All posts by FNU47

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El the future face of women’s boxing

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 14, 2022) – Georgia flyweight Sa’Rai “Warrior Princess” Brown-El is on a sensational run as she prepares to compete in the upcoming Youth World Championships, November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain.

The 17-year-old from Marietta is a three-time National Junior Olympic champion (2017-19) who has also captured gold medals at the 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, 2020 USA Boxing Junior National Championships, 2019 Junior Open and  2019 National PAL, among the many titles she owns.

She got into boxing at the age of 8 in Albany, New York, where her family was visiting, eventually leading them all to her uncle’s gym. Her father originally wanted her brothers to box, but Sa’Rai also wanted to get involved in combat sports. It was a natural transition for her, who is a legacy boxer because her father, mother and brothers have all boxed.

“Me and my mom went to find a pair of gloves after we were told there weren’t any left. I started hitting the bag and then I did mitts with my uncle. That’s where I fell in love with the sport and discovered I was naturally born to do this.”

She has excelled in every area on her remarkable roll, which she will attempt to extend at the Youth World Championships over the next two weeks.

“I am super pumped and ready to go to Spain for the Youth Worlds,” the ultra-confident Sa’Rai said. “My mindset is on gold. My manifestation and hard work will put me in top by the last day with the gold medal around my neck on that number one podium. It’s truly a blessing to be representing the USA.

“My biggest challenge is probably myself; boxing is 90-percent mental, meaning I have to have a mindset that nothing can be hard enough to stop me from reaching my goals. My short-range goals, right now, are to win the Youth Worlds and finish out the year making the Youth High Performance Team. Long range, I’d say, is to fight in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Being world champ, looked up to as an inspiration to all and, most importantly, having proven to be the most feared female boxer.”

Brown-El believes USA Boxing has helped in terms of working against other styles at tournaments, in addition to benefiting from training with her elite stablemates, and under the guidance of world-class coaches, at the state-of-the-art United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I can show my skills and have learned many other skills and drills there (training center) to become a universal boxer,” she noted. “I’ve been able to go against every style there is in international fighting and be able to dominate every time. USA Boxing has taught me very valuable lessons: to be professional, disciplined and dedicated, because there are a lot of obstacles that come with it. For me, being professional is the only way to have a career in this sport.”
Winning at the 2021 National to be part of the 2022 Youth High Performance Team, thus far, are the highlights of her relatively young boxing career. To win that gold medal, Sa’Rai explained, she needed to push through injuries that nearly forced her to pull out of the tournament.

Brown-El has a high ring IQ. Basically, the sweet science is about hitting the opponent without getting hit, especially in Olympic style boxing. Her ring IQ is advanced beyond her years, using angles, constantly moving, and confusing her opponent with her evasiveness. And, Brown-El quickly adds, that doesn’t mean she won’t bang if needed.

“I love representing my country,” she concluded. “I want to show the world we are the greatest. Team USA will come out on top at the Youth Worlds. My message for U.S. boxing fans is to keep watching. The future of boxing is coming in hot!”

INFORMATION: www.usaboxing,org Twitter: @USABoxingInstagram: @USABoxingFacebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.
mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF CLOSES OUT TENTH YEAR OF BUSINESS WITH SOLD-OUT, BLOCKBUSTER EVENT IN PORTLAND

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On a milestone New England Fights card dominated by first-round fireworks, Jonathan Piersma went the distance with a ground-and-pound clinic and overwhelmed one of the promotion’s most enduring stars Saturday night.

Piersma followed his gameplan to the letter and hammered out a unanimous decision over Ryan Sanders to win the vacant professional welterweight title in the main event of NEF 50, held at Aura in Portland, Maine.

Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd heavy with Sanders’ supporters and targeted by the Bangor, Maine veteran’s taunts and trash talk in the lead-up to the fight, Piersma (5-1) arrived from Rochester, New York, and did all his talking on the canvas.

True to Sanders’ forecast that he would shoot for the leg and try to force the action to the mat, Piersma did so in every round and never gave Sanders enough breathing room to unleash his vaunted strikes.

Piersma swept all five rounds on each of three scorecards and enjoyed the last word on the microphone in the center of the cage.

“It feels good to win in my first trip to Maine,” Piersma said. “He did a lot of talking, and he’s a tough guy, but I felt like I dominated the fight.”

All but one of Piersma’s wins as a pro have gone to the final bell. The setback for Sanders (20-10) ended a streak of five consecutive wins by stoppage, four in the first round.

Others experienced that rush on the historic anniversary docket with a parade of electrifying, early endings.

Twelve supporting bouts reached a verdict in the first round, several in a matter of a few seconds. Two others were halted in the second stanza, while only one bout prior to the main event went to the scheduled limit.

Jared Turcotte, Ras Hylton, and Robert Gray were the three prime contenders for knockout of the night.

Turcotte, formerly one of Maine’s most decorated high school and college football players, backed up a 35-second choke-out in his summer debut with a 13-second demolition of Regian Da Silva, Jr.

