Category Archives: boxing

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI & DANIEL JACOBS DISCUSS THEIR UPCOMING SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 FIGHTS LIVE ON PBC ON ESPN FROM  BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN

 

BROOKLYN (July 8, 2015) – Former two-division world champion Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi, middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs, President of DiBella Entertainment Lou DiBella and CEO of Barclays Center Brett Yormark took time today to discuss the upcoming Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN fights taking place Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center.

 

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) will face undefeated Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs)in the headlining event on ESPN.

 

Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) will defend his title against former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs) in the televised opener on ESPN beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.

 

 

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI

“I feel good, really good right now. This has been one of the best camps I have ever had in my career. We have not only been working really hard, but also really smart. I am coming off back-to-back camps and I truly feel great.

 

“We have some tricks up our sleeves for this fight. I am very happy with that way I am looking and feeling. Everyday I am going in there and just putting in the work. I’m not overthinking this fight, I’m just putting in that work at the gym, and with the way I feel and look, I’m very confident. I have a strong self-belief. I truly believe in myself and my abilities. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.

 

“I want to live and die by my own decisions, and that is how I have structured this camp. I am listening to my body and listening to myself. We are working on different things in both my boxing training and my strength and conditioning.

 

“I have seen strengths and weaknesses all over Danny [Garcia]. When I watch a fight, I see it a lot deeper than most people.  So when I watch Danny, I see a lot of different things. I don’t want to get too much into it, but there are definitely things we have seen that we are working on specifically in this camp to implement and capitalize on August 1st.

 

“Barclays Center in my home. Fighting here gives me that extra motivation. Fighting at Barclays, in front of all my friends and family, it just doesn’t get better than that.”

 

DANIEL JACOBS

“This is a great camp and we are ready to put on a great show come August 1st.  I feel comfortable as a champion. Don’t get me wrong, when I first won my title it was totally surreal, but I always felt like a champion deep down inside. There is something that burns inside of me that has allowed me to overcome every obstacle in my life, and to me, that’s what makes a champion.

 

“I love being a part of PBC. There is no doubt in my mind that my popularity has grown since my first appearance on a PBC card. We are reaching a much younger and different crowd and demographic than before, and it is just great for the sport of boxing.

 

“This is a tough fight. Mora is a proven guy and I know he is very hungry for this opportunity. He is awkward and he is slick. He has good speed and a good jab. We have to be cautious and stick to our game plan. People are saying that this could be the toughest fight of my career and we are training with that mindset.

 

“With a win in this fight, I truly believe that the sky is the limit. There are a lot of big fights out there to be made in the division, but obviously, the main guy for me would be Peter Quillin. It is a fight that I have wanted for a long time, and it is a huge fight for boxing, but especially for New York.

 

“My legacy is in my own hands. Some of the biggest fights in the sport are in the middleweight division right now. At this particular point though, the Quillin fight is the most lucrative option for me. I am not looking past any man, especially not Sergio Mora, but that is a fight I want, the boxing world wants, New York wants and Barclays Center wants.”

 

LOU DIBELLA

“In addition to these two great fights, we are proud to announce that we have added Brooklyn’s own undefeated heavyweight prospect Adam Kownacki (10-0, 9KO’s) to the card, as well as one of the top prospects in the game right now, The Brooklyn Rocky, Frank Galarza (17-0-2, 11KO’s). We are also excited to announce the addition of highly regarded up-and-coming Puerto Rican prospect Prichard Colon (14-0, 11KO’s), who will be great additions to the undercard, which already features undefeated female star Heather “The Heat” Hardy, and a clash of undefeated light heavyweight prospects, Brooklyn’s Travis Peterkin (15-0, 7KO’s) against Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0, 7KO’s).

 

“It’s an honor for me to be promoting another card at Barclays Center, which in my eyes has become the preeminent venue for boxing and music in the entire country. It is a great pleasure for me to work with Brett and everyone on his team. They are the best in the game.

