Category Archives: boxing

boxing

Toro Promotions signs Undefeated Austin Brooks – Brooks goes from homeless to Super Featherweight prospect – Brooks vs. Avagyan headlines June 15 at famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA

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LOS ANGELES (May 30, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc. has signed undefeated Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA Super Featherweight Champion, to an exclusive promotional contract.

Brooks, 28, has traveled on a particularly rough journey through the years, overcoming many obstacles, including homelessness, to become a legitimate boxing prospect.

“I felt that Toro treated me the best and showed me the most respect of any promoter,” Brooks explained why he signed with Toro. “I needed to sign with a promoter to get my career going. It’s tough being a free agent. Toro believes in me like I do, others didn’t. Signing with Toro is a good choice for me.”

“Both Toro Promotions and Sheer Sports management see Austin Brooks as the embodiment of the American Dream,” Toro Promotions president Azat Torosyan commented. “We are in agreement that he has been overlooked and is capable of accomplishing tremendous things in the sport and we will stop at nothing to help him in his quest.”

Born in Idaho, Brooks lived in multiple cities in five different states, but now he’s happy to be settled down living in San Diego.

“I was raised by a single parent, and she did her best, but we had a lot of ups and downs,” Brooks explained. “It made me tougher; moving from school to school, I had my fair share of fights. I lived out of my car and in foster homes, but I wouldn’t change anything. Looking back, it made me who I am. and the love of this sport pulled me through because I felt it could help me be somebody. I’ve had a lot of good experiences and met a lot of good people.”

Brooks watches a lot of fights, particularly old-school classics, and the first boxer that he picked things up from was Roy Jones, Jr., along with James Toney and Pernell Whitaker. His goals include positioning himself for a world title shot in late 2025, early 2026.

Trained by Basheer Abdullah, Brooks is managed by Sheer Sports, a highly respected management group specializing in boxing.

Brooks, 28, defends his super featherweight title on June 15, headlining “EQC Fight Night,” presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. in association with Whitfield Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) in Tacoma, Washington.

Brooks captured his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental USA belt in his last fight when he knocked out previously unbeaten Cuban boxer Jose Manuel Izaguirre (7-0. 3 KOs) in the seventh round this past February 10th in Long Beach, California. Brooks, a southpaw, has fought only once at EQC, which ended in a six-round technical knockout of Anthony Chavez (11-3-1) on August 26, 2023.

In his Toro debut on June 15th, Brooks will make his first title defense against 2015 Armenian Olympian Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

“He (Avagyan) will be my best opponent so far,” Brooks noted. “He’s tough and experienced. I treat every fight as just my next fight and treat all my opponents the same. Right now, I’m focused 100-percent on doing what I should to be great.”

EQC FIGHT NIGHT LINEUP

MAIN EVENT – WBA CONTINENTAL USA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)

Austin Brooks (12-0, 5 KOs), Champion, San Diego, CA

vs.

Aram “Warrior” Avagyan (11-1-2, 5 KOs), Challenger, Burbank, CA by way of Armenia

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)

Tsotne Rogava (8-0, 7 KOs), Marina del Rey, CA by way of Ukraine & Georgia

vs.

Jon Bolden (10-13-1, 7 KOs), Seattle, WA

SPECIAL HEAVYWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)

Kinsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (12-2-1, 10 KOs), Phoenix, AZ by way of Nigeria

vs.

Juan Torres (11-6-1, 4 KOs), Cypress, TX

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)

Nilo Guerrero (8-0, 7 KOs), Coachella, CA by way of Nicaragua

vs.

Diuhi “Elegante” Olguin (16-37-7, 10 KOs)

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Nathan “Superman” Stolen (1-0, 1 KO), Hoquiam, WA

vs.

Julio Munoz, Jr. (0-0-1), Tucson, AZ

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Agustin Tovar (1-0, 0 KOs)

vs.

TBA

(Card subject to change)

Tickets are on sale now for $70.00 and $45.00 and may be purchased online at https://emeraldqueen.com/boxing/ or by calling (253) 594-7777.  Tickets purchased at the Emerald Queen Shop are eligible for up to a 20-discount, plus no taxes or processing fees. Must be 21 years of age to attend. 