After a brief exchange in the center of the cage, Turcotte landed one shot that sent his New Hampshire opponent by way of Brazil into la-la land.

“I work hard at this. My goal is to get knockouts, and that’s what the fuck happened,” Turcotte said. “My goal actually was for this one to get to the second round, but I’ll take a 13-second KO any time.”

Bellator veteran Hylton (9-6) has decked his past two opponents in a total of 29 seconds. He expended only 16 ticks of the watch Saturday in a heavyweight shellacking of Indiana’s Jordan Mitchell.

Hylton followed Mitchell to the canvas after the first haymaker and continued his assault to solidify the stoppage.

He dedicated the win to his wife, Janice, in honor of 10 years together.

“She took a drug-addled moron and turned him into something respectable,” the heavy hitter known to his fans as Rasquatch and the Jamaican Shamrock said.

In an amateur cruiserweight contest, Robert Gray (1-0) knocked out Cody Dular (1-1) in 30 seconds.  Gray landed a right hand so powerful that it actually launched Dular off his feet into the air.  Dular was unconscious for several moments following the knockout and needed attention from the ringside physician.

In an eagerly anticipated grudge match, Matt Denning (8-16) entered the cage in arguably the best shape of his career and exploded to a convincing win over Carl Langston (2-7) at 145 pounds.

Denning backed up his own self-assured forecast and simultaneously dispelled Langston’s claim that he was merely fighting for the paycheck. After intercepting one of several sweeping kicks from Langston, Denning gained control of his opponent’s back and earned a tap to rear naked choke at 1:01 of the first round.

The quick turn of events ended Langston’s modest two-match winning streak as a pro while giving Denning his third win out of eight fights in the past six months alone.

Three other pro bouts ended in short order.

Mohammad Al Kinani (4-1) spoiled Tymar Miles’ debut with a technical knockout in 1:57. It was the second straight win for the rising lightweight star.

Detroit’s Darren Gibbs (3-10) showed that his record is beyond deceiving with a vicious kick to the inside of Nate Grimard’s leg, followed by a heelhook to end the night for Grimard (2-2) at 1:49 in their 150-pound catchweight clash.

Brian Cosco, a knockout victim of Denning in his pro debut earlier the year, turned the tables and spoiled the maiden paying voyage for Justin Kangas with a keylock at 1:18.

As was the case on the pro side, the main amateur attraction also went to the scorecards, with Zach Faulkner (5-3) grinding out a majority decision over newcomer Chase O’Brien.

O’Brien landed a late barrage that might have ended the fight in a few more seconds. Instead, he settled for a 28-28 draw in one judge’s view and a slim 29-28 loss on the other two cards.

Danny Wahlberg rose from the ashes to defeat Eddy Pena by rear naked choke at 2:13 of the second round in easily the most sensational comeback of the evening.

Pena may have emptied his arsenal with an explosion that nearly persuaded the referee to call a halt on at least two occasions. In desperation mode, Wahlberg threw a couple of token counterpunches before taking Pena’s back to set up the fantastic finish to the featherweight scrap.

In another stunning twist of plot, Nick Mulrey (2-0) escaped a near-guillotine from Chris Strout (0-3) and just as quickly locked in a D’arce choke to hasten the end of their featherweight showdown in only 41 seconds.

The lone women’s bout of the occasion went to Cassidy Bedard (2-0), who subdued Lindsey Kelley by rear naked choke with just 20 seconds remaining in their opening round. It was the mixed martial arts debut for Kelley, who accepted the challenge on two weeks’ notice.

Other amateur results:

Ed Davis (2-0) defeated Patrick Mitchell (1-1) by strikes one minute into the first round.

Tristan Wood (1-0) overpowered Armon Bryant (0-1) via guillotine at 42 seconds of the second round.

Soren Mercer (1-0) finished Rosen Iliev (0-1) with an arm triangle at 1:55 of the first round.

Teddy Politis (3-1) TKO’d Aaron Rodriguez (0-1) in the second round at 1:23.

NEF announced that its next card is set for Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine. One of the featured attractions at NEF 51: “Banger in Bangor” will be an amateur title bout between 2-0 bantamweights Key Baltazar and Nate Dorr. Tickets are available now at www.TicketMaster.com. 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rizin FF, Showtime

NO. 10-RANKED BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT GADZHI RABADANOV WILL REPRESENT THE PROMOTION AT THE HISTORICAL BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN EVENT AGAINST JAPAN’S KOJI TAKEDA ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

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Los Angeles — BELLATOR MMA has announced that its fifth participant for the New Year’s Eve spectacle against RIZIN Fighting Federation opponents will be No. 10-ranked lightweight, Gadzhi Rabadanov (18-4-2), taking on 27-year-old Japanese standout Koji Takeda (15-3) in a compelling matchup between two competitors riding high on the strength of consecutive victories.

A first-of-its-kind blockbuster co-promotion, BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN takes place inside the Saitama Super Arena in Japan on Saturday, December 31, and can be seen in the United States on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET/PT on New Year’s Eve.

