Tag Archives: heavyweight

North Philly’s Own Cheesesteak, Sumo Steaks, is Proud of Philadelphia Boxers, Bryant Jennings and Jesse Hart

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 24, 2015– North Philly’s Own Cheesesteaks, Sumo Steaks, is proud to announce that their friends, fellow North Philadelphians, and big-hearted local community role models, Bryant Jennings and Jesse Hart, will both soon be making major career defining strides. Bryant Jennings will be fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship and Jesse Hart will be fighting on the undercard of the most anticipated Fight of the Century, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.

Bryant Jennings enjoying a Sumo (Vegetarian Seitan) Cheesesteak
This Saturday, April 25th, Philadelphia’s own undefeated American boxer, Bryant “By-By” Jennings, (19-0, 10 KOs) takes on Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer” Klitschko (63-3, 54 KOs) from Kiev, Ukraine at the famed Madison Square Garden. Jennings will be joined by the legendary trainer Fred Jenkins and promoter Gary Shaw. “Bryant is very focused with a strong work ethic. We believe he’s going to upset Klitschko and are looking forward to “By-By” bringing the World Heavyweight Championship belts back to Philadelphia.” said Billy Creagh of Sumo Steaks.

Jesse Hart (left); Sumo Steaks owner Billy Creagh and Eugene “Cyclone” Hart

Sumo Steaks is equally excited for Jesse Hart (16-0,13 KOs) and D&D Management Team (Doc Nowicki & David Price) who will be fighting Mike Jimenez (17-0,11 KOs) from Chicago IL, on the biggest boxing card in history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. They will come together on May 2nd, in Las Vegas, NV. at the MGM Grand for the USBA Super Middleweight Title. He will be joined by his cornermen, Fred Jenkins Sr, Danny Davis, Corey AKA Hundew MacDonald and Jesse’s father, Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, along with his promoter Top Rank’s Bob Arum.

Coincidentally In 1971, North Philadelphia’s Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali and won the World Heavyweight Championship at Madison Square Garden in which was called “the Fight of the Century.” It was so big the ring announcer said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are not going to introduce the celebrities at ringside tonight, because everybody is here tonight.”

Located in North Philadelphia, home to boxing champions, Bernard Hopkins, Danny Garcia and the late Joe Frazier, Sumo Steaks opened in 2013 and was recently voted top Cheesesteak in Philly. They have been fortunate to get to know both Jesse and Bryant and their teams through various charity events and other activities. Sumo Steaks is also a proud sponsor of boxing events in Philadelphia. For more information, go to sumosteaks.com.

KENNETH SIMS JR. RETURNS THIS SATURDAY AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

 

 

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.”

 

50-YEAR OLD “BRONCO” BILLY WRIGHT COMPLETES 500 MILE TREK FOR CHARITY

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 22, 2015) – After trekking a remarkable 500 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona, 50-year heavyweight contender (WBC #17), Bronco Billy Wright (47-4, 38 KOs), has a message to send to the boxing community and the heavyweight division.

 

“I did this 500 mile “Trek for Cures”, Run, Walk and Ride to help raise money for charities that are close to my heart,” said Bronco Billy Wright. “In addition I wanted to send a message to the heavyweight division, letting everyone rated in the WBC top 15 know that I’m a serious athlete coming for their rankings. My next fight will be announced shortly, and my goal is to take out everyone in my path.  I don’t think there is a heavyweight out there that can handle my power.  I humbly want to thank the WBC Cares and everyone who supported me during this journey.

 

The trek ended at the Central Boxing Club in downtown Phoenix, where Bronco Billy was greeted by its members, which included undefeated super-lightweight Jose Benavidez Jr. (22-0, 15 KOs) among others.

 

“The fighters and coaches at the Central Boxing Club were gracious enough to let me end my trek at their gym and it was fantastic.” Bronco Billy Wright continued. “There were some local TV cameras there to talk about my story.  It was a great success and I’m ready to begin my march toward the heavyweight championship of the world.”

 

Billy currently holds the WBC LATIN AMERICAN, FECARBOX , and United States (USNBC) Silver titles.  Right now Bronco Billy is riding a 18-fight knockout streak, 14 of which came by first round KO.  With a few more first round knockouts he’ll break Shannon Briggs world record.  Look for Bronco Billy to make his return to the ring this summer.

Two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham signs with Al Haymon

Philadelphia (April 21, 2015)–Former two-time world cruiserweight champion and current Heavyweight contender, Steve “USS” Cunningham has signed with adviser Al Haymon.
Cunningham of Philadelphia is excited about the prospects for his future.
“I’m looking forward to working with Al, he’s a genius at what he does.  I’ve been watching him for several years and seeing all that he accomplishes for his fighters but have always been on the outside looking in due to contractual obligations.  It finally lined up to where we can work together and it’s going to great.  I believe my best fights have yet to be seen,”said Cunningham
Cunningham has a record of 28-7 with 13 knockouts.  He won the IBF Cruiserweight championship when he traveled to Poland and defeated Krzysztof Wlodarczyk on May 26, 2007.  He defended the title by stopping Marco Huck via 12th round stoppage in Bielfield, Germany on December 29, 2007.  Cunningham became a two-time champion on June 5, 2010 when he stopped Troy Ross in five rounds.
Cunningham is coming off a controversial split decision defeat to Vyacheslav Glazkov on March 14 in Montreal.
Steve and his wife/manager Livvy will be honored this Friday night at the 90th annual BWAA Awards dinner as they will receive the Bill Crawford Courage Award for their perseverance while their 9-year old daughter Kennedy went through a life saving heart transplant last December.
The awards dinner will take place at Capitale in New York City.

