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Category Archives: boxing
JENNINGS & SANTANA GAIN RESPECT WITH FANS
NEW JERSEY (May 5, 2015) – After HBO World Championship Boxing had one of their highest rated shows since 2012 with the Klitschko vs. Jennings championship bout on April 25th, Gary Shaw feels his fighters, Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and Francisco Santana (22-4-1, 11 KOs), can make quick comebacks to the big stage.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Bryant Jennings and Francisco Santana are fighters the fans want see,” said Gary Shaw. “The viewership that HBO had on April 25th was fantastic and I believe Jennings and Santana had a lot to do with those high ratings. Jennings because of his activity on social media. Santana because he has a tremendous amount of Latin fans that support him. With that being said, I believe both fighters, will be back on the big stage in the future.”
Bryant Jennings gained a ton of respect for his gallant effort against Klitschko, in which he went the distance, giving Wladimir his toughest fight in recent years, proving he was deserving of a title shot. Francisco Santana, who also went the distance with Sadam Ali, showed remarkable heart as he fought hard in every round, giving the fans their money’s worth.
“Bryant Jennings proved he’s an elite heavyweight contender with his performance against Klitschko,” Gary Shaw continued. “Santana is a Mexican warrior and both fighters gained a lot of fans that night. Both fighters pressed the action, taking the fight to their opponents, bringing excitement to the bout. Many in attendance felt the scores for both Jennings and Santana were not reflective of their fights. It was a lot closer then what the judges scorecards read. Jennings and Santana both love being HBO fighters. I have plans to bring them back to HBO.”
Boxcino 2015 Finals on ESPN “Friday Night Fights” May 22, Corona, CA
For Immediate Release
ORANGE, Calif. (May 5, 2015) – Junior middleweight Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) is returning to a familiar situation. After coming up short in last year’s Boxcino finals and suffering the only loss of his career, the Los Angeles-native dropped down one weight class and fought his way back to the 10-round championship fight.
Adams faces the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. in the Boxcino 2015 junior middleweight championship.
The Boxcino Finals is televised on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” (ESPN2 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and is co-promoted through Arthur Pelullo’s Banner Promotions and Ken Thompson’s Thompson Boxing Promotions.
“Everything is good, training is going well,” Brandon Adams said. “I‘m still in shape from my last fight and I’m coming to get what is mine. I’m going to put on a performance that will make everyone proud.”
“My training camp has been great,” John Thompson said. “I‘ve been working hard, staying hungry. I have one day on my mind and that is May 22nd.”
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.
In the co-feature, heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia will meet in a 10-round fight to determine the Boxcino 2015 heavyweight champion.
Dennis and Fedosov have electrified the crowds leading up to the tournament finals. They both showed off their freight train like power by knocking out their respective opponents in the Boxcino quarter and semifinals.
“I’ve been in Los Angeles for training camp, getting good sparring,” Donovan Dennissaid. “I know Andrey will be ready, and so will I.”
“I’m glad that I’ve made it into the finals of this great tournament on ESPN,” Andrey Fedosov said. “I‘m training very hard in Los Angeles and I’m confident that I will win the fight.”
“I’m looking forward to the Boxcino finals,” said Artie Pelullo, president of Banner Promotions. “The finals will be terrific with two exciting and compelling fights.”
“We couldn’t be anymore excited to be a part of this wonderful tournament that has a long history of producing boxing stars,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “All four boxers understand what’s on the line, and I’m positive they’ll come out hungry and put on a tremendous boxing showcase.”
Additional information on the undercard will be announced shortly.
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.
MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV Continues Friday, May 8, at 10 p.m. ET
May 5, 2015
The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV series will feature its second consecutive week of live boxing coverage Friday, May 8, at 10 p.m. ET from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. The card will feature two title fights, headlined by Top-10 contenders Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia (23-1, 15 KOs) from Passaic, N.J., and “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (23-0, 15 KOs). Tapia will defend his NABO junior middleweight title against Michel Soro (25-1-1, 15 KOs) from France, with Monaghan defending his WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title against Cleiton Conceicao (20-6-2, 16 KOs) from Brazil.
