Tag Archives: heavyweights

REAL FACTS BEHIND LUIS ORTIZ SITUATION

MIAMI, FL (October 5, 2017) – Manager to Luis Ortiz, Jay Jimenez, wants to clarify the current situation with his fighter and the WBC’s decision to move to a new opponent.
“To clarify the Luis Ortiz situation, this is the real and only version of the current process. Mr. Sulaiman and the WBC have NOT suspended or removed Luis from their rankings. The WBC’s decision was as follows, they did not sanction the fight based off the fact that they are worried for Luis’s health.  And to be honest, I must respect and admire their decision because I agree, the fighter’s health is paramount. So, the WBC will schedule a visit with one of their approved physicians to check Luis health, and make sure he is 100% healthy and fit to fight, and that the Blood Pressure pills will not affect him physically.”

“Once Luis has passed all physical exams and is medically cleared to fight by the WBC, we will begin to work on a possible fight towards the end of the year.  Also, once all is resolved, we hope that we can reschedule the Wilder fight in the first quarter of next year. Wilder has shown much interest in fighting Ortiz, and the best fighters in the division, so I know it will not be a hard fight to renegotiate. Thank you to everyone for your support.  This soon will be corrected, and Luis can continue on with his career.” ~ Jay Jimenez, Manager of Luis Ortiz 

VICTOR  CONTE REVEALS TRUTH ON LUIS ORTIZ POSITIVE TEST

***BREAKING NEWS***
 
SAN CARLOS, CA (October 2, 2017) – Sports scientist, Victor Conte, reveals in detail, why he believes undefeated heavyweight contender, Luis Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), is innocent in regards to his recent positive drug test.  An expert in the field of scientific nutrition, Conte feels, Ortiz was negligent in declaring his blood pressure medicine, but also believes there is no evidence of intent to cheat. Conte’s position is that the WBC heavyweight championship fight between, Deontay Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs) and Luis Ortiz, scheduled for November 4th on Showtime, should move forward without delay.
“Unless you have strong evidence of intent to cheat, then you don’t have a case,” said a stern Victor Conte. “Let the fight go on.  Don’t deprive the fans…and the WBC, I hope your listening.”

SHOWTIME SPORTS® RELEASES ANTHONY JOSHUA & DEONTAY WILDER FULL-LENGTH FIGHTS IN ADVANCE OF CONSECUTIVE HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS ON SHOWTIME®

 

WATCH ANTHONY JOSHUA VS. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO HERE

WATCH DEONTAY WILDER VS. ARTUR SZPILKA HERE

 

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports released two full-length fights from Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder in advance of their upcoming title defenses on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 on SHOWTIME.  Joshua’s potential Fight of the Year thriller with Wladimir Klitschko and Wilder’s sensational knockout of Artur Szpilka are available now in their entirety on SHOWTIME Sports digital platforms.

 

The October 28 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast of Anthony Joshua vs. Kubrat Pulev from Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales will be the first of two heavyweight world title fights airing live on SHOWTIME.  The following Saturday, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will defend his title against undefeated contender Luis Ortiz to conclude consecutive weeks that feature four of the consensus top-five heavyweights in the world. 

 

Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko: Full Fight | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Link: http://s.sho.com/2ytPeYm

Restrictions: US Only

 

Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka: Full Fight | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Link: http://s.sho.com/2yGWKAc

 

For more information, visit www.sho.com/sports, follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo Has Been Canceled

 
WBA Championship Showdown Between Shannon Briggs & Fres Oquendo from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Not Being Rescheduled at This Time
 
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 23, 2017) – The Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casinoin Hollywood, FL has been officially canceled.
The fight has not been rescheduled at this time. Ticket refunds are available at point of purchase.

Heavyweight World Title Showdown Comes to South Florida!

