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WASHINGTON, D.C.’S UNDEFEATED DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON VS. MIKE DALLAS JR. MAIN EVENT & UNDERCARD MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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throne boxing PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS AND CORONA EXTRA

 

FIGHTS SET FOR FRIDAY, MAY 13

AT THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

TELEVISED LIVE ON BET AND

STREAMED LIVE GLOBALLY ON TIDAL.COM

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports/Tom Hogan Photography

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 11, 2016) – On Tuesday, May 10, Washington, D.C.’s undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) and Bakersfield, California’s Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) participated in a media workout at Urban Boxing DC in Washington, D.C. in advance of their May 13 fight at the DC Armory. Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr. will headline a throne boxing event in a 10-round welterweight bout that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com. Co-featured fighter Thomas “KO” Snow (18-2, 12 KOs) of Washington, D.C., who faces Dorado, Puerto Rico’sOrlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (20-2, 15 KOs), and undercard fighters Mike Balogun (5-0, 4 KOs) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who will fight Capitol Heights, Maryland’s Devon Mosley (0-4-1), and Greenbelt, Maryland’s Sam “Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed (2-0, 1 KO) of who takes on Damion Reed (2-13, 1 KO) of Danville Virginia were also in attendance during the media workout on Tuesday.

 

After shadow boxing around the ring and a few rounds working the bags, all five fighters participated in interviews with invited media members.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say during the workout:

 

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON:

 

“I think a lot of people are underestimating Mike Dallas Jr. I think they’re counting him out too early. A lot of times when people come back from a tough loss they train harder, they take it more seriously and erase all the mistakes they made in previous training camps, so that’s what I’m expecting him to do. Luckily Barry Hunter [Hernandez-Harrison’s trainer] knows him well as a fighter, so I’ve been going off of what he says.

“I’ve been getting great sparring in. I came home from sparring Canelo Alvarez and went right into to sparring with Lamont Peterson, Austin Trout, Demetrius Hopkins and other fighters on the card. Just really good sparring.

 

“I’m excited to fight on BET. It’s pretty cool. I think it’s good to bring boxing to a new audience. Hopefully, I put on a good fight to get them entertained. And we have Justine Skye performing before our bout. She’s got a completely different fan base than I do and I think it’s another good way to add a new audience to our event.

 

“I took a lot of things out of training with Canelo at his training camp. It was good to get a different perspective of a training camp. Usually it’s all about me, everything is catered to me and everyone is concerned about me, so it was good to take a step back and see how someone like him at the top level prepares for a world title fight. Luckily, I walked away knowing I’ve been doing everything right.

 

“Fighting in my hometown of Washington, D.C. is better for me. I feel like I have more to fight for. I have more to lose, which for me helps. You’ll never hear me say “no mas” in D.C.

 

“At my age, my preparation changes with every fight. I remember fighting in Connecticut in April then Miami in August, which seems really close, but Billy Briscoe [Hernandez-Harrison’s assistant trainer] was there and said ‘you’ve gotten so much stronger.’ That’s just the age that I am right now. I’m really maturing and getting that man strength. Every fight I feel a lot stronger.”

 

 

MIKE “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” DALLAS JR.:

 

“I feel very good ahead of this fight…confident and strong. I’m just ready to go out there and perform. There’s more pressure on him than me fighting in his hometown.

 

“I’ve gotten good training in for this fight. The Bay Area has a lot of good sparring out there right now. I had good training with Ben Bautista [Dallas Jr.’s trainer] and we’ve been pushing it. I had to dig deep in training to get through it and I’m ready to dig deep in the fight.

 

“I took some time off to let my body rest and heal and to let my mind get together. Now I feel great. I’m ready to come back and get back on top of things. I’m going to go out there and do my thing.

 

“I know Dusty is a pretty good fighter. I know he can box. I’m just ready to go out there, be smart and execute the game plan. I’m ready for people to know I’m back and there mentally. I’m ready to get back in the game and take care of these people in these bigger fights.”

 

 

THOMAS “KO” SNOW:

 

“I know my opponent [Orlando Del Valle] is a conventional fighter from Puerto Rico. He’s a basic fighter…a basic one-two puncher. He’s the best opponent I’ve faced to date. Both of us have two losses, so I know it’s a crossroads fight for us. We’re going to go in there and do what we came to do.

 

“I’ve fought in D.C. a lot of times. It’s my home.

 

 

“It’s awesome because I’ve known Dusty since he was six years old. We used to run together. We were just talking about that over in the corner. If you watch at any of his amateur fights, you’ll hear me in the background cheering him on. I’ve been in his life for a long time and it’s awesome seeing a young guy get his opportunity and make the sport of boxing grow.

 

“I know our amateur program in D.C. is awesome so you have to give a shout out to all the amateurs. D.C. is about to be the mecca of boxing once again. We will have six, seven or eight champions in the District of Columbia. It’s rich with boxing.

 

“I think fighting on BET is a great thing. I think it’s great that boxing is on free TV now and people don’t have to pay for it. For those people who can’t afford those things, I think it’s awesome for them and I think it will make the sport of boxing better.

 

“I’ve changed a lot over the years. I’m supposed to be dead, locked up or in jail. Having God in your life, your perspective of life and everything changes. I’m calm and  comfortable in my situation. I thank God for the opportunity. I thank Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity and I thank everybody who is supporting Thomas “KO” Snow. We’re ready to do it.”

 

 

MIKE BALOGUN:

 

“During my career, when I was playing football, I used boxing as another form of training for cardio. After my career was over, it was natural for me to keep training and now we’re here. Football is a business. I got released and had another opportunity to play in the Canadian Football League as well as the Arena Football League, but football takes a toll on your body and I played the game for a long time. It was just natural for me to transition. I still needed something to stay active, because without activity, I didn’t feel like myself.

 

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent [Devon Mosley]. I know he’s a southpaw just like me That’s pretty much all I know and all I need to know.

