Tag Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SIX BOXERS RISK UNBLEMISHED RECORDS  ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER

Leave a comment

 Unbeatens Antoine Douglas & Thomas LaManna Meet in The Main Event

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

                                                                                                           

NEW YORK (Feb. 25, 2015) – Six unbeaten boxers, eight total with a combined record of 105-3-3, will highlight a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) on Friday, March 13, from The Space at Westbury in Westbury, N.Y.

 

Two of the fights will feature undefeated boxers against each other. In the main event, Antoine “Action”Douglas (16-0-1, 10 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will meet Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (16-0, 7 KOs) of Millville, N.J., in a 10-round middleweight scrap.  Adam Lopez (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Antonio, and Houston’s Pablo Cruz (11-0, 3 KOs) clash in an eight-round battle of Lone Star State super bantamweights in the opener of the telecast.

 

In the co-feature, unbeaten southpaw Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs), of El Tigre, Venezuela, will shoot for his 13th consecutive victory when he faces Issouf “Volcano” Kinda (17-2, 7 KOs), of Bronx, N.Y., in a 10-round scrap for the NABO Lightweight Title. In the eight-round feature bout, once-beatenJerry “The King’s Son” Odom (12-1, 1 NC, 11 KOs), of Washington D.C., will try and avenge his lone loss when he takes on undefeated Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (8-0-1, 1 ND, 1 KO) of Phoenix, Ariz., in a super middleweight rematch.

 

Which of the undefeated boxers will keep their unblemished records intact on Friday The 13th? SinceShoBox premiered in July 2001, 125 fighters – and counting – suffered their initial defeats on the popular series, where promising prizefighters often face their toughest foes to date.

 

Douglas, 22, is unbeaten (1-0-1) in two ShoBox appearances.  He has won two in a row, including a lopsided six-round decision over Don Mouton in his most recent start last Nov. 13 2014,  and a 10-round majority draw with former world title challenger Michel Soro (23-1-1 going in) last July on ShoBox.

 

“Douglas grew up a little bit in his last fight on ShoBox, dominating Soro early and then fading late in a fight that could have gone either way,’’ said ShoBox Expert Analyst and Boxing Historian Steve Farhood. “It’s the kind of fight a young prospect needs to learn about himself and I’m anxious to see if that experience proves to play a big part in his maturity as a fighter.  He’s a very exciting, aggressive middleweight and for a very young fighter seems to be moving very quickly.’’

 

A solid amateur who made it to the 2011 U.S. Olympic Trials before going pro in Oct. 2012, Douglas fought twice that year, nine times in 2013 and six times in 2014.

 

Douglas looked strong while pitching a shutout in his 12th pro start, winning his ShoBox debut and knocking out one of his opponent’s teeth in an entertaining but one-sided eight-round decision over previously unbeaten Marquis Davis (8-0-2 going in) in January  2014.

 

Douglas, who acknowledges the notoriety he’s received since appearing on ShoBox, is now taking his third scheduled 10-round fight.

 

“This is going to be a big fight, a very big fight,’’ he said. “I am the main event.  It is another step up the ladder and I get to take that step on a big network like SHOWTIME.

 

“I know LaManna from the amateurs so this fight came as a bit of a surprise to me.  But this is the sport of boxing.  I know he’s coming to win and stay undefeated, just like I am.  I think 160 is my best weight and is one I should stay comfortable at.  No more catch-weights hopefully.

 

“ShoBox has shown me love and has been very beneficial to me and my career.  I’m definitely getting noticed more. I know I need to get a win on March 13 to continue to climb the rankings.”

 

LaManna, 23, is a determined young fighter with a sometimes unpredictable style.  A pro since February 2011, he has been a fixture on Atlantic City boxing cards, having fought there eight times.  LaManna, who is two-and-a half inches taller than Douglas, is looking forward to the opportunity and is confident he can spring an upset in his 10-round ShoBox debut.

 

“I’ve been waiting for a fight like this,’’ said LaManna, who is coming off a unanimous six-round decision over Gilbert Sanchez last Dec. 13.  “Without a doubt they made a mistake by picking me.  I am so excited for this fight and I am going to make the best of it.  I know I am going to come in there 100 percent prepared and do what I have to do to get the victory.

 

“I know Antoine from the amateurs although we never sparred or boxed.  I know he is a good fighter and this will be a good fight. This is what boxing needs, two undefeated fighters facing each other and what better place than on ShoBox.’’

 

Barroso, 32, is a power-punching nine-year pro who’s making his ShoBox, U.S. and 2015 debut. The well-traveled Barroso turned pro in August 2005, had two draws in his first six fights, but has won 12 straight since, 11 by way of knockout.  In his most recent outing last Dec. 5, the devastating Barroso destroyed Maximiliano Galindo, scoring four knockdowns — one in the first and second and two in the third — en route to a third-round knockout.

 

Kinda, 27, who was born in Ouagadougou (pronounced wa-ga-DOO-goo), Burkina Faso, is making his 14th start in New York. Kinda turned pro in January 2009 and won his initial 16 fights, including the New York state 140-pound title. He is coming off a second-round TKO over Kevin Carter last Jan. 17 in Tennessee.

 

“My style is moving, punching and attacking people,” said Kinda, an accomplished amateur who was the 2007 African Championships silver medalist at 132 pounds. “I want do my best to be known as a good fighter in the U.S., and around the world.  This is my first shot to prove myself on a big stage and I’m not going to let it slip away.

