Press Releases

News On: Main Events Sale, Willie Nelson, Biosse

Published

12 years ago

November 21, 2012

In keeping with the Thanksgiving tradition of holiday sales, Main Events presents its own version of the annual pre-holiday sales extravaganza–“Black Eye Friday.”

Fans who purchase ringside or box seat tickets to any of Main Events' next three upcoming NBC Fight Night events during this coming weekend will save 20% off the face value of the ticket. The sale begins on Black Friday, November 23 and ends at midnight Sunday, November 25.

This special, “Black Eye Friday” offer includes:

Jennings-Tupou: Ringside tickets for the December 8th NBC Sports Network event featuring America's top up and coming heavyweight, Bryant Jennings vs. tough Tongan, Bowie Tupou at Temple University's McGonigle Hall in Philadelphia. For three days only, beginning 10AM ET, Friday, November 23, ringside seats priced at $75 will be available at a 20% discount, for $60 per ticket, plus applicable taxes and fees. Fans can order by calling 215-704-6055 until 10PM ET Sunday, November 25th.

Adamek-Cunningham 2: While the ringside seats for the December 22nd rematch between heavyweight contenders Tomasz Adamek and Steve Cunningham at the Sands Event Center in Bethlehem, PA have already sold out, a limited number of box seats for the historic NBC afternoon show have been added to the manifest. Those seats–located directly across from the ring and featuring the option of food and beverage service are perfect for large groups, parties and those who simply wish to have an incredible view of the action. Priced at $130, the box seats will be available at a price of $105.00, plus Ticketmaster fees during the sale, beginning 10AM ET, Friday, November 23. Box seats can be purchased at this special rate through the website only through 10PM ET, Sunday, November 25th. Discount code is BLACKEYE. Ticketmaster link to 12/22 Adamek – Cunningham

Great Christmas Gift-Campillo-Kovalev: Finally, tickets to the highly anticipated showdown between former World Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel Campillo and up and coming Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev make the perfect Holiday gift for boxing fans. On January 19th, 2013 the NBC Sports Network travels to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CN. Beginning Friday, November 23 at 10AM ET, ringside seats, regularly priced at $125, will be available to fans at $101, plus Ticketmaster fees during the big “Black Eye Friday” sales event. To take advantage, log on to Ticketmaster link to 1/19 Campillo – Kovalev before 10PM ET, Sunday, November 25th. Internet only – discount code is BLACKEYE.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 20, 2012) – Having been out of the ring for nearly four months, Vladine Biosse is itching to show his loyal fans what he learned during his much-needed “vacation” when he returns Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at Twin River Casino.

“You’re going to see a different Vladine Biosse,” promised the super middleweight prospect from Providence, R.I., appropriately nicknamed “Mr. Providence,” who will star in the six-round co-feature of the finale of Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment & Sports’ Thursday Night Fight Series next week.

Of course, the term “vacation” is used facetiously since Biosse (14-1-1, 7 KOs) never really left the gym this summer despite not having a fight to prepare for. Instead, he and his trainer, Orlondo Valles, headed back to the drawing board to figure out what Biosse could do better, even in the aftermath of his knockout win over Michael Walchuck on July 19 at Twin River.

“That time off wasn’t to rest. That time off was to learn,” Biosse said. “We feel like we’ve gotten to the level where we have to step up the competition even more, so we needed a little time away to try to put some things together – some different things we saw from previous fights we needed to fix.

“It was a good thing, but as much as I thought it was a good idea, I still missed being in the ring, so the time to rest is done. I’m ready now. I’m more prepared. I’ll be more relaxed and much stronger mentally when I’m in the ring. I feel great.”

There’s also the added bonus of fighting on the same card as Providence’s Peter Manfredo Jr., who will face Rayco Saunders in the main event next Thursday. Since his meteoric rise as one of New England’s top prospects, followed by a successful stint on the debut season of The Contender reality television series, which made him a household name worldwide, Manfredo Jr. has been Rhode Island’s most beloved fighter for the past decade.

With two nationally-televised wins already on his resume, a fan base that continues to grow with each fight, and an outgoing personality to match his ability in the ring, Biosse is right on his heels – perhaps the heir to Manfredo’s throne once “The Pride Of Providence” finally steps away from the ring.

Eight years ago, Vinny Paz, the former five-time world champion from Providence, passed the torch to Manfredo Jr., both figuratively and literally, shortly before Manfredo Jr. began his journey with The Contender. Could Biosse be next?

