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Category Archives: boxing
Someone’s ‘O’ Had To Go – Sensational Counihan Stops Radic In One
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.”
Sky Sports Box Office Will Exclusively show Live Coverage of Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao on 2 May
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.
Said El Harrak to face Chris Pearson on Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard!
Los Angeles, CA (March 23, 2015) – Said “The Messenger” El Harrak will have a career changing opportunity when he faces unbeaten and highly regarded Chris Pearson Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.
The ten round junior middleweight bout will take place on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao superfight.
Born in London, El Harrak relocated to California as a young teenager and had an impressive amateur career. He turned pro in 2008 and won his first eight fights, leading to a ShoBox bout against fellow unbeaten Lanard Lane. The 5’11 El Harrak, who scaled in at 157 pounds for a bout two months prior to meeting Lane, took extreme measures to make 144 pounds for the opportunity. Unfortunately, he was unable to rehydrate and suffered a second round stoppage.
After a three fight unbeaten streak, he lost a controversial split decision to contender Jesus Soto Karass on AztecaAmerica. Following the debatable setback, El Harrak scored two straight third round stoppages and battled to a draw against 17-2 Luis Grajeda. His record currently stands at 12-2-2 with seven victories by knockout.
Pearson, 11-0 (9 KO’s), is regarded amongst the top young talents in America. The 24-year-old Ohio native is a member of the Mayweather Promotions stable and has been very impressive thus far. In December 2013, Pearson wowed the boxing world by demolishing previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in the first round on ShoBox. In his most recent match, Pearson earned a clear-cut unanimous decision over respected prospect Steve Martinez.
“This is an honor and a privilege,” said El Harrak. “I always envisioned fighting on a big card like this. The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight is one that people will talk about until the end of time and the fact that I have the opportunity to fight on it is truly an honor. I’ve seen Pearson a few times and he’s a good fighter with a lot of natural talent. I know he’s Mayweather’s fighter and I have to take the fight to him in order to leave no doubt in the judges’ hands. This is a life changing opportunity that I’ve been training for since I first put on a pair of gloves.”
The El Harrak-Pearson match will be televised on various networks throughout the world. More information will follow.
WORLD CHAMPION JHONNY GONZALEZ & WORLD RANKED CONTENDER VANES MARTIROSYAN ARE POISED TO MAKE THEIR MARKS IN A BIG WAY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 28 AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS,
MAIN EVENT SPORTS CLUB, GLENDALE, CALIF.
Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
“Once he feels my power in the ring, he’s not going to be able to think in there.” – Jhonny Gonzalez
“I feel like this fight is more of a test for him [Charlo], and I have to make sure he fails the test.” – Vanes Martirosyan
Tickets Still Available!
GLENDALE, Calif. (March 28, 2015) – Current world champion Jhonny Gonzalez and once-beaten world ranked welterweight contender Vanes Martirosyan participated in a media workouton Monday at the Main Event Sports Club in Glendale, Calif., six days prior to their respective upcoming fights on Saturday, March 28, at the The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).
In the 12-round main event on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader, the hard-hitting, current WBC Featherweight World Champion Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KOs), of Mexico City, will defend his 126-pound title against talented once-beaten former world title challenger Gary Russell Jr. (25-1, 14 KOs), of Capitol Heights, Md.
In the 10-round co-feature, battle-tested, world-ranked contender Martirosyan (35-1-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., will take on undefeated rising star Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (25-0, 11 KOs), of Houston, in an important super welterweight showdown.
Here’s what the boxers as well as trainers, Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain (Gonzalez) and Dean Campos (Martirosyan), had to say Monday at the Los Angeles-area gym:
JHONNY GONZALEZ, WBC Featherweight World Champion
“First off, I would like to apologize for not participating in the media conference call that took place this morning. I have never missed a conference call before, and I take full responsibility for missing the call. I know how important these calls are and I promise that I will not miss another one.
“I have been very focused for the past three months during my training camp. I have been training in the high altitude in Toluca, Mexico.
“I have had two title defenses since beating Abner Mares and I am excited and ready for my fighton Saturday.
“Ever since beating Mares, I feel like I am finally getting the respect and support from the fans and media that I deserve. I get recognized all of the time now. The recognition motivates me to work harder than ever before and not let my fans down.
