Tag Archives: John Andersen

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U.S. Olympian Nico Hernandez Captures IBA Americas title In 4th pro fight

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“KO NIGHT BOXING” GOLD & GLORY”
OFFICIAL RESULTS

IBA official/Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger presented Nico Hernandez with the IBA flyweight title belt
(picture by Tony Scvhock / GS Memorymaker)
PARK CITY, Kan. (February 11, 2018) – U.S. Olympian and hometown favorite Nico Hernandez captured the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight title in his fourth professional fight, headlining last night’s “KO Night Boxing” Gold & Glory” card, at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
Presented by “KO Night Boxing LLC,” the card was taped live to be shown at a later date on CBS Sports Network. “KO Night Boxing” Gold & Glory” card, presented by KO Night Boxing LLC,
The 22-year-old Hernandez (4-0, 3 KOs) stopped last-minute replacement, game Victor “El Torito” Torres, in the fifth round.
Hernandez’ original opponent, Hungarian champion Joseph Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs), never made it to Wichita due to a series of unfortunate circumstances. Ajtai lost one day in Frankfurt, Germany, after leaving his passport on the plane he took from Budapest. Once he landed in Chicago on Wednesday, he was tied up by a visa issue at U.S. Customs. He missed his connecting flight to Wichita and because of snowstorms that grounded numerous flights, including those to Wichita, Ajtai never made it out of O’Hare Airport, stranded there for several days.
The IBA granted a special exception for Hernandez to fight Torres, due to these unforeseen problems, with the agreement that Hernandez would next fight Ajtai for an IBA title.
“It was an electric night,” promoter John Andersen said. “Once again, Nico made the proper adjustment that can be credited to his amateur pedigree. In the amateurs, opponents often change at the last moment and Nico has overcome many obstacles during his boxing career. We’re going to give Josef another title shot against Nico in April or May. They have unfinished business together!
“I was very pleased with Nico’s performance. It’s the best I’ve seen him. He was unbelievable in every way, on point throughout the fight. We also want to give Torres credit for accepting the fight on such late notice.”
Hernandez came out fast from the start, battering Torres’ body with tremendous combinations, and he never let up. Torres absorbed punishment but remained upright, but IBA referee Steve Smoger halted the action in the fifth round for Torres’ safety.
“I’m not leaving this belt,” Hernandez commented at the post fight press conference as he handled his IBA Americas belt. “It’s going everywhere with me. I was looking forward to this fight and I’m ready to continue my success. This is the first (title belt) of many. I got what I worked hard for. I want to thank my coaches, all the work paid off, and now I have this (title belt).”
In the co-featured event, Minneapolis welterweight Javonte Starks (13-2, 7 KOs) and Mexican veteran Cesar Soriano (28-36-2, 17 KOs) fought to a six-round majority draw.
Bakersfield, CA pro-debuting Derrick Clayton upset Milwaukee junior welterweight Akeem Black (3-2, 1 KO), registering a second-round technical knockout.
Wichita middleweight Jeff Sturm (2-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated, stopping intrastate rival Brian Clements, of Topeka, halfway through the opening round.
Another pro-debuting California fighter, junior welterweight Chazz Macias, needed only1:20 to knockout Omaha’s Corey Roberts.
Fighting for the first time in 5 ½ years, Washington D.C. heavyweight Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm (14-2-1, 10 KOs) took out 300-pounder Richard “Silverback” Carmack (15-13-1, 12 KOs) in round one.
Full results below:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – VACANT IBA AMERICAS FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Nico Hernandez (4-0, 3 KOs), Wichita, KS
WTKO5 (0:55)
Victor Torres (2-8-1, 1 KO), Modesto, CA
(Hernandez won vacant IBA Americas flyweight title)
CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS
Cesar Soriano (28-36-2, 17 KOs), Iztacalco, Distrito Federal, Mexico
D6 (5-56, 57-57, 57-57)
Javonte Starks (13-2-1, 7 KOs), Minneapolis, MN
HEAVYEIGHTS
Maurice Byarm (14-2-1, 10 KOs), Washington D.C.
WKO1 (1:34)
Richard “Silverback” Carmack (15-13-1, 12 KOs), Kansas City, MO
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Jeff Strum (2-0, 1 KO), Wichita, KS
WKO1 (1:12)
Brian Clements (0-1-1), Topeka, KS
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Derrick Clayton (1-0, 1 KO), Bakersfield, CA
WTKO2 (2:59)
Akeem Black (3-2, 1 KO), Milwaukee, WI
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Chazz Macias (1-0, 1KO), Tehachapi, CA
WKO1 (1:20)
Corey Roberts (0-4), Omaha, NE
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @IBABoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /IBABoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagra
boxing

