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JOE SMITH JR. PROVIDED EARLY FIREWORKS WITH  1ST ROUND KO WIN AT MOHEGAN SUN

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TARGETING SERGEY KOVALEV TITLE SHOT IN THE FALL
 
“SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” RESULTS

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (July 1, 2018) – Returning to the ring after an 11-month layoff due to a broken jaw, Joe “The Beast” Smith, Jr. provided early fireworks last night (Saturday, June 30) in the latest installment in the popular “Slugfest at The Sun” series, presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

 

 

 

“Slugfest at The Sun” was taped live and will air July 19, 8 -10 p.m. ET, on New England Sports Network (NESN).  Star Boxing’s next event, “Rockin’ Fights”,September 21 at the Paramount in Huntington, NY, will also air via tape- delay on NESN.

 

 

 

Rated No. 3 and No. 7 in the world, respectively, by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA), Smith (24-2, 20 KOs) hurt Melvin “The Romantic Redneck” Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs) with the first punch he landed and finished the show, two devastating knockdowns later, in the opening round.

 

 

 

“I hit him with a decent shot when I was walking him down and saw that I hurt him,” Joe Smith Jr. explained.  “So, I looked to end it.  I would have liked to have gotten some rust off, but I’m happy with my performance. My jaw feels great.”

 

 

 

“We’re looking to go to the top,” Smith’s promoter Joe DeGuardia stated. “Joe’s plan and goal has always been to be world champion.  We wanted (Sergey) Kovalev before this fight, but it didn’t work out. We’re hoping to get him in the fall.”

 

 

 

“Kovalev looks great, he motivates me,” Smith noted.  “I think I can take advantage of his conditioning.”

 

 

 

Coming off her historic fight this past May against the undefeated Queen of Boxing Cecelia Breakhus, who won a 10-round decision in the first female fight to air on HBO, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs) cruised past Mexican welterweight Patty “Las Elegante” Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), a former world title challenger, winning all eight rounds.

 

 

 

“She was a survivor,” Reis commented.  “There was a lot we wanted to work on, body shots, jabs and more … getting more comfortable. I executed the plan my corner gave me and got the job done.

 

 

 

A Native American from Rhode Island, Reis wants a rematch with Breakhus, “I know I need to stay busy, active and remain fighting at welterweight to get the rematch,” Reis added.  “I’m going to stay on her tail.  I’ll be ready when it happens, I really want it to happen.”

 

 

 

In the television opener, undefeated junior welterweight  “Action” Anthony Laureano (8-0 3KO’s) lived up to his nickname, never taking a backwards step, as he pounded  Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1 6KO’s) in the center of the ring from the opening bell through the end for a dominant six-round unanimous decision.  The 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Laureano, who fights out of East Hartford, CT, put on an entertaining show in front of his large, loud contingent of fans.  Laureano effectively used every punch in his vast arsenal to break down a tough, game Rodriguez.

 

 

 

“I thought I did well,” Laureano said after the fight, “but I’d like to see more angles. I want to see more power, too.  It’s there, he felt it; it’s coming.  I have a long road.  Next fight, I’d like to have an eight-rounder.  We’re adding more people to the team.  I hope everyone see that I’m getting better each fight. I have more tools and my discipline is there.”

 

 

 

Undefeated junior middleweight Wendy “Haitian Fire” Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs) lit up an overwhelmed Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), battering him from pillar to post, until referee Steve Willis waved off the fight in the third round. Haiti-native Toussaint, now living in Huntington, NY, used his superior power and speed to make an impressive statement.

 

 

 

Popular South Boston southpaw Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs) overcame a flash knockdown during the opening seconds of the fight, using a relentless attack to defeat junior welterweight Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), by way of a four-round split decision.

 

 

 

Irish junior welterweight “Lethal” Larry Fryers (formerly known as Gleeson) improved his record to 7-1 (2 KOs) with a six-round unanimous decision over Anthony Woods (1-7-1). Fighting out of Yonkers NY, Fryers floored Woods with a left hook at the end of round two. Woods was penalized a point near the end of the final round for an intentional head butt.

 

 

 

Former U. of New Haven basketball star Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of New London (CT), kept his undefeated record intact, dropping Mexican heavyweight Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs) twice before referee Willis halted the match near the end of the opening round.

 

 

 

The opening bout of the evening ended in the second round and ruled a “No Contest” because of an accidental head butt that left both fighters — William “The Silent Assassin” Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs) and Tyrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO) – with serious head cuts and unable to continue.