 

“The public is going to have a real opportunity to see two very good, competitive fights. Look, this (Danny Garcia vs. Paulie Malignaggi) is a very tough fight. Danny has looked a bit vulnerable in his past few fights, and he is moving up in weight to fight a real deal welterweight. Say what you want about Paulie, but you cannot question his heart or desire to win. Paulie is comfortable with being an underdog, he has been an underdog his whole life. With Paulie, you know you will never get anything less than 110 percent. Fourteen years ago yesterday he made his pro-debut on one of my cards, and I am proud of that fact. It is truly an honor for me to be promoting his fight against Danny Garcia on August 1st.

 

“The co-feature match-up is a very intriguing fight. You have two of the best middleweights in the world in Danny Jacobs and Sergio Mora. Just like the main event, this is a very tough fight. Sergio is extremely hungry. He has been waiting for this shot for years. Danny’s story is just remarkable. How hard he has worked to get here, and win a world championship is just extraordinary. He is a champion both inside and outside of the ring, and it’s truly an honor to be working with him. That is the great thing about promoting these PBC events. I have the opportunity to work with and promote some of the greatest and most talented fighters in the sport, in exciting and competitive fights.”

 

BRETT YORMARK

“All of us at Barclays Center are very excited for this August 1st card. This is a great platform for us and the building promoting yet another wonderful PBC event. I am personally excited for the event. Paulie and Danny are like family to me and I am truly honored to have them in our building. Our goal is to be the premier venue in all of boxing and we are actively making a push for that, with our third major PBC card at our venue this year.

 

“Boxing is our third franchise, along with the Nets and Islanders, and we are proud of the events we have been able to be involved with and have in our beautiful venue. I love working with Lou and his team, there is no better promoter in the country and we are looking forward to another great event on August 1st on ESPN.”

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON ESPN FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

 

Click HERE For Photos From Przemek Garczarczyk

 

TAMPA (July 8, 2015) -Fighters competing on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN card held media workouts in Tampa today before their July 11 showdowns at the USF Sun Dome with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

The headlining event will pit undefeated Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) against former world champion Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs). The televised opener will see undefeated rising star Tony Harrison (21-0, 19 KOS) taking on the quick-fisted Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOS). Also participating in the workout was the son of former world champion Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) who will fight on the undercard.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $150, $75, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Sun Dome box office.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

KEITH THURMAN

 

“There’s a lot to talk about with this fight. The fact that it’s on ESPN, people are going to tune-in and I’ll have the opportunity to make more fans and broaden my fan base. It’s another audition for a national audience.

 

“Depending on how you do, your stock goes up. An impressive win though, that gets you a real jump. I’ve worked hard to get here and I want to be spectacular.

 

“I believe the excitement will come for myself when I enter the arena and I hear the cheers of the hometown crowd. I’ve gotten a lot of love and respect from different venues I’ve fought at, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been back home.

 

“There are a lot of people who have followed my career that haven’t been able to see me, live in action. The fact that I’m bringing this fight home, I just think about when Winky Wright did it; Jeff Lacy did it; Antonio Tarver did it; it’s a big thing for me emotionally to be able to bring world-class boxing back to Tampa Bay.

 

“I’m looking forward to a great performance and hopefully we can continuously bring these big fights back to Tampa Bay.”

 

LUIS COLLAZO

 

“My preparation was for 15 rounds so we’re ready to go the distance. I’m here for the long haul.

 

“I’m trying to pull off the upset again. Anything can happen in this sport, one punch can end everything, so we’ll see what happens on Saturday.

 

“With the Khan fight I showed myself how much passion I still have for the sport. This fight here, everyone is going to see the old Luis Collazo again.

 

“I’m the type of guy who doesn’t like to plan ahead. I’m the underdog and I love being the underdog. I’ve been the underdog all my life. It inspires me to go out there and show the fans that anything is possible not just in the ring, but in life.

