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mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

“WSOF 24: FITCH VS. OKAMI” ADDS SEVEN PRELIMINARY CARD BOUTS TO STAR-STUDDED, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO IN CONNECTICUT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

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 Rick Glenn vs. Adam Ward tops the undercard bill that streams live on WSOF.com before the live NBCSN telecast

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 24, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today seven matchups stacked with some of the sport’s most prolific, emerging talent for the star-studded “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” world championship event at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. on Saturday, Oct. 17, live on NBCSN, beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

A featherweight (145 pounds) contest between former World Series of Fighting champion Rick “The Gladiator” Glenn and aggressive-minded standout Adam Ward will headline the preliminary bout card that will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com before the live NBCSN telecast of the five-bout main card.

An eighth bout pitting heavyweight Juliano Coutinho (6-1) of Cape Cod, Mass. against an opponent to be determined, will be announced soon.

“We are set to unleash what could very well be our most exciting lineup of preliminary bouts yet, filled with a diverse group of hungry, up-and-coming talent, future superstars and even a former world champion in Rick Glenn,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.

The 26-year –old Glenn of Marshalltown, Iowa is looking to rebound after a hard-fought defeat at the hands of Lance Palmer that cost Glenn his World Series of Fighting featherweight title.  The loss snapped Glenn’s phenomenal unbeaten streak that spanned 13 fights over the course of more than 4 years.

Heading into what will be his promotional debut under the World Series of Fighting banner, Ward of Chicago, Ill. is riding a five-fight win streak that began on September 27, 2013 when he submitted Pedro Velasco with a rear-naked choke just 42 seconds into the first round of battle.

In other featherweight preliminary bout action, Alexandre “Capitao” Almeida(16-5) of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil will square off with Saul “The Spider” Almeida (18-5) of Boston, Mass.

Alexandre, 27, will hunt for his fourth consecutive win.  To date, 12 of his 16 career conquests have come by way of submission.

Saul, 26, is seeking his sixth straight win after earning a split decision victory overChris Foster at World Series of Fighting’s debut event at Foxwoods Resort Casino on April 10.

Also at featherweight, Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (12-2) of Woburn, Mass. faces off with Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (10-8) of Bangor, Maine.

The 29-year-old Almeida is looking to notch his eighth consecutive win, while Boyington, 36, boasts an 80 percent finish rate.

In one of two middleweight (185 pounds) preliminary card fights, hard-hitting KO artist and Iraq war veteran Justin Torrey (7-1) of Springfield, Mass. will throw down with Rex “T-Rex” Harris (7-2) of West Pittston, Penn.

Six of Torrey’s seven wins to date have come by way of (T)KO, while all seven of Harris’ victories have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

In the second middleweight scrap, recent World Series of Fighting signee Louis “Handgunz” Taylor (11-3) of Chicago will make his promotional debut against unbeaten prospect Nicolai Salchov (5-0) of Dusseldorf, Germany.

In the midst of a four-fight win streak, Taylor has produced 10 of his 11 career wins by way of (T)KO or submission.  Salchov has done likewise in 4 of his 5 starts.

Washington Nunes Da Silva (5-1) of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil will meetColton Smith (5-4) of Manassas, Va. at welterweight (170 pounds).

The WSOF 24 preliminary bout card will kick off with a heavyweight affair pittingPat Walsh (6-2) of West Bridgewater, Mass. against Tyler King (9-3) of North Attleboro, Mass.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” are on sale at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

In the welterweight main event, Jon Fitch (26-7-1, 1 NC) of Fort Wayne, Ind. will face rival superstar and grappling technician Yushin “Thunder” Okami (30-9) of Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.

In the co-main event, World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Champion Blagoy Ivanov (12-1) of Sofia, Bulgaria will put his coveted title on the line for the first time against seasoned contender Derek “Caveman” Mehmen (19-6) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Doors at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 5:30 p.m.  The card is subject to change.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

DANNY O’CONNOR FACES GABRIEL BRACERO IN REMATCH ON  PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS 8 P.M. ET/5 P.M. PT

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Plus! Unbeaten Jonathan Guzman Takes On The Exciting Danny Aquino & Featherweights Ryan Kielczweski & Rafael Vasquez Collide
 
