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boxing

 “Knockout Night at the D” series To air on CBS Sports Network

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Hall of Fame broadcast team
Al Bernstein, Jim Ross & Kevin Kelly
Tickets on sale for inaugural event Mar. 12 at
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
 
Zab Judah returns in main event vs.  Josh Torres
LAS VEGAS (February 23, 2016) – CBS Sports Network will be home of the new monthly professional boxing series, “Knockout Night at The D,” which officially launches Saturdaynight, March 12, at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
It has also been announced that the “Knockout Night at the D” broadcast team will feature a pair of Hall-of-Fame announcers, color commentator Al Bernstein and Jim “JR” Ross will handle blow-by-blow responsibilities, as well as former world featherweight championKevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley, who will conduct post fight and celebrity interviews.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, created by the D Las Vegas and DLVC, along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, will be held at the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas.  The inaugural event Mar. 12th, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016.  There are three other series broadcast dates – April 16, May 13 and June 10 (subject to normal Nevada Commission approval) – with other dates to be determined in September, October, November and December.
“It has been our vision to bring outdoor boxing back to the city, so it excites us to see this dream of ours come to life at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center,” Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC said. “We look forward to partnering with Neon Star Productions to present a series of incredible match-ups that will be talked about for years to come.”
Bernstein is arguably the preeminent boxing announcer in the world.  In 1980, Bernstein joined ESPN as its boxing analyst.  The 1988 Sam Taub Award winner for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism, Bernstein served as boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.  A 2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Bernstein has been boxing analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing since 2003, as well as the main commentator the past four years for Channel 5, a terrestrial network in the United Kingdom.
“I am extremely happy to be a part of the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” Bernstein said. “The venue is great, the event creates a lot of excitement in Downtown Las Vegas, and CBS Sports Network viewers will see excellent boxing on our telecasts. The operative word here is fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
The wildly popular Ross, who was the voice of the WWE, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.  Although he is best known for his work in wrestling, Ross is an experienced sports commentator who has called professional boxing and mixed material arts events. He has also developed his own brand of barbeque sauces and cookbooks.
“I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to broadcast big time, world-class boxing from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas,” Ross remarked. “Working with Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, the best analyst in the game, and with the ‘Flushing Flash’, Kevin Kelly, equates to a unique broadcasting trifecta. Ring the bell…it’s Slobber Knocker time!”
Kelley (60-10-2, 39 KOs) captured the World Boxing Council featherweight championship December 4, 1993 in Reno, by way of a unanimous 12-round decision, and he successfully defended his title twice against Jesse Benavidas and Jose Vida Ramos.  Kelley, who lives in Las Vegas, is an experienced boxing analyst.
“I would like to thank the team of CBS Sports Network, the D Hotel, Al Bernstein and Jim Ross for this life changing moment,” Kelley commented. “With my hands-on fighting experience and their knowledge of boxing, we come together perfect like a hand in glove.”
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, meets upset-minded Albuquerque, NM junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12th 10-round main event.
In the 8-round co-feature, Las Vegas fan favorite Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces lightweight Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
mixed martial arts, MMA, RFA

THIAGO MOISÉS  ELEVATED TO MAIN EVENT OF RFA 35 AS ZACH JUUSOLA WITHDRAWS

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MAIN EVENT:
 THIAGO MOISÉS vs. DAVID CASTILLO
 LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
CO-MAIN EVENT:
THIAGO ALVES vs. DAVID PUTVIN
CATCHWEIGHT BOUT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19th LIVE on AXS TV
LIVE at the UCCU CENTER in OREM, UTAH
 