Commentators for the event will include Kevin Kugler providing play-by-play with analyst Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and reporter Crystina Poncher. Kugler is a veteran announcer who has called college basketball and NFL coverage for Westwood One and college football for the Big Ten Network. Mancini is a 2015 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former NABF and WBA lightweight champion. Poncher is a commentator and reporter for Top Rank, as well as a host, reporter and correspondent for NFL Network and NFL.com. Additionally, closed captioning in Spanish will be available.
The network’s presentation will feature the continued use of “Spidercam”technology, the first of its kind for a live domestic boxing telecast, providing dynamic coverage during the series. “Spidercam” operates on a four-point system of cables from designated points beyond the corners of the boxing ring. The suspended camera has the ability to provide compelling 360-degree angles of the action including the ability to move in three dimensions – left/right, forward/backward and up/down.
As part of its entitlement sponsorship of the boxing series on truTV,MetroPCS will receive camera-visible center ring and corner pad brand placement for each fight, as well as inclusion in all promotional messaging across truTV and other Turner Broadcasting networks.
Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.
MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO PREMIERES THIS SATURDAYON SHOWTIME®, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO EPILOGUE
Network’s Distinctive And Award-Winning “Epilogue” Episode Focuses
The Spotlight On The Unpredictable Drama Of Fight Week
Click On The Image Below To Watch A Clip Lift: http://s.sho.com/1JmrDZ3
The fourth and final installment of INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO–Epilogue–premieres this Saturday immediately following the SHOWTIME premiere of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao delayed telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT. In this clip, witness Mayweather and Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach arguing just moments before the fight. And tune in this Saturday to witness all the drama and intensity immediately before and after last Saturday’s historic showdown.
Provodnikov popular at Mayweather – Pacquiao
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, PA (May 4, 2015)— This past weekend in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao fought in what was the most anticipated bout in a generation. Several big name fighters were in attendance, but the one who appealed most to the hundreds of thousands of fans who flocked Sin City for the fight was “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov.
Provodnikov posed for hundreds of pictures and signed countless autographs. He also participated in “Radio Row” where he talked on a plethora radio stations from around the country.
Provodnikov was also spotted and recognized by “A-List” celebrities who actually asked to take their pictures with the Jr. Welterweight star at the HBO/Showtime pre-fight,red carpet party.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER DEFEATS MANNY PACQUIAO BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF 16,507 FANS AT MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA
Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
“He’s [Manny Pacquiao] is a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to him. Now I see why he’s one of the guys that are at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.
“I knew he was going to push it and win some rounds. He had some moments in the fight, but I kept him on the outside, I was a smart fighter. I wasn’t getting hit with a lot of shots until I sat in the pocket, that’s when he would land a lot of shots.
“We did what we had to do tonight and I’m truly blessed.
“I’m a calculated fighter, he’s a tough competitor.
“I have to take it off to my dad, without him I wouldn’t be where I’m at.
“He’s a very awkward fighter, so I had to take my time and watch him close.
“All 47 fights before I got to this fight played a major key in my career.
“Manny Pacquiao is a true champion and we both did our best tonight.
“When the history books are written, this fight will have been worth the wait.
“I have one more fight. My last fight is in September and then it’s time for me to hang it up. I’m almost 40 years old now. I’ve been in the sport 19 years and have been a champion for 18 years, I’m truly truly blessed.”
MANNY PACQUIAO
“It was a good fight; I thought I won the fight.
“He didn’t do anything. He was always moving outside.
“I got him many times, I saw his punches.
“He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would’ve stayed in one place then I could’ve thrown punches.
“I was cutting him and countering. I wanted to fight.
“I was able to handle his power; he’s not strong like previous opponents like [Antonio] Margarito.
