Category Archives: UFC

boxing, UFC

Roy Jones, Jr. protégé Ikram Kerwat 1st female boxer to headline on UFC FIGHT PASS

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BOUTS WILL STREAM LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS® THIS
THURSDAY NIGHT FROM CASINO DEL SOL IN TUCSON, ARIZONA
AT 10 P.M. E.T. / 7 P.M. P.T.

TUCSON, Arizona (May 22, 2019) – Tunisia native and mother of two, Ikram Kerwat, headlines this Thursday evening for her first time in the initial female main event streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Casino Del Sol’s outdoor AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.
 
Kerwat (9-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Frankfurt, Germany, throws-down with 9-time world title challenger Simone DaSilva (15-12, 6 KOs), of Brazil, in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) female super featherweight championship.
 
Kerwat vs. DaSilva is presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and Kerwat is trained by living legend and 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr.
 
“Ikram is an exciting fighter with awesome power and good hand speed,” Jones evaluated his protege. “She’s always looking to improve, and I look forward to her next voyage towards a world title.”
 
The 35-year-old Kerwat is a former WBC International female lightweight champion, who will be fighting in the United States for the fourth time as a pro boxer. “Fighting in the U.S. was always one of my biggest dreams,” she commented. “It’s amazing. I already have a fanbase and they are really awesome. I like the enthusiasm and positive energy of U.S. people.
 
“This is my first main event and I can’t wait to step into the ring. To be live streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS is very important to me, my fans and, of course, my family. My last fight was also live streamed on FIGHT PASS and it was amazing. I’m happy and thankful for that.
 
“I want to give a big shout out to my family and my coach and promoter, Roy Jones, Jr., his wonderful wife, Natlyn Jones, and, of course, the RJJ Promotions team for this opportunity and their kindness.”

(L-R) Ikram Kerwat & Roy Jones, Jr.
 
A pro since 2015, Kerwat first met Jones at the WBC Convention three years ago in Miami. “It’s an honor for me to lean from a legendary boxer like Roy,” she added. “He’s a boxing guru! Before I met Roy, I was a brawler, more of an aggressive fighter. Now, I’d say I learned to skillfully box. I’ve made a lot of improvements and I developed more, boxing-wise. I grew mentally, which is the most important part in boxing and life.”
 
Da Silva may have fought in nine world titles fights, but Ikram doesn’t feel that she’s at a disadvantage because of her opponent’s edge in quality experience. “My opponent is experienced, but this means nothing to me,” she remarked. “I fear nobody, but I respect all boxers who step in the ring. I do not underestimate anyone, nothing more, and nothing less. I don’t look at her, I look at myself. This is only thing I have control over. I do my job, live my dream, and I have fun doing it. I enjoy every single minute of it. This next step is very important for us. Every single fight brings me a step closer to my goal, which means that every single fight is significant for my career. Fights like this even more so.”
 
Although she had only three amateur matches, including a gold medal performance in the Berlin Championships and taking bronze in the German Championships, Ikram is positioning herself for a world title fight in the not too distant future, assuming she gets past Da Silva.
 
“I trained myself (as an amateur) and that wasn’t easy for me, because I really wasn’t a trainer, but I wanted it so bad and now even more,” Kerwat concluded. “I have two kids and I used to say boxing is my third child. And it’s the oldest. I protest and love it, making sure that I progress and develop, getting better and better.”
 
In the co-featured event, unbeaten bantamweight Max “The Baby Face Assassin” Ornelas (12-0-1, 4 KOs), ranked No. 11 in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as the reigning NABA USA bantamweight champion, clashes with Alex “Xhino” Rangel (17-9, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round bout.  
 
Tucson’s Alfonso Olvera (11-5-2, 4 KOs) meets Carlos “Silk” Villa (14-3-1, 6 KOs), of San Antonio, in the six-round Special Welterweight Attraction, and undefeated middleweight prospects, Tucson’s Nicholas Rhoads (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Eduardo Ayala (4-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, square off in a four-round match.
 
Former UFC fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-18-1, 1 NC), fighting out of Phoenix, makes his professional boxing debut in the FIGHT PASS opener versus pro-debuting Daviante Jones, also of Phoenix, in a four-round bout.
 
Undefeated Kazakhstan fighter Madiyar Asjkeyev (11-0, 6 KOs) faces Cecil McCalla (21-3, 8 KOs) to open the non-FIGHT PASS segment of the show in a 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight title.
 