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
 
LOWELL, MA. (September 11, 2015) – Popular Massachusetts’ welterweight Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (26-2, 10 KOs) takes on Brooklyn’s Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (23-2, 4 KOs), in a 10-round rematch of their 2011 bout won by Bracero, as the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBCSN Saturday, October 10 from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The evening’s co-main event will feature undefeated super featherweight knockout artist Jonathan Guzman (19-0, 19 KOs) battling exciting brawler Danny Aquino (17-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round bout and rising local prospect Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (23-1, 7 KOs) takes on the exciting Rafael “Dynamite” Vazquez (16-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight bout.
“I’m excited to be fighting at a building with great boxing history such as the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said O’Connor. “I won the Golden Gloves there and I can’t wait to fight there again. I’m also excited to avenge my first loss against Gabriel Bracero. I’m so ready for this!”
“This is a huge fight for me and my career,” said Bracero. “I only have one thought in my mind and that’s victory. Danny is a tough opponent and on a winning streak right now. The best ‘Tito’ Bracero will be there October 10. I beat Danny before and I plan to do so again, in his backyard, even more convincingly. My best days are still ahead of me and you will see that come October 10.”
“I’m excited for the October 10th PBC on NBC Sports Net from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “All three TV fights are super competitive matchups with the outcomes in doubt. In the main event, Boston’s Danny O’Connor will rematch with Brooklyn’s Gabriel Bracero in an attempt to avenge a close decision loss. Undefeated junior featherweight puncher Jonathan Guzman will try to keep his record perfect against dangerous contender Danny Aquino. The opening bout features another 50/50-type matchup as Quincy’s Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski faces hard-punching, world-ranked Rafael Vazquez from Brooklyn.”
The city of Lowell is one rich in boxing history and is the hometown of Massachusetts legend and three-time Fight of the Year participant “Irish” Micky Ward. “It is an honor to have this fight happen in my hometown,” said Ward. “Danny O’Connor is so ready for this opportunity. He is focused like I’ve never seen him before.”
Part of Lowell’s deep boxing history are the future Hall of Famers who have fought in the city as amateurs, including Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson &Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
“Bringing a big fight to Lowell is incredible,” said Ken Casey, Founder of Murphys Boxing, “Lowell is such a great fight town and it is Micky Ward’s hometown. For Danny O’Connor to have the chance to avenge his first loss in his own backyard with all his fans cheering him on is going to be a site to see.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $125, $85, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Special student, veteran and senior ticket prices also available. For tickets visit www.lowellauditorium.com
A National Golden Gloves champion who has fought as a pro since 2008, O’Connorgets a chance to avenge his defeat to Bracero when they square off October 10. The 30-year-old is coming off of three straight knockout victories over Michael Clark, Andrew Farmer and Chris Gilbert. Fighting out of Framingham, Massachusetts, O’Connor is looking to impress in a fight on his home turf.
Bracero has won nine of his 11 fights since defeating O’Connor in 2011 and hopes to see a repeat of that performance on October 10. Fighting out of Brooklyn, the 34-year-old owns victories over Dmitry Salita, Pavel Miranda and Jermaine White. He will be going into unfriendly territory for his first pro fight in Massachusetts.
Owner of a perfect knockout percentage, Guzman looks to build off of his last three fights, all knockouts coming in the New England region. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the 26-year-old fighting out of Lawrence, Massachusetts faces the toughest challenge of his career and will look to make his mark as a 122-pound contender.
The 25-year-old Aquino made his mark with a hard fought victory over the previously undefeated Kielczweski in April and returns to New England in hopes of taking down another unbeaten prospect. Born in Mexico, Aquino fights out of Meriden Connecticut and owns victories over Jhon Alberto Molina and Coy Evans and will hope to make it three wins in a row on October 10.
A runner-up in the 2008 National Golden Glove tournament, the 25-year-old Kielczweski has become a staple fighting in his home state of Massachusetts. Born and raised in Quincy, he bounced back from his first defeat to deliver a first round knockout over Anthony Napunyi in May. Another tough challenge awaits “The Polish Prince” as he looks to prove his world title worth.
Brooklyn’s Vazquez has kept a busy schedule in 2015 and will return for his fifth fight this year when he challenges Kielczweski. While the 37-year-old Vazquez is ranked highly in the world rankings at number seven and is seeking a world title opportunity, fame and glory are not his top priorities. With an autistic daughter and a wife diagnosed with cervical cancer, Vazquez fights for his family. Getting a late start to boxing, Vazquez, who lost both of his parents at an early age and endured a stint in prison as a wayward youth, turned pro in September 2010. He has since donated portions of his purses to autism research, while also holding fundraisers to help raise awareness.
# # #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.lowellauditorium.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @DiBellaEnt, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @DOC_Boxing, @TeamBracero, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys,www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxingandwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