“That’s what I fight for,” he said. “I feel I have so much more to give in this game. Being the man Peter is and everything he’s accomplished in this sport, hopefully one day I’ll be the guy he turns to in order to pass it onto me.”

Until then, Biosse is just thrilled to share the same stage as a fighter he considers a close friend and a mentor.

“Peter is one of my favorites,” Biosse said. “When I was first starting straight out of college and learning to box, long before my first amateur fights, he was already a pro and the man on The Contender, and he was one of the guys always encouraging me. He’s such a great personality and a great person.

“He’d never tell anyone, ‘Hey, you’re too old,’ or, ‘You don’t have what it takes.’ He was always the guy who, despite the discouragement I’d get from others, would tell me, ‘Keep doing it. Keep pushing yourself.’ With a guy who is positive like that, you run out of words.”

Local fight fans have other ideas; many want to see that proverbial torch change hands in the ring. Biosse has heard all the rumors, and he remains focused on the task at hand, though he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of he and Manfredo Jr. facing one another if – somehow, some way – their paths crossed in the ring.

“There’s a time and place for everything,” Biosse said. “I will always respect Peter and have love for him whether we fight or not. When the time comes, it will come, but there will definitely be no animosity or hard feelings. The game is the game, and you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. That’s part of being in this business.

“If that fight is ever offered to me I’d be honored just to get in the same ring with him.”

That “time and place” is nothing more than an illusion right now for both fighters. Manfredo Jr. is back after a one-year layoff with no plans of passing his torch just yet, while Biosse – despite everything he’s accomplished in just three years – is still climbing the ladder one step at a time. Neither fighter is looking past Nov. 29, especially Biosse, who is looking to shake off the rust and show off his new look for his hometown fans.

“I’ll be ready,” Biosse said. “My fans will get the best of me, as they always do.”

Tickets for Nov. 29 are $40.00, $60.00, $100.00 and $150.00 (VIP) and can be purchased by calling CES at 401.724.2253/2254, online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Players Club booth at Twin River, or through any TicketMaster location. Doors open 6 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 7.

ST. LOUIS (November 20, 2012) – The freakish physical attributes of North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Welterweight champion Willie “The Great” Nelson presents a clear and present danger, as well as a totally unique challenge, for World Boxing Council (WBC) 154-pound king Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (41-0, 30 KOs).

Nelson(19-1-1, 11 KOs), the top-ranked American in the WBC ratings at No. 6, stands 6' 4″ and has an 81″ reach. The 5' 9″ Alvarez has never fought anybody even remotely close to Nelson's size. In fact, in his six world title fights, the popular Mexican fighter's opponents have averaged 5' 9″ with a 70 3/4″ reach. The 5' 11″ Kermit Cintron with his 74″ reach is the tallest and longest-reaching foe Alvarez has fought to date.

Rumble Time Promotions president Steve Smith, who co-promotes Nelson along with Lou DiBella (DiBella Entertainment), believes Nelson is ready to make some noise. “Willie's willing to fight the top super welterweights in the world. He is done ruining the dreams of top prospects, as he did in his last two fights, and is ready to wake-up the boring 154-pound division. Willie can deliver to the networks what boxing fans really want to see – excitement and action! He can be a fresh face for the public to enjoy, replacing the same old faces of recycled fighters that fans are tired of watching. This is Willie Nelson's time.”

Neither No. 1 ranked Erislandy Lara (17-1-2, 11 KOs) nor No. 2 Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan distinguished themselves as viable title contenders in their recent WBC title eliminator. The only thing more disappointing than it ending in a nine-round draw, due to a cut over Martirosyan's left eyebrow, resulting from an accidental clash of heads, was their overall lack of action.

Lara and Martirosyan have been awarded a rematch by the WBC to determine its mandatory challenger for Alvarez,whohas been granted a voluntary defense option. Although Alvarez is reportedly eying a mega-fight in May against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto or Sergio Martinez, if none of those fights are made, Nelson is ready, willing and able to accept that challenge.

