2014 FOY Terence Crawford Returns April 18

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GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS

Press Release

For Immediate Release

ARLINGTON, TX (March 5, 2015 – Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Fighter of the Year TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD is movin’ on up — to the junior welterweight division — where he will take on THOMAS “Thunder” DULORME, the No. 2-world-rated contender, for the vacant WBO junior welterweight world title.  Crawford vs. Dulorme will take place Saturday, April 18,  at College Park Center located on the campus of the University of Texas Arlington in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  The world championship fight will be televised as part of a split site doubleheader live onHBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoted By Top Rank®, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Foreman Boys Promotions and Tecate, tickets to the Crawford-Dulorme world championship event will go On Sale This Friday, March 6 at 10:00 am CT.  Priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, plus applicable fees, tickets can be purchased at College Park Center box office, online atwww.utatickets.com or www.utacollegpark.com or by phone at (817) 272-9595.

“I am ready to do bigger and better things at 140,” said Crawford.

“I’m here to prove to the world that I am the best fighter in the junior welterweight division,” said Dulorme. “Crawford has an undefeated record but he’s never won a fight at 140 lbs. I’m envisioning a hard-fought victory, one that I will bring back home to my people of Puerto Rico.”

“Dulorme is a good, well-rounded boxer. We are excited because the 140 pound division will bring the best out of Terence,” said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s co-trainer and co-manager.  “The 140 division is loaded with top fighters. This is great for Terence as everyone will soon see.”

“Terence had a breakout year in 2014 capturing the world’s attention with three career-best world championship victories en route to earning Fighter of the Year accolades,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank.  “He will be looking continue that momentum on April 18 when he returns to HBO, on the hunt for another world title against Thomas Dulorme of Puerto Rico.”

“I’m very pleased that I was able to get this fight done with Top Rank,” said Gary Shaw. “Terence Crawford is considered one of the best Lightweights in boxing, but he is moving up to junior welterweight where he will face a very determined and talented Thomas Dulorme, who’s undefeated at 140 pounds. I want to thank HBO for showcasing what I perceive is another great fight for the fans.  I smell an upset in the making.  This will be the start of a great run of fantastic fights for HBO.”

“With Terence Crawford’s star having emerged in 2014, the question now is how high that star ascends or if his opponent Thomas Dulorme will invert the trajectory,” said Peter Nelson, vice president of programming, HBO Sports. “As lightweight champion last year, Crawford earned his BWAA Fighter of the Year honors with bold, stylish victories against top competitors, a streak which continues in stride up the scale against the hungry Dulorme, who is undefeated at 140-lbs. It will be a split-site doubleheader not to be missed on our late night Boxing After Dark franchise.”

Crawford (25-0, 17 KOs), of Omaha, NE, makes his 2015 ring debut looking to build on his star-making 2014 which featured three world championship victories as well as Fighter of the Year honors from the BWAA and major media alike.  He began his career-best year last March 1, just 13 days short of the sixth anniversary of his professional debut.  Crawford captured the WBO lightweight title, dethroning defending champion Ricky Burns on Burns’ home turf of Glasgow, Scotland. Scoring a powerful and unanimous decision, Crawford put the boxing world on notice with his virtuoso performance as he pulled out all stops in dismantling Burns, rocking the defending champion throughout the fight, while switching back and forth between orthodox and southpaw stances.  He followed that with a dramatic and critically-acclaimed knockout victory of undefeated former world champion and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa on June 28 in a Fight of the Year nominee.  It was one of the most-watched fights of the year with over 1.2 million viewers catching the live, first-time airing of the fight, according to Nielsen Media Research.  He concluded 2014 on November 29 with a thorough shellacking of one-time world title challenger and No. 1 contender Ray Beltran, winning 11 of the 12 rounds.   Crawford is only the second Nebraska native to be recognized as a boxing world champion.  Perry “Kid” Graves, from Rock Bluff, captured the welterweight crown, knocking out Johnny Alberts in Brooklyn, in 1914, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Dulorme (22-1, 14 KOs), of Carolina, Puerto Rico, graduated to the professional ranks in 2008 after a stellar amateur career which included a sterling 140-2 record.  He has long been a fan-favorite of Puerto Ricans for his slick all-action fighting style.  Dulorme enters this fight riding a two-year six-bout winning streak, with his career-best victories coming in back-to-back fights in 2014 and both televised on HBO.  He opened up 2014 with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over undefeated contender Karim Mayfield to capture the NABF super lightweight title and ended the year unifying his NABF title with the NABO junior welterweight title via an exciting 10-round decision over Hank Lundy.  A consensus Top-Five contender, Dulorme is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 4 by the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Terence Crawford vs. Thomas Dulorme

Battle for Vacant WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship, Saturday, April 18, At College Park Center at University of Texas Arlington, Televised Live on HBO®

Tickets Go On Sale Today at 10:00 AM CT

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, orwww.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/

GaryShawProductions or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/GaryShawBoxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.  Use the Hashtag #CrawfordDulorme to join the conversation on Twitter.

PBC ON NBC Training Camp Q&A

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-Press Release

The fan favorites participating on the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC fight card on Saturday, March 7 shared their progress today on how training camp is going and the importance of the return of boxing to primetime network television.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $400, $300, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available at www.mgmgrand.com orwww.ticketmaster.com.

As they prepare to open a new chapter in boxing history, Keith “One Time” Thurman, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Adrien “The Problem” Broner, John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. and Abner Mares took some time out of their busy training schedules to discuss the debut of PBC.

KEITH “ONE TIME” THURMAN

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fourth time?