CHAEL SONNEN JOINS WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING AS COLOR COMMENTATOR FOR LIVE NBCSN TELECASTS

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Decorated MMA superstar to call the world championship action
at WSOF 23: “Gaethje vs. Palomino II” in Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18

LAS VEGAS (September 1, 2015) –Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar Chael Sonnen has signed on with World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) as a color commentator for multiple events, and will call his first action with veteran play-by-play announcer Todd Harris, at the highly-anticipated “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” world championship doubleheader mega-event, live on NBCSN from Phoenix, Ariz. on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 p.m. ET.

“I am stoked to join the powerhouse team at World Series of Fighting, and call their fights that feature some of the best mixed martial artists on the planet,” said Sonnen “World Series of Fighting has done an outstanding job of building their organization into a top-tier franchise in a very short span of time, and I am just proud to be a part of such a fast-growing company.

“We are thrilled to have Chael Sonnen, one of the most colorful individuals in professional sports, join our production,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo.  “We are confident Chael will enhance the fan viewing experience both for our growing national audience on NBCSN and across the globe by providing the insights he learned competing at the highest level of the sport.”

The 38-year-old Sonnen is a former three-time UFC world championship challenger, NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and two-time PAC-10 runner-up for the University of Oregon and 2000 Greco-Roman World University championships silver medalist.

As an analyst, Sonnen has covered the sport of MMA for ESPN and FOX Sports 1.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II” begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 18 from Comerica Theatre.  In the main event, undefeated reigning World Series of Fighting Lightweight (155 pounds) Champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (14-0) will put his coveted title on the line for the second time against hard-hitting challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino (23-10), six months after the two engaged in an all-out slugfest that is widely regarded as a “Fight of the Year” candidate.

In the co-main event, David Branch (16-3) will attempt to become the promotion’s first two-division champion and first World Series of Fighting light heavyweight (205 pounds) champion in history when he squares off with determined, hard-hitting KO artist Teddy Holder (9-1) in the championship round of the four-man, multi-event tournament that kicked off at Comerica Theatre on March 28.

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF.com) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.
mixed martial arts, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING RETURNS TO FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO WITH STACKED WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, LIVE ON NBCSN

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Main Event: Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami

World Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov vs. Derek Mehmen

Plus: 
Vinny Magalhaes vs. Matt Hamill
and the Return of “Notorious” Nick Newell

Tickets on Sale Friday, July 31

LAS VEGAS (July 30, 2015) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) will return to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. for the second time this year with another star-studded, world-class Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) mega-event, headlined by a welterweight (170 pounds) showdown between rival superstars Jon Fitch and Yushin “Thunder” Okami, on Saturday, Oct. 17, live on NBCSN.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” go on sale on tomorrow,Friday, July 31 at 10 a.m. ET at Ticketmaster.com and WSOF.com.

“We are excited to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino and the state of Connecticut, where we showcased our brand of world championship MMA action in front of a highly passionate audience earlier this year,” said WSOF President Ray Sefo.

“Beginning with Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami, two of the best 170-pound athletes in our entire sport,” continued Sefo, “we are assembling another card loaded with some of the top superstars and emerging stars in MMA, and we look forward to giving fans another memorable night of fights.”

In the co-main event, WSOF World Heavyweight Champion Blagoy Ivanov will put his coveted title on the line for the first time when he squares off with seasoned contenderDerek “Caveman” Mehmen.

In other action on the live NBCSN telecast, superstars Vinny Magalhaes and Matt “The Hammer” Hamill will make their respective WSOF debuts against each other in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) contest.

Also returning to the cage will be local favorite “Notorious” Nick Newell, who will take on an opponent to be named soon.

Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami

Both Fitch (26-7-1, 1 NC) of Las Vegas, Nev. and Okami (30-9) of Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan will look to return to the win column after their suffering defeats in their respective last starts, which were both world championship title bouts.

During his 12-year professional career, the 6-foot, 37-year-old Fitch, a former captain of world renowned fight team AKA and NCAA Division I wrestler for Purdue University, has submitted or scored TKO’s on a long list of rival superstars, including Roan Carneiro, Josh Burkman and Thiago Alves, and has earned decision wins over Diego Sanchez, Erick Silva and Ben Saunders.

