Tag Archives: Leon Margules

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

ANTHONY DIRRELL DEFEATS AVNI YILDIRIM BY TECHNICAL SPLIT DECISION TO WIN WBC SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES FROM THE ARMORY IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN

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HOMETOWN FAVORITE JAMAL JAMES SCORES TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT WIN OVER JANER GONZALEZ

Click HERE for Photos from Andrew Dobin/Minneapolis Armory
(Photos to be Uploaded Shortly)

MINNEAPOLIS (February 24, 2019) – Anthony Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) defeatedAvni Yildirim (21-2, 12 KOs)by technical split decision (96-94 X 2 for Dirrell, 98-92 for Yildirim) for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis. Referee Mark Nelson stopped the contest in the tenth round due to an accidental clash of heads and a cut over Dirrell’s left eye with the decision going to the scorecards.
 
“I was upset with the stoppage because I wanted finish the fight like a champion,” said Dirrell. “It feels great getting my WBC belt back. We want to unify against Caleb Plant or any of the champions. I’m just going to go home, take some time, talk to my camp and then we’ll go from there. If the Benavidez fight comes calling then I’ll fight him.
 
“I thought I was winning this fight by more than what the judges had,” added Dirrell. “I was jabbing him and he was applying some pressure, but that’s just what he does. I won the fight though and that’s all that matters.”
 
Minneapolis-native Jamal James (25-1, 12 KOs) scored a crowd-pleasing technical knockout win over Janer Gonzalez (19-2-1, 15 KOs). Midway through the sixth stanza, James appeared to drop Gonzalez with a straight overhand right, but referee Gary Miezwa declared it a slippage. Near the end of the sixth round, James landed another knockdown and this time it counted and hurt Gonzalez. At the close of round six, Gonzalez went to his corner and never came out with the fight being declared a sixth-round stoppage as Gonzalez was unable to answer the bell for the seventh round.
 
“This is the best crowd I’ve ever fought in front of,” said James. “We packed this place out. Middle of winter, snow all around us and they still came out and showed a lot of support. I can’t even explain the feeling to come out here and stop (Gonzalez). The only question I have is where’s my belt? I’m ranked third in the WBA. Keith Thurman got the belt, Pacquiao got the belt. But in all honesty, whoever gives me that opportunity I’m stepping in there with them.
 
“He gave me a great fight, but at the end of the day I had too much to offer and he couldn’t get back up,” continued James. “I just kept my range and was able to counter on him. And when he was coming in he was coming in real wild and opening himself up for some big shots that I was able to take advantage of. The first time he went down I thought it was a legitimate knockdown, but the ref was a good ref. I definitely caught him with a good combination and a nasty body shot for the second knockdown. After that, I knew that took the rest of the fight out of him and all I had to do was finish the job.”
 
“I was thinking this was a very important fight for my career,” said Gonzalez. “I was so happy for this fight, it just didn’t go my way. I am going to fight again, though. Every fight is a learning experience for me.”
 
The FS1 and FOX Deportes opening bout featured a hard-fought rematch betweenJeison Rosario (18-1-1, 13 KOs) and Marcos Hernandez (13-2-1, 3 KOs). In February of 2018, the two fought to a draw. In the rematch, Rosario was able to secure a technical knockout with referee Celestino Ruiz halting the action 2:45 into the ninth frame. At the time of the stoppage, Hernandez was up on judge Kyle Shiely’s scorecard (77-75) with Rosario ahead on judges John Mariano’s and Tim Taggart’s scorecards (78-74, 77-75).
 
“He let his guard down and he kept making the same mistakes,” said Rosario. “When I saw the opportunity, I dropped him.
 
“The first time we fought I wasn’t ready,” added Rosario. “I was weak. But I learned from the first fight what to do in the second one. That’s how I took him out.”
 
“It was a close fight that could have went either way,” said Hernandez. “He hit me with a good shot. I got up and felt O.K. I was just trying to dodge some shots and he hit me with a left. He was firing and I just should have thrown back.
 
“I think the ref stopped the fight early, but that’s not my job,” continued Hernandez. “I’d definitely welcome a third fight with Rosario, though. I’ve never been afraid to fight anyone, so fighting him a third time wouldn’t be a problem at all.”
 
In the Premier Boxing Champions on FS2 prelims, Bryant Perrella (16-2, 13 KOs) won a unanimous decision (78-74, 79-73 X 2) over Breidis Prescott (31-16, 22 KOs).
 
“I’m very happy with my performance tonight,” said Perrella. “I felt great going the distance. My endurance was fantastic. I would have been much more aggressive and thrown harder shots, but I hurt my hand in the second round and it was hurting the rest of the fight. I just used my jab and ring generalship to control the fight and get the win.”
 
