Category Archives: boxing

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE READY FOR PRIME TIME

Birmingham, Alabama (September 25, 2015) –  World heavyweight championship boxing returns to prime-time television tomorrow evening on NBCafter over thirty-years.  Two bouts will be televised and featured in the co-main event of the live Premier Boxing Champions telecast is undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (15-0, 14 KO’s).

Breazeale, who will be opening up the live telecast is truly excited and thankful for the opportunity to show that he is ready to take on the top fighters of the heavyweight division.  Speaking at the press conference yesterday, Breazeale stated the following, “I want to thank Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions for this opportunity.  This is a dream come true for me and I intend to make the best of it.  I respect my opponent Fred Kassi, but this is business and I am coming out looking for the early knockout.”

“I need to make a statement and what better statement than to impose my will on this man and take him out in the early rounds in front of a nationally televised audience.  Deontay Wilder is fighting in the main-event after my bout so I am sure he will be watching.  Everyone is going to know who I am after this fight and know that I am coming for those world heavyweight titles.  I want to bring that fear and respect back to American heavyweight boxing,” said Breazeale.

The Premier Boxing Champions live telecast kicks off at 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST on NBC.

“Here Comes Trouble
 
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IRISH INVASION COMING TO LOWELL! GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN, STEPHEN ORMOND & PATRICK HYLAND FEATURED IN UNDERCARD ACTION, SATURDAY OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

 
DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH
HEADLINING PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN
8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, Mass. (September 25, 2015) – An Irish invasion is coming to Lowell, MA onSaturday, October 10 as Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan (21-1, 14 KOs), Stephen “The Rock” Ormond (18-2, 9 KOs) and Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland enter the ring and provide colorful support for the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN card, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, from historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
At the same venue in which he became a New England Golden Gloves amateur champion, wildly popular welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs), will be out to avenge his 2011 loss to Brooklyn welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
The 10-round co-feature showcases undefeated super bantamweight knockout specialist Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs), a Dominican Republic native now living in nearby Lawrence MA, facing New England upset specialist Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs), of Meriden, CT.
Opening the NBCSN broadcast, starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, will be Quincy, Mass. rising prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs), who twice captured a New England Golden Gloves title at Lowell Memorial Auditorium, against Brooklyn’s Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout.
Tickets are on sale and priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes.  Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com.
Irish middleweight champion O’Sullivan returns to the United States once again, where he has a perfect 5-0 (3 KOs) record.  The charismatic, top 10 world rated brawler, in the truest Irish sense, has a growing fan-base throughout New England, as well as back home in Cork, Ireland.  O’Sullivan, whose only pro loss was two years ago by controversial 12-round decision to current world title challenger
Billy Joe Saunders, takes on 29-year-old Colombian invader Francisco “Volcan” Cordero(31-4, 22 KOs) in a potentially explosive 10-round match.
A Former European champion, Ormond, from Dublin, will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time in nearly six years, against local favorite Agustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-1-3, 3KOs), from Lawrence, MA, in a lightweight showdown.
The former world title challenger” Hyland (30-1, 14 KOs), also fighting out of Dublin, is slated for an eight-round lightweight bout.
Also competing on the undercard is unbeaten 26-year-old Polish heavyweight prospectAdam Kownacki (11-0, 10 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, in an eight-round bout. The 6′ 3″, 250-pound Kownacki is a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion.
Super featherweight prospect Titus Williams (2-0, 1 KO) will enter the ring in a four round bout. The 26-year-old won a gold medal at the 2013 New York Golden Gloves tournament.
 
Argentine veteran Fernando “El Vasco” Saucedo (56-6-3, 9 KOs), a former South American champion, will compete in an eight-round bout. The 33-year-old is a former world title challenger who will be looking for his fourth victory of 2015.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

UNDEFEATED RISING STAR JERMELL CHARLO FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOACHIM ALCINE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN HIS HOMETOWN AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN COMES TO NRG ARENA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 11 P.M. ET/8 P.M. PT

 
Powerful Super Welterweight Prospect Tony Harrison Takes On
Cecil McCalla In The Co-Main Event
 
Pre-Sale Discount Available Now!
Public On-Sale Available Too!
 
