mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

CONTROVERSIAL FIGHT WILL GET A REMATCH AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 28, 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 flyweight bout to the card.  Caleb “Dr. Feelgood” Austin (4-0) will face James Ploss (1-2) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.

The bout will be a rematch of the first fight between Austin and Ploss that took place three years prior in April 2017 at “NEF 28.”  Austin was declared the winner of that first contest, but not without controversy.  Seconds into the first round, Ploss had a tight guillotine choke applied to Austin.  Austin tapped out, but the referee was out of position to see the tap.  Ploss released Austin from the hold, thinking he had won the fight.  The referee, to Ploss’ bewilderment, ordered the fight to continue.  As Ploss tried to make sense of the situation, Austin took him down and finished the fight moments later by technical knockout.

In the days that followed, many were critical of Austin on social media.  The matter seemed to die down after a few days, only to be brought back to the forefront with a vengeance late last year when former UFC and WEC star Mike Brown (26-9) shared the clip on Twitter as an example of “fighting until the referee tells you to stop.”  Suddenly, the fight received global attention from major online news sources like Bloody Elbow, MMA Junkie, The Athletic, and The Underground.

The first fight with Ploss was Caleb Austin’s amateur MMA debut.  He was 18-years-old at the time and still a senior at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford, Maine.  Austin was a standout wrestler in high school, putting together a record of 208-11 over four years and winning state titles at 126 pounds his junior and senior years.  He was named the 2017 “Wrestler of the Year” by the Lewiston Sun Journal.  After graduation, Austin continued his wrestling career at the University of Southern Maine, but he took the next two years off from MMA competition.  He returned last summer and has won three fights in a row since he made his comeback.  Austin currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine. 

“I’m excited to finally be able to fight James again to gain some closure,” said Austin of the rematch with Ploss. “My MMA debut has haunted me since it happened almost three years ago. I’m thankful to James and his team for giving me this opportunity to get back in there with him. I’ve wanted this for a long time and I promise to make the most of the moment. When I exit the cage this time, it will be without question or controversy—it will end definitively.”

James Ploss went on to fight two more times in 2017 and has not competed since.  He is a member of Greg Williams’ Team Kaze based in Lancaster, New Hampshire.  Like Austin, Ploss will be looking for closure to the outcome of their first encounter.

“I’m grateful for a rematch with Caleb,” said Ploss.  “Reflecting, I have pondered the question, ‘Am I better than Caleb or is he better than me?’ This is the perfect chance to find out—a second chance for us both to give it our all and see who comes out on top giving the fans, MMA community, and both of us the rematch we all want! April 18th, we both test ourselves.”

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.

Bare Knuckle Boxing

BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTS LOADED CARD HIGHLIGHTED BY LOCAL TALENTS ENTERING THE RING ON SATURDAY, MARCH 14 IN WICHITA, KAN.

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BKFC 11 Full Lineup Announced for Event Headlined by Wichita Native & 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist for the U.S. Nico Hernandez Live on Pay-Per-View from INTRUST Bank Arena

WICHITA, KAN. (February 27, 2020) – The full lineup of exciting Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) showdowns on Saturday, March 14 will feature top local talent and more, all leading up to the BKFC 11 main event with hometown fan favorite, Wichita native and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist for the U.S., Nico Hernandez stepping into the ring against fellow Wichita native Chancey Wilson at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan. and live on pay-per-view.
 
“BKFC 11” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.99. It will also be available to BKFC’s international broadcast partners worldwide and via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices throughFITE.


Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online atwww.selectaseat.com, by phone at 855-733-SEAT (7328) and in-person at the Select-A-Seat Box Office at INTRUST Bank Arena.


“For a long time now, we’ve been wanting to bring BKFC to Kansas, so I could not be more excited that we are finally here,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “I do not doubt that the two most popular and most decorated fighters in Kansas will deliver for their fans. It will be a great night of BKFC in Wichita, Kansas!”


Wichita native and former Bellator veteran Dave “Caveman” Rickels competes in a 175-pound bout in the co-main event, while hard-hitting bare knuckle heavyweight contender Sam Shewmaker returns to action to take on former Kronk Gym amateur standout Josh Burns in a special attraction.


