boxing, FITETV, women's boxing

Marie-Eve Dicaire determined underdog against Claressa Shields in “Superwomen” PPV this Friday Night

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MONTREAL (March 1, 2021) – Unbeaten underdog Marie-Eve Dicaire, the reigning IBF female super welterweight World champion, has fully prepared physically and mentally for this Friday night’s undisputed showdown against undefeated WBC and WBO title holder and self-proclaimed GOAT Claressa Shields(10-0, 2 KOs).
 
A tribute to International Women’s Day, “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE” will be broadcast live in USA on InDemand Pay Per View and streamed live on FITE.TV, and in Canada On Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and streamed live on FITE.TV and YOOP. starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, from Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan. (To pre-order on FITE.TV go to www.fitetv/watch/shields-vs-decaire/2p8qn/).
 
Dicaire (17-0), a popular French-Canadian boxer, understands and fully appreciates the significance of “SUPERWOMEN”, and what an upset victory would do for her building brand, particularly outside her native Canada.
 
“I allowed myself to be excited,” Dicaire explained. “I know it is a significant fight, but I made sure I’m focused on the task I need to accomplish and not the outcome of the fight. My strategy is based on my skills. Where she puts her focus is up to her. On my side, I did everything I had to get ready for this fight. And I am!
 
“I’ve always said that boxing is a passion, and I am happy to make a living out of it,” she said. But, to me, it is more than that. It is a way to inspire people, to change society’s mentality. I want to achieve greatness to inspire people to dream big and this is what this fight is all about to me.”
 
Last year, 2-time Olympic boxing gold medalist Shields, who will be fighting Dicaire at home in Flint, Michigan, signed a multi-year deal with mixed-martial-arts promoter PFL. Her transition to MMA will reportedly happen this year.   
 
Dicaire, ironically, was a world amateur champion in karate before transitioning to boxing, in which she has defeated five world champions.
 
“My karate background has always been a powerful tool for me in terms of mindset and work ethic,” Dicaire commented. “I was built in martial arts and I think it is what made me the strong athlete that I am now.”
 
This Friday night Shields vs. Dicarie will determine the No. 1 woman in the super welterweight division, if not in all of boxing.  
 
 
  
 
 @groupeyvonmichel 
 @groupeyvonmichel 
 @yvonmichelGYM
amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

Texas Twins Jordan & Josh Jenkins on special Mission to Write American Boxing History

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2020 USA National Boxing ChampionshipsMar. 25-Apr. 4, in Shreveport, Louisiana

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 1, 2021) — Texas twins Josh (L) and Jordan (R) Jenkins are on a mission to become the first twins ever to be on a Team USA Olympic Boxing Team. 


They will both be competing in the elite division at the 2020 USA Boxing National Championships, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic from last December to March 25 – April 3, in Shreveport, Louisiana.


The Jenkins twins have overcome numerous obstacles in Dallas, primarily their father’s long incarceration, subsequently getting into trouble and constantly fighting others in school. And that doesn’t even include COVID-19 restrictions that limited gym time and eliminated tournament competition this past year.


They were fortunate to have their grandfather, the late Guilford Childress, who was the most significant male influence in their lives. “We played all sports but were getting into trouble fighting in school,” older brother by 1 minute Josh said. “Our grandfather took us to the gym, but our mother didn’t want us to box. He and my godfather, Darryl Thomas, who was also a father figure for us, trained us. Our grandfather used to come to school when we got in trouble. He was our disciplinarian. He’d take us right out of training at the gym or stop us from sparring for two weeks. He didn’t just want us to be champion boxers, he wanted us to become mature men. 


“Two years ago, Greg Hatley became our trainer. Everything changed for us when we started being trained by Coach Hatley. Our styles completely changed, and we started settling down in the ring, and picking spots. Coach Hatley has had a big impact on our lives. He’s taught us how to be men. He’s a roofer and he taught us how to roof, change oil and tires, and save our money for later.”


The twins work for Amazon in a warehouse. Jordan is a brawling lightweight, while welterweight Josh is more of a boxer. Have they ever switched places and fought under the other’s name? “Everybody asks us that,” laughed Jordan. “No, Josh is bigger than me.”


They’ve been competing in the elite division for the past couple of years, and both have reached the semifinals of major tournaments, but they’re ready to break out at the upcoming National Championships.


The Jenkins twins have had their training impacted. like most other amateur boxers, but not terribly, yet different from what they were used to. At first there were limitations at their gym, but once restrictions opened-up, they were able to train more often, spread out more than normal at the gym while working out, and COVID-19 tested monthly.