Rabadanov versus Takeda will join a star-studded five-fight BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN main card, which is stacked from top to bottom with current and former champions competing in the four-sided ring under RIZIN’s unique rules. Headlining the event will be a dream matchup between RIZIN lightweight champion Roberto “Satoshi” de Souza (14-1) against No. 3 BELLATOR pound-for-pound talent AJ “Mercenary” McKee (19-1), with BELLATOR and RIZIN featherweight champions Patricio Pitbull (34-5) and Kleber Koike (31-5-1) co-headlining the must-see event.

Former BELLATOR champions Juan “The Spaniard” Archuleta (26-4) and Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5) will round out the unparalleled main card, facing off with RIZIN’s Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1) and Hiromasa Ougikubo (25-6-2), respectively.

Gadzhi Rabadanov, 29, signed with BELLATOR in 2021 after capturing the Eagle FC lightweight title, and has made an immediate impact on the promotion’s remarkably deep lightweight division. He announced his arrival in thunderous fashion at BELLATOR 263 with an emphatic viral knockout of Daniel Carey, which he followed up with back-to-back dominant unanimous decision victories over Jay Jay Wilson and Bobby King in 2022. The product of the renowned Club Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s School in Dagestan and the prestigious American Kickboxing Academy, Rabadanov’s pedigree is world-class. On New Year’s Eve, Rabadanov will look to continue building upon his momentum with an impressive performance against Koji Takeda.

“It is a childhood dream come true to fight in Japan at the legendary Saitama Super Arena,” said Rabadanov. “I’m very excited and I know I have a tough opponent, who always leaves everything in the ring. Expect a masterpiece from me, it will be a memorable fight.”

A former DEEP lightweight champion, Japan’s Koji Takeda has been an active fighter since his 2017 professional debut. Takeda boasts a compelling case for inclusion on this historic fight card, winning seven of his last ten and three of his last four outings under the RIZIN and DEEP banners. Takeda is also familiar with BELLATOR foes; he has previously fought Spike Carlyle and submitted Zach Zane by armbar, both of whom fought recently for the Scott Coker-led promotion. Takeda will look to add a third straight win to his resume against the highly-touted Rabadanov in his hometown of Saitama, Japan, on December 31.

BELLATOR MMA VS. RIZIN MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME

Saturday, December 31 — 8 PM ET/PT

Lightweight Non-Title Main Event: AJ McKee (19-1) vs. Roberto de Souza (14-1)

Featherweight Non-Title Main Event: Patricio Pitbull (34-5) vs. Kleber Koike (31-5-1)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Juan Archuleta (26-4) vs. Soo Chul Kim (18-6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Kyoji Horiguchi (30-5) vs. Hiromasa Ougikubo (25-6-2)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (18-4-2) vs. Koji Takeda (15-3)

For more information on this and other upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit Bellator.com.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events – click links for updated fight cards


Fri. Nov. 18 // BELLATOR 288: Nemkov vs. Anderson 2 / Pitbull vs. Nurmagomedov // Wintrust Arena // Chicago, Il.


Fri. Dec. 9 // BELLATOR 289: Stots vs. Sabatello // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Sat. Dec. 31 // BELLATOR MMA vs. RIZIN // Saitama Super Arena // Tokyo, Japan


Fri. Feb. 24 //BELLATOR: DUBLIN // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

boxing, Granite Chin

Mike Ohan, Jr. lands dream fight vs. U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson

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Dec. 10 at Madison Square Garden


Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (L) is ready for Tiger Johnson
(photo by Emily Harney / Fightography)
 
QUINCY, Mass. (November 10, 2022) – Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs) is preparing for his potential career-changing fight on December 10th against 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (6-0, 4 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.
 
Johnson vs. Ohan, Jr. is a scheduled 8-round welterweight match on a Top Rank card, headlined by a Heisman Night fight featuring Teofimo Lopez against Jose Pedraza, which will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
Ohan, Jr. isn’t overly concerned about fighting a much-hyped prospect, who is promoted by event promoter Top Rank,, at the mecca of boxing on a much larger viewing platform.
 
“I’ll embrace it,” Ohan, Jr. “I’ve fought a lot of top guys in the amateurs like Jamaine Ortiz, who just fought Vasiliy Lomachenko. I feel like I belong at the top level with them, but they started competing earlier than me in the amateurs. I was 16-17 and had a lot of catching up to do.   
 
“This is what all the years of me working so hard has been for. It’s been a dream of mine even as a kid, before I started boxing. It’s starting to payoff; I need to executive the game plan on fight night.”
 
“I couldn’t be prouder of Mike and what he has accomplished so far in boxing,” Ohan’s promoter, Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a great guy with great work ethic, and he has a ton of heart. He jumped all over this opportunity when it was presented. This is why guys fight; to hopefully get a chance to shine at an event like this at Madison Square Garden. Mike grinded and grinded, now he has his well-deserved opportunity at stardom.”
 
