Del Valle facing tough challenge this saturday

Luis 'Orlandito' del Valle training in December at the Juan “Popo” Guzmán Gym in Cupey Alto, Puerto Rico.

This week, undefeated super bantamweight (122 lbs) Luis "Orlandito" del Valle (14-0, 11KO's) is finishing up preparations in Newburgh, New York for his bout against José Beranza (34-21-2, 26 KO's), to be held January 21st, 2012 at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.  

Beranza, who is well respected and considered a tough rival, is just coming off a win against Christopher Martin, who was until then undefeated in his previous 25 matches.

Raymond Rivera and 'Orlandito' del Valle

Raymond Rivera, Orlandito's trainer and manager said: "We've been working very hard in Puerto Rico and Newburgh ( New York ) getting ready for the fight. It's gonna be 'round by round', very smart as always".

"He's a great fighter", said Del Valle about Beranza. "Other prospects and great champions haven't been able to defeat him, but we are more than ready for this challenge and to bring another triumph for my island". The Bayamón native is part of 'Team Puerto Rico', a collaboration between promoters Gary Shaw Productions (GSP), DiBella Entertainment (DBE), Universal Promotions (UP) and Warriors Boxing (WB).

As a professional at the featherweight division (126 lbs.), del Valle won the New York State title after defeating veteran Pascal Rouse, and won the WBA's regional title, the North American Boxing Association's (NABA) after defeating Vietnamese fighter Dat Nguyen (17-1, 6KO’s at the time) by unanimous decision on the eve of New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade.

This event is part of Dibella Entertainment's 'Broadway Boxing' series, in which the main fight will feature fellow Boricua and junior welterweight (140 lbs.) Gabriel 'Tito' Bracero (18-0, 3KO's) who will take on former world champion, DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (37-19-1, 22KO's).

Tickets ($45, $65, $85 and $125) are available at Ticketmaster: 1.800.475.3000, www.ticketmaster.com.

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Old-time boxing geared for new Ontario boxing fans Vargas-Plaitis headlines Feb. 11 show in Mississauga

TORONTO (January 16, 2012) - Old-time boxing returns Saturday night, February 11 to the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario as unbeaten welterweight Samuel Vargas and dangerous Manolis Plaitis headline a competitive, entertaining card presented by United Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports.

The Feb. 11 show kicks-off the third season of boxing at Hershey Centre for United Promotions, which is comprised of three Ontario boxing promoters - Don MacDonald, Adam Harris (Hennessy Sports) and Tyler Buxton (Buxton Promotions).

"We are promoting boxing in Mississauga, only a 10-minute drive from Toronto, as a united team rather than individuals and it's been a perfect business relationship," MacDonald explained. "We have more professional boxers and fans than ever before in Ontario. What we've accomplished in two years, well, give us two more and Ontario will exceed boxing in Montreal. We're changing attitudes and building a new fan base. We're building our product by real promoting. You'll never see an 8-0 guy fighting somebody 5-10.

"We're also building an awareness of our fighters and shows in the community. Kids are coming to our shows and leaving saying they want to fight. That's how Logan Cotton McGuinness got interested. Our last show had 5260 people including 78 tables of corporations, groups and individuals, 10 to a table, who paid anywhere from $2000 to $8000. We've been grinding it out and now ticket sales offset our costs. We have four more shows scheduled there this year. The Ontario boxing scene is exploding."

Vargas (8-0-1, 2 KOs), a native of Colombia living in Mississauga, is coming off of the 2011 Canadian Fight of the Year, in which he battled last October at home with Quebec arch-rival Ahmad Cheikho, who was unable to continue fighting after five of the scheduled 10 rounds. Samuel's opponent Feb. 11 in the 10-round main event will be Quebec welterweight Manolis Plaitis (17-1-1, 8 KOs), a former Canadian light welterweight champion, extending the Ontario-Quebec provincial boxing rivalry.

