Tag Archives: featherweight

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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO LIVE STREAM JAMES DEGALE & LEE SELBY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS SATURDAY DECEMBER 9 LIVE ON YOUTUBE AND FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVELY TO THE U.S. AUDIENCE

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SHOWTIME Remains The Only Network To Offer Live Boxing On Social Platforms In The U.S.

 

Live Coverage From London Includes DeGale vs. Caleb Truax And Selby vs. Eduardo Ramirez, Plus 175-Pound Prospect Anthony Yarde And The U.S. Introduction To Unbeaten Heavyweight Daniel Dubois

 

NEW YORK – November 29, 2017 – SHOWTIME Sports will live stream a world-class boxing event – including two world championship bouts – free to the U.S. audience on social media platforms Saturday, December 9 to close out the network’s industry-leading 2017 boxing schedule.  The digital-only offering will be exclusive in the U.S. on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. 

 

IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1-1, 14 KOs) will headline as he defends his title against former world title challenger Caleb Truax (28-3-2, 18 KOs) in DeGale’s first fight since a thrilling bout with Badou Jack in a 168-pound world championship unification match last January on SHOWTIME. 

 

In the streaming co-feature, IBF Featherweight World Champion Lee Selby (20-1, 9 KOs) will take on undefeated contender Eduardo Ramirez (20-0-3, 7 KOs), while undefeated light heavyweight Anthony Yarde (13-0, 12 KOs) will face former world title challenger Nikola Sjekloca (32-4-1, 11 KOs).  The opening fight of the live stream will feature the U.S. introduction to 20-year-old undefeated heavyweight Daniel Dubois (5-0, 5 KOs) as he takes on former Anthony Joshua foe Dorian Darch (12-5-1, 1 KOs).

 

Live coverage, provided by BoxNation and BT Sport, will begin at approximately 2:50 p.m. ET/11:50 a.m. PT with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling and Richie Woodhall calling all the action.

 

SHOWTIME is the only network to offer live streaming coverage of boxing on social media platforms in the U.S., having first done so in 2016 with the presentation of two heavyweight world championship bouts live on YouTube. 

 

In 2017, SHOWTIME was the first network to offer live boxing on Twitter with Adrien Broner vs. Adrian Granados (February 18).  SHOWTIME also live streamed two other boxing events in 2017: super middleweights George Groves vs. Fedor Chudinov on May 27 and heavyweights Jarrell Miller vs. Gerald Washington on July 29. 

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation™ Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

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Demetrius Andrade wins 12-round unanimous decision over Alantez Fox in Middleweight Debut

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Televised Live on HBO Boxing After Dark®

Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover remain perfect in non-televised action

