Murphys Boxing is excited to announce that undefeated, Irish heavyweight, Niall Kennedy (12-0-1, 8 KOs) has been added to The 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash which takes place Saturday, March 16th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues.
One of Murphys Boxing’s most popular fighters, ‘Boom Boom’, is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win this past October when he took the ‘O’ from fellow undefeated heavyweight, Brendan Barrettin a fight broadcast on DAZN.
Kennedy’s 2019 debut will fittingly take place at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Clash, his third time appearing at the annual event, and he knows firsthand the excitement and energy that comes with it.
“I won the Massachusetts State Heavyweight Title on the Murphys Paddys Day show in 2017 and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed at a boxing event. I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”
Kennedy, despite hailing from Gorey, Ireland where he works full time as a policeman, has fought 10 of his 13 professional fights in the New England area and actually considers Boston his boxing home.
“I’m blessed with the support that I have received from the people of Boston and Massachusetts in general. I have a large family connection in the state who bring out massive support so when it comes to boxing homes, Boston is my first boxing home.”
As for 2019, Kennedy is dead set on upping the competition and even has his eyes on a fellow unbeaten heavyweight who like himself is creating a buzz in a boxing crazed east coast city.
“My goal is always to improve with each fight. I want to be world ranked and fight the top names in the division but I know if that’s going to happen, 2019 has to be a huge year for me. There’s a lot of fighters I want to share the ring with but right now I think myself vs Philadelphia’s Darmani Rock is a fight that should and will happen.”
Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey agrees that 2019 will be a breakout year for Kennedy and that his addition to the St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes the event to a whole new level.
“Niall is one of our most popular fighters and he has huge fights on the horizon. We want to keep him active this year so he can be at his best for what lies ahead. Having an Irish heavyweight on a St. Patrick’s Day show puts this card over the top as one of the best Murphys Boxing has ever done.”
The Saint Patrick’s Day Clash will truly be an Irish heavy affair as Kennedy joins a card that has fellow Murphys Boxing stablemate, Cork, Ireland’s Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan (29-3, 20 KOs) in a risky fight against Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) as well as the much anticipated all Irish welterweight showdown between Cork, Ireland’s John Joyce (7-0, 4 KOs) and Lucan, Ireland’s Noel Murphy (12-1-1, 2 KOs).
Headlining the annual event will be NABA Junior Middleweight Champion, Massachusetts’ Mark DeLuca (22-1, 13 KOs) who will put his title, and his top 10 world ranking, on the line against Connecticut’s Jimmy Williams (16-1-1, 5 KOs).
In the co-main event, undefeated NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Connecticut’sCharles Foster (17-0, 8 KOs) will take on once beaten, Chicago power puncher, Mike Jiminez (22-1-2, 14 KOs).
Murphys Boxing’s 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes place on Saturday, March 16th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues (15 Lansdowne Street). Doors open at 7pm. The night will also feature a special “in ring” acoustic performance by The Dropkick Murphys. Limited tickets are on sale now at:
1/26 – William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs) UD over Angel Suarez *Foster defended his NABF Jr. Super Featherweight Title
2/9 – Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs) KO 5 over Jesus Aviles *Gongora won the WBC South American Middleweight Title
UPCOMING MURPHYS BOXING EVENTS
3/16/19 – Boston, MA. St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3/29/19 – Melrose, MA. Vendetti vs. Woods
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Abraham Nova, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!
Murphys Boxing is proud to announce the return of junior middleweight contender and fan favorite, Greg Vendetti (20-3-1, 12 KOs) who will take on Manny Woods (16-8-1, 6 KOs) on Friday, March 29th at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts in a 10 round bout.
Vendetti, who last summer pulled off a massive upset against former world title challenger,Yoshihiro Kamegai on ESPN2,found himself in the Top 10 rankings and was offered the chance to fight France’s Michel Soro for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight Championship in Paris this past December.
‘The Villain’, who was on an incredible 16 fight winning streak, came up short in his first shot at a title but is looking to get back in the winning column in front of his hometown fans at Memorial Hall in a tough match up against upset specialist, Manny Woods.
“Despite the loss, 2018 was an amazing year for me. I fought 5 times and I had the biggest win of my career as a B-side against Kamegai which landed me in the Top 10. We were offered the Soro fight for the Interim world title and even though I felt like my body needed some time off, you can’t say no to that kind of opportunity. You never know when or if it will come again.”, explains the Stoneham, Massachusetts native.
“It was a rough camp. I trained too hard. My body was falling apart. As for the fight, it was an ugly knockout but that’s part of the game. I’m proud of how I handled it. No shame. No embarrassment. I wasn’t phased by it. Of course I wasn’t happy about it but my first thought was what do we do to get better? The fight showed me I have to get sharper. Continue to be aggressive but be smarter and more tactical about it. It was only one battle in a long war.”
As for taking on a seasoned veteran like Woods when he could have easily asked for a tune up, Vendetti shows the attitude that has made him such a fan favorite.
“I like to fight and wanted to be in a real fight in my return. Knocking out a ham and egger in the first round isn’t enjoyable for me or the fans. It’s a waste of a camp and a weight cut not to mention you don’t learn anything. Woods is a durable, legit guy who is coming to win. That’s what I need and want.”
