Tag Archives: Rolando Romero

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Al Bernstein Emcees House of Boxing Champions Event

December 2, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

**House of Boxing Champions Chrystal Safety Award Event: December 15, 2021**
The House of Boxing is a Nationally recognized 501 (c)3 charitable organization. HOBC will be hosting a recognition ceremony for the City Boxing Club (Las Vegas) on behalf of Coach Larry Wade.

**About Coach Larry Wade**
Coach Larry Wade has received 8 world titles as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. He has an impressive professional boxing clientele which includes, but is not limited to, Shawn Porter (WBC Champion, IBF World Champion), Badou Jack (Olympian, WBC Super Middle Weight World Champion), Caleb Plant (IBF Super Middle Weight World Champion) and Rolando Romero (WBA Light Weight interim World Champion). Coach Wade has had over 30 fights in 2020 and 2021 and has only lost 3 of them.   He has 3 pay-per-view world title fights scheduled within the next 30 days.

**About the City Boxing Club and the BEST program under the leadership of Armin Van Damme**
The City Boxing Club was established in 2017 as a program dedicated to assist at-risk youth to stay out of the penal system and/or provide a positive transition back into family and community for incarcerated youth.   Youth are referred to the “BEST” program through the Department of Juvenile Justice, Clark County School District, or directly from families. City Boxing Club train youth, while they are incarcerated, to transition back to their families and their communities. They also train Juveniles the from Evening Reporting Center (ERC) and provide free gym memberships once youth has successfully completed their programs. The BEST program emphasizes recreational therapy, provides positive mentorships, develops communication and stress management skills, and critical thinking.

**HOBC’s Impact**
The House of Boxing Champions was created to support local youth boxing gyms around the country. HOBC targets youth that are most at-risk or have been previously incarcerated. Donations to HOBC are used to help pay for gym membership fees, facility fees, training safety equipment and competition travel grants.

**About our Event**
The event will be held on December 15, 2021 beginning at 3:30 p.m. The award presentation ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m., at 3401 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. Las Vegas, NV, 89109-000. Al Bernstein will serve as the Master of Ceremony and it will be hosted by the House of Boxing Champions . There will be a boxing memorabilia auction, raffle sales. giveaways, and HOBC’s pop-up shop (t-shirts, caps, etc.) Refreshments, light lunch, music will be provided. You can become a sponsor by visiting www.houseofboxing.com or contacting an HOBC staff member.

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. ROLANDO ROMERO LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS

October 26, 2021 FNU47 Leave a comment

***“I’m going to show him that he’s a chump on December 5. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight,” – Davis***

***“Everyone’s going to see December 5, I’m going to knock Gervonta the f*** out!” – Romero***

Five-Time World Champion Davis To Defend WBA Lightweight Title Against Unbeaten Contender Romero Sunday, December 5 on SHOWTIME PPV^®From STAPLES Center in Los Angeles Headlining a Premier Boxing Champions Event

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME^®**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Sean Michael Ham/**
**Mayweather Promotions**

**Click** **HERE** **for Photos from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions**

**LOS ANGELES** (October 21, 2021) – Five-time world champion **Gervonta “Tank” Davis** and hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender **Rolando “Rolly” Romero** went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their showdown for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Championship headlining live on SHOWTIME PPV Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him battle his outspoken lightweight foe Romero, as the 26-year-old power-punchers put their unbeaten records on the line. The event will mark Davis’ return to Southern California after he knocked out Hugo Ruiz in the first round in front of a sold-out crowd in February 2019.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from City View Terrace at STAPLES Center:

**GERVONTA DAVIS**

“I’m thankful to be here to give the fans another great fight. This is what we do. ‘Rolly’ is just here to talk. He’s trying to talk his way into winning, but he’s scared. I’m coming to fight.

“They only talk about his power, but this is boxing. His skills are not up to par with mine. He can’t even talk about power, because everyone knows I’m bringing it. You can shoot bullets, but how are you going to defend yourself when the bullets are shot back?

“He’s been talking for a long time. He’s trying to sell a fight, but I’m going to show him that he’s a chump on December 5. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight. I don’t take this personally. To me, this isn’t beef, this is business.

“I was on a mission when I fought Jose Pedraza for the title. I didn’t do the trash talking. I went in there and proved that I’m a top guy. This guy is just here to talk. I’m going to do the talking in the ring on December 5.

“His trainer isn’t working on anything but power. They aren’t working on any skills. He hasn’t fought anybody like me and he’s going to see the difference.

“I’ve never once turned down any fight. I’m not scared of anybody. I’m going to fight everybody. I’ll fight a heavyweight. This is nothing to me. I’ve survived a lot of stuff.

“He’s supposed to come here and sell the fight. I’m supposed to win. I’d rather punish him for 12 rounds than knock him out quick. Part of me wants to humble him, but the most important thing to do is just go out there and get the job done.