A: I love MGM Grand. The last time when I fought there as the co-main event was an honor. This is an even greater honor to be the main event. Many world-class fighters have performed there and Floyd Mayweather has made it his home. This is a dream come true. 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: It’s a blessing and I’ve been working towards this for 19 years. Al Haymon could have picked any of his great fighters for this moment and I’m honored be part of this night and kick things off right.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: With NBC coming back to primetime boxing it gives us boxers a chance to shine again on the biggest stage. We’ve been continuing to fill up arenas for years, but boxing is returning to the mainstream spotlight with an even bigger punch on March 7.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: His father had a few comments, and some things were said, but I’m expecting him to come out throwing punches and looking to execute his game plan when we enter the ring. We’re going to show him that he never should have signed this contract. There’s a different side of Keith Thurman inside that ring and he’s going to learn the hard way.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He hasn’t fought anyone with extreme power like me.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: He’s been in the ring with some great fighters, but every fight is its’ own learning experience. We work hard in training every time to outbox boxers, outpunch punchers, and I’m expecting to be ready to do everything better than him.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: It’s actually a very mundane lifestyle. I’m resting, getting acupuncture or massage therapy. I like to go out and find good hip-hop. I’ve been eating some good sushi and seaweed salad, but just staying on my diet and resting and recovering before my late night run and maybe a session in my hyperbaric chamber.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: I’ll be honest, I’m going to stand there and exchange with him for six rounds, and if he’s still standing there we’ll see. With my punching power the KO can come at any time with that one punch. If he walks into it or I lunge at him…it can even be a body shot. I’m just looking to get him out of there. I’m going to do what I need to do to stay a champion and we’re looking to move on past March 7 with a victory.

ROBERT “THE GHOST” GUERRERO

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: MGM Grand is the Mecca of boxing venues and I’m very excited to be performing in the main event against an undefeated young lion like Keith Thurman. 

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Oh yeah, I’m extremely motivated to be the first fighter to bring boxing back to NBC on primetime. Al Haymon is doing a fantastic job with the PBC. I want to show the world I’m an elite fighter and what better way to do it then against an undefeated world champion. 

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It’s so great in so many ways. First, anyone with a TV can watch this fight, so millions of more people can tune in. The number of new fans that will be gained will be unbelievable. For those hardcore fans who can’t afford cable, this will be a breathe of fresh air to see a top notch fight on regular network TV. Fans who are just hanging at a restaurant or sports bar, who don’t even like boxing will be tuning in, and they will all become new fans with the action they’ll be seeing. It’s going to be great for everyone. 

Q: What do you think of your opponent? 

A: Thurman has a lot of power and that’s something I must be aware of.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He’s a good fighter, but I’ll be prepared for whatever he brings into the ring on Saturday.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I’m doing a few different things but nothing I can talk about at the moment. 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Spending time with my family. They’re my motivation. 

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: In Spanish we say “Chingasos.” That’s what the fans can expect from me on March 7th. My hands will be raised at the end of the fight and you’ll hear the referee say “And the new…”

 ADRIEN “THE PROBLEM” BRONER

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: You know I love the big moment with the spotlight. March 7 is going to be my time to shine and MGM Grand is the place to do it.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: Of course, Al Haymon has lots of guys who could have fought on this first card and I’m honored to have been chosen.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: This is a huge deal. This is our chance to get the attention of a whole new crowd of people. This is going to make boxing bigger than ever.

Q: What do you think of your opponent? 

A: John Molina Jr. is a true warrior. His nickname suits him. He’s like a punching bag that can hit back with power. He’s a deadly fighter. It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: It can only take a second for a fight to change dramatically with a guy like that, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. I’ll be ready though.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: We’re just doing what we always do, putting in hard work. It’s been great having this experience with my newborn son, but I’m very focused on March 7.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: Well actually I just had a son born, Adrieon, a couple weeks ago. I was supposed to go out to Washington D.C. towards the end of my training camp, but I ended up staying in Cincinnati to be with his mother and to see him be born. It was a great experience.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: There’s going to be lots of heavy hitting. I’m looking forward to stopping John Molina Jr., and if I don’t stop him it will be a bloody massacre.

JOHN “THE GLADIATOR” MOLINA JR.

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’m very excited to be back there again. This is going to be a great night of boxing for the world to see.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card on NBC in primetime?

A: I’m always motivated, but I don’t want to dig too much into the hype and risk getting distracted. Being on this platform on NBC is great for the sport. I just don’t want to psych myself out.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It doesn’t get any bigger. We’re back in the mainstream section of sports. Being back on NBC and in 120 million homes is huge. For us fighters who put our lives on the line this is very exciting.

Q: What do you think of your opponent? 

A: He’s a very talented three-time world champion, but he’s just another fighter like me.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: Not really, I’ll be looking to come out victorious like any other time that I step into the ring.

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: I’m not doing anything special, but this is the best camp I’ve ever had. There are no excuses going into this one. We obviously have a game plan because we know every fight is different, but there’s nothing necessarily special aside from preparing 110 percent. 

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I like to spend time with my family. It’s important to remember why and who I’m doing this for. So on days off I like to be with my wife and child. There have been lots of emotional hiccups during this camp with the passing of my grandfather, and then my best friend lost his battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So it’s been tough finding the time to mourn those important people properly, but it’s just further motivation for me to perform well.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: It’s going to be an amazing match. Every time I enter the ring it’s a fight of the year candidate and I’m going to win.

ABNER MARES

Q: How do you feel about fighting on the big stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena?

A: I’ve fought at MGM Grand over 10 times – it feels like home – and I’ve won there every time, thank God. I’m looking forward to winning there again on March 7.

Q: Is there any extra motivation fighting on the inaugural PBC card?

A: Yes, of course! I’m looking forward to fighting on the PBC inaugural card on NBC and on national TV. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my talent to new viewers as well as boxing fans.

Q: What do you think the return of boxing to primetime network television could accomplish for the sport of boxing?

A: It’s huge for the sport. If you go back to the Sugar Ray Leonard days, all these fights were televised on broadcast TV, and on NBC, so the history is there. To have it kick off on Saturday, March 7 in primetime is a real boost for the sport and the fans. People are going to appreciate the sweet science of boxing through this fight and series.

Q: What do you think of your opponent?

A: For me, I’m ready for the fight. I don’t underestimate him; he’s a dangerous fighter in that he is an ex-Olympian so he has that amateur background.

Q: Is there anything he does in the ring that concerns you?

