mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

TWIN BILL ON TAP FOR NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 28, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of two amateur bouts to the fight card. Twin brothers Evan & Isaac Piette will make their respective amateur debuts in separate bouts.

The Piette twins are lifelong martial artists, having started their training in the northern portion of the Granite State at the Kaze Dojo when they were just six years old. They have trained at Kaze now for over a decade. The brothers are recent graduates of Littleton High School in Littleton, New Hampshire.

“In the fickle world of martial arts gyms, few people hang around for 11 years and even fewer do it with their identical twin,” noted Kaze Dojo owner and head coach Greg Williams. Evan and Isaac have been in my gym since first grade. From day one they have displayed a work ethic and a passion for martial arts. They are two of the most respectable individuals I know. After prolific high school sports careers, both are as excited to be a part of NEF in New Hampshire as I am to coach them.”

Evan Piette will step into the cage at “NEF 44” opposite Lucas Donald who will also be making his amateur debut that night. The fight will take place within the 155-pound lightweight division.

“I am excited for the opportunity to proudly represent northern New Hampshire,” said Evan Piette. “I have been doing martial arts since I was six and it has become a part of who I am. My twin brother Isaac and Greg have been my partner and sensei since I first walked in. I’m ready to show what years of hard work can do on August 21st. Go Kaze!”

Like his twin brother, Isaac Piette will debut in the amateur lightweight division on August 21 in Milford.

“Evan and I have been making memories together since birth,” said Isaac. “At the age of six, we made our first appearance at Kaze Dojo. After countless blood sweat and tears, Evan and I are grateful to represent not only our home dojo but also New Hampshire’s North Country on August 21st. The three of us are ready to make one final memory before we part ways in the fall.”

Looking to play the role of spoiler on August 21^st is Isaac’s opponent, and fellow amateur debut, Kaleb Kenney. Nicknamed “The Outlaw,” Kenney represents Team Nitemare based in Maine.

“Fighting in a cage has been a dream of mine for a long time,” stated Kenney. “I’ve been training hard for this and can’t wait to showcase my skills. I’m super pumped that my debut will be on a NEF card close enough that people from home get a chance to come see all the hard work pay off.”

Tickets for “NEF 44: Back in Black” are on sale now at www.NewEnglandFights.com/Tickets/. The MMA and kickboxing event will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire on Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a bell-time of 7 pm.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. Scores Sensational First-Round Knockout Win Over Mario Cázares in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event & on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Brandon Glanton Defeats Efetobor Apochi by**
**Split Decision in Cruiserweight Co-Main Event Action**

**All Rivera Defeats Omar Juárez by Majority Decision**
**in a Stellar Super Lightweight Affair**

**Click** HERE for Photos
**Credit: Sean Michael Ham/TGB Promotions**

**MINNEAPOLIS** (June 27, 2021) – Cuban sensation and unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion **David Morrell Jr.** (5-0, 4 KOs) defeated challenger **Mario Cázares** (12-1, 5 KOs) with a knockout just 2:32 in to the first round of their contest that headlined FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes on Sunday from The Armory in Minneapolis.

“I didn’t expect that to end so quickly,” said Morrell. “I thought it would be more like a five or six round fight. However, once Cazares stepped in the ring, I noticed that he was not ready to fight on my level. He wasn’t ready for this kind of test or this level of fight.”

On the devastating knockout, Morrell said, “When I saw the opening, I took him out. When I hit him, I saw his legs wobble and I knew he was gone, completely out.”

“I’m ready for anyone at 168 pounds and now the world can see it,” continued Morrell. “I would love to fight Caleb Plant. I’m ready to fight Plant. He’s an excellent boxer, but I’m ready to go.”

In the co-main event on FOX, cruiserweight **Brandon Glanton** (14-0, 11 KOs) defeated **Efetobor Apochi** (11-1, 11 KOs) by split decision in their 10-round bout. Glanton scored a knockdown to close out the sixth stanza as Apochi fell into the ropes. That knockdown proved the difference as judge Nelson Vazquez scored the bout 96-93 for Apochi, but was overruled by judges Mike Fitzgerald and John Mariano who both scored the contest 95-94 for Glanton. The loss is the first of Apochi’s professional career.

“I knew it was a close fight because at the very end he didn’t hurt me, but I staggered,” said Glanton. “We always talk about balance in the gym, though. I got the split decision because balance is something that we constantly work on. He didn’t hurt me, that’s why I was able to keep fighting.

