Posts Tagged ‘Sullivan Barrera’

Main Events Inks Deal with Brooklyn Native Frank “Notorious” Galarza Ready to Take Over

Posted: July 21, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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For Immediate Release

Contact:  Ellen Haley

  

 

Main Events Inks Deal with Brooklyn Native
Frank “Notorious” Galarza
Ready to Take Over
Photo Courtesy of David Spagnolo
 
 
Totowa, NJ: Main Events continues to add to their roster with the signing of Brooklyn super welterweight Frank “Notorious” Galarza (17-2-2, 11 KOs). Galarza, 31, made his professional debut in 2010 as a highly-prized prospect. He built up a fan base in the New York area with his all-action style, while remaining undefeated for six years. He suffered two losses following some inactivity and promotional issues. Now, with a new promoter and a new manager, Galarza is ready to resume his climb to the top of the hot 154 lb. division.
 
After nearly a year-long lay  off, Galarza can’t wait to re-enter the ring and is excited to be fighting under the Main Events’ banner. He said, “I am just one of those fighters who will never turn down anyone. I will fight anyone. I wanted to work with Main Events because I have seen what they have done in the past. I like the way they move their fighters. I have seen what they have done with Curtis Stevens and, for me, I just felt that it was a perfect fit. After speaking with Kathy [Duva] and Jolene [Mizzone], I just knew it was right.”
 
Galarza added, “My goal right now is to get back into the ring and start taking over. I am just grateful that Main Events has given me this opportunity right now. I promise that I am going to give my all and give everything that I have left to give to this sport. I am going to dedicate myself and put my heart into this. I guarantee you that my story hasn’t ended. You are going to hear a champion’s story told about me and it is going to be a story worth talking about. We are going for the movie!”
 
Daughter Joy Looks on as Frank Signs his Main Events’ Promotional Contract
Photo Courtesy of Frank Galarza
Frank carries the same passion that he feels for his boxing career into his personal life. He believes it is imperative that he give back to his community. In addition to his rigorous schedule training, his day job as a personal trainer and parenting his first child, seven-month old daughter, Joy, he is also heavily involved in a youth program he founded in 2014 called Youth Fighting Forward that currently operates in Brooklyn and Danbury, CT. “We focus on the kids. We try to offer free boxing classes for the kids as well as mentoring and tutoring,” explained Galarza. For more information regarding Frank’s passion project, Youth Fighting Forward, visit: frankgalarza.com/youthfightingforward.
 
“Notorious” is managed by Adrian Clark who also manages Main Events stablemate Cassius Chaney. When asked about Galarza’s signing with Main Events he said, “Extremely happy to have Frank with such a prestigious company as Main Events. After meeting with Frank and learning what he wanted for the remainder of his career, it was a no brainer for me to reach out to Kathy & Jolene to make this happen. I told Frank, all he has to do is deliver, they will make you a star.”
 
“Frank Galarza is one of the fighters that I’ve always felt we could promote well,” said Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. “He has a fan-friendly style and fans in the New York and Connecticut area, so he’s really a perfect fit for Main Events. Now it’s time to get to work!”
FOLLOW US:
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook:  facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
Instagram: @Main_Events
Twitter: @Notorious_FG
Facebook: Facebook.com/frankgalarzaofficial
Instagram: @FrankGalarzaOfficial
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Main Events: Ellen Haley, ehaley@mainevents.com, 973-903-6715

[VIDEO] Robert GUERRERO RETIRES! SULLY Barrera, Marcus BROWNE, JEZREEL Corrales, Adam KOWNACKI, and Miguel BERCHELT win!

Posted: July 19, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Robert GUERRERO RETIRES! SULLY Barrera, Marcus BROWNE, JEZREEL Corrales, Adam KOWNACKI, and Miguel BERCHELT win!

