Tag Archives: Niall Kennedy

boxing, Murphys Boxing

MURPHYS BOXING RETURNS TO MGM SPRINGFIELD FOR SPECIAL OUTDOOR MATINEE EVENT ON AUGUST 17 FEATURING NABA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, CHARLES FOSTER AND UNDEFEATED IRISH HEAVYWEIGHT, NIALL KENNEDY! LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS!

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UNDEFEATED IRISH HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT, NIALL KENNEDY TO FACE DEVIN VARGAS IN CO-MAIN EVENT

NEW ENGLAND FAN FAVORITE, SHELLY VINCENT TO MAKE RETURN

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JULY 19TH ATWWW.MURPHYSBOXING.COM

Springfield, Massachusetts (July 16, 2019):


Murphys Boxing is proud to announce their return to MGM Springfield for a special outdoor matinee event on Saturday, August 17, 2019 that will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass.


In the main event, NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Charles Foster (18-0, 9 KOs) will defend his title for the fourth time in a 10 round bout against Russian power puncher,Denis Grachev (19-7-1, 10 KOs).



Foster, who hails from nearby New Haven, Connecticut is ranked #10 in the world by theWBA and is coming off an impressive stoppage victory over Chicago’s once beaten, Mike Jiminez this past March.


Grachev known as ‘Drago’s Son’, is currently on a 3 fight win streak in 2019 and an upset win over Foster would immediately land the Russian back into the world rankings.


“I’m excited to be in the main event at an amazing venue like MGM Springfield.”, explains Foster, the confident southpaw who goes by the nickname, ‘The Truth’.


“I truly feel I am ready to take on anyone in the Top 10. I want to be in position for a shot at a world title next year. On August 17th, I intend to make a statement to the rest of the light heavyweight division by defending my title and stopping Grachev.”


In the 10 round co-main event one of Murphys Boxing’s most popular fighters, Irish heavyweight sensation, Niall Kennedy (13-0-1, 8 KOs) will face one of his toughest tests to date, 2014 USA Olympian, Devin Vargas (20-5, 8 KOs) in a crossroads battle that will put the winner in line for a major opportunity in the red hot division.


‘Boom Boom’ who also serves as a police officer in his hometown of Gorey, Ireland has amassed a sizable Massachusetts based following having fought virtually all of his professional fights in New England winning the state’s heavyweight title in the process.


“I’m excited to be fighting at MGM Springfield. It’s my first time in that area [of Massachusetts] and what an event to be on, getting to share the bill with the talented Charles Foster.”, says the humble heavyweight.


“We are hoping it [the fight] will be for a world ranking and my opponent, I believe, is a former Olympian who has mixed with the top table and who I am sure will bring the best out of me. Training is going exceptionally well. I’m going to put every ounce of blood and sweat into making my little boy, MJ and my wife proud. I am honored and blessed to have Ken and Packie guiding my career and at 35, this is the year where I want to get myself into the top 20 and into massive fights and for that to happen I need to perform on August 17th.”


The undercard will feature several local fighters including:


Shelly Vincent (25-2, 1 KO), the pride of Providence, and a former world title challenger, will make her return in an 8 round featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.


Anthony Velazquez (7-0, 7 KOs), one of the most popular fighters in Springfield, will appear in a 6 round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named.


Derrick Whitley Jr. (5-1-1), who comes from Springfield’s famed fighting Whitley family, will face an opponent to be named in a 6 round welterweight bout.


Ray Jay Bermudez (7-0, 5 KOs) who hails from nearby Albany, New York, will appear in a 6 round super lightweight bout.


Two more additional fights will be announced shortly.


“Our first fight at MGM Springfield in May, which was also our UFC Fight Pass debut, was an amazing night and a total success.”, explains Ken Casey, founder of Murphys Boxing.


“For our return to MGM Springfield we wanted to take it to another level. Having a top 10 world ranked fighter like Charles Foster make a title defense in his backyard, adding Niall Kennedy in a high stakes heavyweight showdown and then making it an outdoor matinee show, we think accomplishes that goal. We can’t wait to be back at MGM Springfield on August 17th.”