The dream for “Twin Nation”, coined by their grandfather when Josh and Jordan were in the seventh grade, is becoming the first twins on a Team USA Boxing Olympic Team, something late grandfather first mentioned to them. “We want to be the first twins on the US Olympic Boxing Team so kids can look up to us,” Jordan noted. “We want to prove that kids labeled as bad can still be successful growing up in an environment like ours. A lot of friends we grew up with are dead or in jail. We’ve worked had to change our lives and we’re looking ahead to Paris (site of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games).”


Their remarkable journey reaches a new level at the Nationals. They aren’t in a rush to go pro, either. Oh, they both intend to be professional boxers, but only when they’re ready as a tandem.


“We’re humble,” Josh concluded. “We’ve had a lot of bumps and bruises. We could have gone left or right. A lot of our friends went one way, but we went the other way, and
became boxers.”


INFORMATION:
 
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing, @JJ_showtimejosh, @jj.tkeoverjordan
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing

Undefeated RayJay Bermudez: Super lightweight prospect flying under the radar

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BOSTON (February 25, 2020) – Undefeated RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs) has tried to stay busy and progress, developmental-wise, fighting three times during the pandemic, including a recent title-winning performance south of the border. 

The 22-year-old Bermudez, fighting out of Albany (NY), stopped journeyman Rynell Griffin in five rounds last November in New Hampshire, and he followed that up in December with a third-round technical knockout of Ever Ceballos in Mexico to capture the vacant American Boxing Federation’s (ABF) Americas West super lightweight championship. 

“Mexico was a humbling experience,” Bermudez said after his ABF title-winning performance.  “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to go to another country and fight for a professional title. I fought a tough, scrappy Mexican veteran, who was game from the beginning, but my plan was to stay composed and break him down.  And that’s exactly want I did to score a third-round TKO and advance my record to 11-0 with 8 knockouts.  Thank you to everybody who tuned on the FITE.app.  This is only the beginning of something special!” 

In his most recent fight earlier this month, Bermudez returned to Mexico for a stay busy fight, stopping Mario Israel Vera round four.  

Despite his unbeaten run, Bermudez is still fighting under the radar, at least on a national basis, but 2021 promises to be a breakout year for him, of course, pending pandemic restrictions in 2021. 

Bermudez, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, is trained by his uncle, Hector Bermudez, who has trained five world champions including TJ Doheny and Javier Fortuna. 

RayJay looked great in his last fight,” Roach commented.  “He stuck to the game plan and broke his opponent down. We as a team are really happy where he is at right now.  We will start stepping up the competition this year. Our goal will be to get him a regional title and get him ranked. This will be an exciting year to be a part of RayJay’s team.  

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro  (20-1, 6 KOs), West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (6-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, pro-debuting Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr., pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (7-0-1, 4 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0, 2 KOs). 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

boxing

20-1 California super flyweight Rocco Santomauro signs with Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker

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BOSTON (February 23, 2021) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker has announced it has signed California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (20-1, 6 KOs) to an exclusive managerial contract. 

The 33-year-old Santomauro, fighting out of Apple Valley, CA, is riding a 7-fight win streak since suffering his only loss as a professional to then 14-0 Diego De La Hoya nearly five years ago. 

“I’m 33,” Santomauro said, but I definitely feel I’m in my prime.  My skill level is at its best and I’m always improving. When it comes to getting in there with top guys, I’ve been in the ring with many world champions, outside of fights, and I’ve more than held my own.  It’s all a matter of timing and I feel mine is here.  I believe I’m very close to a major fight right now at super flyweight.  It’s all a matter of getting myself in the right position and I feel like, right now, I have the right team to do so with Ryan Roach and Fighter Locker backing me. 

“I signed a managerial contract with Ryan and his Fighter Locker because I knew it was a good move.  After managing myself the last year and a half, I knew I needed trustworthy help to get to the next level. Ryan and I were friends on social media. I was aware he was signing fighters with Fighter Locker, so I began to watch and study him to see how he was with his fighters.  Having liked what I saw – Ryan being there for his fighters and building a good relationship with him talking from time to time — we were able to come to an agreement to take me to that next level and get a major fight.” 

