Results from Manchester, NH O'Connor cruises to 9th win in a row

12th annual 'Fight To Educate'

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 12, 2013) - Fighting in his record fifth Fight To Educate (FTE) charity event, popular welterweight Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (23-1, 7 KOs) turned in a workmanlike performance for his ninth straight victory, recording a unanimous eight-round decision over Texas invader Raul Tover (11-8-1, 4 KOs) in tonight's main event, at Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire. O'Connor, fighting out of Framingham, Massachusetts, was a 2008 US Olympic Team alternate.  The popular Irish-American southpaw, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, avenged a loss to Tover in the 2005 National PAL Tournament in Oxnard, California. Now 5-0 (4 KOs) in the FTE, O'Connor easily won on all three judges' scorcards: 80-73, 79-37, 79-73. "As I progress in my career," the 28-year-old O'Connor said, "further and further along, it's nice to stop and reflect.  I made my pro debut here and fought five times in the Fight To Educate.  I know the commission, people of Manchester, even the hotel where we stay and the drive to the arena.  I have a sense of security here.  Hopefully, I'll have to  chance to fight here again next year, and someday maybe I'll be lucky enough to bring a world title belt here. "I'm trying to be the most active fighter in this sport (this was his third fight in less than two months). I don't want to have to get ready when that big call comes, I want to be ready, so that I'm staying active and living a good lifestyle.  I'm gaining experience and need that to realize my goal and personal dream. "I'd been fighting at 140 pounds since I was 15 and it became too hard.  I'm a welterweight now and I feel stronger at 147.  I could have fought 15 rounds tonight the way I feel.  I hired a fight nutritionist.  I felt great at the weigh in, during the fight, and even now." Hard-hitting Vermont light middleweight Chris Gilbert (10-0, 7 KOs), fighting in his third consecutive FTE, dropped Anthony "The Candyman" Chase (11-2, 4 KOs) three times in the second round, and finished off the Providence fighter in third with a right uppercut to remain undefeated. Maine light welterweight Brandon "Cannon" Berry (3-0) remained undefeated the hard way as Jesus Javier Cintron (1-4-2) was disqualified in the round for repeated low blows. Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be 'down for the count.'  During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations. Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate benefitted SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire. This year's attending Boxing Legends were Aaron "Hawk" Pryor, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and "Dangerous" Dana Rosenblatt. Results of the amateur matches are below. All bouts were sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing & Wrestling Commission. Complete Results (all winners listed first for each fight) PROFESSIONALS                                                   Light Middleweights Chris Gilbert (10-0, 8 KOs), Windsor, VT   LBS. WTKO3 (1:23) Anthony Chase (11-2, 4 KOs), Providence, RI Welterweights Danny O'Connor (23-1, 7 KOs), Framingham, MA WDEC8 (80-73, 79-73, 79-73) Raul Tover (11-8-1, 4 KOs), Mission, TX    Light Welterweights Brandon Berry (3-0, 2 KOs), West Forks, ME   WDQ3 (0:47) Jesus Javier Cintron (1-4-2), Springfield, MA     AMATEURS Light Heavyweights Joel Felix, Manchester, NH DEC (30-25, 29-28, 29-28) James Perkins, Saugus, MA Middleweights Devan De Cinto, Springfield, VT DEC (30-27, 29-26, 27-29) Bryan Cullinane, Rindge, NH (selected as amateur Fight of the Night) Lightweights Dominic Lessier, Lowell, MA DEC   (29-28, 29-28, 28-26) Josh Bickford, Mount Holly, VT Super Featherweights Jose Vargas*, Lawrence, MA DEC (28-29, 28-28, 29-28) Jalen Renaud, Springfield, MA *Vargas won tiebreaker

Official Weights from Manchester, NH 12th annual 'Fight To Educate'

Plus Boxing Legends Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini & 'Buddy' McGirt

