Kiko Martinez, Gabriel Campillo Back in ActionThis Friday in Spain

Former IBF World super Bantamweight Champion Kiko "La Sensación" Martinez and former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel "Chico Guapo" Campillo will return to action in their home countries of Spain this Friday, December 12, at the Palau Olímpic Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona. The IBF #8- and WBO #11-rated Martinez (31-5, 23 KOs) will drop back down to his natural weight of 118 lbs. to face French southpaw Amor Belahdi Ali (13-3-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round battle. Meanwhile, Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs), continuing to stay busy while waiting for another high-profile showdown, will face Czech veteran Tomas Adamek (21-10-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout. The pair of former world champs will headline a seven-fight night of boxing, presented by former middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and his Maravillabox, in association with Javier Gallego's Gallego Prada Promociones. For tickets, visit www.marcaentradas.com or www.ticketmaster.es. "Kiko was never a super bantamweight, he was always at his best at 118 lbs.," said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "He only took the great opportunity offered to him at 122 lbs and made the most of it, by winning the title and defending it twice. He will be even stronger at bantamweight and will be fighting for a world championship in the near future." Lewkowicz says that for Campillo, it is a waiting game. "Gabriel Campillo has earned another big fight with his IBF #2 elimination-fight victory over Thomas Williams Jr. So now we keep him sharp and busy while we wait for a big fight for him." Campillo, says Lewkowicz, would love another shot at a fighter who defeated him in January 2013. "We would love to face (now WBA Super and IBF World and WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion) Sergey Kovalev again. That was not the real Gabriel Campillo in with him that night. He was distracted by other things. Fully focused as he is now, the real Gabriel Campillo could give a slugger like Kovalev a very hard time." Co-promoter and credited with discovering the special talent that is Sergio Martinez, Lewkowicz says he will continue his association with the great champion, even after Martinez retires. "Sampson Boxing and Maravillabox will forever be tied together. I have worked with Sergio Martinez for over eight years now and he is a true gentleman and I am proud to partner with him at every opportunity. I wish him all the best with this terrific show he is bringing to the beautiful country of Spain."

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Frampton defeats Martinez by unanimous decision to win IBF Super Bantamweight title

San Diego, CA -September 6, 2014--Carl Frampton won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Kiko Martinez in front of over 16,000 fans at an outdoor stadium at the Titanic Quarter in Frampton's hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland.  The championship fight was seen live and exclusively in the United States on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment  Frampton was very consistent and scored a knockdown in round five with a terrific counter. Frampton's work caused a cut around the left eye of Martinez. Frampton was cut in round nine from a left hook from Martinez. Martinez came out in round ten and began to work the body and for a moment it looked like Frampton was tiring but he came back to land a hard right hand and carried the momentum into the 11th round when he landed some wicked combinations which drew a roar from the overflow crowd in Belfast. Frampton again landed a huge flurry of punches that rocked Martinez into the ropes in the final frame.  Frampton cruised down the stretch to take the title by scores of 119-108 twice and 118-111. This was Frampton's second win over Martinez as he stopped him in nine rounds in February, 2013. The 27 year-old of Belfast is a world champion is a world champion with a record of 19-0. Martinez of Spain is now 31-5. "He was a hard puncher. He is a tough man. I respect him more than any man I ever fought," said Frampton. "This is a dream come true, 20 years in the making." The IBF Mandatory is Chris Avalos, but Frampton has eyes for mega domestic showdown with WBA champion Scott Quigg. "There are so many options out there but the man I want is Scott Quigg. I will fight him anywhere." Frampton also captured the title in honor to his promoter and mentor, former world champion, Barry McGuigan. "I am immensely proud of Carl. He is twice the fighter I was." , said the Hall of Famer, McGuigan. Marco McCollough stopped former Bantamweight world champion Dmitry Kirillov after round eight of their scheduled ten round WBO International Featherweight bout. McCollough dominated the action as he pounded away on Kirillov and the former champion had enough and bowed out of the fight. McCollough, 125 1/4 lbs of Belfast is now 11-7 with 7 knockouts. Kirillov, 125 1/2 lbs of St. Petersburg, Russia is now 31-5-1. Eamonn O'Kane and Virgilijus Stapulionis fought to a no-contest when a bad cut over the left eye of Stapulionis forced the bout to be stopped in the 4th round of their 12 round Middleweight bout. Stapulionis hurt O'Kane badly in the first round as he landed a big right hand that wobbled O'Kane into the ropes and it was ruled a knockdown. O'Kane stumbled back to his corner. Stapulionis was cut around the left eye in the 1st round from a clash of heads. In a weird moment, Stapulionis' was deducted a point in round two for using too much Vaseline. The two continued to fight with a lot of clinching and grabbing and the blood continued to stream down the left side of Stapulionis face until the bout was stopped at 2:47 of round four. O'Kane is ranked number-10 by the IBF and was defending his IBF Intercontinental Middleweight title. Jamie Conlon won the WBO Intercontinental Super Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Estrella. Conlon fought with a bad cut over his left eye but went on to win by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice. Conlon, 114 1/2 lbs of Belfast is now 13-0. Estrella of Tijuana, Mexico is now 14-6-1. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates    About AWE LIVE BOXING AWE Live Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today's most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE's live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for "Fight of the Year" and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran and the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury's victory over Kevin Johnson.  About AWE - A Wealth of Entertainment A Wealth of Entertainment ("AWE") features a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

