Category Archives: boxing

42-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez marches towards boxing milestone in exclusive 50-0 club

December 7, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

43^rd pro fight Dec. 18 vs. Yunieski Gonzalez on DAZN

LAS VEGAS (December 6, 2021) – As he marches towards a special boxing milestone, former World Boxing Organization Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs), now an undefeated world light heavyweight contender, will be fighting Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez on December 18th for his 43^rd consecutive victory.

Ramirez vs. Gonzalez headlines a DAZN-streamed card, presented by Ramirez’ promoter Golden Boy Promotions, in a 12-round WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator from San Antonio (TX) with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs), assuming the Kyrgyzstan-native gets past Umar Salamov (26-1, 19 KOs) on Dec. 11^th in Russia.

The 30-year-old Ramirez is fighting for membership in the exclusive 50-Club, winning his first 50 professional fights without a loss or draw. Ramirez’ idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez, holds the record in that category by winning his first 87, his first blemish coming in 1993 in a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in their WBC World welterweight title fight.
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BOXING’S 50-0 CLUB

1.   Julio “J.C. Cesar Chavez            87 (13 KOs)  1980-1993    México
2.   Willie “Wil ‘O The Wisp” Pep      62 (23 KOs)  1940-1943    USA
3.   Wanheng Menayothin                 54 (18 KOs)  2009-2019    Thailand
4.   Carlos “Canas” Zarate                52 (51 KOs)  1970-1978    México
5.   Floyd Mayweather, Jr.                  50 (27 KOs)  1996-2017    USA
____________________________________________________________________________

“The 50-0 Club is a very exclusive list I’m proud to be working toward,” Ramirez said. “All fighters go through ups and downs and understand the blood, sweat and tears to achieve anything in this sport. I feel very blessed and fortunate to be in the position I’m in today and I will never stop giving it my all in the sport. Hopefully, when I’m finished, I can leave a legacy in the sport that I can be proud of.”

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JAKE PAUL TO FACE TYRON WOODLEY IN REMATCH * SAT. DECEMBER 18

December 7, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

TOMMY FURY WITHDRAWS; JAKE PAUL TO FACE TYRON WOODLEY IN REMATCH ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

Paul-Woodley II “Leave No Doubt” To Take Place At AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., Live on SHOWTIME PPV^®

NEW YORK – December 6, 2021 – International superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in a rematch of their August clash won by Paul. Paul vs. Woodley II titled “Leave No Doubt” will be the main event on SHOWTIME PPV, live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, December 18 (9p ET/6p PT).

Woodley steps in to replace professional boxer and reality TV star Tommy Fury, who withdrew from the event due to a medical issue that impacted his training camp. Paul vs. Woodley II is a professional cruiserweight bout scheduled for 8-rounds at a contract weight of 192 pounds.

“When my team woke me up on Friday to tell me Tommy was pulling out, I told them I’m ready to fight anyone on December 18,” said Paul, who is 4-0 as a pro boxer with three knockouts. “Troy, Trey, Trevor, Travis. I don’t give a damn who it is. So, as I predicted Tommy Fumbles and Tyron is there to pick it up, stepping in, and contractually he is getting an extra $500,000 if he knocks me out. First time I outboxed him. This time I’m gonna punish him and leave no doubt.”

On August 29, in front of a sold-out crowd of 16,000 fans at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul registered a split decision over Woodley. The former UFC champion was Paul’s toughest opponent to date and the first fighter to take boxing’s newest star the distance. The judges scored the fight 77-75 for Paul, 77-75 for Woodley and 78-74 for Paul.

In his post-fight comments, Woodley said he thought he won the fight.

“I didn’t expect him to eat my punches like that. But the fact that one judge only gave me two rounds is insane. Forget that Tommy Fury fight. Let’s run that back,” said Woodley after the fight.

“The ropes held him up when I hit him,” Woodley continued. “I could have had that knockdown. I landed power punches and he missed shots all night.”

Fighting out of St. Louis, Mo., Woodley (19-7-1 MMA record) has a storied career in combat sports. He became UFC champion in July 2016, defeating Robbie Lawler in the first round, and went on to defend his title successfully four times. Before competing in the UFC, Woodley fought in the Strikeforce MMA promotion on SHOWTIME and compiled an 8-1 record from 2009 through 2012. Widely considered one of the most dangerous punchers in UFC history, Woodley earned 14 of his 19 wins by way of TKO or submission. He made his boxing debut in August, dropping a close decision to Paul.

As previously announced, the December 18 SHOWTIME PPV event will feature three additional professional boxing matches. In the co-main event, seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez. Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on legendary San Francisco 49ers running back, the No. 3 all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore in a four-round heavyweight bout, the professional boxing debut for both men. In the telecast opener, undefeated IBF and WBO top-3 ranked junior welterweight contender Liam Paro of Australia will face fellow unbeaten top-10 ranked 140-pound Puerto Rican prospect Yomar Alamo in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown.

