Category Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox

UNBEATEN HOMETOWN FAVORITE SAMMY VASQUEZ JR. SEEKS 10th STRAIGHT KNOCKOUT WHEN HE FACES FELLOW SOUTHPAW EMMANUEL LARTEY FRIDAY FEB. 20, LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM CONSOL ENERGY CENTER, PITTSBURGH, PA.  

Leave a comment

 World-Ranked Once-Beatens Humberto Savigne & Claudio Marrero Featured in Separate Bouts Of ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader at 10 p.m. ET/PT

 

“I know I’m going to keep my KO streak going…..He’s never been knocked out and I like those kinds of challenges.’’ – Sammy Vasquez

 

“He’s been knocking a lot of guys, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me” – Emmanuel Lartey

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Jan. 29, 2015) – High-energy hometown favorite and unbeaten welterweight Sammy Vasquez Jr. (17-0, 13 KOs) will return to action seeking his 10th consecutive victory by knockout when he takes on fellow southpaw Emmanuel Lartey (17-2, 8 KOs, 1 NC), of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Ghana, in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generationtripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

In the co-feature of the Goossen Promotions event, former longtime Cuban amateur star and current third-ranked WBC light heavyweight Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs, 1 NC), of Miami via Guantanamo, Cuba, will take on undefeated Craig Baker (15-0, 11 KOs), of Baytown, Texas, in an 8/10-round bout.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, talented southpaw and WBA No. 7 ranked featherweight Claudio Marrero (17-1, 13 KOs), of Miami by way of the Dominican Republic, will box an opponent to be announced in an eight-round match.

 

“We’re honored to present Sammy’s return to action against Lartey,” said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions. “For decades Western Pennsylvania has produced world champions and some of the boxing’s toughest warriors and Sammy fits right in. He’s really made CONSOL his home. With the tremendous past support from the Pittsburgh area for his fights, we strongly encourage fans to purchase tickets well in advance.”

 

“We are very excited to once again host hometown hero Sammy Vasquez, Jr., at CONSOL Energy Center as he headlines the feature bout for a terrific professional boxing card on Feb. 20,” said Tim Hassett, CONSOL Energy Center General Manager and Regional VP of AEG Facilities.  “The City of Pittsburgh has a rich history and tradition in boxing, and is the center of a region full of enthusiastic sports fans.  We are thrilled that Goossen Promotions and SHOWTIME have chosen our venue as the site for this event, and we look forward to all involved enjoying all that our great city has to offer.”

 

One of the most popular fighters from the area in years, the crowd-pleasing Vasquez, 28, will be making his second ShoBox start and third consecutive appearance at CONSOL Energy Center, where he is coming off two of the finest victories of his promising career.

 

In his most recent start, the aggressive-minded Vasquez registered an explosive 2:35, first-round knockout over Alberto Mosquera (21-1-2 going in) last Nov. 14.  He scored a smashing ninth-round TKO over then-unbeaten James Stevenson (21-0 going in) on Aug. 8.  Vasquez dropped Mosquera twice with body shots, Stevenson once.

 

Vasquez has fought one time past the sixth round. He has never gone more than nine and has won his last nine consecutive fights by knockout. Lartey, conversely, has gone 10 or more rounds five times, never been knocked out and never been knocked down.

 

“Lartey is a good, tough fighter and it’s going to be a good fight,’’ Vasquez said. “I know I’m going to keep my KO streak going. Whether it’s in the first or the 10th, it will happen. He’s never been knocked out and I like those kinds of challenges.’’

 

In his ShoBox debut, Vasquez scored three knockdowns en route to a 2:49, first-round knockout over Juan Rodriguez Jr. on April 18, 2014, in Monroeville. Pa.  Despite all the stoppages, the 5-foot-10 Vasquez never considered himself a knockout puncher.

 

“I consider myself well-rounded but if the opportunity comes, I take advantage,” Vasquez said.  “Whether I am considered by others as a KO or guy or not, I’ll take advantage of the opportunity. I know I could be entering the world rankings soon. But, for now, I don’t really pay attention to them.’’

 

An accomplished amateur (2011 National PAL Championships and 2010 All-Army Championships gold medalist at 152 pounds), Vasquez has been a crowd favorite since turning pro in August 2012. All but three of his fights have taken place in the Pittsburgh area.

 

“Fighting again at CONSOL Energy Center, the home arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is great,’’ said Vasquez, a United States Army veteran who served two combat tours in Iraq (2005-2006 and 2008-2009) during a nine-year stint as a member of the National Guard. “I am very grateful to be able to headline there and I’m glad to be able to bring attention and publicity to Pittsburgh for the boxing fans to enjoy. I’m happy to bring boxing back and to put on a good show for the city and our area.

