Tag Archives: Junior Middleweight

boxing, Murphys Boxing, UFC

MURPHYS BOXING RETURNS TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR ON AUGUST 23! IRELAND’S GARY ‘SPIKE’ O’SULLIVAN TO RETURN & ABRAHAM NOVA TO DEFEND NABA TITLE! LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS!

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MURPHYS BOXING RETURNS TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23


IRELAND’S GARY ‘SPIKE’ O’SULLIVAN TO
FACE ARGENTINA’S DIEGO MAROCCHI


ABRAHAM NOVA TO DEFEND NABA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST MIGUEL BELTRAN JR.


UNDERCARD TO FEATURE A WHO’S WHO OF AREA PROSPECTS INCLUDING CARLOS GONGORA, JAMES PERELLA & KHIARY TODD


EVENT TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS


TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.MURPHYSBOXING.COM

Boston, MA. (August 1, 2019):


After a sold out debut event last month that saw 2,300 people pack Encore Boston Harbor’s Picasso Ballroom, Murphys Boxing is proud to announce an immediate return to the newly opened 2.6 billion dollar resort on Friday, August 23rd.


The stacked card will feature the stateside return of one of Murphys Boxing’s most popular fighters, Top 20 world ranked junior middleweight contender, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan(30-3, 21 KOs) and Top 10 world ranked, Abraham Nova (15-0, 11 KOs) who will defend his NABA Super Featherweight Championship.


O’Sullivan will take on hard hitting Argentinian veteran, Diego Marocchi (18-4-1, 14 KOs) in an 8 round showdown that promises fireworks between two fighters that don’t know how to take a step back.


‘Spike’, the handlebar mustached fighter from Cork, Ireland, has a massive following in Boston having fought over 10 times in the New England area, including his last fight this past St. Patrick’s Day when he stopped Khiary Gray in a bloody slugfest.


In the co-headliner, one of the hottest fighters in the super featherweight division, Murphys Boxing’s own, Abraham Nova will take on famed Mexican veteran, Miguel Beltran Jr.(33-7, 22 KOs) for Nova’s NABA Super Featherweight Championship in a 10 round bout.


Nova, the flashy young fighter known for his bleached blonde beard and elaborate ring entrances is currently ranked #7 in the world by the WBA and is closing in on a world title shot in the red hot division that features popular champions like Gervonta Davis, Tevin Farmer and Andrew Cancio.


The co-main event will see Murphys Boxing’s own Ecuadoran Olympian, Carlos Gongora(16-0, 12 KOs) in his toughest test yet in a 10 round middleweight bout against ‘The Mexican Windmill’, Alan Zavala (15-4, 13 KOs) that will see the winner move into bona fide prospect status.


The undercard will feature a who’s who of Boston area based fighters including:


Lynn, Massachusetts’ Khiary Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) who will face Florida based Brazilian,Alex Sandro Duarte (14-7-1, 11 KOs) in a 6 round junior middleweight bout.


Mansfield, Massachusetts’ James Perella (4-0, 3 KOs), who fought on the debut Encore Boston Harbor event this month. The amateur standout will return in a 4 round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named and it will be the young fighter’s 5th bout in just five months as a professional.


The card will be rounded out with 6 local fighters who will be making their pro debuts against each other when Stoneham, Massachusetts native, James Perkins takes on Boston’s Aaron Trecell Smith in a 4 round cruiserweight bout, Watertown, Massachusetts’ Greg Bonotakes on Whitman, Massachusetts’ Brian Urday in a 4 round junior welterweight bout and Boston’s Jonathan Depina takes on an opponent to be named in a 4 round lightweight bout.


“People are still buzzing about our last event at Encore Boston Harbor.”, says Ken Casey, Murphys Boxing founder and promoter.


“It’s so exciting to be coming right back to Encore and on UFC Fight Pass with our big guns like Spike, Nova and Gongora all on the same card while the excitement is still in the air.”


“We were thrilled to see such success with our inaugural Murphys Boxing event,” saysRobert DeSalvio, President of Encore Boston Harbor.