“This fight is for the fans. The fans are winning December 5. Make sure you come out and support. I’m thankful to be in this position. It’s all about my team and those people who have put me in a great position.”

**ROLANDO ROMERO**

“Everyone’s going to see December 5, I’m going to knock Gervonta the f*** out. I hope you hear that.

“I’ve been calling ‘Tank’ out since 2017. We were supposed to spar in 2018 and he didn’t show up to the gym. He did that twice because he knew he was getting beat. December 5, you’re getting knocked out.

“This is just who I am. This is how I was born. I came into this sport at 17-years-old and I’ve made the most out of what I’ve done. Everybody come watch me knock him out on December 5.

“He’s got such a big head, it’s going to be hard to miss it. He gets touched up by every opponent he faces. Leo Santa Cruz was beating him up and Barrios was getting to him too.

“He wants to run out of the ring whenever he gets hit. It happens in sparring and in the amateurs. I was the one who had to force this fight, because I’ve seen for years that he’s a chump. He’s made a career out of beating up 126-pounders.

“He doesn’t know half the stuff that I’ve seen and been through. I’m here to knock him out in the ring. He’s arrogant and tries to act like he’s tough, but I’m knocking him out.

“Manny Pacquiao has an awkward style too, and look at everything he’s accomplished. Just because I fight differently, does that mean I don’t have skills? I have my own skills and they’ve gotten me this far.

“I’m not going into the ring angry, I’m just focused.”

**FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions**

“These are two great fighters. And when I say great, I mean that every time they go out there, they produce. ‘Tank’ is a young kid from Baltimore who had a dream. He’s been through a lot. He fought his way to the top. You have to commend him for that. No matter what anyone says, he earned his stripes.

“I believe ‘Tank’ is one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ says he wants to fight the best. Come December 5, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.

“’Rolly’ is tough. He’ll fight anybody and that eagerness makes this an intriguing matchup. ‘Rolly’ just wants to prove he’s the best. He’s also a hell of a puncher. Every time we presented an opponent to him, he’s accepted every one of them.

“’Tank’ is doing record-breaking numbers. I always told him it would come in due time. I told him that the same way I sell out arenas, you’re going to do the same thing one day. He had patience and that’s what we’re doing.

“These guys are the future of boxing. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Two undefeated knockout artists. Two champions. December 5, I’ll see everyone there.”

**CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Co-Trainer**

“I hope you keep up this talking ‘Rolly.’ We’ll see who’s still going to be talking at the end of the night on December 5.

“Romero has an awkward style, but the beauty of having two coaches with ‘Tank,’ is that there’s nothing we aren’t ready for.

“Having Barry Hunter be a part of the camp has helped calm ‘Tank’ down in many ways. I think everyone will see the beauty of us working together in this fight.

“I don’t train ‘Tank’ for knockouts. I train him to go the distance. He can get you from round 1 to 12. So you better stay sharp.”

**BARRY HUNTER, Davis’ Co-Trainer**

“Everyone knows what we’re coming to do. I have mad respect for the other side. Bring your A-game, because we’re definitely going to bring ours.

“We’re born for stuff like this right here. Like everyone said, there’s no way this fight goes the distance.

“Everybody is working hard to be at their best, because we don’t want any excuses after it’s over with. I have faith in Gervonta. I know what he’s going to do.”

**BULLET CROMWELL, Romero’s Trainer**

“I know what everybody is saying about who the champ is coming into this, but the champ wasn’t born a champ, he had to rise too. Just like a young lion, ‘Rolly’ is ready to rise.

“I’m an L.A. guy. When we come back here, we’re fighting for a legacy. It’s not just a belt and money.

“I told ‘Rolly’ that Gervonta Davis is standing in the way of changing your family and your legacy. We got a job to do.

“I don’t care about pure boxing or any style. I took karate, street-fighting and boxing, and I put it all together. Combined with a puncher with ‘Rolly’s’ power, and with his grind and grit, it’s a perfect match.

“I have a lot of respect for ‘Tank’ and his team. He’s a great fighter, but Rolly is next up. He’s going to be the new WBA champion on December 5.”

**LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions**

“We’re excited to bring this huge event to Los Angeles at STAPLES Center on Sunday, December 5. This is a tremendous matchup and the fans should be excited. There’s a lot of buzz already and tickets are going fast.

“These fighters truly despise each other. It’s rare you see that in boxing. In 2019, me and Floyd were at the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia and we were talking and all of a sudden Davis and Romero were ready to go at it at ringside. Floyd told them that they could do it in the ring, and now here we are.

“’Tank’ is without a doubt the most exciting fighter in the world. He’s also one of the biggest attractions and one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ has let it be known that he’s been ‘trolling’ ‘Tank’ and I’m sure on December 5, ‘Tank’ will be doing whatever he can to shut ‘Rolly’ up.

