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boxing

Boxing’s next great boxing trainer Julian Chua is a rising star in the gym, ring and corner

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez isChua’s first true world champion
(L-R) – Jesse Vargas, head trainer Julian Chua and two-time World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez 

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2024) –- One of the hottest young trainers in boxing is Julian Chua, even though he still hasn’t received the high-level respect he deserves from many boxing fans and promoters.

When Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (46-1, 30 KOs) dethroned previously undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Cruiserweight World Champion Arsen “Feroz” Goulamirian (27-0, 19 KOs) this past March, Chua’s stock took off because “Zurdo” is the first world champion the 33-year-old Chua developed into a world champion.

The journey Chua took to become the head trainer of “Zurdo,” who is only two months younger than Julian, was unusual, to say the least. At that time, Ramirez was 39-0 and the first of Mexican heritage to be world super middleweight champion, as well as a promotional free agent. “Zurdo” and his manager, David Suh (3 Point Management – 3PM), were conducting a search for a new head trainer and the list included some of the top coaches in the country. Chua was a relatively unknown commodity outside of southern California who at that time was training fighters at the famed Wildcard Gym in Hollywood (CA) under Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach (he had also trained Chua when he was an amateur boxer from Indiana).

In 2018, Suh reached out to Chua to inquire if he’d be interested in training Ramirez, adding that he was also speaking with several other top names. At first, Ramirez really didn’t know who Chua was, at least, until they met at a coffee shop in Santa Monica to get to know each other. After that meeting, Ramirez gave Julian a chance to train him. The rest, of course, is part of modern-day boxing history.

“We clicked right away,” Chua added. “We learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I’ve always studied a lot and did some research about how he had been trained because I wanted to help him improve. I was getting four fighters ready in L.A. and ‘Zurdo’ couldn’t go there for sparring. I told him that I couldn’t leave these fighters to go and train him in Long Beach. We still wanted to work with each other and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach (where Ramirez trained at Hill Street Boxing & Fitness Gym) twice a week and he came to Wildcard three times.”

Chua made his debut at Ramirez’ new head trainer in 2019, when Ramirez moved up in weight to fight as a light heavyweight, stopping Tommy Karpency in four rounds. COVID-19 restrictions adversely affected Ramirez’ activity, but he learned and improved by continuing to work with Chua in the gym. “Zurdo” signed a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, gaining added exposure fighting on the DAZN, and he reeled off four more consecutive victories through the middle of 2022, after which he lost for the first time in his pro career to WBA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (20-0), by way of a 12-round decision.

Ramirez decided that it was time to move up another division to cruiserweight because he was walking around at 200 pounds. Last October, Ramirez made his cruiserweight debut, albeit at a 193-pound catchweight, against former world light heavyweight champion and Bernard Hopkins conqueror Joe Smith, Jr. (28-4). “Zurdo” won a unanimous 10-round decision to become the mandatory challenger for Goulamirian.

“’Zurdo’ is the first world champion I’ve ‘built’ but I’ve been brought in to work with some world champions on their weaknesses – Regis Prograis, Steph Fulton and Alycia Baumgardner,” Chua commented. “It’s a lot more difficult that way because you can’t really have an impact in only two or three months. I’ve been working with ‘Zurdo’ for five years and I’ve had it good. He has a lot of natural talent and has always been a smart fighter, but he picked ‘nuts-and-guts’ too often in his decision making. He didn’t need to get hit so much even though he has a great chin. He has such a beautiful style and he’s so intelligent.”

“He’s such a natural. Mexicans are uppercut kings. I noticed that, defensively, Arsen didn’t move his head or feet much. He was so wide that he was open up the middle for uppercuts, left or right, and that was our master plan. We worked on ‘Zurdo’ not throwing his uppercuts from too far away. He had been wide but, in this fight, he smothered his opponent inside. He did a lot of technical work and he’s always been a versatile fighter. I have him boxing more off his back foot. He could bully opponents with his size at 168, but he doesn’t have that same physical luxury to impose his size at cruiserweight. He’s using his boxing skills more.”

Chua admits he cherished Ramirez capturing the WBA crown, professionally as well as personally. And he also believes “Zurdo” can become the first Mexico-born heavyweight world champion, the same as he was as world super middleweight and cruiserweight champion.

“It meant the world to me,” Chua spoke about ‘Zurdo’ becoming the WBA Cruiserweight World Champion. “The expression on my face when they announced the scores showed how much it meant to me. I’m still fighting for my respect with fans and promoters, especially after the Bivol fight. ‘Zurdo’ is too slick. I believe in this guy! I can see him moving up to heavyweight, but I want to clean up some more things defensively. Sometimes he keeps his head too low, and I don’t want him testing his chin so much. Depending on who the heavyweight champion is when he’s ready, I believe he can be heavyweight champion of the world with his activity so slick and prioritizing his defense. We’re going to double down. As Abel Sanchez (Goulamirian’s trainer) said at the post-fight press conference, he didn’t think ‘Zurdo’ was so slick, offensively and defensively.”

