Unbeaten Mykquan Williams staying in boxing shape as much as possible under pandemic conditions

March 28, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

MANCHESTER, Conn. (March 23, 2020) – Like most professional boxers, unbeaten super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) is making the most out of a challenging situation, as he prepares for his unknown future in boxing.

The coronavirus has shutdown boxing worldwide. Events are suspended indefinitely, boxers restricted in terms of training, and the immediate future remains tenuous at best.

Unable to train at his gym, Manchester ROCS, which is closed due to a Connecticut state order, the 21-year-old Williams is handling this pandemic in a mature manner that belies his young age. No whining, no ‘poor me’ feelings.

”This is a difficult time for everybody, including those of us in boxing,” East Hartford (CT) resident Williams said. “There’s no boxing on TV, nobody can compete, and everybody is isolated. It’s just unfortunate, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. Health concerns are and should always be the top priority.”

Williams hasn’t been in action since last October 24th, when he fought to a questionable eighth-round majority draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins, in which Williams retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States (USNBC) super lightweight title. Most observers felt that Williams deserved a win by decision.

Since the beginning of 2020, Williams had been training for an expected fight in the first third of the year, and he’s still training to stay in shape, albeit it not the same way as if he had a confirmed fight date.

“I’m still doing some training,” Williams explained. “I need to stay in shape for when the call comes after boxing returns. I’m in decent shape and when I get my next fight date, I won’t have to go from zero to get ready. I want to maintain 50 to 60 percent shape and then finish off training on schedule for my next fight.”

“I know Mykey has still been running,” Williams’ head trainer Paul Cichon added. “We’re going to be back training soon. I believe everything happens for a reason. Mykey and me had a conference call with (manager) Jackie Kallen and (promoter) Lou DiBella, and we trust that, as soon as possible, Mykey will be back in action.”

Because Williams doesn’t turn 22 until this April 6, in addition to already being a pro boxer for nearly four years, his young boxing career figures to resume quicker and stronger than for many older boxers. Losing six months shouldn’t hinder a prospect like Williams as much as a veteran who may not have nearly as much comparable quality competitive time left in the ring.

“I’m not sure if age is that big an advantage,” Williams countered. “If some fighters were getting burned out because they were fighting a lot, taking time off, whether it’s due to the virus or not, a break may help them come back better and stronger than when they last fought.”

Williams was a five-time national amateur champion, compiling a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three Ringside World titles, in addition to gold medal performances at the National PAL and National Silver Gloves championship.

“I don’t know when boxing will return,” Williams concluded, “but boxing will never die. People will always want to see guys punching each other in the face. Boxing is a sport rich in tradition and, right now, there is still a lot of talent coming up.”

And Mykquan Williams will be right at the head of that next wave when the boxing ban is finally lifted.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen

Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen

Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

amateur boxing, Amateur MMA, boxing, fitness, martial arts, mixed martial arts, MMA

Taking Fitness to the Digital Age

March 28, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

by: Kas Andz

WhatsApp pings 10am …”Hi, this is your gym, due to coronavirus the gym has been shut down until further notice”.

If you’re like me, and you need that runner’s high to keep your body and mind in check, then the above message was the doomsday scenario. Forget the toilet paper, I need my weights!

That’s for me, a gym goer…what about the personal trainers, the MMA fighters, the wrestlers, the boxers that earn their livelihoods on everything that Covid-19 forces us not to?

These professions may not be an “essential service” like ambulance drivers and supermarkets, but these professionals are an essential service for the days to come for the mind, body, and soul of everyone, especially during an epidemic are becoming more and more essential by the day, even by the hour.

The good news is…digital communication of physical arts is NOT a new thing. Workout videos, wrestling and MMA fighting have all been digitized starting from TV spots, YouTube and just about anywhere you can find a screen.

First step is to ask yourself, how have you been offering your services until now?

Now, can you replicate that in front of a camera?

Now, can you use a computer and put things on a membership site?
(check this out https://www.capterra.com/sem-compare/membership-management-software)

Hey! You got a business!

Almost any educational based service, even physical can be digitized and presented. No, it’s not going to be AS good as the real stuff and no, you can’t expect your clients to have the equipment that the gym does…

…But here’s the tricky part and here’s the difference between a successful campaign and one that isn’t…

First thing to understand is, people will pay for value, especially in this era when spending has to be done well. So let’s do it well

Option A: The tone down. Equipment is mostly inaccessible, so change up your training program to not need those fancy pieces. Ask yourself, what can you swap in or out of the routine and still get the impact you’re looking for?