HOUSTON (September 25, 2015) – Undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (26-0, 11 KOs) will look to put on a show for his hometown fans when he takes on Joachim Alcine (35-7-2, 21 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight bout on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31 as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN comes to NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with powerful super welterweight prospect Tony Harrison (21-1, 18 KOs) taking on Cecil McCalla (20-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight attraction. Doors in the arena open at 5 p.m. CT and will feature a full night of exciting action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija*Battah Promotions, are priced at $163, $109, $49 and $22, plus applicable fees. A Pre-sale ticket discount with special passcode is available now through Sunday at 11:59pm online only at ticketmaster.com. The public tickets are on sale now by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at 210.979.3302 or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800.745.3000, via the internet at www.ticketmaster.com and at the NRG Stadium South Ticket Windows.
“This is a good fight against a former world champion,” said Charlo. “He’s experienced and he’s been in the ring with multiple world champions. I’m not taking anything away from him, but Houston is my town. I’ve been anticipating another fight here. I’m ready to go and I’m going to put on a great show.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to compete against a young, strong fighter like Jermell Charlo,” said Alcine. “I don’t think he’s faced a fighter with my level of experience in big fights. I am not going to make it easy for him. I am going to challenge Charlo like he never has been before.”
Younger-by-one-minute than his identical twin, super welterweight world champion Jermall, Charlo is also a highly ranked young fighter looking to get one step closer to a world title shot. A tall fighter for his division, the 25-year-old stepped up in class in 2014 and delivered three wide unanimous decision victories over Gabriel Rosado, Charlie Ota and Mario Lozano. In 2015 he delivered his most impressive victory to date, beating highly-ranked Vanes Martirosyan in March.
A veteran of the sport for over 15 years, Alcine is unbeaten in his last three bouts. The 39-year-old won a world title in 2007 with a victory over previously unbeaten Travis Simms and defended against Alfonso Mosquera. Born in Haiti, but fighting out of Quebec, Alcine owns a victory over David Lemieux and most recently fought to a split-draw with Delvin Rodriguez.
At just 25-years-old, Harrison has made big noise recording a 10-fight knockout streak before dropping his last fight to Willie Nelson. The Detroit-native will look to bounce back and return to the win column when he enters the ring onOctober 31. He has picked up victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.
After an extended amateur career in which he competed in nearly 100 fights, McCalla is looking to bounce back from a loss to Ishe Smith in April. He entered 2015 on a 20-fight win streak and hopes to get back on track onOctober 31. The 30-year-old fights out of Baltimore, Maryland.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.leijabattahpromo.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @IAmBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @NBCSports, @NRGParkFan and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Eleider Alvarez vs. Isaac Chilemba in November  WBC light heavyweight final eliminator in Quebec

MONTRÉAL (September 24, 2015) – World Boxing Council (WBC) No, 2 rated contender Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs), a former Colombian Olympian who now lives in Montreal, and WBC No. 1 contender Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs), of Malawi, will face each other this November in a WBC light heavyweight final eliminator bout to be staged in Quebec.
 
Yvon Michel and Kathy Duva, respectively, promoters of Alvarez and Chilemba, yesterday finalized a deal to secure this much anticipated fight, in which the winner will become mandatory challenger for WBC World light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, the Haitian native who also lives in Montreal.
 
“Alvarez and Chilemba are both at the elite level of the light heavyweight division,” said Michel, President of GYM, “insuring a spectacularly intense fight that will determine the rest of their respective careers.”
 
“Isaac and Main Events are very much looking forward to the fight and very happy to have come to an agreement with our friends at GYM,” added Duva, CEO of Main Events.
 
