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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2015 officially announced

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Lou DiBella, Shelly Finkel, Arnie Bayer, Carey Mace, George Russo, Peter Timothy & Mort Sharnik
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (September 15, 2015) – Promoter Lou DiBella and manager/promoter Shelly Finkel lead a seven-member Class of 2015 into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF).  New members will be inducted at the 11THannual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Friday night,November 13 in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees also includes former boxing commissioner Peter Timothy and, posthumously, boxers Carey Mace and George Russo, boxing writer Mort Sharnik and boxing advocate Arnie Bayer.
“We at the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame are very excited to announce this year’s class of inductees,” new CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We have a great mix of internationally recognized boxing legends and a wonderful and most deserving group of Connecticut’s boxing royalty. Personally, I am so pleased to introduce this class in my first year as president of this incredible organization. I look forward to seeing all our Connecticut boxing fans at Mohegan Sun on November 13th.”
Based in New York City, DiBella (pictured to left) is the former Head of Boxing for HBO, creating the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series. His promotional company, DiBella Entertainment, has promoted countless boxing events at Mohegan Sun Arena and Foxwoods Resort Casino during the past two decades.  DiBella also owned the Connecticut Defenders minor league baseball team that was based in Norwich.  His top fighters have included Sergio Martinez,Bernard Hopkins, Paulie Malignaggi, Jermain Taylor, CBHOF inductee “Irish” Micky Ward, and Andre Berto among the more notables. A Harvard Law School graduate, DiBella is also a successful movie producer.
Finkel (pictured to right with the late Emanuel Steward), also from New York City, is an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee who was a fixture at Connecticut fights for many years as either a promoter or manager.  He is also a successful manager in the music industry.  In the early 1990s, Finkel was arguably the most powerful manager in boxing.  His most celebrated clients included Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor and Wladimir Klitschko.
Timothy (pictured to left with Sugar Ray Leonard) was boxing commissioner of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal National Commission at Foxwoods from 1995 to 2009.  He was mentored by the late John Burns, who was the founder of the CBHOF of which he is also an inductee.  During his tenure at Foxwoods, Timothy regulated hundreds of pro events, including 90 title fight.  Highlights of his reign included CBHOF inductee John Ruiz–Evander Holyfield III for the WBA world heavyweight championship and, perhaps, the greatest fight in Foxwoods history, the IBF world cruiserweight title fight between James Toney and Vassily Jirov.  Other stars who fought at Foxwoods when Timothy was in charge include Roy Jones, Jr., Diego Corrales, Shane Mosely and Acelino Freitas, along with CBHOF inductees Dana Rosenblatt, Peter Manfredo, Jr. and U.S. Olympian Lawrence Clay-Bey.
Mace (72-18-2), born in Hartford, started fighting professionally in the late 1940s.  His most notable victory came in 1950, stopping former world champion Joe Giardello.  Mace was a member of CBHOF charter member Willie Pep‘s stable and was ranked at one point as high as No. 8 welterweight in the world.  Mace, whose last bout was a loss to CBHOF memberGaspar Ortega in 1962, lived in Manchester when he passed away at the age of 73 in 2003.
Russo had 85 pro fights between 1922 and 1934.  He moved to Bridgeport when he was six and he eventually became a local legend in boxing, operating gyms like Red Man’s Hall, Acorn Club and East Washington Avenue.  In 1992, he brought boxing back after a decade-long absence to the Old PAL building in Bridgeport. Russo also was recognized as the “Johnny Duke of Southern Connecticut.”
Born in New Haven, the late Sharnick lived nearly all his life in Norwalk, before returning to Florida, where he was elected to the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012, largely for founding the Smart Boxer Institute.  Sharnik was a boxing writer for 23 years at Sports Illustrated, highlighted by his coverage of Cassius Clay–Sonny Liston I, quoted wildly for saying, “Liston has fists like cannonballs.”  He moved on to become the chief for consultant at CBS for nine years and was chief advisor and the lone true believer in George Foreman‘s comeback bid eventually leading to another world heavyweight title.  Sharnick also was an advisor for CBHOF member and two-time world champion Marlon Starling, persuading the future world champion to add Eddie Futch as his head trainer.  Futch’s assistant, CBHOF member Freddie Roach, would eventually train Starling when he became world welterweight champion.
Bayer was widely respected as a true advocate of boxing, always quick to lend a helping hand, as well as opening wallet to help support boxing gyms in cities like CBHOF inductee Johnny Duke’s Boys Club Gym in Bellevue Square, Hartford.
Tickets for the CBHOF 11th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 11th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
CONTACT:
Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, bobtfcp@hotmail.com,978.590.0470, @fightpublicist
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Link to CBHOF Website
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Trey Lippe-Morrison joins forces with Freddie Roach!

