MIAMI, FLA. (Juli 17, 2025)- WBA Heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter is ready to show the world that he means business in the heavyweight division. Hunter is looking forward to his bout with WBA Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev.
The world’s greatest promoter, Don King, wie won de $1.1 million purse bid by the WBA and Hunter’s promoter, has stated that it is all systems “go” for the title fight.
While Epic Sports and Entertainment representatives, who embarrassed the WBA at the purse bid, continue to spread lies that Hunter is unavailable for this fight…this fight will be taking place for the WBA Heavyweight Championship.
“Yesterday Don King and Noel Mikaelian slammed Jake Paul, and today, the great Michael Hunter and Don King are in the process of slamming Epic Sports and Entertainment and bringing boxing back to we the people,” said King. “Thank you, Michael; you are truly a smart bounty hunter.
“Michael Hunter and I are inseparable. He is excited about being in the United Kingdom for the fight this week, and he’ll continue to train and get ready to knock out Pulev. He’s been working hard to prepare for this important fight of his career, and he’s looking forward to what follows as well. “He’s ready to prove to the world that he is the true heavyweight champion. Let’s make it happen.”
The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KO) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June, taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era.”
NEW YORK CITY (Juni 11, 2025)– Immediately after last Friday night’s impressive fourth-round stoppage of Ed “Tex” Fountain, Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor (8-0, 5 KO) was called America’s best heavyweight prospect by his promoter, Dmitriy Salita (Salita Promotions).
The 28-year-old Taylor and his manager, New York City-based Attorney Keith Sullivan, agree with Salita.
“They’re (Salita and Sullivan) both right,zei Taylor, “because they’ve seen me fight. Fighting brings the dog out in me. Hij (Fontein) was a test, real resilient, but like a punching bag that’s ready to fall off the chain. I had to keep hitting him and no way was he thinking about playing it safe. The referee saved his life; he was thinking about not falling down.”
The powerful Taylor entered the ring paying tribute to the late, great George Foreman by wearing a “Big George” T-shirt. Voorafgaand aan het gevecht, Taylor noted that he had great success in the pro ranks fighting southpaws like Fountain. Taylor methodically ripped his opponent’s head and body with damaging punches, hurting Fountain in the third round with a straight right-left hook combination, followed by a barrage of shots on the sturdy Fountain who managed to survive the round.
(L-R: Head trainer Benny Roman, Pryce Taylor wearing his George Foreman tribute T-shirt, and manager Keith Sullivan)
Fontein (14-9, 7 KO), who was the best fighter the 6’ 4”, 280-pound Taylor had fought in the pro ranks, was rocked from another series of violent combinations, when referee Charlie Fitch had seen enough and waved off the fight 36-seconds into the fourth frame.The fight was a scheduled 6-rounder on the “International Boxing Hall of Fame Night,” presented by Taylor’s promoter Salita Promotions, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
“I was excited to be fighting on a show like that,” Taylor added. “He hit me first in the first round, something I always let my opponents do to test their power, gauge patterns, and figure him out. It’s like in baseball when a batter lets a pitch go by without swinging to see what he has on the mound. Because he’s a southpaw, his right is his jab, and he really wanted to use his left power hook. He had a good poker face, but he couldn’t hide it when I hurt him. He tried not showing he was fazed, keeping himself upright, but he felt my power. I like being accurate, especially throwing power punches. I punished him at the end, throwing a body shot, an uppercut, and then two right hooks.”
“I thought George Foreman would have been proud of me and maybe thought he was seeing himself fight when he saw me punch. I put on a show. I’m a combination of Foreman and Muhammad Ali; power punching like Foreman, elusive like Ali with good footwork and light on my toes.
“I’m not sure if this was the best fight of my career, but he was my best opponent and the toughest guy I’ve fought. He came into the ring in good shape and tried to fight. His downfall wasPryce Being Rightopnieuw. I love throwing my straight right and that keeps opening up my left hook to the body.”
Taylor had a 60-11 amateur-record, including a pair of New York Golden Gloves titles, and he was the heavyweight runner-up four times in the prestigious USA Boxing National Championship tournaments. “Pryce’s TKO win was exactly what I expected – dominant, calculated, and explosive,” Sullivan remarked. “He’s not just another prospect; with continued work, he can be the next great American heavyweight. With every fight, he’s proving that he has the tools, the discipline, and the mindset to be a force within this division. We’re building something special, and the world’s about to see it.”