“I’m excited to add such a veteran fight to our stable,” Roach commented.  “Rocco checks all the boxes in terms of what a manager looks for in a fighter.  He has great ring IQ.  He’s fast with great defense, and Rocco a very energetic fighter.  He is close to a world title shot; one or two more fights and we will be fighting top super flyweights.  Rocco has what it takes to beat those guys.” 

The son of an Italian father who wanted his son to be an “animal,” Rocco was born with a fighting spirt, aggressive in nature as a child, and inspired by Rocky Marciano.  Rocco got into boxing, in large part, due to following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a decorated amateur boxer.  He first boxed because of his brother, then through a local boxing club in Hesperia (CA), in addition to practicing at home as he watched his favorite fighters on ESPN Classic. 

Santomauro’s amateur career never really took off.  He lived in an area with very little boxing, and needed to travel to box, which resulted in him deciding when he was older to take control of his boxing career by moving to Las Vegas.  He developed his skills there and decided in 2009 to turn pro after suffering what he felt was a bad decision at the USA Nationals. 

An energetic boxer who is a smart, aggressive counter puncher, Santomauro also checks in on the body, and brings excitement into the ring.  His best fight to date was his most recent (Nov. 7, 2020), when he stopped Christian Omar Henriques (10-4-2) in the sixth round of their fight in Tijuana. 

“I was backed by Fighter Locker and my team,” Rocco noted.  “I went in focused and mentally trained properly to do what I had to do against a game, younger opponent with a winning record. I knocked him out! We did it intelligently and were able to hit all the marks performance-wise.” 

Training and fighting during a pandemic have been challenging, to say the least, and being a super flyweight only compounds the problem. 

“It’s been very difficult getting fights as an American super flyweight,” Santomauro added, “especially coming down in weight from featherweight and then junior featherweight.  Nobody was willing to give me the opportunity, nor did they think I could fight at that weight class having debuted as a junior lightweight.  I was basically put on the shelf, turned down left and right as a free agent with 14-1 record at that time.  I reached a 1 ½ year layoff, getting only lowball offers against short notice opponents.  My trainer, Julian Chua, and I decided it would be smart to start fighting in Mexico, where there were super flyweights to fight. 

“Training during the pandemic has been absolute hell for me, closed out of almost all gyms but grateful for being able to visit, from time to time, the Wild Card Boxing Gym and Churchill Boxing Club.  But that wasn’t what I was used to.  I had to do a lot of what I call ‘Rocky 4’ training on my own to stay fit.  I was also lucky enough to build good relationships in Mexico with my promoter, so I was blessed to always have the option of staying busy in Tijuana.  And I did.” 

Now, Roach and Fighter Locker have Santomauro’s back, and his future is promising. 

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes, Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (6-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs),, a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, pro-debuting Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr., pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (7-0-1, 4 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0, 2 KOs). 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker, /roccosantomauro 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, @RoccoSantomauro 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82, @RoccoSantomauro 

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

ADRIEN BRONER vs. JOVANIE SANTIAGO FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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“I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line.” – Broner
 
“I don’t have anything to lose, so AB better bring his A-game against me.” – Santiago
 
Former Four-Division World Champion Adrien Broner Returns to the Ring to Face Undefeated Jovanie Santiago Live on SHOWTIME® Saturday, February 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event
 
Click HERE for Photos from
Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME
 
*Editor’s Note: The main event, previously announced as a super lightweight fight, will now be contested at the welterweight limit (147 lbs.) following a mutual decision from both fighters.
 
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – February 18, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Jovanie Santiago met face to face Thursday at the final press conference to preview their main event attraction taking place this Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
 
The popular Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), who by the age of 26 had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, will end his two-year hiatus from boxing and continue his quest for a fifth world title by returning to face the unbeaten Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight bout.
 
The press conference also featured former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale and highly touted contender Otto Wallin, who will square off in the 12-round co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, and former world champion Robert Easter Jr. and contender Ryan Martin who will meet in a 12-round super lightweight bout to open the telecast.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.
 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:
 
ADRIEN BRONER
 
“I’ve had so many great performances and I’m looking forward to another great performance Saturday night. I know he’s coming to fight, he’s undefeated and he’s hungry. Anybody who fights a name like Adrien Broner is going to always train to their best ability so I’m not looking at this as a fight where I just go in and destroy this guy. I’m just going to go to do what I have to do to get the victory – look good inside and outside the ring.
 
“I feel like I’m going to be a world champion again, again, again and again. Until I’m really done with boxing. Yes, I took two years off from boxing, retired and let my body heal and rest. I just feel like I’ve got what it takes to win more championships in different weight classes so that’s what I’m going to do.

