Tag Archives: Ireland

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

‘BELLATOR 173’ HEADS TO THE SSE ARENA IN BELFAST ON FEBRUARY 24 AS LIAM MCGEARY TAKES ON CHRIS FIELDS

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SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (January 10, 2017) – A light heavyweight bout pitting former 205-pound world champion Liam McGeary (11-1) against Chris Fields (11-7-1) will serve as the main event of “Bellator 173: McGeary vs. Fields,” which will take place inside The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Friday, February 24.

 

“Bellator 173: McGeary vs. Fields” airs on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Tickets for the event start at just £35 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ie, SSEArenaBelfast.com, or the SSE Arena box office.

 

Hailing from Andover, England, the 34-year-old McGeary will make the short trek up to Northern Ireland’s capital for the first time in his career, where he will once again compete in a main event. The former Bellator MMA light heavyweight champion will enter the cage for the 10th time under the Scott Coker-led promotion, where he has posted an 8-1 record with seven finishes. Following an 11-fight winning streak to begin his professional career, McGeary finally experienced the sour taste of defeat, when Phil Davis wrestled the title away from him at ‘Bellator 163.’ McGeary has consistently proven to be one of the most dangerous strikers and submission artists in the 205-pound division, finishing his victim in 10 of 11 career wins, including eight in the opening frame. Much like the “RMS Titanic,” which was built in Belfast, McGeary hopes to sink Fields when the two take center stage inside The SSE Arena on February 24.

 

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Fields will also have a short trek to Belfast when he enters the cage on February 24. “The Housewives’ Choice” will be making his Bellator MMA debut, following nine years under the direction of local promotions, including three appearances under European powerhouse BAMMA. After competing at middleweight in 2015, the 33-year-old Fields returned to the light heavyweight division, recording a first round submission victory over Dan Konecke at “BAMMA 24.” Fields has tallied finishes in each of his 11 career wins, making him one of the most menacing opponents for anyone standing in his way. Now the SBG Ireland product will look to make a splash in his first fight with Bellator MMA, as he prepares for the former division kingpin.

 

Hailing from nearby Straban, Ireland, the 20-year-old Gallagher is one of the brightest stars in all “The Emerald Island.” At age 15, “The Strabanimal” moved away from home to join Coach John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym (SBG), where he now trains alongside the best fighters in the country including Connor McGregor. Having made his Bellator debut in London this past July in London, Gallagher followed up in December with a submission victory over Anthony Taylor in front of a raucous home crowd at the 3Arena in Dublin. Gallagher’s opponent will be announced in the near future.

 

Updated “Bellator 173: McGeary vs. Fields” Main Card:

Light Heavyweight Main Event:  Liam McGeary (11-1) vs. Chris Fields (11-7-1)

Featherweight Feature: James Gallagher (5-0) vs. TBD

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PAIR OF INJURIES MAKE WAY FOR BRUNA VARGAS AND BRIAN MOORE ON MAIN CARD OF ‘BELLATOR 169’ INSIDE 3ARENA IN DUBLIN

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BANTAMWEIGHT FEATURE FIGHT PITTING SHAY WALSH AGAINST LUIZ TOSTA ALSO ADDED TO MAIN CARD ON DEC. 16

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (December 5, 2016) – Injuries to both Paul Redmond and Bruna Ellen have led to new opponents for Daniel Weichel (37-9) and Helen Harper (4-1) on December 16. Weichel will now face Ireland native Brian Moore (9-4) in a featherweight bout, while Harper will be challenged by Bruna Vargas (2-1) in a flyweight fight at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. Finally, a bantamweight bout pitting Shay Walsh (14-4) against Luiz Tosta (9-2) puts a stamp on the main card of “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii.”

The Spike-televised main card will be highlighted by a heavyweight main event pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). In addition, Anthony Taylor (1-1) will look to quiet the crowd as he enters enemy territory to challenge Northern Ireland’s James Gallagher (4-0) in a featherweight clash.

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” are on sale now and start at 35€ at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

In addition to a full card of Bellator action, ticket holders will also have the unique opportunity to experience an additional fight card from Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, BAMMA. The bantamweight belt will be on the line at “BAMMA 27,” as Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) and Alan Philpott(16-8) prepare to duke it out for division gold.