“’Rolly’ is a very explosive fighter and anytime he steps into the ring, he’s looking to get his opponent out of there. He never lacks confidence and he’s confident that on December 5 he’s getting the job done.

“With two tremendous power punchers like this, there’s no way this fight doesn’t end in a knockout. Tune in December 5 and expect someone to get knocked out.”

**STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports**

“For SHOWTIME Sports, 2021 has been one of the strongest years on record. We have delivered a total of 42 events, half of which ended in knockouts. On December 5, I expect this won’t go the distance, either, with these two hard hitters.

“Week after week, year after year, SHOWTIME continues to be the standard of this sport. No one in combat sports is putting on better, or more meaningful fights than us.

“As we enter Gervonta’s 11^th fight with SHOWTIME, he has never been down, and he has continued to shine. When other fighters are talking, ‘Tank’ is fighting and selling out arenas.

“’Rolly’ has also never been downed as a pro. He is a hard hitter and is one of the best talents in boxing, and he will be the first to tell you.”

# # #

***ABOUT DAVIS VS. ROMERO***
Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion **Gervonta “Tank” Davis** defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender **Rolando “Rolly” Romero** live on SHOWTIME PPVon Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

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RISING STAR DAVID BENAVIDEZ REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH DOMINATING STOPPAGE WIN OVER ALEXIS ANGULO SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

August 18, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Mayweather Promotions’ Rolando Romero Scores Unanimous Decision Over Previously Unbeaten Jackson Maríñez for Interim WBA Lightweight Title; Otto Wallin TKOs Travis Kauffman In Heavyweight Scrap

**Click** **HERE** **For Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME**
*(Photos will be uploaded shortly)*

**UNCASVILLE, Conn.** – August 16, 2020 – David Benavidez kept his unbeaten record intact after 23 fights with a dominating performance against Alexis Angulo in the main event of an exciting night of boxing live on SHOWTIME Saturday night from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
*(For highlights, click* ***HERE***)

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader card, the 23-year-old Benavídez (23-0, 20 KOs) – who lost his WBC world title belt on the scale on Friday – scored a stoppage victory against the former world title challenger Angulo (26-2, 22 KOs), whose corner threw in the towel after the 10^th round.

“I rate myself a solid eight,” Benavidez said. “I could have done some stuff better, but overall it was a great performance. I didn’t want to go too fast and leave myself exposed for some big shots. He’s a heavy puncher. But like I said, I like to do the stuff that nobody has ever done. Nobody has ever stopped him and I’m pretty sure nobody is ever going to make him look like that again. I demolished him from round one to round 10.”

A seven-year pro at the age of 23, Benavidez landed 56 percent of his power punches in the fight and averaged 29 of 70 punches thrown per round. Benavidez closed the show by landing a career high 54 punches in round 10.

Colombia’s Angulo, now fighting out of Miami, Fla., entered his second world title opportunity riding a three-fight winning streak, but was unable to come counter anything Benavidez threw at him.

Benavidez said he was disappointed and embarrassed by not making the 168-pound weight limit on Friday. “Everything everyone said about me is true,” Benavidez said. “I should be a professional and come in on weight, but this time I couldn’t do it. It’s my first time not making weight in eight years of being a professional.”

“I really have to talk to my promoter to see what’s next,” Benavidez added. “I’ll fight anybody to get back to the spot I was. You could see by this performance tonight, I could put on a great performance against anybody and people will pay to see that. I’m probably going to go right back into training camp to make sure I don’t miss weight.”

In the co-main event, rising lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero (12-0, 10 KOs) scored a controversial unanimous decision over previously fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez (19-1, 7 KOs) to capture the interim WBA Lightweight Title. The scores were 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110, all in favor of Romero.
*(For highlights, click* ***HERE***).

The story of the fight was Maríñez’s reliable jabs as the Dominican fighter won the battle in that department (14 percent compared to Romero’s 10 percent). It was Romero, however, who held the advantage on power punches connecting on 24 percent (31 of 228) compared to 18 percent for Maríñez (72 of 401).

“I don’t think I had a bad performance,” said Romero, who confidently predicted a brutal knockout would end the bout in his pre-fight comments. “I thought I won the fight. Regardless of everything, I’m the world champ now. I’m happy.”

Romero suffered a slight cut above his left eye in the ninth round on a head butt, but it didn’t seem to affect his performance in the championship rounds. “He came out a little bit tougher and slicker than what I thought,” Romero said. “But all he did was move around the entire fight. He didn’t even try to engage. It’s hard to knock out someone who doesn’t try to engage. I hurt him multiple times with body shots and a few hooks. There was one moment I hurt him with a right hand and he pulled my head down. It was just hard to finish him off.

“Yeah [I would give him a rematch]. He didn’t do anything special.”

The 29-year-old Maríñez, who holds the WBA’s No. 6 ranking, is trained by Robert Garcia, who was not present in the Maríñez’s corner electing not to travel cross country from his Southern California home.

