Tag Archives: middleweight

Houston-Native Miguel Flores Fights in Hometown Against Mexico’s Luis May Saturday, June 29 from NRG Arena as Part of Jam-Packed Charlo vs. Adams Undercard

Also Featuring Unbeaten Prospects Omar Juárez, Mychal Teal & More!

Unbeaten Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo Makes Hometown Return to Battle Brandon Adams in Premier Boxing Champions Main Event Live on SHOWTIME®

HOUSTON (June 11, 2019) – Houston-native Miguel Flores will return to the ring to fight in his hometown against Mexico’s Luis May Saturday, June 29 in a 10-round super featherweight fight that highlights an action packed night of undercard attractions from NRG Arena in Houston.
 
The event is headlined by another Houston-native, unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo, who will face middleweight contender Brandon Adams in the main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.
 
Undercard bouts also feature unbeaten Brownsville, Texas-native Omar Juárez in a four-round welterweight attraction against Pennsylvania’s Seifullah Wise, undefeatedMycheal Teal of St. Petersburg, Florida taking on Mark Beuke for a four-round middleweight affair and unbeaten San Antonio-native Raymond Guajardo facing Compton, California’s Jaime Meza in a four-round middleweight fight.
 
Rounding out the action is undefeated Weslaco, Texas-native César Cantústepping in for a four-round super featherweight clash against North Carolina’s Chante Bowens, a six-round lightweight bout between McAllen, Texas-native Nelson Hampton and West Virginia’s Dakota Linger and the pro debut of Zamy Larry in a four-round super middleweight showdown versus North Carolina’s Carlos Umanzor.
 
Born in Michoacan de Ocampo, Mexico and living in Houston, Flores (23-2, 11 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since April 2018, when he stopped Raul Chirino in two rounds. The 26-year-old was scheduled to challenge Leo Santa Cruz for his featherweight world title in February before suffering an ankle injury in training. He looks to get one step closer to regaining a title opportunity when he faces the 35-year-old May (21-14-1, 8 KOs) from Yucatan, Mexico.
 
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JERMALL CHARLO VS. BRANDON ADAMS HOUSTON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

JERMALL CHARLO VS. BRANDON ADAMS HOUSTON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS


 

“I’m going to finish this fight…You might be a contender, but it’s another thing to be a champion,” Charlo


 

“I didn’t expect my road to be easy because it’s never been easy for me…The best man will win on June 29,” Adams


 

Unbeaten Top Middleweight Jermall Charlo Makes Hometown Return to Battle Brandon Adams Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME® from NRG Arena in Houston and Presented by Premier Boxing Champions


 

Click HERE for Photos from Andrew King/SHOWTIME


 

HOUSTON (May 30, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion and Houston-native Jermall Charlo went face to face with middleweight contender Brandon AdamsThursday at a press conference in Charlo’s hometown to preview their showdown Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from NRG Arena and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.


 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.


 
In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event, Charlo will fight in Houston for the first time since 2012, as he looks to further cement his place amongst the middleweight elite against Adams, who shot up the 160-pound rankings by winning the 2018 reboot of The Contender.


 
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Hotel ZaZa Museum District in Houston:


 
JERMALL CHARLO


 
“Me and my brother Jermell have been through so much in boxing. We’ve been doing it since we were eight-years-old. To make it to this world class level and to do it for Houston, it feels great.


 
“It’s going to be fireworks. I’m coming for the knockout every time. Houston is hot and the heat is going to be there fight night. I’m going to do what I normally do and give the crowd excitement.


 
“Ronnie Shields has changed me from being a kid to realizing who I am as a man in the sport of boxing. He’s had world champions before me so I know he can judge my progression. He’s going to make sure I stay at this level.


 
“I’m walking in the ring and I’m handling my business. This is definitely a step up fight for Brandon Adams, but I’m only worried about what I have to do. I’m just going to prepare to be my best. We’re going to both give it our all and I will be victorious.