And after going 50/50 against against world class opposition last year, would Vendetti be willing to take on a top 10 fighter again in 2019?
“100%. I want to make a statement against Woods then keep improving with each fight. I don’t want to take any steps back with the opposition. Everything forward. As long as I’m healthy, I will fight anyone in the division.”
In the co-main event, fellow Murphys Boxing stablemate and Massachusetts fan favorite, Ryan Kielczweski (29-4, 11 KOs) will take on an opponent to be named in an 8 round contest in the lightweight division.
‘The Polish Prince’ is coming off his show stealing back and forth battle with Tommy Coyle at TD Garden in Boston this past October on the undercard of the Demetrius Andrade WBO world middleweight title fight.
Despite dropping the decision, Kielczweski, who hails from Quincy, Massachusetts, showed world class talent and massive heart in an all out war that had the arena crowd on it’s feet.
Also featured on the card will be the most recent addition to Murphys Boxing’s growing roster, Mike Ohan Jr. (8-0, 5 KOs).
The son of a popular New England area professional fighter in the 1990s, Ohan Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps going 82-10 in the amateurs and picking up multiple New England Golden Gloves titles.
Fighting a remarkable 8 times in 2 years and upping the competition level in each outing, including a unanimous decision over veteran, Daniel Sostre in his last fight, Ohan has been on the fast track as a professional. The impressive win lead to the young fighter, who hails from Holbrook, Massachusetts, being offered a contract with Murphys Boxing.
“I am beyond excited to be a part of the Murphys Boxing family.”, says Ohan, Jr. who will fight an opponent to be named in a 6 round bout on the card.
“Being with such an active promotional company will give me the opportunity to grow as a fighter and showcase my skills as I move towards my dream of one day being a world champion.”
In addition to the three headlining local favorites, the card will feature a 4 round super lightweight women’s bout between Jillian DiAuto (1-1, 1 KO) and Sarah Click (0-1-1), as well as the east coast debut of Venezuelan super lightweight sensation, Luis Arcon (5-0, 5 KOs) who will take on an opponent to be named in a 6 round bout.
3 more undercard bouts will be announced shortly to kick off the night at the beloved throwback venue which has become a mainstay of Murphys Boxing.
“Memorial Hall is my favorite fight venue.”, says Ken Casey, founder of Murphys Boxing.
“It gets incredibly loud in there when Greg fights and with the bowl seating, it feels like a mini coliseum.”
Vendetti, who will be making his 7th appearance at the always sold out venue, couldn’t agree more with his promoter.
“It’s intense. I really do feel like a gladiator fighting in a coliseum when I’m at Memorial Hall and for a gladiator there’s only two options… victory or death.”
Vendetti vs. Woods takes place on Saturday, March 29h at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts (590 Main Street). Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now at: www.murphysboxing.com
2019 MURPHYS BOXING RESULTS
1/26 – William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs) UD over Angel Suarez *Foster defended his NABF Jr. Super Featherweight Title
2/9 – Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs) KO 5 over Jesus Aviles *Gongora won the WBC South American Middleweight Title
UPCOMING MURPHYS BOXING EVENTS
3/16/19 – Boston, MA. St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3/29/19 – Melrose, MA. Vendetti vs. Woods
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, Abraham Nova, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!
MARK DELUCA TO DEFEND NABA TITLE GARY ‘SPIKE’ O’SULLIVAN TO MAKE BOSTON RETURN CHARLES FOSTER TO DEFEND NABA TITLE JOHN JOYCE & NOEL MURPHY TO BATTLE IN ALL IRISH SHOWDOWN
SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN BOSTON
Murphys Boxing is proud to announce their 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash will take place on Saturday, March 16th once againat the House of Blues in Boston.
Headlining the stacked card will be Whitman, Massachusetts’ Mark DeLuca (22-1, 13 KOs). The current NABA Super Welterweight Champion, is ranked #10 in the world by the WBA and will defend his title against Connecticut’s Jimmy Williams (16-1-1, 5 KOs) in an all New England 10 round battle.
DeLuca is coming off the highest profile win of his career this past October when he fought on the undercard of Demetrius Andrade’s world title fight at TD Garden which was shown worldwide on DAZN. DeLuca won a unanimous decision in what was an immediate rematch of the only blemish on his record, a split decision loss to Walter Wright, considered by most in attendance to be a robbery. Now DeLuca finds himself, not only one of the most popular fighters in New England, but also in contention for a world title shot later this year.
“Being in the Top 10 now, I know that I’m only a phone call away from a life changing opportunity.”, explains the former Marine turned title contender.
“I’m always in the gym. I’m staying focused. I know I need a good performance against Williams to keep that opportunity alive.”
Having already headlined a Murphys Boxing event on St. Patrick’s Day, DeLuca is well aware that it isn’t the average boxing card.
“St. Patrick’s Day. Boston. Dropkick Murphys. What more can you say? The atmosphere is electric.”
In the co-main event, one of boxing’s favorite characters, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan (29-3, 20 KOs) will make his return to Boston, where he has amassed a huge following, to take on Worcester, Massachusetts’ Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) in what promises to be an action packed 8 round battle.