Ohan, Jr. is the son of a retired pro boxer, (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
 
The 24-year-old Johnson, fighting out of Cleveland, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who was a member of the 2020 .USA Olympic Boxing Team. He was a 2-time winner of the USA National Championships (2016 & 2017), as well as a gold medalist at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships.
 
“He’s a great fighter,” Ohan, Jr. talked about his upcoming opponent. “Everything he does, he’s excellent at, not just good. I have to bring my A game to prove I belong. All the greats have adjusted to the situation and that’s what I have to do. I’ve put in all the blood, sweat and tears. Whatever he throws, I’ll be ready.”
 
Fighting in Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue for Ohan, Jr. along with most fighters. Some may feel that the cards are stacked against Ohan, Jr., but he clearly isn’t worried about all the hoopla associated with fighting at MSG on ESPN+ against the event promoter’s highly touted boxer.
 
“It’s just going to be me and him in the ring,” Ohan, Jr. concluded. “Madison Square Garden is an historic place. Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson…all the greats have fought there. I love boxing history and I’m blessed to be fighting there. I do live closer to New York City than him and I’m sure people will come out for me.
 
“At the end of the day, though, everybody will know who I am. An impressive performance will raise my stock, but I’m going in the ring to win!”
 
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (L) is ready for Tiger Johnson(photo by Emily Harney / Fightography) QUINCY, Mass. (November 10, 2022) – Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike Ohan, Jr. (16-1, 9 KOs) is preparing for his potential career-changing fight on December 10th against 2020 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (6-0, 4 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City. Johnson vs. Ohan, Jr. is a scheduled 8-round welterweight match on a Top Rank card, headlined by a Heisman Night fight featuring Teofimo Lopez against Jose Pedraza, which will be streamed live on ESPN+. Ohan, Jr. isn’t overly concerned about fighting a much-hyped prospect, who is promoted by event promoter Top Rank,, at the mecca of boxing on a much larger viewing platform. “I’ll embrace it,” Ohan, Jr. “I’ve fought a lot of top guys in the amateurs like Jamaine Ortiz, who just fought Vasiliy Lomachenko. I feel like I belong at the top level with them, but they started competing earlier than me in the amateurs. I was 16-17 and had a lot of catching up to do.    “This is what all the years of me working so hard has been for. It’s been a dream of mine even as a kid, before I started boxing. It’s starting to payoff; I need to executive the game plan on fight night.” “I couldn’t be prouder of Mike and what he has accomplished so far in boxing,” Ohan’s promoter, Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “He’s a great guy with great work ethic, and he has a ton of heart. He jumped all over this opportunity when it was presented. This is why guys fight; to hopefully get a chance to shine at an event like this at Madison Square Garden. Mike grinded and grinded, now he has his well-deserved opportunity at stardom.” Ohan, Jr. is the son of a retired pro boxer, (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for the great Marvelous Marvin Hagler. The 24-year-old Johnson, fighting out of Cleveland, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer who was a member of the 2020 .USA Olympic Boxing Team. He was a 2-time winner of the USA National Championships (2016 & 2017), as well as a gold medalist at the 2016 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and 2014 USA Junior Olympic National Championships. “He’s a great fighter,” Ohan, Jr. talked about his upcoming opponent. “Everything he does, he’s excellent at, not just good. I have to bring my A game to prove I belong. All the greats have adjusted to the situation and that’s what I have to do. I’ve put in all the blood, sweat and tears. Whatever he throws, I’ll be ready.” Fighting in Madison Square Garden is the ultimate venue for Ohan, Jr. along with most fighters. Some may feel that the cards are stacked against Ohan, Jr., but he clearly isn’t worried about all the hoopla associated with fighting at MSG on ESPN+ against the event promoter’s highly touted boxer. “It’s just going to be me and him in the ring,” Ohan, Jr. concluded. “Madison Square Garden is an historic place. Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Robinson…all the greats have fought there. I love boxing history and I’m blessed to be fighting there. I do live closer to New York City than him and I’m sure people will come out for me. “At the end of the day, though, everybody will know who I am. An impressive performance will raise my stock, but I’m going in the ring to win!” INFORMATION:  Facebook.com/GraniteChinTwitter: @Granite_Chin 
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Pennsylvania featherweight Cornellio Phipps living the dream 2022 Youth World Championships November 14-26 in La Nucia, Spain

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 10, 2022) – As talented featherweight Cornellio “Chada” Phipps prepares for the upcoming Youth World Championships, he admits to living the dream, and before he turns pro in a few years, the Olympic-style boxing plan for him is medaling in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The 17-year-old Phipps, who fights out of Oxford, Pa., first got into boxing four years ago on the advice of his father. Phipps played basketball and football, but he didn’t feel either of those were his true spot. He actually fell in love with boxing while watching fights before he even boxed, when he was seven.   

“I tell people to never give up their dreams, to keep punching, and never let anybody doubt you,” Phipps said. “This feels good (preparing for the Youth Worlds). I never thought I’d get to this stage. It’s been tough but fun. I’m on Team USA representing my country.