"Vargas got our respect in his last fight," Plaitis' manager Camille Estephan admitted, "but we're very confident of spoiling the party. The atmosphere there the last show was incredible and it was a real war. I expect nothing less this time except the Quebec fighter is going to win. Plaitis has a heart of a lion."

The six-round co-feature will showcase fan favorite Brandon "Bad Boy" Cook (4-0, 2 KOs), a dangerous middleweight from Ajax, Ontario, against upset specialist Chris Aucoin (4-5-1). "This is a step up for Brandon because two years ago Aucoin beat (former IBO Inter-Continental champion) Ian MacKillop (25-11-3)," noted Buxton who co-promotes Cook with Hennessy Sports. "Both of these fighters come forward and it's going to be an absolute war right in the center of the ring."

Undefeated Kitchener, Ontario cruiserweight prospect Denton Daley (4-0, 2 KOs) meets former Mexican National Boxing Team invader Benito "El Asesino" Quiroz (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout. Denton graduated from Sheridan College as a business major. "Daley is a knockout artist with power in both hands," MacDonald remarked. "He's very well put together at 198 pounds. He loves to fight and is capable of making devastating knockouts. He regularly spars with world cruiserweight contender Troy Ross. Fighting Quiroz is a huge step up for Denton. Quiroz is no slouch. He's a tough Mexican fighter whose real record is 13-1 but seven of his fights weren't officially reported."

Making his pro debut is 21-year-old Steve Wilcox, a lightweight from Hamilton, Ontario who is the oldest of five fighting Wilcox brothers and the first to turn pro. All of the boys are trained by their father at his gym in Hamilton, Steeltown Boxing Club. Steve will take on an opponent to be determined in a four-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard in a pair of six-round bouts are Whitby super middleweight Phil "The Assassin" Rose (3-1-1, 3 KOs) vs. Coteau-du-Lac's cagey Francis Lafreniere (1-2-1, 1 KOs), along with undefeated Toronto prospect Ibrahim "Firearm" Kamal (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Danish lightweight Tommi Schmidt (6-4, 3 KOs).

Tickets, priced at $30.00 and $50.00, are available at the Hersey Centre Box Office, or through Ticketmaster at 855.985.5000 or ticketmaster.ca.

Go on line at www.UnitedPromotions.ca for more information about the Feb. 11 show.

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DANIEL PONCE DE LEON VS. OMAR ESTRELLA HEADLINES 2012 TELEVISA'S "SABADOS DE CORONA"SEASON OPENER ON JANUARY 21 IN ENSENADA B.C., MEXICO

