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boxing

Unbeaten Mykquan Williams learned invaluable lesson for future

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 Picture by Emily Harney / Team Williams
 
MANCHESTER, Conn. (November 4, 2019) – The true test for a genuine boxing prospect is how he or she responds to adversity, whether it included a loss, cut, knockdown or, in the case of “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, a disputed decision that tarnished his perfect pro record.
 
The 21-year-old Williams, now 15-0-1 (7 KOs), was recently on the short end of a highly disputed eight-round draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs), in the “Broadway Boxing” main event held at Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
 
Nobody claimed the questionable decision was highway robbery, yet, most non-partisan fans at the show, or those watching live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, felt Williams rightfully deserved to have his arms raised in victory. Despite having a blemish placed on his pro record, he didn’t suffer a loss, and did  retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight title.  
 
Williams’ opponent was a southpaw with a five-inch height advantage. Once he felt Williams’ power, especially in the liver, Wiggins went into survival mode, clutching and grabbing every time Williams got close.
 
Neither Williams nor his head trainer, Paul Cichon, was pleased when the judges’ scores were announced – 77-75 in favor of Williams, 76-76 twice – for a majority draw. Never-the-less, both feel that this developmental lesson will pay dividends down the road.
 
“The plan was for me to work inside,” Williams said after the fight. “The first and second were feeling out rounds and then I’d adjust. I didn’t feel from the start that he could hurt me. I wanted to get inside and beat him with body punches. I did that but I think I played to the crowd a little too much. I’d change that if I could go back. And I would have let my hands go more, but I won this fight because I landed the harder, cleaner more effective shots throughout the fight. He just wanted to hold.
 
“I’m disappointed because I was defending my title, but I didn’t lose the fight and I still have my belt. I ll have a lot to learn and I’ll be back in the gym soon to fix errors I made so that I won’t have those issues my next fight.”
 
Cichon felt that Williams won five if not six rounds because he was the aggressor throughout the match. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Mykye was the champion and I thought that he (Wiggins) would have needed to win convincingly to win rounds. He didn’t. Mykye started using his double jab to get inside and then he killed his opponent’s body. The body shots brought Wiggins’ hands down. Mykye stalked and hurt him a few times.
 
“Mykye learned a valuable lesson like not letting the crowd get to him, and never letting up on the gas.Wiggins was smart. Every time Mykye got close to him, he grabbed him, especially after he felt Mykye’s powerful body shots. It may have been ugly, but he fought smart.”
 
Team Williams agrees that there’s no sense rushing Williams, after all, he’s only 21, but that 2020 should be an active, career-changing year for the East Hartford (CT) fighter.
 
“I’m ready to fight at the next level,” Williams concluded. “Time will tell. Styles make fights but I hurt him (Wiggins) several times.”
 
“We’ll jump back in the ring in early 2020,” Cichon added. “We’re looking to fight opponents with winning records, but not another six-foot southpaw.”
 
“I was very proud of Mykey,” Williams’ manager Jackie Kallen commented. It was a learning experience that will make him an even greater fighter. He is still undefeated and one of the top young prospects in the 140-pound division. The next year will be a pivotal one for him.” 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen
 
boxing, ESPN Boxing

January 18: Eleider Alvarez and Michael Seals Set for Light Heavyweight Slugfest LIVE on ESPN+ at Turning Stone Resort Casino

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ESPN+ stream to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 4, 2019) — Two of the light heavyweight’s division’s most explosive fighters are set for a fistic shootout Saturday, Jan. 18, as former world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face Michael “Cannon Handz” Seals at Turning Stone Resort Casino.


The 10-round showdown will be contested for the vacant WBC Continental Americas title, and the winner is expected to challenge for a world title in 2020.

Alvarez-Seals and a co-feature will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $89, $75, $69, $62, $59 and $40 go on sale Friday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“This is a fantastic fight, a true 50-50 matchup featuring two of the division’s best punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light heavyweight division is on fire right now, and the winner will be in a tremendous position.”

“I am very happy to get back in the ring after this long layoff,” Alvarez said. “I am looking at Jan. 18 to reboot my career against a strong puncher, Michael Seals, and begin my campaign to once again be on top of the boxing world. I have a lot of respect for my opponent, but in 2020, nothing will stop me from becoming a world champion again.”

