Tag Archives: Broadway Boxing

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE COMPLETES FIRST WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER, DRAWING MORE THAN 188,000 VIEWS TO PROPEL TOTAL AUDIENCE ABOVE 750,000

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Interactive fight series has averaged 108,000 Facebook views per broadcast, thrilling more than three-quarters of a million fans since May 11.
NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2017) – The first-ever “doubleheader weekend” for the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series saw the four-month old, fan-friendly Facebook platform attract more than 188,000 views via back-to-back, Friday and Saturday shows in New England with DiBella Entertainment and CES Boxing.

Furthermore, the interactive series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience recorded a new high-mark with 40,714 Likes, Loves, Comments and Shares on Friday from Foxwoods. The ultimate result of all of the show-by-show views, the series interactivity and the global reach of the Facebook platform throughout the U.S. and also to significant audiences in the U.K., Mexico and South America – FIGHTNIGHT LIVE surpassed a new milestone by reaching its 750,000th view in only its seventh show.

“We’re extremely proud that Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has provided free, action-packed events for more than three-quarters of a million fans in just over four months, by posting a show-by-show average audience of 108,000,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “But beyond the numbers, we’re really pleased with the way the shows have been presented and produced. We’ve been able to showcase up-and-coming fighters to fight fans all over the world, and help them expand their bases. And we’ve been able to invite our viewers to be part of the action by fostering real-time interaction between our broadcasters and viewers on the fight activity, the decisions and the knockouts; it’s the next-best thing to having a ringside seat.”

Over the first four-plus months of programming, the numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of almost 108,000 fight fans tuning in per event. The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000), the July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix (63,000), the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun (45,000), the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago (32,000) and the Sept. DiBella “Friday Night Foxwoods Fights” (32,000) saw a total of almost 14,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 755,253-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 122,819 collective live post engagements (17,700-plus per show), including almost 88,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 13,000 comments and 4,200-plus shares. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males aged 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30 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 Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 3,336 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.”

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

Many FIGHTNIGHT LIVE cards are called by world-renowned blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Networks. Often joining Flores ringside are analysts like Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and Ring TV. Locally-based ringside reporters with significant social media followings are often employed for weigh-in day “behind the scenes” taped interviews and post-fight reports.

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 Fall 2017 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

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.
boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

Niall Kennedy wins controversial decision versus defending champion Alexis Santos to capture New England heavyweight title

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
BROADWAY BOXING RESULTS

Alexis Santos (L) vs. Niall Kennedy
(all pictures by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment)
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (September 16, 2017) – Undefeated Irishman Niall “Boom Boom” Kennedy won a controversial 10-round split decision versus defending champion Alexis Santos to capture the New England heavyweight championship in last night’s (Saturday) main event of Broadway Boxing held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT.
The Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. Last night’s show, which was streamed by FightNight LIVE on Facebook, was promoted in association with Murphys Boxing.
Kennedy (9-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Galway, Ireland, by way of Boston, battled Santos in a competitive, action-packed brawl to be awarded the N.E. title by scores of 96-93, 96-93, 93-96. The majority of fans in attendance, outside of Kennedy’s Irish supporters, and the ringside media felt that Santos, from Lawrence, MA, had the edge and deserved the decision.
Referee Al LoBianco deducted a point from Santos in the ninth round for a highly questionable low blow and failed to rule a knockdown when it appeared the ropes kept Kennedy upright in a tremendous last round surge from the Dominican American.
In the co-featured bout, former world champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (20-1, 1 KO), of Providence, RI, defeated former world title challenger Angel “Non-Stop” Gladney (9-13-1, 6 KOs) in a junior lightweight match. The colorful Vincent was the aggressor throughout the fight, effectively cutting off the ring, outboxing and walking down Gladney for a lop-sided eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 80-71 twice).
Shelly Vincent (L) outclassed Angel Gladney
Rising Connecticut welterweight star “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams improved his record to 8-0 (4 KOs), pitching a complete shutout in an impressive six-round unanimous decision (all 60-54) win over a much more experienced and considerably taller Evincii “Prize Fighter” Dixon (7-20-2, 2 KOs). Williams is a 19-year-old from East Hartford who is a freshman at Manchester Community College.
Mykquan Williams (L) cruised to another victory
2012 Ukrainian Olympian Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (15-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, bounced back from his only pro loss with a near shutout eight-round decision victory (80-72 twice, 79-73) over his always tough super middleweight adversary, battle-tested veteran Derrick “Superman” Finley (27-22-1, 18 KOs).
“It was different when I first started training after a loss,” Khytrov said after the fight. “I started to think more and work on my defense; to fight much smarter instead of just brawling, throwing punches, like I did before my loss. I came the US four years ago from a small country that’s not rich to become a world champion. I feel I’m back on the right track.
Ievgen Khytrov (R) bounced back with a solid win
Hot New England junior welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (5-0, 4 KOs) stepped up in class against Mexican Francisco “El Mono” Medel (11-10, 7 KOs), and remained undefeated by displaying his overall game, offensively and defensively. Fighting out of Lawrence, MA, the 2014 N.E. amateur champion Sosa dropped Medal with a straight right in the first round, a sneaky body shot in the second and finished him off in the third with a crisp right to the temple as referee Al LoBianco immediately halted the action.
Pro-debuting welterweights Nicky DeQuattro (1-0, 1 KO) and Timothy Wheeler (0-1) engaged in a street fight from the opening bell until DeQuartro, fighting out of Johnson, RI, connected with an overhand right that dropped his New York City rival.  Moments later, DeQuattro unleashed a four-punch combination that dropped Wheeler for a complete 10-count.
The night started with a barnburner as former Irish amateur standout Ray Moylette (6-0, 2 KOs) kept his undefeated pro record intact but it certainly wasn’t easy.  Moylette overcame a second-round knockdown, coming back strong in the second half of the fight to take a six-round split decision versus game junior welterweight Donte Bryant (1-3-1, 1 KO).
Complete Foxwoods results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – N.E. HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Niall Kennedy (8-0, 5 KOs), Gorey, Ireland
WDEC10 (96-93, 96-93, 93-96)
(Kennedy won New England heavyweight title)
CO-FEATURE – FEMALE JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Shelly Vincent (20-1, 1 KO), Providence, RI
WDEC8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-72)
Angel Gladney (9-13-1, 6 KOs), Columbia, Brooklyn, NY
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ievgen Khytrov (15-1, 12 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Derrick Finley (27-22-1 (18 KOs), Gary, IN
WELTERWEIGHTS
Myquan Williams (8-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Evincii Dixon (7-20-2 (2 KOs), Lancaster, PA
Nicky DeQuattro (1-0, 1 KO), Johnston, RI
WKO1 (2:28)
Timothy Wheeler (0-1, 0 KO), New York, NY
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Adrian Sosa (5-0, 4 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WTKO3 (0:30)
Francisco Medel (11-10, 7 KOs)
Raymond Moylette (6-0, 2 KOs), Islandeady, Ireland
WDEC6 (57-56, 57-56, 55-58)
Donte Bryant (1-3-1, 1 KO), Kalamazoo, MI
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter
@DiBellaEnt
@LouDiBella
@FoxwoodsCT
       