2 title bouts headline undercard in support of Martinez - Frampton II for the IBF Super Bantamweight title boutTOMORROW!!! afternoon on AWE

Championship fight card to begin at 3:30 ET live on AWE

San Diego, CA -September 5, 2014-- Two title bouts will kick off a championship day as co-feature bouts to the highly anticipated rematch between IBF Super Bantamweight champion Kiko Martinez (31-4, 23 KO's)  taking on undefeated Carl Frampton (18-0, 13 KO's)   The show can be seen live and exclusively in the United States in AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment beginning at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT. The show will take place in front of an expected rabid crowd of over 16,000 in an outdoor stadium at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In a 12-round bout for the IBF Inter-Continental Middleweight title, Eamonn O'Kanewill defend his title when he takes on Virgilijus Stapulionis. In the bout that will precede the main event, Marco McCullough will defend the WBO European Featherweight title against former world champion Dmitry Kirillov. "We are pleased to have these two title fights added to the card.  The fights will get the crowd ready for the great fight between Martinez and Frampton.  To have two Irishmen fighting for titles will only add to a great atmosphere which will make for terrific television,"said AWE President Charles Herring McCollough (10-1, 6 KO's) will be making the 1st defense of his crown that he won onJune 20 when he scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Martin Parlagi (14-0) in Belfast.  He has good wins over Valentin Marinov (4-1-1), Michael Kelly (8-2-1), Noel O'Brien (3-0).  He won the Irish Featherweight title with a 9th round stoppage over former world title challenger Willie Casey (14-2). Kirillov was a former IBF Bantamweight champion.  He has had many quality wins in his career and will be looking for one more run at world glory. Kirillov turned pro in 1998 and won his first twenty bouts as he won the WBC Youth Super Flyweight title with a win over Christopher Denicker (5-1-2).  He made two defenses of the title which was highlighted by a 10-round unanimous decision over Junver Halog (15-1-1).  Kirillov lost his first opportunity at a world title when he lost a close unanimous decision to Masamori Tokuyama in Japan.  Kirillov won five in a row which included a 12-round unanimous decision over Renaldo Lopez (25-2-2) which put him in line for chance against IBF Bantamweight champion Luis Perez. Perez escaped with a split decision.   Perez had to vacate the title which set Kirillov up for his title winning opportunity against former U.S. Olympian Jose Navarro.  He made one defense of the title with a draw with Cecililo Santos before losing the title to Vic Darchinyan. Kirillov has won two straight which includes his last bout when scored 6-round unanimous decision over Andrey Kostin on September 19, 2013 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. O'Kane of Northern, Ireland has a record of 12-1 with 6 knockouts and he will look to add the IBF Intercontinental belt to a collection that already has seen O'Kane win the coveted Prizefighter tournament with quality wins over Anthony Fitzgerald (13-2); Ryan Greene (5-0) and J.J McDonagh (6-1) in 2012.   O'Kane defeated Fitzgerald in the rematch to claim the Irish Middleweight title.   He won the IBF Inter-Continental title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former European champion Kerry Hope.  In his last bout, O'Kane won the EBC International Silver championship with a 1st round stoppage over Alvaro Garona (13-3) on April 4in Belfast. Stapulionis of Lithuania has a record of 23-3 with 16 knockouts.  He is no stranger to fighting in the United Kingdom as this will be his 4th fight there.  He has wins over undefeated Rinats Batertdinovs, Thomas Mazvydas, Richard Williams (21-4-1), Niko Jokinen (21-0), Jokinen (21-1) and his bout he scored a 1st-round stoppage over Zoltan Kiss Jr. in Lithuanaia on July 24. Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates    About AWE LIVE BOXING AWE Live Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today's most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE's live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for "Fight of the Year" and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price.AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran and the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury's victory over Kevin Johnson.  About AWE - A Wealth of Entertainment A Wealth of Entertainment ("AWE") features a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Frampton looks for repeat performance against Martinez in IBF Super Bantamweight title bout SATURDAY AFTERNOON on AWE Championship fight card to begin at 3:30 ET live on AWE