 
“Boxing is about experiences and I’m still learning. I’m going to have my ups and downs, because no fighter is perfect. But I will always prepare myself well and that’s why I’m still undefeated. I needed a fight like my last one to get even better.


 
“I’m going to finish this fight. My goal is to make quick work of Brandon and show him that there are levels to this. You might be a contender, but it’s another thing to be a champion.


 
“I get a lot of juice from the hometown crowd. Just having my family there alone is what I really need to get the nerves and excitement to where I need them. I’m going to be comfortable and I’m going to stick to my game plan. I’m not here to make mistakes.  


 
“Thus far camp has been great. I feel awesome and I’m well prepared. It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in my hometown. It’s almost a dream come true to me. To have my own card at this level and on this stage, it shows the support Houston has for me.”


 
BRANDON ADAMS


 
“I appreciate the opportunity I have to step into the ring with this man across from me. I’m super excited about it and I can’t wait. These are two top fighters getting in the ring and we’re going to give the fans a show.


 
“It’s not just what I see in Jermall, it’s what I believe in myself. The combo of working with Dub Huntley and Freddie Roach is perfect. They are both seasoned vets and they teach me something new every day.


 
“I didn’t expect my road to be easy because it’s never been easy for me. I’m on the road and I understand that. I’m prepared to pack my bags and go wherever I need to, so that I can become what I’m supposed to become. The best man will win on June 29.


 
“Before The Contender I felt that I didn’t have an opportunity to show how good I am. During the whole series it was about getting back in the ring and shaking off the rust, then showcasing who I am.


 
“Winning The Contender helped get me here, but I always had confidence and believed in myself since day one. In choosing to accept Charlo’s challenge, I had it in my mind that I belong here.


 
“It was pressure every time I fought on The Contender. Each round were quality opponents leading up to the final and all of that will prepare me for Charlo. He deserves everything he’s gotten and I respect him as a man, but I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity. 


 
“His team didn’t have to fight me, but they chose to. I appreciate his fans coming out to support him because they’ll see both of us. Hopefully I can win some of them over.”


 
RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer


 
“We’ve done a lot of studying of Brandon Adams and he’s a really good fighter. Winning The Contender is not an easy feat. He’s truly a contender, so we have to make sure we’re working hard every single day.


 
“We’re not sitting back and waiting for someone to fight us. We have to continue to be busy. You still have to fight hard fights when you’re at the top and that’s what we’re doing. We’re preparing the right way.


 
“I’m so happy that everybody has come out to support Jermall because he’s been waiting to make his homecoming and this is it. It’s important to see everyone on his side.”


 
DUB HUNTLEY, Adams’ Trainer


 
“I hope everybody comes out for this one because it’s going to be a great fight. I’ve been with Brandon for a long time and I know that he’s going to win this fight and put on a memorable performance. Charlo is a great fighter but Brandon has all the tools necessary to come into his hometown and get the victory.”


 
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ABOUT CHARLO VS. ADAMS

Charlo vs. Adams will pit unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Championand Houston-native Jermall Charlo against middleweight contender Brandon Adams in Charlo’s hometown return Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.


 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer’’ Lubin taking on French contender Zakaria Attou in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event. Opening the telecast is a WBA featherweight title eliminator between slick Mexican southpaw Eduardo Ramirez and power-punching Dominican Claudio Marrero.


 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports
,
 www.PremierBoxingChampions.com
,
 follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing
.

 

A NEW MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION WILL BE CROWNED AT NEF 39

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (May 22, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, June 22 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur title fight to the card.  Carlton Charles (3-2) will face Jordan Norman (2-1) for the vacant amateur middleweight belt.

Prior to entering the MMA ranks, Carlton Charles made his mark on the football field.  He played for Windham High School in Windham, Maine and later led the team to a Class A title as an assistant coach.  Charles went on to play fullback for the University of Maine Black Bears.  He made his NEF debut in the summer of 2017 with a 23-second knockout win.  He would top that performance with a 12-second knockout victory in February 2018.  After an unsuccessful attempt at capturing the amateur welterweight title against Duncan Smith (5-3) last June, Charles returned to the cage one month ago in New Hampshire and picked up yet another first-round knockout win.