“Thank God the judges saw it the right way,” continued Glanton. “That knockdown is something we worked on in the gym. I hope the boxing world sees what my coach is doing. The small details, the intricate things, make the difference in a fight like this. All the little details that he schools me on is what he told me would be the difference in this fight, and I’ll be damned if it wasn’t.”

“What can I say?” asked Apochi. “I thought I won the fight. I used my jab, showed some heart, had some good movement in there, but I’m not the judges. I don’t know what they saw, but I thought that I did what I had to do. He’s a tough guy. I won’t take anything away from him. He took some tough shots and he was still there.”

On the possibility of a rematch, Glanton said, “If they want the rematch, then I’ll do it again. I think I’ve proven what I needed to prove, but it’s easier the second time.”

“Of course, I want a rematch with Glanton,” continued Apochi. “I want a rematch with him right now!”

In the FOX telecast opener, **All Rivera** (22-5, 18 KOs) defeated **Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez**(11-1, 5 KOs) by majority decision in 10-round attraction, giving Juárez the first loss of his professional career. Rivera scored a knockdown in the ninth frame, which was the difference in the contest as judge Scott Erickson scored the fight a 95-95 draw, but judge Octavio Rodriguez scored the bout 95-94 for Rivera and judge Kyle Shiely scored the fight 95-93 for Rivera.

“I was confident that I was going to get the decision,” said Rivera. “I was blocking a lot of the shots that Juárez was throwing. I was landing the more powerful punches. Juárez was doing good work in there, but we were landing the more effective shots. I feel like when I hurt him I maybe could have done a little more to get him out of there early and avoid the decision. But he’s a stronger fighter and I respect his talent.”

Juárez said, “I honestly thought that I did enough to get the win. I did get knocked down. There was one round where I stayed in there and took a couple hits, but I felt like I was the smarter fighter in there. I adjusted well and I thought I did well over all. Almost all of the greats have losses and I know I’m going to be great one day. I just have to fight through this adversity.”

On their professional experience levels, Rivera said, “I’ve been in the ring 27 times now professionally, and I think Juárez is still a kid who’s developing his skills. I’ve fought some of the best fighters around. I’ve won belts. So, I definitely think my experience played a difference tonight.”

“He was the better man today,” Juárez concluded. “I’m not going to take anything away from him. He’s a hard fighter. He’s from the Philippines, which has a lot of strong fighters. I respect him a lot, but I’ll be back.”

When asked about the knockdown, Rivera said, “We actually worked on that shot in camp. We also worked on the follow-up sequence. So, when it landed my corner wanted me to take it to the body to finish him, but he’s a tough fighter.

“I’m here for any 140-pound fighter that wants to step in there with me,” concluded Rivera.

In FS1 PBC Fight Night action, **Nathaniel Gallimore** (22-5-1, 17 KOs) defeated **Leon Lawson**(14-1, 7 KOs) by majority decision in a 10-round super welterweight showdown. Judge John Mariano scored the bout 95-95, while judges Patrick Morley and Mike Fitzgerald scored the contest 96-94 and 97-93 respectively for Gallimore. According to CompuBox, Gallimore landed 78 total punches to Lawson’s 66.

The FS1 co-feature showcased light heavyweight prospect **Atif Oberlton** (3-0, 3 KOs) scoring a technical knockout over **Jasper McCargo** (4-2-2, 2 KOs) at the :44 mark of the fifth round of their scheduled eight-round bout. Oberlton landed a sequence of punches that sent McCargo to the canvas near the end of round four. Oberlton then jumped on McCargo early in the fifth round, landing a left to the belt line that buckled McCargo and forced referee Gary Miezwa to call a stop to the action.

The FS1 telecast opener featured super welterweight prospect **Travon Marshall** (2-0, 1 KO) defeating **Ruben Torres** (4-2, 1 KO) in a four-round contest. Marshall was able to shut Torres out by unanimous decision (40-35, 40-35, 40-35).

The event was promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

# # #

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions @WarriorsBoxingProm, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS MOVES UP TWO WEIGHT CLASSES TO BECOME THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION WITH SCINTILLATING TKO OVER PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN MARIO BARRIOS IN SHOWTIME PPV® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM ATLANTA

July 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Description automatically generated — ***(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)***

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions**

**ATLANTA (June 27, 2021) – Gervonta “Tank” Davis**, one of the biggest stars in all of boxing, put on a career-defining performance Saturday night live on SHOWTIME PPV from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta, scoring a scintillating 11^th round TKO over the previously-undefeated **Mario Barrios** to capture the WBA Super Lightweight Championship in the action-packed Premier Boxing Champions event. Watch the stoppage HERE.

