Tag Archives: Derek Stevens

“The Heat” is on! Chris Van Heeden vs. Steve Claggett    Apr. 16 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

For Immediate Release

 

LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2016) – South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden is on a mission to torch his Canadian opponent  Steve “The Dragon” Claggett, in their 12-round main event, headlining “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturdaynight, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
During his 10-year professional career, Van Heerden has defeated quality opponents such as Ramon Avila, Cecil McCalla, Ray Narh, Cosme Rivera,Mathew Hilton, and Sebastian Andres Lujan.
“A win over Claggett will put my career right back to where we need it to be,” Van Heerden said.  “Winning this fight is my only option!  I’m predicting a win, nothing less.  Fans watching me fight for the first time can expect to watch a fighter with speed and footwork.  I’m a winner who is going to win this fight no matter what.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  “Claggett’s strength is his comin’ forward aggression and that’s how he’s got most of his opponents to give up,” Van Heerden noted.  “I know I’ve faced guys with more power.  I’m expecting a hard fight, nothing easy, and it will be entertaining.”
The 28-year-old Van Heerden moved to Santa Monica two years ago after he wiped out the top South African fighters in his weight class.  He has the strong support of actor Frank Grillo, who has appeared in numerous movies, includingWarrior, The Grey, End of Watch, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy.
“Frank Grillo is like a father/brother figure to me and he has been since I met him,” Van Heerden explained their relationship.  He motivates me on a daily basis.  I’m blessed to be around him.”
Unbeaten California welterweight prospect Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Lancaster, CA, takes on Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Undefeated welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs), of Baltimore, meets Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J-Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins), @ej_flash562 (Nichols)

“The Dragon” to be unleashed April 16th    Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2016) – The April 16th10-round main event between Canadian welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett and South Africa-native Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden embodies the “Knockout Night at the D” philosophy in terms of featuring  action fighters in evenly matched, entertaining bouts.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, presented by the D Las Vegas andDowntown Las Vegas Events Center(DLVEC), is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from under the neon lights at the DLVEC outdoor venue.
The broadcast team includes Jim “JR” Ross, Sean Wheelock and former world champion Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley. Joe Martinez is the ring announcer.
Claggett vs. Van Heerden is a crossroads fight for both boxers with critical consequences, especially for the winner who will use it as an invaluable springboard for his boxing career.
The 26-year-old Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), who is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion, is thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time.  “It’s a dream come true,” he explained.  “I’ve trained in Las Vegas often but now it’s time to show what I can do there in a fight.  A win will open many doors for me and could potentially lead to a path that will set up the rest of my boxing life.  Needless to say, I am focused and prepared for the opportunity.”
VIDEO PROMO LINK:
Claggett, as well as Van Heerden, are known as high-action fighters, throwing punches in bunches, and something eventually has to give.  Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.
“Van Heerden is a rangy, quick and active fighter,” Claggett said.  “I have an action style but, for many years, I was strictly a pressure fighter with a good body shot.  Nowadays, though, I have a couple of more tricks up my sleeve.  His heart and durability have been shown and is to be respected.  This match-up is sure to produce some good exchanges.  I expect this to be a high-action fight between two hungry fighters with him coming off a loss (to unbeaten rising star Errol Spence Jr. last September) and me coming off more than one fight falling through.  This is a great match up.  He is similar to the style of (Konstantin)Ponomarev (who Claggett lost an 8-round decision to last year) with range and movement.  And that motivates me!”
Undefeated Lancaster, California welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) meets Limberth “Lightning” Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois, in the 8-round co-feature.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik “Iceman” Hawkins(6-0, 5 KOs) faces Errol Sidney (6-1-2, 2 KOs), of New Orleans, in a 6-round bout to open the television broadcast.
The undercard also features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Sal Lopez (2-0) and junior featherweight Randy Moreno (1-0, 1 KO).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJRFA
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce), @mhawk0_6 (Hawkins)

Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions Brings “The Dragon” & “The Heat” to April 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event

 
 Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 

 

