Tag Archives: IBA

boxing, Super Channel

Nico Hernandez captures IBA flyweight World title in 5th professional fight   Calls out fellow Olympic bronze medalist “Irish” Paddy Barnes

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Inaugural Event
HIGH STAKES
Saturday, May 19, 2018 * 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
The new IBA World flyweight champion Nico Hernandez
(L-R) head trainer Lewis Hernandez, assistant trainer Villa, Nico Hernandez, Hall of Fame referee and IBA official Steve Smoger and promote John Andersen.
(photo courtesy of Courtney Wells / Boyd Gaming Corp.)

MULVANE, Kan. (May 21, 2018) — History was made this past Saturday night on the “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” pay-per-view card, when 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and local hero, Nico Hernandez, knocked out Hungarian challenger Szilveszter “The Silent Assassin” Kanalas in the opening round to capture the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Flyweight World Championship in only his fifth professional fight, at Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.

 

 

 

In the first world title fight ever held in Kansas, Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs) overwhelmed Kanalas (14-7, 9 KOs), the former World Boxing Federation (WBF) super flyweight world champion, to become the youngest (22) IBA world champion ever, as well as setting the record for the fewest pro fights needied to become IBA world titlist.

 

 

 

SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes was launched as Super Channel’s new live boxing series,SUPERBOX LIVE, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC, and it aired live exclusively in Canada on Super Channel.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media distributed “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view as it was live-streamed worldwide on FITE.TV app and website (excluding Canada).

 

 

 

Hernandez was aggressive from the opening bell, pounding Kanalas’ head and body. A Hernandez left hook to the body really hurt Kanalas, who went down from a right that followed the vicious liver shot. Kanalas beat Hall of Fame Steve Smoger‘s count, and it was only a matter of time before Hernandez would end the fight. It came soon, right after another body-and-head combination put the over-matched Hungarian on the mat for the second and final time.

 

 

 

“A lot of people underestimate my power,” Hernandez said after the fight. “I believe that once he felt my power, I don’t think he wanted it anymore. I felt like I took his heart away. I was patient, I wanted it to go a few rounds to see what he had, but I took his heart away. I can’t really be disappointed because I am a world champion now.”

 

 

 

“Nico was explosive Saturday night and he showed killer instinct,” promoter John Andersen commented. “He was going to box, but I think he smelled fear, and Nico got into Kanalas’ head. He sensed it and jumped on him.”

 

 

 

Before he left the ring, Hernandez took the microphone in the center of the ring and called out three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic bronze medalist, “Irish” Paddy Barnes (5-0, 1 KO), who was the favored to win a gold medal in the flyweight division at the 2016 Olympics. He was eliminated in the round of 16 and Hernandez took home the bronze medal. “There’s a bronze medalist from (Northern) Ireland, Paddy Barnes, and that’s who I’d really love to fight.”

 

 

 

“I think that’s a fight we should start a conversation about,” Andersen remarked. “It’s not line Barnes is 21 (he’s 31) and I don’t know of a lot of 30 or older flyweights. It makes a lot of sense and can be a big fight. They’re both Olympic bronze medalist, already fought in scheduled 10 and 12 round fights, and have belts. (Barnes is the WBO Intercontinental flyweight champ). Nico needs to step up in terms of competition, too. I think they should get in the ring and then we can see what happens.

 

 

 

“If they don’t want to make this fight right away, maybe we can build it up by putting them on the same card, and then fight next year. This fight makes a lot of sense for both fighters and Nico has already said he wants to fight Barnes.”

 

 

 

Hernandez joined reigning IBA world champions, light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev and junior middleweight Mark DeLuca, as well as past IBA world champions such as Hall of Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, in addition to starsRoy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.

 

 

 

2011 Russia Junior Championships gold medalist Andrey Afonin (6-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record in tact when Pedro “El Reguilete” Rodriguez (23-4, 19 KOs), the Cuban native and former World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedalatin cruiserweight champion, was unable to answer the bell in the third round of the co-featured event.

 

 

 

Unbeaten Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Teslenko (13-0, 11 KOs), promoted by DiBella Entertainment and fighting out of Toronto, stopped Terrance “Big Jim” Marbra (9-6, 7 KOs) in the second round.