Team Taylor (L-R): Manager Keith Sullivan, undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor, promoter Dmitriy Salita, and head trainer Benny Roman Salita.
Taylor will be fighting next in his first scheduled 8-round bout on July 26 in Detroit on a Salita Promotions card headlined by undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KO) versus Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO) at Little Caesars Arena. Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Athletic Commission, also manages 3-time, 2-division World Champion Miyo Yoshida (18-5) and Bronx NYPD Officer Nisa Rodriguez (3-1, 1 KO), as well as co-managing world-rated (IBF #3 & WBA #10) welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-1, 11 KO), from Limerick, Ierland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Donovan’s head trainer.
Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23
MIAMI (Mei 28, 2025)-Hall of Fame Boxing PromoterDon Kinghas won a $1.1 million purse bid from the WBA for the right to promote a world title fight featuring current WBA (Normaal) Wereldkampioen zwaargewichtKubrat “The Cobra” Pulevfacing WBA No. 2 mededingerMichael “The Bounty” Hunter op zaterdag, Augustus 23 at a site to be determined.
It will be a true week of celebration during Fight Week as King will be celebrating his 94thbirthday on August 20. King said the location for the fight will be determined at a later date with Florida, Las Vegas, Ohio and Pennsylvania among the potential sites.
Fighting in his hometown of Sofia, Bulgarije, the crowd-favorite 44-year-old Pulev (32-3, 14 KO) won the WBA (Normaal) World Championship with his 12-round unanimous decision win over Mahmoud Charr last December.
The Southern California native Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KO) won the vacant WBA Gold Heavyweight Title in June taking out Cassius Chaney in a 12-round unanimous decision at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. In his last fight in December, Hunter registered a fifth-round TKO over Christian Larrondo Garcia in Mexico. Hunter’s only career setback came back in 2017 when he lost a unanimous 12-round decision to current Oleksandr Usyk, who in December beat Tyson Fury to become just the third boxer to become an undisputed world champion in the two weight divisions in the “four-belt era”.
Undefeated Superstar Claressa Shields to Defend Her Titles Against Reigning Light Heavyweight World Champ Lani Daniels in Main Event at Detroit’s Premier Sports Arena; Live on DAZN
DETROIT(Mei 8, 2025)– The GWOAT, Claressa Shields (16-0, 3 KO), will return home onZaterdag, Juli 26, when she puts her Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship on the line in the main event atLittle Caesars Arenaagainst the reigning IBF Lt. Heavyweight World Champion from New Zealand, Lani Daniels (11-2-2, 1 KO). Shields vs. Daniels will air live on the global home of boxing, DAZN.
Shields, the most decorated female boxer in history, made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first woman ever to claim the Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship—and the first boxer, man of vrouw, to achieve undisputed status in three weight divisions.
Undefeated and seemingly unstoppable, the Flint, Mich., native is riding high after a dominant performance in February, where she dismantled the towering and dangerous Danielle Perkins in front of a roaring hometown crowd at the Dort Financial Center in Flint. Met de overwinning, Shields cemented her place as the inaugural undisputed women’s heavyweight champ.
A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Shields now looks to extend her reign against former heavyweight titleholder Lani Daniels, as she continues rewriting the history books one fight at a time.
“I am so excited to be defending my Undisputed Heavyweight World Championship in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena,”Zei Shields. “My fights continue to get bigger and better. Mijn tegenstander, Lani from New Zealand is coming to bring all the smoke, or so she says! This fight will be a sellout of 19,000 so get your tickets and be there to witnessherstoryjuli 26 with the GWOAT.”
Daniels, coined “The Smiling Assassin,” is the former IBF Heavyweight World Champion, looking to regain her crown and add three more world title belts to her collection in July.
“To be the best you have to fight the best. I te pō pouri rawa, ka ara te marama, ā, ka kitea te pono,” said Daniels in her native Māori. “On the darkest nights the full moon will rise and the truth will be revealed.”
Recently signed to Salita Promotions, Daniels made history of her own when she became the first New Zealand-born fighter to win two world titles, and the first to win world titles in two different divisions when she defeated Desley Robinson in 2023.
