Tag Archives: Nevada

boxing

Keith “The Bounty” Hunter Recovered from Hand Injury Ready to Face Top Contenders

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LAS VEGAS, NV (May 15, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight contender, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (12-0, 7 KOs), has fully recovered from a hand injury suffered in his last fight with Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (12-3-1, 6 KOs), a 10-round bout that headlined on ShoBox back in February of this year. 


Hunter, a Las Vegas native, is eager to face all top contenders when boxing returns. The super lightweight contender is currently ranked #13 by the WBA, meaning his shot at the top of the division is coming soon.
 
“I am ready to face the best in the division and I feel even better since my hand has fully healed with this time off,” explained Hunter, who ready to prove himself once again. “I was supposed to fight Shonjahon Ergashev and Malik Hawkins, so I’d like to fight them first, but honestly, a fight with any of the world champions is a challenge I’m ready for now. I willing and ready to face the best!”
 
Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley, is staying ready as he awaits a phone call that boxing is back.


“Keith Hunter is ready for his shot at the best in the division,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Keith has defeated two fighters signed by Mayweather Promotions in his last three consecutive bouts. He is getting national attention and his ranking in the WBA gets him closer to a world title shot. Now is Keith Hunter’s time.”
 
“I just know that I am gifted and want to win a world title to further my father’s legacy,” Hunter continued. “I am so focused, I just want to bring great entertainment to people who are in need of things to do, and if I can fight for a title, that’d even be better.”


Keith Hunter is promoted by Greg Cohen, founder, and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

CONTENDERS CLOTHING LAUNCHES FIGHTING FOR FIGHTERS FUND – ALL PROCEEDS TO GO DIRECTLY TO PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS!

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FIGHTERS CAN SIGN UP NOW FOR A DIRECT PAYMENT SENT OUT FIRST WEEK OF MAY ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE NEW’GO THE SOCAL DISTANCE’ FUNDRAISER T-SHIRT& 10% OF SALES AT CONTENDERSCLOTHING.COM TO GO TO FUND
Las Vegas, NV. (April 13, 2020): Contenders Clothing is proud to announce the creation of the Fighting for Fighters Fund, a new program that will put money directly, and immediately, into the hands of professional fighters affected by the current Covid-19 crisis.

With combat sports across the United States being suspended indefinitely, many fighters who earn a living competing professionally are self-employed contractors leaving them out of work and not eligible for state unemployment. While there is money earmarked for contract workers under the Cares Act, funds have been hard to, if not impossible, to access, leaving many working class fighters in dire need of assistance.

“While some well-known apparel companies are donating to large and mostly worldwide health organizations, we’ve yet to see any company directly help fighters,” said Contenders Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Snyder.

“We have been embraced by professional fighters of all levels who have worn our boxer briefs and t-shirts at weigh ins and we truly consider anyone who wears us as part of our family. They’ve had our back and now it’s time to have theirs.”

Funding for Fighting for Fighters will come from the sales of an exclusive, ‘Go The Social Distance’ t-shirt created specifically as a fundraiser for the program. In addition, Contenders Clothing is giving 10% of every single sale throughout the entire month of April at www.contendersclothing.com directly into the fund.

Payments will go out the first week of May and will be divided equally from the overall amount Fighting for Fighters raises between all eligible fighters.

“We’ve come to find that fighters are special people in and out of the ring and not enough people understand their sacrifice. If Fighting for Fighters can literally buy groceries for a fighters’ family for a week or pay a utility bill at a time when they desperately need it, then we will consider it a success.”

If you are an active professional fighter based in the United States whose income has been affected by the Covid-19 crisis please sign up at:
https://contendersclothing.com/pages/contenders-fighting-for-fighters-fund

If you’d like to purchase the Go the Social Distance t-shirt and have all proceeds go to the Fighting for Fighters Fund, please head to:
https://contendersclothing.com/collections/t-shirts/products/go-the-social-distance-tee

ABOUT CONTENDERS CLOTHING
Contenders Clothing’s boxer brief line, which contains the first ever officially licensed Muhammad Ali and Rocky collections, has been a favorite of professional boxers at weigh-ins since launching in 2018. From world champions such as Tyson Fury to up and coming contenders and prospects, Contenders has been at the forefront of the world of boxing apparel. 