San Diego, CA -September 4, 2014 -On February 9, 2013, Carl Frampton (18-0, 13 KO's) scored a 9th round stoppage over Kiko Martinez (31-4, 23 KO's) in a bout for the European and IBF Intercontinental Super Bantamweight titles. But It was Martinez who went on to capture the IBF World championship when he stopped Jonathan Romero just six months later. Frampton and Martinez will meet again on Saturday but this time the stakes have been raised as not only will Martinez's world title will be on the line but some lucrative pay days for future fights will also be on the line.  The bout can be seen live and exclusively in the United States in AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment beginning at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT. Frampton of Belfast, Northern Ireland will be looking to win his first world title in front in what is sure to be an electric atmosphere in front of his hometown fans in an outdoor stadium that will be erected at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. An overflow crowd of over 16,000 is expected to witness the terrific rematch. "It was a pretty smooth 14-week camp,"' said Frampton. "I had great sparring and making weight was much easier.  I can not wait for Saturday.  It will be an unbelievable atmosphere and you can't beat Belfast." Frampton is going into the fight with a lot of confidence but he knows he may see a different Martinez. "This is a completely different fight.  This is for a world title and he is coming into my back yard.  I know I can hurt him but I am not complacent.  I am prepared mentally and physically to put on my best performance." Frampton does feel that he may have some psychological advantages as he heads into the rematch. "Once he stands in front of me, he will be looking at a guy who knocked him out. Plus he is an emotional fighter and that could make him dangerous." Even though this could be a fight that puts Frampton on another level with a win, he is not letting the moment get to him. "I am treating this as just another day at the office and I know I have to fight three minutes of every round." Even though the goal is to become a world champion, Frampton knows an emphatic win will help set up big fights with the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Guillermo Rigondeaux and a massive all UK showdown with WBA champion Scott Quigg. "It is very important to make a statement.  I believe that I am one of the 122 pound fighters in the world.  It is important to look good and explosive.  After I win this there are a lot of options. Some of the big names in the division campaign in the states and I would love to fight there." Frampton finished by saying, "Our styles gel very well.  This will be a very explosive performance and for all the fans watching in the states on AWE, all I have to say is don't blink." Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates    About AWE LIVE BOXING AWE Live Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today's most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE's live boxing events in 2011, AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for "Fight of the Year" and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price.AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the Light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran and the debatable stoppage that saw Carl Froch retain his title against George Groves. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury's victory over Kevin Johnson.  About AWE - A Wealth of Entertainment A Wealth of Entertainment ("AWE") features a wide range of lifestyle and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

Kiko Martinez defends the IBF Jr. Featherweight title in a rematch against undefeated Carl Frampton onSeptember 6 LIVE on AWE

