Tag Archives: Miguel Cotto Promotions

boxing, CBS Boxing

SOLOMON STEPS IN FOR INJURED CROWLEY; WILL FACE UK’S MANSOURI THIS SATURDAY IN CBS SPORTS MAIN EVENT

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On Saturday, June 22, at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Douglasville, Georgia-based contender Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) will step up on short notice to face the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Welterweight Championship.


An arm injury to undefeated Canadian Cody Crowley has opened the door for Solomon, whose fight with Mansouri will serve as the main event of Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Mo Entertainment’s (in partnership with six-time World Champion Miguel Cotto’s Miguel Cotto Promotions) “Making A Champion” event and be televised live on CBS Sports (11 pm ET/8 pm PT) along with super flyweight Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, facing Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina’s Lucas Emanuel Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured bout.


Remaining tickets for “Making A Champion” are priced at $65, $80 and $100 and are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.


“I feel good,” said Solomon. “I was already training for something else, but this came along first and an opportunity like this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to show my talent and show I’m still here. After I do what I do to this guy, that will put me back in the eyes of everyone.”


Solomon, who says he’s had some bad luck with missed opportunities and contract disputes, doesn’t know much about his last-minute opponent, but isn’t worried.


“I’ll find out what he’s got when I get in there. I can adjust to anything, so I’m not too worried about it. I just want to use this win to springboard me into bigger opportunities. I was number one in the world and getting ready for a title shot, but it didn’t work out. I want to get back out there and get my title shot I deserve. It feels like my luck is changing now.


30-year-old Mansouri from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is a former BBofC English Super Welterweight Champion and is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym.


Mansouri says the move has given him a wealth of new experience.


“Training is going really well. I’ve moved down to Los Angeles for this camp. I’ve even left my family to do this camp. It’s hard, but you have to sacrifice for this game. I’m training with (former Peter Quillen and Paulie Malignaggi trainer) Eric Brown at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. I like working with him. I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach I’m working with as well, Taylor Ramsdell. The gym has a great atmosphere to it. I’m being exposed to a lot of different styles.


With a goal of becoming a known commodity in the US, Mansouri is hoping this fight provides the launching pad.


“This is a great thing to come to America to train and fight. I always wanted to fight here and this one is on two networks, so it’s a way to put myself out there in the American market. A lot of people will be watching this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of doing.”


The exciting five-fight undercard, featuring Cleveland’s Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) taking on Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo (15-11, 12 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Cleveland’s comebacking former contender Miguel Angel Gonzalez (24-4, 16 KOs) going against Mexico City’s Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder will be streamed live on www.fite.tv  (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).
 
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Ray Leonard Jr., son of six-time world champion, Sugar Ray Leonard will provide the CBS Sports commentary. World renowned clothing designer, Karl Kani will be providing outfits for the ring girls.


The Wolstein Center is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. On fight night, the doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. Making A Champion is sponsored by B&M BBQ.


About Bigger Than Life Entertainment


BTLE is a full-service entertainment company specializing in Boxing Promotions, Public Relations and Artist Management. They place Sports and Entertainment celebrities at major events worldwide and offer sports tickets and packages in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and internationally.


About Miguel Cotto Promotions


MCP stems from the vision and passion of Miguel Angel Cotto Vazquez with the premise of giving the boxer what boxing gave his family. Emerging in 2005, MCP has since established a great rapport with the community with over 13 years in the industry solidifying its spot as one of the leading sporting firms in Puerto Rico.
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Beamon to Face Saludar and Crowley to Face Mansouri on Stacked Night of Boxing at Wolstein Center in Cleveland and Live on CBS Sports

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On Saturday, June 22, at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Mo Entertainment, in partnership with six-time World Champion Miguel Cotto’s Miguel Cotto Promotions will present “Making A Champion,” the first in a series of shows that will feature top prospects in their toughest challenges.


The six-fight night of world-class boxing features dual main events that will be televised live on CBS Sports (11:00 pm ET/8:00 pm PT) and the exciting undercard will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).


In the first televised main event, Goldsboro, North Carolina’s Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) will face former world title challenger Froilan “The Sniper” Saludar (30-3-1, 21 KOs) from the Philippines in a 12-round showdown for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Flyweight Championship.