On the strength of seven-straight victories, Daniels has proven to be a fighter inside and outside of the ring. At 14-years-old, Daniels tragically lost her younger brother to leukemia, sending her down a troubled path with drugs and suicidal thoughts. Vandaag, Daniels is a champion of mental health and takes opportunities to inform, educate and support mental health awareness both at home and abroad. Daniels has become an inspiration for her home country as she continues to lead a worthy cause and challenge herself inside the boxing ring.
Tickets for the event at Little Caesars Arena go on sale Friday, Mei 9 en kan online worden gekocht bij313Presents.com enTicketmaster.comor in person at The XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena.
“Women’s boxing has grown by leaps and bounds since Claressa Shields headlined the very first women’s main event on a nationally televised card,"ZeiDmitriy Salita, President van Salita Promotions. "Nu, she stands atop the mountain, defending the undisputed women’s heavyweight world title for the first time. Over a century ago, Jack Johnsontraveled to Australia to become the first African American heavyweight champion of the world. Op juli 26, Claressa Shields writes her own chapter in that on-going legacy—bringing the fight home to Detroit and facing a significant challenge in the reigning light heavyweight world champion, Lani Daniels. This is more than a fight—it is a defining moment in the evolution of boxing and women’s sport. Claressa is linking generations, breaking barriers, and etching her name deeper into the fabric of the sport’s history.”
Michigan is a world-renowned hotbed of boxing talent and history that runs deep. Producing legends in the sport, inclusiefThomas “Hitman” Hearns, Floyd Mayweather Jr. enJames "Lights Out" Toney, Michigan, the greater Detroit region in particular, continues to breed the best of boxing. Salita Promotions features an impressive roster of Michigan-grown fighters including Shields, Ardreal Holmes Jr.,and rising Michigan starsJoshua James PaganenJoseph Hicks Jr., as they continue to build their legacy in the sport. Marking Shields’ seventh time competing professionally in Detroit, Salita Promotions will spotlight the rich history and world-class talent in Michigan once again on July 26.
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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.
DETROIT(Februari 13, 2025)- Salita Promotions enFresh Productionshave announced the addition of several surging contenders, including two pivotal jr. welterweight title bouts added to the event headlined by Puerto Rican knockout specialistSubriel Matías(21-2, 21 KO) and Mexico’s hard-hittingGabriel Valenzuela(30-3, 17 KO) in an IBF Junior Welterweight World Title Eliminator.
Puerto Rico resident and WBO No. 3 gerangschikt mededingerAlfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KO) en ongeslagenNestor Bravo (23-0, 16 KO), gerangschikt No. 6 in de WBA, will both be in action in separate bouts onZaterdag, Maart 1, live opDAZN. The winner of each 140-pound bout will position himself for a world title shot, none more significantly than in the main event, where the winner will earn the mandatory position to face reigning IBF Champ, Richardson Hitchins.
Also announced today, making his anticipated professional debut is Puerto Rico’sYandiel Lozanoand Salita Promotions promising heavyweight prospectPryce Taylor (6-0, 4 KO) uit Brooklyn, N.Y..
Returning to Puerto Rico for the second time in five months, Salita Promotions has continued to explore the rich boxing talent residing on the island, much like the company has done the past two years in the state of Michigan. With a proven track record of discovering talent throughout the greater Detroit and Flint, Mich., region, Salita Promotions PresidentDmitriy Salitacontinues to give up-and-coming and rising talent a global platform to perform.
“We provided a path and platform for many fighters to earn recognition and achieve their dreams,"Said Dmitriy Salita. “From solidified world champions like Claressa Shields to budding stars like Ardreal Holmes Jr., Salita Promotions continues to mine for the next super stars of boxing throughout Michigan and now we are doing the same in Puerto Rico. Stars from the Caribbean Island such asMiguel Cotto, Felix Trinidad, enJuan ‘John John’ Molinahave all paved the way for the prospects we will be showcasing on March 1.”
The co-main event will see the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Title on the line as Santiago, who hails from the Dominican Republic, meets fellow countrymanJavier Fortuna(39-5, 28 KO). Santiago, 30, returns to the ring on the heels of a statement first-round TKO victory over Mexico’s Pedro Campa in November 2024. Currently on the strength of three straight victories, Santiago captured the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight Title last June when he defeated Angel Fierro via unanimous decision, en op maart 1, Santiago will attempt to defend his title for the third time. Starting his impressive career off with an undefeated record of 12-0, Santiago earned a shot against former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Devin Haney for the WBC Lightweight World Championship in November 2019. While coming up short, Santiago has proven that he belongs in the upper echelon of the Jr. Welterweight Division.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the level I am at,”Zei Santiago. “I have worked hard, I’m in my best shape, en op maart 1 in Fajardo, I’m going to give it my all in the ring. I respect Javier Fortuna, but he will find out that he’s facing a true warrior. I’m ready for any version of him that shows up in front of my people in Fajardo. I’m going to go to war and take the victory.”
