Tag Archives: DiBella Entertainment

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT AND FIGHTNIGHT LIVE PARTNER TO DELIVER SEPT. 15 “BROADWAY BOXING” SHOW ON FACEBOOK

Fan-friendly, interactive platform joins forces with long-running fight series live from Foxwoods on Friday.
NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2017) – After attracting more than 200,000 viewers in each of its last two shows, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its September programming by aligning with one of the longest-running fight series anywhere. The tech-forward, fan-friendly Facebook broadcast platform now partners with DiBella Entertainment to deliver the next edition of the promotion’s “Broadway Boxing,” live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

“I am thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing to such a wide-reaching social media platform as Facebook via FightNight LIVE,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We are streaming the entire card for free and will have a terrific team of commentators calling the action, with Showtime’s Corey Erdman, boxing/MMA star Heather Hardy, and Hartford, Connecticut’s former world title challenger John Scully. Viewers will be treated to a great lineup featuring New England heavyweight champion Alexis Santos facing Ireland’s Niall Kennedy in the main event, along with middleweight contender Ievgen Khytrov, popular female fighter Shelly Vincent, East Hartford’s Mykquan Williams and other local talent on the undercard.”

Headlining the night in a 10-round heavyweight battle of local rivals, Alexis Santos (18-1, 15 KOs), of Lawrence, Mass., clashes with Ireland’s Niall Kennedy (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Boston, Mass. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., middleweight contender Ievgen “The Ukranian Lion” Khytrov (14-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., battles upset-minded specialist Derrick “Superman” Findley (27-21-1, 18 KOs), of Gary, Ind., over eight rounds in the co-main event. New England fan favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs), of East Hartford, Conn., will return against battle-tested Evincii Dixon, of Lancaster, Penn., over six rounds. In a special feature attraction women’s eight-round junior lightweight battle, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent(19-1, 1 KO) squares off against Angel “Nonstop” Gladney (9-12-1, 6 KOs).

“We’ve seen Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE grow into a truly global platform over the first five months, and we’re pleased that so many promoters have taken notice. Friday’s card with DiBella Entertainment features quality bouts with international standouts and regional stars, and we’re excited that a long-running, high-quality series like Broadway Boxing has found a new home on Facebook,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.

Over the first five months of programming, the numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of more than 113,000 fight fans tuning in per event. The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (224,658), the August “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix (63,000), the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun (45,000) and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago (32,000) saw a total of more than 12,700 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 567,000-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 71,000 collective live post engagements (14,000-plus per show), including more than 40,400 “likes” or “loves,” more than 10,300 comments and 3,200-plus shares. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males aged 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and carried the series to over half-a-million views in just under four months, while the Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 201,935 views across 3,336 live hours of content, with 8,224 viewer interactions including 1,133 “likes” or “loves,” 1,570 comments and 1,392 shares.

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

On Friday night, Sept. 15, live from Foxwoods, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Corey Erdman of Showtime, VICE Boxing Scene. Erdman will be joined on the show by former world-ranked light heavyweight “Iceman” John Scully, Brooklyn’s own WBC International Female Female Super Bantamweight titleholder Heather “The Heat” Hardy and DiBella himself as analysts. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Fall 2017 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

Famed manager Stan Hoffman & World champion Regelio Tuur Ring 8’s June Guest Speakers+

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOMORROW
Tuesday, June 20 at O’Neill’s Restaurant
In Maspeth, NY
NEW YORK (June 19, 2017) – New York State Boxing Hall-of-Fame manager Stan Hoffman and former world champion Regelio “Turbo” Tuur will be Ring 8 guest speakers tomorrow evening (Tues., June 20), starting at 7 p.m. ET, at O’Neill’s Restaurant in Maspeth, New York.

This Ring 8 meeting is sponsored by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.
ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

MATT REMILLARD STOPS FATIOU FASSINOU IN FIVE ROUNDS; TARGETS MIKEY GARCIA REMATCH IN 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
ARIAS DEFEATS SHAMALOV BY DECISION IN SENSATIONAL BATTLE OF
NEW YORK CITY HEAVYEIGHT PROSPECTS
 
BROADWAY BOXING RESULTS FROM FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO

Matt Remillard (R) continued his comeback last night with a big win at Foxwoods
(all pictures by Emily Harney / DiBella Entertainment)

MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 4, 2017) – The amazing comeback of Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard continued last night as the popular Connecticut lightweight stopped Fatiou Fassinou in the Broadway Boxing headliner held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT.
The Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House.
Remillard, 30, was the No. 2-ranked featherweight in the world in 2011, when he lost to future world champion Mikey Garcia (LRTD11).  Fighting out of Manchester, CT, tonight’s fight was Remillard’s first in his home state in six-and-a-half years, due to him serving a five-year prison sentence. He returned to the ring this past April, taking an eight-round decision from Agustine Mauras, in Worcester, MA.
In the opening round, Remillard (25-1, 14 KOs) and the slick Benin-native, former WBC International Silver champion Fassinou (27-6-3, 14 KOs) got to know each other as both fighters were cautious. Remillard opened up in the second round, using his left to the body, dropping Fassinou in his corner during the final seconds. Remillard pressed the action in the third, peppering Fassinou around the ring in his familiar punishing style, putting Fassinou in his “Sharp Shooter” sights for target practice in the fourth. Fassinou failed to answer the bell for the fifth round.
“Against a southpaw, the left hook to the liver is there, a punch I’m known for,” Remillard commented after the fight. “He was a little sloppier than I expected. I felt good; I’m 24/7 in the gym. Maybe I’ll have one more fight this year to get in some rounds, and then get ready for a big 2018. I want a rematch with Garcia, at 135 or 140 pounds, 100-percent. He owes me a rematch. The guy he beat wasn’t me.”
Ruslan Shamalov (L) & George Arias turned in the Fight of the Night
In the co-feature, two New York City-based heavyweights, 6’5″ Russian Ruslan Shamalov (4-1, 3 KOs) and Dominican “Gentleman” George Arias (7-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn and the Bronx, respectively, put their undefeated records on the line. Shamalov’s power punches rocked the much shorter 5’11” Arias in the first round, but Arias stayed off the ropes and boxed much better in the second. The two fighters exchanged bombs throughout a terrific third round and, somehow, the fourth was even better with back-and-forth, non-stop action. The pace subsided slightly in the fifth round, setting the stage for a bombs-away sixth and final frame that didn’t disappoint.
Shamalov and Arias fought a furious pace, especially for heavyweights, in a legitimate six-round “Fight of the Year” candidate. Arias, the leader of Team Wash Em’ Up in the Bronx, won a six-round unanimous decision by scores of 60-54, 59-55, and 58-56.
“This win was humungous for me,” said an overjoyed Arias, after his first six-round fight. “I had a game plan, but once he hurt me in the first round, my heart took over and I just fought. I like to fight for the people, so I held on in the first instead of taking a knee.”
Mykquan Williams (R) celebrated his high school graduation a little  early
Crowd favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs) gave himself an early high school graduation present as the East Hartford fighter defeated Nicaraguan welterweight Ariel “La Guerra” Vasquez (13-18-2, 9 KOs) in the former’s first six-round bout. The 19-year-old Williams, a five-time national amateur champion, is a budding star with tremendous upside. Poised beyond his years, Williams controlled the pace against his battle-tested southpaw opponent, who is 11 years Williams’ senior, displaying his vast arsenal of punches, especially his left-right combination that landed consistently.  Williams’ fast hands exploded for the first time at the end of the second round, then he picked up his assault in the third, as he cruised to a six-round shutout decision, with three tallies of 60-54.
Williams graduates on June 20 from Prince Tech. “That was a good graduation present,” Williams said. “My hand speed played a big factor. He was a tough guy, especially for my first six-rounder.”
Jennifer Salinas (R) had too much for Marquita Lee
featherweight champion Jennifer “The Bolivian Queen” Salinas (20-4, 5 KOs) defeated Marquita Lee (3-5) by way of a hard-fought six-round unanimous decision.  Salinas, fighting out of Providence, was the aggressor throughout, but Lee never took a backward step. Scorecards 59-55 twice, and 58-56, all for Salinas.
Fighting a much more experienced and taller opponent from Africa, promising Lynn, MA prospect Khiry “TNT” Todd (5-0, 5 KOs) won his fifth pro fight, all by knockout. A 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, Todd gained invaluable experience against cagey super welterweight Nicolas Sarouna (12-9-1, 9 KOs), of Togo, who took a knee after getting hit by a sneaky uppercut in the third round. Sarouna failed to beat the 10-count as Todd improved his perfect record, with a TKO stoppage at the 1:32 mark.
Radzhab Butaev left Abraham Alvarez on the mat in serious pain
Unbeaten Russian middleweight prospect Radzhab “The Python” Butaev (6-0, 4 KOs) was too much for Mexican Abraham “The Swift” Alvarez (20-11-1, 11 KOs). Butaev dropped Alvarez early with a vicious left hook, from which Alvarez never fully recovered. A brutal right to the liver put the Mexican on mat once again, in obvious pain, as referee Joey Lupino immediately waved off the fight at 1:05 of round one.
Cuban cruiserweight Luis “El Leon” Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs) kept his perfect pro record intact with a first-round knockout of his outclassed Mexican opponent Felipe Romero (19-14-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of San Diego. Now living in Peekskill, NY, Garcia dropped Romero with an overhand right in the opening seconds and he never let up, consistently hurting Romero with a series of devastating rights. Garcia closed the show with a powerhouse uppercut, leading referee Johnny Callas to halt the action at the 1:48 mark.
Three-time Puerto Rican National Boxing team member Jose Roman (4-0, 3 KOs) went the distance for the first time against a game William Hill (2-3), of Detroit. The skilled Puerto Rican super welterweight applied pressure from the opening bell, using a fierce body attack on Hill, who was trapped on the ropes for most of the fight. The judges tallied 40-36 twice, and 39-37, all for Roman via unanimous decision.
##
DiBella Entertainment’s unbeaten featherweight contender Luis Rosa also fought on Saturday, headlining a card at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in his hometown of New Haven, CT, facing Carlos Osorio, of Managua, Nicaragua. Rosa pressured his adversary throughout the contest, wearing him down with a steady attack to the body. Osorio was game and had a stiff jab, though the hometown favorite’s combinations on the inside helped to diminish the Nicaraguan’s punch output. Believing that Osorio had taken a great deal of punishment, the referee halted the contest at the 1:25 mark of round six, awarding Rosa the TKO victory. With the win, Rosa improved to 23-0 (11 KOs), while Osorio’s record dropped to 13-7 (5 KOs).
Complete Foxwoods results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Matt Remillard (25-1, 14 KOs), Manchester, CT
WTKO4 (3:00)
Fatiou Fassinou (27-6-3, 14 KOs), Cotonou, Benin
CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
George Arias (7-0, 3 KOs), Bronx, NY
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 58-56)
Ruslan Shamalov (4-1, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Luis Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs), Peekskill, NY
WTKO1 (1:48).
Felipe Romero (19-14-1, 13 KOs), San Diego, CA
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Radzhab Butaev (6-0, 5 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WTKO1 (1:05)
Abraham Alvarez (20-11-1, 11 KOs), El Rosario, Mexico
SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
Khiry Todd (5-0, 5 KOs), Lynn, MA
WKO3 (1:32)
Nicolas Sarouna (12-9-1, 9 KOs), Lome, Togo
Jose Roman (4-0, 3 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
William Hill (2-3), Detroit, MI
WELTERWEIGHTS
Myquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Ariel Vasquez (13-18-2, 9 KOs), Managua, Nicaragua
FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jennifer Salinas (20-4, 5 KOs), Providence, RI
WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56)
Marquita Lee (3-5), Novato, CA
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @DiBellaEnt, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT

BROADWAY BOXING WEIGHTS FROM FOXWOODS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 2, 2017) – All the boxers made weight today for today‘s (Sat., June 3) Broadway Boxing event to be held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT,
The popular Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, will showcase some of New England’s top fighters.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Main Event – Lightweights — (8)

(L) Matt Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT 135 lbs.

(R) Fatiou Fassinou (27-5-3, 14 KOs), Cotonou, Benin 133 lbs.
Co-Feature – Heavyweights (6)
(L) Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 233 lbs.
(R) George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs), Bronx, NY by way of Dominican Republic 230 lbs.
Welterweights (6)
(L) Myquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT 146 lbs.
(R) Ariel Vasquez (13-17-2, 9 KOs), Managua, Nicaragua 147 lbs.
Female Super Lightweights (6)
(L) Jennifer Salinas (19-4, 5 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
(R) Marquita Lee (3-4), Novato, CA 132 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Khiry Todd (4-0, 4 KOs), Lynn, MA 149 lbs.
(R) Nicolas Sarouna (12-8-1, 9 KOs), Lome, Togo 148 lbs.
Middleweights (8)
(L) Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 153 lbs.
(R) Abraham Alvarez (20-10-1, 11 KOs), El Rosario, Mexico 157 lbs.
Cruiserweights (6)
(L) Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), Peekskill, NY by way of Cuba 194 lbs.
(R) Felipe Romero (19-13-1, 13 KOs), San Diego, CA by way of Mexico 195 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico 149 lbs.
(R) William Hill (2-2), Detroit, MI 148 lbs.
WHAT: “Broadway Boxing” professional boxing
 
WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 2017
WHERE: Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT
PROMOTER: DiBella Entertainment
RING ANNOUNCER: Dave Diamante
DOORS OPEN: 7:00 p.m. ET
FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET
TICKETS: Priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @DiBellaEnt, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO FOXWOODS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SHELLY VINCENT FEATURED IN SPECIAL ATTRACTION FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST
 
HARTFORD LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER MATT REMILLARD
CONTINUES COMEBACK IN HOMECOMING BOUT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT
New York, NY (5/22/17) – On Saturday, June 3, DiBella Entertainment will return to the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT, for the latest exciting installment of its popular Broadway Boxing series, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. The card will feature a bevy of New England talent, including fan favorite Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in an eight-round special attraction featherweight bout, as well as lightweight Matt Remillard on the comeback and welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams on the rise.
“I am happy to bring another great card back to Foxwoods, which continues to be a terrific venue for Broadway Boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans will not want to miss the always-entertaining Shelly Vincent, who is a great ambassador for women’s boxing. The stacked undercard will include local New England favorites Matt Remillard, Mykquan Williams, Jonathan Figueroa, and Khiry Todd, as well as Russian future world champion Radzhab Butaev and a battle between unbeaten heavyweight prospects Ruslan Shamalov and George Arias.”
One of the most popular fighters out of the New England area, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (19-1, 1 KO), born in New London, CT, but now residing in Providence, RI, will compete at Foxwoods for the seventh time, in an eight-round featherweight bout. Last August, Vincent entered enemy territory to challenge rival Heather Hardy in her adversary’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Their highly publicized grudge match was nationally televised by NBC Sports Net and was hailed by Ring Magazine as the “Female Fight of the Year” for 2016. Vincent was also honored by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame as their “Fighter of the Year” for 2016, becoming the first female recipient of the award. She rebounded from her only defeat with a unanimous decision victory on December 2, back home in Rhode Island. Before turning pro in October 2011, Vincent was a Connecticut State, Connecticut Golden Gloves, and National Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. Managed by Mike Criscio and trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Vincent signed with DiBella Entertainment in 2016.
Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), of Hartford, CT, will continue his comeback, following a six-year ring absence, in an eight-round lightweight bout. It will be his first fight in his home state since November 2010. A pro since 2005, Remillard is a former WBC Youth, WBC-USNBC, NABF and NABO featherweight champion. His only loss came in March 2011 to the unbeaten Mikey Garcia, now the WBC world lightweight champion. He is trained by Paul Cichon, a local legend and community leader, out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society boxing gym. As an amateur, Remillard accumulated a record of 115-25, and was a two-time Everlast Under-19 National amateur champion.
Highly touted East Hartford welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs) has kept a busy pace since turning pro last April. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by Jackie Kallen, the 19-year-old Williams will return to Foxwoods, where he has built a strong following, for the sixth time, in his first scheduled six-rounder. Williams is also trained by Cichon, whom he’s known since he was a child and looks upon as a surrogate father. His biological father was murdered when Mykquan was just a week old. Williams was a decorated amateur with a 45-13 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
Unbeaten New York-based heavyweights will collide in their toughest tests to date, when Russian Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Dominican George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest.
Born in Cherkessk, Russia, and now living in Brooklyn, the 6’5″ Shamalov was a two-time amateur MMA champion before switching to boxing and engaging in 30 amateur bouts while participating on the Russian National team. Shamalov turned pro in October 2016 and is trained by Eduard Kravtsov out of Wild Card Gym, in Los Angeles, CA. In his last bout on April 5, Shamalov returned home to Russia and registered a first-round knockout versus Oleksandr Nesterenko in 43 seconds.
Arias was born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, then moved to New York City in 1996, at four years old. However, it wasn’t until graduating high school that Arias learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home in The Bronx. He won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned pro that October. Arias recently returned from a 13-month ring hiatus with a four-round unanimous decision versus Jamal Woods in Lawrenceville, GA, on April 29.
Cuban cruiserweight Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), based out of Peekskill, NY, will see action in a six-round bout. After being denied a berth on the Cuban Olympic team, despite winning in the Cuban Olympic qualifiers preparing for the Games in Beijing, Garcia defected from his native land and settled in Cork, Ireland, where he turned pro in September 2008. Having built his record to a perfect 11-0 over the next 26 months, Garcia then relocated to the United States to resume his career. On December 5, 2015, Garcia made his New York debut at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, earning a 63-second knockout versus Willie Williams. Anther first-round knockout followed in his last bout on June 25, 2016, at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK.
Russian amateur prodigy Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. and managed by Vadim Kornilov, will make his second appearance at Foxwoods in an eight-round contest. On November 19, Butaev earned an eight-round shutout victory versus experienced Hungarian Gabor Gorbics to win the NABF junior middleweight title. In his last bout, on April 5, Butaev returned to Russia to stop Baxrom Payazov inside one round. The 22-year-old Butaev, born in Salsk, Russia, and now living in Los Angeles, was a highly accomplished amateur, having compiled an incredible 304-12 record, with 164 knockouts. He participated in the World Series of Boxing as well, finishing at 9-1.
A native of the boxing rich city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs) will make his US debut in a four-round welterweight contest. Roman began boxing at 13 years of age amassing a stellar 124-17 amateur record along the way. He joined the Puerto Rican National team in 2012, winning three consecutive National championships from 2013-2015.
Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-1, 1 KO), of Hartford, CT, will fight in a four-round contest. Managed by Vinny Scolpino, Figueroa turned pro on a Broadway Boxing card held at Foxwoods on September 1 last year. Training out of Hartford PAL gym, Figueroa was a 2012 Golden Gloves champion as an amateur.
Welterweight Khiry Todd (3-0, 3 KOs), from Lynn, MA, will make his Connecticut debut in a four-round contest. The 25-year-old Todd had 40 amateur bouts and won the New England Golden Gloves tournament before turning pro last December with a 42-second demolition of Patrick Leal.
Tickets for the June 3 Broadway Boxing event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:30pm.