 

“There is no pressure in boxing after some of the things I’ve been through outside of boxing. I always want to win, but win, lose or draw, in boxing you always come out of that ring alive.’’

 

Lartey (pronounced “LAR-tay”), 32, is coming off his most noteworthy victory, a unanimous 10-round decision victory over former world champion Steve Forbes on June 7, 2014 in Tacoma, Wash.

 

“I’ve faced much tougher competition than Vasquez and I’m not worried about fighting in his hometown,” Lartey said.  “Sammy is a very tough fighter, but so am I.  He’s been knocking out a lot of guys, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me.”

 

In his bout before last, his ShoBox debut, Lartey came up on the wrong end of a hard-fought split eight-round decision to 2008 U.S. Olympic Gold MedalistFelix Diaz.

 

Three fights ago the game, durable Lartey gave unbeaten rising star and 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence his toughest pro fight, taking him the eight-round distance for the first time. Although clearly behind and seemingly beaten, Lartey landed a body shot near the end of the seventh before rocking Spence with a big right hook late at the bell.  Lartey came forward for most of the eighth round, forcing Spence to stand his ground in the final minute of the fight.

 

“I had a few setbacks and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.  This is my time to shine and show the world how good I am.”

 

The 5-foot-8 Lartey turned pro in April 2005 in Ghana, and fought through 2009 there. He was 11-0 with 1 NC – winning the African and Ghanaian super lightweight championships along the way – before moving to the United States and making his stateside debut in February 2011.

 

This will be the fourth time he’s faced an unbeaten prospect on the road. He is 1-2, losing on points to Diaz in April 2014 and Spence in October 2013 and winning via points against Jonathan Bautista (13-0 going in) in April 2013.

 

Savigne (pronounced “sa-VEEN-yay”), 34, knocked out former world championJeff Lacy in the second round in his last start on July 10, 2014. That upped his record to 10-0 with 1 NC since suffering his lone defeat to underdog Harvey Jolly in December 2009, a fight in which he may have entered with an injured ankle.

 

A former international amateur standout and a member of the Cuban National team for seven years, Humberto (pronounced “Umberto” – with a silent “H”) made his pro and stateside debut at the late age of 30.  Baker represents the fourth undefeated fighter that Savigne has faced as a pro.

 

“The only thing I know is that Baker is going to go down before the fifth round,” Savigne said.  “I’m going in there to knock him out and make it a quick night.  I don’t know what he is thinking about me, but I know I’m not underestimating him.  I’m going to do my job like I always do.  It doesn’t matter what he does.  I’ll be ready.

 

“I’m going to prove that I’m the new don of the light heavyweight division,” said Savigne, who is nicknamed “El Don.”

 

A natural left-hander, Savigne went 398-23 in the amateurs. He won the national championship four times, and was on the national team for seven years.  Savigne defected from Cuba to the United States in April 2009.  The 6-foot-1 Savigne, who has fought exclusively in the U.S. since turning pro, has quickly rose to No. 3 in the WBC 175-pound rankings after just 14 professional bouts.

 

“I feel I was ready for a world title fight since last year,” Savigne said.  “I’m looking forward to getting a win on Feb 20 and facing the big names in the light heavyweight division.  I’ve been training hard and I’ve been patient and humble. When the time comes, I’m going to be in prime shape and ready to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion.  Whether it’s early this year, late this year or next year, I’m ready.

 

“I want to fight the champions at 175 pounds, but I need to take care of Baker first.  I want Adonis Stevenson.  I feel that I’m better than him.  He’s never fought a guy like me and I don’t see enough skill set in him to be able to defeat me.”

 

Baker, who turns 31 on Feb. 10, will be making his ShoBox debut. A seven-year-pro, Baker is a pressure fighter who likes to wear down opponents intelligently. He is coming off a third-round knockout over Sergio Cordoba lastNov. 15 in Argentina. He has won his last three fights inside three rounds, but not against fighters on the level of Savigne.

 

“I’m always the underdog, so this is nothing new,” Baker said.  “I’ve been in this position before.  You just have to do what you’re supposed to do you’ll get the win.  “We’ve been waiting for this opportunity to prove who we are.

 

“When I win it will mean everything, it will be a dream come true.  It’s going to open some doors for me.  I’ll be 16-0 and be right there to face some of the top fighters at 175 pounds.”

 

Baker turned to boxing in 2005 as a way to lose weight. At the time, he weighed 293 pounds. He would lose his amateur debut but then went on to win the Texas State Golden Gloves and the Texas State USA Championships in both 2007 and 2008. Baker was also runner up at the National PAL Tournament in 2007, a quarterfinalist in both the National USA Championships Tournament and the National Golden Gloves, which earned him a USA boxing national ranking of No. 3.