 
Two-Time Heavyweight Champion Shannon Briggs & Three-Time Title Challenger Fres Oquendo Battle for WBA Championship
 
Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo Saturday, June 3, 2017 Takes Place at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in 
Hollywood, Fla.
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
Editor’s Note:To apply for media credentials please visit Swansonpr.com/credentials
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (May 1, 2017) – Two-time world heavyweight champion Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs and three-time title challenger Fres Oquendo will battle for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Heavyweight Championship in the main event of Backyard Brawl: Briggs vs. Oquendo taking place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Doors open at 6 p.m. with first fight at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
One of boxing’s most popular and larger-than-life personalities who fights in its resurgent glamor division, Briggs’ self-made brand and boxing acumen has helped him land several world title fights since 1998. On June 3, the 45-year-old Briggs will bring a five-fight knockout streak into the ring as he attempts to make history by matching the likes of two-time world heavyweight champion George Foreman. The oldest heavyweight champion ever, Foreman won his final heavyweight championship at the age of 45.
“Fighting for the WBA Heavyweight Championship against Fres Oquendo is a wonderful opportunity and true privilege,” said Briggs. “Being able to fight at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in front of my hometown fans and right in my backyard is extremely exciting. I’m working very hard right now with some great sparring partners that are pushing me to the limit. Fight night will be a long one for Fres Oquendo. I want to dedicate this fight to my children, my family, all of my fans and to all of the people around the world who have suffered from depression. I’m living proof that you can make it. Don’t give up. LET’S GO CHAMP!”
Returning to the ring after a disputed defeat to Ruslan Chagaev in a 2014 title fight, Oquendo is co-promoted by future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions and Hitz Boxing as he looks to become the first heavyweight champion from Puerto Rico since John Ruiz in 2001.
“This will be a great fight between two veteran American fighters,” said Oquendo. “I’ve fought in Miami five times, plus, I train at the historic 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, so I’m very comfortable here. The trials and tribulations I’ve encountered for 30 years in this sport and 20 as a professional, are finally coming to fruition. They say third time is the charm, but the fourth is the holy grail and the most special. I’m dedicating this fight to Jaxon King, my friend’s son who just passed away at five years of age. I’m also doing this for my mentor, Muhammad Ali. Winning his belt on the anniversary of his passing will be special. I’m going to borrow the belt for a bit and give it back when I’m done beating Shannon.”
Less than 30 miles from the Miami Beach Convention Center that hosted the 1964 Fight of the Year between Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston, Briggs and Oquendo will look to ignite the passions of the rabid boxing fans in South Florida as they seek a piece of the championship crown and move closer to the ultimate goal of unifying the heavyweight division.
“We’re extremely excited about bringing this WBA Heavyweight World Championship fight to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,” said Kris Lawrence, founder of The Heavyweight Factory. “We’re really proud of Shannon Briggs, who has a chance to tie George Foreman’s record and become a champion for a third time. It is truly amazing for a heavyweight like Shannon to have lasted and preserved himself for so long. He was champion in two different decades. First in 1997 and then 2006. Now in 2017, he has the chance to do it again. We hope to see everyone coming out and supporting Shannon Briggs the night of the fight, as he is the ‘People’s Champ.’ LET’S GO CHAMP!”
Briggs has made South Florida his home and training camp for much of his career. He will be making his fourth start at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and his ninth in the state.
Representing the boxing hotbed of Brooklyn, Briggs (60-6-1, 53 KOs) seeks the third heavyweight world title in his long and eventful career. Briggs became a world champion in 2006 when he scored a 12th round stoppage of Siarhei Liakhovich. Briggs has faced the best heavyweights in the world and won the lineal heavyweight world title from George Foreman in 1997. He also defeated Ray Mercer in 2005, in addition to world title challenges of Lennox Lewis and Vitali Klitschko. He enters this fight as the winner of his last nine contests, including eight knockouts and a 12-round decision over Raphael Zumbano Love.
Originally from Puerto Rico and fighting out of Chicago throughout his pro career, Oquendo (37-8, 24 KOs)looks to capitalize on his fourth opportunity and capture a world title. The slick-boxer has faced a slew of top heavyweights throughout his career, including narrow decision losses to Evander Holyfield and James Toney, plus title challenges of Chris Byrd and John Ruiz. The 44-year-old owns recent victories over Derric Rossy and Joey Abell in addition to triumphs over Clifford Etienne, David Izon and Javier Mora.
Briggs vs. Oquendo Fight Week promises to excite with week-long events that will lead up to this historic night. Among the boxing royalty invited to Fight Week and Fight Night are Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Roy Jones Jr, Michael Moorer, Riddick Bowe and more.
Ticket prices are $75, $100, $150, $250 and $500; ringside seats are sold for $1,000; ringside tables with six seats are $5,500 and 10 seats are $11,000 (plus a $5 Facility Maintenance fee applies). All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online atwww.myhrl.com, www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