Also a 12-year veteran of the sport, the 6-foot-2, 34- year-old Okami has earned 50 percent of his wins by way of (T)KO or submission, and boasts victories over a host of fellow marquee competitors, including Hector Lombard, Nate Marquardt, Mark Munoz and Alan Belcher.  In his WSOF debut on March 29, Okami notched a spectacular, second round (4:46) submission (arm-triangle choke) of Svetlozar Savov.

Blagoy Ivanov vs. Derek Mehmen

Ivanov (12-1) of Sofia, Bulgaria made history on June 5, 2015 when the 5-foot-11, 28-year-old pulled off a stunning, third round (1:17) submission (guillotine choke) of Smealinho Rama to become the second WSOF world heavyweight champion ever.

A judo black belt and 2008 Combat Sambo world champion, Ivanov defeated all-time great Fedor Emelianenko in the semi-final stage of the championship tournament.

Mehmen (19-6) of Coconut Creek, Fla. via Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a 6-foot-4, 30-year-old member of American Top Team. The heavy-handed, 9-year veteran of the sport has earned 11 of his 19 professional career wins by way of (T)KO.

Mehmen earned the 2013 “KO Punch of the Year,” awarded by AXS TV’s Inside MMAprogram, for his devastating, second round (2:40) finish of Rolles Gracie, Jr. at WSOF 5 on Sept. 14, 2013.

Vinny Magalhaes vs. Matt Hamill

A former world MMA champion and multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, Magalhaes (12-7, 1 NC) of Las Vegas, Nev. will look to notch his third consecutive victory during his first start in the WSOF decagon cage and first appearance of 2015.

In his last effort, the 6-foot-3, 31-year-old native of Brazil submitted (guillotine choke)Jason Brilz in the fourth round (:36) of their matchup on Sept. 26, 2014.

A decade long veteran of MMA, Hamill of Loveland, Ohio remains one of the most inspirational athletes in all of MMA.  Deaf since birth, Hamill has persevered time and time again, earning his way to three NCAA Division III wrestling national titles before dedicating himself to MMA.

The subject of a 2010 biographical film entitled “The Hammer,” the 6-foot-2, 38-year-old owns notable wins over Tito Ortiz, Tim Boetsch, Keith Jardine and Mark Munoz, among others, and also boasts past clashes with Michael Bisping, Rich Franklin,Alexander Gustafsson, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Jon Jones.

The live NBCSN telecast of “WSOF 24: Fitch vs. Okami” will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.

Doors at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 4:30 p.m. ET, and the first preliminary card bout will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Additional matchups will be announced soon.  The card is subject to change.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BEIBUT SHUMENOV WINS CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE WITH VICTORY OVER B.J. FLORES ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN

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FROM THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT

(Photo Credit: Suzanne Teresa/PBC)

ISIAH THOMAS TRIUMPHANT IN BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHTS AGAINST JORDAN SHIMMELL

Claudio Marrero Knocks Out Rico Ramos In Round Two

&

Andrew Tabiti Shuts Out Roberto Santos To Remain Undefeated

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (July 25, 2015) – Beibut Shumenov (16-2, 10 KOs) defeated B.J. Flores (31-2-1, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision Saturday night to win a cruiserweight world title on Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Shumenov came out aggressive early before using his movement late to earn a world title in a second division and become the first fighter from Kazakhstan to achieve that feat. Flores was competitive throughout the fight, countering effectively when Shumenov showed aggression while landing more power punches.

 

In the 12th-round Flores wobbled Shumenov on the ropes in the closing seconds, but was unable to earn a knockdown. Shumenov used a strong jab and quick movements to make Flores miss consistently. All three judges scored the fight 116-112.

 

In a battle of undefeated rising cruiserweight contenders, Detroit’s Isiah Thomas (15-0, 6 KOs) earned a hard-fought victory over Jordan Shimmell (19-1, 16 KOs) in their 10-round bout.

 

The southpaw Thomas used his slick-style to slow down Shimmell’s offense and land lead rights to the head that left Shimmell’s right eye cut. Thomas was able to fend Shimmell off on the inside as the broader Shimmell attempted to land big punches from close quarters. Thomas won by the scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93.

 

In further action, Dominican power-puncher Claudio Marrero (19-1, 14 KOs) delivered a vicious second round knockout over former world champion Rico Ramos (24-5, 12 KOs). Marrero connected with a strong overhand left that immediately sent Ramos to the canvas, prompting referee Jay Nady to wave off the count. The knockout came twenty seconds into the round.

