Tag Archives: Demetrius Banks

Top Florida boxing prospects in action April 1st on “Night of Redemption” in Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. (March 13, 2023) – Many of the most promising boxing prospects in Florida, including several promising Cuban boxers, will be showcased on the “Night of Redemption” card, on Saturday night, April 1, at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.  

“Night of Redemption,” co-promoted by Orlando Boxing Promotions and Boxlab Promotions, will be streamed live on pay-per-view from Orlando on www.boxtv.com

“Caribe Royale is looking forward to hosting ‘Night of Redemption’ on April 1st,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director, Caribe Royale Resort. “This joint promotion between Boxlab Promotions and Orlando Boxing Promotions will feature a mix of a current regional champion in Idalberto Umara defends his Fedecaribe title, along with up-and-coming prospects such as Orlando’s Adrian Pinheiro, Jeovanny Estela, Joshua Lebron, and others. We’re always proud to have activities at The Resort like this boxing card, which brings in visitors and locals alike. This should be a great night allowing our local young talent to showcase their skills in Central Florida’s home of Boxing, the Caribe Royale Resort.”

“I’m super excited to be promoting my first show in Orlando where I live,” remarked Orlando Boxing Promotions president Tony Blanco, who lived and promoted shows in Connecticut. “To be promoting this show with Boxlab, which is a big boxing company here in Central Florida, and its crew at a beautiful venue like Caribe Royale Resort is amazing.”

Unbeaten Polish cruiserweight Adrian “Pretty Boy” Pinheiro (10-0-1, 9 KOs), fighting out of Orlando, will headline in the 8-round main event against Demetrius Banks (5 KOs), of Detroit. The 25-year-old Pinheiro is coming off his lone non-victory as a professional this past February 25, fighting Isaiah Thompson to a 6-round split draw. Bank is best known for ruining the professional debut of Antwaun Tubbs, the son of former world heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs,  by way of a 4-round technical knockout in 2014.

“Adrian is seeking redemption after he fought to a draw in his last fight (Feb. 25th vs. Isaiah Thompson),” added Blanco, who trains Pinhiero. “He’s stepping up to fight his first scheduled 8-round bout and his first main event. He’s coming off a draw but he’s looking at it as a loss. He wants to put that fight behind and move forward. Not only did he want to go 8 rounds, but he also wanted to fight a tough, durable opponent. Most fighters coming off a draw, they’d want a tune-up fight to build back their confidence, but Adrian is ready for what’s coming next for him in his career.”

The 6-round co-featured event undefeated 22-year-old Jeovanny Estela, 10-0, 3 KOs) will put his perfect pro record on the line against Saul “Navajo” Corrall (23-20, 13 KOs), of Mexico. Corrall, who is a former WBC FECARBOX welterweight champion, clearly represents the toughest test of Estela’s young pro boxing career. Battle-tested Corrall has been in the ring with world champions such as Sadam Ali and Victor Ortiz, as well as several contenders, and hot prospects like Estella.

Cuban Idalberto Umara (9-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Miami, will make his first title defense of the WBA Fedecaribe Lightweight crown in a 10-round title fight versus a challenger to be announced. Umara captured his Fedecarbie championship belt in his last fight by way of a second-round technical knockout of Deivi Julio this past February 25th at Caribe Royale in Orlando.

Two other Cuban boxers are scheduled to be in action. Miami-based Damian Lascaille (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA in a 4-rounder, while Las Vegas heavyweight Henrich Ruiz Cordoba (1-0, 1 KO) is matched in a 6-round bout against veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Olympico” Humberto Corrall (20-32, 12 KOs).

Orlando cruiserweight Daine Smikle (1-0), who was a member of the Jamaican National Boxing Team, is a former Connecticut resident (New Haven) like Blanco who has also resettled in Orlando. Smikle is in a 4-round match vs. TBA.