KO Night Boxing signs “The Dragon” Popular Canadian junior welterweight Steve Claggett

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LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2018) — KO Night Boxing LLC announced it has signed popular Canadian junior welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett to an exclusive promotional contract.

The Las Vegas-based company also has 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and undefeated Wichita flyweight, Nico Hernandez (3-0), 2 KOs), among its growing stable of professional boxers.
The 28-year-old Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Calgary, is a fan-favorite because of his aggressive, non-stop style. Since the ultra-aggressive Claggett moved back down one division to junior welterweight, Claggett is a perfect 3-0 (1 KO), including a pair of title-winning 10-round decisions over previously unbeaten opponents,Yves Ulysse, Jr. (14-0) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American super lightweight title, as well as Emmanuel Robles (15-0-1) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) NABA USA super lightweight crown.
“I’m excited to be signed by John Andersen and KO Night Boxing,” Claggett said. “There were no guarantees (without a promoter). I’ve always had the talent but never the structure. I’ll have that now, though. It was always difficult making fights with long layoffs, dates falling through, and offers on short notice. I’ve only been able to show a little of what I’m capable. All I’ve ever wanted is a fair shake and this opportunity will allow me to show what I can do. This year is going to be big for me and KO Night Boxing.
“I’m just approaching my prime. I’ve only been working with my trainer, Vlad Goldenstein, for a little more than a year, but I’m 3-0 with him and have won two belts. I’m an old-school fighter, action-packed and who brings the pace. This is a great for me and my boxing career.”
“We’re taking a big step in the right direction by signing Steve,” Claggett’s new promoter Andersen commented. “I’m excited. Steve deserves this opportunity and we’re going to deliver for him.
“Steve is an action fighter, always coming forward, and he hasn’t been in a bad fight during the three years I’ve known him. He took a risk but really opened some eyes with his performance against Ulysse. What an accomplishment fighting an undefeated fighter in his backyard. He took a big risk and got a big win.  And now he’s beaten the man (Ulysse) who has beaten the man (21-0 Cletus Seldin, WDEC10, Dec. 16, 2017 on HBO). Steve’s undefeated on this run as a junior welterweight, beating two previously unbeaten opponents, and he deserves more recognition and a shot at a big fight.”
“Steve’s an animal in the squared circle and the farthest thing from it outside the ring,” Claggett’s manager Max Matheny added. “He has all the attributes of a champion. His boxing IQ and ability to adapt under pressure makes Claggett a serious challenge. He can beat anybody in the division on any given night. We’ve had a multitude of promotional offers to consider at the end of a strong 2017 and are very excited to align with KO Night Boxing. They are going to give us the opportunities to show the world how good ‘The Dragon’ really is. His signature is turning into an autograph in 2018, mark my words.”
The boxing irony is that Ulysse, not Claggett, is now world ranked. Considering the half-Chinese, half-European Claggett beat Ulysse in his Montreal hometown, Steve proved that he’ll fight anybody, anywhere, unlike many fighters who make that claim but don’t back it up. “Me and my team aren’t afraid to fight anybody,” he spoke about his most significant fight to date. “Bring it on! I’m willing to fight in hostile territory against an A-side fighter. We don’t pick and choose. Too many fighters pad their records, but that only upsets fans, and delays fights. I’m looking for tough fights to judge how much I’ve grown. I’d love to fight the top guys.
“My fight with Ulysse was my biggest but not best fight. I thought I boxed a little robotic and fell back into some old habits. I’d give myself a B- for that fight. I got the win and put on a great show that was fast paced. Ulysse and Robles box, run and move. I’d like an opponent who comes to me, stays in the pocket, and fights. I know it’ll be a helluva fight.”
Maybe Claggett’s next fight will be on a higher platform, perhaps, against a legitimate fighter’s fighter like Steve.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Facebook:  /NeonStar, /SteveClaggett
Follow Steve Claggett on Twitter and Instagram @SDragonC
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

