Tag Archives: Teddy Atlas

Mike Lee Breaks Rib in 1st round and despite not being able to breathe, defeats Jose Hernandez to claim NABO Light Heavyweight title

Chicago, Illinois (June 9, 2018) -WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee Broke his rib in the 1st round, but still claimed the NABO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Hernandez at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.

 

 

 

Lee pressed the action as he looked to land power shots early.  Hernandez fought gamely, but Lee was consistent with his right and left hands.

 

 

 

Lee showed incredible heart, as in round one, he suffered a broken rib and had trouble breathing throughout the whole ten round fight.

 

 

 

Hernandez was cut from Lee’s work, and the Notre Dame graduate cruised home with the victory by scores of 97-93 on all judges’ cards.

 

 

 

With the victory, Lee remains perfect with a record of 21-0, and will now look to face any of the world champions in either the light heavyweight or super middleweight divisions.

 

 

 

“I came out wanting the knockout,” said Lee.  “I give credit to Jose, he was tough.  I got a little excited early, and I was a little sloppy.  In the beginning, I was just throwing power shots, I wasn’t double jabbing and using my athletic ability.  Every fight is a learning lesson, and tonight I had to bite down and get the win.”

 

 

 

With the win, Lee will now look to challenge any of the champions and big names in and around his weight class.

 

 

 

“Let’s go.  I want a shot at the world title.  Whether it is at 168 pounds or 175 pounds, I am just waiting on a phone call.  We wanted to fight Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., but I don’t know what happened with that.  I just want someone with the belt.”

Hall of Fame broadcaster Barry Tompkins chimes in on world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee

Lee takes on Jose Hernandez this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago and Live on

CBS Sports Network (9 PM ET)

Chicago, Illinois (June 4, 2018) -When WBO number-3 ranked light heavyweight contender Mike Lee (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Jose Hernandez (19-3-1, 9 KOs) this Friday night at The Allstate Arena in Chicago.  The card will be broadcast live on CBS Spots Network (9 PM ET) with an all-star announce team of International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins and renowned Teddy Atlas.

 

 

 

Tompkins, who has been calling the biggest fights in the world for nearly 40 years, has seen his share of fighters, but not many with the versatility of a fighter who could be speaking to corporate America one day, and competing at a championship level in the ring…. the very next day.

 

 

 

“This fight will be a nice little test for Lee.  This is something that he has been striving for a long time, and I will be happy to see him get that chance that he has been wanting.  It is a real opportunity for him to show himself as one of the great fighters around,” said Tompkins.

 

 

 

Lee, who is one of a real select few that is able to give motivational speeches to Fortunate-500 companies, is a national spokesperson for major cooperation’s, and be a world class fighter all wrapped up in one.

 

 

 

Lee, who is holds a finance degree from Notre Dame, spends time and money for kids diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he is always fighting for a higher cause

 

 

 

“He is a very sellable guy whether he fights or not, and that’s the thing.  He has the opportunity to be a real spokesman, not only for himself but for the sport of boxing in general.  He is that in general He can really fill a room and he is excellent at dealing with all walks of life and all generations of people.  I haven’t been around too many that can do that.  “Sugar” Ray Leonard comes to mind who can do that. Leonard has a very galvanizing personality, and Mike has a lot of that in him.  He is very good spokesperson for the sport.”

 

 

 

With a win on Friday night, Lee could be just a fight or two away for fighting for a coveted world championship.

 

 

 

“I know that is something he has looked forward to.  I am in favor of him getting an opportunity.  His record says that he is worthy of an opportunity.”

FNU Combat Sports Show: Anthony Joshua’s Potential UFC Contract, Parker vs. Joshua Boxing Preview and Other Combat Sports News

This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a wide range of topics. We even touch on a little WWE news at the end of the show. We begin with discussions about Anthony Joshua possibly signing to fight under the UFC Boxing banner and move on later in the show to preview his fight against Joseph Parker this weekend. We also cover the temporary suspension of Canelo Alvarez and the involvement of Mark Burnett in the new Professional Fighters League. Listen to the full show in the player below:

 

 

FNU Combat Sports Show: Quitters Never Win

This broadcast of the FNU Combat Sports Show starts off with one of the most controversial stories of the week. Many sports pundits are quick to ridicule Guillermo Rigondeaux for bowing out of his blockbuster boxing match with Vasyl Lomachenko last Saturday. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith wasted no time during the broadcast, ripping into the Cuban boxer for refusing to come out for the seventh round of the one-sided fight. Teddy Atlas, exiled from his ringside reporting duties thanks to his outspoken views on boxing corruption and his abrasive treatment of lesser-experienced commentators, came to Rigo’s defense. Atlas argued with Smith from his own home studio, basically explaining that everyone is human. Tom, Tony and Rich all offer their own takes on the situation and their thoughts on the “fight.”