“First, I would like to thank Top Rank and ESPN for giving Eleider this opportunity, as well as a plan to be very active in 2020,” said Yvon Michel, Alvarez’s co-promoter.  “Eleider had a great run before his last fight, beating three former or current world champions in a row: Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal and Sergey Kovalev. The defeat in his rematch with Kovalev was very painful, but also a great learning lesson. Eleider Alvarez belongs with the elite of the light heavyweight division, and he will prove it starting Jan. 18 in Verona.”

“Uncle Bob and Brad Goodman are giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to put on a show for them,” Seals said. “Everyone knows that going the distance is against my religion. I’m going to bring the heat, and that’s no secret. Alvarez made a huge mistake in accepting me for his ‘comeback fight.’ When you sign a contract with me, I’m trying to force-feed you some ZzzQuil. This is a tune-up for him but everything for me. I’m not an opponent for the top fighters. I am a top fighter. I want a world title shot, and I won’t let this guy get in the way. He had his time. It’s my time.”

Alvarez (24-1, 12 KOs), the Colombian-born, Montreal-based boxer-puncher has not fought since Feb. 2, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Sergey Kovalev six months after knocking him out to win the WBO light heavyweight world title. Alvarez’s long layoff is due to a torn foot ligament he suffered in training earlier this year. He hopes a win over Seals will earn him another crack at world championship glory.

Seals (24-2, 18 KOs), a Mobile, Alabama, native who played collegiate football at Alabama A&M, is still one of the division’s heaviest hitters at 37 years of age. An 11-year pro, Seals has been involved in many memorable brawls, including a 2015 Fight of the Year contender versus Edwin Rodriguez that included five knockdowns in three rounds. Despite falling short versus Rodriguez, Seals’ reputation as a fan-friendly was solidified. He has won four in a row, including three by knockout in either first or second round. He is coming off a one-punch, first-round knockout Oct. 18 in Philadelphia against Elio Trosch.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #AlvarezSeals to join the conversation on social media.

boxing, USA Boxing

USA Boxing Alumni Association announces Hall of Fame Class of 2019

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George Foreman, Mark Breland, Joe Frazier, Al Mitchell & Ray Rodgers

Lifetime Achievement Award to Sen. John McCain

Dec. 13 reception at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (November 4, 2019) – Olympic gold-medalists “Big” George Foreman, Mark Breland and “Smokin’” Joe Frazier head the Class of 2019 into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Friday night, December 13, at Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The HOF reception is being held in conjunction with the 2020 Olympic Trials and 2019 National Championships. Dec. 7-15, at Lake Charles Civic Center. The finals Olympic Trials will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Hall of Fame broadcaster Al Bernstein from Showtime Sports will serve as the event’s emcee for the third year in a row.

USA Boxing Alumni Association’s third class also includes decorated coaches Al Mitchelland Ray Rodgers. 

Sen. John McCain will be posthumously presented a special Lifetime Achievement Award. A fearless boxer for three years at the U.S. Naval Academy, Sen. McCain managed his battalion’s boxing team to the brigade championship.

Sen. McCain was the architect of the ground-breaking Muhammad Ali Act, pushed for the pardoning of Jack Johnson, and worked with the Cleveland Clinic on the forefront of brain trauma studies leading to more safety measures for boxers.

“My father had a passion for boxing,” his daughter Megan McCain said.  “He loved it for the thrill of achievement, the nobility of struggle, and the dignity of men bloodied but unbowed.  His love for boxing and his love for America had a lot in common. That’s why he worked tirelessly to protect and elevate the sport – making it an arena of integrity for fans and fighters alike.

“That’s also why I am honored to join the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame to accept their Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf.”

Foreman (pro: 76-5, 68 KOs, amateur: 22-4) was also a three-time World Heavyweight Champion as a pro, in addition to famously winning a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, as well as at the National AAU Championships.  A resident of Houston, Texas, his victims included Frazier (twice), Ken Norton, Dwight Muhammad Qawi and Michael Moorer.

Considered one of the greatest amateur boxers of all-time, Breland (pro: 35-3-1, 25 KOs), amateur: 110-1) was a gold medalist at the 1984 Olympic Games in Las Angeles and 1982 World Championships.  The Brooklyn native was a two-time World Welterweight Champion as a pro. His most notable victories were versus Steve Little, Rafael Pineda and Lloyd Honeyghan.

The late Frazier (pro: 32-4-1, 27 KOs, amateur: 38-2), representing Philadelphia, captured a gold medal at the 1964 Olympics in Japan and he was a three-time World Heavyweight Champion as a professional. Frazier’s hit list included Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis (twice),Bob Foster and Oscar Bonavena (twice).