 

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT AND FIGHTNIGHT LIVE PARTNER TO DELIVER SEPT. 15 “BROADWAY BOXING” SHOW ON FACEBOOK

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Fan-friendly, interactive platform joins forces with long-running fight series live from Foxwoods on Friday.
NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2017) – After attracting more than 200,000 viewers in each of its last two shows, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its September programming by aligning with one of the longest-running fight series anywhere. The tech-forward, fan-friendly Facebook broadcast platform now partners with DiBella Entertainment to deliver the next edition of the promotion’s “Broadway Boxing,” live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

“I am thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing to such a wide-reaching social media platform as Facebook via FightNight LIVE,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We are streaming the entire card for free and will have a terrific team of commentators calling the action, with Showtime’s Corey Erdman, boxing/MMA star Heather Hardy, and Hartford, Connecticut’s former world title challenger John Scully. Viewers will be treated to a great lineup featuring New England heavyweight champion Alexis Santos facing Ireland’s Niall Kennedy in the main event, along with middleweight contender Ievgen Khytrov, popular female fighter Shelly Vincent, East Hartford’s Mykquan Williams and other local talent on the undercard.”

Headlining the night in a 10-round heavyweight battle of local rivals, Alexis Santos (18-1, 15 KOs), of Lawrence, Mass., clashes with Ireland’s Niall Kennedy (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Boston, Mass. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., middleweight contender Ievgen “The Ukranian Lion” Khytrov (14-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., battles upset-minded specialist Derrick “Superman” Findley (27-21-1, 18 KOs), of Gary, Ind., over eight rounds in the co-main event. New England fan favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs), of East Hartford, Conn., will return against battle-tested Evincii Dixon, of Lancaster, Penn., over six rounds. In a special feature attraction women’s eight-round junior lightweight battle, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent(19-1, 1 KO) squares off against Angel “Nonstop” Gladney (9-12-1, 6 KOs).

“We’ve seen Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE grow into a truly global platform over the first five months, and we’re pleased that so many promoters have taken notice. Friday’s card with DiBella Entertainment features quality bouts with international standouts and regional stars, and we’re excited that a long-running, high-quality series like Broadway Boxing has found a new home on Facebook,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.

Over the first five months of programming, the numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of more than 113,000 fight fans tuning in per event. The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (224,658), the August “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix (63,000), the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun (45,000) and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago (32,000) saw a total of more than 12,700 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 567,000-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 71,000 collective live post engagements (14,000-plus per show), including more than 40,400 “likes” or “loves,” more than 10,300 comments and 3,200-plus shares. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males aged 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and carried the series to over half-a-million views in just under four months, while the Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 201,935 views across 3,336 live hours of content, with 8,224 viewer interactions including 1,133 “likes” or “loves,” 1,570 comments and 1,392 shares.