“I feel like I am in my boxing prime. There is still so much to prove and show to the world that I am still at the top of my game and capable of fighting with the best.
“In my fight on Saturday I am going to bring the same energy and intensity that I brought in my fight against Mares.
“I know that Gary Russell Jr. has fast and powerful hands. He is a quick and strong southpaw. I know he’s an excellent boxer.
“I am going to attack him with my power and speed. Once he feels my power in the ring, he’s not going to be able to think in there. He’s going to run, but if he decides to brawl with us, then we will have something for him.
“At this point in my career, he [Russell] is the fastest opponent I have ever faced. He has very fast hands and puts together good combinations.
“To prepare for Russell, I am constantly keeping my hands up at all times during my training. I am training that if he throws punches at me, I know how to immediately react and throw shots back at him.
“A lot of people are doubting me going into this fight because of the speed of Russell. It’s a great challenge for me and I can’t wait to get in the ring.
“I am absolutely looking for the knockout and I believe I will get it. I don’t expect this fight to go the distance. I am going to pressure him from the opening bell, my conditioning and confidence is at an all-time high. I am very anxious for this title fight, I want to fight right now.”
VANES MARTIROSYAN, World-Ranked Contender
“I am in great shape, training camp has gone great. I am just as excited for this fight as I was when I fought for the U.S. team in the Olympics.
“I feel like this fight is more of a test for him [Charlo], and I have to make sure he fails the test.
“I used to work with Ronnie Shields [Charlo’s Trainer] for about three years. I am pretty sure they have a game plan for me, but I am a totally different Vanes than the one who used to train with Shields. I hope they are getting prepared for that Vanes because I have changed a lot since then.
“Jermell [Charlo] is a good boxer, but he’s a basic boxer. He’s done well with guys that he’s supposed to look good against. There are some guys that he should’ve knocked out that he didn’t. If he hits me I will hit him right back and we’ll see how he handles that.
“If I stick to my game plan and everything goes as planned, I will say that it will be an easy fight. We have a B and a C plan if the fight doesn’t go exactly as planned.
“All I can do is prepare and go out there and win the fight. After I lost my fight to Demetrius Andrade I felt like a loser. I can’t lose this fight, I’d rather die than go out there and lose again.”
IGNACIO “NACHO” BERISTAIN, Gonzalez’ Trainer
“Gary Russell’s speed and quickness could be a factor for us in this fight. We must find a way to eliminate it.
“We need to find a solution to his quickness and do everything we can to win. We feel like we’ve prepared enough and are in a great position to come out on top.
“Russell has fast hands and he recovers quickly. He has had knockouts at different weight levels. But we’re working really hard, and on Saturday you guys are going to see a different Jhonny Gonzalez.
“Jhonny Gonzalez is a very strong fighter. I think the strength and power of his punch beats Russell’s. I think that will be one of the keys– Jhonny Gonzalez knows how to punch, hard.
“I don’t just believe in Jhonny because he’s my fighter, but because he’s fought and trained immensely hard — he knows what he wants.”
DEAN CAMPOS, Martirosyan’s Trainer
“Vanes is such a quick learner. He is able to pick up everything that I am trying to teach him to accomplish everything that we want to do to win this fight.
“We must exploit Charlo’s weaknesses. Charlo is a good fighter, but everyone has weaknesses. My job is to prepare him as best as I can so that he can get in the ring with the best opportunity to win this fight.
“I want to supply him with ideas to unlock that final last edge to come out on top. If he is able to do some of the things that we go over in camp, then he will be in a good position for a victory comeSaturday.”
# # #
“Gonzalez vs. Russell Jr.”, a 12-round world championship bout for Gonzalez’s WBC Featherweight World Title, is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo takes on Vanes Martirosyan in super welterweight action. The event will take place at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and will air on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT). The telecast will also be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).
Tickets for the live event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $25, plus applicable fees are on sale. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by clicking HERE. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com.
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.
JOIN GLEASON’S GYM IN SPONSORING A NIGHT OF FIGHTS
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GH3 Promotions signs undefeated Lightweight Oscar Bonilla
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Khan Marches On – TKO Win Over Miko Leads To May 2nd Title Shot In London
On Friday evening Bradford’s Tasif Khan scored another sensational first round stoppage win, this time over Czech Republic’s Ladislav Miko, on the Stephen Vaughan promoted RED MIST event at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool.
