Tag Archives: Corona

wrestling

Beat The Streets ‘Grapple At The Garden’ To Be Postponed Until Later in 2020

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Annual Event Was Scheduled For May 28 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden

(New York, April 2, 2020)—Beat The Streets, the largest grassroots inner-city wrestling program in the United States, today announced that “Grapple At The Garden,” its annual fundraiser which was to be held on Thursday, May 28, has been postponed due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. The organization is entertaining several dates and formats for a rescheduled event later in the summer.


“Our primary focus is the health and safety of all involved, especially our supporters, our athletes and staff, and in order to be properly prepared for what is always a celebratory first class event for all, we have decided to postpone our late May date,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director. “We are working with our partners at Madison Square Garden and all our stakeholders to find the most effective date in the coming months.”


“Grapple at the Garden” made a highly successful, sold-out debut at the Hulu Theater in 2019 following nearly a decade at various other iconic New York City venues.


About Beat the Streets


The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life-changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.
boxing, Ring 8

New York State Boxing HOF & Ring 8 establish fund to assist boxers and boxing personnel in New York

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NEW YORK (April 1, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) and Ring 8 jointly announced today a partnership to establish a COVID-19 fund to assist New York and New Jersey boxers and boxing personnel who are in financial need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Any boxing personnel (boxers, trainers, cut-men, etc.) who are independent contractors and live in New York or New Jersey may apply for monetary assistance by filling out a request form posted at www.NYBoxingHOF.org and  www.Ring8tv,com, or request a form at fightpublicist@gmail.com to be directly emailed.

All applicants must be licensed (NYSAC, NJSAC or USA Boxing) and forms must be submitted  to NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy by email (depcomish@aol.com) or call him (1.516.313.2304) with the required information.

“Gyms are closed, and boxing has been suspended indefinitely,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “Most boxing trainers, cut-men and other boxing personnel are independent contractors, so they do not have any income right now during this pandemic.  They have families to support, rent to pay, food to put on the table, and other critical expenses.  We want to help them by establishing this fund. We’re not in the position to give each applicant a large stipend,  but we are able to provide a small payment to temporarily help them a little bit.  We’re committed to doing this for the month of April, at the very least, and then we’ll will revisit extending payments until boxing returns, as long as there is money available in this fund.  It’s the right thing to do!”

“Ring 8 is furthering our goals to assist boxers and boxing people in New York during this crisis,” Ring 8 president Charlie Norkus, Jr. added.  “It has been our mission since the very beginning.  We are pleased to join the New York Boxing Hall of Fame in this endeavor.”

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

Bellator MMA Statement on May Events

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Due to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as current federal, state and local government mandates, Bellator MMA officials today have announced that three upcoming live events scheduled for May have been postponed.

These events include:

  • Bellator 242 – May 9 in San Jose, Calif.
  • Bellator European Series London – May 16 in London
  • Bellator 243 – May 29 in Temecula, Calif.

The organization will continue to monitor the situation closely and fully intends to reschedule the events as soon as possible.

As always, the health and safety of our athletes, fans, partners and staff remains our top priority. We appreciate the understanding and patience of everyone involved during this incredibly difficult time.

Refunds for ticketholders to these events, as well as Bellator 241 originally scheduled for March 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena, will be available at their original point of purchase.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

boxing

Ruben Villa Returns to Action Aug. 24 from Omega Products in Corona, CA

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Philadelphia, Penn.. Orange, Ca. (Aug. 14, 2018) – Ruben Villa (12-0, 5 KOs), one of the rising talents in the featherweight division, takes to the ring for the fourth time this year on Friday, Aug. 24 from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

 

 

 

The southpaw from Salinas, Calif. battles well tested veteran Jose Santos Gonzalez (23-6, 13 KOs) of Mexico in the “Locked n’ Loaded” 8-round main event.

 

 

 

Villa, 21, has fought veterans before, specifically Ernesto Guerrero and German Meraz. The seasoned Gonzalez poses a threat in the sense that he’s been in the ring against current bantamweight title holder Zolani Tete, and unbeaten contender Duke Micah.