Murphys Boxing presents Foster vs. Grachev on Saturday, May 17th at MGM Springfield in Springfield, Massachusetts (1 MGM Way, Springfield, MA. 01103). Doors open at 1pm and the first fight starts at 2pm. Tickets are priced at $45, $75, $100 and $125 go on sale this Friday, July 19th at: www.murphysboxing.com and www.mgmspringfield/
entertainment. The entire event will stream live on UFC Fight Pass at www.ufc.tv.
boxing

UNDEFEATED IRISH HEAVYWEIGHT, NIALL KENNEDY ADDED TO MURPHYS BOXING 4TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CLASH

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KENNEDY JOINS FELLOW COUNTRYMEN, GARY ’SPIKE’ O’SULLIVAN, JOHN JOYCE & NOEL MURPHY ON STACKED HOLIDAY CARD 


SATURDAY, MARCH 16TH AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN BOSTON


EVENT IS ALMOST SOLD OUT. LIMITED TICKETS HERE!


Boston (March 4, 2019):


Murphys Boxing is excited to announce that undefeated, Irish heavyweight, Niall Kennedy (12-0-1, 8 KOs) has been added to The 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash which takes place Saturday, March 16th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues.


One of Murphys Boxing’s most popular fighters, ‘Boom Boom’, is coming off a dominant unanimous decision win this past October when he took the ‘O’ from fellow undefeated heavyweight, Brendan Barrett in a fight broadcast on DAZN.


Kennedy’s 2019 debut will fittingly take place at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Clash, his third time appearing at the annual event, and he knows firsthand the excitement and energy that comes with it.


“I won the Massachusetts State Heavyweight Title on the Murphys Paddys Day show in 2017 and it was an amazing experience. The atmosphere is like nothing I’ve ever witnessed at a boxing event. I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”


Kennedy, despite hailing from Gorey, Ireland where he works full time as a policeman, has fought 10 of his 13 professional fights in the New England area and actually considers Boston his boxing home. 


“I’m blessed with the support that I have received from the people of Boston and Massachusetts in general. I have a large family connection in the state who bring out massive support so when it comes to boxing homes, Boston is my first boxing home.”


As for 2019, Kennedy is dead set on upping the competition and even has his eyes on a fellow unbeaten heavyweight who like himself is creating a buzz in a boxing crazed east coast city.


“My goal is always to improve with each fight. I want to be world ranked and fight the top names in the division but I know if that’s going to happen, 2019 has to be a huge year for me. There’s a lot of fighters I want to share the ring with but right now I think myself vs Philadelphia’s Darmani Rock is a fight that should and will happen.”


Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey agrees that 2019 will be a breakout year for Kennedy and that his addition to the St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes the event to a whole new level.


“Niall is one of our most popular fighters and he has huge fights on the horizon. We want to keep him active this year so he can be at his best for what lies ahead. Having an Irish heavyweight on a St. Patrick’s Day show puts this card over the top as one of the best Murphys Boxing has ever done.”


The Saint Patrick’s Day Clash will truly be an Irish heavy affair as Kennedy joins a card that has fellow Murphys Boxing stablemate, Cork, Ireland’s Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan (29-3, 20 KOs) in a risky fight against Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) as well as the much anticipated all Irish welterweight showdown between Cork, Ireland’s John Joyce (7-0, 4 KOs) and Lucan, Ireland’s Noel Murphy (12-1-1, 2 KOs).


Headlining the annual event will be NABA Junior Middleweight Champion, Massachusetts’ Mark DeLuca (22-1, 13 KOs) who will put his title, and his top 10 world ranking, on the line against Connecticut’s Jimmy Williams (16-1-1, 5 KOs).


In the co-main event, undefeated NABA Light Heavyweight Champion, Connecticut’sCharles Foster (17-0, 8 KOs) will take on once beaten, Chicago power puncher, Mike Jiminez (22-1-2, 14 KOs).


Murphys Boxing’s 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes place on Saturday, March 16th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues (15 Lansdowne Street). Doors open at 7pm. The night will also feature a special “in ring” acoustic performance by The Dropkick Murphys. Limited tickets are on sale now at:


http://www.houseofblues.com/
boston/EventDetail?tmeventid=01005639934736F6&offerid=0


For group sales and VIP ticket information contact Mike Bloom atmbloom@murphysboxing.com


2019 MURPHYS BOXING RESULTS


1/26 – William Foster III (9-0, 6 KOs) UD over Angel Suarez
*Foster defended his NABF Jr. Super Featherweight Title


2/9 – Carlos Gongora (15-0, 12 KOs) KO 5 over Jesus Aviles
*Gongora won the WBC South American Middleweight Title


UPCOMING MURPHYS BOXING EVENTS


3/16/19 – Boston, MA. St. Patrick’s Day Clash
3/29/19 – Melrose, MA. Vendetti vs. Woods


ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING


Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III, Abraham Nova, Mike Ohan Jr. and more!