Entering his second bout in just over two months, the 35-year-old Fortuna will compete in Puerto Rico for the first time. Net als zijn tegenstander, Fortuna is coming off an impressive TKO victory defeating Jonatan Mariano in December 2024. Boasting a staggering 28 knockouts op zijn naam, Fortuna held the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title in 2019 and challenged former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph Diaz in 2021 for the WBC Interim Lightweight World Title.
Bovendien, undefeated Nestor Bravoand South Africa’sBied je excuses aan bij Ndongeni(32-6, 19 KO) will collide for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title. Hailing from Arecibo, P.R., Bravo will return to action after nearly a year away from the ring. In zijn laatste uitje, Bravo scored a second-round knockout victory over Carlos Manuel Portillo. Following a decorated amateur career with numerous national and international tournament wins, Bravo turned professional in 2015 when he defeated Nestor Ortiz via knockout. Previously holding the WBC Latino Lightweight Title and the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Title, Bravo pursues another belt when he faces his toughest test to date in Ndongeni.
Recently challenging for the vacant WBO Latino Lightweight Title, Ndongeni looks to insert himself back into the win column against Bravo. A tenured competitor, Ndongeni has held the WBF International Featherweight Title, IBO International Lightweight Title, and WBF Lightweight Title. With ample experience against undefeated prospects, Ndongeni aims to give the rising Bravo his first defeat.
Kicking off the night live on DAZN and in a quick turnaround, Brooklyn, N.Y.’s Pryce Taylor returns to action against Arizona’sTrevor Kotara(4-3-1, 1 KO) following his second-round knockout victory over Jerell Nettles on February 2. A promising heavyweight prospect, Taylor signed with Salita Promotions in November 2024, and has since gone 2-0 under the banner, both victories coming by way of knockout. Standing at 6-foot-4, Taylor is a former collegiate basketball player and has won two New York Golden Gloves title.
Ten slotte, Puerto Rico’s own Yandiel Lozano will make his much-anticipated professional debut. The silver medalist at the World Youth Championships, a four-time champion of the Bert Sugar Tournament, Florida Junior Silver Gloves champion, and two-time Puerto Rican National Champion, Lozano steps into the star-studded featherweight division after a solid amateur career.
“Fajardo is filled with pride as it welcomes home two of its greatest warriors of the ring,” said José Aníbal Meléndez, Mayor Autonomous Municipality of Fajardo. “Subriel Matías, born and raised in our town, returns to the ring to once again prove why he is one of the most outstanding figures in world boxing. Alongside him, another great champion from Fajardo, Alfredo ‘Ojo’ Santiago, will be defending his title, proudly representing our city. For Fajardo, this event is not just a sporting spectacle but a celebration of the determination, discipline, and talent that define our athletes.”
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 door Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Daniel Dubois Quote:The only words are ‘and the new’ and I am just so glad it is now. It is happening now and we have made it real, my dad and my family, I’ve done everyone proud, the country and I can’t wait.
In the first round I was just trying to figure him out and see what he had. I said I was going to test the chin and I just went for it.
He brought out something in me, he brought out a wicked left hand! It was a punch-perfect ending, and I am just so happy. I had a few rough patches during this camp, but we pulled through and we got the victory.
I am just so happy to have got this world title. This is what all the hard work was for and, no disrespect to Trevor, maar zijn 0 had to go and I was just in there on a demolition mission.
I am ready for whoever is next. I believe this will instantly make me a better fighter now. When you win the world title they say you become next level so names like Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker are all on my hitlist. I will fight whoever Frank puts me in with next.
It has been amazing. Coming out here and winning a world title is what I dreamed of as a little kid and now it has finally happened.
Trevor Bryan Quote:“I’m feeling alright. I knew he was going to come out with big punches, and I was trying to land some and let him tire himself out. But I wasn’t shooting my jab enough.”