LAS VEGAS (March 28, 2016) – the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media, announced today that Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is the licensed promoter of record for the 2016 “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series to be held at the DLVEC.
The Apr. 16th “Knockout Night at the D” event will air Saturday night, April 16 (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET), live on CBS Sports Network from the DLVEC outdoor venue in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas.
RJJ promises fans in attendance and those watching live on CBS Sports Network will feel the heat of the 10-round main event as “The Dragon,” Steve Claggett, battles “The Heat,” Chris Van Heerden, in a fan-friendly welterweight showdown.
“We are truly passionate about bringing outdoor boxing back to Las Vegas and are excited to work with Roy Jones Jr. to showcase local fighters and give them an amazing platform at ,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC. “We feel this fight series will become a major event in the city’s boxing scene, as it will bring together world-class athletes, local businesses and fans from near and far.”
“Anytime I have the opportunity to showcase my fighters in Las Vegas and put on a show is a win-win for me and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions,” commented Roy Jones Jr., Co-Founder of RJJ.  “Las Vegas has helped make my career what it is today; it feels like home to me. ‘Knockout Night at the D’ is going to be a spectacular night for boxing and the fans. Downtown Las Vegas Event Center is an outstanding venue for boxing fans… there isn’t a bad seat in the house!”
“I’m honored to work with such a reputable venue such as the Downtown Las Vegas Center,” remarked Keith Veltre, CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. “This venue is exactly what the boxing community needs to spark the excitement of boxing that ‘Knockout Night at the D’ will deliver. The team has been very accommodating to RJJ and it is a pleasure to work with a class act. We are happy to call the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center home to RJJ.”
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight champion.  As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
South African-native Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), fighting out of Santa Monica (CA), is a former International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion.  (Van Heerden is pictured to the left.)
The 8-round co-feature matches undefeated Lancaster, California Neeco “Rooster” Macias (11-0, 4 KOs) against Limberth Ponce, Jr. (10-2, 8 KOs), of Rock Island, Illinois.  Unbeaten Baltimore welterweight prospect Malik Hawkins (6-0, 5 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to be determined in a 4-round bout.
The remainder of the undercard features promising Las Vegas-based prospects in four-round bouts: welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), junior featherweight Sal Perez (2-0) and bantamweight Sergio Lopez (2-3, 1 KO).  Nichols (pictured to the left) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $149.99 VIP ringside, $119.00 ringside, $74.99 seated and $29.99 rear seated, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com orwww.DLVEC.com.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go towww.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, RoyJonesJRFA
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SDragonClaggett, @TheHeat001 (Van Heerden), @Limbo_1991 (Ponce)

“KNOCKOUT NIGHT AT THE D” FIGHT CARD FOR  MARCH 12 CANCELLED

LAS VEGAS – “Knockout Night at the D,” the boxing fight card to feature headliners Zab Judah vs. Josh Torres at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), has been cancelled for Saturday, March 12.
Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC, said, “Last night, I received multiple calls from the Nevada Athletic Commission regarding eligibility concerns.  After our discussions, it became apparent the fight card could not move forward. Although I’m disappointed with the situation, I appreciate the phone calls and look forward to working with the Nevada Athletic Commission on future boxing events at the DLVEC.”
Last year, DLVEC launched several successful boxing events, with Stevens leading the charge to bring outdoor boxing back to Las Vegas.
All ticket purchases will be reimbursed. Credit card transactions will be automatically refunded and cash refunds will be issued at their point of purchase.
 
About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.

