Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Heavyweight Sensation Mago, Announces His Next Fight

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to congratulate his undefeated heavyweight powerhouse Magomed "Mago" Abdusalamov (17-0, 17 KOs) for his great victory over former Olympian Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs) at Resorts Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, last Friday. Fighting in the ESPN-televised co-main event, the unbreakable strength of Abdusalamov gradually overcame a spirited effort by the determined Bisbal. The TKO came at 1:12 of round five when Bisbal rose from a knockdown in no shape to continue. With the victory, Abdusalamov successfully defended his WBC-USNBC Heavyweight Championship for the second time. "Mago is too strong for anyone to handle," said Lewkowicz. "It is only a matter of time before he catches up to anyone we put in front of him. Victor Bisbal fought well for the first four rounds, but to keep Mago off of you, you have to burn too much energy and eventually you slow down and that's when his power will end the fight." Abdusalamov will next defend his title against Argentina's Sebastian Ceballos (33-7-2, 25 KOs) on April 27 at Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of the Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KOs) vs. Martin Murray (25-0-1, 11 KOs) WBC World Middleweight Championship undercard. Manager and father figure, Boris Grinberg, says Team Abdusalamov is looking forward to the trip. "We want the world to see the next heavyweight champion, so we're very thankful for the opportunity to go to South America for our next big victory." Promoted by Lou DiBella of DBE Entertainment, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing and Sergio Martinez of Maravilla Box, the blockbuster night of boxing on April 27 will also include several important championship fights, including Salta, Argentina's Luis Carlos Abregu (34-1, 28 KOs) vs. Montreal, Canada's Antonin Decarie (27-1, 8 KOs) for the WBC World Silver Welterweight Championship; Argentina's Claudia Lopez (22-6, 5 KOs) vs. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic's  Dahiana Santana (31-6, 14 Kos) for the IBF World Female Featherweight Title; Argentina's Damian Marchiano (18-9-1, 7 KOs) vs. Spain's Kiko Martinez (27-4, 19 KOs) for the WBA Latino Super Bantamweight Title; and Argentina's Diego Pichardo (8-3, 3 KOs) vs. Spain's Ivan Ruiz (8-1-1, 3 KOs) for the IBF Latino Jr. Bantamweight Title. "Mago is taking all challengers," continued Lewkowicz. "He was invited to come to Argentina and fight one of their heavyweight prospects, so that's what he'll do. He is fearless and willing to go anywhere and fight any time. That's why he'll be champion someday soon. He is exactly what the division needs: a power puncher willing to fight anyone."