 

“His power doesn’t scare me.  I’ll be ready.”

 

The Odom-Hernandez bout has “grudge” written all over it.  “There’s obviously some intrigue in the rematch because of the way the first fight ended,’’ Farhood said. “Odom proved in his one ShoBoxappearance to be a very exciting, big punching prospect and I can’t wait to see him again.’’

 

Odom, 21, a top amateur and 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion at 178 pounds, had a 12-fight win streak end on Jan. 9, 2015, when he was disqualified in the fourth round for continuing to punch and land shots after he’d dropped Hernandez with a flurry of punches. The crowd booed, but Hernandez was clearly down.

 

“This time it will be a totally different fight,’’ Odom insisted. “I will leave no doubt.  I was on my way to winning easily and he was out to try and give me my first loss anyway he could.  So he just quit.  I’m looking forward to March 13 to avenge that loss and get the win that I should have the last time we fought.”

 

In his ShoBox debut, Odom overcame the first cut of his career to register two knockdowns—in the fourth and seventh rounds—en route to knocking out previously undefeated Vilier Quinonez (8-0 going in) in the seventh round on July 25, 2014.

 

Hernandez, 29, scoffs at the notion that he quit and concedes that while Odom is talented, it was his opponent who was the one looking for a way out.

 

“I find it hilarious that he says I quit,’’ Hernandez said. “I honestly think the reason why he got disqualified is because he was looking for a way out.  All his talk has me absolutely looking forward to this fight.  I don’t want just a victory, I want a knockout and I’m going to get it.  He can say what he wants, but I guarantee you. I’m going to stop him.

 

“Odom’s really talented and very strong, no doubt about it, but that may go against him and I’m going to make him pay.  He throws very wide punches and is not a very good boxer.  He’s obviously talented and has a lot of knockouts but if you have boxing skills and can take a punch, you can pretty much take him apart.

 

“I felt I was landing what I wanted in the first fight and feel I would have stopped him.  I thought I was doing fine the first three rounds.  And now I know what I’m up against.  He can say what he wants, but he was the one who head-butted me several times.  One finally cut me right on my ear and it cost me seven stitches.’’

 

Lopez, 24, and Cruz, 28, will be making their ShoBox and eight-round debuts and will be fighting for the first time outside of Texas.  It is unquestionably the most dangerous fight to date for both prospects.

 

A top amateur before going pro in February 2012, Lopez has scored two knockouts in a row, including a fifth-round TKO over Leonardo Torrez in his most recent scrap last Aug. 30.

 

Cruz was also an accomplished amateur.  Due to his dual citizenship –his father hails from El Salvador – Cruz competed for El Salvador in the amateurs, was a 2011 Salvador National Amateur Champion and made it to El Salvador’s Olympic Trials.  Cruz has fought three times since last September.  In his last outing he won a six-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rubalcava on Jan. 22, 2015.

 

The fighters are confident of making the next step in their career a successful one, and both anticipate a terrific battle.

 

“It’s going to be a really good fight,’’ said Lopez, an aggressive counter-puncher who’s trained by former two-time world champion Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez.  “We’re familiar with each other.  We sparred once.  I’m not going in totally blind.  I expect a competitive fight.  We are both undefeated and from Texas.’’

 

“I think it’s going to be a super fight.  Lopez is a great fighter. I have heard excellent things about him,” said Cruz. “This is going to be a huge challenge for me.  It’s going to be a great show.  I am going to work and do my thing.  I’m ready and excited to walk out of that ring undefeated.’’

 

Advance tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions in association with David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions, are priced at $150, $125, and $60 for general admission. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations,thespacewestbury.com, The Space at Westbury Box Office at 516.283.5566 or by calling the GCP Office at 212.851.6425.

 

The event is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino & Westbury Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram Dealership & Maxim Group.

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall withRichard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

boxing

Boxing manager A.J. Galante opens up boxing gym in Danbury, Connecticut

Leave a comment

 
Danbury, CT (January 24, 2015)- Professional Boxing manager A.J. Galante and former heavyweight contender Fernely Feliz are proud to announce that the Grand Opening of their new boxing gym, Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will take place on Saturday February 28. Feliz, who moved to Danbury as a child from the Dominican Republic, has the distinction of being Danbury, CT’s first professional boxer. As a heavyweight, he compiled a record of 23-9 in a career that spanned 15 years. He discovered the sport of boxing when he came across Danbury’s Hat City Boxing, which closed its doors in 2001. Since then, the city has yet to re-open an exclusive boxing gym until now. “It’s been my dream since I retired to give back to the community.” Feliz stated, “I have always wanted to open a boxing gym, because boxing saved my life. I am glad to finally accomplish a major goal in my life. I am looking forward to making the city of Danbury proud with this gym.” Fernely Feliz, now a trainer, is excited to develop an amateur team in the city, while continuing to work with both professional boxers and MMA fighters. Feliz’s partner is one of professional boxing’s youngest managers, A.J. Galante, who currently manages hot Junior Middleweight prospect Frank Galarza. “When Fernely approached me with this idea, I didn’t think twice. I couldn’t be prouder of this gym” Galante said, “Everyone who I have previewed the gym to, falls in love with the environment. It has an old-school feel to it, yet has a lot of new school amenities. Once you walk in you never want to leave.” Champs Boxing Club houses a professional elevated 18 foot ring, multiple traditional and specialty heavy bags, wall bags, double end bags, brand new cardio equipment and a weight area. There is also a high definition camera above the ring where all sparring and instruction can be recorded, and then studied with trainers on an HDTV or sent to a members’ tablet.