UNDEFEATED LEO SANTA CRUZ FACES ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ IN CO-FEATUED BOUT LOS ANGELES, January 12 - Former World Champion Daniel Ponce de Leon heads back home to Mexico to begin his 2012 campaign for a second divisional title when he meets countryman Omar Estrella in a 12 round bout for the vacant WBC USNBC Featherweight title on Saturday, January 21 at The Boxing Warehouse in Ensenada B.C., Mexico. In the evening's co-main event, bantamweight phenom Leo Santa Cruz will put his unbeaten record and WBC Youth Bantamweight title on the line in a 10 round fight against veteran Alejandro Hernandez. The doubleheader is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Box Latino and sponsored by Corona. The Televisa broadcast will air on Canal 5 and begins at 10:30 p.m. CT. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 5:30 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at 80 pesos and 200 pesos are on sale now and available for purchase at all Farmacia Del Sol locations in Ensenada B.C., Mexico.    The fights will also be available in the United States as AT&T* is exclusively delivering the series across threes screens (TV, Online and Mobile) to AT&T U-verse members.  The U-verse broadcasts will air live at 9:30p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on AT&T U-verse TV, U-verse Online at www.att.net/boxeo and, for subscribers to U-verse Live TV mobile application, on qualifying mobile phones.** Cuauhtemoc's Daniel Ponce de Leon (41-4, 34 KO's) reigned as the WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion for nearly three years, making six successfully defenses while developing from a wild-swinging brawler to one of the top fighters in the world, still keeping his crushing knockout power intact. The winner of seven of his last nine fights and unbeaten in 14 fights in his native Mexico, the hard-hitting southpaw is about to embark on a title run at featherweight which begins in Ensanada with his bout against Omar Estrella. 24-year old Tijuana native Omar "Dinamita" Estrella (15-3-2, 10 KO's) will have local fans in his corner on January 21, and with an opportunity to crash into the world rankings on the table, expect him to deliver the performance of his career. The current Mexican Pacific Coast featherweight champion, Estrella has won eight of his last nine fights and four in a row, but no victory would be bigger than if he can take down Ponce De Leon and take home WBC USNBC belt. A fighter whose name showed up on many "Top Prospect" lists at the end of 2011,Huetamo Michoacan, Méxiconative Leo "Terremoto" Santa Cruz (18-0-1, 10 KO's) now wants to make his move on the bantamweight elite in 2012. He went 4-0 in 2011 and the 23-year-old Santa Cruz delivered statement after statement, using his blistering body attack to finish Stephane Jamoye and Jorge Romero, while adding two more knockout wins over Jose Lopez and Everth Briceno, keeping his WBC Youth title belt untouched. Alejandro "Payasito" Hernandez (24-8-2, 13 KO's) has won three regional titles over the course of his decade long career, yet he is only 25 and approaching his prime as his January fight with Santa Cruz draws close. The winner of two of his last three fights, Hernandez, who challenged for the WBO Flyweight World Title in 2008, is eager to rise to the top at 118 pounds and that quest begins in Ensenada against Santa Cruz. *AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.    ** Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services.  Call or go to www.att.net.com/u-verse to see if you qualify.  AT&T U-verse Live TV requires a compatible devise, eligible data plan, and 3G service.  Service not available in all areas.  Downloaded contents  is available for viewing for limited time periods.

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Despaigne Falls Out, Chilemba Jumps in to Face Miranda February 3 in Las Vegas

Claiming he is not "mentally ready" to fight, Cuban light heavyweight Yordanis Despaigne has withdrawn from his scheduled rematch against charismatic light heavyweight slugger Edison "Pantera" Miranda (35-6, 30 KOs), scheduled for Friday, February 3, in the Dallas Events Center at the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas. Instead, Miranda will now face South Africa's WBC #6, WBA #13, and WBO #14-rated Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba (18-1-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event of an ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised night of boxing, presented by Warriors Boxing and Sampson Boxing, entitled "Super Brawls". Tickets for "Super Brawls" are priced at $25 and $50 and are available at the Texas Station rewards center or at Stationcasinos.com/concerts. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $100. Please call (954) 985-1155. A controversial call brought a premature end to Despaigne and Miranda's exciting back-and-forth fight last July 29 (also shown live on Friday Night Fights) when Referee Vic Drakulich disqualified Miranda at :45 of the fifth round due to low blows and what many said was some quality acting by Despaigne. "I have said all along he is an actress pretending to be a fighter," said a disgusted Miranda of Despaigne's falling out. "He knew he was going to get knocked out the first time we fought, so he flopped around on the canvas pretending to be hurt. His fear this time around just proves that." While the rematch promised to be an entertaining scrap, the addition of world-rated Chilemba to the card actually steps up the event's significance on the world stage. Tall and rangy with fast hands, 24-year-old Chilemba has held the IBO and African Boxing Union Super Middleweight and the WBC International, African Boxing Union and WBO Africa Light Heavyweight Titles. He made his Friday Night Fights debut last February at the Million Dollar Elm Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he dealt then undefeated Russian Maxim Vlasov his first loss via unanimous 10-round decision. Miranda was last seen scoring a spectacular knockout over then highly rated Kariz Kariuki in December. "With Despaigne pulling out we lost what could have been a good fight, but Chilemba is actually a much tougher opponent for Edison," said promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. "Miranda was able to hit Despaigne fairly often, that's not a guarantee with Chilemba. He's very tricky and has a long reach. It's going to be an intriguing fight." In the night's fantastic eight-round co-main event, 21-year-old lightweight Hylon Williams Jr. (15-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas will face off against 25-year-old Cuban power-punching sensation Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (14-0, 11 KOs) in a rare battle of up-and-coming undefeated prospects. Expect fireworks, as both fighters were highly decorated amateurs and both have been pegged for future big deeds. Williams is highly skilled with blazing fast hands, while Barthelemy is building a reputation for his punching power. And, amazingly, the televised middle bout will feature yet another "someone's 0 must go" battle of unbeaten prospects, as fast-rising heavyweight sensation Magomed Abdusalamov (12-0, 12 KOs) Moscow, Russia, will face Cuba's Pedro Rodriguez (8-0, 6 KOs). Rodriguez will be looking to spring a minor upset of sorts, as the highly touted Abdusalamov is a former 2005 and 2006 Russian amateur champion at super heavyweight. More exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets for "Super Brawls" are priced at $25 and $50 and are available at the Texas Station rewards center or at Stationcasinos.com/concerts. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $100. Please call (954) 985-1155. On fight night, doors open at 5:30 and the action starts at 6:00 pm. Station Bucks may be used to purchase tickets. All ages welcome. Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or over. Show subject to change without notice. Management reserves all rights. Digital Photography and video prohibited. Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Boarding Pass Rewards Center, The Fiesta's, by logging onto stationcasinos.com/concerts or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

