hasn’t had a big fight in 20 years. When it comes to excitement, the name Gervonta Davis goes hand in hand.


 
“We knew that this entire community would be involved. We know that this would be the most talked about event and create a buzz that we haven’t seen in many years.


 
“We have an outstanding undercard, including a great co-main event with Jean Pascal and Badou Jack, which I guarantee will be a very entertaining match. These two are going to lay it all on the line.


 
“From top to bottom this is a very entertaining card. Looking at the main event, when you look at Gamboa, you know what he brings to the table. We’re not buying anything about him being an older fighter. He has a phenomenal pedigree and he has seen everything in that ring. This is a very dangerous fight for Gervonta and that’s what we want. We want nothing but the best for Gervonta.


 
“I think that Gamboa is going to bring out the best in “Tank” on Saturday night. We’re going to give you an entertaining card from top to bottom, with a main event that’s going to end in a knockout.”


 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.


 
“It’s a big weekend for SHOWTIME as we have eight big boxing shows over the next 10 weeks, featuring some of the biggest names in the sport and some of boxing’s top young prospects. We couldn’t kick it off with a better fight card this Saturday night.


 
“It’s time to quit calling Gervonta a young star or a rising star, because what he has demonstrated this year is that he’s a bonafide star. That is without question when you go into three cities and bring out all the people that he has. 


 
“At the end of the day, none of that matters on Saturday night. That’s what we love about this sport. You have labels, critics and big names, but none of it matters when the bell rings. Each one of these six fighters up here fights like an underdog, because they’ve all been underdogs before.


 
“Gervonta and Gamboa fight like they’re hungry and like they’re angry. They fight like there’s one plate in the middle of the ring. In the co-main event, with Badou Jack and Jean Pascal, I’ll put their resumes against any fighter in the sport. They’ve fought tough fight after tough fight and they’re still fighting on this stage. Uzcategui is one of the hardest punchers in the sport, and Lionell Thompson is looking for his shot. With all of this together, we’re in for an entertaining night.”


 
#          #          #


 
ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA

Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

 

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports,
 www.PremierBoxingChampions.com,
 
follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
boxing

Robert Duran Jr Reigns Supreme on UK Debut

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Robert Duran Jr., son of legendary four division World Champion Roberto Duran, made a successful UK debut on Saturday night, when he fought Nicaragua’s Juan Carlos Santana on the former WBO and IBF Intercontinental Champion Dr Mark Prince OBE’s ‘Jabbing Not Stabbing’ Charity event, to raise funds for the Kiyan Prince Foundation (KPF) www.thekpf.com at the London Irish Centre in Camden, London.

Florida, USA based Duran Jr, whose record stood at 3-1-0 prior to his UK trip, joined stars from Professional boxing such as WIBA World Champion and WBC Muay Thai World Champion Denise Castle, British and WBO European Champion Bradley Skeete, WBF International & European Champion Tommy Jacobs and former WBC International Champion Herol Graham and also from Football such as Harry Redknapp and Peter Peter Odemwingie in their support of the Kiyan Prince Foundation (KPF).

Duran Jr. had to be on top form as Santana pulled out all the stops to try and prevent the Floridian securing his maiden UK victory, Duran Jr. though had bought his ‘A game’ and was more than happy to go to war with the tough Nicaraguan and after four scintillating all action rounds it was Duran Jr that Referee Adrian Thorne deemed victorious by a 40-37 points margin.

Earlier today Duran Jr said.

“I want to start of by saying that I am very grateful for attending and being part of such a special event, The Kiyan Prince Foundation’s ‘Jabbing Not Stabbing’ that took place last Saturday in London this past Saturday in remembrance of young Kiyan Prince.

“Thank you so much Dr Mark Prince and Mr Gianluca Di Caro for adding me as the headliner of the evening of the fights. Such a special night to showcase my skill and to steer the young youth away from street violence and creating a way out through boxing.

“Much love and appreciation to Dr Prince and Mr Di Caro for the opportunity, I love London and the people returned the love.

“Hope to be back soon and see all my new friends and fans once more. Thank you London!”

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About The Kiyan Prince Foundation:

The Kiyan Prince Foundation was established in 2008 in memory of Kiyan Prince, Dr Prince’s fifteen-year-old son and a talented footballer who was stabbed in the heart, whilst trying to break up a fight, outside his school gates. This devastating tragedy marked the beginning of a journey which has not only transformed Dr Prince’s life but also equipped him with the knowledge and skills to support families and help prevent similar cases. In this process, he has had to defeat two of life’s toughest challenges – anger and revenge, find the strength to forgive and the commitment to substitute anger with positive life skills.