We also track the latest news in combat sports, recap the past week’s events and preview competing UFC and Bellator events this Saturday.  We even touch on the multiple story lines involving Floyd Mayweather Jr. that are making the rounds in the sports media this week.  “Money” claims he can make up to a billion dollars if he goes into the UFC for a three or four fight deal. Well, good luck, Floyd. I hear CM Punk wants another fight.

Listen to the two part broadcast below.

 

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

31stannual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 10 in New York

Vasyl Lomachenko, Evander Holyfield, Michael Conlan,
Marcus Browne, Amanda Serrano among 2017 award winners
Vasyl Lomachenko (R) – 2017 Ring 8 Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year)
(photo courtesy of Top Rank – more pictures below)
NEW YORK (October 31, 2017) – The 31st annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 10, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Ring 8 has announced its 2017 award winners (see complete list below), WBO Junior Lighweight World Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl “Hi Tech” Lomanchenko (Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year), Hall-of-Famer Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield (Legends Award), two-time Irish Olympian Michael Conlan (International Prospect of the Year Award), 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (New York State Fighter of the Year), of Staten Island, and five-division world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano, of Brooklyn by way of Puerto Rico.
“There is an incredible amount of interest for our holiday awards banquet this year” Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch said. “Vasyl Lomachenko is arguably the world’s greatest fighter, and Evander Holyfield is a living legend. They are both confirmed to attend as are future superstars Michael Conlan and Marcus Browne. There will be other high-profile honorees and boxing personalities on hand as well. It will be a treat for fans who will have the opportunity to interact with them.
“Russo’s on the Bay is a great venue; the food is fantastic. Everyone attending should come away with wonderful memories of the event. Tickets are very reasonably priced for an affair of this magnitude. We usually sell out, so I suggest that anyone planning to attend purchase their tickets as soon as possible. Our profits from the afternoon go back to the boxing fraternity, helping those less fortunate, who need assistance.”
 
2017 RING 8 Award Winners
Muhammad Ali International Fighter of the Year: Vasyl Lomachenko
Legends Award: Evander Holyfield
International Prospect of the Year: Michael Conlan
NYS Fighter of the Year: Marcus Browne
NYS Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano
Sunnyside Gardens Award:: Bobby Cassidy, Sr.
NYS Prospect of the Year: Devaun Lee
Rising Contender Award: Skender & Enver Halili
Sam Kellerman Media Award: Matt Christie
NYS Trainer of the Year: Hector Rosa
Long & Meritorious Service: Edwin Torres
NYS Official of the Year: Robert Perez
NYS Promoter of the Year: Mercedes Vasquez Simmons
Uncrowned Champion: Richard Kiley
Ringside Physician of the Year: Dr. Osric King
Good Guy Award: Joanne Doyle Hutchins
Ring 8 Member of the Year: George Newman
Community Service Award: Mike Reno
Special Guests will include Teddy Atlas, Vito Antuofermo, Iran Barkley, Tommy Gallagher and many others.
David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
Tickets are $125.00 include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible to secure favorable seating. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.
Program ads are available for Back Cover ($500.00), Inside Front or Back Cover ($400.00), Full Page ($200.00), Half-Page ($100.00), and Quarter-Page ($60.00). The deadline for all ads is November 26, 2017, and must be emailed (Ajhirsch5@aol) or mailed to Ring 8, P.O. Box 153, Rockaway Park, NY 11694. All checks for tickets or journal ads should be payable to Ring 8 (credit cards are acceptable).
For additional information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, contact Ring 8 president Jack Hirsch (516.790.7592 or Ajhirsch5@aol.com) or go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information.
Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach(718.843.5055).
 Vasyl Lomachenko (photo courtesy of Top Rank)
Evander Holyfield (photo courtesy of Real Deal Sports and Entertainment)
Michael Conlan (Picture courtesy of Top Rank)
Marcus Browne (photo courtesy of Premier Boxing Champions)
Amanda Serrano (picture courtesy of DiBella Entertainment)
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person

Steamrolling Through the Super Middleweight Division in Record Time, ‘Boxing Prodigy’ David Benavidez ‘Determined and Ready’ for Whatever Comes Next

