Ismael Barroso Smashes Another Foe

Overpowered Opponent Galindo Dropped Four Times en Route to KO Victory for Venezuelan Southpaw Venezuelan lightweight terror Ismael Barroso (16-0-2, 15 KOs) continued his devastating ways by smashing out Mexican veteran Maximiliano Galindo in three brutal rounds last Friday night (December 5). Fighting in Galindo's hometown of Sinaloa, Mexico, Barroso dropped Galindo in the first and second rounds and then twice more in round three, the final time for good. Barroso's promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says that his fighter was typically impressive. "Galindo had fought some decent foes but no one is ready for the kind of power my fighter brings to the table. He's punching lightweights with the power of a heavyweight." Barroso, from El Tigre, Venezuela, is 31 and ready for his prime time debut on the near future. "It's time to unleash him on the US," continued Cohen. "He's a terrific talent from South America and pretty soon he'll be known all over the world. We're putting together a series of fights for Ismael that will land him at the top of boxing, where a fighter with his power belongs."

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Venezuelan KO Artist Ismael Barroso

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of lightweight southpaw Ismael Barroso to a promotional agreement. A huge puncher from El Tigre, Venezuela, Barroso (15-0-2, 14 KOs) has the visa issues that previously stalled his career resolved and is ready for another attack on the top of the lightweight division. "This is a fighter who could easily become a world champion," said Greg Cohen. "He's got tremendous punching power and he's relentless when he has an opponent hurt. I'm very proud to be working with him." Barosso won the Interim WBA Fedelatin Lightweight Title with a first-round knockout of Oscar Arenas (then 22-3) in October 2012 and defended it with a KO 4 over Winston Campos (then 17-2-4) in October 2013. The only blemishes on his record are a pair of draws in the first six fights of his career. He also won and defended the WBA Fedebol lightweight in 2012. "Barroso's manager, Osmiri Fernandez, and Ricardo Rizzo helped put this deal together and we're eager to get to work on finding him the opportunities that will bring him to the top of the division," continued Cohen. "We will have an exciting announcement about the first of those opportunities very soon."

Cohen Congratulates Light Middleweight 'Hurricane' Hogan for Winning Regional WBA Belt

Promises to Bring Exciting Irish/Australian Slugger to USA Soon Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions wishes to congratulate the fighter he co-promotes (along with Adam Wilcock for FightCard Promotions), Dennis "Hurricane" Hogan for winning the WBA Oceania Light Middleweight Championship on Sunday night. The popular Hogan (19-0-1, 7 KOs) scored a clear split decision over Australia's Steve Moxon at the Grand Star Receptions in Altona North, Victoria, Australia. A four-time national amateur champion with over 150 fights in his native Ireland, 29-year-old Hogan now lives and trains in Queensland, Australia. In addition to the WBA belt, in his three-year pro career, Hogan has already won the Queensland State Super Middleweight, Queensland State Middleweight and Australian Middleweight Championships. He is currently rated #14 by the IBF and with the victory over Moxon, will almost surely crack the WBA's rankings as well. "Dennis showed his world-class skills while winning a regional title that will lead to bigger and better things," said Greg Cohen. "Most ringside observers had him winning 10 out of 12 rounds, but one of the judges inexplicably had it a split decision. Regardless, he won and Adam and I are now planning to have him make his USA debut later this summer." Cohen says that because of his personality and exciting style, Hogan is one of those rare fighters that fans adore. "Dennis is the type of Irish fighter that has that special connection with his fans, like a John Duddy," continued Cohen. "He is a special kid and we are excited to bring him to the world stage. I send my sincere congratulations to Dennis and to the boxing world: get ready for a new star middleweight from Ireland/Australia. We will have an announcement about his arrival in the US very soon."