(L-R) -- Legendary boxer Aaron "Hawk" Pryor & Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor   (photo courtesy of Jeffrey Freeman)   PROFESSIONALS                                                   Main Event - Welterweights (8) Danny O'Connor (22-1, 7 KOs), Framingham, MA   146 LBS. vs. Raul Tover (11-7-1, 4 KOs), Mission, TX    149 LBS. Co-Feature - Light Middleweights (8) Chris Gilbert (9-0, 7 KOs), Windsor, VT   148 ¼ LBS. vs. Anthony Chase (11-1, 4 KOs), Providence, RI 153 ½ LBS. Light Welterweights (4) Brandon Berry (2-0, 2 KOs), West Forks, ME   143 ¾ LBS. vs. Jesus Javier Cintron (1-3-2), Springfield, MA    141 ¾ LBS. AMATEURS (weighing in tomorrow) Light Heavyweights Joel Felix, Manchester, NH vs. James Perkins, Saugus, MA Lightweights Dominic Lessier, Lowell, MA vs. Josh Bickford, Mount Holly, VT Super Featherweights Jose Vargas, Lawrence, MA vs. Jalen Renaud, Springfield, MA   (L-R) -- Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor, Aaron "Hawk" Pryor, Raul Tover, and Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini   (photo courtesy of Jeffrey Freeman)  FACT SHEET All bouts are sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing & Wrestling Commission. Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be 'down for the count.'  During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations. This year's Boxing Legends are two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee,  Aaron "Hawk" Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs), and two-division (welterweight & light welterweight) world champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs). Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire. Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box office, by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena. Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about sponsorship opportunities, including VIP table (of 8 for $1000) sponsorships for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner.  This special offer also includes an auction and meet-and-greet with the aforementioned boxing legends Pryor, Mancini, and McGirt. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Visit www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

12th annual 'Fight To Educate' Homecoming Thursday for Danny O'Connor

Plus Boxing Legends Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini & 'Buddy' McGirt in Manchester, NH

Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 10, 2013) - Thursday night (Sept. 12) in the 12thannual Fight To Educate (FTE) Pro-Am charity boxing event, Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (22-1, 7 KOs), headlines in an eight-round bout against welterweight Raul Tovar (11-7-1, 4 KOs) in a homecoming of sorts for the popular Irish-American boxer, at Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. The 28-year-old O'Connor will be fighting in his record-setting fifth FTE event.  The 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, is from Framingham, Massachusetts.  O'Connor made his professional debut on the 2008 FTE card, participated in the following three, and has a perfect 4-0 (4 KOs) record in FTE fights. "Sometimes it's nice to stop and look back and see where everything started and, for me, my pro career literally started in the Fight To Educate at Verizon Arena in Manchester," O'Connor said.  "I made my pro debut there and this will be my fifth fight on the Fight To Educate shows.  I have a great relationship with the people in Manchseter, the New Hampshire Boxing Commission, and the people involved with the Fight To Educate.  I really enjoy going to fight in Manchester, especially for such a good cause. Manchester and the Fight To Educate have become a second home for me." O'Connor is on an eight-fight win streak, starting at the 2011 FTE, when two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields joined his corner as head trainer.  O'Connor is arguably New England's most popular fighter today, largely due to his association with the world-renown Dropkick Murphys band, whose founder, Kenny Casey, became O'Connor's manager last year. Tovar, 24, has upset previously unbeaten prospects John David Charles and New Englander Simeon Dunwell, as well as fought the distance against undefeated prospects such as Jessie Vargas and Chris Algieri during his six-year professional career.  Tovar has been stopped only once in 19 pro fights. Tover defeated O'Connor back at the 2005 National PAL Tournament in Oxnard, California.  "I'm not one to chase a loss but, if the opportunity arises to redeem myself, that's okay," O'Connor noted.  "Amateur boxing is different and we're both different fighters today.  I'm just concentrating on what I need to do to win and sticking to my game plan." Undefeated welterweight Chris Gilbert (9-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Windsor, Vermont,  will be fighting in his third consecutive FTE event having won both of his FTE fights by knockouts. Gilbert squares-off against his toughest opponent to date,Anthony "The Candyman" Chase (11-1, 4 KOs), of Providence, in the eight-round co-feature. West Forks, Maine light welterweight Brandon Berry (2-0, 2 KOs), who faces Jesus Javier Cintron (1-3-2), of Springfield (MA), in a four-round bout, will become the first to box in the FTE as an amateur (2013) and professional. Three amateur matches are also on tap:  2013 New England Golden Gloves champion Dominic Lessier (22-2), fighting out of Lowell (MA), vs. three-time Golden Gloves titlist Josh Bickford (50+ amateur bouts), of Mount Holly, Vermont; local light heavyweight favorite Joel Felix (4-1), of Manchester (NH),  vs. undefeated James Perkins (4-0), of Saugus (MA); Lawrence (MA) super welterweight Jose Vargas(11-3) vs. Jalen Renaud (25+ amateur bouts), of Springfield (MA).  All fights and fighters are subject to change.  All bouts are sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing & Wrestling Commission. Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be 'down for the count.'  During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations. This year's attending Boxing Legends are two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee,  Aaron "Hawk" Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs), and two-division (welterweight & light welterweight) world champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs). Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire. Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box office, by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena. Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about sponsorship opportunities, including VIP table (of 8 for $1000) sponsorships for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner.  This special offer also includes an auction and meet-and-greet with the aforementioned boxing legends Pryor, Mancini, and McGirt. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Visit www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

Pro-Am card announced for Sept. 12 12th annual 'Fight To Educate'