 

“I’ve prepared for this fight just like any other fight…hard work and dedicating myself to my craft. At the end of the day I’ll reap the fruits of my labor.”

 

 

SAM “VANILLA GORILLA” CROSSED:

 

“I don’t know much about my opponent [Damion Reed]. I know he is a tall left-handed guy. I only watched a little video of him. I’ve been sparring a lot of left handers and then we just happened to get a left-handed guy, so it worked out pretty well.

 

“I’m still a little disappointed about my last performance in D.C., so I am going to come out and put on a show on Friday, May 13.

 

“Anyone you get in the ring with poses a threat, but at the same time, I am confident in what I have done to prepare. I’ve been sparring guys with 20 pro fights, so, I think I’m good.

 

“I played football and baseball growing up. Basically, what got me into boxing was that I got picked on when I was younger and smacked around on the basketball court. I always said when I grow up I want to be able to beat up the dudes that picked on me. What’s funny is that a lot of guys that bullied me are now begging me for tickets to my fights.”

###

 

Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr., a 10-round welterweight fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports takes place Friday, May 13, 2016 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. This fight headlines a throne boxing event presented by Corona Extra and will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com. The event is also sponsored by FILA, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Shoe City, Pepsi, RCN and The DC Lottery. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the May 13 edition of throne boxing on BET will feature several notable Roc Nation Sports touches that offer a unique fan experience including a live musical performance by Justine Skye as well as DJ Cipha Sounds and event host Big Tigger who will keep the energy at a high level throughout the event. Doors open on fight night at 6:30 PM and the first fight begins at 6:45 PM.  Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

 

Tickets priced at $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (http://bit.ly/may13throneboxing) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation, on Instagram @rocnation/@rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For additional information, visit www.bet.com. Join the conversation on the following social media platforms: on Twitter by using hashtag #BET #throneboxing and follow at @BET; on Facebook by liking the fan page at www.facebook.com/BET; and on Instagram @betnetworks.

 

For information on the DC Armory, visit www.eventsdc.com and follow on Twitter at @dcsportsent.

boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS ANNOUNCES CO-FEATURE & NON-TELEVISED UNDERCARD FOR DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON AND MIKE DALLAS JR. WELTERWEIGHT SHOWDOWN ON FRIDAY, MAY 13 AT THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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throne boxing PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS AND CORONA EXTRA FEATURES HERNANDEZ-HARRISON VS. DALLAS JR., ORLANDO DEL VALLE VS. THOMAS SNOW AND DARMANI ROCK VS. CARLOS BLACK TELEVISED LIVE ON BET BEGINNING AT 10:00 P.M. ET/PT

 

EVENT ALSO TO BE STREAMED LIVE GLOBALLY ON TIDAL.COM

 

JUSTINE SKYE, DJ CIPHA SOUNDS & HOST BIG TIGGER TO PROVIDE IN-ARENA ENTERTAINMENT BETWEEN BOUTS

 

NEW YORK, NY (May 5, 2016) – Two televised bouts and four non-televised undercard bouts will round out the card when Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) of Washington, D.C. returns to the ring on Friday, May 13 to take on Bakersfield, California’s Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. The fight will headline a throne boxing event that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET and will also be streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com.

 

Opening the telecast will be an eight-round featherweight showdown between Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle(20-2, 15 KOs) and Thomas “KO” Snow (18-2, 5 KOs). The second televised fight will see the professional debut of highly touted Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock against the beltway’s own Carlos “DC Diamond Cutter” Black (1-3).

 

The non-televised undercard will feature Caguas, Puerto Rico’s Abner “Pin” Cotto (19-3, 9 KOs) against veteran Juan Jose “Pinocho” Beltran (29-25-3, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico in an eight-round junior welterweight matchup; Brooklyn’s undefeated Junior “The Young God” Younan (8-0, 6 KOs) facing Breedon, West Virginia’s Austin “Speedy” Marcum (10-6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight fight; former NFL linebacker Mike Balogun (5-0, KOs) of Upper Marlborough, Maryland and Devon Mosley (0-4-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland squaring off in a four-round heavyweight bout; and Greenbelt, Maryland’s Sam “Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed (2-0, 1 KO) against Damion Reed (2-13, 1 KO) of Danville, Virginia in a four-round cruiserweight fight. 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Zhang “Big Bang” Zhilei (8-0, 6 KOs) of Zhengzhou, China will also see action in a six-round heavyweight bout against an opponent to be determined.

 

Roc Nation Sports will bring names from the entertainment world to the event, which will showcase a special performance by Roc Nation’s own breakout artist singer/songwriter Justine Skye. The Brooklyn songstress and social media maven who garnered attention, and over two million YouTube views, with her cover of Drake’s “Headlines” and current single, “I’m Yours” featuring Vic Mensa, is currently taking over radio airwaves nationwide. The evening will also feature a DJ set from Roc Nation’s multi-talented Cipha Sounds who will keep the energy up between bouts. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, afternoon host on Atlanta’s V-103, former host of BET’s Rap City and 106 & Park, and currently featured on Oxygen’s “Like A Boss”, will serve as the event’s host.