“I thought I was up in the fight, so that’s why I didn’t attack harder in the 11th and 12th rounds.
“He’s not bigger than me, it’s not about the size. The size doesn’t matter. I’ve fought guys bigger than him and had no problem.”
* * *
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it. The three-fight pay-per-view telecast was co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com,
Ritehook Promotions brings boxing back to Gulf with Family Fight Night
Biloxi, MS (April 30, 2015) – On Saturday evening when most of the boxing world is glued to the TV watching the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight, those in the Mississippi Gulf will have the chance to not only witness the historic bout but also enjoy top notch talent before their own eyes.
Live at the Hard Rock Hotel in Biloxi, Ritehook Promotions will proudly present “Sweet Science 3”. The event is open to children of all ages but all minors must be accompanied by an adult over 30. With a number of promoters coming and going in the Gulf Coast, Ritehook Promotions CEO William Hunter is committed to boxing’s comeback in the Magnolia State.
Headlining this family friend event will be a showdown between highly touted Radivoje “Hod Rod” Kalajdzic and local spoiler William Johnson. Kalajdzic’s been perfect thus far as a pro, compiling a record of 17-0 but will be tested by a 50-plus fight veteran who has faced many top opponents.
In the semi-main event, Ritehook Promotions prospect Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods will try to take another step towards contention when he squares off against granite chinned Aaron Anderson. The fearless Woods has a solid 12-3-1 professional ledger and is eager to fight the best.
Tony Johnson Jr. meets grizzled veteran Marvin Hunt over four rounds in a heavyweight special attraction bout. The Nashville, TN based Johnson is 1-0 as a boxer but is best known as a top MMA fighter in the Bellator organization.
Fans will also get to enjoy separate bouts featuring Mike Bissett, Joey Bryant, Cameron Springer and Tom Howard.
“Boxing’s popularity is on the rise overall and with Mayweather-Pacquiao taking place the same night as our card, the interest on Saturday, May 2 will be at an all-time high,” said Hunter. “Ritehook Promotions is based out of this area and we have a great relationship not only with the community and venue, but the fighters we’re promoting. Those who come out to the Hard Rock Saturday evening will get to see talented fighters in Radivoje Kalajdzic, Manny Woods and Mike Bissett plus the man that I consider the biggest sleeper prospect in boxing Tony Johnson Jr.”
“Tony is a top rated MMA fighter and is 1-0 as a boxer. I truly believe he’s the Bo Jackson of Boxing. The goal is to get him a title fight by the time he’s 10-0 and make him the first dual sport champion. If you haven’t already done so, get your tickets now because we’re almost sold out!”
Tickets start at just $35 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com, at the Hard Rock Box Office or by calling228-217-5555. All ticketholders are invited to stay at the Hard Rock following the live fights and watch Mayweather-Pacquiao on a 35-foot screen.
For more information, go to Ritehookpromotions.com.
MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD FIGHTERS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM DAVID COPPERFIELD THEATER AT MGM GRAND IN LAS VEGAS
Click HERE For Photos From Stephanie Trapp/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE For Photos From Chris Farina/Top Rank
Click HERE For Photos From Will Hart/HBO
Click HERE For Photos From Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2015) – Undefeated WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz, WBO Featherweight World Champion Vasyl Lomachenko, their opponents and non-televised fighters participated Thursday in the undercard final press conference before their respective fights taking place this Saturday, May 2, live on pay-per-view at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
In pay-per-view fights before Floyd “Money” Mayweather meets Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in their epic welterweight championship unificiation showdown, the Mexican star Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) will take on fellow Mexican countryman Jose Cayetano (17-3, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight contest and Ukraine’s Lomachenko(3-1, 1 KO) will defend against Puerto Rico’s Gamalier Rodriguez (25-2-3, 17 KOs).
The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.