#PaulWoodley is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME Sports^® and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Limited tickets remain and are available for purchase at https://bit.ly/PAULvsWOODLEY.

This event is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions. Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian created MVP on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the creators of the content in martial arts. Paul and Bidarian will be executive producers of the event.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH THRILLING UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ

December 7, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Text

Description automatically generated — ***Sebastian Fundora Outpoints Sergio Garcia in Co-Main Event;***
***Carlos Adames Defeats Sergiy Derevyanchenko in an Exciting Fight,***
***and Eduardo Ramirez Dominates Miguel Marriaga***
***in SHOWTIME PPV Undercard Action***

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Ryan Hafey / Premier Boxing Champions**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Esther Lin / SHOWTIME**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions**

**LOS ANGELES** (December 5, 2021) –Boxing superstar and five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis put his boxing skills on display, winning a rousing 12-round round unanimous decision over the relentless **Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz** to retain his WBA Lightweight World Title in front of a star-studded, sellout crowd of 15,850 at STAPLES Center live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Scorecards read 116-112 and two scores of 115-113, all for Davis.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with scores of current and former NBA stars in attendance, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kawhi Leonard, Dwight Howard, Kenny Smith, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce among others.

Accompanied by superstar rapper Lil Durk, Davis entered the ring in Laker purple and gold; tassels along his trunks with the late Kobe Bryant’s number “8” and “24” on each side. Cruz celebrated his Mexican heritage with a mariachi band behind him as he strode toward the ring.

There was no feeling-out process in the first. Cruz charged at the defending champion, pinning him against the ropes and wailing away.

“That’s my style. ‘Pitbull’ is always going to be on the attack,” said Cruz. “I think we retained rhythm from the start to the end.”

Davis found his rhythm in the second and third, circling the ring and walking Cruz into shots. In the fourth, Cruz concentrated his attack on the body, pounding Davis’ ribs.

The 27-year-old Baltimore native turned on the power in the fourth, alternating between the right hook and left cross behind his southpaw stance. More punishing blows came from Davis during the fifth.

“He’s a shorter fighter, so I was throwing down on the top of his head,” said Davis. “I hit him with my knuckle and messed it up. I hurt my hand in the sixth round. No matter if the opponent is taller or shorter, I’ve got to get through it. He’s a warrior. Even though he didn’t win, a star was born tonight.”

“It was right around the fifth round I saw that his hand wasn’t working correctly,” Cruz observed.

Davis boxed beautifully in the middle rounds, firing quick shots and pivoting away from the return fire. A right hook in the eighth briefly buzzed Cruz and brought the audience to their feet. But just when it appeared as if the fight was slipping away, Cruz fought fire with fire, landing a flush uppercut seconds before the bell.

The 23-year-old Mexican picked up the pace in the latter rounds, keeping Davis on his toes and pounding away. Davis held his own, fighting back on even terms until the fight’s end.

Naturally, Cruz believed he deserved the victory.

“Viva Mexico. I have nothing to say, the fans are speaking on who won this fight,” he said.

Following a successful title defense, Davis said he’s ready for all comers.

“L.A., we did it for Kobe,” said Davis. “At the beginning of the fight, he came on strong. I felt as the fight was going, he was breaking down. But I hurt my hand, so I wasn’t able to get him out of there.

“Whatever the best opportunity is for me, I’ll do it. All of them guys are easy work. I’m the top dog.”

In the co-main event, **Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora** moved closer to a world title shot with a 12-round unanimous decision over the previously-unbeaten **Sergio Garcia** in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator.

Final scores read 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113.

Fundora established control quickly in the first, snapping Spain’s Garcia’s head back with a booming left. The two traded evenly through the early rounds. Garcia had his moments, including a sharp overhand right in the fifth that drew blood from Fundora’s nose.

The 23-year-old Fundora found his range in the sixth, pumping the jab and using his 6-foot-5 frame and 80-inch reach to keep Garcia at bay.

“I was using my distance a lot more. I wanted to display something different than what I’m used to,” said Fundora. “Height was definitely a difference in this fight.”

Garcia struggled to land during the second half of the bout, save for a couple moments in the 12^th when the two combatants stood toe-to-toe.

“Maybe things could have been different if I had been more aggressive from the beginning,” said Garcia. “I shouldn’t have let myself get carried away by what he was doing.”

Fundora believes he’s ready for a world title shot.

“We just beat the No. 2 in the WBC, so we have No.1, and we have the champion,” said Fundora. “Whoever they give us next, we’re ready for.”

In a thrilling back and forth, **Carlos Adames** (21-1, 16 KOs) overcame a stiff challenge from former world title challenger **Sergiy Derevyanchenko** (13-4, 10 KOs) to win a 10-round majority decision in their WBC Middleweight World Title Eliminator.

Both combatants had their moments, but facing the toughest opponent of his career, the 27-year-old Adames shined. One judge scored the middleweight bout even at 95-95, while the other two scored it for Adames by scores of 96-94 and 97-93.

