Category Archives: boxing

boxing, ESPN Boxing, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions

UNDEFEATED BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT EMMANUEL RODRIGUEZ FACES ELICER AQUINO IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN ACTION ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 FROM HIALEAH PARK RACING & CASINO IN MIAMI

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PLUS! DAQUAN ARNETT SQUARES OFF AGAINST YUDEL JHONSON IN A SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTEST & WES NOFIRE TAKES ON YASMANY CONSUEGRA IN HEAVYWEIGHT BATTLE
 
Full Night Of Undercard Action In Miami
 
MIAMI (November 23, 2015) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez (13-0, 9 KOs) will be tested by Elicer Aquino (17-1-1, 11 KOs) on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on ESPN Wednesday, November 25 from Hialeah Park Racing & Casino in Miami.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (21-2-2, 12 KOs) defending his title against former world champion Jan Zaveck (35-3, 19 KOs).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100, $75, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myticketforce.com, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.
Undercard action continues with a pair of 10-round contests as Daquan Arnett (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on Yudel Jhonson (17-2, 9 KOs) in a super welterweight showdown while undefeated heavyweight Wes Nofire (18-0, 14 KOs) goes up against Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-2, 14 KOs).
Also entering the ring, in an eight-round lightweight contest, is 23-year-old Brooklyn-native Dennis Galarza (10-1, 7 KOs) who takes on 27-year-old Mexican brawler Hugo Partida (26-6-2, 16 KOs) while undefeated 20-year-old Chicago-product Jose Quezada (8-0, 5 KOs) faces Tennessee’s Donnell Logan (11-18-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is 26-year-old Jeff Souffrant (1-1) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a four round welterweight bout against Miami’s Gregory Moore (1-0) and Puerto Rican super welterweight Alex De Jesus (21-1, 13 KOs) in a six-round bout.
At just 23-years-old, Rodriguez has been on a fast track towards a world title fight since turning pro in 2012. On November 25 he makes his U.S. debut after taking down Gabor Molnar, Luis Hinojosa and Alex Rangel in 2015. The Manati, Puerto Rico-born fighter will bring his exciting style into the ring against his toughest test to date when he fights on November 25.
Undefeated in his first 18 pro fights, Aquino looks to bounce back from a narrow majority decision loss to undefeated Adam Lopez in his last outing. The 28-year-old hadn’t gone the distance since 2012 before his last bout, having stopped seven of his previous eight opponents. Born in Higuey, Dominican Republic, he will be fighting in the U.S. for the second time as a professional.
The 22-year-old Arnett was an accomplished amateur who won a 2009 Junior Olympic Championship. Born in Winter Park, Florida, he has taken down previously unbeaten fighters Jeremiah Wiggins, Brandon Quarles and in his last outing, Joshua Conley. He looks to make it four in a row on November 25.
A Cuban boxer fighting out of Miami, Johnson won a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic games. He began fighting professionally in 2009 and won his first 12 pro starts. The 34-year-old took down Norberto Gonzalez and Lenwood Dozier in 2014 and began 2015 with a victory over Pablo Munguia.
A Cherokee-citizen born in Oklahoma and training out of Miami, Nofire will look to make a mark when he faces his toughest test to date on November 25. The 28-year-old has picked up victories in 2015 over Joell Godfrey and Sylvester Barron and has stopped six of his last seven fights inside the distance.
Born in Cuba but fighting out of Miami for several years, Consuegra returns to the site of his last victory, a March triumph over Taurus Sykes. The 31-year-old has picked up victories over veterans Byron Polley, Santiago De Paula and Stacy Frazier since turning pro in 2010.
 For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.hialeahpark.com,  follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions
amateur boxing, boxing, FDNY Boxing

FDNY BRAVEST BOXERS TAKE ON NYPD FINEST BOXING TEAM AT 33rd ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE BADGES

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The FDNY Bravest Boxing team will take on the NYPD Fighting Finest Boxing team at The Battle of the Badges on Friday November 20 at 8 p.m. in the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

 

The night will feature exciting three-round bouts featuring FDNY members versus NYPD members who will fight to raise funds for a veteran Marine Corporal Gunnery Sergeant injured in the line of duty.

 

Proceeds from the FDNY Bravest Boxing team event will go to the non-profit organization Building Homes for Heroes in order to help facilitate the building of a home for United States Marine Corporal Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Claude who was injured while serving in Afghanistan. In 2009 Gunnery Sergeant Claude’s team was ambushed by a roadside IED, leaving him with extensive injuries including an above the knee leg amputation, extensive nerve damage, and a traumatic brain injury.