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

POSTER.jpg

INFORMATION:

Instagram: @ToroPromotionsInc, @1AustinBrooks

Facebook: /ToroPromotionsInc

You Tube: @ToroPromotionsINC

X (formerly Twitter): @ToroPromotions

TikTok: @ToroPromo

amateur boxing, boxing, Golden Gloves, USA Boxing, women's boxing

Providence police officer Kyana Williams captured a bronze medal at prestigious National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions

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PROVIDENCE (May 28, 2024) –Providence police officer Kyana “Special Kay” Williams, a 2024 New England Golden Gloves Champion, captured a bronze medal in the welterweight (146-pound) division at the recent National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions hosted by the City of Detroit.

The National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions features a Who’s Who of amateur boxing in the United States. Virtually every great U.S. boxer since 1928 has competed in this prestigious competition.

Williams shutout Zamyla Thurman-Houston in the opening round by way of a unanimous decision, 5-0, and she was edged in the semifinals round, 3-2, by Brianna Gulia, the eventual runner-up.

“I proved that I’m one of the best in the country,” an ecstatic Williams said about her performance. “I’m really excited about it.”

Williams, a resident of Providence, is coached by David Keefe and Joshua Lemar at Bishop’s Boxing in Bridgewater and Veloz Boxing in Providence.

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TEAM WILLIAMS (R-L) – Joshua Lemar, Kyana Williams and Dave Keefe

“She came out of nowhere,” coach Keefe explained. “Three years ago, I was training fighters  and Kyana was in the gym. I told her that when she was ready to contact me, I’d train her. We started together four months ago and look at what she’s done. She could turn pro right now, but I’d like to keep working on a few more things before she does.”

Williams had several obstacles to overcome to get where she’s at in life as well as boxing.  When Keefe first saw her, Kyana wasn’t ready to commit to boxing, largely because of her new career as a police officer. Today, she is in her eighth year as a member of the Providence Police Department, patrolling the North End of the city. She recently made the Detective list, and she expects to be promoted very soon.

Because her work schedule is between 6:45 a.m. ET and 2:45 p.m. ET, she is able to juggle her vocation and boxing. Her typical day starts at 5 a.m. for strength-and-conditioning training, followed by a morning run, and she does her boxing workouts at night.

“I’m an early riser,” she admitted, “so I don’t have any trouble (managing her time). I do have a job to do, rules are rules and laws are laws, and I try to make people’s days easier when I go on  call. In the ring, though, I give my opponents a hard time.”

Williams started in combat sports as a kickboxer when she was 13, competed for the first time when she was 15, and she first started boxing in 2013. She took seven years off from boxing, although she always popped into the gym like she did when she met Keefe.

“I was policing, but you can’t play boxing,” she admitted. “I wasn’t all in (boxing). It was like riding a bike. I’ve learned a few things that have helped me in boxing. I have to be calm doing police work like I do in the ring. The level of confidence I have as a police officer helps me in the ring, too.

There were a couple of other issues. In 2015, she and her father were both shot during a home invasion. Williams was shot below the hip, her father in the toe. Doctors chose not to take out the bullet because of potential nerve damage and/or infection, believing exercising would safely move the bullet away from nerve damage. “If I ran six miles,” she noted, “my leg would go numb. I needed to build strength in my left and, as long as I do yoga and stretch, I’m good now.”

During her respite from boxing, Williams added weight and when she was ready to commit to boxing, she needed to lose weight and lost 65 pounds.

“When I saw Dave,” the 27-year-old Williams added, “ I knew I had to get back in shape before I contacted him about training me. It was the best decision I ever made.”

One other pertinent question is if she will remain boxing as an amateur or turn pro.

“I’m happy being part of USA Boxing,” she concluded, “but I’ll listen if the right deal is offered. I did open a lot of eyes at The National Golden Gloves.”

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Emilio Garcia one win away from Qualifying to Compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

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BANGKOK, Thailand (May 29, 2024) — Emilio Garcia (Laredo Texas) is just one win away from qualifying to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Garcia defeated Joseph Commey out of Ghana in dominating fashion. Garcia won each of the judges’ votes in all three rounds including two 10-8 scores in the third round.