John Thompson reflects on Boxcino semifinal win and looks forward towards the final on May 22

Newark, NJ (April 21, 2015)John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson has begun preparations for his May 22 Boxcino final bout against Brandon Adams. (17-1, 12 KO’s).
The fight will take place on Friday, May 22 in Corona, California and will live on ESPNFriday Night Fights.
Thompson is in Virginia, training under Kay Koroma and he is looking to win the prestigious tournament against Thompson in the 10-round bout at the Omega Products International Outdoor Arena in Corona, California.
Thompson (16-1, 5 KO’s) is coming off a 8-round split decision over previously undefeated Stanyslav Skorokhod on April 10 in Bethlehem, PA.
“I outboxed the guy,” said Thompson.  I focused on what I needed to focus on and that was using my jab.    I also focused on not to exchange and bang with him and I did a pretty good job of that.”
“As well as I fought, I do not think that was even my best win.”
Now he looks towards Adams.  Adams of Los Angeles has experience in the Boxcino finals as his only loss was to  Willie Monroe Jr. in last year’s Middleweight finals.
“I am happy to be in the finals.  This is an opportunity that will be the uprising of my career,” continued Thompson.
“Brandon is a brawler.  He will have a few weeks to come up with a strategy to beat me.”
Said Thompson’s promoter, Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “I believe we are longer, been in tougher and the better boxer.  Brandon is a good fighter but I think he is too green.  I know he had a brief amateur career and he could be too green for John.”
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Bryant Jennings Arrives in NYC for Klitschko Clash

Photo by Edward Jackson / Gary Shaw Productions

 

NEW YORK (April 20, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions undefeated heavyweight contender, Bryant “By-By” Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) has arrived in New York City for his upcoming championship bout against Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs).

 

KLITSCHKO vs. JENNINGS is presented by K2 Promotions and the Klitschko Management Group in association with Gary Shaw Productions and will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing®beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the United States and RTL in Germany.

 

ALI vs. SANTANA is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Golden Boy Promotions.

 

Tickets priced at $1000, $600, $300, $200 and $100 may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office, www.TheGarden.com andwww.Ticketmaster.com.

“BRONCO” BILLY WRIGHT TO TREK 500 MILES FOR CHARITY

“BRONCO” BILLY WRIGHT
TO TREK 500 MILES FOR CHARITY
Bronco Billy Wright's 500 Mile Trek for Cures Mission

 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 8, 2015) – 50-year heavyweight contender (WBC #17),Bronco Billy Wright (47-4, 38 KOs), will embark on an incredible 500 mile trek from Las Vegas, through the Grand Canyon, and into the Phoenix, Arizona area.  Titled “Trek for Cures,” Bronco Billy’s goal is to raise $50,000 to continue the fight to find a cure for cancer.  In addition, he wants to send a message to the boxing world, more specifically the heavyweight division. The trek will consist of walking, running and bike riding.  To help Bronco Billy reach his goal, please CLICK HERE.

 

“On April 8th I begin a 500 mile Run, Walk and Ride to kick off training camp and to raise money for some charities. This Trek is important to me for many reasons and I am grateful for the support of my family, my team, my friends and all of my supporters. This Trek will last approximately two weeks where we will run, walk and ride from Las Vegas, to the Grand Canyon, and then down to the Phoenix area where we will begin fight camp and training for my upcoming fights.  Anyone may join me for any part of the trek.  Just contact us and we will schedule where you may join the trek.   Any support you give is greatly appreciated.  I want everyone to know that I am extremely committed to becoming Heavyweight Champion of the World and this is one of many steps I will be taking to show you.  Again, thank you for your support. I am grateful.” – Bronco Billy Wright

Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight and Heavyweight semifinals to be held on Friday, April 10 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA

Philadelphia (March 31, 2015)–It is less than two weeks away from the semifinals of the Boxcino 2015 heavyweight and jr. middleweight tournaments that will take place on Friday night, April 10th and will be held at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA.

 

The show will be televised live on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights with the Boxcino semifinal fights beginning at 9 PM ET.

 

All semifinal bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

 

In the heavyweight division, Andrey Fedosov (26-3, 21 KO’s) will take on Lenroy Thomas (19-3, 8 KO’s).  Fedosov is coming off a first round pounding of Nate Heaven while Thomas won a 7-round drawbreaker over former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada.