 

The FDNY Boxing team competes in several amateur boxing matches each year against other Fire and Police Departments. In the past several years, the FDNY Bravest Boxing team has donated over $50,000 to military related charities. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and through the Madison Square Garden Box Office and website.

 

WHO: FDNY Bravest Boxing Team, NYPD Fighting Finest Boxing Team

 

WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden

 

WHEN: Friday, November 20, 2015

– Doors Open at 7 p.m. – First Bout begins at 8 p.m

boxing, HBO Boxing

MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ UNDERCARD FINAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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COTTO AND CANELO CLASH NOVEMBER 21 AT
THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan –Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports & Golden Boy Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (November 19) – Fighters featured on the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard hosted a media workout in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino ahead of their scheduled fights on November 21.

 

Joining in the day’s festivities, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion, Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) and undefeated top contender Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs), who are scheduled to face off in a12-round battle, gave fans something to cheer about as they shadow boxed in the ring.

 

Also in attendance, former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion and one of boxing’ best pound-for-pound fighters Guillermo Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and Drian Francisco (28-3-1, 22 KOs) of the Philippines not only showed off in the ring, but spent time with fans at the media event ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight fight.

 

Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson “Star” Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and opponent Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios(24-1, 10 KOs) were also in attendance ahead of their Puerto Rico vs. Mexico themed 10-round featherweight bout.

 

IBF Bantamweight World Champion, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) and England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) were on hand to show off in the ring and address members of the press ahead of their scheduled 12-round world championship bout.

 

Making his Las Vegas debut, heavyweight prospect Zhang Zhilei (5-0, 3 KOs) of Zhengzhou, China came into the ring and gave the fans a display of power.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts.

 

TAKASHI MIURA, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

 

“This is a big fight for me and I am ready to defend my title and prove I am still the best fighter in the division.

 

“This will be my fifth title defense and my tenth consecutive victory. I am proud of that accomplishment and will be ready to give fans an exciting fight.”

 

FRANCISCO VARGAS, Super Featherweight World Title Contender:

 

“I have had a great training camp, with a lot of conditioning running in the mountains and making sure I sparred with fighters who had similar qualities to Takashi.

 

“The thought of carrying Mexico with me has made me concentrated and motivated to win the fight on Saturday.

 

“I am feel good and my goal is always to bring the best of myself in the ring and so far I feel like I have delivered exciting fights to all the fans.  Saturday will be no different. I am ready to deliver a great fight and I am also ready to deliver a victory to Mexico.

 

“I feel ready to fight him. We know that the Japanese come and fight hard but I think the Mexicans are better.”

 

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX, Former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“I would like to thank Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity. I’m really happy to be a part of the Roc Nation family now. Signing with Roc Nation has been the best decision I have made. They are capable of taking my career to the next level. It’s what I need to stay active in the ring and give the fans what they want. I appreciate all the fans coming out today. The preparation is done and I’m ready to get in the ring and give the fans a show.

 

“I’m a very good boxer. And I’m always going to be ready for the next fight. And the fans are going to see that I can put on a show every time. Get ready to see what’s coming next.

 

“To the rest of the super bantamweights out there with belts, beware because I am coming for them. I’m coming for all the belts and I am going to destroy them all.

“I am the real champion. And everyone knows it. If you want to step in the ring with me, to prove it, let’s do it. It’s up to the fans to demand it from their champion to step up and get in the ring with me. They can run, but they can’t hide.

 

“Once I’m done with Francisco, I’m ready to fight everyone else. My energy after that will be spent winning all my belts back. I don’t need to say I am the best. I demonstrate it. I will fight anyone at my weight.

 

DRIAN FRANCISCO, Super Bantamweight Contender: 

 

“I know that Rigondeaux is one of the best fighters. He’s one of the top four or five best fighters in the world. But I’m here to fight and I am here to win.

 

“I’m mentally prepared for this fight. I hope the fans will support me. I will do my best in the ring.”

 

JAYSON VELEZ, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m excited, I feel happy, it’s my first time fighting here, fighting in a great event, fighting in Las Vegas, first time fighting on HBO Pay-Per-View, I’m happy, what more can I ask?

 

“I’m ready to be a world champion, I’m ready to fight Ronny. He’s a top fighter but I will beat him.