A stairmaster can be replaced by stairs, weights can be replaced by stones (carefully).

If you make your training videos with these toned down equipment, making it something that everyone can do, on any budget, you got yourself a winner.

This is also the opportunity to combine in other services that work together such as nutrition during isolation. An endless level of opportunity, perhaps even more than normal.

Option B: The Upsell – People don’t have these equipment, why not get it to them. All stores are suffering. Reach out to these stores and factories and strike a deal that you will help facilitate sales for them.

In turn, you advertise a special discounted deal on the best equipment. All the while you begin earning commission points on these sales. A true win-win for everyone. If you need help with your digital marketing, chat with these guys.

Keep in mind your audience, its demographic and how it’s marketed.

I know these are new-age types of marketing tactics for the down to earth gym goer, these are the times we have to learn to adapt and change…or disappear.

amateur mixed martial arts, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

NEF 43 RESCHEDULED TO JUNE 13 DUE TO CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS

March 22, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Orono, Maine (March 20, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) announced today that the fight promotion’s next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 13, 2020. The event, which will originate from the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus, was originally scheduled to be held on April 18. Event organizers, however, have decided to reschedule to June 13 based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent recommendation that all events and gatherings consisting of 50 people or more be postponed for at least eight weeks due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus contagion.

Earlier today, NEF released the following statement from its owners Nick DiSalvo and Matt Peterson via its Facebook page:

Due to ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus and public gatherings, NEF 43 has been re-scheduled to Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono. Doors will open at 6 pm and first fight will be at 7 pm.

For tickets purchased through a fighter (or for those who plan to purchase tickets through a fighter): All tickets printed with the April 18 date will be honored at the door on June 13. If you cannot attend the event on the new date of June 13, please contact the fighter that originally sold you the ticket.

For tickets purchased through the CCA box office: All tickets printed with the April 18 date will be honored at the door on June 13. If you cannot attend the event on the new date of June 13, please email the box office at ccatix@maine.edu. You may also call 207.581-1755 and leave a message. The box office will take refund requests until next Friday, March 27, 2020, at 5 pm EDT.

Thank you all for your patience and continued support as we continue to monitor and adjust to this unprecedented situation. We wish all of our fans, fighters, staff, and friends good health and safety at this difficult time.

– Nick DiSalvo & Matt Peterson

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.

boxing

New York State Boxing HOF Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony Postponed until September 20

March 19, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

NEW YORK (March 19, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) announced today that its ninth annual induction dinner has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic from April 19^th to September 20^th at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Money already collected for tickets and journal ads may be used for the Sept. 20^th event or returned in full upon request at point of purchase.

“Because of new city mandates and the uncertainty of the coronavirus,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy announced, “we have postponed our event until September 20. It would not have been fair to the honorees, their friends and guests, and general public to wait any longer. I must commend the ownership and management at Russo’s On The Bay for working with us during this crisis to give us a date that will hopefully work for us all.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience, advise and insight into making this decision. With the extra time I’m confident that we can make this award dinner our best ever.”

Other living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.

Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Wantagh journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

INFORMATION:

www.NYBoxingHOF.org

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

UPCOMING PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENTS CANCELLED

March 19, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Due to the growing concerns over COVID-19, Premier Boxing Champions scheduled events for March and April have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. At this time there’s no information regarding future shows. “The health and safety of the boxers, fans and those working the events are of utmost importance to us,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions and lead promoter for the cancelled shows. “We are all disappointed and as we get more information we will address future events.”

Ticket Refund Information All ticket orders will be refunded from your original point of purchase. If you have purchased online through Ticketmaster, all orders will be refunded automatically. Orders purchased with a credit card will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase. For third party purchases, please reach out to your original point of purchase for information regarding your credit. Please allow up to 30 days for this refund to reflect with your financial institution. If you have any questions, please contact Ticketmaster’s Customer Service line at 1-800-653-8000.

boxing, USA Boxing

RIP – NEVER FORGET!

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

40^th anniversary of tragic airplane crash in Poland

22 members of Team USA Boxing perished

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 14, 2020) – One of the darkest days in American sports history occurred 40 years ago today, when Polish Airlines flight #7 that had departed John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City crashed a half-mile from Okecie Airport in Warsaw, Poland.

