Billy 'The Kid' Dib returns Halloween night in Australia

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Billy "The Kid" Dib(Photo by Shareif Ziyadat) NEW YORK (Oct. 30, 2014) - Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Billy "The Kid" Dib (37-3, 21 KOs) will not be trick-or-treating tomorrow night (Friday) at home in Australia. Instead, he'll be dressed in trunks and wearing boxing gloves for his 12-round fight with his upset-minded Indonesian opponent Ruben Manakane (14-11-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant PABA super featherweight title. Dib, whose only three losses as a professional have been in world title fights to undefeated Evgeny Gradovich twice and Steve Luevano, based on his tremendous experience and talent advantage, will likely throw a horrific scare, if not worse, into his young opponent. The 29-year-old Dib will be fighting in Australia for the first time in more than four years having fought three of his last four fights in the United States with the other in Macao, China. This fight will mark Dib's professional debut in Melbourne, where he last fought 13 years ago as an amateur in the Australian National Championship. "The opportunity came about when I heard (promoter) Tarik Solak and (Dib's trainer)Billy Hussein discussing it," Dib explained to Aus-Boxing.com why he's fighting in Melbourne. "I mentioned that I'd love to fight back in Australia, so Billy and Tarik were like, let's do it. After my brother and manager Emid (Dib) got clearance from the team at SMS (Promotions) and (Dib's promoter) 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson), we decided that the next stop should be Melbourne. "I know that he (Manakane) is currently ranked fourth by the PABA and that he has eight wins from his last ten outings. He stretched world-class Filipino AJ Banal the full distance a few years back, too. He's only 21 years of age, so I'm expecting him to come out fast and do all he can to cease the moment. I never take any of my opposition lightly and I know that Manakane stands in the way of my journey to another world championship. One step at a time." After being stopped for the first time in his career last November to Gradovich in their rematch, Dib decided to move up in weight and campaign as a super featherweight, staring this past July 2 at Foxwoods Resort Casino on ESPN Friday Night Fights against former WBA featherweight title challenger Alberto Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs). Dib overcame a nasty cut over his right eye from an unintentional head-butt in the opening round to win a unanimous 10-round decision. Dib (L) is shown here attacking Garza (photo by Emily Harney)      Now, Dib is rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as No. 12 by the IBF, as he positions himself for a potential world super featherweight title shot in 2015 against one of the reigning champions: IBF Rances Barthelemy, WBOOrlando Salido, WBC Takashi Miura and WBA Takashi Uchiyama. "After being involved in the sport of boxing for so long, Dib continued his interview with Aus.Boxing.com, "I now understand that it's a business and not just a sport. It's all about strategic planning. We have had several discussions with WBA, WBO and IBF officials about this fight for the PABA crown. It will definitely help evaluate my rankings across the board. The plan is to face the necessary opposition to work my way into a mandatory position with one of the prestigious crowns. I honestly feel that I could face any of the super featherweight champions tomorrow, but realistically we may be looking at six to 12 months. I don't just plan on getting a world title shot, I plan on winning another crown.

Perez to Face Uchiyama for WBA Super Featherweight Belt on December 31

Argentinean super featherweight contender Israel "Cachito" Perez (27-2-1, 16 KOs) will finally fulfill his dream of fighting for a world title when he faces unbeaten Japanese Champion Takashi "KO Dynamite" Uchiyama (21-0-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship on December 31 at the Ota City General Gym in Tokyo, Japan. 35-year-old Perez's career has taken off since joining forces with promoters Sampson Lewkowicz and Maravilla Box. The ex-Olympian and national and regional professional champion is coming of an eighth round destruction of Carlos Rodriguez for the WBA FEDEBOL Super featherweight title, earning him the 9th spot in the WBA ratings. Perez and trainer Carlos Tello will need to work hard and come up with an excellent game plan to defeat a solid champion like Uchiyama, who is making the ninth defense of his title he won in January of 2010 with a twelfth round stoppage of Juan Carlos Salgado. "I would like to thank Sampson Boxing and Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez, who are the ones responsible for this great opportunity. Without them, this would not have been possible," said a happy Perez. "I have experience. I am in shape and I am very much aware that I am going to bring the championship home. I will not disappoint and will make my dream of becoming champion of the world a reality. Uchiyama is a good boxer, but not unbeatable. I am going to Japan with only one thing in mind: to be crowned WBA Super featherweight Champion of the World." Perez vs. Uchiyama is promoted by Hitoshi Watanabe and will be televised by TyC Sport of Argentina. 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.