A: He’s had a good record and has fought some tough opposition. He brings lots of experience into the ring. I’m ready for him though. 

Q: Are you doing anything special to prepare for this particular matchup?

A: This is not about one fight but about a career. We approach this fight – and every fight – with dedication and commitment. Not only to the sport and its history, but our training program. My team and I are focused on winning and earning my fourth belt.

Q: What have you been doing to pass the time when you’re not at the gym or training?

A: I think everyone knows that I’m a family man. When I’m not in the gym or training I’m spending time with my wife and two daughters.

Q: What should the fans expect on March 7? Do you have a prediction?

A: Fireworks. I’m not just fighting my opponent that night; I’m fighting towards my fourth belt.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing andwww.goossenpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @KeithFThurmanJr, @GhostBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JohnMolinaJr135, @abnermares, @NBCSports and @MGMGrand and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Detroit Strong, Tony Harrison-Junior Middles Rising Star

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Emanuel Steward’s memory and profound effect on the sweet science is still being felt through those he taught, not only through training, but in life. Memories of the Kronk Gym legend resurface many times as you look around the sport but more so when you see current champions Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Lee, and Adonis Stevenson in the ring utilizing the skills instlled in them by the Hall Of Fame trainer.

However, it’s not only the current crop of champions who bring back these memories; there is a junior middleweight prospect that can be added to the list as well. Detroit’s Tony “Super Bad” Harrison (19-0 16 KO) is one of the last protégés of the late great “Godfather of Detroit Boxing” and a rising star in the game.

If you’ve not yet had an opportunity to see Harrison in action you’re in luck, he headlines this week’s ESPN2”s Friday Night Fights from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against Miami’s Antwone Smith (23- 5 12 KO).

Harrison, a 6’1 orthodox fighter, comes from strong pugilistic bloodlines. His father, Ali Salaam, is a former fighter turned trainer, and his Grandfather “Hammering” Henry Hank, was a hard punching middleweight in the 50’s & 60’s who faced the best fighters of his era including five International Boxing Hall of Famers: Joey Giardello, Dick Tiger, Bob Foster, Harold Johnson and George Benton.

Harrison went 75-12 as an amateur while winning Michigan Golden Gloves titles and reaching the National semi-finals. Shortly after, Harrison briefly considered pursuing the Olympics but it was at this time that his bond with Steward began to form and redirected his journey. Steward became his trainer and Harrison opened up his career with a first round knockout on the undercard of Klitschko vs. David Haye in Hamburg, Germany.    

After starting out his career with eight straight stoppages, Harrison then won his next three fights by unanimous decision, since then, Harrison has not let any of his fights go to the cards. Harrison enters Friday’s bout as he did to start his career on the strength of eight straight stoppages.  Nine of his sixteen knockouts have been in the first round.

Harrison had three strong performances in 2014. He opened the year in February against Grady Brewer and stopped him in two rounds. Brewer is a very tough out who had taken Matt Korobov the distance in his previous fight. While Brewer had been stopped several times before in his career, Harrison matched Kelly Pavlik as the only fighters to dispatch Brewer that quickly.

In his next fight in May, Harrison stopped rugged veteran and fellow Michigander Bronco McKart in the first round. McKart had stopped his two prior opponents before facing Harrison but had never been stopped as fast as the hard punching Motor City slugger did it. To close out the year, Harrison blew out Tyrone Brunson (22-3-1), in one round in December.

Harrison has a destroy or be destroyed mentality. He’s a throwback fighter of sorts who wants to end his opponent quickly, but don’t let the power fool you into thinking he’s one dimensional, the kid can box when he has to.

 “It is a dream come true that I get to really display my abilities to the world,” said Harrison. “I want to let the world fall in love with a fighter that they haven’t had a chance to see and I think this is the chance I need. You have to be able to entertain and I think I bring that. Antwone has fought some great contenders and he is tough to stop but my game plan doesn’t change. I’m going to go out there, do my thing, put on a show and knock him out.”

Smith, a pro since 2006 hasn’t fought since August of 2013 when he was knocked out by Jermall Charlo in the second round.

“I’ve been out for a while and I feel like this is a great opportunity. It’s like I never left. I’m motivated and ready to go,” said Smith. “I’m coming to fight, I’m ready to go 10 rounds. He hasn’t been that deep. I know I can go the distance so all the questions are on him.”

All up and coming fighters have to continue to answer questions as they move along their journey, questions that to this point Harrison has answered with exclamation points. When you grow up the youngest of eight siblings battling the hardships of Detroit and sometimes not knowing if you’ll have a roof over your head or clothes on your back, your internal fortitude is shaped at an early age preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead.

As Harrison continues to pass each phase of a young fighter’s initiation, the stage in which he showcases his talent will get bigger. Take Al Haymon’s new series, the Premier Boxing Champions on NBC, the inaugural show debuts on Saturday the day after Harrison’s bout. Harrison is in Haymon’s stable and continued success would no doubt see Harrison competing in a PBC event in the future.  

There is a “Super Bad” slugger ready to earn his way to the honor of being called champion and by doing so ignite the flame of Steward’s memory once again.

Snippets On Arguably The Hottest Topics In The Sweet Science This Week

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Where Were You?
Due to the importance of “the fight” for the annuals of the sport and the build up of the past several years it will be one of those “where were you moments” when recalling your exact location when the Mayweather Pacquiao announcement was made. Mayweather Pacquiao, May 2, MGM Grand Las Vegas. The journey was long but we will now finally see arguably the two best fighters of their generation square off.

Agreed, this fight should ideally have been made years ago but it wasn’t so get over it. This is boxing and if history has taught us anything it’s that things don’t always happen as they should. The alternative would have been that the fight was never made and then what, listen to decades of debate?  No thanks, this is good for the sport and for the legacy of both fighters. You still have the top P4P fighter in the game facing a top three P4P fighter.

Standing-8 was in Las Vegas.

Powered By G3
Gennady Golovkin (32-0 29 KO) was relentless in his 11th Round TKO defeat of Martin Murray (29-2-1 12 KO) in Monte Carlo on Saturday night. GGG bloodied and bruised Murray while dropping him three times in route to the stoppage at 2:10 of the eleventh.