All Photo Credits: Emily Harney / Banner Promotions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Verona, NY (OCT. 21 2017) -Two-Time undefeated world champion Demetrius Andrade made a successful debut as a middleweight by winning a dominant 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alantez Fox at The Turning Stone Resort Casino.
The bout was the co-feature bout of an HBO Boxing After Dark® tripleheader
In round one, Andrade rocked Fox with a blistering straight left hand.  Fox was wobbled badly, and Andrade jumped on Fox.  After landing several hard follow up shots, Fox was able to hold on and get out of the first frame.  Andrade was dominant as he continued to land swift combinations at will.  That opening flurry caused Fox to engage very sporadically during the fight
In round seven, Fox was awarded a dubious knockdown when Andrade slipped on the wet canvas.  Television replays showed that Fox did not even land a punch during that exchange.
That was the only blemish for Andrade, as he controlled the action by using his superior skills on both the inside and landing crisp and sharp punches on the outside and he cruised home to the victory.  Compubox punch stats showed the dominance of Andrade as he outlanded Fox 158-52 over the 12-round bout with Andrade winning the power shots by a 132-29 margin.
Those stats were evident in the scoring as Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island won by scores of 118-110, 118-109, and 116-111 to push his perfect mark to 25-0.
Fox loses for the first time, and the native of Forestville, Maryland is now 23-1-1.
ANDRADE QUOTES
“I did what I had to do in there.  I think I did very well, but I will look at the fight and then give myself a grade after that,” said Andrade.
“I did everything I needed to do.  It was a great experience to go 12 rounds at this weight.  Fox is a tough kid, and after I hurt him early in the first round, he recovered well.  He wasn’t sloppy and he knew how to survive, so that is why I did not finish him.”
“I took my time and I needed the 12 rounds.  I knew I could hurt him and had the pop to do it.”
“I will go back and work on putting a little more pop on my punches and I feel that I can do a lot of damage.”
“He was a big test.  Nobody would step up and face him, and I did.  This is why I am the best, because I am willing to face anybody.  Fox is a good fighter and he will do damage down the line, but like I told everybody before the fight, Look out It’s me again!.”
In non-televised action, Ruben Villa remained perfect by winning a six-round unanimous decision over German Meraz in a featherweight bout.
Villa controlled the action against the 100 fight veteran Meraz.  Villa won by shutout margins on all cards by the scores of 60-54 which made Villa of Salinas, California raise his mark to 9-0.  Meraz of Agua, Prieta, Mexico is 54-45-1.
The card opened up with Michael Dutchover beating down and eventually stopping Anthony De Jesus Ruiz in round four of their six-round lightweight bout.
Dutchover landed heavy blows throughout the contest and had Ruiz in trouble several times before the bout was stopped at 2:42 of round four.
Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California via Midland, Texas is now 7-0 with five knockouts.  Ruiz of San Luis Potosi, Mexico is now 2-4.
The Andrade – Fox bout was promoted by Banner Promotions, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and A-Team Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The Villa – Meraz & Dutchover – Ruiz fights were promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing .
Twitter, Instagram: @StarBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/starboxing
Youtube: youtube.com/starboxing
Host of the October 21st event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is an award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The October event will mark Turning Stone’s 23rd nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone is celebrated for its noteworthy boxing events such as boxing legend Mike Tyson selecting the resort as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and in April 2015, Turning Stone was selected to host “Fight of the Year” contender – Matthysse vs. Provodnivkov – over arenas in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Miami.  Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.
Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale now and available for $65 for ringside seats and others priced at $25, $30, $40 and $49, plus any applicable fees.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).
Corrales vs. Machado is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super World Super Featherweight Championship, to be held Saturday, October 21 at the Turning Stone in Verona, New York. The main event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by TECATE, THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Thor: Ragnarok, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.
Professional media requesting credentials for Corrales vs. Machado must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CorralesMachado into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone; and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #CorralesMachado
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Heralded Prospects Ruben Villa and Michael Dutchover to appear on non-televised undercard this Saturday night at Turning Stone Resort Casino

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PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2017) – Heralded prospects, featherweight Ruben Villa (8-0, 4KOs) and junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (6-0, 4 KOs) will return to action this Saturday night on the non-televised portion of an HBO Boxing After Dark® card at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
Villa of Salinas, California will take on 103 fight veteran German Meraz in a featherweight bout, while Dutchover of Santa Fe Springs, California via Midland, Texas will fight Anthony De Jesus Ruiz in a junior lightweight contest. 
Villa and Dutchover are co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
Both are training in Santa Fe Springs, California and are ready for their 2nd appearances on the East Coast.
Each fighter chimed in with thoughts on their respective battles.
“Everything has gone good in training camp.  I just fought four weeks ago, but I stay ready and that is the case now. I am ready for Saturday night,” said Villa.
Meraz is by far the most veteran opponent that Villa has faced.  He has been in the ring with 25 undefeated opponents and 9 world champions.
“I just need to be patient against him.  He has over 100 fights and knows his way around the ring.  If a knockout presents itself then I have to take it, but I want to display my skills.”
Being on a big card has the 20 year-old Villa excited, and he is looking to endear himself to the New York fight crowd.
“I am excited to be fighting on a bigger show.  It motivates me to do better and get on the broadcast someday soon.  It is very exciting to be on these types of events.”
This will be the ninth bout for Villa in just fifteen months he is very happy about the progress of his career.
“When I signed the plan was to be active, and that has been the case.  I would like to get one more fight in this year.  But I first I am very excited to put on a great performance on Saturday night.”
Dutchover has moved his camp from Texas to California, and the results have been very good as he heads into his bout on Saturday.
Photo by Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing
“Everything is going great.  I just fought last month, and I felt good.  I am ready to go back to the east coast, and put on a great show.”
Like Villa, Dutchover was very impressive in his east coast debut on April 14th, and he is looking to cement himself as one of the top prospects in the junior lightweight division.
“This is nothing new.  I have fought on big shows before in the amateurs. The ring is my home.  As long as I am in the ring, I will do my thing and put on an impressive performance.”
Even though Dutchover has very little to go on when it comes to scouting Ruiz, Dutchover is already a young veteran and is leaving no stone unturned.
“I do not know much about him, but I am prepared for anything he will bring, and then I will adjust.  I have had many different sparring partners with diverse styles, so that gets me ready for any opponent.”
“I planned for this, and I train hard.  I am always ready when I get the call for a fight.  I am glad that I have been busy, and I have been improving with each fight, and next year should be a good year in my career.  I have a mentality that if I train hard, the fight is easy.  When I get in the ring, I just like to have fun.”