 

“Mexico vs Puerto Rico are the top fighters in boxing so I’m happy to be part of that.”

 

RONNY RIOS, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m not going to say anything, I’ve never been a talker. I’m just going to go out there and show it.

 

“It means a lot to me that my fans have stood by me. Last year was a very hard year for us so that means a lot. I’m really thankful and grateful.

 

“Fighting at this level, getting an opportunity like this, we have to take our game up ten notches. We’re focused, we’re ready and stay tuned and watch. I’m sure you’ll see an exciting fight.”

 

RANDY CABALLERO, IBF Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“It’ll be an action-packed night but I promise everybody it will be my night to shine. I’m going to show them why I’m the IBF Bantamweight world champion.

 

“I don’t care who it is, I’ll fight anybody. From heavyweight to straw weight, I’ll take whoever.

 

“I know him, I see that hunger in him, a young hungry Canelo that wants to come out on top where he belongs and I think he’s going to pull it off.”

 

LEE HASKINS, IBF Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger:

 

“Fighting in Las Vegas, fighting in a fight of this magnitude, I never thought in my dreams I’d be on an undercard like this, that’s what’s giving me the extra push.

 

“It feels absolutely amazing, just to be here. The magnitude of the fight, seeing everybody here, just up in the middle of the Vegas square, it’s incredible.

 

“I take nothing away from that, I’m sure he’s done a lot of sparing and he’s just as ready as myself. I’m just looking forward to having a great fight.”

 

ZHANG ZHILEI, Heavyweight Prospect:

 

“I really appreciate the exposure that I will have on Nov. 21. And I welcome the fans from all over the world to watch my fight and to see how exciting I can make the fight. I will do my best to get a knockout.

 

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent, just basic information. For training, I concentrate on my part and what my trainer has told me. For me, I just have to do what I do in the ring.

 

“I’ll bring an exciting fight to Nov. 21 and I’ll make everyone remember there’s a giant from the East.”

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms). Also on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions; Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco in a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented in association with Caribe Promotions; and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round bout for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Championship, which will open the Pay-Per-View telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Also part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms will be a four-round heavyweight bout featuring 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Zhang Zhilei who faces Juan Goode.

 

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT

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WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA

ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FL LIVE ON HBO® LATINO

 

NEW YORK, NY – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce their next co-promotion as part of the HBO Latino Boxing series. On Saturday, Dec. 5, former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will take on undefeated Rafael Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a ten-round featherweight showdown from the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

In the televised co-feature, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (28-0, 15 KOs) will take on Steve Claggett (23-1-3, 16 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight co-featured bout. Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be a ten-round light heavyweight tilt featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs) which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.

 

Tickets are priced at $67 and $35. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 19 at 12:00 PM ET and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com andwww.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I’m very happy with my team and blessed by God to have the opportunity to do what I do best which is fight,” said Vazquez Jr. “I can see that Rivera is an excellent fighter looking to go far in this business, but I am coming to give it my all. I need to overcome this challenge in order to climb back to a number one rating and win a world title belt. It’s always exciting to be part of this great rivalry between Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and this one won’t be an exception.”

 

“It’s a real honor to be able to fight a former world champion and to do it on national television with HBO Latino,” said Rivera. “I’m young and hungry to be successful in the sport of boxing and I can’t wait to trade shots with Papito Vazquez.”

 

“Once again, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are committed to providing fight fans with an action-packed night of boxing onDec. 5,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing, Roc Nation Sports. “The HBO Latino broadcast will showcase three exciting fights featuring some of the brightest young talents in the sport.”

 

“We are excited to come back to Orlando, Florida to give the fans great fights,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “OnDec. 5, Vazquez Jr. has the opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to be at the top level of boxing when he faces a tough Mexican fighter that is hungry and willing to make a great fight. This will be another great chapter in the storied rivalry of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. has emerged from the large shadow of his father, Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo Vazquez, to make a name for himself inside the squared circle.  The 30-year-old former world champion from Bayamon is on a quest to capture a world title belt in the featherweight division.  After storming out of the gates with an 18 fight unbeaten streak, Vazquez captured the WBO junior featherweight world championship by defeating then fellow unbeaten Marvin Sonsona via a fourth round knockout on February 27, 2010 in his hometown.  Two successful title defenses followed before Vazquez lost his title to Three-Time World Champion Jorge Arce in an all-out war that the judges had a draw at the time of the twelfth round stoppage. Another world title challenge came against Six-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire on February 2, 2012, but Vazquez came up short, dropping a split decision to the champion.  In his last bout on June 6,Vazquez lost via a unanimous decision against Fernando Vargas in an eight-round bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale. Dec. 5 is a true crossroads fight for the former world champion.