Dib-Evans showdown; 2016 US Olympian Conwell pro debut tops Buffalo Run fight card April 21

Miami, OK (April 5, 2017) – World-ranked junior lightweight Billel “Babyface” Dib and former WBC Youth titlist Yuandale “Money Shot” Evans will square off in an important ten round bout Friday, April 21 at the Buffalo Run Casino In Miami, OK.
Promoted by Holden Productions and DiBella Entertainment, the card also features the highly-anticipated pro debut of 2016 US Olympian Charles Conwell. Tickets are on sale now at the Buffalo Run Box Office or by logging onto Stubwire.com/event/fourstatefranchiseboxing/buffaloruncasino/miami/14694.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Dib has an outstanding 21-1 record with 10 victories by knockout. Currently ranked #7 by the WBO and #13 by the WBA, Dib impressed in his debut at the Buffalo Run Casino last December, outpointing Colombian contender Carlos Padilla over eight rounds. A victory on the 21st will move him closer to fighting for a world title.
Living and fighting out of Cleveland, OH, Evans is 18-1 with 14 KO’s. He has eight first round knockouts and captured the WBC Youth title via fifth round KO of Ruslan Berchuk in his native Russia. Defeating the highly-regarded Dib would put Evans in the picture at 130 pounds.
Middleweight Charles Conwell fights for the first time as a pro against an opponent to be named in the four round co-feature. The 19-year-old represented the United States in Rio at the 2016 US Olympics and is now a member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise” team. Named Ohio’s Amateur Athlete of the Year for his remarkable 2016, Conwell has a fan-friendly style that is expected to quickly make him a crowd favorite.
We are pleased not only for Charles Conwell’s pro debut but also to have a quality main event between two very good fighters,” said Tony Holden. “Charles is already generating buzz locally and the fans are eager to see him in action.”
Kenzie Witt-Morrison of Tulsa, OK looks to avenge a prior draw against Oklahoma City native Aaron Chavers, 7-2-1 (3 KO’s), in six round heavyweight rematch. The son of late heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison and half brother of fellow “Four State Franchise” member Trey Lippe-Morrison, Witt-Morrison is 10-0-2 and has 9 victories by knockout.
Undefeated welterweight Jarrett “The Legacy” Rouse of Bartlesville, OK will face an opponent to be named. Representing the “Four State Franchise,” Rouse is a multi-sport standout, compiling a 10-0-1 record with 4 KO’s in the ring along with a 3-0 professional record as a mixed martial artist. In December 2016, he scored a career best victory by outpointing once-beaten Shadi Shawareb. 
 
Dillon “White Lightning” Cook was also scheduled to appear but had to withdraw due to an elbow injury.
Opponents and additional bouts will be announced shortly.