In speaking of the gym, what lit up owner A.J. Galante’s eyes is when he spoke on a very special area of his gym. “I sit on the board of my boxer Frank Galarza’s non profit organization, Youth Fighting Forward. It is an unbelievable organization that attaches itself to boxing gyms, and gives our youth a place to develop discipline and confidence. It’s a combination of both boxing and mentorship, with strict requirements involving school attendance, grades and attendance. I am proud to say that Champs Boxing Club will join Starrett City Boxing Club of Brooklyn, in hosting a Youth Fighting Forward chapter.” Galante spoke on the many requirements Frank Galarza developed for Youth Fighting Forward, and when asked about how Champs Boxing Club will ensure the best environment possible for success, Galante stated that both he and Galarza developed a study room for members, with donated computers, printers and other school supplies. “In terms of having the tools to meet academic requirements including homework, there are no excuses” Galante exclaimed.

The Grand Opening of Champs Boxing Club & Fitness will be open to the public from12pm-3pm, Saturday February 28th. There will be free giveaways, food and refreshment, as well as the opportunity to meet WBC Latino Junior Middleweight Champion Frank “Notorious” Galarza and UFC Star and Danbury resident Glover Teixeira. Visit www.champsboxingclub.org for more information.
boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, HBO Boxing

SURE-FIRE ‘FIGHT OF THE YEAR’ CANDIDATE COMES EARLY IN 2015

Leave a comment

 LUCAS MATTHYSSE VS. RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 18 AT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

LIVE ON HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®

 
Philadelphia  (Feb. 24) – A sure-fire ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate will come early as former World Champions Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov,  two of boxing’s hardest punchers, take the stage in a 12-round jr. welterweight showdown on Saturday, April 18 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions announced today the clash of these two fearsome fighters will generate what is surely to be an all-action fight to remember and a treat all fight fans are excited for. The bout with be televised live on HBO Boxing After Darkbeginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“I’m glad that this fight is finally done,” said Ruslan Provodnikov. “This is the fight I have been waiting for a long time. I think that this fight will be nominated for either ‘Fight of the Year’ or ‘Knockout of the Year’.”

 

“I only want the biggest fights against the best fighters and this fight between Provodnikov and I, will surely be ‘Fight of the Year’,” said Lucas Matthysse.  “Provodnikov is a warrior that never stops throwing punches and his style suits me very well.  I’m confident that I will win, and since Danny Garcia doesn’t want to fight me again, this fight will prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world.”

 

“One-punch knockout power. Lightning-fast action. A likely world title shot to the winner – this bout has ‘Fight of the Year’ written all over it,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is a fight that fans have been clamoring for since these warriors were last in action, and Golden Boy Promotions is proud to deliver it to the fans worldwide.”

 

“I’m very excited about the fight between Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse,” said Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions. “This has the making of Corrales – Castillo I all over again. This is the most fan-friendly and television-friendly fight in a long time.  Both Ruslan and Lucas are real warriors, and it’s a fight that both fighters wanted so it was very easy to make.  Working with Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez has been a pleasure.

 

“A dream match comes together when two men fight who are seemingly each other’s worst nightmare, and that’s a litmus test this fight passes,” said Peter Nelson, HBO Sports vice president of programming. “On April 18, HBO Boxing After Dark will present Argentine Lucas Matthysse against Russian Ruslan Provodnikov in a fight promising to be so highly combustible that just the lights turning on should set the ring ablaze.”

 

“The Provodnikov Matthysse matchup is destined to be one of the must-see fights of the year and we’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In less than two years, we’ve hosted 15 nationally televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.”

“Ruslan is going to put up the great fight we want for Matthysse and will show that he is the best fighter in the division,” said Mario Arano, manager of Matthysse. “Provodnikov is an uncompromising fighter, that comes to fight and his style will suit Lucas. We would like to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for making this fight possible. Fans will be excited to watch this fight and will not be disappointed.”

 

“I want to say thank you to Banner Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions on making this fight possible,” said Vadim Kornilov, manager of Provodnikov. “I wish there were more promoters in the sport that are prepared to have their fighters take a risk and make the best fights for the sport. Usually the fights that everybody wants to see don’t happen due to reasons beyond the understanding of the fans, and it should not be that way.”

 

Considered by most to be boxing’s pound-for-pound hardest puncher, Trelew, Chubut, Argentina’s Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) has the numbers and high-profile victims to prove it. Having cut through the super lightweight division with his iron fists for years and an owner of 13 knockouts in his last 13 wins, the 32-year-old has taken out several of the sport’s big names. Humberto “Zorrita” Soto, Lamont Peterson, DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Danny “Swift” Garcia and John Molina Jr., have all suffered loses to Matthysse, while earning him the interim WBC World title at 140 pounds in the process. Now looking to reign over a new division at 147 pounds, “La Maquina” has picked the toughest available foe to test him in Russian powerhouse Provodnikov.

