Category Archives: boxing

Aug. 14 PBC on Spike TV  Official weights & pictures

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment:
Antonio Tarver
Steve Cunningham
Tarver & Cunningham
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS – 12 ROUNDS
ANTONIO “The Magic Man” TARVER (31-6, 22 KOs), Tampa, FL 217 lbs.
STEVE “USS” CUNNINGHAM (28-7, 13 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 204lbs.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.comand www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.Facebook.com/PruCenterand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

CALEB “SWEET HANDS” PLANT ANNOUNCES OPPONENT IN CHRIS HERRMANN

Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
Caleb Plant (Right) lands an overhand right to the face of his opponent.
NASHVILLE, TN (August 13, 2015) – Unbeaten super-middleweight prospect, Caleb “Sweet-Hands” Plant (8-0, 7 KOs), has an opponent for his upcoming bout this Saturday Aug 15, 2015, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.  Plant will face Chris Herrmann (16-6, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, which will serve as the swing bout for the PBC on NBC broadcast, headlined by Lucian Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) vs. Andrea Di Luisa (17-2, 13 KOs).
“I’m excited that the fight is on,” said Plant, I’m going to fight smart and pick my windows where I can let my hands go with hard punches. If I see him hurt, you can bet on it that I’ll be gunning for the knockout.  My goal is to make a statement with an impressive performance, preferably a knockout.”
Fighting out of Nashville, Tennessee, Caleb Plant is looking to become a household name and the first middleweight champion to come out of the music city.

SALITA ADDS ANOTHER ATTRACTION TO CONEY ISLAND CARD, TITLE CHALLENGER JUNIOR WRIGHT

 

HONORARY NEW YORKER WRIGHT DOES HIS BEST WORK IN NYC!

 


BROOKLYN, NY (August 13, 2015) – Coney Island is known world-wide as a destination for varied entertainment options. Surf, sand, and sky-high roller coasters have thrilled fun seekers there for decades. It only figures then that promoter Dmitriy Salita’s boxing show August 25 at MCU Park in Brooklyn’s fun-zone, Coney Island, will feature an array of fistic talents, which are sure to offer fight fans a superb show, rivaling any carnival ride in the proximity.

Cruiserweight title challenger Junior Wright, coming off a solid showing in a world title challenge in Russia, is coming back to BK, to show off lessons learned against Rahkim Chakhkiev three months ago.

Wright is aching to get back on the winning track. “I think I am now a better fighter because I learned a lot from this, going to another country and competing. I picked up a lot, more experience from there,” said the 13-1-1 Chicagoan, who will meet rugged Michiganer Harvey Jolly in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

Wright, a busy technician, said he is enthused to appear for the third time on a card in NY. “New York is great man, I just feel like this another opportunity to show I am world class,” he said.

Promoter Salita is happy to add Wright to another of his superlative Brooklyn Brawls. “Junior Wright is an honorary New Yorker and fought his most memorable fight, against Steve Bujaj, in Brooklyn just last year. NYC fight fans are always asking about his next appearance in the city!

Salita, speaking of this latest addition to the card topped by 25-3-1 featherweight Alexander Miskirtchian taking on Cornelius Lock, continued: “Junior now has had the experience of fighting for a world title on the big stage and has learned a tremendous amount. He is very motivated to impress fans once again and climb back up the ladder to challenge the best in the division. A world-class fighter like Junior Wright will bring the excitement to the Brooklyn Cyclones stadium in Coney Island on August 25th!”

Snag your tix for “Boxing At the Beach” today, to insure you wind down the season with a rock em, sock em evening of pugilism.

Doors open at 6 PM. Log on to BrooklynCyclones.com to get your tickets or call 718-507-TIXX (718-507-8499).

Broadcast information will be announced at a later date. Interested corporate partners should contact Mark Fratto atmfratto@linacremedia.com

For ticket information and updates on “Brooklyn Brawl: Boxing At The Beach,” please log on toBrooklynCyclones.com and SalitaPromotions.com. Follow all the action via social media leading up to the event – and on fight night – at @BrooklynBrawlNY on Twitter and at @BrooklynBrawl on Instagram, or by accessing the tags #BrooklynBrawl and #BoxingAtTheBeach.