Plus Boxing Legends Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini & 'Buddy' McGirt

MANCHESTER, N.H. (September 6, 2013) - Hot prospect Danny "Bhoy" O'Connor (22-1, 7 KOs) headlines the 12th annual Fight To Educate (FTE) Pro-Am charity boxing event in an eight-round bout against welterweight Raul Tovar (11-7-1, 4 KOs), Thursday night, September 12 at Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. O'Connor will be fighting in his record-setting fifth FTE event.  The southpaw, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, was a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate.  He made his professional debut on the 2008 FTE card, participated in it the following three years, and has a perfect 4-0 (4 KOs) record in FTE fights. The 28-year-old Irish-American from Framingham (MA) is riding an eight-fight win streak, which started at the 2011 FTE, since two-time world title challenger Ronnie Shields joined his corner as head trainer.  O'Connor's popularity has sky-rocketed since Kenny Casey, founder of the world-renown Dropkick Murphys band, became his manager last year. Tovar, 24, has upset previously unbeaten prospects John David Charles and New Englander Simeon Dunwell, as well as fought the distance against undefeated prospects such as Jessie Vargas and Chris Algieri during his six-year professional career.  Tovar has been stopped only once in 19 pro fights. Undefeated welterweight Chris Gilbert (9-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Windsor, Vermont, is no stranger to the FTE.  He will be fighting in his third straight FTE event having won his two previous FTE fights by stoppage. Gilbert faces the toughest test of his young career in Anthony "The Candyman" Chase (11-1, 4 KOs), of Providence, in the eight-round co-feature. West Forks, Maine light welterweight Brandon Berry (2-0, 2 KOs), who fought on last year's FTE card as an amateur, meets Springfield's (MA) Jesus Javier Cintron(1-3-2) in a four-round bout. Three amateur matches are also on tap:  2013 New England Golden Gloves champion Dominic Lessier (22-2), fighting out of Lowell (MA), vs. three-time Golden Gloves titlist Josh Bickford (50+ amateur bouts), of Mount Holly, Vermont; local light heavyweight favorite Joel Felix (4-1), of Manchester (NH),  vs. undefeated James Perkins (4-0), of Saugus (MA); Lawrence (MA) super welterweight Jose Vargas(11-3) vs. Jalen Renaud (25+ amateur bouts), of Springfield (MA).  All fights and fighters are subject to change.  All bouts are sanctioned by the New Hampshire Boxing & Wrestling Commission. Fight To Educate, presented in part this year by Alrich Cabinet, is a unique charity event that combines a love of sports with the vision of assisting children and seniors in need, who with fundraisers like this could be 'down for the count.'  During the past 11 years, Fight To Educate has raised more than $500,000 in donations benefitting local New Hampshire non-profit organizations. This year's attending Boxing Legends are two-time world light welterweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee,  Aaron "Hawk" Pryor (39-1, 25 KOs), former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (29-5, 23 KOs), and two-division (welterweight & light welterweight) world champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs). Proceeds from the 12th annual Fight To Educate will benefit SEE Science Center (www.see-sciencecenter.org), The Bobby Stephens Fund for Education (www.stepheneducationfund.com), and New Horizons for New Hampshire. Tickets, priced at $50.00 and $25.00 (general admission), are available to purchase at the Verizon Wireless Arena Box office, by going online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/8748/1616837/?brand=verizonarena. Call Stephen Singer at 603.669.4100 for more details about sponsorship opportunities, including VIP table (of 8 for $1000) sponsorships for a night of professional boxing and Black Tie dinner.  This special offer also includes an auction and meet-and-greet with the aforementioned boxing legends Pryor, Mancini, and McGirt. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. ET, doors for boxing open at 7:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Visit www.fight2educate.com or www.verizonwirelessarena.com for additional information.

CHRIS ALGIERI EXCITED ABOUT FIGHTING ON NBC SPORTS

 

January 28, 2013 - Undefeated Jr. Welterweight, Chris Algieri (15-0 7 KOs), is preparing to face off against Jose Peralta (10-1 6 KOs) in a junior welterweight showdown on February 23rd live from The Paramount Theater in Algieri's hometown of Huntington, NY. The bout, scheduled for 10 rounds, will be the televised main event on NBC Sports Network's Fight Night.

This will mark Algieri's 5th consecutive performance in front of his hometown crowd at The Paramount Theater, where he enjoys a tremendous reception. Successful ticket sales aren't the only benefactor from being a draw for Algieri, who admits his confidence level receives a boost when he is in front of his family, friends, and fans.

"I'm always excited to fight in front of my hometown crowd because it's a sense of familiarity and it helps me stay in my comfort zone, which in turn adds to my performance in the ring. I think it really is a win-win situation because I get their support and they get the performance that comes from their support. I always want and look to impress, but in front of my people I get a heightened sense of awareness that usually translates into something special," Algieri said.