 

Tickets priced at $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (http://bit.ly/may13throneboxing ) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

Orlando Del Valle made his professional debut on April 11, 2008 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey where he knocked out Rey Rivera in the third round. By October 2009, he had compiled a record of 7-0, including a third-round knockout victory over Christopher Rivera at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On June 6, 2011, at Roseland Ballroom in New York City, he notched an impressive ten-round unanimous decision victory over Dat Nguyen in a fight telecast on Showtime’s ShoBox. On September 29, 2012, Del Valle, with a record of 16-0, made is HBO debut at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut against Three-Time World Champion Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan. Darchinyan controlled a majority of the bout, relying on his experience to pressure the young contender. In the ninth round Del Valle’s perseverance almost carried the day when he staggered Darchinyan with a tremendous left hook, badly hurting the former world champion. Darchinyan, however, was able to survive the round and hold on for a ten-round unanimous decision victory. After the defeat, Del Valle moved to Mexico City to train with Hall of Fame trainer Nacho Beristain. He rebounded in 2013 with two technical knockout victories over Andre Wilson and Juan Jose Beltran. On May 31, 2014, in a bout televised by HBO Latino from the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Del Valle faced another tough opponent in undefeated fellow Puerto Rican Luis Rosa. The ten-round, evenly matched fight went the distance producing a memorable, crowd-pleasing battle. In the fifth round, Del Valle sent Rosa to the canvas with a left hook and in the seventh round Rosa was deducted a point for a late punch, but in the end Rosa was awarded a unanimous decision victory. Since the Rosa setback, Del Valle has won all three of his fights, with none of them going the distance, including his last fight on April 9, in which he scored a second round technical knockout win over Josh Crespo at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire. Del Valle will look to keep that streak going on May 13 against Snow.

 

Deeply rooted in D.C. and the capital community, Thomas Snow is an experienced fighter with an impressive record of 18-2 (10 KOs). Snow, who supplements his boxing earnings by working as a floor technician at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland, began boxing at the age of ten at Round One Gym in Capitol Heights, Maryland, compiling a stellar amateur record of 129-10, which included three Washington D.C. Metro Golden Gloves championships. In 2004, he took home the national PAL amateur tournament title in the 119-pound weight class. On November 5, 2005, he made his professional debut with authority, knocking out Ronald Viera in the first round at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He would go on to win his next nine fights, with seven of those wins coming by way of knockout, before he ran into fellow undefeated prospect and future world title challenger Teon Kennedy who dealt Snow his first professional loss in July of 2008. A streak of six consecutive wins would follow before he suffered another setback, again against an undefeated prospect in Nate Green. Following the defeat, Snow took nearly two and a half years off from boxing. The southpaw returned to the ring on March 6, 2015 and continued to live up to his “KO” moniker with a first round technical knockout win over Christopher Sanchez at the Omar Shrine in Charleston, South Carolina. Snow followed that win with a second round knockout of Tibor Nadori on December 4, 2015 at the Rosecroft Raceway close to home in Fort Washington, Maryland. He now faces a crossroads fight when he takes on Del Valle on May 13.

 

At the age of nineteen, Darmani Rock is already drawing comparisons to former heavyweight greats of the past. Rock has received high praise for his powerful jab and ambidexterity. Standing at 6’4”, he moves with an unparalleled lightness and speed for a fighter his size. Rock earned nation-wide accolades following a banner year in 2014 when he took home the USA Boxing Junior and Youth Open, Youth Continental and Youth World super heavyweight titles. During the 2014 Junior and Youth Open in Reno, Nevada, Rock shut out the 2013 National Youth Champion, John Luna, 3-0. This impressive performance was followed by another super heavyweight title at the Youth Continental Championships in March 2014 in Quito, Ecuador where he defeated Argentina’s Kervin Espinola, 3-0. Rock then took home the gold medal at the prestigious World Youth Championships in Bulgaria in April 2014 by a 2-1 decision over Germany’s Peter Kadiru. Rock also took home the 2014 World Junior Amateur Championship and capped off 2014 by being named Philadelphia’s Amateur Boxer of the Year at the annual Briscoe Awards. His most noteworthy win, however, came in May 2015 when he beat Cam Awesome, a career amateur who has been called the next Chris Byrd, in Las Vegas for the National Golden Gloves title. Rock also captured the 2015 U.S. National Amateur super heavyweight championship. He ended his amateur career as the number one rated super heavyweight in the United States (and the number five rated super heavyweight in the world) going 19-5 in national tournaments. His assault on the heavyweight division begins May 13 against Black.

 

Rockville, Maryland resident Carlos Black is better known to capitol region boxing as the “DC Diamond Cutter.” Turning professional late in life at the age of thirty, making his professional debut on April 23, 2015 at Tall Cedar’s Hall in Baltimore, Maryland scoring a four-round unanimous decision over the more experienced Lonnie Kornegay. Black, however, would fall short of victory in his next three bouts to George Arias on May 8, 2015 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, to Dennis Benson by a hard-fought four-round split decision in his return to Tall Cedar’s Hall on July 9, 2015 and to Jerry Forrest on September 26, 2015 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, Virginia. Tough like his nickname and propelled by his steadfast will, he believes he can one day fulfill his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world. That dream will come a step closer to reality should he defeat the highly touted Rock.

 

Abner Cotto is part of the famous Cotto boxing family of Puerto Rico. Legendary Miguel Cotto is a second cousin, while uncles Miguel Cotto Sr. and Evangelista Cotto were pro boxers themselves. Cotto is looking for his second straight win following a loss in a world-title elimination bout against current WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Javier Fortuna. On May 13 he faces the vastly experienced Juan Jose Beltran who has faced current World Champion Leo Santa Cruz and former World Champions Eric Morel and Rico Ramos.

 

Brooklyn’s unbeaten Junior Younan faces his stiffest test to date on May 13 when he faces Austin Marcum. Younan returned following a nine-month injury induced layoff on March 26 on the Andre Ward vs. Sullivan Barrera undercard by pounding out a four-round unanimous decision over Carlos Lozano. Marcum is riding a four-fight winning streak and plans to take his 20-year-old opponent into unfamiliar territory, as Younan has yet to fight past four rounds.

 

Former Washington Redskin Mike Balogun looks to make it six straight wins since turning professional as a boxer in October of 2014. Balogun was a standout inside linebacker at the University of Oklahoma and spent a year on the Redskins’ roster in 2010. He also played briefly for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers before retiring and becoming a full time boxer. Looking to stop Balogun’s rise as a pugilist on May 13 will be fellow local fighter Devon Mosley who is seeking his first professional win.