A pair of Tucson middleweights, Arturo Resendiz (2-0, 2 KOs) and Jose “Raging Bull” Pena (2-1, 1 KO), are matched in the four-round swing bout.
Cards are subject to change.
 
Ticket prices range from $105.00 (VIP) to $17.00 (pavilion) and are available for purchase online at www.casinodelsol.com.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 6:15 p.m. PT.
 
For more information about the event, please visit:
Websites:  http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.casinodelsol.com,www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass 
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol
boxing, UFC

RESULTS FROM MURPHYS BOXING’S UFC FIGHT PASS DEBUT IN SPRINGFIELD! ABRAHAM NOVA KOS MARIO LOZANO! FOSTER, GONGORA & MORE PICK UP WINS!

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5/10/19 – SPRINGFIELD, MASS. RESULTS


NOVA KOS LOZANO IN MAIN EVENT

FOSTER, GONGORA & MORE PICK UP WINS


‘ICEMAN’ JOHN SCULLY RECEIVES WARRIOR’S CODE AWARD


Photo Credit: Emily Harney/Fightography


Springfield, Massachusetts (May 11th, 2019):


In the first Murphys Boxing event of a multi fight deal with UFC Fight Pass, fans watched NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova (15-0, 11 KOs) stop Argentina’sMario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-3-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of scheduled 10 round fight last night in Springfield, Massachusetts live from MGM Springfield.


Nova, who is currently ranked #10 in the WBA’s super featherweight world rankings, put on a near perfect performance in front of a packed crowd of ‘Super’ supporters. After a tentative first round from both fighters, Nova found his range midway through the second and exploded on Lozano. Firing off a series of fast and powerful combinations to both the body and head, Nova dropped the only twice beaten, Lozano forcing the referee to call a halt to the contest at 2:26 into the second round.


“I’m ready for anybody. Top 10. Top 2. The Champ. Anybody can get it. I’m the best kept secret in boxing. It’s time to make my national television debut and let the world know who Abraham ‘Super’ Nova is.”, said the outgoing and confident young prospect who sports a bleach blonde beard and has one of the most creative ring walks in all of boxing.


Nova’s promoter, Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey was thrilled with Nova’s performance and is anxious to get the 25 year old in a title eliminator with another Top 10 ranked fighter.


“He’s got the whole package. The look. The entrance. The talent. The performance. The fan base. He’s accurate and sharp but he also punches with bad intentions. You can just tell he’s on a different level. He’s a world class fighter.”


As for Nova’s immediate future, Casey confirmed he will be making his national TV debut in his next fight.


“We’re finalizing a nationally televised fight for Abraham this summer against another Top 10 fighter that we will be announcing soon. Then I’d like to see him fight for the mandatory by the end of the year. We think he can win the big one, so it’s time to get him the opportunity. We’re incredibly excited about Nova’s future. He’s ready to be a star.”

The co-main event saw Murphys Boxing’s own William Foster III (10-0, 7 KOs) absolutely dominate and drop Argentina’s Ramon Esperanza (22-16-1, 11 KOs) multiple times before the referee called a stop to the fight at 2:39 into the fourth round of a scheduled 8 round bout. Foster, the current Jr. NABF Super Featherweight Champion and younger brother of NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Charles Foster, looked sensational, using a relentless body attack to overwhelm his more experienced opponent from the opening bell. The buzz on Foster continues to build in New England and he brought a vocal crowd from his hometown of nearby Hartford, Connecticut.


Recent Murphys Boxing signee, Venezuelan Olympian, Luis Arcon Diaz (7-0, 7 KOs) continued his knockout streak stopping Argentina’s Jose Aubel (8-4, 7 KOs) at 2:36 into the fourth round of a scheduled 6 round junior welterweight bout.


Local Springfield fighter, Derek Whitley Jr. (5-1-1) won a unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Bryan Goldsby (5-11) in a 4 round welterweight fight. Goldsby had several moments throughout the fight but the MMA veteran didn’t stay busy enough against the counter-punching southpaw who won with decisions of 39-27 and 40-36 twice.


2x Olympian from Ecuador, Carlos Gongora (16-0, 12 KOs) won a hard-fought unanimous decision over a game and rugged veteran, Damien Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6, 20 KOs) in a 10 round middleweight fight with scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice. Gongora, who is signed with Murphys Boxing, is the current WBC South American Middleweight Champion.