“This means a lot for me in my career and this is a big accomplishment winning against a fighter of his caliber,” said Adames, who was born in the Dominican Republic and fights out of Washington Heights in New York City.

“I am aggressive and speedy by nature, so I came in ready to do my thing. He started slow, wanting to see what would happen, and simply had the wrong game plan. He got a bit tired as the fight went on, took a lot of hard shots from me and it was evident that I caused him a lot of damage.”

“I expect my opponent to fight the same style. It was nothing special for me, just a quality fight,” said Derevyanchenko.

“He stayed southpaw, that was the difference in the fight. I don’t know what I’ll do next. I need a little bit of rest and then I will go back to the gym because I love boxing and I love the show.”

“This gives me an opportunity to move on,” said Adames. “I dominate at both 154 and 160, so wherever they give me the opportunity to fight for a championship is where I’ll go.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast, super featherweight contender **Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez** (26-2-3, 12 KOs) was in peak form, winning a wide 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger **Miguel Marriaga**.

“I would like to thank the fans, SHOWTIME and the Montiel family for supporting me. Marriaga was a tough opponent, but I managed to dominate,” said Ramirez. “I had a varied fighting style and kept him on his toes the whole time.”

Marriaga (30-5, 26 KOs) was the aggressor throughout, particularly in the first round as he backed Ramirez up with combination punching. The latter found his range midway through the frame, utilizing an accurate jab. In the third, a right hook followed by an overhand left floored an off-balance Marriaga for a flash knockdown.
“We started out strong, but then things got progressively harder. Having said that, we are pleased with the work we put in today,” said Marriaga. “We should have been more savvy, but we tried our hardest in the face of a great opportunity that unfortunately we could not take advantage of.”

Ramirez dominated after scoring the knockdown, punishing Marriaga from then on with an assortment of shots to the head and body. Final punch stats had Ramirez landing 280 of 762 (36.7%) total punches to Marriaga’s 159 out of 689 (21.3%).

“Now I’m going to relax with my family and enjoy the holidays,” said Ramirez. “Then hopefully 2022 will come with a title shot for me.”

Tonight’s blockbuster pay-per-view event will re-air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The delayed telecast of Davis vs. Cruz will open the telecast featuring WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire as he will defend his title against undefeated top contender and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Tennis Stadium in Carson.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was directed by Bob Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

boxing, movies, Tony Penecale

Tornado goes to the movies: rocky iV remastered review

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

by: Tony “the Tornado” Penecale (above)

Here is my review of the Rocky vs Drago movie plus a photo with the movie poster. Guess who walked out with it!

So I went to see the Rocky vs Drago Director’s Cut film last night.

Here are 2 spoilers that shouldn’t be spoilers. Apollo still dies and Rocky still wins.

So the movie had approximately 40 minutes of new footage. It also kept approximately the same run time so with 40 minutes of new footage, there is nearly 40 minutes of omitted footage.

Now for some spoilers. If you don’t want anything spoiled, I suggest you stop reading here.

There were two shots that I really hoped would have been edited out for this film but somehow still made it in. I’ll get to them later.

So I’ll breakdown some of the changes/additions/omissions and give my thoughts.

1) New opening. Usually, it starts with the ROCKY title scrolling across the bottom to one of the series signature songs. Then it breaks into the last round of the previous movie. This movie starts with various clips from Rocky 3 including Rocky’s loss to Clubber Lang, Apollo talking him out of retiring, and the climatic fight scene. It completely omits the Rocky and Apollo sparring session. I was not a fan of the new opening. I am used to the normal movie openings that last 2-3 minutes and set the stage for the new installment. I wasn’t a fan of the song they used “Sweetest Victory” which is on the Rocky IV soundtrack but never used in the original.

2) No robot. While this was seen as a cross between corny and creepy (Paulie’s girlfriend?), the omission of the robot, likely due to licensing agreements, meant that many scenes with Paulie or Rocky Jr had to be cut including Paulie’s birthday scene.

3) The new Drago introduction press conference explains that they tried to arrange a fight with Rocky. I thought that was good but they cut out Drago’s wife comparing him to Popeye eating spinach. In fact, a lot of Brigitte Nielsen’s dialogue was cut. Could it be because of her “rocky” relationship with Stallone?

4) The reasoning for Apollo to take the fight was improved. Yes, he still shows up out of nowhere and part of the table scene had to be cut (no robot, remember) but they talked about how Rocky ignored the challenge and Apollo feeling the need to take it.

5) I thought the omission of the whole pre-fight dressing room scene with Rocky and Apollo was a mistake. Not only does it cut one of my favorite lines “I didn’t say anything about snails, I said Nails N-N-Nails” but it shows Apollo’s overconfidence and Rocky’s trepidation. The only part of the original dressing room scene that is preposterous is where Rocky was trying to convince Apollo to postpone. Seriously, who postpones 5 minutes before they are scheduled to walk to the ring?

