Tag Archives: Gary Shaw

boxing, HBO Boxing

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV TALKS HBO DEBUT AGAINST ALEXANDER BRAND

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HOUSTON, TX (November 23, 2015) – Undefeated light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), returns to the ring December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  Medzhid will square off against Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
Bektemierov, ranked WBA #12 and WBC #13, is co-promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions.  Alexander Brand will be a major step up in class for Bektemierov, definitely his toughest fight as a professional.  Training out of Houston, Texas, Bektemierov, gives his thoughts on fighting Brand on HBO, his first televised bout.
“Against Alexander Brand, I will have to be at my best,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov, who’s knocked out three of his last four opponents. “I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to show the world that I’m a real contender.  Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese did their part on getting me this fight on HBO, now it’s time to do mine.  They won’t be disappointed.  Everyone watching on television can expect to see a lot of bombs being thrown from me.  I’m always going to be gunning for the knockout early, but will be prepared to go the distance if I need to.”
“Bektemierov has been in the gym working on his craft since his last fight earlier this year,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s waited patiently for a chance to fight on television, and the fans watching on HBO are going to see B-52 drop some heavy artillery.  This is a real fight with two top level contenders.  Everyone should be tuning in, this is going to be a war.”
“Gary and I know this is a huge step up for Bektemierov, but we feel he’s got the talent and skills to become a world champion,” Lou Savarese said. “The fight will be shown to millions watching on HBO and we feel our B-52 can come out on top.  These are the type of fights that build the character of a champion.”

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

BRYANT JENNINGS & LUIS ORTIZ TO BATTLE FOR THE WBA INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
FROM TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO, VERONA, NEW YORK TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO AFTER DARK®
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 23, 2015) – Two heavyweight titans will close out the 2015 boxing year with a bang on December 19, as former world title contender Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on recently crowned WBA Interim Heavyweight belt holder Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz(23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round championship fight. The event will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino, in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
“To headline an HBO event and fighting a former world title contender like Jennings is what I have been preparing my whole career for,” said Luis Ortiz. “I know that after this fight people will know that I deserve a shot at becoming the ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World.’ I think Jennings doesn’t even know what he’s stepping in to on the 19, I’m coming to make a statement. This fight is going to be an exciting stepping stone to achieve my dream.”
“With a mix of speed, power and amateur pedigree that is second-to-none, Luis Ortiz has quickly established himself as a force in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Luis is so hungry to continue his rise in the division that he has agreed to fight an enormously talented opponent in Bryant Jennings just two months after Luis’ destruction of Matias Vidondo to win the WBA Interim title. Boxing fans looking for a premiere heavyweight fight should make sure to tune in to HBO’s Boxing After Dark on December 19th.”
“It’s my pleasure to bring another great heavyweight showdown to the boxing fans with Bryant Jennings taking on an undefeated fighter like Luis Ortiz.  The fans know that I have always, and will continue, to put on real competitive fights,” said Gary Shaw.
Shaw continued, “Jennings is a true professional who remains in phenomenal shape throughout the year.  He showed in his last fight versus Klitschko that he belongs with the elite heavyweights and understands the challenges that lie ahead. Ortiz, who brings a high knockout ratio to the ring, will have his hands full, and Jennings is nothing like the fighter he just fought, whom he knocked out in the third round. Ortiz has never faced a challenge of a Philadelphia fighter like Bryant Jennings and he’s going to find out real quick that this is another level. Jennings is ready to continue his quest to become heavyweight champion with VADA testing agreed to by both promotional companies for this fight.”
“I’m excited to be getting back in the ring against Luis Ortiz, another big heavyweight,” said Bryant Jennings. “He’s coming off an impressive win and he thinks he’s at the top of his game. These are the typical type of opponents I like to showcase my skills against. I’ve come a long way since my last fight against Klitschko, and I have continued to train with a fierce intensity. When you suffer defeat for the first time you learn things about yourself you never knew. I’ve improved a great deal on all aspects of my game both mentally and physically. The world will see a great fight when I square off against Ortiz, that I can guarantee you. I’ll be driving the WBA belt back home to Philly.”
“This fight is between two evenly matched heavyweights, and that always has a purity to its mystique,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming for HBO Sports. “Jennings has proven to have heart in equal scale to what Ortiz has shown in power. On December 19, we will see a battle of wills.”
“We’re looking forward to hosting another exciting night of boxing at Turning Stone with HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation Representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “In three years, we’ve hosted 16 nationally-televised fights, distinguishing our resort as premier destination for world-class boxing.”
Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz had amassed nearly 350 wins before making his way to the United States to chase championship gold as a professional. Unbeaten in 25 bouts, the 36-year-old southpaw holds a knockout win over Monte Barrett and in June needed less than a round to dispatch Byron Polley. Ortiz was last seen on the undercard of Golovkin vs. Lemieux as part of the pay-per-view live telecast defeating Matias Ariel Vivdondo by third round knockout and gaining the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.
Hailed as one of the best heavyweight boxers in the sport, Bryant Jennings has faced some of the most feared fighters in the sport.  In 2014 alone, Jennings defeated Mike Perez via split decision in July and Artur Szpilka via technical knockout in January. In 2013, Jennings passed his first career tested when he defeated Andrey Fedosov via sixth-round knockout in June. Most recently, Jennings was seen in the ring against the heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April, suffering his first defeat since his professional debut in 2010.  Now, the titan is looking for redemption and another shot at world title stardom when he faces Ortiz for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title.
Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in less than two years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights.  Located in Upstate New York, the four-season destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, luxury spas and several nightlife options.
Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.
Tickets will go on sale in early November.  Additional ticket information will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.turningstone.com.  Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,  www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @turningstone.
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TUREANO JOHNSON WANTS BIG NAMES AT 160 EYES GGG  & COTTO

