All posts by FNU47

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

YEIS SOLANO TO FACE ELIAS DAMIAN ARAUJO IN OPENING BOUT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, JUNE 21 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

June 14, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Araujo Replaces Jose Romero Who Was Forced To Withdraw Due To Injury***

**NEW YORK** – (June 12, 2019) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Yeis Solano will face a new opponent in former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo in an eight-round bout that will open a *ShoBox: The New Generation* tripleheader on Friday, June 21 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

In the main event, southpaw Sebastian Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., faces Hector Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico in a 10-round super welterweight bout. In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Solano, (14-0, 10 KOs), is not concerned about the last minute opponent change. “It doesn’t matter who I fight. I trust my team and my skills,” he said. “I don’t worry about who is across from me. I would have beaten the first guy and I will beat this guy too. I don’t train to beat one fighter specifically. I train to beat all fighters and I make adjustments in the ring. Some fighters get upset when the opponent changes. Not me. Even if my team says they want me to fight a different guy at the weigh-in, my job stays the same.”

Solano is a hard punching 26-year-old from Monteria, Colombia who started boxing at the age of seven; he amassed an amateur record of 118-12. He’s a former WBA Fedebol Lightweight Champion and in 2012 placed third in the Colombia National Games. In his last fight, he scored a five-round stoppage over Jesus Manuel Sandoval in October 2018. He is currently training at Compton Boxing Gym in Compton, Calif., and is trained by Jose Ponce, Sr. and his son Jose Ponce, Jr.

“I’m excited for this fight,” said Araujo, who is making his United States debut. “My style is aggressive. I have fought four southpaws. I know how to fight them – I like fighting them.

“I checked out videos of Solano. I think he is going to come to fight. He’s training out of Compton, California, so he’s going to come more than ready, as well. These are the ingredients for a good show.”

Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) replaces fellow compatriot Jose Romero, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury. Nicknamed “El Macho,” Araujo, a 31-year-old southpaw from Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, Argentina, won the interim WBC Latino Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Jose Eniz in October 2016. He successfully defended it twice before losing it to Javier Jose Clavero in an immediate rematch last June. He trains in Coachella with Freddy Fundora, father and trainer of main eventer Sebastian Fundora. In his last outing in January, Araujo stopped veteran Pablo Rodriguez in four rounds.

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

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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.

boxing

Heralded Amateur Vito Mielnicki Jr. to Make Professional Debut on Saturday, July 13th in Newark, New Jersey

June 12, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

*Mielnicki to Make Debut The Prudential Center and will Become Youngest Fighter Ever Licensed in the State of New Jersey*

**Roseland, NJ (June 11, 2019)** – Don’t let the “Boy Next Door” good looks fool you. Vito Mielnicki, Jr. isn’t your typical “Boy-Next-Door.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr. is an athlete. He is a fighter. He also is not just any fighter. He is a fighter who brings many intangibles that most do not have. A. he has ability, and B. He has Marketability.

The story begins in the Jersey town of Newark, New Jersey. Mielnicki Jr. found The Jamar Carter Gym that was located in the basement of a church at the age of seven, and he has not looked back.

Mielnicki trained at some of the toughest and roughest gyms in New Jersey such Elite Heat and Boylan Rec, both in Newark.

Mielnicki began his amateur career fighting against the best fighters from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore at the Upton Boxing Gym in Baltimore and he was a frequent travel partner with current world champion Gervonta Davis, Otha Jones III and Olympic Silver Medal winner and top contender Shakur Stevenson.

Mielnicki performed at such as high-level as he continued to grow his national rankings as he dominated each weight class.

That career now reads an astonishing 147-22 and he was the four-time Junior National Golden Gloves champion (2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015). In the 2011 he was named the **Most Outstanding Boxer** in the tournament.

He was a Silver Gloves National champion in 2015 & 2016; **Ringside World Champion** in 2012 and 2014; United States Junior National Champion in 2017 – 2018 and was a member of the **High Performance USA National Team**   2017 – 2018  in the welterweight division.

