Tag Archives: Connecticut

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Hartford Boxing Promotions To launch this summer

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(L-R) – Michael Tran, Richard Rivera & Tony Blanco

HARTFORD, Conn. (April 4, 2018) – Professional boxing’s newest promotional company, Hartford Boxing Promotions, has announced its official formation, as well as tentative plans calling for its inaugural event this summer in Hartford.

 

 

 

Boxing trainer Tony Blanco and his Hartford-based House of Boxing gym partner, Michael Tran, have teamed with their undefeated light heavyweight prospect, Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (6-0, 5 KOs), to form Hartford Boxing Promotions. Rivera is one of the best and most popular pro fighters in New England.

 

 

 

“We want to bring boxing back to Hartford,” Blanco addressed why they founded this new promotional company. “Hartford is a hotbed of boxing. There’s a lot of talent here and Hartford has a rich boxing history.

 

 

 

“We hope to promote our first show on June 16th, subject to Connecticut Boxing Commission approval, at Xfinity Theatre in Hartford. It’s owned by Live Nation and has been used only as a concert hall, but it has an old-school feel and will be an awesome venue for boxing. We’re excited about promoting events in this new venue for boxing.”

 

 

 

Boxing’s roots in the Hartford market dates back nearly a full century, headlined by International Hall of Famers Willie “Will o’ the Wisp” Pep and Christopher “Battling” Battalino. Other top-area boxers include world champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling, world title challengers Gaspar “El Indio” Ortega, “Iceman” John Scully and Israel “Pito” Cardona, and 1996 USA Olympic Boxing Team captain Lawrence Clay-Bey.

 

 

INFORMATION;

Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter

Twitter: @hartfordboxing

Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/

You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Announced

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame
Class of 2017 Announced
“Professor” Charles Hadley, Dr. Tony Alessi,
Clark Sammartino, Dick Flaherty, Dan Parker & Hugh Devlin, Sr.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Augus14, 2017) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2017 to be inducted during the 13TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, October 28, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The new CBHOF inductees are pioneer boxer “Professor” Charles Hadley, ring physician Dr. Tony Alessi, international boxing judge Clark Sammartino, referee/judgeDick Flaherty, boxing writer Dan Parker and boxer/boxing contributor Hugh Devlin, Sr.
“We continue to break barriers at CBHOF as we induct ‘Professor’ Charles Hadley who may have been the best ‘pound-for-pound fighter of his era,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. Like many black athletes of this period, he never received the recognition he richly deserved. The CBHOF will rectify that this year. Other members of this year’s class are equally deserving and represent all aspects of this great sport. Dr. Alessi is not just an accomplished ring physician but also a world-renowned sports doctor. Clark Sammartino is one of the best judges in boxing.  Dan Parker is an International Boxing Hall of Famer whose career as a reporter is unparalleled in any sport. Hughie Devlin Sr.’s contributions to this sport in Connecticut are immeasurable. We look forward to seeing boxing fans of all ages at this year’s dinner. It will be a wonderful evening for our inductees, our award winners, and especially for their family and friends.”

Fighting out of his adopted hometown of Bridgeport, Tennessee-native “Professor” Charles Hadley (25-13-6, 14 KOs) was the reigning World Colored Heavyweight Champion from 1881-1883. His professional career was from 1869 to 1891.

