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wrestling

Annual Benefit, ‘Grapple At The Garden’ Raises $1.3 Million For Beat The Streets Youth Wrestling Non-Profit

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NEW YORK, May 13, 2019–The excitement of a night of world-class wrestling at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, in which a sold-out, record-breaking crowd of 5,000 was treated to 13 electrifying matches, spilled over into the post-event Beat the Streets Benefit Celebration at The Wilson on Monday. And while the victories by Olympic champions Jordan Burroughs (2012, gold), Kyle Snyder (2016, gold) and J’den Cox (2016, bronze) and local favorites like Nick Suriano (Rutgers University) and James Green (Willingboro, N.J.) stole the show on the mat during “Grapple at the Garden,” it was the Beat the Streets youth wrestlers who were the real winners, as $1.3 million was raised for this worthy not-for-profit in support of programs which empower young people in New York City through the great sport of wrestling.
 
 
“It’s hard to put into words what the support of everyone involved in this great night means to these kids and our mission,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Executive Director. “The wrestling community responds year after year to this important cause, and not only did they get to enjoy an amazing night of unbelievably high-level wrestling at a historic venue like the Hulu Theater at MSG, but they also went away with the knowledge that they make everything we do at Beat the Streets a reality. We couldn’t me more pleased and can’t wait to grow this even bigger next year.”
 
 
The award winners announced at the Benefit Celebration include:

· 
Junior League Female Wrestler of the Year: Sujeydy Matos, Inwood Academy for Leadership
 

· 
Junior League Male Wrestler of the Year: Sulayman Bah, MS 129
 
 

· 
Become Your Own Dream Foundation Scholarship: Adrian Rosario Beato, Mott Haven Campus – This financial scholarship is given annually to a New York City student-athlete who has overcome obstacles, worked through hardship, and plans to continue wrestling in college.
 

· 
Female Student Athlete of the Year:Lyn Kajihara, The Bronx High School of Science – This career achievement award is given to a female athlete who exhibits the greatest combination of academic and extracurricular success.
 
 

· 
Male Student Athlete of the Year: David Berkovich, Poly Prep Country Day School – This career achievement award is given to a male athlete who exhibits the greatest combination of academic and extracurricular success.
 

· 
Grit Award: Michael Babbcort, George Wingate Educational Campus – This career achievement award is given to the New York City wrestler who has embraced the grind and shown improvement through their tireless effort and dedication to the sport.
 

· 
Lady Liberty:Shola Cascen, Harry S. Truman High School – This career achievement award is given to the New York City female wrestler who has stood as the beacon of opportunity and promise, representing all that is strong and proud of New York City women’s wrestling.
 
 

· 
Atlas Award: Terry Adams, Monsignor Farrell High School – This career achievement award is given to a male athlete who has picked up New York City wrestling and taken it to new heights.

· 
Junior League Coach of the Year: Jonathan Khoury, Eagle Academy for Young Men
 

· 
Girls High School Coach of the Year: Ted Cook, Harry S. Truman High School
 
 

· 
Boys High School Coach of the Year: Michael Stern, Queens Metropolitan High School
 

· 
Assistant Coach of the Year: Barry Hart, George Wingate Educational Complex
 
 

· 
Volunteer of the Year: Jake O’Hara, Columbia University (‘14) s

Beat the Streets Benefit competitions, which began in 2010, have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique annual event has helped Beat the Streets raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City.


The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Station and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia and Iran. Last year, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Frank Chamizo match.


New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.


About Beat the Streets
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.


About USA Wrestling
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 230,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.