Chua is preparing “Zurdo” to take on WBO Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (20-1, 13 KOs) in a unification match on November 16th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In addition to several mixed-martial-arts fighters, Chua is also the head trainer for pro boxers such as WBA world super flyweight challenger and WBA #6-rated John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-1, 9 KOs), undefeated Hawaiian middleweight prospect Jordan “The Patriot” Panthen (9-0, 8 KOs), 2012 Ukrainian Olympian welterweight Taras Shelestyuk (19-0-1, 11 KOs), undefeated New York City welterweight Arnold Gonzalez (15-1, 7 KOs), Armenian super bantamweight Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (21-5, 17 KOs), and former WBA Inter-Continental Champion “Supreme” Kareem Hackett (12-1, 6 KOs), of Toronto. 

Catch the Chua experience, Julian is making a name for himself in boxing circles and drawing fighters to work with him at Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California. The best is yet to come, however, especially if “Zurdo” becomes world heavyweight champion in the not-too-distant future.
boxing, UFC

Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic living the American Dream Headlining this Thursday in Montebello, CA, steaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

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Kilic celebrating.jpg
LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2022) – What a long, strange trip it’s been for Turkish super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic, part of a growing 3 Point Management (3 PM) stable, resettling in California from Germany despite the pandemic, to headline this Thursday night’s “Hollywood Fight Nights, presented by 360 Promotions, at Quiet Cannon Country Club in Montebello, California.

The 27-year-old Kilic faces Andrew “Hurricane” Hernandez (21-8-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event, which will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.


A member of the Turkish National Boxing Team, Kilic moved eight years ago from Germany to Sherman Oaks, California, where he still resides. A native of Germany whose family comes from Turkey, Kilic showed tremendous courage simply by relocating halfway around the world with a mere $200 in his pockets, as well as the inability to speak English other than a few words.


“I still spend a lot of time at home,” Kilic remarked. “During the pandemic, I lived with my family in Germany, and I have a lot of family in Turkey. It was very rough growing up. I had always dreamed of living in the United States from watching movies. I wanted to do something different. I’m a big fan of Hollywood movies. Muhammad Ali is my idol and that’s another reason I wanted to come here to box.


“I didn’t speak English when I first came to America, only basics, and nobody I met here spoke German or Turkish. but I learned English watching old movies and using Google translator. I learned quicky, though, and was comfortable speaking English in six months. And now I live only 10-minutes from Hollywood.”


Kilic hit rock bottom after suffering his first loss January 11, 2020, to 15-0 Steve Nelson in Atlantic City, in which his corner threw in the towel midway through the eighth round due to several facial cuts. The fight was for the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title. Cem took time off in the U.S. during the pandemic.


“Everything was closed,” he explained. “I put on weight and become even more depressed. I let myself go after my first loss. My wife said I needed to get back in shape, so I watched a training video on YouTube and, at first, I couldn’t get through the warmup. But I slowly got in shape and that fueled my interest again in boxing. I didn’t have a promoter and I separated from my manager and trainer. I was trained by a friend and went up to Abel Sanchez’ place in Big Bear and got some good work. I sparred a lot of champions: Jermell Charlo, (Gilberto) ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez.”


Kilic action.jpg
(L) Cem Kilic is a fighter’s fighter


A self-described aggressive fighter with a warrior mentality, Kilic says the late Arturo Gatti was one of his favorite fighters, who he emulates in terms of style. Cem has watched the Gatti-(Micky) Ward trilogy about 20 times, which led him into boxing as a career.

“I knew about Gatti, but I really got into boxing after watching his fights with Micky Ward,” Kilic fondly remembered. “They were so tough, and I love the way they fought. They were throwback fighters to the ’40 and ‘50s.”


The current Team Kilic was formed after his only loss. He is trained by 4-time, 2-division World champion Brian Viloria, in addition to being managed (3PM), which also manages 43-0 “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, presently the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.


“I knew Brian and met him at Brickhouse,” Kilic explained. “One day I told my strength-and-conditioning coach I needed a new coach and asked him to talk to Brian about me. I liked Brian and knew he was a world champion with a lot of knowledge. We’ve only worked together for one fight, but I’ve improved in a lot of ways.


“I was waiting for an opportunity to sign with a manager and did with 3PM. The guys are great and I’m much more motivated than before. It’s been amazing.”


Kilic is prepared to display his development under Viloria and 3PM this Thursday night against Hernandez. “I can’t wait,” Kilic concluded. “He has fought some good names (Caleb Plant, Jesse Hart, Ali Akhmedov, Ahmed Elbiali, Patrick Teixeira, and Arif Magomedov). I always prepare to go the full distance. I never go into a fight looking for a knockout, but I look for openings.”