About Kiyan Prince:

Kiyan Prince was the first son born to Mark Prince and Tracy Cumberbatch on 25th November 1990.

He was an outgoing and well-loved young man who got along with everybody. Teachers, fellow pupils, Queens Park Rangers football team… in fact anyone who came into contact with Kiyan counted it a privilege to have done so.

On May 18th 2006 Kiyan’s life came to a tragic, untimely and unnecessary end. The loving nature, by which he was known, was what made him step in and defend his friend who was being picked on by another youth.

The incident took place outside the gates of his school, the London Academy, located in Edgware North London. Kiyan attempted to resolve the situation in the most peaceable way by directly challenging the aggressor.

The ‘killer’, 16 year old Hannad Hasan, felt that Kiyan had disrespected him because he stood up to him. He then turned and callously killed Kiyan – plunging a knife straight into his chest. Kiyan died of a single, but fatal, stab wound to his heart.

Kiyan, who played for Queens Park Rangers Under-16’s football team. He was dubbed ‘The Bullet’ because of his speed and he was hailed as the next Wayne Rooney… tipped to play for England.

Kiyan was a beautiful, thoughtful, kind and considerate young man. . How he lived was reflected in the way he died… in probably the last words he ever spoke…

Even though he must have been very scared and in pain… in dying he still represented the life he lived. His heart was so full of love and empathy for others. In his final minutes his thoughts were, even then, still of others. As he lay bleeding he told his friends: “if these are my last words… tell my Mum I love her.”

About Mark Prince:

Dr Mark Prince is CEO and Founder of the Kiyan Prince Foundation, a charity borne out of pain, suffering and grief. Through a series of personal challenges (homelessness, drugs and alcohol abuse and criminal activity); triumphs and tragedy, the then known Mark Prince, developed a burning desire to support young people embroiled in a downward spiral of urban violence. The devastating tragedy of his son’s murder in 2006 further confirmed the importance of early intervention in a young person’s life in order to prevent what often seems like an inevitable journey into despair.

Education and Sport:

A significant part of the foundation’s work is to target school aged children and young people from primary through to secondary and tertiary education, through mentoring, life skills and training programmes. Being a professional boxer achieving titles such as the IBF and WBO Inter-continental Light-heavy weight Championship by (1997) and fighting for a world title in 1998, Dr Prince has invaluable skills and experiences that help in the development and transformation of young people’s lives for good. His autobiography The Prince of Peace written by Dr Prince and Paul Zanon is already a best seller.

Collaboration:

The Kiyan Prince Foundation is a project that has seen Dr Prince collaborate with a range of notable individuals, organisations, the media, government officials and celebrities to shine a light on the socio-economic issues impacting on young people and families nationally. He has been involved in the creation and the was the feature of the ITV documentary, “Put the Knives and Guns Down” screened on ITV London Tonight Special; panel member for The News of The World’s “Save Our Streets” campaign; keynote speaker at Metropolitan Police Operation Trident Program; and guest speaker at conferences such as, the NBCPA National Black Crown Prosecutors Association Annual Conference and the National Governor Prison Association Annual Conference.

Recognition and Vision:

In recognition of the significant contribution to the community and fight against knife crime, Dr Prince has received several well-deserved awards e.g. The Children’s Champion Award from Prime Minister Gordon Brown; an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Excel University; and recently in the Queen’s New Year Honours list (2019) to receive an OBE.

It is the foundation’s vision to obtain funding/raise the revenue to deliver #inspiringfuturechampions a campaign which involves delivering powerful messages to every school in London first, with inspirational speakers who are high level influencers amongst young people together with Dr Prince sharing with them how to utilise their strength of will, recognise their potential, individuality, purpose, how to value themselves, come back from adversity and the power of self-belief, which when understood all leads to young people steering clear of guns and knives which is a problem of the mind and not of the knife.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR AND THE USO PRESENT: SALUTE THE TROOPS

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COMPLETE FIGHT PHOTOS

 

Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Main Card:

Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7) was cancelled by the Hawaii State Boxing Commission deeming Barnett unable to compete tonight due to severe illness

Toby Misech (12-7) defeated Erik Perez (19-7) via KO (punches) at 0:54 of round one

Alejandra Lara (9-3) defeated Veta Artega (5-3) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

Tywan Claxton (6-1) defeated Braydon Akeo (3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (7-0) defeated Chris Cisneros (19-11) via TKO (punches) at 3:55 of round one

 

Preliminary Card:

Hunter Ewald (1-0) defeated Brysen Bolohao (0-2)via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:42 of round one

Joseph Creer (7-1-1) defeated Ty Gwerder (4-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-26)

Cass Bell (5-0) defeated Pierre Daguzan (5-4, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

  

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

BELLATOR SIGNS LIZ CARMOUCHE TO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT

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HONOLULU – On the same night as Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops, Bellator is proud to announce the signing of United States Marine Corps veteran and established flyweight competitor Liz Carmouche (13-7) to an exclusive multi-year, multi-fight contract.