 

The televised opener featured undefeated cruiserweight Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(11-0, 10 KOs) scoring a dominant unanimous decision victory over Roberto Santos(12-2, 5 KOs). Tabiti used his length and speed to outwork and outland Santos over the eight-round fight. All three judges scored the fight 80-72.

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“B.J. is a strong guy but he was lunging while I was scoring points. I’m still in the learning process and I’m more comfortable as a cruiserweight.

 

“Boxing is an art. I used my skills, positioning, angles and footwork to win the fight.

 

“I feel blessed, I have a strong team that is like one. Without them I wouldn’t have won the fight tonight.

 

“I followed the instructions from my corner and thought I won the fight clearly.

 

“I had extra motivation to make history. I first did that when I wont the light heavyweight title in 10 fights and now I’m the first person from my country to win world titles in two different division. I’m very proud of that.

 

“Denis Lebedev is my main target. But I want to fight all the best and most dangerous cruiserweights in the world.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“Beibut always comes forward, he’s very tough, but tonight he ran the whole night. It’s tough to win a fight when the guy is trying to run in circles.

 

“My punches were crisp and effective and I hurt him. He had nothing on his punches and never hurt me.

 

“I wobbled him in the twelfth round and then I went in to rush him. He kept moving back though.

 

“You have to want to fight. PBC is about guys wanting to fight. That’s what it’s all about.

 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring, I’m fine. It was difficult to catch up with him because he wanted to move around so much.

 

“I learned in those last few rounds that even though he was moving around so much, I could pick up the tempo and bring the fight to him.

 

“You can’t fight a guy who isn’t trying to engage. You have to fight to win the fight. He was throwing jabs while I was trying to hurt him.

 

“I’m so thankful to all my fans who came out tonight, I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I will be back. Beibut, I want the rematch.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I think I did well in there. I listened to my corner and was able to land punches.

 

“I used my defense, my eyes and most importantly I listened to my corner. I should have thrown some more punches, but I wanted to stay on the outside and use angles.

 

“I knew it was going to be a close fight, he came very hard and I had to be at my best. Me and my team were able to get it done.

 

“I feel great about representing Detroit boxing. I want to carry on the legendary legacy of Kronk Gym and just keep working.

 

“This win is huge for my career. Being on the national stage was a great experience for me.

 

“I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. I’m going to get back in the gym and get with my team but I’ll be back soon.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I thought it was a closer fight than the judges had it. Nothing he did surprised me, I knew it was going to be a tough fight.

 

“I just have to be even more prepared. He is a great fighter, I thought it was closer. But he’s a great fighter.

 

“I’m okay, I’m going to come back.”

 

CLAUDIO MARRERO

 

“I trained very hard for this fight and I was just listening to the corner and we saw that the overhand was open and I connected on it.

 

“I’ve improved a lot since my loss and I come into each fight better and better. I’m more confident in my preparation and I have a great fight plan.

 

“I’m very excited about this victory. We worked so hard for this fight. I hope that boxing will take Dominican fighters a little more seriously. There are currently two Dominican world champions and I want to be the third.

 

“I want to fight the best of the best. Whoever it is, I’m ready”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I stayed disciplined tonight. It was a good test tonight and I’m just ready to get back to work.

 

“I was a little disappointed I couldn’t get the knockout but I felt really good in there. Hats off to my opponent, he was tough and could really take a punch.

 

“I hurt him in the last round and he was holding me, but he was able to stay on his feet. I’m still going to knock guys out but I wanted to show the world I have the talent to go in there and box.

 

“I hope that I left everyone entertained and I’m going to keep on working hard and go from there.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBCSN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

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(Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions)

 

Click HERE For Photos From Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

 

Click HERE For Photos From Suzanne Teresa/Premier Boxing Champions

LAS VEGAS (July 23, 2015) – Fighters competing in a pair of exciting cruiserweight matchups on Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN event held a final press conference Thursday in advance of their July 25 bouts at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) taking on B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. A 10-round battle between undefeated fighters Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs) will also be featured on the telecast.

 

Rounding out the televised action is a 10-round featherweight battle between former world champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) and Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) plus eight-round of cruiserweight action featuring undefeated knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (10-0, 10 KOs) taking on Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“I’m very happy to be part of PBC. My training camp was excellent, my best because I wasn’t stressed about losing weight.  I’m blessed to have a great coach, Ismael Salas, and assistant coaches Jeff Grmoja and Rodney Crisler.