Garcia is now just one win away from achieving his lifelong dream and qualifying to the Olympic Games. Only one boxer stands in his way and that will be the winner of Abdallah Abou- Arab from Denmark and Oier Ibarreche from Spain.“We are on to the qualification round and make sure you tune in,” Garcia stated after his victory on Wednesday. “I feel good and look forward to Friday.”

Tomorrow, May 30, is the first day of the livestream and it can be watched here.

Team USA heavyweight, Jamar Talley (Camden, N.J.) will get things started tomorrow as he will face Leclerc Nogaus from Haiti. Alyssa Mendoza (Caldwell, Idaho) will make her second appearance and will go against Olga -Pavlina Papadatou out of Greece. Lastly, Roscoe Hill (Spring, Texas) will make him Olympic qualifier debut against Yuberjen Martinez from Spain.

Team USA is represented by eight boxers in Italy who hope to punch their ticket to this summer’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The team is being guided by USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), as well as National Development Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with assistant coaches Adonis Frazier (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas).

INFORMATION:
Website: www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing 

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to  promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!
boxing

Lightweight Bader Al-Dherat edges Orlando Mosquera to improve to 11-0

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Moussa Gholam, Faizan Anwar & Al Nuami all winners by decision

“RSA4” official results from Abu Dhabi
(L) Bader Al-Dherat improved to 11-0
Photo Gallery below – all pictures courtesy of Seddiqi Boxing 

ABU DHABI (May 26, 2024) – Rapidly developing Arab boxing was on full display in last night’s fourth edition of the popular “Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) series, at Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Rising Stars Arabia 4” was promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and hosted in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.The RSA series is the first of its kind in terms of showcasing the exciting potential of the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as emerging boxing hubs, and sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, headed by Jose Mohen.

Jordanian lightweight Bader “The Master” Al-Dherat (11-0, 8 KOs) edged Orlando Mosquera (13-3-1, 2 KOs) by way of a 10-round split decision in the main event to keep his undefeated pro record intact. The first pro boxer from his native Jordan, the 23-year-old Al-Dherat faced the stiffest test of his young career versus Mosquera, the former International Boxing Federation (IBF), who had won 10 of his previous 12 fights with one draw.

Al-Dherat vs. Mosquera was one of four matches streamed live on DAZN.

Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (22-1, 13 KOs) continued his march back into the top 15 world rankings with an impressive performance, a 10-round unanimous decision over  previously unbeaten Lingjie Xia (9-1-2, 2 KOs), of China, a former Asian Continental Lightweight Champion. Gholam is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth silver and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental Super Featherweight Champion.

Indian welterweight Faizan Anwar (18-0, 9 KOs), whose goal is to be India’s first world champion in professional boxing, was pushed to his limits against 2017 French National Champion Nurali Erdogan (15-3, 1 KO). The 22-year-old Anwar, who was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in his native India, moved to Dubai five years ago to improve his pro boxing career. He won a 10-round split decision over the pure boxing Frenchman.

Popular UAE super flyweight Al Nuaimi remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision versus Muhsin Kizota (20-5, 12 KOs), of Tanzania. Al Nuaimi was a two-time national champion as an amateur and he also became the first boxer in UAE history to win a bout in the Asian Games.

Super featherweight Fahad “Kid Emirati” Al Bloushi (15-1, 3 KOs), the UAE’s most experienced pro boxer, extended his win streak to 14 with a six-round victory by unanimous decision over Tanzania’s Ibrahim “The Puncher” Makubi (11-3-1, 6 KOs).     

Also fighting on the undercard, Egyptian welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (4-0, 2 KOs) won a six-round unanimous decision versus Ibrahim “The Puncher” Makubi (11-3-1, 6 KOs); Egyptian super featherweight Mostafa Mohammad Fahmi Komsan (3-0, 3 KOs) stopped Ibrahim Mwalami (4-2-1, 1 KO), of Tanzania, in the second round by technical knockout; Lebanese super middleweight Nadim Salloum (13-2, 6 KOs) knocked out C Lalhruaitluanga (7-2, 3 KOs), of India, in the fourth round; and Ugandan lightweight champion “King” Fahad Mulindwa (8-4, 34 KOs) need only two rounds to eliminate Mohamed Salah Abdelghany (4-5, 0 KOs), of Egypt.

