Tag Archives: Las Vegas

boxing, Showtime Boxing

GARY RUSSELL JR. MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS & QUOTES AS HE PREPARES FOR NOVEMBER 14 CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN  ON SHOWTIME®

Leave a comment
 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Nov. 14, Live At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME®From Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
Click HERE To Download Photos From Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME
WASHINGTON, D.C. –(Oct. 28, 2015) -Beltway-area native Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) held a media workout at The Enigma Boxing Club in Capital Heights, MD on Tuesday as he prepares for his championship bout on November 14 on SHOWTIME.
 
Russell Jr. will make the first defense of his WBC Featherweight World Championship against Colombia’s Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, Nov. 14, live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Here’s what Russell Jr., Gary Russell Sr. (Gary’s father and trainer) and Gary Antonio Russell(Gary’s younger brother and undefeated boxing prospect) had to say on Tuesday:

GARY RUSSELL JR.:
“Training camp is going great, we’re right on course. There was a minor hiccup in the camp because I was supposed to fight on Oct. 24. I started sparring, but once the fight got pushed back to November 14 I cut the sparring off. I didn’t want to peak too early.
 
“Today (Tuesday) was my first day back sparring again. I’m working on my timing, ring generalship and lateral movement.  We’re right on course. 
 
“Oscar Escandon is strong and durable. He comes straight forward. If his corner was smart they would try to take away my hand speed which will be a big factor in the fight. He’ll need to close the distance, smother my punches so speed isn’t a factor.
 
“We are working on becoming just as comfortable fighting on the outside as I am fighting on the inside.
 
“A lot of fighters are one-dimensional. We are trying to make that diamond shine on all sides.
 
“I know that I will be victorious without a doubt. Anyone that you get in the ring with these small, 8-ounce gloves always has a possibility of creating an upset whether he’s a big puncher or not.  It only takes one shot.  It’s the fighters’ job to take away that opportunity.  
 
“I’m excited to fight, period.  I don’t even think about this fight being a title defense. It takes a certain type of mental toughness and psychological strength to get in the ring and perform. Anyone who gets in the ring against me is a champion in my eyes.
 
“It’s been about seven months since I fought.  I’m always anxious to get back in the ring. 
 
“If I get past Escandon I would love to fight Leo Santa Cruz, we fought in the amateurs.  But we never underestimate any opponent and we are focused on getting this fight out of the way first. Lee Selby is another guy that we’re looking at.  Of course Abner Mares, even though he lost, would be a great fight.  These are the type of guys that we’d like to fight. 
 
“Having my family with me during training camp means everything to me. It’s where I get my energy from. A lot of guys feel like they have to get away for training camp, but I don’t have to leave home. My family is the driving force behind my training camp and where I find my power and motivation. At the end of the day, I box for my family.
 
“If my brother ends up fighting on my undercard it would be very cool for me. It will be funny because if he does compete, you will definitely see me work his corner before my title fight.”
 
GARY RUSSELL SR.:
 
“I know it’s a championship fight, but we go into every fight like it’s a title fight. We don’t know a ton about his opponent, we just train like champions.
 “I have six sons, all of them are fighters. They all have different attributes as people that translate differently into who they are as people and in the ring.
 “Antonio Russell is 4-0, he’s worked really hard all of his life. Outside of the gym, he can fix anything. Antoine, who just qualified for the Olympic trials, is brilliant. I’m very proud of him because he just graduated valedictorian of his class with the highest GPA of anyone in Prince George’s county. Then you have Gary, who is so hard working, he’s the future patriarch of the family. He has an old spirit.
 “I’m proud of all of my kids and I’m proud that we’re a strong family unit. We learned a lot from Gary’s loss to Vasyl Lomachenko. We have a motto at the gym that hangs from a banner, it says ‘Success is the Ultimate Revenge’ and we’ve lived by that ever since the loss. We learned an important lesson from that fight and have moved on.
 “Boxing is a fleeting thing, you don’t do it forever. We’re doing our own thing. I’m not worried about what other people have done.
 “As a father, your paternal instinct kicks in because in this sport, anything can happen. You don’t want to see your son end up hurt. So we train for any circumstance. Because of that instinct, I’ve been strict and hard on my sons in order to try to keep them safe.”
GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL (Fighting on the Friday, Oct. 30 non-televised Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce TV undercard and potentially the November 14 undercard.):
 