GERVONTA “TANK” DAVIS: TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

Mayweather Promotions’ Budding Superstar Risks Unblemished Record Against Undefeated, Respected IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Jose Pedraza Saturday, Jan. 14, From Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
(Photo Credit: Amin Peters/Mayweather Promotions)
 
World Champions Badou Jack and James DeGale Clash
In Super Middleweight World Title Unification in Main Event
 
Click HERE for Training Camp Photos from
Premier Boxing Champions
 
BALTIMORE (Jan. 4, 2017) – Highly regarded Mayweather Promotions rising starGervonta “Tank” Davis (16-0, 15 KOs) is wrapping up training for his challenge of super featherweight world champion Jose “The Sniper Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) in the opener of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING world championship doubleheader on Saturday, Jan. 14, from Barclays Center in Brooklyn live on SHOWTIME (9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT).
The 12-rounder between the unbeaten challenger (Davis) and world champion (Pedraza) will precede an eagerly awaited 168-pound world title unification showdown between WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs)andIBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs).

Tickets for the event promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. They can be purchased online (www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com) or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Davis, 22, overcame a childhood filled with hardships to become a prolific amateur and has been virtually unstoppable as a professional. As an amateur (between 2006-2012), he entered nine tournaments and came away with gold medals in all but one. He won gold in his last four tourneys, including the 2012 National Golden Gloves Championship at 123 pounds.

Since going pro in February 2013, the strong, aggressive-minded southpaw has played smash-mouth against mostly outclassed opponents, winning 13 of his 15 knockouts inside four rounds. To many, Davis resembles a young, smaller version of Mike Tyson in the way he walks down foes, gets on the inside and unloads lethal hooks and uppercuts. He’s gone into the ninth round once and into the sixth round twice. A winner of six straight by knockout, Davis’ lone fight to go the distance came in his ninth outing, a six-round nod over German Meraz, who went down twice, in October 2014. Davis is coming off a 0:41, first-round KO over Mario Macias last June 3.

Although powerful, very fast and determined, the talented Davis is taking a significant leap in class and he may enter the ring as a slight underdog to Puerto Rico’s Pedraza, 27, a solid switch-hitter with first-rate skills, movement and punching power. This will be Pedraza’s third defense of the IBF 130-pound title. He’s gone the 12-round distance four times in a row and five times since his pro debut in February 2011. At 5-feet-8½, he is two-and-a-half inches taller than Davis.
 
Davis, the IBF’s No. 8-ranked super featherweight, who was born and resides in Baltimore, shared thoughts on his upcoming fight from the Uptown Boxing Center in Baltimore:

You’ve been a professional for less than three years, yet you’re less than two weeks away from getting a crack at a world title. What are your thoughts about that?

“It’s been my goal to fight for a world title. I’m very confident. I’ve worked hard in the gym for over two months for this fight. I’ve put in the hours. I’ve had a great camp with great sparring. I’m not surprised the fight is almost here. This is perfect timing for me.”

Have you done anything differently in this camp?

“Maybe some little things, but not really. We take training seriously. We take all our opponents very seriously. But I have to treat it as just another fight, against another opponent. We know Pedraza is a world champion, a great fighter that comes to fight and we give him his respect as a world-class fighter. I know he’s going to be ready. He’s always ready when it’s time to get in there and do his job. But I’m prepared for him. He doesn’t know what we bring to the table.”

Are you surprised you’re not favored? When was the last time you were an underdog?

“I’m the underdog because he’s the world champion, that’s the reason. Other than that, I feel deep inside that he’s the underdog, but that’s just my assessment. He won’t be showing me anything I haven’t already seen before.

 “I’ve never been the underdog in a fight, so this is a first for me.”

When’s the last time you lost a fight?

“I’m competitive all around and don’t like losing. I can’t remember exactly the last time I lost a fight, maybe it was three years ago. All I know for sure is that my mind entering this fight is all about winning.”

Critics talk of your level of competition, or lack of. What’s your opinion of the fighters Pedraza’s successfully defended against lately?

“I’m not taking anything away from Pedraza; he’s beat Stephen Smith and Edner Cherry but those guys don’t bring the power, speed, elusiveness and angles that I do. I’m not downgrading anybody, but they’re mostly average.”

Are you looking at this as an opportunity to showcase your overall skills, durability, etc.?

“A lot of people don’t realize the skills and talent that I have. They see me just going in there like a little Tyson or someone like that. But I have all the tools. I know how to box, how to move my feet. I have good hand speed. I work my angles and things like that. I’m an overall sound fighter, a boxer-puncher.