Mitchell has been in boxing for more than 60 years, first as a boxer, but he’s much better known as a world-class boxing coach.  He has been the boxing coach at N. Michigan University for decades, in addition to being head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team, and technical advisor for the 2004 and 2012 U.S. Olympic squads.  He was selected as the 1994 USA Boxing Coach of the Year and among the 800-plus national amateur champions he has worked with are Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Vernon Forrest.  He currently trains 2016 U.S. Olympian and world title contender Mikaela Mayer, who will be in attendance supporting her coach.

A legend in Arkansas boxing, Rodgers has been an outstanding coach and extraordinary cut-man, who has been in the corner of world champions such as Wayne McCullough, Jermain Taylor, Iran Barkley and Tommy Morrison.  Ray’s decades of service through coaching and mentorship for the youth of Arkansas have established him as a role model and inspiration for amateur boxing coaches everywhere.

“This year’s USA Boxing Alumni Hall of Fame class, as well as Senator McCain, represent the very best of Olympic style boxing, both in and out of the ring,”commented Chris Cugliari, USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director. “Their decades worth of service representing themselves inspire us to give back and support current and future generations of champions.  The USA Boxing Alumni Association looks forward to an exciting and memorable evening as we honor these champions of our sport.”

Confirmed special guests include 1988 Olympic gold medalist Andrew Maynard, three-time National AAU Coach of the Year (1972-76-77) Joe Clough, 1984 Olympic gold medalistFrank Tate and his brother Thomas, 1972 Olympian Tim Dement, 2002 National Golden Gloves champion Jaidon Codringtion, 1980 Olympic Qualifier Jackie Beard, 1981 Junior Olympics Glen Modicue, four-time National champion Eric Kelly, 1988 Eastern Olympic Qualifier champion John Scully, Obie Beard, Mark Lanton and the Stephens brothers –Donald, Anthony and Jerry.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE USA BOXING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

CLASS OF 2017: The charter class was headed by Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, in addition to veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders and Tom Coulter.

CLASS OF 2018: U.S. Olympic Team medalists and world (professional) champions Roy Jones, Jr., Andre Ward and Claressa Shields, as well as former USA Boxing National Director of Coaching Emanuel Steward and veteran USA Boxing official Tom Cleary. 

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing

Nikolai Potapov Returns with Impressive TKO over Africa’s Nasibu Ramadhani

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WBO #9 and IBF #11 Bantamweight Nikolai Potapov returned to action Thursday night in Moscow with an impressive fifth-round TKO over Tanzanian veteran Nasibu Ramadhani.


Fighting in the 10-round main event of a card presented by Shamo Boxing at the Korston Club Hotel, Potapov (21-2-1, 12 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia, worked past a head-butt induced cut left eye to put his world-class skills on full display. He wobbled the aggressive Ramadhani (29-14-2, 16 KOs) in the second round with a three-punch combination and continued to dominate until the stoppage.


“I am glad to get the work and the win,” said the victorious Potapov. “I would like to come back to the US and get another opportunity to fight for the world title.”  


The fight was Potapov’s first since his highly controversial decision loss to fellow contender Joshua Greer last July. Potapov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the capable Russian is gearing up for another assault on the division’s best.


“I am glad Nikolai got some work in and was able to score an impressive TKO victory. The bantamweight division is heating up and he is up there with the best in the weight class. I look forward to a great 2020 for Nikolai!” 
boxing, UFC

Heavyweight Alex “The Great” Flores looking ahead to Nov. 7 return headlining RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®

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BOUTS WILL STREAM LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS®
FROM CASINO DEL SOL IN TUCSON, ARIZONA
AT 10 P.M. E.T. / 7 P.M. P.T.

 



LAS VEGAS (November 4, 2019) – California heavyweight and former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth champion, Alex “The Great” Flores, will be looking ahead, not in the past, when he enters the ring November 7 against Mario “Chabelo” Heredia, headlining the latest instalment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®. to
 
Flores vs. Heredia, promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sportsfrom Casino Del Sol’s outdoor AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
 
In his last fight this past December, the 29-year-old Flores (17-2-1, 15 KOs) lost a controversial fight to former world champion Joseph Parker in New Zealand, in which Parker struck Flores numerous times below the belt, leading to a knockout.
 
