JOSE PEDRAZA: "I'm ready to fight Rances Barthelemy and bring home the title"

PUERTO RICO (November 20, 2014) - After his dominating performance against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs), Puerto Rican star and IBO super-featherweight champion, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs), is elated that he's become the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs).

"I'm very excited about my future and I'm very thankful to my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for getting me the fights I needed to become the mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF title." said Pedraza. "I've been getting a lot of support from my people here in Puerto Rico and it feels great to be loved by them.  I've already started training as I'm eager to get back in the ring.  I'm ready to fight Rances Barthelemy and bring home the IBF title."

Promoter Gary Shaw was amazed on how well Pedraza picked apart Farenas in their bout.  He feels Pedraza soared from a fighter on the rise to one of the best fighters in the 130lbs division. 

"Pedraza was absolutely outstanding in his fight with Farenas," said Gary Shaw. "He looked fantastic.  He has the rare ability to make adjustments in the ring against any style.  He proved he can hang with the big boys.  Farenas is a big puncher and Pedraza negated everything he brought to the table.  Pedraza graduated from top prospect, to world title contender in one terrific performance.  I believe he is the top 130 pounder in the world, and come early 2015 will prove it when he fights for the world title."

Pedraza is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions.

Jose Pedraza Wins IBF Elimination Bout against Michael Farenas

PUERTO RICO (November 14, 2014) - Tonight at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions' undefeated IBO super featherweight champion, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs) dazzled his hometown fans winning an astounding 12-round unanimous decision against top Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs).  With the win, Pedraza moves into the mandatory position to fight IBF world champion, Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs) as this fight was an IBF elimination bout. 

Pedraza got into a grove in the early rounds and mounted a sustainable lead as he used his superior boxing skills to pick apart Farenas who was coming forward.  As the fight entered the middle rounds, Pedraza continued to box and use lateral movement to win rounds.  Farenas had his moments as he landed a few big power shots, but nothing that would prevent Pedraza from executing his game plan. In the championship rounds Farenas came on strong, but it was too late as Pedraza ended strong to keep his lead intact.  Scorecards read 117-111, 118-110 and 116-112, all in favor for Pedraza.

"This was a great win for the people of Puerto Rico and I'm very happy with my performance," said Jose Pedraza. "I knew if I stuck to my game plan which was to box and punch off angles I would be victorious.  I want to thank my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for all their support.  I'm ready to challenge Rances Barthelemy for the world title.  I know I can bring home another championship to my countrymen in Puerto Rico."

"Pedraza boxed beautifully tonight and proved he's one of the best super-featherweights in the world," said Gary Shaw.  "There is no doubt in my mind he has what it takes to unify all the world titles at 130lbs.  He's now the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy.  DiBella, Bustillo and I will start working on the matchup right away.  I think it's a fantastic fight for the fans." 

 

Welterweight Prospect 'Speedy' Rashidi Ellis Added to Pedraza-Farenas card this Friday in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Former amateur star, 'Speedy' Rashidi Ellis ( 12-0, 9 KO's ) from Lynn, Massachusetts will return to the ring this Friday, November 14th at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where in the ,main event, Puerto Rican sensation, Jose 'Sniper' Pedraza will face Philippine contender, Michael Farenas in a IBF elimination bout.

Ellis opponent will be Joseph De los Santos ( 18-13-9 KO's ) from Dominican Republic in a scheduled six round bout at the welterweight division.
  
"Joseph (De los Santos) has faced great fighters such as Glen Tapia, J 'Leon Love, Eddie Gomez and many others. In fact, in that Gomez fight, the result was controversial because the fans, and many boxing analysts saw Joseph winning convincingly, but now is Rashidi's time. His ring IQ it's unbelievable, we expect a huge victory", stated Rashidi's manager, Edwin Diaz, President of Troya Boxing.

"I'm very well prepared for my toughest test. My opponent is very experienced, loves to brawl, and that's what I was looking for. I just hope he comes ready to fight, in great shape because I'm ready to deliver a great show to the great Puerto Rican fans", commented Rashidi Ellis, who trains in Bayamón, Puerto Rico under the tutelage of longtime trainer, Alex Rivera.