From the opening bell, Golovkin did what he does best, attack, attack, attack. Golovkin cut off the ring and swarmed Murray. Using precise, accurate, and economical punches, Golovkin systematically broke Murray down throughout the fight by landing hooks to the body (some of which dropped Martin), and combinations to the head which included a few timely uppercuts.

Murray is one tough dude with a hell of a beard. He was game throughout the fight, and won a few rounds while having plenty of moments throughout the fight. Murray was able to land overhand rights on Golovkin and work his body but could not do so with any type of consistency due to Golovkin’s constant pressure.Murray landed some very sharp hard punches on Golovkin but simply could not hurt him.

It’s hard to find a negative after such a dominating performance but Golovkin’s defense was a bit porous. Going forward it may pose a problem against a heavy-handed opponent or a boxer/puncher.

Nonetheless, Golovkin looked amazing and upped his consecutive knockout streak to 19.

Boxcino- Time for the Bigs
The Boxcino heavyweight quarterfinals got underway this past Friday night, here is a recap of the tournament openers=

Donovan Dennis 11-1 (9 KO) vs. Steve Vukosa 10-1 (4KO)

Dennis knocked Vukosa down in the third and although Vukosa was able to make it to the bell, he was stopped in the fourth. Dennis dominated all aspects of the fight prior to the stoppage.

Dennis, the Davenport, Iowa native is probably the best pure boxer of the bunch with the quickest hands however he will need to tighten his defense up a bit as he has shown that he can be hit.

Said Dennis, “I took what I could get. I was patient. I was disappointed they stopped it. I had more to show. I’m just looking to get better.”

Dennis will now face the 6’7 Romanian Razvan Cojanu in the semi-finals because…….

Razvan Cojanu 13-1 (7 KO) vs. Ed Fountain 10-1 (4 KO)

Cojanu had his hands full against the undersized and less experienced Fountain. So much in fact that their fight was called a draw after six rounds causing the two combatants to have to fight a seventh and deciding round. Fountain had a chance here but was fatigued which allowed Cojanu to lean on him and do enough to win the round and as a result, the fight.

Cojanu said afterward, “I couldn’t see anything. I was fighting with one eye. Buddy (McGirt) told me to jab and it worked”

Countered Fountain, ” I fought hard, The ref didn’t help. I’ll see Cojanu again after the tournament.”
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Andrey Fedosov 26-3 ( 21 KO ) vs. Nate Heaven 9-2 (7 KO)

Fedosov was dominating in his first round destruction of Heaven. Fedosov dropped Heaven with a left hook and although Heaven was able to get to his feet, he was hit by another left hook and stopped.

“Everything went to plan. Shorten the distance and use my power. That’s what happened.” Said Fedosov

Fedosov is undersized but his opponents should beware, Fedosov could be the sleeper in the tournament.

Fedosov will now face Lenroy Thomas because….

Jason Estrada 20-5 (6 KO) vs.  Lenroy Thomas 18-3 (9 KO)

Estrada and Thomas fought a pretty close fight, so close that they had to go to a seventh round tie breaker. Thomas did enough in the deciding round to take the victory but it really shouldn’t have come to that as he had controlled the fight with his height and reach and exposed Estrada as the last-minute replacement that he was.

Back To The Future

Al Haymon continued his old school approach inking PBC with CBS. (See article below)

Remember The Alamo

Canelo Alvarez had threatened to challenge Mayweather’s May 2 date but since “the fight” was made, he moved his fight against James Kirkland a week later to May 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

Bragging Rights To Define A Career, Mayweather Pacquiao Confirmed For May 2

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Game On!!!! The much anticipated announcement of Floyd “Money” Mayweather (47-0 26 KO) and Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (57-5 38 KO) was made today by Mayweather himself via Shots App-

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The unification bout on May 2 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada will be for the WBC, WBA, an WBO belts, but far more importantly the unofficial title of “Best Fighter Of Their Generation”.

The bout will be co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and will be co-produced and distributed live by  both Showtime and HBO, PPV of course with the early rumors listing the buy at $100. There will be a few joint partnerships between Showtime and HBO here such as both ring announcers Jimmy Lennon Jr. (Showtime) and Michael Buffer (HBO) sharing the duties similarly as they did for the Mike Tyson Lennox Lewis bout.

Showtime and HBO on the mega bout-

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Both fighters released statements on the fight which will undoubtedly be the highest grossing fight ever.

“I am glad my decision to meet with Manny and discuss making this fight happen helped get the deal done,” said Mayweather. “Giving the fans what they want to see is always my main focus. This will be the biggest event in the history of the sport. Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2. I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before himfailed to do, but he won’t be successful. He will be number 48.”

“This is the right fight for boxing. Floyd Mayweather and I is the fight boxing fans have wanted for years and I am looking forward to it. I will be representing my fans and my country and trying to bring glory to the Philippines.” said Pacquiao. 

There is no rematch clause and Mayweather will be the A-Side here on the contracted 60-40 split.

Years and years of will they or won’t they can now be put to rest. The two best fighters of the past decade will knuckleup for bragging rights not seen in the sweet science in some time. A defining exclamation point to solidify a career. 

If the fight is anything like the build up of the past few years and more specifically like the past month, we are in for one hell of a night on May 2.

Back To The Future, Haymon Continues Old School Approach

image In order to go forward, you must sometimes go backwards. Al Haymon’s old school approach of bringing the sweet science back to network television is genius. First he partnered with NBC Sports on a multiple fight/year deal to put his Premier Boxing Champions on primetime television and now the announcement today of a partnership with CBS Sports to do the same. 2015 is slowly becoming the year for the fan. Other rumors are swirling that Haymon may partner with ESPN too, stay tuned.

Kudos to you Mr. Haymon for continuing to bring the sport back to its roots.

The following is today’s press release on the partnership with CBS:

CBS Sports and SHOWTIME Sports® have announced a multi-year joint venture to present live boxing on the CBS Television Network—the first of up to eight live events in 2015 will premiere on Saturday, April 4 at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.  Premier Boxing Champions on CBS will air in conjunction with marquee SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING events as part of a partnership that will cross-promote the live programs across multiple platforms.

The first six weeks to begin this venture will feature two of the biggest names in the sport—Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and Adonis Stevenson—and bookend this year’s most anticipated boxing event, the SHOWTIME PPV® presentation of the undisputed pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather.

Each live boxing event on CBS and SHOWTIME will be supported with short- and long-form shoulder programming that will air across multiple platforms including CBS, SHOWTIME and CBS Sports Network.  In addition, a significant marketing budget will be dedicated to promoting each of the live CBS broadcasts and each major SHOWTIME telecast with targeted advertising campaigns.

“The Premier Boxing Champions series on CBS will help usher in a new era in the storied history of boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports.  “With the support of our parent company, we are uniquely positioned for a three-tiered approach that includes live boxing broadcasts on America’s No. 1 network, the cable reach of CBS Sports Network and, of course, the premium television leader in boxing, SHOWTIME.  The benefit of elevating the sport across these platforms for all involved, including SHOWTIME, is immeasurable.

”The schedule of upcoming live boxing events on CBS and SHOWTIME is as follows:

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

On Saturday, March 28, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a doubleheader featuring a featherweight showdown between WBC champion Jhonny Gonzalez and top contender Gary Russell Jr., and a matchup of 154-pound contenders Jermell Charlo and Vanes Martirosyan.  The live SHOWTIME telecast will preview the following week’s April 4 CBS debut of Premier Boxing Champions.

PREMIERE BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS –

The CBS premiere on Saturday, April 4 (3 p.m. ET/Noon PT) will feature light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson defending his WBC title against former super middleweight champ Sakio Bika.  In the co-feature, undefeated light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev will face veteran former world champ Gabriel Campillo.  The CBS broadcast, with its national reach of more than 110 million households, will offer a broad platform to promote a major SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event just two weeks later.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

On Saturday, April 18, SHOWTIME presents the network debut of former world champion and Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., as he takes on light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara.

PREMIERE BOXING CHAMPIONS ON CBS

On Saturday, May 9 Premier Boxing Champions returns to CBS for the second installment (4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT).  This broadcast will pit undefeated Omar Figueroa, who recently vacated his Lightweight World Championship to move up in weight to 140 pounds, against former champion Ricky Burns.

The April 18 SHOWTIME telecast and the May 9 CBS broadcast will support—and be supported by—the May 2 SHOWTIME PPV event featuring the undefeated, world’s No. 1 ranked fighter, Floyd Mayweather.

Additional confirmed dates for Premier Boxing Champions on CBS include live broadcasts in June, July and September, with up to three remaining events on the 2015 calendar yet to be announced. The live boxing broadcasts on CBS, other than the aforementioned premiere, will be broadcast live at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created for television by Haymon Sports. It is the first consistent series presentation of live boxing on CBS in 15 years. The network aired a one-off live event featuring current WBC Super Bantamweight Champion Leo Santa Cruz in 2012.  Prior to that, the last live boxing on the network was in 1997 when then-middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins knocked out Glen Johnson.

Live boxing was a staple on the network in the 1980s, consistently featuring future Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and others. Boxing’s history on CBS dates back to 1948 when the Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts premiered featuring legendary blow-by-blow commentator Russ Hodges.

– PRESS RELEASE

Boxcino-Heavyweight Quarterfinals Begin Friday From NY

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In the sport of boxing, sometimes all that’s needed is that one shot, a chance to catapult your career to the next level. The Boxcino tournament gives up and coming/next-gen fighters that type of opportunity.

Look no further than last year’s 2014 Boxcino tournament champions, Willie Monroe Jr. (middleweight tournament champion) and Petr Petrov (lightweight tournament champion). They both are rated in the top three of at least one governing body a direct result of winning their division in last year’s tourney.

A bracket style single elimination tournament which provides a platform for hungry fighters to jump start their career through world wide television exposure, ESPN in this case. The entire 2015 Boxcino tournament will be shown on ESPN Friday Night Fights. The match-ups are made through random drawings which has limited the participation of bigger names due to the unknown of the opponent. The fighters that do accept the challenge don’t care who they draw, they just want to fight and are willing to take the chance to ignite their career on a bigger stage that they may not get otherwise

Boxcino was created by Banner Promotions’ CEO Artie Pelullo in 1997 who sold the concept to ESPN2.

The 2015 Boxcino tournament actually kicked off last week with the junior middleweights but this week, it’s the heavyweights taking center stage. Eight fighters, four fights in this Friday’s quarterfinals from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.

All quarterfinals are scheduled for six rounds; however, if they end in a draw, there will be a seventh round to determine the winner. If the fight is still a draw after seven, it will appear that way on both fighter’s records but social media will vote to determine who moves on.

The heavyweight semifinals will be on April 10 and will be scheduled for eight rounds with the ten round final on May 22. The junior middleweight final will also be on May 22.

Here are the quarterfinal matchups:

Donovan Dennis 10-1 (8 KO) vs. Steve Vukosa 10-0 (4KO)

Dennis, a 6’4 southpaw from Davenport, Iowa, fought four times in 2014 winning two by stoppage, one by decision in his last fight in August, and losing by first round TKO in April to fellow tournament contestant Nate Heaven. In the fight against Heaven, Dennis was winning the opening round but got caught with a big right hand with about ten seconds left in the round. Although Dennis made it to his feet, the referee felt that he couldn’t continue and stopped the fight.

Dennis may be the best pure boxer of the bunch and one of the quickest but he will need to ensure his guard is tight against the other bigs or he may fall victim to a similar fate as he did against Heaven.

Dennis appears ready, “Training camp is good. I had great sparring and am in good shape. I am ready and have been anxious for the last couple weeks. I am ready for whatever I have to do to win the fight.”