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NEW JERSEY (June 15, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions’ middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is looking for the biggest fights in the division. Currently rated WBC #2,WBA #3, IBF #8 and WBO #13, Johnson is riding a 4-fight winning streak with the hopes of landing a world title shot.

 

Tureano’s only blemish is a controversial TKO loss to Curtis Stevens in which he was winning on all scorecards before the referee stopped the bout in the final round.
“I want all the champions in the middleweight division.” said Tureano Johnson, “GGG, Cotto, bring them on. Both guys are looking for opponents and I’m right here waiting. I’m highly ranked across the board so there’s no reason why these fights can’t be made. I see flaws in both fighters that I know I can exploit. My promoter Gary Shaw is working hard to get me a big fight and I’m confident I’ll be back in the ring against a top level fighter soon.

“Tureano Johnson is willing to get in the ring with any of the current champions,” Gary Shaw said, “GGG and Cotto hold world titles and both of them need an opponent. Johnson has made it loud and clear that he wants to fight either one of them. I will do my best to get him in the ring with either guy as he is deserving of a world title opportunity.”

boxing, Roc Nation

TUREANO JOHNSON PROVIDING GREAT SPARRING FOR DANIEL GEALE

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NEW JERSEY (May 26, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs), is now the chief sparring partner for Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KOs) as he prepares him for his upcoming WBC title clash with Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KOs).  Johnson, who captured the WBA International and WBC Silver middleweight titles in his last bout, is currently ranked WBC #2, WBA #5, IBF #8 and WBO #13.  He gives his thought on sparring with Geale.

 

“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills,” said Tuerano Johnson. “He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there.  I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise.  Everyone is counting Geale out but not me.  Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”

 

“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive.  I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”

 

Tureano Johnson is currently riding a 4-fight winning streak, three of which came by stoppage.  Highly ranked across the board of all sanctioning organizations, Johnson is on the cusp of landing a big fight.

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KENNETH SIMS JR. NOW SPARRING WITH JORGE LINARES

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LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2015) – After getting Manny Pacquiao ready for his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather, Gary Shaw Productions‘ and Antonio Leonard Promotions‘ undefeated super-lightweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (6-0,   KOs), is now preparing WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) for his upcoming title defense against Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs).

 

Kenneth Sims Jr. has been sparring with Linares, giving him great work, while learning from the best fighters in the world.  The experience has been instrumental in the development of Sims Jr., who resides in Chicago, Illinois.

 

“Training with Linares and Pacquiao has been a great learning process for me and my dad who’s my trainer,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I want to thank Gary Shaw for setting up these sparring opportunities. I’ve preformed really well and my confidence is at an all-time high.  After sparring with these great champions, I know I have the skills to become something special in this sport and I’m going to take it one fight at a time.  Gary and Antonio Leonard are working on my next fight and I should be returning to the ring shortly.”

 

“Kenneth Sims Jr. is a special talent with an amateur pedigree to take his professional career to championship level,” Gary Shaw said. “Antonio and I are going to continue to bring him up the right way, give him tough fights, so he can be prepared for the big fights that lie ahead.  Everything I’m hearing from these training camps and the sparring sessions Sims Jr. is having is positive.  Kenneth is only going to get better and that makes me very happy.”