The FS2 co-feature saw Money Powell IV (9-0, 5 KOs) stop Javier Frazier (8-9-1, 4 KOs) by third-round technical knockout (2:03). Powell landed 86 punches in the bout, 36 of which were to Frazier’s body.
 
“This training camp we really worked on a lot of body shots,” said Powell. “I feel like body shots are neglected nowadays and body shots pay the bills, break you down real quick.”
 
In the FS2 swing bout, Austin Dulay (13-1, 10 KOs) scored a very quick first-round knockdown of Yardley Cruz (24-13, 14 KOs) before cruising to a third-round stoppage (:27).
 
“I just listened to my coaches and they told me to be a dog and come forward,” said Dulay. “I thought I had him stopped with that first knockdown after the opening bell, but I didn’t want to rush into anything because he has a ton of experience.
 
“I want a rematch with Chris Colbert right away on the April 13 card here at the Armory,” added Dulay. “I got back in camp after that loss, figured out what was wrong, got a nutritionist and moved up to 135 pounds. I feel better than ever, so I’m definitely ready for that rematch.”
 
In the opening televised bout on FS2, Justin Pauldo (12-1, 6 KOs) scored a first-round knockdown and stoppage (1:17) against Federico Malespina (16-11-2, 2 KOs) who was unable to continue.
 
“I landed a solid straight right hand,” said Pauldo. “I saw him fall back into the ropes and I knew I had him hurt. So, I touched the body and got him out of there quickly.”
 
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For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, ht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Former Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell Battles Top Contender Avni Yildirim for the Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes

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Saturday, February 23 From The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Plus! Minnesota-Native Undefeated Welterweight Jamal James Clashes with Janer Gonzalez in a Special Hometown Attraction

Tickets on Sale Now!

MINNEAPOLIS (January 16, 2019) – Former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell gets an opportunity to rejoin the championship ranks when he battles top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.

“Fight fans in Minneapolis and watching on FS1 and FOX Deportes are in for a treat with this high stakes world title showdown between Anthony Dirrell and Avni Yildirim,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Dirrell has been a champion and amongst the division’s elite for years, while Yildirim always comes to fight and will be determined to make the most of this opportunity. With the addition of local fan-favorite Jamal James in welterweight action, this is shaping up to be a can’t miss night at The Armory.”

“Anthony Dirrell took a long, difficult road to get to the super middleweight championship and he has worked hard to get into position to reclaim the title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Avni Yildirim has been one of the most active contenders in the division and he has gained significant experience since his last opportunity to win a championship. He will need all that and more to get past Dirrell. And it’s going to be a special night watching Jamal James fighting for his hometown fans again.”

Dirrell (32-1-1, 24 KOs) won the WBC Super Middleweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Sakio Bika in 2014. It was the culmination of a long, hard road for Dirrell of Flint, Michigan after he successfully battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was cleared to return to boxing after completing chemotherapy in 2008. His reign as world champion was cut short when the 34-year-old Dirrell lost the title by majority decision to Badou Jack in 2015. He has won five straight since that loss to climb back into contention for a chance to become a two-time world champion.

“This is just like every other fight where we’re going to work on a game plan and execute that game plan in the ring,” said Dirrell. “I saw him fight Chris Eubank and it showed me some things. He’s a come forward fighter. That’s the kind of guy I like to fight. He’s tailor-made for me. I’m going to do what I do best and that’s fight. I’ve been keeping my mind, body and soul together and staying focused to know what I have to do to become two-time WBC champion.”

Yildirim (21-1, 12 KOs) is one of the most active contenders in the super middleweight division. The 27-year-old from Istanbul, Turkey has fought at least four times a year since 2014. The fight against Dirrell will be only the second time that he has fought in the United States after defeating Glen Johnson in Miami in 2015. Yildirim suffered the only loss of his professional career by stoppage against Chris Eubank, Jr. in 2017. In his last fight he won a majority decision against Lolenga Mock and he enters this fight on a five-fight winning streak.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who helped me get this opportunity and I know that I have all the tools to beat Anthony Dirrell,” said Yildirim. “Dirrell is a good fighter, but I believe I bring more to the table than him. I’m coming to win and bring the belt home to Turkey. I waited all my boxing life for this stage and I am ready to give him a war.”