 

 

 

Undefeated Washington featherweight Victor Morales, Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) was too much forDavid Berna (15-4, 14 KOs), of Hungary, who complained of an elbow injury and lost by way of a second-round technical knockout, in the televised opener.

 

 

 

In the television swing bout, which was held prior to the main event, popular Wichita junior welterweight Jeff Strum (3-0, 2 KOs) kept the train rollin’ with a second-round knockout of Nigeria-native Archie Weah (2-11).

 

 

 

In the most competitive fight of the night, as well as the lone match that went the complete distance, St. Louis cruiserweight Leroy Jones (3-3, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision over Kansas City, KS favorite Chris Harris (2-3-2, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Complete results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – VACANT IBA FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Nico Hernandez (5-0, 4 KOs), Wichita, KS

WTKO1 (2:52)

Szilveszter Kanalas (14-8, 9 KOs), Pecs, Hungary

(Hernandez won vacant IBA World flyweight title)

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS

Andrey Afonin (6-0, 3 KOs), Kursky, Russia

WTKO2 (3:00)

Pedro Rodriguez (23-5, 19 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Cuba

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTSs

Oleksandr Teslenko (13-0, 11 KOs), Toronto, Canada by way of Ukraine

WKO2 (0:30)

Terrance Marba (9-6, 7 KOs), Saint Petersburg, FL

 

 

 

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Leroy Jones (3-3, 2 KOs), Saint Louis, MO

WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)

Chris Harris (2-3-2, 2 KOs), Kansas City, KS

 

 

 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Jeff Strum (3-0, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS

WTKJO2 (2:56)

Archie Weah (2-11), Norcross, GA by way of Liberia

 

 

 

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Victor Morales, Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs), Vancouver, WA

WTKO2 (2:56)

David Berna (15-4, 14 KOs), Budapest, Hungary

 

 

 

 

Canadian fight fans can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

 

 

Venum (www.venum.com) is the official gloves and apparel provider for SUPERBOX LIVE.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

 

 

www.konightboxing.com, www.internationalboxingassociation.com

 

 

 

Twitter: @NicoMHernandez @KONightBoxing @SCSportsTV Kansas_Star @KansasStarArena @IntegratedPPV @Fitetv @NeonStarSE

boxing, Super Channel

Super Channel to launch boxing series, “SUPERBOX LIVE” May 19 in Kansas

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Launching new series

Inaugural Event

HIGH STAKES 
Saturday, May 19, 2018 * 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
LIVE on Super Channel & Pay-Per-View (US)
U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez in IBA World flyweight title fight

 

 

LIVE ON PPV IN U.S.

 

 

 

EDMONTON, Canada (April 25, 2018) – Super Channel has announced the formation of a new live boxing series, SUPERBOX LIVE, debuting Saturday, May 19, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC, from Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas,

 

 

 

International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight champion Nico Hernandez (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on Szilveszter Kanalas (14-7, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBA World Flyweight Championship in the 12-round main event.

 

 

 

Wichita-native Hernandez captured a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. Two years ago, Kanalas became one of the youngest (17) world champions ever, when he defeated fellow Hungarian boxer, Jozsef Ajtai, for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) Super Flyweight World Championship.

 

 

The card will also feature two heavyweight showdowns as rising Canadian star Oleksandr Teslenko (12-0, 10 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined on the televised broadcast, while Russian heavyweight prospect Andrey Afonin (5-0, 2 KOs) meets veteran Cuban fighter Pedro “El Reguilete” Rodriguez (23-4, 19 KOs).

 

 

 

Additional bouts will soon be announced for the televised portion of the May 19th event.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media will distribute “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide on FITE.TV app and website (excluding Canada) for a suggested retail price of only $19.95.

 

 

 

To watch “SUPERBOX LIVE: High Stakes” live in Canada, showcasing undefeated Canadian heavyweight Teslenko, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

 

 

 

“We have had tremendous success over the last two years airing live boxing on Super Channel from around the world,” said Don McDonald, President & CEO of Super Channel. “This is why we felt on top of continuing to acquire events, we would start working directly with promoters. We have co-created the SUPERBOX LIVE series to further demonstrate Super Channel’s commitment to create original content that we can air and distribute worldwide.