Tickets are on sale NOW through CageTix.com
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that there has been a last-minute shuffle at the top of this Friday night’s RFA 35 event set to take place in Utah. Zach Juusola has pulled out of his lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 35 due to injury. This has elevated RFA 35 co-headliner Thiago Moisés (6-1) to the evening’s main event against David Castillo (19-7). Moisés and Castillo will compete for the vacant RFA lightweight title
RFA vet and BJJ black belt Thiago Alves (9-3) has also stepped up to take Moisés’ place in the RFA 35 co-main event against David Putvin (7-1). This is the second time that Alves has stepped up on short notice after a Juusola withdrawal. Alves replaced Juusola last June in the co-main event of RFA 26 in Colorado. Alves and Putvin will meet at a catchweight of 160-pounds.
“Thiago Moisés vs. David Castillo is the new lightweight title fight in the main event of RFA 35 on Friday, stated Soares. “Moisés has been elevated from co-main event after Zach Juusola withdrew due to injury. Thiago Alves is also stepping up on short notice once again. He will fight David Putvin in the co-main event.”
Tickets for RFA 35 – Moisés vs. Castillo are available for purchase now on SmithsTix.com. You can also support your favorite fighter by purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com/RFA.
RFA 35 – Moisés vs. Castillo takes place this Friday, February 19th at the UCCU Center in Orem, Utah. This will be the promotion’s first event to take place in the state of Utah and it will be the second RFA event of 2016. The entire main card of RFA 35 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT this Friday, February 19th.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
 
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
 
About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC every Friday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.
boxing

 the D Las Vegas Steps into ring with monthly pro boxing series “Knockout Night at the D”

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Zab “Super” Judah to headline first event 
Saturday, Mar. 12 at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
LAS VEGAS (February 16, 2016) — the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, have announced the formation of a new monthly boxing series, “Knockout Night at the D”.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series will take place under the neon lights of Las Vegas in the DLVEC open air venue, located in the heart of the downtown Las Vegas casino district, one block away from the world famous Fremont Street (200 S. 3rd St.).
“One of my visions for the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center was to bring outdoor boxing back to the city,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas. “I have a true passion for this sport and I am thrilled to provide my guests with an incredible boxing series that will support athletes, businesses and the community of Las Vegas.”
Each “Knockout Night at the D” event during the 2016 series will feature a variety of compelling matches, including world title bouts, world-class matches, tournament eliminators and special attraction bouts, plus pro-debuts of future boxing stars
Television broadcast information for the series will be announced shortly
The inaugural event, scheduled for Saturday, March 12, will be held inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent and headlined by five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs).  The Brooklyn native, now fighting out of Las Vegas, returns to the ring after a two-year break from the sport.  The fast and powerful southpaw faces Albuquerque, NM junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
During his 19 ½-year pro career, Judah is 11-8 (9 KOs) in world title fights, defeating five world champions along the way in Junior Witter, Terron Millet, DeMarcus Corley, Raphael Pineda and Cory Spinks.
The 24-year-old Torres started boxing professionally at the age of 18, under the direction of his late trainer, 5-time world champion Johnny Tapia. Torres, a former USNBC welterweight title holder, is now trained by Tapia’s brother-in-law, Chris Chavez.
Rising Las Vegas lightweight star Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on a member of one of boxing’s great families, Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs), in the 8-round main event.  Gutierrez is a former USNBC titlist.
The 27-year-old Spinks has boxing blood running through his veins.  His grandfather is two-time world heavyweight champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Leon Spinks.  Three-time world cruiserweight and former heavyweight champion Michael Spinks is young Leon’s great uncle, while his uncle Cory Spinks is a five-time, two-division world champion.
Canadian junior welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (23-3-1, 16 KOs) and Las Vegas junior welterweight Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (2-0, 2 KOs), who served as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for his mega-fight with Manny Pacquiao,  are slated to fight opponents to be announced, respectively, in 8 and 4-round fights.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, go on saleMonday, Feb. 21, 2016 at Ticketmaster.com or DLVEC.com. Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package.  Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
INFORMATION
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII
mixed martial arts, MMA, NBC, World Series of Fighting

THREE NEW MATCHUPS COMPLETE WSOF29: GAETHJE VS. FOSTER MAIN CARD ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12

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NEW, LIVE NBCSN START TIME OF 10 P.M. ET
FROM GREELEY, COLORADO

LAS VEGAS (February 3, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today the addition of three main card matchups, including a heavyweight co-main event contest between Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland(11-3) and Mike “300” Hayes (19-10-2), to its highly anticipated WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster world lightweight (155 pounds) championship event at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colo. on Saturday, March 12, live on NBCSN at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

In other action on the four-bout live telecast that will be headlined by the lightweight championship showdown between reigning, undefeated kingpin Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (15-0) and number one contender Brian Foster (25-9), middleweight (185 pounds) standouts Cory “The One” Devela (15-6) and Louis “Handgunz” Taylor (11-3) will collide in their respective World Series of Fighting debuts.