Claggett vs. Bryan tops “Knockout Night at the D” Undercard

For Immediate Release
 
 Judah vs. Torres headlines this Saturday night
Live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 
LAS VEGAS (March 7, 2016) – Canadian welterweight champion Steve “The Dragon” Claggett takes on veteran Jeremy “Hollywood” Bryan in an 8-round Special Attraction, providing chief undercard support this Saturday for the inaugural event kicking-off “Knockout Night at the D”, airing (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Presented by the D Las Vegas and promoted Englebrecht Promotions, the “Knockout Night at the D” series’ inaugural event Mar. 12 will take place inside the DLVEC’s tent, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).
Five-time, two division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) faces upset-minded Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event of the “Knockout Night at D” new monthly pro boxing series,
Rising star lightweight star Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.
Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs), 26, is the reigning Canadian Professional Boxing Council and Canadian welterweight titles.  As an amateur in Calgary, he captured four Alberta Championships and three Golden Gloves titles, all prior to his 18th birthday.
At the famous Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles, Claggett gained invaluable experience working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. He also benefitted from working out at Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas, where he learned from trainer Roger Mayweather, and sparred there with two-division world champion Jesse Vargas.  During his 7 ½ year career, Claggett has also sparred with great fighters such as Judah and Alfonso Gomez, as well as Urbano Antillon during training camp in preparation for his world title fight against Humberto Soto.
An outstanding U.S. amateur boxer, Bryan (17-6, 7 KOs), of Patterson, NJ, has been a gatekeeper of the welterweight division the past few years.  He was a 2004 and 2005 National Golden Gloves light welterweight champion, as well as the 2004 Under-19 and 2005 National PAL 139-pound class gold medalist.  At the 2008 US Olympic Trials, he was eliminated by future professional world champion Danny Garcia, who Bryan had defeated in the opening round.
During his pro career, Bryan has pulled off several upsets, including an eighth-round decisions in 2013 to Yuri Ramananau (22-2) in Miami and Issouf Kinda (16-1) in New York City.  Bryan has also taken top contenders and promising prospects the full distance, albeit in losing efforts, such as Amir Imam, Sadam Ali, Mikael Zewski and Raymond Serrano.
The remainder of the undercard showcases promising prospects in four-round bouts: Las Vegas junior featherweight Salvador Perez (2-0) vs. Fabian Naranjo (3-2-1, 1 KO), of Mexico, Las Vegas welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jason Gavino (3-1, 2 KOs), of Mexico, and New Jersey heavyweight Dakota Walker (1-0, 1 KO) vs.Cashton Young (1-0, 1 KO), of Los Angeles.  Nichols (pictured to the left) gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight versus Manny Pacquiao.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Limited tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, remain on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D”
series.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII, @SDragonClaggett, @RealTeamBryan

Chuy Gutierrez & Leon Spinks III: You will know my name!

 
 Judah vs. Torres headlines “Knockout Night at the D”
 Mar. 12 live on CBS Sports Network from DLVEC in Las Vegas 
LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2016) – Rising star lightweight star Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez(14-0-1, 4 KOs) and his March 12th opponent, Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III(11-3-1, 7 KOs), are both looking to make their own mark in their 8-round “Knockout Night at the D” co-feature.  Gutierrez is seeking to expand his marquee on a national level, while Spinks attempts to  shine on his own terms despite his spotlight catching last name.
Five-time, two division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) takes onJosh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs), in the 10-round main event of the inaugural show of the new monthly pro boxing series, “Knockout Night at the D”, airing (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) live on CBS Sports Network from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Presented by the D Las Vegas and promoted Englebrecht Promotions, the “Knockout Night at the D” series’ inaugural event Mar. 12 will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).
The 27-year-old Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, is ready to make a name for himself and Mar. 12th is scheduled to be his coming out party on a national stage.  He’s rapidly become a fan favorite in Las Vegas because of his exciting, aggressive style of fighting. Chuy’s ready to spread his wings, now being showcased fighting on national television, and expand his growing fan-base.
Born in the fertile boxing town of Sinaloa, Mexico, which produced Hall of Famer Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr., among many others, Gutierrez is making up for lost time.  He was a baseball prospect who didn’t box until he was 21. “I played sports in high school, baseball was my first love, and I dreamed of becoming a big leaguer,” Gutierrez said.  “Boxing found me.  I was attending college at Southern Nevada and working, but the first day I walked into Johnny Tocco’s gym, I fell in love with boxing.  I’ve watched so many greats train there and I learned a lot from them.”
“I have a lot of respect for Spinks, but I’m just fighting the man, not his family.  His grandfather was world champion, but I’m not fighting his grandfather.  I’m excited to be fighting him on CBS Sports Network.”
Spinks (11-3-1, 7 KOs), who fights out of Huntington Beach, CA, is not only the grandson of former world heavyweight champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist, “Neon” Leon Spinks, his great uncle is world light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, in addition to being a 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Michael Spinks.  And young Leon, who turned 28 this past Valentine’s Day, is also the nephew of former 2-division world champion Cory Spinks.
His familiar last name in boxing has been a blessing, albeit one that has also put a lot of pressure on Leon.  “Things have always been that way (pressure) because I’m named after my grandfather, ‘Pops,'” Leon III explained.  “From the beginning of my pro career, I was put in tough fights because of my name, just tough fights…real wars.
“I got to 8-0 but that hurt me because I couldn’t get good fights. But I’ve always really been my own man.   This is a very, very, very big event for me, my family will be in the house supporting me.”
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Limited tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, remain on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
 