“If 'Canelo' was going to fight the winner of Martirosyan and Lara,” Nelson's head trainer Jack Lowe said, “hands down, Willie would give him a much better fight than either of those two guys. That fight was disgusting, the most boring title eliminator I've ever seen. Neither kid wanted it. They were fighting for a big payday and world title shot but neither of them wanted to really fight. 'Canelo' is the champ and I'll give him his props, but Willie is next in line in the junior middleweight division. I've looked across the board, at all of the top boxing organizations, and there isn't a world champion or top 5-fighter we wouldn't fight right now. If not Alvarez, I'd like to see Willie in against Cotto, who has had his day, and I'd put him in against (Austin) Trout tonight. (Alfredo) Angulo, (James) Kirkland…those are the type of guys we'd like to fight.”

Nelson is coming off of impressive back-to-back victories by 10-round decisions over a pair of previously unbeaten prospects, two-time Cuban National champion Yudel Jhonson (12-1) on ShoBox, and WBC Youth champion John “Dah Rock” Jackson (13-1, 12 KOs), for the vacant NABF super welterweight title, on the September 15th Sergio Martinez-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. HBO Pay-Per-View event.

The only fighters ranked ahead of Nelson in the WBC ratings, other than Lara and Martiosyan, are virtually unknowns in North America: 3. WBC Baltic champion Damion Jonack (34-0-1, 21 KOs), of Poland; 4. WBC International titlist Emanuele Della Rosa (30-1, 8 KOs), of Italy; No. 5 European and WBC Silver champ Sergey Rabchenko (21-0, 16 KOs), of Bellarussia.

Cleveland-native Nelson, who trains in Youngstown, Ohio with Loew, has a rich amateur pedigree having had nearly 250 matches, including title-winning performances in the PAL Nationals twice and Under-19 Tournament, and only 22 losses.

Because of his freakish size for a junior middleweight, Nelson has been favorably compared to a right-handed Paul Williams, or a young Tommy Hearns. Nelson may not be as famous as his singing namesake, but Alvarez has never fought anybody like him, and boxing fans most certainly would be entertained by their contrasting styles and divergent body stature.

“What's very interesting is that 'Canelo' was supposed to fight Paul Williams (who was paralyzed in motorcycle accident),” Loew added. “So, it's not like Alvarez won't take a fight against a guy with Willie's freakish stature. I thought Paul would have had an excellent shot of beating Alvarez, as long as he didn't get hit by a shot over the top. 'Canelo' is improving each fight but I don't think he is a superstar. If he'd fight Paul Williams with his style, why not give us a shot? If Willie had only 15-20 amateur fights, I wouldn't say he's ready for 'Canelo' right now, but Willie had more than 200 amateur fights and 21 in the pros. He's ready for Alvarez and confident.”

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Three Punch Combo: What’s in the Cards for Spence, Kell Brook, and Cotto?

Published

8 years ago

May 28, 2017

Matt Andrzejewski

THREE PUNCH COMBO: Errol Spence Jr. scored an impressive knockout victory against Kell Brook on Saturday to take Brook’s IBF welterweight title. Both fighters now face interesting possibilities as they move forward in their respective careers.

Spence, who entered the fight with a lot of questions, not only showcased his tremendous skills but proved he has a very good chin as well as the willingness to dig deep when needed. He is without a doubt a future superstar in this sport. With momentum strong right now, he would be wise to be as active as possible even if not landing one of the big names his next time out.

I sense that Spence’s advisor, Al Haymon, will in fact get him back in the ring this summer. One name I would speculate as an opponent is Adrian Granados. Coming off a debatable loss to Adrien Broner, Granados has earned another shot at a top fighter. Granados is not a big puncher, but will put forth a good effort. The translation here is that he is someone that can be sold to the public as an opponent for Spence while bigger names are lined up, and also someone against whom Spence can in all likelihood look impressive once again.

After a summer tilt, I would expect to see Spence back in action towards the end of the year in a more substantial fight. Keith Thurman will still be on the mend at this point, recovering from elbow surgery, so that fight is out until next year. But Haymon has plenty of other welterweights and one that I suspect he steers toward Spence will be Lamont Peterson. Peterson is a name and has a belt. He also has a stated desire to want one of the big names next along with the payday that it would command. With Thurman out, this would seem the likely immediate path for Spence as such a fight would draw plenty of attention and be easy to sell.

As for Brook, he is going to need an extensive rest before restarting his career. He suffered a beating as well as an eye injury in September against Gennady Golovkin and then suffered another beating as well as injuring his other eye against Spence. After a rest, expect to see a tune- up bout followed by a massive fight in the UK against Amir Khan. The Khan fight has always been big and one of the reasons it has not been made is that it could frankly be made anytime with it still being a very significant event. Considering where both fighters are presently in their respective careers, the timing seems right for it to happen sooner rather than later. They both get a big payday and the winner gets well positioned for another big payday in what is a loaded territory at welterweight and junior middleweight.