In the second televised main event, Canada’s undefeated Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs) will take on the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Welterweight Championship.


In other intriguing match-ups, Cleveland’s own Miguel Angel “Silky Smooth” Gonzalez(24-4, 16 KOs) will fight eight lightweight rounds against Africa’s Albinius “Danny Boy Albino” Felesianu (18-2-1, 7 KOs); and in a six-round super lightweight scrap undefeated Montana “Too Pretty” Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) will face Africa’s also undefeated Tshibangu “Bebe Rico” Kayembe (9-0-3, 3 KOs).


Tickets for “Making A Champion” are priced at $30, $40, $65 and Ringside $150 and are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.


33-year-old Dewayne Beamon has won several regional championships in his four-year professional career, including the UBF World Featherweight, IBO International Super Flyweight, UBF World Super Flyweight, IBO Inter-Continental Super Flyweight and UBF World Super Flyweight Championship.


33-year-old Froilan Saludar hails from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental in The Philippines. He challenged former champ Sho Kimura for the World Boxing Organisation World Flyweight belt in July 2018 and, in his 10-year career, has previously held the WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight, WBO Youth Flyweight, WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight, WBO Oriental Flyweight and WBO Inter-Continental Flyweight Championships.


26-year-old Cody Crowley is an undefeated southpaw from Peterborough, Ontario. He is the current Canada Professional Boxing Council International Super Welterweight and Canada Professional Boxing Council National Super Welterweight Champion. He was last seen in February of this year, pitching a shutout in defense of his titles against former champion Stuart McClellan.


30-year-old Navid Mansouri hails from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, but is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym. He won the BBofC English Super Welterweight Title in 2013 and successfully defended it three times.


33-year-old Miguel Angel Gonzalez is a comebacking southpaw with victories over several top contenders in his 11-year professional boxing career. The Cleveland native previously held the WBF International Super Lightweight Championship. This will be his first fight in nearly four years.


Albinius Felesianu hails from Swakopmund, Namibia. In his 12-year career, he has held the IBF Youth Featherweight, WBF Intercontinental Lightweight and IBF Continental Africa Lightweight Championships.


24-year-old Montana Love is a southpaw from Cleveland. In July of last year, he impressively fought to a draw in a fight for the vacant World Boxing Council Youth Silver Super Lightweight Title with 12-1 Kenneth Sims Jr at the WinnaVegas Casino & Resort, in Sloan, Iowa, and live on ShoBox: The New Generation. Love was also the star of a widely viewed viral video of an infamous sparring session where he allegedly dominated WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis.


24-year-old Tshibangu Kayembe hails from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of The Congo. He is a nine-year professional and former Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) International Super Lightweight Champion.


“Working with former champ Miguel Cotto and his promotions team is a great honor,” said E Jay Mathews, CEO of Bigger Than Life Entertainment. “I am very excited to present this terrific event to the fans in Cleveland and around the world on CBS Sports and fite.tv. Each of the match-ups is of high quality. It’s going to be a great night of boxing,” Mathews added.


Ray Leonard Jr., son of six-time world champion, Sugar Ray Leonard, along with actor and television host, Chris Spencer will provide the CBS Sports commentary. World renowned clothing designer, Karl Kani will be providing outfits for the ring girls.


The Wolstein Center is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. On fight night, the doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. Making A Champion is sponsored by B&M BBQ.


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About Bigger Than Life Entertainment


BTLE is a full-service entertainment company specializing in Boxing Promotions, Public Relations and Artist Management. They place Sports and Entertainment celebrities at major events worldwide and offer sports tickets and packages in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and internationally.


About Miguel Cotto Promotions


MCP stems from the vision and passion of Miguel Angel Cotto Vazquez with the premise of giving the boxer what boxing gave his family. Emerging in 2005, MCP has since established a great rapport with the community with over 13 years in the industry solidifying its spot as one of the leading sporting firms in Puerto Rico. 
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT throne boxing: WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

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PUERTO RICO’S VAZQUEZ JR. AND MEXICO’S RIVERA CLASH ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA LIVE ON HBO LATINO® BOXING

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Roc Nation Sports & Miguel Cotto Promotions

 

KISSIMMEE, FL (Dec. 4, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a media workout ahead of throne boxing: Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera which is set for Saturday, Dec. 5 from Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico and undefeated Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico worked out ahead of their ten-round featherweight showdown this weekend.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts.

