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boxing

Kay Koroma: The Backbone of GH3 Promotions

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Nutley, NJ(March 26, 2015)— On March 13, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions had a stellar night as three of the promotional company’s top fighters, undefeated middleweight Antoine Douglas, super middleweight Jerry Odom and undefeated super bantamweight Adam Lopez all scored knockout victories on ShoBox: The New Generation in Westbury, New York.
That night was a by-product of lots of hard work put in by Mielnicki and his building stable.
One man that made it all possible was Kay Koroma.
Koroma is a boxing man from the Washington, D.C. area who Mielnicki credits as being a visionary for his company.
“I started my company, GH3 Promotions when I signed Antoine Douglas & John Thompson in Atlantic City. Kay is Antoine’s adviser and from that point on we got to talking and setting a plan in motion on how to build a company of great young fighters.  Because of our relationship, he helped with us signing Jerry Odom,” said Mielnicki.
Between Douglas and Thompson, they fought eighteen times in the first year under the GH3 Promotional banner.
“I believed in him and we have respect for one another and trusted each other.  He is gifted and driven like myself.”
“Our vision was to build a stable of thoroughbred fighters with great amateur pedigrees”
Mielnicki and Koroma are now taking the next step in developing the fighters from prospects to world champions.
“Kay is building a camp in Northern Virginia.  It will give our fighters a great foundation with housing and all the needs for a fighter to have the best preperation for a fight.  This will be a complete camp atmosphere.”
Besides being Douglas adviser, Koroma is training John Thompson for his April 10bout with undefeated Stanyslav Skorokhod that will be a semifinal bout in the Boxcino 2015 jr. middleweight tournament in Bethlehem, PA that will be shown on ESPN 2.
“Kay doesn’t seek the limelight or credit but he has been a great partner with GH3.  Because of his vision we are working with top amateurs Shakur Stevenson, Kavon Roberson, Troy Isley and Danny Gonzalez & Hans Perez. These are the next generation and with Kay’s help, they will be able to go to camp and hopefully it will give them the best opportunities to become Olympians.  Kay is going to be the next top trainer in the business.  He is a quiet before the storm. We have deep connections in the amateur ranks all around the country.”
“We have a top amateur and pro stable and we are getting ready to sign some new top talent and we will be able to feature them on the CBS Sports Network series that we have partnered with Greg Cohen Promotions on.  We think we have the outlet like nobody else to showcase our talent and move the fighters at the pace that we have moved Antoine, Jerry and John Thompson.  They fight often and it shows in their performances.”
Mielnicki believes that this is the year that his fighters will go from prospects to contenders and his younger prospects become stars of the future.
“2015 will be a big breakout year for us.  I want to thank Kay, Dennis Porter and Ronald Simms from the Alexandria, Virginia boxing gym for believing in our young company that is growing at a fast pace.”
Oscar Bonilla will make his GH3 debut on April 2 in Connecticut; John Thompson returns April 10 in the Boxcino 2015 jr. middleweight tournament on ESPN 2; Adam Lopez returns to the ring on April 17 as part of a CBS Sports Network card and expect Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom to return in May.
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 and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing

Chazz Witherspoon back in action on Saturday, April 18 at GPG Event Center in Pennsauken, New Jersey

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Plus undefeated Matthew Gonzalez, Vidal Rivera, Obafemi Bakari, Courtney Blocker, Erick Kitt, Malik Hawkins and Antoine AIkens
For Immediate Release

Pennsauken, NJ (March 25, 2015)-–On Saturday night, April 18 at the GPG Event Center (Formerly the Woodbine Inn) in Pennsauken, New Jersey.   In the main event, heavyweight contender Chazz Witherpsoon will be in action.
The show is promoted by Witherspoon’s Silver Spoon Promotions.
Witherspoon (32-3, 24 KO’s) of nearby Paulsboro, New Jersey established himself as one of the top American Heavyweights as the St. Joseph’s University graduate won his first twenty-three bouts with wins over the likes of Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmadge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1) before suffering his 1st defeat to future two-time world title challenger Chris Arreola via controversial disqualification.

Witherspoon went on to win three win a row which was highlighted by an entertaining 8th round stoppage over Adam “The Swamp Donkey” Richards (21-1). That fight was voted Ring Magazine’s 2008 Heavyweight Fight of the Year. Witherspoon then dropped a fight to future two-time world title challenger Tony Thompson.

Witherspoon went on to score 4-consecutive knockouts which included a devastating 3rd-round destruction over Tyson Cobb (14-2).