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 6 RONDEN Luis Rodriguez (9-0, 9 KO) vs. Ryan Adams (8-5-2, 6 KO) Result:Luis Rodriguez Wins via TKO (3rdRound at 2:26) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U7uzf55jwRHFwzibpQ_kMcNuMlIl0PKy/view?usp=sharing Luis Rodriguez Quote:“It’s the best feeling finally getting the knockout. He was a complicated boxer, a brawler. I don’t like these types of fights. We will see what’s next – but I’m ready for the next challenge.”
NABA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 RONDEN DaCarree Scott (7-1, 6 KO) vs. Jonathan Guidry (18 -1-2, 6 KO) Result: Johnathan Guidry Wins via TKO (7thRound at 2:01) Scorecard: Johnathan Guidry Quote: "Ik voel me goed. I didn’t even get to have a proper training camp or the right sparring partners. I’m looking forward to whatever is next.” NABA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 RONDEN Joltin Johnnie Langston (11-3, 4 KO) vs. Isaiah Thompson (6-1-2, 5 KO) Result: Johnnie Langston Wins via Split Decision (95-94, 94-95, 92-97) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vln447gXJBlroxrgeBJhgIf5q7tYRne8/view?usp=sharing Johnnie Langston Quote: “I didn’t even have a chance for a full training camp. I blew up [in weight] during camp and was a bit dehydrated in the ring. I’m just glad we came up with this result and that I’m still a champ.” NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 RONDEN Ahmed Elbiali (22-1, 18 KO) vs. Dervin Colina (16-2, 14 KO) Result:Ahmed Elbiali Wins via Disqualification Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1URsbHgUf3xDThEOAXC-9z1dXVexiQo3l/view?usp=sharing
Ahmed Elbial Quote: “I’m just glad that the both of us left the ring healthy. I’m excited to be crowned the new champion, and I hope that the next show I get to better showcase my skills. We had a great, old-school boxing crowd out here tonight, and that made it a fun experience.”
SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT ATTRACTION – 4 RONDEN Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KO) vs. Ryan Wilson 1-1, 1 KO Result:Raynel Mederos Wins via TKO (2ndRound at 2:07) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mdnashyn81jVR6EDi1kePK46oGrJ3Wcq/view?usp=sharing Raynel Mederos Quote:“I feel really great, and I want to give a special thanks to my trainer who has helped me get this far. We are taking my career step by step, round by round.”
NABA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 RONDEN Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KO) vs. Travis Castellon (17-4-2, 12 KO) Result: Tre’Sean Wiggins Wins via TKO (1stRound at 2:07) Scorecard:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ra9wAwRWWoRHV41zFw1iYkfo-bFHfQYP/view?usp=sharing Tre’Sean Wiggins Quote: “The gameplan for inside the ring was to take my time. I didn’t want to rush it," “I want to be in the top 10. Whatever Don King has for me next; I will do.”
WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE – 10 RONDEN Anthony Lenk (17-9, 7 KO) vs. Ian Green (16-2, 11 KO) Result: Ian Green Wins via Unanimous Decision (91-99, 92-98, 92-98) Scorecard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m8trcSoLu6qRDwSPi_2tP6sbhlz-xaz1/view?usp=sharing Ian Green Quote: “I am feeling really good, this was the first time I’ve pushed to 10-rounds. Lenk was a crappy opponent and didn’t really bring anything to the table. He was just really good at surviving and pacing himself.”
Anthony Lenk Quote: "Hij is een goede vechter. He came to represent for Don King, zeker. I’m still one of your fighters, and I just hope you still keep me here after this.”
Ryan Bader defends his heavyweight title: ""Uiteraard, it was a really close fight and at the end there I’m like man that’s a toss up. I felt like I did more damage but it felt so good considering the last fight was a fight I lost. But it was a back and forth, even fight the whole five rounds. It’s just anticlimactic to go out there and have a exciting heavyweight championship five-rounder with a tough dude in Arizona. I wanted that bad!