Kicking off the live, four-fight telecast will be a welterweight (170 pounds) scrap pitting Josh Cavan (11-6) against Kris Hocum (7-4).

Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster, are on sale at WSOF.com and the University of Northern Colorado’s online ticketing platform.

Josh Copeland vs. Mike Hayes

The 6-foot-1 Copeland of Denver, Colo. is a former number one ranked heavyweight in his home state, and a four-time title holder since turning professional in 2010.

The 33-year-old, former Youth Ministry student at Dallas Baptist College, has earned 8 of his 11 career victories as a professional by way of (T)KO or submission, with 5 of those wins coming in less than 2 minutes.

A teammate of Gaethje’s at Grudge Training Center, Copeland will look to rebound from a second round (2:50) submission (kimura) defeat at the hands ofVitaly Minakov on December 11, a result that snapped a two-fight win streak for Copeland.

During his professional career spanning eight-plus years, the 6-foot-4, 35-year-old Hayes of Redmond, Wash. has faced off with elite level competition, including former world champion Andrei Arlovski and superstar Ruslan Magomedov, both of whom he fought to a decision.

On November 2, 2013, Hayes notched his most impressive victory to date, scoring a devastating, third round (3:11) KO on decorated MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling champion Jeff “The Snowman” Monson with a head kick.

In his last start on June 4, 2015, Hayes produced another impressive result, fighting former South African national wrestling champion and four-time MMA titlistTrevor Prangley, to a draw.

Cory Devela vs. Louis Taylor

The 6-foot-2, 31-year-old Devela of Bonney Lake, Wash., will enter the decagon cage in the midst of a four-fight win streak that includes a unanimous decision victory over superstar Nick “The Promise” Ring on June 26, 2015.

A longtime protégé of MMA superstar and submission expert Dennis “Superman” Hallman, Devela, who has notched 11 of his 16 career wins by way of (T)KO or submission, burst into the national spotlight at a Strikeforce promoted event in Tacoma, Wash. on February 23, 2008, scoring a first round (1:22) TKO on heralded superstar Joe “Diesel” Riggs with a thunderous slam that rendered Riggs unable to continue fighting.

Devela’s recent ascendance that has him knocking on the door of becoming a world championship contender again, comes after he took an extended, three-year hiatus from competition to care for a sick loved one between 2010 and 2013.

Also looking to earn his fifth consecutive win, the 5-foot-11, 36-year-old Taylor of Chicago, Ill. is the number one ranked middleweight in his home state, according to the latest Tapology.com ratings.

A prolific striker who has finished 10 of his 11 opponents to date by way of (T)KO or submission, Taylor’s last four victories all came inside of the first round of battle.

Prior to becoming a mixed martial artist, Taylor was a wrestling standout for the NCAA Division I program at Eastern Illinois University where he benefited from training with fellow, former team member turned assistant coach Matt Hughes, who went on to become a two-time UFC champion and Hall of Fame member.

Josh Cavan vs. Kris Hocum

Fighting out of Denver, Cavan is a 5-foot-10, 32-year-old, lifelong athlete who competed at the minor league level of professional hockey before turning his attention to MMA.  A winner of 9 of his 11 professional career fights by way of (T)KO or submission, Cavan will look to bounce back from a second round (1:28) TKO (punches) defeat at the hands of Joe Eichelberger on November 6.

The 5-foot-11, 30-year-old Hocum of Fort Collins, Colo. made his professional debut on October 27, 2012 as a participant in a one-night, eight-man tournament, defeating multiple opponents to emerge the victor of the grueling affair.   He will look to regain momentum after back-to-back losses in his last two appearances.