“That was pure robbery,” Maríñez said. “I won the fight. I out-jabbed, out-boxed him. You could tell he didn’t think he won the fight right afterwards. It’s a robbery.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, heavyweight contender Otto Wallin recorded a TKO at 2:32 of the fifth round against Travis Kauffman, who re-tore his left labrum at the start of the fifth round and was unable to lift his arm. Referee Michael Ortega signaled the end of the fight and afterwards Kauffman announced he was retiring from boxing, just days ahead of his 35^th birthday.
*(For highlights, click* ***HERE***)

The 29-year-old Wallin (21-1, 14 KOs) who had a four-inch height advantage over Kauffman, said he felt for the injured Kauffman, but was dominating the fight. “I was breaking him down. I had a lot left,” Wallin said. “Too bad he hurt his shoulder in the end, but I was breaking him and hitting him with good clean shots.”

Wallin looked sharp in his return to the ring for the first time since he nearly defeated Tyson Fury in September 2019. He landed 12 jabs per round and 54 percent of his power shots throughout the fight. Currently living in New York City and originally Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin had former champion Joey Gamache in his corner for the bout.

Both fighters have recovered from injury in the recent past, as well as the COVID-19 virus. “I didn’t feel anything from COVID,” Wallin said. “I had great training. I was sick in March, but COVID didn’t hit me very hard. I was lucky. I’m sorry for everyone who lost their lives due to COVID.

“I want to go back to New York next and relax a little bit. I’ve been training for a long time now, almost a year. So I want to relax a little bit and hopefully I can fight again by the end of the year.”

The 34-year-old Kauffman (32-4, 23 KOs) from Reading, Pa., was fighting for the first time in five years and seven fights without his trainer Naazim Richardson, who died unexpectedly last month. After the fight, Kauffman said he was retiring from boxing.

“I tore my left labrum getting ready for the [Luis] Ortiz fight,” Kauffman said. “Like a dummy, I waited five months to have surgery on it after the Ortiz fight [December of 2018]. I started feeling better and was going to do a tune-up fight in March, but then COVID happened. This opportunity came up and I didn’t want to pass it up and I felt good. In the first round I hurt it. I felt it, but then it went away and I thought maybe it’s just my mind and it went away. Then in the fifth round I heard it and that was it. It was torn again.

“I’m done. I’m retiring. I have kids. I’ve been doing this a long time,” Kauffman said.

During the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, there were several important updates to the upcoming September 26 SHOWTIME PPV twin bill featuring the world champion Charlo twins, which will start live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Five of the six bouts of the unique doubleheader all for one price will be contested with a World Championship belt at stake.

The first card is headlined by Jermall Charlo defending his WBC Middleweight title as he will face No. 1-ranked contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. All-action Brandon Figueroa will defend his WBA Super Bantamweight title against Damien Vasquez. WBO Bantamweight titlist John Riel Casimero will defend his 122-pound belt against an opponent to be named.

After an intermission, the pay-per-view will feature three more fights with a 154-pound unification serving as the main event as WBC champion Jermell Charlo takes on WBA and IBF titlist Jeison Rosario. Luis Nery faces Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight title and former unified world champion Danny Roman takes on Juan Carlos Payano in a Super Bantamweight special attraction.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, the second of a nine-event television lineup taking place over the next five months, will replay on Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

An industry leading production team and announce crew delivered all the sights, sounds and drama from Mohegan Sun Arena. Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer hosted the telecast, versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo called the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion and Olympian Abner Mares providing expert analysis. Two Hall of Famers rounded out the SHOWTIME telecast team – unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The Executive Producer was David Dinkins, Jr. and the Director was Bob Dunphy.

The telecast was available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programing (SAP) with Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez calling the action.

Saturday’s fights are presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions. The main event is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing and the Wallin-Kauffman bout is promoted in association with Salita Promotions and Kings Promotions.

* * *

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavídez Defends Title Against Former Title Challenger Alexis Angulo Headlining Premier Boxing Champions Event Saturday, August 15 Live on SHOWTIME

August 6, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

Rising Contender Rolando Romero Takes on Fellow Unbeaten Jackson Maríñez for WBA Interim Lightweight Title

Heavyweights Go Toe-to-Toe as Otto Wallin Battles Travis Kauffman

On Telecast Beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

NEW YORK – August 5, 2020 – Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will defend his title against former world title challenger Alexis Angulo in a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, August 15 live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features rising lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez in a 12-round battle for the interim WBA Lightweight Title, while heavyweight contenders Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman square off in a 10-round showdown.

