Tag Archives: Florida

Combat Sports Trainer Orlando Cuellar to be inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame November 23rd in Tampa

October 28, 2024 FNU47 Leave a comment

TAMPA (October 23, 2024) – Veteran combat sports trainer Orlando Cuellar has had to purchase a larger display case for all the awards he has received during his 40-year career as a combat sports trainer.

Another prestigious award will be added when Cuellar is inducted into the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame at a special ceremony on November 23rd in Tampa, Florida.

Cuellar has perfected his craft during the past several decades, starting in Miami, relocating in Las Vegas for a while and then several years in New York City. Orlando made a full circle back to Miami, where he has enjoyed his most success since he created his base there as a world-class professional boxing trainer, renowned strike coach in mixed-martial-arts, and highly respected mentor in bare-knuckle fighting as a trainer. Cuellar has also trained fighters in training camps around the world.

His remarkable coaching career has resulted in building and fine-tuning numerous world champions in boxing, MMA, and bare-knuckle fighting, as well as being the trainer/coach of a record-setting feat when his bare-knuckle fighter stopped his opponent in 3-seconds four years ago for the world’s fastest combat sports knockout.

“I’m truly honored and humbled for this wonderful recognition from the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame with its long history,” Cuellar said. “I’m looking forward to the induction ceremony on November 23^rd in Tampa.”

Cuellar was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021 and International Martial Arts Hall of Fame this year, in addition to receiving the Coaches Championship Belt last year from the National Boxing Association (NBA) in association with the World Boxing Association (WBA), selected as the 2004 Trainer of the Year by Boxing Scene, and nominated several times as Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers of America Association (BWAA). He also received a Special Achievement Award in 2020 from the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

Master trainers like Cuellar teach their fighters, not just instruct them in the corner and hold pads. His experience is invaluable in terms of the overall success of his many combat sports fighters.

Currently, Cuellar’s latest project is Gallery Department’s Founder and Artist, Josué Thomas, who is one of Cuellar’s high-profile students, and has his sights set on Celebrity Boxing.

Josué Thomas & Orlando Cuellar

The legend continues for “Coach” Orlando Cuellar, also known in venues and gyms around the world as, “Commanderzero.”

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Coyle to defend NABA title December 11 in Orlando

November 15, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Orlando, FL (November 7, 2022) – NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle will defend his title against knockout artist Anibal Cleto Francisco in a battle of unbeatens Sunday, December 11 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.

The card takes place during the WBA’s annual Centennial Convention, which is held at the Caribe Royale from December 11-14.

A native of Derry, Northern Ireland who trains out of Pinellas Park, FL Coyle’s 17-0 with 7 knockouts. Coyle became the NABA champion this past May when he earned a hard-fought decision against Antonio Todd. He was slated to face Felix Cash October 8 in England but the entire card was cancelled after main event participant Conor Benn failed a drug test.

Hailing from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, Francisco’s 10-0 with 9 of his victories coming by KO. On July 2, the 22-year-old stopped Yeison Gonzalez in the fifth round to capture the WBA Fedelatin title.

“After the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of Connor’s fight in England, we wanted to find a good opportunity,” said Coyle’s promoter Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “The WBA Centennial Convention is a great event and Connor loves fighting at the Carribe Royale because he’s got a big fan base in Central Florida. He’s already back in the US preparing with Jim McLaughlin for this fight and is planning to put on a great show December 11.”

The card is promoted by Boxlab Promotions.

More information on the card including ticket and broadcast details will be announced shortly.

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Falcao to battle Bonelli March 26 in Orlando, FL

March 10, 2022 FNU47 Leave a comment

Yama 2.png — Tampa, FL (March 8, 2022) – Yamaguchi Falcao will meet heavy-handed Argentine Damian Bonelli for the vacant WBA NABA Gold super middleweight championship Saturday, March 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The ten round Falcao-Bonelli bout airs live on the Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV.

The card is promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions and tickets are on sale now at cariberoyale.com/boxing.

Representing his native Brazil and currently residing in Florida, Falcao’s an outstanding 20-1-1 with 9 of his wins coming by knockout. On February 19, the skilled southpaw destroyed once-beaten Fernando Farias in less than two rounds. A 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, Falcao has his sights set on facing the world’s best 168 pound fighters if all goes as planned against Bonelli.

Known as “El Pollero,” 20 of Bonelli’s 24 victories are via knockout. The Buenos Aires native faced a number of contenders including Maciej Sulecki, Steve Rolls, Magomed Kurbanov, Carlos Gongora, Derrieck Cuevas and Fiodor Czerkaszyn, who were a combined 112-0-1 at the time. On December 4 2020, Bonelli defeated the aforementioned Cuevas (23-0) and is confident he’ll emerge victorious against Falcao.

