Author: Daxx Khan
Zab Judah vs Cletus Seldin Headline International Boxing HOF Induction Weekend at Turning Stone
Former Multi Division world champion Zab Judah to face Cletus Seldin
Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 15, 2019)– Preparations are well underway as Central New York prepares to host boxing’s biggest weekend of the year, International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. Star Boxing, in partnership with Turning Stone Resort Casino, today announced a new event for an already impressive boxing weekend – Zab “Super” Judah (44-9, 30 KOs) vs. Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (23-1, 19 KOs). The fight will take place in the Turning Stone Event Center on Friday, June 7, 2019, as part of the 30th Anniversary of Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The evening’s co-main event will feature James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (27-3-1, 14KO’s) facing off against David Papot (22-0, 3KO’s), the same weekend his father James “Buddy” McGirt Sr. will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
June 7th’s main event features, Zab “Super” Judah (Brooklyn, NY), a six-time world champion, and the last undisputed welterweight champion of the world. The three-time New York Golden Glove champion made his professional debut at the age of 18, later holding world titles in three weight classes, capped off by his undisputed welterweight reign. Judah has defeated some of the most notable names in the business, including, Micky Ward, Lucas Matthysse and Cory Spinks (Undisputed Welterweight Title), and fought many other top fighters including Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, Danny Garcia and Miguel Cotto .
Opposing the six-time and former undisputed champion will be New York’s feared knockout artist, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (Shirley, NY). Born from a tough line of Jewish-Americans, Seldin won the Ringside Amateur World Championship in 2009. As a professional, Seldin created buzz throughout New York as a knockout artist packing the Paramount with his “Hamma Head” fans. He broke on to the national scene when he devoured Roberto Ortiz at the Nassau Coliseum in a featured HBO fight. One month later, Seldin became the first boxer alongside Hall of Fame world champions, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. to fight in featured fights on back to back months on HBO. 83 percent of Seldin’s wins have come via knockout.
The veteran craftsmanship of former undisputed champion Judah, will have to weather the storm of the heavy-handed New York brawler in Seldin. On the biggest weekend in boxing, with many Hall of Famer’s in attendance, #JudahSeldin is bound to set off fireworks at Turning Stone on June 7th.
In the co-feature bout, James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (Vero Beach, FL) will look to tip his hat to his father, James McGirt Sr. who is being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame during the same weekend, when he takes on tough Frenchman David Papot (Saint-Nazaire, France). McGirt compiled an impressive amateur record of 44-4 winning the Sunshine State Games and the Southeastern Regional. As a professional McGirt has also found success and has faced some well-regarded fighters in his division, including, Carlos De Leon Jr., Edwin Rodriguez, and Raymond Joval. His opponent, undefeated Frenchman David Papot is taking the trip across the Atlantic Ocean with intentions of ruining the McGirt family weekend. Papot had 102 amateur bouts, 30 of which were with the French National team, earning French National Champion honors two times. In 2017 Papot earned the WBA Continental Middleweight Title, and later that year became the French National Super Welterweight Champion, having since defended the title three times.
Golden fighter lineage will be on full display in this co-feature bout. McGirt Jr. intends to cap off an already prolific day for the McGirt family with a victory at Turning Stone, while David Papot plans to play spoiler, and take another step towards a world title challenge.
Last year, Turning Stone and the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced a multifaceted partnership to spotlight the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting Central New York tourism. The program includes a series of nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.
Turning Stone will be announcing additional events for Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend shortly. For more information about events that have already been announced, visit here.
“Riot at The Rim” RESULTS- Derek Silveira once again New England welterweight champion
HAMPTON, N.H. (April 13, 2019) – Popular Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira operated last night on previously undefeated Roberto “El Viejo, Jr.” Valenzuela, Jr., re-capturing the New England welterweight title, by way of an eight-round unanimous decision in the main event on the “Riot at the Rim” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.
Silveira (16-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, rocked his 19-year-old Mexican challenger, Valenzuela (14-1, 13 KOs), whose father and cousin also fought on the card, in the first round with a right that dropped his tall, lean opponent. In fact, Silveira stopped Valenzuela’s father two years ago via a second-round stoppage.
The aggressor for most of the fight, Silveira was cruising along until the seventh round, when he suffered a low blow that, naturally, slowed him down considerably, eventually leading to a knockdown in the eighth round, the result of a shot taken to the back of his head,
Silveira originally won the N.E. welterweight title in 2011, holding it for two years, but he never lost the strap in the ring. He was inactive for nearly 3 ½ years and relinquished his title because of inactivity. “I never really lost the belt,” Silveira said after the fight. “I got back what I was supposed to have. This kid hit hard. One of the reasons for this (performance) is that I stayed in shape and had a real training camp instead of training only after work (carpenter). I thought it showed in the ring tonight.