 

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Berchelt vs. Miura, Corrales vs. Castellanos and Smith, Jr. vs. Barrera and Fighters From July 14 LA Fight Club Televised Bouts Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes, Photos and Videos

Posted: July 14, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Berchelt vs. Miura, Corrales vs. Castellanos and 
Smith, Jr. vs. Barrera and Fighters From July 14 LA Fight Club Televised Bouts Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes, Photos and Videos
Stacked Tripleheader Takes Place This Sat., July 15
At The “Fabulous” Forum and Televised Live on 
HBO Boxing After Dark® 
(ABOVE: Fighters on the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB and July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header pose at a media workout at City of Angels Gym.)
Click HERE for Photos and Videos
Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

LOS ANGELES  (July 12, 2017) Fighters from the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB card and July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header led by Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (31-1, 28 KOs) and Takashi Miura (31-3-2, 24 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles media workout at City of Angels Gym ahead of their respective fights.

On July 15 live from the “Fabulous” Forum, televised on HBO Boxing After Dark,Berchelt will take on Miura in a WBC Super Featherweight Championship main event. The triple header will also feature Panamanian super featherweight Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) who will make his U.S. debut against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos (24-12, 14 KOs) for Corrales’s WBA Super World title. Opening up the action-packed HBO telecast, current two-time WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) will put his belt on the line against the Miami’s Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs). On the RING TV live streamed portion of the card, Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (30-1-2, 16 KOs) will run up against Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (33-10-1, 16 KOs), Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (9-0, 8 KOs) will go up against a TBA opponent, and Manny “Chato” Robles (12-0, 4 KOs) will step up his competition with Chihuahua, Mex.’s Juan “El Peñita” Jimenez (23-12, 16 KOs).

Below is what fighters on the Saturday, July 15 HBO Boxing After Dark triple header had to say at today’s workout:

Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt, Current WBC Super Featherweight Champion:

“I consider myself a world champion, and fighting Takashi Miura is a way to prove that I am the best in my class. Some of my advantages include my height, the fact that I haven’t been in many wars, and my youth.

“I have a youthful hunger that makes the difference between the two of us. It’s cool to know that I am facing the best in my division – I was able to get through Francisco Vargas, so I know that I can take on Miura.

“Our plan is simple: win round by round. I will show the crowd that not only can I box, but that I can keep my energy through the rounds. Fighting with intelligence is key-you can be in a war but if you’re not smart with how you land your punches it won’t benefit you or help you win.

“Overall, I am excited to be able to fight again in Los Angeles with my fellow paisanos (countrymen).”

Takashi Miura, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

“Training camp went extremely well, and I am pleased with how everything is going. I am getting used to the environment and time difference in LA, but should be fully ready to go come fight week.

“After my last loss, I became depressed for a couple of months. I thought I wouldn’t be able to come back to the level that I once was. However, boxing is everything to me, and I couldn’t just walk away.

“I have more heart than Berchelt. I want this more than I want anything. I am expecting a war because I know he won’t want to give up his belt that easy. But I want it back. If there’s a possibility to unify the titles, I will, if the opportunity is there. Our division is known for a lot of wars.”

Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales, Current WBA Super World Super Featherweight Champion:

“I’ve always been confident in my training. They call me ‘El Invisible’ because you can’t see me in the ring when I’m moving.

“I’m very happy to be making my U.S. debut and fighting with Golden Boy Promotions.”

Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, Super Featherweight Contender:

“We had a great training camp, and we did everything we could to put together the best fight possible. I don’t know which way the fight will go, however what I can tell you is that the only thing on my mind is winning.”

Joe Smith, Jr., Current WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion:

“Since my last fight, everyone recognizes me more. I’ve been working on continuing my journey towards becoming a world champion.

“In my fight with Barrera, we’re just all going to have to see what Saturday brings.”

Sullivan Barrera, Current USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:

“This fight is special because it is the first time my father will see me fight professionally. Joe Smith, Jr. is very good; he has power, but I have power too. I think I have a lot more experience than him, and I’m his biggest challenge yet.”

Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m always excited for every fight to get back in the ring, especially now that I’m fighting at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum for the first time. I’ve been working a lot on my sparring, and I’ve learned a lot going in to this fight. I’m ready.”

Ryan “Kingry” Garcia, Lightweight Prospect:

“I’ve been focusing on staying consistent during my training camp, which was five weeks. I’ve been working with my strength and conditioning coach a lot. I know my opponent is a come-forward fighter, and we will both put on a great show on July 15 at the Forum.”