Springfield’s own Anthony Velazquez (6-0, 6 KOs) continued his impressive KO streak against an outgunned Bruno Diaz (0-6) dropping him twice in less than a minute into the first round of a 4 round welterweight bout before the referee waved off the contest at 1:32 for a 1st round TKO.


The hard-hitting Ray Jay Bermudez (7-0, 5 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York unleashed a barrage of hard hooks dropping a helpless Patrick Leal (0-6) three times for a first round TKO at 1:35 seconds into a scheduled 4 round welterweight bout.


Boston based amateur standout, James Perella (3-0, 3 KOs) made easy work of Paulo DeSouza (0-14) dropping him twice in the first round before the referee called a stoppage 16 seconds into the second round of a scheduled 4 round welterweight fight after DeSouza was badly hurt by a straight right. It was Perella’s third fight in his first two months as a professional.


The event also saw the presentation of Murphys Boxing’s Warrior’s Code Award which has been established to honor legendary New England based fighters.


The latest award was presented to light heavyweight title challenger and now successful commentator and trainer, John Scully. Scully who is based out of nearby Hartford, Connecticut fought several times in Springfield throughout his career.


The ‘Iceman’ was presented with a plaque in the ring by Murphys Boxing’s Ken Casey andSean Sullivan and he received a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd after sharing a few poignant words about his career.

ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING


Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, Abraham Nova and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!


For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com


To speak with any of the fighters on our roster – drop us a line at info@murphysboxing.comand we will hook it up.


Follow Murphys Boxing on Social Media!
boxing, UFC

UFC FIGHT PASS® AND MURPHYS BOXING REACH MULTI-YEAR LIVE STREAMING AGREEMENT FIRST EVENT STREAMS LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY THIS FRIDAY, MAY 10 AT 9:30PM E.T. / 6:30PM P.T.

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Las Vegas and Boston (May 6, 2019):


UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, today announced a new multi-year partnership with popular Boston based promotion,Murphys Boxing. The promotion will make it’s FIGHT PASS debut this Friday, May 10th, from Springfield, Massachusetts at MGM Springfield at 9:30 p.m. E.T. / 6:30 p.m. P.T. and will feature a 10 round main event, headlined by undefeated NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova vs. Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano.


“Murphys Boxing is one of the top promotions in New England, and I am excited to have them on FIGHT PASS,” UFC President, Dana White said. “In just five years, Ken Casey has done incredible things with this promotion. I am looking forward to showcasing these exciting fighters to our subscribers.”


“We’re incredibly excited to join forces with FIGHT PASS,” said Ken Casey, founder of Murphys Boxing. “UFC is providing a platform for us to highlight New England’s thriving boxing scene to combat sports fans. We will introduce the world to our incredible roster that includes future champions, such as Nova.”




Recently entering the WBA’s Top 10 Rankings, undefeated Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) will make his highly anticipated 2019 debut under the Murphys Boxing banner. Nova’s opponent, Argentinian prospect Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-2-1, 9 KOs), will be the 12th fighter in the past two years to try and take the “O” from the current NABA Super Featherweight Champion.


Entering the ring for the second time this year, Jr. NABF Super Featherweight Champion,William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs) will face off against Ramon Esperanza (22-15-1, 11 KOs) in an 8 round bout. Foster’s rare ability to combine both power and speed has led him to become one of New England’s most talked about prospects.


In an 8 round middleweight bout, power punching prospect Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs) will take on Argentina’s Damien Ezequiel Bonelli (23-6, 20 KOs). Gongora, a former Olympian from Ecuador, won the WBC South American Middleweight Title in February after defeating Jesus Aviles.


Luis Arcon Diaz (6-0, 6 KOs), an undefeated Olympian from Venezuela, and a recent Murphys Boxing signing, will return to action in a 6 round welterweight bout against Argentina’s Jose Aubel (8-3, 7 KOs).


Representing the Boston area, James Perella (2-0, 2 KOs) will look for his third consecutive knockout in a 4 round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.


Ray Jay Bermudez (6-0, 4 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York will make a quick return to the ring after a KO victory last month when he takes on an opponent to be named in a 6 round welterweight contest.


Rounding out the card will be two of Springfield’s own – power punching welterweightAnthony Velazquez (5-0, 5 KOs), who will take on an opponent to be named, and welterweight DJ Whitley (4-1-1), who will take on the always dangerous Bryan Goldsby(5-10) in separate 4 round contests. 