 

 

 

“These are the types of fights that help you grow into a better fighter,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora. “We have a smart game plan in place. I’m naturally bigger than him so we’ll use that to our advantage.”

 

 

 

Villa, a two-time national Golden Gloves champion, is coming off an impressive sixth round knockout of Ricardo Lopez in June. The talented featherweight showed off his finishing ability by out boxing Lopez until the knockout moment presented itself.

 

 

 

“I was landing solid punches in every round,” remarked Villa after the fight. “I knew I would be able to take him out. I wore him down and in the sixth, I just let me hands go and I caught him with a lot of heavy punches.”

 

 

 

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

 

 

 

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

boxing

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns Friday night in Corona, California

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Corona, CA (May 21, 2015)—Tomorrow night in Corona, California, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns to the ring for the third time in three months when he battles Miguel Tamayo in bout scheduled for six rounds at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.
The bout will be on the undercard of the Boxcino finals where Lopez GH3 Promotions stablemate John Thompson takes on Brandon Adams in Jr. Middleweight championship bout.
“Training went really well.  I did a lot of sparring to get ready for Tamayo who is a southpaw,” said Lopez.
Lopez, who has a record of 11-0 with six knockouts will be fighting for the third time since March 13, is coming off of two consecutive 2nd round knockouts with the first being over undefeated Pablo Cruz that was nationally televised by ShoBox.
“I feel good about keeping active and having fights to keep me busy.  It is a good confidence boost to keep me active.”
In Tamayo, he is fighting a guy that has 30 fights under his belts (16-12-2, 14 KO’s) and has been in the ring with former world title challenger Cesar Seda, current world champion Gary Russell Jr and prospects Diego De La Hoya &McWilliams Arroyo.
“He is a veteran journeyman.  He fought guys like Russell and De La Hoya so it is a measuring stick and it will put me in a category that I should start getting more notice.  I don’t care what the others did with him.  I am just going out to do my thing and win the fight.”
Even though the 24 year-old Lopez is from San Antonio, Texas, he has California roots and did not grow up far from Corona.
“I am from California and not too far from Corona.  I fought here as an amateur and am excited to fight here as a professional.”
“I am excited GH3 is keeping me active and have been fighting every month.  This is exactly what I need to do.  I am going to go out there and do my thing.  I am excited and honored to be fighting on the Boxcino finals show and on the last ESPN Friday Night Fights card,”finished Lopez.
Said Lopez promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “We are happy to have Adam fight on this card.  With John fighting in Boxcino, it gives Adam a chance to fight close to where he grew up and get him exposure on the West coast.”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Boxcino, boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Petrov scores decisive decision over Diaz Shlestyuk outpoints Rodriguez in national television debut  PLUS POST FIGHT VIDEO INTERVIEWS 

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For Immediate Release

Corona, Calif. (April 6, 2015) – Lightweight standout and Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion, Petr Petrov (36-4-2, 16 KOs) made a strong case for a future world title shot with his one-sided, unanimous decision win against former world champion Gamaliel Diaz (39-12-3, 18 KOs) in the main event of ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Scores were 98-89, 97-90 twice.

The event was promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
Throughout the ten round fight, Petrov used superior hand speed to tag the slower Diaz. He scored a knockdown in the seventh round, and from that point forward, Petrov controlled the fight with his accurate jab and stingy defense.
“Diaz was a good opponent,” said the 32-year-old Petrov. “He was experienced and knew how to get out of danger. He knows how to hold and slow down a fight, but after a ten-month lay off, I can say that we’re back. I’m ready for a world title shot. That’s my goal.”

In the co-main event, 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (12-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated against Juan Rodriguez (12-2, 5 KOs). Shelestyuk battled through a nasty cut over his right eye caused by an accidental clash of heads in the fourth round. 