 

“I’ve faced guys like him before,” Baker said.  “At the end of the day, all that matters is what you bring to the ring.  On the national level in the amateurs you can face guys with a few hundred fights on the first day of a tournament.  So his amateur pedigree doesn’t scare me.

 

“I’m just expecting a W anyway it comes.  That’s what I want and that’s what I’m getting.  He’s just like any other fighter.  You have to wait and see what they have.  We’ll find out on fight night.”

 

Marrero, 25, is no stranger to local fans, having fought twice in the area last year, both times on cards also featuring Vasquez.

 

An excellent fighter whose only loss came on a tight 12-round decision toJesus Cuellar in a let-it-all-hang-out, action-packed slugfest for the WBA Interim Featherweight World Championship (scored 114-113, 115-114 and 111-111) in August 2013, Marrero will be making his ShoBox and 2015 debut. He went 3-0 last year, winning by sixth-round TKO over Ira Terry in his most recent start last Nov. 21 in Tulsa, Okla.

 

Advance tickets priced at $238, $100, $60, $40 and $25 for students and military with valid ID (Box Office Only), plus applicable fees, for “The Pride of Pittsburgh III” will go on sale Friday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. through the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office at CONSOL Energy Center, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Prices increase $5 on the day of the event. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. with the first bell at 6:30 p.m.

 

CONSOL Energy Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219. Further information can be located at their website,www.consolenergycenter.com

 

Social Media: Follow Goossen Promotions on Twitter @GoossenBoxing, Sammy Vasquez on Twitter @TeamSVasquez, SHOWTIME Sports@SHOsports and CONSOL Energy Center @CONSOLEnergyCtr. Use hashtag #VasquezLartey to follow the discussion.

 

For more information on Goossen Promotions view their website atwww.GoossenPromotions.com. For additional information on Showtime Sports visit www.Sho.com/sports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing, LGM Promotions

WBU Champ Danny McDermott  Launches New Promotional Company

Leave a comment

Introducing LGM Promotions

First show, “Fists of the Fighting Irish”
Saturday March 14 at the Jersey City Armory 
Jersey City, NJ (January 29, 2015)-WBU Jr. Welterweight Champion Danny “Little Mac” McDermott announced today the formation of a new Boxing Promotional Company that will be based out of his hometown in Jersey City NJ.
McDermott has partnered up with local businessman Nick Jayme to form LGM Promotions 
LGM also announced today that it will put on its first show “fists of the Fighting Irish” at the Jersey City Armory on Saturday March 14th with McDermott headlining the card in a defense of the title he captured this past July in GenSan City, Phillipines.
“I am excited to start this company. Launching it on the tenth anniversary of my pro debut makes it that much sweeter.   This is something that I have been thinking about for some time now. I love boxing. It is my life.  It just makes a lot of sense for us right now to begin to prepare for a life after boxing and what better way then be able to put on a fight in my own hometown.” said McDermott.
Mr. Jayme is a longtime friend of the McDermott’s and is former amateur boxer himself. He is an active community servant in the Jersey City area.

“I have always loved boxing and I have a passion for the sport.  I came up in the amateurs with Danny and have known him for many years.
“I recently reconnected with boxing after doing an event with Miguel Cotto and that is when i decided to form LGM Promotions.”
“We are looking to do 4 or 5 events this year in the community.  I am a big believer in the Hudson County community.  LGM is Jersey City based and that’s where we are basing our roots.”
“March 14 is about celebrating the Irish Heritage Parade.  We are working close with the Jersey City Irish Parade committee.  They are having their dinner on March 13.  We are doing the fight on March 14 and then the Parade is on March 15.  This event is all about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day said Mr Jayme.”
“On the boxing side, we hired Rich Komissar (RKO Boxing) to be our Director of Boxing Operations. Rich has a wealth of experience in the sport from on every level. It is very comforting to have a guy on our team that people actually call back” joked Jayme.
Mr. Jayma also added “We also set up a strategic alliance with Mariusz Kolodziej and his group at Global Boxing in North Bergen. Mariusz and Danny go back a long time. He is a great friend of the sport on more than a local level.
“These first events will be Jersey City ethnic based with family friendly ticket pricing and family friendly concessions,”
“We want the entire community to embrace us. We will make it affordable for a guy to bring his kids to the fights and have a few hot dogs with a couple of sodas and maybe a beer or two without breaking the bank” finished Jayme.
“I’m excited to help.  Danny is family. Danny is my guy. He always was and always will be. I’m proud of all he has done in the last year or two.  He is extremely popular in this part of New Jersey (as well as across the river in New York City) so it makes great sense to launch here.  Nick Jayme has a great vision on where he wants his company to be in a year or two. His community minded spirit enlightens me. Nick Jayme is a solutions guy. I like that” said Komissar.
“Our job will not be too hard. This part of New Jersey has an awful lot of boxing clubs and it is teaming with youngsters that want opportunities. We are here to give them just that” added Komissar
The full event will be announced shortly.
boxing

