Tag Archives: Tommy Karpency

boxing, DAZN, Golden Boy Promotions

41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Barrera needs to get past Sullivan Barrera to get world light heavyweight title shot

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Streaming live July 9th on DAZN from L.A.

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LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2021) – Undefeated former WBO Super Middleweight Champion and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), currently a highly ranked light heavyweight contender, will have a lot on the line July 9th against world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), including world title fight implications and, ultimately, his boxing legacy,

Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles. 

To get a world light heavyweight title shot against any of the reigning champions – WBC & IBF Artur Beterbiev (16-0 (16 KOs), WBA Super Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) or WBO Joe Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) – Barrera stands in Ramirez’ way in the 12-round Zurdo vs. Barrera main event. Ramirez is ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO, as well as No. 5 by the IBF.

“That’s what the fans want but I’m not sure if these fighters are ready for me,” Ramirez boldly said about Beterbiev, Bivol and Smith.  “I wasn’t impressed by any of the three in their recent bouts. They can run as much as they want, but they can’t hide forever. I know I’m the best in the division and, sooner or later, I will be snatching each of the belts and taking their souls one by one.” 

Ramirez, who recently turned 30 (June 19), was the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight title, which he relinquished in 2019 to move up to the light heavyweight division, in which he is 2-0 (2 KOs) having defeated Tommy Karpency(29-6-1) and Alphonso Lopez (32-3) last December to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown.

A decorated Cuban amateur boxer (285-27 record), 39-year-old Barrera defeated future pro world champions such as Chad Dawson, 
Beibut Shumenov and Mariano Natalio Carrera prior to defecting from Cuba to Miami and turning pro.

Barrera, fighting out of Cuba by way of Miami, is 3-3 vs. past or present world champions with victories against Jeff Lacy (WTKO4), Karo Murat (WKO12) andFelix Valera (WDEC10), losing to Bivol (TKO12), Smith (DEC10), and Hall of FamerAndre Ward (DEC 12).

“I always expect the best from my opponents,” Ramirez noted. “Barrera is a professional and I know he will be ready when the lights are on. He displayed that he’s a strong fighter when he beat and broke Joe Smith, Jr.’s jaw in their bout. A victory for Barrera can resurge his career and alter my path; so, I prepare for the best version of Barrera, and I will not let anything deter my goals.

“I’ve been working hard. There’s new stuff I’ve been fine tuning and I can’t wait to showcase it July 9th. Come fight night, I know all my hard work will pay off.”
Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium andwww.ticketmaster.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez
boxing

Perfect connection Gilberto“Zurdo” Ramirez & Trainer Julian Chua

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LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.  “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story.  After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second.  He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said.  “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’  We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee.  He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer.  We trained together a little more.  He liked the way I trained, and we got along well.  I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train.  I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring.  I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara.  “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity.  We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18th with a 10th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor.  During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO.  “Zurdo” returns to action July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:

Website:  www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter:  @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

boxing

Karo Murat accepts challenge to face Artur Beterbiev IBF light heavyweight title eliminator

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MONTREAL (October 9, 2015) -After the refusal of CubanYuniesky Gonzalez (IBF #11), Armenian light heavyweight Karo Murat (IBF #14, 27-2-1, 17 KOs) jumped at the opportunity to face Montreal adopted son Artur Beterbiev (IBF #2, 9-0, 9 KOs) for an IBF light heavyweight (175 pounds) elimination fight.
 
The promoters of the two fighters have until October 22 to sign a deal without it going to a purse bid.
 
The winner of this bout, which could logically take placeNovember 28 in Quebec City, will become the mandatory challenger for the IBF light heavyweight world title owned by Russian Sergey Kovalev.
 
Murat is the reigning IBF International light heavyweight champion. He won his last two fights after fighting hard for 12 rounds with legendary American Bernard Hopkins, Oct. 26, 2013 in Atlantic City, in a losing effort. He also has on his record wins over Gabriel Campillo and Tommy Karpency.
boxing

