Adams and Monroe Jr. win and earn spots in Boxcino Middleweight final

Verona, NY  (APRIL 21, 2014)--Brandon Adams and Willie Monroe Jr. each took home decision victories and punched their tickets to the finals of Boxcino 2014.   The finals will take place at the same venue as the semifinals, that being the Turning Stone Resort and Casino and is promoted by Banner Promotions and the semifinals were broadcast on ESPN 2.   The finals will take place on May 23 as will the lightweight finals that will featureFernando Carcamo and Petr Petrov.  Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds.   Adams scored an exciting 8-round split decision over Raymond Gatica while Monroe boxed his way to an 8-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Vitalii Kopylenko.   Adams and Gatica put on a good show that saw them stand toe to toe all over the ring.  Adams mixed it up being the aggressor and counter-punching effectively.   The action picked up in round three with some good exchanges.  Adams rocked Gatica with a solid right in the next frame.  Later in the round, Adams landed another right hand that buckled his opponent.  In round six, Gatica tried to make a stand by landing a combination on the ropes but that was short lived as Adams successfully fired off a pair of right hands to stop that flurry.  Adams boxed well down the stretch and even put a stamp on the fight by landing a hard right at the bell.   Right hand from Adams Adams, 161 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 78-74 twice and Gatica, 158 lbs of Austin, TX took a card 77-75. Adams is now 14-0.  Gatica is now 14-3.   "He is a tough guy," said Adams.  "This is the 1st southpaw I had fought.  It is a lot tougher, but I got the job done.  He taught me a lot in the ring and it was a fun fight."    Said Gatica, "I won the fight.  I was busier and I landed more punches."   Monroe darted in and out and boxed at a comfortable range.  He was quick with his right hooks and quick left hands.  Kopylenko looked and remained dangerous throughout the fight and landed a big right hand in round five that sent the mouthpiece of Monroe flying.  That was Kopylenko's high point of the contest as Monroe got back to effective boxing and won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74."   Monroe Jr. lands a jab     Monroe Jr, is now 17-1.  Kopylenko is now 23-1.   "It was hard but fair," said Monroe.  "I gave him his 1st loss.  He was coming but we fought at my range and set up feints and landed good shots."   Adams commented on the final by saying, "We are going to dance.  This is very exciting.  He is a flashy southpaw.  I am going to train for a slick southpaw.  He put on a good show tonight.  Nate Heaven remained undefeated by scoring an explosive 1st round stoppage over Donovan Dennis in a scheduled 8-round Heavyweight bout. Both guys landed heavy shots until Heaven landed a crushing right to the jaw that sent Dennis down. Dennis got to his feet but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 3:00of round one. "I give all hail to god,"said Heaven. "The right hand is my weapon. I saw him on youtube and saw that he gained weight and got slower. My coach said to relax and I would get him." Heaven, 233 lbs of Ocala, FL is now 9-0-1 with 7 knockouts. Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, IA is now 11-2. Marcus Hall scored a 4-round unanimous decision over Raphael Luna in a Jr. Middleweight bout. Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Hall, 153 lbs of Rochester, NY and is now 7-6. Luna, 152.5 lbs of Albany, NY is now 3-8-3. Simeon Hardy destroyed Rahman Yusubov inside of a round of their scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout. Hardy scored three knockdowns with the 1st and 3rd coming from devastating left hooks at 2:36 of round one.  Simeon Hardy Hardy, 155 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Yusubov, 155 lbs of Dallas is now 9-15.  Cecil McCalla remained perfect by scoring a 6-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez in a Welterweight bout. McCalla hurt Fernandes in the 4th and cruised home to the victory by scores of 60-54 on all cards.  McCalla, 149 lbs of Randallstown, MD is now 18-0. Fernades, 150 lbs of Brockton, MA is now 4-17-2.   PHOTO CREDIT/SHANE SIMS-BANNER PROMOTIONS

Raymond Gatica looking for ticket to finals with win over Brandon Adams

Philadelphia, PA (APRIL 8, 2014)--One of the great great things about the concept of the Boxcino 2014 tournament is that it gives opportunity to fighters who just need a stage to showcase their talents.   Some of have flown under the radar, others have been victims of bad decisions.  Both of those factors were evident early in the career of Raymond Gatica.  But since entering the Boxcino tournament, Gatica has been given the opportunity that many boxers desire.     On February 28, he scored an impressive victory in stopping previously undefeated knockout artist Sena Agbeko in the fourth round of their quarterfinal matchup in Hammond, Indiana.   Gatica (14-2, 9 KOs's) of Austin, Texas will now fight another undefeated opponent in Brandon Adams (13-0, 9 KO's) of Los Angeles on April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.   Adams is coming off a stoppage over Daniel Edouard in his quarterfinal bout.   The winner of the Gatica / Adams fight will take on the winner of the Vitalli Kopylenko (23-0, 13 KO's) / Willie Monroe Jr. (16-1, 6 KO's) semifinal battle that will take place on the same card.   The fights will be broadcast live on ESPN2, ESPNDeportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET.   Gatica knows he will have to improve to reach the finals.   "I felt I was a little sloppy but it came down to who would throw the harder punches," said Gatica.   "My training for this fight is going well  and I am getting in shape.  I will be in better condition and we are working on my technique."   Gatica is excited about the opportunity in fighting Adams.   "Brandon is a good fight for me.  He is worthy with good skills.  He is strong and in good shape.  I am glad to be fighting him."   Gatica believes that this fight pits two of the better fighters in the tournament.   "It could be us in the finals but that's the way tournament shook out.  I see myself winning the whole thing, but I am taking this one fight at a time."   Gatica has received a lot of support from the boxing fans around the world who watched his first bout in Boxcino.   "People are glad that I am in Boxcino.  It is exciting and I believe I will be in the final.  They have liked my fights and have got great feedback on the concept of Boxcino.  It gets people to fight and not be protected," finished Gatica.