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

On Friday night, Sept. 15, live from Foxwoods, 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 Corey Erdman of Showtime, VICE Boxing Scene. Erdman will be joined on the show by former world-ranked light heavyweight “Iceman” John Scully, Brooklyn’s own WBC International Female Female Super Bantamweight titleholder Heather “The Heat” Hardy and DiBella himself as analysts. 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 Fall 2017 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

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.
boxing

MATT REMILLARD STOPS FATIOU FASSINOU IN FIVE ROUNDS; TARGETS MIKEY GARCIA REMATCH IN 2018

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
ARIAS DEFEATS SHAMALOV BY DECISION IN SENSATIONAL BATTLE OF
NEW YORK CITY HEAVYEIGHT PROSPECTS
 
BROADWAY BOXING RESULTS FROM FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO

Matt Remillard (R) continued his comeback last night with a big win at Foxwoods
(all pictures by Emily Harney / DiBella Entertainment)

MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 4, 2017) – The amazing comeback of Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard continued last night as the popular Connecticut lightweight stopped Fatiou Fassinou in the Broadway Boxing headliner held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT.
The Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House.
Remillard, 30, was the No. 2-ranked featherweight in the world in 2011, when he lost to future world champion Mikey Garcia (LRTD11).  Fighting out of Manchester, CT, tonight’s fight was Remillard’s first in his home state in six-and-a-half years, due to him serving a five-year prison sentence. He returned to the ring this past April, taking an eight-round decision from Agustine Mauras, in Worcester, MA.
In the opening round, Remillard (25-1, 14 KOs) and the slick Benin-native, former WBC International Silver champion Fassinou (27-6-3, 14 KOs) got to know each other as both fighters were cautious. Remillard opened up in the second round, using his left to the body, dropping Fassinou in his corner during the final seconds. Remillard pressed the action in the third, peppering Fassinou around the ring in his familiar punishing style, putting Fassinou in his “Sharp Shooter” sights for target practice in the fourth. Fassinou failed to answer the bell for the fifth round.
“Against a southpaw, the left hook to the liver is there, a punch I’m known for,” Remillard commented after the fight. “He was a little sloppier than I expected. I felt good; I’m 24/7 in the gym. Maybe I’ll have one more fight this year to get in some rounds, and then get ready for a big 2018. I want a rematch with Garcia, at 135 or 140 pounds, 100-percent. He owes me a rematch. The guy he beat wasn’t me.”
Ruslan Shamalov (L) & George Arias turned in the Fight of the Night
In the co-feature, two New York City-based heavyweights, 6’5″ Russian Ruslan Shamalov (4-1, 3 KOs) and Dominican “Gentleman” George Arias (7-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn and the Bronx, respectively, put their undefeated records on the line. Shamalov’s power punches rocked the much shorter 5’11” Arias in the first round, but Arias stayed off the ropes and boxed much better in the second. The two fighters exchanged bombs throughout a terrific third round and, somehow, the fourth was even better with back-and-forth, non-stop action. The pace subsided slightly in the fifth round, setting the stage for a bombs-away sixth and final frame that didn’t disappoint.
Shamalov and Arias fought a furious pace, especially for heavyweights, in a legitimate six-round “Fight of the Year” candidate. Arias, the leader of Team Wash Em’ Up in the Bronx, won a six-round unanimous decision by scores of 60-54, 59-55, and 58-56.
“This win was humungous for me,” said an overjoyed Arias, after his first six-round fight. “I had a game plan, but once he hurt me in the first round, my heart took over and I just fought. I like to fight for the people, so I held on in the first instead of taking a knee.”
Mykquan Williams (R) celebrated his high school graduation a little  early
Crowd favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs) gave himself an early high school graduation present as the East Hartford fighter defeated Nicaraguan welterweight Ariel “La Guerra” Vasquez (13-18-2, 9 KOs) in the former’s first six-round bout. The 19-year-old Williams, a five-time national amateur champion, is a budding star with tremendous upside. Poised beyond his years, Williams controlled the pace against his battle-tested southpaw opponent, who is 11 years Williams’ senior, displaying his vast arsenal of punches, especially his left-right combination that landed consistently.  Williams’ fast hands exploded for the first time at the end of the second round, then he picked up his assault in the third, as he cruised to a six-round shutout decision, with three tallies of 60-54.
Williams graduates on June 20 from Prince Tech. “That was a good graduation present,” Williams said. “My hand speed played a big factor. He was a tough guy, especially for my first six-rounder.”
Jennifer Salinas (R) had too much for Marquita Lee
featherweight champion Jennifer “The Bolivian Queen” Salinas (20-4, 5 KOs) defeated Marquita Lee (3-5) by way of a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision.  Salinas, fighting out of Providence, was the aggressor throughout, but Lee never took a backward step. Scorecards 59-55 twice, and 58-56, all for Salinas.
Fighting a much more experienced and taller opponent from Africa, promising Lynn, MA prospect Khiry “TNT” Todd (5-0, 5 KOs) won his fifth pro fight, all by knockout. A 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, Todd gained invaluable experience against cagey super welterweight Nicolas Sarouna (12-9-1, 9 KOs), of Togo, who took a knee after getting hit by a sneaky uppercut in the third round. Sarouna failed to beat the 10-count as Todd improved his perfect record, with a TKO stoppage at the 1:32 mark.
Radzhab Butaev left Abraham Alvarez on the mat in serious pain
Unbeaten Russian middleweight prospect Radzhab “The Python” Butaev (6-0, 4 KOs) was too much for Mexican Abraham “The Swift” Alvarez (20-11-1, 11 KOs). Butaev dropped Alvarez early with a vicious left hook, from which Alvarez never fully recovered. A brutal right to the liver put the Mexican on mat once again, in obvious pain, as referee Joey Lupino immediately waved off the fight at 1:05 of round one.
Cuban cruiserweight Luis “El Leon” Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs) kept his perfect pro record intact with a first-round knockout of his outclassed Mexican opponent Felipe Romero (19-14-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of San Diego. Now living in Peekskill, NY, Garcia dropped Romero with an overhand right in the opening seconds and he never let up, consistently hurting Romero with a series of devastating rights. Garcia closed the show with a powerhouse uppercut, leading referee Johnny Callas to halt the action at the 1:48 mark.
Three-time Puerto Rican National Boxing team member Jose Roman (4-0, 3 KOs) went the distance for the first time against a game William Hill (2-3), of Detroit. The skilled Puerto Rican super welterweight applied pressure from the opening bell, using a fierce body attack on Hill, who was trapped on the ropes for most of the fight. The judges tallied 40-36 twice, and 39-37, all for Roman via unanimous decision.
##
DiBella Entertainment’s unbeaten featherweight contender Luis Rosa also fought on Saturday, headlining a card at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in his hometown of New Haven, CT, facing Carlos Osorio, of Managua, Nicaragua. Rosa pressured his adversary throughout the contest, wearing him down with a steady attack to the body. Osorio was game and had a stiff jab, though the hometown favorite’s combinations on the inside helped to diminish the Nicaraguan’s punch output. Believing that Osorio had taken a great deal of punishment, the referee halted the contest at the 1:25 mark of round six, awarding Rosa the TKO victory. With the win, Rosa improved to 23-0 (11 KOs), while Osorio’s record dropped to 13-7 (5 KOs).
Complete Foxwoods results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Remillard (25-1, 14 KOs), Manchester, CT
WTKO4 (3:00)
Fatiou Fassinou (27-6-3, 14 KOs), Cotonou, Benin
CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
George Arias (7-0, 3 KOs), Bronx, NY
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 58-56)
Ruslan Shamalov (4-1, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Luis Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs), Peekskill, NY
WTKO1 (1:48).
Felipe Romero (19-14-1, 13 KOs), San Diego, CA
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Radzhab Butaev (6-0, 5 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WTKO1 (1:05)
Abraham Alvarez (20-11-1, 11 KOs), El Rosario, Mexico
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
Khiry Todd (5-0, 5 KOs), Lynn, MA
WKO3 (1:32)
Nicolas Sarouna (12-9-1, 9 KOs), Lome, Togo
Jose Roman (4-0, 3 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
William Hill (2-3), Detroit, MI
WELTERWEIGHTS
Myquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Ariel Vasquez (13-18-2, 9 KOs), Managua, Nicaragua
FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jennifer Salinas (20-4, 5 KOs), Providence, RI
WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56)
Marquita Lee (3-5), Novato, CA
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @DiBellaEnt, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT
boxing