“As always, I feel blessed and very grateful for the opportunity to fight for the belt,” said Charles.  “I know Jordan has come a long way in this sport and is always training hard and improving. I will be looking to not be caught by one of those big meat hooks that he has for hands. He’s a big powerful guy, and I’m going to be training hard as always to be able to go out and perform to my best ability. I know my coaches will have me ready for this one! have no doubt in my mind the fans will be in for a real treat with this one.”

Jordan Norman has indeed come a long way since his NEF debut last June.  He lost that evening via first-round knockout, but Norman would come firing back in his next two bouts.  He won a split decision over John Assam (0-1) last fall, and just last month finished Greg Ishihara (0-1) in the second round.  Norman represents the Bad Little Falls Dojo.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to get into the NEF cage and compete for the amateur title against someone like Carlton,” exclaimed Norman. “He and I will put on one hell of a show for the Lewiston crowd. Both of us come to fight and it won’t be any different on June 22nd. I have nothing but respect for him and his team. I’m excited for the task at hand and scrapping it out for the middleweight title.”

The middleweight title fight between Charles and Norman is the fourth already announced for the “NEF 39” card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (6-0-1) is scheduled to defend the professional featherweight title against Jordan Downey (5-4), while Nate Boucher (4-3) will square off with Robert Presley (5-4) for the vacant amateur men’s flyweight belt, and undefeated Glory Watson (4-0) takes on Caree Hill (4-1) to crown NEF’s first amateur women’s flyweight champion.  Also announced for the card, Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-7) faces Lewis Corapi (8-5) in a professional lightweight bout.

“NEF 39: ALL-AMERICAN,” will take place on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with a bell time of 7 pm.  Tickets are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com.

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Troy Isley coming off biggest win, Preparing for 2020 Olympics


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 6, 2019) – USA Boxing middleweight Troy Isley is coming off the most significant victory of his young career, when he defeated the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Cuba’s Arlen Lopez, at the recent Pan American Games Qualifier in Managua, Nicaragua.

 
Lopez served as a positive barometer for Isley in terms of his potential 2020 Olympic run. “Beating Lopez is my biggest win so far,” Isley admitted. “He won a gold medal at the last Olympics. I avenged my loss to him in 2017. We almost fought in The Continentals, but he lost in the quarterfinals, and I lost in the semifinals. We could face each other again in July at the Pan American Games.”
 
In 2017, Isley captured a gold medal at the Elite World Championships, which marked a first for an American elite boxer in six years. He’s progressed year-by-year, taking top honors at the 2012 & 2013 National PAL Championships, 2014 National Junior Olympics, 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. So far this year, in addition to winning at the Pan American Games Qualifier, he also took gold at the Strandja Tournament in Bulgaria.
 
Not too shabby accomplishments for a kid who really didn’t like boxing, especially compared to football, which was his favorite sport growing up.
 
“When I returned to the gym I trained at, Alexandria (VA) Boxing Club,” USA National Team assistant coach Kay Koromba remembered,” they needed help with a young kid, Troy Isley. I had a simple conversation with him. He said he’d come back to the gym if I was there coaching. I didn’t go back for a little while and he didn’t return. I eventually took over the gym when the coach left, and Troy returned.
 
“Troy is friends with Keyshawn Davis (USA Boxing’s No. 1-rated lightweight). They both live in Virginia (Troy in Alexandria, Keyshawn in Newport) and train with me at the Alexandria Boxing Club, when we aren’t living and training in Colorado Springs. They fought as kids and became good friends. All of the other boxers here look up to them.”
 
“I was only 8 and at first I really didn’t like boxing,” the now 20-year-old Isley spoke about his introduction to amateur boxing. “I was more interested in team sports like football, but I gave up boxing when I chose to compete in the Box-Offs. I just wanted to be a kid and you can’t play boxing. I went back to the gym and beat up everybody. Coach Kay told my father that he could make me into a national champion, and that gave me a lot of self-esteem.”
 