In three other support fights, super welterweight Eissa Eidan (2-0, 0 KOs), of Kuwait, took a four-round unanimous decision from Pakistani Shahzada Sohail (0-5), Syrian heavyweight Kenan Marai (2-0, 2 KOs) blasted out pro-debuting Ahmadzai Abdulahi (0-1), of Afghanistan, midway through round one, United Kingdom flyweight Tony “Lightning Junior” Curtis (7-1, 3 KOs) outpointed India’s Ismailulah Khan (1-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
    
AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing boxers in this region for 10 years. It boasts a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events have included five world title shows, broadcast globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

 PHOTO GALLERY

Team Al-Dherat celebrates after the decision was announced
Moussa Gholam (R) outclassed his opponent
Faizan Anwar after his 18th victory without a defeat
Sultan Al Nuami trapped Muhsin Kizota in a neutral corner  

#InAbuDhabi
#RisingStarsArabia4
@risingstars
@seddiqiboxing
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Robby Gonzales secured Team USA’s second win in Thailand

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BANGKOK, Thailand (May 25, 2024) — Robby Gonzales (Las Vegas, Nev.) secured Team USA second win with a unanimous decision victory over Ahmed Badrani out of Morocco on the second day of boxing in Bangkok, Thailand.

Gonzales dominated the whole bout as he won the first two rounds 4-1 and then won the last round 5-0 leading to a unanimous decision victory over the boxer out of Morocco.

The 2021 World Champion gold medalist will now fight on Monday against the winner of Weerapon Jongjoho out of Thailand and Vladimir Mironchikov from Serbia.

“Got the first one out the way and I got four more to go,” a determined Robby Gonzales stated after his debut at the 2024 World Qualification Tournament.

Team USA is represented by eight boxers in Italy who hope to punch their ticket to this summer’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The team is being guided by USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), as well as National Development Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with assistant coaches Adonis Frazier (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas).

Day 2 Results

80 kg: Robby Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, dec. over Ahmed Badrani, MAR, 5-0

Day 3 Schedule

63.5 kg: Emilio Garcia, Laredo, Texas/USA, vs. Ismail Umar FIN

INFORMATION:

Website: www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING: The mission of USA Boxing shall be to  promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Alyssa Mendoza gets Team USA’s first win 

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In Bangkok at final Olympic Boxing Qualifier

BANGKOK, Thailand – May 25, 2024 —  Alyssa Mendoza (Caldwell, Idaho) picked up Team USA first win with a unanimous decision victory over Bolortuul Tumurkhuyag out of Mongolia in day one of boxing in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mendoza, who won three medals in 2023, is looking for a similar result in Bangkok. In her first round she took the judges’ scorecards 3-2 but Tumurkhuyag grabbed the second round, and the scores were all tied up going into the third and final round.

The Idaho native came out hot in the third round and took all five judges’ scorecards and won on a unanimous decision. Alyssa needs three more wins to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Got the first day and win out the way. It was a tougher fight than I expected, but I am moving on and will make those adjustments and get better every day,” stated Mendoza after her first win in Bangkok.

Mendoza will now wait until May 30 for her next fight. She will go head-to-head against Olga-Pavlina Papadatou out of Greece.  Mendoza is looking to make history in this tournament and be the first boxer out of Idaho to qualify for the Olympics.

Team USA is represented by seven boxers in Thailand who hope to punch their ticket to this summer’s 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The team is being guided by USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with National Resident Coach Timothy Nolan (Rochester, N.Y.), as well as National Development Coach Chad Wigle (Colorado Springs, Colo.), along with assistant coaches Adonis Frazier (Minneapolis, Minn.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas).