 
Carmouche joins Bellator’s women’s flyweight division following a six-year run in UFC – a tenure that includes world title bouts in both the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, as well as notable wins over Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade.


 
Fighting out of San Diego, the 35-year-old Team Hurricane Awesome-product also formerly competed for Strikeforce, notching a pair of victories with the promotion. She earned an additional win over Valentina Shevchenko earlier in her career.


 
Prior to her days as a professional athlete, the Lafayette, Louisiana-native spent five years serving as an aviation electrician in the United Stated Marine Corps, where she completed three tours of duty in the Middle East. A longtime friend and teammate of Hawaii’s own Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, “Girl-Rilla” finally has the opportunity to compete alongside Bellator women’s flyweight world champion in an already-stacked 125-pound division.


 
Carmouche’s promotional debut will take place early 2020 in the flyweight division, which is championed by her training partner, Ilima-lei Macfarlane, who headlines Bellator 236on DAZN tomorrow night in Honolulu, Hawaii. The division also features Macfarlane’s opponent Kate Jackson, as well as other top athletes competing this weekend in Hawaii, including Juliana Velasquez, Veta Arteaga, Bruna Ellen and Alejandra Lara.
boxing, Comedy, mixed martial arts

MUST SEE FIGHT-THEMED TV: LETTERKENNY (Made in Canada)

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(Left to right: Wayne, “Darry,” Katie, and “Squirrely” Dan enjoying some chit chat on the back deck in a very funny show called “Letterkenny”)

By: Rich Bergeron

If you ever want to laugh harder than you’ve ever laughed in your life, Letterkenny is the new, hip show for you. Elevation Pictures and Universal Studios have joined forces to bring you this quick-witted comedic gem that follows the residents of a small town North of the Canadian border called Letterkenny. The residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups: the Hicks, the Skids, and the Hockey Players, who are constantly feuding with each other over seemingly trivial matters that often end with someone getting their ass kicked. 

Wayne, the toughest guy in Letterkenny, is our unsung hero. He waits a few episodes to display his fiercest skills in season 1 since he’s recovering from a breakup with his girlfriend (fodder for a future episode). When he does go toe to toe, the opponents he faces are coming for his unofficial title, and word travels fast. Between these raucous and exciting slugfests are the escapades of the rest of the crew and Wayne as they deal with small town obstacles like dirty politics at the agricultural hall and the kind of “kissin’ and tellin'” you think you want to hear until you really don’t.

Darryl, Squirrely Dan, Katie and Stuart are the main characters in support of Wayne. Katie is a typical teenage girl getting frisky with the boys, making her brother Wayne always feel the need to tell her to put more clothes on. Squirrely Dan has a distinct “ways” of speaking to “peoples” in the show that makes for some funny moments every epsidoe. Darryl goes by “Darry” and is the most inquisitive of whole bunch, always asking the right questions and having to get things explained that the audience would like to hear explained, too. One of the highlights of the first season is “the softest birthday party ever” that the gang attempts to put on for Darry. Stuart is the local meth addict who can’t seem to “figure it out” as far as how to straighten up and fly right.

The shenanigans and fast and furious banter of the show make it worth watching some scenes over and over again. It is a unique, “full tilt like a Peterbilt” comedy that pushes the envelope and hits the nail on the head when it comes to some stereotypical boondocks teenager behavior. The only critique it gets from me is it takes a bit of time to pick up on what all the colloquialisms really mean if you’re not from Canada. Watch enough episodes, though, and you’ll be speaking like a Letterkenny native and bringing their lingo to the USA. Well, as Wayne and the crew often say, “Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er.” Here’s some more info from the peoples in charge on how to watch and purchase DVDs and such:

The series was picked up in the United States by Hulu for its 7th season as a Hulu Original series, with the other seasons also being available exclusively on the streaming platform. It’s a goofy Canadian hangout comedy that combines the eccentricities of “Schitt’s Creek” with wry and wacky wordplay. In case you’re not familiar with the show, you can check out the introduction to the series here –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb0JdutNULs

Official Twitter & Instagram – @LetterkennyProb

Get the first two seasons here while supplies last:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/letterkenny-seasons-1-and-2-dvd/34764334.p?skuId=34764334

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

2019 NEF YEAR END AWARDS “FIGHTER OF THE YEAR” NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (December 20, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) today announced the nominees for their annual Year End Awards for 2019’s “Fighter of the Year.” The four nominated fighters who earned top honors in 2019 were: Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) from Vision Quest Muay Thai; Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1) from Young’s MMA;Nate “Backpack” Boucher (6-3) from Central Maine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (CMBJJ); and Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo (5-1)from Burgess/Lauzon’s MMA.