He won his 1st National Championship and was trained by Walli Moses. In his young career, Mielnicki was trained by Hall of famers Virgil Hill and Buddy McGirt.

“He has a very bright future, and he is a great kid. The sky is the limit for Vito,” said McGirt.

“He is a humble young athlete, who is a phenomenal athlete, he was a football player when he was younger. He will be an outstanding professional boxer,” said Hill.

Mielnicki has competed all over the world in places such as Canada, Serbia, Spain, England, and Puerto Rico.

He compiled an international record of 10-2 and won the Quebec Cup in 2015.

Mielnicki is set to turn professional on July 13th at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The decision to go to the paid ranks was solidified after a great performance in Spain for which Mielnicki was on the short and undeserved end of a bad decision.

“I believe my performance in Spain was one of the best I have had, and I could not get a decision. I feel that I have a professional style, and based on some of these decisions, I can see that it is more for the pros then the amateurs,” said Mielnicki

Mielnicki has continued to grow, and he feels the time is right to begin his career.

“My body is maturing, and it was only a matter of time anyway. I had my mind pretty much made up before we went to Spain, but that fight solidified it.”

Mielnicki is 5’11” and walks around at 172 pounds. He plans to turn pro and settle into the 147 pound division.

Mielnicki has had the opportunity to measure himself against some emerging professionals.

“I think that has been big for me. I have worked with the likes of Adam Lopez and Thomas Mattice, and that has definitely helped me.”

“I have been wanting to turn professional for a long time. This has been a goal and dream for me, and I know that I can do big things. I have to see where my debut will happen. We are looking to see under which promotional banner and on what card this will happen, but I know when I do fight in New Jersey, I will be very popular and will have a tremendous amount of support.”

That will come right off the bat, as Mielnicki will become the youngest ever fighter licensed in the Garden State when he makes that pro debut on July 13th at The Prudential Center in Newark., which is just a stones throw away from his home in Roseland.

Vito Mielnicki Jr discusses upcoming pro debut on July 13, 2019

Mielnicki has the popularity and charisma to be a franchise boxer in the Tri-State Area,

Mielnicki is trained by Dwyke Flemmings and Muhammad Salaam. His cutman will be Danny Milano and Strength and Conditioning coach is Fred Caruso.

To Follow Vito Mielnicki, Jr. on Social media, click the following icons:

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Houston-Native Miguel Flores Fights in Hometown Against Mexico’s Luis May Saturday, June 29 from NRG Arena as Part of Jam-Packed Charlo vs. Adams Undercard

June 12, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Also Featuring Unbeaten Prospects Omar Juárez, Mychal Teal & More!**

**Unbeaten Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo Makes Hometown Return to Battle Brandon Adams in Premier Boxing Champions Main Event Live on SHOWTIME^®**

**HOUSTON** (June 11, 2019) – Houston-native **Miguel Flores** will return to the ring to fight in his hometown against Mexico’s **Luis May** Saturday, June 29 in a 10-round super featherweight fight that highlights an action packed night of undercard attractions from NRG Arena in Houston.

The event is headlined by another Houston-native, unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo, who will face middleweight contender Brandon Adams in the main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.

Undercard bouts also feature unbeaten Brownsville, Texas-native **Omar Juárez** in a four-round welterweight attraction against Pennsylvania’s **Seifullah Wise**, undefeatedMycheal Teal of St. Petersburg, Florida taking on **Mark Beuke** for a four-round middleweight affair and unbeaten San Antonio-native **Raymond Guajardo** facing Compton, California’s **Jaime Meza** in a four-round middleweight fight.

Rounding out the action is undefeated Weslaco, Texas-native **César Cantú**stepping in for a four-round super featherweight clash against North Carolina’s **Chante Bowens**, a six-round lightweight bout between McAllen, Texas-native **Nelson Hampton** and West Virginia’s **Dakota Linger** and the pro debut of **Zamy Larry** in a four-round super middleweight showdown versus North Carolina’s **Carlos Umanzor**.