Mayweather/Berto group Throwdown Fantasy Game Winner announced 

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NEW YORK (September 14, 2015) – For the second consecutive week, the $2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game winner produced a first-time winner, Errol Acosta, who won the $400.00 first-place prize for last week’s Mayweather/Berto group, as well as bragging rights from the other 234 entrants.
There were 50 cash prize winners, minimum of $20.00, and Acosta also won the Mayweather free-roll game with the same team.
From the pool of 22 fighters, Acosta (CHESSPNOI) stayed under the $25k salary cap and selected three solid favorites in Oscar Valdez ($5,500), Errol Spence ($5,300) and Jermall Charlo ($5,300). This talented trio had a combined boxing record of 54-0 with 44 KOs or 81% KO ratio coming into their respective fights. Picking three reasonably prized but solid favorites allowed gamers to pick a fourth winner and a large underdog, or select two slight underdogs to complete his team.
“When I learned Adonis Stevenson, Errol Spence Jr, Peter Quillin, Oscar Valdez, and Jermall Charlo were fighting on the this tournament set,” an ecstatic Acosta explained, “I just knew I had to enter and place my bets in accordance with what I knew and had learned about them.
“I’ve been playing about four months. I grew up on boxing; I’ve always loved the sport.  Throwdown Fantasy reignited my passion for boxing.  They said after May 2 that boxing would be dead.  There are casual/seasonal/selective fans who only know names like Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Mayweather or ‘Pacman.’  Throwdown is fun and keeps me engaged and entertained with boxing.”
Throwdown Fantasy Boxing is online at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com and boxing’s newest way to back up fight predictions is simple to play. In fact, it’s as easy as 1-2-3: 1.  Using the $25,000 salary cap, pick five fighters from the game group; 2. Scoring may be tracked in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and other CompuBox statistics, 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a week and each has multiple winners.  Click on this link to watch a short video to learn how easy is to play:
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing (see below chart). CompuBox fight statistics are available for research to aid in making selections at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
New players who sign up now can receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Free-roll game, in which Throwdown Fantasy provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (free entry upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People may register to play for free and then move onto paid games.
The next $1000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing game is scheduled for Sept. 15-26, featuring heavyweight favorite Deontay Wilder vs. underdog Johan Duhaupas in their world title fight, in one of nine fights to select fighters from in that group.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

SUPERMAN SOARS ON PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE

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ADONIS “SUPERMAN” STEVENSON PUMMELS TOMMY KARPENCY TO RETAIN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CROWN
Toronto (September 11, 2015) – It’s been 30 years since a world championship title fight was fought in Toronto – and the exuberant crowd at Ricoh Coliseum welcomed boxing back with hard-hitting action on the main televised card of the Premier Boxing Champions on Spike.

“Superman” Adonis Stevenson (26-1), the light heavyweight world champion put his coveted belt on the line in front of his fellow Canadian countrymen against the gritty American challenger Tommy Karpency (25-4-1). Attempting to be kryptonite to “Superman,” Karpency was out-classed by the stronger and quicker Stevenson. In the first round, Stevenson began his onslaught with a big left that buckled Karpency’s legs. A straight left hand at the end of round 2 knocked Karpency to his knees. With a boisterous partisan crowd behind him, Stevenson finished Karpency off with a devastating TKO at 21 seconds of round 3.

A jubilant Stevenson chanted “Oh Canada!!” before calling out champ Sergei Kovalev. “C’mon Kovalev – it’s time to fight for the unified title.”

In the co-feature, Errol Spence Jr. (17-0) put his unblemished record on the line in the opening bout of the main card against the dangerous South African welterweight Chris Van Heerden (23-1-1) riding an 9-fight winning streak.

Spence, a 2012 Olympian, showed off his world- class pedigree by pounding his opponent with brutal body shots and a flurry of jabs that nearly closed Van Heerden’s left eye. After two knockdowns in the 7th round, Spence’s dominating performance was punctuated by a flurry of punches that led referee Alan Huggins to stop the fight at 50 seconds of round 8.

Spence will now set his sights on moving up the ladder in the talented welterweight division occupied by big names such as Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter.

When asked in the ring what is next for him he responded “I want to fight anyone in the top 10- I think I deserve it.”