“Rodriguez is a tough southpaw,” said Shelestyuk, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “It was the second time in my career that I’ve been cut. It was tough to see with all the blood, but the cut made me focus more because I thought the doctor might stop the fight, and I didn’t want that. I wanted to show my ability and I did by winning by a wide margin.”

The opening bout between junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (13-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-5, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. was an entertaining, back-and-forth affair. Robles jumped out to an early lead, but Lopez came on strong toward the end. Robles scored a unanimous decision win with scores 58-56, 59-55, twice.

“It was a great fight,” Robles said. “He came ready to fight. I’m glad I was able to put on a good show. I got tired toward the end, but I’ll get back in the gym and get better.”

In other bouts, welterweight Darius Ervin (1-0) of Indio, Calif. notched his first professional win against Isaac Freeman (1-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles. The majority decision scores read: 39-37, 40-36, and 38-38.

Junior lightweight Michael Norato (1-0, 1 KO) started his professional career in electrifying fashion by knocking out Sopuan Rin (1-2-1) at the 2:14 mark of the second round. Norato put Rin on his back three times in the second round, which stirred the crowd into a frenzy.

“It’s a great way to start my career,” Norato said. “I can’t wait for my next fight.”

Super bantamweight Humberto Rubalcava (1-0, 1 KO) of nearby Riverside, had a memorable pro debut by knocking out Christian Lorenzo (2-3, 1 KO) of Los Angeles in the second round with a powerful right hook that nearly sent Lorenzo through the ropes.

“This is what boxing is all about,” Rubalcava said. “I gave the fans what they wanted to see.”
Taras Shelestyuk Post Fight 040315
Taras Shelestyuk Post Fight 040315
Petr Petrov Post fight interview 040315
Petr Petrov Post fight interview 040315
PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BAEZA / THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS
Follow Banner Promotions on social media for all the latest Banner and #Boxcino2015 updates:
@BannerBoxing #TeamBanner ; @Boxcino2015 #Boxcino
Facebook.com/BannerPromotions; instagram.com/BannerBoxing
Boxcino, ESPN Boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Undefeated welterweight Taras Shelestyuk comments on ESPN Friday Night Fights debut against Juan Rodriguez Jr.

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Petr Petrov to battle former world champion Gamaliel Diaz in NABA/NABO lightweight title fight
For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, CA (March 31, 2015)– Undefeated welterweight Taras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (11-0, 8 KO’s) is getting ready for his April 3rd national television debut when he takes on Juan Rodriguez Jr. in the co-feature of an ESPN Friday Night Fights card in Corona, California.

The card is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.
In the main event, Petr Petrov will defend his NABA & NABO lightweight title when he takes on former world champion Gamaliel Diaz.
Shelestyuk, who was a 2012 Bronze Medal winner in the London Olympic games, has been training at the Wild Card Gym with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and Marvin Somodio and is looking forward to this great opportunity to display his talents in front of a nationwide audience.

“Juan Rodriguez is a good fighter, But I will show what I am made of on April 3rd,” said Shelestyuk.
“I can fight and adjust to any opponent during the fight and will do anything to win.  I have been waiting a very long time to fight on national television and now it’s here” continued the versatile Shelestyuk.

 

Also on the card, undefeated welterweight prospect Sukhrab Shidaev(12-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Calif. will fight an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Former Colombian Olympian and undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga(6-0, 4 KOs) will look to stay unbeaten against Victor Serrano (3-8-1, 1 KO) in a 6-round lightweight bout.

Making his professional debut is junior lightweight Michael Norato facing fellow novice Sopuan Rin (1-1-1) of Pomona, Calif. in a fight scheduled for 4-rounds.

Humberto Rubalcava will also step inside the squared circle for the first time as a professional. Rubalcava, a super bantamweight from Riverside, Calif., will faceChristian Lorenzo (2-2, 1 KO).

Opening the event are junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (12-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. (6-rounds).

