Tag Archives: CBS Sports Network

BELLATOR MMA CONFIRMS FULL FIGHT CARD FOR FIRST EVENT ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK

September 26, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

*BELLATOR 247,* HEADLINED BY PAUL DALEY AGAINST DEREK ANDERSON, AIRS LIVE THURSDAY, OCT. 1 AT 4 P.M. ET

**PRELIM BOUTS TO STREAM ON CBSSPORTS.COM**

LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA has today confirmed the full fight card for Bellator 247: Daley vs. Anderson, which takes place Thursday, Oct. 1 at Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy.

Bellator 247: Daley vs. Anderson kicks off the new partnership between Bellator MMA and CBS Sports Network, which will air the event LIVE Thursday, Oct. 1 (4 p.m. ET) from Italy’s fashion capital. Beginning with this event, CBS Sports Network will televise Bellator MMA events, both domestic and international, LIVE in all U.S. markets, while preliminary matchups will stream on CBSSports.com and Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel.

In addition to the exciting welterweight main event between veteran Paul Daley (42-17-2) and Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC), three other main card bouts are now confirmed, with the additions of Norbert Novenyi Jr. (5-0) taking on Laid Zerhouni (7-5) at middleweight, a flyweight matchup between former title challenger Kate Jackson (11-4-1) and current Bellator Kickboxing flyweight champion Denise Kielholtz (5-2), as well as a lightweight contest pitting Ilias Bulaid (2-0) against Ivan Naccari (Pro Debut) in an explosive opening bout.

On the preliminary card, Ireland’s Brian Moore (12-7) will make his return to the Bellator cage following injury against Italy’s Simone D’anna (7-2) at 145-pounds. Also, four welterweight bouts are official, when undefeated Justin Burlinson (5-0) faces fellow unbeaten foe Bobby Pallett (5-0), Lewis Long (17-6) meets former Bellator headliner Gianni Melillo (13-5), Walter Gahadza (18-5) returns against the undefeated Uros Jurisic (10-0) and Kywan Gracie (1-0) continues his young MMA career against Moldova’s Constantin Gnusariev (3-0-1).

Originally slated to face Liz Carmouche prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, flyweight Mandy Bohm (6-0, 1 NC) gets a new assignment and welcomes Griet Eeckhout (5-3-1) to the Bellator cage in the first of two women’s preliminary bouts at Bellator 247: Daley vs. Anderson. The second pits Jade Jorand against Monika Tochlikova in an atomweight contest that will serve as both fighters’ professional debuts.

Additionally, two Bellator veterans welcome two new athletes to the Bellator cage, when Lee Chadwick (25-15-1) goes to battle with London Shootfighters-product Ederson Cristian Macedo(10-5) at light heavyweight and SBG Ireland’s Blaine O’Driscoll (8-3) tests his skills against France’s Salah Elkas (6-6) in a flyweight affair. Lastly, a 160-pound contract weight bout has been booked, as undefeated Chris Duncan (6-0) meets Iamik Furtado (6-3).

A proud Hungarian, Norbert Novenyi Jr. enters the Oct. 1 contest boasting a perfect professional mark of 5-0, including a trio of submissions and two first-round finishes. The middleweight will be making his fourth appearance for Bellator MMA, collecting decisive wins in each of the previous three contests. Another decisive finish at Bellator 247 could place the London Shootfighters-product into the mix at the top of the 185-pound division. Hailing from Montpellier, France, Zerhouni will be making his first appearance of 2020 and first fight on a Bellator card, where he will be searching for his fourth win over his last five fights. With each of his five career victories coming by way of knockout or submission, including four in the opening round, the 24-year-old finisher will look for yet another early stoppage in the co-main event of Bellator 247.

Fighting out of Amsterdam, 31-year-old Denise Kielholtz will be making her second MMA appearance of her 2020 campaign and seventh since joining Bellator MMA in 2017. With 47 career kickboxing wins, including a Bellator Kickboxing women’s flyweight championship, the multi-dimensional Dutch Muay Thai fighter hopes to extend her current three-fight winning streak when she enters the cage in Milan. “Miss Dynamite” also enters the contest riding a successful streak that includes five victories in six contests, highlighted by a trio of first-round finishes. With victories in four of her past six contests and nine of her last 12, Kate Jackson comes into the bout riding one of the hottest streaks in the women’s flyweight division. Hailing from Cornwall, England, the former Bellator flyweight No. 1-contender will be looking to add to her six career knockouts, a total that includes five in the first round. The 34-year-old Jackson is hoping a win over Kielholtz puts her right back into the 125-pound world title conversation.