Fighting out of Lancaster, England, Walsh will be making his Bellator MMA debut and against the savvy veteran Tosta. Dating back to 2014, Walsh has accrued four victories over his past five contests, including a brutal knockout of Gaz Pilot at “BAMMA 21: DeVent vs. Kone.” Of his 14 career wins, nine have come by way of knockout or submission, making it easy to picture another explosive attack out of the gates by Walsh. After competing in the 145-pound division for the first 15 fights of his professional career, Walsh made the move down to the bantamweight division, where he has strung together wins in two of his first three appearances.

The 36-year-old Tosta enters the bout riding a recent string of success that includes victories in seven of his last eight contests with one draw. Hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tosta will be making his second appearance under the Bellator MMA umbrella, after recording the aforementioned draw in his promotional debut earlier this year at “Bellator 158.” With each of his nine career victories coming by way of submission, seven of which occurred in the first round, it’s clear that Tosta will once again look for the early takedown and finish his opponent.

Filling in for the injured Redmond is Brian Moore, as he enters the cage riding a current two-fight winning streak and a blossoming career that is ready to take off. The 29-year-old Moore has won five of his last seven contests, including a trio of first round victories, highlighted by a vicious knockout that came just 2:30 into his bout earlier in the year. Of his nine career wins, Moore has finished seven of his victims, making him a tall task for the wily veteran Weichel. A native of Wexford, Ireland, “The Pikeman” will not have to travel far for his upcoming showdown with one of Bellator MMA’s most proven veterans, as “The Weasel” will enter hostile territory for this face-off.

Replacing Ellen is the always dangerous Bruna Vargas, who will square off with Harper in search of her first win under the direction of Bellator MMA. The 27-year-old Vargas has recorded two wins over three contests, since making her professional debut in 2013. Hailing from Porto Alegre, Brazil, the Team Nogueira prospect hopes to redeem herself with a promising performance against another stiff opponent in Harper.

Complete “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. Anthony Taylor (1-1)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Daniel Weichel (37-9) vs. Brian Moore (9-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Bruna Vargas (2-1) vs. Helen Harper (4-1)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Shay Walsh (14-4) vs. Luiz Tosta (9-2)

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Chris Fields (11-7-1) vs. Andy Clamp (8-1)

Featherweight Bout: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Niklas Backstrom (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)

Lightweight Bout: Rhys McKee (4-0) vs. Jai Hebert (4-0)

Welterweight Bout: Kiefer Crosbie (1-0) vs. Conor Riordan (Debut)

Welterweight Bout: Nathan Jones (9-5) vs. Walter Gahadza (16-0)

Bantamweight Bout: Ian Cleary (Debut) vs. Andrew Lofthouse (Debut)

Welterweight Bout: Terry Brazier (6-1) vs. Niklas Stolze (7-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Sinead Kavanagh (3-0) vs. Eeva Siiskonen (5-4-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Richie Smullen (2-0) vs. Conor Dillon (5-8)

Bantamweight Bout: Blaine O’Driscoll (2-1) vs. Neil Ward (2-2)

Welterweight Bout: Keith McCabe (1-1) vs. Richard Kiely (Debut)

Welterweight Bout:Will Fleury (1-0) vs. Kyle Mclurkin (Debut)

boxing, UK Boxing, women's boxing

Irish Ropes to host meet & greet fundraiser  Goal to eliminate local homelessness

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic boxing gold medalist Katie Taylor &
Other top athletes and Irish musicians invited
Dec. 3 in Mullingar, Ireland
ATHLONE, Ireland (November 7, 2016) – A special fundraiser, hosted by Irish Ropes, will be held December 3 at the Grevillle Arms Hotel in Mullingar, Ireland, highlighted by a meet-and-greet with some of Ireland’s best and most popular athletes and musicians.