For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC, women's boxing, wrestling

Pro Boxer Walter Wright Joins the FNU Combat Sports Show

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Image result for Walter Wright, boxing Walter Wright (16-4, 8 KOs) squares off against Mark DeLuca (21-0, 13 KOs) in the main event at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH this Saturday night. (see poster below) This week we caught up with Walter before he made the trip east from Seattle. We interviewed him about the big fight and discussed his career in general. We also recapped all of last week’s boxing and MMA events and provided some other news tidbits like the Creed II trailer release and Ronda Rousey’s 30-day suspension from the WWE. Listen to the full broadcast with the interview included here:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bl8h8ywh1wokwhc/tomtonyrichfirstdayofsummer2018.mp3?dl=0

 

Listen to just the Walter Wright interview by itself here:

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK BOXING FEATURING LAMANNA VS. BRACERO WRAPS UP FACEBOOK FIGHTNIGHT LIVE WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER ON SATURDAY

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Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi call the action live from the boardwalk; Ten month-old fan-friendly fight series averages 88,952 views per show and recently eclipsed 1,000,000-view milestone
NEW YORK (Feb. 21, 2018) – Recently reaching 1,000,000 views for the series, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE looks to establish another benchmark this Friday–Saturday, Feb. 23-24, with back-to-back-to-back shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. A red-hot card from the Jersey Shore caps the epic weekend, as the fan-friendly streaming service partners with Rising Star Promotions on Saturday night, Feb. 24. Fans from across the globe can catch seven bouts beginning at 7 p.m. wherever Facebook is available, including a crossroads main event battle featuring Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (25-2, 9 KOs) and Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (24-3, 5 KOs).
“We’re excited to be taking this next step for the series, and to be capping the weekend with an outstanding card that will delight fight fans, called by Ray Flores and Paulie Malignaggi,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Boardwalk Boxing at The Showboat will be back in a big way on Saturday night with names like LaManna, Bracero, Rainone, Julan, Varmall and hot prospects and local favorites all displaying their talents and passion on Facebook. As a bonus, we’re proud to produce the PPV and pro debut of Mike Rashid, who has conquered the worlds of fitness and digital media and is looking to do big things in the fight game.”
In the main event on Saturday night, New Jersey’s LaManna fights for the 19th time in the shore town, as he takes on the battle tested, Brooklyn-based Bracero. The card will feature some of the best prospects in the region that includes Jahmal Dyer of Baltimore, Md. (4-0, 2 KOs), Donald “No Love” Smith (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia, Frederick Julan (8-0, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn and Alvin Varmall, Jr. (14-0, 12 KOs) of Catskill, N.Y.
“We are excited to be bringing this great event and our first Boardwalk Boxing card from The Showboat to the fans all over the world on FIGHTNIGHT Live.  We have a main event that everyone is talking about, and we are featuring some terrific prospects on an outstanding undercard,” said Debbie LaManna, President of Rising Star Promotions.
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday night, Feb. 24, live from live from The Showboat in Atlantic City, N.J., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network and former IBF and WBA World Champion Paulie Malignaggi, now of Showtime, Sky Sports and CBS Sports Network. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on
Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE ROCKS ON SATURDAY, FEB. 24 WITH MURPHY’S BOXING MATINEE AS WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER CONTINUES