For further information, visit Bellator.com.

Bellator 247: Daley vs. Anderson Fight Card:

CBS Sports Network

4 p.m. ET

Welterweight Main Event: Paul Daley (42-17-2) vs Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC)

Middleweight Co-Main Event: Norbert Novenyi Jr. (5-0) vs. Laid Zerhouni (7-5)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Kate Jackson (11-4-1) vs. Denise Kielholtz (5-2)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Ilias Bulaid (2-0) vs. Ivan Naccari (Pro Debut)

Preliminary Card:

CBSSports.com | Bellator MMA’s YouTube Channel

12:15 p.m. ET

Featherweight Bout: Brian Moore (12-7) vs. Simone D’anna (7-2)
Welterweight Bout: Justin Burlinson (5-0) vs. Bobby Pallett (5-0)
Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (17-6) vs. Gianni Melillo (13-5)
Flyweight Bout: Mandy Bohm (6-0, 1 NC) vs. Griet Eeckhout (5-3-1)

160-pound Contract Weight Bout: Chris Duncan (6-0) vs. Iamik Furtado (6-3)
Welterweight Bout: Walter Gahadza (18-5) vs. Uros Jurisic (10-0)
Welterweight Bout: Kywan Gracie (1-0) vs. Constantin Gnusariev (3-0-1)
Light Heavyweight Bout: Lee Chadwick (25-15-1) vs. Ederson Cristian Macedo (10-5)
Flyweight Bout: Blaine O’Driscoll (8-3) vs. Salah Elkas (6-6)
Atomweight Bout: Jade Jorand (Pro Debut) vs. Monika Tochlikova (Pro Debut)

*Card subject to change.

****

Bellator, CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA AND CBS SPORTS NETWORK TEAM UP ON NEW TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP

September 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

**COVERAGE KICKS OFF THURSDAY, OCT. 1 WITH *BELLATOR 247* LIVE FROM MILAN, ITALY**

**PLUS, CHAMPION CRIS ‘CYBORG’ AND ARLENE BLENCOWE MEET IN EPIC WORLD TITLE BOUT IN PRIMETIME ON OCT. 15**

LOS ANGELES – Bellator MMA, a leading mixed martial arts promotion owned by ViacomCBS, and CBS Sports Network have announced an exciting new partnership that will see the organization’s live events featured on the 24-hour home of CBS Sports beginning this fall.

CBS Sports Network will televise Bellator events, both domestic and international, LIVE in all U.S. markets, while preliminary matchups will stream on CBSSports.com and Bellator MMA’s YouTube channel. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

To kick off the new partnership, CBS Sports Network will air Bellator events live from Europe, including Bellator 247 on Thursday, Oct. 1 (4 p.m. ET) in Milan, Italy, as well as the monumentalBellator Paris event on Saturday, Oct. 10 (11:30 a.m. ET) in France. Bellator 247 is headlined by a welterweight battle between veteran Paul Daley (42-17-2) and Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC), while Bellator Paris sees “MVP” Michael Page (17-1) take on Ross Houston (8-0, 1 NC) at welterweight and Cheick Kongo (30-10-2, 1 NC) face Tim Johnson (14-6) in a heavyweight bout.

The first primetime event live from the U.S. takes place Thursday, Oct. 15 (9 p.m. ET) with a massive card anchored by the first world title defense of current champion Cris “Cyborg” (22-2, 1 NC), who takes on Australia’s Arlene Blencowe (13-7), at Bellator 249 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

“We’re excited to have CBS Sports Network serve as the new home of live Bellator MMA events. It’s a great opportunity to showcase some of the best events and biggest names in the sport,” said CBS Sports Executive Vice President of Programming Dan Weinberg. “Adding Bellator MMA to the CBS Sports portfolio will allow for greater promotion, engagement and exposure across all our platforms and assets including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports HQ as well as our various social accounts.”