 

Nicholas Guivas sees Witherspoon opportunity a gateway to bigger fights

Atlantic City, NJ (August 13, 2015)–This Saturday night at The Playground inAtlantic City, Heavyweight contender Chazz Witherspoon will look to further his pursuit at a championship opportunity when he takes on Nicholas Guivas in a 10-round bout that will headline a 12-bout card.

The fight card is promoted by Silverspoon Promotions in conjunction with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

Guivas of Topeka, Kansas has other ideas in mind as he has aspirations of his own to compete at the highest level and a victory over the well regarded Witherspoon will help facilitate those major opportunities.

The 36 year-old Guivas is coming to win and has been working hard in his native Topeka.

“I have been training very hard and everything is going pretty good,” said Guivas, who by day is a service technician at Coca-Cola.

“Saturday I will be there to do a job.  I have worked very hard and now it is time to take care at the task at hand.”

Asked what he knows about Witherspoon, Guivas said, “He is a long guy who has a strong jab.  From what I have seen, he moves well.  I will have to get on the inside and stick to the gameplan.”

Guivas has won 4-straight which includes three straight first round knockouts and he is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Justin Willms on June 6.  Because of the streak, Guivas is brimming with confidence.

“I have had hard fights.  The last fight was tougher than it should have been.  I wasn’t ready mentally.  I was ready physically so I was able to push hard and do what I had to do.”

Guivas who started boxing at 7 years-old and is passionate about the sport knows that a win on Saturday night will take him to places and fights that will change his life.

“This is a huge fight for me.  My goal is to handle business and when that happens I will shoot up in the rankings and will be in the mix for big fights.”

In 6-round bouts:

Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Lavelle Hadley (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Youngstown, OH.

Anthony Young (10-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will take Jonathan Garcia (4-14, 1 KO) in a Welterweight bout.

Wang Zhimin (3-0, 1 KO) of China will fight Rashad Bogar (4-5-1, 2 KO’s) of Newark, NJ in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Zhang Zhilei (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Las Vegas, NV will battle Dennis Benson (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

John Lennox (13-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ will take on Dan Pasciolla (3-1) of Brick, NJ in a Heavyweight fight.

In 4-round bouts:

Scott Kelleher of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Xzavier Ford (0-1) of Concord, NC  in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jerome Conquest (2-1) of Philadelphia will battle pro debuting David Perez of Pittsburgh, PA Lightweight bout.

Parris Chisholm (2-0, 1 KO) of Washington, DC will fight Ronnie Jordan (1-5-1) of Cincinatti, Ohio in a Welterweight fight.

Dustin Fleischer (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Monmouth County, NJ will see action in a Welterweight bout against David Ratliff (0-1) of North Carolina.

Kashif Mohamed (0-1) of New York, NY will box Samuel Ellsworth (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Farmersville, LA in a Middleweight bout.

Eric Kitt (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will take on Gilbert Alex Sanchez (5-6-1, 2 KO’s) of Camden, NJ in a Middleweight bout.

The playground is a brand-new, state of the art entertainment complex where the shops at the Pier used to be. The facility is 500,000 square feet.The Playground is located at One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Tickets for this great night of boxing will range from $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

Doors open at 6:30 PM with 1st bell at 8 PM

PBC on NBCSN in Montreal  Final press conference quotes

 

MONTRÉAL (August 12, 2015) – Only three days prior to their Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN fights, participating boxers on the August 15 card at Bell Centre in Montreal held a press conference Wednesday at the Montreal Casino.
 
Televised coverage is headlined by a 10-round showdown between Lucian Le Tombeur Bute (31-2, 24 KOs) and Andrea Di Luisa (17-2). Also featured on NBCSN is light heavyweight contender Eleider Storm Alvarez (17-0) versus Isidro Ranoni El Guerrero Prieto (24-0-3) in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver belt.
LUCIAN BUTE
 
I would like to thank Andrea Di Luisa for accepting this challenge and to fight me at home. My preparation was great. In the last few years, I had health problems that affected my performances. What I can say now is that I’m fully healthy. I did almost 100 rounds of sparring for this fight. I am back!
 
ANDREA DI LUISA
 
This bout is a rematch of an amateur fight we had 15 years ago. This is different this time because Bute is now a former world champion and a well know name in the sport. Make no mistake, I am here to fight.
 