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Dropkick Murphy’s Boxing Card runs from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday as part of a big weekend of free boxing on Facebook.
NEW YORK (Feb. 20, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its tripleheader weekend with a Murphys Boxing matinee on Saturday, live from the Mohegan Sun Ballroom in Connecticut. Fight fans from across the nation and around the globe can catch an outstanding card with international appeal on any device wherever Facebook is available from 3-7 p.m., brought to fans by the promotion born out of the Dropkick Murphys popular Celtic punk band.
“Times are changing for boxing just like streaming changed music. With the built-in audiences we have we are reaching a higher viewership with our streams than many of the televised fight cards are these days. We are proud of the fights we are putting on and the big audiences we are drawing, and it’s great for our fighters to get the exposure,” said Ken Casey, Dropkick Murphys Frontman and President and Founder, Murphys Boxing.
Recently hitting the 1,000,000 views mark, Saturday afternoon’s show continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s historic Feb. 23-24 back-to-back-to-back Friday and Saturday shows spanning from the casinos of New England to the Boardwalk of Atlantic City. The Dropkick Murphys are live in concert at Mohegan Sun Arena for fans onsite after Murphys Boxing, but ringside access on the Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel takes viewers to the Jersey Shore after the closing bell in Uncasville, Conn.
“We’re excited about Saturday, and also to begin a two-fight promotion with Murphys Boxing,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “The card is filled with undefeated up-and-comers with international appeal, and Facebook is a terrific medium to deliver these great fights and outstanding athletes to a global audience. We’re thrilled that the Murphys are part of the action and can’t wait to hoist a pint with them during our St. Patrick’s Day show in Boston as well.”
Murphys Boxing action at Mohegan Sun on Saturday afternoon features a battle for the WBA-NABA light heavyweight title between undefeated Charles Foster (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Haven, Conn. and Justin Thomas (19-3, 7 KOs) of Baton Rouge, La. A bevy of unbeaten battlers will be featured on a packed undercard that includes heavyweight Niall Kennedy (10-0, 6 KOs), super featherweight William Foster III (4-0, 3 KOs), super middleweight Carlos Gongora (10-0, 8 KOs), super featherweight Abraham Nova (9-0, 8 KOs) and super lightweight Ray Jay Bermudez (2-0, 1 KO).
Over the first nine-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 12-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and more than one-million fans served.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 12-show series saw a total of more than 21,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,067,435-plus users across all devices.
In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 142,000 collective live post engagements (nearly 12,000 per show), including almost 97,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 22,000 comments and almost 6,000 shares.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.
The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”
The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 82,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:  https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight
            Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made(mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).
On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24, live from live from Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Vladimir Lik of The RING, Round By Round Boxing and the Russian language newspaper Russkaya Reklama, and analyst Xavier Porter of BrooklynFights.com and Notorious Boxing. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.
Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.
More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE COMPLETES FIRST WEEKEND DOUBLEHEADER, DRAWING MORE THAN 188,000 VIEWS TO PROPEL TOTAL AUDIENCE ABOVE 750,000

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Interactive fight series has averaged 108,000 Facebook views per broadcast, thrilling more than three-quarters of a million fans since May 11.
NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2017) – The first-ever “doubleheader weekend” for the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series saw the four-month old, fan-friendly Facebook platform attract more than 188,000 views via back-to-back, Friday and Saturday shows in New England with DiBella Entertainment and CES Boxing.

Furthermore, the interactive series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience recorded a new high-mark with 40,714 Likes, Loves, Comments and Shares on Friday from Foxwoods. The ultimate result of all of the show-by-show views, the series interactivity and the global reach of the Facebook platform throughout the U.S. and also to significant audiences in the U.K., Mexico and South America – FIGHTNIGHT LIVE surpassed a new milestone by reaching its 750,000th view in only its seventh show.

“We’re extremely proud that Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has provided free, action-packed events for more than three-quarters of a million fans in just over four months, by posting a show-by-show average audience of 108,000,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “But beyond the numbers, we’re really pleased with the way the shows have been presented and produced. We’ve been able to showcase up-and-coming fighters to fight fans all over the world, and help them expand their bases. And we’ve been able to invite our viewers to be part of the action by fostering real-time interaction between our broadcasters and viewers on the fight activity, the decisions and the knockouts; it’s the next-best thing to having a ringside seat.”