 

Dubbed the “Siberian Rocky” for his aggressive attack and unyielding will to win, Beryozovo, Russia native Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) has earned himself fight fans around the globe for his humble nature outside the ring and ferocious intensity inside the ropes. An eight-year professional, Provodnikov followed up a stellar amateur career with an even more impressive campaign in the professional game.  He has had notable wins over several top foes including a ‘Fight of the Year’ bout with Timothy Bradley in 2013 and a 10th round stoppage over Mike Alvarado in 2013 that yielded him the WBO Super Lightweight World title. In his last bout in November, Provodnikov won a fifth round stoppage over former World Champion Jose Luis Castillo, now on April 18 he continues his quest for a welterweight title against Matthysse.

 

Matthysse vs. Provodnikov is a 12-round jr. welterweight bout presented by Banner Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box Promotions and is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live it To Believe It!.

 

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The April 18th fight will mark Turning Stone Resort’s 15th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, an eclectic mix of restaurants, luxury spas and numerous nightlife options.

 

Tickets for the April 18th HBO Boxing After Dark event at Turning Stone Resort go on sale on Thursday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. ET.  Ticket prices are $75 for ringside seats, $50, $35 and $25 plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

 

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 8:00 p.m. and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Professional media requesting credentials for the April 18th fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.banner-promotions.com,  www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @BannerBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @RuslanProvod, @ TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy FacebookPage, www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing orwww.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort  and visit us on Instagram@GoldenBoyBoxing, @ bannerboxing, @ turningstone and @ruslanprovod.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

Antoine Douglas to take on Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in Sho Box headliner on Friday, March 13 at the Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York

Leave a comment
4 big fights highlight broadcast as Ismael Barroso battles Issouf Kinda, Jerry Odom rematches Andrew Hernandez while Adam Lopez takes on Pablo Cruz.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nutley, NJ( February 24, 2015)—On Friday night, March 13, at the Space at Westbury in Westbury, New York, three undefeated fighters in the GH3 Promotional stable will all be in action as part of a nationally televised quadruple header on ShoBox: The New Generation.

The show is co-promoted with Greg Cohen Promotions

In the main event, Antoine “Action” Douglas will see action in a 10-round Middleweight bout against fellow undefeated Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna.

Appearing in the co-main event will be undefeated Lightweight Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KO’s) of Venezuela in a 10-round bout against Issouf Kinda.

Barroso is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions.

In an 8-round bout, Jerry “The Kings Son” Odom will look to avenge the only blemish on his ledger when he takes on Andrew Hernandez in a Super Middleweight bout.
In an 8-round bout, Adam Lopez will make his GH3 Promotions debut in a Super Bantamweight bout against fellow unbeaten Pablo Cruz.
Douglas of Burke, Virginia has a record of 16-0-1 with 10 knockouts is looking for a big year in 2015 where he wants to transform from hot prospect to top contender.  The 22 year-old has wins over Colby Courter (4-0), Marquis Davis (8-0-2) and in his last bout he scored a six-round unanimous decision over Don Mouton on November 13 in Washington, DC.
In his lone ShoBox appearance, Douglas battled former world title challenger Michele Soro to a draw on July 25.

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 16-0 with 7 knockouts and has built a large fan base in the New Jersey area.

He turned pro in 2011 and has solid wins over Joshua Robertson, Ashandi Gibbs and Jamaal Davis.  In his last bout, LaManna scored a 6-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Alex Sanchez on December 13, 2014 in Philadelphia.

Barroso of Venezuela has a record of 16-0-2 with 15 knockouts and has won the WBA Fedebol Lightweight title and the WBA Interim Fedlatin title.

He has wins over Alfonso Perez (4-1), Addir Sanchez (7-1), Oscar Arenas (22-3) and Winston Campos (17-2-4).  In his last bout, Barroso scored a 3rd rouns stoppage over Maximillano Galindo on December 5, 2014 in Concordia, Mexico.
Kinda of the Bronx, New York has a record of 17-2 with 7 knockouts.
The 27 year-old turned professional in 2009 and is a former New York State Lightweight champion.
He has wins over former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis and Javier Loya (7-1).
In his last bout, Kinda won via 2nd round round stoppage over Kevin Carter onJanuary 17 in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Odom (12-1, 11 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland and Hernandez battled to a controversial finish on January 9 at the Madison Square Garden Theater.
Odom was well on his way to stopping Hernandez when it was ruled that Odom hit Hernandez while he was down after being dropped.  On March 13, Odom will look to even and settle the score with Hernandez.

Odom had an impressive 7th round stoppage over previously undefeated Villier Quinonez (8-0) on July 25 in his ShoBox appearance.

Hernandez of Phoenix, Arizona has a record of 8-0-1 with 1 knockout.
Besides the win over Odom, Hernandez has a win over previously undefeated Dustin Sultey.
Lopez (9-0, 4 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas is coming off a 5th round stoppage over Leonardo Torres on August 30.
Cruz of Houston, Texas has a record of 11-0 with three knockouts.
The 28 year-old turned pro in 2012 and is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rubalcava on January 22 in Houston.
The combined record of the 8 fighters are 105-3-4 with 58 knockouts.
On the off-television portion, undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris (4-0, 4 KO’s) will make his GH3 Promotions debut against an opponent to be named in a bout scheduled for four rounds.
Tickets for this great evening are $150 for Golden Ringside, $100 for Ringside & $50 for General Admission and can be purchased at ticketmaster, ticketmaster.com,thespacewestbury.com, The Space Box office at 516-283-5566 or Greg Cohen Promotions at 212-851-6425
The Space at Westbury is located at 250 Post Avenue.  Doors open at 6 PM with the first bout at 7 PM.