“We are so happy to bring these Las Vegas-style events to the Boston area and we’re glad to see the community responding so well. We plan to continue offering these can’t miss nights.”


Murphys Boxing presents O’Sullivan vs. Bonelli and Nova vs.Beltran for the NABA Super Featherweight Championship on Friday, August 23rd at Encore Boston Harbor (1 Broadway, Everett, MA., 02149). Doors open at 7pm. Tickets start at 50 dollars and are on sale now at www.murphysboxing.com


ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING


Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Abraham Nova, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and undefeated prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III and more.


For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com


ABOUT ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR


Encore Boston Harbor is a $2.6 billion Five Star global destination gaming resort featuring 671 hotel rooms with sweeping views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor, an ultra-premium spa, specialty retail, 15 dining and lounge venues and a state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting spaces. It is the largest private, single-phase development in the history of the Commonwealth.
 
Situated on the waterfront along the Mystic River and connected to Boston Harbor, Encore Boston Harbor will open up the Everett shoreline to the public for the first time in more than a century. The resort has created a six-acre park along the water which will feature pedestrian and bicycle paths that provide access to the waterfront, an events lawn, picnic and public viewing areas. Ornate floral displays, public art, retail and dining experiences will overlook the Encore Harborwalk.


For more information visit: www.encorebostonharbor.com


ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS


UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.


For more information visit: www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
boxing

James Kirkland Signs to Davies Entertainment: The Boom is Back!

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James Kirkland (32-2, 28 KO) former regional WBO-NABO Junior Middleweight Champion inked a comprehensive management deal with up & comer Davies Entertainment in a move signaling: The Boom is Back!

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Davies Entertainment

Apr 16, 2019, 08:00 CT

San Antonio, April 16, 2019 – Once hailed as “potentially, the most dominant offensive force in boxing since a prime Mike Tyson”, Kirkland, the aggressive southpaw, intends to reunite with his former trainer, Anne Wolfe, while adding Bay Bay McClinton to his training staff and upstart management company, Davies Entertainment, to help restore his ascent as one of the most powerful forces in the fight game.

“This is a human-interest story as much as it is a sports story” said Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment, “James is hungry, he’s reconnected with Anne (Wolfe), we look forward to playing our part to get James back to fighting at a championship level.”

Kirkland represents the second boxer signed by Davies Entertainment in less than a week, having signed Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz to a similar comprehensive management deal. Having made a name for himself by becoming one of the global authorities of mobile business fabrication (www.cruisingkitchens.com), Davies has since launched a creative hub which includes film production (That’s a Wrap), a state of the art mobile recording studio (The Boom Box), a graphic design & large format print company (www.justprintitsa.com) and a marketing consultation division. Said Davies “I have assembled a group of companies that can now be tasked to provide our boxers with resources that extend beyond training, whether film production, merchandise & marketing, or brand mobility we want to attempt to put a more current spin on how we manage our roster, providing resources that may not have been possible or easily accessed in the past.” Said Kirkland “I’m ready!”

That’s a Wrap will document Kirkland’s story with intent to produce a full length documentary of the boxers return to the ring.

You can follow Kirkland’s progress at www.daviesentertainmnet.com or on Facebook/IG @daviesentertainment and @kirklandboxing.

Davies Entertainment, LLC. located in San Antonio, TX, is a full service sports entertainment promotions & management company specializing in promotions, brand building, merchandising and talent management. ����r�k��

boxing

COTTO vs ALI and FREE undercard on FITE this Saturday. WATCH RIGHT HERE, TOO!

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This Saturday FITE will be the place for boxing. Miguel COTTO (41-5, 33 KOs) vs. Sadam ALI (25-1, 14 KOs) will be available live on FITE in select countries around the globe.

FITE will also stream the press conference, weigh-in and undercard on the FITE mobile apps(GPlay/iTunes) and www.fite.tv for FREE and available worldwide.

 

This is believed to be the last fight of Miguel Cotto before he retires and anyone familiar with his boxing career will know that his relentless style never fails to amaze.