The WSOF29 preliminary bout card will be announced soon.
Las Vegas, mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WSOF29: GAETHJE VS. FOSTER MOVES TO BANK OF COLORADO ARENA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 12, LIVE ON NBCSN

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

LAS VEGAS (January 23, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that the location for the live NBCSN televised (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT), WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster lightweight (155 pounds) championship event scheduled for Saturday, March 12, has been moved to the Bank of Colorado Arena on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF29: Gaethje vs. Foster, are on sale at WSOF.com and the University of Northern Colorado’s online ticketing platform.

In the highly-anticipated main event, reigning, undefeated lightweight champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (15-0) of Safford, Ariz. will put his title on the line against number one contender and recent eight-man tournament winner Brian Foster (25-9) of Sallisaw, Okla.

An alumnus of the University of Northern Colorado, Gaethje became the first competitive wrestler to earn All-American honors for the school after it became a Division I athletic program.  He placed seventh in the NCAA national wrestling tournament in his junior year.

Additional WSOF29 bouts will be announced soon.

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries.  WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown  and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

  RANCES BARTHELEMY WINS LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN TOE-TO-TOE BATTLE AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV IN HEADLINING BOUT OF FINAL PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE CARD OF 2015 FROM THE PEARL AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Jann Hendry/Premier Boxing Champions
 
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Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
 
Las Vegas (December 18) – The “force” was with Cuban star and newly crowned lightweight world champion Rances Barthelemy (24-0, 13 KOs) as he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Russian southpaw Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 KOs) in the headlining bout of the final Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike fight card of 2015. The four-fight telecast, which was supported by non-televised fights featuring some of Mayweather Promotions’ rising stars, took place at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Coming off of a luxury world tour, Floyd Mayweather returned stateside and sat ringside as promoter of tonight’s fights. The recently retired five-division world champion, who also learned today he was selected asSports Illustrated Fighter of the Year, was animated and engaged through the final bell of the evening.
The main event, which started off as a close toe-to-toe battle, ended in the Barthelemy’s favor as he swept the latter quarter of the bout. Shafikov controlled the beginning of the fight, staying in the pocket and throwing more powerful punches than Barthelemy as the Cuban had a difficult time adjusting to the significantly shorter, yet stronger, style of Shafikov.
The turning point of the fight occurred when a cut caused by a punch by Barthelemy opened up above Shafikov’s right eye in the eighth round. The blood began to poor furiously and referee Vic Drakulich called the ringside doctor over to inspect the cut. When the fight resumed, Barthelemy attacked the Russian’s eye and never let up for the remainder of the fight. He took advantage of the cut and coupled it with his height and reach advantage which led to a recipe for success as he is now a two-division world champion. The judges saw the bout 119-109 and 116-112 twice.
“There were moments where I was trapped into my style of fighting. It took me a minute to adjust to Shafikov’s style and exchange punches with him,” said Barthelemy. “I’m really happy with the number of punches I was able to get off.
“I was really impressed with Shafiov’s warrior style. He never gave up even after getting hurt with punches that were affecting his fight. That really caught me by surprise and also that he was able to last the whole fight. The fact that he continued really says something about him as a fighter.”
“I’m not sure if I won the fight,” said Shafikov. “I’m very disappointed and I want a rematch.”
The co-main event saw a bizarre ending to what was to be a cruiserweight elimination bout. Detroit southpawIsiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) was winning the fight on all three judges’ scorecards through round three when Russian power-puncher Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) threw accidental late blows to Thomas’ head after the bell. The punches forced referee Jay Nady to make the tough call that the punches “diminished the value” of Thomas’ ability to continue. As the fight had not yet gone four rounds, unified rules state that the fight does not go to the scorecards, thus ruling it a no contest.
Chris Pearson (16-1 11 KOs), a promising super welterweight from Dayton, Ohio put his previously undefeated record on the line against fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (12-0, 6 KOs) of Plaquemine, Louisiana in the second televised bout. Walker came out strong, dominating the early rounds against Pearson, another member of the stable of rising stars from Mayweather Promotions. A wobbled Pearson persevered and attempted to turn the tide in an action-packed fifth round with a series of head shots.

