Tag Archives: Shelly Vincent

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!

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 ChampionCharles 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.

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

   
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.

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

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
       
 

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

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.

BROADWAY BOXING WEIGHTS FROM FOXWOODS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MASHANTUCKET, CT (June 2, 2017) – All the boxers made weight today for today‘s (Sat., June 3) Broadway Boxing event to be held in Fox Theater, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT,
The popular Broadway Boxing series is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, will showcase some of New England’s top fighters.
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

Main Event – Lightweights — (8)

(L) Matt Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), Manchester, CT 135 lbs.

(R) Fatiou Fassinou (27-5-3, 14 KOs), Cotonou, Benin 133 lbs.
Co-Feature – Heavyweights (6)
(L) Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 233 lbs.
(R) George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs), Bronx, NY by way of Dominican Republic 230 lbs.
Welterweights (6)
(L) Myquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs), East Hartford, CT 146 lbs.
(R) Ariel Vasquez (13-17-2, 9 KOs), Managua, Nicaragua 147 lbs.
Female Super Lightweights (6)
(L) Jennifer Salinas (19-4, 5 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
(R) Marquita Lee (3-4), Novato, CA 132 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Khiry Todd (4-0, 4 KOs), Lynn, MA 149 lbs.
(R) Nicolas Sarouna (12-8-1, 9 KOs), Lome, Togo 148 lbs.
Middleweights (8)
(L) Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of Russia 153 lbs.
(R) Abraham Alvarez (20-10-1, 11 KOs), El Rosario, Mexico 157 lbs.
Cruiserweights (6)
(L) Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), Peekskill, NY by way of Cuba 194 lbs.
(R) Felipe Romero (19-13-1, 13 KOs), San Diego, CA by way of Mexico 195 lbs.
Super Welterweights (4)
(L) Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico 149 lbs.
(R) William Hill (2-2), Detroit, MI 148 lbs.
WHAT: “Broadway Boxing” professional boxing
 
WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 2017
WHERE: Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT
PROMOTER: DiBella Entertainment
RING ANNOUNCER: Dave Diamante
DOORS OPEN: 7:00 p.m. ET
FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET
TICKETS: Priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office
INFORMATION:
Twitter & Instagram: @DiBellaEnt, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT

DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING RETURNS TO FOXWOODS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
SHELLY VINCENT FEATURED IN SPECIAL ATTRACTION FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST
 
HARTFORD LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER MATT REMILLARD
CONTINUES COMEBACK IN HOMECOMING BOUT
SATURDAY, JUNE 3
 