In his last outing this past August 15 at Bell Centre in Montreal, WBC Silver champion Alvarez spoiled the undefeated record of tough Paraguayan challenger Isidro Ranoni Prieto, retaining his belt via a unanimous decision victory on a great Premier Boxing Champions card that aired live on NBC Sports.
 
Chilemba, the current North American Boxing Federation (NABA) champion, also fought his last bout at Belle Centre, the famed home of the Montreal Canadians. Fighting on the March 14th undercard headlined by a world championship light heavyweight bout between defending champion Sergey Kovalev and challenger Jean Pascal, Chilemba defeated Russian foe Vasily Lepikhin on HBO by unanimous decision to capture the NABF title.
 
The exact date and venue of the Alvarez-Chilemba showdown is expected to be announced within a couple of days. The plan is have Alvarez’ stablemate, undefeated light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev, fighting on the same card in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) elimination fight.

 

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE For Photos From Stephonia Mclinn
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 24, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and French heavyweight Johann “Reptile” Duhaupas faced-off for the first time Thursday before they enter the ring for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC Saturday, September 26 from the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s press conference was 2012 U.S. Olympian Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale who battles “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight bout and undefeated prospect Charles “Missouri” Martinwho takes on Vicente “Bufalo” Sandez in 10-rounds of heavyweight action.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:
DEONTAY WILDER
“I’m so happy to have the opportunity to defend my title in my home state. I just defended my title a few months ago and I can’t wait to do it again.
“I’m always looking to have my face on new networks and NBC is where a lot of the greats that came before me started. I can’t wait to display my talent on the network. I can’t wait for Saturday night.
“This is my happiest point. Words can’t even express the feeling that I have. I love what I do. I’m so passionate about boxing. If she was a woman, I’d put a ring on her.
“I’d like to thank Duhaupas for accepting the challenge. If anyone is looking past him, they’re a fool. He’s a tall guy, with a good record who’s never been knocked out. I have friends all over the world who have told me not to look past him.
“Any man that steps in the ring, definitely gets my full attention in respect. The heavyweights are the hard-hitters. When people get dressed up to see a heavyweight fight, there’s one thing they want to see – knockouts.
“Right now, there are two tall guys with power that are determined and dedicated. There is one challenger, trying to become the first heavyweight champion from his country. There is a difference between being here for the opportunity or for the money. Guys here for the opportunity, they come to fight.
“I’ve been training extremely hard for this opportunity. I have a great team behind me. I’ve worked so hard to get that belt and I have to work even harder to keep it. I have a target on my back now. I love that feeling of the world wanting what I have.
“I’m excited to be back home once more. I’m excited about all the fans that will be tuning in on NBC. It’s going to be a packed crowd full of my people.
“I’m taking this very seriously. This is one of the biggest fights of my career. I’m ready to defend this title. Now is the time.”
JOHANN DUHAUPAS
“I’m very thankful to be here and I’m so glad I accepted this fight. I’m someone who has worked very hard to be here.
“It’s because of all my hard work that I am here today, ready to fight for a world title. I’ve traveled a lot to train with the best boxers in the world. I am here for a reason, and that is to win the title on Saturday.
“It’s an immense pleasure to be boxing here in the United States. It’s been a magical country to me ever since I was little. When I walk around in the streets here, I feel like I’m in the movies.”
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s an honor to be on a stage like this with Deontay Wilder. I got some fireworks coming as well. I’m planning to stop the show early.”
CHARLES MARTIN
“I’m coming to bring fireworks on Saturday night and to let you know what a superstar looks like. Thank you for coming out and I’m looking forward to putting on a show.”
JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer
“It’s great to be here. I’m looking around the room and I see a lot of phenomenal fighters who are going to be on this undercard. You don’t want to be late because you want to see all of these guys.
“This is going to be a great heavyweight title fight. Scouting a guy like Johann Duhaupas is not easy. He’s big and strong with a great record. He’s never been stopped. He’s tough, determined and ready for the challenge.
“If anyone is looking past Duhaupas, it’s not us. We’ve been focused on him since day one. This is the biggest challenge of Deontay Wilder’s career. Deontay knows what a challenge this is.
“We had 12 sparring partners come into camp, which is more than we’ve ever had. That’s because we know what a big event and challenge this is. We’re not looking past anybody.
“This is one of the best camps we’ve ever had. We’re in the gym day in and day out. That’s where the real work is done. You’ll see it all pay-off on Saturday night.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“It’s amazing to see how much excitement there is here for Deontay. He is the finest young athlete that we have in the sport. On Saturday night you’ll be able to see him in action for the third time this year, which is an amazing thing.
“Deontay fighting this often proves that he is dedicated to his craft and to improving. He’s already one of the best heavyweights in the world today and he’s still a work in progress.
“To put on gloves for the first time at 21 and to win a Bronze a couple of years later and win a world title while still in his twenties, it’s tremendous. What he can do between now and 39, will be truly special.
“Having Deontay fighting on free television is a big deal. NBC primetime is a big deal. The heavyweight division has suffered some decline. I’ve watched Muhammad Ali fight on free television. Some of the greatest of all time developed on free television.
“I’m so excited about a lot of people getting the chance to see this young, charismatic champion fight on free television.”
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For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER J’LEON LOVE BATTLES OSUMANA ADAMA ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