BROADWAY BOXING WEIGHTS FROM FOXWOODS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 2, 2017) – All the boxers made weight today for today‘s (Sat., June 3) Broadway Boxing event to be held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT,
The popular Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, will showcase some of New England’s top fighters.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Main Event – Lightweights — (8)

(L) Matt Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT 135 lbs.

(R) Fatiou Fassinou (27-5-3, 14 KOs), Cotonou, Benin 133 lbs.
Co-Feature – Heavyweights (6)
(L) Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 233 lbs.
(R) George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs), Bronx, NY by way of Dominican Republic 230 lbs.
Welterweights (6)
(L) Myquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT 146 lbs.
(R) Ariel Vasquez (13-17-2, 9 KOs), Managua, Nicaragua 147 lbs.
Female Super Lightweights (6)
(L) Jennifer Salinas (19-4, 5 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
(R) Marquita Lee (3-4), Novato, CA 132 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Khiry Todd (4-0, 4 KOs), Lynn, MA 149 lbs.
(R) Nicolas Sarouna (12-8-1, 9 KOs), Lome, Togo 148 lbs.
Middleweights (8)
(L) Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 153 lbs.
(R) Abraham Alvarez (20-10-1, 11 KOs), El Rosario, Mexico 157 lbs.
Cruiserweights (6)
(L) Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), Peekskill, NY by way of Cuba 194 lbs.
(R) Felipe Romero (19-13-1, 13 KOs), San Diego, CA by way of Mexico 195 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico 149 lbs.
(R) William Hill (2-2), Detroit, MI 148 lbs.
WHAT: “Broadway Boxing” professional boxing
 
WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 2017
WHERE: Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT
PROMOTER: DiBella Entertainment
RING ANNOUNCER: Dave Diamante
DOORS OPEN: 7:00 p.m. ET
FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET
TICKETS: Priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @DiBellaEnt, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT
boxing

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO FOXWOODS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SHELLY VINCENT FEATURED IN SPECIAL ATTRACTION FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST
 
HARTFORD LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER MATT REMILLARD
CONTINUES COMEBACK IN HOMECOMING BOUT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT
New York, NY (5/22/17) – On Saturday, June 3, DiBella Entertainment will return to the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT, for the latest exciting installment of its popular Broadway Boxing series, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. The card will feature a bevy of New England talent, including fan favorite Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in an eight-round special attraction featherweight bout, as well as lightweight Matt Remillard on the comeback and welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams on the rise.
“I am happy to bring another great card back to Foxwoods, which continues to be a terrific venue for Broadway Boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans will not want to miss the always-entertaining Shelly Vincent, who is a great ambassador for women’s boxing. The stacked undercard will include local New England favorites Matt Remillard, Mykquan Williams, Jonathan Figueroa, and Khiry Todd, as well as Russian future world champion Radzhab Butaev and a battle between unbeaten heavyweight prospects Ruslan Shamalov and George Arias.”
One of the most popular fighters out of the New England area, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (19-1, 1 KO), born in New London, CT, but now residing in Providence, RI, will compete at Foxwoods for the seventh time, in an eight-round featherweight bout. Last August, Vincent entered enemy territory to challenge rival Heather Hardy in her adversary’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Their highly publicized grudge match was nationally televised by NBC Sports Net and was hailed by Ring Magazine as the “Female Fight of the Year” for 2016. Vincent was also honored by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame as their “Fighter of the Year” for 2016, becoming the first female recipient of the award. She rebounded from her only defeat with a unanimous decision victory on December 2, back home in Rhode Island. Before turning pro in October 2011, Vincent was a Connecticut State, Connecticut Golden Gloves, and National Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. Managed by Mike Criscio and trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Vincent signed with DiBella Entertainment in 2016.
Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), of Hartford, CT, will continue his comeback, following a six-year ring absence, in an eight-round lightweight bout. It will be his first fight in his home state since November 2010. A pro since 2005, Remillard is a former WBC Youth, WBC-USNBC, NABF and NABO featherweight champion. His only loss came in March 2011 to the unbeaten Mikey Garcia, now the WBC world lightweight champion. He is trained by Paul Cichon, a local legend and community leader, out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society boxing gym. As an amateur, Remillard accumulated a record of 115-25, and was a two-time Everlast Under-19 National amateur champion.
Highly touted East Hartford welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs) has kept a busy pace since turning pro last April. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by Jackie Kallen, the 19-year-old Williams will return to Foxwoods, where he has built a strong following, for the sixth time, in his first scheduled six-rounder. Williams is also trained by Cichon, whom he’s known since he was a child and looks upon as a surrogate father. His biological father was murdered when Mykquan was just a week old. Williams was a decorated amateur with a 45-13 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
Unbeaten New York-based heavyweights will collide in their toughest tests to date, when Russian Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Dominican George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest.
Born in Cherkessk, Russia, and now living in Brooklyn, the 6’5″ Shamalov was a two-time amateur MMA champion before switching to boxing and engaging in 30 amateur bouts while participating on the Russian National team. Shamalov turned pro in October 2016 and is trained by Eduard Kravtsov out of Wild Card Gym, in Los Angeles, CA. In his last bout on April 5, Shamalov returned home to Russia and registered a first-round knockout versus Oleksandr Nesterenko in 43 seconds.
Arias was born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, then moved to New York City in 1996, at four years old. However, it wasn’t until graduating high school that Arias learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home in The Bronx. He won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned pro that October. Arias recently returned from a 13-month ring hiatus with a four-round unanimous decision versus Jamal Woods in Lawrenceville, GA, on April 29.
Cuban cruiserweight Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), based out of Peekskill, NY, will see action in a six-round bout. After being denied a berth on the Cuban Olympic team, despite winning in the Cuban Olympic qualifiers preparing for the Games in Beijing, Garcia defected from his native land and settled in Cork, Ireland, where he turned pro in September 2008. Having built his record to a perfect 11-0 over the next 26 months, Garcia then relocated to the United States to resume his career. On December 5, 2015, Garcia made his New York debut at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, earning a 63-second knockout versus Willie Williams. Anther first-round knockout followed in his last bout on June 25, 2016, at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK.
Russian amateur prodigy Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. and managed by Vadim Kornilov, will make his second appearance at Foxwoods in an eight-round contest. On November 19, Butaev earned an eight-round shutout victory versus experienced Hungarian Gabor Gorbics to win the NABF junior middleweight title. In his last bout, on April 5, Butaev returned to Russia to stop Baxrom Payazov inside one round. The 22-year-old Butaev, born in Salsk, Russia, and now living in Los Angeles, was a highly accomplished amateur, having compiled an incredible 304-12 record, with 164 knockouts. He participated in the World Series of Boxing as well, finishing at 9-1.
A native of the boxing rich city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs) will make his US debut in a four-round welterweight contest. Roman began boxing at 13 years of age amassing a stellar 124-17 amateur record along the way. He joined the Puerto Rican National team in 2012, winning three consecutive National championships from 2013-2015.
Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-1, 1 KO), of Hartford, CT, will fight in a four-round contest. Managed by Vinny Scolpino, Figueroa turned pro on a Broadway Boxing card held at Foxwoods on September 1 last year. Training out of Hartford PAL gym, Figueroa was a 2012 Golden Gloves champion as an amateur.
Welterweight Khiry Todd (3-0, 3 KOs), from Lynn, MA, will make his Connecticut debut in a four-round contest. The 25-year-old Todd had 40 amateur bouts and won the New England Golden Gloves tournament before turning pro last December with a 42-second demolition of Patrick Leal.
Tickets for the June 3 Broadway Boxing event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:30pm.
boxing