6) The Creed-Drago fight was greatly improved. Except for the one shot they left in from the original where Apollo is clearly not wearing gloves. They missed that edit the first time. How did they miss it again? The fight was extended and Apollo got up after an early knockdown and kept trying to fight back.

7) Apollo’s funeral was extended and improved with his father-figure Duke giving a speech and Rocky giving a more emotional speech.

8) The scene with the boxing commission not sanctioning the fight between Rocky and Drago was included as it was shown in the original 1985 trailer but cut from that movie.

9) The scene of Rocky talking to his son before leaving was extended and improved.

10) The training montages were slightly changed and some edits to the scenes in Russia.

11) The final fight was still enjoyable. There were some added elements to it.

12) Two of the better movie speeches were changed to voiceovers. Apollo in the dressing room telling Rocky he would understand when it was over was changed to voiceover in Rocky’s head. The epic speech to Adrian where he said Drago would have to kill him to beat him was also changed to an inner-monologue voiceover. I definitely think that was a mistake because it takes the charm away from seeing the facial expressions of Apollo and Rocky respectively as they said those lines.

13) The moment before the final round when Drago’s manager ran from his balcony seat with the Kremlin to berate Drago in his corner. I was hoping that if any scene was cut, it would be that one. I would rather there be a scene of Paulie marrying the robot and announcing she was pregnant than this scene. I hated it in 1985 (when I was 9 years old) and I hate it now. There is 60 seconds between rounds of a boxing match. This man ran from the balcony, through the crowd, got to Drago’s corner, and berated him in less than one minute. Drago, for having endured 14 punishing rounds, is able to stand up and lift him with one arm before dropping him off the apron. Talk about taking some serious liberties.

14) The fight end. You get used to the way a Rocky fight ends. He scores the big knockdown, his opponent struggles to get up, and ultimately falls back down as the count reaches 10. This one, Drago goes down, makes a move to get back up, a falls flat. The referee stops with no count at all. I also hated Rocky’s leap at the end. In the original, he was lifted in the air as he stood there exhausted by triumphant. This one looks like he is able to do a leaping swan dive into a pool.

15) The speech is different. He couldn’t reference his kid because showing him would show the robot. I was glad in a way they cut the scenes of the kids watching the fight. It always posed some serious questions to me. If Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie were all in Russia, who was watching the 9 year old kid? The robot? Who is going to let an unsupervised 9 year old watch a fight where there is a fear that his father could be killed? The part of the speech that was comical was Rocky’s talk about change. He mentioned his friend (Apollo) couldn’t change and now he’s dead. Wow. Way to perk up the crowd there, Rock!

Overall it was enjoyable. The changed scenes and alternate takes threw off the cadence so you were in truth watching a new movie. There were a lot of scenes in this film that I prefer to the original (the extended Creed-Drago fight, the extended funeral, Rocky meeting with the commission). There were some scenes that I think should have been kept (Rocky and Apollo in the dressing room, Mrs. Drago talking about her husband, etc). There were a few things that I definitely prefer the original, most notably the superior intro scrolling logo/final round of previous movie scene.

So in my conclusion, there needs to be a Director’s Cut of the Director’s Cut and combine the best of the original and the best of the new version.

We can call this one “Rocky IV Take III: The Tornado Cut”

Tornado

boxing, Rivera Promotions

Rematch of 2021 N.E. Fight of the Year Wilfredo Pagan vs. Carlos Marrero, III headlines “New England’s Future VIII” Dec. 18th in Webster, Massachusetts

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

ME Poster.jpg — **Dec. 18^th in Webster, Massachusetts**

**WORCESTER, Mass. (November 29, 2021)** – The rematch of the unofficial 2021 New England Fight of the Year will headline the December 18^th “New England Future VIII” event, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), highlighting Webster’s (MA) first professional boxing event in 27 years, at Webster Town Hall.

Puerto Rico-native Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Southbridge (MA), and Bridgeport’s (CT) Carlos Marrero, III (2-6-2), fought to an entertaining 6-round split draw this past August 14^th in Worcester (MA).

“I am very excited we were able to get the rematch between Pagan and Marrero so quick,” RPE promoter Jose Antonio Rivera commented. “These two warriors put their heart and soul in their last fight and the fans were not disappointed. As a promoter these are the type of fights we love to put together. We are 3 weeks away from another great boxing event to see some talented up and coming future champions. Webster Town Hall is going to be electric!”

Pagan and Marrero will be fighting once again for the vacant New England Super Lightweight Championship in the Dec.18^th 6-round main event.

The original Pagan-Marrero was non-stop, action-packed throw-down which the judges’ scored 58-56 in favor or Pagan, 55-59 for Marrero, and 57-57. The scoring was originally announced as a split-decision win for Marrero but, in retrospect, both fighters have taken the emotional outcome changes in stride. Some fuel, though, has been poured on the fire, largely through social media.