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Fully recovered and raring to go in 1st title fight

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“KO Night Boxing: Gold & Glory” for
vacant IBA Americas flyweight title vs. Jozsef Ajtai
Feb. 10 at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (January 22, 2018) – 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and hometown hero Nico Hernandez has fully recovered from an injury that postponed his December 2nd fight to Saturdeay, February 10, versus Hungarian champion Jozsef “Little Red” Ajtai in the the eight-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas flyweight title, headlining 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 Park City (KS), Twister City Harley-Davidson and Metro PCS.
The action will be taped live for future airing on CBS Sports Network.
The 22-year-old Hernandez (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Wichita, suffered an undisclosed injury that forced him to withdraw from the Dec. 2nd fight. Neither Hernandez nor his promoter, John Andersen (KO Night Boxing, LLC), have revealed any details about Nico’s injury to avoid giving his opponent any possible advantage to target in the ring.
“I feel good, ready to fight,” Hernandez commented.  “We wanted to make sure that I was injury free and I am 100-percent. I’m going to do whatever is needed to win this fight.  Fighting for my first title means a lot to me.  I didn’t think it would happen this fast.  I want everybody to see that I can be competitive with the best in my division. A win February 10th will get me there a lot closer.

“My opponent like to runs a lot and he’s quick, so I need to have my legs under me.  Other than that, though, I should be okay.  He has fought some good guys.  I can’t wait to get in the ring in front of my fans.”
Ajtai (19-9, 12 KOs), who is one year and six days younger than Hernandez, has already fought in five title fights. He also went the full 10-round distance, albeit in a loss by decision in 2016, to two-time Olympic gold medalist Shiming Zou, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight world champion. Fighting in his opponent’s hometown isn’t a problem for Ajtai, who has vast road experience having fought as a pro in the USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Ukraine and Slovakia.
“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.”
“I’m excited that Nico is 100-percent healthy for this fight,” Andersen said. “We couldn’t be happier to bring this great fight, and many more as we move forward, to the great city of Wichita.”
In the six-round co-featured event, Minneapolis welterweight Javonte Starks (13-2, 7 KOs), a former Future Stars National Champion as an amateur, takes on veteran Mexican fighter Cesar Soriano (28-36-1, 17 KOs), the former FECARBOX lightweight titlist.
Promising Milwaukee junior middleweight prospect Akeem Black (3-1, 1 KO) faces pro-debuting Derrick Clayton, fighting out of Bakersfield (CA), in the four-round televised opener.
Wichita middleweight Jeff Sturm (1-0) meets cross-state rival Brian Clements (0-0-1), of Toledo, in the four-round TV swing bout.
Also fighting on the under card is Washington D.C. heavyweight Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm (13-2-1, 9 KOs) battles 300-pound Kansas City (MO) foe Richard “Silverback” Carmack (15-12-1, 12 KOs) in a six-round match. A pair of four-rounders find undefeated Bakersfield junior welterweight prospect Miguel Contreras (5-0, 4 KOs) throwing-down with his Georgia opponent, Archie Wey (2-9), and California junior welterweight Chazz Macias is slated to make his pro debut against an opponent to be determined.
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