“From watching video of him, I was looking for his right. My coach said to slip it and come back with a right, and I hit him right on the button. But he hit me with some good shots, too, and I was a little gassed in the last two rounds.”
Silveria has some unfinished business, though. He was supposed to face Travis Demkofor the N.E. title in an intra-Massachusetts battle for the belt and Bay State bragging rights. Unfortunately, though, Demko suffered an injury during training and withdrew from the title fight.
“He was injured,” Silverira added, “and I respect that. I was excited to be in a title fight with two local guys. I’d definitely like to fight Demko.”
New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), who is the GCP promoter, was supposed to fight Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC), but the Brazilian was unable to enter the U.S. to fight due to visa issues.
“I was disappointed with Gilberto’s visa situation, but there was no time to let it get me down,” Traitti remarked. “As the promoter, I had to focus on the rest of the card, and it turned out to be awesome. I had every intention of this being the biggest Granite Chin Promotions show and it exceeded my expectations. Hopefully this was the start of our next chapter, upping my game, and I plan to promote two more shows this summer.”
In the most competitive fight of the night, French junior welterweight Romain Tomas (8-2, 2 KOs) pulled off a mild upset in the co-featured event, winning a six-round split decision over previously unbeaten Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, CT.
Omar Bordoy (L) and Romain Tomas turned in the Fight of the Night
Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) rebounded from his lone pro loss, destroying Mexican challenger Francisco “El Mono” Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), dropping him three times for a statement-like first-round technical knockout.
Khiry Todd (R) destroyed Francisco Medal
WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), of Pembroke, MA, added another title belt to his display case, stopping Brazilian Claudio “Quexada” Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs) with a devastating left hook to the liver, resulting in a first-round knockout for the vacant ABF Continental Americas Championship.
Highly-regarded featherweight Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams, a 10-trime national amateur champion from New Haven, CT, remained undefeated and continued his journey towards a world title shot. Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), who was ranked as high at No. 3 in the world before an inactive period, displayed his vast skills during a workmanlike effort en route to an eight-round unanimous decision victory over his veteran Mexican foe, Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs). Williams is promoted by Roc Nation Spots.
“Handsome” Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Gloucester, MA, battered the body of veteran Mexican super middleweight Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (67-79-2, 56 KOs) at the beginning of the opening bell and he continued peppering his opponent upstairs and downstairs throughout their fight. Gedney, a 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament novice champion, won by way of a fourth-round technical knockout, when referee Leo Gerstel halted the one-sided fight.
In only his third pro fight, Henry Gedney (L) defeated a fighter, Robert Valenzuala, who has had 148
Undefeated Providence prospect Anthony “Ai” Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), the reigning IBA Americas welterweight champion, dropped his Mexican opponent, Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuala (11-16, 3 KOs) early in the first round, then a little later he caught Valenzuela with a powerful left to the body for a knockout. Marsella is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.
In a battle between a pair of pro-debuting junior welterweights, Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO) finished off Emmerson Noguiera (0-1) with a vicious right to the body midway through the opening round.
Nelson Perez (R) had an impressive pro debut
Brooklyn junior welterweight Sidney “Keelo” Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) pitched a shutout against Andy Aiello (1-3-1), winning all six rounds on the three judges’ scorecards for a six-round unanimous decision.
Andy Aiello (L) showed tremendous grit in his fight vs. Sidney Maccow
New Britain, CT featherweight prospect Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), the 2017 New England Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer, out-classed North Carolina featherweight Chantae “Malik” Bowens (0-2) for an impressive first-round knockout. Martinez trapped Bowens in the red corner and unleashed six rapid-fire punches to close the show.
Boston super middleweight Rob Butler (1-0) won his pro debut in an action fight that opened the night, taking a four-round unanimous decision from journeyman Rodrigo Almeida (1-10).
Official results below:
OFFICIAL RESULTS
MAIN EVENT – VACANT N.E. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Derek Silveira (16-2, 8 KOS), Salem, MA
WDEC8 (79-72, 78-72, 77-73)
Roberto Valenzuela, Jr. (14-1, 134 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico
(Silveira won the N.E. welterweight title)
VACANT ABF CONTINENTAL AMERICAS CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Vinnie Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WKO1 (2:37)
Claudio Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Carita won ABF Continental Americas cruiserweight title)
SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), Gloucester, MA
WTKO4 (1:53)
Roberto Valenzuela(67-79-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico
Rob Butler (1-0), Boston, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Rodrigo Almeida (1-10), Woburn, MA
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), Providence, RI
WKO1 1:19)
Engleberto Valenzuela (11-16, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico
WELTERWEIGHTS
Khiry Todd (8-1, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
WTKO1 (1:30)
Francisco Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), Urupan, Mexico
JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Romain Tomas (8-2, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY by way of France
WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 56-58)
Omar Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), Danbury, CT
Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO), Marlborough, MA
WKO1 (1:17)
Emmerson Noguiera (0-1), Woburn, MA
Sidney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of St. Marteen
WDEC6 (60-53, 60-64, 60-64)
Andy Aiello (1-3-1), Bridgewater, MA
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 78-74)
Ernesto Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Mexico
Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), New Britain, CT
WKO1 (1:03)
Chantae Bowens (0-2), Wilson, NC
IVAN GOLUB DOMINATES MANUEL REYES, BAKHODIR JALOLOV and ALICIA NAPOLEON Get Stoppage wins at SONY HALL
New York, NY (4/11/19) – In front of a packed house on Wednesday night, DiBella Entertainment debuted its long-running Broadway Boxing series at Times Square’s Sony Hall in New York City. The event was streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.