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
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Ruben Villa Receives Local Award for Community Building Efforts

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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2017) – Ruben Villa (7-0, 4 KOs), one of boxing’s brightest, young talents in the featherweight division, recently received an award for his community building presence in his hometown of Salinas, Calif.
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors recognized Team Villa Boxing, a non-profit gym, for creating a safe space for low-income youths in East Salinas. Through grants, Team Villa Boxing offers free boxing and physical fitness lessons to select youths.
“I was really surprised that we were honored with the award because we only found out about it the day before,” Villa said. “We are obviously very happy about it, but we don’t do it for the recognition. It’s all about helping the community. There’s not much opportunity out here so we have to give the kids additional chances to succeed.”
“Ruben cares about his community and wants to be a positive role model to the local kids,” said Danny Zamora, Villa’s manager. “The gym offers a safe and productive outlet for young kids and keeps them from getting into trouble.”
For those that are unaware, Salinas has an ongoing struggle with drug related gang violence. The Villa family, in an effort to pull local kids away from a life of crime, formed the gym three years ago. When not conducting training camps in Riverside, Calif., Villa stays sharp at the gym that bears his name.
Villa received the honor as part of the “National Night Out” event hosted by the City of Salinas.
The public awareness event, which drew thousands to the Salinas Soccer Complex, aimed to strengthen community relations with law enforcement and other public safety personnel such as firefighters and first responders.
Villa marks his return to the ring on a Thompson Boxing card Friday, Sept. 22 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. An opponent will be announced at a later date.
Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.
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Ruben Villa remains undefeated with 5th round stoppage in Ontario, California

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (May 22, 2017) – Top featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (6-0, 4 KOs) continues to impress early in his professional career. Villa, a southpaw fighting out of Salinas, Calif., picked apart Anthony de Jesus Ruiz (2-3, 2 KOs) to win by fifth round technical knockout.
Villa, who was naturally bigger than Ruiz, unloaded a serious of damaging shots in the fifth round. By that point, Ruiz had already absorbed a great deal of punishment and his corner wisely put an end to the onslaught at the 2:43 mark. 
“My jab was working well all night,” said Villa, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “I worked off backing him up with the jab and then that opened up a lot of angles for me to land power shots.”
“Ruben looked fantastic on Fridaynight,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He looked really comfortable and was in firm control of the fight from start to finish. He managed to fight a patient, yet aggressive fight to secure another knockout win.”
“We have been very happy with Ruben’s development.  He is shaping to be the fighter we believe he will be,” said Banner Promotions vice-president, Matthew Rowland.  “He is going to have a big future.”
The fight can be viewed on Thompson Boxing Promotions Facebook page.
Connect with Ruben Villa on social media: Instagram: RubenV4 , Facebook: Ruben Villa IV , & Twitter: @Ruben_Villa4 .
Photo Credit:  Carlos Baeza/Thompson Boxing
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Oscar Escandon Training Camp Quotes & Photos 

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Top Featherweight Challenger Battles Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. in Main Event Showdown Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland on 

SHOWTIME®

 