“At the end of the day, he’s here because of me and everybody in this room is here because of me, so that’s special. Saturday night, the only thing that’s going to be special is this whooping I’m giving out. He’ll know then. Santiago hasn’t been punched yet. When you punch somebody, they talk different. He ain’t going to be talking like that after Saturday.

“I went through a lot of things, honestly. One day, I just woke and said, ‘I’m done.’ In order to change, you’ve got to make change or you’ll steady get caught up doing the same thing. I cut a lot of stuff, I stopped doing a lot of stuff and I got myself together. It was a long road to get to where I’m at today and now I’m here.

“Listen, if you got a belt, just hold on to it. I’m coming to sweep it all up; WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF. I’m coming to get them all.

“Just expect a hell of a show. I know he’s coming to fight, He’s from Puerto Rico, they come to fight. But I didn’t just do all this training to go into the ring and not fight. So he’s got to know that if he comes to a war, he’s going to be in a war too. He better be coming with a lot of equipment because I’ve got a lot of equipment coming with me. I’m just ready to put it all on the line. I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line. I don’t know how far he’s willing to go. He might start thinking about his kids, grandkids, aunts, nieces, I don’t know.

“From the time I was six years old, I never took a break from boxing. So that’s what I did. Now, I’m missing boxing again, I’m back in it and we’re back to it on Saturday night.
 
“It’s been a hell of a training camp. Maybe one of the toughest because I had to get back in rhythm, coming back and losing all that weight and working as hard as I do. I didn’t want an easy fight so I picked a guy like Jovanie Santiago because I know he’s going to push me and bring the best out of me. That’s what I know about him. He’s a good fighter, an undefeated fighter, and he’s not here to lose.
 
“I know a lot of people don’t know these guys, but guys like Jovanie can be very dangerous because a lot of people don’t know him. I know better, he’s coming to fight, he’s a good fighter and undefeated, so I have to stay on my A-game. I’m going in to get the victory – whatever presents itself. If the knockout presents itself, I’m taking it. You don’t get paid for overtime but I’m definitely coming to get my win.

“The overall goal is to get past this fight first. In boxing, you can’t look past no opponent. I don’t care how everything looks on paper. In boxing, you’re only one punch away from a knockout and that’s on both ends. So what I’ve got to do is go in, get my victory, get my hands raised first, and then we’re gonna go to the drawing board. So the plan for me is to get my victory Saturday night.
 
“Everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great start. Like I said before, I didn’t want no easy out. I could have taken a pushover, but I’m not doing that. I love competition. I want somebody to test me, bring the best out of me, and that’s why I picked Jovanie Santiago. Saturday night is going to be a great fight.”
 
JOVANIE SANTIAGO
 
“This is a great opportunity for me. Saturday night, I’m going to show who I am. I’m going to show Adrien Broner that I’m ready to fight.
 
“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to beat him on Saturday night. I’m ready for this fight. At this point, Broner might think he has an easy fight, but he’s in the wrong. I’m here to fight, I’m here to win. We’re ready.

“This Saturday night is going to be a war and it’s going to be a victory for Puerto Rico. I’m ready to die in the line like we say in Puerto Rico.
 
“I know this is the biggest fight of my career. He’s a big name and I’m going to try and win for Puerto Rico. Winning this fight would be the best thing that’s happened in my career and my name would get a lot bigger in the boxing world.
 
“I don’t have anything to lose. Adrien Broner has everything to lose Saturday night so he better bring his A-game against me. A win for me would catapult me into a world title shot.
 
“AB always puts on a show so on Saturday I have to be ready to put on my own show against AB. He is a good champion but I’ve trained really hard in the gym and I’m going to show it on Saturday.
 
“I think Adrien Broner thinks that I’m an easy fight for him, but he’s wrong about that. I think Broner is going to let go of his hands because he sees me as a weak opponent. He’s definitely overlooking me.
 
“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to be ready for it. If he moves, I’m going to move with him. If he wants to brawl, I’m going to brawl. Whatever he does, I’m going to do it better than he does.”
 
DOMINIC BREAZEALE
 
“It’s true you’re only as good as your last fight, but at the same time I feel like this is my coming out party. It feels like my pro debut. I’ve been off for a long time and had a great training camp so I’m ready for Saturday night.
 