Quotes from Sampson Boxing Media Conference at Resorts Hotel Casino

A media conference was held today to discuss this Friday, March 8 Friday Night Fights event at Resorts Casino Hotel and televised live on ESPN Friday Night Fights. Promoted by Sampson Boxing, the main event will pit the Dominican Republic's smooth-boxing Victor Cayo (31-3 22 KOs) against undefeated and upset-minded Emmanuel Taylor (16-1 11 KOs). In the co-featured 10-round heavyweight bout, Russian powerhouse Magomed Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs). Headlining the undercard will be two members of the Virgin Islands-based "Hawk Flock", the son and nephew of former world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, both of which are up-and-coming contender in the respective divisions. WBC Super Welterweight Youth World Champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs), will face Sinaloa, México's Francisco Alexis Pena (7-1, 5 KOs) and junior middleweight contender Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) will take on Virginia Beach's Ivan Ziglar (7-2-1, 4 KOs). Also scheduled to appear in separate bouts are local favorites such as Brooklyn lightweight Scott "Bang Bang" Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) facing Vineland, New Jersey's Edgardo Torres 2-1 (2 KOs) and Millville, New Jersey's undefeated Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna (10-0, 6 KOs) will go against Joshua Snyder of Berlin, Maryland, (9-8-1, 3 KOs). Sampson Lewkowicz It is my first time on this property and I love it. It is one of the best in Atlantic City for boxing. Thank you to all the staff here at Resorts and to Doug Loughrey and ESPN. Victor Cayo is an idol in his country and he's taking a big chance fighting Taylor, but the winner of this fight goes onto an eliminator to fight for the IBF #1 position. In the co-main, we have a very special fight. Mago is one of the best heavyweights in the world because he brings punches from all angles and nobody can see them coming. It shows what he is made of by taking on a Puerto Rican Olympian, who is beloved by his people. The winner of this fight will enter a WBC tournament of regional champions where the winner will win half a million dollars. On the undercard are my three boys from Virgin Islands, John and Julius Jackson, the sons of Julian Jackson and his nephew, undefeated Samuel Rogers. We couldn't find the right opponent for Julius this time, but I'm doing another show and he'll be fighting next week in Panama. Plus we have local kids like Scott Burrell and Thomas LaManna. It's a great show and there are some seats still available. Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel I can't tell you how excited we are to be hosting this event and it was put together in such a short amount of time. For all intents and purposes, Resorts is a new property, as we are spending $65 million in expansion this year. Make no mistake, we want to be in the fight game. We are going to do everything we can to bring big-time boxing to Resorts Atlantic City. Victor Cayo (31-3,  22 KOs) This is a great opportunity and I will give everything I have for the people of the Dominican Republic and all the Dominicans coming out to see me fight. I am inviting every Dominican to come watch my fight live and help cheer me onto victory. Emmanuel Taylor (16-0, 11 KOs) This is my first main event and I am coming with all the confidence in the world. I'm here to show all of you what a world-class boxer can do. Magomed Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) (In much-improved English) Thank you to ESPN, my promoter and all my training team for this opportunity. Boris Greenberg Victor Bisbal is a good fighter, but my guy Mago is the best of the best. Get ready for an incredible knockout. Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs) Thank you for this opportunity. I am here to make the most of it. Mago is ready and so am I and I want all my Puerto Rican people to come out and support me. Julius Jackson (14-0, 10 KOs) Unfortunately, I did not get to fight, but my brother and cousin will represent the family well. John Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs) Thank you for this opportunity. (joking) I am loving this cozy weather. I haven't been in the ring for a while and I'm looking for an explosive night. Samuel Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) It's going to be a good night. I trained very hard for this fight. I want all my people from Virgin Islands to come watch my fight and wave flags. Ivan Ziglar (7-2-1, 4 KOs) It's going to be a great show. I'm here to take this. (To opponent Samuel Rogers) You shouldn't have come here. You should not have come. The event will be televised live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights at 10 pm ET and can also be seen on ESPN Deportes and online at WatchESPN.com. It will also be available on smart phones and tablets via the WatchESPN app. The main event is presented in association with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Tickets start at $40 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Resorts Casino Hotel box office on fight night. The Resorts Casino Hotel is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout is at 7:00. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com or resortsac.com. About Resorts Casino Hotel    Resorts Casino Hotel is a full destination resort located on the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City featuring more than 900 hotel rooms, six restaurants, nightlife, spa, health club and more. This spring, Resorts will debut the iconic Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville bringing a Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O'Clock Somewhere Casino Bar, new themed gaming area, LandShark Bar & Grill - a year-round beach bar and more to Atlantic City. For more information follow us on Twitter, Facebook and visit our official Web site at www.resortsac.com.

