Tag Archives: Australia

FNU Combat Sports Show Featuring PRESIDENT Donald Trump Interview

Hosts Tom, Tony and Rich of The Fight News Unlimited Combat Sports show had the awesome experience of catching up with President Donald Trump for an exclusive interview contained in tonight’s broadcast. We ask “The Donald” about everything from Mayweather vs. McGregor to Iran and China. The interview starts about 23 minutes into the full show tape, but we will also place the interview alone in another audio file below the main show file on this post. We also discuss some MMA labor union issues, Aisling Daly retiring young from the UFC, Conor McGregor claiming his next bout will be in a boxing ring and Dana White saying Ronda Rousey is all done with fighting professionally. We also recap the first big UFC and Bellator events of the year from last week and look forward to UFC Fight Night 104 in Houston on Saturday night. We take time at the end of the broadcast to talk boxing with a recap of last week’s stunning rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton. We also talk about the Thursday night bouts on FS1 tonight. Here is our full show:

And here is the Trump interview by itself:

And if you didn’t catch why Rich gave a shout out to the movie “Good Morning Vietnam” you can listen to Rich’s first interview with Trump from 2008 here:

Sammy Vasquez Jr. welcomes Billel Dib to ProBox Management stable

Miami, FL (February 5, 2016) –  Pro Box Management is proud to announce the signing of junior lightweight contender Billel Dib to a management contract.

Dib of Sydney, Australia has a record of 18-1 with nine knockouts and is a former two-time Australian Super Featherweight champion and the current WBO Interim Oriental champion.  He is currently ranked number-twelve by the WBO.
Dib won his first nine bouts before his only blemish, which was a split decision that he later avenged with an eighth-round stoppage over Dylan Sendeckyi.
Since then. Dib is currently riding a ten fight win streak in which he captured the WBO Interim Oriental Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Brent Elliot. a
Dib is the cousin of former IBF Featherweight champion. Billy Dib.
“Being around, training with my cousin and seeing his success is a great motivation for me.  I look forward to becoming the second Dib in the family to become world champion,” said Dib.
“I am very excited to have signed with ProBox and to be represented by Henry Rivalta and Gary Jonas.  You can’t help but notice how many good fighters that have and how well they have built their careers, I am looking forward to them doing the same with me.”
“The Dib’s are very family oriented and my father and I were impressed were impressed by the family culture,”said Dib.
“We signed Billel because he has all the characteristics that we look for.  He is a hard worker, well spoken, good looking action fighting young man, who is very marketable .  We definitely think he can be a significant world champion sometime soon,” said Gary Jonas.

MORE HOT AIR FROM DOWN UNDER!

DEMETRIUS “Boo Boo” ANDRADE  

WBO Junior Middleweight Champion &

2008 U. S. Olympian

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

PROVIDENCE (July 21, 2015) – The war of words continue between representatives of undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight championDemetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) and former two-time super middleweight titlist Anthony “The Man” Mundine (47-7, 27 KOs).

 

Team Andrade issued a press release last Saturday night regarding an agreement it alleged Team Mundine had reneged on for a fight between the two aforementioned fighters next month in Australia. Team Mundine issued a statement yesterday, in which it claimed it had never agreed to a deal, largely because it included a three-fight option on Mundine.

 

Today, Team Andrade countered with a statement of its own to clarify this dubious situation. “Let’s make this perfectly clear,” Andrade’s manager Ed Farris said. “Mundine’s side is bending the facts and hiding the truth in an attempt to back out of the fight. Their recent press release about our side asking for three options on Anthony Mundine isn’t true.  I just discussed this with Demetrius’ promoters (Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing & Artie Pelullo, Banner Promotions) and there was never a three-fight option on Mundine in the proposed contract.  There was simply a rematch option clause, which to my understanding, guaranteed Anthony Mundine a substantial amount of money with significant minimums. All of the proposed agreements gave Mundine’s people 100-percent of the Australian television market, which is a huge opportunity for additional income beyond his purse. The ball is in their court and it has been for a week now. They have not sent us a counter-offer and that, unfortunately, tells me that his camp simply doesn’t want the fight to happen.”   