 

 CELEBRATING HIS RETURN KO WIN


POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH NESN’S DANA ROSENBLATT & JOE SMITH JR.

 

Complete results below:

 

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

MAIN EVENT – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Joe Smith, Jr. (24-2, 20 KOs), Mastic, NY

WTKO1 (145)

Melvin Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs), Ashland, KY

 

 

 

CO-FEATURE – FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS

Kali Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs), Cranston, RI

WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)

Pat Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), Aguascalientes, Mexico

 

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Wendy Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs), Huntington, NY

WTKO3 (1:25)

Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), Worcester

 

 

 

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Anthony Laureano (8-0, 3 KOs), E. Hartford, CT

WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)

Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1), Haymarket, VA

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs), South Boston, MA

WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 37-38)

Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), Orange, NJ

 

 

 

WELTERWEIGHTS

Larry (Gleeson) Fryers (7-1, 2 KOs), Yonkers, NY

WDEC6 (60-52, 60-52, 59-53)

Anthony Woods (1-7-1), Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), New London, CT

WTKO1 (2:47)

Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs), Morelia, Mexico

*Co-Promoted in association Main Events

 

 

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

William Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT

No Contest 2 (2:27 due to accidental head butt, both fighter’s cut)

Tryrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO), Sound Bend, IN

*Co-Promoted in association with Murphy’s Boxing
boxing, women's boxing

 KALI REIS QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT

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REIS RETURNS TO THE RING THIS SATURDAY AT MOHEGAN SUN
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (June 26, 2018) – In advance of her fight this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis held an open media workout today at Big Six Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.

 

 

 

Fighting out of nearby Cranston, RI, Reis (13-7-1, 4 KOs) will face former world title challenger Patty “La Elegante” Ramirez (11-5, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round welterweight bout.

 

 

 

Reis vs. Ramirez is the co-featured bout on the “SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” card, presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

 

 

 

Reis is coming off a historic fight last month versus undisputed women’s world welterweight champion and pound-4-pound Queen, 33-0 Cecilia Braekhus, in the first female bout ever featured on HBO.  Reis dropped Braekhus for the first time in her professional career, however the judges scored the fight in favor of Braekhus, over ruckus boo’s from the crowd.

 

 

 

In the main event, after eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, the “Common Man”, Union Local 66 laborer, Joe Smith Jr. returns at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. After coming off a stellar KO win on NBC against Andrzej Fonfara, and knocking out the legend, Bernard Hopkins, clear out of the ring, on HBO, Smith Jr. has his eyes set on winning a world title. Smith Jr. is currently rated #3 (WBC) and #7 (WBA) in the world.

 

 

 

QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT:

 

 

 

 

“I’m so excited to be back fighting at home, especially after our history making fight on HBO.  I fought Cecilia Braekhus. We were the first women to ever fight on HBO and there were more than a million viewers.  If I knew that many people would be watching, I would have been a lot more nervous.”

 

 

 

“On paper, it was a loss, but it was really a win-win for me, and women’s boxing.  It’s already opened a lot of doors for me. There’s been so much growth for me and women’s boxing. It’s going to open the door for other women to fight on networks. It was a step up for women’s boxing, not just for one event, but forever.”

 

 

 

“I’m the first female Native American to fight in New England.”

 

 

 

“I’ve been fighting 18 years.  I played basketball and volleyball in high school, but I love boxing.”
 

 

 

“I showed in my last fight that I belong to be with the elite.  I want to get a rematch (with Braekhus).”

 

 

 

“Being a road warrior, I’m familiar fighting away or at home, but it’s more comfortable fighting here at home.  My hometown crowd is always very supportive.”

 

 

 

“(Saturday) I am going to come out with a victory.  My opponent’s taller, but I just need to follow the game plan and execute.”