 

Sadam Ali, the current WBA International Welterweight Champion, has a lot to win in Saturday’s bout. The WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship is on the line and Ali believes that it is his turn to get the belt and defeat a legend – all in his hometown of New York.

 

WATCH RIGHT HERE LIVE ON SATURDAY!!!

 

Cotto Vs. Ali:

UNDERCARD FIGHTS:

boxing

OFFICIAL CES BOXING WEIGHTS FOR TOMORROW NIGHT’S LIVE STREAM ON FITE TV

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Airing on FITE TV PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (June 8, 2017) — Boxing fans may watch tomorrow night’s entire CES Boxing card, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
Main Event – New England Junior Middleweight Championship (8)
Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), Champion, Stoneham, MA 152 lbs.
Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs), Challenger, Worcester, MA 154 lbs.
Co-Feature – Junior Middleweights (8)
Mark DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), Quincy, MA 154 lbs.
Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), Chicago, IL 156 lbs.

Heavyweights (6)

Juiseppe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs), Richmond, VA 235 lbs.
Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs), Wilmington, DE 224 lbs.
Middleweights (6)
Kendrick Ball, Sr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA  163 lbs.
Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), Newark, NJ 162 lbs.
Lightweights (6)
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), Dallas, TX 136 lbs.

Lightweights (4)

Michael Valentin (pro debut), Providence, RI 137 lbs.
Kevin De Freitas (pro debut), Somerville, MA 137 lbs.

Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs), Salem, MA 138 lbs.

Placido Hoff (1-1-1), Providence, RI 136 lbs

Featherweights (4)
Ricky Delossantos (1-0), Pawtucket, RI 126 lbs.
Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), Newark, NJ 124 lbs.
 
WHEN:                      Friday, June 9, 2017
WHERE:                   Twin River, in Lincoln, RI, USA
 
PROMOTER:            CES Boxing
LIVE STREAMING: Available to watch live on the FITE app and its website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
 
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
boxing

FITE TV to stream New England Jr. Middleweight Championship

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FITE TV to stream
New England Jr. Middleweight Championship
Live on PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (May 25, 2017) – FITE TV will stream the entire CES Boxing card, featuring the New England junior middleweight title fight, on Friday night, June 9, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, live on Pay Per View from Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
The June 9th CES Boxing show is available to watch on the FITE app and website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
Boxing fans may watch the entire card simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
N.E. Junior Middleweight champion Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), fighting out of Stoneham (MA), will defend his title against Worcester’s (MA) Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Vendetti is riding a 10-fight win streak, knocking out eight opponents during this stretch, while Gray is a former Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and Northeast Junior Middleweight champion.
The best fighter on the card is undefeated junior middleweight Mark “Bazooka” DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), a U.S. Marine from Quincy (MA) who fought in Afghanistan. He’ll be tested by always-dangerous Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), of Chicago, in the eight-round co-feature bout.
In six-round bouts, Worcester’s Kendrick Ball Jr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten middleweight Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), of Newark (NJ); highly-touted Providence lightweight prospect Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs) returns to fight Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), of Dallas; Virginia heavyweight Joe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs) takes on Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs); New Bedford (MA) junior middleweight Ray Oliveira, Jr. (7-1 1 KO) – son of former two-time IBU World champion Ray “Sucra” Oliveira – meets Jose Rivera (3-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Hartford (CT), in a rematch of a fight won by Oliveira.
In another hotly-contested regional showdown, New London (CT) junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (4-0, 2 KOs) squares off with fellow unbeaten Miguel Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield (MA), in a four-round bout. Oher four-round matches include Salem (MA) junior welterweight Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs) vs. Providence’s Cido Hoff (1-1-1), Pawtucket (RI) featherweight Ricky Delossantos (1-0) vs. Newark’s Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), and Providence’s pro-debuting Michael Valentin vs. TBA.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Additional PPV fights are scheduled on FITE TV on a weekly basis.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @FiteTV
boxing

New WBA Junior Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade shows championship work rate in title winning effort against Jack Culcay    