“With the way we train and fight, our defense sets up our offense and our offense sets up our defense.
 “My job is to go in there and win fights. I know my opponent is a tall guy, but I also know that he is not going to win. He doesn’t have the punching power or ring generalship that I have.
“Once I win, I’m on to the next. I’m trained to fight consistently. I hope I get this guy out early, if it comes and presents itself. Then I’d love to fight on my older brother’s card two weeks after.”
# # #
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

GARY RUSSELL JR. TO DEFEND WORLD TITLE AGAINST OSCAR ESCANDÓNON SATURDAY, NOV. 14 FROM HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS

Leave a comment
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
 
 
Live on SHOWTIME® At 10:45 p.m. ET/PT
 
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 21, 2015) – Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC Featherweight World Title when he takes on Oscar Escandón (24-2, 16 KOs) in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event on Saturday, Nov. 14 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $155, $105, $80, $55 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino box office, by calling 888-9-AXS-TIX, or online at www.axs.com.
“It’s going to take all of my skills and my whole arsenal to defend my belt on November 14,” said Russell Jr. “Escandón is a strong, durable fighter with a lot of power. I will have to be on my A-game and I believe I will be able to showcase my skills when I get in the ring.”
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to fight Gary Russell Jr. for his world title,” said Oscar Escandón. “I feel strong going into this fight.  Moving up to featherweight has given me the added weight to be at my full strength.  I’ve been training hard with Ruben Guerrero, who’s been doing a great job preparing me for Russell’s southpaw attack.  I guarantee that I’m going to make it a rough fight.”
“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the sports brightest young stars,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Winning the featherweight world title against Jhonny Gonzalez was an outstanding feat and he’s chosen a very tough initial defense against the heavy handed Oscar Escandón. We’re very excited to work with the great teams at SHOWTIME and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on this terrific event.”
The evening’s co-main event will be announced shortly, as will the full undercard of action.
Russell Jr., of Capitol Heights, Md., makes his first start since dethroning defending champion Jhonny Gonzalez via fourth round TKO in March in Las Vegas.  The talented and quick-fisted southpaw dropped the veteran Gonzalez three times en route to capturing his first world title.  The only blemish on the record of the 2008 U.S. Olympian is a close majority decision loss to Vasyl Lomachenko in a bout for a vacant world championship in June of 2014 on SHOWTIME.
Escandón, of Ibague, Colombia, is a former interim WBA World Super Bantamweight titlist – he lost the belt in April in a close, split decision to Moises Flores at StubHub Center but complained after the loss that a broken finger in his right hand prevented him from throwing any meaningful punches.  A former amateur standout who represented his native Colombia in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Escandón won his U.S. debut and the interim WBA belt with a 12-round split decision over Tyson Cave last December.  He has knocked out 10 of his last 14 opponents and is trained by Ruben Guerrero, father of long-time welterweight contenderRobert Guerrero.
Escandón, who holds a career-best seventh-round TKO over then-undefeated Jesus Cuellar in 2011, will be making his third consecutive start in the U.S. as he moves up in weight to 126 pounds to challenge Russell Jr.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @Escandonbox;  @TGBPromotions, @HardRockHotelLV and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.
boxing, ShoBox

GH3 Promotions signs Cuban amateur standout Hector Frometa to promotional contract

Leave a comment
Will make pro debut on November 6th in Las Vegas

Nutley, New Jersey (October 20, 2015) – Vito Mielnicki’s GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of Welterweight Hector Frometa to an exclusive promotional contract.