The first four undercard fights will stream live at 8:00 p.m. E.T. / 5:00 p.m. P.T. on www.facebook.com/dropkickmurphys before the main card starts live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS at 9:30 p.m. E.T. / 6:30 p.m. P.T. To start your 7-day free trial, please visit: www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass


Tickets are on sale now at: www.murphysboxing.com and 
www.mgmspringfield.com/entertainment


ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING


Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Abraham Nova, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, Greg Vendetti and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr., Luis Arcon Diaz and more.


For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com


ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS


UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.


For more information visit: www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass

boxing, UFC

‘ICEMAN’ JOHN SCULLY TO RECEIVE MURPHYS BOXING’S WARRIOR’S CODE AWARD ON MAY 10 IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS AT NOVA VS. LOZANO

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PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE NEXT
FRIDAY, MARCH 10TH IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS AT
NOVA VS. LOZANO


EVENT TO BROADCAST LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS


TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.MURPHYSBOXING.COM

Boston, Massachusetts (May 1, 2019):


Murphys Boxing is proud to announce that the next recipient of the Warrior’s Code Award will be New England boxing legend, ‘Iceman’ John Scully.


The Hartford, Connecticut based Scully was one of the most popular fighters in the region during the 1990s and he went 38-11 in a professional career in the light heavyweight division that included challenging for the world title against Henry Maske in Germany.


After his professional career, ‘Iceman’ achieved fame calling rebroadcasts of fights for ESPN Classic as well as writing a popular column in the British magazine, Boxing News.


However Scully has achieved his most success as a trainer being instrumental in helping take fighters like Jose Antonio Rivera and Chad Dawson to world titles.


Scully is now a co-trainer of the Russian, now Canadian based, undefeated light heavyweight world champion, Artur Beterbiev, who defends his title this Saturday in California live on ESPN.


In addition to his work as a trainer he has been an passionate advocate and champion for the rights and well being of retired fighters.


“I’m extremely honored to receive this recognition and I really appreciate Murphys Boxing for thinking of me.”, says the 51 year old Connecticut resident.


“It’s particularly special because it will come in the city of Springfield where I spent the majority of my amateur boxing career training at the old Central City Gym at the X under Coach John Tynan. I’m looking forward to a great night.”


Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey explains the promotion’s decision to name Scully as the latest recipient of the award named after one of the Dropkick Murphy’s signature songs, “The Warrior’s Code” which is a tribute to another New England boxing hero, Micky Ward. 


“John Scully is the epitome of the Warrior’s Code Award.”, says Casey.


“John’s career in boxing, from being a world class fighter to his work as an analyst to his success as a trainer, is inspirational. It shows young fighters there is opportunity for them in the sport after their in ring career is over. By giving back as a trainer and a mentor, he also represents the bridge from New England’s past boxing history to the present. Murphys Boxing is honored to acknowledge and celebrate John Scully’s many achievements in the sport.”


Scully will be third recipient of the award established this year by Murphys Boxing to celebrate those fighters who contributed to the rich and diverse history of boxing in New England. Scully joins 2019 International Hall of Fame Inductee, Tony DeMarco and decorated Massachusetts’ amateur, Mike D’Ampolo who received the first awards at Murphys Boxing’s last event in Melrose, Massachusetts this past March.



The presentation of Murphys Boxing’s Warrior’s Code Award will take place during Murphys Boxing’s UFC Fight Pass debut event next Friday, May 10th which features NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-2-1, 9 KOs) in the 10 round main event as well as a packed undercard of undefeated fighters from the Murphys Boxing stable including WBC South American Middleweight Champion, Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs), NABF Jr. Super Featherweight Champion, William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs), Venezuelan Olympian, Luis Arcon Diaz (6-0, 6 KOs), Boston based amateur standout, James Perella (2-0, 2 KOs) and more.


Nova vs. Lozano and The Warrior’s Code Award Presentation takes place next Friday, May 10th at MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts (1 MGM Way). Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now at: www.murphysboxing.com. The event will be streamed live on UFC Fight Pass at www.ufc.tv


ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING


Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Abraham Nova, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, Luis Arcon Diaz, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!


For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com


For credential requests for May 10 or to speak with any of the fighters on our roster for coverage – email info@murphysboxing.com and we will hook it up!

Follow Murphys Boxing on Social Media!