Witherspoon then took on undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on April 28, 2012 in a bout where Witherspoon had Mitchell badly hurt in several occasions before Mitchell came away with the victory.
In has last bout, Witherspoon stopped Cory Phelps in two rounds at the GPC Event onJanuary 24.
Appearing on the undercard in 4-round bouts will be:
Vidal Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Camden, NJ takes on Tyron Stewart (0-1) in a super bantamweight clash.
Obafemi Bakari (2-0) of Staten Island, NY will fight pro debuting Andrew Osborne in a jr. middleweight fight.
Matthew Gonzalez (2-0) of Vineland,NJ will take on Joseph McDonald (0-1) of Concord, NC in a jr. middleweight fight.
Courtney Blocker (4-0, 4 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will take on an opponent to be named in a jr. welterweight bout.
Paris Chisholm of Baltimore will be making his pro debut in a welterweight bout.
Erick Kitt (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Pensacola, FL will see action in a jr. middleweight bout.
Malik Hawkins (2-0, 2 KO’s)  of Baltimore, MD will take part in a jr. welterweight bout.
Andrew Pureifoy of Philadelphia will fight in a cruiserweight fight.
Antoine Aikens (9-0, 1 KO) of , NJ will take part in a super middleweight bout.
Rocco Salimbene of Pennsauken, NJ will make his pro debut in a lightweight fight
Tickets for the great evening of championship boxing $80 for Ringside, $60 for select and $40 for General Admission and can be purchased by calling 856 472 0443 or 609 938 1755 or by email at info@silverspoonpromotions.com 
There will be an after party at the GPG Event Center.
The GPG Event Center is located at 1443 Route 73 in Pennsauken.
boxing, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

VANES MARTIROSYAN VS. JERMELL CHARLO & GARY RUSSELL JR. CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

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Kelly Swanson

Thank you, operator.  Thanks, everyone, for calling in.  We have a great call this morning and this afternoon actually here on the East Coast to talk about the March 28 SHOWTIME show, CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Show, featuring Jhonny Gonzalez, Gary Russell, Jr. and Jermell Charlo against Vanes Martirosyan.  We have all the fighters joining us today on the call.  We will start with Jermell and Vanes.  But, before we get to the fighters, I’d like to introduce Chris DeBlasio, Vice President of Communications for SHOWTIME Sports to fill you in a little bit about the fight.  Chris?

 

Chris DeBlasio

Thanks so much, Kelly.  I just want to take a quick moment to thank the fighters for being on this call, thank the press for being here, and just say on behalf of Stephen Espinoza, the EVP and General Manager for SHOWTIME Sports, and all of us at SHOWTIME, we’re really excited to get back into it with a nice live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event this Saturday.  As you may have seen in the boxing press, it was about two weeks ago that we announced the addition of a new platform called SHOWTIME Boxing International. The first fight will be this Saturday, March 28; it’s an international fight on the SHOWTIME network live to our subscribers.  So, the first instance is a nice way to kick off our Saturday March 28 boxing coverage, and that’s gonna be the Kell Brook versus Jo Jo Dan IBF Welterweight World Championship fight that’s taking place in Sheffield, England.  SHOWTIME is going to carry that fight live at 6:15 Eastern, 3:15Pacific.  And then, we will take a break during the afternoon hours and then go live at 10 p.m ET./7 p.m. PT SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event with Jermell Charlo, Vanes Martirosyan, Jhonny Gonzalez and Gary Russell.  So, it’s sort of a two- part platform on Saturday with three live fights coming to you, which we’re really excited about.  And we appreciate the opportunity to be in business with the guys on the phone here today.  So, without anything further, let’s get it started.  We welcome you guys.

 

Kelly Swanson

Okay.  And  one quick note — or rather, media, one quick note — we have just sent out the Fight Week Media Schedule, so please look for that in your inboxes, and it will give you the details of what is going on this week for the fight.  Thank you.  Okay, let’s go ahead and open it up.  Actually, let me go ahead and introduce the two guys that are on the call right now.  They want to say a couple words.  First, we have Vanes Martirosyan.  He’s a world-ranked 154 pound contender.  Vanes, you want to say a couple words, tell us how training is going and how you’re getting ready for the fight?

 

Vanes Martirosyan

Training is going great, everything is going good.  We can’t wait to fight.  You know, I’m sure everybody says that before they fight, but we really are ready to go.  We just can’t wait to go.

 

Kelly Swanson

Okay, great.  Thanks so much.  And where are you training?

 

V. Martirosyan

I’m training here in California at Main Event Sports Club.  There’s been a couple of locations we’ve been training, but the major has been Main Event Sports Club, which the media will be at today.

 

K. Swanson

Now, I’m going to move to Jermell Charlo.  He’s an undefeated super welterweight contender.  Jermell why don’t you tell us a little bit about what’s happening in your training camp and how you’re feeling heading into the fight.

 

Jermell Charlo

Training’s been great.  Every time I step in the ring, every time I get ready for a fight, I feel like just there’s never been a time where I repeat myself or do something the same.  I’ve been learning from all my past mistakes.  Every win I’m still learning from.  So, training camp has been good.  Trainer Ronnie Shields, Danny Arnold. I opened my own gym, so I get a little late night extra hours in when I want to.  And, I want to fight with my twin brother.  We’re pushing to fight.  I can’t wait to fight.  Just like Vanes, he’s hungry, he’s ready. I’m  I’m ready.

 

Q

Given both of your positions, as considered as top 10 contenders in the 154 pound weight class, in your mind, do you consider this an elimination fight? Vanes, what are your thoughts about that?