“When the fight was done,” Pagan commented, “as a fighter, you know if your fight was won, lost or very close. It was a little close, but that I won the fight. When the decision was announced that he had won, I closed my eyes, because it reminded me of my amateur career. I definitely won a few fights, I dominated, but I didn’t get the decision. Anything can happen when it goes into the judges’ hands. The judges didn’t see me winning, okay, but then they reversed the decision. I thought that they had gotten it right and I had won, but it was announced as a draw. It is what it is, okay, because the judges’ job isn’t as easy as people think. They saw ups and downs and had it a draw.

“II was thinking, here we go again, when it was announced a draw,” Marrero said. “For some reason, every time I fight in Massachusetts it’s always controversial. I had dropped to my knees in happiness and when the second announcement was made, I thought they were giving him the win. A draw? I’m not upset but I was surprised because I felt I had won. I went home thinking it was a draw, not a loss, and hopefully we’d have a rematch. And we do December 18^th.”

Pagan vs. Marrero is an example of not needing two great fighters to have a great fight. They’re evenly matched and both fighters have tremendous heart.

“People had asked if I wanted a rematch and I said, yes, I’m thinking about it because it was a draw,” Pagan offered. “I wasn’t going to say no if it was offered, but the No. 1 reason for me to fight him is for the New England Championship. As long as I fought him for the title, I was for it because I want to fight for the belt and that’s what is my target. That was my feeling at the beginning, but things changed a little, because he changed. I don’t know what people told him, I’m not some kid and I had a lot of respect for him. But then he started texting me. I don’t know if it was to spice up this fight, but he crossed the line. He said a lot he shouldn’t have said. I’ always humble and respect all fighters because they’re risking their lives. I don’t know why he said what he did, but he’s given me even more motivation. I want that belt! I’m training double to beat him and shut his month. I still have some respect for him, but it’s not the same.

“I made a lot of mistakes in our first fight and made the fight much harder than it was supposed to be. I’ve been working on adjustment and, hopefully, on December 18^th it will pay-off.”

“I always have a little room for improvement after a fight, and we saw some things I needed to improve for the rematch,” Marrero explained. “I’m more mentally prepared to do things and will be much smarter in the ring. Physically, I’m a lot stronger and sharper. The key for me is being mentally prepared and sharper. His (Pagan’s) opponent for his last fight fell out and my manager, Nate Torres, contacted me saying I had been offered an opportunity to fight Pagan. Without hesitation, I said yes. I’m always in the gym and ready to fight. I came in 2-pounds under and I’m on weight right now for this fight. The only thing I had to prepare for is he’s a southpaw.

“We had a great fight. He probably thinks he won a few rounds, I felt I won the fight. He missed more and I connected with the cleaner punches the judges could see. In the third or fourth round, I hurt him with a body shot. He folded and I hit him with another good shot.”

In the co-featured event, Danbury (CT) super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (11-1, 3 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round match.

Promising Boca Raton (FL) super welterweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (7-0, 5 KOs) is steps up in terms of quality opposition in a 6-rounder versus Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-28-3, 5 KOs).

Worcester super middleweight Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (3-0-1), a two-time national amateur champion and World Games Silver medalist, will meet David Rohn (0-10-1) in a 4-round super middleweight bout.

Undefeated Worcester cruiserweight prospect Derek “Hightower” Edmonds (3-0, 2 KOs), a 3-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion, has been added to the card in a 4-round bout against TBA.

Worcester middleweight Eslih Owusu (6-0, 4 KOs), a native of Ghana, faces Anthony Everett (1-0), of Lawrence, in a 4-rounder.

Also fighting on the under undercard in 4-round matches are New Haven (CT) super lightweight Anuel Rosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Stacy Anderson (0-8), and Bridgeport super lightweight Oscar Bonilla (6-3-2, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-17).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 (reserved seating) and $45.00 (general admission) and available for purchase or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Shamrock Sports, Lundgren Honda, Greatest Hits Cannabis Company, Lake Shore Legal LCC Attorneys at Law, Emmloan, 616 Reality LLC, Drafters Sports Café, and Asmar Jewelz.

**INFORMATION:**
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt, @JoseRiveraChamp, @KingRivera_

boxing

Al Bernstein Emcees House of Boxing Champions Event

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

boxing

Don King Returns to Ohio to Present WBC Cruiserweight Champion Fight on Saturday, Jan. 29 Pitting Makabu & Mchunu

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Dkp — DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (November 26, 2021)—Homecoming At Last! The fight for the forgotten people (the homeless, poor, and downtrodden people) will benefit from this championship doubleheader.

The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, as he presents another blockbuster for the forgotten people, who won’t be forgotten any more, world championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.

The WBC world championship fight **for the love of the people**, will be held at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH. In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, Louisiana risking his perfect record against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN.

King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May.

Alvarez will be ringside in Warren, OH to see who his next opponent will be.