 

 

 

Media executive Mike Garrow, who is the co-creator of SUPERBOX LIVE, has been appointed executive producer of the new series.

 

 

 

“Events that fans will watch on SUPERBOX LIVE will showcase stars of tomorrow, as well as feature established fighters from around the globe,” Garrow commented. “Our series shows will take place in venues throughout North America. We look forward to working with various fighters, promotions, managers, and sanctioning bodies to make SUPERBOX LIVE a ‘go-to’ show for fight fans.”

 

 

 

Venum (www.venum.com) has been named the official gloves and apparel of SUPERBOX LIVE.

 

 

 

“We’re honored to be involved in SUPERBOX LIVE‘s inaugural event,” IBA president J.C. Courreges commented. “With U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez, our Americas champion, and an outstanding European boxer, Szilveszter Kanalas,matched in the main event, ‘High Stakes’ will make history as the first World Championship ever held in Kansas.”

 

 

The long, prestigious list of IBA world champions during the past quarter-century includes Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.

 

About Super Channel

 

 

 

Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.

 

 

 

Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

 

 

 

Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.

 

 

 

Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.

 

 

 

Connect with Super Channel:

 

 

 

www.superchannel.ca

Twitter: @SCSportsTV

Instagram: @SuperChannelTV

Facebook: /SuperChannel

 

 

 

About KO NIGHT Boxing LLC

 

 

 

KO Night Boxing is an emerging combat sports promotional company whose core value is “Fighters First!” KO Night Boxing produces live events for CBS Sports Network. Follow us on Twitter @KONightBoxing
boxing

Undefeated lightweight Josh O’Reilly defends IBA Intercontinental title on St. Patrick’s Day in Canada

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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada (March 12, 2018) – Undefeated International Boxing Association (IBA) lightweight champion Josh “Dubs” O’Reilly will make his first title defense on a special St. Patrick’s Day card, presented United Boxing Promotions, this Saturday night (Mar. 17), at Hersey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
 
Irish-Canadian sensation O’Reilly (10-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Hamilton (Canada), will take on Mexican invader Juan Bedolla Orozco (19-7-2, 14 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The 27-year-old O’Reilly (pictured to right) captured his IBA Intercontinental title last October, when he stopped Oscar Arjona (13-6) at Hersey Centre.
 
“I’m excited to headline because I’ve always felt it would be cool to fight on St. Paddy’s Day, in the main event, close to home and defending my title” O’Reilly said without a hint of an Irish brogue. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to putting on a very good performance for everyone.
“My goals for 2018 are to keep improving, I’d like to be in some domestic fights and then set myself up on the international scene early next year.
“Josh had a breakout year in 2017,” O’Reilly’s promoter Tyler Buxton commented. “He came into the year with only one knockout in seven fights. In 2017, after moving up in weight and competition, he stopped all three opponents. Josh proved he’s one of the top lightweights in Canada and, in 2018, we’re looking to prove he’s the best in the country.”
 
Former International Boxing Federation (IBF heavyweight champion Frankie Rill (14-2, 10 KOs), faces Argentinian knockout-artist Sebastian “El Grandote” Ignacio Ceballos (34-9-2, 26 KOs) in the eight-round co-featured event.
 
In a pair of six-round matches, Canadian light heavyweight champion Tim Cronin (10-1-1, 2 KOs) meets Juan Cruz Correa (4-0-1), of Argentina, while Jason Alexander (2-2-0, 2 KOs) squares off with Darren Fletcher (1-4-1,) in a battle of Canadian light heavyweights.
 
Indian middleweight prospect Sukhdeep “Chakria” Singh, a 2012 Senior National Boxing Championship and 2011 Boxing Super Cup gold medalist as an amateur, will make his professional debut in a four-round bout versus Alejandro Garcia (2-1, 1 KO), of Mexico.
 
Also fighting in four-round fights on the undercard are aptly named Canadian welterweight Cody Kelly (2-0) vs. Waldo “Chino” Rojas (4-2-1, 1 KO), of Mexico, unbeaten Armenia native and Montreal resident Andranik Grigoryan (2-0) vs. undefeated Mexican featherweight Sergio “El Duende” Palafox (7-0, 2 KOs), and pro-debuting Canadian super welterweight Karl “The Razor” Hess vs. Mexican Mario Bedolla Orozzo (0-1-1). Grigoryan gained invaluable experience as a key member of the Russian Boxing Team in the World Series of Boxing.
 