Championship fight card to begin at 3:30 ET live on AWE

San Diego, CA - August 28, 2014 -On Saturday, September 6, Kiko Martinez will take on undefeated Carl Frampton for Martinez's IBF Super Bantamweight title in a rematch of one of 2013's most exciting fights. The bout can be seen live and exclusively in the United States in AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment beginning at 3:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM PT. The 1st fight took place on February 9, 2013 in Belfast, Northern Ireland that saw Frampton score a 9th round stoppage in a grueling battle in front of his rabid fans. The rematch will also take place in Belfast, so expect an electric atmosphere. "We are very happy to bring this 5-star title fight to the fans in the United States,"said AWE President Charles Herring. "The 1st fight was sensational and now Martinez is coming back to Ireland as a world champion so now the stakes have been raised.  Frampton is undefeated and wants that belts.  Martinez has that belt and wants revenge.  With all these subplots, this fight had the makings of a classic rematch." Martinez (31-4, 23 KO's) of Spain is a road warrior.  He earned his title the hard way by going to fighter's home countries and putting on great performances.  He won his first 17 bouts with big wins over Juan Garcia Martin (12-1) and a shocking 1st round stoppage over previously undefeated and heavy favorite Bernard Dunne (24-0) in Dunne's hometown of Dublin, Ireland to win the European Super Bantamweight title. After dropping the belt to Rendall Munroe in England, Martinez won three in a row before losing to Munroe in the rematch and losing future world champion Takalani Ndlovu in South Africa.   Martinez went on to win seven in a row which included recapturing the European Super Bantamweight title with a decision over Arsen Martirosyan (16-3).  He made two defenses over Jason Booth (36-6) and the rematch with Martirosyan (18-4) before the fight with Frampton. Martinez has won four in a row which was highlighted by him winning the IBF world championship with a 6th round stoppage over Jhonathan Romero (23-0) on August 17 in Atlantic City.  Martinez has made two defenses with a 9th round stoppage over former champion Jeffrey Mathebula (27-4-2) and his last bout when he went to Japan and stopped longtime Bantamweight king Hozumi Hasegawa in 7 rounds on April 23. Frampton (20-0, 13 KO's) of Belfast has won all of the regional titles that the United Kingdom and Europe has to offer and now is eagerly awaiting his 1st world title opportunity. He captured the Celtic Super Bantamweight title, Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title and defended it against Kris Hughes (15-1) & Prosper Ankrah (18-2).  He won the IBF Intercontinental title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Raul Hirales (16-0-1).  He defended both that title and the Commonwealth title with an explosive 6th round stoppage over former world champion Steve Molitor. After defeating Martinez, Frampton stopped Jeremy Parodi (35-1-1) in six and his lat bout he destroyed former world champion Hugo Cazares (40-7-2) in two rounds onApril 4.  Please check www.awetv.com for boxing updates

Kiko Martinez to Face Former Champ Hasegawa in Second Title Defense

With contracts signed and only the date and exact venue left to finalize, Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Maravilla Box Promotions and Sampson Boxing are proud to announce that exciting IBF Junior Featherweight Champion Kiko "La Sensación" Martinez (30-4, 22 KOs) will make the second defense of his title in April against former two-time world champion Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan. 27-year-old Martinez became the country of Spain's first-ever world champion at 122 pounds by rising from obscurity to stop heavily favored Jonathan Romero in dramatic fashion in August of 2013. In his first defense, he announced his rightful place among the elite by defeating also-favored South African Jeffrey Mathebula by ninth-round knockout. A hero in his homeland despite the nation's refusal to televise his fights, Martinez is managed World Middleweight Champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez, no relation. 33-year-old southpaw Hasegawa, a former champion at featherweight and bantamweight, will be dropping down in weight to face Martinez and vie for his coveted third world title. He won the WBC Bantamweight Championship in 2005 and made 10 successful defenses, and then picked up the WBC Featherweight Championship in 2010. The important showdown should be a nail biter, as the smooth-boxing Hasegawa has developed a habit of fighting his way to a lead in big fights, only to run into trouble when caught by hard punches... a trait which may not bode well for him against the heavy-handed and relentless Martinez. All promoters say they exact date and venue will be announced very shortly.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

WBA SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION SCOTT QUIGG DEFENDS TITLE THIS SATURDAY AGAINST DIEGO SILVA ON AWE AND AWETV.COM

EXCITING TITLE BOUT TO BE CO-FEATURE TO MUCH ANTICIPATED FROCH – GROVES SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY ON AWE

SAN DIEGO (November 20, 2013)—This Saturday afternoon at 3pmeastern / 12 noon pacific on AWE & AWETV.COM, one of the most anticipated all-English showdowns will take place as WBA/IBF Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch takes on undefeated George Groves. Before that big fight, there will be a 12 round WBA Super Bantamweight title bout between undefeated champion Scott Quigg and #14 ranked Diego Silva.