Cem “Champ” Kilic is truly living the American Dream, especially because of the support he has from his new team members.


INFORMATION:
Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Facebook: /CemKilic
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @KilicBoxing
Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez part of group that opened new state-of-the-art boxing gym in the Heart of North Hollywood’s Arts District

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Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez part of group that opened new state-of-the-art boxing gym in the Heart of North Hollywood’s Arts District Brickhouse Boxing Club

LOS ANGELES (June 21, 2021) – Undefeated former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion (WBO) and current world-ranked light heavyweight contender Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is a principal member in 3PM Group, which officially opened the 6,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Brickhouse Boxing Club to the public this past May 31st.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) has been training at Brickhouse Boxing Club for his July 9th12-round main event fight versus former world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).
Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles.

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium and www.ticketmaster.com.
Located in North Hollywood (1116 Weddington St. / 818.821.3355) and arguably the premier boxing gym in Los Angeles, Brickhouse Boxing Club’s key members and trainers include “Zurdo” Ramirez, 4-time World Champion Brian Viloria, Ramirez’ Head Trainer Julian Chua, and Strength & Conditioning Coach Chris Wong.

“The opportunity presented itself and my team was able to put everything together,” Ramirez explained why he is a principal owner of Brickhouse Boxing Club. “The plan was always to create a friendly environment that can help expand to others but, at the same time, provide an elite training facility for professionals.

“Training here (for Barrera fight) has been great. I’m proud to have my own space and glad to have everything I need under one roof – boxing, fitness, recovery, and sauna. Also, it’s been great to invite sparring partners and provide an elite performance center for all fighters.”

PHOTO GALLERY BELOW
INFORMATION:Website: www.brickhouseboxingclub.com, www.ZurdoPromotions.comFacebook: /brickhouseboxingclublaInstagram: @brickhouseboxingclub, @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotionsTwitter: @brickhousenoho, @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez
559 Fights, Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights MMA this Saturday in Visalia

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559 Fights is back
 
VISALIA – Live mixed martial arts action is back this Saturday at Valley Strong Ballpark home of the Visalia Rawhide.
 
559 Fights is the first amateur MMA promotion in the State to do a live event with a crowd since the pandemic started.
 
Doors open for the 17-bout event at 6pm and fights start at 7. In the main event, Oceano strawweight Gabby Lopez (5-0) fights Rocklin’s Valerie Thurs (3-4) for the 559 Fights title.
 
In the co-main event, Visalia 145-pounder Mark Hernandez (2-2-1) battles Bakersfield’s Sal Bruno (2-2-2) for the interim Featherweight crown.
 
“We are definitely glad to be back. And back with such an amazing fight card,” 559 Fights President Jeremy Luchau said. “It’s been a long time and we are excited to see some of the veterans back and a great mix of new local talent.”
 
For ticket information visit www.559fights.com
 
The fight card also features a grappling tournament featuring many of the Valley’s top talent, both on the mat and in the cage, including Bellator veteran Nick Bustamante, Tachi Palace Fights vet Christian Avalos, and Visalia black belt Marc De La Cruz.
 
“Really excited to see some pretty good grappling,” Luchau said. “There are a ton of great grappling events in the state and beyond and the Valley always has some great athletes. We are blessed to be able to put some great matches together.”
boxing, Fox, Premier Boxing Champions

ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. CHRIS ARREOLA VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

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“I can’t wait to show everyone the new Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1, because I’m more motivated right now than I ever have been before,” – Ruiz
 
“I’m excited for May 1 because this is definitely going to be a
rock ‘em sock ‘em type of fight.”– Arreola
 
Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Andy Ruiz, Jr. &
All-Action Heavyweight Chris Arreola Preview Showdown
Headlining FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 1 from
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
 
Click HERE for Press Conference Video
(Credit: PBC on FOX, Password: !2ca2?qS)
 
CARSON, CALIF. (March 30, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola previewed their heavyweight showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they battle in a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California,
 
The pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see this clash between two Mexican-American heavyweights top a jam-packed all-Mexican boxing extravaganza. The stacked pay-per-view undercard co-feature will see former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clash with Abel Ramos in a 12-round welterweight bout. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hittingJorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos, Jr.duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action.
 
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.
 
The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99.
 
The heavyweights were joined by their renowned trainers during the press conference, with Eddy Reynoso discussing Ruiz’s current camp, and Joe Goossen analyzing Arreola’s preparations. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:
 
ANDY RUIZ JR.
 
“I’m really motivated for May 1. We’re both training hard and working every day for this one. My mentality is where it needs to be and I’m ready to put on a great performance.
 
“Eddy sees the potential that I have and he told me that I needed to be disciplined if I was going to work with him. I don’t think I’ve ever been truly 100 percent dedicated until now. I’m surrounded by great champions like Canelo Alvarez, Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, who help motivate me and it’s a blessing to be learning from Eddy every single day.
 