“David Benavídez will look to keep his perfect record intact, continue to display his superstar potential and further cement his positioning in the stacked 168-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “As an undefeated world champ, Benavídez can expect a strong challenge from Alexis Angulo, which should create an action-packed main event on SHOWTIME. Combined with a battle of hungry unbeaten lightweights in ‘Rolly’ Romero and Jackson Maríñez, plus a heavyweight slugfest between Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman, this shapes up to be another can’t miss night of high-stakes action.”

“It’s going to be great to be in the corner of David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez on fight night,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, who is recovering from a recent surgery. “I feel so good and so strong and I truly can’t wait to be there to support the youngest super middleweight champion in history.”

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Romero vs. Maríñez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

The 23-year-old Benavídez (22-0, 19 KOs) defends his belt after defeating two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell in September, stopping him in nine rounds. Benavidez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz. Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first championship fight.

“It’s been almost a year since the last time I fought, so I’m very eager to get back in the ring and give the fans a great fight,” said Benavídez. “Training camp has been amazing. Fortunately, my dad opened his own gym just before the pandemic, so we’ve had private training and been able to safely bring in sparring partners to help me work. I’m facing a very tricky and rugged fighter, so I’m taking him very seriously. I feel like I can take advantage of some openings in his defense and look for the knockout like I do every fight.”

Born in El Bordo, Colombia and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) enters his second world title opportunity on a three-fight winning streak, including two triumphs over previously unbeaten fighters. Angulo stopped Reinaldo Gonzalez in 2018 in his first fight since losing a decision to then-super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez earlier that year. He scored a decision victory this January over Anthony Sims Jr. to put himself in position to again challenge the best in the division.

“I’m ready for anything that happens in the ring on August 15,” said Angulo. “This is going to be a great fight for the fans because of the style I bring to the ring. Benavidez is a strong champion, but my style will be too much for him and I will have my hand raised on fight night.”

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019 before his 2020 debut saw him stop previously unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in February. A fast-rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, the 24-year-old is ranked No. 10 by the WBA and will look to extend his six-fight knockout streak on August 15.

“It feels great to return to the ring and to be fighting for such a great opportunity,” said Romero. “This has been the best camp of my career, and I’ll just say this, if a pandemic is holding you back from training, then you don’t want it bad enough. I already believe I should be here with the top guys, but the world will actually get to see that I am who I say I am. I’m confident in my abilities as a fighter and I have the best in the business, Floyd Mayweather, behind me. I think this fight will end fairly quickly, but you will get to see the growth in me as a fighter. This is another fight that will further prove I’m here to stay. Sign up for KO’s!”

“This is a big step up for Rolando, and he’s been waiting for the opportunity to showcase his talent,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He has a big test ahead to prove himself. This is going to be another one that you don’t want to miss, so tune-in to SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 15.”

The 29-year-old Maríñez (19-0, 7 KOs) holds the WBA’s No. 6 ranking, which he earned with victories over Rolando Giono and Kenin Betancourt while picking up eight wins between 2018 and 2019. Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Maríñez was successful in his U.S. debut in December of last year, stopping Yardley Armenta Cruz in two rounds.

“I’ve had a great training camp for this fight,” said Maríñez. “I’ve been sparring with Vergil Ortiz and Jose Ramirez, plus other fighters in Robert Garcia’s gym, and it’s gotten me ready to step into the ring. I know that Romero is a tough and durable fighter, so it won’t be easy, but I’m going to do anything I can to bring the title back home.”

Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since he nearly defeated Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that nearly halted the fight. While the 29-year-old lost a decision, he proved his mettle as a potential future heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“I’m very happy to finally be back in the ring,” said Wallin. “It’s been a long and crazy year in many ways and it feels great to be getting ready to step back into the ring. I’ve been training steady since the Fury fight and I feel like I’ve developed my game in a lot of ways. Kauffman is a tough veteran that can both come forward or box if he wants to. He’s a fan friendly fighter and I have to be ready at all times. We have a great game plan as always and I’m in excellent shape. I know I have all the tools to beat Kauffman.”

A veteran of the heavyweight landscape, Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) owns a ledger that includes challenges of top heavyweights including Luis Ortiz, Chris Arreola and Amir Mansour, amongst others. The Reading, Pennsylvania native lost his most recent bout to Ortiz, following a 2018 triumph over Scott Alexander.

“This is my first training camp in seven years without Brother Naazim Richardson, but I know that he wouldn’t want me to leave camp and he’d want me to stay focused,” said Kauffman. “Having him pass away while I was in camp was one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with, but there’s adversity in every camp I’ve had. I wouldn’t feel right if there wasn’t adversity to overcome. My father, Marshall, stepped back in as my head trainer. We know we’re facing a young, hungry fighter, but I have more experience than him and I don’t think he can last 10 rounds with me when I’m at 100% like I’ll be on August 15.”