(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
In the main event, Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan “The Volk” Golub, 146.6, of Brooklyn, NY, defended his WBC USNBC title for the first time against Manuel Alejandro Reyes, 147, of Los Angeles, CA, in a 10-round battle of southpaws. Golub focused early on the midsection, pounding away with hooks to Reyes’ ribs. Reyes, who was pressing forward, made his presence felt in round two when he opened a cut above Golub’s right eye with a stinging left hand. With blood dripping down his face for the remainder of the contest, Golub began to time Reyes’ advances with his jab-straight left combination to control the action. Left uppercuts sometimes punctuated Golub’s combinations that snapped Reyes’ head up. Though fatigued, Reyes endured Golub’s relentless attack to hear the final bell. The judges tallied 100-90 twice, and 99-91, all for Golub via unanimous decision. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Golub, 16-1 (12 KOs), has now won three in a row since his controversial decision defeat to Jamontay Clark in June 2017. Reyes’ record dropped to 11-5-1 (5 KOs). As an amateur, Golub accumulated a 270-32 record, while becoming a five-time Ukrainian National champion, and won bronze medals at the Junior World Championships in 2006 and at the World Championships in 2009. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, winning all five of his bouts.
(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
Former 2016 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir “The Big Uzbek” Jalolov, 244.4, who trains in Los Angeles, CA, earned his sixth straight knockout since turning pro last May. The 6’7″ heavyweight southpaw quickly bloodied the nose of late replacement opponent Brendan Barrett, 234, of Los Angeles, CA, with a stiff jab, resulting in Barrett taking a knee. Jalolov continued his assault when Barrett arose, blasting his adversary with a straight left to the chin for a second knockdown. The referee began a count then, seeing Barrett was in no condition to continue, decided to end the bout at the 2:45 mark of the opening frame. The win earned Jalolov, now 6-0 (6 KOs), the NABF Junior heavyweight title. Barrett’s record fell to 7-3-2 (5 KOs). Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Jalolov was born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, and is incredibly popular in his native country, with 175,000 social media followers on Instagram. He was a highly accomplished amateur compiling a record of 84-13. A four-time National champion from 2013 to 2016 and the #1 ranked amateur in the world before his pro debut, Jalolov represented his homeland at the 2016 Olympic Games and had the distinguished honor of being the country’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremonies. As an amateur, Jalolov won gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in 2017, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)
WBA super middleweight women’s world champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon, 156.2, of Lindenhurst, NY, took on Hungarian Eva Bajic, 153, based in Senta, Serbia, in a nontitle eight-round contest. With her hometown fans loudly cheering her on, Napoleon demolished Bajic in the second frame. A left-right combination floored Bajic shortly after the bell to start round two, then a crushing overhand right sent her back to the canvas. At the advice of the ringside physician, the referee halted the bout at the 1:04 mark. The charismatic Long Islander, now 11-1 (6 KOs), defeated Femke Hermans on March 3, 2018, to capture the WBA world title then made her first defense five months later. The Veteran Boxers Association honored Napoleon as the 2018 “New York State Female Fighter of the Year” at their annual Holiday Awards Dinner last year. She is an outspoken advocate for gender equality and has been featured on national TV, including on FOX 5’s “Good Day New York” and the Pickler & Ben talk show. Napoleon competed as an amateur for nine years, winning 11 National titles, including two New York Golden Gloves championships and a National Golden Gloves title.
Southpaw junior middleweight prospect Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov, 155, of Uzbekistan and now based in Brooklyn, NY, earned a six-round shutout decision against Calvin Metcalf, 154.4, of Kansas City, MO. Nomatov kept Metcalf at the end of his consistent jab and then found a home for short right hooks. One right hook connected upstairs in the third frame to deck Metcalf. All three scorecards read 60-53, improving Normatov’s record to 8-0 (3 KOs). Metcalf now stands at 9-2-1 (2 KOs). As an amateur, Normatov accumulated a 190-40 record and won the European Amateur National Championships in 2014.