ELEIDER ALVAREZ
 
This is the biggest challenge of my career. Prieto’s record says it all: he has 20 KO’s in 24 wins. The problem is that he will face a new Alvarez. Since my elbow surgery, my jab, which is my money punch, is amazing. I also want to look good in front of my fans in Montreal and on American television.
 
ISIDRO RANONI PRIETO
 
I will do my best to bring back the WBC light heavyweight Silver belt home to Argentina.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel in association with InterBox,
are available to purchase at the Bell Centre box office, on www.evenko.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, at InterBox (450) 645-1077 or at Champion boxing club (514) 376-0980. Ticket prices range from $25 to $250 on the floor.
 
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.groupeyvonmichel.ca. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @InterBoxBute, @yvonmichelgym and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionsand www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION AUSTIN TROUT TAKES ON JOEY HERNANDEZ IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THE INAUGURAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FOX SPORTS 1 EVENT SEPTEMBER 8TH LIVE FROM THE HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

 
Plus! Undefeated Rising Star Jorge Lara Faces Jesus Rojas
In Junior Featherweight Showdown
 
Tickets on Sale Today At 2 P.M. PT for FS1’s Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays!
 
HOLLYWOOD, CA (August 12, 2015) – Former world champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (29-2, 16 KOs) takes on Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (24-3-1, 14 KOs) in a super welterweight attraction as part of FS1’s TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS live from the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California Tuesday, September 8th.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a junior featherweight showdown between undefeated rising star Jorge Lara (27-0-1, 19 KOs) and Jesus Rojas (21-1-1, 15 KOs). This show will be the first installment of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports 1.
“I’m very excited to be fighting for the fourth time in Los Angeles and at such a legendary venue as The Palladium in Hollywood,” said Trout. “My fight against Joey Hernandez kicks off the brand new series on Fox Sports 1 and I plan on putting on a spectacular show for the fans. I’m one of the best fighters at 154-pounds and I’m ready to prove it again.”
“This is a big fight for me and I’m grateful to have the opportunity on this stage,” said Hernandez. “I’m coming with no fear and I’m coming to win. I respect what Austin Trout has done in the sport but I’m going to make his life miserable on September 8.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $78.50, $53.50 and $28.50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale today at 2 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
In 2004, Trout won the U.S. National Amateur welterweight championship and after climbing up the ranks as an elite pro boxer, he won a super welterweight world championship in 2004 by defeating Rigoberto Alvarez. He went on to defend that title four times, including a dominant victory over Miguel Cotto in New York. He is currently on a three-fight win streak and is looking for a big win over Hernandez.
Fighting out of Miami, Hernandez is known for his fast hands that have landed him in big fights against top super welterweights and aided him to victories against Jose Berrio, James Winchester and Angel Hernandez. The 30-year-old southpaw will get another tough test when he takes on Trout on September 8.
Undefeated out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Lara made his U.S. debut on March 7with a first round stoppage of Mario Macias in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old has ended seven of his last eight opponents early including experienced contenders Jovanny Soto, Jairo Hernandez and Oscar Ibarra. His second opportunity in the U.S. will see him step up in competition to take on the once-beaten Rojas.
Representing Caguas, Puerto Rico, Rojas will be fighting for the first time in California as a professional on September 8. The 28-year-old comes into the fight on a three-match winning streak, having not lost since 2008. He owns victories over Juan Carlos Pena, Jose Luis Araiza and Reynaldo Lopez and hopes to add an even more impressive name in Lara to that list.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NoDoubtTrout, @JoeyHernandez, @FOXSports1, @TGBPromotions, @ThePalladium and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