James (24-1, 11 KOs) has become a local favorite and will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd in Minneapolis for the third straight time. The 30-year-old James has rolled off four consecutive victories since suffering the first loss of his career – a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in 2016. In his last fight James stopped Mahonry Montes by knockout on August 24 on FS1. Gonzalez (19-1-1, 15 KOs) is a power-puncher from Cartagena, Colombia and is coming off the first loss of his career via a unanimous decision to Radzhad Butaev in 2017.

“I’m hungry to make 2019 the year that I get that world title,” said James. “I’m focused on my opponent, but in this fight I’m going to keep showing off the skills and speed that makes me the next champion. I’m extremely grateful to be fighting again at home and to keep bringing PBC to Minneapolis. I’m going to be the next champion from here and the journey starts fresh for 2019 when I step into that ring on February 23.”

“I’m excited for this opportunity to fight Jamal James in his backyard and leave all his hometown fans disappointed,” said Gonzalez. “I’m training harder than ever to bounce back from my loss and show everyone what I’ve learned. This victory is going to put me back on the path to becoming word champion.”

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. CCCC��U��,

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Undefeated Puerto Rican Bantamweight Manny Rodriguez Ready for Former World Champion Paul Butler This Saturday at 02 Arena

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Bantamweight contender Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez and his team have landed safely and ready to face former world champion Paul “Baby Faced Assassin” Butler for the vacant IBF World Championship, this Saturday, May 5, at the O2 Arena in London.

 

 

 

 

Presented by Matchroom Boxing, Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, and Butler (26-1, 14 KOs), 29, of England, will meet in a 12-round supporting bout to the all-British rematch between former World Heavyweight Champions Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs) and David Haye (28-3, 26 KOs).

 

 

 

 

Rodriguez almost had his very promising boxing career derailed for a time by an unfortunate car accident in which he burned 66% of his body. After a long rehab, he returned, and went on a, thus far, 17-fight tear through the professional ranks.

 

 

 

The 25-year-old was the mandatory contender to face former champion Ryan Burnett, who chose to relinquish his belts. This allowed for Butler to slide into the fight for the unclaimed belt.

 

 

 

29-year-old Butler previously held the IBF belt, but before defending it, elected to drop down in weight to face then-champion Zolani Tete… and was stopped in the eighth round. He has won nine fights since.

 

 

 

“It has been a long road to this fight, but I am ready to win my first world championship,” said Rodriguez. “Paul Butler is a good fighter, but nothing can stop me. I have worked too hard to get here. It doesn’t matter that we’re in his backyard. I’ve done everything right getting ready for this and I look forward to bringing the belt back to my beloved country of Puerto Rico.”

 

 

 

Rodriguez’ co-promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, says a star will be born Saturday night.

 

 

 

“Manny has always been a superstar in the making. I am happy he is finally getting the chance to shine in front of a large audience, worldwide. I have no doubt he will win impressively and set himself up for several big showdowns in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

 
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Jamal James Returns to Hometown to Battle Abel Ramos in Welterweight Clash Headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis on Friday, April 13

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Rugged Veteran Edner Cherry Takes on Dennis Galarza
In Lightweight Showdown in Co-Main Event
 
Plus! Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert Square-Off in Matchup of Unbeaten Super Featherweights
 
Tickets on Sale Friday, March 16!
MINNEAPOLIS (March 14, 2018) – Welterweight contender Jamal James will get a chance to fight in front of his hometown crowd when he takes on Abel Ramos in a 10-round welterweight battle that headlines a huge night of action on Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Friday, April 13 from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In the co-main event, rugged veteran Edner Cherry battles rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout. The action continues with Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert clashing in an eight-round match between unbeaten super featherweight prospects that kicks off the broadcast at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Also appearing on the card is sensational 17-year-old 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday, March 16 and will be available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.
The April 13 event marks the return of boxing to the Minneapolis Armory, a historic venue that hosted nearly 100 cards between 1915 and 1973, including a show headlined by all-time great Sugar Ray Robinson in 1942.
“Warriors Boxing is thrilled that PBC, FS1 and FOX Deportes are bringing professional boxing back to Minneapolis on Friday, April 13,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “There couldn’t be a more fitting venue than the newly renovated, historic Minnesota Armory in downtown Minneapolis. The Armory has a rich boxing tradition and has not hosted a boxing event for 45 years. It will be a great night for the highly acclaimed PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes series in this beautiful and historic building.”
“Jamal James has staked his position as a rising contender in the welterweight division and has the kind of fan-friendly style that fits perfectly in the talent-rich 147-pound class,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Ramos doesn’t back down and will certainly test Jamal in front of his hometown crowd. Dennis Galarza will face his own challenge when he goes up against the tough veteran Edner Cherry and it’s a rare treat to see two young unbeaten prospects like Dulay and Colbert squaring off this early in their careers. All the fights have a significant bearing on the future of the boxers involved and that will work out well for the fans.”
James (22-1, 10 KOs) is coming off the biggest victory of his career – a knockout over tough veteran Diego Chaves on Dec. 15. The 29-year-old James joined unified 147-pound champion Keith Thurman as the only boxer to have knocked out the durable Argentine. It was James second straight victory since suffering the only loss of his career – a unanimous decision defeat to Yordenis Ugas on Aug. 12, 2016. James hasn’t fought in his hometown of Minneapolis since he scored a unanimous decision over Mohammed Kayongo in 2013.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete on this platform and to show the nation and the world that Minnesota has great fighters and an enthusiastic fan base for boxing,” said James. “Abel Ramos is a tough guy who will come to fight, but coming off the big win over Chaves, I’m in a position in my career where I’m trying to reach that world championship level. I have to continue to demonstrate the ability to perform under pressure in difficult fights. I know he’s coming to pull off an upset, but that’s not happening.”
Ramos (18-2-2, 13 KOs) will complete his move to the welterweight division by taking on James after making his welterweight debut with a stoppage of Emmanuel Robles last July. The 26-year-old out of Arizona has won three of his last four fights and his only pro defeats have come at the hands of top 140-pound contenders Regis Prograis and Ivan Baranchyk.
“I’m a real Mexican warrior and I never back down from a fight,” said Ramos. “I’m not worried about going into Jamal James hometown and fighting him there. I’m going to disappoint Jamal and all his fans in Minneapolis, because I’m coming to win.”
 