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Bare Knuckle Boxing, UFC

FORMER UFC STANDOUT ARTEM LOBOV JOINS BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP WITH EXCLUSIVE MULTI-FIGHT DEAL

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Russian-Born Stablemate of Conor McGregor
To Make BKFC Debut at BKFC 6 on April 20 at the
Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS



PHILADELPHIA (February 13, 2019) – Former UFC standout Artem Lobov, a stablemate of Conor McGregor, has requested his release from UFC in order to sign an exclusive multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship(BKFC) and continue his combat sports career with BKFC as the organization prepares for a banner year.
 
“I feel Artem is a great addition to our roster and his style is made for this sport,” said BKFC Founder and President David Feldman. “Attracting and signing a guy with the following that Artem has is a perfect match for where we are right now as an organization. I think this signing speaks volumes for the direction BKFC is heading.”
 
Lobov will be making his BKFC debut on Saturday, April 20 as part of BKFC 6, which will take place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, MS. He’ll face Biloxi native and fellow UFC veteran Jason Knight.
 
“Jason Knight is an action, hard-nosed fighter who will be fighting in his hometown for the first time in a long time,” continued Feldman. “This is a true crossroads fight. I personally think this is a Fight of the Year candidate.”
 
“I cannot wait to fight for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship,” said Lobov. “I have been following them since the beginning. I love what they are doing and I thank David Feldman for believing in me. I look forward to this new stage in my career and I think it has the perfect ruleset for me to perform at my best ability. I look forward to becoming a star in this sport.”
 
The 32-year-old fighter from Russia made his name on Season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team McGregor, where he worked his way to the finals of the tournament before losing to Ryan Hall. He challenged Cub Swanson in a UFC main event in 2016, after picking up victories over Chris Avila and Alex White. While he lost his last three UFC bouts by decision, he owns 13 professional MMA wins and will take that experience into BKFC action.
boxing, UFC

Fire Fist Boxing fighters set for UFC Fight Pass bouts in St. Petersburg

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Tampa, FL (February 13, 2019) – Fire Fist Boxing’s Connor “The Kid” Coyle, Willian “Baby Face” Silva and Mark Reyes Jr. will all fight as part of a UFC Fight Pass card Saturday, February 16 at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

This excellent evening of boxing is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions in association with Rite Hook Promotions.
 
Headlining the telecast is an eight round middleweight showdown between Coyle and Travis “Dirty Red” Scott. 
 
Splitting time between his native Ireland and St. Petersburg, FL, Coyle’s a perfect 8-0 with 3 wins by knockout. He’s become a big draw in the Tampa-St Pete area and most recently scored a sixth round TKO of Danny Pastrana. The talented Coyle has been featured as a prospect to watch out for by media members from both sides of the pond.
 
Fighting out of Baton Rouge, LA, Scott is Coyle’s most experienced foe to date. The 38-year-old has an excellent 19-4 professional ledger with 5 KO’s. A true veteran of the sport, Scott turned pro in 2004 when Coyle was 14.
 
Welterweight phenom Mark Reyes Jr of Tampa, FL risks his 0 against fellow unbeaten Rodrigo Tatijewski of Sao Paolo, Brazil in a highly-anticipated six round contest.
 
The wildly popular Reyes Jr. is 8-0 with 6 KO’s. An athletic boxer-puncher, Reyes is coming off a third round TKO of Juan Garces last October and at 22-years-old, continues to improve rapidly.
 
Tatijewski, who is fighting for the first time in the United States, is 8-0 and has 7 wins by way of knockout. He’s confident of making a major splash by taking out Reyes in front of millions of viewers on UFC Fight Pass.
 
Junior welterweight Willian “Baby Face” Silva of Plant City, FL by way of Sao Paolo, Brazil challenges rugged Argentinian Juan Ramon Solis in a ten rounder.
 
Silva, who has an excellent 26-2 professional ledger and 15 wins by knockout, scored a dominant 9th round TKO over Jose Forero last October. After fighting most of his career at lightweight, Silva’s sights are set on the best at 140 pounds but he must first get past Solis.
 
Living and fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Solis is 25-13 with 9 KO’s. The 36-year-old’s faced many top fighters including world champion Robert Easter, contenders Sergio Thompson and Diego Silva along with unbeaten Saul Rodriguez among others.
 
“This is a great opportunity for Connor, Mark and Willian,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing. “The UFC Fight Pass platform is perfect for all three of these excellent boxers to showcase their talent to fans from all over. We’re looking forward to Saturday evening.”
 
