Category Archives: boxing

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

JAVIER FORTUNA TAKES ON BRYAN VASQUEZ IN TELEVISED OPENER FOR PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE ON FRIDAY, MAY 29

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LIVE FROM BARCLAYS CENTER

BEGINNING AT 9:00 P.M. ET/6:00 P.M. PT

 

Plus, Undercard Action Featuring

Staten Island’s 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne Battling Cornelius White

& Brooklyn’s Heather Hardy Facing Noemi Bosques

 

BROOKLYN (May 21, 2015) – An electric showdown between Javier Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) and Bryan Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs) will open up the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike telecast taking place Friday, May 29 at Barclays Center.

 

The 12-round junior lightweight bout between Fortuna and Vasquez will lead into the highly anticipated contest between former world champions Amir Khan and Chris Algieri. The Spike telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

 

Undercard action will also feature a slew of exciting local prospects competing in tough fights. 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (14-0, 11 KOs) of Staten Island will take on the experienced Cornelius White (21-2, 16 KOs) in a 10 round light heavyweight bout while Heather “The Heat” Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) faces Noemi Bosques (8-2-2) in eight rounds of featherweight action.

 

Also on the card are  Wesley Ferrer (8-0, 5 KOs) taking on Jose Miguel Castro (4-2, 2 KOs) in a six round lightweight attraction, Noel Murphy (1-0) battling Michael Black(0-1) in four rounds of welterweight action, Adam Kownacki (9-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against Ytalo Perea (5-1-1, 3 KOs) in an eight round heavyweight fight and the eight round cruiserweight battle between Keith Tapia (14-0, 9 KOs) and Leo Pla (5-4-2, 2 KOs).

 

Rounding out the action is the professional debut of Chris Colbert as he battles Marquis Pierce (1-5) in a four round featherweight bout and Luis Franco (12-1-1, 8 KOs) taking on Guillermo Sanchez (15-15-1, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, 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.

 

An amateur standout who participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 25-year-old Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. The undefeated rising star out of La Romana, Dominican Republic holds four knockouts over his last six fights as he looks to put on another great show on May 29.

 

The 27-year-old Vasquez (35-1, 18 KOs) is quickly becoming known as the preeminent pugilist from Costa Rica. The San Jose-native is the winner of his last five fights, including a stoppage of Sergio Thompson in Dec. 2014. Vasquez does not shy from any competition and will not back down when he faces his toughest test to date in Javier Fortuna on Spike TV.

 

As he approaches his record ninth appearance at Barclays Center, the 2012 U.S. Olympian Browne (13-0, 10 KOs) is becoming synonymous with boxing’s newest Mecca. Unbeaten as a professional, with six knockouts at Barclays Center, the Staten Island native has shown how much he loves fighting in his backyard, most recently scoring a sixth round stoppage over Aaron Pryor Jr. at Barclays Center in April. The 24-year-old faces the 34-year-old White (21-3, 16 KOs) from Houston.

 

Already the winner of the first-ever professional female boxing match at Barclays Center,Hardy (12-0, 2 KOs) returns on May 29 looking to bounce back from a frustrating no contest on April 11. Her previous victory at Barclays Center came in June 2014 when she won a split decision over Jackie Trivilino. Her most recent victory was a dominant unanimous decision against Elizabeth Anderson in December 2014. She looks to keep that momentum going on May 29 when she faces the 32-year-old Bosques out of Saint Petersburg, Florida.

 

An accomplished amateur out of Brooklyn, Ferrer owns a 2012 New York Amateur Boxing Championship and a 2013 New York Daily News Golden Gloves Championship. The 22-year-old has already won twice in 2015, scoring a second round TKO over Bryan Timmons in April. He prepares to face the 27-year-old Castro out of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

 

A 20-year-old prospect out of Woodlawn, New York, Murphy turned pro in November of last year with a unanimous decision over Anthony Smith. He returns to the ring on May 29to fight Black out of Las Vegas.