“This is going to be one action packed WBC world championship fight with a very big fight on the horizon for the winner,” said King. “They are both warriors and this war for the recognition of the homeless will start the new year in grand style, recognizing the homeless, and helping others.”

Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December.

Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.

Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019. He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021. Thabiso has won his last four fights.

boxing

Undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro Makes Nashville debut this Saturday

November 27, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**ORLANDO (November 22, 2021)** – Undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro (5-0, 5 KOs) has taken an unusual route to Nashville, where he will take on veteran Eric Abraham (6-10, 3 KOs) this Saturday night in a 4-round bout at Municipal Auditorium.
The 24-year-old Pinheiro was born in Poland, grew up in Brazil, moved to Orlando and then up to Massachusetts for a job opportunity in security in Boston’s Seaport and Financial districts. He started boxing three years ago, rapidly developing into a Central New England Golden Gloves Novice super heavyweight champion, turning pro this past May in Orlando where he lives again.

“I’ve always been a fan of boxing,” Pinheiro explained, “but I didn’t box until I moved to the United States. I appreciate the art of boxing. I’m an exciting boxer who can mix it up. I fight on the outside or inside, depending on who I’m fighting, and adapting in the ring.

“My opponent is a southpaw, and he can be a little awkward. It’s going to be a good fight. He’s more experienced than me, but I’m comfortable fighting a southpaw. I’m working to improve as an all-around fighter in every aspect, mentally and physically.”

The 6’ 4”, 200-pound Pinheiro will be fighting on the “Nashville Beatdown” card, presented by Lank The King & Lank Promotions, in association with Affiliation Management.

“’Pretty Boy’ is a boxer who looks like a model,” promoter Langston Hampton, Jr. commented. “He’s real fast and swift. He has to be reckoned with because he’s a good, clean fighter. I’m one of the promoters involved with him. He made his pro debut May 8^th on my show in Orlando. With his talent and looks, Adrian could be the next champion from Poland. The sky is the limit for him. It’s all about dedication. He has the talent in the ring and outside he’s very marketable. The Polish need a new champion and it’s going to be Adrian Pinheiro!”

Back living in Orlando and training at the Orlando Boxing Club, Pinheiro is an avid country music fan who is excited to be fighting in Nashville, the capital of country “his music.”

“I can’t wait to get to Nashville,” Pinheiro said. “I’m a huge country fan. This is special to me!”

“I’m excited about this young man,” Pinheiro’s manager/head trainer Tony Blanco remarked. “He’s a humble beast who works hard. He works out twice a day. My only problem with him is getting him out of the gym. He is the future!

“Adrian is a big country music fan. When the opportunity came to fight in Nashville, in front of Floyd Mayweather, Jr., he accepted right away.”
Polish boxing fans are known for their passion. Waving red and white Poland flags and singing loudly, they haven’t really had many fighters to follow in the United States since Andrew Golota and Tomasz Adamek. “Pretty Boy” would love to get support from his fellow Polish and Polish-Americans.

“I’ve heard a lot about them,” Pinheiro added. “Orlando doesn’t have much of a Polish community, but I hope that time will come. I love my people!”

**INFORMATION:**

Instagram: @heavyAP, @orlandoboxingclub, @downtownorlandoboxing

Tik Tok: @AdrianPineiro_

Facebook: /obc-orlandoboxingclub, @downtownorlandoboxingclub

boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

Top Heavyweight Luis Ortiz Battles Former World Champion Charles Martin Saturday, January 1 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Main Event from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Headlined by Top Heavyweight Luis Ortiz Battling Former World Champion Charles Martin In IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator Saturday, January 1 from Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

**Featuring Rising Star Frank Sanchez Dueling Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in Co-Main Event**

**Stacked Five-Fight Lineup Also Includes:**
**Jonnie Rice vs. Michael Coffie 2**
**Gerald Washington vs. Ali Eren Demirezen**
**Viktor Faust vs. Iago Kiladze**

**Live on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at Special Price of $39.99**
**Tickets Go on Sale Monday, November 22 at 10 a.m. ET**

**HOLLYWOOD, FL.** (November 17, 2021) – The new year will kick off with a heavyweight bang, as five exciting heavyweight matchups take center stage on a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on New Year’s Day live from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The main event will see top heavyweight **Luis “King Kong” Ortiz** take on former world champion **Charles Martin** in a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title Eliminator. In the co-main event, unbeaten rising heavyweight star **Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez** will square off against Puerto Rican Olympian **Carlos Negron** in a 10-round attraction.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see heavyweight contenders **Jonnie Rice** and **Michael Coffie** battle in a 10-round rematch, former title challenger **Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington** in a 10-round showdown against Turkish Olympian **Ali Eren Demirezen** and unbeaten **Viktor Faust** facing **Iago Kiladze** in a 10-round attraction to open the pay-per-view.