“I think this will be a wakeup call for boxing, a chance to show that I’m the one. But I’m not coming to be just the top guy. I want to be a superstar and bring joy and entertainment to the sport. Pedraza will bring out the best in me and I will steal the show.”

How do you manage to stay in the moment, and not look back, or can you?

“I’m so thankful that I am part of a strong team, and that I have such a great team. I believe we have the greatest team in boxing. They keep me grounded, focused. They keep me from getting distracted. We all know what the main goal is. I can’t do it all myself, my coach can’t do it all himself, my manager can’t do it all himself. We believe totally in each other as a team. I listen to everything they say.”

How much is your past a motivation, or is it? When you look back at your life do you have memories or nightmares?

“I believe I’ve accomplished a lot. Me just being alive today, me not being in jail or in trouble outside the ring, it’s hard from where I come from. But it’s all helped me handle situations well. I’m so used to dealing with situations. I’m older and know what’s right from wrong. There’s never any pressure when I fight. I’ve won so many fights already I know what to do when I get in the ring.”

How long have you known Floyd? When did you meet him and how would you describe your relationship? What does it mean for Floyd to be your promoter?

“The first time I talked to Floyd (at length) was at the Adrien Broner-Shawn Porterfight (June 20, 2015). Me and Adrien, we’re friends and he flew me out to Las Vegas for the fight. I worked out at the Mayweather gym and Floyd liked the way I fought, my heart. But the first time I actually met and talked to him came when one of Floyd’s press tours came to Washington, D.C.

“Floyd has always had a major impact on me and my career. I grew up around him. All of us wanted to be like him. Like Tyson and Ali were to the generations of boxers before me, Floyd was our superstar. For him to bring me under his wing, to fight for him, is unbelievably great.”

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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

James DeGale Media Workout Quotes & Photos

 

DeGale Faces Badou Jack in Super Middleweight World Championship Unification Showdown Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

 

LONDON (December 13, 2016) – IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale hosted a media workout in his hometown of London Tuesday as he prepares to face WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack in a 168-pound world title unification showdown that headlines action on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.comwww.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

DeGale worked out and answered questions for media at the Stonebridge Boxing Club as he nears his third straight fight in the United States, this time looking to return to the UK as a unified world champion.

 

Here is what DeGale had to say on Tuesday:

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“This is the best fighting the best and this fight will prove who’s the best in the division — and I believe I am the number one super middleweight on the planet.

 

“Unification fights like this are still rare, never mind the best fighting the best, and me and Jack both wanted the fight.  We both want to prove who is the best and everyone is in for a treat on January 14.

 

“I’ve got the best trainer in the world in Jim McDonnell; together we won the world title and now we’re going to unify the title. I’m going to win in style and do the business in the big New York City and come away with both belts to bring back to London.

 

“Jack’s a serious fighter, he’s a world champion, he has something I want. The winner of this will be the number in the division.

 

“Growing up, Joe Calzaghe, and Prince Naseem Hamed, they’re the ones I used to watch and I’d think, ‘I can’t wait to do that.’ Calzaghe’s one of my favorite fighters. He’s a bit similar to me. He’s a southpaw, throws a lot of punches. He’s another one who didn’t get the full credit he was due until after he retired. But that’s how boxing is.

 

“I’ve got to perform. My last couple of performances haven’t been vintage James DeGale. This is the best fighting the best, the champ fighting the champ: this is proper.

 

“I don’t get the respect.  I made a bit of history. If I unify the division, going across the pond, no one’s ever done that from Britain.

 

“This is the one. I get love and support, I do have my fans, but it just feels like I look around at different fighters who haven’t done half what I’ve done and they get so much more recognition.

 

“I don’t get the credit: the full recognition, I don’t. But after this fight, people will start respecting me and knowing I’m the best.”

 

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Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Junior Lightweight Champion Jose Pedraza & Super Bantamweight World Champion Amanda Serrano  Represent Puerto Rico Saturday, January 14  at Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