Day 1 Results

57 kg: Alyssa Mendoza, Caldwell, Idaho/USA, dec. over Bolortuul Tumurkhuyag, MGL, 5-0

Day 2 Schedule

80 kg: Robby Gonzales, Las Vegas, Nev./USA, vs. Ahmed Badrani, MAR

INFORMATION:

Website: www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxin

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to  promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

boxing

FIGHTERS OF THE YEAR NAOYA INOUE & AMANDA SERRANO TO ATTEND 99TH BOXING WRITER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AWARDS DINNER ON JUNE 6TH IN NEW YORK

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FIGHTERS OF THE YEAR NAOYA INOUE & AMANDA SERRANO TO ATTEND 99TH BOXING WRITER ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AWARDS DINNER ON JUNE 6TH IN NEW YORK
Naoya Inoue and Amanda Serrano, universally recognized among the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, have confirmed that they will be attending the 99th Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner at Park 583, at 583 Park Avenue, in Manhattan, New York, on Thursday, June 6th, beginning at 6 p.m.

Inoue will receive the prestigious Sugar Ray Robinson Award as the 2023 BWAA Fighter of the Year, making history as the first Japanese fighter to win one of boxing’s most prized historic honors, which dates back to Jack Dempsey in 1938.

Serrano is the 2023 Female Fighter of the Year, earning that award for the second time in three years. Fights of the Year, Manager, Trainer, Broadcaster, Journalism, and Courage awards will also be presented.

Tickets can only be purchased prior to the event and not at the door.    

The glittering evening in a landmark venue on Park Avenue will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, open bar, dinner, silent auction and a gift bag for every attendee.

Please go to the website at bwaa.org for further information. 
boxing, women's boxing

Gionta Management brings Pittsburgh area its first women’s world title fight Mary Casamassa preparing to become only the second women’s world boxing champion from Western Pennsylvania @ “Brawl at the Hall” this Saturday in Harmony, PA

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main event poster march 2024.jpg

PITTSBURGH (March 26, 2022) – Gionta Management will present the first women’s world boxing championship match in Western Pennsylvania history this Saturday night (March 30) as Mary Casamassa battles Olivia Gerula in the 10-round main event for the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) Super Middleweight World title at Steamfitters 449 Union Hall in Harmony, Pennsylvania.

“Brawl at the Hall,” presented by Gionta Management, will be streamed live on www.CombatSportsNow.com for $19.99.

“I’m excited to hold a fight of this magnitude here in Pittsburgh for the first time,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “Female boxing is gaining popularity and there are a number of phenomenal female fighters out there to thank for that.

“Olivia Gerula is battle tested and she recently went eight rounds with a very solid boxer, Olivia Curry. Mary will be at her best and we expect the same from Olivia.”

Casamassa (4-0, 1 KO), a 24-year-old southpaw from Pittsburgh, plans to join Jill Emery as the only female world boxing champions in Pittsburgh’s rich boxing history. Emery captured the International Boxing Association (IBA) Welterweight World Championship on June 12, 2008, with a dominant 10-round decision over Angelica Martinez at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“I am very excited to be headlining this card, and I am looking forward to the challenge of fighting someone with as much experience as Olivia,” Casamassa commented. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait.”

Gerula (19-20-3, 3 KOs) is a veteran Canadian boxer who is a former World Boxing Council Super Featherweight World Champion. She has fought in nine world championship matches and her opponents’ list is a virtual Who’s Who of women’s boxing: Amanda Serrano, Mia. St. John, Kathy Collins, Jaime Clampitt, Jennifer Han, Maureen Shea, and Jelena Mrdjenovich, who Gerula defeated to capture her world title.

“Training camp is running smoothly,” Gerula noted. “I am focused on fighting a southpaw for the first time in my 26+ years. I’m so excited for this fight. I moved from Winnipeg to Las Vegas in 2020 with the singular goal of winning my next World Title – March 30th is THE DAY! All talk aside, I will let my hands do the talking from the first bell to the very last.”

Past WIBA world champions include Laila Ali, Holly Holm, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Ann Wolfe, Sumya Anani, Chevelle Hallback, Melida Cooper, Jeannine Garside and Mary Jo Sanders.

In the co-featured event, Pittsburgh’s unbeaten, popular super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (7-0-1, 3 KOs) faces Jonathan Ryan Burrs (4-8-1, 1 KO) in a six-round bout.

Another undefeated local fighter, Aliquippa (PA) super welterweight Paul Palombo (6-0, 1 KO), throws-down with Devonte Jones (3-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts is West Virginia super middleweight Tyler Aincough (2-1, 1 KO) vs. TBD,  Pittsburgh featherweight Michaelangelo Turner (0-5) vs. Tyquan Johnson (0-1), and Ambridge. PA junior middleweight Tre Craycraft (6-0, 1 KO) vs. TBD.