 

WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR., FORMER WBO JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

 

“I feel explosive and ready. I have that motivation that keeps me on. I’ve been working on my speed and movement just like I did when I began my career.

 

“Rivera is a classic Mexican fighter that will try to put pressure on me. We are ready to handle and take care of whatever he brings Saturday night.”

 

 

RAFAEL “BIG BANG” RIVERA, UNDEFEATED FEATHERWEIGHT:

 

“Just like my nickname says, I will be using my speed and my agility to win. I’m going to use all of the strategies I’ve been training with for the last two months.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes placeSaturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida. This throne boxing event is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and sponsored by Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Tequila Cazadores, Venue Kings and SportsLock. Also featured will be Alexander Brand vs. Medzhid Bektemirov in a ten-round light heavyweight bout which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.  The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Tickets priced at $65 and $33, plus applicable service charges, are available for purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Osceola Heritage Park box office which is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation. Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

DUSTY HERNANDEZ-HARRISON TO NOW FACE AMMETH DIAZ ON DECEMBER 5 HBO LATINO® BOXING TELECAST

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NON-TELEVISED throne boxing UNDERCARD STACKED WITH

BOXING’S HOTTEST YOUNG PROSPECTS

AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA

 

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2015) – Due to a visa issue, Canada’s Steve Claggett will be unable to participate in this weekend’s Dec. 5 televised co-feature bout against  (28-0, 15 KOs). Hernandez-Harrison will now face Ammeth Diaz (32-12, 23 KOs) of Panama City, Panama in the ten-round welterweight bout which will be the chief support to former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico against Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. Opening the HBO Latino Boxing series televised event, which will air live beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT from Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida, will be a ten-round light heavyweight bout featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs).

 

Diaz, a former world title challenger who has won five of his last seven bouts, will look to put a blemish on Hernandez-Harrison’s undefeated record this Saturday. The Panamanian has held both the WBA Fedelatin and WBC Latino Lightweight titles and owns a win over Raymundo Beltran.

 

In addition to an exciting Dec. 5 televised lineup, some of boxing’s hottest rising stars will be featured on the non-televised undercard. Roc Nation Sports standouts Luis Arias and Wellington Romero along with Miguel Cotto Promotions’ Angel Acosta,Charlie Clemente, Josean Figueroa and Ricardo Rodriguez as well as Freddie Roach protégé Mike Melykian will all see action on Dec. 5 and aim to keep fans on their feet from the opening bell through beginning of the main event.

 

Tickets priced at $65 and $33, plus applicable service charges, are available for purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Osceola Heritage Park box office which is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

 

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin now residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, undefeated Luis “Cuba” Arias (12-0, 6 KOs) began boxing at the age of seven and compiled an amateur record of 140-25, earning U.S.A Boxing’s number one men’s junior ranking in 2006, the number one men’s under-19 ranking in 2008 and the number one men’s ranking in 2010. He captured the U.S.A. Men’s Under-19 National Championship in 2008 and two U.S.A Men’s National Championships in 2009 and 2010. Arias’ professional debut took place on November 10, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles where he defeated Josh Thorpe via a four-round unanimous decision. He has reeled off 11 victories since, including three in 2015 with his last two coming by way of knockout.  On Dec. 5, he’ll look to keep his winning ways going in an eight-round super middleweight bout against Dinisio Miranda 22-12-2 (19 KOs) of Miami, Florida.