DeLomba upsets Cowart and Fernandez Shines in DBE Debut

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NEW ENGLAND STRONG
 
RESULTS FROM FOXWOODS
(all pictures by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
MASHANTUCKET, CT (September 2, 2016) – New England boxers dominated last night’s Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment and sponsored by Nissan of Queens, Optyx, Azad Watches and Christos Steak House, held in the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
Rhode Island lightweight “Nice” Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) outboxed and outpunched former Florida State Golden Gloves champion Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (11-2-1, 9 KOs) for an upset victory by way of an eight-round unanimous decision.
DeLomba, who was one of five winning New Englanders without a loss, took the fight to Cowart, beating him to the punch and effectively counterpunching. Cowart was unable to contain DeLomba’s side-to-side movement or his flurries of punches in the main event.
“Everybody looks at me and thinks they’re going to attack my body,” an ecstatic DeLomba said after the fight.  “Nobody moves as smooth as me and I’m going to keep doing it.”
Nick DeLomba (R) outworked Cowart
In the co-feature, New Mexico super featherweight Jose “Shorty” Salinas (10-2-1, 5 KOs) stood tall, stunning Albania native Dardan Zenunaj (12-2, 9 KOs), who is trained byRobert Garcia. Now fighting out of Belgium, Zenunaj couldn’t put Salinas away early and he paid for that in the later rounds. Bloodied and bruised, Salinas refused to stop throwing punches, and his huge heart resulted in an eight-round unanimous decision victory.
Jose Salinas pulled off a stunner
Undefeated Spaniard Jon “Jonfer” Fernandez (9-0, 7 KOs) used a tremendous height and reach advantage to pound his tough Mexican opponent Naciff “Chata” Castillo (17-9-2, 5 KOs) until referee Joey Lupino halted the action midway through the fifth round. Fernandez recently signed a promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment and legendary boxer Sergio Martinez.
Jon Fernandez (R) unloaded on Naciff Castillo
Brooklyn lightweight Wesley Ferrer (12-0, 6 KOs), a 2013 New York City Golden Gloves champion, kept his undefeated record intact by outclassing a game Angel Figueroa (4-4-1). Referee Arthur Mercante stopped the fight 20 seconds into the seventh round.
Wesley Ferrer (L) was simply too much for Angel Figueroa
Sensational high school senior “Marvelous” Mykey Williams (4-0, 2 KOs) unloaded a three-punch combination that knocked out David Nelson (3-6, 1 KO) just 24 seconds into the first round. The 18-year-old Williams, fighting out of East Hartford, is rapidly developing into a rising star.
Mykey Williams ended the show early
Worcester, MA featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs) needed only two minutes to knock out Juan Muniz (0-5). The 20-year-old Gonzalez, whose pro debut also ended spectacularly in the opening round, exploded with a barrage of punches until referee Mercante stepped in to save the Texan from additional damage.
Irvin Gonzalez (R) is a promising prospect
In an action-packed match between a pair of pro debut fighters, East Hartford welterweight Anthony Laureano (1-0) emerged with a hard-fought win by four-round majority decision over Philadelphia’s Nahir Albright (0-1). The 21-year-old Laureano was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion.
Anthony Laureano (R) and Nahir Albright went to war
Fan favorite Jonathan “Smooth” Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of nearby Hartford, turned in an impressive performance in his professional debut, finishing off Philadelphia welterweight Demetris Williams (0-2) in the fourth round. Figueroa, a 2012 Southern New England Golden Gloves champion, wore down Williams and ended things with a powerful right hand.
Jonathan Figueroa celebrating his pro debut victory
Full results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(all winners listed first)
WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (1-0, 0 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Nahir Albright (0-1, 0 KOs), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jonathan Figueroa (1-0, 1 KOs), Hartford, CT
WKO4 (1:58)
Demetris Williams (0-2), Philadelphia, PA
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Mykey Williams (4-0, 3 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WKO1 (0:24)
David Nelson (3-6, 1 KO), Lawton, OK
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs), Cranston, RI
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 78-74)
Amos Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KOs), Groveland, FL
Jon Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs), Bilbao, Pais Vasco, Spain
WKO5 (1:45)
Naciff Castillo (17-10-2, 5 KOs), Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Wesley Ferrer (12-0, 7 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WTKO7 (0:20)
Angel Figueroa (4-4-1, 0 KOs), Loran, OH
SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jose Salinas (10-2-1, 5 KOs), Albuquerque, NM
WDEC8 (78-74, 78-74, 77-75)
Dardan Zenunaj (12-2, 9 KOs), Braine le Comte, Belgium
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Irvin Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:00)
Juan Muniz (0-5), Tyler, TX
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @FoxwoodsCT, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/foxwoods/.
boxing