 

Undefeated featherweight boxer Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera made his pro debut on Aril 27, 2012 against Mario Lemus and came out with a technical knockout win in the second round. Since drawing in two of his next four fights, Rivera has reeled off 17 wins with 12 of them coming by way of knockout. In his last fight, Rivera scored an eight round unanimous decision win against Cancun, Mexico native Ruben Garcia in an eight round bout at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. On Dec. 5, Rivera will look to hold on to his undefeated record when he battles Vazquez Jr.

 

Washington, DC’s Dusty Hernandez-Harrison made his professional debut as the youngest licensed professional fighter in the United States on June 11, 2011, less than a month following his 17th birthday. Twenty-four straight victories would follow before Hernandez-Harrison headlined Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by FOX Sports 1 on January 9, 2015, capturing the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship with a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory over Tommy “The Razor” Rainone. Since then, he’s continued his winning ways, scoring three more wins, including a first round knockout over James Wayka in his last fight on September 26. On the 5th of Dec., he’ll look to keep that momentum going against Steve Claggett.

 

Claggett (23-3-1), from Alberta, Canada, holds the Canada Professional Boxing Council welterweight title over his most recent fight over Stuart McLennan in a third round TKO and the Canada Welterweight Title from his win by unanimous decision earlier this year against Tebor Brosch. He looks to finish his winning year, and Hernandez-Harrison’s unbeaten streak, onDec. 5.

 

Bogota, Colombia native Alexander Brand is riding a seven fight winning streak dating back to July 2012. That streak began following his only professional defeat which came at the hands of current World Champion Badou Jack via an eight-round split decision on May 11, 2012. Since that fight, Brand has passed every ring test with flying colors, notching seven consecutive victories. In his last bout on August 9, he defeated Bernard Donfack by unanimous decision. He faces the sternest test of his professional career on Dec. 5 when he faces Bektemirov.

 

Born in Makhachkala, Russia, Medzhid Bektemirov began his professional career in 2009 in Houston Texas, where he currently resides. The undefeated Bektemirov’s 16-0 record includes 12 KOs. He most recently fought on April 18, 2015 at the University of Texas against Michael Gbenga, where he won an eight-round bout by unanimous decision. He looks to stay undefeated against Brand on Dec. 5.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida and will be televised live on HBO Latino. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

boxing

With new promoter, Aikens looks for big win on Fridaynight to springboard into high profile fights in 2016

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Frank De Alba and Jesus Lule headline at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Philadelphia , PA (November 19, 2015)–This Friday night, November 20, King’s Promotions will present a big night of professional boxing at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

In the main event, Frank De Alba (16-1-2, 6 KO’s) of Reading, PA will take on Jesus Lule (7-14-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, FL in a 6-round Jr. Lightweight bout.

In the 6-round co-feature, undefeated Super Middleweight prospect, Antowyan Aikens of Atlantic City, NJ will take on fellow undefeated Tahir Thomas (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Salisbury, Maryland.
Aikens, who has had several occurrences of being inactive, will be making his first start under the King’s Promotions banner.
“This is a big opportunity to fight for King’s Promotions.  I know I will keep active and in the next year I expect four to five fights and hopefully end up with a ShoBox kind of fight,” said 26 year-old Aikens.
“I look forward to a good fight on Friday as it will be my first in Philadelphia.”
Said King’s Promotions Marshall Kauffman, “Antowyan is a interesting prospect.  He is tall and is already a good boxer.  We feel that he will grow into his power and he has a chance to do a lot of great things in his career.”
A packed undercard of local talent has been assembled.

In 4-round Bouts:

Christopher Brooker (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Jade Ealy (1-2, 1 KO) of Atlanta, GA in a Super Middleweight bout.

Terrence Williams (4-0, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA will take on veteran Edgar Perez(6-16, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IL in a Super Middleweight bout.

Ryan Bivins (0-1) of Philadelphia battles pro debuting Daryl Bunting of Vineland, NJ in a Super Middleweight bout.

Hafiz Montgomery (1-0) of Toms River, NJ will fight Devon Mosley (0-3-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland in a Cruiserweight affair.