Born in Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico and living in Houston, Flores (23-2, 11 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since April 2018, when he stopped Raul Chirino in two rounds. The 26-year-old was scheduled to challenge Leo Santa Cruz for his featherweight world title in February before suffering an ankle injury in training. He looks to get one step closer to regaining a title opportunity when he faces the 35-year-old May (21-14-1, 8 KOs) from Yucatan, Mexico.

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Bellator, DAZN, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR 222: MACDONALD VS. GRACIE MAIN CARD SET WITH SIX BOUTS

June 12, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

**FULL FIGHT CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NYC THIS FRIDAY – AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON DAZN**

**NEW YORK –** The line-up for the highly anticipated *Bellator 222: MacDonald vs. Gracie* event has been completed with two title fights and 18 electric bouts in total filling out Bellator’s return to Madison Square Garden this Friday, June 14 – only on DAZN. The star-studded card is headlined by a double main event that will see a Welterweight World Grand Prix semi-final matchup between current Bellator welterweight world champion **Rory MacDonald** (20-5-1) defending his title against the unbeaten Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt **Neiman Gracie** (9-0), as well as two of the sport’s biggest names in **Lyoto Machida** (25-8) and **Chael Sonnen** (31-16-1) finally meeting after years of parallel careers in the MMA world.

The main card of *Bellator 222* will stream live exclusively on DAZN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary action begins at 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST and will also stream onDAZN or globally on the Bellator Mobile App.

Limited tickets remain available and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.com, MSG.com and Bellator.com.

The DAZN-streamed main card also features **Darrion Caldwell** (13-2) defending his Bellator bantamweight world title against Rizin Fighting Federation’s bantamweight championKyoji Horiguchi (27-2) in a true “champion vs. champion” matchup, following a Horiguchi submission victory when the two met in Rizin’s ring this past December in Japan, as well as a 175-pound catchweight contest between polarizing grappling ace **Dillon Danis** (1-0) and Max Humphrey (3-2). Additionally, fans will see an intriguing featherweight bout featuring former Bellator 135-pound champion **Eduardo Dantas** (21-6) making the leap to 145-pounds in an attempt to hand **Juan Archuleta** (21-1) the first loss of his Bellator career, while **Ricky Bandejas** (11-2) welcomes unbeaten **Patrick Mix** (10-0) at bantamweight.

Preliminary action for *Bellator 222* is also must-see and features many of Bellator’s rising stars. Those who tune in will see bouts highlighted by **Aaron Pico** (4-2) versus **Adam Borics** (12-0) at 145-pounds, as well as a second inter-promotional contest pitting **Rena** of Rizin (8-2) against **Lindsay VanZandt** (5-1) in a 112-pound catchweight fight. *Bellator 222*will also see the return of “The Heat” to MSG, when world champion boxer **Heather Hardy** (2-1) faces **Taylor Turner (**3-5) at flyweight. Familiar faces in **Mike Kimbel** (2-1), **Robson Gracie Jr.** (1-0) and **Haim Gozali** (10-6) will all also compete, while former *The Ultimate Fighter* participant **Phil Hawes** (4-2) will make his promotional debut. Lastly, it was recently announced that undefeated Taekwondo Master **Valerie Loureda** (1-0) will make her sophomore appearance when she welcomes **Larkyn Dasch** (0-1) to the Bellator cage on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

*Bellator 222* Main Card:

*Welterweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Title Bout:* **Rory MacDonald** (20-5-1) vs. **Neiman Gracie** (9-0)

*Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event Bout:* **Lyoto Machida** (25-8) vs. **Chael Sonnen** (31-16-1)

*175-Pound Catchweight Bout:* **Dillon Danis** (1-0) vs. **Max Humphrey** (3-2)

*Bantamweight Bout:* **Ricky Bandejas** (11-2) vs. **Patrick Mix** (10-0)

*Featherweight Bout:* **Eduardo Dantas** (21-6) vs. **Juan Archuleta** (22-1)

*Bantamweight World Title Bout:* **Darrion Caldwell** (13-2) vs. **Kyoji Horiguchi** (27-2)

