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Category Archives: boxing
Frank De Alba not looking past Jesus Lule this Friday, November 20th at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia
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MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ – WHO WILL BE VICTORIOUS ON NOVEMBER 21?
CELEBRITIES, SPORTS FIGURES AND MEDIA WRITERS MAKE THEIR PREDICTIONS FOR THE EPIC PUERTO RICO VS. MEXICO SHOWDOWN
LIVE FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS AND PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 17, 2015) – Buzz is building for the epic showdown set for this Saturday, November 21 when Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) will meet in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship.
Home to some of the greatest fighters to ever lace up the gloves, the middleweight division has long been a favorite of boxing fans because of the opportunity to watch fighters with unique skill sets and intangibles compete on the sport’s biggest stages.
As 20-time middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins has said of the division he ruled for more than a decade, “The middleweight division has the power of the heavyweights, and the speed of the flyweights. That’s why the middleweight division will always be one of the prestigious divisions of all-time.”
In 2015, a group of middleweights are in the midst of a quest to add their own names to the aforementioned list, and beginning with the November 21 mega fight between Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto and Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas; the era of the “New Kings of the Middleweight Division” is underway.
Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. Below is what celebrities, sports figures, media writers and other fighters had to say about their picks for the outcome of Cotto vs. Canelo on Nov. 21:
Sugar Ray Leonard, Six-Time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:
“I like Cotto for sentimental reasons and for what he has meant to the sport and boxing fans! Canelo has developed and grown along the way and taken to school against one of the best in Mayweather. If Cotto becomes that Miguel Cotto I remember, he will win by a smart, technical and fearless decision.”
Lennox Lewis, Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:
“I’m picking Cotto over Canelo because he has the most experience.”
George Foreman, Two-Time Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:
“It will be a battle of wills as they are evenly matched. In my opinion, things will start to separate after that. Canelo Alvarez punches like a mule. Cotto just doesn’t have the heart to run; he will stand to fight after six rounds and by the ninth round he’ll most likely be KO’D by Canelo.”
Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin,Current Unified WBA, IBF, WBC and IBO Middleweight Champion:
“It should be a great fight between two champions and two proven warriors. The edge goes to Canelo as he is younger and physically bigger than Cotto, however you can’t count out Cotto with Freddie Roach in his corner. Tom sees it as Canelo by decision, and Gennady thinks Canelo will stop Cotto late.”
Sylvester Stallone, Academy Award Nominee Staring in “Creed”:
“One of those two guys will win for sure.”
Mario Lopez, Host of “Extra”:
“We are going for Canelo. My loyalty is to Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. This is a big Puerto Rico and Mexican rivalry.”
Rosie Perez, Acclaimed American Actress:
“I’m sticking with my fellow Boricua. Win lose or draw, Miguel Cotto all the way!”
Kate Del Castillo, Acclaimed Mexican Actress Staring in “The 33”:
“Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? Canelo, of course! Of course!”
John David Washington, Star of HBO series “Ballers”:
“We the fans are in for a dynamic action packed fight. Should be violent and dramatic. I love Cotto because he is all heart. Canelo is a beast and more experienced now. I can’t call it. What I can predict is this will truly be a fan friendly fight and one of the most entertaining fights this year no hype needed. We will get our money’s worth.”
Bruce Buffer, Official Octagon Announcer for UFC:
“Both Cotto and Canelo possess boxing skills and styles that will make a much-anticipated war in the square ring as they will bring the fight to each other. I give the edge to Miguel Cotto and may the best man that night win.”
Claudio Sanchez, Lead Singer and Guitarist for Coheed and Cambria:
“Miguel Cotto. His experience, his new trainer Freddie Roach and he left hook to the body will be the key to beating Canelo Alvarez. Viva Puerto Rico!”
Erick Aybar, Short Stop for the Atlanta Braves:
“I like Cotto because he is a more experienced boxer, a harder puncher and is always leading the attack.”
Angie Martinez, American Radio Personality and “The Voice of New York” on Power 105.1:
“Cotto, by decision.”
Rusney Castillo, Right Fielder for the Boston Red Sox:
“I have to support our Roc Nation family member, Miguel Cotto, in his fight against Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21. I may not be sure what round he will overcome Canelo, but I am confident that Cotto will take the night!”