“After my last fight against (Deontay) Wilder I took a few days to digest the loss and then was back in the gym about 10 days later. I didn’t want to harp on it or let it bother me. There wasn’t really a sense of urgency, but I knew there were going to be changes and I knew they had to be done in the next couple of weeks. I focused on my eating and my training and, of course, the biggest change of all was my trainer change from Virgil Hunter to Abel Sanchez.
 
“Switching to Abel and training up in Big Bear has been huge and something I wish I would have done years ago. Abel actually has something written on the wall that says, ‘Imagine what if.’ And I imagine ‘what if’ every night. Like I said, I wish I would have done this a year ago, but my conditioning and my confidence are at an all-time high.
 
“Some people might have thought I would have wanted to get back in there with a pushover, but I’ve always wanted to fight the top guys. I saw the Otto Wallin fight and the performance he gave against Tyson Fury and then Travis Kauffman. When the name was brought to my attention, I jumped all over it. I knew that the boxing world would respect the fight against myself and Otto.
 
“I don’t think Otto’s been in there with a big, strong, athletic guy like myself. Mike Tyson said it best: ‘Everyone’s got a game plan until you get punched in the mouth.’”
 
OTTO WALLIN
 
“Everybody wants to ask about my fight with Tyson Fury and they forget that I’ve done a lot more than that. But it was a great performance and I understand that most people hadn’t seen me fight before, it was a great fight and it was better than what most people thought. I’m kind of over that now. I want to move forward. It’s nice to move forward. It’s nice to be on SHOWTIME fighting with Breazeale, who has a good name. So hopefully with this fight, I beat him and move on so people can see I’m able to beat good guys.

“I think I’m more well-rounded than Breazeale. Also, you can’t forget that I’m actually 6’ 6”, 240, so I’m not that small. I know a lot of people look at me like I’m smaller but I’m not that small. With that being said, I’m smarter, got a great team, we’ve had a great camp and I’m really good too. I’m faster than Dominic, I have better footwork, better defense, and better defense. So I’ve got to bring all of that in there, do what I’m good at and I’ll be fine.
 
“I think a win will hopefully help me move past Fury. But also it will put my name up there, to solidify my spot there. I don’t think this fight will get me a title shot but it will be a good shot on the way.

“I think you can expect a good fight, two good fighters. Dominic probably feels he has a point to prove and probably going to come out and be aggressive and try to come after me. I’m sure I won’t have to look for him and I’m ready for that. People can expect an exciting fight and a good night of boxing.

“Dominic is an aggressive guy so I have to be smart. I have to be who I am and set him up and I think I will be able to do that.

“I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just have to be myself and I have to do what I do, what I’m good at. This is a big opportunity for me so I try to be positive. I waited a long time to get to this level, I’m finally here and I’m not going back.”
 
ROBERT EASTER, JR.
 
“I’ve been in some brawls, but I really haven’t ever shown my true boxing abilities. Me, Mike Stafford and my father (Robert Easter, Sr.) just worked on boxing and being myself.
 
“During COVID it really set me down and being off for all that time and never really knowing when I would get that call to get back in the ring. So I really had to focus up and I had to be ready whenever I was given that phone call. It motivated me. Plus, I had to look over my son and make sure he was alright. So it really put a different drive in me. This pandemic really set everything back, but we’re more than ready.
 
“140 is definitely the place for me to be right now. That’s the future. We’re worried about present right and capturing this title at 140.
 
“I’m just worried about me and showing my skills and everything we’ve worked on in training and this camp.”
 
RYAN MARTIN
 
“We fought in the amateurs and he beat me so there’s definitely a little chip on my shoulder there. I want to get back at him and let him know that I’m not a 16-year-old kid anymore.
 
“This fight is going to put me right back up there to be in a position to fight any of the champions or top contenders in the division. This fight is definitely going to steal the show.
 
“I’m focused. My mind is clear. This fight right here gets me excited. We’re two Ohio fighters with history – I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s going to be an action-packed fight and I’m going to bring it. I’m not really surprised that Easter says he doesn’t see much difficulty in fighting me. I kind of expected him to say that. Easter is Easter.
 
“It’s going to be very important that I let my hands go against Easter. I feel that this fight is going to have so much action. I’m clear minded. I’m ready. Saturday night, we’re going to get in there and let it fly.
 
“Words can’t explain how excited and anxious I am for this, to tell you the truth. I’m just so ready for Saturday night. I’m ready to get the weigh-in over with, get under the lights on Saturday night and put on a show. It’s going to be an entertaining fight. A lot of people are saying a lot of things about me based on the Josh Taylor fight. So, it’s kind of like I’m battling two things.
 