 

“I’m going to give it my all, that’s the type of person I am. I didn’t come here for handout so I hope he’s prepared.”

 

TONY HARRISON

 

“Nelson’s got a lot of heart. I’m not underestimating him. I’m coming in in top shape. I did things I normally don’t do in training. I went swimming for this camp. We know what we’re up against.

 

“He’s got the heart of a champion. He’s been knocked down before, but he gets back up and starts fighting again, so we know we’re up against a real tough fighter.

 

“I’ve been ready to face a guy of this caliber for a long time. I’ve been sparring Gennady Golovkin, Andy Lee, K9, and Luis Collazo. I’ve been in with champions before I even turned pro. I’ve been in with the best and did what I was supposed to do against them.

 

“All these guys are familiar faces to me. Luis Collazo and Willie. These guys have been down to Kronk to spar me. I’ve been on that stage and had those wars in the gym already, so I’m ready.

 

“It feels great for Detroit to be back on the map and getting the recognition that’s been missing for many years. If I can be the one to help out the next generation of Detroit fighters and make it easier for them to break through so be it.”

 

WILLIE NELSON

 

“Training camp has been excellent. I’ve sparred with a lot of different guys, especially ones that were heavier than me and have given me some great work.

 

“Tony knows how to use his height in the ring, but I’m a tall fighter so he won’t be able to do that against me. He’s a puncher, that’s what he tries to do.

 

“I channel out any of the talking he does. I’m self-motivated and I know what I need to do out there. I can’t get mad at his antics because that does nothing for me.

 

“I want to be one of the successful boxers from Ohio that really does something. I want to make my mark in not just Ohio boxing but boxing period.

 

“This isn’t the toughest fight of my career but it’s the toughest challenge, going up against a young, undefeated guy. All my fights have been tough so I’m used to it.

 

“I’m excited to be on such a big card, but I am used to it now. The lights don’t get to me. PBC has been great for the sport because everyone can tune-in to these fights.”

 

ANTONIO TARVER JR.

 

“I’ve been training with the world champion Keith Thurman and I held my own in there. It’s been a great experience.

 

“It’s a beautiful thing to be fighting in my home state. I’m blessed to be fighting at the Sun Dome.

 

“My dad is always right in my ear. Always on me about the defense and protecting myself in the ring.

 

“I’m a southpaw who’s a fast hitter. I can hit hard and counter punch. I think of myself as the whole package.”

 

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @RealLuisCollazo, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @ESPNBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions

and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo.

Sampson Boxing’s Historic ‘Las Vegas en el Radisson’ Boxing and Poker Show Taking Shape

 

The boxing side of promoter Sampson Lewkowicz’s innovative and historic pairing of two very popular casino sports boxing and poker, entitled “Las Vegas en el Radisson,” and scheduled for the week of Saturday, August 8, at the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel in Montevideo, Uruguay, is taking shape.

 

The night’s main event will now represent another historic first, as massively popular former women’s world champion Cecilia “La Reina” Comunales of Paysandu, Uruguay (12-1, 8 KOs), will engage in the first unification fight in her home country’s 100-year boxing history, as she takes on the Dominican Republic’s Lina Milagros Tejada (10-2, 8 KOs) for the WBA and WBC Women’s Super Lightweight International Championships over 10 rounds.

 

The Saturday boxing event, sandwiched between the semi-finals and finals of a four-day international poker tournament,

 

Broadcast by VTV Uruguay, TyC from Argentina (including locations in the United States) and TV Canal 4 in Panama, in the televised supporting bouts will be an “All Panama City” grudge match, as super bantamweight Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (18-7-1, 8 KOs) of Panama City, Panama, will challenge comebacking former multiple world champion Roberto “La Arana” Vasquez (32-6-2, 22 KOs), also of Panama City. In the third featured bout, Braulio “El Chavo” Rodriguez (17-1, 16 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic, will take on Entre Ríos, Argentina’s Marcos “Maquinita” Martinez (17-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championship.