“I made it tough. I definitely could have made it easier but I went up two weight classes and I got the job done,” said the 26-year-old Baltimore native, who was headlining his second SHOWTIME PPV. “I hit him with some clean shots, but I’m the type of fighter that wants to catch you with clean shots. I don’t just want to throw any type of shot. The shots I was throwing were missing, but eventually I caught up with him.”

In a fight that lived up to its potential, Davis (25-0, 24 KOs) and Barrios (26-1, 17 KOs) combined to put on an unforgettable main event in front of a sold-out crowd of 16,570. After a slow opening four rounds in which Davis landed just 11 punches, the fight produced fireworks beginning in the fifth round. In the eighth round, “Tank” sent “El Azteca” to the canvas for both the first and second times of his career. First, Davis connected on a sweeping right hook that sent the former champion to the canvas. Moments later, a straight left hand by Davis dropped Barrios again. The brave Barrios rose to his feet, surviving Davis’ attempts to finish him in the eighth.

With International Boxing Hall of Famer and promoter Floyd Mayweather encouraging Davis in his corner, the southpaw came out rejuvenated in the eleventh round, realizing that the fight could be close on the scorecards. “Tank” dropped Barrios for the third time in the fight, this time with a left uppercut to the body. The bloodied Barrios rose again, only to be greeted with another barrage of punches from Davis. Referee Thomas Taylor stepped in to stop the fight at 2:13 of the eleventh round.

“I knew for sure if I catch him, I’m crackin,” Davis told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray. “So I caught him, and it showed. My coach was telling me to go to a jab style but I’m a southpaw so they know I’m going to that jab side. So I would try and bait him in. I faked like I was going left, and I threw my right. And my hook over top, and that’s where I caught him.”

In the final six-and-a-half rounds, Davis landed 85 punches. He landed 45 percent of his power punches (82/182), while Barrios more than held his own, out-landing Davis in six of the ten completed rounds.

“I knew he was hurt. I just had to catch him at the right time,” Davis continued. “Floyd [Mayweather] came to me and was honest and said I was down,” continued Davis, who was actually ahead on all three judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage. “So he said ‘Show me that you’re great.’ And you know how we do it in the doghouse, baby!”

With the victory, Davis now holds world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few other fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez.

“He has the potential to be one of the greatest ever,” said Mayweather. “When I first met ‘Tank’ when he was 14 or 15 years old, I told him I’d make him a world champion. And that you’ll be one of the best someday. I’m proud of him.”

“I’ve never been a hater. Congrats to ‘Tank’,” said Barrios. “He came here and did his thing. It was nothing short of an exciting fight and that’s exactly what both of us predicted. He was the better man tonight, but I’ll definitely be back.

“’Tank’ is explosive. He caught me slipping and it’s boxing. At the end of the day, one punch can change the fight. That’s exactly what I felt happened. Congrats to him.”

In a back-and-forth co-main event, Orlando’s **Erickson “Hammer” Lubin** (23-1, 17 KOs) overcame some adversity to score the most important victory of his career over former unified world champion **Jeison Rosario** (20-3-1, 14 KOs). The WBC No. 1-ranked contender at 154 pounds, Lubin scored a sixth-round KO (1:42) in the WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator. Watch HERE.

“I just followed the game plan,” said the 25-year-old Lubin, who improves to 6-0 since suffering the only loss of his career to 154-pound kingpin Jermell Charlo. “I would just go back to my corner after each round and Coach [Kevin] Cunningham and my team would just say, ‘Stick to the jab. Stay consistent with your jab.’ I’m way faster than him and I knew he had good power and he was trying to counter me. So I would fade him out and use my jab consistently.”

In the third round, Lubin nearly put an early end to the action with a huge frame that had Rosario on the back foot. In the closing moments of the round, Lubin landed a right hook that had Rosario wobbling back to his corner after the bell rang. Miraculously, in the next round, Rosario was able to recover and completely turned the tables, wobbling Lubin with a left jab.

The action turned up even more in the sixth round. Lubin, sensing that Rosario was susceptible to the body attack, landed a vicious left-right body combination that sent Rosario to his knees in what ultimately proved to be the turning point of the fight. Rosario, clearly hurt, was never able to recover and Lubin finished him off moments later against the ropes.

