Billy 'The Kid' Dib returns to Foxwoods as Junior lightweight For 50 Cent's Birthday Bash

Mark Davis vs. Michael Farenas headlines ESPN FNF Special Edition Wed., July 2

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (June 19, 2014) - Former IBF featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) returns Wednesday, July 2 to the scene of arguably the most disappointing night of his professional career for a 10-round co-feature bout against  former WBA featherweight title challenger Alberto "Kichis" Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs).  Dib's promoter, 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, will present a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In 2013, Dib lost his International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title belt at Foxwoods by way of a 12-round split decision (114-112, 112-114, 112-114) to undefeated Evgeny Gradovich.  Dib also lost a rematch to Gradovich last November and the Australian has moved up one weight class to junior lightweight for his fight with Garza. "I'm grateful for fighting again at a beautiful venue like Foxwoods," Dib said.  "I have no demons (fighting there).  I am blessed for what I already achieved and hungry to achieve more.  I am also grateful for the opportunity ESPN and my promoter have given me.  50 creates opportunities.  I have had all four of my fights shown on U.S. television and also shown live in my home country, Australia.  50 is a really smart guy that surrounds himself with really good people that help run his business.  Some really fine examples of that is Monique Mayers, Angel Martinez and Sean Gibbons who make sure I'm always looked after.  I am very grateful to them and the whole SMS team." Moving up in weight at the age of 28 is typical for fighters.  "I have been making featherweight for the past 10 years and felt that I was losing some power due to slight struggles making weight," Dib explained.  "I feel stronger now and I am excited about attempting to win another world time in different division.  That's definitely my goal.  I have done it before and know what it takes.  I can't put a time frame on it. I will be patient and work hard to achieve another world title, God willing." Garza is a 28-year-old Mexican boxer who lost his only world title shot to World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Nicholas Walters by fourth-round technical knockout in 2013.  Garza has held the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Silver Continental Americas titles, as well as the IBF Latino championship during his 11-year pro career. "I know Garza has the Mexican heart that you can never underestimate," Dib added.  "He is very experienced, fought and won titles, and is dangerous.  But I will be ready!" In the 12-round main event, undefeated 50 Cent-promoted junior lightweight Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (18-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, faces Filipino knockout specialist Michael "Hammer Fist" Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KOs) in an IBF (IBF) title eliminator.  The winner will become the mandatory challenger for the winner of the July 10 title match between IBF junior lightweight champion Argenis Mendez and challenger Rances Barthelemy. Undefeated SMS Promotions lightweight prospect Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (6-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, takes on Albuquerque's Matthew "Champ" Baca (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in the four-round ESPN opener. Former S. Connecticut State University football player and current Connecticut State junior middleweight champion, New Haven's unbeaten Jimmy Williams (6-0, 3 KOs), faces Bronx veteran Stephen Owusu (8-6, 4 KOs) in a six-round fight of local interest.  Undefeated WIBA International super bantamweight champion Shelly "Shelito's Way" Vincent (11-0, 1 KO), of Providence, and former IWBF bantamweight titlist Nadia "Da Phenomenal" Feliciano (7-5-3, 0 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, square off a six-round, non-title bout. Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is undefeated Nick DeLomba (3-0), of Cranston, RI versus New Haven (CT) welterweight Edwin Soto (9-1-2, 4 KOs) in a four-round match. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 and are on sale online atwww.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets will also be available to purchase through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at www.ticketmaster.com.    Doors at Grand Theater in Fox Tower will open at 6 p.m. ET.  The first bout will start at 7 p.m. ET with ESPN FNF between 9-11 p.m. ET. Doors to the after party will open at 10:00 p.m. ET. Tickets may also be purchased online atwww.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office. --Pictures by Shareif Ziyadat-