 

Fighting out of Newburgh, New York, but hailing from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Wellington “W.A.R.” Romero (8-0-1, 3 KOs) was a highly decorated amateur who was a proud member of the 2012 Dominican Olympic Boxing Team at the 2012 Games in London. Prior to that, he captured a bronze medal at the 2010 Central American Games and made back to back appearances at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championship and the 2011 Pan American Games. On October 26, 2013, Romero made his pro debut, defeating Victor Galindo via a four-round unanimous decision at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Since then he has won seven of his eight fights, with his lone set-back being an October 15, 2015 majority draw against Lazar Stojadinovic that many ringside observers had him winning. In his most recent bout on October 17, 2015 Romero scored a six-round unanimous decision victory against Ramesis Gil. On Dec. 5, he faces Noel Echevarria(11-6, 6 KOs) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina in a six-round junior welterweight bout. Guayama, Puerto Rico’s Echevarria most recently challenged Rod Salka on May 16 for the vacant WBA-NABA USA Super Featherweight title but came up short getting stopped in the sixth round.

 

Another product of Puerto Rico, Angel “Tito” Acosta (11-0, 11 KOs) will look to keep his perfect record intact on Dec. 5 against Felipe Rivas (2-2, 1 KO) of Nogales, Mexico in a six-round flyweight bout. On March 14 of this year, San Juan native Acosta took on Armando Vazquez for the vacant WBC Fecarbox Light Flyweight Championship at Coliseo Roger L. Mendoza in Caguas, Puerto Rico and came away with the title by scoring a viscous knockout in the seventh round. The undefeated prospect most recently faced Luis Almendarez on August 8, 2015 at Coliseo Hector Sola Bezares in Caguas, stopping his opponent with a first round knockout.

 

Undefeated Charlie Clemente (10-0, 4 KOs) of Carolina, Puerto Rico will also look to continue his winning ways on the Dec. 5. In his most recent bout on August 8, he scored two knockdowns en route to a four-round unanimous decision win against Elias Polanco at Gimnasio Wilfredo Rivera in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He will look to improve on his undefeated record when he takes on an opponent to be determined in a six-round flyweight bout.

 

In a six-round junior featherweight bout, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s Josean Figueroa (9-3-2, 7 KOs) will face Antoney Napunyi (11-13, 6 KOs) of Pahokee, Florida. In his last fight on June 6, Figueroa scored an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Jonell Nieves at Coliseo Ismael Delgado in Aguada, Puerto Rico.

 

In other non-televised undercard action, two Puerto Rico natives will challenge one another in a six-round junior featherweight bout when Ricardo Rodriguez (5-0, 4 KOs) of Mayaguez faces Bryan Perez (2-2, 1 KO) of Carolina. Rodriguez will look to extend his undefeated streak as he did most recently against Luis Hernandez on August 8 at Coliseo Hector Sola Bezares in Caguas when he won a four-round unanimous decision. Perez will be looking to rebound from a third round knockout against Marquel Jones on March 14 at the Sphinx Club in Washington, DC.

 

Opening the show will be Freddie Roach protégé Mike Melykian of Los Angeles who will be making his pro debut against Jimmy Rosario (0-1) of Bayamon in a four-round welterweight bout. Rosario made his pro debut on May 16, losing a unanimous decision against Ryan Pino at Coliseo Pedrin Zorilla in San Juan.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes placeSaturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall A in Kissimmee, Florida. This throne boxing event is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, ctms (Corporate Travel Made Simple) Venue Kings and Sportslock. Also featured will be undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison vs. Ammeth Diaz in a ten-round welterweight bout and Alexander Brand vs. Medzhid Bektemirov in a ten-round light heavyweight bout which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.  The tripleheader will be televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation. Follow the conversation using #throneboxing.

boxing, HBO Boxing

MEDZHID “B-52” BEKTEMIROV VOWS TO BRING EXPLOSIVE FIGHT TO ALEXANDER BRAND

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HOUSTON, TX (December 2, 2015) – Undefeated WBA #12 and WBC #13 light heavyweight contender, Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs), vows to bring an explosive fight to Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) when the two face each other this Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Osceola Heritage Center in Kissimmee, Florida.  The scheduled 10-round bout that will be shown live on HBO Latinobeginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.
“First impressions last forever and I’m going make mine a memorable one with an explosive fight,” said Medzhid “B-52” Bektemirov. “Fans can expect me to throw some big bombs, “B-52″ style, against Brand who I know is coming to fight.  Fighting on HBO is something I’ve been working toward since I became a professional boxer and I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw and Lou Savarese for making this fight.  I’ll be looking to end the fight early, that you can bank on.”
“Savarese and I believe Bektemirov can become the next big star in the light heavyweight division.” saidGary Shaw. “He’s up against a very good fighter and he knows what’s on the line.  The fans are in for a treat this Saturday and I can’t wait to see “B-52″ drop some bombs.”
“There’s a nice buzz about this fight because both guys are going to leave everything in the ring come fight night,” said Lou Savarese. “Bektemirov has the opportunity to take his career to the next level with a victory and I believe he’ll come out on top.”
Tickets are priced at $60, $35 and $20, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

