boxing

2-time Dominican Olympian Leonel de los Santos Shipping up to Boston

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Alex Rivera _ Santos.jpg — **BOSTON (May 4, 2022)** – Two-time Dominican Olympian, lightweight Leonel de los Santos (6-0, 5 KOs), may be settling in the Boston area to enhance his professional boxing career. In fact, he recently spent a month there preparing for his last fight, which resulted in a win by way of a 6-round decision this past March in his native Dominican Republic.

Santos’ manager, Ryan Roach, lives in Boston and he introduced his undefeated lightweight to trainer Alex Rivera, and that paid immediate dividends in terms of improvement.

Santos, 26, trained at the Somerville Boxing Club under Rivera, who trains 26-0 welterweight Rashidi Ellis, who Santos sparred with several times, and US Olympian Rashida Ellis, Rashidi’s sister.

“The conditions at our training camp in Boston were very good,” Santos said. “I learned a lot of new things about professional boxing from Alex in just a short time, especially my defense about dodging smaller boxers. He really helped my performance in my last fight.
Rivera only worked with Santos two weeks, but the two connected right away.

“Leonel is a good boxer with a lot of experience,” Rivera remembered. “He has speed and power. We worked on making him more technically sound. It’s about hitting without being hit. He is very tall for his weight class – 5’ 8’ or 5’ 9” – with a good reach. We got along right away, and it was like we had been working together for a long time. I think he can make some noise with his amateur background. He has all the tools. Reminds me a little of Ryan Garcia: tall and strong for his weight class. Leonel has what it takes.

“I wasn’t with Leonel for his last fight, but I did watch some highlights. The guy he fought (Andres Bens Zapata) could really take a punch. Leonel’s hands were swollen after the fight from hitting his opponent so much. Leonel hit him with everything he had. I noticed how his defense and distance had improved. That’s what we worked on. He kept his distance and had a clean fight.”

Santos, who has relatives living in nearby Lawrence, MA, is applying for a work visa to train with Rivera.

“I think training with Alex vastly improved Leonel’s boxing and timing,” Santos’ manager Roach added. “Alex worked a lot on distance, which will lead to more power behind his shots. I saw big changes in Leonel’s last fight. He applied the skills he learned with Alex, and I look forward to more.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also includes California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), New York’s ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs), Connecticut’s ABF USA super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (18-5-2, 6 KOs), Colorado’s ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (10-0, 6 KOs), Massachusetts super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KOs), Florida super bantamweight Daniel “The Dedication” Bailey, Jr. (10-1, 5 KOs), Massachusetts featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), 2-time Brazilian Olympian & 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Brazilian Olympian Jorge Vivas, Dominican cruiserweight Roki “Rocky” Berroa (2-0, 1 KO), Dominican super welterweight Juan Solano Santos (1-0, 1 KO), Georgia super middleweight James Hagler, Jr. (2-1, 1 KO), Dominican featherweight Orlando Perez Zapata (10-0, 8 KOs), Dominican lightweight Isaelin Florian Henriguez (8-1, 4 KOs), Florida light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (3-0, 2 KOs), Texas super lightweight Miranda “La Alacrana” Reyes (5-1-1, 2 KOs), Massachusetts super featherweight Alex Rivera (3-0, 2 KOs), Kansas brothers, welterweight Marcus (3-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Marcell (1-0), and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (9-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs).

**INFORMATION:**

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

boxing

New York State Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner Displayed pride, emotions and grateful thanks

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2022 – (L-R) Seated: Don Elbaum, Bill Verigan, John Turner, Ron McNair, John Verderosa, Jill Diamond, Larry Barnes and Verno Phillips; Standing: Donny Lalonde, Shannon Briggs, Michael Bentt and Mike Silver.

(all pictures by Peter Frutkoff – NYSBHOF)

**NEW YORK (May 3, 2022)** – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NYSBHOF) Class of 2122 was inducted this past Sunday at a special ceremony, sponsored by Ring 8, in front of 360 attendees at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This was the most emotional NYSBHOF induction dinner ever,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Several inductees cried during their acceptance speeches and that really made everything more exciting for everybody. You could see how really proud each of the inductees were as they proudly displayed their belts. This is all about honoring New York boxing people for their accomplishments and contributions. It was another knockout!”

One of the largest ovations was for Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante for his remarkable recovery from a near-death accident that left him with a broken back.

(L-R) – MC Dave Diamante & NYSBHOF President Bob Duffy

Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF included Brooklyn WBO Heavyweight World Champions Jamaica’s Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs); Albany’s 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), Staten Island’s WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), Mount Vernon’s 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and Brooklyn’s welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants inducted were World Lightweight Champion Bronx’ Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), Brooklyn’s lightweight Pasquale Patsy Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), New York City’s World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Siki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Brooklyn’s Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), New York City’s No. 1 world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), Buffalo’s World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants who were inducted the NYSBHOF were judge Queens New York Golden Gloves finalist, inspector and licensed judge Ron McNair, promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, New York City journalists Ed Schuyler of New York City and Bill Verigan, New York City author/journalist Tom Hauser, Queens author/journalist/ Mike Silver, and Brooklyn’s Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees now in the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, New York City’s promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon, of Queens, and New York City’s Irving Rudd, Brooklyn’s journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2021 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

**CLASS OF 2021 INDUCTEE QUOTES & PICTURES**

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining”!