Larry Merchant, Longtime Boxing Analyst and Commentator for HBO Sports:
“Old Sayings, ‘Youth must be served.’ Canelo, 25, by TKO in round 10.
Old Sayings also say, ‘Great fighters always have one great fight left in them.’ Cotto, 35, by decision.
Canelo was lulled, listless vs. Mayweather; true grit vs. Kirkland. Cotto re-dedicated and restored himself vs. so-so opposition. Therefore, I’ve got Canelo.”
Dan Rafael, ESPN.com:
“Cotto is a great fighter who will be in the Hall of Fame someday but Canelo might join him there eventually and he is 10 years younger and whole lot fresher. Boxing is usually a young man’s game so I am going with Canelo by a late knockout.”
Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports:
“Canelo by decision. A lot of people lost faith in Canelo after he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather did that to a lot of fighters. Alvarez is a supremely gifted fighter who has learned a lot since that fight. He punches well with both hands and is increasingly putting his punches together well. He’s the naturally bigger man and has youth on his side. Cotto’s late-career resurgence has been fueled, in part, by less than stellar opposition. Sergio Martinez was at the end of the line when they fought. I greatly respect Cotto, and he’s going to make it a fight, but I think the bigger, younger and stronger man will win it.”
Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press:
“I think it will be a good fight early with both fighters taking some punishment. In the end, I think Alvarez will wear down Cotto and win by TKO in the 11th round.”
Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com:
“I can’t recall a recent high-profile fight that seems like so much a 50/50 proposition going in. Cotto has the resume and the skill set. Canelo has the youth and size. In the end, I think this will be the fight in which the youngster proves that he belongs among the elites, using an advantage in energy to carry him to a narrow win in a punishing fight. Canelo by decision.”
Lance Pugmire, The Los Angeles Times:
“Canelo Alvarez’s youth and power should decide this fight.
Even if Miguel Cotto is the smarter, more tactical fighter, he is likely to be drawn into a battle where Alvarez will punish him, and it will likely happen often enough to result in a late stoppage victory. I’ll say, 11th round.”
Jeff Powell, The Daily Mail:
“Canelo by decision.
Even though Freddie Roach’s training has clearly improved Cotto, youth and strength will prevail in what is likely to be a close fight through the first seven or eight rounds with Canelo pulling away in the later stages.”
Sergio Machado, NBCDeportes.com:
“Miguel Cotto has been and still is a great boxer, actually one of the best in history. However, boxing, like pretty much everything else in life, has generational changes and this may be the time for Canelo Álvarez to take the torch and establish himself as one of the most prominent faces of the sport. Canelo represents a big problem for Cotto because of his power. In his few losses and even in some wins, Cotto has shown problems when he gets hit with power. Cotto likes to engage as well and this is something very dangerous against an opponent with prominent heavy hands. I think Canelo has a slim chance to KO Cotto in the later rounds.”
Francisco Cuevas, NBC Deportes:
“When two boxers like Canelo and Cotto meet in the ring is a great event for boxing. Cotto should win because of his experience and dedication but Canelo should also win because of his youth and power. At the end of the day the fanatics around the world will win, witnessing a true classic match between two warriors.”
Brian Campbell, ESPN.com:
“Cotto by decision.
Canelo’s advantages in size and youth are hard to ignore. But Cotto’s edge in experience will ultimately be the deciding factor. The more Cotto can use his powerful left hook to dissuade Canelo from turning the fight into a brawl, the bigger the opening will be for the Puerto Rican icon to keep it a boxing match, which plays into his favor.”
Steve Kim, UCNLive.com:
“In what I believe is a very evenly matched fight, I think youth will eventually prevail and I’m picking Saul Alvarez to edge Miguel Cotto in what will be a hard-fought contest that will see pockets of great action and swings in momentum.”
Steve Springer, Author and Former Los Angeles Times Award-Winning Sports Writer:
“Canelo by split decision.
Canelo wasn’t ready for prime time when fought Mayweather, but this is his time.
At 35, Cotto still has some fight left in him, but his age will show Saturday night.