A self-described boxer puncher, Isley is an intelligent, well-spoken boxer with eyes on the future, outside of boxing, taking on-line business courses through DeVry University. “I can do it all,” he offered about his boxing style. “I’m working on using more jabs to be a better all-around boxer. The jab sets the offense up. I’m working on my jab because you can win fights with a jab.”
 
Promoters are lining up to pitch their companies to sign Isley, who has a definitive plan that involves making the 2020 USA Olympic Boxing Team, medal in Japan, and then turn professional.
 
“The Olympics is only a year away,” Isley noted. “I’m close with Keyshawn and Shakur(Stevenson, 2016 Olympic silver-medalist and an 11-0 pro prospect). Training with them makes things easier for all of us. We drive each other and train against different styles. I’m always picking up new stuff. We help each other training, sparring, and just talking. We’re always together, either in Alexandria or Colorado Springs. Shakur still goes there for good sparring.
 
“Shakur tells us a lot about his experiences in the Olympics and now as a pro. Me and Keyshawn have always talked about being together on the USA Boxing Olympic Team. We keep working hard and staying focused. It’s been our dream.”
 
Dreams do come true but, first, Isley is preparing for the Pan-Am Games and, possibly, his rubber match with the defending Olympic gold-medalist, Lopez.
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing

Canelo ALVAREZ VS. Daniel JACOBS ** In-Depth Preview and Analysis **



By: Tony Penecale
 
The biggest week in boxing is upon us with the annual Cinco de Mayo weekend extravaganza in Las Vegas.  The Mexican marquee star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez returns to his home-away-from-home to face the challenge of fellow middleweight titlist, Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, who is intent on spoiling the homecoming.

Can Canelo sprinkle some extra cinnamon on an explosive victory?  Or will it be Jacobs who provides another miracle in his story-book comeback?
 
  
AGE, RECORD, AND STATS
 
Alvarez:                    Age:  28 years old
                                    Record:  51-1-2 (35 Knockouts)
                                    Height:  5’9”
                                    Weight:  167   * * Weight for last bout (12-15-18)
                                    Reach:  70”
 
 
Jacobs:                    Age:  32 years old
                                    Record:  35-2 (29 Knockouts)
                                    Height:  5’11”
                                    Weight:  159   * * Weight for last bout (10-27-18)
                                    Reach:  73”
 
 
RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 
Alvarez:       
                                    WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (’11-’13)
                                   
WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (‘13)
                                    Ring Magazine Junior Middleweight Champion (’13)
                                    WBC Middleweight Champion (’15-Pres)
                                    WBA Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
                                    Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
                                    WBA Super Middleweight Champion (’18-Pres)
                                    Ring Magazine Pound-4-Pound #3 Boxer
 
 
Jacobs:                   
WBA Middleweight Champion (’14-‘17)
IBF Middleweight Champion (’18-‘Pres)
 
STYLE
 
Alvarez: 
An aggressive, physical fighter with underrated boxing skills, Alvarez often wears opponents down with consistent pressure and heavy-handed punches.  Will use feints and counters to throw is opponent’s timing off and create openings for a strength-sapping body attack.  Carries fight-changing power in both hands but sometimes doesn’t throw enough punches.  While he is most known for his offensive skills, Alvarez has decent, but not great, defensive skills slipping and blocking punches.
 
Jacobs:          
A lanky, long-armed boxer with versatile skills who often fights aggressively and is not afraid to exchange punches.  Jacobs couples good boxing skills and fundamentals with knockout power in both hands.  Will sometimes be too offensive-minded and is susceptible to counter punches.  Shows tremendous heart in the face of adversity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRENGTHS
 
Alvarez:          
* Power – Alvarez carries thunder in both fists.  He has knockout power in either hand, but his most devastating weapon resides in his left hook, especially to the body.  He has three knockout-of-the-year candidates in his career.
           
* Strength – Alvarez is a physically-maturing and thickly-built fighter with uncanny strength.  He is effective in backing fighters up, even when not landing flush punches.  He has grown from junior-middleweight and has competed recently at super-middleweight.
 