Cherry (36-7-2, 19 KOs) has defeated once-beaten contenders Haskell Rhodes and Omar Douglas since losing a split decision to Jose Pedraza in a 130-pound world title match in 2015. The 35-year-old Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has previously challenged Tim Bradley and Paulie Malignaggi during his career that included a 10-fight win streak after the Bradley bout.
“Dennis Galarza is a great, young fighter who is on the rise, coming to win and looking to become a world champion, but he is in for a real fight,” said Cherry. “I’m not taking this fight lightly, I’m getting ready, and I’m ready to go all out on April 13. After this, I hope I’ll get my third opportunity at a world title. I took the Lydell Rhodes, Omar Douglas and Jose Pedraza fights because I’m a warrior who wants the opportunity to fight the best, and, ultimately, to fight for a world title. The Pedraza fight didn’t go my way on the scorecards, but the whole world knows the true outcome of that fight. I went back to work and I’m ready to prove it again.”
Galarza (16-2, 9 KOs), an outstanding amateur boxer, is stepping up in competition with this matchup against the more experienced Cherry. The 25-year-old Galarza, who’s from Brooklyn but trains in Orlando, has won three straight fights since losing a split decision to Cesar Alan Valenzuela on Sept. 16, 2016.
“My eyes have been on Edner as a friend and as a fan since I was young, but this is business and I’m going to be ready,” said Galarza. “Edner is a true warrior who never lets up and a crafty veteran who has fought a lot of great competition. The Pedraza fight I thought he possibly did win. A lot of people duck Edner Cherry because he beat top guys in Rhodes and Douglas his past two fights, plus he can punch with power. People think Edner’s going to break me down, but I took the fight that nobody wants to take. I believe in my talents and I’m ready to make my mark. This fight will demonstrate the type of fighter that I am.”
 
It is rare to see a match between two young prospects on the rise this early in their careers, but Dulay and Colbert are both eager for that challenge. Dulay (11-0, 8 KOs) was busy last year, fighting four times with only one fight going the distance. The 22-year-old southpaw from Nashville, Tennessee most recently scored a TKO victory over Carlos Padilla last August.
Colbert (7-0, 2 KOs) has one of the most decorated amateur careers in New York City as he fights out of the renowned Atlas Cops and Kids Gym in Brooklyn. The 21-year-old is noted for his blazing hand and foot speed and he enters this fight coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Titus Williams last November.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
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Warriors Boxing Presents ‘Night of the Rising Stars 2’ on Saturday, June 24 at Deauville Beach Resort in Miami

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On Saturday, June 24, 2017, professional boxing returns to Miami Beach as Warriors Boxing presents “Night of the Rising Stars 2” at the Deauville Beach Resort.
 
The second of Warriors Boxing’s series of Miami-area fights designed to develop local and international prospects, NORS 2 will feature popular and talented light heavyweight Robert Daniels Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) of Miami looking to remain perfect in the light heavyweight division.
 
24-year-old southpaw light heavyweight Robert Daniels Jr. is the son of former cruiserweight world champion Robert “Preacherman” Daniels, the only Miami-born fighter to hold a major world title.
 