Bill Verigan: “Whether a boxer is in the Hall of Fame or not, they train hard, compete hard and have overcome hard losses. I’m very, very thankful to be here today. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Shannon Briggs, Bob Duffy & Tommy Gallagher

Shannon Briggs: “Let’s go champ! Let’s go champ. Let’s go champ. This is amazing. I grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Brownsville. I weighed less than 2 pounds when I was born and asthmatic. I was bullied growing up in Brownsville, but I made it. We lost our home. Tough times growing up. I had to fight. I can’t believe I’m in the Hall of Fame. My aunt said, ‘We going to make it.’ She’s here today.

“I fell into boxing. I was never into sports. I can’t catch and still can’t dribble. But when I put gloves on, something about me changed, and nobody could do anything to me. No more bullying. I went from sleeping on the train or in the gym to traveling around the world. Nobody believed in me until Vito Antuofermo said, ‘This kid can be something.’ I just turned 50 and I’m up here with Vito. I won the Golden Gloves when I was homeless. This is all unexpected. I never though I’d be a boxer. I put gloves on and got busy. I started winning. Boxing helped me stay out of jail, selling drugs, or running the streets. I became heavyweight champion of the world. Shout out to everybody who believed in me. A lot are here today. Thank you, guys. Let’s go champ!”

(L-R) – Jack Hirsch & John Turner

Johnny Turner: I want to thank everyone for having me here today. I want to thank my trainers and Joe DeGuardia for believing in me. My most prestigious fight was with Wilfredo Benitez, and I was in the move, ‘Raging Bull.’ I’m a very lucky guy.”

(L-R) – Diamante, Ryan O’Leary, Larry Barnes, Melvina Lathan & Bob Duffy

Larry Barnes: “I’m going to be short; I can’t match Shannon. Let’s go champ! I’m very excited to be here with all these champions. I want to thank all the people in boxing for believing in me. I never gave up. Most of all, I want to thank me for putting in all the hard work.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Michael Bentt, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Michael Bentt: “It’s wonderful to be back in New York. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank four groups: my mentors, sponsors and facilitators, boxers who inspired me, and my allies. I was captain of the USA Boxing Team and got a call to be in the movie ‘Ali’ (he played Sonny Liston). Young people should seek people like those who inspired me: Muhammad Ali, Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield, Ronald Turner and Monte Barrett. They fueled my flame.”

(L-R) – Jill Diamond & JoAnn Aquilera

Jill Diamond: “I want to thank my two biggest mentors, Jose Suliaman and Joe Dwyer. I’d like to thank my New York family who still think I go to the Golden Globes instead of the Golden Gloves. And thanks to my WBC family that embraced me, especially Mauricio Suliaman, who said to come join us. I do know that in the big boxing family, if anybody hurt somebody, they would always help. I wish, especially with what’s going on today, others settled things in the ring like us. The world would be a better place.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Mike Silver, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Mike Silver: “I’m very humbled and appreciative to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame selection committee to receive this honor. It’s so gratifying coming from peers. Boxing is the most colorful sport. In my books I give my perception to be informative, educational, and entertaining. I used to check newsstands for the new Ring magazine and Boxing News. I respected boxers and fell in love with the sport. One thing will never change in boxing. In the ring it’s about hitting without getting hit, the science of the sport. Boxers’ stories are not written. It takes their blood, sweat and tears. And that will never change.”

(L-R) – Don & Kipp Elbaum

Don Elbaum: “I’m honored and thankful by this. What a run it’s been running shows. I’m still doing it. I remember putting shows on at Madison Square Garden. No sport has 1-on-1 world champions like boxing. Many countries have kings, but there is only one in boxing, and that’s the world heavyweight champion.”

(L-R) – Tommy Gallagher, Donny Lalonde & Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

Donny Lalonde: “I would be here without Bobby Cassidy. Bobby Cassidy, Sr. was the number one light heavyweight in the world. He was also a trainer who taught me what it took to be a boxer. Now, I’m in the New York Hall of Fame with him and his son, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. I was from Canada, and I was told that being a champion from there was worthless. When you grow up in a broken home, you really need somebody to believe in you. Don Majeski believed in me. Tommy Gallagher and Bobby Cassidy made my spirit rise high. I was ready to take on the world. Everybody said I had no business being in the wring with Eddie Davis, after he went 15 rounds with Michael Spinks. I knocked him out 22 seconds into the second round to win the world title. Thanks to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame for having me here.”

(L-R – John & Wiliam Verderosa

John Verderosa: “I appreciate the accolades. This is fantastic. Forty years later, it blows my mind that people remember me from so long ago. I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Verno Phillips and his son K.J. Phillips, & Bob Duffy

Verno Phillips: “New York Hall of Fame, baby. I made it! I put in the work. Like my grandmother said, ‘You got to go out and run.’”
_____________________________________________________________________

**NYSBHOF**

**CLASS of 2012**: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

**CLASS of 2013:** Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

**CLASS OF 2014:** Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

**CLASS OF 2015:** Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

**CLASS OF 2016**: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

**CLASS OF 2017**: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

**CLASS OF 2018:** Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar, and Sam Taub.

*No class of 2019 or 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions*

**CLASS OF 2021:** Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan
_____________________________________________________________________.

Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

**ABOUT RING 8:** Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues are only $30.00, and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

**INFORMATION:**
www.nyboxinghof.org

Class of 2022.jpg — NYSBHOF CLASS OF 2022 – (L-R) Seated: Don Elbaum, Bill Verigan, John Turner, Ron McNair, John Verderosa, Jill Diamond, Larry Barnes and Verno Phillips; Standing: Donny Lalonde, Shannon Briggs, Michael Bentt and Mike Silver.

(all pictures by Peter Frutkoff – NYSBHOF)

**NEW YORK (May 3, 2022)** – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NYSBHOF) Class of 2122 was inducted this past Sunday at a special ceremony, sponsored by Ring 8, in front of 360 attendees at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“This was the most emotional NYSBHOF induction dinner ever,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Several inductees cried during their acceptance speeches and that really made everything more exciting for everybody. You could see how really proud each of the inductees were as they proudly displayed their belts. This is all about honoring New York boxing people for their accomplishments and contributions. It was another knockout!”

One of the largest ovations was for Master of Ceremonies Dave Diamante for his remarkable recovery from a near-death accident that left him with a broken back.

(L-R) – MC Dave Diamante & NYSBHOF President Bob Duffy

Living boxers inducted into the NYSBHOF included Brooklyn WBO Heavyweight World Champions Jamaica’s Michael Bentt (11-2, 6 KOs), also a 4-time New York Golden Gloves gold medalist, and Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs); Albany’s 3-time World light middleweight titlist Verno Phillips (42-11-1, 2 KOs), WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion Donny “Golden Boy” Lalonde (42-11-1, 21 KOs), Staten Island’s WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny “The Heat” Verderosa (41-5-1, 33 KOs), Mount Vernon’s 2-time World title challenger and No. 1 ranked welterweight contender Larry “No Fear” Barnes (44-3-1, 17 KOs), and Brooklyn’s welterweight Johnny Turner (42-6-2, 32 KOs)

Posthumous participants inducted were World Lightweight Champion Bronx’ Al Singer (62-9-2, 26 KOs), World’s Colored Light Heavyweight Champion Kid Norfolk (88-25-7, 49 KOs), Brooklyn’s lightweight Pasquale Patsy Giovanelli (44-7-1, 14 KOs), Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion Cannonball Eddie Martin (81-12-4, 29 KOs), New York City’s World Light Heavyweight title challenger Battling Siki (60-24-4, 31 KOs), Brooklyn’s Novice New York Golden Gloves and Intercity Golden Gloves champion Solly Krieger (82-25-6 , 54 KOs), New York City’s No. 1 world ranked middleweight contender Herbie Kronowitz (55-23-5, 10 KOs), Buffalo’s World featherweight champion Tommy Paul (80-28-10, 26 KOs), and Brooklyn’s World Bantamweight Champion and US Olympian Lou Salica (67-17-12, 13 KOs).

Living non-participants who were inducted the NYSBHOF were judge Queens New York Golden Gloves finalist, inspector and licensed judge Ron McNair, promoter/manager/matchmaker Don Elbaum, New York City journalists Ed Schuyler of New York City and Bill Verigan, New York City author/journalist Tom Hauser, Queens author/journalist/ Mike Silver, and Brooklyn’s Jill Diamond, Secretary of the World Boxing Council and International Chair or WBC Cares.

Posthumous non-participant inductees now in the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s trainer and Stillman’s gym owner Lou Stillman, New York City’s promoter/manager Bill Cayton, NYC Mayor James Walker who legalized boxing in NY, publicists John Condon, of Queens, and New York City’s Irving Rudd, Brooklyn’s journalist Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2021 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

**CLASS OF 2021 INDUCTEE QUOTES & PICTURES**

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like “free” “personalized” “complimentary” or “customized.” A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like “for a limited time only” or “only 7 remaining”!

Bill Verigan: “Whether a boxer is in the Hall of Fame or not, they train hard, compete hard and have overcome hard losses. I’m very, very thankful to be here today. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Shannon Briggs, Bob Duffy & Tommy Gallagher

Shannon Briggs: “Let’s go champ! Let’s go champ. Let’s go champ. This is amazing. I grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Brownsville. I weighed less than 2 pounds when I was born and asthmatic. I was bullied growing up in Brownsville, but I made it. We lost our home. Tough times growing up. I had to fight. I can’t believe I’m in the Hall of Fame. My aunt said, ‘We going to make it.’ She’s here today.

“I fell into boxing. I was never into sports. I can’t catch and still can’t dribble. But when I put gloves on, something about me changed, and nobody could do anything to me. No more bullying. I went from sleeping on the train or in the gym to traveling around the world. Nobody believed in me until Vito Antuofermo said, ‘This kid can be something.’ I just turned 50 and I’m up here with Vito. I won the Golden Gloves when I was homeless. This is all unexpected. I never though I’d be a boxer. I put gloves on and got busy. I started winning. Boxing helped me stay out of jail, selling drugs, or running the streets. I became heavyweight champion of the world. Shout out to everybody who believed in me. A lot are here today. Thank you, guys. Let’s go champ!”