Guillermo Rigondeaux encouraged by Oscar de la Hoya comment about Leo Santa Cruz unification fight

Leave a comment

MIAMI (Jan. 28, 2015) – World Boxing Association (WBA) Super, World Boxing Organization (WBO) and The Ring Magazine super bantamweight champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) is encouraged by reports that World Boxing Council (WBC) title-holder Leo Santa Cruz‘ promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, believes a Rigondeaux-Santa Cruz unification fight has to happen.

 

The 34-year-old Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been restricted to Asia for his last two fights, subsequently in low-profile matches, due to the lack of desire by any world-class super bantamweight to challenge the Cuban star.

 

Rigondeaux stopped WBO No. 6 rated challenger Hisashi Amagasa (28-4-2, 19 KOs) after 11 rounds in Osaka, Japan this past New Year’s Eve. Last July, “Rigo” knocked out Sod Kokietgym (62-2-1) in the opening round of their fight in Macao, China.

 

“It’s good to know that Santa Cruz’ promoter has stated that our unification fight has to happen,” an ecstatic Rigondeaux said. “I want to add his (WBC) green belt to my WBA and WBO championship collection. I’ve wanted this fight for some time. Let’s hope this is not just idle talk. Let’s do it!”

 

Rigondeaux vs. Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) would be a classic showdown between ethnic boxing arch-rivals, respectively, Cuban and Mexican fighters who now live in Miami and southern California.

 

“I have contacted Golden Boy Promotions many times to ask about making a fight between ‘Rigo’ and Santa Cruz,” Rigondeaux’ manager Gary Hyde added. “They always answered by saying they were interested in making this fight but not at that time. Yesterday, after learning Oscar said this fight has to happen, I reached out to Golden Boy and can confirm that negotiations have commenced. Myself and Caribe Promotions, ‘Rigo’s’ promoter, will endeavor to make this fight happen as soon as possible.

 

“Once ‘Rigo’ beats Santa Cruz for his third world title belt – fourth if you count The Ring Magazine – a fight against International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Carl Frampton (19-0, 13 KOs) would have to happen in order to determine the undisputed super bantamweight champion of the world.”

 

Follow Rigondeaux and Hyde on Twitter at @RigoElChacal305 and @NoWhere2Hyde, friend them at www.facebook.com/GuillermoRigondeaux andwww.facebook.com/gary.hyde.50?fref=ts.
boxing, NBC

BOXING RETURNS TO PRIMETIME NETWORK TELEVISION

Leave a comment

BOXING RETURNS TO

PRIMETIME NETWORK TELEVISION

 

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS DEBUTS ON NBC WITH TWO STAR-POWERED MAIN EVENTS LIVE FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA

AT 8:30 P.M. ET/5:30 P.M. PT

 

Undefeated Welterweight Star Keith “One Time” Thurman Takes On Former Four-Division World Champion

Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero In Welterweight Action

 

The Evening‘s First Main Event Pits Former Three-Division World Champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner

Against Hard-Hitting Super Lightweight

John “The Gladiator“ Molina Jr.

LAS VEGAS (January 28, 2015) – The return of prizefighting to primetime network television has finally arrived as the recently announced Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series is set to debut on Saturday, March 7 with an action-packed double main event on NBC, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

The inaugural PBC on NBC fight night will feature two spectacular bouts worthy of this historic occasion. In the second main event of the evening, undefeated welterweight knockout artist Keith “One Time” Thurman (24-0, 21 KOs) will take on former four-division world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero (32-2-1, 18 KOs) in a showdown where both men look to prove they are amongst the best fighters in the world on the biggest stage in recent boxing history.

 

The first main event of the evening will feature one of boxing’s biggest and most compelling stars, former three-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (29-1, 22 KOs) facing off against the always exciting John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. (27-5, 22 KOs) in a super lightweight bout that will put the winner at the top of the division.

 

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

Don’t miss a minute of the PBC on NBC action as the first televised fight on NBC begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT SHARP!

 

“The team and I are extremely excited and we are all looking forward to this opportunity to fight on NBC. A lot of what my team keeps saying is that this is going to change the sport. It reminds me that my late trainer Ben Getty used to tell me, that all I needed to do was get on a big stage,” said Thurman. “I’m truly looking forward to headlining the first show. I’m happy to be back at MGM Grand and looking forward to a great knockout. This is the start of creating a household name.”