Welterweight Brian Ceballo, 148.6, of Brooklyn, NY, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, needed less than three rounds to defeat Dominican Ricardo Garcia, 148.6, of Reading, PA. In the third stanza, Ceballo felled Garcia with a straight right. Though he arose, Garcia was still hurt and Ceballo dashed in with a barrage of power shots, including a thudding left hook. The referee intervened, ending the bout via TKO at 2:33 of the round. The 25-year-old Ceballo, now 8-0 (4 KOs) as a pro, was a stellar amateur, compiling a 206-13 record while becoming a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion. Garcia’s record dropped to 14-6-1 (9 KOs).
Popular junior featherweight prospect Khalid “Pure Gold” Twaiti, 121.4, of Brooklyn, NY, kept the pressure on Jeno Tonte, 118, of Kecskemet, Hungary, forcing him on the back foot with a steady flow of combinations and power punches throughout. With Tonte unable to match Twaiti’s intensity and taking too much punishment, the referee ended the contest via TKO at the 1:13 mark of round three. Now 5-0 (3 KOs), Twaiti turned pro in February 2017 after compiling a 74-15 amateur record. Tonte returns home with a 9-7 (8 KOs) record.
Cruiserweight Joseph “Mack” Williams, 198, of Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, made his long-awaited return, following a near two-year ring absence, facing Jose Mario Flores, 198.8, of Woodbridge, VA, in a scheduled six-rounder. For four rounds, Williams dominated his game foe in an exciting brawl. Williams then kept Flores at bay with a stiff jab and combinations for the remaining two frames, en route to a six-round unanimous shutout, with three scorecards of 60-54. Williams upped his record to 13-0 (8 KOs), while Flores dipped to 8-2-2 (4 KOs).
Rumble at the Rock V “Night of the Undefeated” Comes to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. on Friday, May 10
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (April 11, 2019) The fifth installment of the popular Rumble at the Rock series will be held on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, the event, entitled “Night of the Undefeated,” will feature no less than seven undefeated local favorites in separate bouts.
In the 10-round main event will be undefeated, WBA No. 7-rated featherweight contender Hairon “El Maja” Socarras (21-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami via Marianao, Cuba. Socarras, 26, was last seen scoring a unanimous eight-round decision over Mexico’s Carlos Ruiz in March at Hard Rock Event Center.
Also scheduled for action is Miami via Havana undefeated welterweight Livan “The Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (10-0, 7 KOs). Navarro, 28, scored a KO 4 over Barranquilla, Colombia’s Wilfrido Buelvas last November.
Back in action will be undefeated 20-year-old boxing prodigy Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (15-0, 12 KOs). The Hawaii-based welterweight Yoon is coming off a TKO 5 over Africa’s Hamza Sempewo in Atlantic City last November.
Two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko (7-0, 7 KOs) of Hollywood, Fla., via Kazakhstan, will be back, looking to keep his perfect record intact in an eight-round test. The 28-year-old scored a one-punch demolition of once-promising Maurice Harris last July.
Riding the momentum of impressive victories over established veterans Breidis Prescott and Ed Paredes in his last two fights, popular Puerto Rican sensation Derrieck Cuevas (20-0-1, 14 KOs) will be back for his next step up the welterweight ladder. Cuevas, 24, is the hard-punching prospect Florida fans have rallied behind faithfully.
Back for another appearance is the rugged, made-for-TV Cuban super middleweight Irosvani Duvergel (5-0, 3 KOs). Duvergel, 27, will be participating in his fourth straight fight at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and his exciting style has made him a fan favorite.
Also in action will be cruiserweight “Bad” Blake Davis (1-0) from Cooper City, looking for his second win in a four-round showdown.
Team USA Grabs Four Golds and Two Silvers to Conclude 2019 Pan American Games Qualifier
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 10) – Team USA put on a show during the final day of boxing action from Managua, Nicaragua, winning four gold medals and two silver medals to add to the three bronze medals the team won during the semifinal bouts.
Welterweight Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) grabbed the first gold medal for Team USA after his opponent Rohan Polanco of Dominican Republic did not enter the ring. This is Johnson’s second international medal of the year after taking bronze at the Stranjda Tournament in Feb.
2017 World Championships bronze medalists Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.) was a highlight of the final day of competition, defeating 2015 Pan American Games and 2016 Olympic Games gold medalists Arlen Lopez of Cuba in a 3-2 decision.
Flyweight Virginia Fuchs (Houston, Texas) was victorious in her return to international competition since last year’s World Championships in India. Fuchs put on another dominating performance to take all five judges cards over Valeria Cardenas of Costa Rica to clinch the Americans third gold. Teammate Rashida Ellis (Lynn, Mass.) redeemed her loss earlier this year to Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira to grab the unanimous decision to earn her first international gold medal of 2019.
Keyshawn Davis (Norfolk, Va.) fell short in a heart breaking 3-2 decision against 2017 World Champion Andy Cruz of Cuba to take the silver medal. Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio) closed the tournament for Team USA by taking the silver against Atheyna Bylon of Panama.