ROC NATION SPORTS & MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS PRESENT

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WILFREDO VAZQUEZ JR. VS. RAFAEL RIVERA

ON DECEMBER 5, 2015 AT OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

IN KISSIMMEE, FL LIVE ON HBO® LATINO

 

NEW YORK, NY – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce their next co-promotion as part of the HBO Latino Boxing series. On Saturday, Dec. 5, former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (24-1-5, 19 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will take on undefeated Rafael Rivera (20-0-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a ten-round featherweight showdown from the Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida televised live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

In the televised co-feature, Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (28-0, 15 KOs) will take on Steve Claggett (23-1-3, 16 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight co-featured bout. Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be a ten-round light heavyweight tilt featuring Colombian slugger Alexander Brand (24-1, 19 KOs) and Russian knockout artist Medzhid Bektemirov (16-0, 12 KOs) which is presented in association with Camponovo Sports and Gary Shaw Productions.

 

Tickets are priced at $67 and $35. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 19 at 12:00 PM ET and will be available at www.ticketmaster.com andwww.ohpark.com.  To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

“I’m very happy with my team and blessed by God to have the opportunity to do what I do best which is fight,” said Vazquez Jr. “I can see that Rivera is an excellent fighter looking to go far in this business, but I am coming to give it my all. I need to overcome this challenge in order to climb back to a number one rating and win a world title belt. It’s always exciting to be part of this great rivalry between Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and this one won’t be an exception.”

 

“It’s a real honor to be able to fight a former world champion and to do it on national television with HBO Latino,” said Rivera. “I’m young and hungry to be successful in the sport of boxing and I can’t wait to trade shots with Papito Vazquez.”

 

“Once again, Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are committed to providing fight fans with an action-packed night of boxing onDec. 5,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing, Roc Nation Sports. “The HBO Latino broadcast will showcase three exciting fights featuring some of the brightest young talents in the sport.”

 

“We are excited to come back to Orlando, Florida to give the fans great fights,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “OnDec. 5, Vazquez Jr. has the opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to be at the top level of boxing when he faces a tough Mexican fighter that is hungry and willing to make a great fight. This will be another great chapter in the storied rivalry of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. has emerged from the large shadow of his father, Puerto Rican legend Wilfredo Vazquez, to make a name for himself inside the squared circle.  The 30-year-old former world champion from Bayamon is on a quest to capture a world title belt in the featherweight division.  After storming out of the gates with an 18 fight unbeaten streak, Vazquez captured the WBO junior featherweight world championship by defeating then fellow unbeaten Marvin Sonsona via a fourth round knockout on February 27, 2010 in his hometown.  Two successful title defenses followed before Vazquez lost his title to Three-Time World Champion Jorge Arce in an all-out war that the judges had a draw at the time of the twelfth round stoppage. Another world title challenge came against Six-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire on February 2, 2012, but Vazquez came up short, dropping a split decision to the champion.  In his last bout on June 6,Vazquez lost via a unanimous decision against Fernando Vargas in an eight-round bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on the undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. Daniel Geale. Dec. 5 is a true crossroads fight for the former world champion.

 

Undefeated featherweight boxer Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera made his pro debut on Aril 27, 2012 against Mario Lemus and came out with a technical knockout win in the second round. Since drawing in two of his next four fights, Rivera has reeled off 17 wins with 12 of them coming by way of knockout. In his last fight, Rivera scored an eight round unanimous decision win against Cancun, Mexico native Ruben Garcia in an eight round bout at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California. On Dec. 5, Rivera will look to hold on to his undefeated record when he battles Vazquez Jr.