 

“It’s very refreshing to know that NBC is bringing boxing back to primetime television,” said Guerrero. “It’s an honor to be part of the first show, especially against an undefeated champion like Keith Thurman.  Everyone knows I always come to fight. Let’s hope Thurman has the same mindset.  He claims that he’s going to knock me out, but I see a totally different outcome. When this fight is over, everyone tuning in will know why boxing is one of the most exciting sports to watch, that I can guarantee.”

 

“This is the first big installment of ‘AB on NBC.’ There’s nothing I can’t do,” said Broner. “It’s a great fight not only for the fighters, but for the fans. Everyone knows that I always come to fight and I know John Molina Jr. is coming to fight. I look forward to stopping Molina on NBC. I love the support and anyone that supports me; I’m going to fight for them. This is just the start of the ‘AB Show’ in 2015.”

 

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the inaugural show on NBC and to be on this platform. I can’t wait to go out there and do what I do best in front of millions of people,” said Molina Jr. “I want to fight the best and Broner is one of the best. This is a fight that we asked for over a year ago and we finally got it. I am so excited. I’m not nervous at all. If I were nervous, I wouldn’t be in this industry. This is the type of thing that real fighters dream about. I’m counting down the days.”

 

The return of boxing to primetime on NBC is nearly 30 years in the making, with the last such fight night taking place May 20, 1985. That fight saw Larry Holmes win a 15-round decision and defend his IBF Heavyweight World Championship against Carl Williams in Reno, Nev.

 

Primetime national television was a long-time home for some of the most recognizable names in the history of the sport, with fighters such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Mike Tyson making a name for themselves in front of a national audience.

 

The PBC on NBC series will feature a cast of familiar names and voices who will lend their immense talents to the broadcasts. Seven-time Emmy Award winner Al Michaels will host the series while Academy Award winning composer Hans Zimmer will compose the music that brings the series to life. In addition, legendary boxer Sugar Ray Leonard will serve as lead analyst.

 

“I’m so excited about PBC on NBC. I was shocked when I got the call, but right away I knew I wanted to be a part of this,” said Leonard. “This is what boxing needs, and this is what the boxing fans need.”

 

Los Angeles-based Goossen Promotions will promote this inaugural PBC on NBC event.

 

“It’s an honor to be a part of this extraordinary and highly anticipated event

on March 7, the debut of the ‘Premier Boxing Champions’ series on NBC,” said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions. “These are two outstanding fights featuring four world class boxers and fans are in for a terrific night of action.”

 

Thurman has long proven his power by knocking out 18 of his first 19 opponents, but when he won the interim WBA Welterweight World Title with a 10th round knockout over Diego Chaves in July of 2013, he put himself in a position to fight the very best in the sport. The 26-year-old Clearwater, Florida native has since made three successful title defenses with knockouts over Jesus Soto Karass and Julio Diaz, before dominating Leonard Bundu on his way to a unanimous decision in December 2014. Now, Thurman looks to remain undefeated when he faces his toughest test to date in Guerrero.

 

A battle-tested veteran, Guerrero, of Gilroy, Calif., has been among the elite fighters in boxing for years. A southpaw boxer-puncher, Guerrero has won world titles in four weight classes from 130 to 147 pounds, beating the likes of Andre Berto, Joel Casamayor, Michael Katsidis and Selcuk Aydin along the way. His prowess across these weight classes earned him a fight with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in 2013, which he lost by unanimous decision. “The Ghost” bounced back nicely in June of 2014 with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Yoshihiro Kamegai.

 

One of boxing’s most well-known stars, Broner, the 25-year old phenom who has collected world titles at 130, 135 and 147 pounds, is setting his sights on the dangerous puncher John Molina Jr. on March 7. Broner has prevailed over the likes of Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Antonio Demarco on the way to becoming a three-division champion. Despite suffering his first loss to Marcos Maidana in December 2013, the Cincinnati-native rebounded with back-to-back victories over Carlos Molina and Emmanuel Taylor.

 

Molina Jr. from Covina, Calif., has had great success in the professional ranks including an impressive knockout victory over current world champion Mickey Bey that proved you can never count the powerful puncher out of a fight. The 32-year-old lost a scintillating Fight of the Year candidate to Lucas Matthysse in 2014 and is looking to start off 2015 with a big win against Broner.

 

A full night of exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

 

PBC on NBC, will take place Saturday, March 7 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is promoted by Goossen Promotions. The event will air live on NBC (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT).