Daniels Jr. started boxing at 10 years old and went 64-6 as an amateur boxer. Among his many accolades, he won the Sunshine State Games twice, the State title twice, the Platinum Gloves, the Junior Olympic regionals.
 
A boxer/puncher with excellent counter-punching skills, Daniels is trained by former world champion John David Jackson.
 
Also scheduled for action are undefeated super welterweight John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Miami in a six-round battle; undefeated Miami welterweight Chris Velez (7-0-1, 4 KOs) in a six rounder; and undefeated bantamweight Lawrence Newton (6-0, 4 KOs) of Boynton Beach, Florida, will fight a six-rounder.
 
In preliminary action, popular undefeated cruiserweight Ulysses Diaz 2-0 (2 KOs) of Miami will fight a four-round battle; Miami super bantamweight Jessy Cruz (11-6-1, 4 KOs) will fight six; undefeated Dominican super welterweight Edurado Perez Diaz (3-0, 3 KOs) will go four rounds; and Cuba’s undefeated Irosvani Duvergel (2-0, 2 KOs) of Guantanamo will go four super middleweight rounds.
 
Tickets for “Night of the Rising Stars 2” are priced at $100 Ringside, $65 Reserve and $35 General Admission and are available at Ticketforce.com. VIP tables can be purchased by contacting Warriors Boxing: 954.985.1155.
 
 “We have put together a terrific night of fighting at a beautiful venue for the great boxing fans in Miami,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “These shows were created to put local and global talent in the types of fights that will make them better fighters and weed out those who haven’t got it.”
 

All opponents will be announced shortly. The Deauville Beach Resort is located at 6701 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Florida. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 6:30 pm. All bouts subject to change.
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, Warriors Boxing

Warriors Signs Undefeated Middleweight Kalvin Henderson to a Promotional Contract

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Warriors Boxing proudly announces the signing of Arkansas-based middleweight Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson to a promotional contract.
With brains to back up the brawn, 26-year-old Henderson (6-0, 3 KOs) holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion. Despite having had just 60 fights as an amateur boxer, Henderson rose to #4 in the country, fighting in elite national tournaments and winning four Arkansas Golden Gloves Championships, among many other distinctions.
But the unpaid ranks were never Henderson’s ultimate aspiration. “My goal was always to turn professional,” he explained. “I was just getting my pedigree in the amateurs. Amateur boxing is very political and if I’m going to get things like cuts from headbutts, I might as well get paid for it.”
And so, Henderson turned professional in April 2016 and has torn through his first six opponents.
“This is my dream job. Ever since I stated boxing at age 15, I’ve been hanging up pics of Roy Jones Jr., and Oscar De La Hoya, while dreaming of being a pro fighter. Signing with Warriors is a big blessing and a huge step towards my goal. I can’t say how happy inside I am to be able to showcase my talents and make things happen.”
Henderson trains at Straightright Boxing & Fitness in Springdale, Arkansas, with trainer Kevin Lightburn, a man he calls his second father. “I met him in 2012 and he has helped me so much, not just in boxing, but in life as well. We’re so close, he was in my wedding party.”
A boxer who can punch, Henderson cites his education as a major factor in his ring success. “I have a great jab, but it’s my boxing IQ that is my strongest asset. I am very smart in there. Boxing is a chess match. Opponents are quick or strong or sometimes both, but they can’t think like I do in the ring. I break them down mentally.”
“I am beyond thrilled to have Kalvin sign with Warrior’s Boxing,” said Henderson’s manager, Shane Shapiro. “Kalvin has a large following in his area. He is a hard worker with rare talent and I believe with Leon’s guidance he will become world champion.”

Henderson says signing with Warriors is not only good for his boxing career, but also a road to a better place for he and wife Danielle and their kids.
“My main goal is to take care of my family. I’m going to use my skills and talent to make sure they are financially ok. With that, of course I want to win numerous belts. I would like to thank God, my team, and my family for this amazing opportunity. It allows me to continue to showcase my talents and skillsets in the ring, and also the chance to continue on track on the path to my first world title with the help of Warriors.”