He was billed from the first day of his career as a “boxing prodigy,” but not even David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez himself could have predicted his meteoric rise through the boxing ranks.
Despite having had just 31 boxing matches in his entire life, amateur and professional, 19-year-old Benavidez (16-0, 15 KOs), is already the undefeated WBA #10 super middleweight in the world and a sure lock on 2016 “Prospect of the Year.” The young phenom from Phoenix has been nearly flawless tearing through his ever-escalating level of opponents (his last four had combined records of 62-7), while being labeled a potential superstar by world-famous trainer/commentator Teddy Atlas.
Last Friday night at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, Benavidez wore down and stopped capable veteran Denis Douglin (20-5, 13 KOs) in the tenth and final round of their ESPN-televised main event.
“It feels amazing to be in this position,” said Benavidez, “everything that has happened wasn’t expected, but we worked hard to get to this point and I feel like I just have to keep working hard, stay in the gym and stay determined and dedicated. I want to be ready for any opportunity that comes up.”
Benavidez, who appears ready to reach a dream and smash the record for youngest super middleweight champion in history (Darrin Van Horn was 22), attributes his natural sense of space in the ring as a big reason for his success.
“I feel like it’s a mix between distance and power in the ring. I know how to control it with the jab and there’s power behind my punches, so I’m are able to get dudes out of there.”
“To be honest I didn’t expect this to happen this soon,” said father/trainer Jose Benavidez. “It’s a dream come true for me to have my sons as two of the best in the world.” David’s brother, Jose Jr., is the undefeated former interim WBA junior welterweight champion.
“Today we went to eat and we were talking about how fast things were happening. We just have to be ready for big opportunities to show up. We’ve got to keep working and stay focused. David knows big challenges are coming, so we have to be ready. I tell him ‘you’re only 19 and people are already talking about you. Keep working hard and make your sacrifices now, so they pay off later. David understands that.”
Both Benavidez credit promoter Sampson Lewkowicz for helping make their miraculous run through the division a reality. “He’s done everything he said he would,” said David. “He says I’ll be back in December against another veteran with good experience. I’ll be ready.”

Provodnikov seeks vengeance in 2016 Provodnikov inferno wants another crack at “Fireman” Bradley 

Siberia, Russia (November 12, 2015)– After his dominant performance this pastSaturday when he stopped previously undefeated Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez, former WBO junior welterweight champion, Ruslan Provodnikov is ready for a huge 2016 as he targets the best fighters at junior welterweight & welterweight.
At the top of his list is WBO Welterweight champion, Timothy Bradley.
Provodnikov stopped Rodriguez in 4 rounds in the main event at the 7th Edition Monte-Carlo Boxing Bonanza Night of Champions and is looking for the biggest fish to fry as he embarks on the new year.

The fight was his maiden voyage with new trainer Joel Diaz.

“This was a good win for me. I felt confident and my defense already felt better. I know that in the next camp things will come together for me and Joel’s training. My goal for next year is to avenge my losses to Lucas Matthysse, Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri!”, said Provodnikov.

Said Diaz, “This was a fight to get him back after the tough fights.  We had a strategy of working on defense and body punches.  He did a little more of that then he did in previous fights.  It will take a couple of fights to get him to where I want.”
“After the fight he said he wanted to redeem his losses to Matthysse, Bradley and Herrera.  I like that, and there are other opponents such as Danny Garcia.  That would be a great fight because they are both heavy hitters.
But Bradley is at the top of the list as a rematch of the 2013 Fight of the Year and would be the most desirable fight for the boxing fans.
Bradley, who was trained for two decades under Diaz, also won on Saturday as he stopped Brandon Rios in 9 rounds under the guidance of new trainer Teddy Atlas.
“Teddy is a great motivator, and he brings a lot of energy to the corner.”
One of the memorable moments from Saturday’s Bradley – Rios encounter was a spirited Atlas tirade where he was comparing Bradley to a fireman.
“Well if Bradley is a fireman, it is Ruslan that brings the inferno to the fight.  If they rematch it would be a tough fight.  After the first fight, everybody knows that Bradley was scarred from the bout.  Bradley was damaged and in a rematch, that is what Bradley would be thinking about, and he would not be focused.  Ruslan would take the initiative and knock him out”
“Ruslan looked great.  The collaboration between Ruslan and Joel Diaz is going well,” said Provodnikov’s promoter Artie Pelullo.
“This win sets everything up for a big 2016.  He indicated to me that he wants to avenge his losses and also seek the biggest fights.  I think he is in prime position to do just that.  I expect to have him in a big fight in the first quarter of 2016. “

Marysol Castro Joins ESPN as Host of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN


Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna to Serve as Reporters
Nigel Collins to Provide Social Media Content, Insight and Analysis
Noche de Combates’ Team of Commentators to Lead PBC’s Coverage on ESPN Deportes

 

Marysol Castro has joined ESPN as host of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) and will make her debut when the series premieres live in prime timeSaturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Castro, who will be on site for all PBC on ESPN fights, will also serve as a reporter on ESPN’s Little League World Series telecasts.