Adams, Gatica, Kopylenko, & Monroe Jr. advance in Boxcino

HAMMOND, IND (March 3, 2014)--Middleweights Brandon Adams, Raymond Gatica and Vitalii Kopylenko scored  stoppages while while Willie Monroe Jr. scored a 6 round unanimous decision as all four advanced to the semi-finals of Boxcino 2014 that highlighted a great night of boxing at the Hammond Horseshoe Casino.   Monroe Jr. scored a 6 round unanimous decision over Donatas Bondas. Bondas pressed forward while Monroe tried to box and move.  Bondas 'oft injured nose started to bleed as early as the 1st frame.  In round three, Bondas began to up his pressure and Monroe was trying to move lateral while throwing jabs.  Monroe Jr. stayed in the pocket a little more in the 4th round and he began working the body.  His agression continued throughout the last half of the bout and Bondad had no answer for it.  Monroe was more versatile and won by scores of  59-55 twice and 58-56  twice and 58-56. Monroe, 160 lbs of Rochester, NY. is now 16-1.  Bondas, 160.2 lbs of Chicago, IL. is now 18-5-1.   Vitalii Kopylenko scored two knockdowns in just over three minutes and registered a 2nd round stopapge over Cerreeso Fort.round  Kopylenko buckled Fort with an over hand right in round one.  After the opening frame, Fort was already bleeding from his mouth. Seconds into the 2nd round, Kopylenko dropped Fort from a hard left hook.  Fort was clearly hurt and was dropped again from a series of punches.  The bout was stopped at 43 seconds of round two. "Fort was heavy handed and I was patient,"said Kopylenko. "I did not try to knock him out, it just came." Kopylenko, 160 lbs of Kiev, Ukraine is now 23-0 with 13 knockouts. Said Fort, "I got hit with a shot in the 1st round and was hurt.  I tied to bounce back but he hurt me again." Fort, 160.2 lbs of St. Paul, MN is now 17-3-1. Raymond Gatica scored a emphatic 4th round stoppage over previously undefeated knockout  artist Sena Agbeko. The two came out firing with Gatica getting the better of the exchanges.  Gatica was more efficient with his punches while Agbeko came in with wide-winging shots.  In round three,  Gatica landed several shots that snapped the head of Agebko back.  It looked like the referee  was close to stopping the bout but Agbeko did enough return punching to warrant his continuation.  He did mot last much longer as Gatica was all over Agbeko and continued to rock his head with power shots and the fight as stopped at 1:06 of round 4. "You always have to be ready," said Gatica.  "I knew in the 1st round I had the fight." Brandon Adams scored a stoppage after round four when Daniel Edouard did not come out for the 5th round. Adams found a home in the second round as he landed hard body shots with both hands. Adams continued to score and stay out of harms way.  In round four, Adams deposited  Edouard   on the canvas with a perfect left hook.  Edouard got to his feet and ate a few more punches on the ropes.  , After the 4th round, Edoaurd had enough and pulled the plug on the contest. "I had a long layoff and my timing wasn't right.  I am a professional and there was no reason to take anymore punishment,"said Edouard "Getting hit with that left hook discouraged me." Said Adams, "I hit him with a good left hook.  He was tough and I am happy with my performance.  I know I can do better." Adams, 160. Lbs of San Diego, CA is now 13-0 with 9 stoppages.  Edouard, 160 lbs of West Palm Beach, FL is 23-5-2 Gatica will face Adams while Kopylenko will take on Monroe Jr. on April 18th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY. Boxcino will continue on March 28th at the 4 Bears Casino in New Town, North Dakota with the lightweight semi-finals that will put Chris Rudd taking on Petr Petrov while Miguel Gonzalez fights Fernando Carcamo in bouts scheduled for 8 rounds. In the opening bout, Banner Promotions Donovan Dennis scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Sam Commings in a scheduled 6 round heavyweight bout. Dennis landed a straight left that made Commings fall back and hit his head with a loud thud against the canvas and the bout was immediately stopped at 1:34 of round one. Dennis, 226 lbs of Davenport, Iowa is now 9-1 with 7 knockouts.  Commings, 264 lbs of West Palm Beach, FL.  is now 4-8. Simeon Hardy was successful in his Banner Promotions debut as he stopped Chad Greenleaf in round five of their scheduled six round middleweight bout. Hardy dominated the action and dropped Greenleaf twice in round five.  The foirst from a hard overhand right and the finisher was from a right that was followed by a booming left hook that knocked Greenleaf out for several moments and the bout was stopped at 2:50 of round five.   Hardy, 157.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 11-0 with 9 knockouts.  Greenleaf, 158.8 of Parkersburg, WV  is 13-20-1. Sergio Montes De Oca and Fidel Navarette battled to a spirited six round draw in a featherweight bout. Montes De Oca, 124 lbs of Chicago took a card 58-56 while two judges ruled the fight even at 57-57. De Oca is now 7-2-2.  Navarette, 127 lbs of Highland, IN is now 4-0-2. Mike Jimenez needed just 56 seconds to take care of Jimmy Campbell in their scheduled six round Light Heavyweight bout. Jimenez scored a knockdown from an uppercut and a follow up flurry ended the bout. Jimenez, 175 lbs of Chicago is now 13-0 with 10 knockouts.  Campbell, 173 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is now 11-7. Russell Fiore scored a 4 round unanimous decision over Tim Carrizales in a lightweight bout. Fiore dropped Carrizales twice in the final frame and cruised home with a victory by the scores of 40-34 on all cards. Fiore, 134.8 lbs of Chicago is 11-2-1.  Carrizales, 134.4 lbs of Waukesha, WI is now 4-9-1.

From Hammond, Indiana to San Antonio; Busy weekend for Banner Promotions

For Immediate Release Hammond, Ind. / San Antonio, TX (February 28, 2014)--This Weekend, Banner Promotions will be front and center in the boxing spotlight as the company will promote two major shows. First, Friday night in Hammond, Indiana it will be Boxcino 2014;  the middleweight quarter-finals that will be televised around the county on ESPN 2 as part of ESPNFriday Night Fights.   The fights will originate from the Horseshoe Hammond Casino at 9 pm Eastern.   The very next night, the scene will shift to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas where Banner's Bryan Vera meets Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a much anticipated super middleweight rematch that will be televised live on HBO Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 ET/PT. "This is a very busy weekend for us,"said Banner Promotions CEO Arthur Pelullo. "But as busy as it will be, we expect terrific action in the ring.  The middleweight fightson Friday night will be great contests.  The lightweights set the bar very high last week in Laughlin to kick off the Boxcino tournament, but we know the middleweights will put on a show that will be just as if not more exciting.  We also have two of our young prospects on the undercard.  We are looking forward to see our heavyweight Donovan Dennis and one of our newest signings in undefeated jr. middleweight Simeon Hardy in action as they continue to develop." Friday's show is co-promoted by Banner Promotions, Hitz Boxing and Round 3.  24 hours later, the action will continue south to the Lone Star State. "We saw what Bryan did in the 1st fight.  The media all saw him win that fight.Saturday he will be even better.  He knows what weight the fight will be at and he is completely focused in winning decisively.  Bryan knows he can beat Chavez and on Saturday night, he will go out there and do it again." Vera - Chavez is promoted by Top Rank, Banner Promotions, Foreman Boys Boxing and Zanfer. Banner Promotions Lineup: Friday, February 28, Hammond, Horseshoe Casino, Hammond, Indiana Boxcino 2014 ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes+, WatchESPN Daniel Edouard (23-4-2, 12 KO's) vs Brandon Adams (12-0, 8 KO's) Sena Agbeko (15-0, 15 KO's) vs Raymond Gatica (13-2, 7 KO's) Vitalii Kopylenko (22-0, 12 KO's) vs Cerresso Fort (17-2-1, 11 KO's) Willie Monroe Jr. (15-1, 6 KO's) vs Donatas Bondas (18-4-1, 6 KO's) 6 Rounds-Heavyweights Donovan Dennis (8-1, 6 KO's) vs Sam Commings (4-7, 3 KO's) 6 Rounds-Jr. Middleweights--Simeon Hardy (10-0, 8 KO's) vs Chad Greenleaf (13-19-1, 6 KO's Saturday, March 1, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas HBO 12 Rounds-Super Middleweights--Bryan Vera (23-7, 14 KO's) vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (47-1, 32 KO's)