All 87 passengers died, including 14 boxers and eight officials on the USA Boxing team, due to a disintegration of a turbine disc in one of the plane’s engines that ultimately failed.

Team USA was traveling to Poland to compete in two international amateur boxing dual events. The average age of the 14 boxers was only 20 ½, ranging from 27-year-old Walter Harris to 16-year-old Byron Payton.

The potential Olympic dreams of the 14 boxers were destroyed in the horrific accident. Although most of the boxers were still in their developmental stage, outside of prospective medal challenger Lemuel Steeples, each member aspired to represent the United States in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. (The United States eventually led a boycott of the 1980 Olympics because of the Soviet-Afghan War.)

“I remember coming home from my boxing gym on March 14, 1980 and hearing the news of the plane crash on the evening news,” stated USA Boxing Executive Director Mike McAtee.

“As an aspiring Olympic-style boxer I was shocked and felt a sense of loss like every American boxer, coach and official. Today we are reminded that life is precious, and every day is a blessing. On behalf of USA Boxing’s Board of Directors, 48,000 boxers, coaches and officials and the national office staff we remember the 1980 USA Boxing Team Members and Staff. Please keep them, their families and the worldwide Olympic-style boxing family in your thoughts and prayers.”

**“Down But Not Out… Lost But Not Forgotten”**

USA Boxing Head Coach Billy Walsh remembers the crash to this day. “I remember it well, as I was a 16-year-old dreaming of the Olympics,” said Walsh. “It was massive news in Europe, a big tragedy with some of the world’s best boxers and staff wiped out. We lost a generation of great fighters, and most importantly loved ones.”

Patricia Chavis was only seven years old when she learned her father, Sgt. Elliott Chavis, had perished in the crash. She was playing outdoors with friends when she noticed a lot of people crying as they entered and left her home. Her mother called her inside, sat her down with people watching, and said that her father wasn’t coming back because he had been killed in a plane crash.

“She asked me if I understood and I did, because we had recently lost my great grandmother and paternal grandfather,” an emotional Patricia explained. “I went back outside and told my friends. They were a little older and they didn’t understand why I hadn’t stayed inside with family. It didn’t really hit me that my dad wasn’t coming home until my teenage years. I remember sitting in bed and writing letters to him.

“Every year still affects me every March. We usually have a family dinner with my mom and grandchildren. They listen to stories about a man they never met. He’s buried in South Carolina and we’ve laid flowers on his grave. Every year on March 14^th it brings back memories and we celebrate his life.”

Sgt. Chavis, who died at the age of 25, was stationed at Ft. Bragg (N.C.), where he learned to box. He was a member of the 118^th Military Police Company and during his boxing career, the light heavyweight was All-Army and All-Southeastern.

“My parents married young,” Patricia continued. “My mom told me he was always athletic. He played football and was a pole vaulter on the track team in high school. But I didn’t know anything about his boxing until we went to a reunion at Ft. Bragg. Around the 30^th anniversary I got in touch with some of his Army buddies when I saw on Facebook that they were having a reunion.   I went there with my mom and listened to stories they told me about his boxing career. I found it so interesting because I hadn’t known about that. There are quite a few memorials I’ve seen on Facebook and I try to get in touch with other family members (of her father’s teammates who died in the crash). We’ll never forget!”

Below is a complete list of the 1980 U.S. Boxing Delegation who died in the aforementioned plane crash in Warsaw:

**The 1980 United States Boxing Delegation to Warsaw, Poland, March 14, 1980**

**BOXERS**

**Kelvin Anderson**
        Heavyweight                           Hartford, CT
**Elliott Chavis**                                    Light Heavyweight                  U.S. Army / Ft. Bragg, NC
**Walter Harris**                                     Light Heavyweight                  San Francisco, CA
**Andrea McCoy**                                  Middleweight
         New Bedford, MA
**Byron Payton**                                    Light Middleweight                  Troup, TX
**Chuck Robinson**                              Light Middleweight                  Port Townsend, WA
**Paul Palomino**                                  Welterweight
         Westminster, CA
**Lemuel Steeples**                              Light Welterweight                 St. Louis, MO
**Byron Linsay**
             Light Welterweight                 San Diego, CA
**Gary Tyrone Clayton**                        Lightweight
          Philadelphia, PA
**Jerome Stewart**                                Bantamweight
      U.S. Navy / Norfolk, VA
**George Pimentel**                              Flyweight
           Elmhurst, NY
**Lonnie Young**                                   Flyweight
            Philadelphia, PA
**David Rodriguez**                              Light Flyweight
   Pomona, CA