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JENNINGS & SANTANA GAIN RESPECT WITH FANS

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NEW JERSEY (May 5, 2015) – After HBO World Championship Boxing had one of their highest rated shows since 2012 with the Klitschko vs. Jennings championship bout on April 25th, Gary Shaw feels his fighters, Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) and Francisco Santana (22-4-1, 11 KOs), can make quick comebacks to the big stage.

 

“There is no doubt in my mind that Bryant Jennings and Francisco Santana are fighters the fans want see,” said Gary Shaw. “The viewership that HBO had on April 25th was fantastic and I believe Jennings and Santana had a lot to do with those high ratings.  Jennings because of his activity on social media.  Santana because he has a tremendous amount of Latin fans that support him.  With that being said, I believe both fighters, will be back on the big stage in the future.”

 

Bryant Jennings gained a ton of respect for his gallant effort against Klitschko, in which he went the distance, giving Wladimir his toughest fight in recent years, proving he was deserving of a title shot.  Francisco Santana, who also went the distance with Sadam Ali, showed remarkable heart as he fought hard in every round, giving the fans their money’s worth.

 

“Bryant Jennings proved he’s an elite heavyweight contender with his performance against Klitschko,” Gary Shaw continued. “Santana is a Mexican warrior and both fighters gained a lot of fans that night.  Both fighters pressed the action, taking the fight to their opponents, bringing excitement to the bout.  Many in attendance felt the scores for both Jennings and Santana were not reflective of their fights.  It was a lot closer then what the judges scorecards read.  Jennings and Santana both love being HBO fighters.  I have plans to bring them back to HBO.”

boxing, HBO Boxing

KENNETH SIMS JR. RETURNS THIS SATURDAY AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

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NEW YORK (April 23, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) will return to the ring this Saturday at the Madison Square Garden Theater on the undercard of Klitschko vs. Jennings.  Sims Jr. will face veteran Luis Rodriguez (3-2, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

 

Kenneth Sims Jr. was a chief sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, getting him ready for his super fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He’ll look to use that experience against Rodriguez, and impress those in attendance with a great performance.

 

“I’m coming off a great training camp with Manny Pacquiao, where I gained invaluable experience,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I learned a lot from one of the greatest fighters of all time.  I’m going into this fight with a tremendous amount of confidence.  I’m going to be throwing a lot of hard punches with precise accuracy. I want to thank Gary Shaw for giving me another wonderful opportunity to showcase my skills on the big stage.  Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true.”

 

“Kenneth has shown me he wants to take his career to new heights,” Gary Shaw said. “The fact the Team Pacquiao wanted him in camp says it all.  He’s got a lot of God given talent and I’m very happy with his development. I encourage everyone to show up early top get a glimpse of a future star.”

 

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MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV RETURNS APRIL 18TH ON CRAWFORD-DULORME CARD

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 31, 2015) – Bombs will be flying once again when Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions’ undefeated Light-Heavyweight slugger, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (15-0, 12 KOs), makes his way back to the ring against Michael Gbenga (20-18, 20 KOs).  Bektemirov vs. Gbenga, an 8-round bout, will take place Saturday, April 18, at College Park Center located on the campus of the University of Texas Arlington on the undercard of Crawford-Dulorme.

 

Ranked #10 by the WBA, Bektemirov will seek another victory against Gbenga, as he looks to climb up the Light-Heavyweight rankings while keeping his undefeated record intact.  His mission, like always, is to get his opponent out of there early.

 

“I’m looking to seek and destroy everyone in my path,” said Medzhid Bektemirov. “My trainer Ronnie Shields has me working on a variety of different combinations that I feel is making me a better fighter.  I’m in the gym everyday working extremely hard on everything.  Now that I’m ranked in the WBA, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  My co-promoters Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese have assured me a big fight if I continue to win.  I know Gbenga has a lot of power, but I feel my punches will be more explosive and I’ll be gunning for the knockout from the opening bell. I’m ready to drop bombs!”

 

“Lou and I are doing our best to keep B-52 busy,” said Gary Shaw. “This will be his second fight in a little over a month and we want him on the fast track to a world title.  Our goal is to move him up wisely against opponents that will prepare him for the next level.  He keeps knocking everyone out so we have to keep him fighting as much as possible.”