Additional non-televised action will include super middleweight contender Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12 KOs) battling Ghana’s Habib Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs) in an eight-round attraction.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

boxing

2020 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Announcement Ceremony Photos

March 15, 2020 FNU47 Leave a comment

*Photos by Anthony Saldana / NVBHOF*

**LAS VEGAS, NV (March 10, 2020)** – The **Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame** announced its 2020 class of inductees today at the **Fernando Vargas Fighting Foundation** in Las Vegas. Inductees in attendance were, 2-Time World Champion **Fernando Vargas**, 2-Time World Champion, **Bones Adams,** WBC Lightweight Champion, **Devin Haney**, who was voted Fighter of the Year, Prospect of the Year, **Rolando Romero**, and **Saalim Gonzales**, father of Amateur Fighter of the Year, **Rahim Gonzales.** The group was introduced by NVBHOF founder, Rich Morrata, and President **Michelle Corrales**.

The 8th Annual Induction Weekend takes place at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 7th & 8th, 2020. For more information please visitwww.nvbhof.com

**The 2020 Induction Class includes**

***Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas (26-5, 22 KO’s)***
***Clarence “Bones” Adams (44-7-4, 20 KOs)***
***Andre “SOG” Ward (32-0, 16 KOs)***
***James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs)***
***Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs)***
***Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson (44-5-1, 28 KOs)***
***Julian “The Hawk” Jackson (55-6, 49 KOs)***
***Azumah “The Professor” Nelson (39-6-2, 28 KOs)***
***Danny “Little Red” Lopez (42-6, 39 KOs)***
***Jose Luis Castillo (66-13-1, 57 KOs)***

**Non-Boxer Inductees includes**

***Carlos Padilla***
***Lorenzo Fertitta***
***Sammy Macias***
***Jose Sulaiman***

**2019 Fighter of the Year**
**Devin Haney (24-0, 14 KO’s)**

**2019 Prospect of the Year**
**Rolando “Rolly” Romero (11-0, 10 KOs)**

**2019 Amateur of the Year**
**Rahim Gonzales**

***For more information about the event and Sponsorship Opportunities, Please Contact:***

Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis

***Phone:*** 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463) ***Email:*** michelle@nvbhof.com

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT XAVIER MARTINEZ STAYS UNBEATEN WITH THRILLING 21-SECOND KNOCKOUT IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY ON SHOWTIME®

November 5, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

***Top Mayweather Promotions Prospects Martinez, Richardson Hitchins, Kevin Newman II and Rolando Romero All Victorious***

**Catch The Replay Monday, November 4 At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME^®**

Click **HERE** For Photos; Credit Ian Spanier/SHOWTIME

Click **HERE** For Photos; Credit Sean Michael Ham/Mayweather Promotions

**LAS VEGAS – November 1, 2019 –** Undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez thrilled a sold-out crowd and boxing royalty at *Sam’s Town Live* with one of the quickest knockouts in *ShoBox: The New Generation* history in the main event Friday night in Las Vegas.

It took just 21 seconds for Sacramento’s Martinez (15-0, 11 KOs) to steal the show, connecting on a solid jab with his left hand before a glancing right hand finished the job and sent Filipino Jessie Cris Rosales (22-4-1, 10 KOs) down and out in a knockout of the year candidate. Rosales’ head hit hard on the canvas and his body was left sprawled on the floor. (*Martinez KO video:* https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1190493848016957441)

Martinez has now scored knockouts in seven consecutive fights, including a third-round stoppage of John Vicente Moralde in his *ShoBox* debut in April.

“I wanted to steal the show,” said Martinez. “[Rolando Romero] did his thing and I knew I had to capitalize on that. I did it in half the time (45 seconds). Everyone did great tonight. Hitchins and Kevin [Newman] both did their thing and I had to follow.

“I’m going to get back in the gym and continue grinding. I want to be the best. I have the best team in boxing right now. As long as they keep lining them up, I’m going to keep knocking them down.”

22-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y. native and 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) made his television and *ShoBox* debut in the co-featured bout, winning a unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson (7-2, 4 KOs). The judges scored the bout 96-94 and 97-93 twice.

Hitchins, who represented his parents’ home country of Haiti in the 2016 Rio Games, used his skill, speed and defense to edge the 27-year-old Johnson. Hitchins was marginally better in every category round after round, allowing him to build small but decisive leads en route to the unanimous decision. Johnson was slightly more active (52.6 to 49.8 punches per round) but Hitchins was more accurate and the more robust body puncher. Hitchins landed on 30 percent of his power punches, while Johnson landed just 19 percent of his, and Hitchins connected on 46 body shots compared to 30 for Johnson.

“Johnson was a solid fighter,” said Hitchins. “I haven’t been in the ring since April, but I think I did great. It was the fight that I needed. I wanted the win and I got the unanimous decision. I don’t like to rate my performance without going back and re-watching the fight. I could have closed the gaps a little better. I should have capitalized on certain moments a little better.

“I’m going to run the tape back and work with my coach so we can tighten up and come out the best I can possibly be. I’m excited to see what’s next and what my team has planned for me. They’ve guided me in a great direction and I just got to do what I got to do and that’s getting these guys out one at a time until I get that title shot.”