“I am thrilled that Bellator live events will be coming to CBS Sports Network beginning on Oct. 1, as well as the unique opportunities the partnership creates across all CBS Sports platforms,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “CBS Sports is synonymous with iconic sports broadcasting and it is incredible to now have Bellator MMA included in that family. I would like to thank Paramount Network, formerly Spike TV, for the years of support that helped build Bellator into the organization that it is today, and this news marks yet another exciting relationship between two ViacomCBS properties. I look forward to bringing the biggest fights, featuring the top athletes in the world, live to CBS Sports Network and introducing Bellator to an entirely new audience this fall.”

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, DirecTV and Hulu.

Bellator will continue to produce all of its own live events, led by Executive Producer Scott Fishman.

The second Bellator woman’s featherweight champion in the company’s history, Cris “Cyborg” is coming off of a dominant performance over Julia Budd in January to win the 145-pound world title. Already an MMA legend at 35-years-old, “Cyborg” will be looking to further her legacy as the greatest woman’s mixed martial artist of all-time when she meets Arlene Blencowe on Oct. 15. After winning the Bellator belt in her 12th career title fight, “Cyborg” made history by becoming a world champion in her fourth major promotion, previously holding belts in both the UFC and Strikeforce. With a professional record of 22-2, 1 NC, including 18 wins by way of finish, the Brazilian-born fighter holds victories over tough competition such as Budd, Holly Holm, Felicia Spencer and Gina Carano.

With wins in six of her last seven fights, including five knockouts, “Angerfist” has put herself in position to challenge for the women’s featherweight title. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Leslie Smith, the former two-time boxing world champion will look to keep her momentum rolling and claim her first MMA title. Tied for the most knockouts in Bellator woman’s featherweight history, the fighter out of New South Wales, Australia aims to claim sole possession of that record, as she takes on her toughest challenge to date in Cris “Cyborg.”

A longtime MMA veteran, Paul Daley has competed professionally since 2003, amassing over 60 career fights. Throughout his tenure, “Semtex” has been one half of some of the most memorable bouts in MMA history, including a knockout of the year over Brennan Ward in 2017. Most recently, the Nottingham, England native notched consecutive wins over Erick Silva and Saad Awad, running his record in Bellator MMA to 8-4. Fighting out of San Diego, Calif., the 30-year-old Derek Anderson will be making his 11th appearance for Bellator MMA in search of his third consecutive victory. With 11 of his 16 career wins coming by way of finish, “The Barbaric” hopes to earn his eighth promotional victory and first of his 2020 campaign.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Michael “Venom” Page, better known to fans as “MVP,” returns with the intention of spoiling the debut of European welterweight prospect, Ross Houston. Holding a career record of 17-1, with 14 wins coming by way of stoppage, the pride of London Shootfighters looks to remind people why he is one of the most exciting strikers in all of MMA. After signing with Bellator in February, Scotland’s Houston will make his promotional debut against one of Bellator’s biggest stars in Page. “The Hitman” plans on keeping his 8-0, 1 NC undefeated record intact and improve on the three submission victories already to his name by using his known Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.

Holding an impressive MMA record of 30-10-2, 1 NC, France’s Cheick Kongo returns to action following a title fight against heavyweight champion Ryan Bader last September. The former kickboxer remains unbeaten since 2015 and will enter the Bellator cage on home soil for a rematch against a familiar opponent in heavyweight contender in Tim Johnson. Coming off a dominant TKO victory over veteran Matt Mitrione at Bellator 243 in August, Johnson is set to compete for the third time in 2020 seeking revenge in a rematch from 2018 against Kongo. Now training out of Las Vegas, Johnson has quickly earned his place near the top of the Bellator heavyweight division with his recent wins, including a viral knockout over top prospect Tyrell Fortune in February.

*Fight cards subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

BRESTOVAC KO’S DINIZ & EGLI CHOKES OUT NEVES AT FFC 31

October 15, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

FFC 31 NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS

OFFICIAL RESULTS

FFC FIGHT DOME ARENA

(all pictures courtesy of Final Fight Championship)

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Oct. 14, 2018) – The debut of the all-new Fight Dome Las Vegas delivered an explosive night of fireworks at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino on Friday night. “FFC 31 Night of Champions” was certainly a night to remember.

“The Scorpion Sting” Mladen Brestovac delivered the knockout of the night, with a blistering high left kick to the head of Jhonata Diniz at the two-minute mark of Round 3.