Proceeds will benefit Midland Simons Community, whose goal is to eliminate homelessness in Laois, Lonford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Irish Ropes is an Ireland-based boxing promotional company that was also successful promoting out of New York City from 2003 to 2009.
“The holidays are coming and we’re raising funds to make life a little better for some disadvantaged people,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday the night of the fundraiser. “The Irish are known for their generosity and we’re fortunate to have so many popular athletes in our corner for this worth event.”
The fundraising event will offer an open microphone to singers, magicians, comedians, etc.   Suggested donations are 10 Euros per person or whatever is affordable.  Volunteers collecting donations include Terri Carey, who works at The Fashion Shop in Mullingar, and her sister, Dympna.
Invited Irish athletes include 2012 Olympic boxing champion Katie Taylor, also a multiple-time World and European Championships gold medalist, as well as some of the biggest names from the world of Gaelic football, hurling, horse racing, men’s boxing, golf, and stars from the Irish music scene.
Additional information coming, go online to www.midlandsimon.com.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE CONTENDER DANIEL WEICHEL TAKES ON PAUL REDMOND AT ‘BELLATOR 169: KING MO VS. ISHII’

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**TICKETS ON SALE TODAY**

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 14, 2016) – Bellator MMA has added a brand new fight to its debut event in Ireland, seeing former featherweight title-challengerDaniel Weichel (37-9) take on Dublin’s own Paul Redmond (11-6) at “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” which emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii,” will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale TODAY atBellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

In addition to a full card of Bellator action, ticketholders will also get to experience a complete fight card from Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, BAMMA. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy(13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring former Bellator competitors Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against Martin Stapleton(18-4).

A winner in nine of his last 10 bouts, dating back to 2012, Weichel seems to be hitting his stride under the direction of Bellator MMA. “The Weasel” will enter the cage for the 47th time as a professional, a 14-year career that has seen him emerge victorious 37 times, including an M-1 Global Lightweight Championship. Weichel has finished 26 of his 37 victims over his career, including 21 by way of submission, making him one of the most feared featherweights on the ground. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014, the German submission specialist has collected wins in six of his seven bouts, including consecutive victories over the likes of Georgi Karakhanyan and most recently Emmanuel Sanchez. The durable 31-year-old hopes to build off of his key win over the aforementioned Sanchez at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo,”as he prepares to take on Ireland’s own Paul Redmond inside 3Arena on Dec. 16.

 

After beginning his professional career as a lightweight, Redmond made the transition to the featherweight division in 2015 and will immediately face a stiff test against one of Bellator MMA’s best in Weichel. The 29-year-old Dublin, Ireland native will be making his Bellator MMA debut after spending his 2015 campaign competing for the UFC. Redmond has recorded 11 career victories, including nine finishes including five knockouts. “Redser” will look to build off of his most recent victory at “BAMMA 26,”a unanimous decision win over Chris Stringer. With each of Redmond’s nine finishes coming in the second round, we can be sure to see the hometown favorite attempt to wear down Weichel and add to his impressive total.

 

Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Daniel Weichel (37-9) vs. Paul Redmond (11-6)

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR MMA’S INTERNATIONAL ROADSHOW CONTINUES AT 3ARENA IN DUBLIN, IRELAND FRIDAY, DEC. 16

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KING MO RETURNS TO MONEYWEIGHT TO MEET SATOSHI ISHII IN MAIN EVENT OF BELLATOR MMA’S DEBUT IN ‘THE EMERALD ISLE’

 

NORTHERN IRELAND’S OWN JAMES ‘THE STRABANIMAL’ GALLAGHER ALSO SET TO RETURN TO ACTION

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (October 12, 2016) – Check Ireland off the list of countries Bellator MMA has yet to hold an event in, with the announcement that the Scott Coker-led promotion is set for action at the heart of Dublin’s docklands on Dec. 16.

 

“Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” emanates from the state-of-the-art 3Arena, and will be headlined by a heavyweight fight pitting “King Mo” (19-5, 1 NC) against Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1). Ireland will also have one of its brightest prospects on the card as well, as the pride of Strabane, James Gallagher (4-0) returns home against a yet-to-be-announced foe.