A familiar figure at ringside for major fights at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, Dr. Tony Alessi is a graduate of the University of Rome who moved to the Nutmeg State after completing his residency and neuro-muscular fellowship at the University fo Michigan. Alessi is a neurological consultant to the Connecticut State Boxing Commission, as well as the NFL Players Association and New York Yankees Player Development. He is based in Norwich, where he CEO for a medical management company.
At the height of career as a boxing judge, Clark Sammartino would average 100 bouts a year, including 10 world championships. A Providence native and Brown University graduate, he started judging boxing matches after he retired as an oral surgeon. The 80-year-old Sammartino has judge fights involving some of boxing biggest stars such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Oscar de la Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez and many others.
An accomplished referee/judge from Braintree, Massachusetts, who now lives in Glastonbury, CT, Dick Flaherty has worked numerous notable fights featuring Bernard Hopkins, Chad Dawson, Vernon Forrest and Sal “Canelo” Alvarez, among the more notables. Flaherty is best known for judging the first of three Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward fights, held at Mohegan Sun, voted the 2002 Fight of the Year), in which Dick scored the Round of the Year (ninth), 10-7 for Ward, and the fight, 94-93, in Ward’s favor. His score proved to be the difference as Ward won a 10-round split decision.
Waterbury, CT-native Dan Parker was a Waterbury sportswriter back in the early part of the 20th Century, whose articles in the New York Daily Mirror later exposed corruption in boxing. He exposed International Boxing Club (IBC) corruption and, due to Parker’s crusade, it was disbanded. Parker is induced in the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame, as well as the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame.
Hugh Devlin, Sr. (22-13) made his professional boxing debut in 1927 at the age of 18, stopping Johnny Lorenzo in New Bedford, Mass. He developed into one of New England’s top featherweights, fighting across Connecticut in New Haven, West Haven, Waterbury and New London. Devlin’s contributions to the Norwich boxing community made him an icon in southeastern Connecticut. He opened a restaurant in New London where menus were shaped like boxing gloves.
Individual Connecticut award winners were also announced: Jimmy Williams, Conn. Professional Boxer of the Year; Kevin Bonilla, Conn. Amateur Boxer of the Year; Hector Rosario, Contribution to Boxing; Danny Schiavone, Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Sachs Medina, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year:
Tickets for the CBHOF 13th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:00– p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 13th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
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Grand Opening of Connecticut Boxing HOF new location Monday night, June 26, in Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun

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UNCASVILLE, Conn. (June 13, 2017) – The Grand Opening of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame’s (CBHOF) new location in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun will be held there Monday, June 26, starting at 6 p.m. ET.
The media and public is welcome to attend the grand opening festivities. Dignitaries representing from Mohegan Sun and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes will be in attendance, as well as many CBHOF inductees, including Marlon Starling and “Irish: Micky Ward.
The original CBHOF location was in Mohegan Sun Arena but public availability for viewing was restricted to only during scheduled events held there. CBHOF inductees’ plaques and video of major fights held in Connecticut were displayed.
The new CBHOF will be open to the public during Mohegan Sun Casino operating hours.   In addition to the inductees’ plaques and videos of famous fights held in the Nutmeg State, the new location will also include rotating displays of historically significant boxing memorabilia. There will also be interactive displays for public use.
“We at the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame are extremely grateful to Mohegan Sun for hosting this great facility and for contributing generously to its construction,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We are very excited and anxious to have the ability to present the rich history of boxing in Connecticut while simultaneously honoring those who have contributed to that history.”
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.
ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.
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Danbury, Connecticut’s Bordoy Turns Professional 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2017 (Danbury, CT) – One day after turning 22 years of age, Omar Bordoy formally announced he has turned professional. Family and friends gathered at Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, CT Monday night for a press conference in where Bordoy, nicknamed The Beast, signed his license and declared he is entering the pro ranks.

Bordoy, who is of Puerto Rican descent, was born and raised in the rough Mill Ridge section of Danbury, CT. A born fighter, he started boxing at 13 years old under the tutelage of former World Kickboxing Champion Bennie ‘The Jet’ Little. After nearly six years of competing in the amateurs, Bordoy’s resume is littered with achievements such as the CT J.O. State Champion, CT Golden Gloves Champion, various Regional and National tournament qualifiers, and countless fighter and fight of the night awards. His exciting boxing style has had people in Connecticut constantly asking, “When will he go pro.”