The trademark left head kick of Brestovac sent Diniz crashing to the canvas. With the victory, Brestovac retains the FFC Heavyweight Kickboxing title and improves his record to (55-14-1.). Diniz, who was the aggressor for most of the fight and showcased his exciting come-forward style, falls to (16-6-0.)

Brestovac Retains FFC Kickboxing Heavyweight Title

Shkodran “The Albanian Warrior” Veseli (83-18-1) won the FFC Welterweight Kickboxing Title with a 4th Round KO stoppage vs. Francois “Bang Bang” Ambang (18-8-1). A series of solid punches from Veseli rocked Ambang and sent him to a kneeling position at the 1:23 mark of the Round number four.

In the boxing portion of the evening, Shawn Miller, of Troy, NY (19-4-1) won a unanimous decision victory in his ten round title fight with Dennis “Mongoose” Morris (14-3-1). Miller won by the scores of 100-90, 97-93, 97-93, earning him the WBU Cruiserweight Championship.

In the FFC MMA Welterweight Championship, Ben Egli lived up to his reputation as an expert submission artist by choking out Roberto Neves at the 3:21 mark of the first round. Egli won the fight by rear naked choke, something he has done a total of five times in his pro MMA career. The championship victory brings Egli’s record to (11-2-0) while Neves falls to (10-3-0).

“FFC 31 Night of Champions” was broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and the event made history as Final Fight Championship, one of the fastest growing combat sports promotion companies in the world, became the first promotion company to hold a multi-discipline event (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA) in Las Vegas history.

Complete “FFC 31 Night of Champions” results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

FFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (MMA)

Ben Egli (11-2-0), Portland, Oregon

Win by Submission Rear Naked Choke, 3:25 Rd 1

Roberto Neves (10-4-0), Sao Palo, Brazil

(Egli wins FFC Welterweight Title)

WBU CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (BOXING)

Shawn Miller (19-4-1, 7 KOs), Troy, NY

Win by UD 10 Rds (100-90, 97-93, 97-93)

Dennis Morris (14-3-1, 12 KOs), Milwaukee, WI

(Miller wins WBU Cruiserweight Title)

FFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (KICKBOXING)

Mladen Brestovac (55-14-1), Champion, Zagreb, Croatia

Win by KO (Head Kick), 2:00 Rd 3

Jhonata Diniz (16-6-0), Curitiba, Brazil

(Brestovac retains FFC Heavyweight Title)

FFC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (KICKBOXING)

Shkodran Veseli (83-18-1), Zurich, Switzerland

Win by KO (Punches), 1:23 Rd 4

Francois Ambang (18-8-1), Mechanicsville, VA

(Veseli wins FFC Welterweight Title)

boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

MMA Title Bout Headlines FFC 31 Night of Champions at Fight Dome

October 2, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Clay Collard battles Dave Courchaine for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship on Oct. 12

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Oct. 1, 2018) – The main event is set for “FFC 31 Night of Champions” and it will consist of two rising stars in Mixed Martial Arts as Clay “Cassius” Collard (16-7-1) of Price, UT, battles Dave “Insane” Courchaine (20-7-0) of Cheney, WA, for the FFC MMA Lightweight Championship at the all-new Fight Dome Las Vegas at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

After suffering two straight losses under the UFC banner in 2015, Collard returned to MMA in 2018 and responded with two straight victories, a TKO win over Troy Dennison, and a submission win (by triangle choke) against Carson Gregory.

As for Courchaine, he was on a five-fight win streak dating back to 2014 before losing to Arthur Estrazulas by 1^st round KO in January of 2017. Both fighters are hungry and both fighters have something to prove when they step into the ring on Oct. 12.

There will be one other MMA title bout on the “Night of Champions” as Ben Egli (10-2-0) of Tigard, OR, takes on Brazilian, Roberto Neves (10-3-0) for the FFC Welterweight Title. The remainder of the multi-discipline fight card will consist of championship bouts involving boxing and kickboxing.

The WBU cruiserweight title will be up for grabs in boxing as Dennis Morris (14-2-1) of Milwaukee, WI, goes up against Shawn Miller (18-4-1) of Troy, NY.

In Kickboxing, Glory veteran, François Ambang (18-7-1) of Mechanicsville, VA (via Cameroon), will fight battle-tested Albanian, Shkodran Veseli (83-18-1) for the FFC Welterweight Title, and Brazilian, Jhonata Diniz (16-5-0) faces off against, Croatian sensation, Mladen Brestovac (54-14-1).