Fight Club, Contenders Clothing’s endorsement program, was established in 2019. With a focus on working class and inspirational fighters, Contenders Fight Club has already seen one of it’s athletes, Andrew Cancio, win a world title in a massive upset. In addition to the announcement of current #1 contender and former world champion Jessie Magdaleno joining Contenders Fight Club last month, Contenders is continuing it’s commitment to the boxing industry with plans on announcing several new signees throughout 2020 that represent the future of the sport. 

For more information visit: www.contendersclothing.com
For any further information on Contenders’ Fighting for Fighters Fund – please drop us a line at chris@contendersclothing.com and we will get right back in touch. Thanks in advance for your support and helping spread the word.
Follow Contenders Clothing on Social Media! ‌  ‌  ‌
boxing, Lane Brothers Boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions

‘LANE BROTHERS BOXING’ SIGN #1 LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER MENG FANLONG & TOP HEAVYWEIGHT ZHANG ZHILEI

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OCTOBER 22nd, NYC — Number one IBF light heavyweight contender, Meng Fanlong (16-0, 10 KOs), and top heavyweight, Zhang Zhilei (20-0, 16 KOs), sign exclusive advisor agreements with newly formed ‘Lane Brothers Boxing.’ 

Meng Fanlong

Meng of Chifeng, China, is excited to have Terry and Tommy Lane be his industry representatives.

“I am really delighted to have Terry Lane and Tommy Lane on my team as my advisors.” Says Meng. “They are young and enthusiastic about boxing. They believe in me and are very professional in what they do. I believe that our cooperation will have a positive impact on my career.”

As the IBF #1 contender in the light heavyweight division, Meng is eyeing a fight early next year against Champion Artur Beterbiev, who just scored a sensational technical knockout win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk Friday night in Philadelphia. 

“This is an exciting time in Fanlong’s career.” Says Terry Lane. “He is one of the best fighters at 175 pounds, and one of the top boxing talents to come from China. We couldn’t be happier to help guide him through this journey.” 

Information about Meng Fanlong’s showdown with Beterbiev will be announced in time.

*Image – Meng Fanlong*

*Image left to right – Tommy Lane, Meng Fanlong, trainer Shaun George, Terry Lane*

Zhang Zhilei

Zhang, of Zhoukou, China, is also happy to have Terry and Tommy Lane be his career representatives.

“Terry, Tommy and I go way back since the very beginning of my turning pro here in the US.” Says Zhang. “After many years, we are now working together again. They now are my advisors. Their father is a well-known referee and hall-of-famer. The brothers have been in the business of boxing all their lives. I believe that our cooperation will be a new chapter of my professional career.”

Zhang, a 6’6’’ 260 lb 2008 Olympic silver medalist, has amassed an impressive undefeated record and is looking for big fights in the heavyweight division. 

“Zhang Zhilei is the face of boxing in China.” Says Tommy Lane. “He has so many opportunities in front of him, we are thrilled about this partnership.”

Zhang is scheduled to fight the tough Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) on November 30th at the Casino De Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo, Monaco November 30th.  The bout will be streamed on DAZN.

*Image left to right – Zhang Zhilei, Tommy Lane, Terry Lane*

*Image – Zhang Zhilei and Terry Lane*

ABOUT LANE BROTHERS BOXING

New York City Based “Lane Brothers Boxing” was founded in 2019 by brothers Terry and Tommy Lane.  The Lane brothers have worked in professional boxing for nearly fifteen years, and are now using their industry expertise to advise top international boxing talent. Terry and Tommy are the sons of former referee Mills Lane. 

boxing, UFC

Loaded Reno boxing card announced Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions

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Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS

LAS VEGAS (October 8, 2019) – Roy Jones Boxing Promotions has announced a loaded full- card for its latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, October 25 in the great fight town of Reno, Nevada.

Co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions, in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW, the event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.

Four highly competitive, entertaining matches will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS, preceded by a pair of four-round bouts to open the show.

San Antonio’s undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) champion, will take on battled-tested Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who lives in Belmont, California, in the eight-round main event.

The co-featured event will showcase Reno fan-favorite Oscar “Chapito” Vazquez (15-2, 3 KOs) against Mexican bantamweight Gilberto Mendoza (15-7-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout.  Vazquez has won 13 of his last 14 fights, while Mendoza is riding a four-fight win streak, winning eight of his last nine.

Undefeated Sacramento cruiserweight Blake McKernan (10-0, 2 KOs) faces New York veteran Shawn Miller (18-5, 7 KOs) in another eight-round bout on UFC FIGHT PASS. McKernan is looking for an impressive win against a former World Boxing Federation (WBF) title challenger such as Miller to build his name recognition outside of the region. 