(L-R) – Jack Hirsch & John Turner

Johnny Turner: I want to thank everyone for having me here today. I want to thank my trainers and Joe DeGuardia for believing in me. My most prestigious fight was with Wilfredo Benitez, and I was in the move, ‘Raging Bull.’ I’m a very lucky guy.”

(L-R) – Diamante, Ryan O’Leary, Larry Barnes, Melvina Lathan & Bob Duffy

Larry Barnes: “I’m going to be short; I can’t match Shannon. Let’s go champ! I’m very excited to be here with all these champions. I want to thank all the people in boxing for believing in me. I never gave up. Most of all, I want to thank me for putting in all the hard work.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Michael Bentt, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Michael Bentt: “It’s wonderful to be back in New York. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank four groups: my mentors, sponsors and facilitators, boxers who inspired me, and my allies. I was captain of the USA Boxing Team and got a call to be in the movie ‘Ali’ (he played Sonny Liston). Young people should seek people like those who inspired me: Muhammad Ali, Mark Breland, Mike McCallum, Shannon Briggs, Evander Holyfield, Ronald Turner and Monte Barrett. They fueled my flame.”

(L-R) – Jill Diamond & JoAnn Aquilera

Jill Diamond: “I want to thank my two biggest mentors, Jose Suliaman and Joe Dwyer. I’d like to thank my New York family who still think I go to the Golden Globes instead of the Golden Gloves. And thanks to my WBC family that embraced me, especially Mauricio Suliaman, who said to come join us. I do know that in the big boxing family, if anybody hurt somebody, they would always help. I wish, especially with what’s going on today, others settled things in the ring like us. The world would be a better place.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Mike Silver, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. & Bob Duffy

Mike Silver: “I’m very humbled and appreciative to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame selection committee to receive this honor. It’s so gratifying coming from peers. Boxing is the most colorful sport. In my books I give my perception to be informative, educational, and entertaining. I used to check newsstands for the new Ring magazine and Boxing News. I respected boxers and fell in love with the sport. One thing will never change in boxing. In the ring it’s about hitting without getting hit, the science of the sport. Boxers’ stories are not written. It takes their blood, sweat and tears. And that will never change.”

(L-R) – Don & Kipp Elbaum

Don Elbaum: “I’m honored and thankful by this. What a run it’s been running shows. I’m still doing it. I remember putting shows on at Madison Square Garden. No sport has 1-on-1 world champions like boxing. Many countries have kings, but there is only one in boxing, and that’s the world heavyweight champion.”

(L-R) – Tommy Gallagher, Donny Lalonde & Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

Donny Lalonde: “I would be here without Bobby Cassidy. Bobby Cassidy, Sr. was the number one light heavyweight in the world. He was also a trainer who taught me what it took to be a boxer. Now, I’m in the New York Hall of Fame with him and his son, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. I was from Canada, and I was told that being a champion from there was worthless. When you grow up in a broken home, you really need somebody to believe in you. Don Majeski believed in me. Tommy Gallagher and Bobby Cassidy made my spirit rise high. I was ready to take on the world. Everybody said I had no business being in the wring with Eddie Davis, after he went 15 rounds with Michael Spinks. I knocked him out 22 seconds into the second round to win the world title. Thanks to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame for having me here.”

(L-R – John & Wiliam Verderosa

John Verderosa: “I appreciate the accolades. This is fantastic. Forty years later, it blows my mind that people remember me from so long ago. I’m so honored. Thank you so much.”

(L-R) – Dave Diamante, Henry Hascup, Verno Phillips and his son K.J. Phillips, & Bob Duffy

Verno Phillips: “New York Hall of Fame, baby. I made it! I put in the work. Like my grandmother said, ‘You got to go out and run.’”
_____________________________________________________________________

**NYSBHOF**

**CLASS of 2012**: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

**CLASS of 2013:** Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

**CLASS OF 2014:** Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

**CLASS OF 2015:** Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

**CLASS OF 2016**: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

**CLASS OF 2017**: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

**CLASS OF 2018:** Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar, and Sam Taub.

*No class of 2019 or 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions*

**CLASS OF 2021:** Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan
_____________________________________________________________________.

Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

**ABOUT RING 8:** Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues are only $30.00, and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

**INFORMATION:**
www.nyboxinghof.org

boxing, Granite Chin

Undefeated light heavyweight New Bedford Edet Mkapanam battling back from surgeries Granite Chin’s “Hometown Royalty” this Saturday in Bridgewater, MA (see attached with pictures)

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Edet Mkapanam.jpeg — Edet Mkapanam
(Picture courtesy of Jess Marie Photography)

**QUINCY, Mass. (May 3, 2022)** – Undefeated New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight prospect Edet Mkapanam (6-0, 5 KOs) is battling back from retina and shoulder surgeries that sidelined him 16 months before his successful ring return this past March.

The 27-year-old Mkapanam faces Scott “Bombz” Scott on the May 7^th Hometown Royalty” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.), marking the first professional boxing event ever held in that town.

Raised in Brockton, known as the “City of Champions, Mkapanam had an abbreviated amateur career (8-3), although he was a heavyweight winner in the 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament, as well as runner-up a year later in the prestigious New England Golden Gloves Championships.