 

Tickets for “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” start at 35€ and go on sale at Bellator.com, Ticketmaster.ie and the 3Arena Box Office on Friday, October 14, with a special presale on the 12 & 13. The event can be seen free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

In addition, Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion BAMMA will be holding “BAMMA 27,” alongside “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” in an effort to showcase some of the world’s leading MMA athletes from both organizations. “BAMMA 27” will be headlined by a bantamweight title fight pitting Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) against Alan Philpott (16-8), as well as a featherweight title fight featuring Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) against former Bellator MMA competitor Martin Stapleton (18-4).

 

“When thinking of a country that respects, understands and yearns for quality mixed martial arts action, Ireland immediately comes to mind,” Bellator MMA President Scott Coker said. “I’m very excited for this event, with ‘King Mo’ versus Ishii in the main event, and I cannot wait to be inside the 3Arena when ‘The Strabanimal,’ James Gallagher takes center stage, it’s going to be a madhouse. With that being said, I’m pleased to be bringing this action to Dublin alongside a promotion like BAMMA and David Green, who has been a good friend for years.”

 

BAMMA CEO David Green added: “It’s going to be the biggest and boldest MMA show in Ireland this year, as fans get the chance to get up close and personal with MMA superstars from both promotions.

 

“King Mo” returns to the cage for the second time in 2016, and first time at heavyweight since his Rizin Grand Prix heavyweight tournament victory. A winner in seven out of his last eight fights, Mo yearns for an opportunity to meet the winner of Liam McGeary versus Phil Davis at “Bellator 163,” onNov. 4, but instead of remaining inactive, the 35-year-old now looks to test himself against Ishii. A former Strikeforce champion, Mo has his sights set on adding Bellator gold to his mantel.

 

Ishii is a 29-year-old powerhouse Judoka who earned Gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing after defeating the best the world had to offer in the +100 kg division. Now fully focused on mixed martial arts, the Japanese star has competed in his home country almost exclusively throughout his 21-fight professional career and will be fighting three days ahead of his Dec. 19 birthday when he meets Lawal on Dec. 16 in Ireland. With half of his victories coming before judges’ scorecards, it’s worth noting that four of Ishii’s defeats have come at the hands of some of greatest the sport has to offer such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Mirko Cro Cop and Fedor Emelianenko.

 

Perfect through his first four professional fights, the 19-year-old Gallagher is one of the brightest stars in all of “The Emerald Island.” Hailing from nearby Straban in Northern Ireland, “The Strabanimal” moved away from home at age 15 to join coach John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym (SBG), where he now trains alongside the best fighters in the country including Connor McGregor. Having made his Bellator debut in London this past July when he beat Mike Cutting in London, Gallagher will look to make it five straight to start his career in front of a raucous home crowd. Please note: Gallagher was scheduled to appear at Bellator 164 in Tel Aviv Israel on Nov. 10, and will no longer be competing on that card. A replacement for him will be named shortly.

 

Updated “Bellator 169: King Mo vs. Ishii” Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal (19-5, 1 NC) vs. Satoshi Ishii (14-6-1)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (4-0) vs. TBA

 

Updated “BAMMA 27” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Bout: Tom Duquesnoy (13-1, 1 NC) vs. Alan Philpott (16-8)

Featherweight World Title Bouut: Ronnie Mann (25-8-1) vs. Martin Stapleton (18-4)

Featherweight Main Card Bout: Dylan Tuke (3-0) vs. Sean Tobin (4-2)

boxing

Irish Heavyweight Sensation Con Sheenan to fight July 28

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Con and Tyson.jpg

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (June 15, 2016) – Six-time Irish amateur champion Cornelius “Con” Sheehan is set to make his Canadian debut against an opponent to be named Thursday, July 28 at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Ontario.

The bout takes place as part of Lee Baxter Promotions’ “The Next Generation.” Tickets priced at $45, $55 and $65 are available now by calling 416-797-3375. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 7:30.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a great show,” said Sheenan. “I plan to make a big statement on the 28th.”

Born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland, Sheenan made his pro debutJanuary 19 in Los Angeles, CA, outpointing previously unbeaten Jonathan Rice over four rounds. Since the victory, the 6’5 215 pound 27-year-old has been working hard in the gym and was recently in camp with heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Sheenan, who had an incredible 203-18 amateur record, won six Irish National Senior Division titles and captured 13 total championships. In 2008, he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion in Irish history at age 18.

