Showtime Sports Acknowledges Bobby Gunn As BKB Champion of the World

In any sport—regardless of the level you compete at—athletes work the grind day in and day at for one reason, to achieve the highest level of success; to be the best.  For professional athletes it is all about winning championships and solidifying their legacies and place in history amongst the greatest to ever play the sport. 

In boxing, from the first day a green boxer laces up the gloves, their aspirations are set on one day raising a title belt over their head, and being deemed champion of the world.  Nowadays in the gloved sport, there are so many alphabet belts out there that pugilists of all levels have their names decorated through Boxrec.com and other sites and it is hard to truly decipher who really is the best of the best.

But in bare knuckle boxing—gloved boxing’s sister sport and the fastest growing combat sport since mixed martial arts emerged onto the fight scene in the early 90’s—there is only one fighter who can claim fame to being the best amongst all the others who go to battle in the original form of combat, and that name is Bobby Gunn, the true undefeated and undisputed bare knuckle heavyweight champion of the world.

The former IBA Cruiserweight gloved champion of the world, Gunn, had his first BKB fight at the age of 13, and has since made his mark in the BKB world as the most skilled and talented fisticuff fighter.  But unlike his counterparts who have only proven their talents on the underground scene in abandoned buildings, garages and such—where Gunn has held ‘street court’ several times and has prevailed—Gunn is the first and only to have participated in a sanctioned BKB match. 

Last night Showtime 60 Minutes Sports portrayed an inside look at the secretive world of underground bare knuckle boxing, circled around its king Bobby Gunn, and acclaimed him as the true sanctioned heavyweight champion of the world. 

Gunn and his team are in the works of putting together a second sanctioned show, with a date and location to be released shortly.  This show will have a handful of bouts featuring fighters from around the world displaying their BKB talents.

Also within the next week Gunn and his team will be launching a new internet radio show in which he can connect with BKB fans around the world and provide them up-to-the-minute information about the latest BKB news, happenings, answer questions and more.

“Showtime did us such justice with how they portrayed bare knuckle boxing,” said Gunn.  “So many people think of it as a brutal street fight, but it really is all about being scientific and picking your shots, and ultimately it is a lot safer than gloved boxing and MMA.  Going forward with our sanctioned show people will see that.  We appreciate all the ongoing support we have been getting, and hope that it continues on an international level so we can take the fight sports world by storm and make BKB a household name.  I am anxious to get back in and defend my world heavyweight BKB title, and show the world that I still am the best at what I do.”

Stay in touch with all the latest news on Bobby Gunn and BKB by following Team Gunn on Twitter at @Real_Bobby_Gunn.

Harrison-McKart WBU Title Fight Headlines KP Boxing Show At The Cobo Centre In Detroit This Friday

Detroit’s very own Tony Harrison is set for his first taste of Championship boxing this coming Friday, when he takes on the highly experienced, former WBO/UBO/IBA Champion, Bronco McKart for the Interim World Boxing Union Middleweight title, at the Cobo Centre in Downtown Detroit.

Harrison, who is unbeaten in seventeen, earned his shot at the WBU title with a sensational second round stoppage victory, over former Contender star and former NABF, IBA and IBO Light Middleweight Champion Grady Brewer, back in February.

On May 30th the Detroit puncher, with an enviable fourteen of his victories coming by way of stoppage, will be looking to emulate his grandfather Henry Hank, who beat Joey Giardello at the very first boxing event to take place at the Cobo on the 5^th July 1961.

Bronco McKart, Harrison’s opponent this Friday, is by far the more experienced of the pair, having fought sixty seven times, during which time he secured numerous Domestic, International, Inter-Continental and World accolades, including the Michigan State Welterweight, NABF at both Light Middleweight and Middleweight, WBA International, WBF Inter-Continental titles as well as the IBA, WBO and UBO World Crowns in his twenty two year career.

Speaking earlier World Boxing Union President, Don Lewis said of the intriguing match-up,

“It’s an honor that a World Boxing Union Championship fight will headline the first boxing event at the Cobo Center, since it’s multi million dollar refurbishment.

What’s more this is a genuinely interesting Championship bout, I mean it’s not often that you get a 23 year old unbeaten rising star making his Championship debut against a savvy three time World Champion.

The fans are going to love this fight, it will be an action packed affair, although there is a high chance that it may be over inside the distance.

Both Tony and Bronco are big punchers and both have a high percentage of stoppage wins, Tony fourteen out of seventeen and Bronco thirty four out of his fifty six wins to date.

I wish both men the best and look forward to crowning one of them the Interim World Boxing Union Middleweight Champion on Friday.”