Peralta as an opponent will bring the confidence of an 8 fight win streak into the ring and the experience of upsetting a highly touted prospect in one of his previous outings. This is a tough test for Algieri, but he insists that he relishes in the challenge and knows a win could put him in the driver seat for even more lucrative opportunities.

"I want this. I want to fight good fighters. It will make me perform up to my potential.  It is time for me to step up and this is the kind of step up that will make me shine!"

NBC Sports Network has put on some of the best televised cards since their premier in 2012 and the reputation has only grown since then. Algieri can benefit from being on a network known for action fights and competitive bouts.

"I'm looking to capitalize on this television appearance. I'm excited about the opportunity to be on TV and a win under the spotlight could really open doors. People have a thing for compelling TV and boxing as a sport is as compelling as any. With boxing, there are situations that entice you to watch even if you aren't familiar with the sport. You don't have to know the fighters when the fight starts, but it's up to the fighters to make them remember when it's over. They'll remember me after February 23rd."

Humberto Romero, who co-manages Algieri with Damian Ramirez added, "Chris has worked very hard to get into the position he's in.  The fact that he's fighting on national television is exactly what he needs to take his career to the next level.  He's got all the ingredients to become a star in this sport and his golden opportunity has arrived."

 

Chris Algieri is promoted by Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing.   For more information please visit www.chrisalgieri.com.

YOU CAN ALSO CATCH CHRIS ON BLAKNBLUTV.COM

 

CHRIS ALGIERI 15-0, 7 KOs LOOKS TOWARD FUTURE WITH BIG DREAMS

August 2, 2012 - After improving to 15-0, 7 KOs this past weekend against rugged opponent, Raul Tovar (10-6-1, 4 KOs), undefeated Jr. Welterweight contender,Chris Algieri, looks to the future as he steps up in competition.  The "Star Boxing" promoted fighter feels he's ready to fight for a regional title.

"The competition is getting tougher as I move closer to my goal of becoming a world champion," said Algieri. "I'm getting the experience I need to prepare myself for the next level though.  Tovar gave me some good hard rounds and I learned a lot from this fight.  I know I'm ready to fight for a regional title and position myself in the top ten of any of the sanctioning organizations.  I'm going to get right back in the gym with Robert Garcia and start preparing for my next fight."

Co-manager Humberto Romero said, "I've been talking to my co-manager Damian Ramirez about what is next for Chris and we believe he's ready for a TV fight.  Joe DeGuardia is looking to put him on a ShoBox date, so we're waiting to see what type of an opponent is in front of us.  None the less, Algieri is ready to take his career to the next level."

"Chris has a lot of momentum and confidence after winning this last fight against Tovar," said co-manager Damian Ramirez. "Chris has room for improvement and Robert Garcia will be dissecting everything he sees where it's needed.  Algieri's future is bright and I know he has what it takes to become a world champion.  We'll be definitely talking to Joe DeGuardia about getting him on TV for his next fight.  The time is now for everyone to see what Chris is all about."

Chris Algieri is anticipating a big announcement from his promoter Joe DeGuardia ofStar Boxing regarding his next bout. A possible TV date could be in the works.  For more information please visit www.chrisalgieri.com.

CHRIS ALGIERI 14-0, 7 KOs RETURNS TO OXNARD TO TRAIN WITH ROBERT GARCIA

   

June 6, 2012 - New York's undefeated Junior Welterweight sensation, Chris Algieri (14-0, 7 KOs), has returned to Oxnard, Calif., where he will resume training with Robert Garcia at his academy.  After a successful outing in his last fight where he scored a third-round knockout against Winston Mathis, Algieri feels working with Garcia prepares him for the elite level of competition.

"Today was my first day back in the gym and it was nice to see everyone," said Algieri. "Brandon Rios, Kelly Pavlik, Cecilio Flores and Robert Garcia welcomed me with open arms.  The gym atmosphere alone is worth the trip." 

"The sparring I got last time I was here was second to none.   Everyone is on a different level out here and it makes for great training.  I want to be the best and this is where I need to be if I want to become a world champion.  I'm excited to keep improving and show progress in my next fight.  It feels good to be back."

Humberto Romero, who co-manages Algieri with Damian Ramirez, said, "When you have a fighter willing to travel across the country to train with the best, it's obvious that you have something special on your hands.  Damian and I knew when Chris said he wanted to go out to California and train with Garcia that he was serious about taking his career to the next level.  I can't wait to see how he develops out there."

Chris Algieri is anticipating a big announcement from his promoter Joe DeGuardia ofStar Boxing regarding his next bout. A possible TV date could be in the works.  For more information please visit www.chrisalgieri.com.