 

Farris further added, “As far as statements made by Mundine’s manager (Ben Thompson) that Anthony was offered ‘low dollars’ to fight Demetrius, Anthony Mundine’s purse is paid by HIS promoter, NOT our promoters. We have absolutely nothing to do with that.  I can tell you this, though, Anthony Mundine was offered more money than Demetrius Andrade for this fight. Mundine would have an opportunity to fight for the world title in his backyard for substantially more money than the world champion was getting. How much more does he expect us to give?”

Andrade remains hopeful that Mundine will accept the challenge and sign a contract to fight him as soon as possible. “I think Australian fans would love to see their two-time World Champion fighting the current World Champion in his home country,” Andrade commented. “I want this fight to happen. I don’t care about a rematch clause.  The fact is, if Mundine beats me, he deserves to go fight whoever he wants. I’ve told my promoters to get rid of the rematch option and make this fight happen.

“I’ve made some mistakes in the past – God knows everyone does – but I’m doing everything I can to get back in the ring and give fans what they want.  They’ve been great to me and they deserve to see fights they really want.  Hopefully, they’ll soon get to enjoy watching a great fight between me and Mundine.”

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam or @BooBooBoxing.

Australian Waffle Anthony Mundine gets cold feet after WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade Agrees to terms for title fight next month in Australia

DEMETRIUS “Boo Boo” ANDRADE  

WBO Junior Middleweight Champion &

2008 U. S. Olympian

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

(picture by Shane Sims / Banner Promotions)

 

PROVIDENCE (July 18, 2015) – The long awaited ring return for undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs) has, unfortunately, hit another roadblock as Anthony “The Man” Mundine (47-7, 27 KOs) has reneged on an agreement to challenge Andrade next month in his native Australia.

 

“We agreed to terms with Mundine’s promoter but have heard nothing back since then,” 27-year-old Andrade explained. “Mundine calls out (Floyd) Mayweather but he won’t take a legitimate WBO World title fight at 154 pounds in his own country? Same old story, I guess. Everybody wants something until they have a chance to really get it.”

“Anthony Mundine’s team had one of those careful-what-you-wish-for moments,” Andrade’s manager Ed Farris noted, “in which Demetrius accepted all of their requested terms, including Demetrius putting up his WBO belt to fight Mundine on his own home turf.  After previously agreeing to fight Andrade, Mundine’s team has now had a change of heart, and they apparently are looking to fight a lesser opponent.”

Andrade hasn’t fought since he destroyed WBO No. 1 mandatory contender Brian Rose (25-1-1) in seven rounds on June 14, 2014. Unable to lure either Mayweather or Miquel Cotto into a mega-fight, nor WBO No. 1 contender Saul “Canelo” Alvarez,or even a unification with WBA champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, 2008 U.S. Olympian Andrade believed that he finally had a title defense locked in for next month against former two-time super middleweight world champion Mundine.

 

“I don’t understand,” a frustrated Andrade added. “We offered this guy a chance to win the championship of the world in his home country and he looked for a way out instead?  What kind of fighter is he?  Any real fighter would do anything for that kind of an opportunity.”

 

Follow Demetrius Andrade on Twitter @AndradeATeam or @BooBooBoxing.

DOMINIC WADE TAKES A 10-ROUND SPLIT DECISION OVER FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SAM SOLIMAN TO REMAIN UNDEFEATED IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER

 

 Unbeatens Erickson Lubin, Oscar Rivas, Win by First-Round Knockout

Over Ayi Bruce, Jason Pettaway, Respectively, in Televised Co-Features

 

Watch The Replay Of The ShoBox: The New Generation Tripleheader

Monday, June 29, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME®

 

SHELTON, Wash, (June 26, 2015) – In an extremely close fight to score, undefeated middleweight DominicLights OutWade (18-0, 12 KOs), of Washington, D.C., escaped with a split 10-round decision over former world champion Sam “King” Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, in the main event Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME from Little Creek Casino.

 

Wade, who scored a disputed knockdown in the fourth round, won by the scores of 97-93, 95-94 and 93-96.

 

“This was by far my toughest fight, and my best win as a pro,’’ Wade said afterward. “I knew there was going to be a problem fighting an experienced, totally awkward guy like that. Really, it’s impossible to prepare for a fight like this. But I kept my poise throughout and that was a key.

 

“Soliman was physically fit, but not one thing he did surprised me. His punches weren’t anything. I thought it was a close fight, but I knew I landed the harder, cleaner shots. I wasn’t worried at all about the decision.