Massachusetts’ Vukosa, also a southpaw and one inch taller at 6’5, is know as “The Gentle Giant” and at 38 years of age is the oldest competitor. Vukosa started his career in 2001 and over the course of two years was 8-0 with four knockouts and even trained under Freddie Roach but a knee injury which required multiple surgeries and months of rehab caused the former National Golden Gloves champ to put his career on hold.

After a twelve year layoff spent mostly driving a bus in Boston, Vukosa came back last year and won two fight by decision. Most notably a July defeat of 2004 Olympian and late Boxcino entry Jason Estrada. 

Vukosa is excited for the opportunity stating, “Training is going great. I have been getting extra work shoveling all the snow here in Massachusetts. I haven’t really checked much on Donovan Dennis. I am excited to get in the ring and am excited for this opportunity.”

Experience-
Dennis- Pro since 2012, 27 rounds.
Vukosa- Pro Since 2001 (twelve year break), 37 rounds.

Razvan Cojanu 12-1 (7 KO) vs. Ed Fountain 10-0 (4 KO)

Cojanu, a 6’7 Romanian, lost the first fight of his career in 2011 and has not looked back winning twelve straight with seven stoppages, his last a TKO win in November of 2014. 

Cojanu is the biggest man in the tourney and may be the toughest draw. He works under the tutelage of Buddy McGirt.

“Everything has been great. I am ready to go. I had top sparring and it went great. To be honest, I don’t know much about Ed Fountain other then he is a southpaw. That doesn’t matter to me as I just go in there and do my job.” said Cojanu

Fountain a Hawaiian born Missourian is a southpaw who had four fights in 2014 winning all, three by decision and one by stoppage.

This will be Fountain’s first fight out of Missouri but he is very confident coming in,

“Training camp is pretty good. I am the underdog, and I am going to have some fun. I hope he brings his best so I can prove myself. I know he is a veteran. I look forward to knocking him out and putting myself at the top of the tournament.” said Fountain.

Experience-
Cojanu- Pro since 2011, 50 rounds.
Fountain- Pro Since 2012 , 39 rounds.

Andrey Fedesov 25-3 ( 20 KO ) vs. Nate Heaven 9-1 (7 KO)

Russian Andrey Fedesov has fought one time a year since 2011 with a notable loss coming in 2013 to Bryant Jennings. In the fight against Jennings, Fedesov did better than most thought he would, pressuring Jennings and taking solid shots while firing back and showing a serious beard. A cut caused vision problems for Fedesov and he was unable to continue.

At 6’1 Fedesov will give up five inches in this one but his plodding pressure style and his ability to take a punch will make things interesting.

Said Fedosov–“I am ready to my best in this tournament! I had a great camp.”

Floridian Nate Heaven has only fought two opponents with a winning record in his career, Fedesov will be his third. Heaven fought twice in 2014 winning by KO against Dennis, a fight he took on just under a week’s notice but in his last fight in July, he was stopped by a .500 fighter in the first round.

Will the real Nate Heaven please stand up? Heaven believes it will be the better version,

“Training is going great. I have had lots of sparring. I have been running, and I am in great condition mentally and physically. I just keep charging along. From what I have seen, he will try to put a lot of pressure. He is aggressive and likes to go to the body. We are just preparing for whatever he comes up with. Training has been so well that we just want to take this from training to the ring.” said Heaven.

This has all the makings of an all out brawl, don’t blink. 

Experience-
Fedesov- Pro since 2003, 103 rounds.
Heaven- Pro Since 2011 , 23 rounds.

Jason Estrada 20-5 (6 KO) vs.  Lenroy Thomas 18-3 (9 KO)

***Mario Heredia 9-1 (7 KO)  was slated to face Lenroy Thomas but due to an injury discovered in a pre-fight medical exam, he was replaced by Jason Estrada***

Underachieving 2004 US Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada of Providence, R.I. comes in as a  late replacement and becomes one of the favorites due to his resume. Estrada has notable fights against Tomasz Adamek whom he lost a unanimous decision to in 2010 and Alexander Povetkin whom he also lost to by unanimous decision back in 2009. 

Estrada’s last fight was in July of 2014 against fellow tournament contestant Vukosa whom he lost to by majority decision. Estrada took some criticism for the loss as Vukosa had not had a fight in twelve years. 

Estrada is banking on his experience stating, “I am a late entry, but I have been in camp. I am in pretty good shape. This is such a good opportunity that I could not pass it up, and I am throwing my hat in the ring. I do not know much about my opponent. My dad did the research. I am just going in to fight my fight. From my amateur background, I have seen many styles. It is not hard because I have seen so many styles. I can adapt and may the best man win.”

Thomas is a Jamaican born Floridian and southpaw who fought twice in 2014, a decision win in March and a stoppage win in May. Thomas has a notable loss on his resume, a knockout loss to Dominic Breazeale in 2013.

“Training went well. I am disappointed by the change of opponents. I just believe in myself and my faith. I watched some videos of Estrada, and he comes to fight. He brings the fight. It will be a good fight, and I will be victorious.” said Thomas.

Experience-
Estrada- Pro since 2004, 177 rounds.
Thomas- Pro Since 2006 , 78 rounds.

Forget March Madness, the sweet science has you covered in brackets for the next three months with both the junior middles and heavyweights. This heavyweight Boxcino tournament has plenty of intriguing matchups and oddly a slew of southpaws, usually a rarity when it comes to the bigs.

All contestants are getting their shot starting this Friday, it’s win or go home.

This article contributed to BTG.

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And Then There Were Four, Boxcino Junior Middleweight Bracket Opens In Uncasville, Connecticut

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The opening quarterfinal bouts of the Boxcino junior middleweight eight man bracket got underway on Friday night from the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut on ESPN Friday Night Fights. A 2014 middleweight Boxcino finalist made a statement to the field and a last minute replacement busted a few brackets.

In the main event, 2014 Boxcino middleweight tourney runner up, Brandon Adams 16-1 (11 KO) knocked out Alex Perez 18-2 (10 KO) with a beautifully timed right hand at 2:47 of the fifth round.