 

V. Martirosyan

I think every fight right now at this point in my career and Jermell’s career should be considered a title fight.  It is — I think it is — an eliminator fight.  I’m looking at this as a championship fight.  Jermell is tougher than any of the champions, so to me, this is a championship fight, and that’s what we got ready for.  And it should be an eliminator fight.  I don’t know if it is or not, but that’s how we’re taking it as, and we’re taking this as a world title fight.

 

Q

Jermell, your thoughts on that – is it an official eliminator or a de facto one?

 

J. Charlo

Same thing with me.  I feel that this is a tough fight.  Every fight is a fight for my life.  And I step in the ring and make sure that I fight with that on the back of my mind.  Vanes is a great fighter — grew up with him. I know what I bring to the table.  And this fight is a fight for manhood, it’s a fight to show who the real tycoon of the sport is in the 154 pound weight division.  There’s a lot at stake, so it’s more than a title fight to me.

 

Q

Jermell, did you say that you grew up with him a little bit?

 

J. Charlo

Yeah, I grew up with him, at least two or three years with Vanes, you know, and his family, his people, you know?  So, I know — we know each other well.

 

Q

Have you guys ever sparred with each other?

 

J. Charlo

Yeah, we’ve sparred with each other several times.

 

Q

How often, would you say?  And how long ago?

 

J. Charlo

I can’t really say how often.  I know it was back when we were a little bit younger.  I was younger, still a little boy growing up into a man. So, right now, I don’t even think about how it was, what it was about, or how training was when we were training together. Wasn’t even 19 — I was 17, 16, 17, 18, I mean, those ages.  Here, we face each other because we’re both at the top, and that’s what happens when you’re in the same division.  Never had anything personal or different to say about him.  It’s just work.

 

Q

Vanes, you feel the same way about your times in the ring with him?

 

V. Martirosyan

Yeah, I remember when we used to train.  It was good training.  We were always in competition — me, him and his brother.  We used to go running at Memorial Park every day, and we’d try to see who’d finish the lap first.  It was always competition between us — running and training or what-not.  But it was nothing but love and I respect him, his father, and his trainer, Ronnie Shields.  They’ve been good people to me. But Saturday night, he’s going to be my enemy in the ring. For now, outside the ring, I respect everybody.  Once we step in the ring, it’s a totally different story.

 

Q

Your fight that took place in October was a big win for you against Willie Nelson.  You harnessed a lot of the emotion going into that fight because it had taken place just after your promoter Dan Goossen had passed away and you had his brother Joe in your corner.  It was a lot of heavy emotion that night, and you really came through in a big way that night.  Is it gonna be difficult in any way to sort of get that same emotion behind you?

 

V. Martirosyan

No, because at that fight, we had to forget about a lot of things. Dan passed away.  We were all sad, and we didn’t know what to do.  And we actually thought — ‘should we fight’ or I don’t know if Joe (Goossen’s) going to be there.  I didn’t know what was going on.  There was too much emotion going into that fight.  We kind of got away from the fight a little bit.  But we used it as motivation for our fight.  This fight to me is big. When I lost to Andrade, I didn’t step into the ring 100 percent, and when I came home — when you come home a loser, it’s a bad feeling. I can’t look at my wife, my kids.  I feel like I let them down.  So, right now, I’m just in that mode where I’d rather die than see that again.

 

Q

If you were to win this fight, obviously, you’d be in position for a major world title fight. Are you comfortable with waiting for one of those, figuring those fighters only fight maybe twice a year, or would you want to stay active and take more fights between them? 

 

J. Charlo

You know, winning this fight to me — a world title would be ideal.  A world title is important.  I want to fight for a world title.  I want the world title.  That’s every boxer’s dream and envision whenever they’re young. Fighting for the world title matters and all this extra stuff, but if I’m here building my name and building my brand, that’s just as important. Being a household name throughout the World Boxing Council, everything. That matters to me.

 

V. Martirosyan

The fight, this fight — I’d say like a lot of the champions that are champions right now in our weight class, most of them just run their mouth, starting with Andrade.  A fight like this for me and Jermell, it’s such a big fight for me, you know,  but it’s not only for us.  I mean, it’s for the fans.  The fans are in, and it’s great.  I mean, you rarely get to see contenders like me and Jermell wanting to step up and fight each other.  You know, usually, people will get up to the rankings like we are, they just want to just talk a lot of bad stuff about the champions to get the world title fight.  But, you know, you rarely get to see contenders like that, you know, No. 1 and No. 2  fighting each other when,  you know they really want to fight each other and they both said yes to the fight.  So, it’s a big fight, but I feel like, you know, we’re all gonna be — we’re gonna do our best, and I feel like the fans are gonna be the winners for this fight.

 

K Swanson

Okay, great.  You guys, I think that was your last question, and so we appreciate you taking the time out of your training.  And Vanes, we look forward to seeing you later for your open workout.  And, Jermell, we will see you in Las Vegas later this week.

 

J. Charlo

No problem.  See you, guys.

 

V. Martirosyan – Thank you.  Take care.

 

Kelly Swanson

We’re going to switch the call over to Gary Russell, Jr.