“I have nothing more to prove in the amateurs.” Stated Bordoy, who plans on competing at 135 pounds professionally, “I have been dreaming of this moment since I was 13. There were times I felt ready to make that jump, but something held me back. But now is the time, I’m ready. I have had a lot stacked against me but I never quit. My motivation is to provide a better life for my family, to make Danbury proud and to bring a World Championship to Connecticut.”

Bordoy is currently trained by former professional and New York City amateur standout Luis Marichal. Marichal, who trains at Champs Boxing Club in Danbury promises excitement from his first professional boxer, “Omar is ready. We have been training extremely hard every day. Sparring has been great, we have been all over for sparring and he has shown me he can handle what is to come. I feel he is being overlooked by others who have flashier amateur records and backgrounds, but that’s what motivates our team, we are ready to unleash the beast!”

Bordoy will be under the watchful eye of A.J. Galante. Galante, 30, has managed and advised fighters such as Delvin Rodriguez, Frank Galarza, Eleser Ortega, among others since 2011. He also promoted Danbury Fight Night in May of 2015, in Danbury, CT. Galante hopes to see Bordoy in action sometime in March, “We are looking at a bunch of options for Omar. March is the target, and obviously I’d like to get him in the ring as many times as possible in 2017. I am very excited to be part of Team Bordoy.”

Photos by Jason Rodriguez / Super Elite Boxing News
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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/.
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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/
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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/.
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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,
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PATRICIO ‘PITBULL’ FREIRE VS. JOHN ‘MACAPA’ TEIXEIRA TO CO-MAIN EVENT AT ‘BELLATOR 153: KORESHKOV VS. HENDERSON’ APRIL 22 ON SPIKE

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B153_1920x1080_comain_inhouse

 

‘IRISH’ BRENNAN WARD WELCOMES EVANGELISTA ‘CYBORG’ SANTOS TO THE BELLATOR MMA WELTERWEIGHT DIVISION

 

FOUR ADDITIONAL PRELIMINARY MATCHUPS ADDED TO THE MOHEGAN SUN EVENT IN CONNECTICUT

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (March 1, 2016) – The co-main event for “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” is set, with the news that Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (24-3) will compete against John “Macapa” Teixeira (19-1-2) in featherweight action on April 22 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

In addition, Connecticut’s own “Irish” Brennan Ward (13-3) returns to action in his home state fresh off an impressive victory in Japan, when he welcomes Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos (20-16) into the Bellator MMA fray at 170-pounds.

 

The two bouts join a main event that features the highly anticipated Bellator debut of Benson “Smooth” Henderson (23-5), as he challenges welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov (18-1) for his belt. Four preliminary bouts were also announced; additional contests will be added in the coming weeks.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” start at just $30 and are on sale now at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. The event airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.

 

For “Pitbull,” a fight on April 22 is the first step back towards a shot at Daniel Straus’ featherweight title, a belt that Freire held before the two met at “Bellator 145: With A Vengeance.” At 28 years of age and with already 15 fights under the Bellator MMA banner, the Natal-native has been victorious in seven out of his last eight outings and emphatically finished Daniel Weichel in what was a knockout of the year candidate in 2015.

 

Undefeated in Bellator MMA, including an entertaining victory his last time out against Gleristone Santos; “Macapa” has not suffered defeat since 2012. A product of the highly regarded Nova Uniao team, Teixeira has previously competed in the UFC, where he was a competitor on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.” April 22 will only be the fourth time the 29-year-old has fought outside of Brazil.

 

For Ward, fighting at the Mohegan Sun is like competing in his own backyard. Located 10 miles from his home in New London, Conn., “Irish” has won four times at the Mohegan Sun, all by finish with three KOs and one submission. Most recently, the 27-year-old former NCAA All-American moved up in weight and submitted former heavyweight Ken Hasegawa in Japan while representing Bellator MMA during Rizin FF’s inaugural event this past December. The win brought Ward’s current winning streak to five fights, all coming by way of finish.