Click HERE for Photos from Team Escandon/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (May 15, 2017) – Top 126-pound challenger Oscar Escandon shares his thoughts on training camp and more ahead of his first world title opportunity against WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. Saturday, May 20 on SHOWTIME from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui battling for the IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a 140-pound world title eliminator. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
Tickets for the live event at MGM National Harbor, promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/.
Here is what Escandon had to say from Las Vegas before he wraps camp and heads east to headline at MGM National Harbor in Maryland:
On his recent training camp:
“Training camp started off in Gilroy, California where we got a lot of good sparring in the Bay Area.  But then we moved camp to Las Vegas where we are training in high elevation.  We are running up at Mt. Charleston where the elevation is 8400 feet.  All in all, it has been a fantastic camp.”
On fighting in his first main event on SHOWTIME:
“It’s a dream come true to be fighting on SHOWTIME, especially in the main event for a world title. I believe the fans watching will enjoy my fighting style. I always bring excitement to the ring. This will be a fan-friendly fight to watch.”
On facing his opponent, champion Gary Russell Jr:
“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the best fighters in the division. I know it’s not going to be an easy task to defeat him but I’m confident in my ability to come out victorious. I will dig deep and impose my will on him.”
On training with head coach Ruben Guerrero:
“Together Ruben and I get along very well. He’s always there for me when I need him.  We are doing everything to get better and we’ll be ready to go. We have a nice game plan that we will display on fight night.”
On what a victory will do for his career:
“This is the biggest fight of my career and a win will lead to bigger and better things, like unification bouts. To capture the WBC world title will be an honor for my team and my people of Colombia. I need to win this fight and capture that WBC title. I can see myself in major fights with a victory.”
ABOUT RUSSELL JR. vs. ESCANDON
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Oscar Escandon is a featherweight world championship showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, May 20 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. Televised coverage begins on SHOWTIME at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui in a matchup for the Interim IBF Super Middleweight World Championship plus two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in a WBA 140-pound world title eliminator against Kiryl Relikh. In the telecast opener, from Copper Box Arena in London, Gervonta Davis puts his IBF Jr. Lightweight Title on the line against Liam Walsh.
For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. Defends His Belt Against Top Challenger Oscar Escandon Saturday, May 20 From MGM National Harbor in Maryland & Live on SHOWTIME

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Tickets Now on Sale!

 

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (April 7, 2017) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon Saturday, May 20 in themain event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland live on SHOWTIME.
The Maryland-native Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) and the WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) will battle in one of boxing’s most talented divisions that continues to deliver exciting action fight after fight. A lineup of exciting co-featured attractions will be announced next week.
“I’m a gladiator getting ready for a tough battle,” said Russell Jr. “This is going to be a huge night for my family and I’m glad that the time is here. This will be the first time as pros that I get to fight on the same card as both of my little brothers, (unbeaten bantamweight) Gary Antonio and (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne, plus my brother Gary Allan will work all of our corners. We’re excited to get in the ring and show the fans what we’re capable of doing in the ring.”
“I’ve had to wait for this opportunity to face Gary Russell Jr. and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Escandon. “It’s going to be a great fight and I know the fans are going to get their money’s worth. I feel 100 percent healthy and now that the fight is here I am ready to knock him out.”
Tickets for the live event promoted by TGB Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go tohttp://mgmnationalharbor.com/. The main event is co-promoted by Sampson Boxing. This bout was originally scheduled to take place on March 11 but was rescheduled after Escandon suffered a back injury in training camp. Fans who bought tickets for the March 11 show will have their tickets honored on May 20.
“This is going to be a great night of boxing,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The featherweight division is very hot right now with the recent wins by Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. There is something very special going on in the division and this will be another memorable fight. Escandon is a tough warrior who has proven time and again that he doesn’t care about going on the road or where he fights. There are great boxing fans in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region and they are in-store for an exciting night on May 20.”
A speedy and supremely talented boxer, Russell Jr., was impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of the battle-tested Jhonny Gonzalez that earned him the title in March 2015. The 2008 U.S. Olympian had scored important victories over Vyacheslav Gusev, Juan Ruiz and Miguel Tamayo before losing a majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO 126-pound title in June 2014. The southpaw, of Capitol Heights, Md., most recently scored a dominant second-round TKO victory over Patrick Hyland in his first title defense in April 2016.
Fighting out of Ibague, Colombia, Escandon turned pro in 2008 and was undefeated in his first 22 professional bouts. Escandon won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2014 when he defeated Tyson Cave in his U.S. debut. He earned his shot at Russell Jr. last March when he survived an early knockdown to score a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in the seventh round of their showdown in Washington, D.C.
For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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FORTUNA RENEWS PROMOTIONAL AGREEMENT WITH SAMPSON BOXING