CARLOS VELASQUEZ SEEKS VICTORY IN FIRST WORLD TITLE BOUT

Photo By Marlene Marquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (August 12, 2015) – Fighting in his first world title bout on Tuesday September 29, 2015, Puerto Rican super lightweight contender (WBA #9) , Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs), is eager to give undefeated WBA World Champion, Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), his first loss.  The PBC on FOX Sports 1 will televise the bout starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT.  Ticket sales and venue for Fortuna vs. Velasquez will be announced shortly.
Velasquez, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympics, is thriving at the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.  He believes he has advantages that will lead him to victory.  On the line with be Fortuna’s WBA World title.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I always pictured myself as a world champion,” said Velasquez. “Now I have a golden opportunity to accomplish that dream.  It won’t be easy.   Javier Fortuna is a very tough fighter with an undefeated record.  He’s considered one of the best fighters in the division.  Stylistically, he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me.  When I bring home the belt, I hope I get credit for defeating a top fighter like Fortuna.”
Trained by boxing guru Roberto Norris, and guided by nutritionist/strength coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia, Velasquez feels he has the right team that can take him to the top.
“I believe I have a great coach in Roberto Norris, who understands Me.” continued Velasquez. “He’s got me working on all my strong points, bringing out the best in what I do best.  Memo is getting my body in top condition.  I feel great.  I’m going to be at my best when I step in the ring with Fortuna.”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

 
Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
 
Click HERE For Photos From Lucas Noonan/Premier Boxing Champions
 
NEW YORK (August 12, 2015) – With just two days to go until their Premier Boxing Champions on Spike showdowns, fighters participating on the Friday, August 14 card at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey held a press conferenceWednesday at B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by a 12-round heavyweight showdown between Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (31-6, 22 KOs) and Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham (28-7, 13 KOs). Also featured on Spike is cruiserweight world champion Marco “Captain” Huck (38-2-1, 26 KOs) defending his title against Polish contender Krzyzstof Glowacki (24-0, 15 KOs) and Polish heavyweight Artur Szpilka (19-1, 14 KOs) taking on Cuba’s Yasmany Consuegra (17-1, 14 KOs).
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Huck Sports Promotion are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now viaTicketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:
ANTONIO TARVER
“This is a big fight for me. PBC was designed for the new, young stars but I’m thankful they’ll let an old guy like me steal the spotlight on Friday night.
“You have two guys who know their way around the ring. We’re in the hurt business and only one man can win. When the smoke clears on Friday we’ll see who’s left standing.
“Every fight is do or die for me. I’ve come too far to start over. I’m on a destiny trip right now. I’m racing towards that heavyweight world championship.
“I was a big light heavyweight but I feel perfect at heavyweight. When I look back at some of my old fights, I was really just a shell of myself. Now I’m healthy and strong and ready to get to the top.
“I wasn’t blessed with this unique talent for nothing. I have to put it on display. The game hasn’t retired me. When I went through all of my struggles, I became a champion right then. Now I just have to walk through my destiny.
“I’m fighting the very best and I’m beating the very best. I’m looking to knock everybody out.
“Training camp has been amazing. My team has gotten me beautifully prepared for this fight. We’re just feeling strong and can’t wait until Friday.
“When I look at the ‘Rocky Balboa’ film when I played the undisputed heavyweight champion, I feel like art is going to imitate life. I played the champ in a movie and I’m going to become the champ in reality.”
STEVE CUNNINGHAM
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to be working with PBC. It’s fight time. Training camp is over. Training camp was hell, and that’s a good training camp.
“I know I’m prepared to do what I need to do. I’m ready to get this win and I want to look spectacular.
“Tarver is a five-time champion, legend, Hall of Famer, but that’s all going out the window August 14. He’s just another guy I have to beat.
“My record doesn’t reflect what I’ve done in the ring, but I take it on the chin and keep going forward like I do in the ring.
“People have seen the work ethic from me. They’ve seen what I’ve gone through in the ring. They saw the close decision losses. I’ve always had faith in myself and I still do.
“Tarver has fought the best out there. He’s been there. He’s been through adversity. He’s had ups and downs. There’s nothing you can say about Tarver that makes you feel like you can go in there and make him look like a bum.
“I’m 39 and I feel awesome. This is a fight. The age means nothing to me. I’m fighting a five-time champion and that’s how we look at it.
“A guy like Tarver, sometimes you have to talk yourself up to get to where you want to go and that’s who he is. He’s a good talker. That will carry on into his next career. But he’s dealing with a guy who grew up dealing with trash talking. I dealt with trash talkers in every language. The talk is for him. He sold this fight, great. But now I’m getting in there to fight.
“I’m trained by brother Naazim Richardson, he’ll never let me take anyone lightly. If you do that, that’s how you go in there and get wiped out.”
MARCO HUCK
“I’m really happy to be here for my U.S. debut. This is the mecca of boxing. I’ve wanted to fight here for a very long time.
“I am looking forward to wiping the floor with some of these guys up here.
“It’s a very special occasion for me to be here and I’m going to show everybody what I’m all about.
“This is a similar feeling to the one when I fought for my first world title. I’m starting to heat up inside. I can’t wait to put my fists on somebody.
“I want to bring this sport to everybody. Not just the people who make money but the people who don’t have the money to spend on the sport. It’s great for the sport.
“People can talk a lot but you have to prove it inside of the ring. I always prove it inside the ring. On Friday they will be chanting “Huck! Huck! Huck!'”
KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI
“I’m so happy to be here. This fight is my whole life. I always dreamed about this chance to be a world champion and it’s very close.
“There’s no doubt Huck is a great fighter, a warrior, but if he thinks for a second this is going to be easy he’s mistaken big time. This is going to be a war from the first round to the last.
“I already see me as world champion. Huck is a great fighter, great warrior, so what? I’m ready for a war, from first round to the last.”
ARTUR SZPILKA
“I’m so excited to be here. I’m boxing for Polish people including my friend Glowacki, who I know can beat Huck.
“I want to show everybody how good I am. Everyone who does not believe in me will know the truth.
“All four Polish guys, my friends, will win on Friday.
“I have an amazing team and I can’t wait. I am becoming a better and better fighter and I promise this will be an exciting fight.”
LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment
“Artur Szpilka is a very exciting heavyweight and if you haven’t had the opportunity to see him you should make sure you don’t miss Friday. He’s fighting Yasmany Consuegra who’s very powerful as well. It’s a battle of two punchers and someone is going to hit the canvas.
“Glowacki is a very talented fighter who believes he’s taking the title back to Poland. Marco Huck believes otherwise. People are going to get to know Marco Huck in America and they’re going to love his style.
“The American public wants to see wars in the ring and I think that Huck and Glowacki are going to put on a show.
“One of the great things about PBC is that not only are we getting to make attractive matchups, but we can bring over stars and people who have not been exposed to the American public. Marco is already a star in most of the world and he’s soon going to be a star in the United States.
“The main event has been anticipated by a lot of people for a while. Antonio is looking for a shot at the heavyweight world title and he’ll have to beat a real heavyweight to get there.
“Steve’s record is not revealing of the quality of fighter that he is. He’s a very good fighter and an individual with outstanding character.
“Antonio Tarver has had a tremendous career. He is a future Hall of Famer. The five-time world champion moniker is one that most people can’t say. But this man can.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.PruCenter.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AntonioTarver, @USSCunningham, @Szpilka_Artur, @LouDiBella, @PruCenter, @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/PruCenterandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