 
UNDEFEATED SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS DOMONIQUE DOLTON & OSCAR MOLINA SQUARE-OFF IN GREAT NIGHT OF ACTION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 FROM
 THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT
 
Plus! Former World Champion Mickey Bey & Knockout Artist Andrew Tabiti
Featured In Separate Bouts
 
LAS VEGAS (September 24, 2015) – Super middleweight contender J’Leon Love (20-1, 11 KOs) returns to battle Osumana Adama (22-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and FOX Deportes Tuesday, September 29 from The Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort.
Additional televised action features undefeated rising super welterweight contenders as Detroit’s Domonique Dolton (17-0, 9 KOs) battles 2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Molina (13-0, 10 KOs).
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by super featherweight world champions Javier Fortuna taking on 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Velasquez. Renowned sports broadcaster Jessi Losada takes on blow-by-blow duties alongside boxing champion Daniel Ponce de Leon for FOX Deportes.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50 and $20.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Further undercard action features Mayweather Promotions’ stars including undefeated cruiserweight knockout artistAndrew “The Beast” Tabiti (11-0, 10 KOs) taking on Tamas Lodi (16-5-2, 13 KOs) in an eight round bout and former world champion Mickey Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Also entering the ring is 30-year-old Buffalo-native Lionell Thompson (15-3, 9 KOs) in an eight round light heavyweight attraction, undefeated 20-year-old Ladarius “Memphis” Miller fighting out of Las Vegas in a lightweight bout against 27-year-old Minneapolis-native RonDale Hubbert (10-2-1, 6 KOs) and 21-year-old Milwaukee-native Thomas Hill (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round super welterweight affair.
Rounding out the night of fights is 25-year-old Juan Heraldez (8-0, 6 KOs) out of Las Vegas taking on 27-year-old Los Angeles-native Joaquin Chavez (9-17-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout and 26-year-old Cuban Leduan Barthelemy (6-0, 3 KOs) in a featherweight fight.
A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 27-year-old Love will make his third start of 2015 on September 29. He bounced back from his lone defeat to dominate Scott Sigmon in March and Jason Escalera in June. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon. He will face the 34-year-old Adama who has twice fought for a world title and fights out of Joliet, Illinois by way of Ghana.
A highly regarded prospect out of the late Emanuel Steward’s Kronk Gym, the Detroit-native Dolton is undefeated as a pro entering his bout September 29. The 25-year-old has already taken home victories over Victor Fonseca and Juan Carlos Rojas in 2015 and owns victories over Donatas Bondorovas, Richard Gutierrez and Jonathan Batista in his seven-year career.
Representing Mexico, the 2012 Olympian Molina fights out of Norwalk, California and is unbeaten in his brief professional career. The 25-year-old turned pro in 2013 and after winning a decision in his first bout, he went on to knock out six opponents in a row. His pro fights have been split almost evenly between California and Mexico and he will be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time as a pro on September 29.
A powerful fighter who knocked out the first ten opponents he faced, Tabiti proved he can box and go rounds in his last fight, an eight-round shutout of Roberto Santos in July. Prior to that, the 26-year-old kicked-off his 2015 campaign with a sensational knockout of Thomas Hanshaw in June. The Chicago-born fighter now trains out of Las Vegas and will take on the 26-year-old Hungarian Lodi.
The 32-year-old Bey returns to the ring on September 29 for the first time since winning a world title in September 2014 with a victory over Miguel Vazquez. Bey has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Representing Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning on September 29.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FS1, @FOXDeportes @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and,www.facebook.com/foxdeportes

UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS ROBERT EASTER JR. & JAMEL HERRING TO FIGHT IN CO-FEATURED BOUTS ON SHO EXTREME ®

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 FROM U.S. BANK ARENA IN CINCINNATI, OHIO
LIVE AT 8 P.M. ET/PT
 
Adrien Broner To Face Khabib Allakhverdiev For
WBA Super Lightweight World Title
On SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
 
Full Night of Non-Televised Action Inside The Arena Also Features
Unbeaten Up-And-Comers Jamontay Clark and Raynell Williams
 
CINCINNATI (September 24, 2015) – Top undefeated prospects Robert Easter Jr. and Jamel Herring will enter the ring in separate bouts on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME® on Saturday, October 3 live at8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati.
The SHO EXTREME telecast will lead into SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME® at10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  In the main event, Adrien “The Problem” Broner (30-2, 22 KOs)will take on Khabib “The Hawk” Allakhverdiev (19-1, 9 KOs)for the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship. In the co-main event, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (20-0, 12 KOs) defends his title against veteran Edner “Cherry Bomb” Cherry (34-6-2, 19 KOs).
Easter Jr. (15-0, 12 KOs) and Herring (13-0, 8 KOs) will look to remain undefeated when they face former world champion Miguel Acosta (29-8, 23 KOs) and former African champion Yakubu “Black Mamba” Amidu (19-7-2, 19 KOs), respectively, in 10-round lightweight fights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and About Billions Promotions, are priced at $154, $104, $79, $54, and $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at the U.S. Bank Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select Kroger stores, call 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Another pair of undefeated local prospects will appear on the undercard action:  Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (6-0, 3 KOs) faces Romon Barber (5-9, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Raynell Williams(9-0, 5 KOs) competes in an eight- round lightweight affair against an opponent to be announced.
Rounding out the action is 32-year-old heavyweight Danny Calhoun (5-1 3 KOs) out of Chicago taking on 24-year-old Toledo-native Calvin Pritchard (2-6-3) in a six-round contest, 27-year-old Cincinnati-born Aaron Hollis (3-0, 2 KOs) facing 27-year-old DeWayne Wisdom (6-25-1, 3 KOs) out of Indianapolis in six rounds of featherweight action and 29-year-old Mel “Black Diamond” Crossty (7-0-1, 1 KO) out of Cincinnati going up against 25-year-old Cleveland-born Thomas Mattice (3-0, 3 KOs) in a 6/8 round lightweight attraction.
An accomplished amateur who was a 2012 U.S. Olympic alternate, the 24-year-old Easter Jr. will be seeking his fourth victory of 2015 after picking up knockouts over Osumanu Akaba, Miguel Mendoza and Alejandro Rodriguez. Unbeaten since turning pro in 2012, the Toldeo, Ohio-born prospect faces a tough challenge in 30-year-old Amidu. Born in Ghana, Amidu, who trains in Los Angeles, will be fighting for the third time this year.
The 29-year-old Herring represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year. Fighting out of Cincinnati, Herring hopes for a fourth straight victory in 2015 after beating Hector Velazquez, Ariel Vasquez and Hector Marengo. He faces the toughest opponent of his pro career when he steps up against the 37-year-old Acosta. Born in Venezuela and fighting out of Philadelphia, Acosta won a world title and defended it against previously unbeaten fighters Paulus Moses and Armando Cordoba.
Another talented young fighter to come out of Cincinnati in recent years, Clark cites Aaron Pryor as one of his boxing idols. The slick 20-year-old recently completed his first six-round bout with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia in May and stopped Marco Reyes in September. He returns in his hometown against the 33-year-old Barber out of Wichita, Kansas.
Fighting out of Cleveland, the 2008 U.S. Olympian Williams has been busy in 2015, picking up four victories including two by stoppage. The 26-year-old fights at U.S. Bank Arena for the second time in his career onOctober 3 and will look to make it a perfect 10 victories in a row to start his career.
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @AdrienBroner, @WarriorsBoxProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.Facebook.com/AdrienTheProblemBroner