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WBA ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMATCH FOR AMIR KHAN AND LAMONT PETERSON

LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2012) - After a sound and fair analysis of the facts contained in the appeal filed by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Amir Khan with respect to the outcome of the December 10, 2011 World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title fight between Khan and Lamont Peterson, the WBA has ordered that an immediate rematch take place within 180 days.             Washington DC's Peterson' split decision victory over England's Khan in Washington DC has been riddled with controversy as a result of a plethora of anomalies in connection with the bout including referee Joseph Cooper not counting a knockdown of Peterson and deducting two points from Khan for pushing (something for which points are almost never deducted), both of which ended up having a direct impact on the outcome of the fight; the ringside appearance of an unauthorized individual in Mustafa Ameen who apparently handled official scoring slips, seemingly communicated with fight officials throughout the fight and appeared to be photographed posing with a celebrating Team Peterson in the ring following the fight; and possible differences between the score sheet of the WBA and those of the IBF and the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission. Acting under its authority pursuant to WBA Rule C.26, the WBA concluded that the bout's outcome was impacted by referee Joseph Cooper's questionable failure to credit Khan with a knock down in round one and his questionable decisions to deduct points from Khan in rounds seven and 12.  As further cause to order the rematch, the WBA also pointed to Mr. Ameen's apparent intrusion into the scoring process as well as possible discrepancies between the score sheets of the two sanctioning organizations and the local athletic commission.  In its resolution mandating the rematch, the WBA went out of its way to note that under normal circumstances it would not disturb the discretionary function of a referee, however, in this case, because of the multiple irregularities, it was necessary for it to order the rematch.             "I'm pleased that justice has been done and the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch. All we ask as sportsmen is for a fair and level playing field when we compete," said Khan. "Lamont Peterson proved in our fight that he is a great competitor and I hope that a second bout will be just as exciting. I want to prove without doubt that I'm the best in the 140lb division by taking care of business in the rematch." "I am thrilled about the decision and hope that we can start negotiations and get the rematch done," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "Both Amir and Lamont are terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington last December. I am sure that fight fans from around the world applaud the WBA's decision since this will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2012."