“Kalvin is a promising fighter with tremendous popularity in his area,” said Warriors President, Leon Margules. “We believe he has the tools and ability to become champion. I’m happy he decided to sign with us and look forward to helping him reach his goals.”
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
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Warriors Boxing Congratulates Murat Gassiev for Title Winning Victory and Issues Challenge to the Entire Boxing World

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‘Explain to me why Denis Lebedev is still world champion.’
Warriors Boxing and Ural Boxing wish to congratulate the fighter they co-promote, brand-new IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Murat “Iron” Gassiev, for his title-winning victory on December 3 against Denis Lebedev at the Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow, Russia.
In an entertaining fight, Gassiev (24-0, 17 KOs) of Vladikavkaz, Russia, dropped his countryman Lebedev in the fifth round and won a split decision by scores of 116-112 and 116-111 against a score of 114-113 for the now-former champ.
In losing, Lebedev remained the WBA World Champion, as that belt was not on the line in the fight… which is where Warriors’ challenge to the boxing world lies.
“I challenge anyone in the boxing world to give me a logical explanation why Denis Lebedev was allowed to keep his WBA title after losing,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Neither fighter was over the cruiserweight limit. This was a unified champion defending his titles. It’s absurd and it sets a dangerous precedent in boxing. Why would any unified champion ever put all their belts on the line again if they could keep one or two, even if they lose?”
The pair were supposed to meet for both the WBA and IBF belts, but somehow less than a week before the fight, the WBA was convinced to allow this highly irregular move, which allowed Lebedev to remain WBA Super World Cruiserweight Champion, win or lose, above WBA “Regular” World Champion Beibut Shumenov and WBA “Interim” World Champion Yunier Dorticos.
“We went along with this travesty and fought anyway, but only because Lebedev’s team threatened to pull the fight if we didn’t. It’s a ridiculous situation and I want the boxing world to know what went down here.”
Margules says Lebedev’s camp are now using the Russian media to claim Gassiev is refusing a rematch.
“Let me set that straight right now. We would LOVE to fight Lebedev again. We’ll beat him even more easily this time. But only if he actually puts the WBA belt on the line, the one my guy has already won from him in the eyes of everyone but the sanctioning body.”
Boxing politics aside, Margules and his team say they are happy with the way the 23-year-old Gassiev looked in going 12 rounds for the first time in his life.
“Murat fulfilled the promise he has shown throughout his ascension to the top of the division,” said Margules. “He was in his first 12-rounder and he kept his composure. He didn’t blow his energy when he had the guy down in the fifth. And he didn’t panic when the champion, who is a very tough guy, had a few good rounds in the middle of the fight. I am very happy to be promoting a terrific fighter like him.”

“He reminds me of a young Rocky Marciano,” said Warriors Boxing’s COO Luis DeCubas. “He’s like a tank coming forward that you can’t stop. He will get to you eventually. He’s a star in this sport. I am sure the Shumenov/Dorticos winner would much rather fight the real unified champion Gassiev, instead of the loser Lebedev. These types of situations really hurt our sport.”
About Warriors Boxing
Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.
With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.
When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.
For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.
boxing, Warriors Boxing

Warriors Boxing Presents ‘Night of the Rising Stars’ on Saturday, November 5, at Club Cinema in Pompano Beach, Florida