The opening UFC FIGHT PASS bout will match Reno featherweight prospect Ricard Lucio(2-0, 2 KOs) versus Sacramento’s pro-debuting Samir McQueen in a four-rounder.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard on the non-UFC FIGHT PASS segment is Reno lightweight Peter Cortez (1-1) vs. undefeated Las Vegas lightweight Daquan Mays (3-0, 1 KO), and Reno lightweight Kenny Davis, Jr. (0-2-1) vs. Philip Schwartz (3-0-1, 2 KOs), of Stockton, CA, in a pair of four-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE. 

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.   

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT /

10 p.m. ET

INFORMATION: Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com www.SilverLegacy.comTwitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyInstagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyRenoFacebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino 
boxing

Next wave continuing rich Reno boxing history

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Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event
Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions

Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS



LAS VEGAS (September 16, 2019) – The next wave of Reno boxers will continue its rich boxing tradition October 25 on “RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®,” co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW in Reno, Nevada.
 
The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.
 
Local boxers such as featherweight Ricardo Lucio Galvan (2-0, 2 KOs) and super lightweight Wilfred Mariano (1-0, 1 KO) are all slated to fight on the Oct. 25th card against opponents to be determined.
 
Organized boxing was held during the early 1880’s in small mining towns in the Northwest section of Nevada, professional boxing matches were conducted there later that century.
 
Hall of Fame promoter Tex Richard and legendary heavyweight Jack Johnson first put Reno on the boxing map on July 4, 1910, when World heavyweight champion successfully defending his title against James J. Jeffries, stopping him in the 15th round at what was reportedly the only venue ever built for a single boxing event. When President William Taft declined Richard’s offer to referee, Richards became the third man in the ring. Boxing stars including Jake Kilrain, Tommy Burns, and Abe Attell were introduced to the reported crowd of 16,528.
 
Richard first brought another Hall of Fame heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, to Reno in 1915 for his ninth pro fight, when Dempsey stopped Emmanuel Campbell in the fourth round at Airdrome Arena. To fight, Dempsey had to “ride the rails” from Utah to Reno, stored away on a train with hobos. Dempsey returned three years later to knockoutJack Moran in the opening round at Moana Spring Arena.
 
Dempsey may have been involved in unsanctioned fights in Reno as well. Desperate for money during the early part of his boxing career, Dempsey is infamous for walking into saloons and saying, “I can’t sing, and I can’t dance, but I can lick any SOB in the house.”
 
In 1982 on HBO, future Hall of Famer “Sugar” Ray Leonard successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight World titles at Centennial Coliseum, knocking out Bruce Finch in round three.
 
Reno-based Gilbert’s first three (2001-2003) and last three (2010) pro fights were held in Reno, where he had a 7-2 (6 KOs) pro record.
 
Gilbert commented, “Having fought as both an amateur and a professional at these same properties; THE ROW, Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus, which are like a second home to me and all Nevada boxing alumni, it’s really an honor to bring boxing and combat sports back to Northern Nevada, a true fight town, and to provide world class entertainment and an incredible digital production through Roy Jones JR Boxing and UFC FIGHT PASSs, in a partnership with the very casinos and environment that helped make me who I am today; I couldn’t be more delighted to be a part of this opportunity with Eldorado Resorts and UFC Fight Pass through Roy Jones Jr Promotions. I’m looking forward to a prosperous partnership with everyone involved, including the local community and all fight fans in the area.”

Hall of Fame referee Mills Lane was an adopted son of Reno, arguably the No. 1 referee in the world of boxing, during his high-profile stretch of activity.
 
Reno has also hosted major amateur boxing events like the 2016 NCBA (college) Western Regional Championships at the Eldorado Hotel and USA Boxing’s 2018 Western Elite Qualifier and Regional Open. Reno will host the 2020 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open, March 21-28, 2020.
 
Undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, faces Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who lives in Belmont, California, in the eight-round main event on Oct. 25th.
 
The co-featured event pits undefeated Sacramento cruiserweight Blake McKernan (10-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Rivas (15-2, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round bout.
 
Undefeated WIBA World female bantamweight champion Rosalindo Rodriguez (10-0, 2 KOs), of Miami, takes on Las Vegas’ unbeaten Jamie “The Miracle” Mitchell (5-0-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round non-title fight.
 