“Working with Eddy has helped change my mentality. His mentality is that we can’t take anything for granted in this sport. We’ve been working on a lot of different things and I have the ability to do a lot of new things with Eddy. I can’t wait to show everyone the new Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1 because I’m more motivated right now than I ever have been before.
 
“I learned a lot from every trainer that I’ve had and I’m grateful for all of them. With Eddy, he likes to perfect every single punch and every movement in the ring. That level of detail is something that I’ve never had on this level.
 
“Arreola is a warrior who can take a lot of punches. He’s strong, but we’re going to stick to the game plan and remain disciplined.
 
“Losing my last fight was devastating. I didn’t do the things that I was supposed to do. That was the most important fight of my career. I had been waiting to become champion my whole life and I started doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I don’t want to make those same mistakes again, and that’s a big part of what’s motivating me.
 
“Now that I’ve been dropping weight the right way, I feel amazing. I feel like I can do a lot more things that I couldn’t do before because of my body. The sky is the limit for me.
 
“I still have a grudge inside of me about the second Anthony Joshua fight, because I don’t want to go down that path again. I just want to stay disciplined for this fight and all of the big fights coming up in my future.
 
“I learned from sparring with Arreola that we’re both warriors. We don’t give up. We love to receive punches and give them back. When we’re in that ring, it’s just business.
 
“This is going to be an all-action fight. I know Arreola is training really hard and I’m excited for whatever he’s going to bring. I can’t wait to show the people out there all of my improvements.”
 
CHRIS ARREOLA
 
“This is a fight that I’ve seen coming since the first time I ever sparred Andy. Back then he was just a pudgy kid and I thought nothing of him, until he threw those hands. Those hands were fast and lethal. I knew at that point that one day this fight would come.
 
“I’ve been ready for this fight for a while. At one point he wanted to be like me, and now I want to be like him and become heavyweight champion. He deserved everything he got, and now it’s my time to do everything to change history and prove I’m an elite heavyweight.
 
“I’ve been giving it my all in training, but we’re going to keep working. I’m excited for May 1 because this is definitely going to be a rock ‘em sock ‘em type of fight.”
 
“I know Andy is looking strong and that’s going to make this a great fight. This is a fight people should be talking about. There’s more work to be done, but I’ll be ready to shock the world on May 1.
 
“It wasn’t so much the punch output that improved for me in the Adam Kownacki fight, but it’s the fact that I could throw combos when I wanted to. I believe the worst I should have gotten in that fight was a draw. Either way, my plan is to be in even better shape for this fight against Ruiz.
 
“There are not too many things that I regret in my life. Yes, I found more discipline later in my career, but I’m not one who draws on the past too much. There’s nothing I can change except what happens tomorrow.
 
“Now that I have this new added energy inside of me and really this new love for the game, it makes it easier for me to get in the gym and listen to Joe.
 
“Andy was very unassuming when I first sparred him. I didn’t think he was going to have the hand speed and skills that he had. I had a rude awakening that day. We were putting hands on each other. Instead of quitting, he kept coming. It was a fun sparring session. That’s why I was one of the people who predicted that he was going to beat Joshua the first fight.
 
“I know that I have to bring a smart game plan. At the end of the day, we’re going to have the rock ‘em sock ‘em moments. Andy has great hand speed. So I know that if I don’t bring my hands back, I’ll get caught.”
 
EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer
 
“Andy has given so much time and has been so dedicated to his work inside the gym. We’re excited for May 1. He is motivated and learning a lot every day.
 
“We know that on May 1 we’re going to be dealing with an aggressive fighter who is going to bring his best. Andy is excited about the challenge that Arreola presents.
 
“May 1 is going to be the second beginning of Andy’s career. This is the start of his pursuit to become champion again. We respect Arreola, but we’re going to go in there to get the job done on May 1.
 
“Andy is strong and he has a tremendous focus. I have to congratulate Andy on his effort and dedication so far. I do believe that on May 1, everyone is going to see a much different and improved Andy Ruiz Jr.
 
“I talked with Andy and his entire team and they gave us the confidence that Andy would work hard. He’s done exactly that. The focus is for him to once again become world champion. There are a lot of great fighters at heavyweight, but we all believe that with this hard work Andy is going to show who he really is.”
 
JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer
 
“These are two fighters known who are noted for what they do best, and that’s going for the knockout. They let it fly right away from the opening bell.
 
“Eddy is training Andy right now and that’s a great match, just like me and Chris are a great match. I expect both fighters to be in fantastic shape. I know that Eddy would not be training Andy unless he was dedicated to the program.
 
“We’ve been training for months now. Chris has been very dedicated and honing his skills getting ready for May 1. Both guys want to win. The pressure is on both guys to work hard for that. Neither guy believes they’re the ‘b-side’ and that’s how they should feel. When you have two skilled fighters with that mentality, it’s going to be a great fight.
 