Arash Usmanee Returns to Action Defeats Durable Veteran Juan Ruiz in Edmonton

Quest for 130-lb Championship Resumes Last Friday night (June 13) at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, one of the world's best super featherweights, Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (21-2-1, 10 KOs) returned to action with an eight-round decision over California's Juan Ruiz (23-13, 7 KOs). In the ring for the first time since his brave showing against WBO #1 ranked lightweight Raymundo Beltran in April, Usmanee fought off frustration over Ruiz's veteran tactics to clearly win seven rounds. Usmanee's promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions, says he was happy to see the Ruiz fight serve its purpose. "Ruiz has gone the distance with a long list of top fighters and, true to form, he gave Arash eight rounds of work. One of the judges scored it a draw, but the other two were watching the fight and gave Arash a wide decision." The victory puts Usmanee back into contention at his natural weight of super feather. Against Beltran, Usmanee started out quite well, but fighting on short notice against a larger opponent, he eventually tired and dropped a unanimous decision. "Arash deserves another shot at the super featherweight championship and that's what we're after," continued Cohen. "He beat Rances Barthelemy everywhere but the scorecards and had a draw against the then-champion Argenis Mendez. Those are the top two guys in the IBF at 130 lbs. We're going to keep him busy and wait for the winner of the upcoming Barthelemy vs. Mendez rematch or a fight against any of the other top super featherweights in the world."

Cohen and Mielnicki Excited for Their Three Fighters' Televised Spotlights This Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation

 

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions and Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions will enjoy another important night of televised action for the fighters they co-promote this Friday, January 17, when no less than three of them appear live in separate bouts on the 2014 season kick off of ShoBox: The New Generation at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

Headlining that night will be once-beaten Canadian prospect Tony "Lightning" Luis (17-1, 7 KO's) in a 10-round main event against undefeated, but untested, Ukrainian Ivan Redkach (15-0, 13 KOs) for the USBA Lightweight Championship.

Other GCP/GH3 fighters scheduled for action in co-featured bouts on the same show are undefeated future champion John "Apollo Kidd" Thompson (14-0, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey, taking on Frank Galarza (11-0-2, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn in an eight-round junior middleweight matchup and newest star, middleweight Antoine Douglas (11-0, 7 KOs), in a solid test against fellow undefeated Marquis Davis (8-0-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

"This is Tony's chance to show the world what he's made of," said Greg Cohen. "He's in with a guy who has a lot of hype around him, but Tony's been working very hard to take that away and keep it for himself. We're looking to pull a very big surprise in the main event that night."

Cohen also says his two other prospects are in for big nights.

"John Thompson has passed every test in his young career with flying colors and this outstanding ShoBox card will be another chance for him to showcase his enormous talents against an undefeated opponent. And Antoine Douglas, who has future star written all over him, has the chance to announce his arrival on the world stage. I'm very excited for all my fighters and the opportunities they have in front of them."

"Our fighters are in tough," said Vito Mielnicki, "and each of them will need to be at their best. But we have total confidence in each of them. Now is their time to shine. Thanks to Showtime for helping make this terrific night of boxing a reality."

Opening the Four-Fight Shobox: The New Generation event will be junior welterweight Maurice Hooker (12-0-1, 9 KOs) facing fellow undefeated Abel Ramos (8-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout. The live broadcast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) on SHOWTIME®.

This night of world-class boxing is being presented by DiBella Entertainment, in association with GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Prize Fight Boxing.

Cohen Congratulates Kayode for Second Win as Heavyweight

Promoter Greg Cohen wishes to congratulate his heavyweight, undefeated Lateef "Power" Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs), for his sixth-round TKO over Jonte Willis on Friday night, January 10, at "Battle at the Boat 94" at the Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Fighting in front of a standing-rooom-only crowd, as well as a worldwide audience watching on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Kayode finally secured the referee's stoppage at 1:07 of the fight's scheduled final round.

Cohen says Kayode's second fight as a heavyweight went according to plan, as the tough Willis was able to go some rounds before succumbing to the Nigerian Kayode's well-documented power.

"We knew Willis would be durable, he's been in with several big punchers and gone the distance," said Cohen. "Lateef did a good job softening him up and ultimately getting him out of there quicker than anyone ever has. I was very pleased with Lateef's performance."

Cohen says the show was a tremendous success in every way and he wishes to thank his promotional partners, Brian Halquist Productions, GH3 Promotions and DiBella Entertainment for their support.

"That was a terrific venue and the people we worked with couldn't have been better. GCP hopes to be back there soon with another world-class event."

Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) off to a Big Start in 2014

New York-based promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions has a very busy schedule set up for the start of 2014, with several high-profile events he is either promoting or co-promoting and featuring many of his premier fighters. On Friday, January 10, Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Brian Halquist Productions, and GH3 Promotions will present "Battle at the Boat 94", in the I-5 Showroom of the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, and televised live, worldwide, by ESPN Friday Night Fights. In the 10-round super featherweight main event, IBF #8-ranked Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) will face Mexican KO artist Juan Antonio "El Mozo" Rodriguez (25-4, 23 KOs). In the televised co-feature, Zahir "Z-Man" Raheem (34-3, 21 KOs) will continue his comeback against TBA. And in a special attraction, former top cruiserweight contender Lateef "Power" Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) will make his second appearance as a heavyweight. And then, on January 17, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, DiBella Entertainment, in association with GH3 Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Prize Fight Boxing, will present an exciting quadrupleheader for the premiere of the 2014 ShoBox: The New Generation season with live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast). In the 10-round main event, GCP's once-beaten Tony "Lightning" Luis (17-1, 7 KO's) will face Ukrainian lightweight Ivan "The Terrible" Redkach (15-0, 13 KO's). In the televised co-features, unbeaten junior middleweights John Thompson (14-0, 5 KO's) and Frank Galarza (11-0-2, 7 KO's) collide in an eight-round matchup and fast-rising and highly regarded up-and-coming prospect Antoine Douglas (11-0, 7 KO's) squares off against Marquis Davis (8-0-2, 5 KO's) in an eight-round middleweight showdown. Opening the telecast will be hard-hitting Maurice Hooker (12-0-1, 9 KOs) against an opponent TBA in an eight-round junior welterweight matchup.  On January 31, in West Orange, New Jersey and live on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights,Greg Cohen Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, and GH3 Promotions will present "Super BrawlTM", featuring Elvir "The Kosovo Kid" Muriqi (40-5, 24 KOs) taking on former world light heavyweight champion Zsolt Erdei (33-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. On the same card, Jorge Diaz (17-2) will take on undefeated Luis Rosa (15-0) in a ten-round super bantamweight bout. On the undercard, undefeated lightweight prospect Mikey Faragon (18-0, 8 KOs) will make his much-anticipated return to the ring against an opponent TBA, after recovering from major foot surgery. And finally, on February 1, Cohen's fighter, WBA #3 Jarrod Fletcher (17-1, 10 KO's), will face  WBA #1 Martin Murray (26-1-1, 11 KO's)  for the vacant WBA 160 lb. title as the co- feature of Golovkin's title defense against Osumanu Adama at the Salle des Etoiles, in Monte Carlo, Monaco. "Our fighters have been blessed with big opportunities and we've been working very hard to bring them to fruition," said Cohen. "I'd like to thank ESPN, Showtime and all my co-promoters for helping make it all happen. I look forward to a big year for GCP and its fighters and we're off to a terrific start!"

Cohen Congratulates Lateef Kayode for Impressive Heavyweight Debut

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions wishes to congratulate his fighter, undefeated Lateef "Power" Kayode (19-0, 15 KOs) for his impressive heavyweight-debut victory on Friday night (December 6). Fighting for the first time in 18 months and now as a heavyweight, Kayode scored a TKO 2 over journeyman Travis Fulton (21-34, 20 KOs) at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. Looking sleek and powerful at his new weight class, Kayode put Fulton down in the first and finished him at 1:33 of the second. "Lateef announced his arrival at heavyweight the way he should: with a fearsome beatdown," said Cohen. "The fans at the Chumash on Friday got a good reminder why he's never lost a fight." Cohen says Kayode will have a few more fights at the new weight and then start looking for some high-profile showdowns. "Lateef was out for a while and he's shaking off the ring rust, but by the second quarter of next year he'll be ready for any heavyweight in the world." The eye-catching stoppage victory was also Kayode's first under the Greg Cohen promotional banner.

Cohen Congratulates WBA #3 Fletcher for Win Over Kanofski

Promoter Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions would like to congratulate Queensland, Australia's WBA #3 middleweight Jarrod "Left Jab" Fletcher (17-1, 10 KOs) for his wide unanimous decision over Tim Kanofski (12-7, 1 KO) at the Calabria club, in Melbourne, Australia last Friday.