“FFC 31 Night of Champions” will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST).

General ticket prices begin at $69. Tickets are available at any Las Vegas Caesars Entertainment Box Office, by calling 702-777-2782 or 855-234-7469 or online at Ticketmaster.com. For groups of 10 or more call 866-574-3851 or email EntertainmentGroupSales@Caesars.com.

For more information about Final Fight Championship, please visit finalfightchampionship.com, Facebook at Facebook.com/FFCFighting, and Follow on Instagram/Twitter @FFCFighting

CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

FFC and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino Ink Deal That Packs a Powerful Punch!

September 14, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Screen Shot 2018-09-05 at 7.49.46 AM.png

Final Fight Championship Makes History, With Multi-Year Combat Sports Agreement Involving, Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network

LAS VEGAS, NV, (Sept. 14, 2018) – One of the fastest growing combat sports promotion companies in the world, Final Fight Championship (FFC), and Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, will deliver a weekly combat sports series called, “Fight Dome”, which debuts on Friday, Sept. 28, and will air live on CBSSN (CBS Sports Network).

The groundbreaking announcement marks the first time in the history of Las Vegas that a combat sports promotion company has established residency inside of a resort casino to deliver a weekly show involving multi-disciplines including, Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA.

“History will be made on Friday, Sept. 28,” said Orsat Zovko, President and Founder of Final Fight Championship. “We (FFC) are thrilled to be a part of this landmark agreement with Rio Las Vegas and CBS Sports Network.”

Fight Dome events will broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, Friday at 7 p.m. (PST) and 10 p.m. (EST) with the first official event, “Night of Champions”, debuting on Friday, Sept. 28. “Night of Champions”, will feature all three disciplines (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA) and every fight will be for the FFC World Championship Belt!

All of the heart-pounding FFC action will take place inside of the all-new, Fight Dome Las Vegas, which is an intimate venue located inside of Rio Las Vegas that delivers combat sports fans, the experience of a lifetime.

“Our fans will literally be right on top of the action the entire time,” said Zovko. “This is every combat sports fan’s dream… You’ll be sitting so close, you’ll feel like you’re the one in the ring fighting!”

About Final Fight Championship

Respected international combat sports promoter, Orsat Zovko, launched Final Fight Championship® (FFC®) in 2013. FFC has since held 30 successful dual-discipline events comprised of professional kickboxing and world class mixed martial arts. Featuring marquis athletes such as Satoshi Ishii, Mirko Cro Cop, Mladen Brestovac and Robin van Roosmalen. FFC presents live sports broadcasts in more than 50 countries around the world, across four continents, appearing on CBS Sports Network, Fight Channel Worldwide, among other sports and media properties.

For more information, please visit FinalFightChampionship.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow @FFCFighting

CBS Sports Network, mixed martial arts, MMA

CBS SPORTS NETWORK ANNOUNCES TELEVISION PARTNERSHIP WITH FINAL FIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP THROUGH 2020

September 7, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

	Publicity photo above – Orsat Zovko, President/Founder FFC (left), Billy Stone, Coordinating Producer & Director, Programming, CBS Sports (right).

First FFC event Premieres Live on CBS Sports Network Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 PM, ET From The Fight Dome at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

CBS Sports Network and Final Fight Championship (FFC) announced today a multi-year partnership to make CBS Sports Network the exclusive television home of FFC. The first FFC event premieres live on CBS Sports Network from The Fight Dome at Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, Sept. 28 (10:00PM, EST).

CBS Sports Network will air eight FFC events on Friday’s throughout the remainder of 2018. A champion will be crowned after each event with a belt as part of the national telecast.

“We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase combat sports on a National network,” said Orsat Zovko, president and founder of Final Fight Championship, “It’s an honor to partner with CBS Sports Network and nationally televise the new Fight Dome with championship-level fights to fans across the country.”

FFC events are composed of combat sports from multiple disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. All events will take place in the dedicated Fight Dome venue at Rio Las Vegas.