2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Back in action Sept. 23 vs. Francisco Lapizco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” at Hartman Arena in Park City, KS
PARK CITY, Kansas (August 10, 2017) – KO Night Boxing LLC and Hartman Arena hosted a private media luncheon today to announce the return of 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez for his third professional fight on Saturday, September 23, headlining “KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” at Hartman Arena in Park City, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” is a presentation of KO Night Boxing LLC., in association with Hartman Arena, Mort’s Cigar Bar and Jimmy Egg.
Wichita-native Hernandez (2-0, 2 KOs) will face the stiffest test of his young pro career, Mexican flyweight Francisco “Guerrero” Lapizco (8-5, 2 KOs), in the six-round main event.
“I’m very fortunate that my promoter, John Andersen(KO Night Boxing), has worked hard to make my third pro fight at home,” Hernandez said. “I’m very excited to be able to show boxing at its best.
“My opponent has never been stopped. Obviously, he has more professional experience than me, and I understand he likes putting pressure on his opponent. I want to be the first to stop this guy! I also want the boxing world to know I’m coming for belts. Champions should get ready for Nico Hernandez.”
In his professional debut on March 25th, Hernandez knocked out Patrick Gutierrez in the fourth round, and this past June 17th at Hartman Arena, the 21-year-old U.S. Olympian stopped previously undefeated Jose Rodriguez in the third round of the main event.
Lapizco, 22, has already defeated an unbeaten opponent, Cesar Sustaita (3-0), three years ago at Ontario, California. His last fight was this past January at home in Sinaloa, Mexico, in which Lapizco won a six-round unanimous decision over Jairo Miranda.
“This fight is a step up for Nico against a proven opponent who goes rounds,” Andersen noted. “He has already upset an undefeated fighter. It’s time for Nico to step up, as well as the city of Wichita, in terms of supporting him. This is a major event on September 23rd that will bring national attention, not only for Nico, but to Wichita.
“We have an opportunity to put Nico, all of Kansas, on the national map in boxing. We have a multi-fight deal to showcase Nico at Hartman Arena. After the September 23rd show, we’ll announce his final fight of 2017. We need people to turnout September 23rd at Hartman Arena to continue promoting Nico at home.”
(L-R) — Promoter John Andersen, 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez and his father/head trainer Lewis Hernandez
(photo courtesy of Hartman Arena)

Additional “KO Night Boxing: Step Up!” fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 11 @ 10 a.m. CT) at the Hartman Arena box office andhttp://www.ticketmaster.com/event/06005308B32459E5 Prices are $115.00 (VIP), $75.00, $75.00, $50.00, $30.00 and $25.00.
This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:00 p.m. CT.
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for KO Night Boxing, LLC.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
Follow @Nicomhernandez on Twitter and Instagram.
boxing, CBS Boxing

Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams To headline “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2”

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July 29 on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary

LONG BEACH. Calif. (July 13, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams will headline the “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” card, on July 29, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network, live from The Queen Mary’s outdoor venue in Long Beach, California.
Presented by Black Tree, “KO Night Boxing: Rumble on the Water 2” is promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, in association with KO Night Boxing LLC and Roc Nation Sports.
Williams (11-0, 4 KOs) faces Angel “El Gato” Luna (12-3-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with Black Tree, Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Roc Nation Sports and The Queen Mary for another great ‘Knockout Night Boxing’ event,” KO Night Boxing president John Andersen said. “Tramaine Williams is one of the hottest prospects in boxing and we’re excited to have him fight on another ‘KO Night Boxing’ show.”

After a sizzling start to his pro career, the New Haven, Conn. Native was inactive for nearly two years (2-13-2015) due to out-of-the-ring issues, but bounced back strong in January 2016, signing a promotional contract with Roc Nation Sports.

In his first fight under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Williams dominated Eduardo Garza (6-1) en route to an eight-round unanimous decision.in the CBS Sports Network co-featured event in Wichita, Kansas last March.

In his last fight on the Andre Ward-Sergey Kovalev II card at Mandalay Bay, Williams produced the most signature victory to date, stopping former NABO, WBC US and California State super featherweight champion Christopher Martin (30-8-3) in the second round.