 
Only Puerto Rican-Born World Champions
Enter the Ring in Separate World Title Defenses
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
BROOKLYN (December 8, 2016)-The only two Puerto Rican-born world champions in boxing are set to show their skills and heart for boxing fans in New York as Jose “Sniper” Pedraza and Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano defend their titles on Saturday, January 14 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.
“Puerto Rico has such a rich boxing history with many of the sport’s greatest champions hailing from the island,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Right now, there are only two Puerto Rican-born world champions, junior lightweight Jose Pedraza and junior featherweight Amanda Serrano, and I happen to promote them both. January 14 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is a tremendous card all around, but it will also serve as a celebration of Puerto Rican pride and heritage to be able to watch the country’s only two world champions defend their titles on the same show.”
Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) will defend his IBF Super Featherweight World Championship against hard-hitting unbeaten contender Gervonta Davis (16-0, 15 KOs)in the co-main event on SHOWTIME. With his victory in June 2015, Pedraza added his name to the distinguished list of Puerto Rican world champions. After losses suffered by Roman Martinez and McJoe Arroyo, he currently stands as the only remaining male champion born in Puerto Rico.
“Being the only male Puerto Rican-born world champion is something that I’m very proud of,” said Pedraza. “It is also a big weight that I carry on my shoulders. I know that I have to give my best because I am not just a champion of the ring. I am a champion of my island of Puerto Rico. Knowing that all of Puerto Rico will be in there with me encourages me to give my all every time I step into the ring.
“On January 14 I will be facing a great boxer with a lot of talent, speed and power. However, I will let him know what it feels like to share a ring with a real world champion. Davis will enter the ring as a young, hungry unbeaten challenger, but the only thing he will leave with is the first loss on his record.”
Serrano (30-1-1, 23 KOs), a four-division world champion, will defend her WBO Super Bantamweight World Championship against former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas (35-9-1, 10 KOs) in the SHOWTIME EXTREME main event at 7 p.m. ET/PT. The winner of the Serrano-Rivas matchup will earn the prestigious WBC Diamond championship. Serrano’s first world title victory in 2011 made her just the third Puerto Rican-born woman to win a world title.
This bout also signifies the first nationally televised women’s world title bout in nearly a decade, since Mary Jo Saunders fought Valerie Mahfood on March 30, 2007 (ESPN2).
“It feels fantastic to be fighting on SHOWTIME for the first time and sharing the stage at Barclays Center with my countryman Jose Pedraza,” said Serrano. “Knowing that both he and I are currently the only two Puerto Rican-born world champions, male or female, in boxing today is an honor.
“As for Yazmin Rivas being a tough fight, that’s only on paper. I will prove that I am in a different league. There’s a reason why finding someone to fight me wasn’t easy. I’m the hardest hitting female fighter in boxing today. Rivas will soon know that personally.”
Pedraza, of Caguas, and Serrano, of Carolina, are the latest in a long line of world class and beloved Puerto Rican champions who will look to put on impressive performances and make a mark nationally with victories in front of the friendly New York crowd. New York City boasts nearly one million Puerto Rican residents, making it the largest population of Puerto Ricans outside of Puerto Rico.
“I met Amanda Serrano at this year’s Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York,” said Pedraza. “She is a kind woman and I can see that, as a champion, Serrano is dedicated and always gives her best. I am proud of her for representing our people of Puerto Rico very well. On fight night, Barclays Center will shine with Luz Boricua as Amanda and I seek glory for Puerto Rico together.”
“To be able to defend my world title in Brooklyn, where I live, is a dream come true,” said Serrano. “New York is home to so many Puerto Ricans and I am sure they will really come out in support of this great event. I am truly a fan of my people. I would like to thank Lou DiBella, the best promoter in boxing, for giving me the chance to show the world why I am the ‘Real Deal’! I would also like to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity. Mr. Stephen Espinoza, I will not disappoint you.”
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is headlined by a super middleweight world championship unification showdown between Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) and James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs), with televised coverage beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
# # #
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Boxing Stars Badou Jack, James DeGale, Jose Pedraza & Gervonta Davis Give Back Before Thanksgiving Holiday & January 14 Showdowns

 

 

 

(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

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Fighters Deliver Thanksgiving Meals at

Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger in Brooklyn

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, January 14

from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Tom Casino/Mayweather Promotions/

DiBella Entertainment

 

BROOKLYN (November 22, 2016) – In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, super middleweight world champions Badou Jack and James DeGale, plus junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza and unbeaten challenger Gervonta Davis, donated and distributed Thanksgiving meals at the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger in Brooklyn before their press conference last Wednesday to discuss their respective January 14 showdowns taking place at Barclays Center and live on SHOWTIME.

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(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

 

The fighters handed out 100 turkeys along with other Thanksgiving foods to help aid the organization that has provided millions of meals for people in the area. Hailing from countries all around the world, the fighters got together to give back in the borough that they will be competing in come January. To learn more about the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger visit www.bedstuyagainsthunger.org.

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(Photo Credit: Tom Casino/Mayweather Promotions/DiBella Entertainment)

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.comwww.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)

 

# # #

 

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.