INFORMATION
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII.

Zab Judah fighting to become 6-time world champion

 
Josh Torres looking for upset to
Make name for himself & NM boxers
 
 “Knockout Night at the D”, Mar. 12 at DLVEC in Las Vegas
Live on CBS Sports Network 
LAS VEGAS (March 1, 2016) – Future Hall of Fame candidate Zab “Super” Judah is fighting for his legacy.  His road back to the top starts Saturday night,March 12, against upset-minded Josh “Pitbull” Torres, in the 10-round main event kicking off the new monthly pro boxing series, “Knockout Night at the D”, airing live (8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET) on CBS Sports Network live from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
Presented by the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, the “Knockout Night at the D” series’ inaugural event Mar. 12 will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).
Judah (42-9, 29 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, has been a professional boxer for nearly 20 years.  The southpaw has defeated seven world champions during his outstanding career: Junior Witter, Terron Millet, DeMarcus Corley, Raphael Pineda, Corey Spinks, Joshua Clottey and(interim champ) Lucas Matthysse.  The Brooklyn native has an outstanding 11-8 (9 KOs) record in world title fights.
Now, though, his past is in the rearview mirror and Judah’s on a mission to capture his sixth world title. That’s what drives the 38-year-old originally from Brooklyn.  “I’m very happy to be headlining the first show of the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” Judah said.  “I’m always comfortable and happy in the squared ring.  I enjoy the sport of boxing and have one more goal…to be six-time world champion of the world!”
Due to a variety of reasons, Judah has been out of action for two years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he hasn’t been ready to rock in the ring.  “I’m very excited to be back in the ring,” Judah remarked.  “I helped Floyd (Mayweather) get ready for (Manny)Pacquiao and last May came out of that camp in great shape.  I’ve been ready to fight since then.
“I’ve studied him (Torres) and he’s a hungry, young guy with a great opportunity in front of him. We aren’t overlooking him.”
The 24-year-old Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) may not have the same name recognition as many of Judah’s past opponents, but the determined prospect from Albuquerque, NM has nothing to lose and everything to gain fighting Judah.
“I believe this fight can be life changing, not only for me, but also for upcoming New Mexico fighters,” Torres commented.  “Boxing doesn’t get a lot of attention in my state.”
Torres is a protégé of the late 5-time world championJohnny Tapia. His brother-in-law, Chris Chavez, now trains Torres, who has been sparring with fellow New Mexican and former world junior middleweight champion, Austin Trout, to prepare for the left-handed Judah.
Torres is also a professional barber who’d like to clip Judah, so to speak.  “I haven’t had a promoter or manager,” he explained the need for him to be a barber as well as a pro boxer.  “I’ve always had to work to pay bills.  It’s just had to be that way in my boxing career.”
Fast rising Las Vegas lightweight star, Mexico-born Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs), meets Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Limited tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, remain on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for the “Knockout Night at the D” series.
INFORMATION
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII

Title Boxing The official apparel & glove partner for “Knockout Night at the D” boxing series

 
March 12th main event fighters Zab Judah (L) & Josh Torres (R)
LAS VEGAS (February 26, 2016) – the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, have announced an agreement in which Title Boxing will be the official apparel and gloves partner of the “Knockout Night at the D” professional boxing series.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016, starting March 12, will are live from the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas.  The inaugural event, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
“We’re excited to have Title Boxing in our corner for the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” said John Anderson, Neon Star Media, SVP of integrated sales.  “Title Boxing is one of the top brands in combat sports in terms of apparel and equipment.  Partnering with Title Boxing is a KO win for us.”
“It’s exciting to be associated and working with people who are interested in progressing the sport, not just profiting from it,” added Douglas Ward, Title Boxing Director of Marketing.  “That’s a philosophy that ‘Knockout Night at The D’ and TITLE Boxing both have in common and is part of what will set the stage for what will be a highly successful boxing series.”
From EQUIPMENT design, to real INVOLVEMENT in the sport, to having INTEGRITY in business, TITLE continually delivers the best boxing gear in the industry.  Since 1998 TITLE Boxing has been dedicated to making everyone’s pursuit of the sweet science a positive experience by being the industry leader in safety, innovation and setting the standard of what great gear really means.  Every piece of equipment that bears the TITLE logo, is a demonstration of their deeper passion for prizefighting and support of your journey towards greatness.
To celebrate this partnership, Title Boxing (www.titleboxing.,com) is offering any fighter, fan or follower to enter promo code KND20 to receive 20-percent off entire Title Boxing orders (some exclusions apply) through Mar. 15, 2016.
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) takes on upset-minded junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12thinaugural event’s 10-round main event.
Popular Las Vegas Las Vegas light weight Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) meets Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with the DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
(L-R) – Main event fighter Josh Torres speaks at the recent “Knockout Night at the D” press conference in Las Vegas.
 
 
Co-feature fighters Chuy Gutierrez (L) and Leon Spinks III ®
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII

“Knockout Night at the D” Press Conference   Pictures & Quotes

For Immediate Release
 
(L-R) — Chuy Gutierrez, Zab Judah, Derek Stevens, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, Josh Torres and Leon Spinks III  (see photo gallery below)
LAS VEGAS (February 25, 2016) — the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, hosted a press conference this past Tuesday afternoon to promote its new monthly boxing series, “Knockout Night at the D”.
The inaugural event, scheduled for Saturday, March 12, will be held inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
Guest speakers included Derek Stevens, Owner & CEO, the D Las Vegas; Carolyn G. Goodman, Mayor of Las Vegas; promoter Roy Englebrecht, Mar. 12th main event fighters Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs) and Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs), co-feature boxers  Chuy “El Huacan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) and Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs).
“We’re thrilled that the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center is going to showcase outdoor boxing and play a role in bringing it back to Las Vegas,” said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. “The series will impact Las Vegas in a new and exciting way by bringing boxing fans from all over the world to the heart of the city in a state-of-the-art venue, presenting a wonderful new way to experience Las Vegas.”
In addition to promoting the “Knockout Night at the D” series, as well as its Mar. 12th event, it was announced that the 8-event series will air live on CBS Sports Network and include all-star broadcasting team of Al BernsteinJim “JR” Ross and former world champion Kevin Kelley.
The “Knockout Night at the D” presser was streamed live and is still available to watch athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUimxhSX14k.  Media and fans from around the boxing world emailed questions that were asked at the press conference and answered by the participants.

Below find quotes from principal fights the press conference and a photo gallery (by Tom Donoghue / the D Las Vegas).