 

Local welterweight Azael “Turbo” Cosio (19-3-2, 16 KOs) will open the broadcast in a 10-round battle against Argentina’s Cristian Nestor Romero (15-7-1, 7 KOs).

 

The poker side of this unique doubleheader of casino sports will begin on Thursday, August 6, and is being organized by the CAM Poker Organization. On Saturday night, the poker will end at 7 pm and the boxing show will begin at 9 pm. The finals of the poker tournament will be held on Sunday.

 

Satellite enrollees in the poker tournament can register at www.full10poker.net, orwww.aconcaguapoker.com. The cost is $800. Players can re-enroll if eliminated. The price to attend the boxing only is $200 per-seat, which also includes dinner.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Undefeated Mauro Maximiliano Godoy to defend WBO Latino & Argentinian 140 pound titles this Friday in Buenos Aires, Argenti

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Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 8, 2015)This Friday night in Buenos Aires, Argentina, undefeated and world ranked, Jr. Welterweight Mauro Maximiliano Godoy will defend the WBO Latino and Argentinian 140 pound titles when he takes on Xavier Luques Castillo.
Godoy of Centenario, Argentina has a record of 19-0 with 8 knockouts and is currently ranked number-9 by the WBO.
Castillo of Cordoba, Argentina is 13-4 with 4 knockouts.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to fight for Banner Promotions, and I will capitalize on being with a great company,” said Godoy.
“I have big expectations.  Castillo has fought internationally, so it is an opportunity to prove I can fight at a high level.  This will be a good fight but I will win the fight fight cleanly and emphatically.”
A win over Castillo will set up Godoy for a major fight in the United States.
“I am preparing to be the on the big stage in the United States.  This is a new opportunity with Banner Promotions.  I will prove that I have the qualities to become a star.”
Godoy will be the latest import from Argentina to be able to make a big name for himself, following in the footsteps of the likes of Lucas Matthysse, Marcos Maidana and Diego Chaves.
“I am ready for the type of fights that they have been in.  I know I am on the same level as those fighters.  I am on the level to take any fight and fight everybody.  I just want to fight the best.”
“I just want to thank my team.  I am glad that the fight can be seen online so I can prove to a large audience that I have worked very hard to realize my dream to become world champion.”
The fight will be shown live on http://www.tvpublica.com.ar at 10 PM Eastern.

FORMER IBF CHAMP “SHOWTIME” SHAWN PORTER AND TOP TRAINER KENNY PORTER CONFIRMED FOR SECOND ANNUAL  BOX FAN EXPO SATURDAY, SEPT. 12  IN LAS VEGAS 

The ultimate fan experience event that gives boxing fans the opportunity to meet-and-greet top fighters, boxing celebrities and industry people in an up-close, personal setting


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as Vegas (July 8, 2015) –  Former IBF welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and top trainer Kenny Porter has confirmed that they will appearand have a booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the second annual Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday Sept.12, 2015. The Boxing Expo will coincide with Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight and Mexican Independence weekend.

 

Porter’s spectacular win over Adrien “The Problem” Broner on June 20 has once again confirmed him as one of the brightest stars and top welterweight boxers in the world. He is trained and managed by his father Kenny Porter. Shawn Porter won the IBF welterweight championship title on December 7, 2013 by defeating Devon Alexander. Porter then defended his title by knocking out one of the top stars in the welterweight division, Paulie Malignaggi, in the fourth round. Hailing from Cleveland, Shawn Porter is a 2006 Stow High School graduate, and after sporting one of the most decorated amateur careers in US history, he made a smooth transition to becoming a professional in 2008.

 

Porter will have at his booth some fun activities and merchandise for his fans to enjoy and purchase.