Thomas LaManna Ready to Drop Jaws at Resorts Casino on March 8

New Jersey's own Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna (10-0, 6 KOs) will be stepping into the ring again on March 8 at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on the undercard of the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights-televised night of boxing, promoted by Sampson Boxing and featuring Victor Cayo (31-3 22 KOs) vs. Emmanuel Taylor (16-1 11 KOs) in the main event. "It is an honor to be fighting in front of Teddy Atlas, Joe Tessitore, and the ESPN crew. It motivates me to look even better," said LaManna. LaManna will be facing Joshua Snyder of Berlin, Maryland, (9-8-1, 3 KOs). "Everyone is telling me this is going to be a hard fight, but I am training hard to put on a good performance." With a new strength-and-conditioning coach, the tutelage of Bernard Hopkins, and having spent five weeks as the chief sparring partner for Demetrius Hopkins, LaManna said he feels confident and stronger going into this fight, which will take place at 160 lbs, six pounds higher than his usual fighting weight of 154. "I walk around at 165, so not having to sweat down those last pounds the week of the fight is nice." LaManna says he plans to impress when he steps in the ring on March 8. "This is the fight where I am going to prove to the haters, as well as the fans, that I have what it takes... Jaws will be dropped. One thing that I have in this fight that I can't say I've had in any other is pure confidence... when I got the call from Sampson that I was on the card, I was excited. And when I found out I was fighting Josh Snyder, I was even more excited." Thomas would like to thank Sampson Boxing, Matt Howard of Resorts Casino, and Josh Snyder for the opportunity to make a statement. ### Cayo vs. Taylor, along with a televised co-featured 10-round heavyweight bout between Magomed Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) and Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs), will be televised live on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights at 10 pm ET. The telecast can also be seen on ESPN Deportes and online at WatchESPN.com. It will also be available on smart phones and tablets via the WatchESPN app. Headlining the undercard will be Virgin Islands-based "The Hawk Flock", the sons and nephew of former world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, each of whom is an up-and-coming contender in the respective divisions. WBC Super Welterweight Youth World Champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs), super middleweight contender Julius "The Chef" Jackson (14-0, 10 KOs) and junior middleweight contender Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) will each make appearances. Also scheduled to appear in separate bouts are local favorites such as Brooklyn lightweight Scott "Bang Bang" Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) and a special showcase featuring the son of former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, undefeated super middleweight Isiah Seldon (6-0, 3 KOs). The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing. The main event is presented in association with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Tickets start at $40 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Resorts Casino Hotel box office on fight night. The Resorts Casino Hotel is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout is at 7:00. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com or resortsac.com. About Resorts Casino Hotel   Resorts Casino Hotel is a full destination resort located on the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City featuring more than 900 hotel rooms, six restaurants, nightlife, spa, health club and more. This spring, Resorts will debut the iconic Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville bringing a Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O'Clock Somewhere Casino Bar, new themed gaming area, LandShark Bar & Grill - a year-round beach bar and more to Atlantic City. For more information follow us on Twitter, Facebook and visit our official Web site at www.resortsac.com.

Cayo Knows What's at Stake Against Taylor

Dominican super lightweight Victor "Mermelada" Cayo (31-3, 22 KOs) knows the dire consequences on his boxing career another loss will have and is training like his future as a top contender depends on it. Cayo is in the final stretch of his preparations to meet once-beaten Emmanuel "The Tranzforma" Taylor (16-1, 11 KOs) on Friday, March 8, 2013, in the 10-round main event of promoter Sampson Lewkowicz's "Friday Night Fights" boxing in the Superstar Theater at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Cayo vs. Taylor will be televised live on ESPN's Friday Night Fights (10 PM Eastern on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, online through WatchESPN.com, and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.) along with the night's 10-round, co-featured televised bout between a couple of very promising heavyweights: undefeated Russian powerhouse Magomed "Mago" Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) defending his WBC United States (USNBC) heavyweight title against once-beaten former Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs). Once rated as high as #3 in the world, 28-year-old Cayo stumbled badly of late, losing by KO to Lamont Peterson in July 2011 and then dropping a shock TKO to shopworn former champion Nate Campbell in March 2012. Since then, Cayo has righted the ship somewhat with four straight victories over solid, but lesser-known opposition. Taylor, however, represents his first real test at a higher level since the double disasters. "I know what's at stake," said Cayo through an interpreter. "I have to beat this guy and look good if I'm going to fight for a world title. I have trained like everything I worked for is on the line in this fight and in many ways it is." Cayo, who started boxing at the age of 11, has spent his entire adult life dreaming of one day wearing a championship belt. "I have worked my whole life for a shot at a title. I have been very close a couple times and things went wrong. I cannot let Taylor take away my chance for another try. Every fight I fight from now on, I will treat as though it is my world championship fight because if I lose I may never get one. I'm not coming to Atlantic City to do anything but show the world Victor Cayo is one of the world's best." ### Headlining the undercard will be Virgin Islands-based "The Hawk Flock", the sons and nephew of former world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, each of whom is an up-and-coming contender in the respective divisions. WBC Super Welterweight Youth World Champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs), super middleweight contender Julius "The Chef" Jackson (14-0, 10 KOs) and junior middleweight contenderSamuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) will each make appearances. Also scheduled to appear in separate bouts are local favorites such as Millville, New Jersey, light middleweight Thomas "Cornflake" Lamanna (10-0, 6 KOs), Brooklyn lightweight Scott "Bang Bang" Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) and a special showcase featuring the son of former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, undefeated super middleweight Isiah Seldon (6-0, 3 KOs). The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing. The main event is presented in association with Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing. Tickets start at $40 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Resorts Casino Hotel box office on fight night. The Resorts Casino Hotel is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout is at 7:00. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com or resortsac.com. About Resorts Casino Hotel   Resorts Casino Hotel is a full destination resort located on the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City featuring more than 900 hotel rooms, six restaurants, nightlife, spa, health club and more. This spring, Resorts will debut the iconic Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville bringing a Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O'Clock Somewhere Casino Bar, new themed gaming area, LandShark Bar & Grill - a year-round beach bar and more to Atlantic City. For more information follow us on Twitter, Facebook and visit our official Web site at www.resortsac.com.