**OFFICIALS**

**Joseph F. Bland**
       Team Manager                       High Point, NC
**Col. Bernard Callahan**                      Referee/Judge
      Carlisle, PA
**Thomas “Sarge” Johnson**               Head Coach
  Indianapolis, IN
**John Radison**
             Referee/Judge
      St. Louis, MO
**Junior Robles**
           Assistant Coach                     National City, CA
**Steve Smigiel**
             Interpreter
           Boca Raton, FL
**Delores Wesson**
       Team Assistant
  Ocean Springs, MS
**Dr. Ray Wesson**
        Team Physician                      Ocean Springs, MS


***Go to www.USABoxing.org to watch a short video tribute***

Memorial messages and letters of condolence were sent from friends and boxing organizations from around the world, including U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, Executive Director Col. F. Don Miller, Montana AAU, Oklahoma Boxing Association, Amateur Basketball Association of the USA, Salina Boxing Team, South Texas AAU, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Diving, U.S. Swimming, Wisconsin AAU, Wrestling Division of AAU, National AAU Boxing Committee, National AAU, Florida Boxing Commission, Hawaii AAU, U.S. Soccer Federation, Jacksonville (FL) Sports and Entertainment Commission, Georgia Amateur Boxing Association, WSOC Television, Alleghany Mountain Association, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Mack Truck, Inc., Southwestern AAU Boxing Commission, U.S. Olympic Committee, West Nally Group, Charlotte Motor Speedway, AAU Regional Coordinator, Council of Social Work Education, National Rifle Association of America, and Davidson County Department Boxing Team,

Also from the Greek Boxing Federation, Mexican Boxing Federation, New Zealand Boxing Association, Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Nova Scotia Branch of Canadian Amateur Boxing Commission, Ontario Boxing Association, Ambassador of Poland, Polish Boxing Association, AIPS Boxing Commission, Canadian Amateur Boxing Association, Heretaunga Boxing Club of New Zealand, International Bobsled and Tobogganing Federation, Italian Boxing Federation, LOT Polish Airlines, La Crosse Amateur Boxing Club, Polish Olympic Committee, AIBA, Champion D’Afrique Magazine, African AIBA Board and Tunisian Boxing Federation, Venezuelan Boxing Federation, German Amateur Boxing Federation, Amateur Boxing Federation of England, Israel Sports Federation, Portuguese Amateur Boxing Federation, Romanian Boxing Federation, Rotunda A.B.C., Amateur Boxing Federation of Thailand, National Advertising Benevolent Society, Turkey Boxing Federation, AIBA France, El Salvador Boxing Federation, German Democratic Republic Boxing Association, Danish Amateur Boxing Union, Guatemalan Amateur Sports Federtion, Israel Olympic Committee, Oceana Boxing Federation, Nigeria Boxing Association, Old Actonian Association Amateur Boxing Club, Seychelles Amateur Boxing Federation, Council of Ministers of Cuba, Hungarian Boxing Federation, Norwegian Amateur Boxing Association, International Amateur Boxing Association, Claridad, Peru Amateur Boxing Association, Dominican Republic Department of Education, Health and Recreation, Panamanian Boxing Federation, Head of the Cuban Interests Section.

In 1984 a statue was dedicated to the USA Boxing Team members who died in Warsaw was placed on the training grounds in Colorado Springs. Names of the 23 members of Team USA are inscribed on the memorial.

**INFORMATION:**
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

BRANDUN LEE CONTINUES IMPRESSIVE START TO CAREER WITH THIRD-ROUND TKO OVER CAMILO PRIETO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Brian Norman, Jr. Wins Via Technical Unanimous Decision Over Flavio Rodriguez; Alejandro Guerrero and Aram Avagyan Earn Impressive Majority Decision Victories At Hinckley Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minn.

**Catch The Replay Monday, March 16 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME^®**

Click **HERE** for Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

**HINCKLEY, MINN. – March 14, 2020 –** Undefeated 20-year-old super lightweight prospect Brandun Lee continued the impressive start to his career by scoring a third-round TKO over 33-year-old challenger Camilo Prieto in the *ShoBox: The New Generation* main event Friday night from Hinckley Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minn.