 

The Porters join Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Ruslan “Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov, Terrible” Terry Norris, Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor, Mia “The Knockout” St. John and “El Feroz” Fernando Vargas among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

 

This unique fan experience event, which allowed fans to meet and greet boxing legends, past and current champions and other celebrities of the sport, debuted last September. This year the Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once again, allow fans a chance to collect autographs, take photos and purchase merchandise and memorabilia.
Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, broadcasting media and other brand companies who wish to participate will have a chance to showcase their products to fans and the whole boxing industry.
Last year’s inaugural Box Fan Expo featured some of the most popular fighters and boxing celebrities in recent history. Fans were treated to visits with Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr, Sergio Martinez, Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Mikey Garcia, James Toney, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks Norris, Porter, Chris Byrd, Jesse James Leija, Lamon Brewster, Ray Mercer, Earnie Shavers, St-John, Erislandy Lara, Quillin, Jean Pascal and Austin Trout. Also appearing were current WBC Champion Deontay Wilder, the charismatic Vinny Pazienza, Paul Williams, noted commentator Al Bernstein and trainer Roger Mayweather of Mayweather Promotions.
The roster of attendees for this year’s Box Fan Expo will be announced throughout the next several months and weeks leading up to the event.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com
View the official promo video of Box Fan Expo here:

View Promo Flyer here:
View Photos Gallery 2014 here:

http://www.boxfanexpo.com/photos/
For anyone in the boxing industry or brand companies who wish to be involved and reserve a booth as an exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Box Fan Expo at:
U.S.A telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

 

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at:

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Undefeated Super Lightweight Omar Douglas eyes bout with Frank De Alba

 

Philadelphia (July 7, 2015)–Undefeated Jr. Lightweight Omar “Super O” Douglas has been climbing the prospect ladder since he turned professional in 2011.  He has taken the route that most prospects take and now he is looking for a win that will take him to the next level.
He will be facing rising Reading, PA. native Frank De Alba (16-1-2, 6 KO’s) in a fight that he hopes will take him from prospect to contender.
The fight is scheduled for August 1 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be part of the Danny Garcia – Paulie Malignaggi card.
Douglas of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts is ready for De Alba as the 24 year-old has hitting his stride.  He is coming off of consecutive 1st round stoppages over Osnel Charles and former world title challenger Daniel Attah.
Douglas is trained by his younger brother Olu Douglas and Doug Pitford   His father Omar Douglas Sr. serves as his adviser.
Douglas is signed with powerful adviser Al Haymon.
Douglas, who lives about 30 minutes from Philadelphia, trains a lot in the City of Brotherly Love and the word in the Philly fight scene is that he hits like a welterweight. Douglas has terrific power as evidenced by his 11 knockouts in 14 fights and he displays power in both hands.
He is ready to show the world what many insiders think and that is the Douglas could be the future in the 130-pound division.
A fight with De Alba would be the start down that path to glory.

Melson Receives Humanitarian Award from WBC; Set to Assist Amateur Program!

 

New York, NY (July 6, 2015) – WBC-USNBC junior middleweight champion Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson received the Humanitarian Award from the WBC during their NABF convention last weekend in San Francisco, CA.

 

A success since first putting on a pair of gloves as a Plebe (freshman) while attending West Point, Melson won various tournaments as an amateur prior to capturing the WBC-USNBC crown with a career-best performance against Mike Ruiz in May. Since turning pro in 2010, Melson’s donated 100% of his fight purse earnings and helped raise more than $300,000 towards stem cell research in lieu of America’s first clinical trial to help cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries. His ultimate goal is to see his best friend Christan Zaccagnino, who was paralyzed from her neck down from a childhood diving accident, walk again.

 

Last month, Melson and other supporters of Team Fight to Walk had an emotional meeting with Congress inWashington, DC to push for the trial to officially be approved. The meeting was a major success and Congressman Chaka Fattah is a big believer in the trials, which produced outstanding results when it was conducted in China. Team Fight to Walk hopes to officially get the green light for the US trial in the very near future.