Ellis, who at one point of his boxing amateur career was ranked number one at the Welterweight division (152 pounds) in the United States, ended up with a record of 60-11, which included:

-2012 National PAL (Police Athletic League) Champion

-Three time New England Golden Gloves Champion 

-Rocky Marciano Amateur Boxing Tournament Champion 

-Silver Medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic


Ellis comes from a family of boxers. His older brother, Ronald "Akeem" is an undefeated super middleweight prospect. His sister, Rashidia, is a 2012 PAL champion, and a favorite win a medal for the U.S. Women`s Boxing Team in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

JOSE PEDRAZA ENTERS FINAL DAYS OF TRAINING CAMP Photos By Jonathan Gaudier Universal Promotions PUERTO RICO (November 5, 2014) - Top rated super-featherweight contender, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (18-0, 12 KOs) is wrapping up his final days of training camp as he prepares for his upcoming IBF elimination bout against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-4-4, 31 KOs). Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions', Pedraza will face Farenas at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 14, 2014. The 12-round bout will be televised on DirecTV in Puerto Rico only. Check your local listing for more details. "I'm ready to show the world that I'm ready to take on all comers and on November 14 I will showcase my skills and qualities in the ring," said Pedraza. "The training is done and now it's time to focus on making weight. Farenas represents exactly what we wanted. He is a strong, world-class opponent. I will use every weapon in my arsenal to come out on top. I will give all Puerto Rico a great victory." Promoter Gary Shaw feels Pedraza is on the verge of super stardom as he states, "I believe Jose Pedraza is the best 130 pounder in boxing. He has all the ability to fight against any style. He's very popular in his native land of Puerto Rico and I feel he's on the threshold of some really big fights. Farenas is a big step up but I know Pedraza will be ready for the challenge."

JOSE PEDRAZA 

ENTERS FINAL DAYS OF TRAINING CAMP

Photos By Jonathan Gaudier Universal Promotions

PUERTO RICO (November 5, 2014) - Top rated super-featherweight contender, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza  (18-0, 12 KOs) is wrapping up his final days of training camp as he prepares for his upcoming IBF elimination bout against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-4-4, 31 KOs).

Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions', Pedraza will face Farenas at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 14, 2014.  The 12-round bout will be televised on DirecTV in Puerto Rico only. Check your local listing for more details.

"I'm ready to show the world that I'm ready to take on all comers and on November 14 I will showcase my skills and qualities in the ring," said Pedraza. "The training is done and now it's time to focus on making weight.  Farenas represents exactly what we wanted. He is a strong, world-class opponent.  I will use every weapon in my arsenal to come out on top.  I will give all Puerto Rico a great victory."

Promoter Gary Shaw feels Pedraza is on the verge of super stardom as he states, "I believe Jose Pedraza is the best 130 pounder in boxing.  He has all the ability to fight against any style.  He's very popular in his native land of Puerto Rico and I feel he's on the threshold of some really big fights.  Farenas is a big step up but I know Pedraza will be ready for the challenge."

PEDRAZA VS. FARENAS IBF ELIMINATION BOUT FINALIZED FOR NOVEMBER 14, 2014 IN PUERTO RICO

PUERTO RICO (October 9, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions' undefeated IBO super featherweight champion and Puerto Rican sensation Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (18-0, 12 KOs) and Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-4-4, 31 KOs) have finalized their IBF elimination bout scheduled for November 14, 2014, at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The 12-round bout will be televised on DirecTV in Puerto Rico only. Check your local listing for more details. 

Currently ranked WBA #4, WBC #5 and IBF #6, Pedraza will put everything on the line against Farenas, who is currently rated IBF #2, for a chance to fight the current IBF world champion Rances  Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs).

Pedraza, who has knocked out five of his last seven opponents, is excited about the opportunity to showcase his talents at home in Puerto Rico where all of his fans will be able to see him fight live.

"I've worked very hard to get into this position and I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity," said Pedraza. "I want to thank Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for bringing this fight to Puerto Rico. I love my people and I can't wait to give them a great show. Farenas is a very powerful puncher, but I feel my boxing skills will prevail and I'll be victorious."

Riding a five-fight knockout streak, Farenas possesses immense power in both hands. With the advantage in experience, Farenas feels that he has the knowledge to figure out Pedraza, who is a slick boxer-puncher.

"Pedraza brings a great skill set to the ring, but I have twice as many fights as him and my experience will benefit me in this fight," said Farenas. "I have more knockouts than he has wins, so I feel very confident going into this bout. Fighting in Puerto Rico will be something new for me, but I look forward to the challenge of beating Pedraza in front of his countrymen."

"Pedraza vs. Farenas is a great fight for the fans," said Gary Shaw. "Javier Bustillo, Lou DiBella and I have groomed Pedraza for this moment. We both feel that he's the next great champion to come out of Puerto Rico. Farenas is a very dangerous fighter because he can end the fight with one punch. With that being said, Pedraza must utilize his superior boxing skills to counter the punching power of Farenas. This is a great matchup, one that I believe Pedraza will win though."