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Lippe Suit Promo.jpg
For Immediate Release
Tulsa, OK (August 4, 2015) – Heavyweight knockout king Trey Lippe-Morrison is now training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.
A seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Trainer of the Year, Roach’s resume is amongst the greatest in history. During the last quarter century, Roach trained countless greats including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, Mike Tyson, Wladimir Klitschko, James Toney, Michael Moorer, Ruslan Provodnikov Amir Khan and Guillermo Rigondeaux amongst others. In 2012, Roach was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
“Freddie and I connected well during our first session,” said Lippe-Morrison, who was previously trained by fellow legend Jesse Reid before logistics amicably ended their relationship. “It means the world that Freddie wants to work with me because I’m only 8-0. The majority of his fighters are at the championship level and I’m not there yet. I expect to get great sparring at the Wild Card Gym and receive constant feedback from the training staff.”
With a perfect 8-0 record, Lippe-Morrison’s dynamic punching power had Roach raving amongst his peers at Wild Card. On May 30, Morrison continued his path of destruction, stopping Thomas Jones in the second stanza. Having drawn comparisons to his late father Tommy Morrison, Trey’s working extremely hard to improve and show the boxing world his skills make him worthy of attention, not his last name. A staple at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK as part of the “Four State Franchise”, Lippe-Morrison has what it takes to become America’s next great heavyweight according to Roach.
“I’m really looking forward to working Trey’s corner for the first time later this month,” said Roach. “He has tremendous power in both hands. We’re going to knock a lot of people out!”
Lippe-Morrison’s Promoter Tony Holden of Holden Productions is overjoyed that his prized prospect is training with the man widely considered the best trainer in the sport and believes the sky’s the limit.
“I’m excited to have Freddie on board,” said Holden. I knew Trey was special but Freddie working with him confirms that. Trey’s dad was a great fighter who’s biggest attribute was power. Trey has more raw power than his father did and I truly mean that. It’s going to be great to see his career develop under Freddie Roach.”
Lippe-Morrison’s first match under the tutelage of Roach comes August 29 at Memorial Hall in Joplin, MO.

 

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Seconds Out Promotions Signs Light Heavyweight Powerhouse Marcus Oliveira to a Promotional Agreement

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Tony Grygelko of Minneapolis-based Seconds Out Promotions proudly announces the signing of hard-punching former world-title challenger Marcus Oliveira to a promotional contract.

 

From Menominee, Wisconsin, and of Menominee Nation, native, heritage, 36-year-old Oliveira (25-1-1, 20 KOs) is also a former NABF and WBA Fedebol Light Heavyweight Champion.

The promotional agreement is a reunion of sorts, as Grygelko was Oliveira’s promoter for much of his early professional career.

 

“I used to promote Marcus, prior to him signing with Don King, and it’s truly an honor to be able to promote him again and help position him for another world title shot,” said Tony Grygelko. “It seems that with his previous promoter not actively seeking fights, and his loss to Jurgen Brähmer, that Marcus has been written off, but the truth is he is extremely focused and has a burning desire to show all his fans that he has the talent to win a World Championship! He plans to shake off some ring rust off with a couple fights and then he’ll be looking to go after some of the big names in the division, such as Andrezj Fonfara, Sergey Kovalev, Bernard Hopkins, and a rematch with Brähmer.”

 

Oliveira, who was a heavily decorated amateur boxer before turning pro in 2006, said he feels his career had been stalled by an agreement he signed with another promoter. He says he happy to now be free of that contract and back to working with someone he trusts.

 

“I was looking for someone who could get me to the next level in my career and Tony has already done that for quite a few guys, so it was an easy decision,” said Oliveira. “He’s always straight-up with me and treats me well. I have a great relationship with him. I’m very happy about this new direction.”

 

“We’re very excited to be back working with Tony,” said Oliveira’s Manager, Douglas Ward from the Underground Boxing Company. “It’s good to be working with a promoter that has our same set of goals.”