The local flavor continues with a pair of all-Wichita showdowns as Bellator veteran, pro kickboxer and pro boxer Cody Carrillo faces 10-fight pro boxing veteranJeremiah Page in a 155-pound fight, while Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Joe Wilk matches up against Bellator veteran L.J. Hermrick in 165-pound action. Plus, Wichita native and former UFC contender Jake Lindsey battles Kenny Licea, who defeated Harris Stephenson by KO in BKFC action in November,in a 165-pound bout.


The lineup also includes UFC veteran Josh “The Dentist” Neer in a 185-pound attraction against hard-hitting Ronnie Forney, who will make his second BKFC start. In addition, Christine Ferea and Helen Peralta will meet in a 125-pound rematch of their BKFC 7 matchup in August that Peralta won by decision.


Rounding out the stacked card is the BKFC returns of Dakota Cochrane and Melvin Guillard in a 185-pound bout. Cochrane defeated Chris Leben on BKFC 6 in June, while Guillard retired due to a hand injury in defeat at BKFC 7 against Isaac Vallie-Flagg. Plus, Jacob Akin will add bare knuckle fighting to a resume that includes pro MMA, boxing and kickboxing, when he takes on Bellator veteran Miles McDonald in a 130-pound showdown.


# # #


About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visitwww.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

boxing

TOMMY SANTIAGO LOOKS FOR MULTI-SPORT SUCCESS AND A KIDNEY FOR DAD

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Football standout to make pro debut on March 27 while his family’s story remains unfinished

 PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tommy Santiago, a standout high school football star and accomplished amateur boxer, will enter the ring for his first pro fight on March 27 at 2300 Arena, and his dad will be in his corner.  
 
To spectators, it’s another father-son team, made slightly more interesting because Tommy is the second Santiago son to turn pro.  Brother Milton, Jr., is an undefeated lightweight.  
 
That Milton Sr., can walk up the steps and wave the towel for his son belies the real story — one about a father who died and was brought back to life less than a year ago, who is waiting for a life-altering call.  It’s a story about a mother who pulls double-duty to provide for her family and care for her husband. It’s about the son, a prodigal football talent, who sacrificed his spot at a top football high school to help keep his family afloat, and now is embarking on a professional boxing career.  It’s a story about their past and current struggles, and the grit, determination and faith that has seen them through a slow, grinding, water torture-style drip of pain and adversity.
 
A few years ago, the Santiago family had outgrown their two-bedroom home.  With three teenage boys–Milton Jr., Tommy and young Nicco–they packed their home and moved into a fixer-upper in the suburbs.  Milton, Sr., was a talented painter who had worked for some of the most prestigious home builders in Philadelphia.   
 
Mom Brenda worked at a kitchen gadget manufacturing company for 20 years, where she climbed the ladder, wearing various hats and helping to provide a comfortable life for her family. 
 
It was not long after their 2017 move that Milton Sr., began noticing he wasn’t himself.  Over the next few years his health would deteriorate. Once a husky, active painter and boxing coach, he shriveled away.  After bouncing from doctor to hospital, he received a dual diagnosis of kidney failure and an infection that had spread to his bones. Brenda went from being a working mom to a working mom and caregiver, waking up Milton, Jr., to help carry his dad to the car at 5:30 in each morning.  She’d drive him to dialysis before work, and then take an early lunch each day to get him home.  
 
Tommy enrolled at Archbishop Wood High School, a private, Catholic school in Warminster, PA, known for its elite football program; tuition was $9,000 per year. He was a star running back, scoring 20 touchdowns and gaining nearly 1700 yards as a Junior. His younger brother, a standout basketball player, also attended Archbishop Wood. 
 
Wheelchair bound and unable to walk, Milton Sr., was embarrassed to go to his sons’ games. Brenda had to help him get to the bathroom and clean him.  Milton Jr., put his career on hold to help care for his father. It was a dark time for the family; bills were piling up as Milton Sr., got sicker.
 
“I was embarrassed,” Milton, Sr., said of that time. “I was depressed and I kept wondering why this is happening to me and my family.” 
 
Last May, Milton, Sr., went in for a procedure to biopsy a growth in his lungs.  When the doctor came out of the operating room and asked Brenda if she would join him in a consult room, she knew something had gone wrong.  Milton, Sr., had stopped breathing for nearly two minutes during the procedure and had to be resuscitated. The doctor warned that there may be permanent brain damage. 
 
It was an earth-shattering moment for the family. 
 