 

“I have more respect for Soliman now that I’ve fought him. He sure doesn’t fight like somebody that is 41-years-old. But I did what I had to do to get the win and take the next step up me.’’

 

Soliman, making his first start since suffering a knee injury last Oct. 14in an IBF title defense decision loss to Jermain Taylor, fought his fight. An energetic, herky-jerky veteran, who constantly moves, feints, charges in with punches, holds, grabs, hugs and sometimes even tackles.

 

His mauling unconventional style makes it almost impossible to look good against, but many, including Soliman, felt he landed enough clean punches to deserve the decision.

 

“I definitely felt I won, and I think Wade knows I won, too,’’ Soliman said. “He never hurt me once. My knee held up 100 percent. The knockdown that he got credit for wasn’t even a knockdown. It didn’t come from a punch. He literally pushed me down.

 

“That everyone after the fight came up to me and said I won takes some of the sting out of not getting the decision. These kinds of decisions can bring some fighters down, but this will only make me stronger. I don’t agree with the decision at all, but this is boxing and I have to accept it.

 

“I really want to thank SHOWTIME for giving me the opportunity to fight on ShoBox. I think I showed the world tonight that I have a lot left.’’

Boxing historian and ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood afterward: “It was a very difficult fight to score. It was very close. It turns out the difference was somehow controversial: Unofficial knockdown in round four. If you scored that round 10-8 for Wade, that was the margin of victory, one extra point that he got for round four.

“A good win for [Dominic] Wade, not a pretty win. He’s a legitimate Top 10 contender now because he beat a legitimate top 10 contender. And for [Sam] Soliman, he’s 41-years-old and he’s going to keep going. He’s not going to stop. Overall, it was a good learning experience for Wade and a very very difficult ugly fight that could have gone either way.”

There was much less drama in the two other televised fights presented by TGB Promotions.

 

In the co-feature, 19-year-old former amateur standout and talented unbeaten super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (11-0, 8 KOs), of Orlando Fla., scored two knockdowns en route to a 2:49, first-round knockout over Ayi Bruce (23-10, 15 KO’s) of Albany, N.Y., who was fighting for the first time in 16 months.

 

“I expected to take him out, maybe in a couple of rounds, but not that fast,’’ said the up-and-coming southpaw who is one of the youngest boxers to appear on ShoBox. “I took my time and was pacing myself. I don’t think he hit me once.

 

“I want to keep moving up and fighting better competition so I can become a true contender. I’m ready to fight again tomorrow. Tonight, actually.’’

 

In the ShoBox opener, former international amateur star Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (17-0, 12 KOs), a Montreal-based Colombian who represented Colombia in the 2008 Olympic Games, remained undefeated with a devastating 2:25 first-round TKO over outclassedJason Pettaway (17-3, 10 KOs), of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

A brutal, vicious puncher, Rivas was impressive in his United States andShoBox debut. He overwhelmed Rivas from the outset, scoring three knockdowns. He had two points taken away for hitting Pettaway late and while he was down after the first knockdown, but it hardly mattered.

 

While delighted with his performance, Rivas felt the points’ deduction was unwarranted. “I didn’t think he was on the floor,’’ he said. “I didn’t think his knee was down and he was holding on to the ropes. So he wasn’t down and I kept punching.

 

“I feel very happy about my fight tonight. This was the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, fighting on a great network like SHOWTIME. I’m ready for bigger challenges now. I don’t care against who. I’m ready to take on the world.’’

 

Said Pettaway: “I definitely felt I was down and that it was a late shot. It definitely affected me. I never got a chance to show anything.’’

 

Rivas, looking to become the first boxer from Colombia to win a heavyweight world title, may have had something to do with that.

 

Unbeaten lightweight and former Marine and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Captain Jamel Herring (12-0, 7 KOs), of Cincinnati, Ohio, whose scheduled ShoBox fight against Mexico’s Oscar Cortes was cancelledThursday when Cortes came in overweight, fought on the non-televised portion of the event and won a lopsided eight-round decision over Tijuana’s Hector Velasquez (56-26-3, 38 KOs).

 

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox blow by blow at ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquezserving as ringside analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hallwith Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

 

The ShoBox:The New Generation tripleheader will re-air this week as follows:

 

DAY                                                                            CHANNEL

Monday, June 29, 10 p.m. ET/PT                       SHOWTIMEEXTREME®

 

Friday’s three-fight telecast will be available at SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® beginning tomorrow, Saturday, June 27.