BROADWAY BOXING  WEIGHTS & PICTURES FROM FOXWOODS

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WEIGHTS FROM FOXWOODS
(all pictures by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS – (8)
Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KOs), Groveland, FL 137 lbs.
“Nice” Nick DeLomba (10-1, 2 KOs), Cranston, RI 137 lbs.
CO-FEATURE – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Dardan Zenunaj (12-1, 9 KOs), Braine le Comte, Belgium 130 lbs.
Jose “Shorty” Salinas (9-2-1, 5 KOs), Las Cruces, NM 131 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
“Marvelous” Mykey Williams (3-0, 2 KOs), East Hartford, CT 142 lbs.
David Nelson (3-5, 1 KO), Lawton, OK lbs. 140 lbs.
FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Irvin Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 126 lbs.
Juan Muniz (0-4), Tyler, TX 129 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Anthony Laureano (pro debut), East Hartford, CT 146 lbs.
Nahir Albright (pro debut), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 144 lbs.
WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Jonathan “Smooth” Figueroa (pro debut), Hartford, CT 144 lbs.
Demetris Williams (0-1), Philadelphia, PA 144 lbs.
LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)
Jon “Jonfer” Fernandez (8-0, 6 KOs), Bilbao, Pais Vasco, Spain 132 lbs.
Naciff “Chata” Castillo (17-8-2, 5 KOs), Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 132 lbs.
LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Wesley Ferrer (11-0, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 139 lbs.
Angel Figueroa (4-3-1, 0 KOs), Lorain, Ohio 139 lbs.
WHAT:  “Broadway Boxing”
 
WHEN:  Thursday, September 1, 2016
WHERE:  Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT
PROMOTER:  DiBella Entertainment
DOORS OPEN:  5:00 p.m. ET
FIRST BOUT:  7:00 p.m. ET
TICKETS: $125, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @FoxwoodsCT and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.facebook.com/foxwoods/
boxing

SOLID BROADWAY BOXING CARD ANNOUNCED STRONG NEW ENGLAND FLAVOR

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This Thursday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino
MASHANTUCKET, CT (August 30, 2016) – DiBella Entertainment has announced a solid  Broadway Boxing card, showcasing many of New England’s most promising prospects, this Thursday night in Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
“Nice” Nick DeLomba (10-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Cranston, RI, is one of six New Englanders that will be featured on, ironically, Broadway Boxing. The 26-year-old DeLomba will square off against Groveland, Florida’s Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KOs) in the eight-round main event.
Belgian super featherweight Dardan Zenunaj (12-1, 9 KOs), a former World Boxing Association (WBA) International champion, faces New Mexico’s Jose “Shorty” Salinas(9-2-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round contest.
Undefeated Brooklyn lightweight Wesley Ferrer, a 2013 New York City Golden Gloves champion, will participate in another eight-round bout.
A pair of newly signed DiBella Entertainment fighters, unbeaten Spanish junior lightweight Jon “Jonfer” Fernandez (8-0, 6 KOs), who is co-promoted by future Hall of Famer Sergio Martinez, and pro-debuting Puerto Rican welterweight Jose Roman, will also be in action. Fernandez is matched against Mexican Naciff “Chata” Castillo (17-8-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, while Roman turns pro against Philadelphian Khaaliq Core in a four-round match.
East Hartford, CT welterweight “Marvelous” Mykey Williams (3-0, 2 KOs), a three-time Ringside World Tournament champion, returns to his second home at Foxwoods for his fourth pro fight against David Nelson (3-5, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA, in a four-round bout.
Connecticut’s own Anthony Laureano and Jonathan “Smooth” Figueroa will be making their pro debuts in separate four-round bouts against Philadelphians. The welterweight Laureano, a 2016 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from East Hartford, challenges pro-debuting Nihir Albright, while Hartford junior welterweight Figueroa, a 2012 Southern N.E. Golden Gloves gold medalist, competes against Demetris Williams(0-1).
A pair of Massachusetts featherweights will be fighting in separate four-round bouts. N.E. Golden Gloves winner Timmy Ramos (4-0-1, 4 KOs), of Framingham, will battle Sean Acosta, of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Worcester’s Irvin Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) will take on Texan Juan Muniz.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for the September 1st card are on sale and priced at $125, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @FoxwoodsCT, @dardanzenunaj, and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment andwww.facebook.com/foxwoods/.
boxing