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Tickets for 'Super Brawls' on Sale at 10 am

Miranda vs. Chilemba Williams vs. Barthelemy Abdusalamov vs. Rodriguez Tickets will go on sale tomorrow (Saturday, January 14) at 10 AM for "Super Brawls", the Friday, February 3, ESPN Friday Night Fights-televised night of professional boxing in the Dallas Events Center at the Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel in Las Vegas. "Super Brawls" will be presented by Warriors Boxing and Sampson Boxing, and features Colombian light heavyweight slugger Edison "Pantera" Miranda (35-6, 30 KOs) taking on South Africa's WBC #6, WBA #13, and WBO #14-rated Isaac "Golden Boy" Chilemba (18-1-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event. In the superb televised co-main events, 21-year-old lightweight Hylon Williams Jr. (15-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas will face off against 25-year-old Cuban power-punching sensation Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (14-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round battle of undefeated prospects and unbeaten heavyweight sensation Magomed Abdusalamov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Moscow, Russia, will face Cuba's also unbeaten Pedro Rodriguez (8-0, 6 KOs). More exciting undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets for "Super Brawls" are priced at $25 and $50 and are available at any Station Casinos rewards center or at Stationcasinos.com/concerts. A few VIP seats are available at a price of $100. Please call (954) 985-1155. All bouts subject to change. On fight night, doors open at 5:30 and the action starts at 6:00 pm. Texas Station Gambling Hall & Hotel is located at 2101 Texas Star Lane, North Las Vegas. Telephone: (702) 631-1000 or (800) 654-8888.

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QUOTES FROM TODAY'S DEVON ALEXANDER VS. MARCOS MAIDANA AND ADRIEN BRONER VS. ELOY PEREZ ST. LOUIS PRESS CONFERENCE

DEVON ALEXANDER "THE GREAT", Former Two-Time World Champion "These last few fights at 140 pounds were hard for me to make weight. I'm going to be stronger and faster at 147. "Maidana is coming to tear my head off, but I'm going to be ready, 110%." MARCOS "EL CHINO" MAIDANA, WBA Super Lightweight World Champion "I'm excited to fight in the United States again. This is the Mecca of boxing. "I dedicate my life to boxing and I'm taking this fight very seriously." ADRIEN "THE PROBLEM" BRONER, WBO Junior Lightweight World Champion "I've been coming to St. Louis since I was 8 and Devon is like a big brother to me. Fighting here is going to feel like I'm at home. "He's a feather-fisted puncher in the featherweight division...not a good combination against me who punches like a middleweight. "I don't play with my career, I take this seriously. You can play other sports, but not boxing and he's playing boxing. I box for real. "February 25 there's going to be a 'Problem' and I will be victorious." ELOY "PRINCE" PEREZ, Undefeated #1 Rated WBO Junior Lightweight Contender "I want to thank Adrien for giving me a shot at 'The Problem.' I'm excited to fight for the world title. "I have one message for Adrien, I'm not a bean burrito kind of guy, I'm a lasagna kind of guy." DAVID ITSKOWITCH, COO of Golden Boy Promotions "We have all the makings of a great fight in this main event. You have to have great fighters to make a great fight and we have two of the best in the game today. "When fighters move up in weight class, most of them dip their feet in the pool, but these guys are diving right in by facing each other. "The co-featured fight could possible steal the whole show on February 25. You don't see a lot of young, hungry fighters that are both undefeated fighting each other these days." KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Alexander's Trainer "We're bringing a killer into Devon's hometown who is going to try and take him out, but that's the business of boxing. Devon is going to slay the killer on February 25." SEBASTIAN CONTURSI, Maidana's Advisor "We are happy to be here. It's been a long road with the cancelation of the Guerrero fight, so Marcos is very anxious to back in the ring. As usual, we will bring a war to St. Louis and, as everyone knows, Marcos always delivers!" LEVI SMITH, Broner's Co-Trainer "We came here to defend the title. We're going to show you fireworks and give Eloy a boxing lesson on February 25." SAM GARCIA, Perez's Co-Trainer "This is what we have worked towards for many years. This is a great sports city known for its world champions, so what better place to win our first world title than in St. Louis?"

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Melson to face Wilson January 21!