 SHOBOX SHUFFLE DOMINIC WADE-SAM SOLIMAN IN MAIN EVENT, TWO NEW FIGHTS ADDED TO SHOBOX TRIPLEHEADER

 

Unbeaten Erickson Lubin Will Face Ayi Bruce in Co-Feature,
Heavyweights Oscar Rivas and Jason Pettaway Clash
In Telecast Opener; Jamel Herring Fight Is Cancelled
After Opponent Oscar Cortes Comes In Overweight

Weights and Boxers’ Final Thoughts For
ShoBox:The New Generation Tomorrow/Friday, June 26,
At 10:35 p.m. Live on SHOWTIME® From Little Creek Casino

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

SHELTON, Wash. (June 25, 2015) – The ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader tomorrow, Friday, June 26, live on SHOWTIME (10:35 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Wash., will feature promising undefeated middleweight prospect DominicLights OutWade (17-0, 12 KOs), of Washington, D.C., against Sam “King” Soliman (44-12, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia in the 10-round main event.

 

But the scheduled co-feature between unbeaten lightweight and former Marine and 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Captain Jamel Herring (11-0, 7 KOs), of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mexico’s Oscar Cortes (25-2, 13 KOs) was cancelled Thursday when Cortez came in overweight. Armed Forces Network will air the ShoBox telecast despite the Herring-Cortes fight getting scrapped.

 

“I’m very disappointed that I didn’t get to fight,’’ Herring said. “I was really looking forward to it.  I’ll be back in the ring in no time and I will continue my march of becoming a world champion one day.”

 

The new co-feature will pit unbeaten promising Erickson “The Hammer’’ Lubin (10-0, 7 KO’s) of Orlando, Fla., against Ayi Bruce (23-9, 15 KO’s) of Albany, N.Y., in a super welterweight scrap. The telecast opener will match heavyweights Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (16-0, 11 KOs), a Montreal-based Colombian, and Jason Pettaway (17-2, 10 KOs), of Camp Lejeune, N.C. Both fights are slated for eight rounds.

 

Wade, who’ll take on the toughest opponent of his career when he steps up in class to face the vastly more experienced former world champion Soliman, also came in heavy. He weighed 162.5 pounds on his first attempt. When he returned to the scale, he weighed 161 pounds. Soliman, tipped the scale at 161.4 pounds, on his first attempt.

 

Southpaw Lubin, 19, a sensational amateur, will be making his ShoBoxdebut and 11th start since turning pro in November 2011. He weighed 152.4 pounds. Bruce, who has fought top prospects throughout his career but is coming off a lengthy layoff, weighed 151.4 for the super welterweight bout. In the heavyweight match added to the telecastThursday morning, the physically strong and powerful Rivas, a former international amateur standout, weighed 244 pounds. Pettaway, who is looking to regain his winning ways after losing his last start, tipped the scale at 222.

 

What the fighters said Thursday:

 

DOMINIC WADE

 

“For me this is a big step up in class. Soliman is a very experienced fighter; I definitely don’t look at him as just some 41-year old who still fights. He’s a spoiler. He’s the kind of fighter that is difficult to look good against because he’s so awkward. I expect him to jump and throw punches and then hold, but I’ve trained to control him from the outside with my jab.

 

“I feel like it’s time for a real test. It’s time to see where I’m at. I could have fought easier, but I’ve been working hard at the gym and this is the time for me to start moving toward a world title shot.

 

“Going 10 rounds with Nick Brinson [in his ShoBox debut in June 2014] was a good learning experience. I thought I was going to stop him for sure, probably early, but he was tougher than I thought. He surprised me. Nothing Soliman will do will surprise me and I am 100 percent ready for Friday.’’

 

SAM SOLIMAN

 

“The right knee that I hurt against Jermain Taylor is 100 percent. I’ll be wearing a brace but it is nothing I’ll be thinking about. I had four months of rehab, but I’ve been injury-free in the seven months since.

 

“As a former kickboxer, I have been in a million wars, so this wasn’t even the worst injury I’ve ever suffered. You can’t compare it to what I went through as a kickboxer so I feel great. There are no mental fears or anything.