The seventh round saw both fighters exchanging a brutal barrage of punches culminating with a fast-paced eighth and final round drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. The underdog Walker, who spent 13 years in Dixon Correctional Institute in Louisiana, scored a unanimous decision victory (79-71, 78-74, 80-72) winning the biggest fight of his life in front of a captivated national TV audience.

“If you believe in God and work hard at what you’re doing, you’re going to succeed,” said Walker. “Look at me now.
“I had watched his previous fights and knew that my right hand would be too much for him and that I could land it anytime,” continued Walker. “My conditioning was really the difference tonight. I was in great shape and I was able to rely on that when the going got tough.”

Pearson was disappointed in the decision and was left wanting a rematch.

“I take my hat off to him,” said Pearson. “His punches were crisp and hard. I just couldn’t get going on anything consistently. I thought it was closer than the judges’ scorecards and I definitely want a rematch as soon as possible.”

In the opening bout of the evening, one of boxing’s fast rising stars, Gervonta “The One” Davis (14-0, 13 KOs) out of Baltimore put his undefeated record on the line against Mexico’s Luis Sanchez (17-5-1, 5 KOs) in a lightweight clash.

Davis, a 21-year-old protégé of Mayweather, lived up to his reputation as a budding superstar scoring a hard-fought ninth round knockout victory. Sanchez showed his toughness and resiliency as he forced Davis to fight three rounds longer than any fight of his career.Davis showed his speed and power in the eighth round as he landed an uppercut to knock down his determined opponent. In the ninth round, he threw a massive left hand to finish Sanchez, sending Mayweather to his feet in celebration.

“It felt great to fight all of these rounds and get the work in,” said Davis. “He’s a tough fighter and I learned a great deal tonight. It was a very good experience for me.
“I just listened to my corner and Floyd, took my time and broke him down. I want to fight again as soon as possible for a world title.”
Mayweather, who was very pleased with Davis’ performance, sees the young undefeated fighter’s future as bright.
“It’s always good to go out there and get the W,” said Mayweather. “He’s young. He’s still learning. We’re looking forward to him being a world champion some day.”
Mayweather relished in the opportunity to promote one of the final fights of the year in his hometown of Las Vegas saying, “I’m so happy we were able to showcase on national television some of the talented fighters we have at Mayweather Promotions. Win or lose, I am proud of all of them.
“More importantly I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and thank for them supporting me, Mayweather Promotions and The Money Team throughout all of these years. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
# # #
PBC on Spike was promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @Beibut_Shumenov, @_ChrisPearson, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHRIS PEARSON MEETS FELLOW UNBEATEN ERIC WALKER & RISING STAR GERVONTA DAVIS TAKES ON LUIS SANCHEZ ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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PLUS! FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS ISHE SMITH & MICKEY BEY FEATURED ON STACKED UNDERCARD
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Undefeated contender Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) will meet fellow unbeaten Eric Walker (11-0, 6 KOs) in a super welterweight battle while rising star Gervonta “The One” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) takes on Luis Sanchez (17-4-1, 5 KOs) in a lightweight bout on Premier Boxing Champions(PBC) on Spike Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike is headlined by undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) and Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) in a lightweight world title fight. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas(15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a battle of unbeaten cruiserweights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
Part of the stacked undercard of exciting fights will see former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (27-8, 12 KOs) against Tommy “The Razor” Rainone (24-6-1, 5 KOs) in a super welterweight showdown and former world champion Mickey “The Spirit” Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a lightweight contest against unbeaten Naim Nelson(12-0, 1 KO).
Rounding out the action is 29-year-old Romanian Ronald “The Thrill” Gavril (14-1, 10 KOs) against the Dominican Republic’s Mariano Hilario (12-4, 5 KOs) in super middleweight action, 26-year-old Brian Castano (13-0,9 KOs) againstMexico’s Aaron Garcia (12-4-1, 7 KOs) in a super welterweight tussle and Fabian “TNT” Maidana (8-0, 6 KOs), brother of former world champion Marcos, in a welterweight bout against Washington’s Virgil Green (11-3, 4 KOs).
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Pearson has impressed with strong victories over Steve Martinez, Said El Harrak, Lanardo Tyner and previously unbeaten Acacio Joao Ferreira in four fights before he defeated Janks Trotter in September. The 24-year-old looks to continue to rise within the junior middleweight division and cement his contender status with a victory over the 22-year-old Walker out of Plaquemine, Louisiana who is yet to lose since turning pro in 2013.
A highly regarded prospect who won the 2012 National Gloves championship, the 21-year-old Davis has already recorded four stoppage victories in 2015. Most recently, the Baltimore-native stopped former world champion Cristobal Cruz with a vicious combination in their October fight. Now he is challenged by the 23-year-old Sanchez out of Cancun, Mexico who owns victories over Miguel Beltran and Adan Mares.
After a long career that saw him go from the world of reality television as a star on “The Contender” to competing at the top level at 154 and 160 pounds, Smith finally put it all together in 2010, beginning a four-fight winning streak that culminated in a decision win over Cornelius Bundrage for a super welterweight world title in 2013, becoming the first native Las Vegan to ever win a world title. He continues to challenge the best and recorded his most recent victory in April by defeating Cecil McCalla. He takes on a dangerous veteran contender in New York’s Rainone who enters this fight having beaten Francisco Reza and Allen Litzau.
Bey returns to the ring on December 18 for the first time since winning a world title in September 2014 with a victory over Miguel Vazquez. He has won three fights in a row including victories over Alan Herrera and Carlos Cardenas. Representing Cleveland, Ohio, Bey looks to work his way back to title-contention beginning with the 25-year-old Philadelphia-native Nelson.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm,@PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS TO HOLD “TOYS 4 TICKETS” CHARITY DRIVE TO BENEFIT “TOYS FOR TOTS” PROGRAM FOR PBC ON SPIKE SHOW FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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TOYS CAN BE DROPPED OFF
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
 
LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2015) – Mayweather Promotions will hold a “Toys 4 Tickets” charity drive in advance of the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike show taking place Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
The charity drive will benefit the “Toys for Tots” program, which aims to distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Toys can be dropped off at the Mint Lounge inside the Palms Casino Resort on Thursday, December 17 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, December 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 
Fans who donate a new unwrapped toy will receive a ticket voucher redeemable at the Pearl Theater Box Office at the Palms Casino Resort. Ticket value is $25 with a limit of four per person.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm,@PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

RANCES BARTHELEMY GIVES TRAINING CAMP UPDATE BEFORE WORLD TITLE SHOWDOWN AGAINST DENIS SHAFIKOV THAT HEADLINES PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18 FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

Click HERE For Photos From Team Barthelemy
 
LAS VEGAS (December 9, 2015) – Undefeated Cuban Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (23-0, 13 KOs) will look to win a world title in a second weight division when he headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike against Russia’s Denis Shafikov (36-1-1, 19 KOs) on Friday, December 18 from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
PBC on Spike coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT and features Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) and Russia’s Murat “Iron” Gassiev (22-0, 16 KOs) in a 12-round cruiserweight bout, plus undefeated junior middleweight Chris “Young King” Pearson (13-0, 10 KOs) and rising unbeaten prospect Gervonta “Tank” Davis (13-0, 12 KOs) in separate attractions.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $100.50, and $25.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
As Barthelemy and his team put the finishing touches on their Las Vegas training camp, see what the exciting Cuban had to say about training, his opponent and more:
On training camp in Las Vegas:
“It’s been a smooth camp so far.  I’ve sparred 12 rounds with multiple sparring partners on a few different occasions.  I’m very sharp right now and my timing is right where I want it to be.  My weight is good and I’m ready to go the distance if I have too.”
On his relationship with Coach Ismael Salas:
“Salas and I have a great relationship and together we are on the same page.  He knows what I like to do and he can see flaws in my opponents from the corner.  We have plan ‘A, B and C’ for this fight.   Salas is a great trainer.  We’ll be prepared for anything Shafikov brings to the ring.”
On his matchup with Denis Shafikov:
“This is a very difficult fight, one that I am fully prepared to win.  We are both southpaws so it will be very interesting to see how the fight plays out.  I’m going to fight my style and dictate the pace.  He throws a lot of punches in combinations, something I’ll have to be ready for.  This will not be a boring fight.  The fans can expect to see me throw a lot of big shots.”
On fighting for the lightweight world title:
“Capturing a world title at lightweight will be a great accomplishment for my career.  When an opportunity like this comes your way, you have to seize the moment to be great.  That’s what I plan to do against Shafikov.  The ultimate goal is to win as many world championships as possible in multiple weight classes.”
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RealKidBlast, @_ChrisPearson, @GervontaDavis, @SpikeTV,@SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
mixed martial arts, MMA, RFA