 

# # #

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,  www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at  www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions  and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing

Boxing manager Adrian Clark releases mini documentary Adrian Clark: Before The Bell on Youtube

Leave a comment
Dallas, TX (January 28, 2015)–Up and coming boxing manager Adrian Clark has released a mini documentary that chronicles a week in the life of his career as he leads up to a fight.The Documentary is titled Adrian Clark: Before The Bell 

Clark of Dallas, Texas has quickly become one of the brightest young minds in the boxing industry and is coming off a stellar 2014 where he led fighters such as James De La Rosa to appearances on the Floyd Mayweather – Marcos Maidana II undercard where he defeated former world champion Alfredo Angulo as well as a December fight on HBO Boxing After Dark.
Another client, Jerry Belmontes fought WBC Lightweight champion Omar Figueroa on Showtime Championship Boxing in a bout where most people who viewed the fight thought Belmontes had won a decision to capture the belt but lost via split decision.
 “It was an amazing experience doing a mini documentary. Although the focal point was myself, the fighters I work for get good exposure also. Name and face value are very essential when trying to market athletes so when you see me, you see my guys. When you see my guys, you see me even if we aren’t there in the physical form, we all represent each other. Watching the documentary forced me to stop and admire what I’ve done and what these athletes are doing,” said Clark
“In five years  & at  28 years old now, I’d like the believe I’ve done a pretty good job, especially working by myself with no backing. I sprung De la Rosa free from Don King, then got him 2 big fights on Showtime PPV and HBO. He made more money in 2 fights than his entire career combined. I negotiated a world title shot fight for Belmontes, earning him the most money in his career. I worked to get Ray Ximenez free from a bad promotional contract and active again, on his way to bigger fights. I signed an amazing prospect in Oscar Mojica who is a future champ at 118 lbs. and debuted a future star at 140 in Steve Belmontes. 2014 was an amazing year for AC Sports Management, LLC. Looking to capitalize in 2015.”
“There are a lot of amazing things going on in boxing right now. I’m young, up and coming and trying to maintain a respected name. I look to work and build healthy relationships with Banner Promotions, Roc Nation, Top Rank and local promoters. I have a fantastic relationship with Golden Boy and Main Events; I hope to maintain those strong bonds and make the best fights that include my guys.”
“Patience is key in the boxing business. One has to understanding that timing is everything and forced work isn’t the way. AJ Galante {who is probably the only other manager in his 20’s} and I understand that we are the young blood’s in the sport. In 5 or 10 years we’ll be the Al Haymon’s, Frank Espinoza’s and Cameron Dunkin’s… Big name guys and networks will look to work through us. We know that and we are constantly preparing and strategizing to carry on the amazing legacy of boxing in hopes of leaving a legacy of our own. Its pretty cool.” 

Click on image to watch documentary

Adrian Clark: Before the Bell
Adrian Clark: Before the Bell
boxing, Champions TKO Boxing Gym, UK Boxing

Martin Aiming to ‘Gun’ Down Boylan This Saturday

Leave a comment

St Neots, Camb’s Tommy ‘Da Gun’ Martin has the biggest fight of his young career this coming Saturday, when he challenges Carshalton’s Ricky Boylan for the vacant English Super Lightweight title, on the Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport promoted CAPITAL PUNISHMENT mega show, at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London.

Tommy, who’s just twenty years of age, has already amassed a career record of ten bouts, ten wins and three of those victories came by way of stoppage finishes.

Back in April last year, Tommy secured his first Championship win, the British Masters Bronze, with a shutout points victory over Michael Maloney.

Whilst young Tommy was busy celebrating his success, he was totally unaware that this victory had bought him to the attention of the UK’s two top promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren.

After meeting with both, Tommy decided that the chance to fight on the huge Matchroom Sport shows, whose events are broadcast live on Sky Sports, was his preferred choice.

As such his next fight see him travelling to Liverpool to face Ainsley Seivwright on the undercard of the Matchroom Sport promoted Tony Bellew versus Julio Cesar Dos Santos WBO International title fight.

With another solid victory under his belt, Eddie Hearn decided to really test his latest signing, by having him face Southampton’s Matty Tew in a ten rounder, needless to say Tommy came through with flying colours, stopping the highly experienced Tew in the seventh round, in doing so earning the right to make his first challenge for a major domestic title.

Following one of his final training sessions, a clearly elated Tommy spoke briefly about the upcoming showdown with Ricky Boylan.

“Yeah I’m over the moon, absolutely over the moon with it.

I’ve been training really hard for this for eleven, twelve weeks or so, I literally had a week off after my last fight and got straight back into the gym as soon as I heard the news about getting a shot at the English title.