 

“I don’t want to be a stepping stone for anybody. I feel his promoters and advisors made a mistake in picking me. I still have plenty of fight left. They could have picked a lot of other fighters if they were looking to make a name for Wade.

 

“For me to still be fighting has nothing to do with age or special genes. It’s all about how you live your life.

 

“Wade is a good boxer, a smart kid who will try and keep you at bay. But I’ve fought 30-40 guys with that style. He’s talented and I don’t want to take anything away from him, but you need to have some tough fights. I know they see me as their ticket to a world ranking, a 41-year-old former champion. But they picked the wrong guy.’’

 

ERICKSON LUBIN

 

“I’m just here to fight. This is my first time on SHOWTIME and I’m really looking forward to it.

 

“I feel like my career is going just great. I fought a lot last year and hope to fight four-five times this year. I want to be labeled as a contender real soon, so I just keep fighting. I can fight at super welterweight or welterweight with no problems weigh-wise.

 

“I’m in a good division. I’ve been watching all the young guys. I feel I could fight any of them now, but I know I have to be patient. Still, if I had my way, I’d fight every month if I could.

 

“I’m still learning, of course, but I know I am getting there.  I feel one of my greatest strengths is my ability to make adjustments. If one thing isn’t working I can adjust it to something totally different.’’

 

AYI BRUCE

 

“I can box or slug and have faced some tough guys. I’ve been off but that’s because a couple of fights fell out on me. I feel really strong and very prepared.

 

“Lubin is only 19. I’m going to show him my experience in the ring. I’ve fought lefties before so that will not be a problem.

 

“I’m coming to fight. I’m coming to win. I need to win. On Friday, I’m going to be the teacher and he is going to be the pupil. I’ll be taking him to school.’’

 

OSCAR RIVAS

 

“This is a great opportunity for me fighting on ShoBox. I want America to see me, I want to show the people what I’ve got. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time.

 

“I’m strong, but I think I’m a better boxer than people expect. I feel I have a lot of ability. All that international amateur experience made me well-rounded. I’m not just a pressure guy. I’ve got good movement and I throw a lot of combinations with speed.

 

“I’m happy with the way my career is going. They’re taking their time with me but I feel I’m ready to step up against tougher opposition. At 6-foot-1, I’m short for a heavyweight but I’m a tough fighter for guys taller than me.

 

“There has never been a heavyweight champion from Colombia. To become the first is a great motivation for me.

 

“I look forward to fighting the biggest names in the division. I’ve been waiting for the time and the time is now to move up. I feel I’m going to be a part of the heavyweight dance for a long time.

 

“But I’m not underestimating Pettaway. I look at him as a complete boxer who can take a punch and has good speed and power.’’

 

JASON PETTAWAY

 

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, what I have been working for my whole life. I feel like this is a big step up for me, but it is also a big step up for him. I don’t think he has ever fought anybody as good as me.

 

“I know that a lot of people haven’t heard of me, but a win on Friday, and a couple more right after that, will put me right in the thick of the heavyweight mix.

 

“I’m definitely in great shape. I’m improving and getting more comfortable with each fight. I think nerves and fighting under the big lights has cost me before, but I’m over that now.

 

“I am really looking forward to fighting a guy like Rivas.’’

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox blow by blow with boxing expertSteve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as ringside analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

Tickets for “Little Creek Brawl VII” from Skookum Creek Event Center start at $20 and are available online at www.little-creek.com or by calling1.800.667.7711.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. PT, with the first fight tentatively set to begin at 6 p.m.  Live coverage will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m. local time (PT).

 

For more information about Little Creek Casino Resort and its full line-up of upcoming acts that includes Paul Rodgers, Trace Adkins, Dwight Yoakam, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, YES and Toto, please call 800-667-7711 or visit online at www.little-creek.com

 

Weights from Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino for ‘Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network’

Dennis Hogan 151 lbs. vs. Kenny Abril 152 lbs.

10 ROUNDS WBA-NABA US SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

 

Tony Luis 137.5 lbs. vs. Edward Valdez 136 lbs.

CO-MAIN EVENT: LIGHTWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS

 

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller 268 lbs. vs. Excell Holmes 250 lbs.

TV OPENER: HEAVYWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

 

Bakhtiyer Eubov 150 lbs. vs. Jason Thompson 146 lbs.

TV SWING BOUT: WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

 

Joe Greene 169 lbs. vs. Guy Packer 165 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

 

Hoshuan Sambolin 133 lbs. vs. Anthony Dave 139 lbs.