 

K. Swanson

Gary Russell, Jr. will be facing Jhonny Gonzalez for Gonzalez’s 126 pound title, the WBC Featherweight World Championship.  Gary, if you want to tell us a little bit about how training is going, your anticipation to be fighting Jhonny Gonzalez for this world title and what you think about the whole fight in general?

 

Gary Russell Jr.

We had a great training camp. Everything has been perfect, no excuses, no cutting corners.  We’re 120 percent ready for this fight.  We can’t wait be able to call ourself the new WBC World Champion.

 

K. Swanson

Are you doing anything in camp in preparation for this that’s different from your other fights?

 

G. Russell Jr.

No, we’re not doing anything that’s different in preparation for any of the fights.  I think the only difference is, depending on the fight, you want to prepare depending on the opponent that you’re competing against.  So, I think the only difference is the difference in sparring. You want to bring in guys that have a similar style to who it is you’re gonna be competing against etc. That’s the only change that we’ve made so far.  Besides that — basic fundamentals, ring generalship, hand speed, punching power, strength and conditioning, all of that stuff is the same.

 

Q

Gary, were you surprised to get another shot at the title?

 

G. Russell, Jr.

No, I’m not surprised. I got the same Al Haymon Promotions, just Al Haymon in general when it comes to that. He’s my manager, and we know that he did everything in his power to try to make things happen for us, and give us another shot at a world title.  I’m extremely grateful and thankful for this opportunity.

 

Q

When you fought the fight against Lomachenko for one of the titles, do you take anything out of that defeat? Whether it’s the experience, or being on that level of the stage that you bring towards this next championship opportunity?

 

G. Russell Jr.

Of course.  One of the main things that we took out of it is, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.  In that particular fight with Lomachenko, we did a lot of things completely different in that fight that we normally wouldn’t do.  We brought other people in.  We let other people take the reigns and be in control of our conditioning. We’ve seen the outcome of that and the side effects of it. We don’t take losses easy, by far. So we’re back on pace.  We have the same team around us that have been here from the beginning of my career all the way up until now. We had the same team way back in motion. We’re ready, we’re focused, we’re determined, we’re driven and we’re just looking to give a good show.

 

Q

Do you see Gonzalez as a much better fighter than Lomachenko, or perhaps a bit of a more vulnerable fighter than Lomachenko or similar? How do you stack up the two title holders?

 

G. Russell Jr.

They’re two very different fighters. Lomachenko has a little bit more hand speed than Jhonny Gonzalez.  Gonzalez is more of a puncher.  Jhonny Gonzalez is more of a dangerous fighter than Lomachenko just because of his punching ability and just him being a seasoned professional, being able to get all these rounds in as a professional.  Lomachenko definitely is a good fighter.  We take every fight serious. You take no one for granted. We definitely said, oh, this is a dangerous fight taking with Jhonny Gonzalez, but we feel as though what we bring to the table will be superior in the end.

 

Q

What specifically did you do differently to prepare for Lomachenko that you wish you hadn’t? 

 

G. Russell, Jr.

We brought someone in for our strength and conditioning.  We’ve known our strength and conditioning was completely different.  Even when it came to the way that we cut weight, it was different.  Leading up to the fight, we were in a sauna for the past two, maybe three days leading all the way up into the fight.  That’s what my strength and conditioning coach wanted me to do.

Anyone that’s seen that fight, whether it was Lomachenko or anyone else, they’ve seen the difference in my punching ability, my endurance, my speed, just me as a person. People knew that that wasn’t the Gary Russell, Jr. that they’d seen the previous 24 fights.And that was some of the things that came up in the Lomachenko fight.  I was completely tired and fatigued in the first round, you know?

 

Q

About Jhonny Gonzalez — he obviously is a guy who is a volume puncher, he’s not afraid to stand in and trade. How does this fight work to your advantage if he does fight a typical Gonzalez fight in your mind?

 

G. Russell, Jr.

I don’t think that he’s going to be able to deal with, once again, my speed.  I think we’ll be able to do it with my speed.  He’s always been slow in the speed.  Even though he’s been a puncher, a lot of punchers have to really sit to actually apply these punches efficiently.  I think he lacks the ring generalship as far as the footwork goes that he would need — the foot quickness. And a lot of his shots are a little wide. So, I’ll be about to outpunch him and be able to punch him between his shots.

 

Q

What did you think of the decision in the Lomachenko fight?

 

G. Russell Jr.

I didn’t think anything of it.  The only thing that registered in my mind was the fact that I didn’t have the ability to perform the way that I normally would have. I never really looked at a decision.  I never looked at how the referee was going about the fight or any of these things.  The only thing that came to my mind was the fact that I just lost my first professional fight, and I sort of saw the reason why I lost — it was because I wasn’t able to do what it was that I normally do.

 

Q

So, you feel that you lost the fight then?

 

G. Russell Jr.

Certainly.  I’d definitely say that I lost the fight.

 

Q

You touched on Al Haymon earlier. Can you explain what his impact is in your career?  And we’ve all seen the moves that he’s been making.  How is that gonna help you moving forward?