CBS Sports Network, the 24-hour home of CBS Sports, is widely available through all major cable, satellite and telco distributors as well as via OTT streaming service providers YouTube TV, fuboTV, PlayStation Vue, DirecTV and Hulu. Additionally, a live CBS Sports Network stream is available through CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App by authenticating with select providers. For more information, including a full programming schedule, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

Respected international combat sports promoter, Orsat Zovko, launched Final Fight Championship® (FFC®) in 2013. FFC has since held 30 successful dual-discipline events comprised of professional kickboxing and world class mixed martial arts. Featuring marquis athletes such as Satoshi Ishii, Mirko Cro Cop, and Mladden Brestovac. FFC presents live sports broadcasts in more than 50 countries around the world, across four continents, appearing on CBS Sports Network (USA), Fight Channel World (Worldwide), among other sports and media properties. For more information on FFC, please visitwww.finalfightchampionship.com

* * * * *

boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

Mike Lee Breaks Rib in 1st round and despite not being able to breathe, defeats Jose Hernandez to claim NABO Light Heavyweight title

June 11, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2018) -WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee Broke his rib in the 1st round, but still claimed the NABO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

Lee pressed the action as he looked to land power shots early. Hernandez fought gamely, but Lee was consistent with his right and left hands.

Lee showed incredible heart, as in round one, he suffered a broken rib and had trouble breathing throughout the whole ten round fight.

Hernandez was cut from Lee’s work, and the Notre Dame graduate cruised home with the victory by scores of 97-93 on all judges’ cards.

With the victory, Lee remains perfect with a record of 21-0, and will now look to face any of the world champions in either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

“I came out wanting the knockout,” said Lee. “I give credit to Jose, he was tough. I got a little excited early, and I was a little sloppy. In the beginning, I was just throwing power shots, I wasn’t double jabbing and using my athletic ability. Every fight is a learning lesson, and tonight I had to bite down and get the win.”

With the win, Lee will now look to challenge any of the champions and big names in and around his weight class.

“Let’s go. I want a shot at the world title. Whether it is at 168 pounds or 175 pounds, I am just waiting on a phone call. We wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I don’t know what happened with that. I just want someone with the belt.”

boxing, CBS Boxing, CBS Sports Network

Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins chimes in on world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee

June 6, 2018 FNU47 Leave a comment

Lee takes on Jose Hernandez this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago and Live on

CBS Sports Network (9 PM ET)

Chicago, Illinois (June 4, 2018) -When WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Jose Hernandez (19-3-1, 9 KOs) this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago. The card will be broadcast live on CBS Spots Network (9 PM ET) with an all-star announce team of International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and renowned Teddy Atlas.

Tompkins, who has been calling the biggest fights in the world for nearly 40 years, has seen his share of fighters, but not many with the versatility of a fighter who could be speaking to corporate America one day, and competing at a championship level in the ring…. the very next day.

“This fight will be a nice little test for Lee. This is something that he has been striving for a long time, and I will be happy to see him get that chance that he has been wanting. It is a real opportunity for him to show himself as one of the great fighters around,” said Tompkins.

Lee, who is one of a real select few that is able to give motivational speeches to Fortunate-500 companies, is a national spokesperson for major cooperation’s, and be a world class fighter all wrapped up in one.

Lee, who is holds a finance degree from Notre Dame, spends time and money for kids diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he is always fighting for a higher cause

“He is a very sellable guy whether he fights or not, and that’s the thing. He has the opportunity to be a real spokesman, not only for himself but for the sport of boxing in general. He is that in general He can really fill a room and he is excellent at dealing with all walks of life and all generations of people. I haven’t been around too many that can do that. “Sugar” Ray Leonard comes to mind who can do that. Leonard has a very galvanizing personality, and Mike has a lot of that in him. He is very good spokesperson for the sport.”

With a win on Friday night, Lee could be just a fight or two away for fighting for a coveted world championship.

“I know that is something he has looked forward to. I am in favor of him getting an opportunity. His record says that he is worthy of an opportunity.”

boxing

TOP CRUISERWEIGHT PROSPECT FABIO TURCHI MAKES UNITED STATES DEBUT THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

November 30, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

LIVE ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK

Providence, Rhode Island (November 29, 2017) This Friday night, December 1, top cruiserweight prospect FABIO “Stone Crusher” TURCHI, (12-0, 9 KO’s), of Florence, Italy makes his highly anticipated U.S. debut against Detroit, MI veteran DEMETRIUS BANKS, (9-3, 4 KO’s) from The Strand Ballroom and Theatre in Providence, Rhode Island and telecast live on CBS Sports Network (9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT).