COBO CENTER AND GREEKTOWN CASINO SUPPORT KP BOXING IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT

 COBO CENTER

 “New Center Rising” is the motto of the shiny newly refurbished structure on the Detroit River formally known as Cobo Hall/Arena.

The multi million dollar remake has become the jewel of Downtown Detroit, and they’re only three quarters through with the Renaissance.

The Cobo Center’s general manager, Thom Connors, has put together a team of experts that will guarantee success for years to come.

Boxing at Cobo is nothing new according to boxrec.com 45 bouts have been held at Cobo Hall, Cobo Arena in the Riverview ballroom.

Over the years many household names fought at the Cobo, Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns fought at Cobo 4 times, including back to back title fights against Doug DeWitt (NABF) and Dennis Andries (WBC) and Jimmy Paul won the IBF Lightweight title there.

Others who battled at the Cobo include; Roberto Duran, Milton McCrory, Dwight Davison, Bernard "Superbad" Mays, Alvin "Blue" Lewis, Hegemon Lewis and Ruslan Chagaev (2006), who went on to win the WBA Heavyweight Title in 2007, whilst Sugar Ray Robinson, Laila Ali, Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Floyd Mayweather Jr all fought at the Cobo during their early careers.

GREEKTOWN CASINO-HOTEL


Casinos and boxing have gone hand-in-hand for years. In the 80s and 90s in Las Vegas boxers with names like ”Hitman”, Roberto, Sugar Ray and Marvelous Marvin fought classic duels there.

Here in Detroit the Greektown Casino–Hotel has stepped up to the plate to assist KP Boxing, by hosting their out-of-town boxers, whilst the Shotz Bar and Grille will be the hotspot for the weigh-in Thursday, May 29 at 4 PM.

www.wbuboxing.org

ESCALANTE OUT AT LEAST THREE MONTHS WITH BROKEN HAND

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE OUT WITH TWO BROKEN BONES IN LEFT HAND

Press Release For Immediate Release

Photo Credit Team Escalante CALIFORNIA (April 7, 2014) - After seeing a specialist, x-rays showed that Bruno "The Aloha Kid" Escalante (13-1-1, 6 KOs) was fighting with two broken bones in his left hand during this IBA Super-Flyweight title defense against Victor Ruiz (12-3, 9 KOs).  Escalante showed tremendous grit as he continued fighting when the injury occurred in the 2nd round.  The injury will likely keep Escalante out of the ring for 3 months. "The doctor said Bruno can make a quick recovery if he lets his hand heal properly," said ManagerHerb Stone. "He could return after a few months of rehab.  Bruno proved to me he has tremendous heart carrying on with a broken hand.   I'm hoping he can fight by the end of the summer. I have big plans for Bruno when he returns to the ring." "This is just a minor setback," said Bruno Escalante. "I'm going to do everything the doctor says to make the healing process faster.  I'll continue working out, mostly on my jab since that is the only arm I can use at the moment."

Bruno Escalante successfully defends IBA title with unanimous decision victory

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE MARCHES ON WITH UNANIMOUS DECISION VICTORY

Press Release For Immediate Release

Photo Credit Mario Serrano CALIFORNIA (April 5, 2014) - Tonight at the Cache Creek Casino, Bruno "The Aloha Kid" Escalante (13-1-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his IBA Super-Flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory against a game Victor Ruiz (12-3, 9 KOs). Escalante vs Ruiz was presented by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Cache Creek Casino Resort. In the early rounds, Ruiz pressed the action and won a few rounds before Escalante got into his grove.  Escalante made the proper adjustments in the middle rounds and used superior boxing skills and defense to confuse Ruiz as he took the lead going into the final two rounds.  Ruiz tried to make a final push but Escalante dug deep and finished strong.  Escalante hurt his hand in round 2 and fought with his right hand for most of the fight.  Scorecards read 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94 all in favor for Escalante. "This was a tough fight but I made the proper adjustments to come out on top," said Escalante. "Ruiz is a warrior but he never hurt me except when I busted my left hand in the second round, but that came from me hitting him.  My cornermen Brian Schwartz and Mike Bazzel gave me great advice.  They told me to use my jab and stay relaxed.  My defense was on point tonight and I was in great shape.  I will go to the hospital tonight to get an x-ray of my hand. I'm hoping to return to the ring as soon as I get cleared from the doctor.  I want to thank my team for this victory." "Bruno did what he had to do to get the victory," said Manager Herb Stone. "I'm very satisfied that Bruno was able to make the adjustment needed to win this fight.  The prognosis of his hand injury will give me an idea of when he'll be able to return. If it's not too bad I will get him back in the ring in the summer."