 

Local favorite Sam Crossed, has limited amateur experience, which his opponent Damion Reed, a 16-fight veteran hopes to exploit. Crossed, who works as bar tender, is expected to have hundreds of supporters behind him as he attempts to go to 3-0. Reed recently lost two hard-fought majority decisions to two cruiserweights and has a draw with Ken Moody.

 

Standing 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, Chinese heavyweight sensation Zhang Zhilei has shown boxing skills rarely seen in a big man since turning pro in August 2014. Undefeated in eight fights as a professional, Zhilei was a highly-decorated amateur, winning a silver medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, as well as bronze medals at the 2007 world amateur championships and 2009 AIBA world championships. He faces an opponent to be determined on May 13.

 

Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas Jr., a 10-round welterweight fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports takes place Friday, May 13, 2016 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. This fight headlines a throne boxing event presented by Corona Extra and will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET and streamed live on global music and entertainment platform, TIDAL.com. The event is also sponsored by FILA, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Shoe City, Pepsi, RCN and The DC Lottery. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the May 13 edition of throne boxing on BET will feature several notable Roc Nation Sports touches that offer a unique fan experience including a live musical performance by Justine Skye as well as DJ Cipha Sounds and event host Big Tigger who will keep the energy at a high level throughout the event. Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation, on Instagram @rocnation/@rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.bet.com. Join the conversation on the following social media platforms: on Twitter by using hashtag #BET #throneboxing and follow at @BET; on Facebook by liking the fan page atwww.facebook.com/BET; and on Instagram @betnetworks.

 

For more information on the DC Armory, visit www.eventsdc.com and follow on Twitter at @dcsportsent.

boxing, Roc Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C.’S UNDEFEATED DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON AND MIKE DALLAS JR. SET FOR SHOWDOWN ON FRIDAY, MAY 13 AT THE DC ARMORY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

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throne boxing PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS AND CORONA EXTRA TELEVISED LIVE ON BET

 HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT DARMANI ROCK TO MAKE HIS PROFESSIONAL DEBUT

 

NEW YORK, NY (March 30, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (29-0, 16 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will return to the ring on Friday, May 13 when he takes on Bakersfield, California’s Mike “The Silent Assassin” Dallas Jr. (21-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. The fight will headline a throne boxing event that will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets priced at $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Wednesday, March 30 at 3:00 p.m. ET and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005069CFC435E1) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I am really excited that my 30th fight will take place in Southeast D.C., where I was born and raised,” said Hernandez-Harrison. “It will be great to be back in D.C. where I haven’t fought since 2014, and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in attendance and watching across the nation on BET. Dallas presents an interesting challenge that I am ready to face. I will be getting world class sparring for this bout and will be more than ready for anything he brings to the table on May 13.”

 

“I’ve heard Dusty is pretty good, but I will be the biggest step up for him by far,” said Dallas Jr. “At 147 pounds, I feel very strong. I’m more mature and more focused. I’m back.”

 

“All of us at Roc Nation Sports look forward to bringing Dusty Hernandez-Harrison back to fight in front of his hometown fans against Mike Dallas Jr. in the midst of the professional boxing resurgence that is taking place in Washington, D.C.,” said David Itskowitch COO of Boxing for Roc Nation Sports. “Fans in attendance at the DC Armory and those watching across the country on BET have a great night of boxing and entertainment in store for them.”

 

“BET is excited to once again partner with Roc Nation Sports on our second throne boxing event, positioning BET Networks as a go-to destination for premier live boxing events,” said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “Roc Nation Sports has proven to be an innovator in the entertainment space and as we continue to grow and expand our partnership, BET is thrilled to offer content as diverse as our audience.”

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Roc Nation Sports and BET to the historic DC Armory” said Erik A. Moses, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Events DC. “It is certainly another capital moment in D.C., considering the rich history of professional boxing. The nation’s capital is still a fight town and to have the opportunity to showcase that again in the DC Armory is a prodigious honor.”

 

May 13 will also feature the professional debut of highly touted Philadelphia heavyweight prospect Darmani “Rock Solid” Rock against an opponent to be determined.

 

“I’m thrilled to be making my pro debut on May 13 at the DC Armory,” said Rock. “My team and I have worked hard and it has all been building up to this moment. I’m looking forward to my rise to the top of the heavyweight division which begins on May 13.”

 

Hailing from Washington, D.C., Dusty Hernandez-Harrison has been touted as the city’s “best boxing prospect since Sugar Ray Leonard” by the Washingtonian Magazine. He began fighting at the age of six at the boxing exhibition at the Ritz Nightclub in Northwest D.C. and became a sanctioned amateur at the age of 8. At the time of his first pro bout at the age of 17, Hernandez-Harrison compiled an amateur record of 167-30, winning several Ringside World Championships, National Silver Gloves Championships and three straight National Golden Gloves Championships from 2007-09. On June 11, 2011, as the youngest licensed professional fighter at the time, Hernandez-Harrison made his pro debut defeating Alphonso Alexander via a unanimous decision at the Desoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. Six months later in his third pro fight, Hernandez-Harrison made his hometown debut on the undercard of the HBO World Championship Boxing broadcast of Amir Khan vs. Lamont Peterson and dazzled with a first round technical knockout of Terrell Davis. On his way to being crowned WBC Youth Welterweight World Champion in November 2013, Hernandez-Harrison stopped former National Golden Gloves Champion Kelly Wright in the fourth round in February of that year and two weeks later defeated Aaron Anderson via a six-round unanimous decision. In April 2013 at Dover Downs Casino and Resort in Dover, Delaware, he won a unanimous decision against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Garcia and on May 18 in front of a raucous hometown crowd of 3,000 at the University of the District of Colombia, he knocked out Eddie Soto with a right hand in the fifth round.  Hernandez-Harrison proceeded to earn the “2013 Knockout of the Year” for the Soto fight and the “2013 Fighter of the Year” from Go Fight Live (GFL.TV). On November 2, 2013 at Madison Square Garden, Hernandez-Harrison became the WBC Youth World Champion, winning a ten-round, unanimous decision over Josh “Pit Bull” Torres. Two months later, in his first nationally televised fight on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights, Hernandez-Harrison outlasted Tim Witherspoon Jr. via an eighth round unanimous decision victory, after which actor and director Mark Wahlberg tweeted that Hernandez-Harrison is “the truth.” Featured again on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on March 7, 2014, Hernandez-Harrison faced southpaw Mike Balasi and came back to drop Balasi to the canvas twice en route to a six-round unanimous decision victory. On January 9, 2015, soon after signing a promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports, Hernandez-Harrison headlined the promoter’s inaugural event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by Fox Sports 1. In a battle for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship against New Yorker Tommy “The Razor” Rainone, Hernandez-Harrison scored a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory. In his most recent fight on January 29, 2016, Hernandez-Harrison scored a decisive win over Angel Hernandez via a third round technical knockout at The Belvedere in Elk Grove, Illinois. Hernandez-Harrison recently entered into agreements with FILA and GEICO to be a brand ambassador for both companies. He is the only professional boxer to represent each prestigious brand.