Card subject to change.

Priced at $50.00 (general admission), $75.00 (reserved) and $125.00 (ringside), tickets are available to purchase online at www.eventbrite.com (“Brawl at the Hall”) or by calling 1.412.759.0407.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta

Twitter:  @DGionta

Instagram: @d_p_g1

LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement

boxing

“Granite Chin Box Off” to launch May 11th 4-fighter, 1-night super middleweight tournament “Rumble at the Rink” at Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, MA

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“Granite Chin Box Off” to launch May 11th

4-fighter, 1-night super middleweight tournament

“Rumble at the Rink” at Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, MA

poster.jpg

QUINCY, Mass. (March 26, 2024) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced the launching of its innovative one-night tournament, “Granite Chin Box Off,” on Saturday night, May 11, featuring a quartet of throw-back super middleweight fighters from New England headlining the “Rumble at the Rink” pro boxing card, at Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, Massachusetts.

The quartet of super middleweights will fight in three-round bouts (4th round of sudden death if needed in case of a draw) early in the evening and the two winners will advance to the five-round main event (6th round of sudden death in the event of a draw) to determine the champion of what promoter Chris Traietti plans to be an annual tournament, which has been sanctioned by the Massachusetts Boxing Commission.

All four fighters are aggressive and gutsy who come to fight, which translates into a memorable evening for fans.

“This tournament has been an idea I have been flirting with since 2021,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “I didn’t want to pull the trigger on it until I felt as though I had some of the initial concerns worked out and I had the right four guys. It has all come together now! There is no combination of fights with these four that won’t be action-packed right from the opening bell. This is something Granite Chin plans to do annually, so once this inaugural tournament is complete, we will assess it to see if any improvements are needed to get one ready for 2025. Thank you to the fighters for their passion in being part of something special like this and the Massachusetts Commission for all its help in navigating me to getting all the safety issues addressed and handled so it could be sanctioned.”

Here is a breakdown of the four “Granite Chin Box Off” challengers:

James “Pitbull” Perkins (13-1-1, 9 KOs), Lynn, MA

Perkins is the pre-tournament favorite based on his pro record and quality of opposition. A gravedigger during the day, Perkins suffered his lone loss last August to Steve Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), losing an eight-round majority decision for the vacant IBA America Super Middleweight Championship.

“I’m really looking forward to this event. I’ve always wanted to fight in a tournament because I never fought in the Golden Gloves or any amateur tournaments. I decided to turn pro after my sixth amateur fight. It’s even better that the event is being held at a hockey rink because I grew up my whole life playing hockey. I started skating at two years old and played all the way through high school (St. Mary’s of Lynn).

“I’m prepared to deal with whatever comes at me. I know who all the fighters are, but I know Clark a lot more than the other fighters. Me and Clark have fought on the same card a number of times. I like Clark and he’s a tough guy, but if we end up in the ring together, it will be all business. We won’t be friends when we are in there. At the end of the night, I’m very confident I’ll be the winner of the tournament.”

Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (5-3, 2 KOs), Swansea, MA

A former Massachusetts Middleweight Champion, Andreozzi has recovered from a brutal leg/ankle injury suffered more than a year ago, returning this past February 24th within a second-round knockout of Igor Pessoa.

“It’s (tournament) breaking boundaries for sure. It’s the type of tournament where emotional control will be important. You can’t blow your load in the first round of the first fight and still expect to succeed. I have a few hundred wrestling matches and over a dozen karate matches. I’m used to the emotional control necessary to effectively do violence twice in one night. I can’t wait!

“Ryan Clark is a great guy. We’ve done rounds before my fight with Kyle Cusick (April 22, 2022). Perkins went six hard rounds with a former teammate of mine. Bernard seems like a good dude, so nothing personal against him.”

Bernard Joseph (6-1, 4 KOs), Dorchester, MA

Joseph has won his last two fights and has been active with four fights in 2023 and this will be his second of 2024.  The 33-year-old will also have a hometown advantage fighting in nearby Quincy.