Errol Spence Jr. and Kell Brook gave us a great fight on Saturday. While their career paths will head in different directions, expect to see both involved in big events once again down the road.

Miguel Cotto’s Future

Miguel Cotto announced this week that he would be returning to the ring on August 26^th to face Japanese brawler Yoshihiro Kamegai for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship. Cotto, who split from his promoter Roc Nation last week, will work with Golden Boy Promotions for this fight which will be televised by HBO.

This is an interesting development in the career of Cotto. Reportedly HBO had not been interested in televising the proposed Kamegai fight unless it received assurances from Cotto that it would lead to a bigger fight to be televised by the network. Also, Golden Boy’s involvement in the promotion signals that they could be involved in Cotto’s future. Obviously, this would mean the opponent for a big fight for Cotto would come from under the Golden Boy banner.

The obvious choice for Cotto’s big fight opponent is David Lemieux. Lemieux has been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez. However, with Alvarez deciding to go after Gennady Golovkin, Lemieux gets left on the outside looking in. In need of a big fight for Lemieux, Golden Boy saw an opportunity with Cotto having been previously negotiating the Kamegai fight with Roc Nation. A fight between Cotto and Lemieux makes sense for both as Cotto wants a name who isn’t a slick boxer and Lemieux wants a big fight with the payday it commands as well as the opportunity to put a signature win on his resume to bolster his future ambitions.

But I also think Golden Boy has another potential plan for Cotto. Golden Boy’s main cash cow, Canelo Alvarez, is in a high risk, high reward fight with Golovkin in September. There is no rematch clause if Alvarez wins and, of course, a win by Alvarez cements him as a mega star in the sport. He will be eyeing a return in May 2018 during Cinco de Mayo weekend. With momentum behind him, Alvarez would be wise to seek a name opponent to further boost the event. A rematch with Cotto would not only do huge business but keep the momentum going. For Cotto, it would be a chance to avenge the loss from 2015 to Alvarez and give him one massive payday as his career nears a conclusion.

Miguel Cotto is determined to close his career out with something big and it appears likely he will get his wish.

Kudos to Golden Boy

When Golden Boy announced its new series on ESPN this winter, I was cautiously optimistic in the fights they would produce. I must say that the matchmaking thus far on this series has been superb and is getting even better with some recently announced cards. These are the types of televised shows the sport needs to generate some badly needed positive buzz.

On June 17^th, Pablo Cesar Cano takes on Fidel Maldonado in a junior welterweight contest. This fight is not only very evenly matched but can’t be anything except a slugfest given the styles of the two fighters. Cano is a high pressure fighter who is willing to exchange to get his own punches home. Maldonado has the ability to box, but often gets drawn willingly into wars. In 2015, he had a back and forth shootout with Amir Iman in a fight that got some talk in fight of the year chatter. As a matter of fact, round three was probably round of the year that year. Maldonado has a tendency to fire back when he gets hit and with Cano’s style Maldonado is going to get hit a lot. This one is guaranteed action and a perfect fight for television.

About two weeks later, Golden Boy returns with another ESPN card featuring a high stakes junior featherweight contest between Randy Caballero and Oscar Negrete. Caballero is an undefeated former bantamweight belt holder and is a very skilled boxer puncher. Negrete, also undefeated, has shown much improvement inside the ring in his last few contests. The styles of these two should mix well to provide an entertaining fight. It is also evenly matched, and with so much at stake we should see the best of both men inside the ring.

One point I harp on a lot is the importance of good matchmaking, especially in televised fights. Golden Boy is doing an excellent job so far with their new ESPN series providing high quality, well-matched fights. The boxing public is taking notice and Golden Boy deserves much praise in delivering excellent events for the fans.

Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel.

IBF welterweight title

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George Foreman Youth Center in Houston Hosts Amateur Event

Published

8 years ago

October 10, 2016

The Sweet Science

George Foreman Youth Center – -Starting with the ring of the bell on October 22nd, local area boxers will be fighting for a spot to represent the Gulf Coast Region at the USA Boxing National Championships & in International Travel.