Team Fight to Walk to host “Fighting For the Cure” Gala October 15!

2015 fundraiser.png
New York, NY (September 24, 2015) – WBC-USNBC junior middleweight champion Boyd Melson and Christan Zaccagnino, Founders of Team Fight to Walk, will host the organization’s third annual “Fighting for the Cure” benefit gala Thursday, October 15 at 6:15 pm

at the Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle, NY.

Tickets and sponsorship packages to “Fighting for the Cure” are available by going to teamfighttowalk.com/gala or calling 914-497-5727. All donations are deductible per IRS regulations.
New York Knicks great John Starks will serve as the Honorary Chairman for this special evening and a number of other guests will be available to mingle with ticket holders. The current guest list includes former world champion and pound for pound superstar Paul Williams, Super Bowl XXV Champion Stephen Baker of the New York Giants, middleweight champion Danny Jacobs, former champions Junior Jones and Chris Algieri along with former New York Knicks Herb Williams and John Wallace. More guests will be announced shortly. This outstanding evening of entertainment and awareness includes cocktails & appetizers, a formal dinner, silent auction, blackjack tables, live music, open bar, DJ and guest speakers.
During the last two years, Team Fight to Walk hosted successful galas in New York featuring comedy acts from Artie Lange and Damon Rozier accompanied by emotional speeches from Melson, Zaccagnino, Major Max Brewer, world renowned Dr. Wise Young, Eric LeGrand and cancer survivor turned world champion boxer Danny Jacobs.
In June, Melson, Dr. Young and Dr. Patricia Morton met with Congress in Washington, DC to present evidence from successful Spinal Cord Injury trials in China. The Chinese trials saw 15 out of the 20 patients regain the ability to walk again and 10 patients have their bladder and bowel function return. This is the exact same procedure that would be used in America and an official answer from the FDA on the trial is expected to come before this year’s end.
If the trials are to take place, the cost for surgery and therapy is $150,000 per patient and 100% of those costs are being raised through public donations. The trial will be held at University Hospital in Newark, NJ and will involved 12 patients. Currently, the federal government is not offering financial assistance, even though thousands of soldiers are returning from war with Spinal Cord Injuries.
From the time they met at a dance club during his junior year at West Point in 2002, the most important thing in Melson’s life has been to see Zaccagnino walk again. Christan broke her neck at the age of 10 after a diving accident and been confined to a wheelchair ever since. To spearhead the funding efforts for the aforementioned trial, Melson’s donated 100% of his purses from 16 of his 17 professional to Team Fight to Walk, a 501(c)(3) with one of his purses going to a childhood friend whose son was battling brain cancer. Between the two galas and his professional bouts, Melson’s helped raise more than $330,000.
We are close as ever to making a significant difference in America,” said Melson. “Team Fight to Walk has been working extremely hard for this and our fundraising efforts have been nonstop. Still, there’s a long way to go, even if we get approval from the FDA. Our last two galas have been outstanding, and we’re aiming to raise even more money this year towards the cause. We need the assistance from everybody out there. We need to wake up and live each day with the fact that we share this planet leading our active consciousness. Our galas have emotionally moved many attendees that heard the stories and struggles from those suffering from Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries who are can’t have the surgery in America that could enable them to walk again. If you’re unable to attend the Gala, please consider donating to Teamfighttowalk.com. Every dollar makes a difference!”