 

Oliveira joins a Seconds Out stable that also includes Carson Jones and recent world-title challenger Caleb Truax.
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North Philly’s Own Cheesesteak, Sumo Steaks, is Proud of Philadelphia Boxers, Bryant Jennings and Jesse Hart

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PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 24, 2015– North Philly’s Own Cheesesteaks, Sumo Steaks, is proud to announce that their friends, fellow North Philadelphians, and big-hearted local community role models, Bryant Jennings and Jesse Hart, will both soon be making major career defining strides. Bryant Jennings will be fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship and Jesse Hart will be fighting on the undercard of the most anticipated Fight of the Century, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
Bryant Jennings enjoying a Sumo (Vegetarian Seitan) Cheesesteak
This Saturday, April 25th, Philadelphia’s own undefeated American boxer, Bryant “By-By” Jennings, (19-0, 10 KOs) takes on Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (63-3, 54 KOs) from Kiev, Ukraine at the famed Madison Square Garden. Jennings will be joined by the legendary trainer Fred Jenkins and promoter Gary Shaw. “Bryant is very focused with a strong work ethic. We believe he’s going to upset Klitschko and are looking forward to “By-By” bringing the World Heavyweight Championship belts back to Philadelphia.” said Billy Creagh of Sumo Steaks.
Jesse Hart (left); Sumo Steaks owner Billy Creagh and Eugene “Cyclone” Hart

Sumo Steaks is equally excited for Jesse Hart (16-0,13 KOs) and D&D Management Team (Doc Nowicki & David Price) who will be fighting Mike Jimenez (17-0,11 KOs) from Chicago IL, on the biggest boxing card in history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. They will come together on May 2nd, in Las Vegas, NV. at the MGM Grand for the USBA Super Middleweight Title. He will be joined by his cornermen, Fred Jenkins Sr, Danny Davis, Corey AKA Hundew MacDonald and Jesse’s father, Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, along with his promoter Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

Coincidentally In 1971, North Philadelphia’s Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali and won the World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden in which was called “the Fight of the Century.” It was so big the ring announcer said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are not going to introduce the celebrities at ringside tonight, because everybody is here tonight.”

Located in North Philadelphia, home to boxing champions, Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia and the late Joe Frazier, Sumo Steaks opened in 2013 and was recently voted top Cheesesteak in Philly. They have been fortunate to get to know both Jesse and Bryant and their teams through various charity events and other activities. Sumo Steaks is also a proud sponsor of boxing events in Philadelphia. For more information, go to sumosteaks.com.
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Manager John Seip signs Italian super middleweight prospect Daniele Marco Scardina

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(L-R) – Daniele Marco Scardina and John Seip

 

MIAMI (April 6, 2015) – Veteran boxing manager John Seip has signed highly decorated Italian amateur boxer Daniele Marco Scardina to an exclusive managerial contract.

 

Seip is best known for guiding Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin to the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world middleweight title. The native New Yorker also manages rising British super middleweight Steed “The Stallion” Woodall (7-0-1, 5 KOs).

 

The 21-year-old Scardina hails from Rozzano, a town of less than 40,000 people in the Province of Milan. He started boxing in 2008 at the age of 16, following in his uncle’s footsteps who was a boxer at that time, as well as Daniele’s role model.

 

Scardina, who had 56 amateur bouts, captured top honors in numerous Italian tournaments including the Rovereto National, National Silver Glove, and two National Golden Gloves. He also won a bronze medal at an International event.

 

In 2013, he boxed for the Italia Thunder Boxing Team in the World Series of Boxing, winning his only match against a German opponent.

 

Scardina first caught Seip’s attention at the world famous 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach, originally opened in 1950 by Chris Dundee, and the home of countless world champions have trained there including Muhammad Ali, Carmen Basilio, Willie Pastrano, Emile Griffith, Archie Moore, Roberto Duran, Sonny Liston and Willie Pep. The rich tradition continues at the new 5th St. Gym, located nearby at 1434 Alton Street, where top fighters from around the world such as Bernard Hopkins still train.

 

“I first saw him training at the 5th St. Gym and he looked like a typical amateur,” Seip explained. “He threw wide punches and didn’t know how to throw a good jab. Trainers Guy Laieta and Dino Spencer started working with him and now he’s using his reach, fighting at a distance, and throwing combinations of jabs and hooks. He’s passionate about boxing, listening and learning every day. Daniele has good hand speed and power. He’s a handsome kid, too. I saw something in him, intangibles, and decided to sign him.