“It starts on the big stage by me medaling at the Youth Worlds (November 14-26, in La Nucia, Spain). Being on Team USA has made a big difference for me. I’ve learned how to box against different moves, understanding the points system, and how to win. Training in Colorado Springs has helped me to succeed and also have fun learning from my new coaches.”

Phipps (headgear).jpg

Phipps has already tasted success prior to the Youth Worlds. He has captured gold medals at the 2022 USA Boxing National Qualifier, 2021 USA Boxing Youth National Championships, as well as the 2020 and 2019 Junior National Championships.

All-around boxer-puncher is the best way to describe Phipps style in the ring. He can brawl, box, and move around well. “I’m more of a boxer than brawler,” he noted. “I can fight on the outside or lay on the ropes. I move and show angles, plus I can easily switch to southpaw (from his orthodox stance).”

Like many of his young USA Boxing teammates, the Youth Worlds will be the first international competition of his career. These championships is something he is really looking forward to for a wide variety of reasons.

“I’m excited to be fighting on my first international competition at the Youth Worlds in Spain,” Phipps concluded. “I was supposed to fight in a tournament in Bulgaria in 2020, but that was canceled due to COVID. I’m going to show my skills at the Youth Worlds to prove I belong at the top level, and that is the Olympics.”

Competition begins in La Nucia, Spain on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and can be followed along by clicking here.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing,org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

kickboxing

KICKBOXING & MARTIAL ARTS LEGEND JEFF SMITH NAMED PRESIDENT OF SPORTS OPERATIONS FOR PKA WORLDWIDE

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Follow PKA WORLDWIDE at PKAWorldwide.com, or on

 Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

KICKBOXING & MARTIAL ARTS LEGEND

JEFF SMITH NAMED PRESIDENT OF

SPORTS OPERATIONS FOR PKA WORLDWIDE

World-Renowned Fighter & Instructor Smith Joins Resurgent Kickboxing Organization In Key Role Of Company’s Re-Introduction

ATLANTA, GA. – November 9, 2022 – PKA WORLDWIDE, the legendary pioneers of American-style kickboxing, have added another blockbuster hire to their all-star team, as kickboxing and martial arts legend Jeff Smith has officially joined the company as the President of Sports Operations.

One of the most sought after instructors in the world, Smith’s role will see him in a key position recruiting and developing the striking talent that will compete for the revitalized company led by CEO Joe Corley. With his decades of experience in competition and as an instructor, Smith will be vital in helping in overseeing the operations that will lead directly to non-stop action for fans.

“I’m honored to be at the forefront of PKA WORLDWIDE’s return to their spot on top of the kickboxing world,” said Smith. “We’ve made it loud and clear that we’re searching for the world’s greatest strikers, and with the team we have on board here, I know that we’re in a position to deliver the competition that sports fans are clamoring for.”

“Jeff’s expertise is second to none and we’re thrilled to have someone as widely revered as he is helping to lead our venture back into kickboxing,” said Corley, who is often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern-day MMA. “As we near our first event, Jeff will be critical in putting fighters in the best possible position to deliver memorable bouts again and again. With the moves we’ve made so far, fight fans should be confident in the imminent return of kickboxing’s glory days.”  

Before becoming a seven-time PKA World Champion, the Kingsville, Texas-native Smith put together a sensational run in Taekwondo that led to him winning the first ever Bruce Lee Award for Fighter of the Year and eventually induction into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame in 2007. When PKA debuted in 1974, Smith became their first Middleweight champion, defending the title successfully seven times. During his run as champion, he defended his title on the undercard of 1975’s “Thrilla in Manila” trilogy match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in an event seen by over fifty million viewers.

He finished his full contact kickboxing career with a 21-1 record, including seven knockouts before transitioning into his career as an instructor. His coaching resume includes a 10-year run as the coach of the WAKO World Champion United States Karate Team, winning world titles in all 10 years. He went on to operate a series of martial arts schools in Virginia and was eventually promoted to the rank of Grand Master (10th degree black belt) in 2016. He also serves as the Director of Instruction for Mile High Karate and COO for Martial Arts Wealth Mastery, a nationally recognized martial arts consulting company.

“With my years of experience competing in PKA, combined with decades as an instructor, fighters competing for PKA WORLDWIDE can expect to have all the tools they need to reach their full abilities as competitors,” added Smith. “This is just the start of what I’m confident will be a sustainable system that benefits the kickboxers and kickboxing fans alike for years to come.”

# # #

ABOUT PKA WORLDWIDE

Once a staple of televised combat sports in the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, and a precursor to today’s modern hybrid styles of fighting, PKA and its’ CEO Joe Corley are often credited as one of the founding fathers of modern-day MMA. Corley first introduced professional kickboxing to the public nearly 50 years ago with an “Americanized” style in which opponents are allowed to hit each other with punches and kicks above the waist. However, elbows, knees, clinch fighting and grappling are all forbidden.