Frometa of Cuba had an outstanding amateur career as he amassed a record of 195-22 for the most distinguished amateur program in the world.
He has traveled the world and has won many amateur tournaments.
“We are excited to add Hector to our stable,”said GH3 Promotions president, Vito Mielnicki.  “He comes from the great Cuban amateur system and with that pedigree and his hunger to be great, we feel we have added another top prospect to the company.”
“I am very blessed and happy to be with GH3 Promotions. I am very thankful and I am 150% focused in becoming a world champion,” said Frometa.
Frometa has been called a good boxer who is aggressive.
Frometa will make his pro debut on November 6th on the off-tv portion of a ShoBox: The New Generation show in Las Vegas.
“I am so happy that my first fight will be in Las Vegas.  I will be able to show my skills in front of the best boxing people in the world.”
The 2-time Cuban National champion has been in the United States for three months and excited to be in his adopted home of Miami.
“It was tough in Cuba.  It was hard to live there.  I had to fight like a dog just to get to the United States.  I will make the most of this great opportunity.  I consider myself a real student of boxing as I eat, drink and sleep the sport.”
“I just want to say that a storm is coming.  I plan to take over the 147-pound division and show why Cuban boxers are the best,” finished the 24 year-old Frometa.
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.
Amateur MMA, Las Vegas, mixed martial arts, Tuff-N-Uff

TUFF-N-UFF TEAMS UP WITH RANDY COUTURE TO SUPPORT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Leave a comment


​

 

ROUND 6: OPERATION KNOCKOUT
TO BE HELD AT BROOKLYN BOWL

Sixth annual event raises funds for wounded soldiers and their families

Saturday, October 17, 2015 Doors open at 5 p.m.

 

Tickets On Sale Now!!!

 

To purchase tickets, please visit www.tuffnuff.com or the Brooklyn Bowl box office.

 

LAS VEGAS – The nation’s premier amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, Tuff-N-Uff Uff is teaming up with Randy Couture for its sixth annual Round 6: Operation Knockout event Saturday, October 17, 2015.

 

Now in its sixth year, “Round 6: Operation Knockout” is an annual Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event that was created to help raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families. This year’s event will be held at the Brooklyn Bowl.  Doors open at 5 p.m. and tickets are available starting at just $25 through www.tuffnuff.com or online http://www.brooklynbowl.com at Brooklyn Bowl or by visiting the Brooklyn Bowlir box office.

 

Following five successful years, Operation Knockout continues to grow in size and finds a new home at the Brooklyn Bowl. This exciting, unique charity event features a night of amazing fights and a fabulous silent auction. There will be something for everyone with eight amateur MMA bouts.  

 

Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries.

 

Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. The event has raised over $133,000 since its first year and with help of their generous sponsors and donations, the event returns this October 17th at the Brooklyn Bowl for its biggest year to date. For more information about this great event, contact Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation at 702-616-1022 or please visit www.xcgif.org.

 

ABOUT XTREME COUTURE GI FOUNDATION:

 

The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, was founded by Randy Couture in 2009 to honor the veterans of America’s armed forces. The foundation was especially formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.

Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave men and woman from the armed forces. Even though some of these men and woman are severely injured, they have the courage, strength and determination to win this battle.

For more information on the foundation please visit: http://www.xcgif.org.

ABOUT RANDY COUTURE:
Randy Couture served in the Army for 6 years within the 101st Airborne, is a former 6x World MMA Champion, TV and Actor Movie star who was in the Sylvester Stallone movie series – The Expendables I, II and III.