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Featherweight Jorge Diaz, undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell and undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris.
boxing, Fight Network

FIGHT NETWORK BOXING PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (Feb. 16-Mar. 1, 2015)

Leave a comment

 

Fight Network is a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

 

Monday, Feb. 23

 

11:00 p.m. ET — InterBox Classics: Mosley vs. Stone – Featuring Shane Mosley vs. Adrian Stone from July 21, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV.

Tuesday, Feb. 24

 

6:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – GFL: Best Battles 4 – Highlights from boxing, as well as MMA and kickboxing, events showcasing memorable knockouts and submissions.

Wednesday, Feb. 25

 

1:30 a.m. ET — 8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

7:00 p.m. ET — 8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Thursday, Feb. 26

 

4:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

Saturday, Feb. 28

 

12:30 a.m. ET — — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

1:30 p.m. ET — KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the sweet science.

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis on the fight game.

Sunday, Mar. 1

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Ultimate Classic Boxing: Bassey vs. Costa – Featuring Nigerian super featherweight Hogan “Kid” Bassey vs. Brooklyn favorite Carmelo Costa from Oct. 31, 1958 in New York City’s famed Madison Square Gardeb.

 

Monday, Mar. 2

 

1:00 a.m. ET – Best of GYM Boxing: MMA Fighters in Boxing – A special look at some MMA fighters in boxing including Ali Nestor and Travis Fulton.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork
ABOUT FIGHT NETWORK:  Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes in the U.S. and Canada, streamed live on website KlowdTV.com, and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

-30-
boxing

Trainer Joe Goossen high on Cuban prospect Marcos Forestal

Leave a comment

ABOUT NOWHERE2HYDE MANAGEMENT: Owned and operated by international manager Gary Hyde in Cork, Ireland, manages present, past and future world champions such as World Boxing Association (WBA) Super & World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight champion and two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist, Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs), WBA Interim cruiserweight champion Youri “El Toro” Kalenga (21-1, 14 KOs), former WBO middleweight champion and current International Boxing Federation (IBF) No. 1 mandatory contender Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam (31-1, 18 KOs), three-time Cuban National champion Marcos Forestal (1-0, 1 KO), and world amateur champion Blagoy Naydenov.

 

Follow Hyde on Twitter at @NoWhere2Hyde and friend him atwww.facebook.com/gary.hyde.50?fref=ts.
CORK, Ireland (Feb. 23, 2015) – Veteran boxing trainerJoe Goossen is high on Cuban super bantamweight prospect Marcos Forestal (1-0, 1 KO), especially after the former amateur star’s professional debut February 13, in which he put 56-fight veteran Ignac “The Test” Kassai to sleep in the second round of their fight in Queens, New York.

 

A three-time Cuban National champion, the 25-year-old Forestal defeated 2012 Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Rameriez 14 months ago and was unbeaten in three World Series of Boxing matches for undefeated 2014 team champion Cuba Domadores before he defected to the United States last April.

 

Forestal, now fighting out of Los Angeles, is a 5′ 8″ southpaw who put Kassai to sleep with a in the second round. He established himself in the opening round by assaulting an overmatched Kassai with a barrage of effective punches in the opening round. At the beginning of round two, Forestal nailed Kassai with a powerful, straight left-handed punch to the temple, dropping the dazed Kassai to the canvas. Kassai barely beat the 10-count but referee Ricky Gonzalez halted the action because Kassai was clearly in no state to continue. 

“I thought he was explosive in his pro debut,” Goossen spoke about Forestal. “He is a very experienced guy with close to 300 amateur fights. He has a win over the 2012 Olympic gold medalist (Rameriez), who my fighter from Mongolia, Olympic silver medalist Tugstsogt Nyambayar, lost to in the Olympic final. Forestal and Nyambayar train and spar together. They’ve had some spirited sparring sessions, like it’s a real fight.

 

“Forestal is what I call a game player from what I saw in his first pro fight. He’s good fighting in the gym but, like a lot of champions, he lets loose when he’s in a fight without head gear and using lighter gloves. I saw him throw a fuselage of punches – non-stop, accurate and vicious – never letting his opponent to start punching. This guy had a lot of pro fights but he couldn’t get off against Forestal. Honestly, I was even more impressed by Marcos than I thought I’d be going into the fight.”

 

Goossen has trained numerous world champions including southpaws such as another Cuban, Joel Casamayor, as well as Michael Nunn and Frankie Liles. The Los Angeles-based trainer feels Forestal compares favorably, albeit as this early stage of his young career, to the aforementioned trio of world title belt owners.

 

“Joe Goossen is an amazing coach and I am delighted that he decided to train Marcos,” Forestal’s manager Gary Hyde noted. “He has trained many world champions, many of whom have been in epic fights. Marcos will greatly benefit from working with Joe.”

 

Forestal is tentatively scheduled to have his second pro fight March 6 against an opponent to be determined in Glendale, California.