During the semifinal bouts, Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Duke Ragan(Cincinnati, Ohio) and Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.) earned bronze medals. All nine medalists, as well as Bruce Carrington (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) have qualified for the 2019 Pan American Games this summer in Lima, Peru.
The American delegation will return to the United States tomorrow for a short break before returning to Colorado Springs for training camp.
Finals Results
51 kg: Virginia Fuchs, Houston, Texas/USA, dec. over Valeria Cardenas/CRC, 5-0
60 kg: Rashida Ellis, Lynn, Mass./USA, dec. over Beatriz Ferreira/BRA, 5-0
64 kg: Andy Cruz/CUB, dec. over Keyshawn Davis, Norfolk, Va./USA, 3-2
69 kg: Delante Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio/USA, won by walkover over Rohan Polanco/DOM, WO
69 kg: Atheyna Bylon/PAN, dec. over Oshae Jones, Toledo, Ohio/USA, 5-0
75 kg: Troy Isley, Alexandria, Va./USA, dec. over Arlen Lopez/CUB, 3-2
Donaire: I can’t wait to show the crowd what we’ve been working on
Nonito Donaire World Boxing Super Series
Philippine-American Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire feels well prepared and looks forward to his World Boxing Super Series 118lb Semi-Final against South Africa’s WBO Champ Zolani Tete at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, USA on April 27.
“Lafayette, Louisiana is definitely going to be an experience,” said Donaire, a native of the Philippines who moved to the Bay Area in California at the age of 10 and today lives and trains in Las Vegas.
“There is so much culture all over the United States and I am I’m blessed to be in a tournament that allows me to visit a different state. I’ve heard the food is amazing and I can’t wait to try it out after the fight.”
36-year-old Donaire is perhaps the biggest name in the star-studded WBSS Season 2 line-up having held eight world titles by the main four boxing sanctioning bodies. Known as “The Filipino Flash” due to exceptionally hand speed and extraordinary punching power.
The former multiple-time world champion in four weight classes and current WBA Super Bantamweight Champion came down from 126lb to compete at 118lb for the first time in seven years to enter the WBSS.
In the quarter-final in Glasgow, Scotland Nov. 3rd last year against Northern Ireland’s Ryan Burnett, tournament No. 1 seed, Donaire felt he was in control and would have taken home the victory in the normal fashion if his opponent hadn’t been forced to retire after four rounds with a lower back injury.
How is the training going, can you give us some insight from your training camp?
“Training started about two weeks after the Burnett fight. We didn’t know when the fight would be scheduled but we knew the opponent so we stayed head on for Tete. I implemented new training methods that we haven’t tried before and have had a smooth training camp in Las Vegas.”
How would you describe your shape and preparations compared to your last fight?
“I believe the major difference is building upon what we had in the Burnett fight. I made sure to continue to stay disciplined with my diet and continue to be at the gym. As I said, it wasn’t completely 100% boxing throughout and we did implement training outside of the boxing gym and different drills as well. We made sure to have rest when needed so we could turn it up in these last couple weeks.”
How do you see the match-up with Tete?
“Tete is a formidable opponent. He is tall, he is fast, he is slick, but I am a fighter that can fight any kind of style. I can’t wait to the to show the crowd what we’ve been working on.”
Tickets starting at $25 for the WBSS Super-Lightweight and Bantamweight Semi-Finals on April 27 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA are available from TicketMaster here.
Fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch all the Ali Trophy semi-finals LIVE, exclusively on DAZN.
WBSS Season 2 Semi-Finals:
27 April – Cajundome, Lafayette, LA, USA
- Regis Prograis vs Kiryl Relikh
- Nonito Donaire vs Zolani Tete
- Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk
- Naoya Inoue vs Emmanuel Rodriguez
15 June – Arena Riga, Riga, Latvia
- Mairis Briedis vs Krzysztof Glowacki
- Yunier Dorticos vs Andrew Tabiti
Three of Salita Promotions’ World-Class Russians to Headline on April 18 in Grozny
On Thursday, April 18, at the Sportivnyy Kompleks “Kolizey” in Grozny City, Russian heavyweight crusher Apti Davtaev (16-0, 15 KOs) will headline a show entitled “Time of Legends,” in a 10-round showdown against Brazil’s Pedro Otas (32-4-1, 28 KOs).
The event, televised live on Russian public sports channel Match TV, will also feature WBA #7, IBF #6 and WBO #4 light heavyweight slugger Umar Salamov (23-1, 17 KOs) defending his WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship against Poland’s Norbert Dabrowski (22-7-2, 9 KOs), as well as fellow undefeated hometown hero Aslambek Idigov (15-0, 7 KOs) taking on Spain’s Ronny Landaeta (16-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO Europe Super Middleweight Title.