“I feel good,” Flores said during a break from training camp. “I’m focused and ready to step back in the ring. I’m over my last fight. The past is the past, I can’t go back in time. I’m more than ready and excited to step back in the ring November 7th.
 
“My main focus is to win and get momentum going again. I always work hard for every fight. The only thing I switched up was buy an iron groin protector (he joked).”
 
Flores’s opponent in the 10-round main event is former WBC FECOMBOX championHeredia (16-7-1, 13 KOs), of Mexico, who only two fights ago upset former WBC heavyweight world champion and Nigerian Olympian Samuel Peter by split decision.
 
“Heredia is a cool, humble guy but also a very tough opponent,” knockout artist Flores added. “We were supposed to fight years ago, but it never happened. I’m preparing to beat him come November 7th and anticipating a victory with my hands raised in the air.”
 
Undefeated Mexican welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (19-0, 15 KOs) battles tough Uzbekistan-native Ravshan Hudaynmazarov, who was the 2007 World Military Games champion, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) United States Silver welterweight title in the eight-round, co-featured event.
 
Undefeated California super middleweight Juan Jose “Just Business” Barajas (10-0, 7 KOs) makes his long awaited RJJ Boxing debut versus Phoenix boxer Fidel Hernandez(20-7-01, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
 
The UFC FIGHT PASS opener pits undefeated California super middleweight Juan Jose “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs) in his RJJ Boxing debut against Fidel Hernandez(20-7-1, 11 KOs), of Phoenix, in an eight-round bout.
 
Dominguez’ younger brother, welterweight Marcos “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs), will open the UFC FIGHT PASS live-steam versus unbeaten Tucson welterweightChristopher Gonzalez (5-0-1, 1KO) in yet another eight-round match.
 
Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts are Tucson flyweight Briana “Amenaza” Sanchez (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Albuquerque, New Mexico’s pro-debuting Amanda Borg, and Arizona super flyweight Edriech Rosa (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA.    
 
Cards are subject to change.
 
Ticket are available for purchase online at www.casinodelsol.com and priced at the following: $10.00 (lawn), $15.00 (pavilion), $25.00 (gold), $75.00 (platinum) and $100.00 (elite)..
 
Veterans, active-duty military and first responders can receive free lawn tickets or 50% off reserved seat tickets to Roy Jones Jr. Live Boxing on Nov. 7. For free lawn tickets, just show relevant ID day-of at the AVA gate. Discounted seat tickets can be purchased in advance at the Casino Del Sol gift shop or the AVA box office.
 
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. MT, first bout 6:30 p.m. MT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 8 p.m. MT / 10 p.m. ET
 
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com
 
INFORMATION:
 
Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.casinodelsol.com,www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass 
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol
boxing, DAZN

DEVIN HANEY FACES SANTIAGO IN MAIDEN WORLD TITLE DEFENSE

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‘The Dream’ Meets Unbeaten Dominican Challenger in Los Angeles on Nov 9



LAS VEGAS, NV (November 2, 2019) – Devin Haney will face Alfredo Santiago in the first defense of his WBC World Lightweight title at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN in the US, Sky Sports in the UK and distributed globally on FITE.
 
TICKETS FOR KSI-LOGAN PAUL II FEATURING HANEY-SANTIAGO ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE
 
Haney (23-0 15 KOs) was elevated to full champion at the recent WBC Convention in Cancun, Mexico, following his dominant performance against Zaur Abdullaev in New York in September where he overpowered the unbeaten Russian over four blistering rounds to force Abdullaev to retire, and land ‘The Dream’ the interim belt at 135lbs.
 
Now Haney makes the short trip from his Las Vegas home to Los Angeles where he faces Santiago (12-0 4 KOs) in his maiden defence, the unbeaten Dominican talent, who turns 25 the day after the fight, will be on looking to derail Haney’s reign as champion at the first hurdle.
 
“I’m happy we got this deal done,” said Haney. “I’m not just a WBC World Champion that’s holding somebody else’s belt. I’m the sole champion, and I will defend the Lightweight World title on November 9. I’ve been working hard and I’m extremely focused.  This will be the perfect gift to myself for my 21st birthday.
 
“All the fans at STAPLES Center and the millions watching on DAZN, are going to witness another dominant performance. I’m going to continue to show the world that I’m the best in my division.
 
“Alfredo Santiago is my next opponent; he’s undefeated, he’s hungry, and he’s coming to win. I take every fight very serious and this fight is no different. Tune in next Saturday and you’ll see that the hype is real.”
 