“I started to hurt him in the body as soon as the first round started,” the 2016 “Prospect Of The Year” Lubin said. “I started with the body and I saw him grunt. So I was able to hurt him to the body. I just wanted to distract him with the jab, then go downstairs. And I was able to get him out. I knew even if he got up after the knockdown that the fight was over. I know I’m a great finisher and I knew I was going to get him out of there as soon as I saw him drop.”

Lubin landed 44 percent of his power punches (80/288) and 20 of his landed punches were to the body. With the win, Lubin puts himself squarely in the picture for a second world title opportunity.

“I want a shot at the world title next,” he said. “I want everyone at 154 pounds. I’m No. 1 in the WBC but I chose to fight Rosario. I don’t duck anybody. I want to say that I fought everyone in my division when I win the world title.”

“Right now, I feel so bad,” said Rosario. “There is no lesson to be learned yet, everything is so raw still. I lost again, and it’s so frustrating. I was convinced I was going to win. The fight started to turn in the second round. I was just trying to keep up and listen to my corner. Lubin is a great fighter. He deserved to win. I hope he enjoys his victory.”

On the biggest stage of his career, Dominican Republic’s **Carlos Adames** (20-1, 16 KOs) rose to the occasion, scoring a highlight-reel third-round knockout over the streaking **Alexis Salazar** (23-4, 9 KOs) in the second fight of the pay-per-view. The time of the stoppage was 2:59 of the third round. Watch the KO HERE.

In the eventful and decisive third round, referee Jim Korb deducted two points from Adames for excessive holding. However, Adames made certain that the point deduction would have no impact on the fight’s result. He dropped Salazar with a lead left hook flush on the chin, a punch that Salazar never saw coming. The 25-year-old Mexican was able to get back to his feet, but Korb called for the stoppage when it was evident that a dazed Salazar was unable to continue.

“I was in control the entire fight, and that’s what reduced him to turning around at times,” said the 27-year-old Adames. “I was working with the jab to the body at first so that was working, and then I came with the left hook. I did my job and followed my strategy from A to Z and was able to succeed the way I wanted to.

“The key moment of the fight was when I managed to disrupt his focus. Once I was able to do that then it was easy pickings for me.”

“I was feeling good in there and I thought I was winning rounds,” said Salazar, whose 15-fight win streak was put to an end with one punch. “But he started grabbing me and that’s when he got me with an uppercut. That swung the fight. I just have to get back to work and keep looking for more opportunities.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast, the hard-hitting **Batyr Akhmedov** (9-1, 8 KOs) scored a TKO victory over former world champion **Argenis Mendez** (25-7-3, 12 KOs) in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator. Mendez suffered a right hand injury and did not get off his stool to come out for the ninth round. The official time of the stoppage was 3:00 of round number eight.

“The fight went as planned,” said Akhmedov, who overcame the first cut of his career over his left eye after an accidental head clash in the second round. “We were expecting a tough fight like that. I’ve been out of the ring for a long time, so I needed to get those rounds in. My plan is to fight for the world title next. We knew he would be uncomfortable to fight and tricky. He was headbutting and elbowing me. It was good experience for me.”

In the battle of Olympians, it was Akhmedov who pressed the action and was far busier from the onset. He went to the body early and often, landing 57 body punches, wearing Mendez down as the rounds passed by. The 30-year-old Akhmedov landed 115 of the 306 power punches he threw, while the 34-year-old Mendez landed 84 of his 223 power punches, including just 13 body connects. At the time of the stoppage, Akhmedov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards.

“Mendez is a tough guy who fights top fighters,” continued Akhmedov. “We knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. When I hurt him, my corner was telling me to slow down and take my time before going for the knockout.”

“I started feeling (injured) in the second and third round,” said a disappointed Mendez. “My knuckles were broken and I couldn’t throw a punch anymore after I cut him with my right hand in the first round. I tried to keep fighting from the fourth round on, but to no avail. It was useless.”

With the win, Akhmedov keeps himself in the running for top fights in the deep 140-pound division. Mendez drops to 2-4-2 in last eight fights.

SHOWTIME will add a special replay of tonight’s pay-per-view main event fight between Gervonta Davis and Mario Barrios to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast headlined by Chris “Primetime” Colbert vs. Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar next Saturday, July 3 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. The replay of tonight’s SHOWTIME PPV headline attraction from State Farm Arena in Atlanta will serve as the opening fight of the live telecast from Carson, Calif. on Independence Day weekend.