Williams first began boxing at the age of nine, accumulating an impressive record of 97-10 over his amateur career. During that span, he was a ten-time national amateur champion, a two-time Ringside World champion and a four-time Silver Gloves champion. He also was a PAL National Junior Golden Gloves champion.

Luna, fighting out of the Dominican Republic, is a proven upset specialist having defeated then unbeaten (15-0-1, 11 KOs) Jose Lopez, on June 6, 2015 at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, by way of a six-round unanimous decision. Lopez is currently the reigning WBO International super featherweight champion.
Former amateur boxing prodigy, undefeated Brooklyn light heavyweight prospect Junior “The Young God” Younan (12-0, 9 KOs), will face an opponent to be determined in the eight-round co-featured event. Also fighting under the Roc Nation banner, the 21-year-old Younan compiled a sterling 90-5 amateur record, highlighted by his three-time Ringside World and three-time National PAL championship performances.
A pair of California heavyweights square off in the in the six-round CBSSN opener as Rodney Hernandez (10-5-2, 2 KOs), of Modesto, meets Los Angeles’ Jonnie Rice (6-2-1, 4 KOs), a former Winthrop College (SC) basketball player.
Fighting on the undercard in four-round matches are Los Angeles featherweight Sergio “El Nino” Quiroz (3-0) vs. Lupe Arroyo (2-0), of Huntington Beach (CA), Whittier (CA) lightweight George Acosta (2-0), and pro-debuting welterweights Eric Gomez, of Santa Ana (CA), and Long Beach’s Raul Calderon.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
All tickets are priced at $60.00 and on sale to purchase by calling 949.760.3131.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing
boxing

Jose Haro issues statement on tragic injury sustained by Daniel Franco

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New USBA Featherweight Champion Jose Haro has issued a brief statement regarding the status of his fallen opponent, Daniel Franco, through his promotional representative, Whitfield Haydon:

“I respect all fighters. My heart hurts knowing that my opponent from Saturday night is still in the hospital. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Nothing but love, brotha.  We put everything on the line when we step inside the ring. I always tell my brother/trainer that I’m a father first, fighter second, and if he ever sees me badly hurt to stop the fight because my kids need their daddy. I’m very grateful that I won but it really doesn’t feel like I won. I always pray that my opponent and myself come out our fight in good health. Let’s go #TeamFranco, you got this!”
boxing

“KO Night Boxing” results from Iowa

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jose “Pepito” Haro captures vacant
USBA featherweight title
 
CBS Sports Network results from Iowa
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

Jose Haro (L) captured the vacant USBA featherweight title
(all pictures courtesy of Stacey Verbeek)
 
SLOAN, IA (June 11, 2017) – Last night on CBS Sports Network, Utah fab-favorite Jose Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs) captured the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight title, stopping former USBA title holder Daniel “Twitch” Franco in the eighth round, in the “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” was presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino. TITLE Boxing was the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.

The 29-year-old Haro (14-1-1, 8 KOs), ranked No. 14 by the USBA going into the fight, extended his win streak to seven (6-0-1). He dropped No. 5 USBA-ranked Franco (15-2-3, 10 KOs) with a powerful overhand right in the eighth.   Franco beat the count but was floored by a brutal right later in the round and refereeCelestino Ruiz immediately halted the bout. Haro is promoted by Whitfield Hayden Promotions
Soon after the fight, Franco was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery to stop two brain bleeds, He remained in a coma today, according to his promoter, Roc Nation Sports.

“Everybody associated with ‘KO Night Boxing’ and Neon Star Sports& Entertainment has Daniel Franco and his family in our hearts and prayers,” promoter John Andersen said.
Dallas lightweight Manuel Rey “The Punisher” Rojas (15-3, 4 KOs) won a close but unanimous 10-round decision over WBC Oriental Super Lightweight Champion Zhimin Wang (8-2, 3 KOs), of China, in the co-featured event.