The knockout artist Lee, who had stopped 16 of his first 18 professional opponents, eased into Friday’s main event, seeking to take his time and add more rounds to his resume. But after just two rounds, Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) stunned the mobile but overly defensive Prieto (15-3, 10 KOs) with a combination. Lee sensed he had injured his opponent and turned on the jets, scoring the TKO after unleashing a multi-punch barrage against the defenseless and against-the-ropes Prieto.

In a night where the four bouts were contested solely in front of the fighters’ friends and family, referee Mark Nelson intervened to stop the main event at the 2:34 mark of round number three. The numbers reflected the lopsidedness of the fight as Lee led 53-9 in overall punches landed, 17-8 in jabs connected and 36-1 on power shots. Lee landed more power shots in the fight (36) than Prieto attempted (34).

“I don’t think this was any kind of learning experience for Lee,” said SHOWTIME’s Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. “He needs tougher, more accomplished opponents who can at least give him rounds, if not a competitive fight.”

“I shouldn’t have gone three rounds with that guy,” said Lee, who was fighting on *ShoBox* for the second time. “I should have gotten him out of there in 40 seconds or a minute tops. But the guy had a game plan and his coach is a former world champion [Glen Johnson] who knew I hadn’t ever been past the fourth round. He was just trying to tire me out. No one wants to watch two guys looking at each other. My defense was a nine out of 10 tonight. But overall I give myself a C-minus. I want to take it to the next level and I’m just super grateful to SHOWTIME and *ShoBox* for giving me these opportunities.”

In the co-featured bout, an all-action affair between undefeated prospect Brian Norman, Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) and Flavio Rodriguez (9-2-1, 7 KOs) was cut short after an accidental headbutt caused a deep vertical laceration on the forehead of Rodriguez. At the advice of the ringside physician, referee Gary Miezwa stopped the fight at 57 seconds of round number seven. The fight went to the judges’ scorecards with the technical unanimous decision going in Norman’s favor, 69-64 and 68-65 twice.

Norman broke open a competitive fight by out-landing Rodriguez 79-35 overall and 73-20 in power punches in rounds five through seven, a reflection of Norman’s superior activity (72.4 punches per round to Rodriguez’s 54.4), accuracy (33%-29% overall, 44%-32% power) and body punching (67-50 in connects).

The 19-year-old Norman, who turned pro at the age of 17 and is trained by his father and former pro fighter Brian Norman Sr., showed the skills that give him the reputation of a highly-regarded prospect, but still left the fight feeling unsatisfied.

“That headbutt was right before the knockout,” said Norman. “I’m pretty sure everybody saw it. That boy was dead but I give him respect. I believe that seventh round was the knockout round, either by TKO or knockout. I had him dead the round before and drained all the energy out of him.”

“I know I won more rounds than that,” said the 29-year-old Rodriguez, who also feels a knockout was imminent, but in his favor. “I definitely know I won more rounds. I was hitting him with power shots and if we didn’t have that accidental headbutt I felt I could have gotten him out of there.”

In the second fight of the four-fight telecast, undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) won a closely-contested slugfest via majority decision over Jose Angulo (12-2, 5 KOs). The judges scored the fight 76-76, 79-73 and 78-74.

In the highly entertaining fight that pitted the aggressive Guerrero against the counter-punching Angulo, two of the judges were seemingly impressed more by Guerrero’s aggression and slightly better power punching (he led 109-104 in power punch connects) than by Angulo’s activity (89.3 punches per round to Guerrero’s 68.9), mobility and diverse combination punching.

With both men going past six rounds for the first time in their careers, it was Guerrero who was able to finish with more energy. He hurt Angulo with a strong right hand in the sixth round and nearly closed the show late in the eighth and final round, but the Ecuadorian who was making his U.S. debut was able to stay on his feet.

“That was probably the toughest fight I’ve had,” said the 22-year-old Guerrero. “I’ve fought at 140 before so his punch power wasn’t too much. Just his heart; you can tell when a fighter has heart and they just want to sit there and bang it out. I didn’t think it was an even fight. I was landing the better shots and I was the better man out there. I gave myself a seven. I can do way better. I just need more conditioning. Whoever’s next, I’ll take on the best in my weight division.”

In a battle of unbeaten featherweights making their *ShoBox* debuts in the telecast opener, Armenian Olympian Aram Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) overcame knockdowns in both the first and second rounds to earn a hard-fought majority decision over Dominican Republic’s Dagoberto Aguero (15-1, 10 KOs). The judges scored the bout 75-75, 76-74 and 77-74.