“Our St. Patrick’s Day event is going to be a great night of fights with Irish Josh ‘Dubs’ O’Reilly as the headliner, defending his IBA International title,” Buxton added. “Also, Irish boxers Tim Cronin and Cody Kelly will be in action, so it’s safe to say the boys in green will be out March 17th at Hershey Centre. The undercard is packed with the likes of former IBF International Heavyweight Champion Franz Rill, pro debuts of the gold medalist and 2017 Best Boxer of the India’s Super Pro Boxing League, Sukhdeep, and hard-hitting native Canadian Karl “The Razor” Hess. To top off a stacked card, World Series of Boxing Russian Team member Andranik Grigoryan will be making his first visit to Ontario.”
 
Tickets, ranging between $150.00 and $20.00, are available at the Hershey Centre box office or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
 
INFORMATION:
Facebook: /UnitedBoxingPromotions
Twitter: @UnitedBoxingPromotions, @TylerBuxton
 
Instagram: @UnitedPromotions
boxing

Olympic medalist Nico Hernandez injured, “KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” postponed

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Feb. 10 at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (November 27, 2017) – Due to an injury suffered by 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez last week at training camp, this Saturday night’s “KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” card, presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, has been postponed until February 10, at the same venue, Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
The 21-year-old Hernandez was scheduled to headline the event in his hometown against Hungarian flyweight champion Jozsef “Little Red” Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight championship.
The promoter plans to keep the card intact, as much as possible, and he is hopeful that Ajtai is available to challenge Hernandez for the IBA Americas title.
“Injuries are an unfortunate part of boxing, but the good news is that Nico will be 100-percent ready to go February 10th,” promoter John Andersen said. “I know that Nico feels that he’s letting everybody down but, at the end of the day, all that really counts is his health. He’s a tough kid who has his entire pro career ahead of him.”
“Over the last six months, Nico has become like family to the Hartman Arena staff,” said Hartman Arena Executive Director, Ben Bolander. “We wish the best for him and hope for a speedy recovery, so we can see him back here in February fighting for the title.”
TIckets to the December 2nd event will still be honored at the February 10 event. If ticket holders, are unable to attend the new event date, full refunds will be offered at the point of purchase. Tickets will remain on sale for the February 10, 2018 event date.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @IBABoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /IBABoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez & Hungarian champion Jozsef Ajtai have taken different paths into pro ranks

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“KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” for
vacant IBA Americas flyweight title
 