“Con Sheenan is a hidden gem who will soon explode onto the heavyweight scene,” said Sheenan’s manager Gary Hyde of Nowhere2Hyde Management. “Con has an extensive amateur pedigree where he won multiple Irish national titles as well as a European Union title. He’s got a very fluid style but loves nothing more than going into the trenches, so he’s an extremely exciting fighter. In a few years, he’ll be right in the mix.”

Baxter is looking forward to showcasing Con on his card and believes he’s got a bright future.

“Con is very highly regarded and had a great amateur background. He’s on the right path in the pros and fans in Canada will love him. It’s a pleasure to work with Con, Adam Harris & Nowhere2Hyde Management for this fight. We’re looking forward to the first of many great performances from Con.”

For more information on Lee Baxter Promotions, please visit LeeBaxterMgt.com. Updates on Nowhere2Hyde are available at Facebook.com/nowhere2hydeboxermanagement.

amateur boxing, amateur mixed martial arts, Amateur MMA, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

INTERNATIONAL FLAIR ADDED TO LEWISTON BOXING CARD AS IRELAND AND MEXICO RENEW RIVALRY

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Lewiston, Maine (June 7, 2016) – In an international  boxing match-up, Ireland’s undefeated Steve Collins, Jr. (7-0-1, 3 KOs) will face his stiffest test yet as a pro when he takes on Mexico’s Jose Humberto Corral (19-21, 12 KOs) in a six-round cruiserweight fight on June 18, 2016 at The Androscoggin Bank Colisée.  The bout will take place as part of New England Fights’ (NEF) next event “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”

 

Collins, Jr., the son of former world champion and Irish boxing legend “The Celtic Warrior” Steve Collins (36-3, 21 KOs), will be fighting in the United States for the third consecutive time after having each of his first six fights in Ireland and Great Britain.

 

“I’m happy to be back over in the States fighting,” said Collins, Jr.  “The crowd and the fans have really seemed to enjoy my fighting and style that I bring to the boxing world.   I’ve been training hard at the Celtic Warriors Gym here in Ireland, and I’m looking forward to putting my knowledge to use in the ring.  My next opponent  has got a lot of fights under his belt, but I’m looking forward to giving him another loss.”

 

Jose Humberto Corral is a former amateur standout on the Mexican national team who has made a career as a pro as a journeyman giving solid tests to future world champions like Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and regional prospects like Chris Traietti, Vinnie Carita and Paul Gonsalves.

 

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to fight Steve Collins in Maine,” said Corral recently through a translator.  “Sure he’s an undefeated prospect and son of a former world champion, but I’ve got way more ring experience, and you can’t teach that.  If I had a peso for every time I got beat up by the son of a former world champion, I would have zero pesos.  I look forward to showcasing my skills in the same building Muhammad Ali fought in and leaving with all the American boxing fans looking forward to me coming back.”

 

Collins Jr. is promoted by Murphy’s Boxing USA, a boxing organization headed by Ken Casey of the popular rock band The Dropkick Murphys who are well known for hit songs like “I’m Shipping up to Boston,” “The State of Massachusetts” and “Skinhead on the MBTA.”

 

“It’s wonderful to be able to have Steve Jr. here so often,” said Ken Casey when reached for comment from Cork, Ireland during the band’s latest European tour.  “This will be his third fight here in the States in less than a year, and we are all excited to see where it goes from there. He’s proven that he can step out of his father’s shadow and legacy, and make a career and name for himself.  It’s going to be interesting to see where he ends up in another year from now, but we’re all excited to be part of his journey, and seeing what Steve Jr. can do.”

 

NEF returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisée in Lewiston, Maine on June 18, 2016 with “NEF 24: PROMISED LAND.”  Tickets for “NEF 24” 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 events 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.

boxing, UK Boxing

New British & Irish Professional Boxing Sanctioning Organization Launches

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British and Irish boxers and promoters are set to have a choice of National Licensing and Sanctioning Authority for the first time in living memory, as a new Professional Boxing Governing, Sanctioning and Licensing organization for the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland officially launches this month.