Also fighting in the undercard is 4-rounders are Orlando super welterweight Ramiro De Jesus (2-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Bryan Duran, of Miami; Orlando cruiserweight A’Mire “Devine” Lewis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Orlando lightweight and Puerto Rico native Jonathan Cortes (1-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA; and Orlando’s super bantamweight Joshua Lebron (5-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. TBA.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $100.00 (ringside), $75.00 reserved seating, $40.00 general admission and available to purchase at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005E67806EB93E

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION :

www.cariberoyale.com

Twitter: @BoxLab

Instagram: @orlandoboxing, @orlandoboxingclub, @boxlab, @heavy_ap

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on FacebookInstagramTwitter (@cariberoyale), and LinkedIn. #cariberoyaleorlando

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

 
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
Instagram: @TheRealDealBoxing

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

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 1st. 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).
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: @TheRealDealPromotions
Twitter: @TheRealDealBox
Instagram: @TheRealDealBoxin

Prospect Known as ‘The Future of Boxing’ Appearing Tonight in Philadelphia

Tonight (September 22), at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia, a young prospect being called “the future of boxing” by some important people will have the toughest fight of his career.

In one of the main supporting bouts of Hard Hitting Promotions’ (in association with Greg Cohen Promotions & Devin Haney Promotions) “Fight Night at The Sugarhouse” event, WBC Youth World Lightweight Champion and top-ranked amateur, Devin “The Dream” Haney (16-0, 11 KOs), will face Mexico’s Enrique Tinoco (16-4-3, 12 KOs) in an eight-round showcase.

The event is topped by Philadelphia heavyweight Joey “The Tank” Dawejko (17-4-4, 10 KOs) taking on Detroit’s Demetrius Banks (9-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round battle. Tickets are priced at Front row VIP: $150, VIP: $100, Ringside: $65 and General Admission: $45 and can be purchased at www.hardhittingpromotions.com.

So advanced in skills at a young age was Haney, a Mayweather family associate, that he turned pro in Mexico at 16 and, at age 18, is undefeated in 16 fights. He is trained by well-respected former world champion Mike McCallum.

Haney also has the distinction of being the youngest promoter in boxing, as he also operates Devin Haney Promotions.

This is the toughest fight of your career; did you do anything differently in training?

I did the same stuff I always do. This is what I’ve prepared for my whole life, so I’m always ready.”

Tell me about working with an all-time great like Mike McCallum as your trainer.

I’ve been working with Mike for about three fights and it’s going great. I’ve learned a lot of things from him.

What do you think of your opponent, Enrique Tinoco?

 

I saw him fight a while back. Watched him live. He looks rugged and put some pressure on his opponent. He comes to fight, but I definitely know what to do with him. I had a lot of experience in the amateurs and have sparred a lot of great pros. I’m ready for whatever he has to bring to the able.

What’s it feel like when someone like Floyd Mayweather calls you the ‘future of the sport?’

It feels great. I worked hard for people to acknowledge me in the sport and compare me to the top fighters in boxing right now. Floyd is like a mentor to me. Both Floyds are. I just want to keep training hard an showing everybody that I really am the future of boxing. I don’t feel any pressure to perform perfectly every time though. I don’t believe in pressure. That’s all in the head. I’m just going to go in there and showcase my skills.

Tonight, doors open at 6PM and the first bout is at 7PM. The Sugarhouse casino is located at 1001 N Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia.

Claressa Shields Dominates to Win WBC Silver Belt, Sets Detroit Brawl Gate Record; Has Sights on World Championship Next

Photos by Boy Ryder

In just her first eight-round fight, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields scored a spectacular unanimous decision victory last Friday, June 16, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit to win the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title. 

 
Shields (3-0, 1KO) dominated tough Sydney “Ginger the Ninja” LeBlanc (4-2-1), winning all eight rounds on all three judges’ scorecards en route to adding the WBC Silver belt to her NABF Middleweight Championship belt. LeBlanc was simply no match for the blazing fists of crowd favorite Shields, who has convincingly established herself as a world championship-class contender in women’s boxing after just three professional fights.
 