Johnson, who performed admirably, was gracious in defeat despite disagreeing with the judges’ scorecards.

“He had a good jab,” Johnson said. “It was easy to download him. I put the pressure on him and kept listening to my corner, and moved to the right and kept landing. He’s a tough fighter. I’ll give him that, he definitely came to fight. We both had moments throughout the fight. He did a good job of holding as the ref called, he knew how to hold when he was getting hurt. I think I was the better fighter. He never hurt me. I give him props as a fighter.

“I really want the rematch, but I doubt that will happen. I know I won. I was the better fighter at the end of the day.”

In a much-anticipated rematch between two fighters with history and bad blood, Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) avenged the only loss of his career, dominating Marcos Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) with a near shutout unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 80-72 and 79-73 twice.

Completing the full eight-round distance for the first time in his career, Newman, who is trained by former world champion Bones Adams, dominated the second half of the fight. He landed 82 total punches to 46 against in rounds five through eight and was able to establish a lethal body attack that wore down Sacramento’s Hernandez, connecting on 79 body shots compared to just 10 for Hernandez. Newman also led 152-97 in overall punches landed and 114-57 in power shots, while nearly matching Hernandez in punches thrown (399 to 435).

“The revenge felt so great,” said Las Vegas’ Newman, who dropped a unanimous decision to Hernandez on the undercard of Mayweather vs. McGregor in August 2017. “Overall, I dominated. I went to the body every chance I saw an opportunity. A lot of people have never seen me box like that so it’s great to show that side of me. I was a lot more offensive and I kept the attacks to the body.

“I’d rate my performance a B-, I think I could have been busier. I’m going to continue to developing and staying busy in the ring. I don’t think he expected me to come in like I did. We gave the fans a great performance that was TV worthy and I look forward to doing it again.”

In the telecast opener, undefeated knockout artist Rolando Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) extended his KO streak to five in a row and improved his knockout rate to 90 percent by dismantling previously once-beaten challenger Juan Carlos Cordones (14-2, 9 KOs) with a first-round knockout. (Romero KO: https://twitter.com/
ShowtimeBoxing/status/1190461550190120960)

The 24-year-old Las Vegan floored Dominican Republic’s Cordones with a combination and finished the job shortly after with a flush right to the jaw. Cordones was unable to get up off the mat, and the fight was stopped just 2:14 after it started. Looking for the knockout from the opening bell, the aggressive Romero threw twice as many punches (35-17), led nine to three in overall punches landed and connected on eight of his 18 power punches.

“There’s not much to say. I promised a knockout and I saw the opportunity so I went for it,” said the exuberant Romero, who has previously stated he is the hardest puncher in the world under 147 pounds. “I made him pay for coming in overweight yesterday. Looking ahead, I just plan on dominating whoever they put in front of me.

“I’m growing as a fighter and all I want to do is continue to put on a great performance for my fans and get to that next step in my career. I want anyone whoever wants next!”

The stars of the boxing world were out in Las Vegas, as promoter and future Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather and former and current world champions Gervonta Davis, Badou Jack, Adrien Broner, Claressa Shields, Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson were all in attendance at Sam’s Town Live.

Davis, Jack and Chris Eubank Jr. all spoke with SHOWTIME expert analyst Steve Farhood to preview their upcoming fights on the network.

“I decided to move up in weight because I have a chance to win a world title in two different weight classes,” said Davis, who faces former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA lightweight title December 28 in Atlanta. “We know Gamboa is a tough opponent and we won’t sleep on him. I wanted to share the ring with somebody great. Of course Gamboa is my toughest opponent to date. I’m going to train hard for him, he’ll train hard for me and we’ll give the fans what they want to see.

“I’m just excited to be back,” said two-division champion Jack, who will face WBA light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal in the co-featured bout on December 28. “That last loss to Marcus Browne was an accident. I’m more motivated than last time. I’m hungry to get in there and get my titles back.”

Middleweight star Chris Eubank Jr. will make his United States debut on December 7 in Brooklyn when he takes on Matt Korobov.

“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “I’m coming over here to the States to take over. This is the perfect opportunity. I’m in the prime of my life and I can’t wait to get out there and show you guys what I’m made of.” (Full interview video: https://twitter.com/SHOsports/status/1190467999439998976)

Promoter Floyd Mayweather also spoke to Farhood during the live telecast in which four of his top prospects impressed.

“When I see potential in a fighter, I want to take them to the next level,” the all-time great said. “I’m always on the lookout to find the next Floyd Mayweather. I like to give fighter pointers about the small things. Nothing comes overnight. It’s all about working hard and surrounding yourself with a positive team.”

In undercard action that was streamed live on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook page, Dylan Price, Cris Reyes, and newly-signed Mayweather Promotions prospect Malik Warren all scored TKO stoppages while Ava Knight earned a unanimous decision over Luna del Mar Torroba.