In a tough, competitive, often brutal match, the torch will be passed.”
Robert Littal, BlackSportsOnline.com:
“I think Miguel Cotto is going to surprise some people and put a boxing lesson on Canelo. Freddie Roach is one of the best of putting a game plan together and exploiting weaknesses, I think he has seen how Canelo has problem with movement and good boxers. You are going to see a combination of excellent boxing, defense and power punching from Cotto and he will cruise to a unanimous dominate decision.”
David Avila, TheSweetScience.com:
“Before Cotto began training with Freddie Roach, I would have picked Canelo by KO. But Cotto has become a more technical and strategic fighter under Roach. Now, I consider it a deadlocked even fight. I see it ending in a draw.”
Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship, 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 Made Simple (ctms). Also on the 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 featherweight bout 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 undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.
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.
Arthur Abraham – Martin Murray WBO Super Middleweight title bout added to Perez – Crolla This Saturday on AWE-A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET
San Diego, CA – November, 16 2015 -THIS SATURDAY!! It will be a championship doubleheader on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment as the Arthur Abraham – Martin Murray WBO Super Middleweight title bout from Hanover, Germany has been added to the already announced broadcast featuring the rematch between WBA Lightweight champion Darleys Perez and Anthony Crolla from Manchester, England.
“I am pleased to be able to bring this fight to the American boxing fans,” said Charles Herring, President of AWE
Abraham has been a champion in Middleweight and Super Middleweight divisions for the better part of the last ten years, has a record of 43-4 with 29 knockouts.
He won the IBF Middleweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Kingsley Ikeke on December 10, 2005 and defended the title 10 times which included 7 knockouts. He then entered the Super 6 Super Middleweight tournament and knocked out former undisputed Middleweight champion Jermain Taylor in 12 rounds.
Abraham became a two-division world champion when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Robert Stieglitz on August 25, 2012. After one successful defense, he lost the title to Stieglitz, but won it back three fights later via 12-round split decision. Abraham has defended the belt successfully three times which includes a 6th round stoppage over Stieglitz in their 4th bout on July 18.
Murray of St. Helens, England has a record of 32-2-1. He won his first 26 bouts which was highlighted by winning the Prizefighter tournament in 2008 and defeating two undefeated fighters in the process. Murray also wins over Kevin Concepcion (14-1), Sergey Khomitsky (22-5-1), Shalva Jomardashvili (26-1, Carlos Nascimento (25-2), John Anderson Carvalho (21-4-1), Nick Blackwell (8-0). He had a draw with former world champion Felix Sturm (36-2-1).
Murray won the WBA Interim Middleweight title with a 6th round stoppage over Jorge Navarro. That win facilitated Murray into a fight with WBC Middlweight champion Sergio Martinez.
The bout, which took place on April 27, 2012 in front of over 50,000 in Argentina saw Murray knock down Martinez in round eight. In round eleven, It looked like Murray dropped Martinez again but it was ruled a slip and Martinez was able to win a razor thin decision.
Murray once again challenged for the Middleweight title and was stopped in 11 rounds to WBA & Interim WBC champion Gennady Golovkin on February 21, 2015 in Monte Carlo.
Since that bout, Murray moved up to Super Middleweight and won three fights in a row, including his last outing when he stopped Jose Miguel Torres (31-6) in six rounds in five rounds on September 5th in Leeds, England.
The start time will be 3 PM ET / 12 Noon PT.
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.
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION DEFENDS AGAINST FORMER TITLEHOLDER LUCIAN BUTE SATURDAY, NOV. 28, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Click HERE & HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Frank Coppi/Matchroom Boxing
LONDON (Nov. 16, 2015) – Two days before he departs for Canada, IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James “Chunky” DeGale (21-1, 14 KOs) held an open media workout at the Stonebridge Boxing Club in London as he nears completion of a 10-plus week training camp for his title defense against former world champion and Canadian fan favorite, Lucian Bute (32-2, 25 KOs), of Montreal, on Saturday, Nov. 28, live on SHOWTIME (11 p.m. ET/PT) from the Vidéotron Centre of Quebec City.
The event billed as “THE RECLAMATION” is a presentation of Vidéotron in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu.