 

“Dino is an owner who has created a top-notch gym with great sparring opportunities in an atmosphere featuring so many talented fighters who really push each other. It’s already apparent that Danielle has improved his skills training there. He’s long, fast and powerful. His work ethic is incredible; he’s the first in the gym, last to leave. You can’t hurt this kid, either. We all believe that he has a very bright future.”

 
Scardina hits heavy-bag at 5th St. Gym in Miami Beach

Unlike fighters from Russia and former Soviet-bloc nations, as well as those from Latin America who come to the United States to establish their professional boxing careers, Italian-born fighters rarely have followed the same route as Scardina, who moved to Miami last year and sleeps on the floor of his brother’s apartment.

 

The lone Italian-born world champion who fought professionally in America is Vito Antuofermo (50-7-2, 21 KOs), who was the WBC/WBA middleweight champion in 1979-1980. Antuofermo, though, moved with his family to Brooklyn from Puglia, Italy when he was 17 and he learned how to box in America.

 

“I have always wanted to be a champion in America,” Scardina said. “That’s the American dream for me. I think I’ll have a great opportunity in this country to be the greatest boxer I can be with the right help. John Seip is the right manager for me because he believes we can the world championship together as a team.”

 

Scardina’s favorite boxers are Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Miguel Cotto. “I’m working on perfection as an outside fighter and to main my arms closer,” Scardina added. I’m fighting to become world champion.”

 

Scardina is expected to make his pro debut this May or June.

 

Follow Scardina on Instagram @danieletoretto.

 

boxing, Golden Boy Promotions

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS AND EYE OF THE TIGER MANAGEMENT HOLD A SPECIAL MEDIA ROUNDTABLE TO DISCUSS SIGNING OF DAVID LEMIEUX

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LEMIEUX’S FIRST BOUT UNDER THE GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS BANNER TO AIR ON HBO®

Photo Credit: Frederick Hawthorne/LA Watts Times

Click HERE to Download Additional Photos

Photo Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 17) – Golden Boy Promotions alongside Eye of the Tiger Managementheld an intimate roundtable at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, to discuss the recent signing of David Lemieux (33-2, 31 KOs) to Golden Boy Promotions. The impressive middleweight contender Lemieux, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner Bernard Hopkins, President of Eye of the Tiger Management Camille Estephan, and Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez were all in attendance.

 

The hard-hitting Montreal native’s next bout was confirmed to be broadcasted on HBO and Lemieux expressed his interest in fighting the best in the middleweight division. Below is what the Montreal native, his promoters and his management had to say:

 

DAVID LEMIEUX, Middleweight Contender

 

“I have put in the work. What you saw in Brooklyn was only 50 percent of what I can do and I feel like I can be a lot better. I want to show that in my next fight.

 

“I fear no man, I want to go after the top of the food chain. Oscar and Bernard came up fighting the best and I am of the same mind.

 

“Canelo is a younger, hungrier fighter. He is explosive. He is a tough fighter and it would be a good match up.

 

“Everyone is on the list. I want to fight the best.

 

“The reason I started so young was because I was a trouble maker. I was fighting in the streets.  My neighbor was a boxer and he told me to come fight real fighters. I got my ass kicked a few times but I fell in love with it.

 

“We want to make a good run at 160 and then think about moving up in weight.

 

“I have always liked power punchers and I respect others’ styles and other champions, but I never mimic them.”

 

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions

 

“We are exploring every option. We can go to Montreal, we can go back to New York City, we can come to Las Vegas; that’s the beauty of David. He can fight anywhere and people will come out to watch him.

 

“He’s still growing. We haven’t seen his full potential which is very exciting. He has explosiveness and power.

 

“We will be working hand and hand with Eye of the Tiger Management. We are partners and we want the best fights, the best deals. We will be working together in the best interest for David.

 

“A future fight with Canelo is possible.  Canelo wants to fight the best. Lemieux wants to fight the best.  For now we want to focus on 160-pounds weight class and on Cotto, Andy lee and Golovkin.”

 

BERNARD HOPKINS, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

 

“We got this guy [Lemieux], he is tough. I know Gabriel Rosado and he handled him easily. I know what I am looking at. I have an eye for talent and he has it.

 

“We are going to continue and show you that we will put on the best fights and give the fans quality. I’m in it to make the best fights. The ratings speak for themselves. The fans speak for themselves. Judge us by the quality of the matches you see and don’t get caught up in the ‘feelings’ of it.