 

“I’m very happy that Gary Shaw was able to get B-52 on this card,” said Lou Savarese. “Bektemirov is thrilled to be fighting so soon after a spectacular performance in his last fight which took place last month.  I like what Ronnie Shields is doing with him.  He’s improving with each fight and that’s what Gary and I are looking for.  We want B-52 ready for the next level.”

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MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV MAKES 2015 DEBUT IN TEXAS THIS FRIDAY

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 12, 2015) – Co-promoters Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions are happy to announce the 2015 debut of Light-Heavyweight Russian power puncher, Medzhidm “B-52” Bektemirov (14-0, 11 KOs). The undefeated slugger will face James Johnson (28-44-4, 17 KOs) in a 6-round bout at the “Battle on the Mainland” card taking place at the Charles Doyle Convention Center in Texas City, TX on March 13, 2015.

 

Bektemiorov, who’s knocked out six of his last eight opponents, is looking to keep the momentum going with a spectacular performance.  His mindset is to come out guns blazing and go for the knockout early.

 

“My trainer Ronnie Shields has me working on a lot of different things, but he’s not trying to change my style,” said Bektemirov. “He wants me to stay aggressive without being reckless.  I’m ready to drop bombs, hence my name B-52. If the fight goes the distance, I’ll make sure that my opponent takes a lot of punishment.  I want to thank Gary and Lou for coming together to take my career to the next level. Everything starts this Friday in Texas City.”

 

“I’m very pleased from what I’m hearing about B-52’s sparring sessions,” said Gary Shaw. “He’s a tremendous puncher with good footwork. With a veteran trainer like Ronnie Shields guiding the corner, I see him developing into a great fighter.”

 

“This kid can go,” Lou Savarese stated. “I know we got something special Bektemirov.  His name “B-52” serves him well because he really does drop bombs.  I’ve seen him take out a lot of dudes in the gym.  I can’t wait to see him get to work this Friday.”

 

“Battle of the Mainland” tickets priced $35 (general admission), $75 (Table seats) and $100 (Ringside) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (713) 658-0229 or online at www.SavaresePromotions.com.  The Charles Doyle Conventions Center is located at 2010 5th Ave N, Texas City, TX, 77590.

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MEDZHID BEKTEMIROV SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT WITH GARY SHAW AND LOU SAVARESE

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HOUSTON, TEXAS (February 12, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions and Savarese Promotions are thrilled to announce their union to promote one of the most talented up and coming prospects in the light heavyweight division, Medzhid Bektemirov (14-0, 11 KOs).  A devastating puncher with power in both hands, Bektemirov also possesses speed and quickness, making him one of the most talked about fighters in Russia.

 

Born in Makhachkala, Russia, Bektemirov, now resides in the USA, where he trains with Ronnie Shields at the “PLEX” in Stafford, Texas.  A hard worker who practically lives in the gym, Medzhid eats, sleeps and breathes boxing.

 

“I’m telling you right now, Medzhid Bektemirov is one of the most talented fighters I’ve seen in a while,” said Gary Shaw. “He has the rare combination of speed and power.  I’m talking destructive power coming from both hands.  His hooks are deadly and his fast feet are amazing.  I’m going to go out on a limb and say Bektemirov could be the next great fighter to come out of Russia.  I have the greatest amount of respect for Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev, both are great champions.   Golovkin is a very special fighter and if Bektemirov can reach his level, then we’ll have something special as well.  I believe Bektemirov will be looking to face Kovalev in the not so distant future.”

 

In only his 12th bout, Bektemirov captured the WBC United States (USNBC) light heavyweight title with a dominating performance against Randy Griffin (25-4-3, 13 KOs), winning a lopsided twelve-round unanimous decision.   Having gone twelve rounds in a professional bout already, Medzhid Bektemirov, has proven he can go the distance if need be.

 

“In 2015 Medzhid Bektemirov will make his presence known to everyone in the light-heavyweight division.”Lou Savarese stated. “This kid reminds me of Mike Tyson with his heavy hands and tremendous speed.  I’ve been in the ring with Tyson and I’m confident when I say Bektemirov reminds me a lot like Mike.  Gary and I are going to put tremendous amount promoting Medzhid.  He will become a household name very soon and we are gunning for that world title.”

 

“I feel very blessed to be promoted by Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese who have been in boxing for many years,” Medzhid Bektemirov said. “I’ve come a long way from Russia to pursue my dream of becoming a champion.  I love to fight and I get great enjoyment when I knockout my opponent.  In every bout, I’m always going to be looking to end the fight early.  The fans want to see knockouts and that is my specialty.”