 

Originally from Lomza, Poland, but fighting out of Brooklyn, Kownacki is a 2006 and 2009 New York Daily News Golden Gloves Champion. The 26-year-old delivered a first round knockout in April over Randy Easton and returns to the ring in his adopted hometown looking for his 10th professional victory. He faces the 21-year-old 2012 Olympian Pereafrom Ecuador.

 

An undefeated prospect from Santurce, Puerto Rico, Tapia aims to build on his previous two outings, which both ended in first round knockouts.  The 24-year-old will battle with the 33-year-old Pla out of Wichita, Kansas.

 

Making his professional debut on May 29, Brooklyn’s own Colbert will face off against the 25-year-old Pierce out of Newark, New Jersey.

 

An accomplished amateur who represented Cuba in the 2004 Olympics, Franco won a Junior World Championship in 2003. The 33-year-old, who now fights out of Miami, will take on the 26-year-old Sanchez out of Buffalo, New York.

 

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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, www.barclayscenter.com andwww.dbe1.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AmirKingKhan, @ChrisAlgieri, @LouDiBella, @SpikeTV and @BarclaysCenter and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/AmirKhanThePage,www.Facebook.com/ChrisAlgieri and www.Facebook.com/Spike. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #BrooklynBoxing.
boxing, Team Fight to Walk

USNBC Champion Melson to speak to Lodi students!

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New York, NY (May 21, 2015) – Newly crowned WBC-USNBC 154 pound champion Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will serve as a special guest speaker at Thomas Jefferson Middle School Friday, May 22 in Lodi, NJ.

 

A 2003 West Point graduate, Melson serves as an Army Reserve Officer, donates 100% of his purses to Teamfighttowalk.com and works a full time job. Between his aforementioned commitments along with training and making weight, Melson’s had to overcome many difficulties both personally and professionally. As a professional boxer, the native New Yorker’s built an impressive 15-1-1 record with 4 wins by knockout. On May 8, he scored the biggest win of his career, dominating Mike Ruiz over 10 rounds to capture the WBC-USNBC championship.

 

During his speech, Melson will discuss what it’s like to get knocked down by life when pursuing dreams, how to stay focused on goals, choices in life and the different paths life could take a person based on those choices.

 

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity,” said Melson. “There are many kids that need the proper guidance or fuel to light their fire. I believe everybody has the potential to make something of themselves. What it comes down to is making the right choices and staying on track even when life throws you a curveball. My goal is to relate to these students and inspire them to stay focused while making smart choices for their futures.”

 

For more information on Boyd Melson and Team Fight to Walk, visit Teamfighttowalk.com

boxing

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns Friday night in Corona, California

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Corona, CA (May 21, 2015)—Tomorrow night in Corona, California, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns to the ring for the third time in three months when he battles Miguel Tamayo in bout scheduled for six rounds at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.
The bout will be on the undercard of the Boxcino finals where Lopez GH3 Promotions stablemate John Thompson takes on Brandon Adams in Jr. Middleweight championship bout.
“Training went really well.  I did a lot of sparring to get ready for Tamayo who is a southpaw,” said Lopez.
Lopez, who has a record of 11-0 with six knockouts will be fighting for the third time since March 13, is coming off of two consecutive 2nd round knockouts with the first being over undefeated Pablo Cruz that was nationally televised by ShoBox.
“I feel good about keeping active and having fights to keep me busy.  It is a good confidence boost to keep me active.”
In Tamayo, he is fighting a guy that has 30 fights under his belts (16-12-2, 14 KO’s) and has been in the ring with former world title challenger Cesar Seda, current world champion Gary Russell Jr and prospects Diego De La Hoya &McWilliams Arroyo.
“He is a veteran journeyman.  He fought guys like Russell and De La Hoya so it is a measuring stick and it will put me in a category that I should start getting more notice.  I don’t care what the others did with him.  I am just going out to do my thing and win the fight.”
Even though the 24 year-old Lopez is from San Antonio, Texas, he has California roots and did not grow up far from Corona.
“I am from California and not too far from Corona.  I fought here as an amateur and am excited to fight here as a professional.”
“I am excited GH3 is keeping me active and have been fighting every month.  This is exactly what I need to do.  I am going to go out there and do my thing.  I am excited and honored to be fighting on the Boxcino finals show and on the last ESPN Friday Night Fights card,”finished Lopez.
Said Lopez promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “We are happy to have Adam fight on this card.  With John fighting in Boxcino, it gives Adam a chance to fight close to where he grew up and get him exposure on the West coast.”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, Ring 8