Shields’ bout was the main event of a jam-packed Detroit Brawl event which set a new gate record for promoter Dmitriy Salita’s popular Detroit-based series.  
  

“Claressa is one of the best boxers in the world!” said Dmitriy Salita. “Regardless of gender, her skills and experience are that of the elite fighters in the world. She is improving with each fight and the sky is the limit. Claressa is ready for the top fighters in her division and we will work on making a big championship fight happen next.” 

 
In the 10-round co-main event, transplanted Detroit cruiserweight Alexey Zubov moved to 15-1, 9 KOs with a surprisingly easy 10-round decision over Detroit’s highly regarded Demetrius Banks (9-1, 4 KOs).
 
From the opening bell, the superior work rate of Zubov told the story, as the confused Banks had no answers for the big Russian’s jab. All three judges scored the fight 99-91. There were no knockdowns.
 
“Two of the best cruiserweight prospects in the world met in Detroit,” continued Salita. “The winner is now a real contender, ready to fight the best in the world. Alexey is much improved since his time training with Sugar Hill at the Kronk Boxing Gym. The magic of Kronk is alive and came to life in Alexey’s performance. Great things on the horizon for him!”
 
Another of Salita’s growing stable of promising contenders, Detroit bantamweight Ja’Rico O’Quinn (7-0, 5KOs) had too many tools for the outgunned David Martino (2-3, 2 KOs) and won by dominant unanimous decision (60-54, all three judges). A talent to watch, O’Quinn basically walked the determined Martino into his lightning-fast shots for six rounds.
 
“Ja’Rico’s defense was superb in his fight. His opponent was rarely able to even touch him. He is going to be a force at 118 lbs. in the not-too-distant future.”
Another surging contender from the Salita stable, junior welterweight wrecking ball Bakhtiyar Eyubov (13-0, 11 KOs) needed just 1:41 of round one to chew up and spit out Mexico’s Cesar Soriano. Eyubov targeted the body of Soriano and took away his breath with thudding left hoods to the liver that ended things quickly. Eyubov is an animal.
 
“Bakhtiyar went up a weight class because no one will fight him. This fight showed why,” said Salita. “He is too strong for most fighters to stay in with for very long. He will be in a big fight in the near future. He’s ready.”
 
In other results, Michigan’s Antonio Urista (8-2, 2 KOs), pulled off a surprising upset with a six-round unanimous decision (59-53 and 58-54 and 58-54) over Turkmenistan’s Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-1, 2 KOs). Urista dropped Hudayberdiyev with a looping right hand and he never fully recovered. Both fighters suffered cuts in this rugged affair.
 
To open the show, Michigan light heavyweight Darren Gibbs (1-2, I KO) picked up his first professional victory with a 30-second TKO1 over debuting Scott McCurdy; Jacob Bonas (3-0-1, 2 KOs) scored a TKO3 over Tony Brooks (1-2) and Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 5 KOs) stayed undefeated with a fifth-round TKO over a surprisingly determined Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs).
 
“Thank you to everyone involved in this terrific show,” said Dmitriy Salita. “The fans of Michigan asked for world-class boxing and they’ve responded by filling the Masonic Temple. And thank you to all my great sponsors for all their help and congratulations to all the fighters for their brave performances. It is onward and upward for Claressa Shields, who will be back later this summer against a world-class fighter. Clearly, she is ready for anyone in the world.”
 
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl 

Sydney LeBlanc Steps in to Face Two-Time Gold Medalist Claressa Shields for WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship at Detroit Brawl, Looking for an Upset this Friday