Galvan is matched against Sacramento’s pro-debuting Samir McQueen, while Mariano faces an opponent to be determined.
 
Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in separate four-round bouts against TBAs are undefeated Las Vegas lightweight Daquan Mays (3-0, 1 KO) and Sacramento lightweight Sergio Vega (2-0, 2 KOs).
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE.
 
Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.  
 
Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

NFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.SilverLegacy.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacy
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyReno
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino
boxing, UFC

Rising star Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda To headline RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHTPASS® show at Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada

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Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event

Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions 

Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS

LAS VEGAS (September 9, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda plans to do some early trick or treatin’ October 25th, when he headlines another installment of “RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®,” co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW in Reno, Nevada.

The Oct. 25th show in Reno will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.

The 25-year-old Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, is a rising star and reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) super lightweight champion. His last fight was an impressive 10-round unanimous decision victory over dangerous knockout-artist Eudy Bernardo (24-3) last March.

“An impressive win on UFC FIGHT PASS means everything for me and my career,” said the personable Castaneda, who will be fighting outside of his native Texas for only the third time as a professional.  “Getting back in the ring is just another date for me. Come October 25th, the people are in for a ‘Tremendous’ thrill, because I will portray Michael Myers on a classic Halloween Night of Boxing.”  

Castaneda had approximately 120 amateur fights, highlighted by his gold-medal winning performance at the 2018 Ringside World Championships.  He was also a two-time San Antonio and Texas State Golden Gloves champion (201102012), losing both times at the Golden Gloves National Championships to the eventual champion.

At 18, Castaneda decided that he’d had enough of amateur boxer and he turned pro, largely because he his style is much better suited for the pro ranks.  

Castaneda will face the stiffest test of his young career, Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who fights out of Belmont, California, the main event.

Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE. 

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.   

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET


INFORMATION: Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com www.SilverLegacy.comTwitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyInstagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyRenoFacebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino
boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions

RENO’S JJ MARIANO TO MAKE PRO DEBUT / CARSON CITY’S ELIZONDO RETURNS TO RING JUNE 8TH

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May 30th, RENO — Northern Nevadans JJ Mariano and Diego Elizondo are scheduled to fight on the June 8th world-championship boxing card at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The event is presented by Top Rank Inc., Let’s Get It On Promotions, and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The evening’s feature attraction matches World Champion Oscar Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs) against Jason Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) for the WBO Featherweight World Title.  



Making his highly anticipated pro debut, Reno’s own JJ Mariano will be fighting William Flenoy of Fresno in a four-round jr. welterweight bout.  Mariano, who has been exciting local boxing fans by fighting for University of Nevada Reno’s boxing program, is ready to throw his hat into the prize ring.  

“I’ve been looking forward to fighting professionally for about a year now.” Says Mariano. “Being able to have your first pro fight in your hometown is something special.”

Mariano, who is a Reed High School graduate, has also recently participated in various Golden Glove tournaments.

In a battle of undefeated prospects, Carson City lightweight Diego Elizondo (2-0-1) will be fighting Sacramento’s Sergio Vega (2-0) in a four-round match.  After a layoff, Elizondo is eager to get back into the squared-circle.

“I have bigger plans in boxing.” Says Elizondo.  “A win over Vega will be a step in the right direction.”


Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round co-feature will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Fight card and event details are subject to change.

Tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.
boxing, ESPN Boxing

Oscar Valdez-Jason Sanchez Headlines Top Rank on ESPN Card June 8 at Reno-Sparks Convention Center

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Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals to clash in 10-round light heavyweight co-feature

LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

TICKETS ON SALE NOW



RENO, Nev. (May 9, 2019) — Boxing’s preeminent action superhero, Oscar Valdez, will make the sixth defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, June 8 against the upset-minded Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Valdez-Sanchez and the 10-round light heavyweight showdown between title-hungry contenders Sullivan Barrera and Michael Seals will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Gabriel Flores Jr. (13-0, 6 KOs), fresh off his third-round knockout over Eduardo Pereira Reis in front of more than 10,000 fans in his hometown of Stockton, California, will see action on the undercard.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

“Jason Sanchez is the real ‘Cinderella Man,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is young, hungry and capable of pulling off a major upset. It should be an exciting battle.”

“I’m excited to be back in the ring for the sixth defense of my world title. I know there is a big target on my back because I’m the champion, but nobody is going to take this title away from me,” Valdez said. “This will be my second fight training with Eddy Reynoso. Training with Eddy, I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I felt great in the ring during my first fight with Eddy in my corner. I know that I will look even better this time out. The fans in Reno and watching on ESPN and ESPN Deportes can expect a great showing from me on June 8.”