2019 Beat the Streets “Grapple at the Garden”
May 6, 2019, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York


Final Results
 
122 lbs. (girls) – Valentina Bailon pin Elleny Seda, 3:22
138 lbs. (boys) – Jo Jo Aragona pin Adam Busiello, 4:06
Men’s freestyle – 57 kg – Jack Mueller tech. fall Nick Piccininni, 11-0
Women’s freestyle – 62 kg – Mallory Velte (USA) tech fall Linda Morais (Canada), 10-0
Men’s freestyle – 70 kg – James Green dec. Anthony Ashnault, 8-4
Men’s freestyle – 97 kg – Kyle Snyder tech. fall Nishan Randhawa (Canada), 15-1
Men’s freestyle – 125 kg – Nick Gwiazdowski dec. Derek White, 9-0
Women’s freestyle – 57 kg – Becka Leathers (USA) dec. Diana Weicker (Canada), 10-6
Men’s freestyle – 61 kg – Nick Suriano dec. Joe Colon, 3-1
Men’s freestyle – 86 kg – Drew Foster inj. dft. David Taylor, 0:31
Men’s freestyle – 92 kg – J’den Cox tech. fall Patrick Brucki, 10-0
Men’s freestyle – 65 kg – Yianni Diakomihalis dec. Bajrang Punia (India), 10-8
Men’s freestyle – 74 kg – Jordan Burroughs tech. fall Ben Askren, 11-0
 
# # #
wrestling

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Kyle Snyder Returns To Beat the Streets ‘Grapple At The Garden’ May 6 At Hulu Theater

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Snyder vs. Nishan Randhawa (Canada), Yianni Diakomihalis vs. Bajrang Punia (India) In Tenth Annual Youth Non-profit Fundraiser
 
 
NEW YORK–Kyle Snyder, who won gold at 97 kg the 2016 Olympics in Rio, will battle Canada’s Nishan Randhawa at the “Grapple at the Garden” Beat the Streets (BTS) benefit, May 6 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The addition of the superstar and longtime BTS supporter plus a matchup between two-time National Champion Yianni Diakomahlis (Rochester, N.Y.) and Bajrang Punia (India) increases the current number of scheduled matches to eight.
 
 
Snyder, of Woodbine, Md., a three-time NCAA Champion at Ohio State, will battle Randhawa at 97 kg. The youngest Olympic gold medalist and youngest world champion in U.S. wrestling history (he was 20 at the time of the Rio victory), Snyder also took gold at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships and silver last year in Budapest. Last month he continued his dominance with a clean sweep at the Dave Kolov International to win gold. Randhawa, from Abbotsford, British Columbia, competes for Simon Fraser Univ. in B.C. and is a Canadian junior and senior freestyle champion.
 
 
Diakomahlis completed his second season at Cornell with his second straight national championship at 141 lbs., and now owns a mark of 66-1 with the Big Red, including 47 straight victories. A four-time N.Y. state high school champion at Hilton H.S., Diakomahlis is a two-time Ivy League and EIWA Wrestler of the Year and a unanimous All-Ivy pick.
 
 
Bajrang, a frequent medalist in the World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international championships since 2013, last November achieved the No. 1 ranking in the world at 65kg. Bajrang won five medals in all in 2018, including the historic first gold medal for India in the Asian Games, besting Daichi Takataniof Japan in the final.
 
 
“We’re excited to have our most recent Olympic gold medalist and one of our greatest ambassadors back this year,” said Brendan Buckley, Beat the Streets Inc Executive Director. “Kyle Snyder adds to a night that fans have buzzing about for weeks. We can’t wait until May 6 to showcase all this outstanding wrestling talent on the big stage of the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
 
 
The added matchups boost an already impressive slate that is highlighted by featured bouts between 2012 gold medalist Jordan Burroughs and 2008 Olympian Ben Askren; a match between current NCAA champion Nick Suriano (Paramus, N.J. / Rutgers Univ.) and 2018 World bronze medalist Joe Colon (Clear Lake, Iowa / Univ. of Northern Iowa); women’s bouts between 2018 World Silver Medalist Sarah Hildebrandt(Granger, Ind.) and Canada’s Dana Weicker, and 2018 Senior World Championships Bronze Medalist Mallory Velte (Sacramento, Calif.) vs. Linda Morais, also of Canada; and several other intriguing bouts.
 