All three promising contenders recently concluded a six-week training camp at Detroit’s world-famous Kronk Gym under SugarHill Steward and Rick Phillips.
In his last ring appearance, in February of this year, 29-year-old Davtaev needed under a round to stop Missouri veteran Richard Carmack.
“I had an incredibly productive training camp and look forward to putting my skills to use April 18,” said the formidable Davtaev. “My goal is to win and inch closer towards the heavyweight world title. I am the new face in the heavyweight division!”
24-year-old Salamov was last seen successfully defending his Eurasian Boxing Parliament Light Heavyweight and WBO International Light Heavyweight Championships in December of last year, via 10-round unanimous decision over Africa’s Emmanuel Anim.
“Training with Sugar has taken my boxing IQ to the next level,” said Salamov, “I look forward to putting in a dominant performance and making my claim for the light heavyweight world title this year!”
23-year-old Idigov was last seen stopping his countryman Konstantin Piternov after four rounds in December of last year.
“I am excited about fighting for a title against a skilled and highly respected Landaeta,” said Idigov. “I want to fight the best! I will prove that I am the best super middleweight in the world and a very important step is an impressive performance on April 18.”
“On April 18, three of the best contenders from Russia will look to take a significant step towards their goal of fighting for world titles in the near future,” said all three fighters’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “All unique, have shown improvement and world-class ability. I look forward to great fights and impressive wins.”
“BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it All” Weights, Pictures and Press Conference Quotes
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“BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it All” OFFICIAL WEIGHTS & PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES Join the BYB (Back Yard Brawls) Revolution….. Apr. 5 in Cheyenne, Wyoming LIVE ON WORLDWIDE PPV |
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(pictures by Brian Burns) CHEYENNE, Wyo. (April 4, 2019) — The official weigh in and final press conference was held today for tomorrow night’s (Friday, Apr. 5) BYB Extreme Series (BYB) professional bare-knuckle fighting pay-per-view event, “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL,” live from the Cheyenne Ice & Event Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. BYB Extreme was initially inspired by the original Backyard Fights that were held in Miami, featured in the award-winning documentary “Dawg Fight”, which debuted and is still available to watch on Netflix. Dada 5000 was the subject and star of “Dawg Fight”. Production of “Dawg Fight 2”, produced once again by award-winning documentary filmmaker Billy Corben (Rakontur), concludes at “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl for it ALL”. “BYB Brawl 1: Brawl For It ALL”, presented by title sponsor Pure and Natural (www.getpureandnatural.com), is the first sanctioned-event promoted by BYB Extreme, bare-knuckle fighting’s most intense combat sports promoter. Nine professional bare-knuckle fights and two mixed-martial-arts fights will all held inside the “The Trigon”, the most confrontational cage in combat sports. Dada 5000 will be part of the BYB Extreme announcing team at cage-side, along with blow-by-blow announcer Din Thomas, and color commentators Chris Byrd, the former world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic medalist, and Dada 5000’s brother, Dyrushio “Rusy” Harris. Tony Martinez will support the BYB announcing team in Spanish and veteran Bob Alexander is the BYB ring announcer. Official weights and pictures below: OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
 MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
(L) Josh “Dempsey” Gormley, Miami, FL 235 LBS.
(R) Bobby “Zombie” Brents, Springfield, IL 264.2 LBS.
 CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
Jake “The Goon” Young, London, Ontario, Canada 175 LBS.
Matt “MFD” Delanoit, Omaha, NE 174.8 LBS,
 LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS — 5 X 3
(L) Billy “The Kid” Martin, Casper, WY 194.4 LBS.
(R) Leo Pla, Parker, CO 193 LBS.
 HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5 MMA
(L) Jamelle “The Beast” Jones, Coeur d’Alene, ID 247.8 LBS.
(R) Matt “The Attack” Kovacs, Everett, WA 250.4 LBS.
FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS – 5 X 2 BK
Christine “Knuckles” Stanley, Lakebay, WA 145.8 LBS.
Latoya “Lionheart” Burton, Ashville, NC 142/2 LBS.
CRUISERWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
Joey Angelo, Las Vegas, NV 204.2 LBS.
Joseph Guillen, Red Springs, WY 197.6 LBS.
SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS – 3 X 5 MMA
Lamar “The Abomination” Cannady-Foster, Detroit, MI 305.8 LBS.
Jermayne “Redman” Barnes, Fort Lauderdale, FL 284.4 LBS.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
Alphonso “Chocolate” Frierson, Miami, FL 165.4 LBS.
Mike “Dragon Hulk” Trujillo, Miami, FL 180.4 LBS.
CRUISERWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
Robert “Real Business” Brown, Jr., Atlanta, GA 192.2 LBS.
Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt, Jacksonville, FL 203.4 LBS.
WELTERWEIGHTS – 5 X 3 BK
Brian “Stpone Handz” Jackson, Cheboygan, MI 177.2 LBS.