The Cork, Ireland native who is promoted by Murphys Boxing in association with Golden Boy Promotions has moved down to the junior middleweight division where he is looking to make a splash in 2019 after finishing last year with a unanimous decision victory in his home country against the 40 fight veteran, Gabor Gorbics.
“Boston is a home away from home for me.”, says the outspoken, handlebar mustached slugger who has fought in the New England area 10 times.
“Murphys Boxing Saint Patrick’s Day events are not to be missed. The crowd is insane and I’m coming to give them what they wanna see… a fight!”
The night will also feature a who’s who of New England’s hottest young contenders and prospects.
Murphys Boxing’s Charles Foster (17-0, 8 KOs) will put his NABA Light Heavyweight Championship title on the line in a 10 round bout against Chicago’s Mike Jimenez (22-1-2, 14 KOs).
The New Haven, Connecticut based Foster is a world ranked contender (#10 in the WBA) and is fresh off a national television appearance last year when he beat the previously undefeated, Alvin Varmall, Jr. on Showtime. He will face one of his toughest challenges yet against the dangerous, power punching, Jimenez whose only loss came to two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart.
Revere, Massachusetts’ favorite son, Travis Mazac Gambardella (5-0-2, 2 KOs), who trains out of the popular, KnuckleHeadz Gym in Ventura, California, will return home to try and extend his undefeated record against fellow Boston area fighter, Maceo Crowder (2-2, 1 KO) in a 6 round middleweight contest.
South Boston’s Joe Farina (4-1, 3 KOs), who last fought against Gambardella, dropping a razor close majority decision on the undercard of Demetrius Andrade’s middleweight title fight at TD Garden, will look to get back in the winning column in a four round welterweight rematch against New Jersey’s Steve Moore (1-6, 1 KO) who lost a split decision to Farina last year.
In keeping with the holiday’s theme, there will be an all Irish grudge match when Lucan, Ireland’s John Joyce (7-0, 4 KOs) travels to America to take on Cork, Ireland’s Noel Murphy (12-1-1, 2 KOs), who is now based in New York City, in an 8 round welterweight clash that has Irish pride on the line.
The night will be kicked off by the highly anticipated professional debut of Mansfield, Massachusetts welterweight, James Perella. The decorated amateur fighter will turn proagainst Woburn, Massachusetts’ Bruno Dias (0-5) in a 4 round contest.
“The St. Patrick’s Day Clash is my favorite promotion of the year and one that our fighters and fans really look forward to.”, explains, Murphys Boxing founder and Dropkick Murphys frontman, Ken Casey.
“The atmosphere that’s created when you put boxing on in a general admission, standing room only concert venue, let alone on St. Patrick’s Day in Boston, creates a unique and intense experience.”
As for the incredibly busy and successful year the promotional company is coming off of, Casey, who will also play 4 consecutive shows with Dropkick Murphys the same week at the same venue, is even more excited about what the new year holds.
“2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing but with contenders like Mark DeLuca and Charles Foster in the position for world title shots later this year and a slew of undefeated prospects on the verge of world rankings, not to mention multiple cards already planned, 2019 will take Murphys Boxing to a whole new level.”
Murphys Boxing’s 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes place on Saturday, March 16th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues (15 Lansdowne Street). Doors open at 7pm. The night will also feature a special “in ring” acoustic performance by The Dropkick Murphys. Tickets are on sale now at:
2/9/19 – Quito, Ecuador Carlos Gongora vs. Jesus Aviles (WBC Latino Silver) 3/16/19 – Boston, MA. St. Patrick’s Day Clash 3/29/19 – Melrose, MA. Greg Vendetti & Ryan Kielczweski Return!
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING
Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!
This Wednesday at National Guard Armory in Dorchester, MA
QUINCY, Mass. (November 19, 2018) – A major change has been made to this Wednesday night’s (Nov. 21) “Championship Boxing at The Armory” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) on Thanksgiving Eve, at the National Guard Armory (70 Victory Road) in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
The originally scheduled headliner, three-time world title challenger Aleksandra Magziak Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), withdrew when she accepted a world title shot Dec. 8 in Carson, California, against undisputed World welterweight champion Cecelia “First Lady” Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs) in the main event on HBO.
Many of New England’s most talented and popular boxers will still be in action this Wednesday evening. GCP co-promoter Chris Traietti (26-4, 21 KOs), fighting out of Quincy (MA), will defend his New England cruiserweight title against challenger Nick Lavin (5-9, 4 KOs), of Shelton (CT), in the new eight-round main event.
The 33-year-old Traietti, an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, defeated the heavy-handed Lavin by way of an eight-round unanimous decision August 5, 2017 for the N.E. title.
“As disheartening as it was to lose Aleks on this show,” Traietti said, “we are thrilled she’s getting a career defining opportunity on HBO. She’s worked hard for the opportunity and we wish her the best of luck December 8th.
“We shuffled some of the bouts around and moved my fight to the main event. Last time we fought, Nick showed up and gave me eight tough rounds. I have no doubt he’s going to deliver a similar performance. Overall, we are excited about this card as it features a mix of local veterans and prospects. Fans are in for a fun night that will be action packed.”