“It was the worst moment of my life,” recalled Tommy.  “When I walked in and saw my dad in the ICU, knowing he might never be the same, I just started crying. I couldn’t handle it.” 
 
After two days in a medically induced coma, Milton, Sr., began to recover. Doctors finally found the right combination of antibiotics to begin to cure the infection that had decimated his body. Effects from the procedure continued to affect his daily life. Excruciating headaches at all hours and short term memory loss became the new normal. 
 
After Tommy’s record-breaking Junior year, and after seeing the stress that his mother was under, Tommy made a decision. He chose to transfer to William Tennent High School–also in Warminster–cutting his family’s tuition bill in half, but virtually guaranteeing that the college offers he and his parents had dreamed of would never come. 
 
“My mom told me she would find a way, but I didn’t want her to stress,” said Tommy.  
 
Brenda is pained when she speaks of Tommy’s departure from Wood: “Tommy is very strong, and he’s taken a lot for the family.  It’s a burden I have on me because I want to be able to give them everything. Milton’s dream was for Tommy to go to Wood – it devastated Tommy and us when he had to transfer.”
 
As he recovered, Milton, Sr., learned to walk again. Milton, Jr., still administers his father’s dialysis five times per week for six hours and they wait to be added to the kidney donor list.  Boxes of equipment line the walls of their home, and the improvements they’d planned on making to their home remain on hold.
 
“Milton doesn’t want us to be his donor,” said Brenda. “I’m the breadwinner and I can’t afford to be off work.  Milton doesn’t want the kids to compromise their athletic careers. And after what happened when he went under in May, there’s a lot of fear. So we wait.”
 
Her voice breaks when she talks about the day they find a donor for her husband, but she doesn’t mention how it would take the pressure off of her:  “The day that it happens, I’ll be ecstatic. He just wants to live a normal life. He wants to be able to do normal things – work, provide for his family.  I will be so thankful to God that he answered our prayers.”
 
“It would mean the world to my family to find a donor,” said Tommy.  “Everything he’s been through, the dialysis four hours per day, three days a week… it’s not easy.  My mom stays up late to take care of him and gets up early the next day to go to work. She never gives up.”
 
The example that Milton Sr., and Brenda have set – one of sacrifice, mental strength, and unbelievable love and commitment to each other and their family has been ingrained in their sons.  
 
“Seeing all they’ve been through has been hard, but it makes me want to go harder,” said Tommy. “I just want to be able to bring my family to the next level.”
 
He has aspirations of being an NFL player and professional boxer, concurrently. “I have received an offer from Villanova,” Tommy said.  “I’ve applied at Temple and Penn State and plan to walk on to their football teams if I’m accepted.” 
 
But first, another fight is on the horizon.  A four-round, light-heavyweight contest with Angel Vasquez, of Springfield, MA, on March 27.
 
“Tommy told me that the reason he likes football and boxing is that he has a hatred inside, a frustration and resentment at everything our family has been through,” said Brenda.  “I feel for the kid that’s going to fight Tommy. He’s training hard, and really wants it. He really wants to go out there and do things – He wants to help the family.” 
 
When Tommy Santiago walks out to the ring on March 27, he walks with the burden of his family’s troubles, but with his father by his side.  When the bell rings, he’ll hear only his father’s voice from his corner, and a new chapter begins in the complicated and painful story of the unbreakable Santiago family.
 
#####
 
Philly Special kicks off at 7:30 in the evening on Friday, March 27.  Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $125 are on sale now, and can be purchased by visiting 2300arena.com or by calling 267-273-0945. 
boxing

Son of Sandman Jarel Pemberton added to “Fight Night In Framingham” card

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Fighting Life charity event,

 March 20th at Sheraton Hotel

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (February27, 2020) – The son of Sandman, Jarel “Sandman” Pemberton, returns to the ring for the first time in nearly two years on the “Fight Night In Framingham” card, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), March 20, at Sheraton Framingham Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night In Framingham”, the first pro boxing event ever in Framingham, is being held for the benefit of Fighting Life, an after-school youth boxing and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge, to students beginning in elementary school through high school education. 

The 28-year-old super middleweight Pemberton (3-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Revere, MA, is the son of one of New England’s all-time favorite boxers, Scott Pemberton (29-5-1, 24 KOs), the former NABF and IBU World super middleweight champion.  Pemberton was a blood-and-guts, highly entertaining type fighter best remembered for a pair of Fight of the Year candidates versus Omar Sheika.