* Experience – Alvarez has come a long way during his professional career and has competed against some of the biggest names in boxing.  He has been in this moment numerous times and the raucous atmosphere will be second nature to him.
 
 
Jacobs:          
* Character – Jacobs stood up to and defeated the most daunting adversary of his career when he overcame bone cancer in 2011.  His character shows in the ring as he has handled some difficult challenges in his career.
 
* Power – Jacobs has registered 29 of his 35 professional victories via stoppage.  He has the power to change the fight with one punch and the killer instinct to finish a wounded opponent.
 
 
* Versatile – Jacobs possesses good boxing skills and movement, sometimes switching between orthodox and southpaw stances.  If against another aggressive opponent, Jacobs will box on his back foot and seek counter-punching opportunities.  He is adept at accelerating the pace when needed.
 
 
 
 
WEAKNESSES
 
Alvarez:          
* Tactical Mistakes – Alvarez has made tactical mistakes in some previous fights, including trying to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by boxing with him on the outside.  In other fights, he has allowed his opponents to control the pace and steal rounds.
 
* Easy-to-Hit – While his offensive skill is his calling card, Alvarez has a decent defense.  When he loses focus or becomes overly aggressive, he is wide open for straight right hands and counter punches.    
 
* Heavy Feet – Alvarez has good boxing ability but is often slow-footed in the ring.  When matched against taller fighters with good lateral movement, he frequently struggles, as was the case in his bouts with Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara.
 
 
Jacobs:          
* Suspect Chin – Jacobs is no stranger to tasting the canvas.  He was knocked out in devastating fashion by Dmitry Pirog in his first professional loss.  He was also on the canvas against Gennady Golovkin and Sergio Mora.
 
* Reckless – In his first fight against Mora, Jacobs became overly aggressive after scoring a knockdown and left himself wide open for a counter punch that put him on the canvas.  He was also off-balance and reckless again when he had Peter Quillin stunned.
 
* Atmosphere – Jacobs has fought in Las Vegas before and main-evented in Madison Square Garden.  However, this is his first marquee Las Vegas Cinco-de-Mayo weekend extravaganza.
 
 
 
PREVIOUS BOUT
 
Alvarez:                    (12/15/18) – Alvarez made a successful super-middleweight debut by destroying the game but overmatched Rocky Fielding in three rounds.  Alvarez punished Fielding’s body, scoring four knockdowns, and finishing him with his signature left hook to the liver.
 
Jacobs:          
(10/27/18) – Jacobs had a tough encounter with undefeated but unknown Serhiy Derevianchenko, winning a 12-round split decision.  Jacobs scored a 1st-round knockdown and landed more punches during the back-and-forth contest.
 
 
 
3 BEST PERFORMANCES
 
Alvarez:          
* James Kirkland (5/9/15) – The fireworks were on display from the opening bell as Kirkland engaged Alvarez with a kamikaze attack.  Alvarez countered and scored a 1st-round knockdown and ended the fight in the 3
rd round with a picturesque right hand.
 
* Liam Smith (9/17/16) – Alvarez methodically broke down the previously-undefeated Smith, controlling the bout from the beginning.  Alvarez scored knockdowns in the 7
th and 8th rounds before ending the show with his left hook to the liver in the 9th round.
 
* Carlos Baldomir (9/18/10) – Alvarez was a 20-year-old prodigy facing a durable former world champion in Baldomir.  Alvarez was successful boxing early and using his advantages in speed and skill to sweep the first five rounds.  But it was his display in the 6th that was memorable.  Alvarez rocked Baldomir before finally dropping with a left hook, rendering him unconscious before he hit the mat and dealing him his only stoppage loss in a 16-year career.
 
 
 
Jacobs:          
* Sergio Mora (9/9/16) – Jacobs wiped away any controversy from their first fight, which ended with Mora injuring his ankle, by dissecting him in the rematch, culminating in an impressive 7
th round TKO.  Jacobs scored a knockdown each in the 4th and 5th rounds before opening up and dropping Mora three times in the 7th round, forcing the stoppage.
                          