For the second consecutive fight, Avagyan, who is trained by SugarHill Steward at the famed Kronk Gym in Detroit, started slow and was knocked down in the first round. The 29-year-old also hit the canvas in round two when Aguero connected on a chopping overhand right. Starting in the third round, through an impressive body attack (98-42 in connects), better power accuracy (39%-35%) and his ability to induce a rugged inside fight, Avagyan was able to gradually empty the gas tank of Aguero, who had never been past six rounds.

A heavy right cross appeared to score a knockdown of Aguero in the seventh, but referee Gary Ritter ruled it a slip. Aguero led 55-24 in overall connects and 55-20 in power punches landed after two rounds, but Avagyan came on strong in rounds six through eight (83-44 overall, 80-48 power) to score the comeback victory. Aguero became the 192^nd fighter to lose their undefeated record on *ShoBox.*

“After the second knockdown I just knew I needed to settle down and it would be okay,” said Avagyan. “I had to just come back strong and keep applying the pressure and I did that. The knockdowns were big on points so I knew it would be tough to come back. I thought the performance was just okay. I can show more, and I will in the future.”

Friday’s fights were promoted by Salita Promotions in association with D & D Boxing. The full telecast will replay on Monday, March 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME^® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND^®.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

BJ GARCEAU TO FIGHT ONE LAST TIME AT NEF 43 IN ORONO, MAINE

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (March 12, 2020) – New England Fights (NEF) will present its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine’s flagship Orono campus. The event, titled “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, with a bell-time of 7 pm EDT. Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur strawweight bout to the card. BJ Garceau (1-1) is scheduled to face Fatima Kline (1-0) at a fight weight of 115 pounds.

BJ Garceau will enter the NEF cage for the third and final time on April 18. Garceau, who was diagnosed with Type-1 juvenile diabetes in 1993, made headlines with her amateur debut and became an inspiration to many. She defeated Sarah Ziehm (1-2) via split decision at “NEF 32” in February 2018. Garceau returned to the cage later that year, losing to Chelsea Tucker (3-3) in the third round of an “NEF 36” contest. Garceau is a product of Young’s MMA based in Bangor, Maine

“I’m so excited to be back in the cage in my hometown, for what will be my final fight this April,” said Garceau. “I want to be able to leave my old stomping grounds with my hand held high at the end and walk away with a win for my fans, friends, family, coaches, team and myself. I’ll give it everything I’ve got one last time and this will be a fight you don’t want to miss. With that being said, I am beyond grateful for my opponent taking on the fight and every opportunity Young’s MMA, NEF and everyone in the mixed martial arts community has given me over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Fatima Kline will make the trek from her home in Hyde Park, New York for the fight. At just 19-years-old, Kline already holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She made her amateur MMA debut last fall with a unanimous decision win on a card in White Plains, New York. Kline represents Black Hole Jiu-Jitsu based in Wappingers Falls, New York.

“I would like to thank NEF for giving me the opportunity to showcase all of my hard work,” said Kline when reached for comment. “Being that this is my debut fight for the organization, I promise to be at the top of my game come fight night. Thank you, BJ, for accepting this matchup, and I look forward to seeing you in the cage. The one message I would have for the crowd is: be prepared to be entertained.”

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 43: Rampage,” will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Collins Center for the Arts at UMaine Orono. Tickets are on sale now at www.CollinsCenterfortheArts.com.

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.

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CLARESSA SHIELDS RETURNS TO SHOWTIME® VYING TO BECOME FIRST UNDISPUTED WORLD CHAMPION IN TWO DIVISIONS IN FOUR-BELT ERA

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Shields To Face IBF Super Welterweight Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire With All Four Major Belts On The Line In 154-Pound Unification Bout

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, May 9 At 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT

NEW YORK – March 11, 2020 – Undefeated three-division world champion Claressa Shields will attempt to become the first boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion in two weight divisions when she faces unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire in a 154-pound unification bout on Saturday, May 9, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich.

The winner of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION main event will walk away with Shields’ WBC and WBO titles, Dicaire’s IBF belt, and the WBA (Super) crown. This is the first time in its 99-year history that the WBA has awarded a Super Champion belt to a female boxer.

Tickets for the Salita Promotions event start at $35 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center box office.