Weight categories will include: Pee Wee 8-9, Bantam 10-11, Intermediate 12-13, Juniors 14-15, Youth 15-16, & Elite 18-40 in both Open and Novice divisions. Winners will represent the Gulf area at the 2016 USA Boxing Elite, Youth and Junior National Championships to be held in Kansas City Missouri December 4-10, 2016. This tournament is a sanctioned event through USA Boxing the National Governing Body of Amateur Boxing and is a feeder to National and Olympic recognition.

The George Foreman Youth and Community Center was founded 32 years ago in 1984 by Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-time heavy weight champion George Foreman. The GFYCC is dedicated to providing a safe and secure location for youth to participate in sports and after school activities.

“This year for the first time in Houston boxing history, we are developing an elite international youth boxing team,” said George Foreman, IV. “The team will be selected for the sole purpose of training and traveling to other countries to gain experience on an international platform and promote cultural diplomacy! Utilizing grant and donor funding this team will be representing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and will be announced Saturday October 22, at the Gulf Region’s Boxing Championship. The team will be reviewed by my father, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-Time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman Sr. The first international trip for this new Houston team is scheduled for Jan. 2017.”

Doors open for the Gulf Gloves Championships on Saturday October 22nd at 11:00 am with announcements and the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Houston Recruiting Command Baytown Beaumont Company at 12:45 pm. The national anthem will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Houston Brass Quintet! Boxing will begin at 1:00 pm. Championship finals will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday October 23rd.

Media open workouts for Houston amateur standout boxers will be held Wednesday October 19th at the George Foreman Youth and Community Center at 2202 Lone Oak Road Houston, Texas 77093 at 4:00 pm.

Confirmed attendees for interviews will be:

George Edward Foreman IV: Son of 2 Time Heavy Weight Champion, President of Foreman Public Relations

Marlen Esparza: 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, 2014 Amateur World Champion, 2006 & 2016 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, Nine-Time USA Boxing National Champion.

Rocky Juarez: 2000 Olympic Games Silver Medalist, 1999 Amateur World Champion, WBC Silver Featherweight World Champion.

Raul Marquez: 1988 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, 1992 Olympic Games Quarter-finalist, IBF Light Middleweight World Champion.

Frank Tate: 1984 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, IBF Middleweight World Champion, NABF Light Heavyweight Champion.

Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: WBA Lightweight World Champion, WBO Lightweight World Champion, WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion, IBF Lightweight World Champion.

“Sweet” Reggie Johnson: WBA Middleweight World Champion, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion.

In addition to many Houston area professional boxers and Gulf Boxing Association alumni. Event is sanctioned by USA Boxing – Gulf LBC: 16-25-14268

George Foreman Youth Center / Check out more boxing news and videos at The Boxing Channel.

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Michelle Corrales-Lewis Named New CEO of NV Boxing Hall of Fame

Published

8 years ago

October 5, 2016

Miguel Iturrate

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2016) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) a non-profit charitable organization which donates to boxing-related causes, is happy to announce Michelle Corrales-Lewis as its new CEO/President. Respected boxing announcer, Rich Marotta, who founded the NVBHOF in 2012, steps down after devoting years of his life to get the organization off the ground.

With a number of boxing greats already inducted, which include world champion fighters, judges, coaches and promoters, the NVBHOF has rapidly established itself as prestigious group not only here in Las Vegas, but around the world. The NVBHOF has multiple fundraising events throughout the year, helping local boxing organizations fulfill their goals to keep boxing alive within the community.

“I took this organization as far as I could and I’m very comfortable where it is at today,” said Rich Marotta. “Michelle is on the scene in Las Vegas, has a myriad of contacts, both in business and with the boxing community, especially the fighters, and is more than ready to completely run the company. She is incredibly capable and has been an indefatigable agent for growth of the NVBHOF the past three years, taking on additional responsibilities each and every year. It brings me great pleasure to announce her as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”

After serving as the NVBHOF Chief Operating Officer for many years, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, is thrilled at her new position within the organization.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, widow of former multiple world champion and 2013 NVBHOF inductee, Diego Corrales. “Rich Marotta did a fantastic job building the organization from ground up. His immense work ethic is a great example of how I plan to continue the vision he set forth. My goal is to find a home for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, one where fans from all around the world can visit on regular basis. The boxing community is filled with wonderful people that we will honor as inductees each year. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me by my dear friend Rich Marotta.”

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