I’m taking this opportunity with both hands, it’s what I want, I want to be fighting for titles, that’s why I’m boxing I want to be a Champion, not just any champion, I want to do this the old fashioned route, English, British, European and then go for the big one – World.

Everyone is saying this is as genuine a fifty-fifty fight as they come, not just the fight but also those forecasting the result. A lot of people are saying Boylan and an equal number of people are saying Martin, to my mind it is all going to come down to which Ricky Boylan or which Tommy Martin turns up on the night.

I honestly believe my plan A will be better than his plan A and my plan B is better than his plan B.

I can’t see him out-boxing me and I can’t see him out working me, I think I will be too quick and too sharp for him.

Winning the British Masters for me was a massive stepping stone, I absolutely loved the moment, it was an excellent stepping stone for titles like this one I have coming up. It gave me my first experience of Championship boxing, which puts me on the front foot on Saturday as I have already fought a title fight.

I want to say a huge thank you to close to five hundred fans that are coming down to support me on Saturday night, I really appreciate you getting behind me it means everything to me and hopefully I’ll give you a really good show and if all goes to plan I’ll have the English belt round my waist at the end of the night.

I promise I’m not going to make it easy for him, hopefully I’ll give him real problems on the night”

Tommy’s manager, the esteemed Champions TKO supremo Johnny Eames then spoke about his young charge and his upcoming showdown with ex TKO fighter Ricky Boylan.

“This is Tommy’s biggest fight to date, what’s more it’s against an ex-TKO fighter, Ricky Boylan.

It’s a genuine 50/50 fight, you can toss a coin to see who is going to win this one, it really is that close.

Obviously I lean towards Tommy, or else I wouldn’t have taken the fight on, but it ain’t going to be a push over.

Ricky comes to fight, he prepares himself well and he’s trained by my old mate Jamie Moore, with the Manchester boys, so we know he’s going to be well prepared.

I’m really looking forward to the fight, it’ll be a great fight.”

 

boxing, mixed martial arts, UFC

June White Joins the FNU Combat Sports Show TONIGHT!

Leave a comment

By: Rich Bergeron

Our special guest this week on the FNU Combat Sports Show is June White. It’s perfect timing since I just received this message on Twitter the other day:

“You are blocked from following and viewing ‘s Tweets.”

June White (@JuneWhiteMMA) will join Tom, Tony and Rich on the FNU Combat Sports Show TONIGHT to discuss her unauthorized biography on the UFC President known for his brash language and a ruthless approach to building and expanding the UFC brand. Her book is an unflattering, honest look into the life of the former boxercise instructor who now rules over the UFC with an iron fist and a loud mouth. Check out this telling YouTube Promo for “Dana White, King of MMA:”

“Psychic” Tom Padgett, “Rabble Rousin’” Rich Bergeron and Tony “The Tornado” Penecale also have a ton of combat sports events and news to discuss this week.

Click Here to Listen to our broadcast Live from 8-10PM EST Tonight. Use the same link to access the recording of the show. The June White interview starts at 9:15 PM EST.

boxing, Team Fight to Walk

Team Fight to Walk begins Pushups for Paralysis!

Leave a comment

New York, NY (January 27, 2015) –Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson and Team Fight to Walk have started the Pushups for Paralysis challenge. Melson created the challenge to assist fundraising efforts forAmerica’s first clinical trial to help cure Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.

 

Yesterday, Melson, who donates 100% of his purses towards the trial, posted a video where he completed ten pushups. After finishing the pushups, Melson called out other members of Team Fight to Walk including Danny Jacobs, Marcus Browne, Riddick Bowe, Anthony Mason, Christan Zaccagnino, Paul Williams and Eric LeGrand to complete the challenge.

 

Like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Pushups for Paralysis’ goal is to raise both funds and awareness through social media. Each participant is challenged to do 10 pushups, call out others to participate then donate $10 to teamfighttowalk.com. If they are unable to complete ten, participants are asked to donate an additional $1 for each incomplete pushup. For example, if only six pushups are completed, the donation would be $14. The goal is to raise $5,000,000 so the trial could take place in 2015 following delays due to funding issues.

 

“The world saw how powerful the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was and we all participated” said Melson. “More than $100 million was raised for ALS and everybody was talking about it. I’m challenging everybody out there to complete 10 pushups and donate $10 to Teamfighttowalk.com to help cure paralysis. Through widespread efforts, I have no doubt that our goals can be met. Ultimately, America will benefit by seeing hundreds of thousands of people confined to wheelchairs from Spinal Cord Injuries walking again following the trials.”

 

For more information on teamfighttowalk, go to teamfighttowalk.com. All participants are asked to use the hashtag #pushupsforparalysis.