Scott named his son, Jarel, after Superman’s father, but he never forced him into boxing.  “Me boxing had a lot to do with him,” Jarel said, “but he never pushed me into boxing.  I did go to a lot of his fights when I was young. 

“Dad saw a Superman movie and named me Jarel after Superman’s father.  I think it’s a great name, it kind of shaped my life because I’m a real comic-book nerd today.”

Jarel played football and basketball at Dartmouth (MA) High, where two of his teammates went on to play in the National Football League, Jordan Todman and close friend Arthur Lynch.  Jarel joined the U.S. Marines and he did two tours in Afghanistan as a machine gunner.  He didn’t start boxing until after he was honorably discharged, turning pro at 27.

“I wish I started boxing when I was a kid,” he added, “but I didn’t box until after I got out of the military.  People tell me I hit hard; I do have natural power.”

Pemberton, who is on the permanent reserve list to become a Revere Firefighter, is ready to get back in the ring on a regular basis, especially after being out of the ring nearly two years.

“I’m back in boxing for the long run,” he admitted.  I’d like to fight a few times in the next few months.  I’m getting in top shape for this fight and that’s a lot better than getting beat up in training by (22-0, 14 KOs welterweight from Lynn, MA) Rashidi Ellis.  I’m bigger than him but he’s so fast.”

Pemberton is matched against veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slomoshun” Smith (10-43-1, 7 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

Two unbeaten pro “graduates” of the Fighting Life Boxing Program, super featherweights Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs) and Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs), are fighting in the main event and co-feature, respectively. 

Ramos, fighting out of Framingham, was a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is in the 6-round, main event against super  Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut. 

Perez, who comes from nearby Marlboro, is another New England Golden Gloves champion. He faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round co-featured event. Perez faces Indianapolis lightweight DeWayne Wisdom (7-52-2, 3 KOs).

Boston heavyweight Tracey Johnson (4-7-6), whose brother is past Olympian and reigning WBO super middleweight championDemetrius Andrade, faces Larry “Hitman” Pryor (11-22-5, 5 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

A pair of quality MMA fighters, Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut against Framingham favorite, Brazilian-born Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA) in a 4-rounder.  

Also fighting on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) vs.Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-12-4, 7 KOs),  Worcester, MA super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) vs. Henry Garcia (0-5-1), of New Bedford, MA, and pro-debuting Hartford, CT super flyweight Angel Gonzalez, Jr. vs. Steve Lopez (1-4) of Philadelphia. Gonzalez is a decorated amateur boxer who is a three-time New England Golden Gloves, two-time Ringside National and 2014 National PAL champion

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices are $75,.00 ringside (rows 1-3), $60.00 (seated), $45.00 standing room, and VIP tables (of 10) for $1000.00 and may be purchased HERE, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.   

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Street Light Ventures is the presenting sponsor.  Other sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, East Coast Herbalist, Tecate, Ashwood Advisors LLC and A Affordable Insurance.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing, @UpperKutsBoxing, @sheratonframingham

Instagram: @ShearnsBoxingPromotions, @Upperkuts_boxing_club, @sheratonframingham

mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FORMER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION RETURNING TO NEF CAGE AFTER FOUR-YEAR ABSENCE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 27, 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 flyweight bout to the card.  Dustin Veinott (5-4) will take on Steve Desjardins (5-4) at a fight weight of 125 pounds.  The bout will be a rematch of their previous encounter in February 2014 won by Desjardins via unanimous decision.

Dustin Veinott will be returning to the NEF cage for the first time since the spring of 2016 when he defeated Ryan Burgess (3-2) by second-round submission.  He is the former NEF Amateur Flyweight Chamion, a belt he won over Norman Fox (now 0-1 as a professional) at “NEF 18” in 2015.  Veinott has spent the last several years training fighters as the Muay Thai coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) in Lewiston, Maine.  He is looking forward to the opportunity to redeem himself after his first encounter with Desjardins.

“After being gone for almost four years due to unforeseen circumstances, I’m back,” exclaimed Veinott.  “I respect my opponent, Stephen Desjardins.  He has a great wrestling base, and he has already beat me once.  I am a different animal now, though. I am here to pick back up where I left off. I’m back and I’m here to make a statement.”