Daniel Jacobs & Harold Weston Ring 8 Guest Speakers pictures

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(L-R) – 2015 New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Harold Weston and WBA middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs were guest speakers at last night’s Ring 8 monthly meeting.  Former world middleweight champion

Vito Antuofermo is to the far right.

 

(photo by Stanley Janousek)

ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

 
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Carly Gillis Photography

 

BOSTON (May 20, 2015) – Fighters took part in a media workout at The Ring Boxing Club in Boston Wednesday to kick off fight week for this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card at Agganis Arena that is headlined byAndre Dirrell vs. James DeGale with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

See here what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ANDRE DIRRELL

 

“I always knew my day would come. I put in the work, I love this sport so I give it what I owe.

 

“I’m happy to get a shot at another title. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to put in my work and perform to the best of my ability and that will make me a world champion.

 

“I’m glad to be getting in there with somebody who believes he can win. I want someone who will test me like I’ll test them. That’s a real championship fight.

 

“I’m much hungrier than I was early in my career and I’m more focused mentally. With age comes wisdom. Everything I went through is all a blessing.

 

“My goals are set and I’m going to accomplish every one.”

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“Dirrell’s team is trying to get in my head. They must be scared. I’m wound up and I’m ready.

 

“I’m obsessed with making history. It’s what drives me to work so hard in the gym and succeed in the ring.

 

“It’s been a 16-week camp come fight night, so it’s been a long time. My body and mind feel ready to fight, I am so sharp and in a very good place.

 

“He’s a tricky, talented, confident fighter – he believes in his ability. He said that he would not get beaten again in his career, and I am sure he believes that 100 percent. So you have two very confident fighters going into the ring on Saturday.

 

“I’m going to show everybody who I am. I’m driven to become the first Olympic gold medalist from the U.K. to win a world title and I’m doing it for my country.”

 

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“It’s an extremely important fight because it’s so close to my home.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting on NBC. This is a great opportunity for me to be back at the elite level.

 

“It’s important for me to get this win and get into a big fight against the best. I know I have to look impressive and that’s what I plan on.”

 

DANNY O’CONNOR

 

“I was disappointed in my fight with Paulie Malignaggi dropping out but there are always positives and one of them is that I’m now fighting in my hometown of Boston.

 

“I do a lot of work in and out of the ring to prepare for a fight. I’m full focused now on fighting Chris Gilbert.

 

“I want to thank all the people who helped get me onto this card, including Murphys Boxing, I promise I’m going to put on a show come Saturday.”

 

CHRIS GILBERT

 

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I’ve known about Danny since I started boxing and I’ve even been on a few cards with him.

 

“Danny has been the top New England fighter in my division and you always want to compare your skills with somebody like him.

 

“I was in Vermont and I’m always in top shape prepared to get a call to fight and this here is that big opportunity.”

 

GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN

 

“This is absolutely awesome fighting here and it’s a very important fight for me to go win.

 

“When I knock out my opponent on Saturday, I want to be the number one contender in the division and fight all the big names.”

 

RYAN KIELCZWESKI

 

“It’s awesome fighting in Boston in front of my home crowd with all of my friends, family and friends in attendance.

 

“Fighting on the undercard of this huge event with so many great fights makes the experience even better and one I’ll never forget.”