Dec. 2 at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (November 20, 2017) – USA Olympian and hometown hero Nico Hernandez and Hungarian flyweight champion Jozsef “Little Red” Ajtai took completely different paths into the professional ranks.
Hernandez vs, Ajtai is the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight title fight, Saturday night, December 2, on the “KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” card, at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Hartman Arena, and sponsored in part by Twister City Harley-Davidson Metro PCS, Mort’s Cigar Bar andJimmy’s Egg.
The action will be taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
The 21-year-old Hernandez (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Wichita, was a decorated amateur boxer who compiled a sterling 123-12 record, highlighted by his bronze-medal winning performance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Hernandez made his pro debut last March. All his fights have been at home, each has been in the main event, and on national television. His fight against Ajtai, however, will be his first title fight, coming in only his fourth pro bout.
Ajtai, who is one year and six days younger than Hernandez, made his professional debut 2 ½ years ago, and he’s already fought in five title fights.
Hernandez’ amateur pedigree versus Ajtai’s pro experience?
“I feel like I’m already at the level of a lot of top pro fighters,” Hernandez said. The only advantage he has is he’s used to fighting more rounds than I (this is Nico’s first scheduled 8-rounder), but I don’t plan on letting it go the distance anyways.
“I feel blessed to have this IBA title fight opportunity so early in my pro career. It honestly couldn’t come any faster. I do believe it will be special and open a tot of opportunities to fight bigger names once I win this fight. A win should open-up additional title fight opportunities, both overseas and, hopefully, back here at home to help us continue building Wichita into a fight town.”
Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs) has already had 28 pro fights, including a full 10-round distance loss by decision last year at Madison Square Garden in New York City to two-time Olympic gold medalist Shiming Zou, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight world champion. The Hungarian has fought at home in Hungary, as well as on the road in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Slovakia. A trip to America’s heartland doesn’t faze him in the least.
“He will be at home, where everybody wants to fight, but this isn’t a problem for me,” Ajtai explained. “I know he is a good boxer, but I will try to be a bit better December 2nd. When my condition is good, as it is for this fight, nobody likes to fight me.
“This is a big opportunity for me. It’s always difficult to beat a good fighter but doing so is real success. Fighting Shiming Zou in only my fourth fight was very nice for me. I want that feeling again in this fight against Nico.”
Hernandez realizes that this fight could be his last at home for a while, due to the lack of quality American flyweights, and that most world-class fighters in his weight class are from Central America, Thailand and Japan.
“I don’t think I’ll have many more fights at home,” Hernandez admits. “I don’t think that will matter too much because I feel more pressure fighting at home than elsewhere. I will miss everyone cheering my name like they do at home. I think I’ll be traveling more to fight bigger names to work my way up the ladder until I’m at the top.
“I think the early rounds in this fight (vs. Ajtai) will be a chess match because, from what I’ve seen, he runs a lot. I feel that once I start landing my body shots, he’ll slowdown in the latter rounds. and, like I’ve said, I don’t plan on this fight going the distance.”
Ajtai, of course, isn’t traveling all the way to Kansas to visit Dorothy or the Wizard of Oz, he’s coming to win!
“Nico will not know where I will be in the ring,” Ajtai predicted. “When he looks to the left for me, I will go to the right; when he tries to find me on the right, I will be on the left. When he wants to rest, I will come forward punching; when he wants to punch, he won’t find me.
“I have a plan for this fight and I’m sure he does as well. But, in the ring, only one fighter’s plan can succeed. It’s going to be a good fight, but I can’t promise the public that Nico will be the winner.”
The full “Gold & Glory” card will be announced later this week. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 24 @ 10 a.m. CT) at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/50551?Brand=Hartman. Prices are $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $50.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $20.00 (prices do not include service fees).  Student tickets are available – kindergarten through college – for $15.00 dollars but are only sold at the arena. Student Identification is requited.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @IBABoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /IBABoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez   To fight for first pro title, Dec. 2 at home vs.   Hungarian invader Jozsef “Little Red” Ajtai

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“KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
Nico Hernandez
Tony Schock / GS Memory Maker

 

PARK CITY, KANSAS (October 23, 2017) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez will be fighting for his first professional title on Saturday, December 2, when he takes on Hungarian invaderJozsef “Little Red” Ajtai in the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Flyweight Championship, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.

“KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Hartman Arena, and sponsored in part by Twister City Harley-Davidson Metro PCS, Mort’s Cigar Bar and Jimmy Egg.

The action will be taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
The 21-year-old Hernandez (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Wichita, will be fighting in a scheduled eight-round bout for the first time. His three pro fights to date were all scheduled for six rounds and each was held in Kansas, the last two in his second home, Hartman Arena.
In his last fight this past September 23rd, Hernandez was forced to fight late replacement Kendrick “Uprising” Latchman who outweighed the celebrated American Olympian by more than 10 pounds. Hernandez won a six-round unanimous decision by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice.
Despite being younger than Hernandez by almost a year to the day, Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs) has already had 28 pro fights, including a full 10-round distance loss by decision last year to two-time Olympic gold medalist Shiming Zou, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight world champion.
“By far, Nico is fighting the toughest opponent of his pro career,” Hernandez’ promoter John Andersen (“KO Night Boxing LLC) said. “Ajtai has much more experience as a pro than Nico, plus he went the distance against a two-time Olympic gold medalist, Zou. Ajtai is a busy fighter with a good knockout ratio (63%). This fight is going to tell us a lot about Nico, especially his power at 112 pounds.
“Nico fighting for a title in only his fourth pro fight proves that all our hard efforts of KO Night Boxing and Team Nico has paid off quickly and we’re grateful that the IBA has given him this great opportunity. I didn’t realize the high quality of champions the IBA has had in the past and we’re proud that Nico can someday join this group. In the flyweight division, Nico may enter world title fight shot discussions earlier than I had originally thought, which was in his third year as a pro.   An impressive performance against Ajtai could position him for a world title fight next year with less than 10 fights under his belt.”
“We’re excited to have an American Olympian fighting for our first Americas title,” IBA PresidentJ.C. Courreges added. “Nico Hernandez is an Olympic bronze medalist and we’re hopeful that he will develop into an IBA world champion in the not too distant future. His amateur pedigree speaks for itself and we’re very happy to have this young man fighting for the IBA Americas title.”
IBA world champions during the past quarter-century include Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya,George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr.,Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
Other fights on the “Gold & Glory” card will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 24 @ 12 p.m. CT) at the Hartman Arena box office and http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/50551?Brand=Hartman. Prices are $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $50.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $20.00 (prices do not include service fees) .
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. CT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @IBABoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /IBABoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram
boxing, IBA