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE TO MAKE FIRST TITLE DEFENSE THIS SATURDAY

Press Release For Immediate Release

Photo Credit Cliff Jeans CALIFORNIA (April 2, 2014) - After an astonishing 2013 where he went 5-0 and captured the IBA Super-Flyweight title, Bruno "The Aloha Kid" Escalante (12-1-1, 6 KOs) makes his first title defense against Victor Ruiz (12-2, 9 KOs).  Escalante is eager to face Ruiz as the bout is scheduled for this Saturday April 5, 2014 at the Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, California. Escalante believes he'll be victorious but is not looking past Ruiz who has an impressive knock out ratio.  Bruno feels a victory against Ruiz will lead him to bigger fights in the near future.  "This is a very important fight for me," said Escalante. "Ruiz is a power puncher who is going to be putting a lot of pressure on me.  I've been training real hard for this fight and I believe I have the better boxing skills.   A win will get me one step closer to fighting bigger names in my division.  My energy is focused on beating Ruiz." Escalante's manager, Herb Stone, see's some big fights right around the corner for Bruno should he win his fight with Ruiz. "Bruno is having a nice run right now." said Herb Stone. "I want to keep the momentum going and hopefully get him in there with some other champions.  First we have to successful in defeating Victor Ruiz." Escalante vs Ruiz and Mendez vs Perez headlines a night of world-class professional championship boxing presented by Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Cache Creek Casino Resort. Doors open at 5:00 pm, the first bell rings at 6:00 pm. Tickets, priced at $65, $95 and $125, are on sale now and available for purchase at www.Cachecreek.com, www.Tickets.com and www.PacoPresentsBoxing.com.  The weigh-in will take place at the Cache Creek Casino Resort on Friday, April 4 and is free to the public. The official weigh-in time is 3:30 pm. For more information on Paco Presents Boxing, visit www.pacopresentsboxing.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/pacopresentsboxing.

Bruno Escalante to receive SAC award in the Philippines

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE PHILIPPINE SAC AWARD RECIPIENT

Press Release For Immediate Release

Photo Credit Cliff Jeans CEBU, PHILIPPINES (March 26, 2014) - Tonight in Cebu, Philippines at the at SAC Awards (Sportswriters Association of Cebu) being held at the Ayala Activity Center, Bruno Escalante will be honored for his astonishing 2013 boxing accomplishments, where he went 5-0 and captured the IBA super-flyweight world title.  The SAC Awards honor the best athletes born in Cebu. Veteran sportswriter Quinito Henson will be the guest of honor. "I'm very grateful to be recognized by the SAC panel for my recent success in boxing last year," said Escalante. "The people of Cebu are very close to my heart as I still have a lot of family there. Cebu will always be on my mind each and every time I step in the ring.  I pray for continued success in boxing.  It's a blessing to be receiving this award.  I want to thank my team and everyone who's been supporting me on my journey to be the best fighter in my division."

IBA CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE RETURNS AGAINST TREJO IN NON TITLE DEFENSE

   

Redwood City, CA (February 5, 2014) - Newly crowned International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Flyweight Champion, Bruno "The Aloha Kid" Escalante (11-1-1, 5 KOs), from Redwood City, CA by way of Cebu, Philippines, will make his 2014 debut in a non title defense on Friday, February 28th, against Lorenzo Trejo 33-28-1 (20 KOs) from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.  The 10-round main event attraction will take place at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City. 

Escalante was just named 2013 Northern California Fighter of the year while ending a successful 2013 by winning the IBA Super Flyweight Championship in a majority decision over Michael Ruiz Jr. on December 7.  Escalante's record was 5-0 throughout 2013 and he is looking to improve it over this next year.

"My goal is to continue working my way up the top of the Super Flyweight division," said Escalante. "Trejo is a veteran with a lot of experience and I'm taking this fight very seriously.  I'm in great shape, I feel I'm at the top of my game, and on fight night I'm going to give the fans a great show."

Escalante vs Trejo headlines a night of world-class professional championship boxing presented byDon Chargin Productions and Paco Presents Boxing. Doors open at 5:00 pm, the main event at 8 pm.

Tickets, priced at $40, $50 and $60, are on sale now and available for purchase at foxrwc.com andPacoPresentsBoxing.com.

Undercard

In a 6 round co-main event, Jonathan "El Carismatico" Chicas 12-1 (5 KO) from San Francisco, CA, will take on veteran Rogelio Castaneda Jr. 26-19-3 (8 KOs) of Sacramento, CA. Chicas  is fresh off his sensational TKO win over Rodolfo Armenta on December 7, 2013 and is looking to improve his record. While the veteran, Castaneda Jr. has fought tough fighters such as Lucas Matthysse and will look for a strong comeback against Chicas.