From the opening bell it was Miko that was the more aggressive, taking the fight to Khan, however in doing so the Czech fighter played straight into the Bradford man’s hands.
Khan had expected Miko to start fast and as such when the Czech fighter advanced rapidly, Khan simply danced to the side and let rip with a shot to the body.
Miko’s body language made it quite clear that he had been hurt, so no surprise that when he came in hard and fast again that the savvy Khan utilized a similar tactic, this time slipping to the right and letting rip with another body shot, followed up by a scintillatingly fast double handed salvo to both body and head.
On around the forty five second mark, Miko, who clearly hadn’t learned to be a little cautious, made yet another forceful attack, this time though Khan threw out a solid jab, followed by an uppercut and then just planted his feet and put full power into a lightning fast left hook, to send the Czech lad to the canvas.
Miko managed to make the count, but seconds later walked straight into another big left to the body. This time Miko really struggled to make the count, just managing to do so but was very unsteady on his feet, leaving referee Jimmy Byrne no option but to wave the bout off on the one minute and fifteen second mark of the first round.
Immediately after receiving the victor’s laurels Khan was informed by his team that he would get to challenge for his first Championship accolade, the International Masters Bantamweight title, on his next planned outing, which will be on the Billy James-Elliott and Mark Lyons promoted LORD OF THE RINGS event at York Hall in London on May 2nd.
Following receiving this news Khan spoke briefly about the fight as well as his upcoming title fight.
“Yeah brilliant, it was just brilliant.
I can’t complain that he didn’t last a round, I would have preferred it had gone on a bit longer, I mean it was a six rounder and I really would have liked to get some rounds under my belt, but as I’ve said before you don’t get paid overtime in this game.
We knew that he would start fast and rush in and the plan was to work off my jab to slow him down, basically to try and get the six rounds under my belt.
It didn’t quite happen that way as he really came at me much quicker than expected, instead I adapted and caught him with a good shot, I see his legs buckle a bit but he stayed on his feet.
He’s a game fighter, most people would have backed off to give themselves time to recover, not him he came back at me hard again, which gave me the opportunity to box him a little bit more and catch him as he came back in.
I caught him good with the uppercut and then the body shot, which he went down with.
Then I did more or less the same after the restart, although didn’t think I had caught him quite as well as the first time, but when he got up I don’t think he wanted to know anymore, even if the ref had let it carry on.
Hopefully onwards and upwards now, I’ve been talking with my team and been told we’ve got a title fight organized for May 2nd in York Hall, same night as Mayweather-Pacquaio fight, so hopefully I’ll pick up my first title, the International Masters, and bring it back to Bradford.
As you can see my fans turned out in force and make a lot of noise, they’re all ringside, they love their boxing, it’s a boxing city Bradford, they just need to get more shows there.
My fans are great, they travel to watch me, last time it was London, this time Liverpool and obviously it’s back to London again on May 2nd.
At the moment I haven’t got the opportunity to pick where I fight, hopefully if I win the title maybe we can get a promoter to put on a show in Bradford so even more of my fans will get a chance to watch me again.
I’m grateful for my team, the training went really well, I feel strong, I feel good and the fans coming out in force to support me is adding to that.
My sponsors, Kingsland Business Recovery in Bradford, Broadway Solicitors in Oldham, Kesser Jewelers in Bradford and Vyomax Supplements from Manchester, have been absolutely great.
These guys have been backing me up, which takes away a lot of the pressure so I can concentrate on my boxing.
Again I’ve got to thank my fans, they really are the best, they’ve followed me down to London and of course here in Liverpool, even though traffic was bad they all made it here tonight and really got behind me, making loads of noise, which is a bit like football fans being the twelfth man on the football pitch, it really inspires you, it lifts you hearing all the fans cheering you on, brilliant, just brilliant.”
Phillip Jackson Benson takes on perennial spoiler Darnell Boone on Saturday, April 18 at Valley Forge Casino Resort
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Sampson Boxing, WBC, CUBAP to hold Important South American Boxing Tournament
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