In the six-round co-featured event, former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (14-2, 7 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, faces Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-15, 8 KOs), who has been a gatekeeper for NE’s top prospects over the past few years.
Claremont, NH favorite Ricky Ford (3-1-1, 1 KO) will be shooting for his fourth consecutive when he meets Saul Almeida, of Woburn, in a four-round middleweight match.
2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament Champion Henry Gedney (1-0), a promising super middleweight prospect from Gloucester, MA, is matched versus Francisco Neto (0-1), of Woburn, in a four-round bout.
Pembroke, MA cruiserweight Vinnie “American Dream” Carita (18-1-1, 17 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA and Pembroke, MA resident, takes on 61-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, the former Mid-West middleweight titlist, in a scheduled eight-round fight.
Undefeated New York junior welterweight prospect Ray Jay Bermudez (4-0, 2 KOs) throws-down with Bruno Dias (0-4), of Woburn (MA), in a four-rounder.
Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Concepcion (1-0, 1 KOs), trained by World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, squares off with former Pacific Coast lightweight champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela in the four-round opener.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $60.00 ringside and $40.00 standing room, are available to purchase on line at
Nov. 21 at National Guard Armory in Dorchester, MA
QUINCY, Mass. (November 1, 2018) — The return of three-time world challenger Aleksandra Lopes will headline “Championship Boxing at The Armory,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 21), at the National Guard Armory (70 Victory Road) in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Many of New England’s most talented and popular boxers will be on the card, which will also feature a Massachusetts State title fight in Granite Chin Promotions’ third and final show of 2018.
“We are excited to be running once again on Thanksgiving Eve,” said GCP co-promoter Chris Traietti, who will also be fighting on this card. “Throughout the last few years, Granite Chin has been trying to make it a Thanksgiving tradition to bring local boxing to the area as a fun way to get people together.”
The wildly popular Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), fighting out of Marshfield, MA, is a native of Poland. She hasn’t fought since last December due to injuries suffered in a car accident. Lopes will face
Missouri welterweight Ashleigh Curry (7-11-4, 1 KO) in the six-round main event.
Former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (14-2, 7 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, takes on Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-15, 8 KOs) in the six-round co-featured event.
Iraq-War veteran Traietti (26-5, 21 KOs), of Quincy, MA, will not have his N.E. cruiserweight title on the line in a six-round bout versus upset-minded Sam “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz (6-3-2, 5 KOs), of Chicago.
Claremont, NH favorite Ricky Ford (3-1-1, 1 KO) will meet Saul Almeida, of Woburn, in a four-round middleweight match.
Travis Demko (8-1, 1 KO), of Stoughton, MA, takes on Brazilian Carlos Gallindo, fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a six-round match for the vacant Massachusetts State Welterweight Championship.
World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Dream” Carita(18-1-1, 17 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA and Pembroke, MA resident, squares off with 61-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, the former Mid-West middleweight titlist, in an eight-rounder.
Gloucester, MA super middleweight prospect Henry Gedney (1-0), a winner at the 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament, is scheduled to fight Francisco Neto (1-0), of Woburn, in a four-round bout to open the show.
Providence middleweight Anthony Concepcion (1-0, 1 KOs), trained by newly crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, tests himself against former Pacific Coast lightweight champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela in the four-round opener.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $60.00 ringside and $40.00 standing room, are available to purchase on line at
PHOTO SLIDESHOW (contact rich.bergeron@gmail.com for photo copies):
Boxing fans packed the Manchester Downtown Hotel Wednesday night to take in a spectacular night of elite amateur boxing. This was the final stop on a three-city tour of Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire. The scheduled fights featured Team USA amateurs facing the best amateur boxers from Ireland. By the final bell, Ireland managed to finish the eight bouts of the evening with a tie score, their best outcome of the tour. Team USA won the first two duals of the tour in Boston and Springfield, respectively, by scores of 8-4 and 7-3.
Wednesday’s fights were not all about winning, however. For the majority of the boxers involved it was a great opportunity to fine-tune their techniques and get some much-needed international competition experience. Some of Wednesday night’s best performers will also likely be representing their respective countries in the upcoming 2020 Olympics.
The main event of the night featured 2016 Youth World Championships Bronze Medalist Richard Torrez dominating 3-time Irish National Champion Dean Gardiner. The Irish fighter’s towering height and long reach simply could not overcome the fast pace and excellent defensive posture of the shorter American.
Torrez spent the first round executing masterful feinting and punch slipping while scoring with some bombing hooks. Torrez changed levels, used slick head movement, and never let his foot off the gas as Gardiner plodded forward with an unbalanced and wild approach in the early going. A thudding body shot connected for the Irishman in the first, but not much else.
Torrez kept up the quick work rate in the next frame, unleashing left and right hooks and landing cleanly through much of the round. He scored to the body and head easily, though much of the round saw his opponent covering up and waiting for openings. One straight left from Torrez sent his opponent reeling for a moment, but the taller man recovered and did land a phenomenal left hook to the head of Torrez as he was fighting off the ropes. Gardiner tried landing mostly straight punches on the outside and seemed unable to turn over his punches in close.