 

G. Russell, Jr.

I feel as though the fire is under these managers and promoters. There’s a team effort. You’ll be able to tell your manager or your promoter, ‘Hey, this is my game plan, this is what it is that I want to accomplish this year.’  I wanted to at least be able to contend for a world title.  I want to have maybe four fights this year, maybe six fights this year, etc. Your manager and promoter, where they come in at, they should be able to meet you halfway with their game plan.  If you want to have six fights within a year, etc., your manager and promoter should be able to get it done for you.  We feel as though that Al Haymon is very efficient in doing exactly what it is that we want from him. It’s about who you know, I guess.

 

Q

Heading into this fight, do you feel like you have to give a certain quality of fight to really make fans relate to you and make you a household name?  Now that there’s so many platforms for boxing, do you feel like there’s added pressure to put on an exciting fight, or do you feel like you can still just, methodically box and gain fans from that?

 

G. Russell Jr.

I honestly don’t feel as though that we have to do anything out of the ordinary. You’re going to see the typical Gary Russell, Jr. that you’ve seen the previous 24 fights — hand speed, punching ability, ring generalship and etc. ,A lot of fighters get caught up in the hype, and they feel as though they have to do things a little more to win the fans over,  etc.  That’s never one of my things.  I’m  always to be exciting without being reckless.  And I’m going to do what it is that I’m comfortable doing.

 

K. Swanson 

Okay, Gary, thank you so much for being available to answer those questions, and we appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day, and we look forward to seeing you fight this Saturday, March 28, at the Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.  Thanks, Gary.

 

*          *          *

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $25, plus applicable

fees are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by clicking HERE. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Gonzalez vs. Russell takes place at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). In the co-main event, Jermell Charlo takes on Vanes Martirosyan in super welterweight action. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

 

For more information, visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter at @SHOSports, @jhonnygbox, @mrgaryrusselljr, @TwinCharlo, @LouDiBella and @PearlAtPalms, follow the conversation using #GonzalezRussell, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog at http://theboxingblog.sho.com.
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Fan Favorite Ahmed Elbiali Returning This Thursday on ESPN Friday Night Fights

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Egyptian light heavyweight slugger Ahmed Elbiali (9-0, 9 KOs) will return to familiar ground this Thursday, March 26: fighting in an ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised undercard bout, this time, a six-rounder against England’s Mike Stafford (13-2, 3 KOs).

 

The special Thursday night edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights, presented by Corona Extra and ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates presentado por Corona Extra at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, will be headlined by a 10-rounder featuring undefeated welterweight Fredrick “General Okunka” Lawson (23-0, 20 KOs) taking on hard-punching Miami transplant Breidis Prescott (27-6, 20 KOs).

 

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, undefeated former IBF Super Featherweight Champion Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (21-0, 1 ND, 12 KOs) will take on Angino Perez (18-6, 16 KOs).

 

Tickets for “Noche De Combates,” are on sale now through Ticket Force (www.myticketforce.com), www.hialeahpark.com, and at the Hialeah Park Casino cage.

 

This will be the fourth ESPN appearance for Elbiali, and he’s made the most of them, scoring devastating knockouts in all four.  A former Egyptian champion now residing in Miami, Elbiali says he’s not going coming into this fight with delivering a KO as the foremost thought in his mind.

 

You’ve had some big knockouts on ESPN air, are you planning to deliver another one this Thursday?

 

I’m just going to try to do what I do best and that’s go out and get the win. If the KO comes, that’s no surprise because that’s what I train for.

 

Talk to me about the opportunities you’ve had to shine on FNF. You’ve become sort of their go to for a knockout on the televised undercard.

 

Yes! It’s been an amazing opportunity and privilege to be able to showcase my talent on ESPN. As a professional, I understood that it is also about entertaining an audience and the fans. Boxing is a beautiful sport and a business. When I’m up on the stage I’m a performer.

 

When did you realize you hit harder than most fighters?

 

Believe it or not, I never thought I hit hard and I still don’t think that at all. My main focus during camp is to train my body to hit harder and not get hit. When it’s time to fight, I just think about letting my hands go and getting the job done.

 

How soon until you graduate to FNF main event level?

 

I’m hoping, realistically, by next year. Of course I need to get through every fight and look outstanding in each of them. I don’t like to get over my head. All this is already a dream that I’m living and I’m going to take it step by step.

 

Lastly tell me what you know about this guy you’re fighting, Mike Stafford.

 

I know that he’s a British fighter that’s coming with more pro experience. I’m just going to go in and do what I do best and that’s BOX.

# # #

 

About Warriors Boxing

 

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

 

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

 

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.

 

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, HBO Boxing

SADAM ALI FACES FRANCISCO SANTANA AS THE CO-MAIN EVENT ON THE WLADMIR KLITSCHKO VS. BRYANT JENNINGS CARD ON APRIL 25

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 FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

NEW YORK CITY (March 25, 2015) – The undefeated Sadam “World Kid” Ali and fast -punching Francisco “Chia” Santana will face off at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden on Sat. April 25 as the co-feature to “The Champion Returns”, the World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and top-rated challenger Bryant Jennings. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, the 10-round welterweight showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars will give fans an exciting night of boxing as they open up the telecast before the highly anticipated heavyweight main event.