“When have you ever seen either Chris or Andy in a bad fight? They both give it their all and if I wasn’t training Chris, I’d definitely be watching. When it’s all said and done, I believe this is going to be a fight that goes down in the history books.
 
“Andy’s style is Andy’s style. Like he said himself, the difference is what he can do with a different body. It’s going to be a new and improved style. It’s hard to change your whole style, but he’s going to show that he’s added on to his style.”
 
TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions
 
“Dignity Health Sports Park is the premier outdoor boxing venue in the U.S. It’s been home to some true modern classics. Something special happens when fighters walk down that tunnel. It’s like gladiators entering the Colosseum.
 
“Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Chris Arreola is guaranteed to be another great battle between two Mexican-American warriors from Southern California. Throughout their history, the minute they stepped into the ring, these fighters have electrified boxing fans.
 
“This fight will be a slugfest. Both fighters have fan friendly, all-action styles and it’s safe to say that both Ruiz and Arreola have never walked into the ring just to win—they want the knock-out. So It’s going to be bombs away on May 1.
 
“We’re really excited about this pay-per-view card with four all-action toss up fights. We open the action with the young top prospect Jesus Ramos taking on Javier Molina in a matchup that’s boxing’s future versus a veteran Olympian. We also have a rising star in Sebastian Fundora against a real contender in Jorge Cota. Plus, the co-main event with Omar Figueroa against Abel Ramos has the potential to be a Mexican-style Gatti vs. Ward type of fight.”
 
#         #         #
 
ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
 
The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos, Jr. duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports &www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
559 Fights, mixed martial arts, MMA

559 Fights returns to Visalia

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SELMA, Calif. – Larry Gonzales hasn’t had the best of luck in his young mixed martial arts career. The Fresno heavyweight had three fights fall apart before he even had a chance to compete.

But once Gonzales stepped foot in the cage, he hasn’t looked back amassing a 4-0 record, capturing a 559 Fights Heavyweight Championship and climbing to a No. 3 ranking in the state.

Gonzales hopes to keep the good fortune going on March 13 – Friday the 13th – in a heavyweight title showdown with Fresno’s Kail Melton (1-2) at the Visalia Convention Center. Doors open at 6pm and first fight is at 7.

“Looking at things now this might be one of the largest fight cards we’ve ever put together,” 559 Fights owner Jeremy Luchau said. “15 mma bouts in all, with three of them being title fights and a grappling tournament. I don’t know what more fight fans could possibly want.”

The co-main event features a California Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Organization Middleweight State title fight, pitting two of the Valley’s best 185-pound prospects against one another – Hanford’s Marqus Blevins (3-0) and Orange Cove’s Jared Velasquez (4-3).

“It’s been a long time coming to get Blevins into the 559 Fights cage,” Luchau said. “Blevins trains out of Valley Fight Club and that’s where I had my start in mixed martial arts training. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be able to have them represented in our promotion. And I’m also excited to have Velasquez back in action. He’s as tough as they come and represents a great city in Orange Cove where we just had an extremely successful event.”

Flyweights will also take center stage, as 125-pound 559 Fights kingpin Johnny Maldonado of Bakersfield defends his perfect 4-0 record in a rematch with former champion Josue Gonzales (3-2) of San Luis Obispo.

559 Fights will also be hosting its first grappling tournament, which will take place in the 155-185 weight classes and feature competitors from all over the Central Valley.

“The fight card is pretty stacked, but I’m probably most excited about this grappling tournament that we are doing,” Luchau added. “There’s going to be a lot of notable names from the Valley competing. It’s a great start for us on where we see the future of both grappling and 559 Fights heading in the future.”

In other main card bouts; Irvine flyweight Meggan Tamondong (2-1) takes on Rocklin’s Valerie Thurs (3-4), Lindsay lightweight Mark Felix (4-3) battles Sacramento’s Julius Wright (5-4), Hanford featherweight Denzel Rosaroso (3-0) fights Bakersfield’s Sal Bruno (2-2-2), Sanger welterweight Anthony Mata (1-1) tangles with Bakersfield’s Jeramy Titsworth (1-1) and Porterville light heavyweight Omar Reneau (2-3) fights Lathrop’s Danny Moreno (2-2).

Grappling competitors include; Porterville’s Brandon Cohea, Fresno’s Nick Bustamante, Selma’s Julian Tovar, Parlier’s Christian Avalos, Fresno’s Art Hernandez, Visalia’s Marc DeLaCruz, Fresno’s Alex Rojas and Bakersfield’s Matt Reed.

For more information please visit www.559fights.com

boxing

RUBEN TORRES KICKS OFF THOMPSON’S 20th ANNIVERSARY

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Unbeaten Lightweight Torres to Headline Against Slugger Gabino Cota

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2020) – Lightweight prospect Ruben “Ace” Torres (11-0, 9 KOs), will headline Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on Friday, Feb. 21st, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
 
Torres, who is rapidly making a name for himself with his aggressive style, headlines his third straight Thompson Boxing card, as he faces the dangerous knockout artist from Sonora, Mexico, Gabino Cota (19-10-2, 17 KOs), in an eight-round main event clash.
 