BUD GREENSPAN’S “KINGS OF THE RING: FOUR LEGENDS OF HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING” TO AIR TONIGHT, FRIDAY, JUNE 10 AT 8 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME®

SHOWTIME Sports® presents “KINGS OF THE RING: Four Legends of Heavyweight Boxing” featuring legendary heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis. The captivating film-length documentary written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Bud Greenspan, is airing on SHOWTIME Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“KINGS OF THE RING” explores the lives of four of the greatest heavyweight champions of the 20th century, who made an impact in history in and out of the ring, advocating for political issues and civil rights. The athletes not only pushed the boundaries by becoming champions, but they also achieved greatness while changing the world in the process.

 

An encore presentation of “KINGS OF THE RING: Four Legends of Heavyweight Boxing” will replay on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Saturday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT. It will also be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning June 15.

HEAVYWEIGHTS TO MAKE SOPHOMORE CAGE APPEARANCES AT NEF 22

Lewiston, Maine (March 16, 2016) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE” on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  The fight card will feature a mix of mixed-martial-arts (MMA) and professional boxing bouts.  Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur heavyweight bout to the MMA portion of the “NEF 22” fight card.  Ras Hylton (1-0) is scheduled to face Matt Glover (1-0) at a fight weight of 265-pounds.

 

Weighing in at 227-pounds and standing 6’6,” Ras Hylton towered over the top of the cage at “NEF 21” last month in his MMA debut.  It took him just over a minute to dispatch his opponent, Zak Bergeron (0-1), using his reach advantage to pummel Bergeron with a barrage of strikes.  Hylton is a member of Dragon Fire Martial Arts of South Portland, Maine, as well as First Class MMA based in Brunswick.

 

“I’m immensely grateful to my teams at Dragon Fire MMA and First Class MMA for helping me to prepare for this dream made real,” exclaimed Hylton.  “I expect that Mr. Glover will help provide an excellent show for the fans as we both fight for victory, making this show as memorable as my debut was for me.  All roads lead here, and I want mine to lead to victory.  Thank you for all the support folks!”

 

At “NEF 21,” Matt Glover defeated Gravin Guillen (2-5) via first-round technical knockout.  During his time at Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine, Glover was a standout on the football field.  He is a member of Berserkers MMA where he trains under coaches Mike Hansen (3-3) and Gary Dolloff.  Glover’s younger brother Ryan (Glover, 3-1) is the reigning NEF MMA Amateur Light-Heavyweight Champion.  At 236-pounds and 6’2,” Glover realizes he will need to overcome Hylton’s height and reach advantage on April 23rd.

 

“I’m very excited for my next NEF battle,” said Glover.  “I think I will be even more prepared and less nervous for this fight.  My head will be clearer.  For my debut, my brother was also on the card and I was a little distracted as a result, but for this fight, my mind is all business about what’s in front of me.  Ras possesses a huge challenge with his height and reach, but I plan on neutralizing his kicks and getting inside and coming straight forward and throwing bombs.  My training is getting me better and better and getting me more prepared every day.  There will be some bloodshed on April 23rd – and I will give 110% effort, as always.”