Also appearing at the press conference were boxers fighting on the non-televised portion of the card: Promising unbeaten Chris “Young King” Pearson (11-0, 9 KOs), who meets Said El Harrak (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout; hard-hitting Jesse Hart (16-0, 13 KOs), who’ll face fellow unbeaten Mike Jimenez (17-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the NABO, USBA and NABF Super Middleweight titles, power-punching Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (9-0, 9 KOs), who will be opposed by Anthony Caputo Smith (15-4, 10 KOs) in a cruiserweight eight-rounder and undefeated super middleweight Brad Solomon (24-0, 9 KOs), who meets Adrian Rene Granados (13-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round scrap.
Here is what the fighters and executives said Thursday at the Copperfield Theater at the MGM Grand:
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m more than excited to be on this undercard. This is the biggest card I could have been on. I want to show the whole world who I am.
“I prepared very hard for this fight, like I always do. It’s going to be a historic night and I’m happy to be a part of that history.
“I know that everybody is here for Mayweather and Pacquiao but there will still be millions seeing me fight and I want to show them who Leo Santa Cruz is so that I can get a lot more fans.
“”I’m still young and there are many more fights to come. The fights the fans want, we’re going to give it to them. I know those fights are going to happen.
“I want to look spectacular and I want to get Cayetano out of there really fast. Sometimes these kind of fighters are the ones who give you the hardest fights because they come hungrier and have nothing to lose.
“Seeing my family here and having them in the arena on fight night is a huge motivation for me. I feel happier and more relaxed and I’m ready.
“I never underestimate a fighter. Any fighter in the ring is dangerous. I hope that Cayetano is ready so that we can give the fans a great show.”
JOSE CAYETANO
“I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a strong, difficult fighter but he also has weaknesses and that is what we prepared for, to give him a surprise.
“I’m a man that takes challenges and I’ve been preparing very hard, I’m always prepared for these types of fights. I’m very prepared and I feel very strongly that I will win.
“I came here for the opportunity to beat Leo Santa Cruz and for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event that is Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
“I’m very happy and very grateful and very excited to get into the ring. It’s a huge commitment, the entire world will be watching me but that is why I accepted the fight, I know that if I beat him, bigger and better opportunities will come my way.
“I’m not nervous because it’s not the first time that I’ve faced a tough opponent. I’ve never faced a world champion but I’ve faced opponents that throw hard punches, so I’m not nervous, I’m excited.”
VASYL LOMACHENKO
“This is an opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing and for millions of viewers to see that I can do it.
“The best fighters get the best opportunities in the ring, there are a lot of great fighters getting those opportunities including myself.
“It’s always a good feeling when people are saying good things about you.
“I’m very excited to be involved in a bout such as this one, May 2 will be a big show shown around the world. I’m very happy to be in the opening bout for this huge fight.”
GAMALIER RODRIGUEZ
“I’m looking forward to this big fight on Saturday. It’s a blessing to participate in this type of press conference and come Saturday, I will win! I’m sure of it. I will be champion.
“All of the attention toward Vasyl Lomachenko gives me motivation. I’ve been a fighter and a boxer since I was young and it’s added motivation to come out on top this weekend.
“I know that Lomachenko is a good and technical fighter but it doesn’t compare to my hunger and drive to be world champion.
“I wanted to take the opportunity during my speech at the press conference to let everyone know that I can here to fight. It’s going to be a hard fought battle and I’m very confident that I’ll win and become the champion this Saturday.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“I am so excited to be here today to discuss the great undercard which will be the lead-in to our long awaited, history making event taking place this Saturday night.
“The lead-in fight for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao will be a very exciting fight featuring Leo Santa Cruz and Jose Cayetano.
“Leo Santa Cruz is one of the classiest gentleman in the sport. He’s a very fan-friendly fighter and a Mexican warrior. He represents Mexico very well.”
BOB ARUM, Hall of Fame Promoter, Top Rank
“I know that every fighter deems it a tremendous honor to be part of this great event. We hope and believe that we will be presenting to the public through Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, the best of boxing and the best fighters.