 

“All the work has been done for Saturday night. I want to fight the best to prove that I’m the best cruiserweight in the world.

“I’m really happy for this opportunity.  I feel reborn since I met my new trainer.  I’ve changed and I feel like it’s a new beginning.  I want to fight the best fighters in the world.

“Every day we work hard on fundamentals to improve my skills and conditioning.  Each day I learn.

“I feel much better as a cruiserweight without stress on my body like I did when I had to make 175 pounds. Now, I just focus on getting better instead of making weight.

“Flores has been a cruiserweight for a long time.  Fighting an opponent like him is a good opportunity for me.

“If I pass the test, I want to unify the titles.”

 

B.J. FLORES

 

“I want to thank everyone on my team for having faith in me and believing me. This is a great opportunity for my career.

 

“I’m very excited about this night and this whole event. We have a great night of cruiserweight boxing. I’ve kept an eye on all of these guys because you never know who you’ll fight and now we’re all up here on the dais.

 

“As I look back in my career there are a lot of things I would have changed and things I would have done differently. I’ve had different promoters and switched things around a lot. I feel like this Saturday, I have the chance to erase all the wrongs from my career.

 

“Something that is very motivating for me is my one loss, when I traveled over to Australia to fight Danny Green.

 

“At 200-pounds I’ve never lost and I’m not going to lose on Saturday night.

 

“I have a lot of confidence and a lot of motivation coming into this fight. Beibut is a good fighter and I’ve taken this challenge more seriously than any other fight in my entire life.

 

“I know the dangers that this man possesses and I’ll be ready for them on Saturday. I’m going to lay it all out on the line and cement my entire career on Saturday night.

 

“I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring with Beibut. He’s a very good fighter. They don’t give light heavyweight world titles for free or because they’re easy. He earned it. Everything he’s gotten in his career he’s earned and I’m looking to get mine on Saturday night.”

 

JORDAN SHIMMELL

 

“I feel ready. I’m prepared. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for quite a while now. I trained hard and feel healthy. I just have to perform well and show everything I have on Saturday.

 

“From a young age it was always a dream of mine to be on this stage. Making it here now, I just want to further my career and perform well so I can do that.

 

“Anytime you get to fight in Vegas it’s an exciting thing. This is the boxing headquarters of the world. Being on the main stage on television is very exciting.

 

“I know Isiah is a quick guy, so we’ve been working a lot of speed, quickness and movement. I pride myself on not getting hit often. I want to continue that and make it an easier fight on Saturday.

 

“Fighting on this PBC card is definitely a big motivation because it’s where I’ve wanted to be. I want to get another opportunity to fight on television and if I perform well I think that will do it.

 

“I’m a good well-rounded fighter that can do a bit of everything. That’s what makes my fights easier, because I’m able to switch up styles.

 

“I represent the whole state of Michigan in this fight. I want to rep the state and eventually the whole country.

 

“Quite possibly one of those guys who was up on stage with me could a future opponent. Those are the top guys in the division and they’re all great fighters so I would look forward to any fight my team puts together.”

 

ISIAH THOMAS

 

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be fighting in Las Vegas for the first time. I’ve said it before though, it doesn’t matter where I fight, my emotions are always in check and I’m just ready to go to work.

 

“Training camp was excellent. I was five weeks into training camp when I got this fight so everything is 100 percent.

 

“I’ve worked on staying busy, throwing a lot of punches and using angles. I’ll outwork him or outland him. I’m going to use my speed and my boxing skills.

 

“I’m a puncher-boxer with great ring generalship. I’m an all-around fighter. I want to get in the ring and look spectacular.

 

“I’m just going to work every night, if the knockout comes I’ll go for it. But it’s more about just looking impressive.

 

“To be a part of the PBC movement means a lot. They’re bringing back the history of boxing and to be a part of the movement is really important to me.”

 

ANDREW TABITI

 

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve worked hard to prepare myself to fight. Come Saturday it’s just going to be a regular day in the ring.

 

“Everything I do is setup, it’s like chess. I try to be smart and not take too much punishment. I want to catch guys when they make mistakes.

 

“I’m prepared for my opponent and the Mexican-style he’ll bring into the ring. I plan on him ending up like the rest of them.