Disappointed Arash Usmanee Discusses Injury, Pulling out of Friday Night Fights Main Event

IBF #8-ranked Afghani-Canadian Arash Usmanee says he's very disappointed to be missing out on his scheduled main event this Friday night at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington. Usmanee (20-1-1, 10 KOs) was scheduled to face Mexican KO artist Juan Antonio "El Mozo" Rodriguez (25-4, 23 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight battle before suffering an injury in training earlier this week, forcing him to withdraw. "My feet got tangled in sparring. I had injured it before in my last two fights. I twisted it when my feet got tangled and I fell," explained Usmanee. "I'm babying it. It's a sprain, so it could take a while. Sometimes it heals quickly and sometimes it takes a bit. It's starting to feel better. I have to wear a brace." The timing of the injury is especially unfortunate for Usmanee, who would have liked to use the momentum of a globally televised victory on Friday Night Fights to propel him into a rematch with arch rival Rances Barthelemy, who recently won the IBF World Championship at Junior Lightweight. The pair fought to a very controversial draw in January of last year, a fight which many felt Usmanee deserved the nod. "I was excited about it. It was a good fight for me. Barthelemy just won the title. It was perfect for setting up a rematch between me and him on a bigger stage." Still Usmanee is hoping Barthelemy's words post winning the title were his true intentions . "He said he doesn't care who he fights, and that he'd fight the Lion of Damascus. Well, The Lion of Afghanistan is ready. For him, on the inside, to feel like he has that belt, he has to fight me. He has to have a win over me. With the way our last fight turned out, it's only fair I get a shot for him to feel like he's the real champion."

Barthelemy Calling out Champion Mendez and All Other Top Super Featherweights

Undefeated super featherweight Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs) scored a second round KO over Fahsai Sakkreerin (39-4-1, 21 KOs) in an IBF eliminator for the #1 ranking on Friday night at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A right to the midsection finished Sakkreerin at 1:26. Fresh off his sensational one-punch KO 2 of Thailand's Fahsai "Mountain Boy" Sakkreerin in an IBF eliminator for a mandatory title shot, Cuba's now #1-rated super featherweight Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (19-0, 12 KOs) is calling out his next opponent. "Why wait for your mandatory to get it on? Let's do this now!" said Barthelemy to current champion Argenis Mendez. "Instead of fighting a guy I beat, come take care of business with your top challenger." Mendez is currently scheduled to face former Barthelemy foe Arash Usmanee in August, but , Barthelemy feels the champion should forget about taking an easier fight and focus on what champions do: defend against the best possible opponent. Barthelemy, who crushed Sakkreerin with a single body shot at 1:26 of the second round says a fight against him would be much more lucrative and exciting. "We can do this in New York or wherever you want. You live in New York, bring your Dominican community out and I'll bring my Cuban brothers and sisters and let's have an old-fashioned showdown right in the Big Apple." Barthelemy's co-promoter, Leon Margules of Warrior's Boxing (along with Bad Dog Productions), says he's hoping to convince Mendez to avoid the politicking and prove himself a true champion without first taking a warm-up against the crude Usmanee. "My guy deserves the fight," he said. "Why defend against a guy who lost his last fight? Jump right in and let's see what you've got. Given the ethnic rivalry aspect, it's a bigger and more lucrative fight to face my guy. It's good business and good for boxing." Margules says if Mendez insists on the Usmanee fight, then he is sending out an invitation to any of the 130-lb champions or top contenders: Rances Barthelemy is looking for you. Call me and let's make a big fight."

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

BANNER PROMOTIONS AND THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS RE-INK WBO #1-RATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

Orange, CA (May 23) – Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions are re-signing Tijuana’s crackerjack super featherweight contender Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KOs) to a second promotional contract.

After coming extremely close to winning a world title why stop now?

Co-Promoters Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and Burgos held a press conference luncheon earlier today in East Los Angeles to celebrate the re-connection at the world famous Tamayo Restaurant. 

"We know Juan Carlos Burgos can be the best 130 in the world. He is ranked #1 in the world by the WBO and he should be challenging for that title in the very near future. I'm happy to have been able to work with Burgos thanks to my friendship and association with Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo, I know we will continue doing great things together," added Art Pellulo (President of Banner Promotions).    