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Philadelphia, PA/Bronx, NY/Providence, RI (March 13, 2017)–Newly crowned WBA Junior Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade threw a staggering 953 punches according to Compubox, in his title win over Jack Culcay this past Saturday in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Andrade, who many regard as the most talented fighter in the 154 pound division, showed his versatility as divvied up his punch output nicely between jabs and power punches by throwing 519 power punches and 434 jabs.
The junior middleweight average is 684 punches per 12 rounds.
Andrade saved his best work for the home stretch when he threw 91 and 92 punches respectively in the Championship (11th and 12th) rounds.  In round 11, he connected on a fight best 40 punches.  Andrade outlanded Culcay in 11 of the 12 rounds.
Andrade of Providence, Rhode Island became a two-time champion with a split decision over Culcay be scores of 116-112 twice and 115-114 for Culcay.
“Demetrius showed what a true world champion is supposed to do.  He traveled to Germany and took the title from the champion.  Now we will look towards the future, and there are many desirable fights out there.  There are the champions like Erislandy Lara, Jarrett Hurd and the Charlo /Hatley winner.  Of course the big names in the room are Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.  Those are fights that we would love to make and Demetrius wants them as well. Demetrius will defend his title with pride, and we will look to get him in the most meaningful fights,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
boxing

Demetrius Andrade wins WBA Junior Middleweight title with split decision over Jack Culcay

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ludwigshafen, Germany (March 11, 2017)–Demetrius Andrade walked into the lions den and came out of it a two-time world champion with a 12-round split decision to capture the WBA Junior Middleweight world title over defending champion Jack Culcay in Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Andrade was the superior boxer, who controlled the bout with his combination punching  as he worked the body and then came upstairs to the head of Culcay.  Andrade kept a solid distance with his jab, that thwarted Culcay’s oncoming rushes. It was a tough grueling battle as Culcay (22-2, 11 KO’s) tried to bull his way in, had some, but little success and, Andrade was consistently finishing off the exchanges with the prominent punches.
The fight had entertaining exchanges throughout, but it was the workrate of Andrade that was the difference to the tune of 116-112 twice while Culcay took a card 115-114.
“I thought I did everything that I needed to do.  I came to Germany and took the title,”said Andrade.  “Culcay came like a champion, but I was the better man.  I outlanded him and I came out with the victory.”
Andrade (24-0, 16 KO’s) of Providence, Rhode Island is now a 2-time world champion as he adds the WBA belt to his trophy case.
“It feels great.  It was a great opportunity to come over here.  I never lost my other belt in the ring, so it feels like “And still, and the New, and still undefeated” world champion”
“I just want to fight the best.  Line them up, and I will knock all the champions down.”
With the title, Andrade will look to come back to the United States and defend his crown. I just want to thank my whole team, everyone in Providence, New England, Matrix Aerospace, SNAC, Everlast, and my promoters. “
boxing

Jack Culcay 153.2 lbs – Demetrius Andrade 153.4 lbs

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Jack Culcay 153.2 lbs – Demetrius Andrade 153.4 lbs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ludwigshafen, Germany (March 10, 2017)–WBA junior middleweight world champion Jack Culcay weighed in at 153.2 lbs while mandatory challenger and undefeated Demetrius Andrade weighed in at 153.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh in for their championship bout that takes place on Saturday in Ludwigshafen, Germany
Photo Credit / Team Sauerland
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

Maurice Hooker vs. Juan Pablo Lopez Added to Cotto-Kirkland Undercard

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Reigning NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (20-0-3, 14 KOs) will face Mexican knockout specialist Juan Pablo “Che Che” Lopez (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 10-round champion defense on the freeview undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland “The Return” on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

 

It comes as no surprise the Dallas-native was on hand when Roc Nation Sports, Miguel Cotto Promotions and the Dallas Cowboys organization officially announced the event in December at the team’s newly minted World Corporate Headquarters.

 

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

 

Maurice Hooker and Roc Nation Sports confirmed the card today on their social media handles.