 

“I trained another Cuban southpaw, Casamayor, who was explosive as a pro like Marcos,” Goossen added. “Marcos is like Joel, aggressive and he lets his punches go. In time, he will settle into his own signature style.”
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Fedosov, Dennis, Thomas and Cojanu advance in Boxcino Heavyweight tournament

Leave a comment

Fedosov, Cojanu, Dennis and Thomas
 
Verona, NY (February 22, 2015)—Andrey Fedosov, Donovan Dennis, Lenroy Thomas and Razvan Cojanu all scored victories in their quarterfinal bouts in the Boxcino Heavyweight tournament at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The show was promoted by Banner Promotions and was broadcasted live on ESPN’sFriday Night Fights.
All Boxcino bouts were scheduled for 6 rounds.
Dennis took out previously undefeated Steve Vukosa in round four.
Dennis dominating Vukosa
Dennis was the much quicker fighter from the outset and landed hard shots on Vukosa from early on.  In round three, Dennis dropped Vukosa from a hard combination.  Vukosa was never the same as he was staggered a few more times and even looked like he had no defense as he tried to turn his back several times on Dennis until he was dropped again in the fourth round and the fight was stopped at2:52.
Dennis, 222 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 13-2 with 10 knockouts.  Vukosa, 218 lbs of Quincy, Massachusetts is now 10-1.
“He was a patient fighter and early on, I took what I could get,” said Dennis.  “I was working off my jab and started to connect.  I trained very hard and I had a lot more in the tank.  I was a little mad that it was stopped early.  I can’t wait to get back in the gym and work on getting better.”
Andrey Fedosov scored an emphatic 1st round stoppage over Nate Heaven
In round one, Fedosov dropped Heaven with a thudding left hook.  He sent him to the canvas for a 2nd time with a devastating three punch combination that sent Heaven to the deck for a second time and the fight was stopped at 2:53.
Fedosov knocking Heaven Down
Fedosov of Los Angeles via Russia is now 24-3 with 21 knockouts.  Heaven, 227 lbs of Ocla, FL. is now 9-2.
“Everything went as planned,” said Fedosov.  “My plan was to shorten the distance and use my power and you see what happened.”
Razvan Cojanu won a drawbreaker decision over Ed Fountain.
Fountain did his best to get inside and force that action under the ineffective jab of Cojanu.  Both guys had success on the inside during the grueling fight and the bout was even after six.
Fountain started the 7th with a nice left that split open the right eyelid of of Cojanu.  Cojanu was able to fight back and land a hard combination on the ropes and that proved to be the difference in the fight.
Cojanu, 265 lbs of Las Vegas via Romania is now 13-1.  Fountain, 236 1/2 lbs of Furguson, MO is now 10-1.
Cojanu and Fountain
“I could not see anything and I won the fight with one eye,” said Cojanu.
“Buddy McGirt told me to jab more and that could have made it easier.”
Said Fountain, “I fought hard.  The referee did not help me but I will see Razvan again after the tournament.
Lenroy Thomas opened up the Boxcino quarterfinals with a drawbreaker decision over former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.
Each guy traded some good shots over the first two-plus rounds.  Thomas landed a solid three punch combination in round three.  Estrada was effective when he was able to get in the straight right.
In round four, the two clashed heads and it caused a small cut on the forehead of Estrada.  The bout was competitive with each guy taking turns being the boss in short spurts.  After the sixth round, the bout was a even on the scorecards and they went to the seventh and deciding drawbreaker round.
In that extra frame, Thomas boxed well by landing quick combinations to a visibly tired Estrada and he was declared the winner by unanimous decision.
Thomas, 237 lbs of St. Petersburg, Florida is now 19-3.  Estrada, 261 lbs of Providence, Rhode Island is now 20-6.
Lenroy Thomas
“I showed that hard work pays off,” said Thomas.
“In the extra round, I had to dig deep and show my boxing skills.”
Thomas will meet Fedosov in one semifinal while Dennis will battle Cojanu.
Both semifinals will take place on Friday, April 10 at the Sands in Bethlehem, PA
Greg Jackson registered two knockdowns en route to a four round unanimous decision over Paulo Souza in a Jr, Middleweight bout.
Jackson lands a hard jab
Jackson dropped Souza in round two and then again in round four with a wicked left hook to the head.
Jackson, 150 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-34 on all cards and is now 5-1-1.  Souza, 149 lbs of Woburn, MA is now 0-6.
Guillermo Sanchez scored a 1st round stoppage over Pablo Batres in a scheduled 6-round Jr.Welterweight bout.
Sanchez landed a right hook that sent Batres down for the count at 1:44 of round one.
Sanchez, 132 lbs of Buffalo, New York is 15-14-1 with 6 knockouts.  Batres, 137 lbs of Tuscon, Arizona is 6-12-1.
Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez opened the night with a 4th-round stoppage over Bryan Abraham in a scheduled 8-round Welterweight bout.
Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez
Rodriguez scored two knockdowns in the 2nd round and seemingly hurt Abraham with every punch after.  In round four, Rodriguez landed a hard flurry in the corner and the bout was stopped at 2:48 of round four.
Rodriguez, 145 lbs of Los Mochis, Mexico is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts.  Abraham, 144 lbs of Schenectady, New York is 6-21.