 

 

  For Immediate Release

 

New York, NY (January 13, 2012) – Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson will face his most experienced foe to date when he battles Shawn Rawley Wilson in a six round junior middleweight bout Saturday, January 21 at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom.

 

Hailing from Omaha, NE, Wilson’s faced a number of quality opponents including contenders DeAndre Latimore, Grzegorz Proksa and Jesus Gonzalez. In his most recent bout on October 15, Wilson improved to 6-5 (1 KO) by outpointing Reuben Rodriguez. In addition to having a winning record as a pro boxer, the 29-year-old is a top-notch mixed martial artist with close to 50 fights.

 

“Wilson is definitely coming to fight,” said Melson, a West Point graduate who improved to 7-0 after knocking out Danny Lugo in December on the Andre Ward-Carl Froch undercard in Atlantic City. “With the experience he has in boxing and MMA, I need to be at my best, especially because a number of West Point boxers are going to be on hand watching me. I’m training hard and working on my endurance because this is going to be a barnburner!”

 

Melson is also excited about his growing fan base, which helps support his donations to Justadollarplease.org in association with America’s first Clinical Stem Cell Trial using Umbilical Cord Cells.

 

“It’s truly an honor to see more and more people supporting me each fight. All of my tickets for this fight have been sold, so I really owe it to the great fans out there that are not only helping me, but those in need by supporting the cause”

 

In association with Justadollarplease, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, former two-time cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana, Hector Camacho Jr., 2008 US Olympian Shawn Estrada, and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Frank Galarza, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien, Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

 

For more information or to make a donation, go to teamfighttowalk.com or Justadollarplease.org.

 

Fans can contact Boyd at Facebook.com/Boydmelson.

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WBA ORDERS IMMEDIATE REMATCH FOR AMIR KHAN AND LAMONT PETERSON

LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2012) - After a sound and fair analysis of the facts contained in the appeal filed by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Amir Khan with respect to the outcome of the December 10, 2011 World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title fight between Khan and Lamont Peterson, the WBA has ordered that an immediate rematch take place within 180 days.

            Washington DC’s Peterson’ split decision victory over England’s Khan in Washington DC has been riddled with controversy as a result of a plethora of anomalies in connection with the bout including referee Joseph Cooper not counting a knockdown of Peterson and deducting two points from Khan for pushing (something for which points are almost never deducted), both of which ended up having a direct impact on the outcome of the fight; the ringside appearance of an unauthorized individual in Mustafa Ameen who apparently handled official scoring slips, seemingly communicated with fight officials throughout the fight and appeared to be photographed posing with a celebrating Team Peterson in the ring following the fight; and possible differences between the score sheet of the WBA and those of the IBF and the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission.

Acting under its authority pursuant to WBA Rule C.26, the WBA concluded that the bout’s outcome was impacted by referee Joseph Cooper’s questionable failure to credit Khan with a knock down in round one and his questionable decisions to deduct points from Khan in rounds seven and 12.  As further cause to order the rematch, the WBA also pointed to Mr. Ameen’s apparent intrusion into the scoring process as well as possible discrepancies between the score sheets of the two sanctioning organizations and the local athletic commission.  In its resolution mandating the rematch, the WBA went out of its way to note that under normal circumstances it would not disturb the discretionary function of a referee, however, in this case, because of the multiple irregularities, it was necessary for it to order the rematch.

            “I’m pleased that justice has been done and the WBA has ordered an immediate rematch.  All we ask as sportsmen is for a fair and level playing field when we compete,” said Khan.  “Lamont Peterson proved in our fight that he is a great competitor and I hope that a second bout will be just as exciting.  I want to prove without doubt that I’m the best in the 140lb division by taking care of business in the rematch.”

“I am thrilled about the decision and hope that we can start negotiations and get the rematch done,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.  “Both Amir and Lamont are terrific young men and athletes who fought their hearts out in Washington last December.  I am sure that fight fans from around the world applaud the WBA’s decision since this will be one of the most anticipated fights of 2012.”