“This is a great platform for Yama to showcase his skills to fans watching around the world,” said Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Yama looked great his last fight and is fighting more aggressively but Bonelli’s a tough fighter that’s been in with outstanding opposition. This is the type of fight we need to win in impressive fashion.”

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

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Don King Returns to Ohio to Present WBC Cruiserweight Champion Fight on Saturday, Jan. 29 Pitting Makabu & Mchunu

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

Dkp — DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (November 26, 2021)—Homecoming At Last! The fight for the forgotten people (the homeless, poor, and downtrodden people) will benefit from this championship doubleheader.

The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, will return to his home state of Ohio on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, as he presents another blockbuster for the forgotten people, who won’t be forgotten any more, world championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.

The WBC world championship fight **for the love of the people**, will be held at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, OH. In addition to Makabus-Mchunu, a special 10-round heavyweight sensational attraction will pit undefeated Jonathan Guidry (18-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, Louisiana risking his perfect record against Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) of Chattanooga, TN.

King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round world championship fight, and the winner will advance to fight Mexico’s great champion Canelo Alvarez in the month of May.

Alvarez will be ringside in Warren, OH to see who his next opponent will be.

“This is going to be one action packed WBC world championship fight with a very big fight on the horizon for the winner,” said King. “They are both warriors and this war for the recognition of the homeless will start the new year in grand style, recognizing the homeless, and helping others.”

Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December.

Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.

Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019. He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021. Thabiso has won his last four fights.

boxing, Probox Promotions

BOXING’S ‘FUTURE STARS’ TO BE SHOWCASED IN ATLANTA 11/19

November 5, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

November 2nd, 2021 – TAMPA, FL — World class boxing returns to Atlanta as Garry Jonas’ Probox Promotions presents “Future Stars” on November 19th.

Probox Founder Garry Jonas is excited to bring his product to a new market.

“Atlanta has recently shown that it is a boxing town, and we are thrilled to showcase some of our best talent in Buckhead on November 19th.”

In his previous venture, Jonas was owner, founder, and former partner of Mike Tyson in ‘Iron Mike Promotions’. Now he plans on bringing his extensive experience in the boxing business to his new project.

“Probox Promotions has some big plans that will be announced in the near future, and Atlanta fits perfectly into them. We have one of the best young stables in boxing. We are taking the world’s best amateurs and properly transitioning and developing them into professionals. Fight fans in Atlanta will have an opportunity to see that firsthand.”

November 19th will feature undefeated German heavyweight Christian Thun (6-0, 4 KOs). Thun, who is 6’8’’ 270 lbs and was a primary sparring partner for WBC heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, looks to bring the heat to Hotlanta as he is set to face Terrell Jamal Woods – a veteran of eighty-four professional bouts. Thun vs. Woods is scheduled for six rounds.

Top cruiserweight prospect and Atlanta’s own Najee “Chino” Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) continues his professional campaign at home. Lopez, who was a standout amateur and Olympic hopeful for both the United States and Puerto Rico, is coming off of an exciting first-round knockout win over Wallace Nass Silva in August. For his second bout, Lopez is stepping up the competition and is scheduled to fight Anthony Hollaway (3-1-2, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Also from the ATL, and making his anticipated professional debut, is Najee Lopez’s brother Casey “KChamp” Dixon in a four-round super-middleweight bout.

Undefeated super middleweight Mexican knockout sensation Raul Salomon (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to continue his KO streak on November 19th. A decorated amateur, Salomon turned professional in October of 2020 and hasn’t looked back. In that time, he’s managed to stay busy by fighting eight times – finishing all of his opponents.

Also fighting in Atlanta is undefeated super bantamweight prospect Daniil Platonovschi (3-0, 1 KO). Platonovschi, from Moldova, now lives and trains in the Tampa Bay area. Platonovischi’s bout is scheduled for four rounds.

Rounding out ‘Future Stars’ is top lightweight prospect Jusiyah Shirley (2-0, 2 KOs) in along with top local fan favorites such as Headly Scott (16-1, 12 KOs) and Trayvion Butts (3-2, 2 KOs) in separate bouts.

‘Future Stars’ will be held at the Buckhead Fight Club: 3293 Buford HWY NE #500 Atlanta, GA. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at proboxpromotions.us. First bell – 6:30 pm. Fight card subject to change.

Image – ‘Future Stars’ Artwork

ABOUT PROBOX PROMOTIONS

Plant City, Florida based Probox Promotions was created by experienced boxing promoter & manager Garry Jonas in 2021. Probox has quickly amassed a stable of top global boxing talent, including world-ranked contenders as well as top amateur prospects.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GLOBAL STAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ON SHOWTIME PPV

October 30, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

GLOBAL STAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE UNDEFEATED PROFESSIONAL BOXER TOMMY FURY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ON SHOWTIME PPV^®

Paul And Fury Put Their Undefeated Pro Boxing Records on the Line

Live at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Tickets Go On Sale Wednesday, November 10

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 29, 2021) – International super star Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face undefeated professional boxer and U.K. reality TV star Tommy “TNT” Fury in a sanctioned eight-round cruiserweight bout after months of heated back-and-forth between the two men. Paul and Fury will headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Saturday, December 18 at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The main event bout will be contested at a 192-pound catchweight, as Paul continues to challenge himself and deliver on his promise to disrupt the combat sports industry.

On the heels of an impressive performance against former mixed martial arts world champion Tyron Woodley in August, Paul looks forward to his fifth professional boxing match as he takes a sizable step up in competition and puts his undefeated record on the line. Paul, the social media sensation, has garnered unprecedented attention for a young boxer since he entered the ring against NBA star Nate Robinson and defeated him with a show-stopping knockout that made headlines around the world. Paul is now taking the next step in his young career as he goes after Love Island reality TV star Fury, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury.

Paul and Fury will meet for the first time since their fight was announced on Saturday, November 6 in Las Vegas and will make an additional appearance in Tampa on Monday, November 8. More details on both events to follow.

Titled #PaulFury: One Will Fall, the event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV and promoted in association with Tony Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and it will feature other exciting high-stakes, professional boxing matches which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Wednesday, November 10, at www.amaliearena.com.

The 24-year-old Paul (4-0, 3 KOs) is a world-renowned content creator. He began his professional boxing journey in January 2020 and has proven to be an influential participant in the sport’s landscape with his outsized personality and quickly developing skill set. The Cleveland-native is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the eye of former boxing cruiserweight contender and world title challenger B.J. Flores, who has been training Paul from his first professional fight. After knocking out British YouTube star AnEsonGib in his debut and defeating Robinson with a knockout heard around the world, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April with a first-round knockout. The win over Askren was Paul’s first victory over a seasoned professional fighter and he followed it up with an impressive performance against Woodley, arguably his most dangerous opponent to date.

“I started my professional boxing career less than two years ago on January 30th, 2020. Four fights, three pay-per-views, two as the headliner, and one sold-out arena, I’m looking forward to my toughest challenge yet and continuing to prove the critics wrong,” said Paul. “Fight a real boxer they’ve said, and that is exactly what I’m doing. An undefeated boxer from the legendary Fury bloodline. However, this one is more than just boxing for me. It’s for America and showing the world there is no other country that gives you the opportunity to achieve whatever you set your mind to. It’s for every young person who has a dream and dedicates their life to achieving it. On December 18th I’m continuing to fulfill my dreams and turning a Fury into a Fumbles.”

Fighting out of Manchester, England, Fury started boxing at 12 years old. With 12 amateur bouts, he won two regional titles and reached the U.K. national final in 2016. Fury’s first professional fight came in 2018, a win by decision. From there he proceeded to knockout or TKO his next four opponents and put the boxing world on notice. He has fought three times in 2021, including his U.S. debut on Paul’s undercard in August, where the 22-year-old earned his seventh victory against Anthony Taylor. Paul is clearly facing his biggest challenge to date in the undefeated Fury (7-0, 4 KOs), who comes from a renowned family of boxers and has been trained by British star Ricky Hatton.

“Jake Paul is about to learn a serious life lesson. This is my world, and he doesn’t belong here,” said Fury. “I’m not one of these MMA men or basketball players, I have been boxing my whole life. On December 18th I will show the world the difference between a YouTuber and a real fighting man. Thanks to my promoter Frank Warren, Most Valuable Promotions and Showtime for giving me the opportunity to shut this clown up once and for all.”

#PaulFury: One Will Fall is the second live sporting event co-produced by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian on the premise that content is king, and fighters are the content creators in combat sports. Paul and Bidarian serve as Executive Producers of the #PaulFury event.

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For more information on #PaulFury visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Instagram via @JakePaul, @TommyFury, @MostValuablePromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, Twitter via @JakePaul, @TommyTntFury, @MostVpromotions and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

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