"When it comes to pure skill and ring intelligence, Pedraza is right there with the best of them," Lou DiBella stated. "Both fighters are on a roll having knocked out many of their recent opponents. This is the type of fight that boxing fans look forward to. I'm confident in Pedraza's ability to outbox Farenas and secure a victory in front of his countrymen."

"When you think of great fighters that have come from Puerto Rico, Pedraza is someone that has the talent to follow in their footsteps," said Javier Bustillo. "On November 14th, the people of Puerto Rico will get the opportunity to see Pedraza fight live against a very perilous opponent in Farenas. This is what boxing is all about...great fights!"

Farenas stops Davis in 8th Dib & Martin win decisions

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

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release 50 CENT'S BIRTHDAY BASH RESULTS FROM FOXWOODS (L-R) - Michael Farenas nails Mark Davis Photo gallery below (Credit all pictures: Emily Harney)  MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (July 3, 2014) - Filipino knockout artist Michael "Hammer Fist" Farenas (39-4-4, 31 KOs) stopped previously unbeaten Mark "Too Sharp" Davis (18-1, 5 KOs) in eighth round of last night's main event on a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights. The second annual "50 Cent's Birthday Bash," presented by SMS Promotions and sponsored in part by Uber, was held in Fox Tower at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. Farenas overpowered Davis, cutting the Cleveland fighter over the right eye in the opening round, and pounded him throughout the fight until referee Steve Smoger wisely halted the action at 59-seconds of the eighth round. The slugging southpaw from the Philippines impressively won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title eliminator for the No. 2 spot in the IBF rankings, positioning himself as the mandatory challenger for the winner of next week's IBF junior lightweight title fight between defending champion Argenis Mendez and No. 1 contender Rances Barthelemy. Farenas and Davis went into the fight rated No. 4 and No. 11, respectively, by the IBF. Former world featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (37-3, 21 KOs) overcame a cut over his right eye, resulting from an unintentional head butt in the opening round, to win a unanimous 10-round decision over former world title challenger Alberto "Kichis" Garza(26-8-1, 21 KOs) in the co-feature. Fighting for the first time as a junior lightweight, Dib made the most of a long trip from his native Australia in hopes of earning another world title shot in a higher weight class. Dib is presently rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO). In the other ESPN fight, 12-time national amateur champion Ryan "Blue Chip" Martin (7-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Cleveland, continued his winning ways by pitching a complete shutout against Mathew "Champ" Baca (4-2-1, 2 KOs) en route to a four-round decision. In undercard action, junior middleweight Jimmy Williams improved to 7-0-1 (3 KOs) with a six-round decision over Stephen Owusu (8-7, 4 KOs), undefeated Shelly "Shelito's Way" Vincent (12-0, 1 KO) took a six-round majority decision versus junior featherweight Nydia "Da Phenomenal" Feliciano (7-6-3, 0 KOs), welterweight Nick DeLomba (4-0, 0 KOs) won a six-round majority decision against Edwin Soto (9-2-2, 4 KOs), Bronx junior welterweight Luis "Cruise Control" Cruz (8-0, 4 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with a six-round decision over Ryan Picou (1-3), and super middleweight prospect Junior "Sugar Boy" Younan (5-0, 4 KOs) was went the distance for the first time as a professional against Azamat Umarzoda (0-4-1). COMPLETE RESULTS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS Junior Younan (5-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, New York WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Azamat Umarzoda (0-4-1), Las Vegas, Nevada JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS Jimmy Williams (7-0-1, 3 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut WDEC6 (60-53, 59-54, 57-56) Stephan Owusu (8-7, 4 KOs), Bronx, New York WELTERWEIGHTS Nick DeLomba (4-0, 0 KOs), Cranston, Rhode Island WDEC6 (59-56, 59-55, 57-57) Edwin Soto (9-2-2, 4 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS Luis Cruz (8-0, 4 KOs), Bronx, New York WDEC6 (59-52, 59-52, 58-56) Ryan Picou (1-3, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada LIGHTWEIGHTS Ryan Martin (7-0, 3 KOs), Cleveland, Ohio WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Matthew Baca (4-2-1, 2 KOs), Albuquerque, New Mexico JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS Michael Farenas (39-4-4, 31 KOs), Paranaque City, Philippines WTKO8 (0:59) Mark Davis (18-1. 5 KOs)), Cleveland, Ohio (Farenas won IBF title eliminator and No. 2 rating) Billy Dib (37-3, 21 KOs), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia WDEC10 (98-91, 96-93, 96-93) Alberto Garza (26-8-1, 21 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico FEMALE SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS Shelly Vincent (12-0, 1 KO), Providence, Rhode Island WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 57-57) Nydia Feliciano (7-6-3, 0 KOs), Bronx, New York L-R: Mark Davis and Michael Farenas L-R: Mark Davis and Michael Farenas Team Dib   L-R: Billy Dib and Alberto Garza    L-R: Matthew Baca and Ryan Martin    L-R: Matthew Baca and Ryan Martin