“Vasyl Lomachenko is considered to be the greatest amateur fighter of all time. Now, he looks for the same type of success he had as an amateur in the professional ranks. But this will be a very competitive fight, because Gamalier Rodriguez is a Puerto Rican who comes to fight and believes that he can upset Vasyl.
“A lot of the young men up here believe they are the next big thing in boxing, and many will be. But I know that Vasyl Lomachenko will be a big superstar in the sport of boxing.”
* * *
Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate con caracter, Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions -Terminator Genisys, in theaters July 1st, Paramount Pictures & Skydance Productions present MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION, in theaters & IMAX July 31st, The Weinstein Company and the new movie Southpaw, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, in theaters everywhere July 24 and Mexico, Live it to Believe it.
For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com,
Khan-Soloninkini Battle For Title Supremacy In London This Saturday
Bradford’s exciting Bantamweight prospect TASIF KHAN is set to challenge for his first title this Saturday, when he takes on Georgian #1 ranked MIKHEIL SOLONINKINI, for the vacant International Masters Silver Bantamweight Championship, on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott promoted LORDS OF THE RING event at the iconic York Hall, in Bethnal Green, London on May 2nd.
Khan earned the title shot with a pair of sensational first round stoppage wins earlier this year, following his return from a two year sabbatical from the sport.
In January this year, Khan dispatched Hungarian #2 ranked Richard Voros in just one minute and five seconds of the first round at the York Hall, then two months later followed up with an almost identical stoppage victory, this time in one minute and fifteen seconds of the first round, over the Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.
Originally Khan was to face Patrik Bartos, however the Czech lad was TKO’d by Andrew Cain, on the undercard of Derry Mathews WBA title fight, at the Echo Arena, a couple of weeks ago.
Bartos’ replacement, Mikheil Soloninkini, has been quite a regular figure on the UK scene, having fought here four times in the past year, including an unsuccessful challenge for the International Masters Bronze title, which he lost out on points to Jamie Williams back in March.
Speaking from his home earlier, Khan appeared unperturbed with the late change of opponent.
“It’s a shame, I had been preparing for Patrik Bartos, but what can I say he got stopped and has a twenty eight day suspension, these things happen.
I would have preferred if we’d known earlier who was going to replace Patrik, but three potential opponents backed out last week and then a fourth that had been proposed got knocked back by the MBC as not suitable.
Luckily though this new lad agreed terms on Tuesday and now the fight is set and ready to go, I can’t wait.
I’m not expecting it to be a quick finish like the past two fights, they were four and six rounders, this time I’ll have to pace myself just in case I have to go the full ten rounds, but if the chance comes, I’ll take him out early.
Trainings been great, always is, I’m ready and raring to go, can’t wait.
My fans are great so far this year they’ve come out in force to support me in London and Liverpool and Saturday they’ll be back in London again, I can’t thank them enough, they’re a great bunch that really get behind me, making plenty of noise, letting me know that they’re there, they’re really are brilliant and I’ll thank them the best way I know, winning the title.
I’d like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, they’ve been brilliant getting behind me so I can concentrate on my boxing.
Finally I have just been told that Mark and Billy (Promoters Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott) have arranged a function room so that everyone can watch the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight live after my fight, so if you haven’t got tickets yet, you know what to do, either call me or get down to York Hall on Saturday as there are still some tickets available. “
Tasif Khan versus Mikheil Soloninkini, for the vacant International Masters Bantamweight Championship, co-headlines the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.
Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com
Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from Tasif on 07756 311857, or at the venue on the night or pre-book on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645
Tickets for the after event private viewing of the Mayweather-Pacquiao super fight live via satellite, that cost just £10, will be available for purchase at York Hall on the Saturday night.
-END-
PHOTOS
6698 – Tasif Khan in action against Richard Voros at York Hall in January.
PHOTO CREDIT
Please feel free to use all photos supplied – photo credit is not required but should you do so, please credit – Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro