The Fight Journal

Kermit Cintron – Tyrone Brunson Press Conference video and photos

Kermit Cintron – Tyrone Brunson Press conference video and photos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA (June 21, 2017) – Below is the video & photos from Tuesday’s press conference at bar2300 at the 2300 Arena in advance of Saturday night’s Pennsylvania State junior Middleweight title bout between two-time world champion Kermit Cintron and Tyrone Brunson.

That ten-round bout will headline a nine-bout card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

THE WEIGH IN WILL BE FRIDAY, JUNE 23 AT THE 2300 ARENA, WITH THE FIGHTERS ON THE SCALES AT 6 PM AND WILL ALSO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE KING’S PROMOTIONS FACEBOOK PAGE

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50

For more information and media credentials, Contact:

Marc Abrams phillyboxing@gmail.com or 856 287 7611

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FULL CARD ANNOUNCED FOR REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’S INAUGURAL “REAL DEAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING” EVENT AT FREEDOM HALL IN LOUISVILLE, KY, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24, LIVE ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK

Posted: June 22, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Chip Mitchell, Evander Holyfield, REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, TheFightJournal.com

FULL CARD ANNOUNCED FOR REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’S

INAUGURAL EVENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH TOP KNOTCH BOXING AND

KENTUCKY VENUES FREEDOM HALL, LOUISVILLE, KY

SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017 – LIVE ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK, 10PM ET

Tickets on Sale Now

Louisville, Ky – June 22, 2017 – Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, in association with Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues, is thrilled to announce the full card set for its promotional debut on Sat., June 24, from the historic Freedom Hall, in Louisville, Ky. The televised portion of the event will feature a quadruple-header aired live on CBS Sports Network, at 10pm ET, headlined by the always-exciting heavyweight contender Derric Rossy facing Puerto Rican Carlos Negron in a 10-round bout with the vacant WBC Continental Americas title at stake.

The inaugural installment of the “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series, branded as “Evander’s Tribute to Ali”, will be a part of the local “I Am Ali” Festival in honor of Muhammad Ali, one year after the champ’s passing.

The CBS Sports Network telecast will also be streamed live internationally on www.therealdealboxing.com, and will include a competitive undercard as well as the televised feature. CBS Sports Network commentator Benny Ricardo will call the action ringside with Hall-of-Famer Barry Tompkins, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, in Canastota, NY, on June 11, along with four-time world heavyweight champion Holyfield.

The last professional boxing event held at Freedom Hall took place on July 30, 2004, when a relatively unknown from England named Danny Williams shocked Mike Tyson by stopping him in the fourth round. The undercard that night also featured Ali’s daughter Laila Ali, who defended her IWBF super middleweight title. The venue has historical significance, having hosted Ali’s professional debut in 1960 as well as Jimmy Ellis’ heavyweight world title elimination battle against Argentinean Oscar Bonavena in 1967.

Friday’s weigh-in is open to the public, beginning at 5 p.m. ET, and will be streamed live from the Kentucky Center Main Street Plaza on The Real Deal’s website: www.therealdealboxing.com.

“I am extremely pleased with the tremendous card we have put together for Real Deal Sports & Entertainment’s inaugural event live from Freedom Hall, in Louisville, Ky, on Saturday. It has been an honor to work with Top Knotch Boxing, Kentucky Venues, and all those who helped make this event a success,” said Eric Bentley, COO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “Boxing fans will really enjoy what we have in store for them, and it can be seen on our website all over the world.”

“The CBS Sports Network telecast features an entertaining heavyweight battle between Derric Rossy and Carlos Negron, middleweights Steven Martinez and Anthony Lenk vying to reach the next level in their careers, the comeback of featherweight contender Toka Kahn Clary, and a clash of unbeaten welterweight prospects Pete Dobson and Jeremy Nichols. The undercard also includes popular local fighters and rising prospects,” Bentley continued.

“I am very proud to bring this card to Louisville, Ky,” said Holyfield, co-owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “We have high quality talent, competitive fights and some local up-and-comers. This is what we stand for and will continue to represent. We stand by our fighters and are really looking to build something special here in Louisville. I hope everyone comes to Freedom Hall on Saturday and enjoys the show.”

“Having Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing event at Freedom Hall in the same stadium and city where Muhammad Ali began his professional career is a great way to bring boxing back to Louisville, and the state of Kentucky,” said Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “But what makes this event even more special is that it is part of the city’s six-week, communitywide ‘I Am Ali’ Festival. This is another way to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s legacy and to showcase our great city of Louisville.”

“Kentucky is proud to host the inaugural Real Deal Championship Boxing Series event,” said Governor Matt Bevin. “Kentucky is well known for our enthusiastic sports fans, and the event promises to be an exciting experience for all.”

“Bringing championship boxing back to Louisville is great for the city,” said Joe Reeves, managing partner/owner of ARGI Financial Group. “Louisville used to be the epicenter of boxing. There is no reason why we can’t resurrect that.”

“Louisville has been a boxing town since the 18th century, and we are getting back into the fight game in a big way with this event,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “I think that the late, great Muhammad Ali would have been proud to see his sport having a revival here.”

Over his 12-plus-year professional career, heavyweight Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) has proven his willingness to take on any challenge, always entertaining fans with his all-action style. Rossy, of Medford, Long Island, NY, turned pro in 2004 after winning the New York Golden Gloves tournament and has been promoted his entire career by Sal Musumeci, now doing business as president/CEO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. His resume reads like a who’s who of heavyweight contenders, with battles against Eddie Chambers, Alexander Dimitrenko, Kubrat Pulev, Maurice Harris, Audley Harrison, Fres Oquendo, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Bermane Stiverne and Erkan Teper. Rossy holds impressive victories versus Gary Bell, Ray Mercer, Travis Walker, 26-1 Carl Drummond, 21-1 Joe Hanks and 16-0 Axror Muralimov, and has won numerous titles including the New York State, NABO, WBC Asian, WBC Fecarbox, WBC-USNBC, and the IBF North American heavyweight belts. He is coming off of a second-round stoppage win over Richard Carmack on December 10.

Carlos Negron (19-1, 15 KOs) is a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, from San Juan. Standing at 6’6”, he turned pro in 2009, and his only loss came in 2011. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak, Negron won the WBC Fecarbox title on Sept. 9, 2016, with a first-round TKO over 20-3 Andy Perez. In his last bout, Negron knocked out 17-0 Cristian Galvez in two rounds, on Dec. 19. The June 24 fight will be his first stateside appearance since 2010.

In the televised co-feature, Steven Martinez will square off against southpaw Anthony Lenk in an eight-round middleweight contest. Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but now based out of The Bronx, NY, Steven Martinez (17-3, 13 KOs) is trained by Marco Suarez and has been a pro since 2009. On Dec. 19, 2015, Martinez earned his most impressive win, stopping 29-5-1 Jorge Melendez inside two rounds. As an amateur, Martinez accumulated a 103-17 record and was a three-time New York Golden Gloves champion, three-time New York Metro champion, two-time Empire State Games champion and a National Golden Gloves champion in 2008, where he was voted the ‘Most Outstanding Boxer’ of the tournament. Lenk (14-3, 7 KOs), of Niagara Falls, N.Y., is returning from a three-and-a-half-year layoff. He was a three-time national champion, a three-time national silver medalist and a two-time Golden Glove finalist; in his professional career he has two wins over unbeaten prospects and has never been knocked out himself, with two of his losses coming via majority decision.

Junior lightweight contender Toka Kahn Clary (21-1, 15 KOs) will continue his quest for a world title, competing in an eight-round special attraction bout versus Dominican Angel Luna (11-2-1, 6 KOs). He has rebounded from his only loss last September with two wins by knockout. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Kahn Clary immigrated to the United States as a child, initially living in Philadelphia, Penn., before settling in Providence, RI. Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. since his amateur days, Kahn Clary turned pro in 2012. A highly accomplished amateur with a 119-11 record, Kahn Clary began boxing at age 14 and was a National Golden Gloves champion and a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion. Fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, by way of Santiago de los Caballeros, Luna has experience against quality opposition, going the distance with world-ranked Tevin Farmer and handing prospect Jose Lopez, then 15-0-1, his only defeat in 2015.

Welterweight up-and-comers “Pistol” Pete Dobson (8-0, 5 KOs), of The Bronx, NY, and Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, Nev., will put their undefeated records on the line in the eight-round televised opener. The vacant WBC-USNBC Silver title will be at stake. A New York Golden Gloves champion, Dobson is a fan-friendly, aggressive volume-puncher who can box as well as brawl. While still an amateur, Nichols, originally from Long Beach, Calif., gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr. leading into the mega fight with Manny Pacquiao. Nichols is intent on testing himself, as Dobson will be his fourth unbeaten adversary upon turning pro in October 2015. Both Dobson and Nichols will compete in their first scheduled eight-rounder. Read the rest of this entry »

FRIDAY’S “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK ROSEMONT RUMBLE TO FEATURE FAN-FRIENDLY ULTRACAST 360-DEGREE AND VIRTUAL REALITY FEEDS

Posted: June 22, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Aaron Pryor, Chip Mitchell, Derrick Findley, Donovan George, FaceBook Boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, Marc Abrams PR, Roy Jones, TheFightJournal.com, ULTRACAST

FRIDAY’S “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK ROSEMONT RUMBLE TO FEATURE FAN-FRIENDLY ULTRACAST 360˚ AND VIRTUAL REALITY FEEDS

Interactive live fight series flashes tech-forward features beginning June 23.

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

CHICAGO (June 22, 2017) – Bringing fight fans closer to the action than ever before, Linacre Media and ULTRACAST will partner to stream Friday’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Rosemont Rumble not only live in H.D. on Facebook, but in Facebook 360˚ and in ULTRACAST 360˚ Virtual Reality as well.

Supporters of the Sweet Science can take advantage of the multi-camera FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcast on Facebook as well as the fan-controlled Facebook 360˚ feature – both completely free wherever Facebook is available – and also check out all of the action in ULTRACAST 360˚ VR by downloading the ULTRACAST app and subscribing to the PPV feed for only $2.00. Available for IOS and Android, fans simply need to download the ULTRACAST app in the App store or by visiting www.ultracast.com/app.

“We are thrilled about partnering with Linacre and FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to provide fans the 360˚ Virtual Reality experience of the Rosemont Rumble”, said CEO of Ultracast, Dmitry Kozko.

“We’re excited to be able to capitalize on cutting-edge technology to give Friday night’s audience a ringside seat at the Rosemont Rumble,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Our Facebook Live series continues to keep fight fans at the forefront, now with not just one – but three – free viewing experiences available.”

ULTRACAST is the premier app for live 360˚ and VR content, broadcasting – or better yet, ultracasting – unique, exclusive perspectives of events to millions of mobile phones, worldwide. ULTRACAST takes viewers ringside at fights, allows them to be part of the back-stage drama, celebrate the win on the podium or feel the front-row excitement of a concert; getting up-close and personal, and going “beyond live”. Get the latest updates with ULTRACAST by following ULTRACASTLIVE on Facebook and @Ultracastlive on Twitter and Instagram.

After a successful pilot that was viewed by more than 40,000 boxing fans live on Facebook, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE hits the Chicago area on Friday, June 23, from Rosemont, Ill., with hardware on the line in a rematch of a hotly-contested draw as Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (20-1-1, 14 KOs) and “Son of the Legend” Aaron Pryor, Jr. (19-10-2, 12 KOs) square off in a ten-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship.

Longtime Chicago fan favorite and perennial contender Donovan “Da Bomb” George, (25-7-2, 22 KOs) will join his previously-announced #BOMBSQUAD teammate Jimenez in an eight-round light heavyweight co-feature. Undefeated in his hometown of Chicago, George will be fighting locally for the first time in three years, facing off against area arch-nemesis Derrick “Superman” Findley (26-21-1, 17 KOs) of Gary, Indiana.

Legendary Chicago-based National Anthem singer Jim Cornelison will once again honor our country prior to the start of the main event – fans can catch that highly-anticipated performance along with all of the action in the ring live on Facebook or in VR via the ULTRACAST app.

“It’s a tremendous honor to take our Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE platform to the Windy City area. It’s becoming a national platform already during its infancy – with East Coast and West Coast dates on the calendar and now this opportunity in the No. 3 media market in America – and we’ve been thrilled with the response from fight fans so far,” said Fratto. “We’re looking forward to working with the Village of Rosemont, as well as legendary promoters like Bobby Hitz and Frank Mugnolo on this card.”

The numbers on the May 11 FIGHTNIGHT LIVE pilot from Mohegan Sun Resort showed promise and potential for the new platform. With only two days of promotion, the premiere broadcast amassed 43,000 total video views by 38,000 unique viewers. A total of 1.4 thousand hours of LIVE video was consumed by Facebook users during the first show alone. In addition to the raw numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly production saw 9,021 live post engagements for the show, which included 5,000 “likes” or “loves,” 2,989 comments and 628 shares.

On Friday night, June 23, live from The Dome at The Ballpark in Rosemont, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience – now also available in 360˚ and ULTRACAST VR – complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network boxing fame. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Joining the broadcast team will be world-ranked light heavyweight, Mike Lee.

University of Notre Dame alum Lee (19-0, 10 KOs) is ranked No. 12 by the WBO, No. 12 by the IBF and No. 14 by the WBC, and was originally scheduled to be in the main event but now joins Flores for expert analysis. Television hostDanielle Robay of WCIU-Chicago and Entertainment Tonight, NBC-4 Los Angeles and HLN-fame will bring fans exclusive pre-and post-fight interviews from ringside.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features multiple camera angles, 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.

A July 15 date in Phoenix, Ariz., with Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions has already been released on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE calendar. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE strap season continues on Saturday, July 29, in Raleigh, N.C., as Tar Heel State undefeated super flyweight Dewayne Beamon competes for the IBO Inter-Continental and UBF World Junior Bantamweight titles. More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/ Read the rest of this entry »

EDDIE RAMIREZ SCORES SPLIT DECISION VICTORY OVER ERICK BONE ON FS1

Posted: June 21, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Al Haymon, Chip Mitchell, Eddie Ramirez, Erick Bone, Haymon Boxing, PBC on Fox Sports, Premier Boxing Champions, TheFightJournal.com

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Eddie Ramirez entered his second career main event looking to accomplish two things: remain undefeated and treat the fans to another action-packed performance. He ended up nailing one of those goals—but thankfully for Ramirez, it was the most important one.

Coming off exciting stoppage victories in his previous two fights, rising prospect Eddie Ramirez (17-0, 11 KOs) didn’t find a willing dance partner in Erick Bone (16-5, 8 KOs) on Tuesday night in their 143-pound showdown at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas. But while Ramirez didn’t get an opportunity to engage in a firefight with Bone, the 25-year-old Aurora, Illinois, native did put on a solid enough performance to earn a 10-round split decision.

All three judges scored the fight 97-93, with Adalaide Byrd giving the nod to Bone, only to be overruled by Tim Cheatham and Glenn Trowbridge, both of whom saw it in favor of Ramirez.

“I knew [Bone] was going to run a lot,” Ramirez said. “From what I’ve seen from him in previous fights, he backs up a lot. He moves pretty well, but I came to fight, not to run around.

“I was putting on the pressure. I wanted to give a good fight to the fans, but he wouldn’t let me. He didn’t even throw a lot of punches. What can I say? He was just running.”

Ramirez pressed the action for much of the bout, landing his jab to the head and body while walking Bone down to set up crisp power shots. Bone proved an elusive target, though, fighting off his back foot and relying heavily on his counterpunching. Those punches misfired often, however, thanks to Ramirez’s impeccable defense.

Although Ramirez was the more aggressive fighter from the opening bell, the 2013 Chicago Golden Gloves champion and national runner-up trailed on two of the official scorecards through five rounds. Ramirez started to have more success in the latter half of the fight by cutting off the ring and bullying Bone to the ropes.

“ I knew I was going to win. It was going to be close just because he was running throughout the whole fight, but I knew I had the fight won. ” Eddie Ramirez, after earning a 10-round split decision over Erick Bone

As the fight progressed, though, Bone’s backpedaling increased to the point that Ramirez twice paused in Round 9 and banged his gloves against his body in frustration, as if to tell the 28-year-old Ecuadorian, “Come on, man—stand and fight!”

Given the way the bout played out, Ramirez said he was never worried when the first score was read in favor of Bone after the fight.

“I knew I was going to win,” he said. “It was going to be close just because he was running throughout the whole fight, but I knew I had the fight won.”

Not surprisingly, Bone had a different opinion after losing his fourth straight fight, with the previous three defeats coming against former world champions Miguel Vazquez, Chris Algieri and Shawn Porter.

“I don’t agree with the decision,” said Bone, who last was victorious in October 2014. “I am frustrated because I know I won, however the [judges] saw it differently. I landed more punches, and I just don’t see how they came to the decision that was made.

“[Ramirez] was a good fighter, a tough opponent, but again I believe the wrong decision was made tonight.”

Galarza, Martinez roll to unanimous decisions

In other televised action, Dennis Galarza (16-2, 9 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, won a lopsided unanimous decision over Omar Tienda (18-5, 11 KOs) of Guadalupe, Mexico, in a 10-round clash of 135-pound prospects.

Also, Xavier Martinez (8-0, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California, pummeled Prince Smalls (11-1-1, 4 KOs) of San Diego en route to an eight-round shutout victory in a battle of unbeaten 126-pound prospects.

For a complete overview of Ramirez vs Bone, visit our fight page.

Eddie Ramirez applied the pressure to Erick Bone over 10 rounds Tuesday night and earned a split decision in their 143-pound bout at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas. (Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions)

Kell Brook: “I Want to Fight Again in 2017.”

Posted: June 21, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Antonio Margarito, Austin Trout, Charles Hatley, Chip Mitchell, Demetrius Andrade, Errol Spence Jr, Jarrett Hurd, Jermell Charlo, Kell Brook, TheFightJournal.com, Tony "Super Bad" Harrison

Kell Story by: Chip Mitchell

Kell Brook (36-2, 25 KOs) made it clear he wants to fight again this year. Coming off a loss in May against Errol Spence Jr (22-0, 19 KOs), Brook vowed to return sometime this winter.

“I spoke to the surgeon and he said that the operation was a big success and simpler than the last one,” said Brook. “It took half the time of the first one and there’s very little swelling and it looks great. The last scan I had revealed that the healing has started really well and the bone already looks strong so I expect to make a full recovery and I want to fight again in 2017.

“I was bitterly disappointed by the loss at Bramall Lane. Losing my belt was gutting but I’m glad I accepted to fight Spence and help be part of an event that Sheffield will remember and be proud of.

“I still feel that I have a massive future in the sport. I will talk to my team in the coming weeks about what we can do next and I am looking to get back into camp this summer.”

At some point during the fight with Spence, Brook suffered a fracture to his left eye-socket. It was the second consecutive fight with a fracture, as Gennady Golovkin’s punches fractured Brook’s right eye-socket in September 2016.

If I’m all-in for Team Brook, I’d recommend two things:

Take your time coming back and make it the latest possible date in 2017 to return.
Make your return at super welterweight/junior middleweight and against someone who isn’t a big puncher or who employs a body attack in favor of headshots.

Brook is still young, at 31 years. However, as a member of his team I’d need reassurances he has no greater chance of becoming blind or losing an eye than someone without eye fractures.

Hopefully Brook has a defined set of goals and isn’t just fighting to collect money. I’d like to see him bounce back with title aspirations and a redemptive mindset.

With said assurances, Brook may be able to make noise at ’54 after a few victories. Wouldn’t mind seeing the young man in there with a Charles Hatley or a Tony Harrison.

A fighter with similar “eye” problems has made his way into the top 20. How about a showdown with Antonio Margarito?

Juuust kidding, folks.

If Brook passes a few stern tests against fringe guys, then he can step up to take on a Jermell Charlo, a Demetrius Andrade, or the Jarrett Hurd/Austin Trout winner.

Keep an eye on Kell Brook. It might be a great story of redemption that unfolds in front of our eyes.

Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary Signs with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment

Posted: June 20, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Chip Mitchell, Evander Holyfield, REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, TheFightJournal.com, Toka Kahn-Clary

Real Deal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toka “T-Nice” Kahn-Clary

Signs with Evander Holyfield’s

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment

Featherweight prospect back in action
This Saturday on national television

CRANSTON, RI (June 20, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Toka “T Nice” Kahn-Clary (21-1, 15 KOs) has signed an exclusive promotional contract with new Hall-of-Famer Evander Holyfield‘s Real Deal Sports & Management.

The Liberia-born Toka-Kahn, fighting out of Cranston, RI, makes his new promoter’s banner debut this Saturday night in the Real Deal Championship Boxing series televised opener on CBS Sports Network (10 p.m. ET start), airing live from Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. This event is part of six-week “I Am Ali” festival, concluding July 15, to honor the late, great Muhammad Ali in his hometown.

Kahn-Clary takes on dangerous Dominican Angel “El Gato” Luna (11-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout.

“Toka is an exceptional talent,” Holyfield said. “Not only is he a hardworking, humble and respectful young man, he is a very talented and accomplished fighter. We expect him to have a very bright future and are excited to have him on the Real Deal Boxing team.”

“I met Evander Holyfield when I was in the amateurs,” Kahn-Clary remembered. “Everybody in boxing likes and respects him. He is one of the best heavyweights of all-time, the best cruiserweight ever. I’m so excited to sign with his new company. They want to make champions – I want to be world champion – and compete with the top promoters in boxing.

“I loved Muhammad Ali, not only because he was a great fighter, but for what he was and did outside the ring. He opened doors for so many like me in boxing and life. I’m honored to be fighting on this card in his hometown.

“I’m also very excited to be fighting on television for the first. I plan to win impressively. A fighter is only as good as his last fight and I want to catch the eyes of everybody watching my fight to let them see my talent. I always study my opponent. He’s a good fighter, looks strong, and he will fight to the best of his ability.”

Kahn-Clary has bitter feelings about his former promoter, Top Rank, which released him after his first professional loss last September, when Toka was caught by a devastating punch early by Jhon Gemino (14-7-1) for an opening-round knockout defeat.

“It happened so fast,” Kahn-Clary explained. “I just ran into a right. My legs were squared, not in a proper boxing stance. I didn’t lose too often in the amateurs (131-11), other than to high-caliber boxers, and I started second-guessing myself after my first pro loss. I decided to become a man and get past it. I had left my trainer,

Peter Manfredo, Sr., for one fight but we’re back together. He’s a great trainer, the best in New England. I have a new advisor, Seth DeRobbio, who was at my first fight. We’ve been friends for a while and we really trust each other. We want to get to a high level together.

“I’ve been a pro five years now. Top Rank never gave me my minimums (fights per year and purses) and my manager at that time didn’t help. They never put me on television. Top Rank didn’t know what to do with me after my loss. I just wanted another opportunity like they’ve given other fighters after a first loss. I was begging them to put me back in the ring. I just wanted to redeem myself. They never did things in my best interest and, I guess, they lost faith in me. It’s no big deal but I’m on a mission to knock out as many Top Rank fighters as I can.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Elite Prospect Michael Dutchover Highlights “Path to Glory” Undercard Friday Night

Posted: June 20, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Banner Promotions, Chip Mitchell, Marc Abrams PR, Michael Dutchover, TheFightJournal.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ORANGE, Calif. (June 20, 2017) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (4-0, 4 KOs), a highly accomplished amateur and recently turned professional, highlights Friday night’s “Path to Glory” undercard from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Watch Dutchover vs. Carrizoza and the rest of the 6-fight card on TB Presents: Path To Glory, live streaming on ThompsonBoxing.com and Facebook Live beginning at 7:45 p.m. PST / 10:45 p.m. EST.

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

Dutchover, who trains in Southern California but resides in Midland, Tex., faces his toughest opponent to date: once-beaten Miguel Carrizoza (10-1, 2 KOs) of Hermosillo, Mex.

The bout marks Dutchover’s second 6-round fight of his young career. He stormed into the paid ranks with four straight knockout wins.

“The plan this year is to up my level of competition,” said Dutchover, who recently sparred with world title challenger Petr Petrov. “I know I’m ready for the challenge. I want to work my way to the top, and in order to do that I need to challenge myself.”

Dutchover had a successful amateur run that saw him win nine national titles, a bronze at the 2015 U.S. Olympic Trials, and a runner-up finish at last year’s National Golden Gloves competition. Dutchover, 19, believes he was built to fight professionally.

“As an amateur, I often boxed in the pro-style,” said Dutchover, who counts Danny Zamora, older brother Junior Dutchover, and Javier Gomez as coaches. “I didn’t really throw a lot of quick, small punches that define the amateurs. I was more aggressive in my approach. I worked the body and threw a lot of power shots.”

Detailed opponent scouting reports in the early years of a boxer’s professional career are often not available. Dutchover has an idea of what to expect from Carrizoza, but he will rely mostly on his extensive amateur background.

“I had such a long amateur career that I’ve seen basically every style in the book,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’m going to adapt in the ring and be prepared for whatever he brings. I had an excellent training camp. I’m in great shape and ready to go after another win.”

“We are looking forward to Micheal stepping up in competition on Friday night,” said Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions. “Michael has shown that he is ready for this challenge, and we expect another terrific performance.”

Photo Credit: Carlos Baeza /Thompson Boxing Promotions.

Banner Promotions, Inc.

2501 Wharton Street, Suite L

Philadelphia, PA 19146

Office: (215) 670-2220

Fax: (215) 670-2409

Email: info@banner-promotions.com

Website: http://www.banner-promotions.com

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Posted: June 20, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Adrien Broner, Al Haymon, Chip Mitchell, Haymon Boxing, Mikey Garcia, Premier Boxing Champions, TheFightJournal.com

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Broner_Garcia_Press_Conference

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia Los Angeles Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Super Lightweight Showdown Presented by Premier Boxing Champions Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Scott Hirano/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions

LOS ANGELES (June 20, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia completed a two-day media tour that took them from coast-to-coast and culminated with a Los Angeles press conference Tuesday to discuss their super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING®.

Tickets to the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $950, $750, $350, $300, $250, $150, $75, and $50 (not including applicable fees), are on sale now, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

The fighters spoke to media at the Conga Room in L.A. Live as they prepare for the 12-round matchup that serves as one of the summer’s premier fights. Here is what the participants had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“I don’t shy away from fighting anyone. I will fight anyone they bring to the table. I said yes to this fight immediately and hung up.

“I’m going to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. Mikey Garcia says he has great power, but I would like to see what his opponents would do if I hit them. Give me all 36 of his opponents and give him all of my opponents, let’s see what our records would be.

“I broke my hand in my last fight but I’m feeling good right now. I’m going hard in sparring with some great, undefeated fighters. I’m full-focused heading into this fight. I’m going to get up for this fight and show that I’m still one of the best out here.

“I’m always going to be me. Right now I’m just focused on boxing and getting this victory on July 29.

“Mikey is a great fighter. I just feel like I’m on a different level. The best is fighting the best right here and it’s going to be explosive.

“I’m thankful. I’ve been through a lot of things in my 27 years of life. And I have another opportunity to show what I’m made of. I’m not missing weight on my birthday. You can bet on that. July 29 I’m going to be victorious.

“Anyone can get hit if you let them. Everyone Mikey has put down has been at 135-pounds and under. I’ve already been a champion there. After this fight I think he’s going to go back to where he belongs…in the lower weight classes.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I’m very happy to be here and get back in the ring. This is the kind of fight that I deserve and the kind of fight that will please the fans.

“Everybody already knows what kind of fighter Adrien Broner is. He’s a champion for a reason, the skills and talent are there. I’m undefeated and you can’t deny my skills either. That’s going to make this a great fight.

“This is really two of the best fighters matching up against each other. This is what boxing is all about. That’s what I want to give the fans. I’m not taking on any easy opponents, I’m here to challenge and be in big fights.

“I want the fans to be able to appreciate the sport of boxing. These are the kind of fights that fans will remember for years. This could be the Fight of the Year. We’re very even when it comes to our accolades and achievements.

“When Adrien is at his best he’s a fantastic fighter. I’m always at my best. You can never doubt that. You’re going to see an incredible fight. I want to win this fight and open up bigger opportunities. Adrien knows it’s the same for him, that’s why he moved his camp to Colorado.

“This has all the ingredients of a great fight. On July 29 Barclays Center is going to be the place to be at. If you can’t make it, make sure you watch on SHOWTIME. Don’t miss it. People are going to be talking about it for years to come.”

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

“Adrien has to use his speed to his advantage. We have to use our smarts in the ring and make sure we’re the bigger man. More power and more speed will get us to victory.

“Mikey tries to set traps and tries to counter with the hook or the right hand. We throw too many combinations for that. With Adrien being the bigger man, he has to use the quick jab and set up the right hand.

“Mikey is a slick boxer. He definitely has skills. That’s what we want. We never really liked fighting a brawler. I always train my guys to box. Styles make people seem different ways and I think this is the perfect style for Adrien.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother& Trainer

“We’re getting ready for the best Adrien Broner possible. We know he’s already out in Colorado for training camp because he knows it’s not an easy fight. This is do or die for him so he’s taking it seriously.

“When they brought up the name of Adrien Broner, it took no time for us to agree. This was an easy fight to make.

“Inside of the ring I think we’re going to see a great Adrien Broner. When Mikey beats him, I want Mikey to get the credit for beating a great fighter.”
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Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia New York Press Conference Quotes & Photos

Posted: June 20, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Adrien Broner, Al Haymon, Barclays Center, Chip Mitchell, Haymon Boxing, Kelly Swanson, Lou Dibella, Mayweather Promotions, Mikey Garcia, Robert Garcia, Swanson Public Relations, TheFightJournal.com

flier

Blockbuster Match-Up Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

Saturday, July 29 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME

Click HERE for Photos from Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

BROOKLYN (June 19, 2017) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner and three-division world champion Mikey Garcia went face-to-face for the first time Monday before they battle in one of the premier matchups of the summer that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING^®.

The fighters spoke to media at Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan to discuss their 140-pound clash that will headline an exciting night of action later this summer.

Here is what the participants had to say Monday:

ADRIEN BRONER

“I want to thank everyone who showed up today. I’ve been in some crazy situations and I’m blessed to be here. To get a fight like this is huge. Boxing is going back to the old days where the best fight the best. Mikey is definitely one of the best out there today.

“This can take our careers to the next level. I’m taking this seriously. I’ve been training in Colorado Springs. The weight will not be a problem. This gives me a reason to make 140. I’m not paying a man to put hands on me.

“I’m training hard and I think this will be one of the best performances of my career. This will take me to the superstar level where I need to be. I heard Mikey is a big favorite – they aren’t giving me much of a chance. I hope no one puts their house against me on this fight, because it won’t work out well for you.

“This fight will definitely bring the best out of me, because Mikey isn’t a sloppy fighter, he isn’t an awkward fighter. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a Mexican, but he boxes like an African American. We’re going to have a nice fight and I can’t wait to put on a show.

“When you’ve got two athletic fighters that have skills, it can only bring the best out of each other. And the cream always comes to the top.

“I’m more focused this training camp. There are so many distractions in Cincinnati or D.C. There is nothing to do in Colorado but look at the mountains and box.

“It’s going to be a great fight. Robert Garcia is a great trainer for his little brother. We’re both undefeated at 140-pounds and under. Something has to break. I want everyone to tune in on July 29. You will see a real serious Adrien Broner in the ring. It might get ugly for Mikey on July 29.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I can’t stress the importance of this fight enough. It’s the biggest fight that I could have. There are other names that are out there, but nothing made more sense than facing Adrien Broner.

“Adrien has accomplished a lot and when he’s at his best, he’s really great. That’s what I expect on July 29. I see that he’s taking this seriously by moving camp to Colorado. I expect him to bring the best out of me and give the fans the best fight possible.

“The fans here in New York have always treated me well and it’s a fan base that just really loves boxing. The fans are what make me a world champion. I owe it to them to perform to the best of my abilities. I’m going to come ready on July 29 so that this fight is remembered as one of the best of the year.

“I think he is motivated because it’s a big fight, one where he can try to get his career back on track and try to be a superstar like he has been in past big fights. He didn’t perform so well in his past fight against [Adrian] Granados and this is an opportunity for him to jump back and be a superstar again. And I think that’s what’s motivating him for this fight.

“The weight makes sense to me for this type of fight. 135-pounds is probably my best division, but I don’t think this will be much different. I’ll make weight a little more comfortably and still keep my speed and power.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to win this fight. I’m more of a boxer-puncher but if I need to press the fight and put pressure on, I’m going to be ready to do that.

“I know that we definitely have to be in the best shape possible. I am not going to take this lightly. I am not thinking it’s going to be an easy win for me. I think it’s going to be a tough fight. I believe he’s going to be ready 100% and that’s going to make it a tough fight for me but overall I think I’m the better fighter, better boxer and I’ll have enough tools to bring in the ring with me.

“Adrien is going to come to beat me and I’m coming 100 percent to beat him. The fans will be the winner on fight night, but my hand will be raised.”

MIKE STAFFORD, Broner’s Trainer

“These are two really talented fighters and they’re going to put on a big show. We know Mikey is going to be prepared so we are going to do everything we can to be ready.

“Being in Colorado for training is like home for me and Adrien. This is what we’ve done since he was 18-years-old. Expect the same thing as every time before when he comes focused and prepared.