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SERGIO MARTINEZ WRAPS UP NYC TRIP HEADS TO OXNARD TO BEGIN PREPARATION FOR MACKLIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY - (1/13/2012) - Middleweight Champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez wrapped up his NYC trip on Thursday and headed back to his training camp in Oxnard, California, to begin the preparations for his middleweight title defense against Ireland's Matthew Macklin at Madison Square Garden, on St. Patrick's Day (March 17), live on HBO's "World Championship Boxing".

It was a busy few days for Martinez, the number three pound-for-pound fighter in the world.  In addition to taking part in the initial press conference to announce his championship fight against Macklin, Martinez spent time at the offices of HBO, participating in a lengthy interview and photo shoot to help promote the upcoming event.   Martinez also made time to meet with New York City Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Chair of the Committee on Women's Issues, as well as representatives from anti-domestic violence organizations, such Forestdale, CONNECT, Violence Intervention Program, Seamen's Society for Children and Families and inMotion.

It wasn't all business for Martinez though, as he found time to attend a New York Knicks game with promoter Lou DiBella where Martinez met with a number of celebrities in attendance, including Spike Lee. Below are pictures from Martinez' trip.

 

The card entitled, "THE REAL Middleweight Championship - Get Your Irish Up", is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and will be shown live on HBO beginning 10PM ET/7PM PT.  Tickets are priced at $505, $355, $205, $125 and $65, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through Ticketmaster, at ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000. Call DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577, or visit www.dbe1.com and @loudibella on Twitter for more information.

 

 

Photo by Ed Diller

 

Photo by Ed Diller

Photo by William Alatriste

  

Photo by George Kalinsky MSG

Photo by George Kalinsky MSG

Photo by George Kalinsky MSG

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Change In Plans for January 21

Heavyweight contender Eddie Chambers suffered displaced fractures of his left anterior ninth and tenth ribs in training and, therefore, has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled 10-round bout with Sergei Liakhovich on the inaugural NBC Sports Network's Fight Night card from the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA on January 21st.    Promoters Main Events and Peltz Boxing have reached out for a replacement for Chambers and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

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VICTOR ORTIZ VS. ANDRE BERTO II SUPPORTING HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS

BUY A TICKET FOR ORTIZ-BERTO II AT DISCOUNTED PRICE

AND A DONATION WILL BE MADE TO HAITI RELIEF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY - (1/12/2012) - Today marks the two-year anniversary of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti, leaving the country devastated and in shambles, but for former two-time welterweight champion Andre Berto, who will be squaring off against "Vicious" Victor Ortiz on February 11 in a rematch of one of the best fights of 2011, it still seems like just yesterday.

After the earthquake hit, Berto, who tragically lost multiple family members, cancelled his then upcoming title fight against "Sugar" Shane Mosley and traveled to Haiti to help in the relief effort.  Berto spent weeks in Haiti before returning back to the States and resuming his professional career. 

In commemoration of the two year anniversary of the 2010 Haitian earthquake, Andre Berto, Victor Ortiz, Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment are teaming up to continue in assisting the relief effort in Haiti by offering a 10% discount on all tickets for Ortiz vs. Berto II from Thursday, January 12 at 10:00 p.m. PT until Thursday, January 19 at 10:00 p.m. PT for customers purchasing through Ticketmaster who use the code HAITI2 and donating 10% of all ticket sales generated by the code to Haiti Relief.

"It makes me smile from ear to ear to see the growing progress in Haiti and knowing that I am a part of it.  Every day that I train makes it all worth it because I know it will give me a platform through my fights to continue to bring awareness to Haiti. I don't want to be one of those people who just 'talk.' I want to be one of the people that actually steps up and does something, and that's what I am going to continue to do," said Berto.

"Andre made a commitment to Haiti immediately after the earthquake and he has put his heart, time and energy behind his promises.  We at DiBella Entertainment are proud of him and his efforts," said Lou DiBella, Berto's promoter.