**Undercard:**

*Featherweight Bout:* **Aaron Pico** (4-2) vs. **Adam Borics** (12-0)

*Women’s Flyweight Bout:* **Heather Hardy** (2-1) vs. **Taylor Turner** (3-5)

*Women’s Flyweight Bout:* **Valerie Loureda** (1-0) vs. **Larkyn Dasch** (0-1)

*Welterweight Bout:* **Robson Gracie Jr.** (1-0) vs. Oscar Vera (Pro Debut)

*Bantamweight Bout:* **Mike Kimbel** (2-1) vs. **Sebastian Ruiz** (2-2)

*175-Pound Catchweight Bout:* **Haim Gozali** (10-6) vs. Gustavo Wurlitzer (22-22, 1 NC)

*Women’s 112-Pound Catchweight Bout:* **Rena Kubota** (8-2) vs. **Lindsay VanZandt** (5-1)

*Middleweight Bout:* **Phil Hawes** (4-2) vs. **Michael Wilcox** (6-3)

*Lightweight Bout:* **Marcus Surin** (5-1) vs. Nekruz Mirkhojaev (4-2)

*Flyweight Bout:* **Brandon Medina** (Pro Debut) vs. **Brandon Polcare** (1-2)

*165-Pound Catchweight Bout:* **Kastriot Xhema** (2-3) vs. **Whitney Jean Francois** (2-6-1)

*Featherweight Bout:* **John Beneduce** (2-2) vs. Kenny Rivera (2-1)

*Card subject to change

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Two-Time Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis Makes Baltimore Homecoming to Defend Title Against Mandatory Challenger Ricardo Núñez Saturday, July 27 Live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena – Tickets on Sale Tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET

June 7, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Polish Star Adam Kownacki Battles Chris Arreola in Heavyweight Showdown in Front of Hometown Fans Saturday, August 3 Headlining FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

June 7, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

Plus! Former World Champion Andre Berto Meets Miguel Cruz in Welterweight Clash & Unbeaten Light Heavyweight Marcus Browne Duels Former World Champion Jean Pascal – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET!

BROOKLYN (June 6, 2019) – Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn-native Adam Kownacki will look to thrill in front of a hometown crowd when he steps into the ring against veteran former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola for a 12-round heavyweight showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The broadcast starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champion Andre Berto taking on Miguel Cruz in a 10-round welterweight clash and unbeaten interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion “Sir” Marcus Browne battling former world champion Jean Pascal in a 12-round bout

The heavyweight division is red hot and Kownacki is a top rising challenger who will look to continue his ascent up the rankings with a win over the all-action veteran Arreola. This will be Kownacki’s ninth fight at Barclays Center, and his first as the headlining attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center starting Saturday, June 8 at noon.

“This action-packed tripleheader is full of high stakes, toe-to-toe matchups with fighters highly-motivated to make a statement on the big stage,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brooklyn’s Polish star Adam Kownacki has become a fan-favorite in his hometown and is surely in for a challenge from the always exciting Chris Arreola, as he looks to make a heavyweight statement. Andre Berto is always in action fights and he’ll be looking to hold off the young challenger Miguel Cruz, while Marcus Browne returns off his career-best victory to face battle-tested former champion Jean Pascal.”

“All eyes are on boxing’s heavyweight division, and I am thrilled to welcome Brooklyn’s own contender Adam Kownacki back to our ring for his first time as the headliner,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Adam has built an enthusiastic fan base in the borough, and I am confident they will be out in full force to support him as he takes on veteran Chris Arreola to earn a title shot in the near future. It will be yet another heavyweight night to remember in Brooklyn.”

Kownacki (19-0, 15 KOs) is noted for his tenacity and has been progressing towards a world title shot with knockouts in five of his last six fights. The 30-year-old, who was born in Lomza, Poland and moved to Brooklyn when he was seven, was an accomplished amateur in New York City before turning pro. He scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over former world champion Charles Martin last year and is coming off of a devastating knockout victory against Gerald Washington in January on FOX. His last three fights and six of his last seven have taken place at Barclays Center, where he has routinely brought out the area’s passionate Polish sports fans.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring and back at home in Barclays Center, live on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Kownacki. “Fighting Chris Arreola will be another step on my journey to become a world champion. It will be a Polish-Mexican War that will bring fireworks to Brooklyn. Make sure you’re there in Brooklyn or watching in primetime!”