 

“I want to put a call out to everyone, that is how Oscar was brought up, that is how I was brought up, fighting the best.

 

“Three things about David: one, he signed with Golden Boy Promotions; two, he has talent in many ways, not only is he a fan favorite he is a good defensive fighter; three, he has good looks.

 

“I am seeing now the molding of another legacy, his legacy. But at the end of the day he has an opportunity in the middle weight division, I am glad to be here with a middleweight who I feel already has a lot of respect.

 

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management

 

“Canelo is on the list. Cotto is on the list. Golovkin is on the list. Andy Lee is on the list. Everyone is on the list.

 

“I definitely think he is the most popular boxer, the numbers prove it.  He has a lot of potential and the sky is the limit.

 

“I got a call yesterday from someone in the boxing world about how exciting it is to be working with Golden Boy and he said ‘David is like a sunshine that beams on the world of boxing’ and it is very heartwarming. It’s heartwarming to sit down with Oscar, Bernard and Eric, whom I have gotten to know very well since the Rosado fight. This is great group of people and I think that we can build something together that will make a huge impact in the boxing world.

 

“David is the one guy, that as soon as I saw him the first time in the gym, the first sit-up he did and the last sit-up he did were exactly the same, he doesn’t cheat. He has the ultimate confidence because he doesn’t cheat himself and I have the ultimate respect for him. I am very proud of him as a person.

 

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions

 

“After the Rosado fight, Lemieux was impressive and we began talks with Camille. People love David and it made sense.  David has an exciting style.

 

“We are looking at HBO, the ratings against Rosado were some of the best all year. They are very excited about David.”

# # #

 

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.eottm.com on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @EOTMVD, @lemieuxboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/EyeoftheTigerManagement or follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya and@DavidLemieuxBoxing.
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BOXING LEGEND AND FUTURE HALL-OF-FAMER BERNARD HOPKINS CELEBRATES 50

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Photo Credit: Greg Gorman

 

PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 15, 2015) – Boxing legend Bernard Hopkins is known by many names – “The Executioner,” “The Alien” and “B-Hop” to name a few. Beginning today, he will have yet another moniker – “50-year-old.”

 

This is an important milestone in the life of the future Hall of Famer. He is celebrating a birthday that for most athletes comes long after their retirement. It is remarkable that he is not only still active, but just months removed from fighting at the very pinnacle of his sport.

 

Hopkins is a surefire first ballot addition to the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) when he becomes eligible. His decade-long run as world champion, combined with unifying all of the belts in the division, gives him a claim to being the greatest middleweight of all time. The fact that he put together a second-career that saw him unify light heavyweight titles lends credence to Hopkins’ claims that he is “not of this world.”

 

“I come from an old school of boxing where you fight the best out there and prove yourself,” said Hopkins. “I want to be an example for the young fighters coming up that in order to be successful in the sport, you have to protect yourself at all times. That means in and out of the ring. I’ve been able to do that as I am still fighting while also celebrating my 50th birthday. This is my testament to success.”

 

Throughout his career Hopkins never backed down from facing the best. His fight-by-fight reads like a who’s who of Hall of Famers, world champions and top-flight boxers. Hopkins faced all three fighters inducted into the IBHOF in 2014, having beaten Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad and dropping a decision to Joe Calzaghe. He holds multiple records for his run at middleweight, including the longest reign as world champion (10 years, two months and 17 days) and for the most consecutive title defenses (20).

 

At light heavyweight and into his forties he continued to make history. In May 2011, Hopkins defeated Jean Pascal for the WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship, passing George Foreman as the oldest boxer to ever win a world title (46 years, four months and six days).

 

He broke his own record two years later when he defeated Tavoris Cloud for the IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship (48 years, one month and 22 days). In 2014 he set another record as he became the oldest fighter to unify world titles when he defeated Beibut Shumenov to add the WBA Light Heavyweight World Championship to his IBF crown.

 

“No one can deny the legacy that I’ve created in this sport. I am really proud of what I did, who I fought, how I matured along the way. I feel really good about something no one can take away or deny my place in the sports’ history,” said Hopkins.

 

Hopkins’ does hope to leave a legacy beyond the sport of boxing, specifically as a pillar of health and fitness for the African-American community and the over-40 crowd. Both of Hopkins’ parents passed away before the age of 50, due to complications of diabetes and heart disease. This has led the champ on his crusade for clean living that gives him satisfaction in the organic foods that he cooks himself.