Conn. Boxing HOF announces 2015 award winners Luis Rosa Jr. repeat Conn. Boxer of the Year

CBHOF induction dinner Nov. 13 at Mohegan Sun
CTBHOF logo
Repeat Conn. Pro Boxer of the Year Luis Rosa Jr. (L)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (September 24, 2015) – Rising star Luis “The KO King” Rosa, Jr. has been named by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) as the Conn. Professional Boxer of the Year for the second year in a row.
The 2015 CBHOF award winners and its Class of 2015 will be honored Friday night, November 13 at the 11TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The other 2015 CBHOF award winners are U.S. Olympic Team hopeful Chordale Booker, Amateur Boxer of the Year; boxing judge Glenn Feldman, Official of the Year; trainer Brian Clark, Contribution to Boxing.
CBHOFR Class of 2015 inductees include promoter Lou DiBella, manager/promoter Shelly Finkel former boxing commissioner Peter Timothy and, posthumously, boxer Carey Mace, and trainer/boxer George Russo, boxing writer/manager Mort Sharnik and boxing advocate Arnie Bayer.
The 24-year-old Rosa (21-0, 10 KOs), fighting out New Haven, won all four of his 2015 fights against Giovani Caro (DEC6),Jonathan Perez (TKO5) at the Connecticut Convention Center, Ernesto Guerrero (TKO2) at Mohegan Sun, and Noel Echevarria (KO1).  Rosa is the No. 15 rated super bantamweight in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Rosa, native of Puerto Rico, had an outstanding 95-10 amateur record.  He turned pro in 2010 and his most notable win to date as a pro was an impressive 10-round decision of Luis Orlando Del Valle (18-1).  Rosa trains at his family’s Boxing In Faith Gym in New Haven, where he has grown up.
Booker, who is from Stamford, has already locked a berth in the 165-pound middleweight division U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, which will determine spots on the 2016 U.S. Men’s Olympic Boxing Team.
Feldman, of Avon, is internationally recognized as one of the best boxing judges in the industry.  His selection to judge this year’s Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao mega-fight is testimony to his status in contemporary boxing.  Feldman has already judged more than 70 fights this year, all around the world in places like Macau and Germany. He has worked more than 135 world title fights during his 25-year judging career, including seven thus far in 2015.  One of the founders of the CBHOF, Feldman was the first CBHOF president, serving in that position through last year, and he was inducted into the CBHOF ion 2011.
Clark is the owner of Ring One Boxing gym in New Haven.  As a trainer he is credited with the development of former world light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson and amateur star Tramaine “Midget” Williams.
Tickets for the CBHOF 11th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 11th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC DEONTAY WILDER VS. JOHANN DUHAUPAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

 
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Photo Credit: Natalie Mussafer
Birmingham, AL (September 24) – Just days away from the heavyweight main event showdown between Deontay Wilder and Johann Duhaupas, fighters featured on this Saturday’s fight card from Legacy Arena in Birmingham participated in a media workout Wednesday to officially kickoff fight week. The NBC telecast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
 
In the co-feature, 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale will enter the ring against the crafty “Big” Fred Kassi in a 10-round heavyweight showdown in the co-main event.
Below please find what the fighters had to say:
 