LENNOX SET FOR COMEBACK THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AGAINST DAN PASCIOLLA AT THE PLAYGROUND IN ATLANTIC CITY

 

Atlantic City, NJ (August 12, 2015)–John Lennox made a call in February to his long time manager and good friend Rich Masini. The call was relatively long.

The contents of the call were passionate on both sides because the two guys who have had the same goal and same mission for years, Win a title! The manager and the fighter each laid out their case, but the crux of this call was between two great friends who have a great respect for each other and they both agreed to do their part in the quest of the goal.

That quest begins this Saturday night when Lennox (13-2, 5 KO’s takes on Dan Pasciolla (3-1) in a 6-round Heavyweight bout at The Playground in Atlantic City.

Shortly thereafter, John walked into the gym and met with his longtime trainer Charles Thomas and Masini.

John was weighing 249 pounds and a long way from his ideal fighting weight.

“I took time off. I got married and had a child plus I work in Manhattan as a Lost Prevention Manager at Barneys. Things are going well now.”

What transpired over the next six months was the epitome of hard work and dedication with one vision of which will come to fruition on Saturday night night in Atlantic City.

Lennox will enter the ring after a 22 month layoff, when he takes on the formidable Pacsiolla.

“I knew what my problems were and now it’s time to get back to boxing. I want something out of boxing.”

Lennox is an accomplished professional and is ready to go after the long layoff.

Masini has gone on record stating that John is in great shape and we have had great southpaw sparring. On August 15 in Atlantic City, it will be John’s night to prove he is back.

“I know Pasciolla is a tall southpaw but that should not be a problem I am working to put on a good show.”