 

In the second semifinal, Razvan Cojanu (13-1, 7 KO’s) will take on Donovan Dennis (11-1, 9 KO’s).

 

Cojanu is coming off a 7-round drawbreaker win over Ed Fountain while Dennis stopped Steve Vukosa in 4-rounds.

 

In the jr. middleweight division, Stanyslav Skorokhod (9-0, 7 KO’s) battles John Thompson (15-1, 5 KO’s).

 

Skorokhod was very impressive in taking out Michael Moore in four rounds. Thompson took a six round unanimous decision over Ricardo Pinnel.

 

Brandon Adams (16-1, 11KO’s) battles Vito Gasparyan (15-3-5, 8 KO’s).

 

Adams stopped Alex Perez in five rounds while Gasparyan won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Simeon Hardy.

 

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

 

This event starts at 7pm.  Ticket prices are $100, $75, $50.  Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com1-800-745-3000 and at the box office at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

For credentials, contact:  Marc Abrams at marc@banner-promotions.com

 

Follow Banner Promotions on social media for all the latest Banner and #Boxcino2015 updates:

@BannerBoxing #TeamBanner ; @Boxcino2015 #Boxcino

Facebook.com/BannerPromotions; instagram.com/BannerBoxing

McRae to face unbeaten Charles Martin for NABO Title on Klitschko-Jennings undercard!

 

Laurel, MD (March 25, 2015) – Heavyweight hopeful Dwayne “Big Ticket” McRae will have the opportunity to move up the rankings when he battles unbeaten and highly touted NABO champion Charles Martin in a ten round championship match Saturday, April 25 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout takes place prior to the highly anticipated world heavyweight title fight between unified champion Wladimir Klitshcko and undefeated contender Bryant Jennings. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com or by calling 866-858-0008.

Hailing from Laurel, MD, McRae has a solid 15-3 professional ledger with 8 wins by knockout. Fighting under the Mastermind Boxing banner, McRae is unbeaten in his last six and has lost just once in the last five years. Although most of his fights have taken place in Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia, the 34-year-old had been lobbying for a bout against a top notch foe.

Regarded as one of America’s brightest and fastest rising heavyweights, Martin is an outstanding 20-0-1 with 18 knockouts. Born in St. Louis, MO and based out of Los Angeles, CA, Martin’s derailed three previously unbeaten foes in Vincent Thompson (13-0), Glendy Hernandez (10-0) and Alexander Flores (14-0), stopping the later to become NABO champion. He also owns a second round knockout over former world amateur champion Joey Dawejko, who has since scored six straight victories.

“This is a great opportunity for my career,” said McRae. “In my eyes, I’m also undefeated since both of my decision losses were controversial and the other fight was stopped unjustly, so my position really should be similar to his.”

McRae is also confident that this fight is going to bring him to the next level based on what he’s seen of Martin, the WBO’s #4 and IBF’s #6 ranked contender.

“He’s a decent fighter but I didn’t see anything spectacular. I know what I can do in there and that’s far more important than officially having a 0 at the end of my record. When two fighters get in the ring regardless of who is supposed to be the next great fighter or not, anything can happen and this is my time to show everybody what I’m truly made of!”

The McRae-Martin bout may appear as part of the international telecast. More information will follow.

Bellator MMA signs wrestling star Bobby Lashley to a long-term contract extension 

Follow us on Twitter Easy tweet: @BellatorMMA signs a long-term contract extension with wrestling superstar@FightBobby#BellatorMMA

 Photo Credit Bellator MMA / Eric Coleman


SANTA MONICA, Calif. (March 20, 2015) – Bellator MMA announced today that superstar heavyweight Bobby Lashley (12-2) has signed a long-term contract extension with the promotion.  Lashley is a perfect 2-0 under the Bellator banner, and 10 of his 12 victories have come by way of stoppage.

 

The 6’3 wrestling standout started training in the sport at age 12, and would go on to win several titles including three National Championships at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA National Championship, a CISM World Championship Silver Medal and a two-time Armed Forces Wrestling Championship when he served in the United States Army.
With his amazing wrestling pedigree, “The Dominator” signed a developmental contract with the WWE in 2004 and made his professional debut for the organization in 2005.  Lashley would go on to fight for ECW and TNA as well, but wanted to prove himself in the world of MMA.
In 2008, Lashley began training in MMA full time with the American Top Team (ATT) gym in Coconut Creek Florida.  He would later open his own ATT gym in Denver, CO, and trains between the two facilities with several respected athletes including Josh Barnett, Antonio “Big Foot Silva”, and Todd Duffee.
“I’ve had two fights with Bellator, and I’m happy to be calling the promotion my home,” said Lashley.  “Scott Coker and the company have really reignited my desire to fight and I’m looking forward to a huge year with some dominant wins.”
NEXT WEEK:  Watch “The Baddest Man on the Planet” Joe Warren defend his bantamweight title against Marcos Galvao next Friday, March 27 at 9/8c Live and Free, only on Spike. For more information visit www.bellator.com.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.