 
Zab Judah:  “It’s been a little bit of a long road for me on my comeback.  I want to give a shout out to Derek Stevens and the D Las Vegas for putting on this beautiful event March 12th.  You won’t want to miss this fight!  I also want to thank CBS Sports Network, Team Judah and my manager, who is my brother, Bill Halkias.  He’s got us back to where we should be.  And I want to thank the City of Las Vegas.”
Josh Torres:  “To be on the first series show is a dream come true.  I’m fighting a legend, Zab ‘Super’ Judah.  But I’m also fighting for New Mexico boxers.  I want to inspire youth, that’s what it’s all about.  Never give up, dreams do come true.”
Chuy Gutierrez:  “I’d like to thank the D Las Vegas for having me on this CBS Sports Network show.  Here we go again, let’s get it on!”
Leon Spinks III:  “This is a very, very, very big event for me.  I’m grateful and honored to be part of the first ‘Knockout Night at the D’ event on CBS Sports Network.  My family will be here.  My grandfather, Pops, is Leon Spinks.  It’s going down at the D.”
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are on sale at Ticketmaster.com or DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @downtownlasvegaseventscenter, @thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters and our broadcasters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII
(L-R) – Zab Judah, Derek Stevens & Josh Torres
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman
(L-R) – Derek Stevens & Zab Judah

 “Knockout Night at the D” series To air on CBS Sports Network

Hall of Fame broadcast team
Al Bernstein, Jim Ross & Kevin Kelly
Tickets on sale for inaugural event Mar. 12 at
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
 
Zab Judah returns in main event vs.  Josh Torres
LAS VEGAS (February 23, 2016) – CBS Sports Network will be home of the new monthly professional boxing series, “Knockout Night at The D,” which officially launches Saturdaynight, March 12, at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
It has also been announced that the “Knockout Night at the D” broadcast team will feature a pair of Hall-of-Fame announcers, color commentator Al Bernstein and Jim “JR” Ross will handle blow-by-blow responsibilities, as well as former world featherweight championKevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley, who will conduct post fight and celebrity interviews.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, created by the D Las Vegas and DLVC, along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, will be held at the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas.  The inaugural event Mar. 12th, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016.  There are three other series broadcast dates – April 16, May 13 and June 10 (subject to normal Nevada Commission approval) – with other dates to be determined in September, October, November and December.
“It has been our vision to bring outdoor boxing back to the city, so it excites us to see this dream of ours come to life at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center,” Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC said. “We look forward to partnering with Neon Star Productions to present a series of incredible match-ups that will be talked about for years to come.”
Bernstein is arguably the preeminent boxing announcer in the world.  In 1980, Bernstein joined ESPN as its boxing analyst.  The 1988 Sam Taub Award winner for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism, Bernstein served as boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.  A 2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Bernstein has been boxing analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing since 2003, as well as the main commentator the past four years for Channel 5, a terrestrial network in the United Kingdom.
“I am extremely happy to be a part of the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” Bernstein said. “The venue is great, the event creates a lot of excitement in Downtown Las Vegas, and CBS Sports Network viewers will see excellent boxing on our telecasts. The operative word here is fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
The wildly popular Ross, who was the voice of the WWE, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.  Although he is best known for his work in wrestling, Ross is an experienced sports commentator who has called professional boxing and mixed material arts events. He has also developed his own brand of barbeque sauces and cookbooks.
“I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to broadcast big time, world-class boxing from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas,” Ross remarked. “Working with Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, the best analyst in the game, and with the ‘Flushing Flash’, Kevin Kelly, equates to a unique broadcasting trifecta. Ring the bell…it’s Slobber Knocker time!”
Kelley (60-10-2, 39 KOs) captured the World Boxing Council featherweight championship December 4, 1993 in Reno, by way of a unanimous 12-round decision, and he successfully defended his title twice against Jesse Benavidas and Jose Vida Ramos.  Kelley, who lives in Las Vegas, is an experienced boxing analyst.
“I would like to thank the team of CBS Sports Network, the D Hotel, Al Bernstein and Jim Ross for this life changing moment,” Kelley commented. “With my hands-on fighting experience and their knowledge of boxing, we come together perfect like a hand in glove.”
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, meets upset-minded Albuquerque, NM junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12th 10-round main event.
In the 8-round co-feature, Las Vegas fan favorite Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces lightweight Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.