Friday’s fights were promoted by Mayweather Promotions. The full telecast will replay on Monday, November 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ANYTIME^® and SHOWTIME on DEMAND^®.

Barry Tompkins called the action from ringside with boxing historian Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

boxing, Mayweather Promotions, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

KEVIN NEWMAN AND MARK ANTHONY HERNANDEZ TALK TRAINING CAMP AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED REMATCH ONSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

October 21, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

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Click HERE for Photos from Mayweather Promotions

LAS VEGAS – October 16, 2019 – Super middleweight prospects Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman 10-1-1 (6 KOs) and Mark Anthony Hernandez 14-2-1 (3 KOs) discuss training camp, their first matchup, and the animosity between the camps leading up to their ShoBox: The Next Generation debuts on Friday, November 1 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox four-fight telecast will see Mayweather Promotions’ undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (14-0, 10 KOs) return for his second consecutive test on the series, this time against veteran Filipino Jessie Cris Rosales (22-3-1, 10 KOs). In the co-featured fight, 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs) will face once-beaten Kevin Johnson (7-1, 4 KOs), while undefeated Las Vegas knockout artist Rolando Romero9-0 (8 KOs) opens the telecast.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

After back-to-back KO performances this year, Newman returns with a vengeance to face the man who owns the only blemish on his record in a rematch with Hernandez. In 2017, with eight professional bouts on his record, Newman appeared on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard where he took on Hernandez, a tough rising prospect. After six rounds of what Newman calls, “the worst performance of my professional career,” judges ruled the bout a unanimous decision in favor of Hernandez. Newman took the loss in stride and bounced back with three consecutive wins and looks ahead to the rematch, while Hernandez is focused on repeating history.

Here is what the fighters had to say ahead of the November 1 rematch:

On training camp:

Newman: “Training camp has been going great. We’ve been working hard day in and day out, making sure we leave no stone unturned and working on a solid game plan come fight night.

“My runs and workouts have been a little longer and harder. We’re just focusing on getting better every day and pushing as hard as we can to ensure we get the W in the rematch.

“People are going to see a slightly different version of me this time around. I won’t give away any specifics, but I’m going to shock a lot of people come fight night and they will get the best Kevin Newman.”

Hernandez: “Camp has been great. I have a great team behind me. I expect him to come harder for this fight so we’re preparing for anything this time around. But we will remain smart at all times. There are things I’m taking with me this time around that I’ve learned and practiced in the gym. I’ve improved since our last fight so he better be ready.”

On what the importance of a win and the rivalry between the fighters:

Newman: “A win in this fight does a lot for my career, but it’s not just the win itself, it’s how I win that will do the most for me. Fans can expect an explosive fight. It will put me in a great place to further my career and get tougher fights, which will lead to the end goal of a title shot.

“There is definitely some animosity between us. A lot has been said, more so on his end than mine, but I just let him and his camp talk. I expect him to fight to win and I’m just going to continue to work hard like I have these past two years since the first fight. We don’t like each other, I can tell you that, so this fight will bring fireworks and I’m just going to let me hands do the talking and get the W.”

Hernandez: “A second win will just prove that I am the better fighter.

“I always come to win; I train to win. My family will be in attendance supporting me and I know his will too, so this will be a fight with both of us having a lot to prove.

“There’s been a lot of talk going into this rematch, but none of that affects me. I’m just working hard and I’m going to come even stronger than the first fight. None of the stuff outside the ring really matters to me. I out boxed him and outfought him in 2017, and I plan to do the same again this time around, mixed with a few other tactics.”

How does it feel to fight on national television?

Newman: “It feels great to return and fight on national television, especially getting to fight on SHOWTIME for the first time in my career. I’m very thankful to Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather as well as SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity. The last time I fought on national television I put on a great display of my talent and skills, so I look forward to doing the same this time around.”

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to redeem myself. I knew this day would come, I just didn’t know when. I’ve won fights since the first fight and had dominant performances in the process, but nothing has filled that void. This is my opportunity to do that, so come November 1, when it’s all said and done, I will be victorious.”

Hernandez: “It’s my first time on ShoBox and I’m thankful for this experience. Fans can expect a great fight. He’s a really good fighter and I won’t take anything from him. Moving up again will be a challenge, but I think I can beat him again.”

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Fans can live stream the undercard fights on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET. Bring a minimum of 5 food items to receive a complimentary general admission ticket (limit 1 ticket per person while they last). List of accepted items include mac & cheese, corn bread, green beans, cake mix, cake icing, and mashed potatoes. Tickets for the live event start at $25 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets to the live event, visit: www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

UNDEFEATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT XAVIER MARTINEZ TO FACE JESSIE CRIS ROSALES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER

October 7, 2019 FNU47 Leave a comment

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