"Two years ago, the world watched in horror as Haiti was devastated by a natural disaster of unimaginable proportion," said President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar de la Hoya.  "We have not forgotten and are pleased to be able to do our part to help the people of Haiti to continue to recover."

Berto's efforts have continued since the earthquake, including most recently when Berto made a large donation to the charitable organization, Generosity Water, that enabled two water wells to be built providing drinking water for thousands of Haitians.  

Below are links to videos of the two wells that were built thanks to Berto's donation.

Well #1:  https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1239060212/ffeae0952f8feaf947f7753feb18d5e1

Well #2: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1239079164/8c471d11c9614414a7c8d1fa83f35ce1

Following his return from Haiti, Berto defended his WBC title twice, including an impressive eighth-round TKO over former champion Carlos Quintana, before taking on Victor Ortiz on April 12, at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.  In one of the best fights of 2011, Berto lost his WBC Championship to Ortiz, in a bout where both fighters twice tasted the canvas, with each going down in the memorable sixth round.

Like his home country, however, when faced with adversity, Berto has bounced back.  In September, Berto reclaimed a piece of the Welterweight crown with an impressive fifth round TKO stoppage over IBF Champion, Jan Zaveck.  Now Berto and Ortiz are set to square off again in the first major boxing event of 2012.

"Ortiz vs. Berto II: Repeat or Revenge" is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.    Tickets, priced at $300, $150, $100 and $50, are now on sale and are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino).  Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) per person when using the HAITI2 discount code.  To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.  Tickets are also available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.dbe1.com, www.mgmgrand.com, http://Sports.SHO.com, follow us on Twitter at @goldenboyboxing, @VICIOUSOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @OscardelaHoya, @loudibella, @SHOsports, @mgmgrand; or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/lou.dibella or www.facebook.com/ShoBoxing.

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The WBKBA Launches The First Sanctioned Bare Knuckle Boxing Association

Last year the WBKBA—World Bare Knuckle Boxing Association—made history as it held the first sanctioned bare knuckle boxing bout since BKB legend John L. Sullivan fought an epic 75-round contest against Jake Kilrain, winning by knockout and retiring the last heavyweight champion.

In August of 2011, in the Fort McDowell Casino in Scottsdale, Arizona, former IBA Cruiserweight champion Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn defeated Richard Stewart via third round knockout to claim the vacant title and become the new world heavyweight bare knuckle boxing champion.

Gunn and his team formed the WBKBA as the first and only sanctioning body in bare knuckle boxing. 

“Our goal with the WBKBA is to provide bare knuckle fighters around the world with an organization where they can legitimately compete in a sanctioned sport,” said Chris Cella, President of WBKBA.  “Moving forward in 2012 we have big plans, and in the near future we believe we can be as big—if not bigger—than gloved boxing and MMA.”

The WBKBA has already announced an upcoming show—BKB 2—to take place in either late February or early March, in which Bobby  Gunn will put his world title on the line, and Dan Batchelder will go to battle for the United States World Heavyweight BKB Championship.

Since the reemergence of the original form of combat, several big names in both the boxing and MMA world have expressed interest in BKB.  The fight sport has been featured in ESPN The Magazine, CNN, Sports Illustrated, Maxim, espn.com, and several other media outlets.

“Bare knuckle boxing is exploding on an international level,” said Cella.  “Each week we continue to get countless requests from fighters around the world asking for information on how they can get involved in BKB in their region, and we expect the forthcoming response to expand exponentially.” 

Bare knuckle boxing combines the technique and strategy of a gloved boxing match with the excitement and stand-up of a MMA fight.

“BKB is going to take off big time in 2012,” said Cella.  “We have a solid team—in addition to the world heavyweight bare knuckle boxing champion—and we have some big things in the mix that are going to make BKB a household name.”

For more information on the WBKBA visit www.wbkba.com.

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