Waiting patiently for his big opportunity, Fletcher controlled the action in a stay-busy matchup.

Cohen says his man is being talked about for a shot at the winner of the upcoming WBA championship fight between champion Gennady Golovkin and Curtis Stevens, scheduled for November 2 at Madison Square Garden.

"Jarrod Fletcher is in a position for several big fights right now and we'll be looking to get him into them as soon as possible," said Cohen. "Not only is he a strong possibility for the winner of Golovkin/Stevens, he's also got former champs Daniel Geale and Anthony Mundine for huge All-Australia showdowns. It's a good time to be Jarrod Fletcher right now."

Tony “Lighting” Luis back in action November 9!

Cornwall, Ontario (October 10, 2013) – Lightweight standout Tony “Lightning” Luis of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada makes his highly anticipated return to the ring Saturday, November 9 when he battles an opponent to be named at the Whitehall Athletic Club in Whitehall, NY.

A former WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight champion, the all-action Luis holds an excellent 16-1 record with 7 victories coming by way of knockout. On May 17, Luis showed no ill-effects from his lone career defeat, dominating durable Maurycy Gojko over six one-sided frames. Returning to New York State for the first time since his January 25 war with Jose Hernandez on ESPN, Luis believes a victory onNovember 9 will be another step in the right direction.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and explode,” said the likable Luis, who also works a full-time job assisting handicapped children and adults. “I’m 100% physically and mentally. Most importantly, I’ve spent time in the gym making improvements and I know that a victory moves me closer to another significant fight.”

“Tony’s an excellent talent and I am a firm believer that he’s going to be a player in the lightweight division in 2014,” said Greg Cohen, Luis’ promoter. “If everything goes as planned on the 9^th, you’ll be seeing Tony in a noteworthy fight in the near future.”

For tickets or more information, go to Whitehallathleticclub.com or call 518-832-3662.

ELVIR MURIQI NOT LOOKING PAST VASQUEZ THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IN WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY

Plus “Juice” Young and a Jersey showdown between Lennox and Farrell

WHIPPANY, NJ (March 14, 2013)—This Friday night at the beautiful Birchwood, Manor in Whippany, New Jersey Light Heavyweight contender Elvir “The Kosovo Kid” Muriqi will take on Paul Vasquez in an eight round main event of a great night of boxing promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions.

Muriqi of New York City has a record of 39-5 with 24 knockouts and he knows a win over Vasquez will put him on the road to a big a fight.

“I feel good and excited”, said Muriqi

Muriqi is coming off a fifteen month layoff but has had a good camp and is not looking past Vasquez

“I haven’t fought in a while and he has nothing to lose.  I am excited to be back and especially to fight in front if my fans in the New York / New Jersey area”

Muriqi will look to get a big win and start the journey to a possible title opportunity with a specific titlist in mind.

“I do not know much on Vasquez.  A win will hopefully keep me active which should get me a shot at the top guys and I would love to fight WBA champion Beibut Shuemneov.

That fight is the main event of a stacked card that will feature undefeated prospects and action packed fights

In what will most certainly be an six round Heavyweight slugfest, John Lennox (10-2, 5 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ will take on Patrick Farrell (8-1-1, 4 KO’s) of Jersey City, NJ

In a four round Jr. Welterweight affair, Danny Gonzalez (1-0) takes on Carlos Nieves (0-1) of New York

In a four round super featherweight fight, Glenford Nickey (1-0) battles Anolan Rigal (1-3-1) of Johnson City, NY

In a four round Welterweight, new GH3 Promotions signee, Anthony “Juice” Young (6-0, 2 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Ronnie Jordan (1-1-1) of Ohio

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tyrell Wright (1-0) of Jersey City, NJ will box Moses Marshall (0-0-1) of Springfield, MA

Popular Jr. Welterweight, Vinny O’Brien (3-2, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ takes on Anthony Smith (1-1) of Brooklyn, NY

Rounding out the card will be the pro debut of New York’s Ricky Edwards as he fights Moses Molina (1-3, 1 KO) of Bridgeton, NJ in a four round Lightweight bout.