Photos by Shane Sims of Banner Promotions

 

The entire Boxcino tournament is promoted by Arttie Pelullo’s Banner Promotions.
About Turning Stone Resort Casino A premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone “Casino of the Year” in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..
boxing

Paul Koon to battle Rex Harris in a battle of undefeated Heavyweights tonight!! at the Econo Lodge in Allentown, PA

Leave a comment
Frank De Alba takes on Jose Bustos for UBF All Americas Jr. Lightweight title plus undefeated Juan Dominguez, John Magda, Ivan Golub, Christian and Molina 
Allentown, PA (February 21, 2015)–Over the past several years, heavyweight Paul Koon (2-0, 1 KO) has been rumored to turn professional on various cards in the Philadelphia area.
Each time he decided to sat participating in the World Series of Boxing.
Finally last October 4, Koon turned professional with a one stoppage over Hector Hodge and on November 20, Koon followed that up with a 4-round unanimous decision over Yohan Banks.
Those fights were in Connecticut and California respectively and tonight at the Econo Lodge in Allentown, he takes on Rex Harris(1-0-2) of Wilkes-Barre, PA in Koon’s first area appearance.
That 4-round bout will be part of a nine bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.
In the main event, Frank De Alba (14-1-2, 5 KO’s) of Reading, PA will take on Jose Bustos (7-2-3, 4 KO’s) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in a 8-round fight for the UBF All Americas Jr. Lightweight title.
Koon of Philadelphia has been working hard and is looking to put on a good performance.
“Everything is great.  I been working in the gym, sparring and running,”said the 28 year-old.
“All I know about my opponent is that he has fought some MMA fights and he is undefeated (1-0-2) as a boxer.”
Koon is looking for a test as during his 4 year run in the World Series of Boxing, he took on the top fighters from around the world.
“I am used to fighting top level competition.  I am not used to fighting the level of guys I have been fighting in my first couple of fights.  In the World Series of Boxing, you fight only the elite fighters.  There are no journeymen.”
To get to the type of competition that, Koon knows he has to continue to win and make sound decisions with his team.
“It is not one member of my team that decides the pace that I move at.  Whatever they think is best.  Sometimes you have to take it slow.  Me, I like to rush but I know I am learning everything in the business.  This is my first fight in the area in seven years and I am using it as a steppingstone to a fight in Philadelphia.”
In the co-feature, Juan Dominguez (17-0, 11 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Carlos Rodriguez (19-16-4, 11 KO’s) of Los Mochis, MX in a Super Bantamweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:
Super Middleweight John Magda (8-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will take on Jay Williams (3-4) of West Monroe, LA

Ivan Golub (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on David Lopez (4-11-3, 1 KO) in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
Danny Kelly (6-1-1, 5 KO’s) of Washington, DC will  take on Kevin Franklin (6-10, 3 KO’s) of  in a Heavyweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Christian Molina (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will fight debuting Stacey Harris of Washington, DC in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
 
Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will battle Benjamin Burgos (2-10-1) of Mount Pocono, PA in a Featherweight bout.  This bout is a rematch of a bout from May where Irizarry won a unanimous decision.
Christopher Booker of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Andrew Sosa(0-4-1) of Farmers Branch, TX i in a Middleweight bout.
Tickets for this great night of boxing are $45 for General Admission and $60 for Ringside and can be purchased by clicking: www.kingsboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

The Econo Lodge is located at 1151 Building Drive in Allentown, PA
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime Boxing

SAMMY VASQUEZ DOMINATES EMMANUEL LARTEY FRIDAY ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

Leave a comment

 

Catch The Replay On Monday, Feb. 23 At 10 p.m. ET/PT

On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

Click HERE To Download Photos

Credit Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME®

 

PITTSBURGH, PA. (Feb. 21, 2015) – Sammy Vasquez put on a show for his hometown fans in Pittsburgh, winning a near-shutout 10-round unanimous decision (99-91 twice, 100-90) over Emmanuel Lartey in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, Feb. 20 from CONSUL Energy Center.

 

Vasquez (18-0, 13 KOs) entered the bout seeking his 10th consecutive knockout against an opponent who hadn’t been knocked down before and had been in the ring with two U.S. Olympians.  The military veteran wasn’t able to finish Lartey (17-3, 8 KOs, 1 NC), but that was just about the only thing that didn’t go his way in a thoroughly impressive performance in which he landed 50 percent of his power shots.

 

Vasquez started slow and was able to pick his shots in the early rounds, but he accelerated the tempo in the second half of the fight as Lartey appeared to slow down.  The hometown favorite did his best work with Lartey against the ropes and landed at will in the middle rounds.  Lartey seemed like he was ready to quit on his stool after the eighth, but he continued and Vasquez slowed his production in the final two rounds and cruised to the victory.

 

“I thought he was going down a few times but he hung in there,” Vasquez said.  “The jab was going well, but I made a couple of mistakes because I started feeling comfortable.  I knew he was hurt after the eighth and my corner told me to step off the gas a little bit and pick my punches more instead of just storming him.

 

“I thought he was going to quit a couple times on his stool.  He’s a tough guy – no one could knock him out. I couldn’t either.”

 

Lartey dropped his third fight to a top prospect after decision losses to Errol Spence Jr.and Felix Diaz.

 

“Sammy is a tough fighter,” Lartey said.  “He’s really strong. I did my best, but he was just too good.”

 

After the fight, ShoBox announcer Steve Farhood broke down Vasquez’s impressive game plan.