Fans can watch Coyle, Silva and Reyes’ bouts on Ufc.tv/page/fightpass and tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
fight-fest-st-pete-ufc-fight-
pass-rjj-rite-hook-promotions-tickets-55031335205.
 
For more information, please visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.
 
ABOUT FIRE FIST BOXING: Fire Fist Boxing is a professional full-service boxing management group. Fire Fist Boxing manages elite top-ranked, local and international boxers living and/or training in the Tampa Bay area.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

BADOU JACK SUPPORTING FRIEND & FELLOW SWEDE ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON AHEAD OF UFC TITLE FIGHT TOMORROW NIGHT AGAINST JON JONES

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Click HERE for “UFC Embedded” Clip Featuring Jack & Gustafsson

BADOU JACK SUPPORTING FRIEND & FELLOW SWEDE ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON AHEAD OF UFC TITLE FIGHT TOMORROW NIGHT AGAINST JON JONES

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Two-division boxing champion Badou Jack will be supporting his fellow Swede, Alexander Gustafsson, in his UFC light heavyweight title fight tomorrow night against Jon Jones, and recently dined with his longtime friend while both were training in Las Vegas.

“Alexander, (Swedish UFC fighter) Ilir Latifi and I go back to the amateur days in Sweden,” said Jack. “It was great seeing them again and I’m very proud of all they’ve accomplished in the MMA world. I wish Alexander all the best in his upcoming rematch and will be cheering for him to bring Sweden another world title home.”

In the clip from “UFC Embedded“, Jack and Gustafsson talk about their friendship dating back to their amateur days in Sweden, as Gustafsson prepares for his title bout and Jack nears his showdown against Marcus Browne on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner pay-per-view January 19.

“Badou Jack and I go back a long time,” said Gustafsson in the clip. “He’s from Stockholm, Sweden where I’m from and he’s doing his thing in boxing while I’m in MMA. Our paths have crossed and we sparred way back in the day. We’re here to catch up and just hang out.”

In addition to sharing Swedish heritage, Jack and Gustafsson both use the Lockhart and Leith team of nutritionists and chefs to cut weight for their respective fights, something that has helped both reach the elite level of combat sports.

“They have surrounded themselves with a great team, which is essential in this sport,” said Jack. “Although it’s an individual performance, the preparation is a team effort. It was great catching up over dinner and getting our teams together for some laughter and fun in the middle of our training camps.  Team Jack is 100% in their corners.”

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, UFC

BADOU JACK MAKES BIG MOVES IN DUBAI

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(Photo Credit: Badou Jack Instagram)
 
Two-Division World Champion Makes Whirlwind Trip that Featured Invitation to Participate in Dubai Fitness Challenge,
Meeting Khabib Nurmagomedov & More
LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2018) – Two-division boxing champion Badou Jack continued to show that he is truly a champion of the entire world as he made an exciting trip to Dubai that included an invitation to participate in the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a meeting with UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov and much more.
With an invitation from Dubai Tourism, Jack participated in the initiative that encourages UAE nationals, residents and visitors to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, for 30 consecutive days. A public event gave Jack a chance to further spread his positive messages.
“It was such an honor to be invited to this event that was part of an unforgettable trip,” said Jack. “I’m very thankful to the city of Dubai for letting me talk to people about the importance of staying active. It’s important for me to be able to make an impact all over the world and this was a great opportunity.”
In addition to that invitation, Jack visited with UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov, fresh off his victory over Conor McGregor last month. The two world champions, who both practice the Muslim faith, met for the first time and discussed a variety of topics, while also touring a local boxing/MMA gym and posing with Jack’s championship belts.
“It was an awesome experience to get to talk with another champion and competitor like Khabib,” said Jack. “I’m a big fan of what he’s able to do in the ring and as a fellow ambassador for the Muslim faith. It was really a fun time talking to him while we were both in Dubai.”
As part of the trip, Jack spoke with Men’s Health Middle East for an article that will run inside the magazine and detail more of the numerous endeavors Jack is currently pursuing both inside and outside of the ring. Jack’s time in Dubai also saw him invited by GQ Middle East as a special guest to the launch event ahead of their inaugural issue.
“I love taking these trips around the world to experience a variety of cultures and also continue to build my brand and give back anywhere that I can make a difference,” said Jack. “Whether it’s Ripper Nutrition, the Badou Jack Foundation or my boxing career, I’m proud to use my platform. I have a lot of goals and dreams in the sport of boxing, but also outside of it. Making these kinds of connections is going to aid me long past my boxing career.”
With more and more recognition being laid upon Jack year after year, the groundswell of worldwide support for “The Ripper” is rising as he prepares to return to the ring in early 2019. Keep an eye out for more news from Jack, including charity events for the upcoming holiday season.
M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia, UFC