 

ABOUT TUFF-N-UFF:

A 21-year old combat sports organization, the Las Vegas-based Tuff-N-Uff has presented the best amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) action in the nation since 2003, giving rise to the biggest star in the sport today, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as well UFC and Strikeforce veteran Ryan Couture and newly-signed UFC welterweight Alan Jouban. Tuff-N-Uff has helped grow the careers of many other MMA athletes including Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones and Jesse Taylor. In 2013, Tuff-N-Uff became the first combat sports organization to be included on the UFC International Fight Week schedule of events. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff presented a second event Thursday, July 3 live from Texas Station, earning status as the first event promotion to be listed on the UFC International Fight Week schedule three years in a row. Tuff-N-Uff celebrated its historic 21st anniversary Saturday, June 27, 2015, with over 16,000 fans, in a sold-out live event inside the Thomas and Mack Center. In 2014, Tuff-N-Uff partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to present, as part of UFC International Fight Week 2014, the first-ever amateur MMA World Championships. Also in 2014, Tuff-N-Uff’s CEO, Jeff Meyer, was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored with the Crystal Award for his contributions to martial arts. Dedicated to its founder, the late Barry Meyer, Tuff-N-Uff is committed to the sport of MMA and building the “Future Stars of MMA.”

 

For more information, visit TuffNUff.com and Follow on Twitter and Instagram/Facebook @TuffNuff and LIKE us on Facebook.com/TuffNUff.

 

ABOUT OPERATION KNOCKOUT:

During Operation Knockout’s ’first year in 2010, the event drew close to 300 people at Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture Gym that featured a 10-fight exhibition with up-and-coming fighters. Additional entertainment and auction items donated from sponsors, including gym owner and MMA legend Randy Couture, helped to raise $12,000 for the charity. The event proved that MMA supporters were not only very interested in seeing excellent fights, but also in supporting those in need in their community. Continuing to grow, year two brought a partnership with Tuff-N-Uff showcasing 10 fights sanctioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commissioner, adding a new layer of legitimacy for the event. The event was also televised for the first time. Due to these efforts and great people volunteering their time and services, the event raised more than $17,000 with close to 700 people in attendance. In year three, the event brought on a new partner and a new venue with The Pearl Theatre and The Palms Hotel & Casino. The third annual event raised even more money with $34,000 and more than 750 people in attendance.  The fourth annual event was at the Texas Station in which it raised $42,000 and more than 850 people in attendance.

 

ABOUT BROOKLYN BOWL:

Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas is where locals and tourists go for a nightly eclectic blend of live music, 32 bowling lanes and five bars with an all-house made menu created and executed by brothers’ Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Restaurants. When there is a live show, there can be more than 2,000 concertgoers enjoying live music programming from the general admission area, as well as the multimedia bowlers’ lounges adjacent to the lanes, or the private lounge boxes overlooking it all. Since opening in March 2014, notable performances include Elvis Costello & The Roots, Jane’s Addiction, Phil Lesh & Friends, O.A.R., Smashing Pumpkins Robert Plant, and Jack White. Brooklyn Bowl is also located in Brooklyn and London, making Las Vegas its third location. Rolling Stone calls Brooklyn Bowl “one of the most incredible places on Earth” while USA Today says “Music lovers and food lovers finally have a spot to share the night: Brooklyn Bowl at The LINQ.” For additional information, including the most up- to-date show lineup, visit www.BrooklynBowl.com. To be added  to the email list for information regarding upcoming shows, email LasVegasNewsletter@BrooklynBowl.com. 

Voted Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas by Travel + Leisure

Reader’s Choice Best Live Music Venue – Las Vegas Weekly

Best Concert Calendar – Las Vegas Weekly

Top 10 New Restaurants 2014 – Las Vegas Review Journal

New Las Vegas Venue for Meetings and Events – BizBash

Best Bowling Alley – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Best Small Concert Venue – 2015 Las Vegas Review Journal “Best Of” Awards

Following in the footsteps of our original Brooklyn location, noted as “one of the most incredible places on Earth,” by Rolling Stone, we’ve stacked the deck for a truly unforgettable experience.

With three levels spanning nearly 80,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest music venues in America. Come for live concerts throughout the day and late into the night, 32 lanes of bowling, and food from New York’s famous Blue Ribbon restaurant. This is a Las Vegas experience like no other.