 

“Being in the Mayweather gym is great because there’s so many different kinds of fighters in there. It feels like a fight every day. It gets your mind ready for the stage like this. There’s all kinds of people looking at you and it helps you get ready mentally.

 

“I’d like to fight any of the guys on the stage today. I want to make good fights and bring the cruiserweight division back.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION RICO RAMOS TAKES ON CLAUDIO MARRERO ON SATURDAY, JULY 25 AT THE PEARL AT PALMS CASINO RESORT IN LAS VEGAS

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Plus! Undefeated Prospects Michael Hunter, Andrew Tabiti

& Ladarius Miller All In Action

 

Main Event Features Beibut Shumenov vs. B.J. Flores

On Premier Boxing Champions On NBCSN

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2015) – Former World Champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight battle on Saturday, July 25 at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

 

The bout is part of a full night action headlined by a 12-round cruiserweight showdown between Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) and B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round contest between undefeated cruiserweights Jordan Shimmell(19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased atwww.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Undefeated prospects will faces tough tests Saturday as knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti(10-0, 10 KOs) faces Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (8-0, 5 KOs) battles Michael Bissett (9-7, 7 KOs)in 10-rounds of heavyweight action and Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (7-0, 1 KO)rounds out the action in a six-round super lightweight contest against Sean Gee (2-0).

 

A decorated amateur out of Carson, California, Ramos won a super bantamweight world title in 2011 by knocking out Akifumi Shimoda. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Efrain Esquivias and Carlos Ivan Velasquez. He most recently took home a unanimous decision victory over Juan Ruiz in Dec. 2014.

 

After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. At 26-years-old, he brings a four-fight win streak into this matchup on July 25, including his most recent victory over Orlando Rizo in February.

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who won U.S. Amateur Championships in 2009 and 2007, the 26-year-old Hunter has begun to make a name for himself in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2013. After winning four times in 2014, the Van Nuys, California-native won a unanimous decision over Avery Gibson in February to start 2015 and followed that up by stopping Deon Elam in June. He takes on the 31-year-old Bissett of Biloxi, Mississippi.

 

Coming off of a thrilling one-punch knockout over Thomas Hanshaw in June, the 25-year-old Tabiti looks to keep his knockout ratio perfect when he returns on July 25. The Chicago-born cruiserweight now fighting out of Las Vegas will face the most experienced fighter of his career when he battles the 26-year-old Mexican Santos.

 

A slick fighter out of Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 21-year-old most recently took home a unanimous decision over Marquis Taylor in April and will return to take on the 27-year-old Portland, Oregon born Gee.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports
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Two critical decisions paying Dividends for Beibut Shumenov

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(L-R) – Head coach Ismael Salas and Beibut Shumenov

(photo by Isaiah Gomez / Mayweather Promotions)

LAS VEGAS (July 20, 2015) – Nearly one year ago, former World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) made two critical decisions that are now paying dividends as the 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian prepares for this Saturday night’s (July 25) showdown with B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) at The Palms in Shumenov’s adopted home of Las Vegas.

First, after struggling to lose weight in order to make the 175-pound light heavyweight limit, which often left Shumenov weakened during his fights, he decided to move up one weight class to fight as a cruiserweight. Then, after self-training himself for three fights, Shumenov started working with highly-regarded Cuban head trainer Ismael Salas, who also trains World Boxing Council (WBC) World Lightweight Champion Jorge Linares. He has also handled present and past world champions such as Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriokis Gamboa, Danny Green, and Jesse Vargas.

With Salas in his corner for the first time, Shumenov made his cruiserweight debut last December at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, in which Bobby Thomas, Jr. (14-2, 9 KOs) retired after the fifth round when he could no longer take an old-fashioned beating.

These two aforementioned critical decisions have already positioned WBA No. 1-ranked Shumenov to fight WBA No. 3-rated Flores for the interim WBA cruiserweight title, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event to air live on NBCSN.

Shumenov is a physical specimen, impressively cut with bulging muscles. However, as he aged, the constant wear and tear associated with making weight – it’s much more difficult to lose muscle than fat – simply became too much for him to overcome. When he first came to the United States eight years ago, ironically, he thought about fighting as a heavyweight or cruiserweight, but he ultimately decided to fight as a light heavyweight. He went on to set the world light heavyweight record for fewest career fights, 10, needed to become world light heavyweight champion

“Since moving up to cruiserweight,” Shumenov said, “I have had no problems making weight. No stress at all! All I think about now is how I can be a better fighter. I really enjoy being a cruiserweight and I have only positive energy at the gym.”