* Peter Quillin (12/5/15) – In a battle for Brooklyn Bragging Rights, Jacobs stunned the undefeated and favored Quillin with a 1
st round TKO.  Jacobs landed a right hand early, sending Quilling staggering into the ropes.  A follow-up flurry sent Quillin across the ring where the referee stopped the fight.
 
* Caleb Truax (4/24/15) – Jacobs dominated Truax with a masterful performance over 11 rounds, controlling the action with a heavy jab, and wearing his game opponent down.  Comfortably ahead going into the final round, Jacobs unloaded on his weakened adversary until the referee saved him from further punishment.
 
 
 
 
KEYS TO VICTORY
 
Alvarez:          
* Start fast and don’t allow Jacobs to become confident
 
* Cut off the ring and force Jacobs to fight in confined spaces
 
* Go to the body early and often
 
 
 
Jacobs:          
* Use a stiff jab and lateral movement to keep Alvarez off balance
 
* Land something to get Alvarez’s respect early
 
* Do not get reckless
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
QUESTIONS
 
Alvarez:          
* Will the move back to middleweight drain Alvarez?
                          
* Is Alvarez overlooking Jacobs?
 
*  Will Alvarez become frustrated if Jacobs uses effective lateral movement?
 
 
Jacobs:          
* Can Jacobs win a decision in Las Vegas?
 
* Will Jacobs be able to exploit Alvarez’s tactical shortcomings?
 
* How will Jacobs handle the pro-Alvarez atmosphere?
 
                          
 
PENECALE PREDICTION
 
The crowd will be buzzing at the opening bell.  Alvarez will move forward, hands up, probing with his jab and trying to set his feet.  Jacobs will be moving laterally, pawing a tentative jab and using head feints.  The cautious 1
st round will end with Alvarez stepping in and throwing a few hard body shots, causing the partisan crowd to erupt in cheers.
 
Alvarez will continue to apply pressure in the 2
nd and 3rd rounds with Jacobs working to establish his jab with more authority.  Jacobs will land a few heavy jabs to the face with Alvarez countering with right hands over the top.  Jacobs will step to his left to avoid Alvarez’s left hook to the body.
 
The action will continue to intensify through the middle rounds.  Jacobs will be following his jab with a straight right hand.  Alvarez will be crouching and using his strength on the inside, using overhand rights and hooks to the arms and ribs.
 
Alvarez will sport some redness around his eyes and Jacobs will show welts across his torso.  The pro-Alvarez crowd will gasp as Jacobs lands a series of hard right hands in the 6
th round but will then erupt in the 7th when an exchange of left hooks sees Alvarez land first, sending Jacobs sprawling back to the canvas.
 
Jacobs will rise and affirm to referee Tony Weeks that he is okay to continue.  Alvarez will attack, throwing his left hook to the body and head.  Jacobs will stagger back, set his feet, and respond with a right hand and wild left hook.  Alvarez will land a counter left hook to the head and Jacobs will clinch, with the bell ending the round.
 
The crowd will be wild with anticipation going into the 8
th round, sensing the Alvarez might be closing in on victory.  Jacobs will use lateral movement while he clears his head, probing with his jab to keep Alvarez at bay.  Alvarez will continue to look for the homerun punch, but Jacobs will stay out of range for the duration.
 
Throughout the 9
th and 10th rounds, Jacobs will be sufficiently recovered and willing to engage Alvarez, throwing more right hands, and increasing the tempo.  Alvarez will land a series of thudding hooks to the body and Jacobs will counter with uppercuts on the inside. 
 
The 11
th round will continue the intense action with both fighters having their moments.  Alvarez will become inactive for stretches of the round, allowing Jacobs to again control the pace.
 
Going into the final round, Jacobs will know that he is in danger with the bout being so close.  He will initiate the pressure on Alvarez and there will be some toe-to-toe exchanges.  As Alvarez takes a deep breath, Jacobs will successfully back him on his heels with a jab, followed by a straight-right hand.  Alvarez will roll with the punch and counter with his own right hand.  The crowd will be on its feet as the fighters exchange punches and embrace the final bell.
 