I’m never too confident, going to judges you know. It’s the first time in my life that I was hoping that they weren’t scoring for the wrestling. I was rocking him pretty good with my punches and I was seeing everything clearly. I underestimated his clenching, his body lock, he kept stepping in front of me with this weird move and he’s stronger than I thought. I’ve never been picked up like before…but I just told myself to keep getting up and then keep with the strikes. At the end there he was just holding on and I landed 20 unanswered elbows to his head. Those can’t be ignored and so when he went to the score cards, I said who knows now…”
Benson Henderson following the win in front of his hometown:“Fighting in front of my adopted hometown Phoenix, DE, it’s amazing. Last time I didn’t give Arizona a very good show. Deze keer, I thought I had a better performance so win or lose I knew that I could live with that. Just having a good performance, not a great performance but having a good performance, as opposed to having a bad performance, win or lose you always feel good after great performances. We’re seeking perfection. If you write a book, all these journalists, all these moviemakers, they want to make them part of a movie then make an amazing movie. If you want to, then you have to do your absolute best out there and that’s why I’m always after a better performance.” "Vanavond, getting my hand raised is awesome. This was the first time I fought in front of my sons, my two oldest sons. Mijn 6 year-old and my 4-year-old. Tonight was a great night, but they’re not all great nights so I’m learning to definitely appreciate the good ones when I have them.”
“I felt that I did enough to deserve to get my hand raised, but you just never know. Like Burt Watson always says, if you leave it to the judges, they’re going to make you cry. He is absolutely right. Zo, I definitely don’t ever want to leave it to the judges. When someone says split decision I’m like oh no, my boys are in the ring…but it was a good night, so I was thankful for it.”
Henry Corrales (20-6) verslagen Aiden Lee (10-6) via unaniem technisch besluit (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) - (accidental eye poke)
Henry Corrales following his victory: “That’s definitely not the way I wanted to end it here in Phoenix. The fans deserve more and that’s nothing against him, it’s just kind of a late finish and this was the final fight on my contract. This was my 15th fight with BELLATOR and my 20th win, so there’s a lot riding on this fight. I needed to go out there and put on a good performance…I tried.” I didn’t feel like I really poked him to be honest with you and the replay was showing that it just didn’t look as serious as he was playing it off to be, but it’s the eye, so only he knows how much that hurt. He was super upset after and I was like hey big dog I didn’t poke you on purpose. I mean this is a fist fight! Maar, he was walking away from the cage after and he was acting disappointed the the fight was stopped but while the fight was going on he wasn’t really fighting. His demeanor was off and he was kind of whimpering on shots and it’s like dude you weren’t really going, you were just acting.”
Sabah Tomasi (16-10) verslagen Jaleel Willis (15-4) via voorlegging (arm-triangle) bij 1:42 van de eerste ronde
Sabah Homasi following his submission win: “It’s one of the kicks I threw I just kicked hard man. I expect this after every fight but just a little swelling. It’s the same stuff after every fight man from all my kicks.” “You know I just I take whatever they give me. I had his back, I thought I was going to get the rear naked. I don’t like to exert too much energy on something, so if I don’t have it I’m not going to force it. I’m going to take something that’s there, so I let it go and I set up a little trap. It’s something that I’ve transitioned with very well from the back to that trick, so it was there and I took it.” “He was saying something to me earlier and if he’s saying something to me he should say it like a man. Say it with your damn chest, don’t whisper it. I forgot what he said, but I told him he was going to feel real power tonight and that was it and then obviously quick fight. I’m healthy, Ik ben in goede vorm, going to get back in the gym and whenever BELLATOR lets me know I’ll give my manager the green light.”
VOORAF CARD: Enrique Barzola(17-5-2) verslagen Darrion Caldwell (15-6) via TKO (stakingen) bij 3:01 van ronde drie Chris Gonzalez (7-1) verslagen Je Awad (24-14, 1 NC) via KO (stoten) bij :36 van de eerste ronde Dalton Rosta (6-0) verslagenDuane Johnson(6-3) via unaniem besluit (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Nikita Michajlov (9-1) verslagen Blaine Shutt (8-6) via TKO (stoten) bij 3:23 van ronde drie Lucas Brennan(6-0) verslagen Ben Lugo (5-5) via voorlegging (arm-driehoek stikken) bij 2:27 van de eerste ronde Sullivan Cauley (3-0) verslagen Ben Parrish (5-2) via TKO (stoten) bij 4:35 van de eerste ronde
Kunt u terecht op Bellator.com voor aanvullende informatie.
Undefeated heavyweight Zhang “Big Bang” Zhilei (23-0-1, 18 KO) is looking for big fights in 2022. Zhang, who is coming off of a second-round knockout of Craig Lewis, is world-ranked in both the IBF and WBO and wants to fight a top heavyweight so that he can earn a title shot.