Turchi vs. Banks, scheduled for eight rounds, is part of an eight-bout action packed card presented by Boxing Legend Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing.

Tickets for ‘Real Deal Championship Boxing V’ starting at $45 are can be purchased through www.TheRealDealBoxing.com and www.thestrandri.com.

The Strand Ballroom and Theatre is located at 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at7:00 p.m. ET.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting in the United States,” said the 24-year-old Turchi. “Since I turned professional two years ago I’ve wanted to come here and fight.”

“When I arrived here on Sunday night for the first time I felt very good right away. I’ve met a lot of Italian-Americans here in Providence and they’ve been very cordial to me which is galvanizing me to a great performance on Friday night.

“I consider myself an intelligent fighter with power. I can box to a decision but if the opportunity comes along during the fight for a knockout I’ll take advantage of it,” continued Turchi known in Italy for his show-stopping knockouts.

“I don’t know much about Demetrius Banks but I’m very well prepared for anything in the ring.

“Since I was a kid, being Italian, my favorite fighter was Rocky Marciano. It’s an honor to be fighting so close to his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts on Friday night.”

“Evander was a great world champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. I will do my best to make him proud of me on Friday night.”

Said Holyfield, “Just being around Fabio these last few days you can see how serious he takes his career. I’m excited for boxing fans in Providence and those watching on CBS Sports Network to have the opportunity to see him fight.”

In the televised main event on Friday night, TOKA KAHN-CLARY, (23-1, 16 KO’s), of Providence, Rhode Island defends his WBC-USNBC Featherweight Title against undefeated Philippines’ based contender JOHN VINCENT MORALDE, (19-0, 10 KO’s) in the 10-

Opening the telecast in a six-round featherweight clash, popular, undefeated Worcester, MA native IRVIN GONZALEZ, (7-0-0, 6 KO’s) battles MARLON OLEA, (13-1-0, 12 KO’s), of Barranquilla, Colombia.

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to partner with The Strand Ballroom and Theatre, Medical Arts Radiology (www.medicalartsradiology.com) and Venum (www.venum.com).

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions

Twitter: @TheRealDealBox, @Holyfield

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boxing

PHOTOS, QUOTES — TOKA KAHN-CLARY PROVIDENCE PRESS CONFERENCE!

November 30, 2017 FNU47 Leave a comment

TICKETS ON SALE!!

(L-R) – Fabio Turchi, Evander Holyfield, Toka Kahn-Clary, Sal Musumeci, CEO of The Real Deal Boxing, and Nick DeLomba

PROVIDENCE, RI (November 30, 2017) – Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield hosted the final press conference for this Friday night’s ‘Real Deal Championship Boxing V’ card, presented byhis The Real Deal Boxing, the promotional entity under his Real Deal Sports and Entertainment, this afternoon at Ladder 133 Sports Bar & Grill in Smith Hill, Rhode Island.

An exciting tripleheader, arguably the best top-to-bottom card in recent Rhode Island boxing history, willair on CBS Sports Network, starting at 9 p.m. ET,live from The Strand Ballroom and Theater in Providence, RI. The entire undercard will be live-streamed, starting at 7 p.m. ET, online at www.TheRealDealBoxing.com.

Providence featherweight Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (23-1, 16 KOs) headlines against undefeated Filipino invader John Vincent Moralde (19-0, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event for the vacant WBC USNBC featherweight title.

Tickets starting at $45 are On Sale and can be purchased throughwww.TheRealDealBoxing.com and www.thestrandri.com.

The Strand Ballroom and Theater is located at 79 Washington Street, Providence, RI, 02903. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:00 p.m. ET, first bell at 7:00 p.m. ET, and live broadcasting starts at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10) – CBSSN

Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary (23-1, 15 KOs), Providence, RI by way of Liberia

vs.

John Vincent Moralde (19-0, 10 KOs), General Santos, Philippines

CO-FEATURE – CRUISERWEIGHTS (8) – CBSSN

Fabio “Stone Crusher” Turchi (12-0, 9 KOs), Florence, Italy

vs.

Demetrius Banks (9-3, 4 KOs), Detroit, MI

FEATHERWEIGHTS (6) – CBSSN

Irvin Gonzalez (7-0, 6 KOs), Worcester, MA

vs.