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Former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (31-1-1, 22 KOs) has renewed his long-term promotional agreement with promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing.
From La Romana, Dominican Republic, the 27-year-old Fortuna has won two straight since dropping his super featherweight belt in a shocker against Jason Sosa in June 2016. He came back with an impressive two-round blowout of fellow Dominican Marlyn Cabrera in September 2016 and then, in November took the undefeated record of Delaware’s Omar “Super O” Douglas by unanimous decision.
“Sampson Lewkowicz is and always will be my promoter,” said Fortuna. “He has done right by me and my career at every turn. I will be world champion again with Sampson in my corner.”
Lewkowicz, who says he’s working on a big fight for Fortuna, says Fortuna has become like family.

“Javier is a son to me. I am honored to be his promoter and look forward to continuing to work for him. He is a great champion with many great fights left. After he won his first title, he told me we would work together for his entire career and he has kept his word. I will do everything to make him a champion again.”
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Yohan Vasquez positioning himself for world featherweight title shot;   Dominican featherweight takes on unbeaten Maikol Beaumont 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27 in Santiago, Dominican Republic
NEW YORK CITY (March 13, 2017) – World-class featherweight Yohan “La Fiera” Vasquez (18-1, 16 KOs) will put his world ratings on the line, March 27 at home in an eight-round bout against undefeated Venezuelan prospect Maikol “La Perla” Maikin Beaumont (12-0-1, 7 KOs), at New Monte Bar in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
The 22-year-old Vasquez is a former Interim World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion. A dangerous puncher who also boxes effectively, he is currently world rated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at No. 13, as well as No. 15 by the WBC.
In his most recent fight, Vasquez knocked out former world champion Richard Carrillo (24-6) in the second-round, last November in the Dominican Republic.  The Dominican knockout artist is riding a   13-fight win streak, dating back to 2014, into his risky confrontation with Beaumont later this month.
Beaumont, 22, is the reigning Venezuelan featherweight champion who will be fighting outside of his native country for the first time against Vasquez.
“Yohan is like a Tazmanian Devil,” Havoc Boxing CEO Rob Diaz said.  “He just goes into the ring and starts attacking his opponent.  We’ve told him to take his time but he likes to crack. He’s a young fighter on the rise but still green.  He has the skill, heart and determination to make it to the top.
“Our plan is to keep him banging out opponents, rising in the rankings, and eventually proving to all the fighters in his division that he belongs with the best.  We’re taking it one fight at a time, though.  Havoc Boxing will keep pushing Yohan until he gets in position for a world title shot. We’re very excited about his potential and development.”
Havoc Boxing Promotions is a division of Havoc Boxing, which is known throughout boxing for its flashy, totally unique looking boxing “uniforms” – trunks and jackets – and other clothing merchandise and accessories.
In addition to Vasquez, Havoc also promotes Nicaraguan lightweight Oliver “Trombita” Flores (27-3-2, 17 KOs), the former world title challenger, in addition to a pair of Colombian fighters, super bantamweight Wilner Soto (16-1, 8 KOs) and former world cruiserweight title challenger Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado (27-4, 21 KOs).
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @HavocBoxingNYC
Instagram:  @havoc_ceo
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

LEO SANTA CRUZ RECLAIMS WBA FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN REMATCH WITH CARL FRAMPTON SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

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Mikey Garcia Knocks Out Dejan Zlaticanin To Become Three-Division World Champion; VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2kGcUC9

 

An Encore Presentation of Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Telecast Will Air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME

 

Click HERE For Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 28, 2017) – Leo Santa Cruz reclaimed the WBA Featherweight Championship, executing a brilliant game plan to dethrone Carl Frampton in a rematch of their epic first fight in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday in front of 10,085 raucous fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

With the scores 114-114 draw, and 115-113 twice, both fighters now own a majority decision and promised to settle the score in a trilogy.