Weights from Foxwoods 2nd annual '50 Cent Birthday Bash'

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

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Mark Davis vs. Michael Farenas headlines ESPN FNF Special Edition Wed., July 2 OFFICIAL WEIGHTS (all pictures by Emily Harney) WHAT:            "50 Cent's Birthday Bash" WHEN:            Wednesday, July 2, 2014 WHERE:          Grand Theater at Fox Tower, Foxwoods Resorts Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut WHO:               MAIN EVENT - IBF WORLD JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR (12) - ESPN MARK "Too Sharp" DAVIS(18-0), Cleveland, Ohio  130 LBS.  vs.                    MICHAEL "Hammer Fist" FARENAS (38-4-4, 30 KOs), Paranaque City, Philippines 130 LBS.    (L-R): Michael Farenas-Mark Davis  CO-FEATURE - JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS (10) - ESPN BILLY "The Kid" DIB (36-3, 21 KOs), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia  131 LBS.                                 vs. ALBERTO "Kichis" GARZA(26-7-1, 21 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico  131 LBS.    (L-R): Algerto Garza-Billy Dib              LIGHTWEIGHTS (4) - ESPN RYAN "Blue-Chip" MARTIN (6-0, 3 KOs), Cleveland, OH  135 LBS.  vs.                                            MATTHEW "Champ" BACA (4-1-1, 2 KOs), Albuquerque, New Mexico  135 LBS.     (L-R): Matthew Baca-Ryan Martin JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6) JIMMY WILLIAMS (6-0-1, 3 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut   150 LBS.  vs. STEPHAN OWUSU(8-6, 4 KOs), Bronx, New York   149 LBS.  FEMALE JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS (6) SHELLY "Shelito's Way" VINCENT (11-0, 1 KO), Providence, Rhode Island  123 LBS.  vs.                                            NYDIA "Da Phenomenal" FELICIANO (7-5-3, 0 KOs), Bronx, New York  123 LBS.  WELTERWEIGHTS (6) NICK DE LOMBA (3-0, 0 KOs), Cranston, Rhode Island   144 LBS.  vs. EDWIN SOTO (9-1-2, 4 KOs), New Haven, Connecticut by way of Puerto Rico   145 LBS. JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (6) LUIS CRUZ (7-0, 4 KOs), Bronx, New York  139 LBS. vs. RYAN PICOU (1-2, 0 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4) JUNIOR Sugar Boy" YOUNAN (4-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, New York  168 LBS. vs. AZAMAT UMARZODA (0-3-1), Las Vegas, Nevada  169 LBS.  PROMOTER:   SMS Promotions TELEVISION:  Special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fights TICKETS:        $100.00, $75.00 and $45.00 on sale online at www.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office. . AFTER PARTY:   Doors to the after party will open at 10:00 p.m. ET. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.foxwoods.com, calling Foxwoods' box office at (800) 200-2882, or in person at Foxwoods' box office. DOORS OPEN: 6 p.m. ET          FIRST BOUT: 7 p.m. ET           ESPN2 BROADCAST: 9-11 p.m. ET UBER PROMOTION: Uber will provide new Uber users a free ride (up to $20) to fight attendees on behalf of SMS Promotions. See full details below. Enjoy Your First Free Ride With Uber How does it work? Using Uber's free iPhone/Android/Blackberry 7 app, you can request a pickup and a car driven by a professional driver will show up in minutes. Your credit card is billed directly for your trip and there's no need to tip, so you won't need to carry cash. You can even see the car coming towards you on a map! Follow these simple steps to get $20 off your ride: 1. Download the free Uber iPhone/Android/Blackberry 7 app (or sign up at get.uber.com/go/SMSboxing) 2. Enter your information in the Uber app and promo code SMSboxing when you sign up. 3. Request a ride 5 - 15 minutes before you need one. $20 will be applied towards your first ride on uberX, UberBLACK, or UberSUV (excluding uberT, expires 07/04/15, US only) Uber is now available in over 130 cities worldwide including Providence, Boston, Connecticut and New York City Questions? Check out uber.com/nyc or email supportNY@uber.com.