Tag Archives: Kris Lawrence

boxing

19-Year-Old Sensation Logan Yoon to Face Colombian Veteran Luis E Flores at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

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On Friday, July 6, Honolulu’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 10 KOs) will attempt to continue his meteoric rise up the 140-lb. ladder when he faces capable Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores (24-9, 20 KOs) at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

The 10-round fight will serve as the evening’s co-main event of Heavyweight Factory Boxing promoter Kris Lawrence’s “Hometown Throwdown,” followed by a 10-round crosstown rivalry showdown between undefeated Miami-based welterweights Harold “King” Calderon (16-0, 10 KOs) and John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-0, 8 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for “Hometown Throwdown” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

The promising 19-year-old Yoon, the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender, was last seen in March, dominating former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado over 10 rounds. Yoon was expected to be pushed for the first time in his young career, but cruised to an easy decision (scores: 100-89, 97-92 and 98-91).

 

 

 

“I have a lot of confidence in my team and our game plan, so I wasn’t surprised at all I was able to dominate,” said Yoon. “I knew that would happen. I work hard and stay disciplined.”

 

 

 

Yoon says he’s continuing to learn as he streaks up the ranks. Already world-rated after 11 fights, the talented puncher says despite the buzz around him growing louder with every fight, he feels no extra pressure to impress.

 

 

 

“I’m confident in the abilities I’ve been blessed with, so I feel no pressure. I live a clean life and stay right with the Lord and follow His plan for me.”

 

 

 

Yoon says he knows Flores is tall with a strong left hook, but expects to be victorious once again.

 

 

 

“Logan is an amazing talent,” said Heavyweight Factory Director of Boxing Operations Henry Rivalta. “He’s still just a kid and already so strong and powerful. That’s why we are moving him along so quickly. He trains right and lives right to become a world champion.”

 

 

 

Expected special guests that evening include Heavyweight Factory regulars, former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, the action starts at 7:15 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to start time. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

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Calderon to Face Crosstown Rival Martinez at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Friday, July 6

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On Friday, July 6, 2018, Heavyweight Factory Boxing promoter Kris Lawrence will continue his “Greatest Dark Series” in all of boxing with “Hometown Throwdown,” a night of world-class professional boxing highlighting 10 bouts.

 

 

 

Taking place at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., the night’s main event will feature a 10-round crosstown rivalry showdown between undefeated Miami-based welterweights Harold “King” Calderon (16-0, 10 KOs) and John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-0, 8 KOs). The pair have decided Miami isn’t big enough for two undefeated 147-lb. fighters and one of them will lose their “0” that night.

 

 

 

The co-main event will be the 10-round rubber match of an entertaining three-fight series between veteran Florida middleweights Joey “Twinkle Fingers” Hernandez (26-4-1, 16 KOs) and Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs). Also featured in a showcase bout that night will be 19-year-old Hawaiian WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 11 KOs), who will face an opponent TBA.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Hometown Throwdown” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Thirty-year-old Calderon is a popular slugger of Honduran heritage. He enjoys a friendship with Miami Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso and has already been featured in several main events. The powerful southpaw was last seen in March, stopping veteran Ronald Montes in three impressive rounds.

 

 

 

Also a fan favorite, 29-year-old Martinez was 14-2 as an amateur, and won the 2009 Golden Gloves and Florida PAL Championships. In addition to fighting, Martinez is a successful entrepreneur. He trains at the world-famous 5th Street Gym under Dino Spencer. He was last seen in April stopping Felix Sandoval in two rounds at Casa de los Clubes in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 

 

 

Hernandez vs. Paredes will be third meeting between the two fighters. They fought to a thrilling split draw in August 2009 and then again, on ESPN in February 2010 when Paredes scored a shocking KO 2 “Knockout of the Year” contender over Hernandez. It was southpaw Hernandez’s first career loss. The two fighters are not fans of each other. Their first two fights featured dirty tactics and body slams. They have also had to be separated at previous weigh-ins.

 

 

 

Nineteen-year-old Yoon, from Honolulu, won the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Championship by impressively battering Mexican former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado over 10 rounds last March.

 

 

 

Expected special guests that evening include Heavyweight Factory regulars, former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, the action starts at 7:15 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to start time. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

 

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About Hard Rock Event Center

Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

 

 

 

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and Hard Rock Event Center – the 3,600-seat entertainment venue that is home to some of South Florida’s top concerts, comedy shows and events. The casino offers 120 live table games, 2,000 of the newest and most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 182 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

 

 

 

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online atwww.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

 

 

 

boxing

Young to Face Reymart in WBA Eliminator on March 23 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