CAYO TO FACE TAYLOR AT RESORTS CASINO HOTEL IN ATLANTIC CITY

Junior Welterweight Contenders to Headline  Friday Night Fights on March 8 On Friday, March 8, 2013, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing will proudly present "Friday Night Fights" in the Superstar Theater at the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, an evening of world-class professional boxing that will also be televised on the popular professional boxing series ESPN's Friday Night Fights (10 PM Eastern on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, online through WatchESPN.com, and on smartphones and tablets via the WatchESPN app.) In the night's 10-round light-welterweight main event, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic's long-time top contender Victor "Mermelada" Cayo (31-3, 22 KOs) will face once-beaten Maryland product Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor (16-1, 11 KOs). In the 10-round, co-featured televised bout, a couple of very promising heavyweights will lock horns, as undefeated Russian powerhouse Magomed "Mago" Abdusalamov (16-0, 16 KOs) defends his WBC United States (USNBC) heavyweight title against once-beaten former Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal (21-1, 15 KOs). Cayo, once rated as high as #3 in the world, will be looking to continue his comeback against the formidable Taylor. The 28-year-old Dominican Cayo has scored three big victories since dropping losing to world champion Lamont Peterson and former champion Nate Campbell. 22-year-old Taylor scored an eye-opening TKO 6 over highly regarded Raymond Serrano in his last fight and would love the career boost that would surely come from a win over Cayo. Makhachkala, Russia's 31-year-old Abdusalamov has distinguished himself as a top up-and-coming prospect in the big man's division by beating such well-known names as long-time top contender Jameel "Big Time" McCline for the vacant WBC United States (USNBC) heavyweight title and well-thought-of contender Maurice Byarm, both by second-round TKO. Ponce, Puerto Rico's 31-year-old Bisbal competed as a Super heavyweight for Puerto Rico at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and reigned as Puerto Rican National Super Heavyweight Champion from 1999 to 2004. Although Bisbal scored a TKO 3 over former world champion Robert Daniels last year, Abdusalamov represents, by far, the biggest challenge of his career. Headlining the undercard will be Virgin Islands-based "The Hawk Flock", the sons and nephew of former world champion Julian "The Hawk" Jackson, each of whom is an up-and-coming contender in the respective divisions. WBC Super Welterweight Youth World Champion John "Dah Rock" Jackson (14-1, 13 KOs), super middleweight contender Julius "The Chef" Jackson (14-0, 10 KOs) and junior middleweight contenderSamuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers (12-0, 7 KOs) will each make appearances. Also scheduled to appear in separate bouts are local favorites such as Millville, New Jersey, light middleweight Thomas "Cornflake" Lamanna (10-0, 6 KOs), Brooklyn lightweight Scott "Bang Bang" Burrell (6-1, 5 KOs) and a special showcase featuring the son of former heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon, undefeated super middleweight Isiah Seldon (6-0, 3 KOs). Tickets start at $40 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Resorts Casino Hotel box office on fight night. The Resorts Casino Hotel is located at 1133 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first bout is at 7:00. All bouts are subject to change. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com or resortsac.com. About Resorts Casino Hotel   Resorts Casino Hotel is a full destination resort located on the beach and Boardwalk in Atlantic City featuring more than 900 hotel rooms, six restaurants, nightlife, spa, health club and more. This spring, Resorts will debut the iconic Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville bringing a Margaritaville Restaurant, 5 O'Clock Somewhere Casino Bar, new themed gaming area, LandShark Bar & Grill - a year-round beach bar and more to Atlantic City. For more information follow us on Twitter, Facebook and visit our official Web site at www.resortsac.com.