John Michael “JoMi” Escoboza, Coconut Creek, FL by way of Dominican 169 LBS.
BANTAMWEIGHTS –5 X 3 BK
Albert “Speedy” Martinez, Valdosta, GA 143.8 LBS.
Robert “Billy Bad Ass” Fletcher, Park Rapids, MN 146 LBS.
(fights & fighters subject to change)
PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES Dada 5000: “Who said it couldn’t be done? We’re hear now, fighters from all different states. The real winners are you people watching history being made. I started this vision and a lot of people thought I was crazy. It’s a great honor for me to take this from the back yard to this. We’re changing history because we have the solution. We’ve sent guys (from the backyard to the UFC and pro boxing. They’re examples of that can be done if you stay focused. “We will be the biggest platform for bare knuckles in the country. The UBC is our sanctioning body, nobody else (in bare knuckles) has that. We’re real and we’ve changed the bar and we’re taking it higher. The Trigon is the best cage to fight in. The triangle has always been the center of controversy. Tomorrow the world will see how effective it is. We are the real deal! I don’t think any of these fights are going the distance. Don’t blink or you may miss it.” Mike Vazquez, BYB President: “Although we are a young series, we have a deep tradition built on the foundation of the original Green House and Dada. Our vision is to provide fans with hard fought, competitive fights that are settled by the hand of the competitors, and not the judges. Our Trigon cage creates a tight fighting circle. Back up too much from the action and you will find your self in one of its tight corners. Our three-minute rounds on the boxing side will ensure that fighters can’t dance for an entire round, much less in The Trigon. It all comes together to promote confrontation and therefore resolution. Real fighters are comfortable with that, and we have some real fighters on this card. It’s our position that shorter bare-knuckles fights actually inflict less damage to fighter than prolonged fights with padded and weighted gloves that allow for more and harder punches over a greater period of time, creating more potential damage to he head and brain, versus bare knuckles where punch counts rarely exceed 100, and damage, if any, is more superficial. “That said, we are working hard on many fronts and promise to put on a great show for you tomorrow night. I hope you join us as we make history!” Bryan Pedersen, Chairperson of the Wyoming Boxing & MMA Commission: “I was excited to watch everybody warm up in The Trigon. It’s been one year and a few days since we regulated this sport. We’ve had bare-knuckles fighting in Wyoming for seven years. The fighters put in their time, blood and sweat. It was legal but not sanctioned and here we are. More people are watching bare-knuckles fighting. I view this as economic independence in Wyoming.” Josh Gormley: “I’m here to represent the Dempsey name in BYB. I’ve fought different styles: boxing, MMA and pro wrestling. I retired because of a shoulder injury I suffered in my last fight. I saw Dada and he told me he had a bare-knuckles show, I’m always in shape and train every day. I’m 45-years-old, but I’m not an easy victory. I’m here to win and I’m going to beat him (Brents).” Bobby Brents: “I appreciate BYB for this opportunity. I give Josh Dempsey a big thank you for taking the fight. I’m going to punch his AARP card early.” Jake Young: “Tomorrow night I plan to make a statement. I plan to knock him (Delanoit) out. I’m going to put on a show for you tomorrow night.” Matt Delanoit: “I’m happy to be here and grateful for this opportunity. This is incredible, the bare knuckles aspect. Take a good look at his (Young) face because it’s not going to look the same tomorrow.” Billy Martin: “Tomorrow is going to be a big fight. My opponent has worked hard like I have. The Trigon cage is pretty small, and you can’t run away. I don’t think this is going past the first round. You’ll see what a Wyoming guy can do to a Colorado guy.” Leo Pla: “Tomorrow night I’m going to put on a show for you guys. Come out and watch us put on a good show.” Jamelle Jones: “We’re well prepared. I can’t wait until tomorrow. I’m thankful for the opportunity.” Matt Kovacs: I’m fighting a tough opponent. We’re going to show everybody that a couple of Northwest guys can put on a good show. I’m looking forward it.” Alphonso Frierson: “I don’t have a prepared speech, but I’ll probably knock him out tomorrow night.” Mike Trujillo: “I’m fighting Chocolate (Frierson) for the third time. He’s not on my level. I’m at a higher level and you’ll see that tomorrow.” |
UFC FIGHT PASS O LIVE STREAM DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
NEW YORK, NY (April 4, 2019) – UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, today announced a collaboration with DiBella Entertainment and their acclaimed Broadway Boxing series. On Wednesday, April 10, at 8:00 ET / 5:00 PM PT, UFC FIGHT PASS will exclusively live stream the Broadway Boxing event from Times Square’s Sony Hall in New York City. Ukrainian welterweight contender Ivan “The Volk” Golub (15-1, 12 KOs) will headline the event defending his WBC USNBC title in a scheduled 10-round bout.