Glory “The Fury” Watson was more active than any other fighter on the NEF roster in 2019. Watson began her winning year at “NEF 37: SUBZERO” back in February when she stopped Wisconsin’s Rachael Lippert (4-4) with a guillotine choke in the third round. A little over a month later, Watson earned a unanimous decision victory over Alyssa Marini (2-2) at a show in Massachusetts. In June, Watson won her first title when she decisioned Oregon’s Caree Hill (5-2) for the NEF Flyweight Championship. In September, Watson dropped down to strawweight for the first time and battered Canada’s Lin MacMillan (0-2) via first round TKO at 1:23. Watson’s only defeat in 2019 came at the hands of Cara Greenwell (10-4) in November at “NEF 41: COLLISON COURSE” when she fell short of securing her second title, dropping a decision loss in the five-round championship bout. Watson went 4-1 in 2019 and secured the NEF Flyweight Championship, which she still holds today.

Nate “Backpack” Boucher had a long road back to contending for a title (two full years, to be exact), but he made good on his goals and went undefeated and secured his first championship in 2019. Boucher began his MMA year back in February when he submitted newcomer Dillon Henry (0-3) in under a minute via rear naked choke (RNC) at “NEF 37.” Boucher returned to the cage in June at “NEF 39: ALL AMERICAN” when he was scheduled to face Ohio’s Robert Presley (6-5) for the NEF Flyweight Championship, but a botched weight cut resulted in Boucher missing weight and the bout becoming a non-title affair. Boucher finished Presley, again with a rear naked choke, at 1:46 of the first round. In November, Boucher made championship weight of 125.0 and faced Steve Desjardins (5-4) for the NEF 125-pound title that he had first fought and lost a split decision to Justin Witham (4-4) for back in November 2017. Boucher left nothing to chance this time and he finished Desjardins at 1:16 of round one thus becoming the NEF Flyweight Champion. In 2019, Boucher went 3-0 with three first-round RNC finishes and won the NEF title.

Josh “Hook On” Harvey didn’t achieve the level of activity that he had hoped for going into 2019, but he still managed to secure the NEF professional Featherweight Championship and remain undefeated. Harvey began his year in front of his hometown fans in Bangor at “NEF 37” when he took out veteran Bill “Jonesi” Jones (13-12) with a first round armlock submission-of-the-year candidate. With the win over Jones, Harvey became the NEF Featherweight Champion. Harvey was scheduled to return in June at “NEF 39” against Indiana’s Jordan Downey (6-4), but an incorrect weight cut forced Harvey to seek medical attention and bow out of the bout at the last minute. In September at “NEF 40,” Harvey was originally scheduled to face his old training partner, Ricky Dexter (1-0), but when Dexter had to withdraw from the bout due to medical reasons,Dom “Domnation” Jones (2-3) stepped up on short notice to face Harvey. Harvey finished Jones in the first round, maintaining his perfect, undefeated record of first-round finishes. Harvey was scheduled to fight in November, but his opponent broke his contract in the final days leading up to the event and Harvey was left without a dance partner for “NEF 41.” All-in-all, Harvey went 2-0 in 2019 and became the NEF 145-pound Champion.

Tom “The Phenom” Pagliarulo was a new face that made a big impact in the Maine mixed martial arts scene in 2019. Pagliarulo made his first appearance in NEF when he showed up at “NEF 38: STORMBORN” to face Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) for the vacant NEF Featherweight Championship. Outwrestling the wrestler, Pagliarulo displayed a deft takedown game against Richard in route to earning the unanimous decision victory and becoming the NEF Featherweight Champion. Pagliarulo returned to defend his title for NEF’s first stop in Orono, Maine last September at “NEF 40.” Pagliarulo faced challenger Jimmy Jackson in front of Jackson’s northern hometown crowd. In this outing, Pagliarulo, traditionally known for his wrestling, put on a tight, crisp striking display. He damaged Jackson’s face so badly with his strikes in the first round that the cage side doctor determined that Jackson couldn’t continue and the fight was waved off after one round. Overall, Pagliarulo went 2-0 in NEF 2019 and obtained the amateur NEF Featherweight Championship.

Fan voting to determine the winner of the 2019 NEF Year End Awards “Fighter of the Year” will officially open at 12:00pm on Friday, December 20, 2019 and run until 5:00pm on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Fans will determine the outcome of the contest so all are encouraged to participate to vote for their favorite fighter.

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.