The third round saw both fighters slugging it out until the final bell with one of the wildest back and forth exchanges of the night, but it was too little and too late for Gardiner. He just could not get his range dialed in. Torrez just outworked his opponent again and landed a few slick uppercuts to go with his thundering right and left hooks. He used the jab sparingly but effectively, spending much of the final frame targeting Gardiner’s body. Torrez earned the Unanimous Decision win with his performance and didn’t take more than a handful of hard shots in the process.
Kelly Harrington, a World Championship Silver Medalist from Ireland, likely had her team’s most masterful performance in cruising to a unanimous decision victory over Stacia Suttles in the opening bout of the night. Suttles struggled to keep herself at the ideal punching range against the unrelenting attack of Harrington in the first round, spending much of the three minutes bobbing and weaving to try to avoid the crisp combinations of her opponent. Suttles did land her jab fairly consistently, and she did begin to put some combos together late in the round, but Harrington is an absolute expert when it comes to head movement. She looked as if Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was one of her coaches as she utilized a hands-low technique with constant feints, punch slipping and level changing. The first round saw her landing a beautiful straight left to the head and a fantastic body and head punching combination that landed solidly. She unleashed some fierce hooks, although a few were wild haymakers. Below is a picture of Harrington during one of just a few brief moments in the fight where she brought both hands up to protect her face.
Suttles caught Harrington with some glancing and flush shots in the second round, but she seemed to be having trouble getting power behind her punches. She did trade some decent right hands with her opponent, but it was clear by the end of the round that she just wasn’t going to be able to find any rhythm in the fight due to the craftiness of her opponent. Harrington spent the same round perfecting her range with crisp 1-2 combos and wild lead rights connecting. Harrington also scored some powerful left hooks with a picture perfect straight right landing just a few moments later.
The third round was more of the same for both fighters. Suttles worked much of the frame to track her opponent down, but every time she unloaded, she paid for it. One particularly solid left hook landed late in the round, but it just wasn’t enough. Harrington spent much of the last three minutes trying to connect with winging right hands. She landed one of her hardest punches of the fight late in the round and momentarily stunned her opponent before the bell to end the fight. Harrington took away a unanimous decision and looks to be one of the most promising boxers at her weight in the running for the 2020 Olympics.
Yet another example of height somehow being a disadvantage played a role in the other female fight on the card. Team USA’s Leah Cooper (#2 US Female Middleweight) used ducking and feinting to avoid the taller Aoife Burke’s long reach. Cooper fought from a semi-crouch, making it hard for Burke to land with any significant power on the majority of her punches. The 8-time National Irish Champion
had a few spots in the fight where she regained control of the action, but Cooper made the right adjustments to minimize the threats.
Cooper executed a swarming attack to begin the first round, firing off 1-2 combos and backing Burke up. She remained patient and persistent throughout the frame, staying low and out of range of Burke’s power shots. Burke exhibited excellent defense, but she could only manage to throw and land one punch at a time. She showcased a crisp jab throughout the round, but it just didn’t deter Cooper. Burke had her best moments of the round toward the final bell, mixing up shots to the body and head, including a hard right hook to the head.
Burke came out for the second round on fire, storming Cooper with rapid fire 1-2 combos and hooks. She also mixed in a slick uppercut that found Cooper’s chin. Cooper weathered the storm, only falling into the trap briefly. She regained her composure, landed some excellent counter punches, and turned what might have been Burke’s best round into the Irish champ’s worst. Cooper remained calm and cool, despite taking some of the hardest shots her opponent landed in the fight. She landed some superb 1-2 combos after Burke’s attack fizzled, eventually opening a cut near Burke’s left eye and bloodying her nose. Cooper’s hard body punching also sent Burke crouching down to the canvas briefly after a solid right hook.
Burke started the third round a bit late after getting checked out and cleared by the ringside doctor. She again started out with a flurry of bombing punches. She targeted the body and the head, but Cooper collected herself once again and went back to work. She changed levels well and began connecting with furious hooks, first to the body and then back up to the head. She also kept up an active jab and landed multiple 1-2 combos. Burke did manage another late flurry in the closing moments of the fight, but Cooper still came away with the unanimous decision win.
Team USA Lightweight James Browning came into Wednesday night’s bout with Ireland’s Francis Cleary as a two-time USA Boxing Champion. Cleary, a nine-time Irish National Champion, represented Browning’s first crack at international competition. Both fighters had their moments, but it would be Browning getting the win at the end of three entertaining, back-and-forth rounds of action.
Browning spent the first round establishing a higher work rate than his opponent and using lots of movement to avoid Cleary’s attack. He also landed a consistent jab, mixing up his body and head shots well. Though he won the round, Browning took plenty of risks and paid the price. Cleary picked his spots and unleashed the more clean and powerful punches when he was able to land. He just couldn’t connect enough, and he clinched out of trouble almost every time he wound up fighting in close quarters.
Clearly landed some more sharp bombs in the second frame, getting more aggressive and starting to track down his constantly moving opponent. A thumping left hook near the end of the round connected with Browning’s head and impressed the packed house of fans. Still, Browning remained busy and did well in the slugging exchanges between the two fighters. He was often wild, but the work output kept Cleary from stealing the round.