“Heavyweight boxing is always must-see, and we’ll be kicking off the new year with nothing but titanic sluggers looking to impress in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdowns,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is a stacked lineup of fights available for fans at an affordable price of $39.99. Luis Ortiz and Charles Martin are both amongst the top of the heavyweight contender ladder and will be able to solidify their position for a world title shot with a win on January 1. One of the most active rising heavyweights, Frank Sanchez will return to action after a career-best victory in October for a tough duel against Carlos Negron. With five fights in all, New Year’s day will be non-stop action with gargantuan duels taking place live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Monday, November 22 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Pre-sale tickets go on sale this Friday, November 19 at 10 a.m. ET.

With exceptional power and sublime technical skills, Ortiz (32-2, 27 KOs) has been a fixture atop heavyweight rankings for years, with his only defeats coming in memorable contests against former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Born in Camaguey, Cuba and trained by longtime coach Herman Caicedo in Miami, Ortiz won three bouts between Wilder contests, defeating Travis Kauffman, Christian Hammer and Razvan Cojanu. Prior to that run, Ortiz picked up victories over the likes of Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott to build up his heavyweight resume. Most recently, Ortiz blasted out Alexander Flores in the first round of their November 2020 bout.

“I can’t wait to give my fans in South Florida a great show on New Year’s Day and earn another shot at the heavyweight title,” said Ortiz. “Charles Martin is a good fighter, but he’s standing in my way. The only thing on my mind is getting in the ring and making a big statement in this fight to show again why I’m feared by the heavyweight division.”

The 35-year-old Martin (28-2-1, 25 KOs) became heavyweight champion in January 2016 when he won by TKO against then unbeaten Vyacheslav Glazkov. After losing his title to Anthony Joshua, Martin has won five of his last six fights, with all of his wins coming inside the distance. Originally from St. Louis, now living in Las Vegas and currently training in Southern California with Manny Robles, Martin bounced back from a narrow decision defeat to Adam Kownacki in 2018 to earn three-straight victories, including most recently knocking out Gerald Washington in February 2020.

“Nobody wants to fight me and nobody wants to fight Ortiz, so we’ll fight each other,” said Martin. “I’m going to show the world on January 1 why I deserve a title shot. I’ve paid my dues and I want my belt back. Beating Ortiz is going to get me one step closer to that goal. In order to become two-time heavyweight champion, I have to get past Ortiz first, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (19-0, 13 KOs) now trains in San Diego with top trainer Eddy Reynoso. The 29-year-old has stayed busy on his rise up the heavyweight rankings, scoring three victories in 2020 as he earned a unanimous decision over Joey Dawejko and stopped Brian Howard and Julian Fernandez. Sanchez most recently scored a career-best win in October, dropping previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

“I’m happy to be back so soon after beating Agjaba, but the work is only beginning,” said Sanchez. “There’s much more to be done. I believe I will be the first heavyweight champion in Cuban history. Negron is a strong, dangerous opponent. I’ll have to be my best, but I’m confident that I will come out victorious. I believe in my team, and my team believes in me. We’ll start the New Year off getting to 20-0, remain busy and make a strong case for a world title by year’s end.”

The 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Negron (25-3, 20 KOs) rides a five-fight winning streak into January 1, including four wins by stoppage. The 34-year-old bounced back from defeats to Dominic Breazeale and Brian Howard to put together his win streak, which includes a March 2020 knockout over previously unbeaten Robert Alfonso. Negron has fought professionally since 2009 and now lives in Miami where he trains alongside Luis Ortiz.

“This is a great opportunity for me to get a win over a strong up-and-coming fighter and show everyone what I’m capable of,” said Negron. “I’m training hard and I’ve had great sparring in order to be ready for anything that Sanchez is going to bring. My experience and preparation are going to be the difference. I’m extremely motivated to give the fans a great fight and put myself in position to get a world title opportunity.”

Born in South Carolina and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Rice (14-6-1, 10 KOs) will look to repeat a career-best performance in the rematch against Coffie, after he stopped the previously unbeaten fighter in the fifth-round in July. Rice won six of seven fights from 2018 through 2019 before a pair of losses in 2020 against then unbeatens Efe Ajagba and Demsey McKean. In a pro career that dates back to 2014, the blemishes on Rice’s records have all come against previously unbeaten fighters.

“In my last fight against Coffie, I went in there to prove myself and do what I had been training to do,” said Rice. “It was sink or swim, and I came out on top. Now I have to go out there on January 1 and show that it wasn’t a fluke. This is a great stage for me to display my talents and prove that I’m capable of big things. I’m looking to give the fans a great performance and I know that Coffie is doing the same. Don’t miss this fight.”

Coffie (12-1, 9 KOs) hopes to bounce back from his first career defeat after dropping the first matchup against Rice in July. A Marine Corps veteran who picked up boxing after returning from overseas, Coffie quickly impressed in amateur tournaments enough to earn sparring assignments with Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki. He was born in the Bronx, but now trains in Orlando, Florida and broke through in 2020 with three dominating stoppage victories, including knockouts over previously unbeaten opponents Darmani Rock and Luis Pena.