 
The updated list of matches and weight classes is available below; the order is still to be determined, as are additional matchups. “Grapple at the Garden” supports Beat the Streets (www.btsny.org), the largest grassroots inner city wrestling program in the United States, serving as both a fundraiser for the organization and to celebrate its athletes as they compete on the biggest stage in the center of the world.
 
 
Tickets for the evening’s action are available now via TicketMaster, priced starting at $30 at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/3B005668AA091B69. A variety of donation packages which include “Grapple in the Garden” tickets are also available athttps://www.btsny.org/bts-events or by emailing molalde@btsny.org, beginning at $1000. Doors open on May 6 at 5:30 p.m., with the main event starting at 6 p.m.
 
 
For the fifth straight year, FloSports will provide live and on-demand coverage on FloWrestling.com.
 
 
Beat the Streets Benefit competitions, which began in 2010, have since become a major showcase of the best of international wrestling. This unique and electrifying annual event has helped Beat the Streets raise millions of dollars to support local youth wrestling programs which empower young people in New York City.
 
 
The first Beat the Streets Benefit was held on the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan. Since then, the benefit has taken place at other notable New York City spots like Grand Central Station and Times Square. Team USA has faced off against teams from around the world including Japan, Cuba, Russia and Iran. Last year, the competition was hosted at the new Pier 17 in the Seaport District and included the highly anticipated Burroughs vs. Frank Chamizo match.
 
 
New York City’s Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sporting and entertainment venues in the world. The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden is an impressive venue with the capacity to seat over 5,000. The theater has hosted notable wrestling events including the 1998 Goodwill Games wrestling competition and the 2017 Grapple at the Garden college wrestling event.
 
 
About Beat the Streets
 
 
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTS works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to bring the life changing sport of wrestling to over 3,000 New York City student-athletes to help them achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTS and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life lessons of grit, personal responsibility and teamwork, physical fitness and nutrition, and life-long learning. The goal of fostering strong, well-rounded student-athletes is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, life skills workshops, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.
 
 
About USA Wrestling
 
 
USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 230,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is Bruce Baumgartner, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com.
 
 
2019 Beat the Streets “Grapple at the Garden”
May 6, 2019
Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York
 


(Matches scheduled to date, Order TBD)

Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Diana Weicker, 53 kg (W)
Mallory Velte vs. Linda Morais, 62 kg (W)
Jo Jo Aragona vs. Adam Busiello, 138 lbs.
Nick Suriano vs. Joe Colon, 61 kg
Bajrang Punia (IND) vs. Yianni Diakomihalis, 65 kg
James Green vs. Anthony Ashnault, 70 kg
Jordan Burroughs vs Ben Askren, 74 kg
Kyle Snyder vs. Nishan Randhawa (CAN), 97 kg
boxing, ESPN Boxing

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell battles Travis Scott This Saturday in New Orleans

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New York, NY (July 12, 2018)–This Saturday, undefeated and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (7-0, 5 KOs) takes on his toughest opponent to date when he takes on Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for six-rounds at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

 

 

Conwell, 20 years-old out of Cleveland will look to continue his winning ways against Scott, who will be facing his 3rd straight undefeated opponent.

 

 

 

“I have never been more excited to put on a show, and I am looking to gain new fans in New Orleans,” said Conwell.

 

 

 

The bout can been seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

 

 

 

Conwell is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by DiBella Entertainment & Holden Productions.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: DiBella Entertainment

mixed martial arts, MMA, World Series of Fighting

WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING STATEMENT ON MMA LEGALIZATION IN NEW YORK

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LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2016) – New York State passed landmark legislation today permitting future Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions to take place there.