 

mixed martial arts, RFA

RFA RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS WITH SMITH vs MARUNDE

Leave a comment
 MAIN EVENT:
GILBERT SMITH vs. BRISTOL MARUNDE
WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
CO-MAIN EVENT:
ZOILA FRAUSTO vs. JOCELYN JONES-LYBARGER
WOMEN’S STRAW WEIGHT WORLD TITLE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9TH LIVE ON AXS TV
LIVE at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, Las Vegas, NV
 
Tickets on Sale Now at Ticketmaster.com 

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) has announced that the promotion will return to the “Fight Capital of the World” with RFA 31 – Smith vs. Marunde in October. This will be the RFA’s first trip to Las Vegas since RFA 4, which was the promotion’s first nationally televised event. The main event of RFA 31 will see RFA welterweight champion Gilbert Smith defend his title for the first time against fellow UFC vet Bristol Marunde. The co-main event of RFA 31 will feature Zoila Frausto and Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger competing for the inaugural RFA women’s strawweight title. RFA 31 – Smith vs. Marunde will take place Friday, October 9th at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The entire main card will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for RFA 31 – Smith vs. Marunde are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com. You can also support your favorite fighter buy purchasing your tickets through CageTix.com.
A very limited number of 8 seat VIP table  can be reserved by calling 303-521-0966
Smith (11-4) is excited about headlining a third RFA event in a third RFA title fight this year. In January, Smith’s first title shot was hindered after his opponent egregiously missed weight by 5-pounds. Smith then received an immediate title shot in his next bout due to his original opponent’s brazen weight advantage. He capitalized on this opportunity, when he faced the newly crowned RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith in June. Smith captured the title with third round armbar victory in Broomfield, Colorado. Smith is now looking to gain holding status with a successful first title defense in Las Vegas.
“First and foremost, it’s a great honor to defend my RFA title in Las Vegas,” stated Smith. “I look forward to putting on a great fight for the fans in Las Vegas, but like I said after my last fight, this belt is staying around my waist. I have nothing but respect for Bristol Marunde, but I will let him know he’s not on my level. Come October 9th, this belt is coming back to Colorado.”

Marunde (16-9) enters the title fight riding the momentum of a four-fight win streak. The Las Vegas based Xtreme Couture representative is a veteran of the UFC and The Ultimate Fighter, just like Smith, and was quick to call-out Smith via social media earlier this summer, when Smith extended an open invitation to take on all-challengers after winning the title. Marunde is a Las Vegas resident that is excited about showcasing his new and improved skill set at RFA 31.

“It’s nice to be fighting in Las Vegas, but I will be the next RFA welterweight champion regardless of where it’s held,” Marunde explained. “I’m ready for this challenge in Gilbert Smith. I want everyone to see this fight. It will be my best performance to date.”
The co-main event of RFA 31 will feature the return of Zoila Frausto (12-4), who was the first-and-only Bellator women’s champion. Frausto won the Bellator women’s strawweight title by winning MMA’s most significant women’s tournament to date. In the eight-woman tournament, Frausto defeated Jessica Penne, Jessica Aguilar, and Megumi Fujii. Penne has gone on to fight for the UFC women’s strawweight title, Aguilar was widely considered the #1 women’s strawweight in the world for years, and Fujii is a legend in women’s MMA who was 22-0 when she fought Frausto for the title in the tournament finale. Frausto, who has never lost at 115-pounds, is now eager to reclaim her throne atop the women’s strawweight division.
“More than anything, I’m happy to be back,” stated Frausto. “I’m a completely different fighter now. I’m not just athletic, but I’ve added world-class striking and won a Muay Thai world title. I now have size, strength, speed, and skill that the girls at 115-pounds aren’t ready for. It’s exciting to fight for the first RFA women’s title in Las Vegas. The first fight I ever saw was in Las Vegas and I remember seeing it and thinking, this is what I want to do and this where I want to fight.”