The heavily muscled Adams looked every bit “The Cannon” from the opening bell. Adams was slick and quick landing left hooks and right crosses with bad intentions. Adams would trap Perez on the ropes and swing away. Perez would counter occasionally but Adams wore Perez down round after round with strong power and pressure.

There were a few moments in the fight where Perez would keep Adams at the end of his his jab and control portions of the rounds but Adam’s relentlessness was too much.

After the fight, Adams spoke on how he felt at 154, “I felt great man, every round that went by I was feeling like it was almost the first, to be honest”

His next opponent due to the bracket seeding will be Vito Gasparyan whom Adams knows well,  “He got me started when I first turned professional, I was on my way turning pro and he was one of the veteran professionals who helped me get going and taught me a lot”

I’m looking forward to fighting him to show him how much I have advanced and to see how much he advanced as well”

Gasparyan 15-3-5 (8 KO) defeated Simeon Hardy 13-1 (10 KO) by unanimous decision with scores of 60-54, 59-55 58-56.

Hardy began the fight using his size and jab, doubling up his left hook, and making Gasparyan’s three year layoff seem obvious; however, Hardy did not sustain this effort.

About half way into the second round, Gasparyan became more active and began landing left hooks to the head and working the body. Over the next few rounds, Hardy had some moments but Gasparyan was simply more aggressive, accurate, and began walking Hardy down capturing the second half of the fight on his way to victory.

Ricardo Pinell 10-2-1 (6KO) thought he would be fighting fellow southpaw Cleotis Pendarvis 17-4-2 (6 KO), a smaller fighter with whom he had sparred with in the past but Pendarvis failed to make weight opening the door for replacement John Thompson (15-1 5 KO).

Thompson defeated Pinell by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight the same, 60-54.

Although the “Apollo Kid” had not fought for thirteen months, he was the quicker fighter. Thompson utilized a snapping left jab with combination punching and applied constant pressure while landing the more effective punches.

Thompson was landing left hooks, straight rights, sneaky uppercuts, and committed to the body. Pinell failed to cut off the ring and he looked like the fighter who had a year layoff rather than the one who had fought four times in 2014.

For a guy who wasn’t in the tournament a few days ago, Thompson looks like a serious contender for the Boxcino crown.

In the opening bout, Stanyslav Skorohod 9-0 (7 KO) stopped Michael Moore 13-1 (6 KO) by technical knockout at 1:03 of the fourth.

After a good opening feel out round that saw both fighters landing and exhibiting good quickness and snapping jabs, Skorohod landed a left hook early in round two that set the tone for the entire round and the fight.

30 seconds into round three, Skorohod dropped Moore with a quick chopping right hand. Moore was up quickly and for the remainder of the round, Skorohod landed several additional right hands but Moore showed toughness and threw back even catching Skorohod with some nice shots of his own albeit, not enough to slow the Ukrainian.

A few left hooks by Skorohod dazed Moore to start the fourth and about forty seconds in, Skorohod landed another big right dropping Moore.  Moore was up and allowed to continue as referee Mike Ortega looked on. Skorohod landed a big straight right that visibly rocked Moore as he looked out of it causing Ortega to jump in and stop the fight. No problem here with the stoppage, Moore needed to be protected from himself. He was game but overmatched.

The “Nuclear Ghost” showed a quick jab, nice left hook, strategically timed right hands, and although he could have went to the body a bit more, did some good work there as well.

So the junior middle semifinals are set, Adams v. Gasparyan and Thompson v. Skorohod.

Get ready for the Boxcino heavies. Quarter finals begin next Friday the 20th.

BOXCINO Is Back!! Junior Middles Bracket Kicks Off This Friday On ESPN2’s FNF

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The highly popular Boxcino tournaments are back in 2015 starting this week on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights with a junior middleweight eight man bracket on tap from the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The opening quarterfinal bouts start this Friday the 13th and are all set for six rounds or less.The semifinals are scheduled for eight rounds on April 3rd with the final on May 22 scheduled for ten rounds.

These tournaments present opportunities for up and coming and next-gen fighters to showcase their talents on a platform that can ignite their career. The 2014 Boxcino tournament catapulted Willie Monroe Jr. (middleweight tournament champion) and Petr Petrov (lightweight tournament champion) into the spotlight with them both rated in the top three of at least one governing body.

Banner Promotions’ CEO Artie Pelullo is putting on the tourney with Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES).

“Last year’s tournaments were very successful and we look forward to having the first round of junior middleweights at Mohegan Sun. There have been many classic fights at the Mohegan Sun and on Feb. 13, we plan on adding to the great tradition” said Pelullo

Said Burchfield of Pelullo and the Boxcino Tournament, “Artie is a dear friend of mine and a true gentlemen in the sport of boxing, few promoters work harder or go to such great lengths to nurture and develop talent from all over the world.  In an era where the entertainment dollar is stretched thin and fighters are ducking challenges left and right, Artie remains old school building his foundation through hard fought, competitive fights that give the ticket buyers tremendous value for every dollar they spend.”

“What he has done in such tumultuous times for our sport is remarkable and it’s an incredible thrill to be working alongside him on what will be an epic event February 13. You will see the best of both worlds- boxing’s marquee talent along with the rising stars of the northeast. No one knows this market better than Banner Promotions and CES Boxing. This will be a must see event”

Here is a snapshot of the opening matchups-

Brandon Adams 15-1 (10 KO) vs. Alex Perez 18-1 (10 KO)

Los Angeles’ Adams will enter the ring on the strength of a 2nd round TKO over Lekan Byfield in January but more importantly on the experience he gained from the Boxcino middleweight tourney of 2014. Although Adams lost to to Monroe Jr. by unanimous decision, he has the edge in knowing what challenges the tournament posses and how to sustain effort through to the finals. Adams is dropping down in weight entering the bracket this time around but doesn’t seemed concerned and appears ready to go.