The 22-year old Torres, who hails from South Central Los Angeles, is guided by Danny Zamora and trains out of the Santa Fe Springs Activities Center in, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. Torres is most known for his power on the right hand, as all but two of his fights have ended by way of knockout. 
 
“This is such a great opportunity for me,” said Torres. “I’m comfortable and happy with my promoter, they are allowing me to elevate my game and are putting me in a great position along with my trainer/manager Danny Zamora. On February 21st, I will look to put on another great performance and like always, fans can expect to see my hands flying.” 
 
Torres is no stranger to headlining a show as his last two outings have been eight-round main event bouts, with “Ace” knocking out his opponents in the first and second round respectively. Standing in front of Torres’ undefeated record is Gabino “The Flash” Cota, who is known for his explosive strength. 
 
“My opponent is not only tough,” Torres said. “He also comes forward at all his fights and we know he has knock out power. Our fight should be a barn burner.”
 
Torres has been working hard in camp, sparring his teammate, super lightweight Michael Dutchover, who is also signed to Thompson Boxing.  
 
“I’ve been getting pushed a lot in camp.” stated Torres, who turned professional nearly three years ago. “I’m getting some great sparring with Michael and other guys as well; my coach is also having me do specific drills that I will use to my benefit. One thing is for sure, I’m going to give the fans an entertaining bout.”
 
Tickets for “Path To Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.


In the “Path To Glory” co-feature, lightweight George Acosta (8-1, 1 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. meets Ivan Benitez (14-3, 6 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).

UNDERCARD BOUTS:
 
Bantamweight standout Saul Sanchez (12-1, 7 KOs) of Pacoima, Calif will face Victor Trejo (17-11-2, 8KOs) (8-rounds).
 
Featherweight Jose Sanchez (5-0, 4 KOs) of nearby Cathedral City, Calif. fights Cristian Arredondo (4-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).
 
Additionally, super welterweight Richard Brewart (6-0, 2 KO) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. meets Juan Jose Riveria (3-1, 2 KOs) of Mexico (4-rounds)
 
Opening “Path To Glory” is bantamweight Ivan Zarate (1-0) who will face Ulises Gabriel (0-1) of Mexico. (4-rounds)


# # #
 
All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com. 
 
The livestream starts at 8:05 p.m. PT / 11:05 p.m. ET. 
 
The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.
 
“Path To Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast. 
 
For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #NewBlood, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

Bellator, MMA, Paramount Network

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 229: KORESHKOV VS. LARKIN FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS

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Complete Fight Night Photos



 Bellator 229: Koreshkov vs. Larkin Main Card

Lorenz Larkin (21-7, 1 NC) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (22-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Goiti Yamauchi (24-4) defeated Saad Awad (23-12) via submission (armbar) at 1:40 of round one

Keri Taylor Melendez (4-0) defeated Mandy Polk (6-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tony Johnson (8-2) defeated Joe Schilling (4-6) via KO (punches) at 2:07 of round three

 

Preliminary Card

Salim Mukhidinov (7-3) defeated Adel Altamimi (8-6) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Anatoly Tokov (29-2) defeated Hracho Darpinyan (17-9-2) via TKO at 4:38 of round two

Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC) defeated Guilherme “Bomba” (10-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (6-0) defeated Jeff Peterson (10-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:00 of round one

Johnny Eblen (6-0) defeated Mauricio Alonso (13-8, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Vladimir Tokov (5-0) defeated Brandon Hastings (6-4) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Jordan Newman (2-0) defeated Riley Miller (0-1) via TKO at 4:28 of round one

Kelvin Gentapanan (1-0) defeated Sunni Imhotep (2-0) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jay-Jay Wilson (4-0) defeated Jorge Juarez (4-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:33 of round one

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

  

***

 
Grappling

Gordon Ryan & Lachian Giles power BJJ Fanatics to Team title in inaugural Kinektic grappling tournament

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ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 19 2019) – Former ADCC World and IBJJF Nogi World champion,Gordon “The King” Ryan, and ADCC Asia champion and Oceania gold medalist, Lachian Giles, were beasts this past Friday night in Anaheim, California, at the inaugural Kinektic submission grappling, one-night tournament, leading their team, BJJ Fanatics, to the coveted title.

UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, streamed all the action live from Anaheim Business Expo Center.

The Kinektic team formatted event featured four competing squads, each comprised of five world-class grapplers, in a tournament consisting of semifinals and a championship final.  The one-night Kinektic tournament consisted of bouts with eight-minute time limits. Losers of the semifinal matches were eliminated; as well as fighters whose matches ended in draws. Teams with five members eliminated were forced out of the competition.  