FOX SPORTS 1, FOX DEPORTES DELIVER 1-2 PUNCH WITH BIG WEEK OF BOXING IN JULY

Network Delivers Iron Mike Productions Event From Miami For First Time Ever

New York, NY - FOX Sports teams with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson's Iron Mike Productions for the first time on Thursday, July 10 (10:00 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes creating an impressive week of boxing, as Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Live! delivers a pair of bouts on Wednesday, July 9 (10:00 PM ET). "Our commitment to the sweet science is stronger than ever and we're excited to deliver boxing fans back-to-back nights of fights," said FOX Sports SVP, Programming, Research & Content Strategy Patrick Crakes. Golden Boy's Wednesday night fights, live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, feature former world title contender Alfonso Gomez (23-6-2, 12 KOs) battling Ed Paredes (35-3-1, 23 KOs) in a 10-round junior middleweight main event.  Additionally, Oscar De La Hoya's cousin competes, as 19-year-old phenom Diego De La Hoya (5-0, 4 KOs) brings his boxing pedigree to the ring against U.S. Olympian Joseph Diaz Jr. (10-0, 7 KOs). On Thursday night, Iron Mike Productions makes its FOX Sports debut with three thrilling matchups, including a main-event IBF Junior Lightweight Championship bout.  Argenis Mendez (21-2-1, 11 KOs) makes his third title defense and looks to redeem himself following a lackluster performance in his first fight with Rances Barthelemy (19-0, 13 KOs). In that fight, Barthelemy knocked Mendez out in a controversial finish to end the 2nd round. The Minnesota Combat Sports Commission later ruled that the knockout took place after the bell, overturning the original ruling that Barthelemy won by knockout. In the co-main event, No. 3 ranked light heavyweight fighter Humberto Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs) takes on a top contender to be named at a later date.  Additionally, FOX Sports 1 showcases one of the sport's most popular young fighters in Erickson Lubin (5-0, 5 KOs), who fights in his first 8-round bout in the welterweight division.    Hall of Fame boxing commentator Colonel Bob Sheridan calls the action from Miami on FOX Sports 1 alongside former IBF light middleweight champion and Raul Marquez.  Tyson appears on the broadcast prior to the Thursday bouts.  Meanwhile, former WBC featherweight champion and WBO World Super Bantamweight champion, Daniel Ponce de Leon joins Mauricio Cardenas to call the action for FOX Deportes.    --FOX Sports 1--

50 Cent's Birthday Bash & Professional Boxing Two major events under one roof at Foxwoods Resort Casino

Mark Davis vs. Michael Farenas headlines ESPN FNF Special Edition Wed., July 2

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (June 12, 2014) - Rapper/boxing promoter Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson will celebrate his birthday with a bang on Wednesday, July 2 as his company, SMS Promotions, presents a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Undefeated 50 Cent-promoted junior lightweight Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (18-0, 5 KOs) takes on Filipino knockout artist Michael "Hammer Fist" Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KOs) in a 12-round International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator.  The winner of this main event fight will become the mandatory challenger for the winner of the July 10 title match between IBF junior lightweight champion Argenis Mendez and challenger Rances Barthelemy. 50 Cent, who owns a mansion in Farmington, Connecticut, is going home to celebrate his 39th birthday, technically speaking four days early, along with a star-studded list of friends and fans at a party in Foxwoods starting at 10 p.m. ET for those not attending the fights.  All Tier 1 ($100.00) ticket holders will be entitled to free admission to 50's birthday party. "I'm on the road constantly so I really enjoy coming home to Connecticut to celebrate my birthday with my family and friends," 50 Cent said.  "I had so much fun last year that I had to make it an annual event. It's going to be fantastic!"  Davis is a 27-year-old pure boxer. Fighting out of Cleveland, he had more than 200 amateur bouts, highlighted by his gold medal winning performance at the 2005 U.S. National Championships. Farenas is a battle-tested veteran from the Philippines who has never been stopped in 47 professional fights.  He lost a 12-round decision to another SMS fighter, multiple world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, in 2012 for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title, after fighting WBA super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama to a draw in Japan. Former IBF featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (36-3, 21 KOs), from Australia, is moving up one weight class to super featherweight in the 10-round ESPN FNF co-feature against  former WBA featherweight title challenger Alberto "Kichis" Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs), of Mexico City. Undefeated SMS Promotions lightweight prospect Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (6-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, squares off with Albuquerque's Matthew "Champ" Baca (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in the four-round ESPN opener. Former S. Connecticut State University football player, unbeaten New Haven lightweight Jimmy Williams (6-0, 3 KOs), meets Bronx veteran Stephen Owusu (8-6, 4 KOs) in a six-round fight.  Williams won the Connecticut State 154-pound title in his last fight, stopping Christian Lao in the opening round this past May 31st. Undefeated WIBA International super bantamweight champion Shelly "Shelito's Way" Vincent (11-0, 1 KO), of Providence, faces former IWBF bantamweight titlist Nadia "Da Phenomenal" Feliciano (7-5-3, 0 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, in a six-round, non-title bout. Also scheduled to fight on the undercard is a four-round intra-New England match-up between undefeated Nick DeLomba (3-0), of Cranston, RI, vs. New Haven (CT) welterweight Edwin Soto (9-1-2, 4 KOs) All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 and are on sale online atwww.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets will also be available to purchase through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at www.ticketmaster.com.    Doors at Grand Theater in Fox Tower will open at 6 p.m. ET.  The first bout will start at 7 p.m. ET with ESPN FNF between 9-11 p.m. ET. Doors to the after party will open at 10:00 p.m. ET. Tickets may also be purchased online atwww.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office.