The decision will be unanimous with Dave Moretti and Glenn Feldman both scoring 115-112 and Steve Weisfeld with a wider margin of 117-110, all in favor of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.


Below you can access this week’s radio show where Tony , “Psychic” Tom Padgett and “Rabble Rousin'” Rich Bergeron discuss the fight.


Listen to “Canelo vs. Jacobs Preview, Lesnar Retires from MMA, MacDonald questions will to keep hurting people after Fitch Draw” on Spreaker. 

Claressa Shields Is The BWAA’s 2018 Female Fighter of the Year

Click HERE to read online|

By Joseph Santoliquito/BWAA President

In a pivotal year for women’s boxing that saw the sport reach more
people than ever before, two-time United States Olympic gold medal
winner Claressa Shields continued to soar, as she successfully defended her two world middleweight titles, then added three super middleweight belts before the end of a campaign that earned her the 2018 Christy
Martin Award, which is given to the Boxing Writers Association of
America’s Female Fighter of the Year.


“I am thrilled and honored to receive the Fighter of the Year award from the Boxing Writers Association of America. It is a dream come true, and it furthers my goal to lift women’s boxing to new levels,” Shields said.


“In 2019 my goals are to become undisputed champion, to be ranked in the top 10 pound-for-pound list regardless of gender, and to continue
the march of women’s boxing toward equality with men.”


The 23-year-old from Flint, Michigan becomes the second winner of the award, which was established in 2017. She will be honored at the
BWAA’s annual award dinner, which will take place in 2019 at a site and date to be determined.


“In such a big year for women’s boxing, it wasn’t a surprise that there
were so many worthy nominees for this award, but in 2018, Claressa
Shields took things to a new level by becoming a two-division world
champion and successfully defending her titles at both 168 and 160
pounds in Showtime and HBO-televised bouts,” said Thomas Gerbasi,
chairman of the BWAA’s women’s boxing committee. “That’s impressive in its own right, but the fact that she’s done this all before her tenth pro
fight and under the glare of the spotlight that comes with being the face of the sport in the United States made her a unanimous choice for this
year’s Christy Martin Award.”


Joining Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward and the late Emanuel Steward as
members of the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2018, Shields began the year on a collision course with middleweight
champion Christina Hammer, but first she finished up her business at
168 pounds by successfully defending her IBF and WBC titles with a
shutout victory over Tori Nelson in January.

Next was Shields’ middleweight debut against Hanna Gabriels in June,
and what followed was a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Shields
rebound from the first knockdown of her career to win a clear-cut
decision and the IBF and WBA belts. Soon after, the news came that
Hammer had to withdraw from her November clash with Shields due to
injury, but “T-Rex” didn’t slow down, as she defeated Hannah Rankin and Femke Hermans to successfully defend her middleweight titles while
adding the WBC crown to her trophy case.

Brandon Adams dominates Shane Mosley Jr. to win The Contender championship

PHILADELPHIA, PENN.(November 9, 2018)-Brandon Adams was dominant in pounding Shane Mosley Jr. over 10-rounds to win a wide unanimous decision and claim The Contender championship at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

 

 

 

In round two, Adams landed some solid shots with both hands on the inside. Adams continued to land the quick accurate punches through the first half of the fight. Adams in-and-out punching had Mosley thinking more than punching.

 

 

 

In round six, Adams started to pick up the tempo, and landed a series of power punches with both hands. Adams featured several hard rights and ripping uppercuts. In round seven, Adams continued to land flush punches and hurt Mosley with each connect. Mosley was cut over his left eye in the 7th frame. Adams continued his dominance down the stretch and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

 

 

 

“My camp, everybody helped me. They pushed me. All of the combatants were tough. They pushed me, and they helped me reach new heights.,” said Adams in the ring after the fight.