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT NEWLY SIGNED PROSPECTS JON FERNANDEZ AND JOSE ROMAN SET TO MAKE DEBUTS ON UPCOMING BROADWAY BOXING CARD

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO
Mashantucket, CT (8/24/16) – Looking to add to its ever growing stable of young, up-and-coming talent, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) has announced the signing of undefeated Spanish prospect Jon Fernandez (L in photo) and Puerto Rican amateur standout Jose Roman to exclusive long-term promotional contracts. Both Fernandez and Roman will be making their DBE debuts on the upcoming special edition Broadway Boxing card in the Premier Ballroom at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT, next Thursday, September 1. Broadway Boxing is proudly sponsored by Nissan of Queens, OPTYX, Azad Watches, and Christos Steakhouse.
“I am happy to be coming back to Foxwoods with another great card, and to have the opportunity to showcase these two new additions to the DBE roster,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Promoting Sergio Martinez was one of the highlights of my career and I am proud to say that he and I have forged a lifelong friendship. Sergio told me that Jon is one of the best young fighters he has seen in a very long time, and I look forward to helping build the career of Jon Fernandez here in the States with my friend and great champion Maravilla.”
Regarding Roman, DiBella continued, “Jose Roman was a terrific amateur, and gained invaluable experience fighting on the Puerto Rican national team. He was one of the most sought out amateurs on the island and we are thrilled for him to call DBE his home. We are looking forward to featuring him in the US, as well as in Puerto Rico, and building him in front of the huge Puerto Rican fan base here on the East Coast.”
At just 20 years of age, the junior lightweight Fernandez (8-0, 6 KO’s) is one of the most promising young prospects to come out of Spain in years. Standing at 5’11”, Fernandez is extremely tall for the 130lb. division and has devastating power in both hands. Fernandez caught the eye of former middleweight kingpin and future Hall-of-Famer Sergio Martinez when he was still fighting as an amateur. Martinez immediately saw star potential and signed Fernandez to his promotional company, MaravillaBox Promotions, in 2015 and soon after began courting the young Fernandez to his own former promoter Lou DiBella. DiBella and Martinez made things official in June, signing Fernandez to a co-promotional deal at this year’s Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards dinner, where DiBella received the James A. Farley award for honesty and integrity in boxing.
“This is a dream come true. I still cannot believe it,” said Fernandez. “I am very grateful to Lou DiBella, one of the most important and prestigious promoters in the United States, for the trust and belief that he has placed in me and to Sergio (Martinez) for the potential he saw in me as a boxer. Boxing is my life and I want to be the best. Following in the footsteps of Sergio and becoming a world champion like him is my lifelong dream.”
“I have been watching Jon fight since his amateur days and truly believe that the sky is the limit for him,” said Maravilla Martinez. “With each passing fight, he continues to show vast improvement and I believe that he has the ability to become not only a future champion but a future star in this sport. Jon has to stay focused and continue to work, to learn and to give everything he has to this sport. For Jon to have the opportunity to sign with Lou at just 20 years old, an opportunity that I did not have until I was already 32, is amazing and he has to take full advantage of it. Jon has to destroy everything that is put in his path and with time, patience and hard work, he will achieve greatness in this sport.”
A native of the boxing rich city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Roman began boxing at 13 years of age amassing a stellar 124-17 record along the way. Roman joined the Puerto Rican national team in 2012, winning three consecutive national championships from 2013-2015.
“I couldn’t be more excited to get my career underway behind such a great promoter as Lou. DiBella has done tremendous work with so many great fighters over the years, and I am looking forward to growing and shining under the DiBella Entertainment banner. It is every fighter’s dream to fight in the US, and now I have the opportunity to make my pro debut here, and for that I want to thank my manager Ricardo Figueroa and my trainer Emilio Lozado for getting me this amazing opportunity,” said Roman.
Fernandez is set to make his DBE and US debut against the very tough Mexican Naciff Castillo (17-8-2, 5 KO’s) in an eight-round junior lightweight matchup, while Roman is set to square off against Khaaliq Core (0-1) in a four-round welterweight matchup.
The Broadway Boxing card is headlined by fellow once-beaten prospects prospects Amos “2 Smooth” Cowart (11-1-1, 9 KO’s) and “Nice” Nick DeLomba(10-1, 2 KO’s) squaring off in an eight-round super lightweight match-up.
Additional fights on the card will be announced shortly.
Tickets for the Sept. 1st card are on sale and priced at $125, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Broadway Boxing is proudly sponsored by Nissan of Queens, OPTYX, Azad Watches and Christos Steak House.
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com and www.Foxwoods.com,