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On Saturday, November 5, 2016, Warriors Boxing will present “Night of the Rising Stars,” a unique evening of professional boxing amid the all-out party atmosphere of Florida’s #1 Concert/Club Venue in the State, Club Cinema in Pompano Beach, Florida, and featuring many of South Florida’s brightest up-and-coming prospects, as well as many surprises and special guests.
The boxing celebration will be headlined by a quintet of Florida fighters, JD “Pretty Boy” Martinez (1-0), Daniel “Raspy” Placeres (2-0, 1 KO), Chasity Martin (3-0, 1 KO), Anthony Martinez (pro debut) and Robert Daniels Jr. (pro debut) in separate four-round bouts.
Tickets for “Night of the Rising Stars” are priced at $120 VIP Seat, $75 Reserve and $35 General Admission and are available by visiting www.warriorsboxing.com orTicketforce.com or by calling 954.985.1155.
27-year-old super welterweight JD “Pretty Boy” Martinez was born into boxing. His father, Anthony Sr., was once rated #6 in the world and his uncle, Fernando “Mad Dog” Martinez was rated #4. Martinez was 14-2 as an amateur and won the 2009 Golden Gloves and Florida PAL Championships. An successful entrepreneur away from the gym, Martine owns a Christmas tree business that supplies 12000 trees every year to the Miami area, as well as pumpkin outlet that supplies over 3000 pumpkins. He also owns seven locations that sells fireworks. Martinez trains at the world Famous 5th Street Gym under Dino Spencer.
“My goal is to do it smart in boxing,” said Martinez. “My father and uncle fought undefeated lions in their first 10 fights. I think if they build me up correctly I can be a local attraction. I’m very excited to be fighting in front of so many friends and family.”
28-year-old Daniel “Raspy” Placeres is an undefeated lightweight from Miami. Placeres had a very short amateur career, going 4-1, but learned to box in the gym, sparring world-class fighters such as current WBA Super World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, and former world champion Richar Abril.
“I’m very excited and a little nervous to be fighting at home as professional,” said Placeres. “It’s got me very motivated and I’ll definitely be the best me I can be that night.”
30-year-old junior middleweight Anthony Martinez went 22-3 as an amateur boxer, winning the Florida Golden Gloves and State Championships. A natural to boxing, Martinez’s in-ring patience and technical skill combined with above-average power make him a strong candidate for success in the professional game.
“I feel excited and anxious about turning pro,” said Martinez. “I’m thrilled to be having my first pro fight. A lot of people said I had a pro style, so yeah, I want this more than anything.”
23-year-old southpaw super middleweight Robert Daniels Jr. is the son of former cruiserweight world champion Robert “Preacherman” Daniels, the only Miami-born fighter to hold a major world title. Daniels Jr. started boxing at 10 years old and went 64-6 as an amateur boxer. Among his many accolades, he won the Sunshine State Games twice, the State title twice, the Platinum Gloves, the Junior Olympic regionals. A boxer/puncher with excellent counter-punching skills, Daniels is trained by former world champion John David Jackson.
“It feels great. I’ve been waiting a long time to turn professional,” said Daniels. “It feels great to be staring my professional career and get South Florida-based people behind me.
19-year-old super featherweight Chasity “The Queen of Pompano Beach” Martin had a stellar amateur boxing career, where she was ranked #1 in Florida and #3 in the country while winning the 2015 Sunshine State Games, the Junior Silver Gloves, the State Junior Olympics, and the Florida Golden Gloves. She is trained by former Mike Tyson trainer, Stacy McKinley, at Gold’s Gym in Deerfield Beach.
Promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing says he hopes “Night of the Rising Stars” becomes a series of shows in South Florida.
“This area has so much boxing talent. I’m happy to be able to present this show and showcase some of the best new fighters from the area. We hope the boxing fans in South Florida get behind this terrific event, so we can turn it into a series. Looking forward to a terrific night of boxing.”
“We are glad to return to a premier venue in South Florida with an abundance of new talent,” said Luis DeCubas, Warriors Boxing COO.
Consistently voted the #1 venue in the State, Club Cinema is an approximately 3500-seat three-floor nightclub and hall in Broward County that regularly hosts some of the world’s top recording artists and music festivals. Boasting thousands of square feet of space, open bars everywhere and amazing sound and light systems, Club Cinema is the center of South Florida’s night life.

Opponents and undercard will be announced shortly. Stay tuned for several other special announcements. On fight night, doors open at6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. All bouts subject to change. Club Cinema is located at 3251 N Federal Highway in Pompano Beach.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

WILD NIGHT: DEONTAY WILDER RETAINS WBC HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH DEVASTATING  KNOCKOUT OF ARTUR SZPILKA