“I want to get it back and make it an actual fight this time against Jonny Rice,” said Coffie. “Last time, I was in a position where I faced some adversity, and I had to make a decision to go through with the fight. I know that I can fight through adversity, and on January 1, I will be ready for whatever way the fight goes. On January 1, there will be a fight.”

Washington (20-4-1, 13 KOs) is a six-foot-six heavyweight contender who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Born in San Jose, California, Washington most recently lost a contest against former heavyweight champion Charles Martin in February 2020. Prior to that fight, Washington had delivered a knockout of veteran contender Robert Helenius in July 2019. Washington was unbeaten in his first 19 pro fights before dropping his world title challenge to Deontay Wilder in February 2017.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back in the ring on January 1,” said Washington. “I’m ready to go to work and get myself back in position for some big time fights. My experience is going to be the difference in this fight. It’s going to be a great night of heavyweight action!”

A 2016 Olympian for Turkey, Demirezen (14-1, 11 KOs) has fought out of Hamburg, Germany in the professional ranks since turning pro in late 2016. The 31-year-old won his first 11 pro fights, including a second round stoppage of Rad Rashid to capture a European heavyweight title in 2018. Demirezen made his only other U.S. start in 2019, when he became the first person to go the distance against Efe Ajagba, losing by decision. Since that defeat, Demirezen has scored three-straight victories, most recently stopping Nikola Milacic in March.

“I learned a lot from my loss to Ajagba and I’m looking forward to getting another chance to box in the U.S.,” said Demirezen. “I’m still angry about the Ajagba fight, because I know that I could have won. I want to show now that I belong on this stage. I’m proud to be in this position to show what I can do and I’m going to make the most of the opportunity.”

The 29-year-old Faust (8-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in February 2020 after an extensive amateur career fighting out of his native Svitlovodsk, Ukraine. Faust knocked out his first four opponents, before winning dominant six and eight round decisions. After a first round knockout over previously unbeaten Jacek Piatek in May, Faust made his U.S. debut in October, dropping Mike Marshall twice on his way to a third-round TKO victory.

“I’m really excited to be back fighting in the U.S. again on January 1,” said Faust. “I’ve been welcomed warmly and fighting stateside already feels like my living room. I love the atmosphere. This is a great chance to show myself on this pay-per-view show against a very high-quality opponent. I won’t disappoint fans when I step into the ring.”

Kiladze (27-5-1, 19 KOs) returned to the win column in September, with a knockout victory over Mathew McKinney. Since he began fighting stateside full time in 2017, Kiladze’s losses have come against top heavyweights Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter, Efe Ajagba and Joe Joyce, who sported a combined 45-1 record heading into their matchups against Kiladze. Originally from Georgia and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Kiladze owns a 2019 draw against then unbeaten Robert Alfonso and won six straight fights between 2014 and 2018.

“I’ll be ready on fight night and I’ll be focused,” said Kiladze. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and training hard to put on a good performance and leave the ring with a victory.”

# # #

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, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez says Dmitry Bivol now has nowhere to run

November 18, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

LAS VEGAS (November 17, 2021) – Frustrated by Dmitry Bivol’s silence, even after Team Zurdo and Golden Boy Promotions sent the World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion a legitimate contract offer, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez now has a clear path to his first World title shot in the light heavyweight division.

Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) has been matched against Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) on December 18 in San Antonio (TX) in the official WBA Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator to determine Bivol’s mandatory challenger.

“I’m excited to end the year with this eliminator bout,” Ramirez said. “This is the path I’ve been planning for and I’m very humbled and honored to be in this position. The WBA is a great organization and I appreciate Mr. Gilberto Mendoza for allowing me to be in this position.”

Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) expressed his desire to fight Ramirez before and after the latter knocked out Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) this past this past July. Suddenly, though, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearns claimed that Bivol would instead fight John Ryder next month in the United Kingdom, and then target WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs), at either 168 or 175 pounds.

“I was surprised when Bivol turned down the fight we offered because it was something I thought he wanted. I know he’s a tough warrior and aspires to be the best, which is why I was surprised. He publicly called me out and sand that he was ‘ready.’ But unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case on his end. Again, in boxing, this seems like a common scenario where a fighter barks and barks, but he can’t back it up when it’s time to fight. With this fight (vs. Gonzalez) in place, Bivol has nowhere to run, and he will eventually have to face me.

“I’m not sure why Bivol thinks Canelo will face him in the near future. The probability of that happening within the next three fights is very, very low for him. Sadly, I think he’s just the cannon fodder for this scenario.”

The first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, “Zurdo” has waited too long to risk his first World title opportunity in the 175-pound division to look past the dangerous Gonzalez’ (21-3, 17 KOs). Ramirez and Gonzalez, respectively, are rated No. 3 and No. 4 by the WBA, and their 12-round main event will headline a Golden Boy-promoted card to be streamed live on DAZN.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

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