 

A video of Melson’s Pushups for Paralysis can be seen at http://teamfighttowalk.com/push-ups-for-paralysis/

boxing

Sampson Boxing/WBC Announce  ‘Jose Sulaiman Cup’ Super Welterweight Tournament to Honor Jose Sulaiman  

Leave a comment
Sampson Logo

  

Today, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, in conjunction with the World Boxing Council (WBC) and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman,  proudly announced “The Jose Sulaiman Cup: WBC Super Welterweight Tournament.”

 

An eight-man, single-elimination tournament featuring top super welterweight contenders from eight different countries and three continents, “The Jose Sulaiman Cup” is being held to honor the late WBC President, Jose Sulaiman.

 

The tournament will begin with two brackets of four fighters each. In bracket one will be WBC #8 John Jackson (19-2, 15 KOs) of the US Virgin Islands facing WBC #13 Dennis Laurente (49-5, 30 KOs) of The Philippines, and Cuba’s Yudel Jhonson (16-1, 9 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota (24-1, 22 KOs).

 

In the second bracket, WBC #5 Sergey Rabchenko (25-1, 18 KOs) will fight Argentina’s WBC #10 Luciano Cuello (35-3, 17 KOs), and the USA’s Domonique Dolton (15-0, 8 KOs) will face Poland’s Lukasz Maciec (22-2-1, 5 KOs).

 

The winners of these fights will then face each other in a semi-final and then those two winners will fight, for the right to have their name engraved on the inaugural Jose Sulaiman Cup.

 

Opening-round tournament participants will receive $50,000 each for their participation. Making it to round two will earn each fighter $100,000 and a trip to the finals will bring a purse of $200,000 to both participants. Making the finals will earn both fighters $350,000 in one year.

 

Every tournament match will be conducted under rules of the WBC, in conjunction with the local boxing commission. The first phase will be held in April/May and the fights will be scheduled for 10 rounds each. The semifinals will be held in September 2015 and scheduled for 12 rounds and the final in February 2016, also over 12 rounds.

 

“This is a project that is near and dear to my heart,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “It was first the idea of the great Jose Sulaiman and had to be postponed when his health began to fail. And so I am honored to be working with Mauricio and the WBC to bring his father’s vision to life and honor him by doing so.”

 

Dates and venues for “The Jose Sulaiman Cup: WBC Super Welterweight Tournament” will be announced shortly.
ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

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

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

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Golden Boy Promotions

ROBINSON CASTELLANOS WINS BIG IN SAN ANTONIO ON GOLDEN BOY LIVE!

Leave a comment

CASTELLANOS CONQUERS THE WBC SILVER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AND BECOMES THE WBC FEATHERWEIGHT MANDATORY CHALLENGER

 

 

Photo Credit: Golden Boy Promotions 

 

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 27) – Starting off 2015 with impressive Golden Boy Live! show in Philadelphia on Jan. 20, Golden Boy Promotions brought the action and the high-rated show to San Antonio, Texas where Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (21-10, 13 KOs) displayed his power against Rocky Juarez (30-11-1, 21 KOs) Monday night at Cowboys Dancehall in the headlining bout of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes’ Golden Boy Live! series. Castellanos dominated Juarez early on in the fight with quick jabs and powerful uppercuts that continued to pressure Juarez through to the final round.  The battle between the two great seasoned fighters ended when Castellanos knocked down Juarez three times in the 12th round before winning the bout via unanimous decision with a score card of 118-106, 118-106 and 118-107. Castellanos is now the WBC Silver Featherweight Champion and becomes the mandatory challenger against current WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez.

 

“I am the mandatory and this time the champion [Johnny Gonzalez] will have to fight me,” said Castellanos.

 

Previously ranked fifth in the world by the WBC, Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico’s Robinson Castellanos, rebounded from a rocky start to win 13 of his last 14 fights, rejuvenating a career that began in 2002. His victories include a decision win over former world champion Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero in 2013 and his biggest impact was in October 2014, when he knocked out 23-0 Ronny Rios in the fifth round.

 

ABOUT JUAREZ VS. CASTELLANOS:

“Juarez vs. Castellanos” was a 12-round bout for Juarez’ WBC Silver Featherweight Title and final featherweight title eliminator was presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!.

 

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.leijabattahpromo.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1,

www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @ GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPr,  @Swanson_comm, @FOXSports,  @FOXSports1,  @FOXDeportes  and follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing or @LeijaBattahPr.  For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com/watch/FOXSports1 and become a follower on @FOXSports. For more information on FOX Deportes visit www.FOXDeportes.com, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes  and visit www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes on Facebook.