 

“It was a very controlled and intelligent performance by Vasquez, accelerating as the rounds progressed, dominating every round and controlling the action whether boxing, attacking or pinning Lartey against the ropes,” Farhood said.  “He showed a lot and he deserves the reputation he has as being one of the top young American welterweights.”

 

Craig Baker knocked out Humberto Savigne in a stunning upset, finishing the heralded former Cuban amateur with a highlight-reel TKO at 1:58 of the second round.

 

Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs, 1 NC), who had a huge size advantage and was the heavily favored fighter, landed a series of right hands in the first and looked like he could make it a quick night against the undefeated-yet-untested Baker.  But the Texan fought like an opponent who had nothing to lose against Savigne, an experienced veteran with over 400 amateur bouts under his belt.

 

Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) landed a few decent shots in the first and came out blazing in the second, throwing a high volume of punches with Savigne against the ropes.  Fighting in a small ring, Savigne had nowhere to go and continually ate shots on a suspect chin before falling face forward to the canvas.  Savigne got up, but he fell into the ropes and was clearly out on his feet, forcing the referee to halt the contest at 1:58.

 

“I hurt him in the first round and I could tell that his chin was weak, I could tell that I could finish him,” Baker said.  “In the second, I just smelled blood and I knew I had to go to work, I had to finish him.

 

“Nobody gave me a chance going in, but I was the undefeated fighter and he wasn’t.  I worked too hard to come here and lose.  I just have to keep working.  You haven’t seen the last of me – this is a life changing moment.”

 

The 36-year-old Savigne was clearly shocked after the fight.

 

“He was the better man tonight,” Savigne said.  “I wasn’t expecting him to be as tough as he was.  I made a huge mistake in taking him lightly. This is something that I’ll learn from.  Now I’ll go back to the drawing board.  I’ll go back to the gym – I’ll keep working hard and I’ll be back.

 

“In the first round, Baker hit me on the side of the ear and I lost equilibrium. I was completely dizzy. He hurt me with that shot.  He was the better man tonight.”

 

Claudio Marrero won a dominating unanimous decision victory over Orlando Rizo in the opening bout of the telecast.  Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) controlled the bout from the outset, knocking Rizo (18-6, 11 KOs) down four times en route to a convincing victory scored 78-71, 78-70, 80-68.

 

Marrero was the more aggressive and effective fighter, landing 43 percent of power punches and 39 percent of his total punches.

 

“I was trying to set up the big shots so I could end the night,” Marrero said.  “It got away from me at times, but it was a good preparation for taking that step for a shot at a world title.

 

“I’m not disappointed I didn’t knock him out.  I underestimated his tenacity to get back up and stay in the fight and I need to work on my discipline so that doesn’t happen again.  I feel that I’m ready for a shot at a title whenever I get an opportunity.”

 

# # #

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 58 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

 

Boxcino, HBO Boxing, Showtime Boxing

“MAYWEATHER VS. PACQUIAO”: STEPHEN ESPINOZA AND KEN HERSHMAN MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL HIGHLIGHTS

Leave a comment

“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”

– Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports®

 

“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.”

– Ken Hershman, President HBO SPORTS®

 

Live on Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 2

 

Live Audio Stream

http://www.conferenceplayback.com/stream/55574793/BEYR0220.mp3

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2015) — It’s a done deal! Undefeated Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) will fight longtime rival Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) in a Welterweight World Championship Unification Bout live on Pay-Per-View on Saturday, May 2.

 

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, and Ken Hershman, President of HBO SPORTS, were made available to the media just minutes after the fight was officially announced by Mayweather via his Shotsaccount.

 

Here are highlights from what Hershman and Espinoza had to sayFriday:

 

KEN HERSHMAN, President HBO SPORTS

 

“This is the biggest boxing event of all time, we’re confident of that. We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it and help craft it.

“We look forward to May 2. It’s going to be a spectacular night for this sport and for HBO and SHOWTIME as well.

“The Mike Tyson–Lennox Lewis joint pay-per-view fight was a great roadmap for this fight. It showed that this can be done successfully. There’s a lot of mechanics that go into this when two networks are working together, and those mechanics carry forward in terms of how things operate behind the scenes.

“The fight will be held on traditional pay-per-view, nothing out of the ordinary on that front. We’re looking forward to getting going, there’s a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager SHOWTIME Sports

 

“We’re thrilled to be a part of what we expect to be a record-breaking event. This deal is a product of a lot of hard work with some blood, sweat and tears along the way.

“I took this job approximately three years ago; the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has been a topic of conversation and a goal of not only ours, but of Floyd Mayweather’s since he came over to SHOWTIME a little less than three years ago.

“I believe that the direct line of communication between Floyd and Manny cleared up a lot of doubts on both of their minds and renewed their commitment to getting this fight done.

“We have had significant discussions as to who will make up the broadcast team; it will be an all-star team with a combination of talent from both networks.

“The meeting between Floyd and Manny at the Miami Heat game certainly greased the wheels in getting through the final stages of the process.

“One of the main reasons why this deal got done, as opposed to deals in the past, was because Leslie Moonves [President and CEO, CBS Corporation] was a part of the process. He was deeply committed to making this deal and was someone that all parties in this negotiation really respect. He was really the catalyst for seeing this through and refused to take no for an answer from any side.

“We believed this day would come, we worked hard to make it happen and we’re thrilled that it is here.”