Mkapanam had back-to-back surgeries, starting with a torn ligament in his shoulder, followed by surgery to repair his retina in the right eye.

“I didn’t have much of an amateur career and I’ve been learning on the job (as a pro),” Mkapanam explained. “I learned in the gym sparring with some of the top fighters in New England like Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Mark Deluca. In my mind, I wanted to continue fighting and I kept working hard in the gym while recovering. Some doctors said I shouldn’t fight again, so I upped my intensity in the gym, and when I was examined again the doctors said my eye was a lot better and I was cleared to fight. I had a tough training camp before my last fight, the first after my surgeries, and I wasn’t even thinking about my eye during that fight.”

Mkapanam looked relatively sharp in his March 19^th comeback fight, stopping pro debut fighter Igor Pessoa in the third round of their fight in Derry, New Hampshire.
Now, Edet is on a mission to make up for lost time.

“I’ve been working on my jab and some other things,” he said. “My goal is to fight on bigger stages, which is one of the reasons I signed with (Granite Chin promoter) Chris Traietti. I respect Scott Lampert, but I’m on a whole different level in New England boxing, and I’m going to prove it this fight. I know Chris is going to get me opportunities to fight on bigger stages.”

“Edet was somebody I was interested in working with in the past, but then his injuries happened before we could formally get a deal together,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti explained. “Once he reached out and told me he was cleared to fight again, I wasted no time making him an offer to sigh with Granite Chin. Edet is a great guy who works hard and wants to fight. We talked about a game plan for his career. We are both on the same page and you will be seeing him on a big stage in the very near future.”

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man Ohan, Jr. (14-1, 8 KOs), of Holbrook, MA, headlines “Hometown Royalty” in the 8-round main event against Argentinian opponent Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-9, 7 KOs).

Quincy (MA) lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), a 2008 National Golden Gloves silver medalist and 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, faces another Argentinian, Mario Lozano (18-5-1, 9 KOs), in the 8-round co-featured event.

Brockton welterweight prospect David Ribeiro makes his pro debut in a 4-round bout versus Joshua Zimmerman (0-8). Ribeiro was a celebrated amateur having won gold medals at the 2020 New England Golden Gloves, 2019 King of the Ring, and the regional Mike Tyson Tournament.

Fall River (MA) welterweight Damon Towns (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Robert Bricks (0-9) in a 4-round bout.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale, $60.00 standing room and $40.00 floor seats, and available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).

**INFORMATION:**
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

boxing, women's boxing

Coyle inspired by Katie Taylor’s performance

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Tampa, FL (May 2, 2022) – Like most who love the sweet science, undefeated middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle was fully engaged in the Katie Taylor–Amanda Serrano fight.

Recognized as the biggest in women’s boxing history, Taylor-Serrano took place in front more than 19,000 fans at a sold out Madison Square Garden. It was the first time a female fight headlined at The Mecca of Boxing.

Following four fast-paced and competitive rounds, Serrano rocked Taylor in the fifth with a left hook followed by a left cross. Taylor was in bad shape and nearly tasted the canvas for the first time in her career but managed to finish the round on her feet.

Serrano kept the momentum over the next few rounds as she appeared to be headed towards the biggest win of her great career. Taylor impressively turned the tides in the final three rounds of the contest, finding her second wind and outfighting Serrano en route to a split decision victory.

“What an incredible fight that was – major credit to both women” said Coyle, who trained with Taylor in Dublin when both were amateurs. “Katie really had to overcome a lot of adversity against Serrano especially in the fifth round. Katie showed incredible heart and came through like a champion. She’s a true warrior and great inspiration for me heading into the most important fight of my career.”

Coyle, 15-0 (7 KO’s), meets Antonio Todd in a ten round contest for the NABA middleweight title Saturday, May 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL. Coyle-Todd airs live on Bally Sports Network as part of the Entrobox Championship Boxing Series at 9 pm et.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/bally-sportsentrobox-championship-boxing-orlando-florida-05-21-2022/event/22005C889425AF5F.

Coyle is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime

COMPLETE BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO FIGHT CARD CONFIRMED FOR THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

RYAN BADER DEFENDS HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST NO. 2 RANKED CHEICK KONGO IN MAIN EVENT REMATCH IN PARIS

MELVIN MANHOEF’S FAREWELL BOUT DELAYED AFTER THE DUTCHMAN WITHDRAWS DUE TO INJURY, YOEL ROMERO NOW MEETS NO. 7 RANKED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT ALEX POLIZZI IN CO-MAIN EVENT

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PARIS – A massive night of championship-level MMA guaranteed to bring fireworks is set for this Friday, May 6 from the Accor Arena in Paris and airs live at a special time of 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME.

Anchoring the card will be a heated rematch between BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) against French combat sports legend and No. 2-ranked heavyweight Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC). Both Bader and Kongo will be looking for closure when they run it back inside the BELLATOR cage, following a controversial no-contest stemming from a disputed eye-poke during their first meeting in 2019.

In an equally action-packed co-feature event, Yoel Romero (13-6) who was originally slated to take on Melvin Manhoef at 205-pounds, has agreed to meet No. 7 ranked-Alex Polizzi (10-1) on less than a week’s notice. Polizzi has won three consecutive contests en route to his opportunity in Paris against one of the sport’s most popular athletes.