Salas agrees that Shumenov is comfortable and effective fighting as a world-class cruiserweight. “Beibut has adapted very well to fighting in the cruiserweight class,” Salas noted. “It is due to his healthy way of working hard and eating well. He doesn’t struggle anymore to make weight. Plus, he still has good mobility and power punching ability.”

The connection between Shumenov and Salas was immediate, largely due to a similar boxing program Shumenov learned in Kazakhstan, Salas in Cuba, which focus on fundamentals.

“Ismael is the coach I dreamed of finding,” Shumenov remarked. “We have a lot of similarities in our boxing school background. We had chemistry right away, from the first day of training. I also have two assistant coaches, Jeff Grmoja and Rodney Crisler, and we all discuss and share our boxing knowledge as a team to help me become a better fighter. We now all think as one.”

Salas agrees with Shumenov about their instant connection, adding: “It is true that we come from very similar training systems. We’ve added a professional approach to training, stressing the fundamentals of boxing skills. Add Beibut’s mental strength and all his hard work to be prepared in the ring to adjust, in approximately 10 months, and we have a new team that works so well together.”

On paper, Flores may have an experience advantage over Shumenov – 33 pro fights to 17 – but Shumenov has faced a much higher quality of opposition having fought in eight (6-2) world title fights. In his 17 pro fights, Shumenov has fought five world champions and five world title challengers. Flores lost to the only world champion he’s fought, then-IBO cruiserweight Danny Green.

“We’re prepared to face anything BJ Flores will bring, so I believe it’ll be an exciting, competitive fight between two experienced fighters,” Salas concluded. “The first few rounds may be a like a master chess game.”

Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BEIBUT SHUMENOV MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Esaiah Gomez/Mayweather Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (July 15, 2015) – Former world champion Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) hosted a media workout at a private gym in Las Vegas on Tuesday as he prepares for his Premier Boxing Champions on NBCSN showdown with B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 live from the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

 

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a battle of undefeated cruiserweights between Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Here is what Shumenov had to say on Tuesday:

 

BEIBUT SHUMENOV

 

“B.J. Flores is a good, tough cruiserweight who has a lot of good experience. I am prepared to fight with any style and against any style.

 

“I’m ready for anything in the ring and I want to make it a great fight for the fans.

 

On working with head trainer Ismael Salas for a second fight: “Ismael is the coach I dreamed about fighting. We have a lot of similarities in our boxing backgrounds. I learned in the Soviet Union system and the Cuban system that Ismael teaches is very similar.

 

“Me and Ismael had great chemistry right away from the first day of training.

 

On fighting at cruiserweight: “All I thought about was making weight when I fought at 175. There was too much stress on my body to lose weight and it was also affecting me psychologically because all I thought about was losing weight.

 

“Now, as a cruiserweight, I have no problems making weight. There is no stress at all.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing and www.mayweatherpromotions.com,follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.
Boxcino, boxing, CBS Boxing, ESPN Boxing, NBC, PBC on ESPN, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SERIES HEATS UP SUMMER

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Multi-Network Lineup of Elite Fighter Matchups Provides #FreeBoxing4All

 

 

Las Vegas, July 10, 2015 –Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series has released the summer schedule, showcasing the world’s best boxing matchups, as elite fighters collide on the sport’s newest stage. In the coming months, the PBC Series will air on ESPN (July 11th, Aug 1st and 29th), NBC (Sep 12th and Sep 26th), CBS (July 18th and Sep 6th), NBCSN  (July 25th and August 15th), Spike (Aug 14th and Sep 11th) and Bounce TV (August 2nd).

 

The PBC series, launched on March 7, 2015, has:

  • Brought quality fights to more than 22 million viewers on free TV, including the PBC debut matchup between Robert Guerrero and Keith Thurman (which boxing pundits have called one of the best fights of 2015)
  • Teamed up with NBC, CBS, ESPN, SPIKE, Bounce TV, and more to come…. Taking boxing back to the fans!
  • Rallied fan support for PBC’s mission through the promotion of #FreeBoxing4All in social media channels – reaching more than four million fans and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of boxing enthusiasts to share messages about the importance of accessible, quality fights

Please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and follow Premier Boxing Champions onFacebook and Twitter.  Follow #FreeBoxing4All to monitor fan conversation.

 

For additional information, please contact Mike Donahue:  Michael@haymonboxing.com

#FreeBoxing4All