 

Advance tickets to “The Champion Returns” may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office at www.TheGarden.com and through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-435-5000.)

 

“I’m excited to fight in my home state of New York and at Madison Square Garden,” said Brooklyn, New York’s Sadam Ali.  “Some of the greatest fighters in the sport have made their mark at this venue; Muhummad Ali, Joe Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and I’m ready to be part of that history.  Francisco is a tough fighter and I’m ready to take him on and with the help of my promoter Golden Boy Promotions move forward to becoming a world champion.”

 

“I’ve earned my way to the position I’m in because I’ve fought and beat fighters who were undefeated,” said Francisco Santana of Santa Barbara, California.  “Nothing has come easy to me on the way up.  Fighting stiff opposition is what prepares a fighter for the next level and I’ll be ready for anything Sadam Ali brings.  My promoter Gary Shaw told me if I kept winning he would get me a big fight, and here we are getting ready to fight one of the best young contenders in the world.  A win against Ali will sky rocket my career and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

 

“Coming off of an exciting match that saw him knockout a previously undefeated fighter, Sadam is now looking to take a next, crucial step up the welterweight ladder,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.  “With lightning-quick hands, true knockout power and a hunger to be the best in the division, the ‘World Kid’ is a must-see for all fans.”

 

“Francisco Santana is a warrior who grinded his way up the rankings and earned this fight against Ali on HBO,” stated Gary Shaw.  “This is a feel good story about a kid who fought his way to the big stage and bright lights of Broadway.  Those bright lights are now shining on his career.  I’ve always said, a fighter who is hungry is very dangerous, and Santana is famished.  He wants to win this fight and show the world he’s worthy of a world title shot.  I believe Santana is the underdog in the public’s eye, but he will once again fool the public with a great win on April 25.”

 

“We’re happy to add this exciting co-feature to this extraordinary event headlined by the World Heavyweight Championship between Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “The matchup of these two rising stars should provide for a very strong opening fight to the HBO telecast.”

 

Former 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs) has been on the fast track to success in boxing since his professional debut in 2009.  The undefeated fighter impressed critics and fans early on, dominating all his opponents, including Michael Clark whom he beat via knockout in the first round on April 2014 to gain the WBO NABO Welterweight Title.  In August of the same year, Ali defeated Jeremy Bryan via split decision to gain the WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Title.  In his most recent bout and the most notable to date of Ali’s career, he faced Juan Carlos Abregu knocking him down in the sixth and ninth round winning by technical knockout in the ninth round to give Abregu his second career loss.

 

Undefeated since 2012, Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3-1, 1 KO) has solidified himself as one of the brightest and most dangerous stars in the welterweight division.  His victories against former undefeated prospect Eddie Gomez and veteran Joachim Alcine, have propelled him to the top of the weight class.  Santana’s most recent wins came by way of knockout.  In August of 2014, Francisco stopped Luis Alfredo Lugo in the fifth round, followed by a spectacular first round knockout of another undefeated prospect in Kendal Mena, a bout that took place in January of 2015.  Santana is ready to add another win to his record when he faces Sadam Ali on April 25.

 

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com, andwww.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing and @HBOBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, Gray Shaw Productions Facebook Page, orwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HBOboxing.

boxing

McRae to face unbeaten Charles Martin for NABO Title on Klitschko-Jennings undercard!

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Laurel, MD (March 25, 2015) – Heavyweight hopeful Dwayne “Big Ticket” McRae will have the opportunity to move up the rankings when he battles unbeaten and highly touted NABO champion Charles Martin in a ten round championship match Saturday, April 25 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout takes place prior to the highly anticipated world heavyweight title fight between unified champion Wladimir Klitshcko and undefeated contender Bryant Jennings. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com or by calling 866-858-0008.

Hailing from Laurel, MD, McRae has a solid 15-3 professional ledger with 8 wins by knockout. Fighting under the Mastermind Boxing banner, McRae is unbeaten in his last six and has lost just once in the last five years. Although most of his fights have taken place in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia, the 34-year-old had been lobbying for a bout against a top notch foe.

Regarded as one of America’s brightest and fastest rising heavyweights, Martin is an outstanding 20-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Born in St. Louis, MO and based out of Los Angeles, CA, Martin’s derailed three previously unbeaten foes in Vincent Thompson (13-0), Glendy Hernandez (10-0) and Alexander Flores (14-0), stopping the later to become NABO champion. He also owns a second round knockout over former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko, who has since scored six straight victories.

“This is a great opportunity for my career,” said McRae. “In my eyes, I’m also undefeated since both of my decision losses were controversial and the other fight was stopped unjustly, so my position really should be similar to his.”

McRae is also confident that this fight is going to bring him to the next level based on what he’s seen of Martin, the WBO’s #4 and IBF’s #6 ranked contender.

“He’s a decent fighter but I didn’t see anything spectacular. I know what I can do in there and that’s far more important than officially having a 0 at the end of my record. When two fighters get in the ring regardless of who is supposed to be the next great fighter or not, anything can happen and this is my time to show everybody what I’m truly made of!”