 

The fight picked up where the champions left off last July in Brooklyn with tremendous action and back and forth exchanges, but it became immediately evident that Santa Cruz had adjusted his game plan.  The three-division world titlist worked off the jab, fought with patience at range and picked his spots perfectly.  The brawler out-boxed the boxer.

 

Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) was more aggressive in the second half of the fight and attacked on the inside, but his aggression opened him up to effective counter shots from Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs).

 

Santa Cruz, who has made a living with trademark aggression and high volume output, was clearly more patient in the second fight.  He threw 884 punches, well below his division-leading average, including over 400 jabs.  Frampton, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, managed to throw nearly 600 punches, but he connected at just 22 percent.

 

As was the case in the first fight, the rematch was fought at times at a blistering pace, especially in the second half.  Frampton and Santa Cruz combined to throw 193 punches in the final round, 90 of which were thrown by Frampton, the most he threw in any round of the fight.

 

“Before the fight, I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard,” said the 28-year-old Santa Cruz.  “I went to the gym and I worked hard and I did what I had to do.

 

“My head was telling me to go forward and pressure him, but my dad and corner were telling me to box him. That’s what I had to do. I always fight for the fans, but tonight I fought for myself too.”

 

Leading into the rematch, it became evident that Santa Cruz and Frampton were perhaps forever linked.  Santa Cruz had promised to earn back his title and grant Frampton a rematch, while Frampton didn’t shy away from expressing his desire to make their rivalry a trilogy.  VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2jDj48u

 

“Of course I want the rematch,” Santa Cruz said after the fight.  “I’m a man of my word and I said if I won I would give him the trilogy.  Carl Frampton is a good fighter.  Let’s make a third fight.”

 

The two-division titlist Frampton, who was the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year, told SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray that Santa Cruz deserved the decision.

 

“It was a very tough fight,” said Frampton, who turns 30 years old next month.  “Some of the rounds were close.  I really think Leo deserved it.  He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault.  I’m sorry. We will have to do it again.  We have to do it again.

 

“He was very clever and he used his reach.  I think he deserved it.  I’m being honest.  But it was a very good fight.  I think I can perform slightly better.  No excuses.

 

“Let’s do it again. I hope he’s a man of his word and comes to Belfast.  I hope he does.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA KNOCKS OUT DEJAN ZLATICANIN

Mikey Garcia became a three-division world champion with a vicious third-round knockout of previously undefeated defending WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin in the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

 

The rousing and definitive victory marked Garcia’s return to boxing’s elite.  The Oxnard, Calif., native was an undefeated two-division champion when he entered a two-and-a-half year layoff due to promotional issues.  He returned last July on SHOWTIME with an impressive performance and made a statement on Saturday by capturing a title in a third weight class in just his second fight in three years.

 

Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) kept Zlaticanin off balance and out of range with his jab, setting up powerful rights that repeatedly backed up his opponent.  The 29-year-old hurt Zlaticanin with a flush right uppercut in the final minute of the third, followed by a punishing and perfectly timed right that immediately knocked the Montenegrin out cold.  Zlaticanin remained on the canvas for several minutes before returning to his feet as a concerned Garcia paced the ring.

 

It was the first time Zlaticanin (18-1, 11 KOs), the most avoided fighter at 135 pounds, was ever hurt or knocked down.

 

“I’m thankful Dejan, my opponent, is okay now,” Garcia said. “We never wish any bad on anyone in this sport and I’m glad he was able to get up and be OK.  I wished him a great career still, and he said thank you.  I told him he’s still a champion.  Once a champion, always a champion.

 

“He kept coming in and I saw the opportunity for the uppercut.  He was hurt.  When he turned back to look at me I knew he was hurt and I went for the overhand right.  I saw it in his eyes.  It was just the perfect time and perfect distance.

 

“I think the layoff allowed me to reignite my fire and my passion and bring back that love for the sport.  And in that two-and-a-half year layoff I always had the support of my loyal fans.”