A feature unique to Kinektic Grappling is that the order in which athletes compete was not predetermined. There were thirty seconds between each bout and each team captain was responsible for strategically deciding which team member participated next. All members of each team must compete at least once. Team captains had the option to compete for their team; Craig Jones (Team BJJ Fanatics) and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle (Team Lights Out Urban Achievers) did so for their respective teams.

Kinektic is the brainchild of UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, Las Vegas entrepreneur and boxing promoter Keith Veltre, and award-winning announcer Sean Wheelock.

“We are all very happy with our first Kinektic grappling event right across the board,” Veltre said.  “Many of the best grapplers in the world put on a great show.  The fans there were really into it and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from grappling fans all around the world who watched on UFC FIGHT PASS.  We’re already talking about our next Kinektic event.”

Joining Ryan and Giles on triumphant Team BJJ Fanatics were ADCC Trials bronze medalistNicky Rodriguez, who won one championship final match, IBJJF World Champion Edwin Najmai and world-class grappler Jones.

Giles, a native of Australia, used a heel hook to defeat four of his five opponents in the semifinals — former UFC Heavyweight Champion Rico Rodriguez, Polaris Welterweight Champion Mansher “Munch” Khera, Grapplers Quest Champion and BJJ black belt Will Weed, and former UFC welterweight Lytle — in addition to using an armbar to beat former WEC Middleweight Champion Joe “Diesel” Rigg.

In the other semifinals team competition, Team SUG, captained by UFC veteran and MMA media personality Chael Sonnen, defeated Team Lionheart, captained by UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith.  Jorge “Jorjas” Rodrigues used an armbar to defeat Pan-American gold medalist Scott Morton, ADCC US Trials gold medalist Enrico “Teen Phenom” Cocco took care of LFA veteran and BJJ black belt Gabriel “Zangrief” Barbosa Checco with a heel hook, and former UFC veteran athlete and PFL light heavyweight Ronny Markes defeated Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion Joe “The Baddest Maon on the Planet” Warren by way of an arm-triangle, advancing SUG to the championship final.

New Jersey based Ryan, who was a late replacement for injured Jake Shields, closed the show for Team BJJ Fanatics in the championship final, displaying all his vast skills to defeat, in order:  Checco (kimura), IBJJF World Championships bronze medalist Rafael Domingos(rear-naked choke), and Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (guillotine)

Two-time NCAA, Division II All-American wrestler Raufeon “Supa” Stots and Anthony “El Toro” Birchak grappled to a hard-fought draw in the SuperFight.  The two grapplers fought during the 8-minute regulation period as well as a 3-minute overtime

Official results below (individual winners e listed in capital letters:

SEMIFINALS

Team BJJ Fanatics vs. Team Lights Out Urban Achievers

LACHIAN GILES (BJJ Fanatics) heel hook (2:18) Mansher Khera (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Khera eliminated)

LACHAIN GILES heel hook (5:27) Will Weed (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Weed eliminated)

LACHIAN GILES armbar (3:40) Joe Riggs ((Lights Out Urban Achievers)

(Riggs eliminated)

LACHAIN GILES heel hook Chris Lytle (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Lytle eliminated)

LACHIAN GILES heel hook Rico Rodriguez (Lights Out Urban Achievers)

(Rodriguez eliminated)

Team BJJ Fanatics advanced to championship final, Team Lights Out Urban Achievers

Team SUG vs. Team Lionheart

Brian Sparrow (Lionheart) Draw (8:00) Guilherme Vasconcelos (SUG)

(Sparrow and Vasconcelos eliminated)

JORGE RODRIGUEZ (SUG) armbar (5:36) Scott Morton (Lionheart)

(Morton eliminated)

Jorge Rodrigues (SUG) Draw (8:00) James Brasco (Lionheart)

(Rodrigues and Brasco eliminated)

ENRICO COCCO (Lionheart) heel hook (5:13) Rafael Domingos

(Domingos eliminated)

Enrico Cocco Draw (8:00) Gabriel Barbosa Checco

(Cocco and Checco eliminated)

RONNY MARKES (SUG) arm triangle (3:25) Joseph Warren (Lionheart)

Team SUG advanced to championship final, Team Lionheart eliminated)

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

NICKY RODRIGUEZ (BJJ Fanatics) heel hook (7:23) Jorge Rodrigues SUG)

(Rodrigues eliminated)

Nicky Rodriguez (BJJ Fanatics) Draw (8:00) Ronny Markes (SUG)

(Rodriguez and Markes eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) kimura (1:25) Gabriel Barbosa Checco (SUG)

(Barbosa eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) rear-naked choke (5:48) Rafael Domingos (SUG)

(Domingos eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) guillotine (1:27) Guilherme Vasconcelos (SUG)

(Vasconcelos eliminated)

BJJ FANATICS WON TEAM TITLE

SUPER FIGHT

Raufeon Stots Draw (11:00) Antony Birchak

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @Kinektic1, @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @Keith_Veltre, @ChaelSonnen, @LionheartASmith, @Crslytle

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @Sean_Wheelock, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @KeithVeltre

Grappling, MMA, UFC

RAUFEON STOTS- ANTHONY BIRCHAK SUPER FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL KINEKTIC SUBMISSION GRAPPLING EVENT AUGUST 16 IN ANAHEIM, CA

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Streaming Live and Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®

LAS VEGAS (August xx, 2019) – Kinektic has announced a world-class SuperFight between Raufeon “Supa” Stots and Anthony “El Toro” Birchak will provide chief support for the inaugural Kinektic submission grappling tournament on Friday, August 16, in Anaheim, California.