 

MAURICE HOOKER TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mightymohooker/status/819578558905548800

MAURICE HOOKER INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK6oL5DCib/?taken-by=mauricemightymohooker

ROC NATION TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RocNation/status/819580458216411136

ROC NATION INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK7fJYgEKi/?taken-by=rocnationsports

 

Photo Credit: Stacey Verbeek

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

FIVE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO VS. JAMES KIRKLAND SHOWDOWN SET FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT FORD CENTER AT THE STAR IN FRISCO, TEXAS

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PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

 

NEW YORK, NY (December 19, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce that Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, February 25, 2017 when he takes on James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Coming off respective losses to Canelo Alvarez, both fighters will be seeking redemption in a 12-round junior middleweight showdown. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Cotto and Kirkland will join Roc Nation Sports and the Dallas Cowboys organization on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. CT for a press conference at Ford Center at The Star to officially announce the fight. This will be the first event of its kind to be held at the state-of-the-art, 510,000 square foot indoor athletic facility shared by the Dallas Cowboys, the City of Frisco, and Frisco ISD’s high schools. Ford Center at The Star is also the home to the Dallas Cowboys Football World Corporate Headquarters.

 

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. local time and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

 

“I’m excited to return to the ring and put on a great show. I can’t wait to start training camp and get ready for February 25,” said Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto. “Fighting inside the beautiful Ford Center, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboy’s newest creation, and headlining the first ever boxing event there pumps me with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

 

“I’m very excited to get back into the ring against a legend like Miguel Cotto. I’m going to train like never before so I can show the world that the old James Kirkland is back,” said James Kirkland. “You know the fight will be exciting while it lasts. February 25 can’t come soon enough.”

 

“Miguel Cotto is back and ready to put on an exciting show against the always tough James Kirkland,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “We can’t wait to see Miguel back in the ring on February 25 on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

“On behalf of Roc Nation Sports, we are so thrilled about Miguel Cotto’s return to the ring and to bring the first public event to Ford Center at The Star,” said Michael Yormark, Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy. “This will undoubtedly be a historic event with an exciting, all-action bout in store for the fans in Frisco and all of North Texas along with those watching from home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

“We are excited to host an incredible matchup for the very first boxing match here at Ford Center at The Star,” said Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager. “This venue was designed with the idea of versatility in mind, and we expect a great crowd in Frisco, Texas to experience a world class fight between Miguel Cotto and James Kirkland.”

 

“Throughout his brilliant ring career, Miguel Cotto has never backed down from a challenge and on February 25 he takes on a dangerous knockout specialist in James Kirkland,” said Tony Walker, Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Fans watching live in Frisco and those tuning in on pay-per-view should not blink in what should be an all-action slugfest.”

 

Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) is a former WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. He previously held the WBO junior welterweight world title, the WBA welterweight world title, the WBO welterweight world title and the WBA super welterweight world title. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has competed in 24 world championship fights, compiling a record of 19-5 with 16 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. In June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights. On June 6, 2015, Cotto defended his WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight world championships against former two-time World Champion Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cotto scored a thunderous knockdown early in the fourth round before finishing matters with a second knockdown midway through the round, which left Geale unable to continue. On November 21, 2015, Cotto cemented his status as one of the biggest pay-per-view draws among active fighters in his much anticipated mega-fight against Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, despite going the distance for a twelve-round unanimous decision loss. The hard-fought bout has been dubbed as the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry. The Five-Time World Champion is eager to return to the ring against James Kirkland on February 25.

 

A Texas titan, representing the city of Austin, 32-year-old southpaw James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) has built his reputation with explosive power. His fists have accounted for 28 knockout victories over the course of his nearly 14-year professional career. A former NABO and WBC Continental Americas Champion, Kirkland bounced back from his lone defeat against Nobuhiro Ishida in 2011 with five consecutive wins, four coming by way of knockout. Kirkland has defeated Brian Vera, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo and Carlos “King” Molina and handed Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia his first professional loss by way of a punishing sixth round technical knockout, prior to taking the stage for a 12-round super welterweight war with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on May 9, 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

 

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra.

 

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

 

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