 

New England Fights’ next event, “NEF 22: ALL ROADS LEAD HERE,” takes place Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine.  Tickets for “NEF 22” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisée box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

SADAM ALI FACES FRANCISCO SANTANA AS THE CO-MAIN EVENT ON THE WLADMIR KLITSCHKO VS. BRYANT JENNINGS CARD ON APRIL 25

 FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN NEW YORK

TELEVISED LIVE ON HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

 

NEW YORK CITY (March 25, 2015) – The undefeated Sadam “World Kid” Ali and fast -punching Francisco “Chia” Santana will face off at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden on Sat. April 25 as the co-feature to “The Champion Returns”, the World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and top-rated challenger Bryant Jennings. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions, the 10-round welterweight showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars will give fans an exciting night of boxing as they open up the telecast before the highly anticipated heavyweight main event.

 

Advance tickets to “The Champion Returns” may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office at www.TheGarden.com and through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-435-5000.)

 

“I’m excited to fight in my home state of New York and at Madison Square Garden,” said Brooklyn, New York’s Sadam Ali.  “Some of the greatest fighters in the sport have made their mark at this venue; Muhummad Ali, Joe Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and I’m ready to be part of that history.  Francisco is a tough fighter and I’m ready to take him on and with the help of my promoter Golden Boy Promotions move forward to becoming a world champion.”

 

“I’ve earned my way to the position I’m in because I’ve fought and beat fighters who were undefeated,” said Francisco Santana of Santa Barbara, California.  “Nothing has come easy to me on the way up.  Fighting stiff opposition is what prepares a fighter for the next level and I’ll be ready for anything Sadam Ali brings.  My promoter Gary Shaw told me if I kept winning he would get me a big fight, and here we are getting ready to fight one of the best young contenders in the world.  A win against Ali will sky rocket my career and that’s exactly what I plan to do.”

 

“Coming off of an exciting match that saw him knockout a previously undefeated fighter, Sadam is now looking to take a next, crucial step up the welterweight ladder,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions.  “With lightning-quick hands, true knockout power and a hunger to be the best in the division, the ‘World Kid’ is a must-see for all fans.”

 

“Francisco Santana is a warrior who grinded his way up the rankings and earned this fight against Ali on HBO,” stated Gary Shaw.  “This is a feel good story about a kid who fought his way to the big stage and bright lights of Broadway.  Those bright lights are now shining on his career.  I’ve always said, a fighter who is hungry is very dangerous, and Santana is famished.  He wants to win this fight and show the world he’s worthy of a world title shot.  I believe Santana is the underdog in the public’s eye, but he will once again fool the public with a great win on April 25.”

 

“We’re happy to add this exciting co-feature to this extraordinary event headlined by the World Heavyweight Championship between Wladimir Klitschko and Bryant Jennings,” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “The matchup of these two rising stars should provide for a very strong opening fight to the HBO telecast.”

 

Former 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs) has been on the fast track to success in boxing since his professional debut in 2009.  The undefeated fighter impressed critics and fans early on, dominating all his opponents, including Michael Clark whom he beat via knockout in the first round on April 2014 to gain the WBO NABO Welterweight Title.  In August of the same year, Ali defeated Jeremy Bryan via split decision to gain the WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Title.  In his most recent bout and the most notable to date of Ali’s career, he faced Juan Carlos Abregu knocking him down in the sixth and ninth round winning by technical knockout in the ninth round to give Abregu his second career loss.

 

Undefeated since 2012, Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3-1, 1 KO) has solidified himself as one of the brightest and most dangerous stars in the welterweight division.  His victories against former undefeated prospect Eddie Gomez and veteran Joachim Alcine, have propelled him to the top of the weight class.  Santana’s most recent wins came by way of knockout.  In August of 2014, Francisco stopped Luis Alfredo Lugo in the fifth round, followed by a spectacular first round knockout of another undefeated prospect in Kendal Mena, a bout that took place in January of 2015.  Santana is ready to add another win to his record when he faces Sadam Ali on April 25.

 

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden.

 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.garyshawproductions.com, andwww.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing and @HBOBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, Gray Shaw Productions Facebook Page, orwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HBOboxing.