Sydney “Ginger the Ninja” LeBlanc is stepping in on three days’ notice to face Women’s NABF Middleweight Champion, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields of Flint, Michigan, in the eight-round main event of Salita Promotions’ “Detroit Brawl” this Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.
33-year-old LeBlanc (4-1-1) from Gretna, Louisiana, represents a step up in competition from original opponent Mery Rancier, who was unable to participate due to visa issues. A six-year pro who was already in training for a fight on June 10, LeBlanc says she’s eager for the chance to upset the two-time Olympian and budding women’s superstar Shields.
“I’ve been pro boxing for nine years, since before the Olympics had a women’s division and I’ve taken a lot of time off because of a lack of available opponents,” explained LeBlanc. “These Olympians are reopening the gates for all female fighters. Everybody was on the shelf for years. This is the first time female boxing has been popular since the Ann Wolfe days, so I’m very appreciative of the opportunities they are bringing. I’ve never watched any of my opponents before a fight, but I know about Claressa Shields and I want to fight her. I’m looking at this fight as a good chance to see where I’m at, skill-wise and I’ll be ready.”
Shields vs. LeBlanc will be contested for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats are $100 and $55, Seating is $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
 
In the 10-round co-main event, undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) will take on Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs).
 
In the night’s main supporting bout, undefeated welterweight pulverizer Bakhtiyar Eyubov (12-0, 10 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, will look to stay busy waiting for his next high-profile step, as he attempts to inflict his crowd-pleasing style on always-tough Cesar Soriano (27-35-1, 16 KOs) Iztacalco, Mexico, over six rounds.
In another of the chief supporting bouts, Detroit’s rising talent and “Great Lakes King” Ja’Rico O’Quinn (6-0, 5 KOs) returns to action in a six-round bantamweight brawl against David Martino (2-2, 2 KOs) of San Felipe, Mexico.
Also scheduled is an all-action six-round super welterweight battle between Antonio Urista (7-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, and highly decorated former amateur star Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkey.
Opening the night will be a six-round super lightweight tilt between Staten Island, New York via Kazakhstan’s Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 4 KOs) and Grand Rapids, Michigan, veteran Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs); as well as a four-round welterweight bout between undefeated Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Bellville, Michigan, and Clinton Township, Michigan’s Tony Brooks (1-1).
On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

Exciting Slugger Eyubov Ready to Knock Out Soriano at Salita Promotions’ Detroit Brawl on Friday, June 16, at Masonic Temple

When you’re an absolute beast in the ring, opponents are hard to come by. Fortunately, rising junior welterweight contender Bakhtiyar Eyubov is a patient predator.
Chomping at the bit for a big opportunity, Eyubov (12-0, 10 KOs) of Aktobe, Kazakhstan, will rise in weight once again to feast on Iztacalco, Mexico’s Cesar Soriano (27-35-1, 16 KOs) on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.
The pair will meet on the undercard of promoter Dmitriy Salita’s blockbuster “Detroit Brawl,” featuring an eight-round main event between two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (2-0, 1 KO) of Flint, Michigan, and Mery Rancier (7-8-3, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship.
In the 10-round co-main event, undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) will face Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats $100, Floor Seating $100 & $55, and balcony seating $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
Confident and swaggering in the ring, Eyubov is not just a hard-punching slugger doing his job. Clearly, Eyubov loves to beat people up, often laughing and dancing during his exciting appearances. While the 30-year-old’s style delights his audiences, being on the receiving end of it isn’t something a lot of fighters are eager to do.
“As usual, it’s very hard for me to find opponents to fight at my true weight class of junior welterweight,” said Eyubov. “But I had a great camp and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the Detroit crowd against a veteran Mexican fighter who is durable, cagey and experienced.”
This difficulty finding opponents had forced Eyubov to rise to 147 lbs for many of his ring appearances, including this fight against Soriano. In his biggest victory to date, he also gained weight to score a split decision over well-respected welterweight veteran Karim Mayfield in August of 2016. The fight, a back-and-forth barnburner, was televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation.
And so, with a lack of world-class opponents willing to trade blows, Eyubov says he will continue to work hard and improve with trainer Ismat Niyazov at The Fight Factory in his adopted home of Brooklyn until reaching the point where he can no longer be avoided.
“I’ve been working on improving my boxing ability with the intention of landing my power shots in combinations. I love exciting fights and knockouts that’s what I am looking to deliver on June 16 in Detroit. One fight at a time, but I want to fight the best fighters in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions. I am coming.”
In another of the chief supporting bouts, Detroit’s rising talent and “Great Lakes King” Ja’Rico O’Quinn (6-0, 5 KOs) returns to action in a six-round bantamweight brawl against David Martino (2-2, 2 KOs) of San Felipe, Mexico.
Also scheduled is an all-action six-round super welterweight battle between Antonio Urista (7-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, and highly decorated former amateur star Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkey.
Opening the night will be a six-round super lightweight tilt between Staten Island, New York via Kazakhstan’s Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 4 KOs) and Grand Rapids, Michigan, veteran Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs); as well as a four-round welterweight bout between undefeated Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Bellville, Michigan, and Clinton Township, Michigan’s Tony Brooks (1-1).
On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