Arreola (38-5-1, 33 KOs), a veteran of the heavyweight division, has contended for the world title three times, most recently against WBC champion Deontay Wilder in 2016. Since losing to Wilder, the 38-year-old Arreola from Los Angeles, California has put together back-to-back victories, including a stoppage of then unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin on a PBC on FOX Sports pay-per-view undercard in March.

“I can’t wait to step into the ring on August 3 and show everyone I’m still one of the best heavyweights in the world,” said Arreola. “I feel rejuvenated and ready to upset Adam Kownacki in front of his fans. He better be ready, because I’m going to bring it to him like he’s never seen before. This is going to be a war and I will leave with my hand raised.”

Berto (32-5, 24 KOs) has fought some of the top welterweight champions of this generation, including Floyd Mayweather. The 35-year-old won a welterweight world title with TKO victory over Miguel Angel Rodriguez in 2008 and successfully defended it five times before losing it to Victor Ortiz in 2011. He later avenged that loss to Ortiz with a knockout victory in 2016 on FOX. A native of Winter Haven Florida, Berto is coming off a split decision victory over former welterweight champion Devon Alexander in his last fight in August on FOX.

“I’m looking forward to this fight on August 3,” said Berto. “My focus is different, my motivation is different and my hunger is different. I’ve had a lot happen in my life in a short period of time with the loss of my father and the birth of my new baby girl, Legaci. It’s definitely turned me in to a whole different type of animal. August 3 is going to be cinematic. Barclays Center – see you soon. I’ve got some payback.”

Cruz (18-1, 12 KOs) is among a group of promising welterweights prepared to burst onto the scene in one of the most talent-rich division in boxing. The 28-year-old from Lake Mary, Florida will be stepping up a level with his bout against Berto. He scored a TKO victory over Luis Eduardo Florez in his last fight in January to bounce back from a decision loss to Josesito Lopez on FOX in April 2018.

“I’m excited for all my Boricuas and NYC fight fans to come out and show love in August 3,” Cruz said. “I want to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible, and I’m definitely going to make the most if it. This is a different era in boxing and I’m here to prove it to the world and to Andre Berto. Don’t miss this night of boxing.”

The 28-year-old Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) won the interim title with a rousing unanimous decision victory over former two-division champion Badou Jack in January. A 2012 U.S. Olympian from Staten Island, Browne has fought at Barclays Center 12 times in his career as he made his steady climb up the light heavyweight ranks. Pascal will be the second straight former world champion that he has faced.

“I’m honored and grateful to be able to display my skills on this huge platform on FOX and at Barclays Center, which is a second home for me and my boxing career,” said Browne, who will be fighting at Barclays Center for the 13th time. “I anticipate Pascal bringing everything that he has into this fight because this is make or break for him. Unfortunately for him, he will break, as I plan to win this fight decisively and continue my quest for a long and successful championship reign. I expect him to come in as prepared as a championship-caliber fighter and I’m staying motivated to get the win on August 3.”

Pascal (33-6-1, 20 KOs) has been in the ring with the top fighters of his era during his brilliant career, including Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute and Chad Dawson. The 36-year-old, who was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Laval, Quebec, Canada, won the light heavyweight world title with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu in 2009. He is coming off a loss to Dmitry Bivol in his last fight after putting together back-to-back TKO victories over Ahmed Elbiali and Steve Bosse.

“Marcus Browne is one of the most talented fighters in the world and I will have to be at my best to beat him,” said Pascal. “I’ve been training and I will be ready. I’ve got some veteran tricks he’s never seen before. I plan on out boxing him just like every other southpaw I’ve ever fought. I’ve never lost to a lefty and it’s going to stay that way come August 3.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. I_!Bm?