Over the first four-plus months of programming, the numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of almost 108,000 fight fans tuning in per event. The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000), the July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix (63,000), the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun (45,000), the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago (32,000) and the Sept. DiBella “Friday Night Foxwoods Fights” (32,000) saw a total of almost 14,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 755,253-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 122,819 collective live post engagements (17,700-plus per show), including almost 88,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 13,000 comments and 4,200-plus shares. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males aged 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 3,336 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

Many FIGHTNIGHT LIVE cards are called by world-renowned blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Networks. Often joining Flores ringside are analysts like Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and Ring TV. Locally-based ringside reporters with significant social media followings are often employed for weigh-in day “behind the scenes” taped interviews and post-fight reports.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Fall 2017 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

Niall Kennedy wins controversial decision versus defending champion Alexis Santos to capture New England heavyweight title

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
BROADWAY BOXING RESULTS

Alexis Santos (L) vs. Niall Kennedy
(all pictures by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment)
 
MASHANTUCKET, CT (September 16, 2017) – Undefeated Irishman Niall “Boom Boom” Kennedy won a controversial 10-round split decision versus defending champion Alexis Santos to capture the New England heavyweight championship in last night’s (Saturday) main event of Broadway Boxing held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT.
The Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. Last night’s show, which was streamed by FightNight LIVE on Facebook, was promoted in association with Murphys Boxing.
Kennedy (9-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Galway, Ireland, by way of Boston, battled Santos in a competitive, action-packed brawl to be awarded the N.E. title by scores of 96-93, 96-93, 93-96. The majority of fans in attendance, outside of Kennedy’s Irish supporters, and the ringside media felt that Santos, from Lawrence, MA, had the edge and deserved the decision.
Referee Al LoBianco deducted a point from Santos in the ninth round for a highly questionable low blow and failed to rule a knockdown when it appeared the ropes kept Kennedy upright in a tremendous last round surge from the Dominican American.
In the co-featured bout, former world champion Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (20-1, 1 KO), of Providence, RI, defeated former world title challenger Angel “Non-Stop” Gladney (9-13-1, 6 KOs) in a junior lightweight match. The colorful Vincent was the aggressor throughout the fight, effectively cutting off the ring, outboxing and walking down Gladney for a lop-sided eight-round unanimous decision (80-72, 80-71 twice).
Shelly Vincent (L) outclassed Angel Gladney
Rising Connecticut welterweight star “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams improved his record to 8-0 (4 KOs), pitching a complete shutout in an impressive six-round unanimous decision (all 60-54) win over a much more experienced and considerably taller Evincii “Prize Fighter” Dixon (7-20-2, 2 KOs). Williams is a 19-year-old from East Hartford who is a freshman at Manchester Community College.
Mykquan Williams (L) cruised to another victory
2012 Ukrainian Olympian Ievgen “The Ukrainian Lion” Khytrov (15-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, bounced back from his only pro loss with a near shutout eight-round decision victory (80-72 twice, 79-73) over his always tough super middleweight adversary, battle-tested veteran Derrick “Superman” Finley (27-22-1, 18 KOs).
“It was different when I first started training after a loss,” Khytrov said after the fight. “I started to think more and work on my defense; to fight much smarter instead of just brawling, throwing punches, like I did before my loss. I came the US four years ago from a small country that’s not rich to become a world champion. I feel I’m back on the right track.
Ievgen Khytrov (R) bounced back with a solid win
Hot New England junior welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (5-0, 4 KOs) stepped up in class against Mexican Francisco “El Mono” Medel (11-10, 7 KOs), and remained undefeated by displaying his overall game, offensively and defensively. Fighting out of Lawrence, MA, the 2014 N.E. amateur champion Sosa dropped Medal with a straight right in the first round, a sneaky body shot in the second and finished him off in the third with a crisp right to the temple as referee Al LoBianco immediately halted the action.
Pro-debuting welterweights Nicky DeQuattro (1-0, 1 KO) and Timothy Wheeler (0-1) engaged in a street fight from the opening bell until DeQuartro, fighting out of Johnson, RI, connected with an overhand right that dropped his New York City rival.  Moments later, DeQuattro unleashed a four-punch combination that dropped Wheeler for a complete 10-count.
The night started with a barnburner as former Irish amateur standout Ray Moylette (6-0, 2 KOs) kept his undefeated pro record intact but it certainly wasn’t easy.  Moylette overcame a second-round knockdown, coming back strong in the second half of the fight to take a six-round split decision versus game junior welterweight Donte Bryant (1-3-1, 1 KO).
Complete Foxwoods results below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – N.E. HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Niall Kennedy (8-0, 5 KOs), Gorey, Ireland
WDEC10 (96-93, 96-93, 93-96)
(Kennedy won New England heavyweight title)
CO-FEATURE – FEMALE JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Shelly Vincent (20-1, 1 KO), Providence, RI
WDEC8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-72)
Angel Gladney (9-13-1, 6 KOs), Columbia, Brooklyn, NY
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ievgen Khytrov (15-1, 12 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Derrick Finley (27-22-1 (18 KOs), Gary, IN
WELTERWEIGHTS
Myquan Williams (8-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Evincii Dixon (7-20-2 (2 KOs), Lancaster, PA
Nicky DeQuattro (1-0, 1 KO), Johnston, RI
WKO1 (2:28)
Timothy Wheeler (0-1, 0 KO), New York, NY
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Adrian Sosa (5-0, 4 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WTKO3 (0:30)
Francisco Medel (11-10, 7 KOs)
Raymond Moylette (6-0, 2 KOs), Islandeady, Ireland
WDEC6 (57-56, 57-56, 55-58)
Donte Bryant (1-3-1, 1 KO), Kalamazoo, MI
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter
@DiBellaEnt
@LouDiBella
@FoxwoodsCT
       