*ALL ACCESS: DAVIS-BARRIOS EPILOGUE* premieres immediately following next week’s live telecast of *Colbert vs. Nyambayar*. The Emmy® Award-winning series *ALL ACCESS* was behind-the-scenes all week in Atlanta to capture never-before-seen moments from fight week. The epilogue will reveal intimate scenes from the locker rooms before and after the fight and inside the ropes from tonight’s action.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handled blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer was four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The telecast was directed by Bob Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna served as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

boxing

4 Fights, 3 Cards, 2 Countries–Split T Management Featured All over North America on Saturday

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

4 Fights, 3 Cards, 2 Countries

Split-T Management Fighters Featured All Over North America On Saturday

Giovani Santillan Takes on Cecil McCalla in Las Vegas (ESPN+)

Diego Pacheco battles Fellow Undefeated Jesus Moroyoqui Palomares in Mexico (DAZN)

Charles Conwell fights Silverio Ortiz plus Haven Brady Jr. battles Nathan Benichou in Ashland, Kentucky

NEW YORK (June 25, 2021)–On Saturday, boxing’s top management company, Split-T Management will have four of it’s top fighters featured in bouts throughout North America.

At the Virgin Hotel In Las Vegas, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan battles Cecil McCalla in a 10-round bout.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, rising undefeated prospect Diego Pacheco takes on undefeated Jesus Palomares in an eight-round super middleweight fight.

In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked super welterweight Charles Cinwell takes on Silverio Ortiz, while Haven Brady Jr. takes on Nathan Benichou in a four-round featherweight bout.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Santillan, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank, has a record 26-0 with 15 knockouts. Santillan of San Diego, has wins over Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and his last bout when defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco on June 16, 2020 in Las Vegas.

McCalla of Randallstown, Maryland, has a record of 23-4 with 10 knockouts.

McCalla has defeated the likes of Ivan Zigar (1-0-1), Antonio Walls (2-0), John Mackey (11-2-1), Gary Lynch (4-0) and Oscar Godoy (13-2). McCalla has won two in a row, and is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on October 16th in Plant City, Florida.

Santillan weighed 147.6 lbs and McCalla was 147 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

The bout can be seen on ESPN+ at 7:15 PM.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Pacheco of Los Angeles is 11-0 with eight knockouts.

The 20 year-old Pacheco will be facing his 5th undefeated foe of his three-year career. He already has wins over Felix Aguilar, Guillermo Maldonado, Jose Esparza and Terry Ferandez. Pacheco also has a 2nd round stoppage over Juan Antonio Mendez (12-2). Pacheco is coming off a unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. on February 21st in Miami.

Palomares of Sonora, Mexico is 7-0-1 with four knockouts, and has defeated two undefeated opponents in his last two bouts. He has a 2nd round stoppage over Christian Hermosillo (3-0) and in his last bout Palomares won a unanimous decision over Jaime Portillo on November 19th in Sonora, Mexico.

Both Pacheco and Palomares were 167 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in

In Ashland, Kentucky Conwell and Brady were able to book fights following bouts being postponed in Miami.

Conwell of Cleveland is ranked number-seven by the IBF, has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts,

The 2016 United States Olympian is the USBA champion, who has made three defenses has wins over Roque Zeoeda (4-1-3), Travis Scott (19-3), His USBA title winning effort over Courtney Pennington (12-3-3) and defenses over undefeated Webdy Toussaint (12-0) and Madiyar Ashkeyev (14-0).

Conwell, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions checked in at 158 lbs.

Ortiz of Yucitan, Mexico has a record of 37-26 with 18 knockouts, and is a 21 year veteran,

He has fought many world champions and title challengers and has sprung upsets over Daniel Seda, Miguel Angel Huerta, Mian Hussein and Ramzan Baysarov

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout. He weighed 128 lbs.

The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Michael Land on December 12th in Las Vegas.

Benichou of Puebla, Mexico has a record of 2-4 with two knockouts.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Gegard Mousasi Set to Defend BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship Against John Salter on Friday, August 13

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Description automatically generated — **LOS ANGELES –** The BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship will be up for grabs on Friday, August 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena when current 185-pound titlist **Gegard Mousasi** (47-7-2) defends his belt against No. 1-ranked **John Salter** (18-4).