 

 
 

 

KALI REIS PREPARING FOR HER CO-FEATURE BOUT AT MOHEGAN SUN THIS SATURDAY AT TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT

CREDIT: STAR BOXING

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KALI REIS AND ANTHONY LAUREANO LOOK TO IMPRESS IN THEIR “HOMECOMING” BOUTS AT MOHEGAN SUN ON JUNE 30TH

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KALI REIS AND ANTHONY LAUREANO
LOOK TO IMPRESS IN THEIR “HOMECOMING” BOUTS AT MOHEGAN SUN ON JUNE 30TH

 

REIS OF RHODE ISLAND RETURNS FOR HER THIRD BOUT AT MOHEGAN SUN
 
LAUREANO OF CONNECTICUT RETURNS FOR HIS SECOND BOUT AT MOHEGAN SUN

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (jUNE 25, 2018) –With June 30th rapidly approaching, the hype for STAR BOXING’S “SLUGFEST at the SUN” continues to build as two of the premier fighters on the card will be making their New England homecoming.  In the co-feature bout, KALI “KO MEQUINONOAG” REIS (13-7-1 4KO’s) of Providence, Rhode Island will be making her third appearance at Mohegan Sun against PATY “LA ELEGANTE” RAMIREZ (11-5 5KO’s).  Adding to the excitement, Connecticut’s own “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (7-0 3KO’s) of East Hartford is set to make his return home at Mohegan Sun in his bout against JUAN de la CRUZ RODRIGUEZ (8-9-1 6KO’s).

 

 

 

Rhode Island’s Native Warrior, Kali Reis, is no stranger to bright lights and pressure. Coming off an impressive performance on HBO against undisputed champion and #1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world, Cecilia Braekhus, Reis looks to return home, back to New England and put her full warrior spirit out on display at the Mohegan Sun.

 

 

 

When commenting on her upcoming fight, Reis had this to say, “Fans can expect to see an even more determined, skilled, hungry, evolving WARRIOR in there! The fight on HBO with Braekhus was such a learning experience and I am grateful for making history in not only women’s boxing but my own personal journey as well.”

 

 

 

The last time Reis fought at Mohegan Sun was in November of last year. She is thrilled to be making this homecoming.

 

 

 

“I am excited to be back ‘home’ at Mohegan Sun June 30th,” said the Rhode Island native. “Star Boxing always has action packed fights lighting up this beautiful area. My fans love coming to Mohegan Sun. There isn’t a bad seat in the house and their hospitality is fantastic.  Joe DeGuardia is keeping me very productive since we signed with him back in November.  I am so pleased with the decision myself and manager Brian made to sign with them.”

 

 

 

Another local warrior on the card to watch is Anthony Laureano.  Laureano earned the nickname “Action” for his relentless, coming-forward fight style.  If the East Hartford native is in the ring, fans can always expect an exciting show from start to finish. Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun” always brings fireworks to Connecticut, and Laureano looks to continue the tradition with his homecoming at Mohegan Sun.

 

 

 

Laureano was asked what he will provide the fans at Mohegan Sun, and his response was simply, “The same thing they always see, action. Action, that’s it. The people are coming to pay money and they are going to get what they paid for.  Even in my last fight, people got what they paid for. They came to see action and to see somebody come forward.  They don’t want to see nobody dancing around. I’m not saying that style is bad, I can do it too, but people like two guys who come forward and want to fight.  I’m that fighter. I’m that fighter that always wants to fight.”

 

 

 

This bout against Rodriguez will mark the third time in his career that Laureano is fighting at Mohegan Sun.

 

 

 

When asked about the venue, this is what Laureano had to say, “I love Mohegan…Mohegan is my home. There is no place like it. I love the ring, everything is just so beautiful. The atmosphere, the crowd, my hometown crowd is there, and when they’re there it’s loud…Mohegan is my home, no doubt. The casino treats me good, and when I go there I feel this is where I belong. I’ve never felt that anywhere else.

 

 

 

In the main event of “SLUGFEST at the SUN” on June 30th, JOE SMITH JR. will make his long anticipated return to the ring against tough Kentuckian, MELVIN RUSSELL. After eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, the “Common Man”, Union Local 66 laborer, Joe Smith Jr. returns at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. After coming off a stellar KO win on NBC against Andrzej Fonfara, and knocking out the legend, Bernard Hopkins, clear out of the ring, on HBO, Smith Jr. has his eyes set on winning a world title. Smith Jr. is currently rated #3 (WBC) and #7 (WBA) in the world.