Quigg, who is 26-0-2 with 19 knockouts just fought to a draw with undefeated Yoandris Salinas just seven weeks ago on October 5^th.

“Training has gone well,” said Quigg when reached just three days before the fight. “I was at the gym just two days after the Salinas fight. I am improved and am ready for Saturday.”

“It was my team’s idea to come back so quick as I wasn’t hurt and I am a gym rat. I wasn’t hurt or bruised at all so everything should be good on Saturday.”

Quigg knows that the fight with Silva (29-2-4, 15 KO’s) could make for an entertaining appetizer for the main course that is Froch and Groves.

“We have seen a few tapes. He comes forward and is aggressive. That will make it good exciting for the fans.”

While being relatively unknown to the American fight fans, Quigg knows that this is a big opportunity to throw his name into the mix for big fights.

“I want to be in the big fights. There is pressure to perform as I want to make some noise across the pond. This is a big platform so I can make this happen.”

Quigg also knows that there are a lot of significant names to make those fights a reality.

“Rigondeaux is obviously the number-one guy in the division but there is Leo Santa Cruz, Kiko Martinez and even Vic Darchinyan if he goes back down to 122 lbs that can make for great fights for me.”

One name that wasn’t mentioned but is first and foremost on his mind as a future opponent is undefeated Carl Frampton of Northern Ireland.

The two have been linked to fighting each other for a couple years now and a win over Silva can make this fight the next biggest fight in the United Kingdom after the conclusion of Saturday’s main event and the recent cancellation of the Heavyweight battle between David Haye and Tyson Fury.

“I want the Frampton fight. We made him an offer and the fight didn’t happen. It’s good to have him as a rival and after Carl and George get done on Saturday, that is the biggest potential fight in the United Kingdom.”

“On Saturday night, I am going to prove that I am the real deal and the best in the division.”

Sampson Lewkowicz Proudly Congratulates New World Champion Kiko Martinez

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz would like to congratulate his newest world champion, Kiko "La Sensacion" Martinez of Alicante, Spain, for his thrilling sixth-round stoppage over Jhonatan "Momo" Romero to win the IBF Super Bantamweight World Championshipon Saturday night. Fighting on the undercard of the Geale vs. Barker middleweight fight, Martinez (29-4, 21 KOs) turned in a career-best performance as he battered and then finally stopped the formerly undefeated champion (23-1, 12 KOs) at 2:40 of the sixth. "The bull was too strong for the matador," said the proud Lewkowicz, still elated by Martinez's upset victory. "I am so happy for Kiko, as he worked very hard for this victory. We always knew he was a champion and now the world knows." Lewkowicz, known for discovering international talent, has had several world champions under his promotional or advisory aegis. However, this was Martinez's manager, world middleweight champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez's, first world champion in a managerial role. "Kiko is the first champion for Maravilla Box, Sergio's management company," continued Lewkowicz. "Sergio was a guest on Spanish TV, who also broadcast the fight, and when it was over he cried tears of joy on national TV. This is a very emotional victory for all of us involved with Kiko, who is a fighter who deserves his success. He works very hard for everything he gets." Lewkowicz would also like to thank the nights' promoter and the American network that broadcast the fight. "I send a warm thank you to Gary Shaw for making this fight happen and to HBO for their outstanding broadcast of the event. I look forward to working with them in the future to make several great title defenses for Kiko against the world's best super bantamweights."

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

DARREN BARKER DEFEATS DANIEL GEALE TO CAPTURE THE IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

PHOTOS CREDIT ROBERT EPSTEIN - GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY (August 17, 2013) - Tonight on HBO Boxing After Dark, Gary Shaw Productions in association with Grange Old School Boxing,Matchroom Sport, Thompson Boxing and Sampson Boxing, presented an exhilarating night of boxing live from the Revel Hotel-Casino in Atlantic City.    