 

Best known to fans as “Cyborg,” Santos enters the Scott Coker-led promotion fresh off a win already in 2016. A veteran of Pride FC and Strikeforce, “Cyborg” has been involved in some memorable tussles against names the likes of: Nick Diaz, Gegard Mousasi, Francis Carmont, and Melvin Manhoef (2x). Now, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt will turn his attention to one of Bellator MMA’s fastest rising stars.

 

“Bellator 153: Koreshkov vs. Henderson” Updated Fight Card:

 

Bellator MMA Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (18-1) vs. Benson Henderson (23-5)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Co-Main Event: Patricio Freire (24-3) vs. John Teixeira (19-1-2)

Bellator MMA Welterweight Feature Bout: Brennan Ward (13-3) vs. Evangelista Santos (20-16)

 

Preliminary Card:

 

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Sam Watford (1-0) vs. Dean Hancock (2-0)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Foster (8-4) vs. Felipe Lavandoski (5-0)

Bellator MMA Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Jason Bakanowski (3-2) vs. T.J. Hepburn (4-2)

Bellator MMA Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Pete Rogers (2-3) vs. Mike Mangan (0-3)

boxing

Conn. Boxing HOF announces 2015 award winners Luis Rosa Jr. repeat Conn. Boxer of the Year

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CBHOF induction dinner Nov. 13 at Mohegan Sun
CTBHOF logo
Repeat Conn. Pro Boxer of the Year Luis Rosa Jr. (L)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (September 24, 2015) – Rising star Luis “The KO King” Rosa, Jr. has been named by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) as the Conn. Professional Boxer of the Year for the second year in a row.
The 2015 CBHOF award winners and its Class of 2015 will be honored Friday night, November 13 at the 11TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.
The other 2015 CBHOF award winners are U.S. Olympic Team hopeful Chordale Booker, Amateur Boxer of the Year; boxing judge Glenn Feldman, Official of the Year; trainer Brian Clark, Contribution to Boxing.
CBHOFR Class of 2015 inductees include promoter Lou DiBella, manager/promoter Shelly Finkel former boxing commissioner Peter Timothy and, posthumously, boxer Carey Mace, and trainer/boxer George Russo, boxing writer/manager Mort Sharnik and boxing advocate Arnie Bayer.
The 24-year-old Rosa (21-0, 10 KOs), fighting out New Haven, won all four of his 2015 fights against Giovani Caro (DEC6),Jonathan Perez (TKO5) at the Connecticut Convention Center, Ernesto Guerrero (TKO2) at Mohegan Sun, and Noel Echevarria (KO1).  Rosa is the No. 15 rated super bantamweight in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Rosa, native of Puerto Rico, had an outstanding 95-10 amateur record.  He turned pro in 2010 and his most notable win to date as a pro was an impressive 10-round decision of Luis Orlando Del Valle (18-1).  Rosa trains at his family’s Boxing In Faith Gym in New Haven, where he has grown up.
Booker, who is from Stamford, has already locked a berth in the 165-pound middleweight division U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, which will determine spots on the 2016 U.S. Men’s Olympic Boxing Team.
Feldman, of Avon, is internationally recognized as one of the best boxing judges in the industry.  His selection to judge this year’s Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao mega-fight is testimony to his status in contemporary boxing.  Feldman has already judged more than 70 fights this year, all around the world in places like Macau and Germany. He has worked more than 135 world title fights during his 25-year judging career, including seven thus far in 2015.  One of the founders of the CBHOF, Feldman was the first CBHOF president, serving in that position through last year, and he was inducted into the CBHOF ion 2011.
Clark is the owner of Ring One Boxing gym in New Haven.  As a trainer he is credited with the development of former world light heavyweight champion “Bad” Chad Dawson and amateur star Tramaine “Midget” Williams.
Tickets for the CBHOF 11th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale now by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails at 6 p.m. ET, followed by dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 11th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.