Meet Boxcino 2014 Middleweights

For Immediate Release Hammond, Indiana (February 27, 2014)--Below are video interviews of the fighters who will be participating this Friday night as part of the Boxcino 2014 middleweight tournament at the Horseshoe Hammond Casino. Media outlets may any or all of the videos by copy/paste the embedded link on their websites. (Note-Vitalii Kopylenko interview will be sent out today) Brandon Adams    Willie Monore Jr. Cerresso Fort Raymond Gatica Sena Agbeko Donatas Bondorovas  Daniel Edouard

FULL CARD ANNOUNCED FOR NOV. 11 INSTALLMENT OF GOLDEN BOY LIVE! AT COWBOYS DANCEHALL IN SAN ANTONIO ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES

11 ACTION-PACKED BOUTS ARE SET, HEADLINED BY JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS FIDEL MALDONADO JR. AND LUIS RAMOS JR. SAN ANTONIO (Nov. 7) - Boxing fans in San Antonio will be in for a full night of exciting matchups on Monday, Nov. 11, as Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions present a full 11-bout card for the Golden Boy Live! event at Cowboys Dancehall.  In the 10-round main event, which will be televised on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, it's a meeting of junior welterweight southpaws when Fidel "The Atrisco Kid" Maldonado Jr. (15-2, 12 KO's) and Luis Ramos Jr. (23-1, 10 KO's)face off in a pivotal junior welterweight showdown. Plus, former middleweight world title challenger Fernando Guerrero (25-2, 19 KO's) goes up against Austin's Raymond Gatica (13-1, 8 KO's) in the 10-round co-main event and unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha (11-2, 5 KO's) steps into the ring for an eight-round middleweight bout against Delicias, Mexico's Andres Calixto (12-4, 9 KO's). Heading up the non-televised portion of undercard will be popular San Antonio featherweight Joseph "The Mongoose" Rodriguez (4-0, 2 KO's) who will put his unbeaten record on the line against local veteran Julio Valadez (4-23-1). Also representing San Antonio will be welterweight Jairo Castaneda (3-0, 1 KO) as he takes on Dallas' James Burns (1-2, 1 KO). Both bouts are scheduled for four rounds. In a six-round featherweight matchup, exciting Houston prospect Miguel Flores (12-0, 7 KO's) will meet an opponent to be named, while promising Austin lightweight Travell Mazion (5-0, 5 KO's), who is trained by women's boxing great Ann Wolfe, will attempt to keep his knockout streak going in a four-round bout against Kalamazoo, Michigan's Gregory Coverson (3-7-2, 2 KO's). One of the most intriguing fights on the Nov. 11 card will match San Antonio's Benjamin Whitaker (5-0, 2 KO's) and Houston's Felipe Reyes (5-0, 3 KO's) in a four-round clash of welterweight unbeatens. Opening the event will be a trio of four-round bouts, with super middleweight newcomers Enrique Neira Jr. of San Angelo and Kevin Conrad of San Marcos making their professional debuts, hard-hitting San Antonio welterweight Armando Cardenas (3-0, 3 KO's) takes on Austin, Texas's Warren Stewart (0-3) and debuting San Antonio native Mario Barrios faces Arlington's Rigoberto Moreno (0-1). Maldonado Jr. vs. Ramos Jr. is a 10-round junior welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Cowboys Dancehall doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT and the first fight starts at 6:00 p.m. CT. In the co-main event, Fernando Guerrero squares off against Raymond Gatica in a 10-round middleweight bout.  The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $100, $65, $30 and $20, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges are available for purchase now by phone by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter at@GoldenBoyBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, @atriscokid, @FernandoDomini, @TerrellGausha and@cowboysdancehall, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com and become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXSports, www.twitter.com/FOXSports1and www.twitter.com/FOXsportspr.

FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER FERNANDO GUERRERO TO FACE RAYMOND GATICA AS THE CO-MAIN EVENT ONMONDAY, NOV. 11 AT COWBOYS DANCEHALL IN GOLDEN BOY LIVE! RETURN TO SAN ANTONIO LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES

PLUS! 2012 U.S. OLYMPIAN TERRELL GAUSHA TO BE FEATURED SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 28) - One of boxing's most popular action fighters, former middleweight world title challenger Fernando Guerrero will look to thrill boxing fans on Monday, Nov. 11 when he squares off against Austin's Raymond Gatica in the 10-round co-main event of FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes' Golden Boy Live! (10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT) at Cowboys Dancehall in San Antonio, Texas. "I'm excited to return to the ring and get back in the title picture," said Guerrero.  "The Texas fans were great to me when I fought there against JC Candelo last year and I promise to give them another show to remember on November 11." "Fernando Guerrero is a big name in the division and I have a lot of respect for him," said Gatica.  "But, I have every intention of beating him in front of my fellow Texans and making a big statement." In the 10-round main event, it's a meeting of junior welterweight southpaws when Fidel "The Atrisco Kid" Maldonado Jr. and Luis Ramos Jr. meet in the ring. "Fernando Guerrero is one of my favorite fighters to watch and he brings it every time," said Mike Battah, President of Battah*Leija Promotions.  "He had a great performance in Texas against JC Candelo and the San Antonio fans wanted him again, so we got him.  He's in for a tough test in Raymond Gatica and I think we're going to be in for a great fight on November 11." Also added to the televised portion of the card is an eight-round middleweight bout featuring unbeaten 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha against an opponent to be determined. Twenty-seven year-old southpaw Fernando Guerrero (25-2, 19 KO's) has always been a must-see for boxing fans and he doesn't disappoint.  A native of the Dominican Republic who later became synonymous with his adopted hometown of Salisbury, Maryland, Guerrero parlayed a four-fight winning streak from 2011-2012 into a world title shot against current WBO Middleweight Champion Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin in April of 2013.  Guerrero fell short of victory that night, but he's eager to get back in the title race beginning with his Nov. 11 bout against Gatica. Austin's Raymond Gatica (13-1, 8 KO's) is a former Texas State Welterweight Champion who is unbeaten in two fights since moving to the middleweight division in 2013 where the 29-year-old upset Raul Casarez in April.  In his most recent bout on June 28, he stopped Juan Reyna in four rounds, making it clear that he's ready for his FOX national television debut against Guerrero. Since emerging from the London Olympics, Team USA member Terrell Gausha (11-2, 6 KO's) has proven to be one of the most promising members of the Class of 2012, showing off speed, savvy and power as he's scored six post-Olympic wins, four by knockout.  Fresh from a recent first-round technical knockout over Bruce Runkle in September, the 26-year-old from Cleveland will attempt to keep the momentum going in Texas. Maldonado Jr. vs. Ramos Jr. is a 10-round junior welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and sponsored by Corona and O'Reilly Auto Parts. Cowboys Dancehall doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT and the first fight starts at 6:30 p.m. CT.  In the co-main event, Fernando Guerrero squares off against Raymond Gatica in a 10-round middleweight bout.  The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $100, $65, $30 and $20, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges are available for purchase now by phone by calling Leija*Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR, www.twitter.com/atriscokid, @FernandoDomini,@TerrellGausha and @cowboysdancehall, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and www.facebook.com/LeijaBattah. Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 visit www.FOXSports.com and become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FOXSports, www.twitter.com/FOXSports1 andwww.twitter.com/FOXsportspr.