 

Mike Dallas Jr. was born into a boxing family and tabbed by experts during his teen years as a future professional star. At age 29, he’s in the midst of a comeback that lands him in Washington, D.C. against local unbeaten favorite Dusty Hernandez-Harrison that may be the most important fight of his life. As an amateur, Dallas shared a ring with current world champions Terence Crawford (whom Dallas claims he beat three times) and Danny Garcia as well as three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren. He won multiple national amateur titles and qualified for the 2004 and 2008 Olympic trials. Dallas turned professional on March 20, 2008 against Alejandro Valladares in San Jose, California and won by unanimous decision. He would go unbeaten in his next 17 fights. When he faced Josesito Lopez for the vacant NABF super lightweight title on January 28, 2011 in his national television debut on ESPN at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, he was shockingly stopped in the seventh round.Five months later, Dallas met fellow rising contender Mauricio Herrera. In an excellent fight, again at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Dallas lost by a razor thin majority decision. Despite the setback, Dallas’ performance showed boxing experts he was back to contender status. In his next two fights, Dallas dominated former Miguel Angel Gonzales on February 17, 2012 and knocked out Javier Castro on June 22, 2012 to capture the WBO Latino light welterweight title. Those wins brought Dallas to his biggest opportunity to date, an WBC super lightweight interim world title fight against Lucas Matthysse, on January 26, 2013 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Just after negotiations for the fight were finalized, Dallas learned that his father, Mike Dallas Sr., who introduced his son to boxing at age six, passed away suddenly at just 45 years of age. Dallas Jr., however, did not pull out of the Matthysee fight. On fight night, Dallas Jr. was all there physically, but mentally a fight of that magnitude was too much under the circumstances and Matthysee, probably the hardest puncher in boxing, imposed his will on Dallas, scoring a first round knockout. He then took the break he should have taken before the Matthysee fight, spending two years away from the ring. When Dallas felt the urge to fight again, he contacted his trainer Ben Bautista and the pair ventured to Tijuana, Mexico, where Dallas picked up two quick wins against Alejandro Alonso on November 20, 2015 and most recently on December 19 against Odillon Rivera. He now returns to fight in the spotlight again on May 13 in a true crossroads fight against Hernandez-Harrison.

 

At the age of nineteen, Darmani Rock is already drawing comparisons to former heavyweight greats of the past. Rock has received high praise for his powerful jab and ambidexterity. Standing at 6’4”, he moves with an unparalleled lightness and speed for a fighter his size. Rock earned nation-wide accolades following a banner year in 2014 when he took home the USA Boxing Junior and Youth Open, Youth Continental and Youth World super heavyweight titles. During the 2014 Junior and Youth Open in Reno, Nevada, Rock shut out the 2013 National Youth Champion, John Luna, 3-0. This impressive performance was followed by another super heavyweight title at the Youth Continental Championships in March 2014 in Quito, Ecuador where he defeated Argentina’s Kervin Espinola 3-0. Rock then took home the gold medal at the prestigious World Youth Championships in Bulgaria in April 2014 by a 2-1 decision over Germany’s Peter Kadiru. Rock also took home the 2014 World Junior Amateur Championship and capped off 2014 by being named Philadelphia’s Amateur Boxer of the Year at the annual Briscoe Awards. His most noteworthy win, however, came in May 2015 when he beat Cam Awesome, a career amateur who has been called the next Chris Byrd, in Las Vegas for the National Golden Gloves title. Rock also captured the 2015 U.S. National Amateur super heavyweight championship. He ended his amateur career as the number one rated super heavyweight in the United States (and the number five rated super heavyweight in the world) going 19-5 in national tournaments. In February 2016, Rock signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports.

 

Hernandez-Harrison vs. Dallas, a 10-round welterweight fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports takes place Friday, May 13, 2016 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. This fight headlines a throne boxing event presented by Corona Extra and will be televised live on BET beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the May 13 edition of throne boxing on BET will feature several notable Roc Nation Sports touches that offer a unique fan experience, including a live musical performance as well as a host and a name DJ to keep the energy at a high level throughout the event.

 

Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

 

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.bet.com. Join the conversation on the following social media platforms: on Twitter by using hashtag #BET #throneboxing and follow at @BET; on Facebook by liking the fan page at www.facebook.com/BET; and on Instagram @betnetworks.