“Adrien is going to win and win real big. It’s going to be a tough fight, but we’ll be victorious when that final bell rings.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“Every time Mikey and I come to New York we get nothing but love. We know Adrien is very talented and that’s why Mikey said yes to this fight. It took less than 30 seconds for him to agree.

“Mikey wants nothing else but big fights and we have one here. Expect a hell of a fight on July 29. I know we’re both going to be in great shape on fight night.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“I love this fight. This is why we do this job. We want to make sensational fights like this for the fans to enjoy.

“Adrien Broner has spent a lot of time at the top of the sport while Mikey Garcia has made his way back to that top tier emphatically since returning last year.

“Mikey has insane amounts of talent. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the sport and he can do everything in the ring.

“Adrien Broner is a star. He’s ‘The Problem’ and sometimes he’s his own biggest problem. He’s an entertainer. People hate him but they pay to see him. He gets a lot of love and he gets a lot of hate. That’s worked for a lot of guys in this sport over the years. People care about him.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & GM, SHOWTIME Sports

“The bar has been set so high when you look at this year in boxing. It’s a high bar to get a main event at Barclays Center. The standard is very high and this fight certainly satisfies it. Two of boxing’s brightest young stars, both under 30 years old matching up against each other.

“This is the 19th live boxing event on SHOWTIME this year. Three world title unification, three world title rematches and six times where a top five fighter has fought another top five fighter in the division. We’re proud to bring you these two fighters on SHOWTIME. I give the fighters all the credit in the world for taking this fight. These guys are ready for big fights and they are proving it.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“On July 29, Barclays Center will host its fourth major card of 2017. There is a great heritage of boxing in New York and I’m proud that Barclays Center is the number one boxing venue in the country. It has become a destination for the sport’s best talent, with Adrien and Mikey being two prime examples of that.

“I’m looking forward to one of the year’s most talked about fights. Adrien won a world title at Barclays Center and Mikey made his comeback there just last year. July 29 will be a special night not just for Brooklyn boxing, but for all boxing fans.

“Fights fans everywhere have already circled July 29 on their calendars and I look forward to seeing everyone next month.”

# # #

ABOUT BRONER vs. GARCIA

Adrien Broner vs. Mikey Garcia is a 12-round super lightweight showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, July 29 live on SHOWTIME. Broner vs. Garcia is presented by Premier Boxing Champions at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING^®.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MikeyGarcia, @AdrienBroner, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, , www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainmentPBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

“FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK BREEZES INTO THE WINDY CITY FOR JUNE 23 SHOWDOWN

Posted: June 20, 2017 in Professional Boxing
Tags: Aaron Pryor, Bobby Hitz, Chip Mitchell, Derrick Findley, Donovan George, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, Mike Lee, Roy Jones, TheFightJournal.com

fightnight

UPDATE: “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE” ON FACEBOOK BREEZES INTO THE WINDY CITY FOR JUNE 23 SHOWDOWN

Next official date set for fan-friendly, interactive live fight series which drew 43,000 views for May pilot; World-ranked boxer Mike Lee to join Ray Flores, reporter Danielle Robay on broadcast team.

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

CHICAGO (June 19, 2017) – After a successful pilot that was viewed by more than 40,000 boxing fans live on Facebook, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE hits the Chicago area on Friday, June 23, from Rosemont, Ill., with hardware on the line in a rematch of a hotly-contested draw as Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez (20-1-1, 14 KOs) and “Son of the Legend” Aaron Pryor, Jr. (19-10-2, 12 KOs) square off in a ten-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship.

Legendary Chicago-based National Anthem singer Jim Cornelison will once again honor our country prior to the start of the main event – fans can catch that highly-anticipated performance along with all of the action in the ring live on Facebook.

“It’s a tremendous honor to take our Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE platform to the Windy City area. It’s becoming a national platform already during its infancy – with East Coast and West Coast dates on the calendar and now this opportunity in the No. 3 media market in America – and we’ve been thrilled with the response from fight fans so far,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “We’re looking forward to working with the Village of Rosemont, as well as legendary promoters like Bobby Hitz and Frank Mugnolo on this card.”

On Friday night, June 23, live from The Dome at The Ballpark in Rosemont, 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 Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network boxing fame. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Joining the broadcast team will be world-ranked light heavyweight, Mike Lee.

University of Notre Dame alum Lee (19-0, 10 KOs) is ranked No. 12 by the WBO, No. 12 by the IBF and No. 14 by the WBC, and was originally scheduled to be in the main event but now joins Flores for expert analysis. Television host Danielle Robay of WCIU-Chicago and Entertainment Tonight, NBC-4 Los Angeles and HLN-fame will bring fans exclusive pre-and post-fight interviews from ringside.

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.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Marc Abrams, Abrams Boxing

Email: phillyboxing@gmail.com

Mark Fratto, Linacre Media

Mobile: 917-698-0865

Email: mfratto@linacremedia.com

Bernie Bahrmasel, Double B Publicity

Email: berniebahrmasel@yahoo.com