Launched in 1974, the PKA went on to garner huge national audiences on ABC, CBS and NBC, and formed long-time broadcast partnerships with cable giants ESPN and SHOWTIME while producing over 1,000 hours of unforgettable televised action.

Now, PKA WORLDWIDE returns with the search for the sport’s greatest striker as they seek to crown new PKA WORLDWIDE World Champions.

For more information, please visit PKAWorldwide.com, follow on Facebook or social

media @PKA_Worldwide (Twitter and Instagram).

boxing

Coyle to defend NABA title December 11 in Orlando

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Orlando, FL (November 7, 2022) – NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle will defend his title against knockout artist Anibal Cleto Francisco in a battle of unbeatens Sunday, December 11 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.

The card takes place during the WBA’s annual Centennial Convention, which is held at the Caribe Royale from December 11-14.

A native of Derry, Northern Ireland who trains out of Pinellas Park, FL Coyle’s 17-0 with 7 knockouts. Coyle became the NABA champion this past May when he earned a hard-fought decision against Antonio Todd. He was slated to face Felix Cash October 8 in England but the entire card was cancelled after main event participant Conor Benn failed a drug test. 

Hailing from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, Francisco’s 10-0 with 9 of his victories coming by KO. On July 2, the 22-year-old stopped Yeison Gonzalez in the fifth round to capture the WBA Fedelatin title. 

“After the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Connor’s fight in England, we wanted to find a good opportunity,” said Coyle’s promoter Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “The WBA Centennial Convention is a great event and Connor loves fighting at the Carribe Royale because he’s got a big fan base in Central Florida. He’s already back in the US preparing with Jim McLaughlin for this fight and is planning to put on a great show December 11.”

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions.

More information on the card including ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

amateur boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing finalizes 2022 Youth World Championship Team Members

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 7, 2022) — USA Boxing announced today the nine boxers who will represent Team USA in La Nucia, Spain at the 2022 Youth World Boxing Championships. Full team roster can be seen below.

USA Boxing National Developmental Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will lead the team in Spain, with assistant coaches Gilberto Garza (San Antonio, Texas), Blanca Gutierrez (Pacifica, Calif.), Elizabeth Navarro (Mission, Texas) and Richard Stephenson (Middletown, N.Y.), as well as USA Boxing Strength and Conditioning Fellow Gillian Brennan (Overland Park, Kan.). Additional staff traveling with the team include USA Boxing High Performance Coordinator Morgan Bergquist (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Boxing Communications Manager Brian Taylor (Whiteville, N.C.) and Dr. Ingrid Carter (Doral, Fla.), who will serve as the Team Physician during these championships.

These Youth World Championships will be the first Youth World Championships attended by Team USA since 2018, where the team won three gold and one bronze medals. The Official Draw will take place on Monday, Nov. 14, with competition set to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Finals will be divided into two days of competition on Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26.

All nine boxers will be making their Team USA international debuts at these World Championships.

89 nations have applied to participate in the tournament, with 476 male and 208 female boxers registered to compete. Final numbers will be announced at the tournament draw.

USA Boxing will continue to update the 2022 Youth World Championships website throughout the competition, including bout sheets, results, livestream information and more.

Team Roster

51 kg: Ryan Williams, Toledo, Ohio

52 kg: Sa’Rai Brown-El, Marietta, Ga.

57 kg: Cornellio Phipps, Oxford, Pa.

57 kg: Yoseline Perez, Houston, Texas

60 kg: Randi Griffith, Gouverneur, N.Y.

63.5 kg: Dedrick Crocklem, Tacoma, Wash.

71 kg: Amir Anderson, Syracuse, N.Y.

75 kg: Talia Halvorsen, Harwood Heights, Ill.

80 kg: Patrick O’Connor, Fort Washington, Md.

www.usaboxing,org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States. The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also to oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States.

boxing

DANIEL DUBOIS BECOMES THE NEW WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD 

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THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE:  FIGHT NIGHT LIVE FROM CASINO MIAMI JAI-ALIA




Fight Night Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R0TreZJOHZc2DF-URwEEdOFV75RVhsht?usp=sharing 
Photo Credit: David Martin-Warr / DKP 
All official scorecards: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1t8LZip4oDLriuhUXnkTFiGbxP_U0DP8k?usp=sharing 


WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 ROUNDS 
Trevor Bryan (22-1, 15 KOs) vs. Daniel DuBois (18-1, 17 KOs) 
Result: Daniel Dubois Wins via TKO (4th Round at 1:58) 
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PRjTMzT0u1xbTPLJkF8WbXuMNbE4UCH/view?usp=sharing 
 
Daniel Dubois Quote: The only words are ‘and the new’ and I am just so glad it is now. It is happening now and we have made it real, my dad and my family, I’ve done everyone proud, the country and I can’t wait. 
 
In the first round I was just trying to figure him out and see what he had. I said I was going to test the chin and I just went for it. 
 
He brought out something in me, he brought out a wicked left hand! It was a punch-perfect ending, and I am just so happy. I had a few rough patches during this camp, but we pulled through and we got the victory. 
 