 

Get your tickets to JUNE 30th, #SLUGFESTattheSUN live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
 Tickets start at JUST $30. (plus $5 venue fee)
MEDIA:
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
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NEW ENGLAND’S TOP & MOST PROMISING BOXERS TO BE SHOWCASED ON “SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” CARD JUNE 30TH AT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

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UNDERCARD FEATURES SIX UNDEFEATED NEW ENGLAND PROSPECTS

 

UNCASVILLE, CONN. (June 19, 2018) – Many of New England’s best and most promising boxers will be in action JUNE 30 on the “SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” card, presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, at Mohegan Sun Area in Uncasville, Connecticut.
“SLUGFEST at the SUN” featuring JOE SMITH JR.
The “Common Man,” Long Island light heavyweight JOE SMITH, JR. (23-2, 19 KOs), returns to the ring after being inactive the past 11 months recovering from a broken jaw. The popular Irish-American will face MELVIN “THE ROMANTIC REDNECK” RUSSELL (11-4-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Smith burst onto the boxing scene in 2016 when he defeated, top rated light heavyweight, Andrzej Fonfara on NBC in Chicago, and again later that year, when he knocked living legend Bernard Hopkins clear out of the ring, becoming the first person to ever KO the former multi-division world champion and future Hall of Famer.
JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO of Star Boxing had this to say about June 30th, “We are thrilled to be up in New England for this sensational show at Mohegan Sun on June 30th that will be filled with local favorites and headlined by an international favorite (Joe Smith Jr).  Boxing history is full of exciting fighters from New England and on June 30th fans will be treated to local fighters aiming to continue a rich tradition of tough New Englanders.”
In the eight-round co-featured event, two-time middleweight champion (pictured to left) KALI “KO MEQUINONOAG” REIS (13-7-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Cranston, RI, is coming off her eye-opening performance last month against undisputed women’s world welterweight champion and pound-4-pound Queen, 33-0 CECELIA BRAEKUS, in the first female bout ever featured on HBO.  Reis floored Braekhus once, but she lost a 10-round decision.  The former WBC and UBF World middleweight champion will meet former world title challenger PATTY “LA ELEGANTE” RAMIREZ (11-5, 5 KOs), of Mexico, on Aug. 30 at Mohegan Sun.
Six New Englanders are scheduled to provide support on the undercard, including 2016 N.E. Golden Gloves champion “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (7-0, 3 KOs), of East Hartford (CT), in a six-round junior welterweight match against Mexican knockout artist JUAN de la cruz RODRIGUEZ (8-9-1, 6KOs).  Laureano earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Manchester Community College.
Former University of New Haven basketball star, New London, CT undefeated heavyweight CASSIUS CHANEY (12-0, 6 KOs), meets ELDER “BARON” HERNANDEZ (5-2, 3 KOs), of Mexico, in a six-round bout. Chaney is coming off a vicious second round KO win at Madison Square Garden against Tim Washington.Chaney is promoted by Main Events.
New Haven, CT junior lightweight prospect WILLIAM FOSTER III (8-0, 6 KOs), a three-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion, puts his undefeated pro record on the line in a six-rounder versus TRYROME JONES (4-3-1, 1 KO). Foster is promoted by Murphy’s Boxing.
Exciting South Boston, MA junior welterweight, and Union Local 941 railroad laborer,  JOE FARINA (2-0, 2 KOs) throws-down with STEVE MOORE (1-3, 1 KO) in a six-round junior welterweight battle.
In a pair of six-round fights, Worcester, MA junior middleweight ANDY GONZALEZ (6-2, 5 KOs) has prepared to upset unbeaten WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (8-0, 2 KOs). Toussaint’s last three fights have ended via TKO, and the Long Island fighter plans on extending the streak to four,while Springfield, MA junior middleweight ANTHONY VELAZQUEZ (2-0, 2 KOs) will try to make an impression against ANTHONY WOODS (1-6-1).

 

Get your tickets to JUNE 30th, #SLUGFESTattheSUN live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
 Tickets start at JUST $30.
MEDIA:
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.   
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
INFO:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN”: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
After eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, “THE BEAST” Joe Smith Jr.returns in a big way, at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. After coming off a stellar KO win on NBC against Andrzej Fonfara, and defeating the legend Bernard Hopkins on HBO, Smith Jr. has his eyes set on landing in the win column in his first bout of 2018.
FACTS:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The event takes place Saturday, June 30th at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT.
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the a premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightest in boxing. This includes, two-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.
Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the north east’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.
The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly action packed, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.
On June 30th, Star Boxing plans to start your summer off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN.”
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TICKETS:
Tickets for the live event start at $30 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com by clicking HERE or by going to www.StarBoxing.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.