“Easter just needs to come with it on Saturday night. I always knew this fight with Robert Easter was going to happen. I don’t know why, but I just always knew that we would meet again in the ring. I think it’s because we were both in Ohio – he was in Toledo and I was in Cleveland – and I just always thought I’d get this fight. I just didn’t think it would happen like this in a bubble.”
 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.
 
 
# # #
 
ABOUT BRONER VS. SANTIAGO:
Broner vs. Santiago will see former four-division world champion Adrien Broner return to the ring to face undefeated Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round welterweight bout in the main event Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also pit former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

boxing

Richard Brewart Jr. Training Camp Quotes

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Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing Promotions

CORONA, CA (February 18, 2021) – Undefeated middleweight, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO), will take on Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs), this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round bout will serve as the main event of the evening.
 
The co-feature will see undefeated super bantamweight, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), facing fellow unbeaten prospect, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO). In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.


The free stream will air live this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.


Here is what Richard Brewart Jr. had to say about his upcoming fight with Weston, training camp with coach Henry Ramirez, and more.


On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been in the gym with my coach Henry Ramirez, working on a lot of defensive drills and I am seeing the time I have put in paying off. I learned a lot in my last fight, and I know that I am close to some big opportunities, so I’m super focused. It’s been a very productive training camp to say the least.”
 
On his matchup with Nathan Weston:
“I have heard of Weston, I know he’s been in a couple of camps with big names like Golovkin and Munguia, but I know that I am different. This is a chance for me to show my talent against a well-respected opponent and someone who is coming to win. My power is starting to emerge more and more with each fight, and I feel my power will break him down. I’m going to make this fight uncomfortable for him by throwing a lot of power shots.
 
On what a win will do for his career:
“I am about to beat back-to-back undefeated fighters, and that is something a lot of fighters with less than ten fights don’t do. I am looking to make a statement in the middleweight division, and let the rest of the contenders know that I am coming.”
 
On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“Thompson Boxing has always taken great care of me and I appreciate them keeping my busy. Each fight I have been on for 3.2.1 Boxing has been exciting and fan-friendly. My last fight against Louis Hernandez was considered by some to be one of the best fights last year, and I know this fight will be just as good, if not better. I look forward to fighting on future 3.2.1 Boxing cards for the rest of 2021.”


Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosaleswill serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.


For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.


Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, Showtime

BELLATOR MMA™ LAUNCHES OFFICIAL FIGHTER RANKINGS

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MEDIA MEMBERS TO VOTE ON TOP 10 COMPETITORS IN NINE WEIGHT CLASSES, AS WELL AS MEN’S & WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND LISTS

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INITIAL RANKINGS SET TO BE RELEASED IN ADVANCE OF BELLATOR’S APRIL DEBUT ON SHOWTIME®

LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA™ is pleased to announce the organization will implement an official fighter rankings system for each of its weight classes, in addition to a pound-for-pound list for both the men’s and women’s divisions, in the coming weeks. The official Bellator MMA Fighter Rankings will be determined by a 15-person voting panel, comprised exclusively of members of the MMA media.

“This is the greatest roster in the history of Bellator,” said Bellator MMA President Scott Coker. “As we continue to sign the top free agents in the sport and see the success of young prospects inside the Bellator cage, we felt that the time was right to introduce official fighter rankings. We are always looking at ways to improve our product and this adds a new and exciting aspect to the organization that will have a significant impact on how fans watch Bellator. Every division is competitive, every matchup is important, and we are set for several potential blockbusters as we begin a new year on Showtime.”

Votes will be cast for eligible fighters following each Bellator live event and final results will be made public. To ensure transparency, the tabulation of votes will be overseen solely by a third-party company, Combat Registry.

The initial rankings will be released in the days leading up to Bellator’s return to action and debut on SHOWTIME® Friday, April 2 with Bellator 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 at 9 p.m. ET.

Information detailing fighter eligibility, as well as additional voting criteria, is listed below:

Divisional Rankings:

  • Top 10 fighter rankings will be voted on in nine Bellator MMA weight classes, in addition to two pound-for-pound lists.
  • Champions of each division will be automatically assigned to the Champions slot atop the rankings.
  • Fighters in seven men’s divisions will be ranked, including:
    • Heavyweight
    • Light Heavyweight
    • Middleweight
    • Welterweight
    • Lightweight
    • Featherweight
    • Bantamweight
  • Fighters in two women’s divisions will be ranked, including:
    • Featherweight
    • Flyweight
  • Two pound-for-pound lists will be voted on, including:
    • Men’s
    • Women’s

 New Fighter Eligibility:

  • A fighter must have competed once inside the Bellator cage on a current term with the company to be eligible.