All the action will be streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, live from Anaheim Business Expo Center.

All Kinektic team formatted events will feature four competing squads, each comprised of five world-class grapplers, in a tournament consisting of semifinals and a championship final.  A grappling Super Fight, featuring additional participants not already competing in the tournament, will be held between the final semifinals match and championship final

On Aug. 16th in Anaheim, the Stots vs. Birchak SuperFight will be contested at 155-pounds, showcasing a pair of grapplers currently competing in Legacy Fighting Alliance.

Houston-based Stots was a two-time NCAA, Division II All-American wrestler at the University of Nebraska in Kearney.  The 30-year-old Stots has a 12-1 professional mixed-martial-arts record. 

Birchak, fighting out of Tucson, Arizona, also was a Div. 2 collegiate wrestler at Pima Community College and Grand Canyon University.  He has competed in the UFC, Bellator and Rizen FF, compiling a 15-6 MMA record.

Co-founded by UFC® Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, Las Vegas entrepreneur Keith Veltre, and award-winning combat sports announcer Sean Wheelock, Kinektic is a unique, tournament-style promotion that will feature athletes from various combat sports disciplines, including mixed martial arts, grappling, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and more.  

“August 16th promises to deliver an exciting, action-packed night,” Veltre said.  “Delivering some of the biggest names in the sport will no doubt make an impression with fans.”

The captains of the four star-powered teams are UFC veteran and MMA media personality Chael Sonnen (Team SUG); world-class grappler Craig Jones (Team BJJ Fanatics); UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith (Team Lionheart); and former UFC welterweight Chris Lytle (Team Lights Out Urban Activities). Team Captains had the option to compete for their team, Jones and Lytle are competing for their respective teams.

Joining Jones on Team BJJ Fantatics are UFC athlete and former Strikeforce Welterweight World Champion Jake Shields, ADCC Trials bronze medalist Nicky Rodriguez, IBJJF World Champion Edwin Najmi, and ADCC Asia and Oceania gold medalist Lachlan Giles.

Veteran UFC athlete and former WEC Middleweight Champion Joe Riggs, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Rico Rodriguez, Polaris Welterweight Champion Mansher Khera, and Grapplers Quest Champion and BJJ black belt Will Weed join Lytle on Team Lights Out Urban Achievers.

Team SUG has veteran UFC athlete and ADCC gold medalist Vinny Magalhaes, former WSOF Featherweight Champion Alexandre Almeida, former UFC veteran athlete and PFL light heavyweight Ronny Markes, IBJJF World Championships bronze medalist Rafael Domingos, and LFA veteran and BJJ black belt Gabriel Checco.

Former Bellator Featherweight and Bantamweight Champion, and Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion, Joe Warren, Pan-American gold medalist Scott Morton, ADCC US Trials gold medalist Enrico Cocco, IBJJF No-gi World Champion James Brasco, and Fight 2 Win Champion Brian Sparrow comprise Team Lionheart.   

Faber, who also serves as Kinektic’s Vice President of Business Development, will be the mat-side and backstage interviewer. Joining Faber will be UFC women’s flyweight Paige VanZant, who is the lead color commentator, and play-by-play announcer Wheelock. 

BJJ Fanatics vs. Lights Out Urban Achievers and Team SUG vs. Team Lionheart are the semifinals matchups with the winners meeting on the same night in the championship final.

The one-night tournament consists of bouts with eight-minute time limits. Losers of the semifinal matches are eliminated; draws result in the elimination of both athletes; and the first team with five members eliminated will be out of the competition.  The surviving team will be declared the winner. A feature unique to Kinektic 

Grappling is that the order in which athletes compete is not predetermined. There are thirty seconds between each bout and each team captain will be responsible for strategically deciding which team member will participate next. All members of each team must compete at least once.

Tickets are priced at $65.00 (VIP), $50.00 Reserved) and $30.00 (General Admission), and available to purchase by going online to: http://tickets.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1656.

For more information about the event, please visit:

Twitter: @Kinektic1, @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @Keith_Veltre, @ChaelSonnen, @LionheartASmith, @Crslytle

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @Sean_Wheelock, @KeithVeltre

Facebook: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @KeithVeltre

About UFC FIGHT PASS® UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufcfightpass.com.