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing and Fresh Productions for this opportunity,” said Santiago. “This is the moment that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid, and the one I’ve been waiting for since I became a boxer. I am physically and mentally ready, and I am going to show who the best 135lber in the world is.
 
“Mr. Haney is a formidable fighter who chose the wrong opponent. He cannot beat me. I belong to ‘The Terror Squadron’, the best boxing team in the world. This is my time.”
 
“I am delighted to see Devin defend his World title on November 9,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We’re going to have a huge crowd of new fight fans at the arena and tuning in all around the world to watch KSI and Logan Paul, and Devin is the perfect fighter to showcase what boxing is all about to a potential crop of new fight fans – he’s young, exciting, confident and relatable – the perfect mix.
 
“Alfredo Santiago is a hungry young fighter himself and this is a golden opportunity for him to halt
Devin’s charge to superstardom – but I believe that ‘The Dream’ will shine and being his reign as World champion in style.”
 
Haney’s clash with Santiago is part of a huge night of action in Los Angeles as YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul clash in a rematch of their controversial draw – this time as professional fighters.
 
Billy Joe Saunders (28-0 13 KOs) makes his American debut and defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten Argentine Marcelo Coceres (28-0-1 15 KOs), and he is joined on the card by a quartet of Eddie Hearn’s talented rising US stars in Nikita Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs), Diego Pacheco (6-0 5 KOs), Reshat Mati (4-0 ) and Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs).
 
Tickets are on sale NOW from AXS.com 


#   #   #
boxing, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT XAVIER MARTINEZ STAYS UNBEATEN WITH THRILLING 21-SECOND KNOCKOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

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Top Mayweather Promotions Prospects Martinez, Richardson Hitchins, Kevin Newman II and Rolando Romero All Victorious

 

Catch The Replay Monday, November 4 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®


 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Ian Spanier/SHOWTIME


 
Click HERE For Photos; Credit Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions


 
LAS VEGAS – November 1, 2019 – Undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez thrilled a sold-out crowd and boxing royalty at Sam’s Town Live with one of the quickest knockouts in ShoBox: The New Generation history in the main event Friday night in Las Vegas.


 
It took just 21 seconds for Sacramento’s Martinez (15-0, 11 KOs) to steal the show, connecting on a solid jab with his left hand before a glancing right hand finished the job and sent Filipino Jessie Cris Rosales (22-4-1, 10 KOs) down and out in a knockout of the year candidate. Rosales’ head hit hard on the canvas and his body was left sprawled on the floor. (Martinez KO video: https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1190493848016957441)


 
Martinez has now scored knockouts in seven consecutive fights, including a third-round stoppage of John Vicente Moralde in his ShoBox debut in April.


 
“I wanted to steal the show,” said Martinez. “[Rolando Romero] did his thing and I knew I had to capitalize on that. I did it in half the time (45 seconds). Everyone did great tonight. Hitchins and Kevin [Newman] both did their thing and I had to follow.


 
“I’m going to get back in the gym and continue grinding. I want to be the best. I have the best team in boxing right now. As long as they keep lining them up, I’m going to keep knocking them down.”


 
22-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y. native and 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) made his television and ShoBox debut in the co-featured bout, winning a unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson (7-2, 4 KOs). The judges scored the bout 96-94 and 97-93 twice.


 
Hitchins, who represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio Games, used his skill, speed and defense to edge the 27-year-old Johnson. Hitchins was marginally better in every category round after round, allowing him to build small but decisive leads en route to the unanimous decision. Johnson was slightly more active (52.6 to 49.8 punches per round) but Hitchins was more accurate and the more robust body puncher. Hitchins landed on 30 percent of his power punches, while Johnson landed just 19 percent of his, and Hitchins connected on 46 body shots compared to 30 for Johnson.


 
“Johnson was a solid fighter,” said Hitchins. “I haven’t been in the ring since April, but I think I did great. It was the fight that I needed. I wanted the win and I got the unanimous decision. I don’t like to rate my performance without going back and re-watching the fight. I could have closed the gaps a little better. I should have capitalized on certain moments a little better.


 
“I’m going to run the tape back and work with my coach so we can tighten up and come out the best I can possibly be. I’m excited to see what’s next and what my team has planned for me. They’ve guided me in a great direction and I just got to do what I got to do and that’s getting these guys out one at a time until I get that title shot.”