Inactivity:

  • A fighter is eligible to be ranked for up to 15-months without competing.

Retirement

  • A fighter remains eligible for 60 days after an indication of retirement, with the organization ultimately determining if the fighter remains active and eligible.

Multiple Weight Classes:

  • A fighter is allowed to be actively ranked in two different weight classes and is eligible to be ranked in an additional weight class once they have competed at least once in that division.
  • A fighter must actively compete in each weight class – a period of inactivity longer than 15 months in a given weight class will result in the removal from that specific weight class, but not necessarily from another division or the overall rankings pool.
    • With the exception being that a fighter is actively participating in a World Grand Prix tournament in a different weight class.

Removal/Ineligibility:

  • A fighter serving a non-medical suspension from an overseeing regulatory body and/or the organization for longer than six months will be removed from rankings eligibility. A fighter will remain eligible with a suspension of six months or fewer.

Fighter Rankings Pool:

  • The final list of eligible fighters, and the weight classes in which they are eligible to be ranked, will ultimately be determined by the organization.

Voting Frequency:

  • New Bellator rankings will only be voted on after every event, regardless of frequency.
  • Votes will be due the Monday following a Bellator live event.

First-Place Votes:

  • Each rankings period will reveal how many number one contender votes each fighter received.

Voting Tabulation:

  • Tabulation of votes will be handled exclusively by Combat Registry, a third-party independent of Bellator MMA.

Voting Panel:

  • Bellator fighter rankings will be voted on exclusively by media members within the MMA industry.
  • In no capacity, will Bellator staff, athletes, talent or other organization personnel participate in voting.

The inaugural voting panel will include the following members of the media:

  1. Jeff Cain – MMA Weekly
  2. Brian Campbell – CBS Sports
  3. Rodrigo Del Campo – Claro Sports
  4. Rob DeMello – KHON Hawaii
  5. Jason Floyd – The MMA Report
  6. George Garcia – MMA Junkie
  7. Amy Kaplan – FanSided
  8. Nolan King – MMA Junkie
  9. John Hyon Ko – South China Morning Post
  10. Mark LaMonica – Newsday
  11. Igor Lazarin – TASS Russia
  12. Shakiel Mahjouri – Fightful MMA
  13. Joe McDonagh – Cageside Press
  14. John Morgan – MMA Junkie
  15. Ken Pishna – MMA Weekly

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

iKon Fighting Federation, mixed martial arts, MMA

Jason “The Kid” Knight to headline iKON 5

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iKON 5 STREAMING LIVE & EXCLUSIVELY ON UFC FIGHT PASS® 

MARCH 5th FROM BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 

LAS VEGAS (February 18, 2021) – Mississippi featherweight Jason “The Kid” Knight will headline iKON 5, streaming live and exclusively March 5th on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, from Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, please visit www.ufcfightpass.comor download the UFC app. 

iKON 5 is presented by iKON Fighting Federation in association with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing. 

“We’re thrilled to return to where iKON Fighting Federation started last September,” iKON president Keith Veltre said.  “We’ve improved each show from then and are prepared for a breakout year in 2021.  We were able to successfully launch a new MMA company during a pandemic, despite all of the challenging restrictions, and we’re moving forward full force this year as we continue growing.”  

The 28-year-old Knight (20-6-0), fighting out of Lucedale (MS), is coming off an impressive bare knuckle fighting victory last November, when he stopped former UFC fighter Artem Lebov in the fifth round.  A Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai specialist, Knight fought in the UFC between 2015 and 2018.  He is matched against Taurean Boggues (15-11-0) in the main event. 

Undefeated Louisiana welterweight “The Ghost” AJ Fletcher (6-0-0) will face an opponent to be determined in the co-featured event. 

Tallahassee (FL) welterweight Socrates “The Sounds of Kaos” Pierre (11-6-0), who is matched against local favorite Harris “Sandman” Stephenson (6-2-0), another fighter with a bare-knuckle fighting background.  

Also slated to be in action is Charlie Decca (2-0-0), of Miami, who will throw-down with Alabama’s Kyle McDonough (0-1-0) at a catchweight. 