M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the Russian MMA live attendance record

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M-1 Challenge 49 still holds the single MMA event live attendance record (23,255) in Russia
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 19, 2018) – Contrary to some media reports, the 22,603 fans at last weekend’s UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow did not set a Russian MMA live attendance record.
M-1 Global still holds the record for the highest live attendance of an MMA event in Russia, when 23,255 fans attended M-1 Challenge 49: Battle in the Mountains on June 7, 2014 in Ingushetia, which is officially registered in the Russian Book of Records.
Last weekend’s UFC debut event in Russia UFC Fight Night 136 is the second-most fans to attend a Russian MMA event.
Living legend Fedor Emelianenko‘s return from retirement on November 20, 2011 at M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson drew 22,000 fans, dropped to third place on the all-time Russian MMA live attendance list.
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:
Sept. 28 – M-1 Challenge 97/TATFIGHT 7: Bogatov vs. Pereira in Kazan, Russia
M-1, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia, UFC

M-1 Global veterans & ex-champions Talk about M-1 & UFC Moscow

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SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (September 14, 2018) – M-1 Global veterans and former champions recently expressed their thoughts and opinions about their M-1 experiences and tomorrow’s (Sept. 15) UFC Moscow card at Olympic Stadium in Moscow.

Alexei Oleinik, M-1 Global veteran, vs. Mark Hunt in UFC Moscow main event:

“M-1 Global is a great Russian promotion and I really enjoyed the time when I fought there. Each fight for me was another step in my career. We did not choose opponents, had rated fights, and took part in the Grand-Prix.”

Alexander Volkov, former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion:

“One of the best moments that I had in M-1 Global was the victory for our team at M-1 Selection. At that time there were team competitions in M-1 Global and I miss that format. Another great moment was when I won the M-1 Challenge heavyweight title. Every important fight is very memorable.”

“My first M-1 Global fights were in M-1 Selection team competitions, which helped me as a young fighter to start my career, find my place in this sport and understand that I belong to MMA. At the time it was a great opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and show up on local TV stations, so M-1 Global was the first step in my professional career.”

“UFC has a huge impact on development of the Russian MMA market. The partnership between M-1 Global and UFC gives M-1 Global many advantages on the local market and makes it much more attractive for Russian fighters. All mixed martial artists have a dream to fight in the UFC and now the way is clear. As we’ve seen many times, top fighters and champions from M-1 Global compete on the highest level in the UFC.”

Ramazan Emeev, former M-1 Challenge middleweight champion, vs. Stefan Sekulic at UFC Moscow

“I feel some responsibility for this fight because I’m fighting at home. Many friends and fans will come to root for me and I don’t want to let them down. I want to put on a great show, win the fight, and make everyone who’s supporting me happy.

“Since I’m fighting at home, I don’t have to fly somewhere and acclimate. In my previous fights I had to fly across the ocean to compete. Now, it’s their turn, and everything will be by my rules.”

Rustam Khabilov M-1 Global veteran, vs. Kajan Johnson at UFC Moscow

“There’s a great responsibility fighting at home when the crowd is waiting for you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s M-1 Global or UFC. Crowds are the same. Many friends and fans will be worried, and they’ll come to root for me, so I owe this victory to them. I must win. That’s why I trained three times as hard for this fight. Now, I’m anticipating an opponent. Everything will be fine.”

Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, one of best MMA coaches in the world and father of UFC and former M-1 Global fighter Kabib Nurmagomedov

“M-1 Global is the history of Russian MMA and it’s not a coincidence that many fighters who started their careers in M-1 Global are very successful in the MMA world. M-1 Global was a foundation for mixed martial arts in Russia, faced some challenges, learned from their mistakes and kept moving forward. Most Russian fighters who are now signed with the UFC came exactly from M-1 Global.”

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@M1Global
Facebook:
Upcoming M-1 Challenge Event:
Sept. 28 – M-1 Challenge 97 in Kazan, Russia