FOX THEATER AT FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, MASHANTUCKET, CT
New York, NY (5/22/17) – On Saturday, June 3, DiBella Entertainment will return to the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT, for the latest exciting installment of its popular Broadway Boxing series, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. The card will feature a bevy of New England talent, including fan favorite Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent in an eight-round special attraction featherweight bout, as well as lightweight Matt Remillard on the comeback and welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams on the rise.
“I am happy to bring another great card back to Foxwoods, which continues to be a terrific venue for Broadway Boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans will not want to miss the always-entertaining Shelly Vincent, who is a great ambassador for women’s boxing. The stacked undercard will include local New England favorites Matt Remillard, Mykquan Williams, Jonathan Figueroa, and Khiry Todd, as well as Russian future world champion Radzhab Butaev and a battle between unbeaten heavyweight prospects Ruslan Shamalov and George Arias.”
One of the most popular fighters out of the New England area, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (19-1, 1 KO), born in New London, CT, but now residing in Providence, RI, will compete at Foxwoods for the seventh time, in an eight-round featherweight bout. Last August, Vincent entered enemy territory to challenge rival Heather Hardy in her adversary’s hometown of Brooklyn, NY. Their highly publicized grudge match was nationally televised by NBC Sports Net and was hailed by Ring Magazine as the “Female Fight of the Year” for 2016. Vincent was also honored by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame as their “Fighter of the Year” for 2016, becoming the first female recipient of the award. She rebounded from her only defeat with a unanimous decision victory on December 2, back home in Rhode Island. Before turning pro in October 2011, Vincent was a Connecticut State, Connecticut Golden Gloves, and National Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. Managed by Mike Criscio and trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Vincent signed with DiBella Entertainment in 2016.
Matt “Sharp Shooter” Remillard (24-1, 13 KOs), of Hartford, CT, will continue his comeback, following a six-year ring absence, in an eight-round lightweight bout. It will be his first fight in his home state since November 2010. A pro since 2005, Remillard is a former WBC Youth, WBC-USNBC, NABF and NABO featherweight champion. His only loss came in March 2011 to the unbeaten Mikey Garcia, now the WBC world lightweight champion. He is trained by Paul Cichon, a local legend and community leader, out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society boxing gym. As an amateur, Remillard accumulated a record of 115-25, and was a two-time Everlast Under-19 National amateur champion.
Highly touted East Hartford welterweight prospect Mykquan Williams (6-0, 4 KOs) has kept a busy pace since turning pro last April. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by Jackie Kallen, the 19-year-old Williams will return to Foxwoods, where he has built a strong following, for the sixth time, in his first scheduled six-rounder. Williams is also trained by Cichon, whom he’s known since he was a child and looks upon as a surrogate father. His biological father was murdered when Mykquan was just a week old. Williams was a decorated amateur with a 45-13 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
Unbeaten New York-based heavyweights will collide in their toughest tests to date, when Russian Ruslan Shamalov (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Dominican George Arias (6-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest.
Born in Cherkessk, Russia, and now living in Brooklyn, the 6’5″ Shamalov was a two-time amateur MMA champion before switching to boxing and engaging in 30 amateur bouts while participating on the Russian National team. Shamalov turned pro in October 2016 and is trained by Eduard Kravtsov out of Wild Card Gym, in Los Angeles, CA. In his last bout on April 5, Shamalov returned home to Russia and registered a first-round knockout versus Oleksandr Nesterenko in 43 seconds.
Arias was born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, then moved to New York City in 1996, at four years old. However, it wasn’t until graduating high school that Arias learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home in The Bronx. He won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned pro that October. Arias recently returned from a 13-month ring hiatus with a four-round unanimous decision versus Jamal Woods in Lawrenceville, GA, on April 29.
Cuban cruiserweight Luis Garcia (14-0, 11 KOs), based out of Peekskill, NY, will see action in a six-round bout. After being denied a berth on the Cuban Olympic team, despite winning in the Cuban Olympic qualifiers preparing for the Games in Beijing, Garcia defected from his native land and settled in Cork, Ireland, where he turned pro in September 2008. Having built his record to a perfect 11-0 over the next 26 months, Garcia then relocated to the United States to resume his career. On December 5, 2015, Garcia made his New York debut at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, earning a 63-second knockout versus Willie Williams. Anther first-round knockout followed in his last bout on June 25, 2016, at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK.
Russian amateur prodigy Radzhab Butaev (5-0, 4 KOs), co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. and managed by Vadim Kornilov, will make his second appearance at Foxwoods in an eight-round contest. On November 19, Butaev earned an eight-round shutout victory versus experienced Hungarian Gabor Gorbics to win the NABF junior middleweight title. In his last bout, on April 5, Butaev returned to Russia to stop Baxrom Payazov inside one round. The 22-year-old Butaev, born in Salsk, Russia, and now living in Los Angeles, was a highly accomplished amateur, having compiled an incredible 304-12 record, with 164 knockouts. He participated in the World Series of Boxing as well, finishing at 9-1.
A native of the boxing rich city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Jose Roman (3-0, 3 KOs) will make his US debut in a four-round welterweight contest. Roman began boxing at 13 years of age amassing a stellar 124-17 amateur record along the way. He joined the Puerto Rican National team in 2012, winning three consecutive National championships from 2013-2015.
Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-1, 1 KO), of Hartford, CT, will fight in a four-round contest. Managed by Vinny Scolpino, Figueroa turned pro on a Broadway Boxing card held at Foxwoods on September 1 last year. Training out of Hartford PAL gym, Figueroa was a 2012 Golden Gloves champion as an amateur.
Welterweight Khiry Todd (3-0, 3 KOs), from Lynn, MA, will make his Connecticut debut in a four-round contest. The 25-year-old Todd had 40 amateur bouts and won the New England Golden Gloves tournament before turning pro last December with a 42-second demolition of Patrick Leal.
Tickets for the June 3 Broadway Boxing event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House, are priced at $125, $75 and $45. Tickets can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Doors open at 7:00pm, with the first fight scheduled for 7:30pm.

12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame  Induction & awards dinner review & photo gallery

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (November 7, 2016) –  Last Friday night’s 12 TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner, held in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, was a major success by all standards.  HBO “judge” and International Hall-of-Famer Harold Lederman served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos Nieves, Contribution to Amateur Boxing.
CBHOF president John Laudati announced the imminent opening of the new Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, located in the heart of Mohegan Sun, as well as a scholarship fund to assist young boxers in their pursuit of a higher education as they pursue their boxing dreams.
“Boxing fans will now be able to visit the beautiful Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame when they are in the casino,” Laudati said.  “Thank you to the Board of Directors for all of your efforts to make this happen.  Special thanks to Maynard Strickland, Don Trella, Mike Mazulli and Kim Baker who spearheaded the effort.
“I would also like to thank my friend, Tom Vaughn, whose father Tom, Sr., left money to donate to a worthy cause.  Tom’s dad was a boxing fan and these funds will be earmarked and grown for future scholarships to young boxers.”
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, or past CBHOF inductees.
All pictures courtesy of Emily Harney Photography:
2016 CBHOF inductee Kenny Reels
2016 CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Jr.
2016 CBHOF inductee John “Duke” Lawson
2016 CBHOF inductee Orlando Montalvo
2016 CBHOF inductee Bob Yalen
2016 CBHOF inductee “Sucra” Ray Oliveira
2016 CBHOF Professional Fighter of the Year Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent
2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxer of the Year Jacob Marrero
Mike Mazzulli, 2016 CBHOF Professional Boxing Official of the Year
Pete Hary, 2016 CBHOF Contribution to Professional Boxing
 