Jones-Lybarger (5-1) enters the title fight as the most successful woman in RFA history. The MMA LAB product has won three consecutive fights since signing with the RFA last year. In those three bouts, she has showcased a wide variety of skills. In her debut, she won a Unanimous Decision over the scrappy Rosa Acevedo at RFA 14. Jones-Lybarger then out-grappled the heavy-handed striking stalwart Rebecca Ruth at RFA 19. In her most recent outing, she used her formidable boxing skills to defeat talented jiu-jitsu based fighter Maria Rios at RFA 23. Jones-Lybarger was set to return to action this month at RFA 29 as part of Team USA, but her opponent was forced off the card and Jones-Lybarger quickly shifted her attention towards her biggest challenge to date.

“I honestly feel that my time is now,” Jones-Lybarger explained. “When the fight with Kinberly (Novaes) was called off, I knew my time for an RFA title fight with Zoila was now. This is the win I need to get me to the next chapter in my career and I’m excited about becoming the first RFA women’s champion.”
The entire RFA 31 – Smith vs. Marunde main card, preliminary card, and further information regarding this event will be announced soon. RFA 31 will be the promotion’s second event to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada since its inception in 2011. The entire main card of RFA 31 will be televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Friday, October 9th.
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, Showtime Boxing

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue Video Preview

Leave a comment

 

“I’ve been looking back on my career.  Everything you taught me from day one, I’ll always remember.”

 

A REFLECTIVE FLOYD MAYWEATHER THANKS HIS FATHER, CORNER BEFORE ANSWERING THE FINAL BELL: http://s.sho.com/1V0KQtq

 

ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue PremieresSaturday,

Immediately Following Mayweather vs. Berto At 9 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME®

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

ALL ACCESS reveals a special moment in the instant before Floyd Mayweather answers the final bell of what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious boxing career.  Check out this preview clip fromSaturday’s premiere of ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogueand tune in this Saturday on SHOWTIME for more from the Emmy Award-winning series.

boxing, Showtime Boxing

“IT’S OFFICIAL” – FLOYD MAYWEATHER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AFTER DEFEATING ANDRE BERTO

Leave a comment

MAYWEATHER’S FINAL FIGHT PLUS ROMAN MARTINEZ vs. ORLANDO SALIDO II SLUGFEST TO PREMIERE ON SHOWTIME®THIS SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. ET/PT

 

Photo Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Mayweather vs. Berto Delayed Telecast Immediately Followed By

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue”

 

Click HERE For A Video Preview Of Epilogue:http://s.sho.com/1OhdqCt

 

Floyd Mayweather’s final fight, a masterful dismantling of Andre Berto, will premiere on SHOWTIME this Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

“It’s official…You have to know when to hang it up,’’ Mayweather told SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Jim Gray after his unanimous decision victory over Berto last Saturday on SHOWTIME PPV® from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

 

“I’ve been in this sport 19 years, been a world champion 18 years, broke all the records.  There’s nothing else to prove in the sport of boxing.”

 

The delayed telecast of Mayweather vs. Berto will include the junior lightweight world championship rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido, another Fight of the Year candidate in this classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry that left fans and the fighters craving a third matchup.

 

Mayweather vs. Berto will be immediately followed by the premiere of “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto Epilogue.” The Sports Emmy®Award-winning “Epilogue” shines the spotlight on fight week and takes viewers inside the ropes and into the mind of a prizefighter like no other show on television.

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

PUERTO RICAN OLYMPIAN CARLOS IVAN VELASQUEZ PREPARES TO FACE SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION JAVIER FORTUNA IN LAS VEGAS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS’ “TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS’ ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