 

“We only live once and our bodies are our temples. I am not going to eat something that is not good for my system,” said Hopkins. “I fuel myself with energy producing foods. Without this daily habit my body would have given up on me a long time ago.”

 

Hopkins has also long fought for the rights of his fellow boxers. Famously testifying before Congress in support of the Muhammad Ali act. In 2014, Hopkins appeared at the United States Capitol building to help raise the profile of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s comprehensive study of professional boxers and the effect their sport has on their brain.

 

In the last decade, Hopkins has been contributing to the sport as a promoter. Since his 2005 middleweight title unification bout with Oscar De La Hoya, Hopkins and “The Golden Boy” have formed a partnership with Hopkins owning a percentage of Golden Boy Promotions and helping promote their fights all over the country.

 

On January 20th, Golden Boy will honor Hopkins’ 50th birthday with a special edition of Golden Boy Live! on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes live from the 2300 Arena in Hopkins’ hometown of Philadelphia. Philly’s own Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter will headline the night of fights. He will take on Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in a 10-round featherweight bout.

 

“I believe in investing in this sport and that means stepping up to the plate as an athlete and as a promoter,” said Hopkins. “I have an opportunity and a responsibility to the fighters and the fans to make this sport the best it can be.”

 

Whether you admire him for his work inside the ring, or the way he lives his life outside, there is no denying that Hopkins is one-of-a-kind. When he eventually leaves the sport it will be bittersweet, as he once said:

 

“Enjoy this while you can. Don’t worry about when or how I’m going to leave or break down. You guys are all humans, I understand you, but you don’t understand me.”

 

Wish Bernard a ‘Happy Birthday’ on Twitter @TheRealBHop and use the hashtag #BHOP50.
boxing

COMCAST SPORTSNET CELEBRATES LEGENDARY BOXER BERNARD HOPKINS’ LIFE

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“Hopkins at 50” Debuts Tomorrow, January 14 at 6:30 pm

PHILADELPHIA (January 13, 2014) – Tomorrow, January 14, Comcast SportsNet celebrates the life of legendary boxer Bernard Hopkins on the eve of his 50th birthday. “Hopkins at 50,” hosted by Neil Hartman, is a 30-minute sit down interview that looks back on his early years, as well as what is ahead for the boxer as he approaches the half-century mark.

In the interview, Hopkins is very reflective as he talks about his early years that played a critical role in his development in the ring and about his road to success, including defending his World Middleweight Championship 20 times during a 12-year period. The program also includes rarely seen video of Hopkins boxing at Graterford prison.

Bernard walks down memory lane as he returns to Germantown where he grew up and relives some of his most memorable press conferences. Viewers will also get a glimpse of his incredible training routine that keeps him in top shape to keep boxing at his age.

“2015 is a year that whatever band, group, player that you wish you could see one more time, no matter the era, I’m that person you want to see in 2015,” said Hopkins, who hopes to step in the ring at a couple more times this year.

“Hopkins at 50” debuts tomorrow, January 14 at 6:30 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet and replays on the following dates and times:

Comcast SportsNet:
Thursday, January 15 at 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, January 19 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21 at 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Friday, January 23 at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27 at 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m.

The Comcast Network:
Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.

“Hopkins at 50” will also air on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic on:
Saturday, January 17 at 7 p.m.

And on The Comcast Network Mid-Atlantic on:
Friday, January 16 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21 at 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 27 at 10:30 p.m.

Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, part of the NBC Sports Group, is the leading regional sports network reaching more than three million homes in and around Philadelphia, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Together with The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia provides local sports fans with the most sports coverage including more than 550 live game broadcasts of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies, MLS’s Philadelphia Union, plus NCAA coverage, as well as Emmy Award-winning sports news and analysis. Visit CSNPhilly.com for more information.

NBC Sports Regional Networks, part of NBC Sports Group, consists of 10 regional networks that deliver more than 2,200 live sporting events annually, along with award-winning breaking news, comprehensive analysis, digital content and original programming to more than 43 million homes. The NBC Sports Regional Networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet California, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, which serves Baltimore and Washington D.C., Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, The Comcast Network, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and SportsNet New York. For additional information, visit ComcastSportsNet.com. For more information on NBC Sports Group properties, including press releases, photos, talent and executive bios and headshots, please visit NBCSportsGroupPressBox.com.