The show will also feature six more exciting fighters: San Francisco favorite Ricardo Pinell 6-1-1(5 KOs), who is fresh from his KO win over Arthur Brambila. Also including, the undefeated Darwin Price 4-0 (2 KOs) of Salinas, CA, along with Tony Johnson 7-0 (2 KOs) of San Jose, Redwood City's own Jesus Sandoval 3-1-3, Mauricio Zalaveta 1-0 (1 KO) from San Leandro and the pro debut of Andrew Tinae from San Leandro.

The weigh-in will take place at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 330 N Bayshore Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401 on Thursday, February 27 and is free to the public. The official weigh-in time is 3 pm.

For more information on Paco Presents Boxing, visit pacopresentsboxing.com or visit Facebook atwww.facebook.com/pacopresentsboxing.

Jones Vs. Gunn Fight Could Be on The Horizon

Almost 18 months ago former boxing world champions Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn and Roy Jones Jr. came close to solidifying a deal in which the two former IBA belt holders would wage war against each other, but in the end no deal was reached and the fight seemed to be a dead issue.

But over the past few weeks the fight has once again resurfaced within the boxing world as Gunn and Jones Jr. have once again began discussions about meeting within the squared circle.

“Roy and I have communicated back and forth via text, and he has expressed a very serious interest in making the fight happen,” said former IBA World Cruiserweight Champion Bobby Gunn.  “Roy is a future hall of famer and a true champion, and this fight would be a dream for me.  I am hoping he sticks to his word and makes this fight materialize.”

Jones Jr. is a former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight title holder, and despite losing three of his last five fights and being 44 years old, still possesses the skills and power to be a dangerous fighter between the ropes.

Gunn’s last trip to the ring put him against another future hall of famer and world champion in James Toney, and despite a valiant effort, Gunn was unable to continue in the fight following sustaining a hand injury, resulting in a 5^th round loss.

“I have battled some of the top fighters in the world through my career, and the chance to throw hands with Roy Jones Jr. would be the ultimate addition to my resume,” said Gunn.  “This fight wouldn’t simply be about fighting a big name like Roy, it would be about beating a fighter like Roy, and showing the world that there are still some bullets left in this Gunn.”

Although specifics of the potential fight have not fully been disclosed, Gunn is hopeful that he will get his chance to battle the former champion in October of this year.

“The fight makes sense.  Roy wants a tough fight, and I can promise I will give him one of the toughest wars he has faced.  Fans will get a show if the two of us—two former world champions—get a chance to lace up the leather and see who the better man is that night.  All I want is the chance.  Roy said he wants it, now is the time to back up his words and do what we do…fight.”

Gunn’s team is currently pressing the issue with boy Jones Jr. and his team to solidify this matchup and set a date, and more information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. 

Bobby Gunn Issues Challenge To Roy Jones Jr. In Battle of Former IBA Champions

Almost 18 months ago former IBA boxing world champions Bobby “The Celtic Warrior” Gunn and Roy Jones Jr. came close to solidifying a deal in which the two former IBA belt holders would wage war against each other, but in the end no deal was reached and the fight seemed to be a dead issue.

But over the past few weeks the fight has once again resurfaced within the boxing world as Gunn and Jones Jr. have once again began discussions about meeting within the squared circle.

“Roy and I have communicated back and forth via text, and he has expressed a very serious interest in making the fight happen,” said former IBA World Cruiserweight Champion Bobby Gunn.  “Roy is a future hall of famer and a true champion, and this fight would be a dream for me.  I am hoping he sticks to his word and makes this fight materialize.”

Jones Jr. is a former middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight title holder, and despite losing three of his last five fights and being 44 years old, still possesses the skills and power to be a dangerous fighter between the ropes.

Gunn’s last trip to the ring put him against another future hall of famer and world champion in James Toney, and despite a valiant effort, Gunn was unable to continue in the fight following sustaining a hand injury, resulting in a 5^th round loss.

“I have battled some of the top fighters in the world through my career, and the chance to throw hands with Roy Jones Jr. would be the ultimate addition to my resume,” said Gunn.  “This fight wouldn’t simply be about fighting a big name like Roy, it would be about beating a fighter like Roy, and showing the world that there are still some bullets left in this Gunn.”

Although specifics of the potential fight have not fully been disclosed, Gunn is hopeful that he will get his chance to battle the former champion in October of this year.

“The fight makes sense.  Roy wants a tough fight, and I can promise I will give him one of the toughest wars he has faced.  Fans will get a show if the two of us—two former world champions—get a chance to lace up the leather and see who the better man is that night.  All I want is the chance.  Roy said he wants it, now is the time to back up his words and do what we do…fight.”

Gunn’s team is currently pressing the issue with boy Jones Jr. and his team to solidify this matchup and set a date, and more information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.