 

The epitome of a selfless athlete, Melson’s humanitarian efforts have been featured by ESPN, HBO, Yahoo, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, Ring Magazine and Huffington Post amongst various other outlets.

 

Recently, Melson was invited to San Francisco for the convention to discuss the WBC’s initiative to sponsor different amateur boxing programs. His primary goal was to meet with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and Chairwoman Jill Diamond however, he was completely caught of guard to hear his name announced as a Humanitarian Award winner for his outstanding service as a champion in and out of the ring.

 

“This is one of my greatest honors as a pro or amateur” said Melson. “When I was invited to San Francisco, I was thrilled to meet with the WBC and looked forward to seeing other great people in boxing receive awards at the convention. I wish you could have seen my face when I realized Jill Diamond was referring to me when she went up on stage and presented the next award of the night. Many of boxing’s all-time greats wore the green belt and won awards at their conventions. It’s extremely humbling to be mentioned among them.”

 

After receiving his award, Melson and the WBC discussed details of their plan to become more involved with amateur boxing in the public service sector. This is included but not limited to police, firefighters and various branches of the military. As an Army Reserve Officer who maintains many great relationships, the WBC knew Melson was the man for the job.

 

During the convention, Melson was officially appointed an Ambassador. His job will be to help the WBC get involved in sponsoring amateur fighters and events featuring public service workers.

 

“Mauricio Sulaiman said to me that you are my man, and the WBC is your family forever. I probably gave him one of the brightest smiles of my life. It’s also important to remember that throughout history, there have been great American fighters from the public service sector. My Team Fight to Walk brother Steve Cunningham is a multi-time world champion by way of the Navy and 2012 US Olympian Jamal Herring was a Marine Sergeant who served two tours of duty in Iraq. The consensus greatest fighter of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson, came from the Army. Six heavyweight champions, Ray Mercer, Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Joe Louis, Gene Tunney and Rocky Marciano, served our country as did legends Barney Ross and Tony Zale. My goal is to help the WBC connect with military personnel, policemen, firefighters, etc. because there is a lot of great talent out there.”

 

After Boyd received his award, he was given a few moments to speak. With his father Nolan Melson by his side that night, Boyd went on stage and spoke from his heart.

 

“I was extremely emotional to the point where I felt myself having to hold back my eyes from watering up. I said that boxing is the greatest sport in the world and it opened so many doors for me. Last weekend is one I’ll never forget.”

 

For more information on Melson’s cause, please visit Teamfighttowalk.com

KARIM “HARD HITTA” MAYFIELD READY TO STEP UP AND GIVE MAYWEATHER A HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE FIGHT

Photo By Team Mayfield

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (July 6, 2015) – After pound for pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) mentioned Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-2-1, 11 KOs) as one of his possible opponents for his final contracted fight with Showtime, the San Francisco native says is ready to step up and give Mayweather his first loss.

 

“I’m always ready to fight anyone anywhere,” said Karim Mayfield. “The fact that the great Floyd Mayweather has mentioned me as someone he wants to fight in September is music to my ears.  It would be an honor to fight Floyd in Las Vegas.  He’s done a lot for the sport and he’s arguably the best fighter to ever lace em up.  My last few fights have been at 140 pounds and I know the extra weight would make me more powerful.  I fought Francisco Santana at 152 pounds and gave him his only KO loss. I’m very powerful and comfortable at that weight. I know I would give Floyd all he can handle.  My trainer Ben Bautista and I have a game plan we know will be successful against Mayweather.  I’d give Floyd his first loss in a highly explosive fight.”

 

Set for September 12, 2015, Mayweather will fight an opponent TBA at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.  Mayfield, along with Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) are fighters Floyd Mayweather has mentioned as potential opponents.  Karim feels he’s the better option.