 

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The Saturday, May 23 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC features Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) andJames DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super middleweight showdown and Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs) vs.Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) in 10-round light heavyweight match up. Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
boxing

Banner Promotions signs undefeated and world ranked Jr. Welterweight Mauro Maximiliano Godoy

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Philadelphia, PA (May 20 2015)— Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated and world ranked Jr. Welterweight contender Mauro Maximiliano Godoy to an exclusive promotional contract.
Godoy, 25 years old of Centenario, Argentina, has a record of 19-0 with 8 knockouts and is the current Argentina Super Lightweight champion and the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight title.  He is currently ranked number-9 by the WBO.
“We are happy to get this young contender in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President Arthur Pelullo.
“He comes on great recommendation from Daniel Castro who has been working with him.  We have seen some footage, and we feel Mauro has the potential to be a star here in the United States and throughout the world.  He has many options, as the 140 pound division is loaded with quality talent, and we expect to get him a major fight sooner rather than later.”
Said Daniel Castro, representative for Godoy, “Mauro is very happy
to sign with Banner Promotions, which is one of the major promoters in the world.  He is looking to have good opportunities to become a world champion in the future.  He is a hard working fighter who is always in the gym and ready to fight.  We saw what Banner has done with Ruslan Provodnikov, and Mauro wants good fights and maybe an opportunity to fight Provodnikov.”
Godoy has fought his entire career in Argentina, and he won the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight crown with a 5th round stoppage over Federico Malespina on May 9, 2014.  He won the vacant Argentina Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cesar Inalef (18-3-1) on September 19, 2014.  Godoy made his only defense in his last bout when he stopped Jorge Fredes in 6 rounds on November 21, 2014.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino Jr. Middleweight finals by the numbers

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.

 

The 10-round junior middleweight final showcases Boxcino tournament veteran Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles against the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey. The finalists will compete for the Boxcino crown on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Also on the line – the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title, and the WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight belt.

 

Tickets for the Boxcino Finals are priced at $50, $70, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

 

The double main event features heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia in a 10-round fight to determine the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight Champion. Dennis-Fedosov will also fight for the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

 

Brandon Adams– 17-1, 12 KO’s                                          John Thompson– 16-1, 5 KO’s

Los Angeles, CA                                                                Newark, NJ
Nickname–“The Cannon”                                                    “Apollo Kidd”

Age: 25                                                                             Age: 26
Has won 3 straight bouts (all by stoppage)                           Has won two straight bouts
66.7 KO %                                                                         29.4 KO%
Has fought 74 rounds (4.1 Rounds/Bout)                              Has fought 78 rounds (4.59 Round/Bout)

5’9″                                                                                   6’1″

70″ Reach                                                                         NA

Opp Rec: 157-99-16                                                          100-45-9

The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT. and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com& ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram@bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.
boxing

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM SPORTS INDUSTRY HONORED AT TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

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May 2 Installment Of Annual Breakfast Celebrated Hard Working Professionals in Sports and Entertainment

Las Vegas (May 20) – Mayweather Promotions kicked-off the Saturday, May 2 Mayweather vs. Pacquiao festivities with the Titans of the Trade breakfast entitled “Breakfast of Champions,” in celebration of the hard working professionals in sports and entertainment.  This year, the Titans of the Trade Committee honored three formidable women who have forged their own paths to success in the sports industry – renowned sportscaster Lesley Visser, former world champion Mia St. John and New York State Athletic Commission Chairwoman Melvina Lathan.

 

“I accept this award on behalf of anyone who has faced the odds and over came them,” said Visser. “Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world,’ and I agree because this honor I’ve received today is an example of how sport has changed the world.”

 

In addition to the honorees, there was a full program of speakers and other activities. Guest speakers included boxing legend and Hall of Famer Lucia Rijker and Andrea Haynes and Dr. Rena Menard of the United States National Committee for United Nations Women (Houston Chapter).

 

Haynes and Menard spoke specifically about HeForShe, a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls.

 

“Why I’m passionate about the HeForShe campaign is because it is important that we get the men involved to support us,” said Haynes. “UN Women and He for She is dear because what it’s saying is that we all recognize that for us to be better and do better, we have to support our women.”