 

Washington, DC’s Dusty Hernandez-Harrison made his professional debut as the youngest licensed professional fighter in the United States on June 11, 2011, less than a month following his 17th birthday. Twenty-four straight victories would follow before Hernandez-Harrison headlined Roc Nation Sports’ inaugural throne boxing event at The Theater at Madison Square in a fight televised by FOX Sports 1 on January 9, 2015, capturing the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship with a dominant ten-round unanimous decision victory over Tommy “The Razor” Rainone. Since then, he’s continued his winning ways, scoring three more wins, including a first round knockout over James Wayka in his last fight on September 26. On the 5th of Dec., he’ll look to keep that momentum going against Steve Claggett.

 

Claggett (23-3-1), from Alberta, Canada, holds the Canada Professional Boxing Council welterweight title over his most recent fight over Stuart McLennan in a third round TKO and the Canada Welterweight Title from his win by unanimous decision earlier this year against Tebor Brosch. He looks to finish his winning year, and Hernandez-Harrison’s unbeaten streak, onDec. 5.

 

Bogota, Colombia native Alexander Brand is riding a seven fight winning streak dating back to July 2012. That streak began following his only professional defeat which came at the hands of current World Champion Badou Jack via an eight-round split decision on May 11, 2012. Since that fight, Brand has passed every ring test with flying colors, notching seven consecutive victories. In his last bout on August 9, he defeated Bernard Donfack by unanimous decision. He faces the sternest test of his professional career on Dec. 5 when he faces Bektemirov.

 

Born in Makhachkala, Russia, Medzhid Bektemirov began his professional career in 2009 in Houston Texas, where he currently resides. The undefeated Bektemirov’s 16-0 record includes 12 KOs. He most recently fought on April 18, 2015 at the University of Texas against Michael Gbenga, where he won an eight-round bout by unanimous decision. He looks to stay undefeated against Brand on Dec. 5.

 

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. vs. Rafael Rivera, a ten-round featherweight bout, takes place Saturday, Dec. 5 at Osceola Heritage Park Exhibit Hall in Kissimmee, Florida and will be televised live on HBO Latino. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

boxing

Del Valle Halts Beltran; puts 122 pound division on notice!

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Comerio, Puerto Rico (November 15, 2015) – 122 pound contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle improved to 20-2 with 15 knockouts following a one-sided beatdown of 56-fight veteran Juan Jose Beltran yesterday evening at the Auditorio Municipal in Comierio, Puerto Rico.
Fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd, Del Valle dominated from the get go, dropping his Mexican foe in the opening round then following up with an onslaught of punches. Del Valle continued to take the fight to Beltran in the second, ripping him with hard shots to the body and head. Beaten and battered, Beltran elected not to come out for the third round, sending the pro-Del Valle crowd into a frenzy.
“I went in there and did what I had to,” said Del Valle. “Beltran came into this fight over the original contract weight by a significant amount, so I had to make him pay the price because I work hard in camp. Even with the unexpected weight issue, I did what I was expected to.”
With Beltran out of his way, the Bayamon native has his sights set on the 122 pound division’s upper echelon.
“The reason I am in this sport is to be the best and fight the best. Since I’ve had a few setbacks, I know I’ve got to show the boxing world that I’m still here. For my next fight, I’d love to face anybody ranked in the top fifteen of the super bantamweight division. I have what it takes to beat these guys and get a title shot. I’ll do whatever it takes to get there!”
Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @Orlanditoboxing.
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Del Valle to face veteran Beltran November 14!

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Bayamon, PR (November 10, 2015) – Popular Puerto Rican contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle will face upset minded Juan Jose Beltran in an eight round contest Saturday, November 14 at the Auditorio Municipal de Comerio in Comerio, Puerto Rico.
 
Tickets from $12 are available at TCPR.com or by calling787-792-5000. The card is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions. The Del Valle-Beltran bout will air via tape delay on Friday, November 20 on Unimas.
 