 
Johnson, who performed admirably, was gracious in defeat despite disagreeing with the judges’ scorecards.


 
“He had a good jab,” Johnson said. “It was easy to download him. I put the pressure on him and kept listening to my corner, and moved to the right and kept landing. He’s a tough fighter. I’ll give him that, he definitely came to fight. We both had moments throughout the fight. He did a good job of holding as the ref called, he knew how to hold when he was getting hurt.  I think I was the better fighter. He never hurt me. I give him props as a fighter.


 
“I really want the rematch, but I doubt that will happen. I know I won. I was the better fighter at the end of the day.”


 
In a much-anticipated rematch between two fighters with history and bad blood, Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) avenged the only loss of his career, dominating Marcos Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) with a near shutout unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 80-72 and 79-73 twice.


 
Completing the full eight-round distance for the first time in his career, Newman, who is trained by former world champion Bones Adams, dominated the second half of the fight. He landed 82 total punches to 46 against in rounds five through eight and was able to establish a lethal body attack that wore down Sacramento’s Hernandez, connecting on 79 body shots compared to just 10 for Hernandez. Newman also led 152-97 in overall punches landed and 114-57 in power shots, while nearly matching Hernandez in punches thrown (399 to 435).


 
“The revenge felt so great,” said Las Vegas’ Newman, who dropped a unanimous decision to Hernandez on the undercard of Mayweather vs. McGregor in August 2017. “Overall, I dominated. I went to the body every chance I saw an opportunity. A lot of people have never seen me box like that so it’s great to show that side of me. I was a lot more offensive and I kept the attacks to the body.


 
“I’d rate my performance a B-, I think I could have been busier. I’m going to continue to developing and staying busy in the ring. I don’t think he expected me to come in like I did. We gave the fans a great performance that was TV worthy and I look forward to doing it again.”


 
In the telecast opener, undefeated knockout artist Rolando Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) extended his KO streak to five in a row and improved his knockout rate to 90 percent by dismantling previously once-beaten challenger Juan Carlos Cordones (14-2, 9 KOs) with a first-round knockout. (Romero KO: https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1190461550190120960)


 
The 24-year-old Las Vegan floored Dominican Republic’s Cordones with a combination and finished the job shortly after with a flush right to the jaw. Cordones was unable to get up off the mat, and the fight was stopped just 2:14 after it started. Looking for the knockout from the opening bell, the aggressive Romero threw twice as many punches (35-17), led nine to three in overall punches landed and connected on eight of his 18 power punches.


 
“There’s not much to say. I promised a knockout and I saw the opportunity so I went for it,” said the exuberant Romero, who has previously stated he is the hardest puncher in the world under 147 pounds. “I made him pay for coming in overweight yesterday. Looking ahead, I just plan on dominating whoever they put in front of me.


 
“I’m growing as a fighter and all I want to do is continue to put on a great performance for my fans and get to that next step in my career. I want anyone whoever wants next!”



The stars of the boxing world were out in Las Vegas, as promoter and future Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather and former and current world champions Gervonta Davis, Badou Jack, Adrien Broner, Claressa Shields, Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson were all in attendance at Sam’s Town Live.


 
Davis, Jack and Chris Eubank Jr. all spoke with SHOWTIME expert analyst Steve Farhood to preview their upcoming fights on the network.


 
“I decided to move up in weight because I have a chance to win a world title in two different weight classes,” said Davis, who faces former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA lightweight title December 28 in Atlanta. “We know Gamboa is a tough opponent and we won’t sleep on him. I wanted to share the ring with somebody great. Of course Gamboa is my toughest opponent to date. I’m going to train hard for him, he’ll train hard for me and we’ll give the fans what they want to see.


 
“I’m just excited to be back,” said two-division champion Jack, who will face WBA light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal in the co-featured bout on December 28. “That last loss to Marcus Browne was an accident. I’m more motivated than last time. I’m hungry to get in there and get my titles back.”


 
Middleweight star Chris Eubank Jr. will make his United States debut on December 7 in Brooklyn when he takes on Matt Korobov.


 
“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “I’m coming over here to the States to take over. This is the perfect opportunity. I’m in the prime of my life and I can’t wait to get out there and show you guys what I’m made of.” (Full interview video: https://twitter.com/SHOsports/status/1190467999439998976)


 
Promoter Floyd Mayweather also spoke to Farhood during the live telecast in which four of his top prospects impressed.