 

In the past the British and Irish professional boxers have had little choice but to be licensed with either the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) in the United Kingdom, or the Boxing Union of Ireland (BUI) in the Republic of Ireland.

 

The only feasible alternative available, being via the overseas licensing route, through organizations such as the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) or the German Boxing Association (GBA), which have both successfully sanctioned numerous events in the British Isles over the past few years.

 

However, that is all set to change with the introduction of the BRITISH & IRISH BOXING AUTHORITY (BIBA), an organization formed by the team that has successfully operated the Malta Boxing Commission’s UK and Irish division for the past three years and several former BBBofC officials.

 

The British & Irish Boxing Authority is set to begin operation with immediate effect, having incorporated Malta Boxing Commission’s entire British and Irish division into the new organization, following the MBC Executive Committee’s decision to revert and concentrate their efforts on the licensing and sanctioning of boxers and events in the Republic of Malta for the foreseeable future.

 

For further information on the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) please see the official website; www.boxbiba.com and also please follow on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BibaBoxing and Twitter www.twitter.com/BIBABoxing

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

IRELAND’S PATRICK HYLAND CELEBRATES ST. PATRICK’S DAY WITH FAMILY AS HE PREPARES FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 16SHOWDOWN WITH FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION GARY RUSSELL JR.

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Featherweight Title Showdown Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT from Foxwoods Resort Casino In Mashantucket, CT.

 

MASHANTUCKET, CT (March 17, 2016) – Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland spent St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with his family, trading green beer for his son’s green bib, as he prepares for his featherweight world championship showdown against Gary Russell Jr. on Saturday, April 16live on SHOWTIME® from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

 

“I spent St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends,” said Hyland. “We just got back from dinner after bringing my son up to the parade in Rathcoole.

 

“It was a lovely, sunny day for the beer garden, but none for me. I’ll have to celebrate April 17. I’m looking to bring that title back to Ireland.”

 

The Irish born and raised Hyland has won four fights in a row as he prepares for his world title opportunity stateside with the expectations of his nation on his shoulders.

 

“This win would be massive for the Irish boxing community,” said Hyland. “I want to become a world champion like Carl Frampton and Andy Lee and this is a prime chance. I’m going to proudly represent the Irish people and leave everything in the ring.”

 

Hyland has extra motivation, along with fighting for his wife, Lorna, and newborn son, Callum, he will be honoring the memory of his late father and longtime trainer who passed away recently.

 

“This fight means the world to me and it’s why I got into boxing,” Hyland said. “I’m dedicating this to my late father and after I win I’ll look up and say ‘Dad, we did it!’ ”

 

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with undefeated IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Jose Pedrazadefending against mandatory challenger Stephen Smith.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $90 and $45 not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.comand www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. The Pedraza vs. Smith bout is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.

 

For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports,and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

BAMMA, mixed martial arts, MMA

BAMMA 24 – Kone vs. Phillips Results, Fight Highlight’s and Video Footage

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BAMMA’s second event in Ireland was even more successful than their first, as nearly 6,000 fans packed the 3Arena for ‘BAMMA 24 – Kone vs. Phillips’ on February 27. The card, stacked with many of Ireland’s top contender’s, did not disappoint.  BAMMA 24 delivered many impressive KO and submission wins throughout the night, as 12 of the events 16 bouts ended with a finish. Some of the night’s stand-outs include John ‘The White Mike Tyson’ Phillips, BAMMA Featherweight Champion Tom ‘Firekid’ Duquesnoy, Irish fan favorite ‘The Housewives Choice’ Chris Fields and Dylan ‘The Nuke’ Tuke.

 

Phillips pulled off the big upset of the night by knocking out Cheick ‘Animal’ Kone in just 65 seconds, becoming the new BAMMA Middleweight Champion. BAMMA Featherweight Champion Tom ‘Firekid’ Duquesnoy knocked Damien ‘The Rage’ Rooney out cold in his bantamweight debut, ‘The Housewives Choice’ Chris Fields clinched an impressive first round submission win, and Dylan ‘The Nuke’ Tuke delivered a brutal TKO that fans are still talking about!