Leave a comment
CARLOS VELASQUEZ CAMP NOTES
 
 
Click HERE For Photos From Team Velasquez
LAS VEGAS, NV (September 16, 2015) – Less than two weeks away from hisTuesday, September 29 super-featherweight world title showdown against undefeated world champion boxer Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), Carlos Ivan Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) is gearing up for the fight of his life.  He fights on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS headlined by Fortuna vs. Velasquez, a scheduled 12-round bout from The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
Velásquez was born in Cataño, Puerto Rico where he and his twin brother both competed in amateur boxing growing up. He was a member of the 2004 Puerto Rican Olympic boxing team, but also won the featherweight title at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Training out of Las Vegas, NV with esteemed boxing trainer Roberto Norris, Velasquez shares his thoughts on training camp, fighting for Puerto Rico and fulfilling his dream of becoming a world champion.
On fighting for the Puerto Rican fans in this first world title opportunity:
“I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I love my countrymen and country.  Becoming a world champion is something I’ve been working hard for my whole life.  From coming up as an amateur and Olympian to now, I have dreamed about winning this title. The time has come to take my career to the next level.  Being that this is my first world title shot, I’m fully prepared to show the world that I’m a great fighter and that I intend to bring the title back home to all my family, friends and fans on September 29th.”
On fighting undefeated world champion Javier Fortuna:
“Fortuna is considered one of the great fighters in the 130-pound division for a reason, he’s never lost.  But he’s never been in the ring with a technical fighter like myself.  He has a lot of flaws that we are going to expose.”
On his world title opportunity coming on FS1 & FOX Deportes:
“What can I say, I’m truly blessed to be fighting on PBC.  FS1 and FOX Deportes are the new Tuesday Night Fight channels.  TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS is great for the sport. I’m honored to be fighting in the main-event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes.  Boxing has now gone back to its glory days, and I’m ready to shine.”
On training with new coach Roberto Norris:
“I find myself in a comfortable position training with Roberto Norris, who is working great with the physical attributes that God has blessed me with.  Being that Fortuna is a southpaw, a great game plan must be implemented, and Norris has a masterful strategy in place.  The knowledge that Norris conveys is really making a difference in my approach.  I’m confident I’ll be able to dictate the pace of the fight and negate anything Fortuna tries to impose.
On working with strength and conditioning coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia:
“Angel Heredia is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in boxing.  With all the work we’ve done, I’ve never felt stronger going into a fight.  His techniques are second to none.  My stamina will be at peak performance when I step in the ring.  In addition, Memo brings a lot of experience to my corner.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @FOXSports1, @PearlAtPalms and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
mixed martial arts

Fight Network Presents Combate Americas 1 LIVE from  Las Vegas this Thurs., Sept. 17 at 11 p.m. ET

Leave a comment
TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Combate Americas 1: Road to the Championship, the first U.S. Hispanic mixed martial arts sports franchise in history, this Thursday, Sep. 17 at 11 p.m. ET from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
Fight Network’s live broadcast of Combate Americas 1 will air nationwide in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The domestic U.S. broadcast airs on NBC Universo.  Combate Americas 1 will also be televised in its entirety on Fight Network’s U.S. feed in the near future.
In the welterweight main event, fast-rising star Ozzie Alvarez (6-2) will square off with undefeated finisher Justin “The Tactician” Patterson(5-0).
Other featured bouts include a 140-pound catchweight affair between John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (7-2) and former U.S. Marine Justin “The Therapist” Governale (5-2), a bantamweight tussle between undefeated professional boxer Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (3-1) andBenji “The Brawler” Gomez (4-4), a featherweight clash between Urijah Faber protégé Erick Sanchez (4-2) and Guatemala native “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (3-2), a featured women’s strawweight bout between Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-8) and power puncher Kyra Batara (2-3), plus unbeaten prospect Irvin Veloz (3-0) will meet fellow rising star Jay Pressley (4-1) in a 128-pound catchweight contest.
For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visitwww.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.
martial arts, mixed martial arts

FOUR-TIME WWE CHAMPION ALBERTO DEL RIO JOINS COMBATE AMERICAS AS COLOR COMMENTATOR LIVE ON NBC UNIVERSO

Leave a comment

Pro wrestling icon and former MMA star to call the action for live event series beginning Thursday, Sept. 17 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center  

NEW YORK (September 14, 2015) – Combate Americas (www.CombateAmericas.com), the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, announced today that it has brought former, four-time WWE champion and MMA star Alberto El Patron a.k.a. Alberto Del Rio on board to serve as a color commentator for its highly-anticipated “Road To The Championship” live event series, sponsored by Yaveo, that kicks off on NBC Universo on Thursday, September 17 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