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

 

Daniel Dejesus NA vs. Josue Rivera NA

LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

 

Venue: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls, NY

 

Promoters: Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions

 

TV: CBS Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/PT)

 

Tickets:priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, onlineat Ticketmaster.comor through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: 716-501-2444.

Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network Final Press Conference Quotes and Photos

 

Click HERE For More Photos

 

NIAGARA FALLS, NY (June 25, 2015) – The final press conference was held today fortomorrow night’s “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” at the Seneca Niagara Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

 

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the night’s 10-round main event will feature WBA #11- and IBF #6-rated Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) of Queensland, Australia (via Kildare, Ireland) making the first defense of his WBA-NABA US Super Welterweight Championship against local favorite Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester, New York.

 

Action begins on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET/PT with American heavyweight knockout artist Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (13-0-1, 10 KOs) taking on local slugger Excell Holmes of Buffalo in a six-rounder. The televised co-main event will feature Canada’s WBA #14-rated Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-3, 7 KOs) facing New York (via Dominican Republic) veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

 

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” are priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: 716-501-2444.

 

Here is what the main event participants had to say:

 

DENNIS HOGAN

 

I know he’s (Abril) a slippery southpaw. I know he’s had some good wins and he’s durable. Being tricky, he can cause problems, so I’ve worked hard to be able to predict the unpredictable in my training.

 

I’m ok with being the out-of-town guy for this fight. 100%. I did this a lot as an amateur. If you fight a guy from Dublin at the stadium in Dublin the whole crowd is against you.

 

We teamed up with Greg Cohen Promotions, which was good because I wanted to get to America where it’s all happening. This is my third fight since November and we’re working our way up the ladder. We’re making big movements with every fight. I’m getting more popular here and I’m starting to get known and it’s all working very well.

 

KENNY ABRIL

Dennis Hogan, we’ve seen him fight. He’s tough and he comes forward. He stays busy. It looks like he comes in shape, but he’s one-dimensional. I think he stands too straight-up at times. Besides that, I really give him credit. He’s a strong fighter.

 

A win over him would rejuvenate my career. I’ve been off for a year, but I’ve been in the gym sparring and staying active. It’s not like I’ve been at home eating potato chips. It’ll boost me back up and give the confidence I need.

 

It’s beautiful to be fighting on national television in my hometown. I think it’s God’s way of telling me ‘you’re not done with this sport yet.’ A lot of people tell me I’m talented. I’m a real good boxer. I’ve been boxing since the age of seven. I’ve had some bumps in the road through my career, thinking after I won my first three fights I was a world champion. But I grew and matured in the sport of boxing and now I know what it takes.


# # #


 

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, New York. For more information, call 716.299.1100, or visitwww.senecaniagaracasino.com. The casino box office is open from 12pm- 8pm Sun-Thurs. & 12pm – 12 am Friday & Saturday and is located in the Seasons Gift Shop located in the north wing of the casino. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visit www.gcpboxing.com or check us out on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.
 

About Greg Cohen Promotions 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen made headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

 

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.

 Canada’s Tony Luis Set for Ring Return on Friday, June 26, at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino and Live on CBS Sports Network

 

After a successful turn as a televised boxing commentator, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada’s Tony “Lightning” Luis is set to return to the ring in the co-featured bout of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2015, from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York.

In his first fight since his highly controversial “loss” to England’s Derry Matthews for the WBA World Championship last April, WBA #14-rated Luis will face New York (via Dominican Republic) veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” are priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: 716-501-2444.

 

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the night’s 10-round main event will feature WBA #11- and IBF #6-rated Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) of Queensland, Australia (via Kildare, Ireland) making the first defense of his WBA-NABA US Super Welterweight Championship against local favorite Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester, New York.

“Training is going great!” said an upbeat-sounding Luis. “Edward Valdez is a tough, seasoned veteran who can surprise anyone if you sleep on him. He gave Ivan Redkach eight hard rounds and that’s the Valdez I’m preparing for.”

Luis did a nice job in his first assignment as color commentator. He worked the Kayode vs. Kisner broadcast from Beale Street last month. “The commentating gig in Memphis was a great experience. I always wanted that job as a kid and it felt like I had been doing it all my life. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself and look forward to doing it again in the future.”