 

Titans of the Trade has created a platform for the revered honorees, noteworthy speakers and worthy causes to be front and center on the biggest days of the boxing calendar and will continue to do so moving forward.

 

“What started as a women-only event with 25 attendees has grown to a Floyd Mayweather fight day tradition with over 100 women and men from across the sports industry and it has been a pleasure to see the event thrive,” said Nicole Craig, Vice President of Marketing and Operations for Mayweather Promotions.  “This year we honored three incredible women and welcomed new guests that got the opportunity to network and form lasting relationships.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BIG-TIME BOXING RETURNS TO BOSTON ON SATURDAY, MAY 23 WITH PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC

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TAKE A LOOK BACK AT BOSTON’S RICH BOXING HISTORY

 

BOSTON (May 20, 2015) – Boston is known for being home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, but many may not know that it is also a city that has had a long and rich history with the sweet science. On Saturday, May 23, world championship boxing is officially back in Beantown when Premier Boxing Champions on NBC returns with a showdown between Andre Dirrell and James DeGale at Boston University’s Agganis Arena with coverage on NBC beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

The last time Boston saw a world championship fight was May 23, 2006 when two world title fights took place at TD Bank Garden, formerly the Boston Garden. That night saw British superstar Ricky “Hitman” Hatton defeat Luis Collazo in a welterweight world title fight, while Eric Aiken upset previously undefeated Valdemir Pereira for a featherweight world title.

“Fighting in the Boston Garden was a great honor, never mind in a world title fight, but even a four rounder,” said Tony DeMarco, who won the welterweight world title in 1955 at the Boston Garden. “I had more fights there than anybody (28), including my pro debut. It’s always good fighting at home. You’re more comfortable at home. The fans know and honor you. Boston fans were real fight fans.”

 

Boston has been deeply invested in boxing since the early 20th century. From 1902-1908 the small town of Chelsea that borders Boston became the mecca for boxing as the sport was banned throughout most of America. However, Chelsea had a special ordinance that legalized boxing. It was during this time that Jack Johnson was faced with what he admitted was the toughest fight of his career, when he defended his heavyweight title against Sam Langford on April 6, 1906. Johnson won by a 15-round unanimous decision and refused to fight Langford again.

 

In addition, Fenway Park, famed home of the Boston Red Sox, hosted 29 professional boxing cards between 1919 and 1956. Beyond just hosting big fights, Boston has also produced a slew of Hall of Fame talent who were either born in Massachusetts or called the state home.

 

Noteworthy names include Roxbury heavyweight champions John L. Sullivan, Brockton heavyweight Rocky Marcianoand Brockton resident and middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Boston’s own featherweight championsSandy Saddler and George Dixon plus Boston promoter Rip Valenti have all been enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

“Fighting in Boston was a great experience,” said John Ruiz, a two-time heavyweight world champion from Chelsea. “Like any sport, Boston sports fans are true fans who follow your progress.  I could feel their emotion wherever I fought.  I will never forget them. I fought in Las Vegas a lot and there were always Boston fans there supporting me.  I always appreciated them traveling all over the country to my fights.”

 

A father-son duo from Arlington, Mass. both had an impact on the heavyweight landscape decades after each other. Tom McNeeley fought heavyweight world champion Floyd Patterson in 1961 and dropped the champion before eventually succumbing to a fourth round knockout. Over 30 years later, his son Peter was the first man to fight Mike Tyson after he was released from prison, with the fight ending in McNeeley being disqualified.

 

One of the more unique athletes to come out of Boston, Dr. Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure was an Olympic Gold medalist, a doctor of psychology and a Massachusetts boxing commissioner. While at the 1960 Olympics, McClure served as the co-captain for Team USA and was the roommate of fellow gold medalist Cassius Clay. While he never reached his potential as a professional, he received opportunities against world class opponents Luis Manuel Rodriguez twice andJose Torres, losing all three by decision. He also lost a decision and fought to a draw against  Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. After his professional boxing career, McClure served as a Massachusetts boxing commissioner before eventually retiring in the Boston area where he resides to this day.