Also on the televised card, former light welterweight champ “Vicious” Vivien Harris (32-10-2) from Brooklyn, NY battled undefeated prospect Prichard Colon (15-0) of Puerto Rico. Colon showed off his power as he dominated his veteran opponent – ending the bout at 1:03 in the 4th round with a punishing knockout. The rising star, who honored the victims of 9-11 on his robe, is bullish on his future.  “It’s great to put a win over a former world champion on my resume.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

RISING STAR PRICHARD COLON FACES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION VIVIAN HARRIS  IN UNDERCARD ACTION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 FROM THE RICOH COLISEUM IN TORONTO

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PLUS! WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER JO JO DAN
TAKES ON JAKE GIURICEO & UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS IMMANUWEL ALEEM & JAMONTAY CLARK FEATURED IN SEPARATE BOUTS
 
Premier Boxing Champions on Spike Headlined By
Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis Stevenson Taking On
Tommy Karpency & Rising Welterweight Star
Errol Spence Jr. Facing Chris Van Heerden
9 p.m. ET/PT
 
TORONTO (September 8, 2015) – Rising undefeated star Prichard “Digget” Colon (15-0, 12 KOs) takes on former world champion Vivian Harris (32-10-2, 19 KOs) in undercard action on Friday, September 11 at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.
The September 11 Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike headliningfight features light heavyweight world champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs) as he defends against Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency(25-4-1, 14 KOs) plus 2012 U.S. Olympian and undefeated rising welterweight star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (17-0, 14 KOs) battling slick-southpaw Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs) in the televised opener at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Also featured are undefeated prospects Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem (13-0, 9 KOs) and Jamontay “Quiet Assassin” Clark (6-0, 3 KOs).
Further undercard action will see welterweight contender Jo Jo Dan (34-3, 18 KOs) stepping into the ring against Jake “The Bull” Giuriceo (17-4-1, 4 KOs), Canadian heavyweight champion Dillon “Big Country” Carman (8-2, 7 KOs) taking on former heavyweight title contender Donovan “Razor” Ruddock (40-5-1, 30 KOs) in a 10-round bout andTyson “Prince of Ali” Cave (27-3, 10 KOs) battling Nestor Hugo “El Torito” Paniagua (26-8-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout
Rounding out the night of fights is 27-year-old Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton (4-0, 3 KOs) facing 31-year-old Davide Doria (12-0-1, 4 KOs) out of Bayern, Germany in a six-round super welterweight bout, 34-year-old Toronto native Sandy “Lil’ Tyson” Tsagouris against 32-year-old Australian Shannon “Shotgun” O’Connell (11-3, 6 KOs) in a six-round featherweight attraction.
Also entering the ring is Ukranian Oleksandr Teslenko who makes his pro debut against 22-year-old Hungarian Attila Pinter (5-2, 4 KOs) in a four-round heavyweight affair and 24-year-old Michael Affainie (2-0, 2 KOs) out of Ontario, who is set to face 26-year-old Shane Upshaw (1-1-4, 1 KO) of Nova Scotia in a four-round super welterweight bout.
As an amateur, Colon was a five-time Puerto Rican national champion prior to turning pro in 2013. Trained by his father, Colon has been stylistically compared to fellow countryman Felix Trinidad, with all but one of his knockouts coming in five rounds or less. The 22-year-old scored a spectacular knockout in his last fight over tough veteran Michael Finney and will look to keep his momentum going into September 11 when he takes on the 37-year-old former champion Harris who fights out of Brooklyn by way of Guyana.
Born in East Meadow, New Jersey but fighting out of Richmond, Virginia, Aleem was introduced to boxing from a young age by his parents. Since turning pro in 2012 at age 18, the 21-year-old has wiped out all of the competition in front of him. In his last start, he faced his most experienced opponent and was able to deliver a first round stoppage in the bout against David Toribio.
Another talented young fighter to come out of Cincinnati in recent years, Clark cites Aaron Pryor as one of his boxing idols. The slick 20-year-old recently completed his first six-round bout with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia in May. He returns on September 11 looking to make it a perfect seven victories in seven starts to begin his pro career.
An accomplished amateur from Romania, Dan fights out of Montreal and hopes to start his climb towards a second world title opportunity in front of his adopted hometown fans on September 11. The 34-year-old owns two victories over Canadian rival Kevin Bizier plus triumphs over Steve Forbes and Damian Frias. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Giuriceo out of Youngstown, Ohio who was undefeated in his first 17 pro fights.
Fighting out out of Ontario, the exciting brawler Carman heads into the ring looking to defend the Canadian title that he won with a seventh-round stoppage of Eric Martel Bahoeli in October 2014. He followed that up with another late stoppage victory, this time over Benito Quiroz in March. The 29-year-old faces the highest profile challenge of his career when he steps into the ring with the 51-year-old Ruddock. Fighting out of Ontario by way of Jamaica, Ruddock has won twice in 2015 since coming out of a 14-year retirement. Ruddock has been in the ring with some of the best of all time, twice facing Mike Tyson and also battling Lennox Lewis in their primes.
The 33-year-old Cave has had a successful career fighting out of Nova Scotia, Canada and looks to again impress the fans of his home country. He enters this contest on a three-fight win streak, all in 2015, with two ending by stoppage. He enters the ring against the 36-year-old Paniagua who fights out of Santa Fe, Argentina and is coming off of an August victory over Diego Miguel Ramirez.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.groupeyvonmichel.ca, www.ricohcoliseum.com andwww.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdonisSuperman, ErrolSpenceJR, @yvonmichelgym @SpikeTV and @SpikeSports and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, and www.Facebook.com/Spike.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SERIES SEPT. 11 IN TORONTO