On Friday, July 14 at LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater, Venezuela’s Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 11 KOs) will face Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (24-8, 16 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout.  As the co-main event, Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio will up the ante with Torreon, Mex.’s Jairo Hernandez(18-11, 9 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. Opening up the Boxeo Estelar telecast on Estrella TV, Panama’s Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (10-0, 8 KOs) will take on Philly’s Recky Dulay (9-2, 6 KOs) for a six-round super featherweight contest.

Below is what the July 14 LA FIGHT CLUB fighters had to say at today’s workout:

Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I get to represent my people of Venezuela in this fight. This is my first professional fight in the U.S., and I’m excited to be able to do that against someone like Alvarado who has fought for titles and has proven to be a skillful fighter. We work on everything in camp, so I feel prepared to make my U.S debut.”

Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I have a lot to gain if I win in this fight. I have to make my upward climb back to the top, and this fight is a step in that direction. I am by no means expecting an easy fight – we both want this.”

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio, Featherweight Prospect:

“Right now, I feel like I’ve been getting better at being patient and calm in the ring. Boxing isn’t a game and taking punches isn’t easy, but I feel I’ve improved on keeping my composure.”

Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I have so much pride in being able to represent Panama. I will be going up against a Filipino fighter. He is fast, but we have prepared well to take him on and be able to box him. I feel good, and I am excited to fight in Los Angeles and give a good show.”

Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 P.M EDT/PDT.

 
Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PDT to 7:00 p.m. PDT) at (310) 330-7300.  Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow the conversation using #bercheltmiura.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/BercheltMiura into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

 
CONTACTS:
Ramiro Gonzalez, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631
Stefan Friedman/Kristen Rockwell Caloca, Mercury: (424) 202-1671
Bernie Bahrmasel, Star Boxing: (773) 592-2986, PR@StarBoxing.com
Tony Palmieri, Star Boxing: 718-823-2000 / TonyPalmieri@StarBoxing.com
Ellen Haley, Main Events: (973) 903-6715, ehaley@mainevents.com
Patrick Byrne, HBO: (212) 512-1361
Kevin Flaherty, HBO: (212) 512-5052
Erik Stein/Brooke Paller, The Forum: (818) 761-6100

Posted: July 14, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Press Release
July 13, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ellen Haley
ehaley@mainevents.com
Main Events

  

 

Joe Smith Jr. vs. Sullivan Barrera Scouting Report
Power vs. Power
Los Angeles, CA: When Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs) and Joe Smith Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) square off on Saturday night for Smith’s WBC International Light Heavyweight Title it will be an exciting match-up of power against power. Both fighters are coming off monster wins. Smith stopped future hall-of-famer Bernard Hopkins and Andrzej Fonfara in his last two fights and Barrera stopped Vyacheslav Shabranskyy to end 2016. Saturday night they will open the HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast (9:50 p.m. ET/PT)with a 12-round light heavyweight battle. Below is the scouting report for this match-up:
 
Category
Joe Smith Jr
Sullivan Barrera
Age
27
35
Record
23-1 (19 KOs)
19-1 (14 KOs)
Strength
Smith is a strong fighter who wastes little time once the bell rings. He applies smothering pressure and can end the fight with any punch.
Barrera has solid endurance and a granite chin. He has a strong jab that he uses well and has shown great patience in breaking down his opponents.
Weakness
The Long Island native also tends to get wild when fighting fire-with-fire. If Smith lets his guard down, Sullivan is a heavy hitter who can end the fight early.
Sullivan can get wild so he needs to keep it together and stay sharp in order to avoid one of his opponent’s thundering blows.
Experience
He has managed to stay active throughout his young career. He also gained valuable experience in the past year with wins over Andrzej Fonfara and Bernard Hopkins
He is an experienced fighter who has been in with some of the best in the division: Andre Ward, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy and Karo Murat.
Power
Smith has devastating power in every punch he throws. He delivers nasty combinations to the body and comes out swinging with the first bell.
Sullivan has a powerful jab and a devastating right hand that have been instrumental in the majority of his stoppage wins. His previous eight wins all came by way of knockout.
Speed
Joe’s speed comes on full display when he realizes his opponent is in trouble and the end is near.
Sullivan has average speed; he turns it up a notch once he smells blood and goes for the finish.
Endurance
Smith’s endurance is somewhat of a question; he went 10 rounds once but has yet to go a full 12.
Barrera proved he can go 12 rounds when he came up short in a decision loss to current titleholder Andre Ward.
Accuracy
He has very effective accuracy when he can work his way to the inside or force his opponent to the ropes.
Sullivan’s accuracy is on point when he gets his jab going and puts his punches together behind it.
Defense
Joe’s offense is his best defense; he does an exceptional job at smothering his opponents with an over-aggressive style that wears his opponents down.
If Barrera commits to the jab, it can be very effective taking his opponent out of his element, making it difficult to get anything going offensively.
Chin
Smith was stopped once in his lone pro defeat in 2010. Since then, he has not been in any real danger.
Sullivan has been knocked down but recovered well and finished strong.
Style
Junior is an aggressive, in-your-face fighter who overwhelms his opponents with a vicious onslaught of punches and combinations.
Barrera is a technical fighter that likes to stick his jab and set up his shots. He also has a brawling style that inevitably comes out when his opponents show that they are willing to engage.
Intangibles
Coming off the two biggest wins of his career over Bernard Hopkins and Andrzej Fonfara, Smith is wasting little time in getting back into the ring with the best in the division. A win here could stamp his spot amongst the top of the division rankings and earn him a well-deserved title fight.
Sullivan has been very vocal in his desire to fight the best in the light heavyweight division and there are very few light heavyweights riding the momentum like Smith is now. Sullivan is willing to take out anyone in his path, and he knows a win over Smith can solidify another shot at a world title.
Crowd Support
Smith has a crowd-pleasing style that won the support of boxing fans in Los Angeles when he defeated Hopkins, so the New York native is expected to have substantial crowd support for his return to “The Fabulous” Forum.
With his last eight wins coming by way of knockout, Barrera earned fan support and established himself as a fan-friendly fighter. His last big victory over Shabranskyy also took place in California, so he should have some fans returning to see him.  
The Match-up
1.       Will Barrera frustrate Smith with his boxing ability?
2.       Will each fighter be able to handle the other’s power?
3.       Who is going to dictate the fight?
4.       Will Barrera fall into Smith’s aggressive style?
 
According to Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “This is a great fight in the ring and kudos to both guys for stepping up and agreeing to fight each other. The winner of this fight will be in a very good position in the light heavyweight division. This fight has bombs away written all over it: both guys have power in both hands.”

 
Berchelt vs. Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Corrales vs. Castellanos is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Smith vs. Barerra is presented by Star Boxing in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 P.M EDT/PDT.
 
Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PDT to 7:00 p.m. PDT) at (310) 330-7300.  Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, and follow the conversation using #bercheltmiura.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/BercheltMiura into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.
FOLLOW US:
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
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Instagram: @Main_Events
Twitter:  @SullivanBarrera
Facebook:  facebook.com/SullivanBarrera
Instagram:  @SullivanBarrera
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Main Events: Ellen Haley, ehaley@mainevents.com, 973-903-6715
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JOE SMITH JR – THE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION IS BACK!!

Posted: July 11, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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New York, July 5, 2017Following his recent knockout of boxing legend BERNARD HOPKINS, Long Island fan favorite JOE SMITH JR. moved right into the mix in the light heavyweight division, boxing’s deepest and most exciting.Working full-time as a union laborer in the New York City area, Smith (23-1-0, 19 KO’s) will take a short break from wielding the sledgehammer as he finalizes training for his upcoming 10-round showdown with fellow highly ranked contender SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1-0, 14 KO’s), on Saturday, July 15 from The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and telecast live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).Most recently a new #1 Pound-for-Pound in boxing from the light heavyweight division was heralded as ANDRE WARD defeated SERGEY KOVALEV for the second time on June 17, defending the WBA/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight Titles. On June 3, longtime WBC Light Heavyweight Champion ADONIS STEVENSON stopped highly ranked contender ANDRZEJ FONFARA.In addition to those two champions the division is filled with world class fighters and highly regarded contenders including ARTUR BETERBIEV, DMITRY BIVOL, OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK and ELEIDER ALVAREZ .”It’s true the division is truly heating up and I’m honored to be a part of it,” said the 27-year-old Smith Jr.

 

“The winner of my upcoming fight moves right into the top of the mix in the division.”  With my last two knockouts I have the full confidence that the sky is the limit for me in this division, I want to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion.”

 

Smith Jr. is promoted by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING who has developed the heavy handed Long Island native over the last few years into a world ranked contender and holder of the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title.

 

“Timing is always very important when bringing along a fighter to a higher level,” said DeGuardia. “We started working together a few years ago and our plan was to continue developing Joe’s talents and present him with the right opportunities for success. This is a formula we’ve used many times in the past in building fighters the right way.”

 

“When the opportunity came to fight Andrzej Fonfara we believed as a team that Joe was ready and he was spectacular in the first round knockout victory. The same with fighting Bernard Hopkins, it was a great opportunity and Joe put on another star making performance.”

 

“With the Sullivan Barrera fight the stakes are even higher but we feel this is another great opportunity for Joe, back on HBO which has built many stars over the last forty years.”

 

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

 

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.  Sullivan Barrera is riding a two-bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016.

 

His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward by unanimous decision in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked division.  Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos.  Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.

 

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300.  Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

CONTACTS:

Bernie Bahrmasel, Star Boxing: (773) 592-2986 pr@starboxing.com

Antonio Palmieri, Star Boxing: 718-823-2000 / tonypalmieri@starboxing.com

Ellen Haley, Main Events: (973) 903-6715, ehaley@mainevents.com

Patrick Byrne, HBO: (212) 512-1361

Kevin Flaherty, HBO: (212) 512-5052

THE JOE SMITH JR. STORY – FROM THE COMMON MAN TO TOP RATED CONTENDER!

Posted: July 9, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Smith vs Barrer Header.JPG
NEW YORK, JULY 7, 2017
   FROM THE COMMAN MAN TO TOP RATED CONTENDER

THE RISE OF JOE SMITH JR.

 

Born and raised on Long Island, the 27-year-old JOE SMITH JR., (23-1 19 KO’s), has taken the road less travelled to the top of the light heavyweight division. From battling in the New York Golden Gloves to defeating boxing legend Bernard Hopkins live on HBO World Championship Boxing at the iconic Los Angeles venue, The Fabulous Forum this past December, JOE SMITH JR. proved he shines brightest on the biggest stage.

The next chapter in Smith Jr.’s inspiring career takes place Saturday, July 15 in his triumphant return to The Fabulous Forum against SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1, 14 KO’s) in a scheduled 10-round clash televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET/PT.

 

 

With just 50 amateur fights under his belt, highlighted by a New York Golden Gloves Championship victory over Long Island rival Seanie Monaghan, Smith Jr. made his professional debut on Halloween Night, 2009 knocking out David Brown in the first round at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

 

Following his knockout victory, Smith Jr. returned to his construction job, working with the General Laborers Union, Local 66. Punching in at 5:30 am and punching the bag at 6:00 pm, Smith Jr. found a balance between being a professional boxer and a Union Laborer.

Smith Jr. followed up his pro debut with five more early knockouts before the only loss in his eight-year career, suffering a broken jaw against Eddie Caminero in August 2010.

Back to work in the summer of 2010, Smith Jr. won his next ten fights and caught the eye of Star Boxing CEO and President JOE DEGUARDIA.

Signing with Star Boxing, Smith Jr. made his debut under their banner on December 20, 2014 with a first round knockout of Maxell Taylor at The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Two more knockouts followed against Dion Savage and Cory Cummings before Smith Jr. faced fellow New York City area rival Will Rosinsky on December 15, 2015.

Fighting for the first time at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and on the undercard to the World Middleweight Championship between Daniel Jacobs and Peter Quillen, Smith Jr. displayed an array of boxing skills, an excellent jab and his trademark power shots from both hands to win a dominant ten round unanimous decision.

While Smith Jr. began compiling victories, and rising in the ranks of the Light Heavyweight division, he never lost track of his humble beginnings, and continued to work as a union laborer.

Returning to The Paramount on April 23, Smith Jr. got back in the knockout column stopping Fabiano Pena in the second round.

Smith Jr.’s biggest break of his career came on June 18, 2016 as he traveled to Chicago, Illinois to face Polish hometown favorite and former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara, televised nation wide live, primetime on NBC.

Coming into the fight a decided underdog, Smith Jr. let his hands go from the opening bell, drilling Fonfara to the canvas with a beautiful right hand to the head. Although Fonfara beat the count, Smith Jr. followed with a flurry of unanswered power shots, which caused referee Hector Atu to call a halt to the action.

With the knockout victory, Smith Jr. was awarded the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title, which Fonfara had held.

Smith Jr. continued to be the peoples champion, just like the athletes of old, maintaining a job while plying his trade as a boxer.

Weeks later Smith Jr. was offered another extraordinary opportunity by his promoter, a fight with boxing legend Bernard Hopkins on Saturday, December 17 at The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles.

Fighting on the West Coast for the first time, Smith Jr. dominated Hopkins, firing away at will with power shots throughout every round. Sending the future Hall of-Famer though the ropes with a battering combination from his heavy hands, Smith Jr. earned the victory by knockout in the eighth round.

Following the two knockouts of Fonfara and Hopkins, Smith Jr. earned numerous accolades from the national boxing media for “The Story of the Year”. “Knockout of the Year” and “Upset of the Year”.

Smith Jr. continues his quest to become a world champion by fighting Sullivan Barrera on July 15at The Fabulous Forum, where a victory will bring this Common Man and Top Contender one step closer to realizing his dream of being the Light Heavyweight Champion of the World.

 

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago. (more…)

JOE SMITH JR. IMPRESSES AT NYC MEDIA WORKOUT

Posted: June 29, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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JOE SMITH JR. NEW YORK CITY MEDIA WORKOUT

QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM YESTERDAY’S EVENT

JOE SMITH JR. NEW YORK CITY MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS & QUOTES

                                                      (PHOTOS BELOW)

NEW YORK CITY (June 28, 2017) Hard hitting light heavyweight contender JOE SMITH JR., (23-1 19 KO’s), held court in front of a tremendous crowd of New York City media on Tuesday afternoon at the Mendez Boxing Gym ahead of his highly anticipated 10-round clash with fellow contender SULLIVAN BARRERA (19-1, 14 KO’s) set for Saturday, July 15 at The Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles, California and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:50 p.m. ET.

JOE SMITH JR.

“It feels great to be fighting on HBO, I’m looking forward to it, I’m in great shape and ready to

put on a tremendous performance against Sullivan Barrera.”

“It’s not like fighting at home but I’m looking forward to fighting at the Forum again, I was treated very well there and it’s a tremendous and legendary venue. I like Los Angeles, the fans were very good to me as well.”

“Along with the media, it’s great to see some many of my union brothers here at the media workout, I truly appreciate all the support they’ve shown me.”

“I saw Sullivan Barrera’s fight with Andre Ward and I’ve seen a few of his other fights. This fight is a huge challenge to me, he’s got a lot of experience but I’ll be ready on July 15.”

“I’d still like to fight Adonis Stevenson, I was ready this year and I’ll be ready at any time but now my focus is solely on this fight.”

“I’ll definitely be going back to working for the union in the future when I’m not training for a fight, it’s a great job and they’ve been very supportive of me throughout my career.

“Joe DeGuardia has done a great job of getting me these opportunities, particularly with Fonfara and Hopkins and now with Barrera, it’s my job to take care of business in the ring.”

 

JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing

“We’re all very excited for Joe, he’s in tremendous shape as you can see. Barrera is another challenge for Joe and he’s well prepared to be victorious.”

INFO:

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.

Sullivan Barrera is riding a two bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was a decision to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked division.

Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.

The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 9:50 P.M EST.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com. (more…)

“The Common Man” Joe Smith Jr. Battles Sullivan Barrera Saturday, July 15 From The Fabulous Forum and on HBO Boxing After Dark

Posted: May 18, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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NEW YORK CITY:  “The Common Man”, Joe Smith Jr., (23-1, 19 KO’s), boxing’s best story of 2016, will make his first start of the new year, defending his WBC International Light Heavyweight Title against world ranked Sullivan Barrera, (19-1, 14 KO’s) on Friday, July 15 from the iconic, Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles and live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).

 

Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing® in association with Main Events. The 27-year-old Smith of Long Island, New York said, “I’m thrilled to be back on HBO against another top light heavyweight, Sullivan Barrera, I’ve already started training and will be ‘more than ready’ on July 15. There’s a number of great fighters in our division and I’m looking forward to another victory on my way to a world title shot.” “This is a great opportunity for me. I want to thank my entire team for making this happen. I respect Joe for taking this fight. He is a great fighter and I have a tough test on July 15. I will work hard to put on a great show for all the fans,” stated Barrera.

 

“This should be a spectacular fight,” said Joe DeGuardia, President and CEO of Star Boxing. “Over the past few months many have refused to fight Joe Smith Jr., so I give credit to Sullivan Barrera, who, like Joe, is a tough fighter willing to fight anyone. Joe’s captivating rise as a humble working-class ‘Common Man’ has resonated with sports fans all over the world and I look forward to being at the Forum on HBO as Joe and Sullivan battle for the future.”

 

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, stated, “This is a really interesting fight. It is a can’t miss because Barrera and Smith are both finishers. We are all eager to see how this plays out and I give credit to both men for wanting a challenge.”

 

Smith bursted onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger, Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

 

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.

 

Barrera is riding a two bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward in March 2016.

Barrera Stops Parker: Results from Mohegan Sun!

Posted: April 17, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Press Release

April 16, 2017

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Ellen Haley

ehaley@mainevents.com
Main Events

Sullivan Barrera Stops Paul Parker in an Action-Packed Light Heavyweight Showdown Live on HBO Latino Boxing

Barrera and Parker
Photo Credits: Ray Bailey/Main Events
 
Uncasville, CT:  The Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series teamed up with HBO Latino for another exciting night of boxing at the Uncas Ballroom at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino. The stacked undercard of international and local prospects was the perfect lead-in to the exciting televised event on HBO Latino.
In the first fight of the evening, Kazakhstan middleweight Meiirim “The Sultan” Nursultanov (2-0, 1 KO) stopped Javier Olvera (1-1, 1 KO) of Mexico in the second round. This was Nursultantov’s first appearance in the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series.

The next fight featured former kickboxer Enriko Gogokhia (4-0, 2 KOs) of Georgia (country) against Bryan Goldsby (4-3) of Macon Georgia. Gogokhia appeared on the Rising Stars’ premiere back in November 2016. Goldsby quit on the stool after only two rounds with Gogokhia.

Madiyar Ashkeyev
Photo Credits: Ray Bailey/Main Events
Junior middleweights Madiyar Ashkeyev of Kazakhstan (8-0, 4 KOs) and Brooklyn native Shawn Cameron (10-3, 5 KOs) were set to square off for eight rounds of action. Ashkeyev suffered a cut over his right eye in the first round. The injury did not affect his precision. He continued to connect his vicious combination attacks on Cameron. Shawn managed to hang in against the always-tough Ashkeyev until 1:06 of the seventh in a gutty and gritty performance but the referee called a halt to the action.

Goode and Chaney
Photo Credits: Cassius Chaney/Main Events

The only fight on the undercard to go the distance was the eight-round heavyweight battle between local sensation Cassius Chaney (10-0, 5 KOs) and Detroit, MI native Juan Goode (8-5, 6 KOs). All three judges scored the bout 59-55 in the lopsided unanimous decision for Chaney. After the fight, Chaney said, “Goode was a tough opponent. He has never been knocked out. I was hoping to be the first.”