Manuel Rey Rojas (R) won an entertaining bout against Zhimin Wang
In the CBS Sports Network opener, Chicago super featherweight prospect Giovanni Mioletti (8-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated as a professional, stopping Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (4-2) in the fifth round.

Team Mioletti celebrated after Gio’s knockout victory
KO NIGHT BOXING ON CBSSN RESULTS
Main Event – Vacant USBA Featherweight Championship
Jose Haro (14-1-1, 8 KOs), West Jordan, Utah 125 lbs.
WTKO8 (2:43)
Daniel Franco (15-21-3, 10 KOs), Rancho Cucamonga, California
(Franco won vacant USBA featherweight title)
Co-Feature — Lightweights
Manuel Rey Rojas (15-3, 4 KOs), Dallas, TX
WDEC10 (96-94, 96-94, 96-94)
Zhimin Wang (8-2, 3 KOs), Wuhan, China
Super Featherweights
Giovanni Mioletti (8-0, 2 KOs), Chicago, IL
WTKO5 (1:40)
Sal Lopez (4-2,), Las Vegas, NV
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
boxing

New showdown announced for “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

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June 10 live from Iowa on CBS Sports Network 
SLOAN, IA (May 31, 2017) – An injury has forced NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) to withdraw from his scheduled “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” headline event against Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez, on Saturday, June 10, airing (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino. TITLE Boxing is the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.

WBC Oriental Super Lightweight Champion Zhimin Wang (8-1, 3 KOs), of China, will face Dallas lightweight Manuel Rey Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs) as an addition to the card. Elevated to main event status is the original 10-round co-feature being contested for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight title, matching former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Utah favorite Jose Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs).

The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights under the Roc Nation Sports banner, was a standout amateur boxer captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds. He lost the belt in his following fight, stopped by veteran Christopher Martin (29-8-3) in the third round of their non-title fight in Los Angeles on March 23. Franco is currently rated No. 5 by the USBA and No. 11 by the NABO.

Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), USBA No. 14-rated, is an all-action fighter with tremendous potential. The 29-year-old is presently riding a six-fight win streak with five victories and one draw. His lone loss as a professional was to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.

The new 10-round co-feature will be an exciting match-up between Wang and Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs). Last January in China, Zhimin defeated Aekkawee Kaewmanee (16-6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision for the vacant WBO Oriental crown. The only blemish on Zhimin’s otherwise perfect pro record is a 10-round loss by decision last September, to then 12-0 Russian prospect Ivan Baranchyk in Oklahoma.

“I honestly felt that Haro vs. Franco was a legitimate main event fight as the co-feature,” promoter John Andersen. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of boxing and we’re disappointed to lose a world-class fighter like Hooker. Now, though, Haro-Franco gets top billing and we’re fortunate to have a solid co-feature added to a very competitive, entertaining card.”

The TV opener features Chicago super bantamweight prospect Giovanni Mioletti (7-0, 1 KO) taking on Las Vegas’ upset-minded Sal Lopez (4-1) in a six-round bout. In a pair of four-round undercard matches, Sioux City, Iowa cruiserweight Shalyn Joseph will make his pro debut against Chicago’s Darrius Flowers (0-1), while Sioux Falls, South Dakota super welterweightKeith Cournoyer (0-0-1), squares off with Justin Likeness, of Minot, North Dakota.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are on sale at the WinnaVegas box office and online at www.tickets.winnavegas.biz. Advance ticket prices are $35.00 ringside (rows 1 & 2), $35.00 VIP Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4), $20.00 General Admission Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4) and $15.00 General Admission Standing Room Only. A special Resort/Hotel package for two is also available for $199.00, which includes two VIP Reserved Seats, WinnaVegas hotel room, two dinner vouchers and two $5.00 Sunday breakfast buffet-voucher.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is an all-ages event.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
boxing