World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva made the following remarks:

“This is an exciting and historic day for our great sport.  Those who have been lobbying for the legalization of MMA in NY State, including World Series of Fighting’s new COO Michael Mersch, should be commended for their persistence and commitment to seeing through the passage of legislation that will finally allow fans to watch live MMA in the Empire State, and fighters to compete there.  We recently opened an office in Manhattan so, along with our television partner, NBC, we are looking forward to bringing our brand of professional MMA to New York very soon.”
wrestling

USA Wrestlers To Face Iran In Times Square In New York City May 19 In “United In The Square,” To Highlight Beat the Streets Gala Night

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Select American Stars To Take On Iran in Olympic-level and Junior-level matches Youth Wrestlers and High School Girl Wrestlers Take The Mat; Gala Follows

NEW YORK– In what will be a highlight of the Olympic year in wrestling and has become a rite of spring in New York, Beat the Streets Wrestling, Inc. and USA Wrestling announced details of this year’s international competition, which returns to New York City’s Times Square on Thursday, May 19.

Competitors for Team USA, which will include 2016 Olympic team hopefuls, will compete in men’s freestyle against world power Iran, a preview of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. In addition to Olympic-level matches, four Junior-level matches will be featured, showcasing future world and Olympic-caliber talent.

Members of the U.S. Women’s Team and Greco-Roman Team are also expected to battle in some other featured bouts against international competition to be announced.

“I couldn’t be more excited. We have Iran and the USA battling for wrestling supremacy in Times Square; united in the idea that sports can bring change in young men and women and even in countries sometimes. It’s going to be pretty cool. An added plus is that Iran has the loudest and most passionate wrestling fans in the world. Don’t miss it,” said Beat the Streets Chairman of the Board Mike Novogratz, the founder of these Gala competitions.

Billed as “United in the Square,” this will be the second time that Iran has been featured as part of the Beat the Streets Gala competition.

In 2013, the event dubbed “The Rumble on the Rails,” was hosted in historic Grand Central Terminal and featured dual meets between Team USA, Russia and Iran. Playing an important role in the international Keep Olympic Wrestling effort, this historic wrestling event gained international media coverage and helped wrestling retain its status on the Olympic Games program.

The world-class competition has been hosted in Times Square four previous times. In 2011, the United States defeated World Champion Russia, 5-2, the first sports event ever held in historic Times Square. In 2012, another U.S. vs. Russia dual meet was held in Times Square, along with the U.S. Olympic Team Wrestle-off for the 60 kg/132 lbs. position on the U.S. Olympic Team in men’s freestyle. In 2014, Team USA defeated a World All-Star Team in Times Square, 8-3. In 2015, “Salsa in the Square” featured a meeting between Team USA and Team Cuba in the three Olympic styles, held shortly after the historic change in USA and Cuban political relations.

This will be the seventh straight year in which a major international-style wrestling competition will be hosted as part of the Beat the Streets Gala activities. In 2010, an all-star challenge featuring top U.S. wrestlers was held on the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier docked on the west side of Manhattan.

Top Beat the Streets youth wrestlers will take the mat showcasing their skills in exhibition matches beginning at 3:30 p.m. to start the evening. A new feature will be held at the PSAL Girls Freestyle Dual Meet Championships finals, featuring the two top New York City girl’s freestyle wrestling high school teams from the spring girl’s freestyle season. Then it’s Team USA vs. Iran and other guests at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Beat the Streets Gala Celebration.

The USA vs. Iran dual requires a ticket for reserved seating in Times Square, but is an outdoor event. Pedestrians and non-ticket holders are encouraged to watch. Admission tickets may be bought in advance at www.btsny.org or212.245.6570. A ticket is required for the Gala Celebration at the PlayStation Theater. More details are available at http://www.btsny.org/gala.

The Gala Celebration will follow the wrestling competition. This unique and electrifying annual event helps Beat the Streets (BTS) raise significant funds to further its mission. Whether it’s providing a safe, constructive outlet for our urban youth, fighting childhood obesity, empowering women, or uniting entire nations, wrestling teaches persistence, dedication, and the value of working hard to achieve one’s goals, creates opportunities for personal and universal growth. BTS currently serve over 3,000 student-athletes every year.