 
“When I see potential in a fighter, I want to take them to the next level,” the all-time great said. “I’m always on the lookout to find the next Floyd Mayweather.  I like to give fighter pointers about the small things.  Nothing comes overnight.  It’s all about working hard and surrounding yourself with a positive team.”


 
In undercard action that was streamed live on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook page, Dylan Price, Cris Reyes, and newly-signed Mayweather Promotions prospect Malik Warren all scored TKO stoppages while Ava Knight earned a unanimous decision over Luna del Mar Torroba.


 
Friday’s fights were promoted by Mayweather Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND®.

 

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.


 
# # #
mixed martial arts, MMA, NBC

United Fight Alliance Expands Network Coverage to NBC Sports Boston

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TAMPA, Fla. (October 31, 2019) – United Fight Alliance (UFA), a Sports, Media and Entertainment Company comprised of fight promotions across the country and abroad, has signed a distribution agreement with NBC Sports Boston to expand its existing distribution on NBC Sports Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, California and Northwest. Beginning in November, Combat Sports fans can now watch UFA’s one-hour programming, which features intense fights from the best names and up-and-coming fighters in MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, Lethwei, Kickboxing and more, throughout the New England area.
 
UFA’s CEO Jay Adams stated, “I grew up in Boston, so this is a bit of a homecoming and a real treat for me. I got my start in sports broadcasting at WBZ-TV and was very lucky to work under the tutelage of elite anchors, reporters and producers including Al Miller, Mike Dowling, Bob Neumeier and the New England Sports Grand Pooh-Bah himself, Bob Lobel. With the Pats, Bruins, Celtics and Sox, New England Sports Fans are used to the best and that’s just what we plan on bringing them!“

United Fight Alliance’s debut program on NBCS Boston airs this Saturday, November 2nd at 11pm ET. UFA will typically air Saturdays at 10pm or 11pm ET subject to the live event schedule. UFA averages over 130 hours of airing time a month throughout the US and with the addition of NBC Sports Boston UFA will now reach over 79 million households domestically.

NBC Sports Boston reaches more than 4 million households in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Programming includes the Boston Celtics, New England Revolution, Arbella Early Edition, Boston Sports Tonight, Celtics Post Up, Talkin’ Baseball, Monday Night Patriots, Quick Slants, New England Tailgate, Football Day in New England including pre and post-game programs surrounding all Patriots games, CAA football, basketball and more.

NBC Sports California broadcasts regional coverage of professional and college sports events throughout Central and Northern California and offers live coverage of MLB’s Oakland Athletics, NBA’s Sacramento Kings and NHL’s San Jose Sharks.  The network also airs select MLS San Jose Earthquake games.
 
NBC Sports Northwest serves all of Washington State and Oregon and is the 24/7 exclusive home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The network also provides in-depth coverage of the region’s most prominent teams including the Seattle Seahawks, Oregon Ducks and Oregon St. Beavers.
 
NBC Sports Chicago is the regional sports home of the Blackhawks (NHL), Bulls (NBA), Cubs (MLB), White Sox (MLB), along with providing extensive coverage of the Bears (NFL) and additional locally focused collegiate/preps programming.
 
NBC Sports Washington is the official sports network of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, NFL’s Washington Redskins and ACC. NBC Sports Washington – the leading multiplatform sports media organization serving the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia – delivers more than 400 live events per year, along with Emmy Award-winning news, analysis and entertainment programming.
 
NBC Sports Philadelphia presents live game coverage and original programming to nearly three million viewers in the Philadelphia area, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. The network features the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, plus has extensive coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles.
 
For a complete list of networks, channels and the UFA airing schedule, visithttp://www.
unitedfightalliance.com/tvschedule
boxing

LaTavia Roberson Signs First Fighter Fernando Bunch

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, TX–Roberson Sports Management is proud to announce the signing of it’s first fighter, undefeated lightweight Fernando Bunch.


Roberson Sports Management is owned by LaTavia Roberson who is best known as an original member of the R&B group Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s
best-selling groups of all time.

Nine-Time World Champion Roy Jones Jr. is training Fernando Bunch. LaTavia wanted to get a fighter signed, and her team started looking. Since LaTavia owns Slugfest Magazine,  and had done a cover story with Roy earlier in the year. Her partner Alfred Adams, Vice President of Roberson Sports Management, asked Roy if he knew of any up and coming prospects. Roy said he had someone LaTavia should look at. Adams immediately took notice of Bunch’s speed and strength.   