Here’s what DeGale had to say on Monday:
JAMES DEGALE:
“I think I am the best super middleweight out there right now. There are hard fights in the division. Badou Jack is a good fighter, but I think I beat him and beat him well if I stay switched on for the full 12 rounds.
“Arthur Abraham is still a tough customer and hopefully Martin Murray can do the business. I think he will beat him, although it’s hard to win in Germany.
“I want to prove I am the best, I will go anywhere to do it and that’s why I am defending my title in Canada. All the world champions in Britain have great rivals on the doorstep, so it’s a really exciting time domestically as well for boxing in Britain right now – but I firmly believe I beat everyone in this division.
“I like boxing away from home – maybe it’s time I started being called ‘the road warrior’. I won my world title in Boston and now I am defending it in Canada against a classy opponent in Lucian Bute. I know it’s going to be a hard fight but I am ready for that. My sparring has been great, I am hitting great times on the track, I feel strong in the gym and I am just looking forward to it.
“Nothing changes under Jim McDonnell – it’s all about hard work, long runs up Hampstead Heath, 15 round sparring sessions, five minute rounds in the gym – I’m always in great shape. We haven’t changed anything really. If anything, we’ve had to just adjust the mindset and train like a challenger even though I am the champion. That’s the way you have to think.
“I feel fresh, sharp and ready. I travel on Wednesday and I am raring to go. I just can’t wait to get in there now. I wanted to get out there a good 10 days early to acclimate to the weather and the time. Once I am there, I feel even more switched on.”
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In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Nov. 28 co-feature, undefeated Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) meets Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round WBC Light Heavyweight Title Eliminatorn. The winner becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC 175-pound champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson.
Preceding the SHOWTIME telecast will be fights on SHOWTIME EXTREME(9 p.m. ET/PT): Undefeated, world-ranked Amir Imam (18-0, 15 KOs) facesAdrian Granados (14-3-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight match, unbeaten Oscar Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs) collides with Curtis Harper (12-4, 8 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight scrap and, time permitting, Custio Clayton(4-0, 3 KOs) will be opposed by Ivan Pereyra (19-5, 13 KOs) in a four-/six-round welterweight bout.
Tickets are on sale at the Vidéotron Centre box office, onwww.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980.
@butelucian, @jamesdegale1, @yvonmichelGYM, @interboxca,@stormalvarez, @SHOsports,
“ALL ACCESS: JACOBS vs. QUILLIN” VIDEO CLIP PETER QUILLIN EXPLAINS ADVANTAGES OF MIAMI TRAINING CAMP ON “ALL ACCESS: JACOBS vs. QUILLIN”
FOR DEC. 5 ALL-BROOKLYN SHOWDOWN WITH DANIEL JACOBS
PREMIERES TOMORROW/TUESDAY, NOV. 17 ON SHOWTIME®
Click On The Link Below To Watch, Share and/or Embed This Clip
Check out this clip from “ALL ACCESS: Jacobs vs. Quillin” to hear why Peter Quillin decided to escape the hustle and bustle of New York for the comforts of Miami Beach as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career. “ALL ACCESS: Jacobs vs. Quillin” premierestomorrow/Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®and will be available On Demand and online.
Jacobs vs. Quillin: Saturday, Dec. 5, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center. Winner takes the belt and Brooklyn.
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In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan Oquendo.
Tickets for the live event 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 event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Corona. The Algieri vs. Bone and Rosinksy vs. Smith Jr. fights are promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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, @JesusCuellarBOX , @jonathanoquen; @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter
FIGHT NETWORK BOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Nov. 16-22, 2015)
(U.S. only schedules unless otherwise indicated. For complete Canadian schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com from your region.)
Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.
Below find highlights of this week’s programming:
Monday, Nov. 16
7:30 p.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET– Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
9:00 p.m. ET – NABA Featherweight Championship: Lock vs. Gonzalez– Featuring Cornelius Lock vs. William Gonzalez for the vacant NABA featherweight title from May 9, 2014 in Dover, DE.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
12:00 p.m. ET – NABA Featherweight Championship: Lock vs. Gonzalez – Featuring Cornelius Lock vs. William Gonzalez for the vacant NABA featherweight title from May 9, 2014 in Dover, DE.