Tickets are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

The 1st bout is at 5:15 PT, Doors at 4:30 PT and 1st TV bout at 6 PM PT./ 9 pm ET

 

Photos by Peter Politanoff
boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion Petr Petrov battles former world champion Gamaliel Diaz on Friday, April 3 at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California and Live on ESPN Friday Night Fights

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2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Taras Shelestyuk to battle Juan Rodriguez Jr. in televised co-feature 
For Immediate Release

Corona, CA (March 20, 2015)–On Friday night, April 3, Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion Petr Petrov will take on former world champion Gamaliel Diaz in a 10-round fight that will headline an ESPN Friday Night Fight’s card at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California.
The show is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions and the telecast will begin at 9 PM ET. on ESPN 2
That card is a prelude to the following week’s Boxcino 2015 heavyweight and jr. middleweight semifinals that will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on April 10 at 9 PM ET. on ESPN 2
In the 8-round co-feature, 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner Taras Shelestyuk will make his national television debut against Juan Rodriguez Jr.
Petrov of Madrid, Spain has a record of 35-4-2 with 17 knockouts.  He is the Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion as he won fights over Fedor Papzov (14-0), Chris Rudd (13-1) and a title winning 8th round stoppage over Fernando Carcamo in the finals that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Diaz of Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico has a record of 38-11-3 with 17 knockouts and is the formwe WBC Super Featherweight world champion.

Diaz won the WBC Super Featherweight world title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Takahiro Ao on October 27, 2012 in Ao’s home country of Japan.

He holds wins over three-divison world champion Robert Guerrero, future world champion Elio Rojas & former world champion Cesar Soto.

Diaz is coming off a three round technical draw with Anthony Crolla on September 13, 2014 in Manchester, England.  The bout was stopped due to an accidental headbutt that caused a bad cut over Diaz’ left eye.

Shelestyuk of Sumy, Ukraine was a 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner.  The twenty-nine year old has a record of 11-0 with eight knockouts and has a big win over previously undefeated Travis Hanshaw on June 28, 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Shelestyuk moved to Los Angeles and trains at the Wild Card Gym and is trained by Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach.

Shelestyuk has stopped his last two opponents,which most recently includes a third-round stoppage over Francisco Reza on February 20 in Ontario, California.

Rodriguez of Union City, New Jersey has a record of 12-1 with five knockouts.

The twenty-eight year old won his first eleven fights and is coming off a four-round technical decision over previously undefeated Greg Jackson on October 25, 2014 in North Bergen, New Jersey.

“We expect tremendous performances from both Petr Petrov and Taras Shelestyuk,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager for Thompson Boxing. “They have crowd pleasing styles that make for exciting fights, which the fans in attendance and those watching on ESPN will absolutely love. Plus, the outdoor setting at Omega Products Arena is among the finest in boxing.”

 

Said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo, “We look forward to a great night of boxing.  We expect Petr to come through with a great performance against a former world champion in Gamaliel Diaz which will catapult himself to a world title opportunity.  We are also pleased to give Taras his national television debut and we know based on his style and personality that he will quickly become a fan favorite and major player in the 147 pound division.”

 

Also on the card, undefeated welterweight prospect Sukhrab Shidaev(12-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Calif. will fight an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Former Colombian Olympian and undefeated lightweight Cesar Villarraga (6-0, 4 KOs) will look to stay unbeaten against an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Making his professional debut is junior lightweight Michael Norato facing fellow novice Sopuan Rin (1-1-1) of Pomona, Calif. in a fight scheduled for 4-rounds.

Humberto Rubalcava will also step inside the squared circle for the first time as a professional. Rubalcava, a super bantamweight from Riverside, Calif., will face an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

Opening the event are junior welterweights Emanuel Robles (12-0-1, 3 KOs) of San Diego and Wilberth Lopez (5-4, 1 KO) of Tucson, Ariz. (6-rounds).

Tickets are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at www.ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

The 1st bout is at 5:15 PT, Doors at 4:30 PT and 1st TV bout at 6 PM PT.