 

For more information on the DC Armory, visit www.eventsdc.com and follow on Twitter at @dcsportsent.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT throne boxing: WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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PUERTO RICO’S VAZQUEZ JR. AND MEXICO’S RIVERA CLASH ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA LIVE ON HBO LATINO® BOXING

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports & Miguel Cotto Promotions

 

KISSIMMEE, FL (Dec. 4, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a media workout ahead of throne boxing: Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera which is set for Saturday, Dec. 5 from Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico and undefeated Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico worked out ahead of their ten-round featherweight showdown this weekend.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts.

 

WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR., FORMER WBO JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

 

“I feel explosive and ready. I have that motivation that keeps me on. I’ve been working on my speed and movement just like I did when I began my career.

 

“Rivera is a classic Mexican fighter that will try to put pressure on me. We are ready to handle and take care of whatever he brings Saturday night.”

 

 

RAFAEL “BIG BANG” RIVERA, UNDEFEATED FEATHERWEIGHT:

 

“Just like my nickname says, I will be using my speed and my agility to win. I’m going to use all of the strategies I’ve been training with for the last two months.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes placeSaturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida. This throne boxing event is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and sponsored by Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Tequila Cazadores, Venue Kings and SportsLock. Also featured will be Alexander Brand vs. Medzhid Bektemirov in a ten-round light heavyweight bout which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.  The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets priced at $65 and $33, plus applicable service charges, are available for purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Osceola Heritage Park box office which is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation. Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON TO NOW FACE AMMETH DIAZ ON DECEMBER 5 HBO LATINO® BOXING TELECAST

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NON-TELEVISED throne boxing UNDERCARD STACKED WITH

BOXING’S HOTTEST YOUNG PROSPECTS

AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

 

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2015) – Due to a visa issue, Canada’s Steve Claggett will be unable to participate in this weekend’s Dec. 5 televised co-feature bout against  (28-0, 15 KOs). Hernandez-Harrison will now face Ammeth Diaz (32-12, 23 KOs) of Panama City, Panama in the ten-round welterweight bout which will be the chief support to former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico against Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. Opening the HBO Latino Boxing series televised event, which will air live beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT from Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida, will be a ten-round light heavyweight bout featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs).

 

Diaz, a former world title challenger who has won five of his last seven bouts, will look to put a blemish on Hernandez-Harrison’s undefeated record this Saturday. The Panamanian has held both the WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino Lightweight titles and owns a win over Raymundo Beltran.

 

In addition to an exciting Dec. 5 televised lineup, some of boxing’s hottest rising stars will be featured on the non-televised undercard. Roc Nation Sports standouts Luis Arias and Wellington Romero along with Miguel Cotto Promotions’ Angel Acosta,Charlie Clemente, Josean Figueroa and Ricardo Rodriguez as well as Freddie Roach protégé Mike Melykian will all see action on Dec. 5 and aim to keep fans on their feet from the opening bell through beginning of the main event.

 

Tickets priced at $65 and $33, plus applicable service charges, are available for purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Osceola Heritage Park box office which is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

 

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin now residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, undefeated Luis “Cuba” Arias (12-0, 6 KOs) began boxing at the age of seven and compiled an amateur record of 140-25, earning U.S.A Boxing’s number one men’s junior ranking in 2006, the number one men’s under-19 ranking in 2008 and the number one men’s ranking in 2010. He captured the U.S.A. Men’s Under-19 National Championship in 2008 and two U.S.A Men’s National Championships in 2009 and 2010. Arias’ professional debut took place on November 10, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles where he defeated Josh Thorpe via a four-round unanimous decision. He has reeled off 11 victories since, including three in 2015 with his last two coming by way of knockout.  On Dec. 5, he’ll look to keep his winning ways going in an eight-round super middleweight bout against Dinisio Miranda 22-12-2 (19 KOs) of Miami, Florida.

 

Fighting out of Newburgh, New York, but hailing from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Wellington “W.A.R.” Romero (8-0-1, 3 KOs) was a highly decorated amateur who was a proud member of the 2012 Dominican Olympic Boxing Team at the 2012 Games in London. Prior to that, he captured a bronze medal at the 2010 Central American Games and made back to back appearances at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championship and the 2011 Pan American Games. On October 26, 2013, Romero made his pro debut, defeating Victor Galindo via a four-round unanimous decision at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since then he has won seven of his eight fights, with his lone set-back being an October 15, 2015 majority draw against Lazar Stojadinovic that many ringside observers had him winning. In his most recent bout on October 17, 2015 Romero scored a six-round unanimous decision victory against Ramesis Gil. On Dec. 5, he faces Noel Echevarria(11-6, 6 KOs) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina in a six-round junior welterweight bout. Guayama, Puerto Rico’s Echevarria most recently challenged Rod Salka on May 16 for the vacant WBA-NABA USA Super Featherweight title but came up short getting stopped in the sixth round.

 

Another product of Puerto Rico, Angel “Tito” Acosta (11-0, 11 KOs) will look to keep his perfect record intact on Dec. 5 against Felipe Rivas (2-2, 1 KO) of Nogales, Mexico in a six-round flyweight bout. On March 14 of this year, San Juan native Acosta took on Armando Vazquez for the vacant WBC Fecarbox Light Flyweight Championship at Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico and came away with the title by scoring a viscous knockout in the seventh round. The undefeated prospect most recently faced Luis Almendarez on August 8, 2015 at Coliseo Hector Sola Bezares in Caguas, stopping his opponent with a first round knockout.

 

Undefeated Charlie Clemente (10-0, 4 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico will also look to continue his winning ways on the Dec. 5. In his most recent bout on August 8, he scored two knockdowns en route to a four-round unanimous decision win against Elias Polanco at Gimnasio Wilfredo Rivera in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He will look to improve on his undefeated record when he takes on an opponent to be determined in a six-round flyweight bout.

 

In a six-round junior featherweight bout, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s Josean Figueroa (9-3-2, 7 KOs) will face Antoney Napunyi (11-13, 6 KOs) of Pahokee, Florida. In his last fight on June 6, Figueroa scored an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Jonell Nieves at Coliseo Ismael Delgado in Aguada, Puerto Rico.