Newly announced, No.6-ranked middleweight Lorenz Larkin (23-7, 1 NC) will now face Kyle Stewart (15-5) during the Bellator 280 main card. France’s Davy Gallon (20-7-2) will go to battle in front of his fellow countrymen and women when he faces Switzerland’s Benjamin Brander (13-8) at lightweight. Opening the Bellator 280 televised card, English middleweight Mike Shipman (14-3) will clash with proud Parisian Gregory Babene (21-11, 1 NC).

Nine titillating preliminary matchups have been announced, including a smash between former featherweight title challenger Pedro Carvalho (12-5) and newly signed Polish standout Piotr Niedzielski (16-4), plus a 160-pound contract weight clash between “The True Viking” Søren Bak (15-1) and England’s Charlie Leary (17-12-1).

The preliminary bouts will stream live three and a half hours earlier at 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Limited tickets for the fight remain on sale at accorarena.com and bellator.fr. Follow Bellator France on Instagram @BellatorFrance and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorFrance/

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BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2 MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) / RMC SPORT (FRANCE) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, May 6, 10 p.m. CEST/9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (29-7, 1 NC) vs. #2-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Yoel Romero (13-6) vs. #7-Alex Polizzi (10-1)

Lightweight Bout: Davy Gallon (20-7-2) vs. Benjamin Brander (13-8)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Lorenz Larkin (23-7, 1 NC) vs. Kyle Stewart (15-5)

Middleweight Bout: Mike Shipman (14-3) vs. Gregory Babene (21-11, 1 NC)

BELLATOR 280: BADER VS. KONGO 2 PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6:30 p.m. CEST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: Pedro Carvalho (12-5) vs. Piotr Niedzielski (16-4)

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (19-6) vs. Thibault Gouti (14-5)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (8-0) vs. Jordan Barton (6-2-1)

160-lb Contract Weight Bout Søren Bak (15-1) vs. Charlie Leary (17-12-1)

Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-9) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)

Welterweight Bout: Nicolò Solli (3-1, 1 NC) vs. Levy Carriel (3-0)

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-3) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (5-4)

Middleweight Bout: Youcef Ouabbas (2-0) vs. Matthieu Duclos (2-1)

Welterweight Bout: Victor Verchere (5-1) vs. Bourama Camara (4-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR 281: MVP vs. Storley // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

Fri. June 24 // BELLATOR 282: Mousasi vs. Eblen // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

Fri. Sep. 23 // BELLATOR DUBLIN // 3Arena // Dublin

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries by an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

boxing

Zurdo Ramirez chasing his legacy Fighting for 44-0 vs. Dominic Boesel

May 4, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

May 14th streaming live on DAZN

LAS VEGAS (April 28, 2022) – Rather than wait for the winner of the May 7^th Las Vegas showdown between superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dimitry Bivol, or take a meaningless stay-busy fight, former World Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez will put his impeccable 43-0 (39 KOs) record on the line May 14^th versus German Dominic Boesel (32-2, 12 KOs), the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) Light Heavyweight World title holder and WBA No. 1 rated contender.

“Zurdo vs. Boesel,” presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zurdo Promotions and SES Boxing, will stream live and exclusively on DAZN from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The winner of their 12-round main event will position himself for a shot at the Canelo vs. Bivol winner.

“Boesel is the No. 1 European light heavyweight who has all the accolades to make this a challenging fight,” Ramirez said. “Of course, Bivol (WBC & IBF champion Artur), Beterbiev and (WBO champion Joe) Smith are still at the top of my list, but they were all unavailable. Even though they are on the top of my list, I’m not waiting for them, I’ve got my own legacy to chase. I’ve said before, Beterbiev and Smith are average fighters at best, and they know not to mention my name. Bivol was close to making it (fight vs. Zurdo) happen, but he got the Canelo opportunity, so I don’t blame him.”

Boesel, who has fought outside of Europe, is 2-1 in IBO world title fights, losing to Robin Krasniqi, while Zurdo is 6-0 fighting in world championships. Boesel is also a former WBA Interim, European and WBO Youth World lightweight champion.

“I’m looking forward to this challenge,” Zurdo added. “He knows this fight can change his life. I’m the best light heavyweight in the world, but I still need to bring my best come fight night. I will have an advantage in experience, but I can’t take him lightly because, he’s a longtime pro who knows how to take advantage of the moment.”

Because he was blocked from fighting for the WBA, WBO, WBC or IBF light heavyweight world titles right now, due to the aforementioned unavailability of Bivol, Beterbiev and Smith, Ramirez considered formally challenging WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs). It never came to that, however, Zurdo does plan to move up, but only after he takes care of business clearing out the 175-pound division.

“I still plan on moving up to cruiserweight and eventually heavyweight,” Zurdo offered. “It’s always been my goal to be a 4-division world champion.”

The Legend of Zurdo continues to grow!