IBF junior lightweight championship Argenis Mendez-Rances Barthelemy II

Thursday, July 10 airing on Fox Sports I live from Miami

Argenis Mendez (photo by Rey Sanchez / IMP DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2014) - Iron Mike Promotions (IMP) is bringing "Judgment Day" to Miami as International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Lightweight Champion Argenis "La Tormenta" Mendez (21-1-1, 1NC, 11 KOs) defends his world titleThursday night, July 10, in a rematch of a controversial fight last January against undefeated No. 1 contender Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (19-0, 1 NC, 12 KOs). Barthelemy knocked out Mendez with punches illegally thrown after the bell ending the second round. Mendez' promoter, IMP, appealed the decision and the fight was ruled a "no contest" with the IBF mandating a rematch.  IMP won the IBF purse bid to promote Mendez-Barthelemy II, which will air July 10 on Fox Sports I live from American Airlines Arena in Miami. "You don't always get a second chance to correct a mistake, but we were able to get Argenis a rematch," promoter "Iron" Mike Tyson said. "Hopefully, he will take advantage of this opportunity." The 27-year-old Mendez, fighting out of Brooklyn, was a 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian.  He had an incredible 238-13 amateur record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the prestigious Pan-American Games, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships.  Mendez captured the IBF crown March 9, 2013, stopping defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado in the fourth round. Warriors Boxing-promoted Barthelemy, also 27, is a former Cuban Junior National Champion who lives in Miami.  He became Mendez' original mandatory challenger by way of a second-round knockout of Fahsai Sakkreerin last June. World light heavyweight contender Humberto "El Don" Savigne (12-1, 9 KOs) will face a top opponent to be determined in the co-feature.  Savigne is rated No. 3 in world by the World Boxing Council (WBC).  The Cuban native, who now lives in Miami, is riding a 10-fight win streak, resulting in three regional title belts in his collection:  World Boxing Organization (WBO Latino, World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedelatin and WBC FECARBOX. Also scheduled to fight on the Fox Sports I show is welterweight sensation Erickson "Hammer" Lubin (5-0, 5 KOs), who was considered Team USA's No. 1 overall prospect for the 2016 Olympics prior to him signing an exclusive promotional contract with IMP lastOctober 1 on his 18th birthday.  Now living in Miami, as an amateur, the exciting southpaw was the 2012 National PAL Champion. For more information visit www.IronMikeProductions.com, follow on twitter at  @IronMikeProd and or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official

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ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement.

Undefeated lightweight Mark Davis vs. Michael Farenas headlines ESPN Friday Night Fights Special Edition in IBF Title Eliminator

50 CENT'S BIRTHDAY BASH July 2, 2014  * Foxwoods Resorts Casino * Mashantucket, CT

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Wednesday, July 2 at Foxwoods Resort Casino MASHANTUCKET, Conn., (May 29, 2014) - Rapper/promoter Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson returns to the Nutmeg State to celebrate his birthday as his company, SMS Promotions, presents a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights on Wednesday night, July 2, at Grand Theater in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The 12-round main event matches undefeated junior lightweight Mark "Too Sharp" Davis(18-0, 5 KOs) against Filipino knockout specialist Michael "Hammer Fist" Farenas (38-4-4, 30 KOs) in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator.  The winner will become the mandatory challenger for winner of the upcoming title match between IBF 130-pound champion Argenis Mendez and challenger Rances Barthelemy. "I'm thrilled to return to Foxwoods Resort Casino, celebrating my birthday yet again with ESPN Friday Night Fights," commented 50 Cent. "Last year was such a success I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do it again and deliver an amazing night of boxing.  All of the fighters on the card bring strength, power, endurance and agility to the sport. It's a night you won't want to miss." "We are delighted to be welcoming back 50 and his SMS Promotions for another stellar night of fights on ESPN." added Monique L. Sebastian, Executive Director of Entertainment, Foxwoods Resort Casino. "We couldn't think of a better way to kick off the holiday weekend." The 27-year-old Davis, fighting out of Cleveland, had more than 200 amateur bouts, highlighted by his gold medal winning performance at the 2005 U.S. National Championships. Farenas is a battle-tested veteran from the Philippines who has never been stopped in 47 professional fights.  He lost a 12-round decision to another SMS fighter, Yuriorkis Gamboa, in 2012 for the interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight title, after he fought WBA super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama to a draw in Japan. In the 10-round ESPN FNF co-feature, former IBF featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (36-3, 21 KOs) moves up in weight to face former WBA featherweight title challengerAlberto "Kichis" Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs), of Mexico City, with world junior lightweight implications at stake. Dib, fighting out of Sydney, Australia, returns to Foxwoods where 14 months ago, also during ESPN FNF, he lost his IBF title to Evgeny Gradovich by way of a 12-round split decision. Last November, Garza lost his only world title fight to WBA featherweight championNicholas Walters by fourth-round technical knockout.  Garza is a former WBC Silver and WBC Continental Americas featherweight title holder. Scheduled to fight opponents to be determined in four-round bouts are three of SMS Promotions' top prospects: lightweights Luis Olivares, Jr. (7-0, 5 KOs), Glendale, Arizona;Donte Strayhorn (5-1, 1 KO), Cincinnati, Ohio; Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (5-0, 3 KOs), Chattanooga, Tennessee. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Tickets are priced at $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 and will soon go on sale online atwww.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office.  Tickets will also be available to purchase through any Ticketmaster outlet and online at www.ticketmaster.com.    Doors at Grand Theater in Fox Tower will open at 6 p.m. ET.  The first bout will start at 7 p.m. ET with ESPN FNF airing live between 9-11 p.m. ET. -30-