“We all saw what happened in New York and we know the next time out that Burgos will have his hand raised and be crowned world champion”, finished Pelullo.

  

Said Thompson, “Juan Carlos Burgos should be recognized as the best 126-130 pounder out there. He has done a great job in every facet of his young career and today we will solidify his future and we will make sure he gets what he so eagerly deserves, a belt around his waist. Although he is 25 years old, he is a veteran of the sport as he started his professional career at the age of 16 and we know one day he will be considered as one of the greats. This is a happy day for our company.”

Said Camponovo, "we have worked very hard to make sure Juan Carlos Burgos stays with our family. We know of his potential and value it as such, we will show him the way and he will get there soon. He tried to capture that elusive belt twice, once he was close but inexperienced (Hasegawa), the last time he was robbed (Martinez) and got a draw, so we are hopeful that the third time will be the charm."

“Mini” Burgos as boxing enthusiasts call him, has come razor close to winning a world title on two occasions. Last January, in New York City, the Mexican slugger was soundly beating Puerto Rico’s Roman Martinez and was the recipient of the worse judging seen in several years. After 12 rounds the fight was ruled a split draw and the Tijuana fighter was denied the WBO junior lightweight world title.

Many in the boxing media including those on the HBO telecast found the scoring an abomination.

Offered Burgos, “I want to thank both my promoters, Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing and Art Pelullo of Banner for having the confidence in me and in my career and to Alex Camponovo for guiding me along the way, I also have to thank my trainer Gerardo Espinoza and my manager Roberto Sandoval for being always there for me. All of them have given me the opportunity to get to a world title in two occasions and now is my turn to pay them back. I will be a world champion and that day we will have a big celebration because they have been with me during the happy and hard times of my career.”

Added Sandoval (Burgos’ manager), “The signing of a new contract is really not the main significance of this event. It's the confidence of our promoters in a young boxer who will be a world champion and now he has to show it in the ring. We are thankful because we want to continue the good work we started some five years ago and I know that Juan Carlos can reach all his goals but with the people that really care for him and have been there since the beginning.”

Back in 2010, Burgos was blocked from winning the WBC featherweight world title while challenging Hozumi Hasegawa. That fight held in Nagoya, Japan ended in a unanimous decision in favor of the Japanese boxer. 

Burgos, who is the nephew of former mini flyweight world champion Victor Burgos, has rattled off some impressive wins while fighting under the promotional banner of Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions. Wins over undefeated Luis Cruz and Cesar Vazquez established Burgos as a force in the 130-pound division. Other notable wins came against Ricardo “Piolin” Castillo and former world champion Cristobal Cruz.

There’s little doubt that Burgos will follow in the footsteps of other Thompson Boxing fighters who achieved world championship status such as Yonnhy Perez and Timothy Bradley. More than a few think it’s just a matter of time.

Miguel "Mikito" Soto returns with TKO victory

After one year of inactivity, Puerto Rican super featherweight puncher, Miguel "Mikito" Soto ( 11-0, 11 KO ) returned with his power by defeating John Wampash ( 1-8-2, 1KO ) by TKO in fourth round, in a boxing card celebrated last Saturday, April 20, at the Manuel "Petaca" Iguina Coliseum in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Soto, a southpaw fighter, dominated the first two rounds with his acurate boxing skills, which was effective against an veteran opponent, but in the third round, Soto unleashed his fury, with effective right and left hooks hooks to the head and body that put Wampash in bad condition at the end of the round. In the fourth round, Wampash refuses to fight by staying in his corner. 

"On each round I was felling better, faster, stronger and because of my training. It really went great, I want to thank my trainer Dennis Pantoja and my new manager Jose Acevedo for getting this fight." said a very motivated Soto.

Wampash is in opponent that has lasted the distance against big names such as reigning NABF champion, Ronny Rios, who recently defeated former world champion, Rico Ramos, super prospect Gary Russell, considered the number one prospect by ESPN, among others.

Jose Acevedo, president of Free Agent Boxing Management said: "We are very pleased with what we saw in 'Mikito". All the fans saw a different fighter who demonstrate that not only depends on power punches, but on great boxing skills too".