The HBO Latino telecast began with the ten-round middleweight contest between St. Louis’ own Vaughn Alexander (8-0, 5 KOs) and Andres Calixto (14-4, 9 KOs) of Mexico. This was the first ten-round fight for Alexander, who accepted the additional rounds on just a few days’ notice when the original co-feature fell out due to illness. The fight was exciting from bell-to-bell. The referee deducted a point from Calixto in the tenth round for holding and hitting. It was Andres’ third offense. Vaughn secured the unanimous decision victory with the judges scoring the contest 100-89 and 99-90 (2).

Alexander and Calixto
Photo Credits: Ray Bailey/Main Events

After the fight, Alexander said, “It was a great experience for me. My first time going 10 rounds. I went in with a clear mind. I got the job done. Going back to the gym, I know what to expect now.”

The main event featured a brawl between Sullivan Barrera (19-1, 14 KOs) and Paul “Pay Per View” Parker (8-2, 4 KOs). The fight started off with both fighters trading shots and feeling each other out. Then Parker took five minutes to recover from a head butt and Barrera immediately knocked him down at the start of the next round. Parker managed to get back up and Barrera suffered a head butt shortly after. Barrera took just a moment to recover then came out with a vengeance and knocked down Parker. Within seconds of Parker getting up from the knockdown, the referee stopped the fight and Parker’s night was done at 2:08 of the fifth round.

An elated Sullivan said about his performance, “I feel great. Paul Parker is a great boxer but the only time he hurt me was with the head butt. I guess what happened with the head butt and everything, finally in the fifth round I was able to hit him as I wanted and everything went exactly the way I wanted it to. I am ready for the next level!”
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MAIN EVENTS – Rising Stars Spotlight: Kevin Asmat

Posted: April 4, 2017 in Professional Boxing
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Main Events

Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series

Local Fighter Spotlight: Kevin Asmat

“I want to make my own stories!”

Union City, NJ:      Featherweight Kevin Asmat (2-1, 2 KOs) grew up listening to his father talk about boxing and now the 22-year old from Union City, New Jersey is ready to create his own stories. Kevin will return to the ring to face Mexican Jonathan Ramos (1-2) on April 15, 2017 on the non-televised undercard of the Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Parker HBO Latino card live from the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

 

This will be Kevin’s second appearance on the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series. In his first appearance, he stopped Ernesto Ornelas in the second round. Then, in January of this year, he travelled to China and stopped Said Fahdafi in the first round. When asked about his upcoming fight with Ramos, Asmat said, “I know he comes to fight. I am coming to fight too. He has never been knocked out and we will see if he can last in the ring with me.”

 

According to Kevin, his whole life is boxing. He said, “My father was a boxer. When I was little my father used to tell me a lot of stories about boxing life. He would tell me about how he used to knockout people. My father had like 60 knockouts as an amateur. He used to tell me all these stories when I was growing up until I hit the age of 17 when I said, ‘Dad I am tired of hearing your stories. Take me to the gym. I want to make my own stories!’ I went with him to the gym and I just fell in love with the sport. Boxing is my life. I live at the gym now.”

 

Asmat’s trainer is former super bantamweight fighter and Paterson, New Jersey resident, Diego Rosario. Diego and Kevin have been working together since Kevin’s professional debut last year. When asked about Kevin’s progress over the last year Rosario responded, “He is a good listener and he has improved so much. I have watched him improve 95% since he made his pro debut less than a year ago. I see big things for him.”

 

Kevin is a member of a large family. His father was one of 12 children, his mother was one of seven children and he is one of five children. So, every time he steps into the ring the audience is packed with his family and friends cheering him on and supporting him. Expect the same to be true for the crowd on April 15 at Mohegan Sun.

 

Sullivan Barrera vs. Paul Parker is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Main Events and Mohegan Sun as part of the Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars Boxing Series. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. ET. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) with a ten-round middleweight match-up between Arif “The Predator” Magomedov and Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas. Tickets, which are priced at $50 and $75, are available now through Ticketmaster, the Mohegan Sun box office or the Main Events’ office. The card is presented by Main Events in association with Shamo Boxing and A&T Events and Promotions.

 

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