“Camp is good, better than I anticipated. I am still in shape from my last fight. Going down in weight is going real well. Better than anybody expected. I think Alex is coming to fight and so am I. I hope he is looking to wow the fans because I will.” said Adams

Newark’s Perez comes in on a two fight win streak having fought only once in 2014 and 2013, a TKO and UD respectively. Perez is a southpaw like Monroe Jr. so although he may not be as polished or posses the skill set, he will be the bigger man and may be able to create problems for Adams in this matchup if Adams is not able to adapt to his style.

Said Perez,  “Everything is smooth. I am just focused on Brandon Adams and February 13 when everything will come together.”

Pro Rounds- Perez 88 , Adams 62.

Cleotis Pendarvis 17-4-2 (6 KO) vs. Ricardo Pinell 10-1-1 (6KO)

***Update 2/12- Pendarvis 3 lbs overweight and is out of the tourney, John Thompson is the replacement.****

A matchup of southpaws, one more experienced, one with a size advantage who have knuckled up before, albeit only in a sparring session.

Pendarvis, a Los Angeles native, has been inactive of late not having fought since May of 2013 when he was stopped by Dierry Jean in the fourth round of an IBF title eliminator. While he will be the smaller man in the ring, he does have more experience and has faced the better opposition such as Jean and the tough as nails Mauricio Herrera who Pendarvis took the eight round distance losing by unanimous decision back in 2009.

Pendarvis feels he has the advantage stating, “Training camp is going well. We are just toning it down and getting ready for action. Pinell is a pretty decent fighter but he is in over his head in this fight.”

San Francisco’s Pinell fought four times in 2014 with three wins by unanimous decision and one coming by way of knockout. Overall, Pinell comes in riding a five fight win streak and will be the bigger man in the ring as well as the more active one.

“Training is going good. I have been awake extra early and am the first person in the gym and the last to leave. I have been grinding. Cleotis is a southpaw as well. We were both in camp with Amir Khan. We both sparred him and at the end of the day we sparred each other. I got to have a little look at him. He is slick and has experience and is pretty crafty. ”

John Thompson (14-1 5 KO) has not fought since January of 2014 when he was handed his first loss being KO’d by Frank Galarza in the second round. At just over 6′ he will match up a bit better in size than Pendarvis but the inactivity may hurt him against the active Pinell. 

Pro Rounds- Pendarvis- 126, Pinell-43.  Thompson- 64

Stanyslav Skorohod 8-0 (6 KO) vs. Michael Moore 13-0 (6 KO)

Ukrainian Skorohod fought twice in 2014 winning both by stoppage. This will only be Skorohod’s second fight outside of the Ukraine; however, he is in some pretty solid company while preparing for this bout and is confident in his chances.

“Training is going very well. I am getting very good sparring at the Wild Card Gym and am improving a lot with my new trainers and team in Los Angeles. Michael Moore is a good boxer but I don’t think he will be able to deal with my power.” said Skorohod

Moore of Cleveland, Ohio hasn’t fought since October of 2013 but in spite of the layoff, he believes he not only is ready for this fight but could become a bracket buster.

“Things have been great as far as training. We have had some great sparring with Demetrius Andrade and Edwin Rodriguez. There is no reason why we should not win Boxcino. We just hope my opponent is ready and game to put on a good show. This is his second bout in the United States but now he is going up against quality opposition.”

Pro Rounds- Moore 52, Skorohod  27.

Vito Gasparyan 14-3-5 (8 KO) vs. Simeon Hardy 13-0  (10 KO)

Gasparyan of Armenia now living in Glendale, CA., hasn’t fought since 2012 when he lost by unanimous decision to Jessie Vargas (current WBA world super lightweight champion). Another notable loss on his resume was Jermell Charlo (current WBC Continental America’s Champion) by unanimous decision in 2009. Gasparyan is eager to return to the ring after a long layoff.

“Everything is perfect. I have the best sparring partners. I can’t wait for the fight. I haven’t seen much of Hardy. I do know he is from Guyana. I have boxed taller guys and they are top level. I am experienced enough to handle anything he can bring.”

Hardy, a Guyana born Brooklynite, fought three times in 2014 and won all three by stoppage. He will be the taller man in the ring and none of his first three fights in the US have gone to the judges cards. Gasparyan will be the more experienced fighter but Hardy does not seem concerned.

“Everything is great. I am in great shape. I just hope he comes in great shape and we fight like true sportsmen because I will be ready to fight and win.

Pro Rounds- Gasparyan 90, Hardy, 55.

Banner Promotions is making the tournament fan friendly and interactive introducing “The 2015 Boxcino Brackets Challenge Contest”. It’s March Madness for the boxing throng alike. The Grand Prize is an all expenses paid trip to the Boxcino finals. Go to Banner-Promotions.com for more details.

The Boxcino junior middleweight tournament is just the start, a heavyweight tournament starts a week later on February 20 from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. A report on the heavies will be posted on Standing-8 soon.

Boxcino- competitive matchups, hungry fighters, and non-stop action, what’s not to love?

**Quotes from Boxcino Press Release and Banner-Promotions.com**

Who You Can’t Wait To See Again

1) Floyd Mayweather- Painting materpieces fight after fight, the canvas, his canvas. One of the best ever, nuff said.

2) Vasyl Lomachenko – Arguably the greatest amatuer in history, he has moved his talents seamlessly to the pro game. Beautiful to watch him work his craft.

3) Erislandy Lara- What he does is called the sweet science not boring as some as implied. Hit and don’t get hit is what it’s about.

4) Terence Crawford- Getting better and better with each fight. Not only does he have outstanding boxing skills , he can punch too.

5) Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero – This dude brings it fight in and fight out. He boxes beautifully but when he gets hit, all bets are off and the “warrior” comes out. A spiritual family man and one of the good guys in the game.

6) Roman Gonzalez- All action, all the time. Stud.

7) Andy Lee- Love his throwback style.

8) Timothy Bradley- You’re going to get a war every time out.

9) Amir Khan-Seems to be getting better with age.

10) Keith Thurman- “One-Time” can box or punch and is a student of the game.

11) Shawn Porter- Showtime is as tough as they come.

12) Gilberto Ramirez Sanchez- “Zurdo” is a rising star. A southpaw with size, skill, and power. Remember the name.