 

Another greatly revered fighter to come out of the Boston-area is Lowell’s Micky Ward. Hugely popular for his exciting style, Ward compiled a 38-13 pro record with 27 knockouts. He was most known for the three epic fight of the year award-winning battles with the late Arturo Gatti. Ward’s life and career was portrayed in the award-winning film “The Fighter”, which starred Mark Wahlberg as Ward.

 

“It was great fighting in Boston.  The fans were very supportive and knowledgeable about the game,” said Ward. “It was like I was fighting at home…it was home for me as a fighter.  Fans traveled a lot to my fights, too.  They were a little crazy, drank lot of beer and were more vocal than most places I ever fought. I loved it.”

 

On Saturday, May 23 a new crop of young and hungry fighters will lay it all on the line, hoping to write the next exciting chapter of boxing history in the city of Boston. The action begins at 1:30 p.m. ET inside of Agganis Arena.

 

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Tickets for the return of big-time boxing to Boston, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
boxing

Welterweight Bryant Perella looks to remain perfect this Friday night at the Claridge in Atlantic City

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Juan Dominguez headlines against Mario Antonio Macias 
Atlantic City, NJ (May 20,2015)–This Friday night,May 22, boxing returns to the Claridge in Atlantic City with a full 9-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DeeLee Promotions.
Welterweight Bryant Perella will take part in his first eight-round bout when he takes on tough German Perez.
In the main event, undefeated super bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez will take on Mario Antonio Macias  in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.
Perella, 26 years-old of Lehigh Acres, Florida has a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts and has stopped five straight.
He already has quality victories over Benito Tovar (3-0-1), which was a first-round stoppage and his last bout when he stopped Justin Johnson in four rounds onFebruary 20.
“Everything is good.  I am going to make weight and take care of business,”said Perella when contacted on Tuesday.
“I know Perez is tough. He is 11-1 and from Mexico.  I have not seen video on him but I am preparing for a rough fight.  I know a lot of guys Tijuana come forward and are aggressive.”
Perella came from a quality amateur career where he went 70-9 and placed in quite a few national tournaments.
“I consider myself a smart boxer with speed and explosive power.”
Perella, who has already scored a stoppage win in Las Vegas, is excited to see action in the traditional east coast hotbed of boxing in Atlantic City.
“My first fight in Atlantic City is a dream come true.  Next to Las Vegas it is the best place to fight and it motivated me throughout camp.”
In Perez, the fight is a step up as the Tijuana native is unbeaten in his last seven bouts and is already competed in an eight-round bout.
“For me to have my first eight round fight is a step up.  This step up will really help me.  I am going to relax and box then I will be able to break him down and get him out of there.”
Perella is dedicating the fight to 18-year old Devin Raynaer who recently passed away in a car accident.
“He was a friend of mine and I am dedicating this bout to him.  I just want to thank my fans for supporting me and I am ready for an exciting fight.”
In 8 round bouts:

John Magda (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will fight Miguel Angel Manguia (31-32-1, 25 KO’s) in a Super Middleweight bout.

Gervonta Davis (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take on Alberta Mora (5-3, 1 KO) of Mexico City in Featherweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Antuwyan Aikens (9-0, 1 KO) of Atlantic City will fight Edgar Perez (6-13, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IOL
Jamontay Clark (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will battle Jonathan Garcia (4-13, 1 KO) of Aguada, PR in a Welterweight bout.
Jr. Welterweight Keenan Smith (6-0, 2 KO’s of Philadelphia) will take Luis Rodriguez (3-3, 2 KO’s) of Carolina, PR.
In 4-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (4-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Donald Sanchez (2-1, 1 KO) of Albuquerque, NM. in a Welterweight bout.

Pro debuting Light Heavyweight Carlos Gongora of Brooklyn, NY will battle Efigenio Perez (0-4) of Puerto Rico.

Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by clickingwww.claridge.eventbrite.com or by calling call 610 587 5950 or 609 868 4243

The 1st bout will start at 7 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.