The McRae-Martin bout may appear as part of the international telecast. More information will follow.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

SHOWTIME SPORTS® NOMINATED FOR A NETWORK BEST NINE 2015 SPORTS EMMY® AWARDS

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NEW YORK (March 24, 2015) – On Tuesday, The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 36thAnnual Sports Emmy Awards.

 

SHOWTIME Sports received a network best nine Sports Emmy Award nominations for the premium networks’ sports programming in 2014, highlighted by nods for Outstanding Documentary Series and Outstanding Edited Sports Coverage, both for award-winning SHOWTIME series “ALL ACCESS”.

 

In all, the premium network received four nominations for INSIDE THE NFL, three for “ALL ACCESS” and two for “60 MINUTES SPORTS”, a co-production of CBS News. INSIDE THE NFL, a co-production with CBS Sports and NFL Films received three nominations for outstanding coverage of Super Bowl XLIX.

 

The complete list of categories in which SHOWTIME Sports was nominated:

 

  • Outstanding Edited Sports Event Coverage — ALL ACCESS: Epilogue: Mayweather vs. Canelo
  • Outstanding Sports Documentary Series – ALL ACCESS
  • Outstanding Long Form Editing – ALL ACCESS: Epilogue: Mayweather vs. Maidana II
  • Outstanding Short Feature – “INSIDE THE NFL”: The Final Stitch
  • Outstanding Camera Work – “INSIDE THE NFL”: Super Bowl XLIX Season 7 Finale
  • Outstanding Long Form Editing – “INSIDE THE NFL”: Super Bowl XLIX
  • Outstanding Post-Produced Audio/Sound – “INSIDE THE NFL”: Super Bowl XLIX Season 7 Finale
  • Outstanding Sports Journalism – “60 MINUTES SPORTS”:Phil Ivey
  • The Dick Schaap Outstanding Writing Award – “60 MINUTES SPORTS”: All Blacks

 

SHOWTIME Sports won two Sports Emmy Awards at the 2014 ceremonies for Best Edited Sports Event Coverage for “ALL ACCESS: Epilogue: Mayweather vs. Canelo and Outstanding Long Feature for the 60 MINUTES SPORTS feature Great Falls. Since 2009, SHOWTIME Sports has won 10 Sports Emmy Awards.

 

The winners of the 36th Sports Emmy Awards will be announced on Tuesday, May 5 at the Sports Emmy Awards Ceremony at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City.

boxing, Ring 8

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner tickets selling fast

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Sunday, April 26 at Russo’s On The Bay, Howard Beach, NY

NEW YORK (Mar. 24, 2015) – Tickets are selling fast for the fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 26, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 NYSBHOF Class of 2015

 

Boxers

 

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby      Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra                            Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol                            Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston                     New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley                                           Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach                                 Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham                          Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro                                    New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan                     Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery                                    Buffalo

 

Non-Participants

 

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy                                                   Manhattan/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz                                                                                    Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher                                                                          Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller                                                                       Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade                                                  Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman                                                                           Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson                                                              Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner                                                                          Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson                                                           New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon                                                                          Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill                                                                    New York City

 

 

Comments from some of the 2015 NYSBHOF inductees:

 

BRUCE SILVERGLADE: “I am extremely happy to be inducted into the NYSBHOF. It is an honor to be recognized and put in with such a wonderful group of people. I have always admired and have in awe of the Hall of Famers. Now, I am one of them. I have to thank my wife for always pushing me to achieve a little bit more.”

 

TOMMY GALLAGHER: “This is a great way to end my boxing career. I’ll only be doing this another 2-3 years, I’m beat. This is a wonderful honor but, most importantly, I wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for all the great fighters who’ve gotten me here. I’d just be another guy without the A-side guys. I had my gym for 30 years and was able to meet so many great kids to train. I’ve had a great career.”

 

BOB MILLER: “It is good upstate people aren’t forgotten in boxing. We’re not that well known and I’m happy they reached out to somebody from this area. This means a lot to me and my family, including all of my kids who will be there. This will probably be the highlight of my career. Getting inducted is tops. I’m very, very happy that they think I’m worthy of it. I feel a lot of guys going in have done a lot for boxing. I’m very happy to be going into the NYSBHOF in the same class as Bob Duffy. We’ve been good friends for a long time, going back to when he was with the commission. I’m really looking forward to this.”

 

JOEY GIAMBRA: “First, I want to thank my son, Joey Jr., for all he has done for me.  I would like to thank Bob Duffy for all of his hard work and devotion to our beloved sport, Ring 8, the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame, Henry Hascup. Rick Farris, the WBC and many others. I am deeply honored and humbled to be inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. I could not be more excited with my name along some of the very best boxers born and raised in the great state of New York. As many may already know, the best in the game come from New York!  What a tremendous honor and recognition this is for me and my family.”

 

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

 

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

 

 

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

 

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

 

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

 

Tickets are priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day.

 

Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting and Duffy.

 

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, 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, 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, UK Boxing

Someone’s ‘O’ Had To Go – Sensational Counihan Stops Radic In One

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On Friday night, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event, that took place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, Birmingham’s Antonio Counihan scored another big win, when he stopped previously undefeated Lukas Radic from the Czech Republic.