Cleary came out for the third round with renewed ferocity, engaging in a wild brawl with Browning. It was the best round of the fight for Cleary, and Browning could not maintain the elusiveness he displayed in the prior rounds. The Irish fighter landed another booming left hook in the round, featured perfectly-timed counters, and kept punching right up to the bell. Browning definitely appeared to be frustrated and tired by the end of the fight. Still, two out of the three judges were sure he deserved the win, earning a split decision victory.
The next bout pitted eight-time Irish National Champion Wayne Kelley against 13-time US National Champion Adrian Benton in a close welterweight battle. Both young fighters had bright spots in the match, but Kelley managed to squeak out the split decision victory with a crafty, gutsy effort.
Benton had the better first round thanks to a swarming attack. He worked in and out of range with 1-2 combos and sparing hooks. He used all his angles well, pivoting out of trouble and into effective range with ease. Kelley struggled to land counters until the final moments of the round when he landed his own flurry of 1-2 combos.
Kelley started the second round with much more energy and poise. He landed early and often, winging left hands and opening up a cut on Benton’s lip. Benton slipped some of the more dangerous punches, blocked shots well and landed some crisp, hard shots of his own. His best exchange was a left and right hook to the head that landed near the middle of the round.
Kelley slowed down a bit in the final round, unable to find his ideal range. He landed some hard right hands, a well-placed body shot and unloaded with a late flurry. Benton kept busy early in the round and artfully ducked under a bombing right hook from Kelley. The judges seemed more impressed with Kelley’s composure in the final two rounds as Benton kept getting drawn in to sloppy brawling. Kelley edged out the win by a 2-1 margin.
The light welterweights came next, producing another tight contest. Ireland’s Caoimhin Ferguson fought Team USA’s Charlie Sheehy with a slightly better tactical approach, earning another split decision victory for his squad.
Sheehy took on a more cautious and patient approach in the first round, waiting for the perfect moment to throw and land. His best punches of the round included a hard right hand to the body and a starching jab. Ferguson put in more work in the frame, scoring on multiple hooks to the head and unleashing wild and crazy flurries a few times. One particular left hook crashed hard into Sheehy’s head in the final moments of the round.
Ferguson landed some decent shots in the second round, but Sheehy was much more composed. He worked around the wild-swinging, hard-charging assault by keeping his distance and scoring from outside with some crisp rights to the chin. The fighters exchanged some hooks to the body and wound up in a clinch before the end of the round.
Sheehy struggled to string punches together in the final round. Though he had a nice straight right hand working for him, Ferguson was able to penetrate his defense. Ferguson landed a thumping left hook early and went on to land a few more bombs before losing his mouthpiece in one exchange. Likely knowing he needed to finish strong to get the judges on his side, Ferguson rushed in with a final torrent of hooks in the final seconds. He earned a 2-1 decision win for his tenacity.
Welterweights Kieron Molloy (Ireland) and Freudis Rojas, Jr. (USA) squared off in another bout. Both fighters are previous World Championship Bronze Medalists with Molloy also claiming nine Irish National titles and Rojas winning the US nationals 10 times so far. It was another close shave win for Team Ireland.
Rojas was clearly the more active fighter in the first round. He used a consistent jab and increased his work rate through the frame. He ket busy on offense right up until the bell. Molloy began the round winging shots and trying to figure out his range. He unleashed a bit late in some of the more fierce exchanges, couldn’t figure out how to get his combinations going, and had a tough time catching up with the faster Rojas. Molloy did land some excellent straight lefts, though.
The next round went much better for the Irish southpaw. He started with an uptick in his punch output, though he still struggled to land combos. At one point in the round, Molloy connected with a huge straight left, followed up by a nice power jab, slowing down his opponent. Rojas kept coming forward but couldn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities in the round. A late flurry of punches from Rojas wasn’t enough for him to steal the round.
Rojas landed some excellent shots in the final round, going downstairs to the body frequently. He also caught Molloy against the ropes, blasting him with straight punches. Molloy fought the smarter round, though, picking the best times to throw and often catching Rojas with his hands down. His best exchange of the round featured a huge 1-2 connecting to the head and a wild left hook to the head. A final swarm of punches from the Irish fighter closed the show and earned him a 2-1 split decision win.
Team USA’s Nikita Ababiy scored a hard-fought win in a wild affair before the main event with Team Ireland’s Gerard French. The first round saw Ababiy jabbing well. The American came into the fight with a very non-traditional boxing stance with one hand low, but his posture seemed to be effective in luring his opponent into punching range. Ababiy landed some booming hooks and a nice left uppercut that backed up French. Meanwhile, French concentrated on trying to land counters. He had a lower work rate but also didn’t take too much punishment.
French spent the second round trying to exchange in close quarters. He landed more shots later in the round, including some heated right hooks in the final moments. Ababiy connected with some thumping shots in the round and showcased some nice defense as well. He mixed up his shots to the body and head, throwing and covering up to wait for the next opening. Ababiy landed a nice left hook to the head followed up with a picture perfect right uppercut in the final minute. He ended the round well on his way to his first win.