4:00 p.m. — KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
3:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m. & 10:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
7:30 p.m. ET — Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
11:30 p.m. ET – Hennessy Boxing: DeGale vs. Bozic – Featuring James DeGale vs. Stjepan Bozic for the WBC Silver super middleweight title from June 8, 2013 in Glow, Blue Water, UK.
Thursday, Nov. 19
1:00 a.m. & 11:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Weekly – Covering all the latest news in pro boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
9:00 a.m. ET — KOTV Boxing Classics– Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:30 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Friday, Nov. 20
9:30 a.m. ET — KOTV Weekly – Covering all the latest news in pro boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
7:30 p.m. ET — Fight New Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.
Saturday, Nov. 21
1:00 a.m. ET (two-hour tape delay) — CANADA ONLY — Golden Boy LIVE from Las Vegas – Featuring Diego De La Hoyna vs. Giovanni Delgado and John Sosa vs. Alan Sanchez.
3:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Weekly – Covering all the latest news in pro boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
Sunday, Nov. 22
2:30 a.m. & 5:30 ET – KOTV Weekly – Covering all the latest news in pro boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.
7:00 p.m. ET — KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.
8:00 p.m. ET – Ultimate Classic Boxing: Machen & Hunter – Featuring Eddie Machen vs. Billy Hunter from Feb. 26, 1960 in Madison Square Garden in NYC.
Information:
Twitter & Instagram @fightnet
Undefeated blue-chip prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Liberia native making name in America
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To fight Sergio Lopez this Saturday in Las Vegas
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(all pictures by Jeny Luna Hernandez-Watson)
PROVIDENCE (November 16, 2015) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (16-0, 10 KOs) may be the best, relatively “unknown” prizefighter in the country, at least outside of New England.
A decorated American amateur who had a 131-11 record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the 2010 National Golden Gloves Tournament, Kahn-Clary returns to the ring this Saturday night (Nov. 20) at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas against Mexican opponent Sergio “Cuatito” Lopez (19-9-1, 13 KOs) in what is supposed to be Kahn-Clary’s last scheduled eight-round bout before he graduates to 10-rounders.
“He’s a tough Mexican fighter who can box a little on the outside,” Kahn-Clary spoke about his next opponent, “but he comes forward, too. He’s experienced and has been in with a lot of good opponents.”
Lopez is a serious test for any prospect. His last three fights include a loss to 18-0 Alejandro Luna (KO4) this past August, 10-round split draw with 24-7-1 Joksan Hernandez, and a stunning fifth-round technical knockout of 16-0 Victor Betancourt.
“Lopez is a gamer,” Kahn-Clary’s head trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. added. He’s tough but our plan is for Toka to take him apart and eventually take him out. Toka’s not far away from a really big fight, maybe 8-10 months. We were offered a big fight but, we need one 10-round fight first, and he get that fight early next year.”
Kahn-Clary, fighting out of Providence, is coming off his most notable victory as a professional last June, in which he stepped up in class to take on 33-11 Jonathan Perez, the former Colombian super bantamweight and World Boxing Council (WBC) champion. Kahn-Clary stopped Perez in the sixth round of their fight on a card headlined by Timothy Bradley‘s interim world welterweight title win over Jessie Vargas at StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The 23-year-old, who was born Toka Kahn, will never face obstacles in the ring more difficult to overcome than his early life experiences. Now a blue-chip prospect, he was born in Liberia and came to America with his younger sister to join their father when he was only six. He lived in Philadelphia only one year before his father was killed in a shooting. Toka’s arduous journey continued as he and his sister moved to Providence, where they lived with foster parents who, frankly, didn’t care what happened to them.
All signs pointed to Toka getting in trouble on the Providence streets as a youngster, particularly at times, when he was homeless. Fortunately, though, a friend brought him to Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtuckert, RI. Boxing truly saved his life. Manfredo, USA Boxing New England president Jim Perella and the couple that eventually adopted him, Andrea Watson and Ron Clary, dramatically changed his life.
Kahn-Clary signed a promotional contract with Top Rank, which, along with manager Mike Criscio and Manfredo, have moved Kahn-Clary at a steady, upward pace. Kahn-Clary, incidentally, will be fighting for the third time this year, after having five last year.