Fernando Bunch was born Fernando Parks, but in 2010 he and his father decided he should take his father’s last name, and he changed it. Fernando was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and is 27 years old. He stands 5’11 and campaigns at 130lbs.-135lbs. He is the youngest of 5 brothers. He has about 120 amateur bouts under his belt. Both of his parents are God fearing and was raised in the Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Fernando graduated from
Hephzibah High School in 2009 at the top of his class. As of now, he works as a Tech Support specialist at T-Mobile for the last 5 years. He has 2 daughters, a 7-year-old daughter named Mya Armani and an 8-month-old daughter name Miliana Pelea. They are both his pride & joy and his reason why he strives so hard to be successful in his boxing career and in life.

Fernando started boxing in 2001, in which was a transition from Taekwondo due to disqualifications for obsessive use of punches. Basically, he quit because he was more interested in punching than kicking. Throughout his early years of boxing he won State and Regional Junior Olympics, Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves, and competed in the National Golden Gloves, Augusta National Ringside Classics, Title National Paul Murphy, and USA
Championships. He also fought in the 2015 Olympic Trials in Colorado Springs, as well in Philadelphia. In the midst of all those tournaments, his coach left for 2 & 1/2 tours in Iraq. Consequently, his trainer’s absence caused him to miss a lot of opportunities to take part in many national tournaments. Fernando received experience within his amateur boxing career by training with world champions such as the Erislandy Lara and the Charlo Brothers, but he also learned from greats such as Ronnie Shields, Paul Williams and now with his head coach the Great Roy Jones Jr.

Fernando has the potential to have a tremendous professional boxing career. He is always willing to learn, and strongly believes in the saying “The day you stop learning, is the day you stop getting better.” As of right now, Fernando is 9-0 as a professional with 5 Knockouts and trains with Roy Jones Jr in Pensacola, FL.

Fernando’s future goal is to be able to bring a nonprofit boxing gym and program for the youth in his side of town (South side) in Augusta, GA. In addition, he wants to start a consistent foundation that supplies school and hygiene supplies for the youth before each semester of school. He is also interested in starting a program for young men on how to apply for jobs, conduct themselves in interviews, how to make mature decisions and
manifest goals.


boxing

LaTavia Roberson’s New Destiny In Boxing

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HOUSTON, TX–LaTavia Roberson is best known as the co-founder of the R&B hit group Destiny Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time. Roberson has sold over 25 million records with Destiny’s Child. Her work has earned her several awards and nominations, including two Grammy Awards, three Soul Train Music Awards and eight Billboard awards.


LaTavia is the newest face to step into the world of boxing. Her successful entertainment career has provided her with a wealth of knowledge and brings management skills of the highest level to the next generation of boxers. She has had a love and passion for boxing since she was a little girl.


“My business partner Alfred Adams called me about this. I used to sit at home and watch boxing with my father and Grandmother. I love the sport, and I am excited to be involved in it,” said Roberson.


“This makes sense for me because I have always been a fighter myself. Maybe not in the ring, but in life. I want to represent people who want to fight, and have those same kinds of qualities.”


She has partnered with longtime friend and business partner Alfred Adams. Adams is a retired venture capitalist. “When the idea came to mind, I wanted to make sure we would put the very best people in place to give the fighters the best management team possible.” Adams said.  Roberson has done that without question.


Roberson added, “I want to be a mother-figure to my boxers. I have a great team in place led by Alfred, and I want to nurture these athletes. I don’t want anyone to screw them over. I have learned that when you are poorly managed, the results won’t be up to par, and I want to make sure our fighters get the utmost care.”


From a sponsorship stand-point Adams called long-time friend Randy Jackson from the rock band Zebra to help facilitate this process for their fighters. Adams and Roberson knew at this point they had the right front office people in place to make the best possible decisions for their fighters.


Roberson has two boxing training locations one in San Antonio, TX under the headship of two-time world champion Jesse James Leija and one in New Orleans, LA called Uppercuts Boxing Gym under Valrice “Whop” Cooper owned by Darrick Stewart. “Whop” is best known as one of Roy Jones, Jr.’s trainers. Roberson also secured 8-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney who is best known for working with Evander Holyfield as strength and conditioning coach and dietitians.


“I want to be a household name in the boxing world, and I want to manage world class and world champion fighters. I feel with the infrastructure that we have in place, that will become a reality in the very near future,” Concluded Roberson.