 

In other non-televised undercard action, two Puerto Rico natives will challenge one another in a six-round junior featherweight bout when Ricardo Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) of Mayaguez faces Bryan Perez (2-2, 1 KO) of Carolina. Rodriguez will look to extend his undefeated streak as he did most recently against Luis Hernandez on August 8 at Coliseo Hector Sola Bezares in Caguas when he won a four-round unanimous decision. Perez will be looking to rebound from a third round knockout against Marquel Jones on March 14 at the Sphinx Club in Washington, DC.

 

Opening the show will be Freddie Roach protégé Mike Melykian of Los Angeles who will be making his pro debut against Jimmy Rosario (0-1) of Bayamon in a four-round welterweight bout. Rosario made his pro debut on May 16, losing a unanimous decision against Ryan Pino at Coliseo Pedrin Zorilla in San Juan.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes placeSaturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida. This throne boxing event is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, ctms (Corporate Travel Made Simple) Venue Kings and Sportslock. Also featured will be undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Ammeth Diaz in a ten-round welterweight bout and Alexander Brand vs. Medzhid Bektemirov in a ten-round light heavyweight bout which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.  The tripleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation. Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS BOXER DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON PARTNERS WITH FILA

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Hernandez-Harrison Signs Exclusive Deal with FILA Ahead of Fight

On December 5, 2015 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida Live on HBO Latino® Boxing

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 2, 2015) – FILA and Roc Nation Sports boxer Dusty Hernandez-Harrison announced today that they have entered into an endorsement agreement. In the multi-year relationship, FILA will serve as the official training and fight apparel of Hernandez-Harrison as he continues to dominate throughout training camps and ring appearances. Hernandez-Harrison and his team will be decked out in FILA branded apparel and footwear exclusively, starting during fight week appearances for his showdown on Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“We are very excited to welcome Dusty Hernandez-Harrison to the FILA family, an announcement that puts an exclamation point on a terrific year for the company,” said Jon Epstein, President of FILA North America. “Dusty will add a new chapter to our lineage in the sport of boxing, welcoming the brand back into the ring for the first time in nearly two decades. A proven champion like Dusty is undoubtedly a special talent, who has risen from his start at such a young age, to the now reigning WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Champion. His record in the ring is impressive, but outside of the squared-circle he is an individual who is dedicated to his family and fans.”

 

“I am honored to join the FILA team ahead of my next ring appearance onDec. 5,” said Hernandez-Harrison. “As I continue to embark on my pro boxing career, I am confident that FILA will provide me with the gear and support I need to get my job done in the gym and in the ring.”

 

“Roc Nation Sports is thrilled to be bringing an iconic footwear and apparel brand back to the sport of boxing with one of the sport’s undefeated rising stars, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison,” said Michael Yormark, President & Chief of Branding and Strategy for Roc Nation. “FILA is a company with a rich history and tradition in the sport of boxing and we are honored to be able to bring them together with Dusty on this exciting and dynamic partnership. I strongly believe that this partnership with Dusty represents the beginning of a new chapter for FILA in boxing.”

 

Washington, DC’s Dusty Hernandez-Harrison made his professional debut as the youngest licensed professional fighter in the United States on June 11, 2011, just a month after his 17th birthday. Twenty-four straight victories would follow before Hernandez-Harrison headlined Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by FOX Sports 1 on January 9, 2015, capturing the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship with a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory over Tommy “The Razor” Rainone. Since then, he’s continued his winning ways, scoring three more wins, including a first round knockout over James Wayka in his last fight on September 26. OnDec. 5, he’ll look to keep that momentum going in a ten-round welterweight bout from the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida which will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Hernandez-Harrison will be decked out in FILA gear during the fight’s official weigh-on on Friday, Dec. 4, the day before the fight.

boxing, HBO Boxing

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV VOWS TO BRING EXPLOSIVE FIGHT TO ALEXANDER BRAND

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HOUSTON, TX (December 2, 2015) – Undefeated WBA #12 and WBC #13 light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), vows to bring an explosive fight to Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) when the two face each other this Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  The scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latinobeginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
“First impressions last forever and I’m going make mine a memorable one with an explosive fight,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov. “Fans can expect me to throw some big bombs, “B-52″ style, against Brand who I know is coming to fight.  Fighting on HBO is something I’ve been working toward since I became a professional boxer and I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese for making this fight.  I’ll be looking to end the fight early, that you can bank on.”
“Savarese and I believe Bektemirov can become the next big star in the light heavyweight division.” saidGary Shaw. “He’s up against a very good fighter and he knows what’s on the line.  The fans are in for a treat this Saturday and I can’t wait to see “B-52″ drop some bombs.”
“There’s a nice buzz about this fight because both guys are going to leave everything in the ring come fight night,” said Lou Savarese. “Bektemirov has the opportunity to take his career to the next level with a victory and I believe he’ll come out on top.”
Tickets are priced at $60, $35 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT

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WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA

ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FL LIVE ON HBO® LATINO

 

NEW YORK, NY – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce their next co-promotion as part of the HBO Latino Boxing series. On Saturday, Dec. 5, former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will take on undefeated Rafael Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a ten-round featherweight showdown from the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

In the televised co-feature, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (28-0, 15 KOs) will take on Steve Claggett (23-1-3, 16 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight co-featured bout. Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be a ten-round light heavyweight tilt featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs) which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.

 

Tickets are priced at $67 and $35. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 19 at 12:00 PM ET and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com andwww.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I’m very happy with my team and blessed by God to have the opportunity to do what I do best which is fight,” said Vazquez Jr. “I can see that Rivera is an excellent fighter looking to go far in this business, but I am coming to give it my all. I need to overcome this challenge in order to climb back to a number one rating and win a world title belt. It’s always exciting to be part of this great rivalry between Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and this one won’t be an exception.”