Iron Mike Productions Teams With Gleason's Gym for Newest Location

(L-R) -- Assistant trainer Martine Gonzalez,, unbeaten light heavyweight Lenin Castillo, Iron Mike Productions CEO Garry Jonas and trainer Don Saxby. BROOKLYN, NY (March 21, 2014) - Iron Mike Productions (IMP) and Gleason's Gym are joining forces in efforts to revitalize the New York boxing scene. The world famous gym - located on 77 Front Street in Brooklyn, NY - that once housed a young man who would go on to become the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history will now serve as headquarters for IMP to recruit local amateur fighters aspiring to enter the pro ranks. IMP plans to officially open its office doors at its new location in April. "The combination of Gleason's Gym and Mike Tyson is sure to make an impact in the boxing community," stated Bruce Silverglade, owner of Gleason's Gym, the oldest boxing gym in the United States. "The Recruitment Center will be a magnet for top prospects from around the world." The launching will come right before the semifinal and final rounds of the 2014 Daily News Golden Gloves, an annual amateur boxing tournament. The finals will take placeApril 16-17 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It's a given that Tyson and his team will be paying close attention to the results. "The opening of this recruitment center could not have come at a better time," noted Jose Nuñez, a local boxing manager whose clients include reigning 130-pound world titlist Argenis Mendez, former two-time world champion Joan Guzman and a slew of rising young fighters. "This collaboration will not only help bring local fighters to the gym, but make them step up their game. We're looking for the best fighters of the area to represent our brand in the pro ranks. When fighters come to Gleason's, they'll know they have to bring their best every time they're ready to train."     IBF junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez  Nuñez Management will serve as an integral part of the recruiting process for IMP, given the manager's local roots. The location hits home for Tyson, one of 133 champions (male and female) from past and present to have at one point trained at Gleason's Gym. Tyson was born and raised in Brooklyn before being taken in by Cus D'Amato at age 16, with boxing serving as his lone salvation amidst a childhood littered with petty crimes, frequent arrests and time spent in reform school. Now comes the Hall of Famer's chance to once again give back. "Iron Mike Productions is very excited about establishing our presence in the New York boxing community by partnering up with Gleason's Gym," said Azim Spicer, Vice President of Iron Mike Productions. "It's a great opportunity to monitor and assist boxers to strive for their goals in the amateur and professional ranks."

About Iron Mike Productions (IMP):  Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement. About Gleason's Gym: One of the sport's grandest institutions and among the last of New York City's thriving boxing gyms, Gleason's Gym is owned and operated by Bruce Silverglade. Gleason's has served as training headquarters for some of the sports biggest legends, including Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran and Jake LaMotta. All told, more than 130 World Champions have trained inside the hallow walls of the Brooklyn landmark.   About Nuñez Management: Jose Nuñez has been involved in the sport since the late 1990's before forming and serving as CEO of Nuñez Management in 2006. The New York-based manager, whose company also manages several notable music acts, has guided four fighters to world championships to date, including reigning 130 pound world champion Argenis Mendez and former two-division world champion Joan Guzman. Both fighters still serve under the managerial banner, along with a trio unbeaten prospects - junior welterweight Felix Diaz, who captured Olympic gold for the 2008 Dominican Republic boxing squad, light heavyweight Lenin Castillo, and junior middleweight Dominique Dolton - among several other rising prospects from the U.S. and Dominican Republic.