Steve Desjardins is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA scene with an amateur career stretching back to 2011.  He made his triumphant return to NEF last fall in Orono after a five-year hiatus, defeating Dillon Henry (0-4) at “NEF 40.”  Desjardins then took on Nate Boucher (now 0-1 as a professional) in a losing effort attempting to capture the amateur flyweight strap at “NEF 41” in November.   Desjardins is currently an independent fighter based out of nearby Brewer, Maine.

“I am thrilled to be fighting again in my backyard and to be putting on a great fight with another tough guy,” said Desjardins.  “Don’t miss it!”

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.

boxing, UFC

Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz Set for Friday’s homecoming fight

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WORCESTER, Mass. (February 26, 2020) –  Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) plans to make a major statement this Friday when he fights at home in Worcester, Massachusetts, for the first time as a professional boxer.

Ortiz will headline a CES Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), at the historic Worcester Palladium. 

In the 8-round main event, Ortiz faces Mexican knockout specialist “Loco” Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs), a former WBC FECOMBOX lightweight champion, in a non-title fight.

“I’m ready,” Ortiz said after a recent open workout.  “It’s good getting so much support.  I have a lot of people coming to the fights.  To me, I only have one job – win!  And I’d like to win in spectacular fashion.  I want to show everybody at the Palladium and those watching on UFC FIGHT PASS that it’s all real, no hype behind my name.  Everybody watching Friday night will know what I bring into the ring.”

Ortiz, 23, is a lightning-quick, gifted lightweight with tremendous upside.  A decorated amateur, Ortiz is a rising star in what many believe will be a breakout year for him.

“Jamaine certainly hasn’t reached his full potential,” Ortiz’ head trainer Rocky Gonzalez commented.  “He’s still young and all he really needs is more experience.  He’s a good listener with great hand speed, and he switches (stances) easily.  And he really believes in himself and it’s hard to beat somebody like that.  I can’t teach heart, but he has that as well.  I don’t know how far he can go, not yet, but he’s talented and nowhere close to being a finished product.” 

The Feb. 28th show showcasing Ortiz worldwide will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Tickets are on sale and available to purchase at CESBoxing.com and the Palladium box office.  Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m./ ET.

boxing, Olympics, USA Boxing

Houston heavyweight boxer Darius Fulghum puts nursing career on hold to pursue Olympic dream

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 26, 2020) – Amateur boxers often take different routes on their personal journeys and Houston heavyweight Darius Fulghum has put his career outside the ring on hold to pursue his boxing dreams.

Fulghum was a wrestler in high school back in Killeen, Texas.  He started boxing in 2015 and quickly developed a passion for the “Sweet Science,” largely because of it being a one-person sport.  He didn’t need to rely on teammates, preferring to win or lose on his own accord.  Although he was talented enough to be a collegiate wrestler, it would have been too much of a financial strain on his family.

“I had that competitive itch and was pretty good when I first started boxing,” Dariuis said.  “I knew that I could do anything I put my mind to.  I want to redefine boxing.  I’m not a typical boxer who grew up on the streets.  I don’t even like fighting; I’m passive and have never had a street fight.”

The 23-year-old Fulghum currently has his sights firmly set on representing his country in Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  Pro boxing will follow but, for now, he’s training hard to qualify to compete in the Olympics by placing among the top three finishers at the America’s Qualification Tournament, March 26-April 3, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There will also be another “Last Chance” opportunity, if needed, at the World Qualifier, May 13-14, in Paris, where the top three there will also qualify for the Olympics.

“It’s so hard to not think about the Olympics all the time,” he admits.  “I try to not think about it too much, but it is on my mind because I’ve dreamed of being an Olympian and I’m so close right now.  I’ve made the sacrifices to be an Olympian and then I’ll be an Olympian the rest of my life.  

“I listen to my coaches.  In the heat of the moment, when things are most stressful, I feel like the underdog and I perform up to the absolute moment.  It was do-or-die at Olympic Trials.  I just refuse to lose.”

Fulgham certainly responded to the pressure of the trials in a positive fashion, upsetting pre-trials favorite Adrian Tillman in the opening round, and then rolling through opponents until he secured the title.