In the 10-round main event, the UK's Darren Barker (26-1, 16 KOs) defeated Australia's Daniel Geale (29-1, 15 KOs) by means of a twelve round split decision to capture the IBF middleweight championship. Both fighters had their moments throughout the fight.  Barker seemed to be more accurate with his punches.  Geale was in every round and dropped Barker in round six with a left to the body that almost had the British fighter down for good.  Barker showed tremendous resilience and fought hard to end the round.  Going into the later rounds it was anyone's fight. Barker was throwing more punches, but Geale was landing the harder blows.  After the final bell rang the scorecards read 114-113 for Geale, as the other two judge had it 116-111 and 114-113 for Barker.  Barker wins by spit decision.

"I started loading up and got carless and I started getting hit too much," said Barker. "The occasion kind of got to me.  If I would had stuck to my game plan and boxed more, I would have won easier. During the knockdown it all went through my head...my wife my family and my daughter.  I knew I was up against it going in.  He was a tough man."

"I felt I won the fight, said Geale. "I was never hurt.  It wasn't my best performance and I'm very disappointed I lost the belt. I definitely want a rematch."

In the 12-round co-main event, Kiko Martinez (28-4, 20 KOs) captured the IBF Jr. Featherweight with a six round TKO victory over, Jhonatan Romero (23-0, 12 KOs).  Martinez took the fight to Romero applying a tremendous amount of presser from the opening round.  Romero made somewhat of an adjustment in round two and landed some nice counter punches, but Martinez was the one landed the harder blows.  Martinez's pressure was too much for Romero as he was getting hit with a massive amount of punches and the referee stopped the bout at the 2:40 mark of round six.

"I felt very strong tonight," said Martinez. "I'm very happy.  Today is a marvelous day and I all I want to do is go home and give my daughter a kiss.  I had to keep the attack going because I knew the referee was eventually was going to stop the fight because I had him hurt."

Undercard Results

(10-round Featherweight bout) -WBO No. 4 ranked contender, Joel Brunker (26-0, 15 KOs) outworked a game Mike Oliver (25-4, 8 KOs) over ten hard rounds.  It was evident the Brunker's game plan was to go to the body as he was throwing hard shots downstairs the entire fight.  Oliver had his moments counter punching, but his punches didn't seem to slow Brunker down.  A cut from a head butt emerged from the left eye of Brunker in round six, but it had no effect on his punch output.  When it was all said and done, Brunker as victorious by way of unanimous decision.  Scorecards read 78-74 across the board in favor of Brunker.

(10-round Welterweight bout) - Cuban born Yordenys Ugas (14-1, 7 KOs) dominated John Williams (11-2-1, 5 KOs) over ten rounds.  Ugas applied pressure from the opening round and was relentless throughout the fight, landing hard shots to the body and head.  Williams was backing up the entire fight while is survive mode.  Ugas landed a hard left hook that wobbled Williams in the later rounds.  A point was deducted from Ugas in the final round.  Scorecards read 98-91 twice, and 99-90 all in favor of Ugas.  With the win, Ugas becomes the WBC Latin Junior Interim Champion.

(10-round Welterweight bout) - Puerto Rican standout, Thomas Dulorme (19-1, 14 KOs) marched forward in his career with an eighth round TKO over Frankie Figueroa (20-5-1, 15 KOs).  Dulorme came out strong throwing hard body shots and hooks.  A right hand to the head dropped Figueroa in round three.  Figueroa rebounded quickly, but wasn't thrown many punches as he was in retreat mode.  Figueroa's punches didn't seem to have any effect on Dulorme as he continued to stalk Figueroa throughout the bout.  Figueroa hit the canvas again in round five, but Dulorme was deducted a point for hitting below the waist.  Dulorme continued to apply pressure and eventually stopped Figueroa with a barrage of punches in round eight.  The referee halted the bout at the 47 mark of round 8. 

(10-round Lightweight bout) - Peruvian born Jonathan Maicelo (20-1, 12 KOs) started off slow, but came on strong to score a tenth round knockout over an elusiveJose Alejandro Rodriguez (19-12, 11 KOs).  Both fighters were doing their best to land hard shots, but had limited success.  Maicelo was landing the cleaner blows throughout the fight.  It was twenty two seconds into round ten when Maicelo landed a powerful right hook to the head of Rodriguez in which he didn't get up.