 

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT AND FIGHTNIGHT LIVE PARTNER TO DELIVER SEPT. 15 “BROADWAY BOXING” SHOW ON FACEBOOK

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Fan-friendly, interactive platform joins forces with long-running fight series live from Foxwoods on Friday.
NEW YORK (Sept. 13, 2017) – After attracting more than 200,000 viewers in each of its last two shows, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE continues its September programming by aligning with one of the longest-running fight series anywhere. The tech-forward, fan-friendly Facebook broadcast platform now partners with DiBella Entertainment to deliver the next edition of the promotion’s “Broadway Boxing,” live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

“I am thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing to such a wide-reaching social media platform as Facebook via FightNight LIVE,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We are streaming the entire card for free and will have a terrific team of commentators calling the action, with Showtime’s Corey Erdman, boxing/MMA star Heather Hardy, and Hartford, Connecticut’s former world title challenger John Scully. Viewers will be treated to a great lineup featuring New England heavyweight champion Alexis Santos facing Ireland’s Niall Kennedy in the main event, along with middleweight contender Ievgen Khytrov, popular female fighter Shelly Vincent, East Hartford’s Mykquan Williams and other local talent on the undercard.”

Headlining the night in a 10-round heavyweight battle of local rivals, Alexis Santos (18-1, 15 KOs), of Lawrence, Mass., clashes with Ireland’s Niall Kennedy (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Boston, Mass. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., middleweight contender Ievgen “The Ukranian Lion” Khytrov (14-1, 12 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., battles upset-minded specialist Derrick “Superman” Findley (27-21-1, 18 KOs), of Gary, Ind., over eight rounds in the co-main event. New England fan favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (7-0, 4 KOs), of East Hartford, Conn., will return against battle-tested Evincii Dixon, of Lancaster, Penn., over six rounds. In a special feature attraction women’s eight-round junior lightweight battle, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent(19-1, 1 KO) squares off against Angel “Nonstop” Gladney (9-12-1, 6 KOs).

“We’ve seen Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE grow into a truly global platform over the first five months, and we’re pleased that so many promoters have taken notice. Friday’s card with DiBella Entertainment features quality bouts with international standouts and regional stars, and we’re excited that a long-running, high-quality series like Broadway Boxing has found a new home on Facebook,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.

Over the first five months of programming, the numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of more than 113,000 fight fans tuning in per event. The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (224,658), the August “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix (63,000), the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun (45,000) and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago (32,000) saw a total of more than 12,700 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 567,000-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 71,000 collective live post engagements (14,000-plus per show), including more than 40,400 “likes” or “loves,” more than 10,300 comments and 3,200-plus shares. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males aged 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and carried the series to over half-a-million views in just under four months, while the Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 201,935 views across 3,336 live hours of content, with 8,224 viewer interactions including 1,133 “likes” or “loves,” 1,570 comments and 1,392 shares.

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

On Friday night, Sept. 15, live from Foxwoods, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Corey Erdman of Showtime, VICE Boxing Scene. Erdman will be joined on the show by former world-ranked light heavyweight “Iceman” John Scully, Brooklyn’s own WBC International Female Female Super Bantamweight titleholder Heather “The Heat” Hardy and DiBella himself as analysts. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Fall 2017 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.