 

“No disrespect to Andre Berto, he’s a good fighter and we have a mutual respect for one another, but he’s not as durable as I am. Berto has two losses against opponent’s Floyd has already defeated.  I’ve never been dropped, battered or bruised in any of my fights. I bring a rough style to this fight, a style the fans want to see Floyd up against. In addition, the Bay Area is a big media market and I know all my fans here would rise up and support me.  My brother La Ron and I, who are independent, sold out my last fight in San Francisco.  I’m confident we can bring a big crowd to Las Vegas.  It’s only an hour fight away.”

 

Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs), who’s been begging to fight Mayweather since 2014, is another fighter campaigning to fight Mayweather.  After sparring Khan on numerous occasions, Mayfield feels Amir is an easier fight.

 

“Every time I sparred Amir Khan at Virgil Hunter’s gym, I put hands on him,” Mayfield declared. “So bad that Virgil had to stop the sparring sessions.  Khan has also been brutally knocked out twice by Prescott and Garcia.  The man has no chin and he wouldn’t last twelve rounds with Money Mayweather.  He’s definitely the safer route.”

 

Mayfield, who’s been in camp with Manny PacquiaoAntonio Margarito and Danny Garcia to name a few, has all the experience needed to give the fans an entertaining fight.  He’s beaten many undefeated fighters and has a unanimous decision win against Mauricio Herrera.

 

“No one can deny my heart and determination to fight the best,” Mayfield continued. “I’ve been the ring with everyone. I soundly beat Herrera, I whooped Pacquiao and Khan in sparring.  Shawn Porter refused to step in the ring when he had the choice to fight me or Erick Bone with only one day notice. A lot of fighters have ducked me because I’m a serious threat to anyone.”

 

Mayfield feels the fans want to see Floyd Mayweather give an African-American fighter a chance to dethrone him.  Mayweather’s last seven opponents have been either, Mexican, Argentinean, Filipino or Puerto Rican.

 

“I think it’s time for the fans to see Floyd give a brotha a shot.” Mayfield concluded. “Shane Mosley and Zab Judah gave Floyd a run for his money.  I feel I can do the same but come out victorious.”

FIGHT NETWORK BOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (July 6-12, 2015)

(U.S. only schedule.  For full 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, July 6

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight New Now Extra– The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Tuesday, July 7

6:00 p.m. ETKOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

8:30 p.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Wednesday, July 8

7:00 a.m. & 10:00 p.m. ETKOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Thursday, July 9

1:00 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. ETKOTV Boxing Weekly Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Friday, July 10

12:30 p.m. ETKOTV Boxing Weekly Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

Saturday, July 11

12:30 a.m. ETFight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

6:30 p.m. ETKOTV Boxing Weekly Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

Sunday, July 12

2:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

8:00 p.m. ETUltimate Classic Boxing: Giardello vs. Sandy – Featuring Joey Giardello vs. Randy Sandy from Feb. 6. 1957 in Chicago.

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 

ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

BROOKLYN’S PAULIE MALIGNAGGI INTERVIEWED ON ESPN BROADCAST OF NATHAN’S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST ON JULY 4th IN CONEY ISLAND

Malignaggi Faces Undefeated Danny Garcia On Saturday, August 1 Edition Of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN Live From Barclays Center

 

Click HERE For Full Interview Video

Click HERE For Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (July 6, 2015) – Former two-division world champion and Brooklynite Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi was interviewed by Melanie Collins on ESPN’s broadcast of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday, July 4th on Coney Island.

 

He appeared in front of the raucous Brooklyn crowd and signed autographs and took photos with fans.

 

Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs) takes on undefeated superstar Danny “Swift” Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) in the evening’s main event on Saturday, August 1 at Barclays Center. Televised action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with Middleweight World Champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) taking on former world champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $250, $150, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, please call 800-GROUP-BK.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.barclayscenter.comand www.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @PaulMalignaggi, @LouDiBella, @ESPNBoxing, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/fanpagedannyswiftgarcia, www.facebook.com/PaulMalignaggi, www.facebook.com/barclayscenterand www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN and #BrooklynBoxing.