I am just so happy to have got this world title. This is what all the hard work was for and, no disrespect to Trevor, but his 0 had to go and I was just in there on a demolition mission. 
 
I am ready for whoever is next. I believe this will instantly make me a better fighter now. When you win the world title they say you become next level so names like Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker are all on my hitlist. I will fight whoever Frank puts me in with next. 
 
It has been amazing. Coming out here and winning a world title is what I dreamed of as a little kid and now it has finally happened. 
 
Trevor Bryan Quote: “I’m feeling alright. I knew he was going to come out with big punches, and I was trying to land some and let him tire himself out. But I wasn’t shooting my jab enough.” 
 
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 6 ROUNDS 
Luis Rodriguez (9-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ryan Adams (8-5-2, 6 KOs) 
Result: Luis Rodriguez Wins via TKO (3rd Round at 2:26) 
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U7uzf55jwRHFwzibpQ_kMcNuMlIl0PKy/view?usp=sharing 
 
Luis Rodriguez Quote: “It’s the best feeling finally getting the knockout. He was a complicated boxer, a brawler. I don’t like these types of fights. We will see what’s next – but I’m ready for the next challenge.”  
 
NABA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS 
DaCarree Scott (7-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jonathan Guidry (18 -1-2, 6 KOs) 
Result: Johnathan Guidry Wins via TKO (7th Round at 2:01) 
Scorecard: 
 
Johnathan Guidry Quote: “I’m feeling good. I didn’t even get to have a proper training camp or the right sparring partners. I’m looking forward to whatever is next.” 
 
NABA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS 
Joltin Johnnie Langston (11-3, 4 KOs) vs. Isaiah Thompson (6-1-2, 5 KOs) 
Result: Johnnie Langston Wins via Split Decision (95-94, 94-95, 92-97) 
Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vln447gXJBlroxrgeBJhgIf5q7tYRne8/view?usp=sharing
 
Johnnie Langston Quote: “I didn’t even have a chance for a full training camp. I blew up [in weight] during camp and was a bit dehydrated in the ring. I’m just glad we came up with this result and that I’m still a champ.”  
 
NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS 
Ahmed Elbiali (22-1, 18 KOs) vs. Dervin Colina (16-2, 14 KOs) 
Result: Ahmed Elbiali Wins via Disqualification 
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URsbHgUf3xDThEOAXC-9z1dXVexiQo3l/view?usp=sharing 
 
Ahmed Elbial Quote: “I’m just glad that the both of us left the ring healthy. I’m excited to be crowned the new champion, and I hope that the next show I get to better showcase my skills. We had a great, old-school boxing crowd out here tonight, and that made it a fun experience.”  
 
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 4 ROUNDS 
Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KO) vs. Ryan Wilson 1-1, 1 KO 
Result: Raynel Mederos Wins via TKO (2nd Round at 2:07)  
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mdnashyn81jVR6EDi1kePK46oGrJ3Wcq/view?usp=sharing 
 
Raynel Mederos Quote: “I feel really great, and I want to give a special thanks to my trainer who has helped me get this far. We are taking my career step by step, round by round.” 


NABA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS 
Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) vs. Travis Castellon (17-4-2, 12 KOs) 
Result: Tre’Sean Wiggins Wins via TKO (1st Round at 2:07) 
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ra9wAwRWWoRHV41zFw1iYkfo-bFHfQYP/view?usp=sharing 
 
Tre’Sean Wiggins Quote: “The gameplan for inside the ring was to take my time. I didn’t want to rush it,”  
“I want to be in the top 10. Whatever Don King has for me next; I will do.”  


WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS 
Anthony Lenk (17-9, 7 KOs) vs. Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) 
Result: Ian Green Wins via Unanimous Decision (91-99, 92-98, 92-98) 
Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8trcSoLu6qRDwSPi_2tP6sbhlz-xaz1/view?usp=sharing 
 
Ian Green Quote: “I am feeling really good, this was the first time I’ve pushed to 10-rounds. Lenk was a crappy opponent and didn’t really bring anything to the table. He was just really good at surviving and pacing himself.” 
 
Anthony Lenk Quote: “He’s a good fighter. He came to represent for Don King, for sure. I’m still one of your fighters, and I just hope you still keep me here after this.”  
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime

TOWERING HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BAKHODIR JALOLOV CLOSES THE SHOW IN STYLE WITH 11TH STRAIGHT KNOCKOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

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George Arias Earns Split-Decision Over Alante Green; Chann Thonson Impresses With TKO Victory Over Tyler Tomlin in Telecast Opener on SHOWTIME®

Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

(Photos will be uploaded shortly)

VERONA, N.Y. – June 10, 2022 – Undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Bakhodir Jalolov took his time on Friday night, but ultimately closed the show in dramatic fashion with an eighth-round knockout over Jack Mulowayi in the main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. that helped kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y.