Hot prospect Toka Kahn-Clary Remains undefeated

HAWAIIAN GARDENS, Calif. (February 24, 2013) - Super featherweight prospect Toka "T Nice" Kahn-Clary (4-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, registering a victory by way of second-round technical knockout over Pablo Cupul 6-11, 4 KOs), last night (Saturday) at C. Robert Lee Activities Center in Hawaiian Gardens, California. Toka-Kahn, a 20-year-old from Liberia who moved to Providence 14 years ago, dropped Cupul in the opening round. The referee halted the bout in the second as Toka-Kahn unleashed a vicious assault on his over-matched and out-classed Mexican opponent. "Toka continues to impress people," his trainer Peter Manfredo, Sr. said. "A lot of boxing elite came up to me after the fight saying someday he's going to be world champion, and that they were equally impressed by how well he handles himself in and out of the ring." Promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, Kahn-Clary was a standout amateur who captured a gold medal at the 2010 U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament. He fights out of the new Manfredo Boxing Sports Fitness gym in Narragansett, Rhode Island. His four professional fights have been in four different states: Nevada, California, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

Roberto Acevedo shines in Miami,FL

Miami, Florida -  Puerto Rican rising prospect, Roberto Acevedo ( 7-0, 4 KO' s ) defeated veteran Mexican, Francisco Rios (17-18, 12 KO's) by TKO in the first round, in a match scheduled for 6 rounds at the super middleweight division ( 168lbs ).

 

Rios visited the canvas twice, and quickly decided not to continue. The Time of the stoppage was 1:02.

 

"I felt very strong in the fight. Ríos tried to be aggressive, but my jab stopped his game plan and my combinations were very effective" said Acevedo "This victory is for Puerto Rico, and will not stop working hard to achieve my goals and make my island proud".

Headlining the event was the IBF super featherweight title eliminator for the #2 spot, between Rances Barthelemy and  Arash Usmanee in a 12 round fight, which aired on ESPN2.

 

The boxing card was held at the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida.

  

In amateur boxing, Roberto Acevedo ended up with a record of 50 wins, 20 of them by knockout with only one defeat. In this course, was a three times regional champion, and twice the Puerto Rican national champion.

 

"Warriors Boxing" is the company that promotes Acevedo's boxing career.

On Saturday, December 8th Colombian chain "TeleCaribe" aired the documentary "Perdón" ( "Forgiveness" ), which shows Acevedo's tough live.

 

Video Promo / Trailer of the documentary with the option to download.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ekfyofba0w3s2jv/PROMOCION%20ACEVEDO%20MPSPORTS.mp4

Barthelemy Co-Promoter Says 'Kid Blast' Ready for Takeoff

"He's ready" says Richard Dobal, President of Bad Dog Productions and co-promoter of IBF #6 super featherweight Rances "Kid Blast" Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KOs). Miami-based Dobal has been with the 26-year-old Cuban Barthelemy from the beginning of his career and is hoping to watch him join the elite ranks of the 130-lb division when he faces #14-rated contender Arash Usmanee (20-0, 10 KOs) on Friday, January 4, 2013 in a 12-round elimination bout for the IBF's #2 position. Barthelemy and Usmanee will meet in the main event that night, as Warriors Boxing and Bad Dog Productions in association with the Magic City Casino, present the year's debut broadcast of 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.) live from Stage 305 in the Magic City Casino in Miami, Florida. In the co-featured televised bout, Puerto Rican slugger Jonathan "Mantequilla" Gonzalez (15-0-1, 13 KOs) will take on Philadelphia's Derek "Pooh" Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs). "My partner Leon (Margules of Warriors Boxing), his manager Henry Foster and I feel this kid is world championship material. It's time to take on a guy like this. He's ready," continued Dobal. "I say that because he's had an opportunity to be in several training camps and all the feedback we get is that he's ready for bigger and better things. He was just in camp with Mercito Gesta and before that with Sharif Bogere and Marco Maidana. He's sparred several top guys and handled himself very well." Dobal says his fighter is in the perfect place at the perfect time, facing Afghani-Canadian Usmanee for a top spot in the rankings. "Whenever we've put an opponent in front of him where he had to step up, such as Hylon Williams, Rances proved he was ready. I think he's one of those fighters that the better the opponent, the more inspired he gets in training and in his performance. What I like about Usmanee is that we know him. They had an opportunity to spar a couple years ago and Arash is a guy who comes to fight. Rances won't have to find him and those are the type of opponents that showcase Rances at his best. Rances likes to fight. He likes to get down and slug it out. These are the types of opponents that Rances stylistically will do well against. We're all conscious that Arash is a very tough fighter and this is probably the toughest fight that Rances has ever had. But these are the types of guys you have to fight to become a champion." Barthelemy recently moved his base of operations back to Florida after spending time in Vegas working with well-respected trainer Miguel Diaz. "He is with new trainers now, John David Jackson and with Chico Rivas, and they put a little more emphasis on strength and conditioning. We're very grateful to Miguel in Vegas who worked with him all this time, but Rances is going to be a father soon and the distance from his fiancé with him living in Vegas wasn't working, so he made the decision to come back to Miami to support to his new family. Rances is a very good kid and family comes first." ### The undercard, which will be announced shortly, will feature several young local and international rising stars. Tickets are on sale now on the Magic City Casino website www.magiccitycasino.comas well as in person at the Magic City Players Club. They are priced at $100, $75, $50 and $35. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the first bell is at 8:00.