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

 

2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN ERROL SPENCE TAKES ON CHRIS VAN HEERDEN IN SPIKE TV CO-FEATURE

 

STEVENSON vs. KARPENCY HEADLINES IN

WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLEFIGHT

 

PRESENTED BY GYM, GLB, LENNOX LEWIS AND MLSE
TORONTO (August 7, 2015) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Global Legacy Boxing (GLB) and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), officially announced today that 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol “The Truth” Spence will take on South African welterweight Chris “The Heat” Van Heerden in the 10-round televised co-feature, airing September 11 live on Spike TV in the United States, as well as Indigo and Bell TV in Canada, from Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.

The Sept. 11 event, part of the prestigious Premier Boxing Champions series, WILL BE headlined by the world light heavyweight title fight between defending champion Adonis “Superman” Stevensonand challenger Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency.

Stevenson (26-1-0, 21 KOs), fighting out of Montreal, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC),The Ring magazine and lineal light heavyweight (175 pounds) world championship belts for the sixth time, against world-rated challenger Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency (25-4-1, 14 KOs), the American southpaw from Adah, Pennsylvania, who is coming off a major upset this past October 4, 2014, when he defeated former light heavyweight lineal champion Chad Dawson by way of a split decision.

The 25-year-old Spence (17-0, 14 KOs), fighting out of Desota, Texas, was a highly decorated U.S. amateur boxer. The dangerous southpaw is a rising star who is being billed as the future of the welterweight division after Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. retires. In his last fight, Spence stopped veteran Phil LoGreco in the third round.

Van Heerden (23-1-1, 12 KOs), 28, is also a southpaw. During his outstanding career, he has registered victories against the likes of Sebastian Lujan, Cosme Rivera, Matthew Hatton, Ray Narh, Cecil McCalla and Ramon Avila.

“We are very happy to have Spence versus Van Heerden as the televised co-feature on our September 11th event in Toronto,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “They are two of the most talented welterweights in the world. This match-up has all of the makings of an exciting, explosive, fan-friendly fight. We’re thrilled that boxing fans in the U.S. and Canada will be able to watch this fight, as well as ‘Superman’ Stevenson against Karpency, on national television.”

Also part of this promotion is former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Lennox Lewis,conqueror of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko among the more notables during his distinguished boxing career.

A total of eight bouts will be scheduled during the event, showcasing young talents from Ontario and Quebec.

Tickets went on sale and are available to purchase at www.ticketmaster.com at GYM (514) 383-0666, GLB (416) 678-6957 or Ricoh Coliseum (416) 263-3900. Ticket prices start at 40 $. Tables are also available by contacting GLB.
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

 PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS SERIES LANDS IN TORONTO

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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

STEVENSON vs. KARPENCY

WBC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

PRESENTED BY GYM, GLB, LENNOX LEWIS AND MLSE

TORONTO (August 5, 2015) —    Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Global Legacy Boxing (GLB) and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), is proud to officially announce the next world title defense of feared puncher, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, September 11, at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. The event is part of the prestigious Premier Boxing Champions series, airing live on Spike TV in the United States, on Indigo and Bell TV in Canada.

Stevenson (26-1-0, 21 KOs),ofMontreal, one of the most powerful pound-for- pound punchers in the world, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC), The Ring magazine and lineal light heavyweight (175 pounds) world championship belts for the sixth time, against WBC #9 contender Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency (25-4-1, 14 KOs), the skilled American southpaw fighting out of Adah, Pennsylvania. It was Stevenson’s wish to defend his titles in Toronto:

“I’m excited to announce my next fight on September 11 in Toronto against Tommy Karpency. I’m ready to put the hurt on. I work hard and stay focused”, said the champion.