“I love this kid and when he is in the ring, I am with him,” said Masini. “I have the utmost respect for John and we expect a great night against a solid opponent. We expect John to have a large support group to be in the crowd rooting him on.

John has had great trainers over the years, including long time and first time trainer Charles Thomas. John has also trained under Buddy McGirt. Because of other obligations, Buddy will not be able to be here with us on fight night but he is expected to be in John’s corner in upcoming fights.

Masini gushes over Thomas great work with Lennox. Thomas and Lennox have a long bond which gives Lennox a great comfort level .

“I want to thank my manager and trainer for still believing in me. I do this for them as much as I do this for me. I am taking this very serious as I am planning to drop down to

In the 10-round Heavyweight main event, Chazz Witherspoon (33-3, 25 KO’s) takes on Nicholas Guivas (11-2-2, 9 KO’s)

In 6-round bouts:

Keenan Smith (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Lavelle Hadley (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Youngstown, OH.

Anthony Young (10-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will take Jonathan Garcia (4-14, 1 KO) in a Welterweight bout.

Wang Zhimin (3-0, 1 KO) of China will fight Rashad Bogar (4-5-1, 2 KO’s) of Newark, NJ in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Zhang Zhilei (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Las Vegas, NV will battle Dennis Benson (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Scott Kelleher of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Xzavier Ford (0-1) of Concord, NC in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Jerome Conquest (2-1) of Philadelphia will battle pro debuting David Perez of Pittsburgh, PA Lightweight bout.

Parris Chisholm (2-0, 1 KO) of Washington, DC will fight Ronnie Jordan (1-5-1) of Cincinatti, Ohio in a Welterweight fight.

Dustin Fleischer (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Monmouth County, NJ will see action in a Welterweight bout against David Ratliff (0-1) of North Carolina.

Kashif Mohamed (0-1) of New York, NY will box Samuel Ellsworth (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Farmersville, LA in a Middleweight bout.

Eric Kitt (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will take on Gilbert Alex Sanchez (5-6-1, 2 KO’s) of Camden, NJ in a Middleweight bout.

The playground is a brand-new, state of the art entertainment complex where the shops at the Pier used to be. The facility is 500,000 square feet. The Playground is located at One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Tickets for this great night of boxing will range from $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com

Doors open at 6:30 PM with 1st bell at 8 PM

Heavyweight Travis Kauffman return after 19-month layoff this Friday night against Richard Carmack in Newark, New Jersey

Reading, PA (August 11, 2015)–This Friday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman (28-1, 20 KO’s) will be back in action for the first time in 19 months when he takes on Richard Carmack in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

The bout will take place on a card that is headlined by former world champions Antonio Tarver and Steve Cunningham.

The card will be televised by Spike TV, although Kauffman’s bout is not scheduled to make air as of this time.

Kauffman of Reading, PA has been out of action due to knee surgery to repair a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

Kauffman has been rehabbing very hard for the better part of 2015 as he started his journey in Houston, Texas and continued his boxing training in Reading and Philadelphia.

“I am feeling good and honestly I am a little anxious,” said Kauffman. “I am more excited for this fight on Friday then any of my previous bouts. I have been training real hard. My knee feels good. I have the usual soreness that comes with training but nothing major.”

In facing Carmack, Kauffman will be facing a man who has a record of 13-6 and weighs in excess of 300 pounds.

“From what I have seen of Carmack, he can fight. Don’t be deceived by his appearance. He can fight. I have worked real hard and this is my first full training camp with Naazim Richardson and my father Marshall Kauffman. Naazim is the best when it comes to breaking down opponents so I know I will be fully prepared for Carmack.”

Before the injury, Kauffman was ranked in the top-five by the WBA and he believes it wont be long before he rises back up to that lofty status.

“I am hoping for one more tune up. Possibly on September 18 in Atlantic City. I am back with Al Haymon so whatever he has lined up for me. I know he will get me the fights that will put me in position for the fights that I need to get me back into the top-five. Fights with Chris Arreola and Artur Szpilka could be those ind of fights.”

Kauffman is excited to be back with Haymon and to compete on PBC cards.

“I know he will get me where I need to be. That is why i re-signed with him. He believes in me. I am excited and am looking forward for what my future holds.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $100, $70 and $45, not including applicable service charges and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased at Prudential Center’s box office.