INFORMATION:Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.comInstagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotionsTwitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TIM TSZYU LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

**Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu Makes Much Anticipated U.S. Debut Against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha Saturday, March 26 Live on SHOWTIME**^® **From The Armory in Minneapolis Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Nabeel Ahmad/
**Premier Boxing Champions**

**Click** HERE for Photos from Alex Sanchez/
**MJS Entertainment**

**LAS VEGAS** (March 18, 2022) – Unbeaten rising star **Tim Tszyu** held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday as he nears his much anticipated U.S. debut against U.S. Olympian **Terrell Gausha** taking place Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The son of Hall of Famer Kostya, Tszyu arrived stateside last Saturday from his native Australia to finish training camp in Las Vegas before heading to Minneapolis. After amassing a 20-0 record with 15 knockouts, Tszyu looks to move himself one step closer to a title shot with an emphatic victory on March 26.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Here is what Tszyu and his trainer, **Igor Goloubev**, had to say Thursday from Left Right Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

**TIM TSZYU**

“We’ve done a few camps here in Las Vegas before so we’re familiar with the terrain out here. It’s not too far to then go to Minneapolis, but it’s a lot warmer here is Las Vegas, so I’m glad I came here first. Adjusting to the time difference was tough at first but I’ve definitely recovered. By the time I arrived in Las Vegas, it was just about sharpening everything up.

“I’m coming to fight and I’m coming to win. I’m not here to ‘tip-tap’. If that means going for the knockout, I’ll go for it right away. I’m not here to out-jab someone and win on the scorecards. From the first second when the fight starts, my objective is to take him out. Every second of every round, I’m going to be in front of my opponent’s face.

“This has been a long time in the making. I’ve been keen on making my debut here ever since I beat Jeff Horn [August 2020]. It’s good to finally be here and I’m quite excited to be on this platform. This is a real opportunity for me.

“My dad hasn’t talked to me too much about what to expect fighting in the U.S. Mostly he just reminds me to stay ready, which I always am. I’m a professional and I’m fighting nonstop. I don’t take rests or honeymoons like some of these other fighters.

“It’s a big deal for me to be in this position headlining on SHOWTIME. You dream of it as a kid, and now for it to actually be happening, it’s unreal. I’m the first Australian who’s had their U.S. debut as a headline act, having not even won a world title yet. It shows that what we’ve done so far is pretty good for the moment. We’re here to make statements.

“This is going to be an interesting fight. I’m quite interested to see what he’s going to bring. Gausha has the tools to win. He’s got great skills and quick hands and a good variety of punches. He does the simple things very well. I like those types of styles. I’ve sparred guys like that in the U.S. and it’s a fun style to fight against.

“I don’t look particularly big or strong, but when I get in the ring, I give off that dominance that says ‘this is my ring. This is what I do and you’re coming onto my stage’. I present that dominance straight away and let everyone know.

*Tszyu on the Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño 154-pound title rematch taking place May 14 on SHOWTIME”*

“Charlo is a cautious fighter with power in both hands. He wobbled Castaño a few times. Charlo waits to land that perfect shot and that’s why Castano’s output wasn’t too high in that fight. I thought Castaño fought a great fight and out worked him. Charlo didn’t know what to do at times. I think it’s either going to be Castaño by decision or Charlo by knockout in the rematch.

“I’m coming for everyone in the division. I’m coming for the belts. You have to have confidence in yourself. I believe that I defeat either Charlo or Castaño. I wouldn’t be in the sport if I didn’t believe that. I’d take those guys to places they’ve never been and that’s all that matters to me.”

**IGOR GOLOUBEV, Tszyu’s Trainer**

“Tim is going to make adjustments, like he always does, based off what Gausha brings in the first round. Tim is an absolute pressure fighter. He’s going to be right on top of Gausha from the start. There’s going to be no rest and nowhere for him to go. This is going to be fought on the inside.

“Gausha is a crafty fighter. He’s got a good style from his amateur background and he’s also got strong legs and upper body. We’ve seen footage of him and we know that he can punch, that he’ll move and that he throws lots of jabs. He’s all-around a very good fighter.”

# # #

***ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA***
Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star **Tim Tszyu** make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian **Terrell Gausha** in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender **Michel Rivera** dueling fellow unbeaten **Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno** in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender **Elvis Rodríguez** facing **Juan José Velasco** in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

TERRELL GAUSHA: “WE’RE GOING TO GIVE TIM TSZYU A DIFFERENT LOOK THAN HE’S EVER SEEN BEFORE”

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Super Welterweight Contender Gausha Faces Unbeaten Rising Star Tim Tszyu in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®

Main Event Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis

LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2022 – U.S. Olympian and super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha is confident that he’ll be spoiling the stateside debut of unbeaten rising star Tim Tszyu when they square off on Saturday, March 26 live on SHOWTIME^® headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

“We’ve been working on some different things for this fight,” said Gausha. “We’re going to give Tim Tszyu a different look than he’s seen before. Compared to most of the fights that everyone has seen, they’re going to see something new from me on March 26.”

Tszyu, the son of Hall of Fame fighter Kostya Tszyu, will be making his much-anticipated debut in the U.S. against Gausha, after dominating his first 20 fights in his native Australia. For the Cleveland native Gausha, his motivation comes from within and not from the hype surrounding Tszyu entering this matchup.