“I am truly honored and blessed to have an opportunity like this,” Sanchez said. “Coming from Albuquerque, New Mexico, I knew I had to work extra hard to be noticed and to get where I’m at right now. I will be bringing this belt home to Albuquerque, to my family, my supporters, and most of all, my late brother Alan Sanchez. I believe he guided me down this road and that my journey is only beginning.”

Valdez (25-0, 20 KOs), Mexico’s first two-time Olympian, has thrilled boxing fans with his go-for-broke style. He won the WBO featherweight title in July 2016 and proved his mettle with a trio of 12-round bloodbaths against Miguel Marriaga, Genesis Servania and Scott Quigg in consecutive bouts. Valdez outlasted an over-the-weight Quigg last March by unanimous decision despite fighting more than half the bout with a severely broken jaw. Following the Quigg bout, Valdez took nearly a year off, returning Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to knock out then-unbeaten Italian challenger Carmine Tommasone in the seventh round.  

The 24-year-old Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) enters this championship fight as one of the featherweight division’s fastest-rising young guns. Last October, he stunned then-unbeaten Jean Carlos Rivera via unanimous decision in Panama City, Panama. Following the Rivera victory, Sanchez signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He impressed in his Top Rank debut Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, knocking out Daniel Olea in the second round. Sanchez hopes to become only the fifth men’s boxer from New Mexico to win a world title.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), a former Cuban amateur standout, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12th and final round.

Seals (22-2, 16 KOs), a former linebacker for Alabama A&M University, traded in his cleats for trunks and turned pro after a five-fight amateur career. He was 19-0 when he clashed with Edwin Rodriguez in November 2015. In a seesaw battle that included five knockdowns, Rodriguez knocked out Seals in the third round of a Fight of the Year contender. Seals is 3-1 since the Rodriguez battle, the lone loss coming via disqualification after he hit his opponent while he was on the ground. The winner of this can’t-miss action fight will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

“I am very excited to have signed with Top Rank, a world-class organization with the best light heavyweights in the world,” Barrera said. “I am excited about the future, but the first step is to handle business June 8 and then I can look forward to a shot at a world title. My ultimate goal is Sergey Kovalev. I’ve been chasing him my whole career. Hopefully, we can finally fight this year.”

“This means everything to me. I had a great opportunity with Edwin Rodriguez, but I went into that fight with a torn rotator cuff. I was basically fighting with just my right hand,” Seals said. “Now, I am 100 percent healthy. This is my time. Barrera had his time. I feel good. I feel sharp. I feel young. I have sacrificed so much and have had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions I’ve made and all of the hardships I’ve gone through. On June 8, I’m going to unleash all of my frustration on Barrera. I don’t want to take anything away from Barrera. He’s a world-class fighter, but I am as well.”

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Sign-up to ESPN+ at www.espnplus.com.

Use the hashtags #ValdezSanchez and #BarreraSeals to join the conversation on social media.

boxing, USA Boxing

Elite Men Kick Off 2019 Western Elite Qualifier

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RENO, Nev. (March 26, 2019) – The 2019 Western Elite Qualifier & Regional Open Championships kicked off last night with 96 elite boxers taking to the rings to begin their journey in hopes of punching their ticket to the 2020 Olympic Trials for Boxing this December. 

The three rings saw 16 exciting bouts in each ring to give a preview of what is to come during the week-long tournament at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nev. This year’s edition of the Western Elite Qualifier is the second event of the USA Boxing Olympic Trials Qualifying Series, which will see two boxers in each elite Olympic weight class advance to the Trials. 

 
Action continues today with two sessions of boxing, beginning at noon with the prep and junior divisions, while the youth and elite men and women’s divisions will take to the ring beginning at 3:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST. 
 
Follow all the action this week, including our free live stream, by clicking here.   

INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
boxing, FFC, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, MMA

Kickboxing Rocks The Dome at FFC 34

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Petje Retains FFC Lightweight Title After 5 Round War With Gazani

Photo: Bruno Gazani (left) takes a body kick from FFC Lightweight Kickboxing Champion Samo Petje (right)
 
Photo courtesy: Sergey Baranov/Final Fight Championship

 

Las Vegas, NV, (November 17, 2018) – The Main Event of “FFC 34” featured an unforgettable Kickboxing title bout that was filled with non-stop action for all five championship rounds.