 

Garcia now sets his sites on unifying the lightweight division.  WBA Lightweight World Champion Jorge Linares and former titlist Anthony Crolla will fight in a highly anticipated rematch on March 25 live on SHOWTIME from Manchester, England.  The WBC, the belt Garcia picked up on Saturday, has mandated that the winner of Linares vs. Crolla II must face the winner of Zlaticanin vs. Garcia.

 

“I’m available to unify any titles. If we can get the organizations to come together and unify titles we would love that. Maybe move up to 140 pounds by the end of the year.”

 

Zlaticanin, who was the first champion in the history of Montenegro, was frustrated with his performance and inability to execute his game plan.

 

“I was just getting ready to pick it up a little bit and I got between the ropes and then he hit me with a good, hard punch,” Zlaticanin said.

 

“Mikey is a good fighter without a doubt.  I never was able to get into the fight.  I was pressuring and trying to break him down in the early rounds.”

 

SHOWTIME BOXING ON SHOWTIME EXTREME RESULTS

Ivan Redkach outclassed Demond Brock, utilizing effective uppercuts and body shots en route to an eighth-round knockout victory (2:30) on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Once a highly-touted prospect, Redkach (20-2-1, 16 KOs) was looking to get back to his winning ways after entering 1-2-1 in his last four bouts.  He stamped his return by closing the show in impressive fashion in the eighth and final round, flooring Brock with two big left hooks with little more than one minute left in the fight.  Brock (13-4-1, 4 KOs) beat the count but was on unsteady legs and defenseless against a barrage of combo shots, forcing referee Jay Nady to step in and halt the contest with just 30 seconds left on the clock.

 

“I’m very excited. I couldn’t be happier,” Redkach said.  “I want to thank Team Santa Cruz.   They are my family.  We had a great camp and I can’t wait to see Leo fight.  I’m just so happy I won the fight.”

 

Highly-regarded super middleweight prospect David Benavidez made quick work Sherali Mamadjanov, knocking down the previously once-beaten fighter twice en route to a second round TKO (1:04).

 

The 20-year-old Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs) floored Mamadjanov (14-2, 7 KOs) with just seconds left in the first round with a vicious left hook to the stomach followed by a straight right.  It was the first time the Uzbekistan native had touched the canvas in his professional career.  Benavidez connected with another big left hook to the body one minute into the second, Mamadjanov got up but was clearly unsteady and Russell Mora immediately halted the contest.

 

The Phoenix native connected on 55 percent of his power shots, while Mamadjanov landed just one power punch.

 

“I am a little disappointed because I wanted to give the crowd a spectacular knockout,” Benavidez said.  “This is my first time fighting at MGM Grand and I will never forget it.  The atmosphere here is amazing.  This fight week has been the best experience of my life.

 

“I want to continue to fight as much as I can.  I want to perfect my craft, train as hard as I can and be the best that I can be.”

 

Super lightweight prospect Josh Taylor won a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over a game Alfonso Olvera, scored 79-72, 78-73 twice, in the opening bout of SHOWTIME BOXING on SHOWTIME EXTREME.  Taylor, who entered the bout with a perfect record of 7-0 with seven knockouts, was extended past the fifth round for the first time in his career.

 

Taylor (8-0, 7 KOs) broke down Olvera (8-3-1, 3 KOs) with a steady diet of body shots, a sharp jab and effective counter punching.  The 2012 Olympic representative for Scotland landed 57 percent of his power shots and 43 percent of his total punches, while Olvera connected at just a 17 percent clip.

 

“I wasn’t surprised he didn’t go down,” Taylor said.  “I wasn’t looking for the knockout. Just wanted to get the win.

 

“He was very awkward.  I couldn’t get going like I wanted to, but I did get some shots off and felt like I hurt him at times.”

 

Taylor’s trainer Shane McGuigan said, “I’m happy with his performance.  It wasn’t his best, but he did enough to win.  He is young.  He is still a novice.  I’m looking forward to continuing to see his progress and what he will do moving forward.”

 

The fight was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions and was sponsored by Corona La Cerveza Mas Fina.