“Marysol has an energetic presence and is intelligent and versatile,” said ESPN senior coordinating producer Matt Sandulli. “Adding a professional with her vast experience will make our presentation even more valuable to the viewers.”

 

Castro said, “It is a privilege to work for the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN. I’m extremely excited to be a part of such an energetic, smart and fun team. My years at network news, my love of sports and experience as an athlete have prepared me for this next chapter in my professional life. I look forward to bringing boxing back to the forefront of sports and since I never did get to play for the Yankees, covering Little League is the next best thing.”

Castro most recently worked as a news anchor at WPIX in New York. Prior to that, she had on-air roles on two different national morning shows-“The Early Show” on CBS and ABC’s Good Morning America.

PBC on ESPN Commentators:

Castro joins an all-star PBC on ESPN commentator roster. As previously announced, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore
and analyst Teddy Atlas-both recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA)-will call PBC on ESPN fights ringside.

“There is no more credible boxing team in the business than Joe and Teddy,” said Sandulli. “They have provided viewers with insightful and entertaining commentary for years on Friday Night Fights and now they get to do it with higher profile fights.”

Additionally, ESPN’s Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna will serve as PBC on ESPN reporters. Both provided commentary for Friday Night Fights-Grisham as studio host and Osuna as reporter.  Hall-of-Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis.

ESPN Deportes Commentators:

ESPN Deportes commentators Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call PBC on ESPN fights as part of the network’s Noche de Combates serieswhile Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-host the show. Bilingual reporter Osuna will also contribute, providing live reports and interviews. Additionally, Hall-of-Fame boxing referee and analyst Joe Cortez will join the show on a regular basis.

The first live PBC on ESPN telecast, from the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla., will feature a star-studded 12-round welterweight matchup between undefeated Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs). The opening fight will showcase a 10-round junior middleweight matchup between undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs). Read more.

 

Upcoming PBC on ESPN Schedule:

Date Time (ET) Featured Bouts Location Networks
Sat, July 11 9 p.m. Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) vs. Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs)-12 rounds, Welterweight

 

Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) vs. Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs)-10 rounds, Junior  Middleweight

USF Sun Dome,

Tampa, Fla.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN
Sat, Aug. 1 9 p.m. Danny Garcia (30-0, 17 KOs) vs. Paulie Malignaggi (33-6, 7 KOs)-12 rounds, Welterweight

 

Daniel Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) vs. Sergio Mora (28-3-2, 9 KOs)-12 rounds, Middleweight

 

Barclays Center,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Agreement to Televise  Premier Boxing Champions Series


 PBC on ESPN to Air 12 Two-hour Live Shows Annually on ESPN and ABC 

 

March 18, 2015 – ESPN will televise Premier Boxing Champions, a series created for television by Haymon Boxing, featuring top-level fights between many of boxing’s biggest names. The multi-year agreement was announced today. The first of 12 two-hour annual live Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) telecasts is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

 

ESPN telecasts will air live in primetime. ABC broadcasts will air on Saturday afternoon, with further details to be announced at a later date. ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s Spanish-language network, will also televise all PBC on ESPN fights as part of its Noche de Combates series.

 

Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. The agreement also includes worldwide rights via ESPN International.

 

Card details of the first PBC on ESPN telecast and subsequent shows will be announced at a later date. ESPN’s long-standing Friday Night Fights will celebrate its last show Friday, May 22 with the finals of the Boxcino 2015 tournament.
“ESPN has a long history of carrying world-class boxing events and the new Premier Boxing Championsseries continues our commitment to the sport with premier-level primetime fights previously only available on premium cable networks,” said John Skipper, ESPN president.

 

PBC on ESPN telecasts will be produced by ESPN. Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and analyst Teddy Atlas, both recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), will call the fights ringside on ESPN and ABC.Additional on-air commentators will be announced at a later date.

ESPN3, ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network,will present non-televised undercard bouts and PBC on ESPN weigh-ins live leading up to the fights. Stories about the fighters and the fights will also be featured on ESPN.com and on SportsCenter.

Boxing on ESPN

Boxing has been a staple of ESPN’s programming for nearly 35 years. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980 – the network’s first year on the air – when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964. For the past 17 years, ESPN Friday Night Fights hasshowcased some of the best bouts in the boxing industry and introduced fans to future stars and champions.

 

About Haymon Boxing Management
Haymon Boxing Management is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and manages and advises more than 200 professional fighters.

 

For more information on Premier Boxing Champions, visit:

 

premierboxingchampions.comfacebook.com/premierboxingchampions, or https://twitter.com/premierboxing