 

 

 

Samo Petje (36-6-1) retained his FFC Lightweight Kickboxing Title by defeating a very game challenger, Bruno Gazani (60-7-0), by majority draw (47-47, 47-47, 46-48).

 

 

 

As advertised, these two warriors (Gazani and Petje) went toe-to-toe in a very entertaining Main Event that had no shortage of crowd-pleasing highlights and thrilling moments. Gazani came forward and pressed the action for most of the night, using his solid boxing skills to his advantage. Petje was able to counter with high knees and vicious body kicks that ultimately led to the majority decision victory. It looked as if Gazani had knocked Petje down in the fifth round but it was ultimately ruled as a slip.

 

 

 

The night’s Co-Main Event, was another war that featured two MMA Heavyweights standing and striking for three straight rounds. Tony “Hulk” Johnson (12-4-1) defeated D.J. “Da Protégé” Linderman (21-15-0) by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in what was an absolute slugfest. Linderman suffered a large cut above his right eye early on in the fight and despite the constant stream of blood running down his face, he still decided to stand in the pocket and trade blows with Johnson.

 

 

 

Kevin “Thunderstorm” Johnson (6-1-0) went the distance with Isaac Luna (3-1-0) in their Super Lightweight Boxing bout. Keys won by unanimous decision (59-55, 58-56, 59-55) in an exciting fight where Luna kept coming forward and forcing Johnson to engage all night long. Johnson countered well and was able to use crisp combinations to get the decision.

 

 

 

In a Kickboxing Catchweight matchup, Meletis “Nightmare” Kakoubavas (33-7-0) caught Jermaine “J.J.” Soto (24-7-0) with a high right kick to the side of Soto’s head at the fifty-two second mark of round two of their three round fight. The fight was stopped after Soto rose to his feet from the canvas, resulting in a TKO victory for Kakoubavas.

 

 

 

The night began with Heavyweight Zac Cavender (1-0-0) winning his professional MMA debut with a first round TKO victory over Marius Cantoneru (0-2-0). Cavender’s ground and pound worked to perfection as a series of fists to the side of Cantoneru’s head caused the stoppage at the 2:30 mark of round one.

 

 

 

“FFC 34 promised to deliver action-packed fights, and as advertised, that is exactly what we delivered to our fans,” said FFC CEO/Founder, Orsat Zovko. “All of our fights, in every discipline, were competitive and that is what this Fight Dome experience is all about.”

 

 

 

“FFC 34” took place at its permanent home, “Fight Dome”, which is located at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas. The event aired nationwide on CBS Sports Network, and Claro Sports in Mexico and Latin America.

 

 

 

Final Fight Championship (FFC) is the first and only professional combat sports franchise offering fans a unique ‘multi-discipline’ experience (Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA), where every event culminates with a championship title bout. All FFC events take place inside “Fight Dome” at Caesars Entertainment’s Rio Las Vegas, the all-new mecca of combat sports.

 

 

 

 

Complete “FFC 34” MMA results below:

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

 

 

(KICKBOXING) FFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Samo Petje (36-6-1), Ljubljana, Slovenia

Win by Majority Draw, 5 Rds. (47-47, 47-47, 46-48)

Bruno Gazani (60-7-0), Sao Paulo, Brazil

(Petje Retains FFC Middleweight Title)

 

 

 

(MMA) HEAVYWEIGHTS

Tony Johnson Jr. (12-4-1), Nashville, TN

Win by Unanimous Decision, 3 Rds. (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

D.J. Linderman (21-15-0), Yreka, CA

 

 

 

(BOXING) SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Kevin Johnson (6-1-0), Las Vegas, NV

Win by Unanimous Decision, 6 Rds. (59-55, 58-56, 59-55)

Isaac Luna (3-1-0), El Paso, TX

 

 

 

(KICKBOXING) LIGHTWEIGHTS

Meletis Kakoubavas (33-7-0), Athens, Greece

Win by TKO, Referee Stoppage, (:52 – 2nd Rd.)

Jermaine Soto (24-7-0), Los Angeles, CA

 

 

 

(MMA) HEAVYWEIGHTS

Zac Cavender (1-0-0), Tooele, UT (Pro Debut)

Win by TKO, Punches, (2:30 – 1st Rd.)

Marius Cantoneru (0-2-0), Las Vegas, NV