The main card of BELLATOR 263: Mousasi vs. Salter airs live on SHOWTIME at **9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT**, while the preliminary portion of the event will stream live at **6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT** on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Additional contests for the event will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event go on sale next Thursday, July 1 at BELLATOR.com and Ticketmaster.com with a pre-sale taking place on Wednesday, June 30.

Fighting out of Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, Mousasi has cemented legendary status within the sport, having won titles with multiple promotions across a 56-fight career. Most recently, Mousasi defeated former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion Douglas Lima, clearing his path to a shot at a second middleweight title run. With victories in his storied career against Lyoto Machida, Rory MacDonald, Chris Weidman, Vitor Belfort, Jacare Souza, Dan Henderson and Mark Hunt, the Dutch MMA legend now faces a stiff challenge from John Salter.

North Carolina’s Salter enters his title shot on August 13 riding a three-fight winning streak with victories over Chidi Njokuani, Andrew Kapel and Mousasi’s teammate Costello van Steenis. The 36-year-old boasts a suffocating grappling and wrestling repertoire, ending six of his eight BELLATOR victories via submission. The bout will be Salter’s tenth with the promotion and his first opportunity to capture BELLATOR gold.

***BELLATOR MMA 2****63: Mousasi vs. Salter* Main Card:
Friday, August 13 – Live on SHOWTIME
9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

*Middleweight World Title Main Event:* C-**Gegard Mousasi** (47-7-2) vs. #1-**John Salter** (18-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

boxing

Undefeated Featherweight Edward Vazquez in Action Tomorrow Night in Weston, Florida

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Weston, Florida (June 11, 2021)–TOMORROW NIGHT at The Bonaventure Resort Spa in Weston, Florida, undefeated featherweight Edward Vazquez will be back in action when he takes on Yeison Vargas in a six-round bout.

Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 9-0 with one knockout. The 25 year-old Vazquez is managed by DKO Management, will be making his first start since winning an eight-round split decision over Irvin Gonzalez (14-2) on November 28th in Las Angeles to capture the WBC USNBC Title.

Vazquez also has wins over Everado Jhoao (1-0), Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0) and Adan Ochoa (11-1).

Vargas of Colombia is 16-6 with 11 knockouts.

Vargas, 30, has wins over Ramiro Rojas (12-1-1) and Sander Diaz (5-1-1).

Vargas’ six losses are to fighters with a combined record of 116-5-4

“It has been a pleasure to work with Blake Davis and the entire BAD Promotions team In putting this bout together. We look forward to Edward earning his 10th straight victory in convincing fashion on Saturday night,” said Dave Dubinsky, cgno-manager of DKO Boxi

“Edward had an amazing training camp, under the tutelage of Raymond Barrera, and he is ready to go. Edward fears no one, and he will prove once again that he is the most dynamic prospect in the featherweight division,” said DKO Boxing co-manager, Jim Kurtz

Said John Anderson who promoted Vazquez under the KO Night Boxing banner, “KO Night Boxing is so excited for Edward to be fighting in Florida . Edward has been in some unbelievable exciting fights as of late. I thought he was fight of the night on the Tyson -Jones card his last time out and he showed the same type of fight on ESPN before that . Edward Vazquez is what boxing needs more of and that’s the warrior spirit he brings .I expect nothing less on Saturday night.”

Vazquez weighed 125.8 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Vargas was 126 lbs.

Photos by BAD Promotions

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

Fedor Emelianenko Returns Home to Moscow’s VTB Arena on Oct. 23 to Main Event BELLATOR: Moscow

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Text

Description automatically generated — **WATCH TODAY’S BELLATOR: MOSCOW ANNOUNCEMENT HERE**

**PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT HERE – PHOTO CREDIT: WILL FOX**

**LOS ANGELES** – It is with great pride that BELLATOR MMA announces that on Saturday, Oct. 23, the promotion will hold its first-ever event in Moscow, Russia, at the VTB Arena and that the historic card will be headlined by the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, **Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko** (39-6, 1 NC).

Emelianenko’s opponent, along with additional matchups, and SHOWTIME telecast details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Fedor for 12 years and nine of his fights during his time with BELLATOR and STRIKEFORCE,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “It’s an honor to bring him home to compete in front of his fans who have followed his entire career. In addition to Fedor, we will showcase BELLATOR’s deep roster of Russian talent and put together a historic card for our first trip to Russia on Oct. 23.”

Tickets for Fedor’s highly anticipated return home are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru.

Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, **Fedor Emelianenko** returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over **Quinton “Rampage” Jackson** in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and Valentin Moldavsky, who is fighting for the interim heavyweight title tonight. Already proving to be a formidable head coach, with his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.

BELLATOR returns to action later this evening as Team Fedor’s **Valentin Moldavsky** (10-1) vies for the Interim Heavyweight Championship against No. 1 ranked **Tim Johnson** (15-6) at *BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky.* Tonight’s event will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in America and live on OKKO Sport in Russia.

**Updated *BELLATOR: Moscow* Card:**

*Heavyweight Main Event:* **Fedor Emelianenko** (39-6, 1 NC) vs. TBA

****

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CARLTON CHARLES RETURNING TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Milford, New Hampshire (June 25, 2021) – New England Fights (NEF) returns with its next event, “NEF 44: Back in Black,” on August 21, 2021, at the Hampshire Dome in Milford, New Hampshire. The show will feature both mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and kickboxing fights. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur middleweight fight to the card. Carlton Charles (3-2) will meet Josh Banks (0-0) at a fight weight of 185 pounds.

Carlton Charles, now representing Recon Fitness based in Westbrook, Maine, was a standout athlete on the football field. He played for Windham High School in Windham, Maine and later coached the team to a state championship as an assistant in 2009. Charles went on to play for the Division 1 University of Maine Black Bears.

He made his MMA debut in the summer of 2017 at “NEF 30” with a blistering knockout of Josh Jones (2-4) just 23 seconds into the first round. Charles would follow up that performance with a 12 second knockout of Delmarkis Edwards in early 2018 at “NEF 32.”

After making an unsuccessful challenge for the NEF Amateur Welterweight Title against Duncan Smith (5-3) at “NEF 34,” Charles picked up a victory in his last fight on a card in the Granite State in the spring of 2019. The fight against Banks will mark Charles’ return to cage action after a 28-month absence.

“Man, I’m just excited to get back in there and with NEF making its first appearance in NH, there’s no better time,” said Charles. “It’s been awhile since anyone has been able to get the opportunity to compete, so I feel blessed with this chance. For me, it’s been over two years now due to an injury in 2019 and then the pandemic shutting other opportunities down. I don’t know much about my opponent, other than he comes from a great gym that will have him ready to compete. I’m thankful to my coaches and his team for this opportunity. As usual, I am coming to put on a show and I know my opponent will be game. I wish him a healthy camp so we can both be at full strength for ourselves, families, and of course the fans!”

Josh Banks will be making his debut at “NEF 44.” Banks represents the Regiment Training Center based in Fall River, Massachusetts where he trains alongside UFC veteran and former NEF Professional Cruiserweight Champion Yorgan De Castro (6-3).

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

Hard Hitting Promotions Announces Landmark 12-Fight Card Series with The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City

June 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Hard Hitting Promotions Announces 12-Fight Series With The Showboat Atlantic City**

**First Show, Set For Saturday, July 31st**

**Christian Tapia Takes on Mason Menard in Main Event**

**Dylan Price in the Co-Feature**

**Much Anticipated Homecoming for Anthony “Juice” Young as he continues towards a title opportunity**

**Plus Undefeated Dezmnd Lucas and Emmanuel Rodriguez to See Action**

**TICKETS ON SALE NOW**

HERE—CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

Atlantic City, NJ (June 25, 2021)–, **Hard Hitting Promotions** is pleased to formally announce a landmark boxing series at **The Showboat Hote**l in Atlantic City titled, *Boardwalk Boxing Powered by Hard Hitting Promotions and Showboat Hotel.*

The series was announced at a packed press conference that took place this past Tuesday at The Showboat Hotel, with the first event taking place on Saturday, July 31st.

“I am so glad to be part of this. This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Manny Rivera, Partner with Hard Hitting Promotions. “This is just a small piece of what is going to happen in Atlantic City. This has been a vision for the last three and a half years. What we will be doing is putting on great fights and high quality events, and we can see this as the start of bringing big time boxing in Atlantic City like it used be. You can see what we are trying to do in our first event, by having excellent fights with all of the fighters getting tested in real fights.”

“Starting on July 31st, we will start a 12-fight series with Hard Hitting Promotions. This is the largest commitment to boxing in Atlantic City in an Atlantic City property since the 1990’s,” said Brandon Dixon, president of Tower Investments. “We are committed to making boxing an integral part of the city’s non-casino entertainment in addition to our professional boxing series, we will be rolling out a truly unique amateur fight series.”