Tyrell Colston of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Hector Perez (2-1, KO’) of Atlantic City, NJ in a Cruiserweight fight.

Ely Mendez (1-1) of Reading, PA will take on Derrick Bivins (1-3-2) of Philadelphia, PA in a Featherweight contest.

Corey Morley of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Brian Donahue (3-13-2) of Philadelphia in a Heavyweight fight.

Scott Kelleher (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will box Jack Grady (0-1-1) of Buffalo, NY in a Lightweight contest.

Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by and be purchased by clicking
boxing, UK Boxing

Abraham vs. Murray final press conference – quotes and pictures

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Abraham – Murray part of a split-site championship doubleheader this Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 noon PT
San Diego, CA – November, 18 2015 -Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) insists he has left no stone unturned in preparation for his WBO World Super Middleweight Championship contest with Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs)  This Saturday, November 21, live on AWE—A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT 
 
The fight will be part of a split-site championship doubleheader that will also pit WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez defending his title against Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England beginning at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT
Speaking at today’s final pre-fight press conference, ‘King Arthur’ detailed his ‘brutal’ training camp and declared himself ready to beat the British challenger.

”This has been one of the toughest camps of my career,” said Abraham. ”My coach Ulli Wegner and his assistant Georg Bramowski have pushed me to my limits. It’s been brutal at times, but it will all be worthwhile when my hand is raised on Saturdaynight. Martin is a good boxer and I expect him to give me a hard fight, but there is no way he is taking my title!”

Murray, who is contesting his first title at 168 lbs following three valiant attempts at middleweight, shares the Champion’s confidence and has vowed not to leave Germany without Abraham’s WBO belt.
Photo by Sebastian Hegar

”We’ve been studying Arthur carefully and I believe I’ve got him beat,” said the 33 year-old from St Helens. ”He is a great fighter, but he’s not changed his style in years, and in my opinion, he’s not evolved. It’s going to be a tough fight but I know it’s well within me to win. I won’t be leaving Germany without the title!”

”This is a real 50-50 fight,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. ”And I think it will be Arthur’s toughest test for many years. However, he has never shied away from a challenge, and against Murray, I expect Arthur to prove why he is the number one fighter in the super middleweight division.”

Another man under no illusion of the danger Murray poses is Abraham’s long-time coach and mentor Ulli Wegner, who will be celebrating his 100th World title fight on Saturday night. ”For Arthur and I, a unification bout is the common goal,” said the 73 year-old. ”But first he must get past Murray, which will be no easy task!”
Photo by Sebastian Hegar
Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.comfor boxing updates.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez as well as Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly.
boxing

Gibbs Jr. to meet Raines January 9 in Oklahoma!

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Jan 9 poster.jpg
For Immediate Release
Oklahoma City, OK (November 18, 2015) – Undefeated middleweight Bo “Hands of War” Gibbs Jr. will face his toughest challenge to date when he faces Delray “The Rainmaker” Raines in a ten round bout Saturday, January 9 at the Firelake Arena in Shawnee, OK.
The card is promoted by HD Boxing and tickets will be available shortly on cpnboxoffice.com or by calling 405-273-1637.
A solid amateur who made it to the US Championships and National Golden Gloves, Gibbs Jr. has a perfect 14-0 record with seven wins by knockout. Having fought all of his bouts in Oklahoma, Gibbs Jr. brings a large crowd with him each time he enters the squared circle. So far, the 24-year-old Carney native has been dominant as a pro and he’s confident his string of success will continue against Raines.
“It’s a step up on the pro level but I had over 100 amateur fights and faced a lot of top guys. I know he’s fought a lot of good opponents but he’s never been in the ring with me. I plan to show him things he hasn’t seen before. I’m strong, young and I’m fast but most importantly I’m smart. I believe I can do it all in the ring. The fans will see what I’m about because I guarantee I’ll win on the 9th.”
A familiar face among locals, Delray Raines, 19-11-2 (14 KO’s), is undefeated in the Sooner State. Living and fighting out of Paris, AR, Raines made headlines by knocking out local contender Tracy Sneed and fighting to draws against former NABA kingpin George Tahdooahnippah and top rated Carson Jones. Never one to back down from a challenge, Raines has faced WBA junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, former titlist David Lemieux, Joe Greene, Tarvis Simms, Aaron Mitchell, Alfredo Angulo, Dominik Britsch and Ronald Hearns. Even with the aforementioned experience advantage, Raines believes Gibbs Jr. is a good fighter.
“I don’t knock anybody he’s faced and am not looking past him,” said Raines. “I don’t expect this to be an easy fight because he’s a big puncher and was a good amateur. I know his promoter has faith in him otherwise they wouldn’t be stepping him up. On another note, I’m originally from Oklahoma and I’d love to get more respect here for what I’ve done in the ring against the hometown fighters. On the 9th, I’m planning to continue my streak of success here by using my experience, reach and knowledge en route to victory.”
“This is a very interesting fight,” said Promoter Bobby Dobbs of HD Boxing. “Raines is a huge step up for Bo. He’s fought many of the world’s best and had three of his best performances here in Oklahoma. Bo is a very talented fighter and he’s won all of his fights handily. At the same time, he’s never face anybody with Delray’s experience. I give him a ton of credit for wanting to test himself. This is a tough fight for both guys and an evenly matched bout that fans will enjoy.”
In separate undercard bouts, female featherweight standout Nikki Burleson of Oklahoma City meets Tiffany Alexander, Shawnee’s very own Dennis Knifechief faces surging Californian Martin Morales and lightweight knockout artist Nico Venetis travels from Hamburg, Germany to face an opponent to be named.
Additional bouts will be announced shortly and for more information, go to hdboxing.net.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION VICTOR ORTIZ PLUS RISING STARS TERRELL GAUSHA, HUGO CENTENO JR., MARIO BARRIOS & BRANDON FIGUEROA FEATURED IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON ACTION PACKED NIGHT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ACTION ON NBCSN