The final round saw Ababiy slow down a bit, but he was still effective enough to carry the frame. French managed some crisp left hooks to the head, but he couldn’t figure out the different style his opponent brought to the ring. The American cruised to the unanimous decision win.
The night also began with the only stoppage on the card thanks to a wild brawl between local 132-pound Manchester, NH novices Michael Correa and Abhisek Thapa. Correa took off across the ring upon hearing the opening bell and unleashed one wild flurry after another. Thapa didn’t let the tornado swallow him up, though. He ust covered up and waited for his opportunities. It only took a couple minutes for Correa to start tiring out from the relentless attack. Thapa then waded in to land some of the most impressive shots of the night, forcing the referee to stop the fight for three standing eight counts before the end finally came with a whirlwind of power punches from Thapa.
There was also a guest appearance made by the boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. still calls his toughest opponent ever, Emanuel Augustus (3-34-6, 20 KOs). Augustus participated in a reunion the previous night with “Irish” Micky Ward (38-13, 27 KOs), celebrating one of the best fights in the history of the sport, which took place on July 13, 2001. Augustus stuck around for the fights and even came into the ring to showcase that he still has the same punching prowess that made him one of the most entertaining fighters of his era.
“We learned from this tour that we’re right up there with the best teams in the world,” Team USA head coach Billy Walsh said. “Team Ireland is a very good, young team. We’re going to have a good team to send to Tokyo (2020 Olympics). I’m proud of my team. They all worked very hard. We didn’t have some of our best boxers because some were competing in an International tournament We do have a good crop of 18-19-20 year-olds who will make up our 2020 Olympic team.”
Team Ireland also brought their own production crew to film all the action for those who couldn’t be there:
MANCHESTER, N.H. (March 22, 2018) – Last night’s third and final stop on USA Boxing’s 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour ended in a 4-4 draw at Downtown Manchester Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire. Team USA won the team tour title, 2-0-1.
Team USA had won the first two duals of the tour in Boston and Springfield, respectively, by scores of 8-4 and 7-3.
“We learned from this tour that we’re right up there with the best teams in the world,” Team USA head coach Billy Walsh said. “Team Ireland is a very good, young team. We’re going to have a good team to send to Tokyo (2020 Olympics). I’m proud of my team. They all worked very hard. We didn’t have some of our best boxers because some were competing in an International tournament We do have a good crop of 18-19-20 year-olds who will make up our 2020 Olympic team.”
Team Ireland led last night’s team scoring, 4-3, going into the final match of the night, a super heavyweight rematch. The 2016 Youth World Championships bronze medalist Richard Torrez once again defeated there-time Irish National Champion Dean Gardiner,
Third time was the charm for Brooklyn middleweight Nikita Ababiy, who broke into the win column with a 3-0 unanimous decision over Gerard French, keeping the Americans hope alive to deadlock the final score with one match to go.
In a battle between southpaw welterweights, nine-time Irish National Champion and World Championships bronze medalist, Kieron Molloy took a 2-1 split decision over Freudis Rojas, Jr., a 10-time national champion and World Championships bronze medalist.
Irish light welterweight Caoimhin Ferguson won a 2-1 split decision victory over California light welterweight Charlie Sheey to give Team Ireland a 3-2 advantage.
Eight-time Irish National champion and European Championships bronze medalist Wayne Kelley won a 2-1 split decision versus Cincinnati light welterweight Adrian Benton, the 13-time national champion making his International match debut.
In his International debut, two-time USA Boxing champion James Browning won a 2-1 decision over Irish lightweight Francis Cleary, a nine-time Irish National champion and European Championships silver medalist, in a very entertaining lightweight match.
No. 2-rated American middleweight Leah Cooper dropped her opponent, eight-time National Irish National champion and European Championships bronze medalist Adolfe Burke, en route to a 3-0 unanimous decision.
World Championship silver medalist Kellie Harrington defeated lightweight Stacia Suttlesfor the second time on the tour by the identical score, 3-0, giving Team Ireland its first lead of the tour, albeit temporary, in last night’s tour opener.
In a Special Manchester Lightweight novice class match, Michael Correa (Manchester PAL) defeated Abhisek Thapa (Title Boxing) when the referee stopped the contest in the opening round.
Emanuel Augustus joins special guests Micky Ward & Steve Smoger to complete memorable fight
March 21 in Manchester, NH
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 19, 2018) – Retired pro boxer Emanuel Augustus has confirmed his attendance this week at a USA Boxing-hosted reunion of the 2001 Fight of the Year, associated with the final stop on the 2018 USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour festivities in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The 2001 Fight of the Year was held July 13, 2001, at Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton, NH., and it is still considered one of the greatest matches ever broadcast on ESPN. “Irish” Micky Ward won an incredibly entertaining, back-and-forth junior welterweight match-up with “boxing cult” hero Emanuel Augustus, by way of a 10-round unanimous decision that was much closer than the judges’ scoring indicated (98-90, 96-91, 96-94).