El Patron, whose real name is Jose Alberto Rodriguez, will call the action inside the Combate Americas cage, or “La Jaula,” on each Thursday night, two-hour, live NBC Universo telecast produced by Combate Americas, as part of its new, multi-year agreement with the NBC sports and entertainment cable television network for Latinos in the U.S.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Combate Americas and bring MMA to a new group of fans – Hispanics,” said El Patron, who remains the only wrestler to win the WWE’s coveted Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank contests in the same year (2011).

“We are excited to have Alberto El Patron, one of the premier athletes and most charismatic personalities in the sport of professional wrestling, as well as a proven MMA competitor, with us on television for this historic live fight series,” said Combate Americas CEO and UFC co-founder Campbell McLaren.

“As a premier Mexican figure in the world of sports entertainment,” continued McLaren, “Alberto is the consummate voice for Combate Americas, which was created to serve fans with an authentic Hispanic MMA product, on television and other media platforms around the world.”

The son of famed Luchador “Dos Caras,” El Patron, a native of San Luis Potosi, Mexico who resides in San Antonio, Texas, is a former member of the Mexican national Greco-Roman wrestling team and a medalist at the Pan American Games.

During his four-year tenure with the WWE, El Patron tussled with a host of rival name competitors and champions include CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, Big Show, The Miz,Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler,  Jack Swagger and Matt Hardy.

As an MMA fighter, El Patron holds a career record of 9-5, with all of his victories having come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Priced from just $14.99, tickets for the Combate Americas “Road To The Championship” kick-off event, which will take place during Mexican Independence Day celebration week, are available for purchase by phone: 800-745-3000, and online at Ticketmaster.com.

In the welterweight (170 pounds) main event, fast-rising star Ozzie Alvarez (6-2) of Huntington Beach, Calif. will square-off with undefeated, finisher Justin “The Tactician” Patterson (5-0) of Dallas, Texas.

In a 140 pound catchweight co-main event featuring two ferocious talents, John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (7-2) of Mankato, Minn. will battle former U.S. Marine Justin “The Therapist” Governale (5-2) of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

Also on the fight card that night will be Combate Americas reality series star and unbeaten professional boxer Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (3-1) of Mission, Texas, who will face Benji “The Brawler” Gomez (4-4) of Ventura, Calif. in a bantamweight (135 pounds) matchup.
Urijah Faber-protégé Erick Sanchez (4-2) of Sacramento, Calif. will collide with Guatemala native “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (3-2) of Las Vegas at featherweight.

In a featured women’s strawweight (115 pounds) bout, Invicta FC veteran Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-8) of Tulsa, Okla. will collide with power puncherKyra Batara (2-3) of Las Vegas.

Unbeaten prospect Irvin Veloz (3-0) of Boca Raton, Fla. will meet fellow rising star Jay Pressley (4-1) of Milwaukee, Wis. in a 128 pound catchweight contest.

A three-bout preliminary card featuring several Las Vegas and Southern Calif. prospects will precede the live, five-bout NBC Universo telecast, and will stream live onYaveo, the Spanish-language over-the-top streaming entertainment service from DIRECTV, now part of the AT&T family, that is also the title sponsor of the Combate Americas “Road To The Championship” live event series.

Consumers located anywhere in the U.S. can subscribe to the OTT service for a monthly charge of $7.99.  The Yaveo platform is accessible on Yaveo.com, as well as via the Yaveo app for iPhone and iPad, Android devices, Xbox 360 and Roku.

Doors at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center will open at 6 p.m. PT, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 7 p.m.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. (www.CombateAmericas.com) is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts.  The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming.  The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.”  With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

About NBC UNIVERSO:
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern sports and entertainment cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, Liga MX, Premier League, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of Hispanic Enterprises and Content, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com). To find the NBC UNIVERSO channel number in your area, please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentralo.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.