 

The 29-year-old Karpency pulled off a major upset October 4, 2014 at the Foxwoods Resort of Mashantucket, Connecticut, defeating former light heavyweight lineal champion Chad Dawson by way of a split decision. Karpency, who has won his last four fights, is also the current Pennsylvania and NABA-USA light heavyweight champion. He is particularly excited to get this world championship opportunity.

“I beat the same guy Stevenson beat to become world champion. I beat him [Dawson] just over a year after Stevenson beat him. After that win, I said that the sky was the limit and that I wanted the best in the world. The win [over Dawson] proved that I belong amongst the elite at light heavyweight. Now it is my job to win this fight“, explained Karpency.

“GYM is trilled to bring this world championship fight and the ‘Premier Boxing Champions’ series to Toronto for the first time,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “We have been contemplating this project for a long time. This has been possible because we found great partners with Les Woods and Lennox Lewis, from GLB, and Wayne Zronick, from MLSE. We have the conviction to bring a major boxing event that this prodigious sport city deserves. Even more, we also believe we have found the required partners to guarantee the success of the project and to do it again on a regular bases.”

“It is an immense privilege to be working alongside MLSE and GYM,” GLB president Les Woods added. “Global Legacy’s mandate of reviving world-class professional boxing in the wonderful city of Toronto has become a reality. “To continue the legacy my grandfather created and reignite a passion for ‘the sweet science’ across the city is a vision and accomplishment I hope will continue to leave a lasting imprint now as well as on all futuregenerations of boxing fans.”

Also part of this promotion is former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Lennox Lewis. While not fighting anymore, he stills as the passion for his sport. Lewis defeated Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Vitali Klitschko among the more notables during his illustrious boxing career.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of GLB, working in conjunction with GYM and MLSE, to revive boxing in Toronto and across Canada to the highest level,” Lewis remarked. “As the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, I am proud to be building a nationwide platform where boxers, such as world light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, can showcase their talents at home and receive the support they deserve.”

In the co-feature, current Canadian heavyweight champion Dillon “Big Country” Carman (8-2, 7 KOs), of Mississauga, Ontario, will face former Lewis and Tyson opponent, Jamaican-born Donovan “Razor” Ruddock (40-5-1, 30 KOs). A total of eight bouts will be scheduled during the event, showcasing young talents from Ontario and Quebec.

Boxing in Toronto and Ontario

Toronto was a boxing hot spot as early as 1880.

Jake Kilrain, George Dixon, Joe Gans, Kid McCoy, Harry Greb, Sam Langford,Benny Leonard, Mickey Walker, Kid Chocolate, Max Baer, Primo Carnera,Joey Giambra, Archie Moore, Floyd Patterson, Bob Foster, Muhammad Ali, and Larry Holmes all waged epic battles in Toronto during their boxing careers.

Other standouts who also fought in Toronto include Jimmy Wilde, Jimmy Welsh,Young Stribling, Rocky Kansas, “Panama” Al Brown, Sandy Saddler, Battling Levinsky, Sammy Angott, Tommy Loughran, Maxie Rosenbloom, Jose Napoles, Ernie Terrell, Jimmy Ellis, Nino Benvenuti, and Aaron Pryor.

Canadian legend George Chuvalo fought for the heavyweight world title March 29, 1966 at the Maple Leaf Gardens against defending champion and boxing iconMuhammad Ali, in probably the most famous bout ever held in the city. The always tough Chuvalo lasted 15 rounds with the man known as “The Greatest”.

Toronto native Nick Furlano also boxed and lasted 15 rounds against ferocious World Boxing Association (WBA) world super lightweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame member, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, June 22, 1984, at the Varsity Stadium of the University of Toronto.

Since then, Sarnia’s son Steve Molitor was the International Boxing Federation world super bantamweight (122 pounds) champion, from 2006 to 2011. He fought in seven world title fights in Ontario, all at the Rama Casino.

More recently, November 15, 2014 at the Hershey Center in Mississauga, Brampton’s own Denton Daley challenged WBA interim world cruiserweight champion Youri Kalenga, a nativeof the Democratic Republic of the Congo, losing in the 12th and final round.

Tickets go on sale starting Friday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m., on www.ticketmaster.ca, at GYM (514) 383-0666, GLB (416) 678-6957 or Ricoh Coliseum (416) 263-3900. Ticket prices start at 40 $. Tables are also available by contacting GLB.