Deontay Wilder:
“I’m just ready to fight. Anybody can be knocked out. It just takes the right amount of time and patience. You have to set up for it. Some guys can take punches better than others, but I don’t think he’s faced any guy with the charisma that I bring to the ring.
“I don’t look at video or any of that stuff. I like to adjust when I get into the ring. It get’s me involved mentally and I can show off my IQ in the ring. I can’t wait for that bell to ring.
“When you talk about the heavyweight division, all of the guys and big and strong. You have to respect each fighter. At the end of the day, the records don’t matter. It’s about who’s the toughest, who’s the smartest and whose the most motivated in the ring.
“For all of my fights I’ve been gaining more experience. I knew I could go rounds and take punches even though people didn’t think I could. With this fight, it’s a new style and a new opponent, so I might have to bring out something I haven’t had to in my career.
“Each and every time I fight it’s a learning experience. Inside the ring and outside. I’m a busy champion. I want to be the biggest name around. I’m the right man for the job.
“I love this sport. I’m married to this sport and I’m not going anywhere. My hand is stronger than it was before my last fight and I look forward to putting it to the test.”
 
 
Johann Duhaupas:
“I’m very confident in myself and solid in my training. I have great confidence in all of the work that I have put in.
“Deontay’s a great fighter that hits very hard. I know that we’re in his neighborhood and that puts extra pressure on the fight. Either way, it’s a world title fight. Doesn’t make a difference if it’s in his backyard or mine.
“I’m not the first guy he asked to fight. Several refused before me but I’m the one who accepted the fight.
“We’ve got a great strategy in place. I have 15 years of experience. He’s a wonderful adversary, but like us all, he has weaknesses that I can expose.
“It’s been an honor to come to the United States. I feel like I’m in the movies that I used to watch as a child. I really appreciate this country.
“Height is always an issue when facing a taller guy, but it will be up to me to take care of that. I’ve fought several guys taller than me and I’ll be ready.
“I’m confident in myself and I’ll be equally as confident in the ring. I’m ready to deliver the knockout.”
Dominic Breazeale:
“A win in a small town is great. A win in a huge town is great. A win on national television is amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m looking for the knockout on Saturday night.
“This is a great experience for me. I’m trying to design my own road map to the world title. Deontay and I have taken different paths, but I know eventually we will be fighting for the same belt.
“PBC is doing some great things and it’s great to be back in this position. It’s phenomenal. These are the things you dream about when you’re a kid. I’m glad to be on this huge stage.
“I’m an aggressive, boxer-slugger type of fighter. I’m always looking for that big punch. When I land it, the lights go out.
“Last fight I got hit with some shots I shouldn’t have taken. This time I want to be more sound defensively. I’ve worked on my jab a lot and I want to establish that.
“Slugging is the only way I know how [to fight]. I never want to go the distance. Fans want to see someone get hurt. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Fred Kassi
“I don’t know too much about Breazeale. After the fight, I can rank how good he is right now.
“I just have to be smart in there. I have to let him make a mistake and counter those mistakes.
“It’s going to be a great fight because I always come to fight. I’ve come up short a couple of times but I am coming here to win!”
 Jay Deas, Wilder’s Trainer:
“We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. Deontay is fighting at a pace that has never been done before. No heavyweight champion has ever fought as frequently as Deontay Wilder is fighting. He’s fought three times in nine months.
“The possible fights with Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Alexander Povetkin take time to get done. While those are coming together, we’re fighting different guys. These guys here come to win. This guy can be an instant millionaire in one night.
“We work day in and day out. I’ve been there with Deontay since his first day in the gym in 2005. We had a plan, we stuck to the plan and it turned out to be the right plan.
“Deontay is the hardest worker in the game today. American has been wanting a heavyweight that is charismatic, energetic, wants to fight often, has a knockout punch, has the looks and everything that the heavyweight champ should have. He’s the man for the job.
“Deontay is never out of shape. We put a heart monitor on him and that thing does not lie. It will show you that Deontay is in shape and that’s why we are always ready to fight.
“Without Duhaupas there is no Klitschko, there is no Fury and there is no Povetkin, period. We’re gunning for the biggest opportunities possible but it starts on Saturday night.
“In the heavyweight division, anybody on the right night can be champion. That’s why it’s our job to make sure Deontay is ready mentally and physically. We know he’s ready.”
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Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $25 and are on sale now. For Tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @BronzeBomber and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/NBCSports and www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. For video clips go to www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.