Exciting Undercard Announced for Next ‘Detroit Brawl’ Show at Masonic Temple, Featuring the Return to Michigan of Claressa Shields

The undercard has been announced for promoter Dmitriy Salita blockbuster “Detroit Brawl” on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit and it features an impressive mix of local and international prospects in high-stakes match-ups.
Thus far, five exciting bouts are scheduled in support of the eight-round main event featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (2-0, 1 KO) of Flint, Michigan, taking on Mery Rancier (7-8-3, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship and the 10-round co-main event between undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) and Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs).
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats $100, Floor Seating $100 & $55, and balcony seating $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
In the night’s main supporting bout, undefeated welterweight pulverizer Bakhtiyar Eyubov (12-0, 10 KOs) of Aktjubinsk, Kazakhstan, will look to stay busy waiting for his next high-profile step, as he attempts to inflict his crowd-pleasing style on always-tough Cesar Soriano (27-35-1, 16 KOs) Iztacalco, Mexico, over six rounds.
In another of the chief supporting bouts, Detroit’s rising talent and “Great Lakes King” Ja’Rico O’Quinn (6-0, 5 KOs) returns to action in a six-round bantamweight brawl against David Martino (2-2, 2 KOs) of San Felipe, Mexico.
Also scheduled is an all-action six-round super welterweight battle between Antonio Urista (7-2, 2 KOs) of Lansing, Michigan, and highly decorated former amateur star Serdar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenabat, Turkey.
Opening the night will be a six-round super lightweight tilt between Staten Island, New York via Kazakhstan’s Dimash Niyazov (10-0-3, 4 KOs) and Grand Rapids, Michigan, veteran Ramon Guevara (10-24-2, 6 KOs); as well as a four-round welterweight bout between undefeated Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Bellville, Michigan, and Clinton Township, Michigan’s Tony Brooks (1-1).
“This is an exciting show from top to bottom,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Every fight has been chosen for its excitement level. I am proud to be presenting it to the boxing savvy fans of Detroit, America’s comeback city and home for world-class boxing.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and

Twitter: @DetroitBrawl
About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. 

Top Cruiserweight Prospects Banks and Zubov to Meet in All-Action Co-Main Event at Salita Promotions’ Detroit Brawl on Friday, June 16, at Masonic Temple in Detroit

The 10-round co-main event has been announced for promoter Dmitriy Salita blockbuster “Detroit Brawl” on Friday, June 16, 2017, at the Masonic Temple in Detroit and it’s sensational.
In a fight destined for Motown’s history books, undefeated Detroit cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (9-0, 4 KOs) will face Detroit via Russia’s Alexey Zubov (14-1, 9 KOs) in a ten-round showdown.
The guaranteed thriller will serve as the chief supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and now Women’s NABF Middleweight Champion, Claressa “T-Rex” Shields (2-0, 1 KO) of Flint, Michigan, taking on Mery Rancier (7-8-3, 5 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the WBC Silver Super Middleweight Championship in the main event.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $200, Box Seats are $100 and $55, Seating is $40, and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
 