“I can’t wait to make history again on May 9,” said Shields. “Fighting in Flint in front of all my fans has been a dream of mine since turning pro. Having the opportunity to make history by fighting for the undisputed title in a second weight division is something I’m very proud of. Fighting against undefeated IBF 154-pound champion Marie-Eve Dicaire continues my quest to fight the very best in women’s boxing. And headlining on SHOWTIME again will continue my goal to lift women’s boxing to new heights. I’m going to give Flint and fight fans all over the world a night to remember on May 9!”

“I am very excited for this opportunity and it is an honor to face an opponent like Claressa Shields,” said Dicaire. “I am thankful to my promoter Yvon Michel and everyone involved in making this possible. For me, this is a dream come true. I will be prepared the best I can be and I am ready to leave everything in the ring to win the fight!”

In the four-belt era, only seven fighters have been undisputed in one division, including Shields, Katie Taylor, Cecilia Braekhus, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor, Terence Crawford, and Oleksandr Usyk.

On January 10 in Atlantic City, N.J., Shields made history by claiming the WBC and WBO 154-pound world championships with a dominating unanimous decision over Ivana Habazin. Shields became the fastest fighter in history, male or female, to win world titles in three different weight divisions, surpassing the records of Vasiliy Lomachenko and Kosei Tanaka, who both accomplished the feat in 12 fights.

The 24-year-old Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) overpowered Habazin from the opening bell, utilizing a strong jab and a steady diet of body shots that left the Croatian mostly in defensive mode throughout the 10-round fight. In the sixth round, a series of body shots forced Habazin to take a knee in the first knockdown of her career.

“SHOWTIME has a long history of featuring the best in women’s combat sports, whether it was with Gina Carrano, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey in MMA, or Laila Ali and Christy Martin in boxing,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “More recently, we have shown Claressa Shields, Christina Hammer, Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor and seven-division champion Amanda Serrano. Shields vs. Dicaire will be our 12th women’s boxing event since 2017. Claressa’s bout with Dicaire represents another historic battle of unbeatens and attempt for another ‘first’ on SHOWTIME as Claressa looks to become undisputed in two weight classes.”

“I am excited to bring a historic night of boxing to fans in Flint at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center and to those watching on SHOWTIME,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “In Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire, we have the two best junior middleweights in the world and two undefeated champions fighting for the undisputed world championship. In addition to her already historic list of firsts, if victorious, Claressa will become the first two-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era. It will be a triumphant night in Flint on May 9.”

After becoming the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win two consecutive Olympic Gold Medals, Shields turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium cable television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields, who will be headlining for the seventh time on SHOWTIME, now has her sights on making even more history.

“Claressa Shields continues to be a beacon of light and a trailblazer for women’s boxing, women’s sports, and boxing overall,” said Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager. “Being the only American to win back-to-back Olympic Gold in boxing, having won world titles in three weight divisions faster than any man or woman in boxing history, and now having the chance to be the first person – man or woman – to be an undisputed champion in two weight divisions in the four-belt era, Claressa will continue to add to her list of legendary, unprecedented and history-making accomplishments come May 9. I’m proud to be a part of her journey.”

The 33-year-old Dicaire (17-0) is from Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada, and started karate at the age of six. She worked her way up through the ranks until she obtained her black belt. After winning five world championship titles, Dicaire turned her attention to boxing and won the IBF Super Welterweight World Championship belt in December 2018 dethroning by decision the Uruguayan Chris Namus at the Quebec City Videotron Center. In her last fight in November of 2019, Dicaire defended her title for the third time beating experienced Venezuelan Ogleidis Suarez by unanimous decision. Dicaire will be fighting outside of the province of Quebec for the first time on May 9 and will be looking to score the upset victory in front of Shields’ hometown fans.

“Marie-Eve Dicaire against Claressa Shields, a battle of two undefeated champions for all the titles – you can’t get a better match in boxing,” said Yvon Michel, Dicaire’s promoter, President of GYM. “We have great respect and admiration for all Shields has accomplished but there is no doubt Marie-Eve is the most skilled, strong and dedicated opponent Claressa has faced. We are very confident that all the belts will come back to Canada with us. Thanks to Salita Promotions and SHOWTIME for the opportunity. Marie-Eve Dicaire will provide a great fight for the fans and viewers.”

Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports. Follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

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Undefeated rising star Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz In developmental process on way to top

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

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