A popular figure in his hometown and throughout his native Canada, Luis also adds that he’s looking forward to a strong showing from his countrymen, as Niagara Falls is a very short distance from Canada.

“Fighting so close to the Canadian border I’m hoping for a good turnout from my fellow Canadian supporters! I plan on putting on a great show for them and the national television viewers. I hope the strength of this performance will propel me into another world title fight and this time I plan on taking the belt home.”

And in two very special added features, American heavyweight knockout artist Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (13-0-1, 10 KOs) will return to the ring just 22 days after his main-event TKO 2 over Damon McCreary to take on local slugger Excell Holmes of Buffalo in a six-rounder; and long-time top middleweight contender “Mean” Joe Greene (25-1, 16 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time in over two years to face Michigan’s Guy Packer in a six-rounder.

On the undercard, two local prospects will make their pro debuts, as Rochester, New York super featherweight Hashuan Sambolin will go his first four against Cincinnati’s Micah Branch; and Buffalo lightweight Daniel DeJesus will make his debut against TBA.And rounding the action, Kazakhstan’s undefeated Bakhtiyer Eubov will look to keep his perfect 5-0, 5 KOs record intact against New York welterweight Jason Thompson (5-10-4, 4 KOs).

 

###

 

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, New York. For more information, call 716.299.1100, or visitwww.senecaniagaracasino.com. The casino box office is open from 12pm- 8pm Sun-Thurs. & 12pm – 12 am Friday & Saturday and is located in the Seasons Gift Shop located in the north wing of the casino. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visit www.gcpboxing.com or check us out on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing.Twitter: @GCPBoxing

About Greg Cohen Promotions 

 

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

 

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

 

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen made headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

 

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman (50-8-2, 41 KOs); and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney (74-7-3, 45 KOs).

 

Current world-rated contenders in the GCP roster include Arash Usmanee, universally recognized as a top-10 super featherweight; former WBA International Middleweight Champion and world-rated middleweight contender Jarrod Fletcher; top-rated featherweight Joel Brunker; cruiserweight Lateef Kayode; Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis, and WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Rising Welterweight sensation Cecil McCalla.

 

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network Card Scheduled for Friday, June 26, at Seneca Niagara Casino Taking Shape

Hogan Set to Take on Abril in Main Event

 

The next installment of “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, scheduled forFriday, June 26, 2015, from the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, New York, is taking shape.

Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions in association with Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Promotions, Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions, Dmitriy Salita’s Star Of David Promotions and produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, the night’s 10-round main event will feature WBA #11- and IBF #6-rated Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) of Queensland, Australia (via Kildare, Ireland), making the first defense of his WBA-NABA US Super Welterweight Championship against local favorite Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester, New York.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network” are priced at $35 and $45, and ringside seating is $75 and can be purchased with a major credit card by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or through the Seneca Niagara Casino Box Office: (716) 501-2444.

In the co-featured bout, Canada’s WBA #14-rated Tony “Lightning” Luis (19-3, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his highly controversial “loss” to England’s Derry Matthews for the WBA World Championship last April. Luis will take on tough veteran Edward Valdez (13-10-2, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

And in two very special added features, American heavyweight knockout artist Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (13-0-1, 10 KOs) will return to the ring just 22 days after his main-event TKO 2 over Damon McCreary to take on local slugger Excell Holmes of Buffalo in a six-rounder; and long-time top middleweight contender “Mean” Joe Greene (25-1, 16 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time in over two years to face Michigan’s Guy Packer in a six-rounder.

On the undercard, two local prospects will make their pro debuts, as Rochester, New York, super featherweight Hashuan Sambolin will go his first four against Cincinnati’s Micah Branch; and Buffalo lightweight Daniel DeJesus will make his debut against TBA.And rounding the action, Kazakhstan’s undefeated Bakhtiyer Eubov will look to keep his perfect 5-0, 5 KOs record intact against New York welterweight Jason Thompson (5-10-4, 4 KOs).

The Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is located at 310 4th Street in Niagara Falls, New York. For more information, call 716.299.1100, or visit www.senecaniagaracasino.com. The casino box office is open from 12 pm- 8 pmSun-Thurs. & 12 pm – 12 am Friday and Saturday and is located in the Seasons Gift Shop located in the north wing of the casino. For more information on Greg Cohen Promotions, visit www.gcpboxing.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.