RFA RETURNS TO COLORADO WITH RFA 34: VELICKOVIC vs SMITH

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photo credits: sherdog.com
MAIN EVENT:
BOJAN “SERBIAN STEEL” VELICKOVIC
vs. BENJAMIN SMITH
WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH, 2016 LIVE ON AXS TV
LIVE from the 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, CO
 
Tickets on Sale Now at ALTITUDETICKETS.com
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) president Ed Soares announced today that the promotion will return to Colorado with RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith in January to kick off the new year. The main event will feature a welterweight title fight between two of the division’s most accomplished fighters as Bojan “Serbian Steel” Velickovic battles former RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith for the vacant title. RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith will take place Friday, January 15th inside the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
“RFA has a busy 2016 schedule and I’m excited about starting it back in Colorado,” stated Soares. “Bojan Velickovic and Benjamin Smith will headline RFA 34 for the vacant welterweight title. They are two of the most accomplished 170-pound fighters in RFA history and it’s a great way to kick off the new year.”
Tickets for RFA 34 – Velickovic vs. Smith are available for purchase NOW through AltitudeTickets.com or you can support your favorite fighter by purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com. Tickets to RFA 34 start at just $30. VIP tables are available by calling 303-521-0966.
Velickovic (12-3) earned his title shot after going a perfect 3-0 in 2015. In March, the Serbian destroyer earned a quick first round TKO victory over the seasoned MMA vet Chris Hugh at RFA 24. Velickovic then participated as a member of Team RFA at the historic RFA vs. LEGACY event in May. His bout was the first match of the promotion vs. promotion competition and Velickovic picked up the pivotal lead-off win against Charles Byrd. He then closed out the year with a victory over decorated Armenian-Ukrainian wrestler Vardan Sholinian at RFA 31. Velickovic’s win over Sholinian in Las Vegas was accomplished with only 5 days’ notice. Now the surging “Serbian Steel” looks to start the new year exactly how 2015 went down — with his hand getting raised.
“When I found out that I would be getting an RFA title shot, I was vey happy,” stated Velickovic. “I feel that I deserve this opportunity and it didn’t matter who I would be facing. I will fight anyone who’s put in front of me. I am also excited to be fighting in Colorado. I moved here 3 months ago and it already feels like home. This will be the first time in 5 years that I get to fight in the place I live. Ben Smith and I fought on the same card twice for RFA and he’s a really tough dude. He comes to fight and I look forward to our title fight onJanuary 15th.”
Smith (15-3) also ended the year on a high note with a unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Craig Eckelberg at RFA 32 last month. The win came on the heels of two consecutive RFA title fights that Smith had for the RFA in 2015. Now the second-ever RFA welterweight champion will look to reclaim his RFA crown in what he sees as his last ride towards UFC glory. That ride continues in the main event of RFA 34 against a man he shared cards with at both RFA 20 and RFA 24.
“This is the last hurrah for ole Ben Smith,” Smith explained. “I’d been feeling that way before my last fight, but I also wanted to put an exclamation point on my career by reclaiming my RFA title and earning my shot in the UFC. I got the win at RFA 32, but I felt like I could do more, which is what I will show in this next fight. Colorado has always treated me well and I enjoy competing there. Bojan is a good fighter, he’s a marketable guy, and a very worthy opponent. When I was offered this fight, there was no way I could say no. I love to compete and I’m looking forward to this title fight with Bojan.”
The full RFA 34 fight card and further information regarding this event will be announced soon. RFA 34 will be the promotion’s seventh event to take place in the state of Colorado. The entire main card of RFA 34 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, January 15th, 2016.
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).

About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognizedFriday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC everyFriday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.