“It is different (tournament format), but it comes down to the way we train. I do a lot of sparring and that will be good for me. It comes down to training and getting my body used to the break like in sparring. I could be fighting four rounds and then six.

“I’m a pro now, fighting six rounders, but not with a long pause between fights like in this tournament. It will give me time to rehydrate and get ready for the second fight of the night. I’ve seen video of all the other fighters and I’m not bad-mouthing anybody, but I can’t not feel that I’m the favorite to win it all.”   

Ryan Clark (4-5, 2 KOs), Barrington, ME

A natural middleweight, Clark is moving up the most weight in the tournament, something he is well aware of but not overly concerned. Another action-packed fighter, Clark’s record is misleading because he’s as tough as they come and capable of defeating any of the other three challengers.

“It’s (tournament) is a great idea. Chris (Traietti) is a smart guy, and this tournament will provide entertainment for the fans, and it’ll be a challenge for the fighters. I applaud his idea. I typically fight at 160 and this tournament has me fighting in a little bigger weight class. I like the challenge.

“I know Tony and Perkins and I respect them. They’re talented. This (tournament) is similar to sparring. I spar five or six rounds, hang around talking, get in some other training, and then get back in the ring to spar again. This isn’t too different.”

Additional matches will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale to purchase at www.granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

boxing

Toronto’s undefeated light heavyweight Kareem “Supreme” Hackett to make 1st WBA Inter-Continental title defense March 30th on DAZN from L.A.

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Kareem Hackett (R)(Photo credit: Cris Esquida/3PM)

LOS ANGELES (March 21, 2024) – Toronto’s undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem “Supreme” Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense March 30th against Rowdy Legend Montgomery (10-5-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round match on a Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by the WBA Cruiserweight World title fight between defending champion Arsen Goulimarian and Hackett’s stablemate, former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez.

All the action will be streamed live on DAZN from YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.

WBA No. 13 world-rated Hackett captured his crown last September 20th in Plant City, Florida, when he dominated 4-1 favorite and previously undefeated Clay Waterman (11-0, 8 KOs) en route to a 10-round unanimous decision, in which he won all 10 rounds on two of the judges’’ scorecards and nine on the other judge’s.

“I would have liked to fight sooner but that’s the way this business goes,” Hackett said. “It’s harder to get fights after winning my title than it was. A lot of good has happened since my last fight. I understand. I have a title and I’m world ranked. I have a clearer path towards a world title shot. I appreciate any opportunity to get in the ring.”

“I’m getting more respect since I displayed my skills on ProBox.TV. (Announcers) Juan Manual Marguez, Paulie Malignaggi and Chris Algieri gave me a lot of props and that’s been very validating.”  

Hackett has gained invaluable experience sparring world champions such as “Zurdo” Ramirez, Dmitry Bivol, Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sergio Mora, Mathew Macklin and David Benavidez.

Hackett has already established firsts by a Toronto boxer in terms of fighting on a Golden Boy Promotions card and becoming WBA Inter-Continental Light Heavyweight title holder.

“I’m a trailblazer for Toronto boxing,” promotional free agent Hackett explained with great pride. “I want to bring the first world title home, for sure, and one day the undisputed and unified titles, too, Toronto is a big city with a lot of natural talent, but I don’t know why boxing hasn’t thrived there.”

Hackett is trained by fast-rising Julian Chua at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood (CA) and managed by 3 Point Management (3 PM).

“(Dmitry) Bivol is at the head of the light heavyweight division, and I know he’s a strong guy,” Hackett noted. “We’ve changed some things since my last fight with the end in mind. We’ve tripled down, strength-wise, for when we run into him. That’s the main change. I feel that I’m the most agile fighter in our division and I’m working on getting stronger to match my skills and ring IQ.”

In 2024, Hackett wants to add hardware and fight a top-10 ranked opponent but, at least for now, he’s happy to be in his fight with Montgomery in his second home, Los Angeles.

“I love that this fight is in LA,” Hackett concluded. “I’m comfortable in Los Angeles. I feel at home here and fighting in other places in California. I’m also excited to be fighting on a card headlined by one of my closest friends in boxing (Zurdo).”

INFORMATION:Website: www.KareemHackett.comInstagram, Twitter & Tik Tok: @kareemwins