“Ward versus Augustus was truly the event of the year in boxing and we’re so happy it was held right here in New Hampshire,” said Stephen, who has been in his position as chairman since 1974, “Micky was losing the fight until the later rounds. As the chairperson of he commission, I checked the judges’ scorecards after six or seven rounds and Micky was losing. Then, Micky caught Augustus, dropped and really hurt him. He went on to win a great fight.”
The high-profile win positioned Ward for what turned out to be his epic Gatti trilogy, while Augustus went on to become one of the most dangerous, upset-minded opponents in boxing. Ward, Augustus and the third man in the ring that night, Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger, will host as USA Alumni Association event Tuesday, Mar. 20 at The Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant (909 Elm St. in Manchester), starting at 6 p.m. ET.
The trio will also be joined by two others closely associated with the 2001 Fight of the Year, Chairman of the New Hampshire Boxing and Wrestling Commission, Bobby Stephen, as well as International matchmaker, Eric Bottjer, who made the Ward-Augustus fight in 2001.
All five will also attend the USA Boxing Alumni Association event as well as the following night’s (Mar. 21) USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour finale at the Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
SPECIAL MANCHESTER AMATEUR BOXING MATCH ADDED
A special lightweight novice WILL open the competition, showcasing two Manchester amateur boxers, Abhisek Thapa (Title Boxing Club) and Michael Correa (Manchester PAL).
Presented by Corona Premium, the Manchester event will start at 7 p.m. EST, and it also serves as a fundraiser for another partner of the show, the Manchester PAL Boxing Club.
Tickets are reasonably priced at $20.00 for general admission, $30 for reserved ringside seats, and available to purchase on Seacoast Ticket Agency’s website, www.seacoastticket.com, the official ticket distributor for the event.
“We’re so happy to have the USA-Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour here in Manchester,” Stephen added. “The talent on both squads is extraordinary. We’re honored to have these two teams here for this big event. It’s a credit to USA Boxing and (special events director) Al Valenti, who has done so much over the years for boxing in New Hampshire. Boxing was very popular here many years ago. People turned out in droves to attend the Golden Gloves. There’s a boxing resurgence and that’s so important to teach young people discipline, respect and conditioning that’s so needed today. These amateurs do their best for the love of boxing; they aren’t in it for money like professionals.
“Micky is honorable, a real nice person. It means a lot for local fans and boxers to meet him. We were fortunate to have him fight in New Hampshire on serval occasions and nobody who watched his fight Augustus or his trilogy with Arturo Gatti will never forget.”.
To stay up to date on the USA vs. Ireland Northeast Boxing Tour click here.
USA vs. Ireland Schedule
March 21: The Manchester Downtown Hotel, Manchester, N.H.
NEW YORK (March 14, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has something for everyone this Saturday as the fan-friendly and completely FREE platform celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in Boston with the Dropkick Murphys and Murphys Boxing. Music fans and fight fans from across the nation and around the globe can catch the Dropkick Murphys in concert and an outstanding card with international appeal on any device wherever Facebook is available from 7-10 p.m., brought to fans by the promotion born out of the Dropkick Murphys popular Celtic punk band.
Following the three-hour FREE show – featuring Dropkick Murphys music, fighter interviews and four free bouts live from the House of Blues adjacent to Fenway Park – fans can tune into the iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and the FITE.TV app for four more pay-per-view fights and a live acoustic set from the band. Canadian fight fans can tune in via Super Channel.
“Times are changing for boxing just like streaming changed music. We are proud of the fights we are putting on and the big audiences we are drawing, and it’s great for our fighters to get the exposure,” said Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys Frontman and President and Founder, Murphys Boxing.
Recently surpassing 1.2 million views for the series, Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Clash continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s meteoric 10-month rise, which has already included five live shows in the first two months of the New Year.
“We’re excited to continue our two-fight promotion with Murphys Boxing and can’t wait to hoist a pint with them during our St. Patrick’s Day show in Boston,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Facebook is a terrific medium to deliver these great early fights and interviews for free, and set the St. Paddy’s tone with some great music from Ken Casey and the fellas. We encourage fight fans and music fans to check out the PPV portion as well, there’s more music and unbelievable action coming up later in the evening.”
As part of the Facebook bouts, New England champion Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (17-2-1, 10 KOs) of Stoneham, Mass., takes on Engleberto Valenzuela(11-12, 3 KOs) of Mexico; the Fighting Pride of the Yezidi People Yurik “Don’t Be Sorry, Be Careful” Mamedov (6-1, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. meets Daniel Sostre(13-16-1, 5 KOs), or Puerto Rico; featherweight Amanda Pavone (2-0, 1 KO) or Burlington, Mass. Faces Sarah Click (pro debut) of Framingham, Mass.; and lightweight Tomas Romain (6-1) of Brooklyn, N.Y. takes on Israel Rojas (13-20, 5 KOs) of Mexico.
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 82,153 fight fans tuning in per event and more than 1.2 million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) and the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 15-show series has seen a total of almost 28,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,232,299 users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 155,000 collective live post engagements(more than 10,000 per show), including almost 103,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 27,000 comments and more than 7,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made (mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday, March 17, live from live from the House of Blues in Boston, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network, and analyst Marc Abrams of AWE, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 15Rounds.com and AbramsBoxing.com. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