 “Top Rank has done a good job keeping me busy,” southpaw Kahn-Clary commented. “I know that it takes time to climb the ladder and I still need to improve a few things. I need to beat a top fighter to get into the world rankings. I’ll be ready when I get that call.“I’m ready right now for a 10 or 12 round fight. I’ve done a lot of sparring to help me get ready to step up. I’m excited about fighting 10 and 12 round fights because it’ll be a test for me and I love to be test. The top guys in my division are the (Gary) Russell, (Vasyl) Lomachenkoand (Leo) Santa Cruz. I have the skills and heart to compete with them.”
Quality sparring in New England is at a premium, especially for a smaller-weight fighter such as Kahn-Clary, who has gained invaluable experience sparring with WBA super featherweightJavier Fortuna (29-0-1, 21 KOs), three-time US Olympian Rau’shee Warren and his fellow New England and friend, New Haven’s Luis “KO King” Rosa (21-0, 10 KOs).
“Peter (Manfredo) and me travel to Worcester (MA) and Connecticut to get good work,” the gifted boxer-puncher Toka-Kahn explained. “It’s been a great help for me. I’ve gotten a lot of valuable experience in there with fighters like Fortuna and Warren. I’ve seen their ring generalship, their movement, and I’ve learned from them. They’re smart. I’ve learned from them, even try to copy them. It’s not just about sparring, which is a learning experience. If you don’t learn from sparring, all you’ll ever be is a sparring partner.”
Manfredo has been around and he realizes that his prize student, Kahn-Clary, will need to go away to training camp for good sparring when he starts fighting 10-rounders. “I’m good friends with Freddie Roach and we’ll go out to California and train at the Wild Card Gym,” Manfredo concluded. “I’m very happy with the way Toka’s been moved. I have faith in Brad Goodman, who is one of the best, if not the best matchmaker in the world. They’ve moved Toka along at a good pace. They know what they’re doing.”
Meanwhile, Toka Kahn-Clary plans to make his name in boxing next year. First, though, he has to get past Lopez this Saturday night to keep his momentum going.
Follow Kahn-Clary on Twitter and Instagram @TokaKahnClary, or friend him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/tokakahn.
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Del Valle Halts Beltran; puts 122 pound division on notice!
Comerio, Puerto Rico (November 15, 2015) – 122 pound contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle improved to 20-2 with 15 knockouts following a one-sided beatdown of 56-fight veteran Juan Jose Beltran yesterday evening at the Auditorio Municipal in Comierio, Puerto Rico.
Fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Del Valle dominated from the get go, dropping his Mexican foe in the opening round then following up with an onslaught of punches. Del Valle continued to take the fight to Beltran in the second, ripping him with hard shots to the body and head. Beaten and battered, Beltran elected not to come out for the third round, sending the pro-Del Valle crowd into a frenzy.
“I went in there and did what I had to,” said Del Valle. “Beltran came into this fight over the original contract weight by a significant amount, so I had to make him pay the price because I work hard in camp. Even with the unexpected weight issue, I did what I was expected to.”
With Beltran out of his way, the Bayamon native has his sights set on the 122 pound division’s upper echelon.
“The reason I am in this sport is to be the best and fight the best. Since I’ve had a few setbacks, I know I’ve got to show the boxing world that I’m still here. For my next fight, I’d love to face anybody ranked in the top fifteen of the super bantamweight division. I have what it takes to beat these guys and get a title shot. I’ll do whatever it takes to get there!”
Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @Orlanditoboxing.
JARRETT HURD KNOCKS OUT FRANK GALARZA IN MATCHUP OF UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECTS IN MAIN EVENT OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON SHOWTIME®
Sergiy Derevyanchenko & David Benavidez Shine With Quick Knockouts
At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Click HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 14, 2015) – Undefeated super welterweight prospectJarrett Hurd handed Frank Galarza the first loss of his career with a sixth round TKO in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generationon Saturday from The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.