Known as “Big Uzbek”, the 6-foot-7 Jalolov, a two-time Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist from Uzbekistan, improved to a perfect 11-0 with 11 KOs when he landed a huge left hand that sent Mulowayi (11-3-1, 7 KOs) flat on his back in the eighth and final round.

“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch.”

In front of a who’s who of boxing royalty including the likes of Andre Ward, Shane Mosley, Antonio Tarver and Terence Crawford, Jalolov put an exclamation mark on an exciting night of boxing during an historic weekend of Hall of Fame inductions which will include the last three classes of inductees during Sunday’s ceremony.

Jalolov was dominant throughout the entire fight, with the only question being whether or not he would continue his knockout streak. It looked likely in both the third and fifth rounds, as Jalolov wobbled Mulowayi but the game Belgium showed heart in making it out of both rounds unscathed. In the sixth round, Mulowayi was dropped for just the second time in his career by a left cross as the bell sounded. He rose to his feet and beat the count, but was knocked down for good with yet another signature left hand at 1:20 of the final round.

“I thought I was going to stop him at the end of the sixth round when I dropped him, but the referee let him continue and the round was over,” said Jalolov, who was deducted a point for holding in the fourth round. “I thought that was the time. But I had to wait until the final round. I’m happy that I got the stoppage. I feel like I hurt him three or four times.”

Jalolov went past the fifth round for the first time in his career, landing 47 percent of his power punches and out-landing Mulowayi 99-17 in total punches.

In the co-main event, undefeated Dominican heavyweight prospect George Arias (18-0, 7 KOs) won a tactical duel over previously unbeaten Alante Green (10-1-1, 7 KOs) via split-decision with scores of 78-74, 77-75 in favor of Arias and 77-75 for Green.

“I definitely learned more than anything from this fight so I give my performance a C-plus or a B-minus because this is the type of fight that makes me go back to the gym hungrier and knowing there’s a lot more to do,” said Arias, who now lives and trains out of the Bronx. “But we were blessed this time because should he have been a little bit stronger, things could have been more disastrous.”

Arias jumped out to a commanding lead in the first half of the fight, executing the game plan by outboxing Green and landing the cleaner, harder punches. Cleveland’s Green grew into the fight in the later rounds, but it was too little too late and Arias was able to do enough to hold off the late rally.

It was a difficult fight to score, as all three judges agreed on just two out of the eight rounds but the punch stats backed up the judges’ decision as Arias out-landed Green 81-58. Green became the 213th fighter to have his undefeated record spoiled on SHOBOX.

“Everyone who I face always trains for me a thousand percent better,” continued Arias. “He was real complete. He didn’t really necessarily have any weakness that I could exploit. The reaction time he had was really good and he had good inner footwork where it took me a little too long to get into a zone because every strategy I used he seemed to have a good reaction.”

In the telecast opener, undefeated lightweight prospect Chann Thonson (11-0, 8 KOs) put on a boxing display, bruising, battering and eventually breaking down the previously undefeated Tyler Tomlin (13-1, 9 KOs) en route to a fifth-round TKO. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the action 1:01 into the round.

“I knew if I stayed in the pocket with him that the shots I was going to give him would put him away,” said Canada’s Thonson, who is trained by former Olympic bronze medalist and light heavyweight contender Chris Johnson. “Surprisingly, he was a little tougher than I thought because when I hit him hard, he wasn’t taking a step back. So eventually I knew that would be his own demise and it was just a matter of time.”

Thonson, who was fighting for the fourth time in 2022, controlled the tempo and distance from the opening bell and looked like the more relaxed and experienced fighter. He used his jab and straight right hand to cause both swelling around Tomlin’s left eye and serious cause for concern in Tomlin’s corner. Prior to the start of the third round, Tomlin’s father and trainer Darryl urged his son to pick up the pace.

However, it was Thonson who stepped on the gas even more. Late in the third round, Thonson landed a barrage of punches that hurt Tomlin and left his face a bloody mess. The sound of the bell temporarily saved Tomlin but his night would come to an end in the fifth round. Unable to avoid the constant punishment that Thonson was dishing out, the action was stopped after the ringside physician assessed Tomlin.

Overall, Thonson landed 44 percent of his power punches and out-landed Tomlin 102-39 in total punches.

“I feel fine, I feel like I was in the fight. I just got caught with two overhand rights and I’m pretty sure one of them either broke or fractured my nose,” said the 22-year-old Tomlin. “It was in the second or third round when I got caught. I felt and it threw off the game plan as far as what I was trying to do. I got a little more hesitant than I should have. I just can’t get hit by those overhand rights.  SHOWTIME, that’s what they do, they put good fighters against good fighters. I felt like I was going to come out on top but we have to go back and watch film and see what comes next.”

2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and renowned combat sports authority Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts. Steve Farhood, a 2017 IBHOF inductee, was the unofficial scorer and Al Bernstein, a 2012 inductee, was the ringside reporter. Ray Flores served as the ring announcer. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, is a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and will be formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 and 2022 on Sunday. The SHOBOX tripleheader will re-air on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

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 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.