“People didn’t know me,” Fulgham explained.  “I was the underdog because I didn’t compete in many tournaments because I was in (nursing) school. My finals were always in December (same time as USA Nationals).  I did have a break in my schedule in 2018, when I won a gold medal at the National Golden Gloves Tournament.  It’s just the way my schedule worked out.  So, I hadn’t fought in many tournaments, but I was able to sneak in when it mattered most.”

Fulghum recently competed in his first international tournament at the prestigious Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria, winning one of two matches.  The experience, though, was priceless, possibly career changing in terms of preparing for the Olympics.

“Not only was it my first international tournament,” he noted, “it was the first time I had boxed without headgear (as will be the case in the Olympics), and I fought guys from foreign countries with different styles.  It was a great experience because now I won’t be going blind into the Olympic Qualifier.”

Members of the USA Boxing Olympic Qualification Team, like Fulghum, are on break before returning for training with his teammates at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

“I reported there for the first time this past January 2nd and I love it,” Fulghum noted.  “Every athlete dreams of training with top athletes where there are no distractions and top coaches.  I wake up, eat, sleep, train and do that all over again the next day.  That’s my schedule.”

Fulghum earned his nursing degree last May, but right now and for the immediate future he’s fully concentrating on boxing.

“I put education first and got my degree,” Fulgham concluded.  “I’ll always have nursing after boxing.  But I dreamed of going to the Olympics all through school.  I put boxing on hold and now I’ve put nursing to the side so I can put my all into boxing.  I didn’t want to juggle nursing and boxing.  I couldn’t be the best at either that way. 

“I do plan to turn pro because I love boxing so much.  I need to box when I’m young.  I’ll go as far as I can go in boxing and I’ll always having nursing.”

Darius Fulgham has taken a circuitous route in life from nursing to boxing.  It’ll be worth it, though, if he makes it to Tokyo as part of Team USA for the 2020 Olympics.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  To promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

boxing, Las Vegas

Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda In Florida for first time but on important business trip

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This Friday showdown vs. unbeaten NABO champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo

LAS VEGAS (February 27, 2020) –  Undefeated super lightweight Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-0, 8 KOs) flew into Orlando from his native San Antonio this past Tuesday night on his first visit to Florida.

Unlike millions of people who go to Orlando for Disneyworld, though, Castaneda’s initial look at palm trees is simply part of his business trip.  Castaneda challenges  North American Boxing Organization (NABO) champion Yomar “The Magic” Alamo (17-0-1, 12 KOs) in this Friday night’s 10-round main event, airing live on Boxeo Telemundo, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Alamo vs. Castaneda is co-promoted by All-Star Boxing, which promotes Alamo and the event, and Castaneda’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

“It’s pretty cool here,” Castaneda shared his first impressions of Florida.  “A guy working for the promoter met us at the airport to film my arrival and interview me, so it’s been a welcoming experience, and people in Florida know I’m in the house.  I like it here.  It’s nice and in a way, I feel like I’m at home.  I’m going to put on a show for fans, I’m going to be like their Disney World.  I’m ready for the big ride and to put on a great show for the people.”

Castaneda captured the vacant North American Boxing Association (NABA) crown  a year ago, taking a 10-round decision from previously undefeated Gilbert Venegas, Jr. (10-0), and followed that with an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Dominican veteran Eudy Berbardo (24-3).

Last October in Reno, Nevada, Castaneda stopped Stan Martyniouk (20-3) in the sixth round, after which he was installed by the World Boxing Organization as its No. 15 rated super lightweight in the world. 

WBO No. 8 ranked Alamo, fighting out of Puerto Rico, is coming off the only blemish on either fighter’s pro record, fighting to a draw with Antonio Moran (24-4-1).

Alamo, 24, is the former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World and FECARBOX super lightweight champion, who has made three successful NABO title defenses. 

“After this fight,” Castaneda concluded, “people are going to forget this Alamo (not the famous Alamo in Castaneda’s hometown) and remember me, The Tremendous One.  I expect the fight t to end in a spectacular knockout in my favor, late in the fight, because I like to punish my opponent.”

INFORMATION:

Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com 

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre, @KendoTremendo

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre

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 has been  reinventing boxing.  RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years.  Creating exhilarating content for 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: WBO #6 rated bantamweight Max Ornelas, featherweight Ray Ximenez, WBO #15 rated super lightweight  Kendo Castaneda,  middleweights John Vera, Connor Coyle and Shady Gamhour, super middleweight Juan Barajas, and heavyweight Alexander Flores. 