A pro for close to two decades, Beltran hails from the boxing crazed nation of Mexico. The 56 fight veteran battled numerous world champions and top contenders including Leo Santa Cruz, Jorge Arce, Eric Morel, Hugo Cazares, Claudio Marrero, Rico Ramos, Jesus Rojas and Jonathan Oquendo among others. In his most recent bout, Beltran outpointed Arturo Delgado over eight rounds. He also owns a win over two time title challenge Akihiko Nago and is out for revenge against Del Valle, who stopped him in four rounds back in 2013.
 
“Beltran has a lot of experience and has fought some of the best fighters in the world,” said Del Valle, who sports an excellent 19-2 record with 14 victories by knockout. “I give him credit for stepping up because a lot of guys didn’t want to take this fight. I need to dominate but it’s always dangerous fighting a guy with nothing to lose. Mexico vs Puerto Rico is boxing’s biggest rivalry and I know he wants to knock me out in front of my people to avenge his prior defeat. I’m not about to let that happen because I know there are bigger opportunities on the horizon, so my goal is to score another knockout and target all of the top super bantamweights!”
 
Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @OrlanditoBoxing.

 

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Super Bantamweight contender Del Valle Returns November 14 in Puerto Rico!

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Bayamon, PR (October 28, 2015) – Puerto Rican super bantamweight contender Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle will return to the ring in an eight round contest Saturday, November 14 at the Auditorio Municipal de Comerio in Comerio, Puerto Rico.

The card is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Roc Nation Sports and will air Friday, November 20 via tape delay on Unimas.

An all-action brawler that gives fans their monies worth each and every time he enters the ring, Del Valle has an excellent 19-2 professional ledger with 14 of his victories coming by knockout. Del Valle, who made a name for himself on the global scene by fighting on HBO and Showtime, stopped Roberto Castaneda in eight rounds this past March. A former NABA featherweight champion, Del Valle owns victories over Dat Nguyen and Christopher Martin.

Currently in an intense training camp alongside undefeated contender Jayson Velez, Del Valle is excited for fight night and has his sights set on bigger opportunities in 2016.

“I’d like to thank Roc Nation and Miguel Cotto Promotions for giving me another opportunity to entertain the people of Puerto Rico,” said Del Valle. “Fighting at home inspires me and if everything goes as expected on the 14th, our plan is to take on somebody in the top 5-10. First things first, I not only need to win next month but do so in dominant fashion so the top guys in the 122 pound division will have my name back on their radar!”

Del Valle’s opponent will be named shortly.

Fans can interact with Del Valle on Twitter @OrlanditoBoxing.

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Welterweight Prospect, ‘Speedy’ Rashidi Ellis will fight this Saturday for two belts in Caguas, Puerto Rico

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Former amateur star, ‘Speedy’ Rashidi Ellis ( 13-0, 10 KO’s ) from Lynn, Massachusetts will return to the ring this Saturday, March 14th at the Roger L. Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, Puerto Rico. His opponent will be Colombian, Victor Gonzalez ( 12-9, 11 KO’s ) in a 8-round bout, schedule for the vacants WBA FedeCaribe, and WBC Latino welterweight titles.
“I’m ready to take those titles to Puerto Rico and Massachusetts. I’m very grateful with my Puerto Rican people, and the fans can expect a war against a hard hitting Colombian fighter. The training with my coach Alex Rivera has been great, and we are very confident”, commented Rashidi Ellis, who next Tuesday will be joining Manny Pacquiao’s training camp at the Wild Card Gym as one of his sparring partners.
The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Roc Nation Sports.
In his last bout on November 14, Ellis outboxed, and defeated via fifth round knockout, tought veteran, Joseph De los Santos ( 18-14-9 KO’s ) from Dominican Republic in a 6 round bout at the junior middleweight division held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Ellis, who at one point of his boxing amateur career was ranked number one at the Welterweight division (152 pounds) in the United States, ended up with a record of 60-11, which included:
-2012 National PAL (Police Athletic League) Champion-Three time New England Golden Gloves Champion

-Rocky Marciano Amateur Boxing Tournament Champion

-Silver Medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic

Ellis comes from a family of boxers. His older brother, Ronald “Akeem” is an undefeated super middleweight prospect. His sister, Rashida, is a 2012 PAL champion, and a favorite win medal for the U.S. Women`s Boxing Team in the 2016 Summer Olympics.