 

“It’s a real honor to be able to fight a former world champion and to do it on national television with HBO Latino,” said Rivera. “I’m young and hungry to be successful in the sport of boxing and I can’t wait to trade shots with Papito Vazquez.”

 

“Once again, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are committed to providing fight fans with an action-packed night of boxing onDec. 5,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing, Roc Nation Sports. “The HBO Latino broadcast will showcase three exciting fights featuring some of the brightest young talents in the sport.”

 

“We are excited to come back to Orlando, Florida to give the fans great fights,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “OnDec. 5, Vazquez Jr. has the opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to be at the top level of boxing when he faces a tough Mexican fighter that is hungry and willing to make a great fight. This will be another great chapter in the storied rivalry of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. has emerged from the large shadow of his father, Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo Vazquez, to make a name for himself inside the squared circle.  The 30-year-old former world champion from Bayamon is on a quest to capture a world title belt in the featherweight division.  After storming out of the gates with an 18 fight unbeaten streak, Vazquez captured the WBO junior featherweight world championship by defeating then fellow unbeaten Marvin Sonsona via a fourth round knockout on February 27, 2010 in his hometown.  Two successful title defenses followed before Vazquez lost his title to Three-Time World Champion Jorge Arce in an all-out war that the judges had a draw at the time of the twelfth round stoppage. Another world title challenge came against Six-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire on February 2, 2012, but Vazquez came up short, dropping a split decision to the champion.  In his last bout on June 6,Vazquez lost via a unanimous decision against Fernando Vargas in an eight-round bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale. Dec. 5 is a true crossroads fight for the former world champion.

 

Undefeated featherweight boxer Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera made his pro debut on Aril 27, 2012 against Mario Lemus and came out with a technical knockout win in the second round. Since drawing in two of his next four fights, Rivera has reeled off 17 wins with 12 of them coming by way of knockout. In his last fight, Rivera scored an eight round unanimous decision win against Cancun, Mexico native Ruben Garcia in an eight round bout at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. On Dec. 5, Rivera will look to hold on to his undefeated record when he battles Vazquez Jr.

 

Washington, DC’s Dusty Hernandez-Harrison made his professional debut as the youngest licensed professional fighter in the United States on June 11, 2011, less than a month following his 17th birthday. Twenty-four straight victories would follow before Hernandez-Harrison headlined Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by FOX Sports 1 on January 9, 2015, capturing the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship with a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory over Tommy “The Razor” Rainone. Since then, he’s continued his winning ways, scoring three more wins, including a first round knockout over James Wayka in his last fight on September 26. On the 5th of Dec., he’ll look to keep that momentum going against Steve Claggett.

 

Claggett (23-3-1), from Alberta, Canada, holds the Canada Professional Boxing Council welterweight title over his most recent fight over Stuart McLennan in a third round TKO and the Canada Welterweight Title from his win by unanimous decision earlier this year against Tebor Brosch. He looks to finish his winning year, and Hernandez-Harrison’s unbeaten streak, onDec. 5.

 

Bogota, Colombia native Alexander Brand is riding a seven fight winning streak dating back to July 2012. That streak began following his only professional defeat which came at the hands of current World Champion Badou Jack via an eight-round split decision on May 11, 2012. Since that fight, Brand has passed every ring test with flying colors, notching seven consecutive victories. In his last bout on August 9, he defeated Bernard Donfack by unanimous decision. He faces the sternest test of his professional career on Dec. 5 when he faces Bektemirov.

 

Born in Makhachkala, Russia, Medzhid Bektemirov began his professional career in 2009 in Houston Texas, where he currently resides. The undefeated Bektemirov’s 16-0 record includes 12 KOs. He most recently fought on April 18, 2015 at the University of Texas against Michael Gbenga, where he won an eight-round bout by unanimous decision. He looks to stay undefeated against Brand on Dec. 5.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida and will be televised live on HBO Latino. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

boxing, Roc Nation

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON + DUSTIN FLEISCHER FIGHT RESULTS FROM SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

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On Saturday, September 26, Dusty-Hernandez-Harrison earned his 15th knockout against James Wayka (16-14-1, 8 KO’s) of Green Bay Wisconsin at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, Virginia. Hernandez-Harrison stopped Wayka at 1:18 of the first round with a flurry of body punches that followed a knockdown.

 

PHOTO: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uehfztj75nzytfi/AADEBku5fqehDb68TApYw7DVa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Emmanuel Canjuras

 

Hailing from Washington, D.C. with an undefeated professional record of 28-0 (15 KO’s), Hernandez-Harrison is the number 15 rated welterweight in the world by the WBC and the reigning WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Champion. At the time of his first pro bout at the age of 17, Hernandez-Harrison had compiled an amateur record of 167-30, winning several Ringside World Championships, National Silver Gloves Championships and three straight National Golden Gloves Championships from 2007 to 2009.

 

Also, on Saturday, September 26, Dustin “The White Tiger” Fleischer took on Ira Frank (1-0, 1 KO) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin in a four-round welterweight bout at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Beach Haven, New Jersey. Fleischer secured his fourth knockout in four professional outings, preserving his perfect record at 2:53 of the first round with a viscous right hand to the head.

 

New Jersey native and Two-Time State Golden Gloves Champion Fleischer is on a quest to become the first grandson of a Holocaust survivor to be crowned world champion.  With an amateur record of 112-18, Fleischer is a protégé of 1996 Olympic Head Coach Alfred Mitchell and the youngest graduate of the U.S. Olympic Education Center for boxing at the age of 16.Fleischer made his professional debut on January 9, 2015 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden during Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Frank Jordan in a fight that was televised live on FOX Sports 1.

 

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About Roc Nation Sports

Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports lead to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, helping athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been helping artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents world champions Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Frances Tiafoe, Justise Winslow and Willie Cauley-Stein.