36-year-old Banks had a terrific 2016, beating 5-1 Emilio Salas in May and then, after a tune-up in July, stepping up to heavyweight to hand Craig Lewis (13-1-1) his first defeat as a professional. A stronger puncher than his four career knockouts would indicate, Banks is an exciting fighter who always finds a way to win, often against bigger men.
“I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to fight Zubov,” said Banks. “This is an opportunity to show I can rise to every occasion! Alexey is a tough all-business fighter, who is a very necessary component to my advancement and true arrival in the sport. This mission is much bigger than me. I’m just doing what I was born to do… Fight/inspire ‘Relentless Determination’ is a lifestyle!”
30-year-old Zubov, originally from Magnitogorsk, Russia, relocated to Detroit’s Kronk Gym in 2016, to train with Javan SugarHill Steward, nephew of the late Emanuel Steward. The former heavily decorated amateur says he’s coming in all-new for this important showdown.
“I am feeling good. I have had a great camp so far and I will be ready. I am always in great shape and always ready for a fight. I’ve sparred with him (Banks) a couple times and he’s a good fighter. He’s very good technically. It’ll be a good fight. I am prepared to show a brand-new Alexey for this fight and how much I have improved working with Sugar.”
Promoter Dmitriy Salita says he’s happy to be bringing this sensational fight to his adopted home of Detroit. “A high-level 50/50 fight, where anyone can win. This is the kind of match-up that boxing needs. It truly lives up to what the Detroit Brawl series is all about,” said Salita. “The winner will be recognized as one of the best cruiserweight contenders in the world.”
More fights, opponents and rounds will be announced shortly. On fight night, doors open at 7:00 pm and the fights begin at 8:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

‘Detroit Brawl’ Pro Boxing Series Continues to Grow 

Boxing Fans Help Salita Promotions Donate Over 3000 Meals to Forgotten Harvest
Promoter Dmitriy Salita proudly announces his latest installment of “Detroit Brawl,” Saturday night at the Masonic Temple, was a tremendous success, helping him donate over 3000 meals to Forgotten Harvest, one of the nation’s largest food rescue organizations.
In the night’s main event, WBO #5, IBF #5, and WBC #7 and current NABF heavyweight champion, Andy “The Destroyer from Mexicali” Ruiz (28-0, 19 KOs), stayed unbeaten and showed off some fast, powerful fists, as he stopped Miami’s Josh “Dempsey” Gormley at 1:42 of the third round.
In other action, super lightweight Girorgi Gelashvili (5-0, 3 KOs) survived an early knockdown to stop Eric Hall (8-10-1, 4 KOs) of Durand, Michigan, in four rounds; cruiserweight Demetrius Banks (8-0, 4 KOs) of Detroit dropped Eric George (4-12) of Niagara Falls in the first round, but ended up having to settle for a unanimous six-round decision victory; super bantamweight Zach Shamoun (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Royal Oak, Michigan, took a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Elizondo (1-1) of San Antonio, Texas; welterweight Sedar Hudayberdiyev (3-0, 2 KOs) of Turkmenistan won an entertaining four-round unanimous decision over formerly undefeated Steven Andrade (3-1, 2 KOs) of Atlanta Georgia; Detroit bantamweight Jarico O’Quinn (2-0, 2 KOs) was impressive in stopping Sergio Aguliar (0-4) of Miami Beach in three rounds; and lastly, Dearborn welterweight Gheith “Southpaw Prince” Karim made his pro debut a successful one by stopping Dean Walsh, Jr., in the first round.
Salita, who donated a portion of every ticket sold to Forgotten Harvest, says the event’s success went a lot further than the boxing ring that night.
“When we started these events, the goal was not only to bring a regular professional boxing program back to Detroit, but also to give back to this wonderful city and I’m happy to say we’re doing it,” said Salita. “I couldn’t be more proud. Thank you to the fans who came out that night and to my wonderful sponsor, Thomas Magee’s. Thank you to my entire team and to all the fighters for their brave efforts. Thank you to the team at the Masonic and to all the big-name Detroit fighters who showed up in support of the event. We will be doing it again soon.”
Based in Oak Park, Michigan, Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to relieve hunger and prevent food waste throughout the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” over 40 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources.
This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free of-charge to 280 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest has been ranked as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years.
Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at