Two regional title fights featured on “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10 live from Iowa on CBS Sports Network 
SLOAN, IA (May 9, 2017) – Professional boxing returns Saturday, June 10, to WinnaVegas Casino Resort, featuring undefeated junior welterweight Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker, on the “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” card, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino.  TITLE Boxing is the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.
“This is a great opportunity for ‘KO Night Boxing, LLC’ to expand our brand to another state,” promoter John Andersen said.  “We’re very happy to be coming to WinnaVegas and working with Mayan Beltran and his team.  We’re kicking this new relationship off in a big way with these two regional title fights on CBS Sports Network.   We hope that this is just the start of a long-lasting relationship between KO Night Boxing and WinnaVegas.
“The principal fighters in the two nationally televised fights are all on the verge of breaking out to become stars.  A lot is at risk for all of them.  Our promotional company is known for giving a platform to top prospects in highly entertaining, competitive matches that boxing fans love watching, whether they’re in the arena or watching on CBS Sports Network.”
“I am very excited to have CBS Sports Network boxing back at WinnaVegas Casino Resort,” CEO Mayan Beltran commented.  “Our fans really like boxing and it looks like we have a great fight card, so it should be a fun night. I am looking forward to working with promoters KO Night Boxing LLC, Neon Star SE, Roc Nation Sports and, as always, Ringside Ticket Inc., to deliver this exciting night of entertainment.”
Roc Nation Sports’ Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) will defend his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) junior welterweight against title challenger Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez (23-1-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Fighting out of Dallas, Hooker is world rated at No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).  The 27-year-old Hooker was a decorated amateur boxer in Texas, finishing with a 97-7 (67 KOs) record, who turned pro in 2011.
Hooker first captured the vacant NABO title in 2015, at home in Dallas, with a six-round technical knockout of previously unbeaten Eduardo Galindo (10-0-1).  Since, Hooker has made three successful title defenses against Ghislain Maduma (17-1) at the famed Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17, 2015, Ty Barnett (23-5-1) at Oracle Arena on August 6, 2016; and in a 10-round draw with former World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion Darleys Perez (33-2-1) on undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward “Pound-For-Pound” on Mov. 19 in Las Vegas.
In his most recent fight on Feb. 25 in Mexico, Hooker cruised to a dominant 10-round decision victory over former IBF World Champion Cristobal Cruz (41-20-4).
Ramirez, 25, is a former FECOMBOX Lightweight Champion, fighting out of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Ramirez, who is riding a nine-fight win streak, will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for the first time against Hooker.
The 10-round co-feature for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight crown has been in the works for a while and it could very well steal the show as former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco takes on Jose Haro.
The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), fighting out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, started boxing at the age of eight, amassing an amateur record of 67-15, highlighted by gold-medal performances at the 2006 Oxnard PAL Championships and 2017 California State Silver Gloves Championships.
Fighting under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Franco captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds.  Franco was stopped in his last fight by veteran Christopher Martin (29-8-3) in the third round of their non-title fight in Los Angeles on March 23.  Franco is currently rated No. 5 by the USBA and No. 11 by the NABO.
USBA No. 14-rated Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), who is a well-kept secret outside of West Jordan, Utah, is an all-action fighter.  The 29-year-old has won his last five fights, unbeaten in in his last six with a draw, since suffering his only loss to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.  Additional bouts will soon be announced.
Tickets are on sale at the WinnaVegas box office and online at www.tickets.winnavegas.biz. Advance ticket prices are $35.00 ringside (rows 1 & 2), $35.00 VIP Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4), $20.00 General Admission Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4) and $15.00 General Admission Standing Room Only.  A special Resort/Hotel package for two is also available for $199.00, which includes two VIP Reserved Seats, WinnaVegas hotel room, two dinner vouchers and two $5.00 Sunday breakfast buffet voucher.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is an all-ages event.
(Pictures courtesy of Roc Nation Sports)
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution.  In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind.  Visit us on Twitter @NeonstarSE or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. KO Night Boxing, LLC, REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC and KO Night Boxing LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.