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 FROM THE AT&T CENTER IN SAN ANTONIO
 
ACTION ON NBCSN BOOKENDS PBC ON NBC PRIMETIME EVENT 
WITH COVERAGE FROM 6 P.M. ET – 7:30 P.M. ET &
FROM 11 P.M. ET – MIDNIGHT ET
 
SAN ANTONIO (November 18, 2015) – Former world champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz(30-5-2, 23 KOs), 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (16-0, 8 KOs), undefeated middleweight Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (23-0, 12 KOs), undefeated San Antonio-born prospect Mario Barrios (13-0, 7 KOs) and undefeated bantamweight prospect Brandon Figueroa (3-0, 2 KOs) will compete in separate undercard bouts as part of a full night of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)on NBC and NBCSN action on Saturday, December 12 from the newly renovated AT&T Center in San Antonio.
The NBCSN coverage will bookend the PBC on NBC event headlined by undefeated star Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 18 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, taking on former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs). Coverage on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will also feature a pair of heavyweight showdowns as undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (16-0, 14 KOs) faces“Prince” Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) and hard-hitting Mexican-American Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) battles Travis “My Time” Kauffman (30-1, 22 KOs).
NBCSN coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT and go until 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT.   NBCSN coverage will resume at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT following the NBC broadcast and run to midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions, are priced at $220, $112, $85, $58 and $31, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.attcenter.com  or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased by emailingm@leijabattahpromo.com or calling (210) 979-3302.
An exciting fighter who never shies away from action, Ortiz returns to the ring one year after injuring his hand in his last bout, a third round stoppage of Manuel Perez. The 28-year-old was a 147-pound world champion when he defeated Andre Berto in 2011 to set up a showdown with Floyd Mayweather. The Kansas-native has spent time in recent years to film roles in movies such as “Southpaw” and “The Expendables 3” but will returnDecember 12 healthy and ready to fight his way back to the pinnacle of his sport.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Gaushawas a decorated amateur who won gold medals at the U.S. National Championships in 2009 and 2012 and represented the US as part of the 2012 Olympic Team. The 28-year-old is undefeated since turning pro in 2012. In 2015 he has scored a knockout victory over Norberto Gonzalez and defeated Luis Grajeda and Eliezer Gonzalez by decision.
Oxnard, California’s Centeno has long been one of boxing’s top prospects with victories over Ayi Bruce, Keandre Leatherwood, Angel Osuna and Gerardo Ibarra. In December 2014 he faced his stiffest test to date against James De La Rosa and passed with flying colors, scoring a spectacular fifth-round knockout. Most recently, the 24-year-old took down Lukasz Maciec in September and looks to finish the year with another strong performance.
Fighting in his hometown of San Antonio, Barrioslooks for his seventh victory of 2015 onDecember 12. The 20-year-old hopes to build on his momentum after winning his first eight-round bout over Enrique Tinoco on November 10.
The brother of main event participant and former world champion Omar, the 18-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May by defeating Hector Gutierrez and has followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena and Ramiro Ruiz. The Weslaco, Texas-product looks to make it a perfect 2015 when he enters the ring on December 12.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.
boxing, UK Boxing