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT APTI DAVTAEV TO FACE LUCAS BROWNE ON MARCH 28 SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION CO-MAIN EVENT

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Davtaev Replaces Otto Wallin, Who Was Forced To Withdraw Due To Minor Injury

NEW YORK – February 26 – Undefeated heavyweight power puncher Apti Davtaev will face veteran Lucas Browne in the 10-round co-main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas. Davtaev replaces heavyweight contender Otto Wallin, who was forced to suspend training and withdraw from his scheduled bout due to an injury to his foot. 

From Kurchaloi, Russia, Davtaev (20-0-1, 19 KOs) has earned a 90-percent knockout ratio with his aggressive style and devastating power. The athletic, 30-year-old has remained active since moving his camp to the United States in 2017 after signing with Salita Promotions. He trains at Kronk Gym in Detroit, Mich., under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward, nephew of legendary Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. 

“Otto suffered a minor injury and suspending training was the smart thing to do,” said Wallin’s promoter Dmitriy Salita. “He will be back in the ring in no time. Fortunately, Apti was in top shape and ready to go. He is a gifted heavyweight and he’ll be on everyone’s radar after March 28.”

In his last outing on February 21, the six-foot-five-inch Davtaev handed previously unbeaten John Napari his first defeat with a vicious second-round knockout. A few weeks prior, on January 10, he scored an impressive third-round stoppage over veteran Keith Barr. This is his fifth start in the U.S. and first nationally televised bout.

Fighting out of New South Wales, Australia, Browne (29-2, 25 KOs) most recently scored a knockout victory over John Hopoate in November, his second win of 2019. He’s won four of his last five bouts, with his only career losses coming to Dillian Whyte and David Allen in the U.K. Browne won his first 25 pro fights, including a stoppage of Ruslan Chagaev in 2016 to capture a WBA Heavyweight Championship. He will be making his U.S. debut.

The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast features unbeaten former bantamweight world champion Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) taking on undefeated contender Aaron Alameda (25-0, 13 KOs) in a WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator main event. Rising light heavyweight prospects Joseph George (10-0, 6 KOs) and Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) open the telecast with a 10-round rematch of their November ShoBox showdown that saw George win a narrow-split decision.

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will serve as telecast host with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Rounding out the telecast team are Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  David Dinkins Jr. serves as Executive Producer with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing. 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are now on sale and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Davtaev vs. Browne is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

# # #

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

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights, women's MMA

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT NEF 43 IN ORONO

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Orono, Maine (February 26, 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 women’s flyweight title bout to the card.  “Charming” Chelsea Tucker (3-3) will take on Caree Hill (6-2) for the vacant NEF Amateur Women’s Flyweight Championship.  The title was vacated by reigning champion Glory Watson (6-1) after her decision to turn pro on the “NEF 43” fight card was announced.

Chelsea Tucker is on a three-fight win-streak since starting her amateur MMA career with three straight losses.  It is a streak that began with her last NEF appearance in November 2018 that saw Tucker defeat BJ Garceau (1-1) via technical knockout in the third round.  She has gone on to win fights in New Hampshire and Vermont since that time.  Tucker proudly serves in the United States Coast Guard, stationed in Boothbay, Maine.  She currently represents First Class MMA based in Brunswick, Maine.

“I really look forward to fighting Caree,” said Tucker.  “This is a very good matchup. She’s a tough girl and so am I. I’m looking forward to putting on my best performance and having that belt around my waist.”

This will be the second time in less than a year that Caree Hill has ventured cross-country from her home in Oregon to challenge for NEF’s 125-pound amateur women’s strap.  She took on Glory Watson for the belt at “NEF 39” last June and lost an extremely close split decision.  Hill has gone on to win her next two fights, including capturing a regional title in Oregon.  She represents Team Quest based in Gresham, Oregon and founded by UFC legends Randy Couture (19-11) and Dan Henderson (32-15).  The gym has produced top names like Chael Sonnen (31-17), Nate Quarry (12-4), and the late Evan Tanner (32-8) just to name a few.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to come back and fight for New England Fights again,” said Hill when reached for comment.  “I have been training hard and am ready for wherever the fight goes. I look forward to putting on an exciting fight for the fight fans in Maine.”

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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