Heather Concepcion, 2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxing Official of the Year
Carlos Nieves, 2016 CBHOF Contributor to Amateur Boxing
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Limited Tickets still available for this Friday night’s 12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Awards Dinner at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 30, 2016) –  Limited tickets are still available for this Friday

night’s 12TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos NievesContribution to Amateur Boxing.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun (1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET(cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Announces 2016 Award Winners Shelly Vincent 1st female Fighter of the Year

12th annual CBHOF induction dinner Nov. 4
CBHOF 2016 Fighter of the Year Shelly Vincent
(Photo by Ed Diller / DiBella Entertainment)
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (October 18, 2016) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its 2016 award winners, including its first female Boxer of the Year, popular super bantamweight Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent.
The 2016 award winners, as well as its Class of 2016 inductees, will be honored Fridaynight, November 4, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, at the 12TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner.
Other 2016 CHBOF award winners include Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli, Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos Nieves Contribution to Amateur Boxing.
The new CBHOF inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
This year’s class hails from all over Connecticut and from every segment of the sport,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “We’ve inducted great boxers and trainers Orlando Montalvo, Ray Olivieri and Sean Malone Jr. We’ve also acknowledged the tremendous contributions to the sport by Bob Yalen and Kenny Reels. From my hometown of Waterbury comes world renowned boxing judge and referee Johnny “Duke” Lawson.  This year’s class of boxers and officials of the year is incredibly accomplished and includes the first woman professional Boxer of the Year, Shelly Vincent.  Emcee Harold Lederman is an icon of the boxing world and he will surely keep us entertained all night.”
Vincent (18-1), fighting out of Providence, is arguably the most popular boxer in New England.  A native of New London, she has won two world title, Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) and International Boxing Association (IBA). She has fought 10 times in Connecticut without a loss during her professional career, 6-0 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 4-0 at Mohegan Sun.
Past CHBOF Boxers of the Year include Chad Dawson (3X), Luis Rosa, Jr. (2X), Matt Remillard (2X), Eric Harding, Delvin Rodriguez, Tony Grano and Mike Oliver.
Representing the Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport, Marrero is the Northeast Regional champion, and he was the 2015 USA Boxing’s Prep National Championship gold-medal winner in the 125-pound division.
Mazulli is president of the powerful Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) and longtime Director of Athletic Regulations for Mohegan Sun.
Hary is a veteran professional boxing judge as well as CHBOF vice president, while Nieves is head coach/owner of Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport.
Tickets for the CBHOF 12th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, will soon go on sale and be available to purchase by calling Kim Baker at Mohegan Sun(1.860.862.7377) or Sherman Cain at the Manchester Journal Inquirer (1.800.237.3606 X321). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET, cocktails from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET (cash bar), followed by a full sit-down dinner.
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, or past CBHOF inductees.
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

ERROL SPENCE JR. DELIVERS KNOCKOUT PERFORMANCE: +6 MILLION VIEWERS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC SUNDAY AFTERNOON

 
Rising Star Stops Leonard Bundu for Title Shot;
Post Highest Rating for Boxing on Television in 2016
LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2016) – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.’ssensational sixth-round knockout of Leonard Bundu delivered over +6 million viewers during his Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight this Sunday, according to Nielsen. Following the broadcast of the 2016 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team’s gold medal-winning performance, Spence Jr.’s fight posted a peak audience of 6.34 million viewers and averaged 4.8 million viewers for the entire hour. This fight is the highest-rated PBC fight to-date.
Spence-Bundu drew the largest television audience for boxing in 18 years (August 21, 2016 vs. March 23, 1998).
“I knew this would be the most important fight of my career and the goal was to not just win, but to put on a spectacular one-sided performance,” said Spence Jr. “It felt good to go out there and give everyone watching a great show and to do it in front of such a large television audience makes it even better. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and I promise you’ll be seeing more of me soon. My time is now and this is just the beginning.”
The Dallas boxer’s sixth-round knockout victory over Bundu ensures that he will fight for the world title currently held by British welterweight Kell Brook.
With his power, pinpoint accuracy and desire to close the show, Spence Jr. is squarely in the mix as a top welterweight in the most talent-laden division in boxing. As a young, hungry contender circling champions like Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Brook, Spence’s presence adds to the tantalizing possibility of super fights in the welterweight division harkening to the days of Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.