Tickets are priced at $150 (VIP Ringside—which includes a cocktail hour and tickets in the 1^st two rows—WHICH BEGINS AT 5:30); $100 Ringside and $50 for General Admission and can be purchased by going online at www.gh3promotions.com; www.eliteheatgym.com or calling Elite Heat Gym at 862-772-2532

Luis Looks to keep on rolling January 25!

 

 

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada (January 7, 2013) – Junior welterweight sensation Tony “Lighting” Luis has high expectations of where his blossoming career will take him during the next twelve months.

 

A multi-time Canadian amateur champion and former WBC Continental Americas titlist, Luis’ 2013 begins on January 25 when he battles well-regarded Miguel Gonzalez of Cleveland, OH. The bout takes place on ESPN Friday Night Fights live from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions.

 

Recognized as one of the top young talents in a nation flooded with quality prizefighters, Luis, 15-0 (7 KO’s), destroyed hard-hitting veteran Andres Ledesma last September in his United States debut. The popular 24-year-old is a perfect 4-0 with all 4 wins by knockout since moving up to the junior welterweight division.

 

Dubbed as “Silky Smooth”, Gonzalez won the 2008 National Amateur Championship in the lightweight division and came close to earning a spot on that year’s Olympic team. As a pro, Gonzalez has an outstanding 20-3 record with 15 knockouts. In his last bout, he dropped a decision to Mike Dallas on EPSN Friday Night Fights.

 

Regardless of the outcome from Gonzalez’ last fight, Luis expects a tough challenge on the 25^th.

 

“He’s a slick southpaw with a dangerous left hand,” the well-spoken Luis said of Gonzalez. “He’s fought some very tough fighters and won’t be flustered or fazed by anything. Like me, he had a ton of amateur fights against the best competition out there. I’ve got a good game plan and he’ll see what I’m about once we get into the ring.”

 

In addition, Luis, who lives a few hours north of Turning Stone Casino and has a large fan base in Canada, believes there’ll be a solid turnout for this fight.

 

“We’re organizing a bus so people from Cornwall can come down to the fight. I’ve got great fans and they really support me. January 25 will be a great night for me and everything will go as expected if I follow the game plan.”

 

Tickets are available by going to Ticketmaster.com/event/00004983ADD5CF2D?artistid=850878&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=33 and fans can interact with Tony via Facebook at Facebook.com/tony.luis.14.

MEDIA CONFERENCE TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 "BOXING AT THE HILTON" AT NICOTRA'S BALLROOM IN THE HILTON GARDEN INN IN STATEN ISLAND

***MEDIA CONFERENCE ALERT*** FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 1:00 PM AT HILTON GARDEN INN MEDIA AND GENERAL PUBLIC ARE WELCOME WHO: NICKY "LIL NICKY" DEMARCO (4-2, 2 KOs) STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK SHAKUR JACKSON (PRO DEBUT) NEWARK, NEW JERSEY THOMAS"CORNFLAKE" LAMANNA (10-0, 6 KOs) MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY DENNIS "MAMMA'S BOY" DOUGHLIN (14-2, 8 KOs) MARLBORO, NEW JERSEY GREG COHEN, GREG COHEN PROMOTIONS SCOTT SETARO, APPLESEED HOMES RICHARD AND LOIS NICOTRA, OWNERS OF HILTON GARDEN INN SUSAN ANDERSON, HILTON GARDEN INN FRANK SANCHEZ, HILTON GARDEN INN CARROLL TAVELLA, HILTON GARDEN INN WHAT: A press conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, New York, to discuss the upcoming second-annual "Boxing at the Hilton", scheduled for Thursday, January 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn. The media and general public are welcome to attend. WHEN: Friday, January 11, 2013, at 1:00 PM WHERE: The Hilton Garden Inn 1100 South Avenue Staten Island, New York (718) 477-2400 Attention: Last year's event was a total sellout and another one is expected. It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets for "Championship Boxing at the Hilton Garden Inn" are available online at www.GCPboxing.com or by calling 888.612.4191. They are priced at General Admission $50, Ringside $100 and VIP Ringside $150. Doors open at 6:30 pm for VIP Ringside ticket holders and at 7:00 pm for the general public. Action starts at 7:30 pm. All bouts subject to change. The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1100 South Avenue in Staten Island.