“United In The Square,” Beat the Streets Wrestling Schedule

In New York City, May 19, 2016

3:30 p.m. – Beat the Streets Youth Exhibition Matches between 42nd and 43rd Streets

4:45 p.m. – New York City Girl’s Freestyle Dual Meet Championships Finals between 42nd and 43rd Streets

6:30 p.m. – World Class Wrestling: Team USA vs. Team Iran between 42nd and 43rd Streets

Followed by Gala Celebration

About Beat the Streets

The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City’s student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and summer camps. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.

About USA Wrestling

USA Wrestling is the National Governing Body for the Sport of Wrestling in the United States and, as such, is its representative to the United States Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling, the international wrestling federation. Simply, USA Wrestling is the central organization that coordinates amateur wrestling programs in the nation and works to create interest and participation in these programs. It has over 220,000 members across the nation, boys and girls, men and women of all ages, representing all levels of the sport. Its president is James Ravannack, and its Executive Director is Rich Bender. More information can be found at TheMat.com

boxing

LIU BROOKLYN PARAMOUNT THEATRE  TO HOST BOXING EVENT ON JUNE 4 

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Fight Card Part of Brooklyn Brawl Series

Promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions

-Tickets On Sale Friday, May 15 at Noon-
BROOKLYN (May 15, 2015) – LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre is set to host its first boxing event with Paramount Events Center (PEC) on Thursday, June 4 at 7 p.m. The fight card will be part of the Brooklyn Brawl Series promoted by professional boxer Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions.
The event will feature Brooklyn Heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (12-0, 10 KO’s) vs. Damon McCreary (15-4,11 KO’s); two-time Daily News Golden Gloves champion and Bronx based Jr. Middleweight contender Steve Martinez (15-2, 12 KO’s); Brooklyn’s Dimash Niyazov (7-0-3, 4 KO’s); former New York State champion Ariel Duran (8-7-1, 5 KO’s); and Brooklyn Middleweight Akil Aguste (6-1, 5 KO’s). Kazakh Welterweight Bakhtiyar Eyubov (5-0, 5 KO’s) and Detroit based fighter Dewayne “Alabama” Ziegler (4-0-1, 4 KO’s) are also looking to make explosive New York City debuts and keep their knockout streaks alive.
Tickets for the event will go on sale on Friday, May 15 at noon and can be purchased online via Ticketmaster by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

PEC was launched in April by Barclays Center developer Bruce Ratner and Onexim Sports and Entertainment, with all business operations overseen by Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. PEC and LIU Brooklyn announced recently that LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, located at Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues on the LIU Brooklyn campus, will focus on booking emerging talent. LIU Brooklyn Paramount will soon undergo a 24-month renovation and will host more than 120 events annually.
“I am thrilled to join with PEC to bring boxing to LIU Brooklyn Paramount,” said Salita. “Over the last few years, Star of David Promotions has brought New York boxing fans exciting shows with incredible fights through our Brooklyn Brawl Series. This card will be an exciting addition to our series.”
“This June 4 boxing event will reintroduce LIU Brooklyn Paramount to the sports community,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Barclays Center. “Dmitriy has provided great opportunities for aspiring fighters and we are looking forward to working with him to solidify our grassroots boxing efforts in Brooklyn.”

“I commend Dmitriy and PEC for putting together this show,” said New York boxing promoter Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Boxing is flourishing right now in New York, especially in Brooklyn. Being a fellow Brooklynite, it is wonderful to see yet another venue in this great borough opening up its doors to the sport. I see a lot of potential at LIU Brooklyn Paramount, and would definitely be open to staging a card there in the future.”

ABOUT STAR OF DAVID PROMOTIONS
Star of David Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature the brightest prospects, as well as seasoned pugilists, in and around the New York City area. Viewers have enjoyed watching Star of David fighters in recent years on Spike TV, ESPN2, MSG, and Universal Sports Network. Please visitwww.Salitapromotions.com for more information.