Galarza (17-1-2, 11 KOs), who was fighting for his fourth time onShoBox and favored against the relatively unknown Hurd, became the 136th fighter to suffer his first loss on the prospect developmental series. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: http://s.sho.com/1NTILdM
Hurd (17-0, 11 KOs) was the sharper, more accurate fighter from the opening bell against the largely stationary Galarza. Hurd floored Galarza with a huge right uppercut –his favorite weapon– with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth, knocking “The Brooklyn Rocky” down for the first time in his career. Galarza made it to the bell, but was clearly hurt and never recovered.
Hurd, of Accokeek, Md., blasted Galarza with another big uppercut in the sixth, forcing a clearly finished Galarza to turn his body away in defeat. Referee Russell Mora had seen enough and stepped in to stop the bout at :59.
“I knew he was an experienced, tough fighter, but I stuck to my game plan, listened to my corner and came out victorious,” Hurd said. “Once I was able to set up my counter shots, I knew I
could hurt him.
“This was my first time on national TV and I knew how important it was to be successful. I’d like to fight again soon, hopefully early in 2016. I’m ready to take my next step.”
Galarza promised to be back after the crushing defeat.
“I tip my hat off to Hurd, he was the better man tonight,” Galarza said. “I didn’t fight my fight and he did. This type of stuff happens in our sport. I’m disappointed in my performance, but mark my words I’ll be back, better and stronger than ever.”
“It’s a crushing blow to Galarza’s career,” said ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood. “Because of his late start in boxing and his age, he can’t afford a loss like this. After the first round, he didn’t show any adjustment and lost every subsequent round.
“With that said, the story is obviously Jarret Hurd, who hadn’t fought a high level of opposition coming in, but stuck with a sound game plan, executed it well and showed no nerves in his national television debut. He made a name for himself in stopping a legitimate tough guy in ‘The Brooklyn Rocky.’”
In the ShoBox co-feature, blue-chip prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenkodefeated Jessie Nicklow with an impressive diet of body shots and uppercuts in a dominating, third round TKO.
Derevyanchenko (7-0, 5 KOs) attacked Nicklow from the outset, landing an astonishing 72 percent of power punches and 56 percent of his total shots. The durable Nicklow, who took the fight on short notice, could do nothing against the former Ukrainian amateur standout. In the third, Derevyanchenko backed Nicklow (25-8-3, 8 KOs) against the ropes and unleashed a series of punishing shots against a defenseless opponent, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest at 2:18 of the third.
“This was a great performance by me,” Derevyanchenko said. “Jessie was a very tough opponent. I feel like I showed another element to my game tonight. No one has done to Jessie what I did to him tonight.
“I’m improving every time and I feel like I’ll be ready for a title shot by the end of 2016.”
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated light heavyweight prospect David Benavidez scored three knockdowns en route to a first round TKO (2:00) of veteran Felipe Romero. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:http://s.sho.com/1NxpwT0
Benavidez (11-0, 10 KOs) had no trouble facing his most experienced opponent to date, knocking Romero (15-10-1, 9 KOs) down with a series of lefts to the body and head with less than a minute into the fight. Romero got up, but Benavidez continued to pepper Romero and floored him again with a left hook to the body. Ramirez again beat the count, but only lasted a few seconds before Benavidez finished him off with this third knockdown in just two minutes.
“I know how strong my body shots are and I knew they would be effective,” Benavidez said. “I wanted to make a great impression in my first nationally televised fight. I’m ready to get back in the ring gain as soon as possible.”
In a non-televised bout, former WBC Heavyweight World ChampionBermane Stiverne (25-2-1, 21 KOs) defeated Derric Rossy (30-11, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision (95-94, 96-93, 96-93) in his first fight since losing the title to Deontay Wilder last January.
“I feel good—it was great to be back in the ring again,” Stiverne said. “I wasn’t rusty, but maybe I sparred too much in the gym. He was a tough guy. The knockdown was more of a flash knockdown. It was a good punch, but I was a little off balance, too.
“I’m ready to get back in the ring soon and work my way back to become a world champion again.”
Stiverne knocked down with 10 seconds left in the first round.
The ShoBox tripleheader will re-air on Monday, Nov. 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning Sunday, Nov. 15.
Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Chuck McKean directing.
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About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 63 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.