The division is opening up after a flurry of recent activity at the end of 2021. With its mandatory contender position vacant, the International Boxing Federation is trying to set up a final eliminator. Contenders Luis Ortiz and Joseph Parker, both of whom are fresh off big wins, ducked their chance to fight #3 ranked Filip Hrgović (14-0, 12 KO). Kroatië. The IBF will continue to go down its rankings in order until one of the contenders agrees to fight Hrigović.
Zhang vows that if asked, he would take on the Croatian in a battle of 6’6’’ big men.
“I don’t understand why top heavyweights are turnin this down.”Said the former Olympic silver medal winner. “Hrgovic is no boogeyman. I’ve made it known that if my name comes up, I’ll step up and take it.”
And if a showdown with Hrigovic does not materialize, de 38 year-old Zhang is ready for any of the big names.
“I’m not getting any younger, and I have told my promoter that I want to make a big move,"Said Zhang, listing off of top heavyweights such as Joseph Parker and Dereck Chisora – all of whom share the same promoter, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom.
“My ultimate goal is to become world champion and I need fights that put me on that path. I will fight anyone. I want a big opportunity and all I am asking for is fair compensation. I am ready now.”
Foto – Zhang Zhilei Nov. 29th, 2021 courtesy of matchroom and Ed Mulholland
ABOUT ZHANG ZHILEI
Zhang Zhilei is a Chinese undefeated professional boxer who competes in the heavyweight division. As an amateur, he earned a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic games as a super heavyweight. He now competes at the highest levels of professional heavyweight prize fighting. He currently lives and trains in the New York City metropolitan area.
OVER LANE BROTHERS BOKSEN
De in New York City gevestigde "Lane Brothers Boxing" werd opgericht in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane. The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for over fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent.
ABOUT LI “KURT” MAOPEI
Li Maopei, aka Kurt Li, is an advisor to top boxing talent across the globe with an expertise and focus on professional boxers from his native China.
Tulsa, OK (Januari 5, 2022) – Unbeaten heavyweight Jeremiah “Dreamland” Milton has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Holden Productions.
Born and raised in Tulsa, the 27-year-old Milton is 3-0 met 3 KO’s as a pro. Als amateur, he was ranked among the top heavyweights in America and won a Silver Medal at the 2020 Olympische Trials. Prior to boxing, he played defensive end at Division II Northeastern State University. Milton, who is 6’4 230 pond, is an explosive puncher with impressive athleticism.
“Holden Productions has been doing great things for fighters in multiple weight classes,” said Milton, who earned praise from heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after the two sparred. “I’m glad to be joining a successful team based out of my hometown and we’re going to put the world on notice.”
Having promoted fights and fighters across the globe including both Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley fights this past year, Holden Productions is thrilled about signing a talented heavyweight with ties to their home base.
“Our job is to give Jeremiah the largest platform to succeed,” said Bryce Holden. “This task is made easy when you work with a fighter that eats, sleeps and breaths boxing. We’re thrilled to see Jeremiah flourish in 2022 while fighting in his hometown on some major shows.”
Mike Leanardi, Milton’s manager who runs Victory Sports & Entertainment with Rick Torres stated “We’re excited to be working with Tony and Bryce Holden. They know the Tulsa region and have had a lot of success building fighters there. Jeremiah will get an opportunity to be active, fight on big cards and fight at home in Tulsa. It doesn’t get any better than that!"
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON HOOFDKAART RESULTATEN EN OFFERTES:
Fedor Emelianenko (40-6, 1 NC) def. Niet Doen. 2 Tim Johnson (15-8) via KO bij 1:46 van de eerste ronde
Fedor Emelianenko: “Ik voel me heel goed. Ik voel me goed. Twee jaar verstreken. Ik ben blij dat alles is verlopen zoals we dachten. “Ik ben erg blij met het feit dat we het publiek blij hebben gemaakt en we hebben onze fans zo’n grote vreugde bezorgd. Aan degenen die onze carrière- en Bellator-evenementen volgen. "Het is veel gemakkelijker voor mij om in Amerika op te treden". Ik heb niet zo'n enorme aandacht, of misschien krijg ik wel de aandacht, maar alle evenementen zijn strikt gepland. Hier thuis vond al ons kamp en onze voorbereiding op de strijd plaats onder toezicht van de media, journalisten enzovoort, enzovoort. “Het is moeilijk te zeggen, Ik denk dat dit een van de belangrijkste overwinningen van mijn carrière is, rekening houdend met de locatie, het land (Rusland), de leeftijd. Rekening houdend met de kracht van Tim Johnson, wie is een sterke tegenstander?. "Godzijdank ben ik nog steeds aan het sporten en verlies ik mijn snelheid niet. “Het is moeilijk om de ‘wat als’-vragen te beantwoorden. Ik zou willen zeggen dat ik op dit moment niet van plan ben mijn carrière af te sluiten. Ik zal met Scott Coker en mijn familie praten."