Marlon Olea (13-1, 12 KOs), Baranquilla, Colombia

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Nick DeLomba (11-2, 2 KOs), Cranston, RI

vs.

Louis Cruz (12=3, 6 KOs), Bronx, NY

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Timmy Ramos (4-0-1, 4 KOs), Framingham, MA

vs.

Phil Davis (1-1), Worcester, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Poindexter Knight (pro debut), Philadelphia, PA

vs.

Samuel Forjoe (0-1), Bronx, NY

CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)

Bryan Daniels (5-1, 3 KOs), Worcester, MA

vs.

Darnell “The Unknown” Pierce (5-1, 1 KO), Frederick, MD

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (7-1-1, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

vs.

Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-15-1, 5 KOs), Vega Maja, Puerto Rico

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

PRESSER QUOTES

Sal Musumeci, CEO of The Real Deal Boxing: “We’re honored to be here in Rhode Island. So many champs come through here and we’re here for that reason and its great boxing fans. I’ve been promoting 20 years with more than 400 shows worldwide. I know where we want to go to places with people who appreciate boxing.”

“Evander and I got together to put together The Real Deal Boxing because we want the same shows, two warriors in the ring, and that’s what you’re going to see Friday night at The Stand. Thanks for accepting is here. Toka is a great inspiration. When I first heard his story, my COO (Eric Bentley) sad we need to sign him. He’s in a tough fight. Toka accepted the challenge because he believes he’ll be world champion.”

“Turchi is an undefeated cruiserweight who will grow into a heavyweight. An Italian heavyweight like the great Rocky Marciano who fought in providence so many times.”

“I guarantee on Friday night you’ll see the most competitive fights in Providence in many years.”

Evander Holyfield: “I’m honored to be here. A big part of me being a promoter is how can I help boxing? I started at eight, when I was told I’d be like Ali. I believed that, but I had to ask my mother (permission to box). I was a four-time heavyweight world champion, but I also had my ups and downs. I tell them (my fighters), if they listen and ask me for advice, I will tell them. The problems today with millennials is that there’s really nobody to tell them. Just ask me, I tell them.”

“I bring a lot to boxing, but I won’t say I will make my fighters champions. I will give them an opportunity to be champion. I had opportunities and never quit. If you set goals and you don’t quit, you’ll reach that goal. Correct your mistakes and don’t quit. These fighters need to believe in me but, more importantly, they need to believe in themselves. I can give them advice because I’ve done it. I’m on their side.”

Toka Kahn-Clary: “I want to thank Evander, Sal and everybody on my team for having me fight in my state. I also want to thank my manger, trainer and Dan Crotty. I’m happy to be here. Boxing isn’t easy, but it is the path I’ve chosen. I’m fighting here on national television, representing my city and state.”

“I’m going to put on a show December 1^st. It’s not going to be easy but I’m going in the ring to give it my all. I can’t wait to fight!”

Seth DeRobbio, manager of Toka Kahn-Clary, Irvin Gonzalez, Nick DeLomba & Timmy Ramos:

“I want to thank Sal and Evander for giving Providence good fights. This is a great opportunity for Toka, who is fighting a 19-0 opponent, setting up a 2018 to be a big year for him. Hopefully, we’ll be bringing something very big to Providence, too. You won’t know who is going to win Friday night until the fights are over.”

Peter Manfredo, Sr., head trainer for Kahn-Clary: “I’d like to thank Evander, Seth, the whole crew (The Real Deal Boxing). When Seth mentioned signing Toka with Evander, I soon learned that they take care of their fighters, no BS. Listen to them and you’ll make it to the top.

“Toka Kahn-Clary is the best fighter I’ve ever had, I’ve had a lot of good ones. Toka is always in condition, he works hard and has an iron chin. He wants to be a legend and I’m going to do everything to help him.”

Fabio Turchi: “I’m really happy to be here. I want to thank Real Deal Boxing for having faith in me. I will try to do my best to put on a great show. The people here mean a lot to me and I want to make the Italian-Americans here in Providence proud of me.”

Nick DeLomba: I want to thank Evander for putting me on this card. I grew up watching his fights on video; he is my idol and I’m honored to be fighting on his card. I come to fight. My opponent is a tough fighter who’ll bring his best.”

* * *

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to partner with Medical Arts Radiology (www.medicalartsradiology.com) and Venum (www.venum.com).