In the main event on July 31st, undefeated **Christian Tapia** battles **Mason Menard** in a 10 round fight for the NABA Super Featherweight title.

Tapia of Coamo, Puerto Rico, has a record of 11-0 with 10 knockouts,

Tapia, 27 years-old is a four-year professional, and is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Carlos Colon on March 7th, 2020 in Atlantic City..

Menard of Rayne, Louisiana has an impressive mark of 36-5 with 25 knockouts.

The 32 year-old Menard is a 14 year-professional who has racked up wins over Thomas Dardar (8-1), Lonnie Smith (14-3-2), Ivan Otero (8-1), Oscar Bravo (21-4), Eudy Bernardo (21-0), Bahodir Mamadjonov (19-2). Menard is coming off a close majority decision defeat to highly ranked Emmanuel Tagoe (31-1) on November 27th in Hollywood, Florida.

In the co-feature, undefeated bantamweight **Dylan Price** of Sicklerville, New Jersey takes on tough **Edwin Rodriguez** in an eight-round bout.

Price, 22 years-old of Sicklerville, NJ is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Price, a four-year professional, has stopped his last four opponents, and is coming off a 2nd round destruction over Elias Joaquino on April 17th in Philadelphia.

Rodriguez, 28 year-old of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico has a record of 11-5-2 with five knockouts.

Rodriguez, a nine-year veteran, has wins over Carlos Rodriguez (12-1), Juan Carlos Camacho (6-0) and highly regarded Saul Sanchez (12-0). Rodriguez is coming off a disputed draw with decorated contender Joshua Greer (22-2-1) on November 14th in Las Vegas.

Local favorite, Anthony “Juice” Young returns in an eight-round bout against veteran, **Todd Manuel** in a welterweight fight.

Young of Atlantic City is 21-2 with eight knockouts.

Young, 33, will be making his 13th appearance in his hometown, is coming off the best win of his career, as he stopped former super welterweight world champion Sadam Ali in three-rounds on March 4, 2019 in Las Vegas,

Manuel of Rayne, Louisiana is 19-17-1 with five knockouts, has posted wins over K Lon Spencer (4-0), Arthur Thomas (1-0) and Tom Howard (8-1). Manuel is on a two-fight winning streak, and in his last contest, he won an eight-round unanimous decision against Jesus Angulo on June 4th in Mexico.

In six-round bouts:

**Ricardo Caraballo** (6-1, 2 KOs) of Riverview, Florida takes on an opponent to be named in a flyweight fight.

**Emmnauel Rodriguez** (9-0, 4 KOs) of Quebardillas, PR will fight an opponent to be named.

**Jan Carlos Rivera** (4-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia will take part in a welterweight bout.

**Jerome Conquest** (10-5, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named.

In a four-round bout, welterweight **Dezmond Lucas** (2-0, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY will make an appearance against an opponent to be named.

Tickets for this amazing evening boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $55 and can be purchased.

HERE—CLICK TO BUY TICKETS

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Complete Weigh-In Results & Photos for Tomorrow’s BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Event – Live on SHOWTIME

June 24, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Fight News Unlimited

TWIN BILL ON TAP FOR NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. Scores Sensational First-Round Knockout Win Over Mario Cázares in FOX PBC Fight Night Main Event & on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis

GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS MOVES UP TWO WEIGHT CLASSES TO BECOME THREE-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION WITH SCINTILLATING TKO OVER PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN MARIO BARRIOS IN SHOWTIME PPV® MAIN EVENT SATURDAY NIGHT FROM ATLANTA

4 Fights, 3 Cards, 2 Countries–Split T Management Featured All over North America on Saturday

Gegard Mousasi Set to Defend BELLATOR MMA Middleweight World Championship Against John Salter on Friday, August 13

Undefeated Featherweight Edward Vazquez in Action Tomorrow Night in Weston, Florida

Fedor Emelianenko Returns Home to Moscow’s VTB Arena on Oct. 23 to Main Event BELLATOR: Moscow

CARLTON CHARLES RETURNING TO THE MMA CAGE AT NEF 44 IN MILFORD, NH

Hard Hitting Promotions Announces Landmark 12-Fight Card Series with The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City

Complete Weigh-In Results & Photos for Tomorrow’s BELLATOR 261: Johnson vs. Moldavsky Event – Live on SHOWTIME

The Best Fight News on the Net!