 

Click here to view BAMMA 24 replay footage: http://grabyo.com/g/bamma-2016

 

The stacked card for this Dublin event also featured several elite fighters from Straight Blast Gym (SBG) in Ireland. As noted on Fightsday.com, UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor took to FacebookSaturday night to pay tribute to his SBG teammates fighting on the BAMMA card. (See Facebook snapshot)

 

*FB Image source: Fightsday.com

 

Below are the official results from ‘BAMMA 24: Kone vs. Phillips’ held on Saturday February, 27 at the famed 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.  BAMMA’s next event is BAMMA 25, to be held on May 14, 2016 at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham.  Tickets are on sale now at http://bit.ly/BAMMA25. For more information, please visit www.Bamma.com.

 

BAMMA 24 – Kone vs. Phillips Official Results

BAMMA is brought to you in Association with:

Spike TV & Channel 5 – BAMMA Broadcast Partners

Lonsdale & Sports Direct – The Official Equipment Partners of BAMMA

Safe MMA – Independent British Medical Organization

 

#BAMMA24 #ThisIsNotATest

 

MAIN CARD
(Main Event) BAMMA MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
John ‘The White Mike Tyson’ Phillips Def. Cheick ‘Animal’ Kone via Knockout (Punch) Rd.1 1:05

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT
Andy ‘Lions Paw’ DeVent Def. Paul Byrne via Knockout (Punches) Rd.1 0:59 

BANTAMWEIGHT SUPERFIGHT
Tom ‘Firekid’ DuQuesnoy Def. Damien ‘The Rage’ Rooney Via Knockout (Punch) Rd.1 1:23 

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
‘The Housewives Choice’ Chris Fields Def. Dan Konecke via Submission (Darce Choke) Rd.1 4:39

 

PRELIMINARY CARD
LONSDALE BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
Alan ‘The Apprentice’ Philpott Def. Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood Via TKO (Doctor Stoppage – Broken Nose) Rd.3 3:40

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
‘Magic’ Myles Price Def. Mario ‘Rudeboy’ Saeed Via TKO (Strikes) Rd. 2 1:24

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
Peter ‘The Showstopper’ Queally Def. Nathan ‘Mr. Bag & Tag’ Jones Via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Dylan ‘The Nuke’ Tuke Def. Mark ‘The Prophet’ Andrew Via TKO (Strikes) Rd.1 0:51

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT

Brian ‘Pikeman’ Moore Def. Mick ‘Basher’ Brennan Via TKO (Strikes) Rd.1 2:39

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Decky ‘The Diamond’ Dalton Def. Mike ‘Gip’ Cutting Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
James Gallagher Def. Gerard Gilmore Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Rd.1 2:55

WOMENS FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Sinead Kavanagh Def. Zarah Fairn Dos Santos Via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
Sean Tobin Def. Gary ‘The Dumptruck’ Morris Via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) Rd.2 3:53

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Lloyd Manning Def. Nicholas Ott Via Knockout (Punch) Rd.1 0:59

160lb CATCHWEIGHT BOUT
Rhys ‘Skeletor’ McKee Def. Alex Masuku Via Knockout (Headkick) Rd.1 2:51 

(AMATUER) LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
Jay Moogan Def Cian Cowley Via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

*Tom DuQuesnoy is still the BAMMA Featherweight Champion, this was his debut at Bantamweight

 

A range of BAMMA 24 replay clips are now available here for use with your reports: http://grabyo.com/g/bamma-2016

 

ABOUT BAMMA:

BAMMA is Europe’s largest and most premier MMA organization. BAMMA launched in 2009 with the aim of delivering Mixed Martial Arts events that fully capture the entertainment and sporting prowess on display in the world’s fastest growing sport. BAMMA’s combination of arena sized venues, compelling fight cards and exceptional production values has led to the fight organizations unrivaled position as Europe’s leading MMA promotion, as well as a broadcast deal with Spike TV UK.  For more information, please visitwww.Bamma.com.