“I’m just motivated period,” said Gausha. “It’s got nothing to do with any hype around Tszyu. It has everything to do with where I’m at in my life and my career. Things are happening at the right time for me. I’m in a good place. This is the perfect fight for me at this point in my career.

“I appreciate him for taking this challenge. Most other fighters would try to protect their record. This shows that he believes in himself. He wants the tough fights. That being said, I think he took the wrong fight.”

Gausha scored an impressive knockout over young contender Jamontay Clark in his last fight, stopping his opponent in round two in March 2021, and will look to build on that triumph against a bigger name in Tszyu.

“That was a good fight for me against Clark,” said Gausha. “I wanted to get right back in the ring, but sometimes it’s hard to make fights with certain guys. I have a great opportunity against Tszyu and I’m looking to capitalize and build off of my last performance. I’m going to make an even bigger splash in this fight.”

Training in Los Angeles with Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer, Gausha has received excellent sparring leading up to fight night, having shared the ring with 154-pound champion Brian Castaño, welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz and 2020 U.S. Olympian Delante Johnson. While Gausha expects Tszyu to display his typical come forward style, he plans to be ready for anything that his opponent presents.

“I expect Tim to try to bring pressure and come forward,” said Gausha. “He’s a one-trick pony. What you see is what you get. He doesn’t do too many things spectacularly, but what he does do well, he does it very well, and that’s bring the pressure. We have something ready for that and we’re going to do our thing no matter what he tries to do.”

Gausha previously challenged for the 154-pound world title in losing a 2017 decision against Erislandy Lara and also owns a decision defeat to Erickson Lubin and a draw against former champion Austin Trout. Now, Gausha will look to catapult himself right back into the title picture with a victory on March 26.

“After everyone sees this performance on March 26, they’re going to know where I fit into this division,” said Gausha. “I’ve got a job to do. Right now, I’m really just starting to show people my skills and what I can do. This is going to solidify that. I’m knocking on the door of a title fight right now. A win over Tszyu would be great for my career and get me to the world titles.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

# # #

ABOUT TSZYU VS. GAUSHA

Tszyu vs. Gausha will see top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez facing Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuGausha, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

THREE SENSATIONAL UNDERCARD MATCHUPS HIGHLIGHT ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS SHOWTIME PPV® ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

boxing

Los Angeles Inner-City Legend Undefeated bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez Fighting at home for first time this Saturday

March 18, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES (March 17, 2022) – Undefeated Los Angeles bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs) returns to the ring this Saturday (Mar. 19) to take on Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (10-20-3, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in a 6-round bout on the Blair Cobbs-Alexis Rocha card (replacing Vergil Ortiz, Jr.-Michael McKinson), presented by Golden Boy Promotions.

The main card will be streamed live on DAZN from USC Galen Center in Los Angeles; go to Golden Boy’s YouTube page to watch the Ramirez vs. Pucheta live stream.

Ramirez is an LA inner-city sports legend. His journey started on the gridiron, not in a ring, when he was a key member of the Lincoln High football team, profiled in a 2015 documentary, “ESPN 60: Letterman.” The players were from a crime-ridden section of Hollywood riddled with drugs and guns. Ramirez was a 5’ 4”, 160-pound running back on a team that, starting in Pop Warner competition, and advanced to Lincoln High, which hadn’t experienced success in football. Lincoln High went on to become a 3-time league champion, highlighted by its semi-final playoff appearance in his senior year, which eventually led “Scrappy” to a roster spot on the Los Angeles Valley College’s football team.

“The venue is only a five-minute drive from my home,” an excited Ramirez said. “I literally drive by it every day. I grew up around USC and played football there. Now, I’m fighting in the inner-city where I grew up. That’s pretty dope! My dream is to fight at Staples Center, which is only a three-minute drive for me. I’m getting closer.

“Things like this don’t happen by accident. On March 18^th, I’ll showcase my skills in front of my people. LA is the City of Champions, but we haven’t had a world boxing champion since Oscar de la Hoya, who grew up in East LA. My goal is to be the next LA champ.”

“Scrappy,” who was one of the most active fighters in 2021 with seven bouts, successfully transitioned from football to boxing, albeit a relatively short amateur boxing career with only 25 amateur matches. He did garner top honors in the Sugar Bert National Championships, as well as in the regional Golden Gloves and SoCal tournaments.

“I last fought on December 18^th, took a week off, and went right back to training camp at Brickhouse Boxing Club (N. Hollywood),” the 26-year-old Ramirez added. “I’m getting better and that’s super exciting for me. I’ve been with my strength-and-conditioning coach, running, and working on my boxing skills. My training hasn’t stopped, it’s going full force.”

Pucheta has been stopped only once in 33 pro fights, back in 2016 by Emanuel Navarrete, the current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Bantamweight Champion, who sports a 35-1 (29 KOs) pro record.

“He’s a tough, durable opponent,” Ramirez noted, “who has been in the ring with a lot of good prospects. This is a great opportunity for me to make a statement by becoming only the second to knock him out.”

Ramirez’ accelerated pace and development continues this Saturday, when it’ll be “Scrappy Time” once again, only this time at home.

“I want to be at the top and will,” he concluded. “Every fight elevates me. My goal is to be No. 1 in my weight class, and I’ll get there because of my hard work and dedication.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @Scrappyboxing

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

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