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Friday, March 23, in the Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, promoter Kris Lawrence’s The Heavyweight Factory will present “Rumble at the Rock,” an 11-bout night of world-class professional boxing.
Featured in the night’s main event is a 12-round WBA Bantamweight Eliminator for the mandatory contender between WBA #4-rated southpaw Stephon “Showstopper” Young (17-0-3, 7 KOs) from Saint Louis and WBA #5 Reymart “GenSan Assassin” Gaballo (18-0, 16 KOs) from General Santos City, Philippines. In the 10-round co-main, red-hot 19-year-old Hawaiian welterweight prospect Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 11 KOs) will face an opponent TBA for the IBF Youth World Championship.
Special guests expected that evening include former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield.
Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock” are priced at $55, $80, $130, and $250 and are available through ticketmaster.com.
For 29-year-old Young, the fight against Gaballo represents him getting one step closer to his dream of a world title after years as a contender.
“It feels good,” he said. “I’m in shape and ready. I feel like I have my chance to show the world who the king of the bantamweights really is. Gaballo is obviously very strong. He’s 18-0, 16 KOs. But I also feel like he hasn’t fought anyone like me yet. That’s a whole different story when you step up. It may be a case that his team is putting him into a fight like this way too soon. We will soon see.”
For 21-year-old Gaballo, the fight against Young represents a huge leap up in class of opponent. The young slugger has only fought outside his native country twice before. A victory over the well-respected Young would put him instantly on the world stage.
“I’m very happy to be fighting in this WBA eliminator and I’m looking forward to being world champ one day. I know Young is a slick southpaw fighter and he’s working hard to beat me, so I have to train twice as hard as usual to come out on top.”
Event promoter Kris Lawrence says he’s proud of this event’s world-class international flavor. “This show brings back boxing in South Florida in a big way,” he said. “We will be announcing the huge undercard shortly and it includes a variety of exciting fighters from different countries including USA, Philippines, Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras, Haiti, Mexico and Kazakhstan. I’m very happy to be able to present this great event at a world-class venue like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel.
“Being back at the Hard Rock brings back old memories of great years of boxing,” said Henry Rivalta Director of Heavyweight Factory Boxing Operations. “We have very evenly matched fights and this event will be extremely crowd-pleasing. I invite all South Florida fans to come witness it live at Hard Rock’s Event Center. This will be the first boxing event held in the new event center. A special thanks to Kris Lawrence for making this all possible and being a pioneer for boxing here in South Florida, past and present. Also, I want to thank Armero Tequila and Jim, Allen and Dave Gold for their support of boxing on these amazing grounds at the Seminole Hard Rock. This will be the first of many to come. See you at the fights!”
On fight night, the Event Center doors open at 6 pm and the action starts at 7 pm. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
boxing, charity

Heavyweight Factory Team, Including Newest Signee Ivan Dychko, Provide Thousands of Meals to Miami Victims of Hurricane Irma

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This past weekend in Miami, Heavyweight Factory Gym Founder, Kris Lawrence, and a group of their prominent fighters, which included recently signed two-time Olympic Super Heavyweight Bronze Medallist Ivan Dychko, opened their hearts to the victims of Hurricane Irma by holding a free barbecue.
Over two 10-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, the group cooked and served over 2500 pieces of chicken, 1000 sausages, 800 racks of ribs, as well as baked beans and potato salad, to a hungry community still feeling the effects of the devastating hurricane.
Standing 6′ 9″ tall, Kazakhstan’s Dychko was an imposing sight at first, but quickly warmed the hearts of locals with his warm smile and tireless efforts to help. Despite the oppressive heat, he and former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe, who also volunteered his time, posed for hundreds of pictures between servings.
“Ivan was amazing,” said Heavyweight Factory Director of Boxing, Henry Rivalta. “He hung in there while the sun was brutal. His desire to stay with us and make sure the neighborhood was fed was just awesome.”

Well-known for being very giving to the needy, Lawrence is active with several charities and, every Christmas, loads a 40-foot container with toys and distributes them to children on the streets of his native Liberty City.

“Giving back to the community gave our team a chance to join together and provide nice warm meals, which have been hard to find, due to the circumstances of Hurricane Irma,” continued Rivalta.
Dychko, a heavily decorated amateur, was also a two-time world amateur championships silver medallist. He and trainer Derek Santos are hard at work at the Heavyweight Factory for his highly anticipated professional debut on September 28 in Kentucky.
boxing

The Heavyweight Factory Inks Amateur Sensation Logan Yoon

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HOLLYWOOD, FL (May 8, 2017) – Logan Yoon joins The Heavyweight Factory team as representatives from the Florida-based promoter proudly announce that they recently signed one of the most highly-rated and promising amateur boxers in the United States.
Yoon’s amateur career saw him become a two-time Silver Champion at Ringside World Championships, a two-time Colorado Springs Pikes Peak champion, an Arkansas National Champion, an Adidas National champion, a two-time Silver Junior National Golden Gloves champion, a Junior Olympic bronze medalist and a Silver Youth National Champion.
“Logan had an extraordinary amateur career, now as a professional, he will prove that he has the talent to achieve his goals,” said his manager, Henry Rivalta. “We are not in a rush; we are working hard day-by-day. When you work with a talented guy like Logan, it’s easy to get the best results. This kid is the next Pacquiao.”
 
Logan Yoon is scheduled to make his debut in the United States on Saturday June 3rd at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. “We are really excited, Logan will be on the Briggs-Oquendo card fighting for the IBF Youth World Title,  and we know that Logan will give fans a great fight,” added Rivalta. “We have had several offers by major promoters. Kris Lawrence of THF has show total commitment and gave Logan the right promotional deal with a no-nonsense stay busy 2 year plan. Kris has 25 years in the sport and knows what it takes to make a champion,” Said Rivalta.

Kris Lawrence CEO and founder of The Heavyweight Factory is convinced that Logan will be in top fights in the near future, “This young guy has a lot of talent, he was an outstanding amateur boxer and now as a professional, we know he will get very far. We welcome him to our boxing family.”