“April 10th’s card at Sony Hall is representative of what has made Broadway Boxing the longest running and most highly regarded grassroots boxing series in America,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “It features top welterweight contender Ivan Golub, who should be undefeated, as he continues to fight his way toward a world title, dynamic world champion Alicia ‘The Empress’ Napoleon, in a nontitle fight, and the ‘Big Uzbek’, Bakhodir Jalolov, who we believe is the scariest young heavyweight in the world and a future world champion. Former amateur stars Hurshidbek ‘Hershey’ Normatov, Joe Williams, Brian Ceballo and Khalid Twaiti round out the card in competitive bouts. DiBella Entertainment is thrilled that this Broadway Boxing will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass, the premier streaming service for MMA and combat sports. UFC Fight Pass’ commitment to offer first class boxing to its subscribers is great news for fight fans. We believe that this is the beginning of an exciting and creative collaboration.”
Making the first defense of his WBC USNBC welterweight strap, Ivan Golub, of Brooklyn, NY, will take on Manuel Alejandro “El Chino” Reyes (11-4-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA. Golub, who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., captured the USNBC belt last August via outstanding 10-round shutout decision against Lanardo Tyner. He has two impressive victories by knockout on SHOWTIME’s “ShoBox” series, and his lone loss came via controversial decision in Toledo, OH, against local fighter Jamontay Clark, in a bout most observers felt Golub deserved to win. Golub accumulated a 270-32 amateur record, while becoming a five-time Ukrainian National champion, and won bronze medals at the Junior World Championships in 2006 and at the World Championships in 2009. He also participated in the World Series of Boxing, winning all five of his bouts.
In a battle of heavyweight giants, fast-rising prospect Bakhodir “The Big Uzbek” Jalolov (5-0, 5 KOs), of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, who stands at 6’7″, will clash in a scheduled six-round tilt against the 6’10” Donnie Palmer (10-2-1, 9 KOs), of Dorchester, MA. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Jalolov was born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, and is incredibly popular in his native country, with 173,000 social media followers on Instagram. He was a highly accomplished amateur compiling a record of 84-13. A four-time National champion from 2013 to 2016 and the #1 ranked amateur in the world before his pro debut, Jalolov represented his homeland at the 2016 Olympic Games and had the distinguished honor of being the country’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremonies. As an amateur, Jalolov won gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in 2017, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.
The card will also feature the highly anticipated return of WBA super middleweight women’s world champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (10-1, 5 KOs), of Lindenhurst, NY, against Eva Bajic, of Senta, Serbia, in an eight-round nontitle bout. The charismatic Long Islander defeated Femke Hermans on March 3, 2018, to capture the WBA world title then made her first defense five months later. The Veteran Boxers Association named Napoleon as the 2018 “New York State Female Fighter of the Year” at their annual Holiday Awards Dinner. She is an outspoken advocate for gender equality and has been featured on national TV, including on FOX 5’s “Good Morning America” and the Pickler & Ben talk show. Napoleon competed as an amateur for nine years, winning 11 National titles, including two New York Golden Gloves championships and a National Golden Gloves title.
Undefeated super welterweight prospect Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov (7-0, 3 KOs), a native of Uzbekistan now fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, will face veteran Calvin Metcalf (9-1-1, 2 KOs), of Kansas City, MO, in a six-round bout. A pro since June 2016, the 26-year-old southpaw has already beaten two previously undefeated prospects in Nicklaus Flaz and Alexis Gaytan. As an amateur, Normatov accumulated a 190-40 record and won the European Amateur National Championships in 2014.
Welterweight prospect Brian Ceballo (7-0, 3 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, will face Ricardo Garcia (14-5-1, 9 KOs), of Reading, PA, in a six-round bout. The 25-year-old Ceballo was a stellar amateur, compiling a 206-13 record while becoming a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion. He turned pro last March and is coming off of a six-round unanimous decision victory in January against Randy Fuentes, at the Avalon, in Hollywood, CA.
In the junior featherweight division, Brooklyn fan favorite Khalid “Pure Gold” Twaiti (4-0, 2 KOs) will fight in a four-round bout against Jeno Tonte, of Kecskemet, Hungary. Fighting for the first time in 2019 at Sony Hall, Twaiti returns to action following a four-round unanimous decision against Carlos Noe Ramirez last September in his home borough. Twaiti turned pro in February 2017 after compiling a 74-15 amateur record.
Undefeated cruiserweight prospect Joe “Mack” Williams (12-0, 8 KOs), of Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Jose Mario Flores (8-1-2, 4 KOs), of Woodbridge, VA, in a scheduled six-rounder. In February 2017, Williams appeared on SHOWTIME’s “ShoBox” series, handing 15-0-1 Lenin Castillo his first defeat via decision. Flores is coming off of a decision victory last November against 16-0 Armando Pina.