Three female strawweight matches are scheduled: California’s Valerie “The Violator” Wong (0-1-0), who made her pro debut in Invicta, vs. Denver’s Kathryn Paprocki (2-1-0)), Louisiana’s pro-debuting Macy Breaux vs. Orlando’s (FL) Shawna “Bam Bam” Ormsby (2-2-0), and West Palm Beach’s (FL) Kayla “K-Rock” Hracho (3-2-0, iKON: 2-0-0) vs. Knoxville’s (TN) Emilee King (4-4-0). There is another female fight on tap between pro-debuting Alabama flyweight Griffin Fisk vs. Connecticut’s Alexandra Ballou (1-0-0), who won her pro-debut in Bellator competition. 

Card subject to change. 

INFORMATION:  

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com  

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre  

Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial 

Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing 

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.    


Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 15 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, WBO #11 bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #14 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-2, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (19-1, 11 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs).  

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC 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. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com. 

boxing, women's boxing

Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. Benefited from sparring with undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor

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BOSTON (February 17, 2021) – Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr.  hasn’t made his pro debut yet, but he did get the opportunity to recently spar with undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs), the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ireland, who was a 5-time AIBA world champion as an amateur. 

The 28-year-old Anderson, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, was supposed to make his pro debut earlier this year in Mexico.  He showed up but his opponent tested positive for COVID-19 and their fight was canceled. 

Taylor frequently travels from Ireland to Connecticut, where she prepares for fights with her trainer, Ross Enamait.    

Anderson, a union Sheetmetal worker in local 17, was a decorated amateur who won a gold medal at the 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament, as well as The New England’s Tournament twice in 2018-2019, and won Central Division of the New England Golden Gloves Tournament twice and runner-up twice during his four-year (2016-2019) run.  He also competed in three national tournaments. 

Anderson benefitted from being a southpaw when his trainer, Marc Gargaro, was contacted by Enamait about needing a lefthanded sparring partner for Taylor.  “I’ve only sparred with her once,” Anderson said, “but I believe I will be getting more work with Katie at her training camp in the near future.  I’ve already been asked back for more sparring. 

“In the ring, Katie is patient, sharp, and quick with her combinations.  She also doesn’t waste any movements all all.  She is very tough and aggressive.  Outside the ring, she is very nice, always smiling when talking, and a generous, decent human being.” 

There’s nothing better for a young boxer than to train and spar with a world-class athlete, even if it’s a female against a male, the experience in invaluable. 

I believe getting experience with a world champion helped me build up my confidence.  It definitely opened my mind and eyes to trying new things like different movements and combinations, as well as make sure my defense and foot work was on point.  Learning to become better at changing the tempo of combinations I was throwing.  Also, realizing the things Katie did during and after sparring, understanding her mentality, and letting me know and see what it takes to be the best in the world, will help me grow big-time as a boxer. 

“It is a little different sparring a woman but, honestly, it helped me work on my craft in areas I’ve been trying to improve on.  I am still available to give and get good, solid work and effort.  It’s expanding my mind, I was still able to pick and choose when to dig hard shots to make sure I was still solidly sparring for her, unlike with guys’ majority of punches are thrown hard. 

Ortiz’ manager Ryan Roach commented: “This is a great opportunity for Troy.  Anytime you share the ring with a world champion, even sparring, is a great way to elevate your level of confidence. As many know there are a lot of levels to this sport and these opportunities are crucial in building a fighter.  I am really proud of Troy. His debut got pushed back, but he’s stayed in the gym and remains positive waiting for his shot. He has a great coach and team at Nonantum Boxing.” 

Sparring Taylor may not have erased the disappointment of Anderson’s pro debut being canceled; however, the experience will surely make him a better fighter. 

“Sparring a world champion was unbelievable,” Anderson concluded.  “Just having the opportunity to step foot in the ring with world champion Katie Taylor was amazing.  Literally, leading up to the day of sparring, that’s all I could focus on and think about.  I was extremely locked in, because I wanted to give Katie Taylor good work and show her that reaching out to my coach Marc was not a mistake, and his words about me were solid.  Seeing how Katie is when moving, throwing combinations, and on defense picking and choosing when to be aggressive and not, is unexplainable.  It was truly a blessing and I will forever be grateful and thankful for the experience and opportunity to be able to spar with a world champion, Katie Taylor” 

INFORMATION:  

WEBSITE:  fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com 

FACEBOOK:  /fighterlocker 

TWITTER:  @RoachRyan, @_troyandersonjr 

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82  

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers.  Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service.  Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models.  It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.   

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted. 

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