 

 

 

“It was a dominant win for Brandon.  He put on a terrific performance, and he proved that he is one of the top middleweights in the world.  There will be plenty of big fights on the horizon for Brandon,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

 

 

 

With the win Adams (21-2, 13 KOs) is guaranteed a top-10 ranking by the WBA.

 

 

 

The Contender was seen Live on EPIX ®.

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Marcos Hernandez Looking to Steal the Show on The Contender Finale

FRESNO, CA (November 8, 2018) – Middleweight “Mad Man” Marcos Hernandez (12-1-1, 3 KOs) will look to continue his recent success on The Contender finale this Friday at The Forum in Inglewood, California.  The 6-round bout will be televised on EPIX, as he takes on fellow cast member Quantavious Cash (10-1, 7 KOs).

 

 

 

Hernandez, who hails from Fresno, CA, is the only cast member of The Contender that didn’t lose a single fight on the show, besides Shane Mosley Jr. (11-2, 8 KOs) and Brandon Adams (20-2, 13 KOs), who will meet in the finals.  In his most recent fight, Hernandez defeated Daniel Valdivia (14-3, 10 KOs) in a fight that Valdivia was rocked badly in the last two rounds.  Some controversy happened after the bout as Valdivia was originally announced the winner, despite being out boxed and beaten, an official at ringside counted the scores again and realized a judging error and announced Hernandez, the rightful winner. 

 

 

 

On top of the bizarre ending, Hernandez was cut in the fight and forced to sit, because of his cut.  Valdivia replaced him and got dropped and beaten by Shane Mosely Jr., who now is in the finals. 

 

 

 

Hernandez is readier than ever now to make things happen as he wishes to keep his momentum moving forward and face the best in the division. 

 

 

 

“I have had a great camp with my trainer Henry Ramirez in Riverside, Ca, and I am ready for Friday night.” said Hernandez. “I am going to show all of my skills when I step in the ring and I’m going to steal the show.”

 

 

 

“I have never seen Hernandez train this hard, be this motivated and want to prove a point this badly,” stated his longtime advisor, Peter Lopes.  “This is a different ‘Mad Man’.”

GH3 Promotions signs Former World Title Challenger Dominic Wade

NUTLEY, NJ., (November 5, 2018) – GH3 Promotions has signed former world title challenger and middleweight contender Dominic Wade to a Promotional deal.

 

 

 

Wade, 28 years-old of Largo, Maryland has a record of 18-1 with 12 knockouts.

 

 

 

Wade was a four-time Junior Olympic Champion and a participant in the 2007 Olympic Boxing Trials.

 

 

 

He turned professional on March 14, 2009 with a 1st round stoppage over undefeated Chris Davis (3-0).  Wade climbed up the rankings with victories over Michael Faulk (2-0), Grover Young (4-0), Nick Brinson (16-1-2) and former world champion Sam Soliman.

 

 

 

Those wins catapulted Wade to face unified Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin on April 23, 2016 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

 

 

 

Wade suffered his only professional defeat in that fight, and has not fought since the world title opportunity.

 

 

 

“I am excited to get back in the ring, and the show the world what I got.  I will get back to the top of the rankings, and do it better, and more proper this time.” said Wade.

 

 

 

“It is time to show the world that I am back.  I want to take my time until the big fights come up.  I can see me in fights against Canelo Alvarez, Golvkin, Daniel Jacobs, Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade or any of the other top middleweights out there.  I feel that after a couple of fights, I will be up there with the top names in the division.  I am just excited to do my thing.  I got to the top of the rankings with just natural talent.  Now I have a good team behind me with GH3 Promotions, I have a great work ethic, and I am back with my original trainer Adrian Davis.  I feel the best is still ahead of me.”

 

 

 

 

 

“I feel that we can get Dominic back to the top really soon.  I plan to have him fight November 17th in Indiana, then I want to bring him back in December in New Jersey, and a 3rd fight in January, that will get him in a fight that will get him in position.  He has always had the talent, now he is with us, and we will have him on a schedule to get him back in the rankings, and eventually another world title shot,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

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

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.”