Niet Doen. 8 Said Sowma (8-2) def. Vitaly Minakov (22-2) via TKO op 3:08 van ronde drie
Said Sowma: "Ik kon de man niet raken terwijl hij zijn vinger aan het repareren was toen hij gebroken was". Ik vertelde de scheidsrechter dat zijn vinger in de war was toen hij zei dat we moesten blijven vechten. Ik wil tegen hem vechten als een echte krijgskunstenaar, niet zo. "Ik heb niet nagedacht over wie de volgende is", Ik ben nu gewoon enthousiast over deze. Hij was een stuk zwaarder dan ik was, maar het was geen gevecht dat ik op korte termijn aannam. Ik wilde gewoon een stap omhoog in tegenstanders. Ik geloof dat als je je hele leven tegen zwervers vecht, dan ben je een zwerver. Ik hoop dat ik voor iedereen thuis een pad heb uitgestippeld dat je alles kunt bereiken waar je je zinnen op zet, waar je ook vandaan komt. "Minakov maakte me niet binnen één minuut af, zoals hij gewoonlijk doet met zijn tegenstanders, dus ik ben best tevreden.", maar het was zeker een beetje een bitterzoete overwinning voor mij.” Niet Doen. 6 Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) def. Patrick Pietila (11-9) via voorlegging (RNC) bij 4:06 van de eerste ronde
Usman Nurmagomedov: "Ik voel me goed. Ik wil God bedanken voor deze overwinning. Het was geweldig vechten hier in Rusland. Ik ben zo blij nu. "Ik was zeker van plan om dit gevecht tot op de grond te voeren". Ik probeerde hem te vangen zodat ik hem naar de grond kon brengen, waar ik wist dat ik een voordeel had. "Ik wil het volgende opnemen tegen een topvechter". Een Top-10 of Top-15 vechter, het maakt me niet echt uit, maar ik wil een topvechter. Ik heb ongeveer een week rust nodig en dan ben ik terug en klaar om te gaan. "Ik heb nog niet met Scott Coker gesproken over iets met betrekking tot titelshots. Ik weet niet wie het gevecht om de wereldtitel tussen Patricky Pitbull en Peter Queally gaat winnen, maar ik ga die riem pakken en mee naar huis nemen.” Anatoly Tokov (30-2) def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-4-1) via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) Anatoly Tokov: "Ik voelde me een beetje roestig in dit gevecht vanwege de afwezigheid van twee jaar. Het voelde alsof mijn bereik een beetje weg was. Het was geen gemakkelijke strijd. Ik was blij dat het drie rondes ging, omdat het me toestond om te ademen en het me in staat stelde de situatie onder controle te krijgen.” “Niets was verrassend aan dit gevecht, want we trainden samen en ik ken zijn sterke punten en ik weet dat hij een heel serieuze vechter is.. Het was een echte uitdaging voor mij, maar niets was verrassend aan deze. Ik was ook helemaal niet nerveus en wist eigenlijk dat ik hem elke ronde goed verzorgde.”
BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON VOORLOPIGE KAARTRESULTATEN: Kirill Sidelnikov (13-6) def. Rab Truesdale (10-8-1) via TKO op 2:01 van de eerste ronde Katarzyna Sadura (5-4) def. Darina Mazdyuk (4-2) via TKO op 3:17 van de tweede ronde Irina Alekseeva (4-1) def. Stephanie Pagina (5-3) via unaniem besluit (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Nikita Michajlov (8-1) def. Brian Moore (14-8) via unaniem besluit (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Alexey Shurkevitsj (13-4) def. Grachik Bozinyan (11-5) via KO bij 2:25 van de eerste ronde Aiden Lee (10-5) def. alexander Osetrov (8-3-1) via voorlegging (RNC) bij 3:41 van de eerste ronde