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CHARLES MARTIN CLAIMS IBF BELT TO BECOME
SECOND AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP
SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME® FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
Don’t Miss The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Replay
This Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos From Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE To Download Photos From Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment
NEW YORK (Jan. 17, 2016) – American heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder defended his WBC title for the third time with a devastating ninth round knockout of Polish challenger Artur Szpilka on Saturday night, live on SHOWTIME in front of 12,668 fans at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.   VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: http://s.sho.com/1Rtg0ac
With WBA and WBO Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury and Wilder’s mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin watching from ringside, Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) impressed yet again in knocking out his 35th opponent in 36 fights.
It was a close fight until Szpilka walked into a brutal right to the chin while throwing a wide left at 2:24of the ninth round. Szpilka fell onto his back and remained unconscious on the canvas for a few moments before responding to questions and stating he was fine.  Szpilka (20-2, 15 KOs) was conversing and moving all his extremities, however he was taken to Lutheran Hospital on a stretcher as a precautionary measure.
“He’s doing good,” said Szpilka’s trainer Ronnie Shields.  “He’s awake and knows exactly where he is.  He didn’t want to go to the hospital, but he’s going as a precaution.  It’s better safe than sorry.”
Power was the difference for Wilder, a 6-foot-7 bomber who landed 42 percent of his power shots against the southpaw opponent.  The 30-year-old briefly celebrated his victory before checking to ensure that Szpilka was going to be fine.
“I told him he was a great contender,” Wilder said.  “He came to give his all.  He gave his all for Brooklyn.  I always say two prayers.  I say a team prayer and I say an individual prayer.  I don’t want to hurt a man so he can’t go home to his family. We risk our lives every time we step in the ring.  He’s definitely in my prayers and I hope he’s doing well.
“He was definitely a crafty guy,” continued Wilder. “I haven’t competed against a southpaw in three years.  He was a tough competitor, but you’re fighting for a world title.  It’s not supposed to be easy.  I’m surprised it took that long, but we had 12 rounds and they can’t all can’t be pretty.”
Fury, the outspoken British unified world champion, climbed into the ring after the fight and claimed he wanted to fight Wilder in a unification blockbuster.
“Any time, any place, anywhere.  I’ll fight you in your backyard after I beat (Wladimir) Klitschko again.”
Wilder, the first American heavyweight champion in nearly a decade, dismissed Fury’s antics while promising he was game for a showdown that is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights that can be made in boxing.
“We all know Fury is just a phony,” Wilder said.  “This is just an act.  I’m not scared of anybody.  We’ll come to your backyard.  This is just an act – you’re not a real fighter.  I don’t play.  This isn’t wrestling. When you do step in that ring with me I promise you I will baptize you.
“I would love to fight him next, unfortunately, I have other mandatories due.  Make the date Tyson, I promise you.”
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING opener, Charles Martin won the IBF Heavyweight World Championship when Vyacheslav Glazkov suffered a right knee injury in the third round and was unable to continue.  The fight was scored a third round TKO (1:50) after Glazkov told referee Earl Brown that he was unable to continue.
Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs), who was the aggressor throughout the fight, becomes the sixth southpaw heavyweight champion in boxing history and the second current American heavyweight titlist.
Glazkov (21-1-1, 13 KOs) slipped early in the third and seemed uneasy when he returned to his feet.  The previously undefeated Ukrainian continued fighting, but he fell to the canvas again while throwing a punch.  Replays confirmed that the right knee injury was a slip and wasn’t the result of a connected shot from Martin.  After the fight, ringside doctor Gerard Verlotta confirmed to SHOWTIME Sports reporter Jim Gray that the injury was a torn right ACL.
“I still wanted to fight,” Martin said.  “We trained for 12 rounds and we were going to get stronger as the rounds went on.  He just kind of twisted his ankle, it looked like.  But every time I hit him in the body and his legs were flying.  It’s boxing,. That was a football injury.  I’m sorry for him.  It’s unfortunate he couldn’t continue the fight.
“I want to unify the titles.  We didn’t even fight tonight.  I want another fighter.  I want Tyson Fury.”
A dejected Glazkov pleaded his case for a rematch while being inspected by doctors in his locker room.
“This should have been my belt,” Glazkov said.  “I already had him figured out. I slipped and felt a sharp pain in my right knee and felt it give it out.  I’m very upset. I want a rematch when I recover.”

In non-televised action, Brooklyn’s Adam Kownacki (13-0, 10 KOs) thrilled the hometown crowd with an exciting and dominant victory over Danny Kelly (9-2-1, 8 KOs). The Polish-born fighter used precise hooks and devastating uppercuts to earn the unanimous decision by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73.
Undefeated Notre Dame alum Mike Lee (16-0, 10 KOs) was sharp in his cruiserweight outing as he stopped Joseph Gardner (11-9-1, 1 KO) 43 seconds into round three. Lee dropped his opponent twice in round three before finishing the bout in round four.
 
Ivan Golub (10-0, 8 KOs) blasted out Juan Rodriguez (12-4, 5 KOs) and scored a TKO victory in the first round. The Ukranian-born fighter now training out of Brooklyn delivered an enormous overhand right that sent Rodriguez down and prompted the referee to stop the fight 2:41 into the round.
Undefeated Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (22-0, 7 KOs) dominated veteran
Derrick Findley (22-18-1, 14 KOs) to remain perfect via a stoppage 1:29 into the seventh round. In a fun battle of unbeaten prospects Botisher Obidov (4-0-1, 1 KO) eked out a narrow unanimous decision over Ramil Gadzhiev (1-1, 1 KO) with all three judges scoring the fight 39-37.
Light heavyweight prospect Carlos Gongora  (4-0, 3 KOs) scored three knockdowns before eventually stopping Derrick Adkins (1-1-1, 1 KO) in round four. The final shot was a devastating body shot that ended the fight 1:58 into the round.
Brooklyn’s Julian Sosa (4-0-1, 2 KOs) thrilled his many fans in attendance with a dominant performance on his way to stopping Bryan Timmons (3-7, 3 KOs) at 1:48 into the second round.
Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will re-air on Monday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available On Demand beginning this Sunday.
Mauro Ranallo called the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action with Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. In Spanish, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow with former world champion Raul Marquez serving as color commentator.
The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter.