Tag Archives: Maurice Hooker

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Isiah Seldon ready for undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard on November 16th in Oklahoma City

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Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2018) – Middleweight Isiah Seldon is getting ready for his biggest fight of his career when he takes on undefeated Tyler Howard in a bout scheduled for eight-round on November 16th at The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

 

 

 

The bout, which is promoted by Top Rank, will be streamed live on ESPN+.

 

 

 

The main event will see WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker defending against Alex Saucedo.

 

 

 

Seldon (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been training in Atlantic City under the watchful eye of Bill Johnson.

 

 

 

“I am looking forward to this great opportunity,” said Seldon.  “I have been longing for an opportunity to take on a fighter such as Howard as a win will take my career to the next level.”

 

 

 

Team Seldon, has been working diligently with longtime manager Jim Kurtz very excited about the opportunity that Seldon has in front of him.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t get any bigger than fighting on a Top Rank show with an explosive main event between Hooker and Saucedo. The staff at Top Rank has been top notch.  I am really excited for Isiah to get this opportunity to display his talents on a big stage.  Myself and co-manager Joe Thompson are convinced Isiah is ready to shine on November 16th and it can’t get here fast enough,” said Kurtz, who has managed Seldon from day one.

 

 

 

Kurtz also managed Seldon’s father, WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon.

 

 

 

“Isiah has reunited with his original trainer Bill Johnson and they haven’t skipped a beat.  This is the first time Isiah has had a full fledged training camp.  We haven’t left any stone unturned in preparation for this fight.  Isiah’s conditioning is at a point that I have never seen with him before.  He is getting great sparring and his improvement working with Bill in preparation for this fight has been incredible.  He is ready to show the world a new and improved Isiah Seldon.  He has a large legacy to follow being the son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon but Isiah is determined to make his own mark on the sport of boxing.”

 

 

 

“He has always had power in both hands, scoring knockdown in almost every fight, but now he is learning to remain calm and finish guys instead of getting overly excited and letting them off the hook.  He is punching harder than ever before, putting his punches together and his boxing ability has reached a level where he can control the pace of the fight.  We have taken it slow with Isiah considering he didn’t have any amateur fights but we are now at the point where he is ready to make his mark on the Middleweight division.”

 

 

 

“We know Tyler Howard is a good undefeated fighter.  He had a good amateur career, comes from a family with a boxing background, and has a solid management team who have done a great job with him. On November 16th we expect a tough fight with some fireworks but we are confident Isiah will emerge victorious and this will lead us to bigger and better opportunities.”

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TYSON FURY SUCCESSFUL IN HIS RETURN TO BOXING WITH TKO OVER SEFER SEFERI ON SHOWTIME SPORTS SOCIAL PLATFORMS FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND

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Click HERE for Photos; Credit Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

 

Maurice Hooker Scores Split-Decision Upset Victory Over Terry Flanagan For WBO 140-Pound World Championship Belt

LOS ANGELES (June 9, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury scored a fourth-round TKO over Sefer Seferi at Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday in a bout that was streamed live to U.S. audiences via SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

The 6-foot-9, 275-plus pound Fury, who outweighed Seferi by more than 65 pounds following Friday’s weigh-in, looked rusty in the scheduled 10-rounder, his first bout in more than 31 months. Seferi sat on his stool after four completed rounds and did not answer the bell for round five.

 

 

 

Fury (26-0, 19 KOs) playfully bounced around for the first few rounds, and was even warned for a lack of activity in the second round against a severely undermanned Seferi (23-2, 21 KOs). Fury is likely to face a tougher opponent in his next fight set for September in a division currently ruled by world title holders Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

 

 

 

Fury’s return to the ring came after 924 days of inactivity due to bouts of depression and admitted drug use following an upset victory over Wladimir Klitschko to take Klitschko’s WBA, IBF and WBO world titles.

 

 

 

In a fight that preceded Fury-Seferi, undefeated American Maurice Hooker won a split-decision upset victory over hometown favorite Terry Flanagan to capture the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship belt. The scores were 117-111, 115-113 for Hooker, and 117-111 for Flanagan.

 

 

 

With blood streaming down his face, the former lightweight title holder Flanagan (33-1, 13 KOs), who suffered a deep cut on the forehead after an accidental head butt in the seventh round, couldn’t overcome the aggressive Hooker (24-0-3, 16 KOs), who just like training partner Errol Spence Jr., had to travel overseas to win his first world title.

 

 

 

Hooker, a 28-years-old Dallas native, was fighting for the first time outside of the United States against Flanagan, who was a 135-pound champion for three years with five defenses before moving up to the 140-pound class.

 

 

 

With the victory, Hooker became the 76th ShoBox: The New Generation alum to win a world title, joining the likes of Spence and Wilder.

 

 

 

Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix delivered pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

Later on Saturday night, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz will rematch former three-division world champion Abner Mares on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® (10 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center in Los Angeles. In the telecast opener, Houston’s Jermell Charlo will defend his WBC Super Welterweight World Title against former world champion Austin Trout.

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TERRY FLANAGAN & MAURICE HOOKER FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS AHEAD OF THEIR 140-POUND TITLE FIGHT STREAMING LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS THIS SATURDAY

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Flanagan-Hooker Serves As Chief Support For The Long-Awaited Return Of Tyson Fury At Manchester Arena

 

 

Click HERE for Photos; Credit Frank Warren/Stacey Verbeek

 

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 7, 2018) – Undefeated 140-pound contenders Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker faced off on Thursday just two days before they meet for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight World Championship on Saturday at Manchester Arena.

 

 

 

Flanagan vs. Hooker serves as the chief support for the long-awaited return of former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.  Both bouts will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren-promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Here’s what Flanagan and Hooker had to say on Thursday:

 

 

 

Terry Flanagan

“I’m more than ready. I’ve prepared well, and I’m expecting a good night.”

 

 

 

“Of course he believes in himself, like the last few Americans that have come over. He’s just another American I’m going to add to the list.”

 

 

 

“I’m confident. I’m stronger and I’m bigger, fitter.”

 

 

 

“I’m more than ready. I know what he’s going to bring, and I’m prepared for the best Maurice Hooker. … I think I need to step up now and show people what I’m about.”

 

 

 

(On moving up a weight class) “It’s five pounds, it’s nothing. I’m plenty big enough to move up again. I’m 5-foot-10. I’m big, I’m strong, I’m ready for this weight. This is my natural weight. … I’ll get a title at this weight and then see what happens from there.”

 

 

 

“There’s nothing he can do now or that I can do now to change how the fight is going to go. It’s all about getting in there and being 100 percent switched on ready, and we’re going to have a fight Saturday night.”

 

 

 

Maurice Hooker

“I love being the underdog – I’ve been the underdog my whole life, and look where I’m at now. I’m ready to fight Saturday, and Terry’s ready to fight. I’m going to punch him in the mouth, and I hope he punches me back – if not, he’s in trouble.”

 

 

 

“We’re going to put on a good show come Saturday night. He’s in good shape, and I’m in good shape. We can go 12 rounds real hard, or it might be an early night for Terry.”

 

 

 

“I’m back now and better than ever. I’m ready to show the whole world who I am. Before that fight with Darleys Perez, everybody was scared to fight me. I’m still that monster, I’m still that dog. Come Saturday night, I’m going to punch him in the mouth and I might knock him out in the first round.”

 

 

 

“Come Saturday night, I pray for him, because I mean business when I get in that ring.”

 

 

 

“It’s my best against his best. We’ve got a fight Saturday night, so don’t blink.”

 

 

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

 

 

Fury vs. Sefari From Manchester Arena

 

 

Facebook: s.sho.com/FurySeferi 

 

 

SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Event Page: https://s.sho.com/2M0rsek

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TYSON FURY FACES OFF WITH SEFER SEFERI AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR LONG-AWAITED RETURN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME SPORTS® SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

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Click HERE For Photos By Stacey Verbeek / Frank Warren

 

Photo Credit: Stacey Verbeek/Frank Warren

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (June 6, 2018) – Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Tyson Fury took one more step toward ending his 31-month exile from the sport as he met face-to-face with Sefer Seferi at the final press conference Wednesday at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

 

SHOWTIME Sports will live stream the long-awaited return of Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena when he faces Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout from Manchester Arena. The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® social media offering will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Here’s what Fury had to say on Wednesday:

 

“If he has knocked out 21 men before, if he gets it on my chin he will knock me out too.

 

“I look at Sefer like I look at Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, anybody. He’s a dangerous puncher.

 

“I could have picked someone a lot easier than Sefer; someone to knock out in a round. But I need rounds.”

 

On his Heavyweight rivals: “They know the message – I’m back. I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now.

 

“I feel sharper now, more power. I fell out of love with the game but now the love is thriving, we are back on fire for one another.

 

“You’re going to be the best Tyson Fury you have ever seen.”

 

“There are no nerves at all. I feel like I have been a goldfish in a tank, trapped and now I am getting released back into the river where I belong. So just put me there and watch me swim.”

 

“I don’t ever remember feeling any better than I do now. I feel shaper now, faster than I’ve ever been, more power, I just want it more.

 

“It was a lost relationship, it was like I was married to the game too long and we sort of fell out of love with each other.”

 

In the opening bout of the live stream, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Super Lightweight crown. This will be the third live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport with U.K. sportscasters John Rawlingproviding the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a highly anticipated rematch against former world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Fury vs. Sefari From Manchester Arena

Facebook: s.sho.com/FurySeferi 

SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Event Page: https://s.sho.com/2M0rsek

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  Undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury launches comeback after 2 ½ years off vs. Sefer Seferi

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AIRING LIVE THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL IN CANADA
2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT
“He’s Back!”
 
Plus, Terry Flanagan-Maurice Hooker
WBO Super Lightweight world title fight
 
AIRING LIVE IN CANADA THIS SATURDAY
EXCLUSIVELY ON SUPER CHANNEL
(all pictures courtesy of Queensbury Promotions)
 
 
EDMONTON, Canada (June 5, 2018) – Canadian boxing fans will have the opportunity to watch the long-awaited return of the“Gypsy King,” undefeated former unified heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury this Saturday against Sefer “The Real Deal” Seferi in the 10-round main event, airing in Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from Manchester Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.
 
He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, will air exclusively on Super Channel across Canada, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT.
 
“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this highly anticipated bout marking the return of Tyson Fury to the boxing world, to our viewers,” said Don McDonald, President and CEO, Super Channel. “This is exactly the type of exclusive content that Canadian boxing fans have come to expect from Super Channel Sports and is a welcome addition to our growing catalogue of marquee boxing events.”
 
Perhaps boxing’s most polarizing figure, Fury (25-0, 15 KOs) has been sidelined with mental health issues for the past 2 ½ years, after shocking the boxing world November 28, 2015, when he defeated future Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko (64-3, 53 KOs) by way of a 10-round unanimous decision (116-111, 115-112, 115-112).
 
The 6′ 9″ Fury became the undisputed world heavyweight champion, securing the IBF, WBA, WBO, IBO and The Ring championships, only to be stripped and/or relinquish his title belts without a single defense.
 
 
(L-R) – In his last fight, Tyson Fury upset Wladimir Klitschko
 
Canadian boxing fans are more than familiar with Fury, who held his extended training camp in Canada, at Hotel Lac Leamy in Gatineau, prior to his April 20, 2013 fight at famed Madison Square Garden in New York City, in which he stopped multiple world champion Steve Cunningham in the seventh round.
 
“I can’t wait to get in there and prove that I’m a better fighter than I’ve ever been,” the charismatic Fury said. “I’m coming into the prime of my career now and I’ve never felt better. I’m fitter, stronger and faster than the Fury of 2015.
 
“It’s going to be a huge night for the City of Manchester (where Fury was born). I’m delighted to be fighting at the iconic Manchester Arena for the first time in my career. I’m promising the fans a special performance to thank them for their loyal support.”
 
Seferi, fighting out of Albania, has suffered only one loss during his otherwise perfect 11-year pro boxing career, losing a 10-round decision in 2016 to future WBA heavyweight world champion Manuel Charr (29-4) for the vacant WBA International crown.
 
“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” Seferi predicted. “I’m very disciplined and always ready to take on everyone and anyone. This will not be an easy night for him. I’m coming to Manchester to beat one of the boxing legends of the 21st century.
 
“He is tall and strong, but he won’t be ready for the pressure that I will bring. Two-and-one-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko. I am going to seize the opportunity with both hands.”
 
The 12-round co-feature features local hero, undefeated Brit Terry “Turbo” Flanagan (33-0, 13 KOs), in his bid to become a two-division world champion, versus unbeaten American Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KOs) for the vacant WBO super-lightweight world title.
Three other exciting fights on the “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” card, in addition to the previously mentioned main event and co-feature, will air in Canada exclusively on Super Channel.
Undefeated prospect Mark “Kid Dynamite” Heffron (19-0, 15 KOs) takes on fellow countryman Andrew “D’Animal” Robinson (21-3, 6 KOs) in a 12-round British battle for the vacant WBC International Silver middleweight title, unbeaten Brit J.J. “Kid Shamrock” Metcalf(17-0, 9 KOs) and Spanish champion Aitor Nieto (22,5 9 KOs) square off in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBC International super welterweight crown, and British heavyweight Nathan Gorman (12-0, 10 KOs) meets Sean “Big Sexy” Turner (12-2, 8 KOs), of Ireland, in a 10-round match.
Super Channel aired major boxing events live in 2017 like Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao vs. Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs.Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo, Smith vs. Williams II, Frampton vs. Donaire, and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals and semifinals.
To watch “He’s Back: Fury vs. Seferi” live, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
 
About Super Channel
 
Super Channel is a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.
 
Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience.  With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.
 
Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.
 
Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.
 
Connect with Super Channel:
Twitter: @SCSportsTV
Instagram: @SuperChannelTV
Facebook: /SuperChannel
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SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO LIVE STREAM THE LONG-AWAITED RETURN OF FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION TYSON FURY ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

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Fury To Face Sefer Seferi; Terry Flanagan To Face Maurice Hooker For Vacant 140-Pound World Title

 

Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

 

NEW YORK (June 4, 2018) – SHOWTIME Sports has secured the U.S. rights to stream the long-awaited return of former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who will face Sefer Seferi in a 10-round heavyweight bout Saturday, June 9 from Manchester Arena. SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® will stream live exclusively to U.S. audiences on the SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

 

 

In the opening bout, local hero Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KO’s) will look to become a two-division world champion when he clashes with unbeaten American Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 KO’s) for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight crown. This will be the fourth live streaming boxing event this year on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

 

 

 

Live coverage for the Frank Warren promoted event will be provided by BT Sport and BoxNation with U.K. sportscasters John Rawling providing the blow-by-blow and Richie Woodhall the analysis. Boxing broadcaster Ray Flores and analyst Chris Mannix will deliver pre-fight and post-fight analysis from Staples Center in Los Angeles for the SHOWTIME Sports audience.

 

 

 

The live stream of Fury vs. Seferi will precede that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader that features WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz in a rematch against fellow three-division world champion Abner Mares live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed in the West Coast) from Staples Center. In the co-feature, Jermell Charlo will face Austin Trout for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Fury (25-0, 18 KOs), a former WBA, WBO and IBF Heavyweight World Champion will end a two-years-and-seven-months exile from the sport on June 9. Fury has been inactive since outpointing Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf in November 2015 due to an injury, personal problems and a doping ban.

 

 

 

“I’m the fittest I’ve ever been,” said Fury, who has teamed up with new trainer Ben Davison. “Timing, reflexes, everything is better than it’s ever been. I kid you not. I’m 29 years old, coming into the prime of my life, I’m stronger and faster, holding more muscle mass than ever. I’m more confident looking at the competition.”

 

 

 

Albania’s Seferi (23-1, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old Switzerland-based cruiserweight who is stepping up in weight and opposition when he faces the 6-foot-9 Fury. Seferi’s sole loss came in 2016 in a heavyweight bout against now-secondary WBA heavyweight champ Manuel Charr.

 

 

 

“This is going to be a hard fight for Fury,” said Seferi. “Two-and-a-half years out of the ring is a long time and nobody knows if he is still the same fighter that dethroned Wladimir Klitschko.”

 

 

 

Flanagan, the first Englishman to earn a lightweight world title, will seek to capture a title in a second weight class just days away from his 29th birthday. Hooker, a southpaw from Dallas, Texas and ShoBox alum, has been training with Terence Crawford. Hooker will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dallas resident Errol Spence Jr., who went to Kell Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England to capture his first world championship.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

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Jose Haro issues statement on tragic injury sustained by Daniel Franco

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New USBA Featherweight Champion Jose Haro has issued a brief statement regarding the status of his fallen opponent, Daniel Franco, through his promotional representative, Whitfield Haydon:

“I respect all fighters. My heart hurts knowing that my opponent from Saturday night is still in the hospital. I hope he has a full and speedy recovery. Nothing but love, brotha.  We put everything on the line when we step inside the ring. I always tell my brother/trainer that I’m a father first, fighter second, and if he ever sees me badly hurt to stop the fight because my kids need their daddy. I’m very grateful that I won but it really doesn’t feel like I won. I always pray that my opponent and myself come out our fight in good health. Let’s go #TeamFranco, you got this!”
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“KO Night Boxing” results from Iowa

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jose “Pepito” Haro captures vacant
USBA featherweight title
 
CBS Sports Network results from Iowa
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

Jose Haro (L) captured the vacant USBA featherweight title
(all pictures courtesy of Stacey Verbeek)
 
SLOAN, IA (June 11, 2017) – Last night on CBS Sports Network, Utah fab-favorite Jose Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs) captured the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight title, stopping former USBA title holder Daniel “Twitch” Franco in the eighth round, in the “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” was presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino. TITLE Boxing was the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.

The 29-year-old Haro (14-1-1, 8 KOs), ranked No. 14 by the USBA going into the fight, extended his win streak to seven (6-0-1). He dropped No. 5 USBA-ranked Franco (15-2-3, 10 KOs) with a powerful overhand right in the eighth.   Franco beat the count but was floored by a brutal right later in the round and refereeCelestino Ruiz immediately halted the bout. Haro is promoted by Whitfield Hayden Promotions
Soon after the fight, Franco was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery to stop two brain bleeds, He remained in a coma today, according to his promoter, Roc Nation Sports.

“Everybody associated with ‘KO Night Boxing’ and Neon Star Sports& Entertainment has Daniel Franco and his family in our hearts and prayers,” promoter John Andersen said.
Dallas lightweight Manuel Rey “The Punisher” Rojas (15-3, 4 KOs) won a close but unanimous 10-round decision over WBC Oriental Super Lightweight Champion Zhimin Wang (8-2, 3 KOs), of China, in the co-featured event.


Manuel Rey Rojas (R) won an entertaining bout against Zhimin Wang
In the CBS Sports Network opener, Chicago super featherweight prospect Giovanni Mioletti (8-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated as a professional, stopping Las Vegas’ Sal Lopez (4-2) in the fifth round.

Team Mioletti celebrated after Gio’s knockout victory
KO NIGHT BOXING ON CBSSN RESULTS
Main Event – Vacant USBA Featherweight Championship
Jose Haro (14-1-1, 8 KOs), West Jordan, Utah 125 lbs.
WTKO8 (2:43)
Daniel Franco (15-21-3, 10 KOs), Rancho Cucamonga, California
(Franco won vacant USBA featherweight title)
Co-Feature — Lightweights
Manuel Rey Rojas (15-3, 4 KOs), Dallas, TX
WDEC10 (96-94, 96-94, 96-94)
Zhimin Wang (8-2, 3 KOs), Wuhan, China
Super Featherweights
Giovanni Mioletti (8-0, 2 KOs), Chicago, IL
WTKO5 (1:40)
Sal Lopez (4-2,), Las Vegas, NV
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
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New showdown announced for “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

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June 10 live from Iowa on CBS Sports Network 
SLOAN, IA (May 31, 2017) – An injury has forced NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) to withdraw from his scheduled “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” headline event against Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez, on Saturday, June 10, airing (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino. TITLE Boxing is the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.

WBC Oriental Super Lightweight Champion Zhimin Wang (8-1, 3 KOs), of China, will face Dallas lightweight Manuel Rey Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs) as an addition to the card. Elevated to main event status is the original 10-round co-feature being contested for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight title, matching former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, and Utah favorite Jose Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs).

The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), who fights under the Roc Nation Sports banner, was a standout amateur boxer captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds. He lost the belt in his following fight, stopped by veteran Christopher Martin (29-8-3) in the third round of their non-title fight in Los Angeles on March 23. Franco is currently rated No. 5 by the USBA and No. 11 by the NABO.

Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), USBA No. 14-rated, is an all-action fighter with tremendous potential. The 29-year-old is presently riding a six-fight win streak with five victories and one draw. His lone loss as a professional was to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.

The new 10-round co-feature will be an exciting match-up between Wang and Rojas (14-3, 4 KOs). Last January in China, Zhimin defeated Aekkawee Kaewmanee (16-6), by way of a 10-round unanimous decision for the vacant WBO Oriental crown. The only blemish on Zhimin’s otherwise perfect pro record is a 10-round loss by decision last September, to then 12-0 Russian prospect Ivan Baranchyk in Oklahoma.

“I honestly felt that Haro vs. Franco was a legitimate main event fight as the co-feature,” promoter John Andersen. “Injuries are an unfortunate part of boxing and we’re disappointed to lose a world-class fighter like Hooker. Now, though, Haro-Franco gets top billing and we’re fortunate to have a solid co-feature added to a very competitive, entertaining card.”

The TV opener features Chicago super bantamweight prospect Giovanni Mioletti (7-0, 1 KO) taking on Las Vegas’ upset-minded Sal Lopez (4-1) in a six-round bout. In a pair of four-round undercard matches, Sioux City, Iowa cruiserweight Shalyn Joseph will make his pro debut against Chicago’s Darrius Flowers (0-1), while Sioux Falls, South Dakota super welterweightKeith Cournoyer (0-0-1), squares off with Justin Likeness, of Minot, North Dakota.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are on sale at the WinnaVegas box office and online at www.tickets.winnavegas.biz. Advance ticket prices are $35.00 ringside (rows 1 & 2), $35.00 VIP Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4), $20.00 General Admission Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4) and $15.00 General Admission Standing Room Only. A special Resort/Hotel package for two is also available for $199.00, which includes two VIP Reserved Seats, WinnaVegas hotel room, two dinner vouchers and two $5.00 Sunday breakfast buffet-voucher.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is an all-ages event.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
boxing