 

With both protagonists keen to keep hold of the precious ‘O’ on their record, there were bound to be some nerves jangling, not just the fighters but also from their family and fans seated ringside, especially when the bout got underway.

 

It was Radic that took the early advantage, coming out hard and fast looking for another early finish, however the Counihan was unfazed, instead electing to box off the back of his excellent jab, which effectively kept the dangerous Czech at a distance and thwarted his early attempts.

 

Around the two minute mark, just as Radic forced his way forward once again, Counihan stepped in with a big right to send Radic down to the canvas.

 

Just as referee Mickey Vann was about to reach the end of the count, Radic managed to just make it to his feet, albeit a little unsteadily. Mickey Vann checked to ensure that Radic was able to continue, before restarting the bout.

 

The instant he did the former England amateur captain went straight on the attack, with a double handed assault to both head and body, Radic covered up but the power of the shots raining down on him was too much and within seconds the inevitable happened and Radic made his second visit to the canvas.

 

Once again Radic just made it to his feet, but was clearly disoriented, leaving referee Mickey Vann no option call a halt to proceedings on the two minute and twenty eight second mark of the first round.

 

To describe the victory as emphatic is an understatement, Counihan’s class shone through, without doubt the 23 year old proved himself to be one of the leading young prospects in the ultra competitive lightweight division.

 

Speaking from his home earlier Counihan spoke briefly about the fight and the possibility of his first challenge for a Championship in the near future.

 

“Yeah well as everyone had said before it’s a very important fight, both Lukas and myself were unbeaten, so someone’s ‘O’ had to go, which in itself adding extra pressure on the night.

 

Unfortunately he was a late replacement, we didn’t know anything about him, other than he was unbeaten with two big stoppage wins, so didn’t really get time to prepare for him specifically, but as the original opponent was a tough big hitter we knew our preparations should be enough to see us through.

 

I felt good, really good, best shape of my life, which is a credit to my team, best I’ve ever felt going into a fight, I was nice and relaxed and just boxed the way we planned.

 

He’s a good boxer, which made it easier for me, I like boxing people that are happy to box rather than hold on all the time.

 

I didn’t expect to stop him let alone so early, just everything opened up for me and the shot was spot on and he went down, after that I knew I could get him out of there, so went in for the finish.

 

Going to have a little rest now and then get back in the gym and start preparing for my next fight, which will be in Leeds on June 7th.

 

After that hopefully get my first title fight, I’ve been told it will be in Birmingham or Coventry, which will be nice and local for my fans for a change.

 

Talking about my fans, I have to say a big thank you to them, they’re incredible they travel all over the country to support me, you can always hear them, they are great, they spend their hard earned money coming to support me, I just can’t thank them enough.”

 

www.tkoboxinggym.com

 

boxing, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

Sky Sports Box Office Will Exclusively show Live Coverage of  Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao on 2 May

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Sky Sports Box Office has been awarded exclusive live rights to ‘the fight of the century’, the welterweight world championship unification clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, thanks to an agreement announced today. 

 

The contest, one ofthe most eagerly anticipated events in boxing history, will be shown live from the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The event puts together the two of greatest boxers of all time: Floyd Mayweather (47-0-0) the undefeated 11 time world champion and holder of the WBC and WBA titles, and Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2) the reigning WBO welterweight world champion and winner of 10 world titles.

 

The Sky Sports viewers will be able to follow build-up to Mayweather v Pacquiao across its channels and digital media outlets, including access to both boxers’ training camps, press conferences and public appearances.

 

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “This fight has everything and is set to be one of the biggest sports events of the year.  As the home of boxing in the UK and Republic of Ireland, we’re thrilled to be awarded the rights.

 

“We’ll provide Sky Sports viewers with the best possible build-up across our channels and outlets and the best coverage of the fight itself from our team in Las Vegas.”

 

Analysis of the fight will be provided by Adam Smith, former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson and former world lightweight champion Jim Watt, as well as a range of boxing experts.  Sky Sports viewers can also enjoy an extensive schedule of support programming providing the best possible analysis of the fight including the weekly magazine programme Ringside, the Ringside Toe 2 Toe podcast series and feature length interviews.

 

Sky Sports News HQ will be in Las Vegas during the final build-up to bring the latest news and analysis from both camps including the official press conferences, and weigh-in as the two fighters complete their training camps and anticipation reaches fever pitch.

 

The event is part of a packed month of live sport that Sky Sports viewers can enjoy during May.  The schedule includes live coverage of the Barclays Premier League, the Sky Bet Championship and League 1 and 2 Playoffs, Scottish Cup Final, the Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix, golf’s Players Championship from Sawgrass, and rugby league’s Magic Weekend from Newcastle’s St James Park stadium.

 

The cost of the event will be £19.95 and €24.95 across all forms of booking up until midnight Friday 1 May.  From then on the cost will still be £19.95 / €24.95 if bookings are made via remote control and online, but will cost £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone.  Please note an additional £2 booking fee still applies if bookings are made via a telephone agent.  Cable customers please contact your operator for booking information.