CARD SHAPING UP FOR AUGUST 18TH POUND FOR POUND BOXING EVENT AT BALLYS IN ATLANTIC CITY

Joel Diaz Jr. take on Guillermo Sanchez in 10 round Main event Plus undefeated Glen Tapia, Thomas LaManna, Lavarn Harvell and battle of undefeated Heavyweights Joey Dawejko and Dorsett Barnwell

ATLANTIC CITY (August 7, 2012)—On Saturday night August 18^th, Pound For Pound Promotions presents a night of world class boxing that will take place at Ballys in Atlantic City.

In the ten round Main Event, undefeated Joel Diaz Jr. takes on Guillermo Sanchez in a Super Featherweight bout.

Diaz of Palmdale, California has a record of 10-0 with nine knockouts and has been impressive in his two year professional career.

The twenty year old already has signature wins over Guy Robb (7-0) via seventh round stoppage and in his last bout when scored a fifth round stoppage over former world title challenger Emanuel Lucero (26-10-1) on June 2^nd in Tacoma, Washington.

Sanchez of Buffalo, New York has a record of 13-5-1 with six knockouts.

Sanchez won his first eleven bouts and he has victories over four undefeated fighters in Harvey Murray (2-0-2), Eddie Irizarry (5-0), Miguel Rodriguez (6-0) and Rod Salka (12-0).

The twenty-four year old has been matched extremely tough as evidenced by his fights with Dominic Salcido (17-2), Future world champion Adrien Broner (16-0), Mark Davis (15-0), former world title challenger Edner Cherry (28-7). In that bout he had Cherry on the canvas in the first round. In his last bout, Sanchez dropped an eight round unanimous decision to undefeated Ronny Rios (17-0) on April 7^th.

A packed undercard is being put together that will feature some of the most popular and up and coming talent in the Tri-State Area.

In an eight round Jr. Middleweight bout, top prospect Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia will take on an opponent to be named.

Tapia (14-0, 8 KO’s) of Passaic, New Jersey has been climbing up the ranks with steady performances. He has stopped his previous three opponents which includes first round stoppage over Carlos Garcia on July 7^th.

In a six round Heavyweight bout Patrick Farrell (7-1-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Wayne Hampton (5-5, 3 KO’s) of Capitol Heights, Maryland.

In a six round Middleweight bout, undefeated Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Millville, NJ battles Yolexcy Leiva (5-3, 4 KO’s) of Nashville, TN.

Fred Jenkins Jr. (5-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia takes on Jimmy Ellis (1-1, 1 KO) of South Carolina in a four round Middleweight bout.

In a six round bout featuring undefeated Heavyweights, former World Amateur champion Joey Dawejko (7-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Dorsett Barnwell (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Norfolk, VA

Explosive Light Heavyweight Lavarn “Baby Bowe”Harvell (12-0, 7 KO’s) will see action against an opponent to be named.

Three very exciting fighters will be making their pro debuts.

Former three-time Irish National Champion Tyrone McKenna will take on Anthony Morris of Philadelphia in a Welterweight bout.

Three-time open class champion Tyrell Wright will fight Dennis Benson (1-2, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA in a Heavyweight bout.

Wright was ranked as the number-five national Heavyweight before turning pro.

Three-time New Jersey champion Anthony Gangemi of Dover, New Jersey will fight in a Welterweight bout.

Tickets for this outstanding night of boxing are priced at $75 & $50 and can be purchased at Ballys, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com or Pound for Pound Promotions by calling 201-867-2008 and Ask for Kathy.

Ballys Park Place Hotel Casino is located 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, 08401. Doors open at 7:00 p.m ET, first fight starts at 7:30 p.m.