Murray believes his time has come to be crowned World Champion

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Abraham – Murray part of a split-site championship doubleheader this Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 noon PT
San Diego, CA – November, 17 2015 -Martin Murray (32-2-1, 15 KOs) believes the time has come for him to be crowned World Champion as he prepares for his fourth World title tilt against WBO World Super Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham (43-4, 29 KOs) on November 21 at the TUI Arena in Hannover, Germany., This Saturday, November 21, live on AWE—A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT 
 
The fight will be part of a split-site championship doubleheader that will also pit WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez defending his title against Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England beginning at 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT
The St. Helens man is unlucky not to have already claimed World honours having been held to draw by Felix Sturm in 2011 and finding himself on the wrong end of a continuous points decision to Sergio Martinez in 2013.
Photo by Lawrence Lustig

A brave performance against Gennady Golovkin followed in 2015, but was not enough to capture the Kazakh’s middleweight titles. Now, the former British and Commonwealth Champion believes the ‘time is right’ as he intends to draw on past experience to dethrone the German Champion.

”Abraham is a great champion and I’m expecting a tough fight but I just feel that the timing is right for me now,” reveals Murray. ”I think my first World title fight against Sturm may have come a little bit too early. I jumped straight from domestic to world level, so even though there was an argument to say I won that fight, I think it came to soon for me.

”Against Martinez, I knew I could win but going into the fight there were still some doubts. Whereas this time, I know I have it within me to win. I’ve got the ring experience, I’ve got the know-how, and I really feel, despite being in Germany, I’m going to get a fair crack of the whip.”

Murray, who has recorded three wins inside the distance since moving up to super middleweight, says he is expecting the ‘best Arthur Abraham’ having been impressed with the Champion’s recent performances.

”Arthur has looked great in his last two performances,” said the 33 year-old. ”I think I’ll be facing the best Arthur Abraham on Saturday night. He may of overlooked Paul Smith a little bit in their first fight, but I don’t think he is going to overlook me. He knows this is a massive fight for him and a risky fight, so I’m sure he’s going to turn up in top condition.”

Boxing fans can enjoy this amazing card on AWE available on AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD, and numerous regional cable providers across the nation. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates.
About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez as well as Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

FIREFIGHTER WILL ROSINSKY SET TO REPRESENT FDNY  IN SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 SHOWDOWN AGAINST JOE SMITH JR. AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

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Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
BROOKLYN (November 18, 2015) – New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Engine Company 234 in Brooklyn firefighter Will Rosinsky (19-2, 10 KOs) is ready to represent the FDNY when he takes on Joe Smith Jr. (19-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight clash on Saturday, December 5 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Rosinsky will face one of the toughest challenges of his career in the undefeated Smith Jr., but he will be spurred on by the brave men he works with outside the ring on a daily basis, “I feel like I have the whole fire department to represent and that’s what is going to drive me in the fight,” said Rosinsky.
“Fighting in New York, especially Brooklyn, where my training first started, gives me a sense of comfort as well as motivation. Being a local kid and working in that borough, I feel like the FDNY will be at Barclays in full force to support me alongside my day-one fans.”
A 2005 U.S. amateur champion, Rosinsky won the New York Golden Gloves tournament an astonishing four times before turning pro in 2008. Throughout his pro career, he was also working fulltime as an EMT specialist.
However, after a victory in December 2012, Rosinsky was forced to step away from the sport while transitioning to become a fulltime member of the FDNY. At the conclusion of his probationary period from the FDNY, Rosinsky was finally able to resume his boxing career in the spring of this year. Now, he spends time on both of his professional passions.
“I have to have equal dedication to both crafts and the preparation can be very similar,” said Rosinsky, who began his career 14-0. “You have to prepare for the worst case scenario in a fight and worst case scenario with a fire. Those fires are much more dangerous though.”
Tickets for the Rosinsky-Smith bout, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,  www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.
The December 5 event is headlined by the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event that pits middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) against former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs) with televised coverage beginning live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @DanielJacobsTKO, @KidChocolate, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.