International Boxing Association (IBA) Relaunched worldwide by new sports group

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(L) – New IBA President J.C. Courreges with former IBA world champion Roberto Duran
VENTNOR CITY, N.J. (August 22, 2017) – The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been relaunched worldwide by a sports group headed by the new IBA president, J.C. Courreges.
In 1991, two-time Major League Baseball all-star pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Dean Chance founded the IBA, guiding the international sanctioning body until his death in 2015.
“The IBA will carry on in the spirit and memory of former IBA president and founder, the late Dean Chance,” Courreges said. “Our mission continues to be providing professional boxers, male and female, at all stages of their respective careers, the opportunity to fight for an internationally recognized World or Regional title.”
Courreges has an extensive, invaluable background in boxing as a promoter and manger. He promoted Hall-of-Famer Roberto Duran, as well as former world champions Trevor Berbick, John Mugabi, Frankie Randall, John David Jackson, Tom Johnson and 1984 Olympic gold medalist Steve McCrory, among the more notables. J.C. also managed world champions Henry Akinwande,

Byron Mitchell, Christophe Tiozzoe, Aaron Davis, Victor Cordova and current WBC cruiserweight world champion and IBA titlist, Mairis Briedis.
“IBA President J.C. Courreges is no stranger to the world of big-time professional boxing,” IBA Vice President Jean Philippe Lustyk noted. “He managed several top-level fighters to significant World Championships. J.C. also promoted several events involving World Champion Roberto ‘Hands of Stone’ Duran. Needless-to-say, IBA President J.C. Courreges’ experience in the world of combat sports is second to none.”
The long, prestigious list of IBA world champions during the past quarter-century includes Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.
The late Arturo Gatti pictured here when he was IBA World Champion
The IBA was also a pioneer in terms of giving deserved recognition to women’s boxing, represented by former IBA world champions Laila Ali, Mia St. John and Holly Holm.
Based in Ventnor City, New Jersey, the IBA also has an office in Florida. The IBA is establishing international representatives around the world in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada and South Africa.
The following championships are sanctioned by the IBA: World, Inter-Continental, Continental, Americas and Latino, as well as South Pacific, Caribbean, European, African and and Asian regional titles.
In addition to Latvia-native Breidis (22-0, 18 KOs), current IBA champions include IBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Denis Liebau (22-1, 20 KOs) and IBA Continental cruiserweight Sotorios Georgikeas (17-1, 15 KOs, both representing Germany.
IBA Executive Committee members are J.C. Courreges, President; Stephane Cabrera, Vice President, Lustyk, Vice President; and Bruno Wartelle, Ratings Chairman; Klaus Hagemann and Steve Smoger are Co-Chairmen of the IBA Officials Committee.
“The IBA has been and will continue to be a sanctioning body that grants opportunity to fighters at all levels of experience to compete in championship bouts.” Wartelle explained.  “Young, rising and qualified fighters can participate in IBA Regional title bouts, while veteran fighters with appropriate records and qualifications may compete on the world title level. Any qualified fighter from anywhere in the world can fight for an IBA title. The IBA is an equal opportunity sanctioning body!”
  Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger holding IBA world title belt with interested fighters
 
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