Two regional title fights featured on “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10 live from Iowa on CBS Sports Network 
SLOAN, IA (May 9, 2017) – Professional boxing returns Saturday, June 10, to WinnaVegas Casino Resort, featuring undefeated junior welterweight Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker, on the “KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” card, to air (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network live from Sloan, Iowa.
“KO Night Boxing: WAR In WinnaVegas” is presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Roc Nation Sports, Ringside Ticket Inc. and WinnaVegas Resort Casino.  TITLE Boxing is the official gloves provider for KO Night Boxing.
“This is a great opportunity for ‘KO Night Boxing, LLC’ to expand our brand to another state,” promoter John Andersen said.  “We’re very happy to be coming to WinnaVegas and working with Mayan Beltran and his team.  We’re kicking this new relationship off in a big way with these two regional title fights on CBS Sports Network.   We hope that this is just the start of a long-lasting relationship between KO Night Boxing and WinnaVegas.
“The principal fighters in the two nationally televised fights are all on the verge of breaking out to become stars.  A lot is at risk for all of them.  Our promotional company is known for giving a platform to top prospects in highly entertaining, competitive matches that boxing fans love watching, whether they’re in the arena or watching on CBS Sports Network.”
“I am very excited to have CBS Sports Network boxing back at WinnaVegas Casino Resort,” CEO Mayan Beltran commented.  “Our fans really like boxing and it looks like we have a great fight card, so it should be a fun night. I am looking forward to working with promoters KO Night Boxing LLC, Neon Star SE, Roc Nation Sports and, as always, Ringside Ticket Inc., to deliver this exciting night of entertainment.”
Roc Nation Sports’ Hooker (22-0-3, 16 KOs) will defend his North American Boxing Organization (NABO) junior welterweight against title challenger Abdiel “Mortero” Ramirez (23-1-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.
Fighting out of Dallas, Hooker is world rated at No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).  The 27-year-old Hooker was a decorated amateur boxer in Texas, finishing with a 97-7 (67 KOs) record, who turned pro in 2011.
Hooker first captured the vacant NABO title in 2015, at home in Dallas, with a six-round technical knockout of previously unbeaten Eduardo Galindo (10-0-1).  Since, Hooker has made three successful title defenses against Ghislain Maduma (17-1) at the famed Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17, 2015, Ty Barnett (23-5-1) at Oracle Arena on August 6, 2016; and in a 10-round draw with former World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion Darleys Perez (33-2-1) on undercard of Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward “Pound-For-Pound” on Mov. 19 in Las Vegas.
In his most recent fight on Feb. 25 in Mexico, Hooker cruised to a dominant 10-round decision victory over former IBF World Champion Cristobal Cruz (41-20-4).
Ramirez, 25, is a former FECOMBOX Lightweight Champion, fighting out of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Ramirez, who is riding a nine-fight win streak, will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for the first time against Hooker.
The 10-round co-feature for the vacant United States Boxing Association (USBA) featherweight crown has been in the works for a while and it could very well steal the show as former USBA champion Daniel “Twitch” Franco takes on Jose Haro.
The 25-year-old Franco (15-1-3, 10 KOs), fighting out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, started boxing at the age of eight, amassing an amateur record of 67-15, highlighted by gold-medal performances at the 2006 Oxnard PAL Championships and 2017 California State Silver Gloves Championships.
Fighting under the Roc Nation Sports banner, Franco captured the vacant USBA featherweight title last November, knocking out previously unbeaten Derrick Murray (13-0-1) in four rounds.  Franco was stopped in his last fight by veteran Christopher Martin (29-8-3) in the third round of their non-title fight in Los Angeles on March 23.  Franco is currently rated No. 5 by the USBA and No. 11 by the NABO.
USBA No. 14-rated Haro (13-1-1, 7 KOs), who is a well-kept secret outside of West Jordan, Utah, is an all-action fighter.  The 29-year-old has won his last five fights, unbeaten in in his last six with a draw, since suffering his only loss to highly-touted prospect Toka Kahn Clary (11-0) by way of a six-round decision in 2014.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.  Additional bouts will soon be announced.
Tickets are on sale at the WinnaVegas box office and online at www.tickets.winnavegas.biz. Advance ticket prices are $35.00 ringside (rows 1 & 2), $35.00 VIP Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4), $20.00 General Admission Reserved Seating (rows 3 & 4) and $15.00 General Admission Standing Room Only.  A special Resort/Hotel package for two is also available for $199.00, which includes two VIP Reserved Seats, WinnaVegas hotel room, two dinner vouchers and two $5.00 Sunday breakfast buffet voucher.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. CT with the opening bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. CT. It is an all-ages event.
(Pictures courtesy of Roc Nation Sports)
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @KONightBoxing, @NeonStarSE, @WinnaVegasIA
About Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE)
NSSE is a content company whose focus is creating original and joint venter media properties – unscripted, scripted, events and digital programming – for cross-platform distribution.  In this highly competitive digital age, NSSE specializes in the development and production of corporate branding designed with your target audience and accelerated consumer growth in mind.  Visit us on Twitter @NeonstarSE or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media. KO Night Boxing, LLC, REV Sports Entertainment Inc. (MAVTV Canada) and Neon Star Media LLC and KO Night Boxing LLC are subsidiary companies of Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Inc.