Petr Petrov to defend NABA & NABO Lightweight titles against Hank Lundy on Friday night, January 16 at Turning Stone Resort Casino on ESPN's Friday Night Fights

Willie Monroe Jr. to battle Bryan Vera for NABA & NABO Middleweight titles on championship doubleheader

For Immediate Release Philadelphia, PA (January 7, 2015)--On Friday night, January 16, a mouthwatering title fight has been added as the second co-main event of a championship night of boxing at the Turning Stone Resort Casino and live on ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Petr Petrov will defend his NABA & NABO Lightweight titles against the popular Hank Lundy in a 10-round bout. The fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) Boxing. The fight will join the previously announced co-main event that will pit NABA & NABO Middleweight champion Willie Monroe Jr. defending his belts against Bryan Vera. Petrov of Madrid, Spain has a record of 35-4-2 with 17 knockouts.  He is the Boxcino 2014 Lightweight champion as he won fights over Fedor Papzov (14-0), Chris Rudd (13-1) and a title winning 8th round stoppage over Fernando Carcamo in the finals that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino. Lundy of Philadelphia, PA has become a fan favorite of television viewers as many of his bouts have been televised on ESPN's Friday Night Fights. He has a record of 25-4-1 with 12 knockouts and he has big wins over current WBA Lightweight champion Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3-1), Dannie Williams (21-1), Ajose Olusegun (31-1) & Angelo Santana (14-1). In his last bout, Lundy put up a valiant effort but came up just short in losing a decision to Thomas Dulorme on December 6 in Brooklyn, NY. Said Jimmy Burchfield, president of CES Boxing, "This is a great opportunity for Hank Lundy to get back in the ring and back on track following a hard-fought bout against Thomas Dulorme in December. What the whole world saw last month is that Hammerin' Hank won't back down from a challenge. Most fighters would want a tune-up coming off a loss. Not Hank. He's right back at it in another tough bout against a worthy opponent. This is what defines his legacy. No fighter puts it all on the line more than Hammerin' Hank and we're grateful for this opportunity to work with Banner Promotions and ESPN, two of the best in the business. Petr Petrov is as good as it gets in this weight class, but ESPN has been the home for some of Hank's finest performances and we don't expect Jan. 16th to be any different." "This will be a tremendous night of boxing. "This fight along with Monroe and Vera will not only be great fights in the ring but these fights have huge implications as both winners will likely fight for world titles by the end of the year.   We are excited to put on two of the most television friendly fights you can make in both the Lightweight and Middleweight divisions.", Said Banner Promotions CEo Artie Pelullo Host of the January 16th bouts, the Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for professional sporting events, including nationally-televised boxing matches and PGA-level golf. TheJanuary 16th fight will mark Turning Stone's 13th nationally televised boxing event in less than two years, helping establish the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Boxing legends Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have promoted televised fight cards at the resort within the last year and Turning Stone has hosted televised boxing events on ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and NBC in the last two years. Located in Upstate New York, the four-season resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, prestigious restaurants, luxury spa facilities, and award-winning accommodations.Tickets for the January 16th ESPN Friday Night Fights at Turning Stone are on sale now at the Turning Stone box office, in person or by calling315.361.7469, or online at Ticketmaster. Tickets are $60 for ringside seats, $35, $25, and are subject to additional fees. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The live ESPN telecast starts at 9pm. Professional media requesting credentials for the January 16 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Public Relations Manager at 315.366.9291 orkelly.abdo@turningstone.com. About Turning Stone Resort CasinoA premier four-season, destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort Casino is conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33. Turning Stone was named "Most Excellent Golf Resort" in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. The Academy of Country Music named Turning Stone "Casino of the Year" in 2009. The resort offers world-class gaming, golf, entertainment, accommodations and spa facilities, and has earned AAA Four Diamond ratings for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant. For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the web site at www.TurningStone.com..

Boxcino kicks off on Friday, February 13 at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, CONN.  (December 26, 2014) - The popular boxing elimination tournament, Boxcino 2015, will make its season debut, Friday, February 13, 2015, featuring four quarterfinal bouts in the junior middleweight division at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. The entire Boxicino 2015 series will be televised live on ESPN's Friday Night Fights.

Promoted by Banner Promotions and Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), tickets to the February 13 edition of Boxcino 2015, priced at $125, $65, $40 and $30, including facility fee, are on sale Tooday!  Saturday, December 27, at 10:00 a.m. ET.  Tickets can be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster outlets or in person at the Mohegan Sun Box Office. 

The Boxcino 2014 tournament spawned breakout stars Willie Monroe and Petr Petrov.  Both are now world-rated No. 3 as well as future stars Brandon Adams & Fernando Carcamo.

The Boxcino 2015 season debut will feature four quarterfinal bouts with the winners moving on to semifinals which will take place on  April 3.

"We are excited to be coming to the Mohegan Sun to kick off Boxcino 2015," said Banner Promotions CEO Artie Pelullo.  "I have been friends with Tom Cantone for over 15 years and I look forward to working him and his staff on this great event.  Last year's tournament was very successful and we look forward to having the first round of junior middleweights at Mohegan Sun.  There have been many classic fights at the Mohegan Sun and on February 13 we plan on adding to the great tradition."

"We are excited and honored to collaborate with Artie Pelullo and Banner Promotions," said Jimmy Burchfield, President of CES Boxing. "Artie is a dear friend of mine and one of the true gentlemen in the sport of boxing. Few promoters work harder or go to such great lengths to nurture and develop talent from all over the world. In an era where the entertainment dollar is stretched thin and fighters are ducking challenges left and right, Artie remains old school, building his foundation through hard-fought, competitive fights that give the ticket-buyer tremendous value for every dollar they spend. What he has done in such tumultuous times for our sport is remarkable and it's an incredible thrill to be working alongside him on what will be an epic event February 13th. You will see the best of both worlds -- boxing's marquee talent along with the rising stars of the northeast. No one knows this market better than Banner Promotions and CES Boxing. This will be a must-see event."

"We love any time we have a boxing event here as they always account for tremendous energy and buzz in the Casino" - said Tom Cantone, Senior Vice President of Sports & Entertainment for MTGA

The participants of Boxcino will be announced shortly.   Local prospects slated to appear on the undercard include:

David Bauza, Hartford, Conn:  light-heavyweight (6-0, 3 KOs);

"Prince" Ray Oliviera, New Bedford, Mass: light-middleweight (2-0, 1 KO), son of former jr. welterweight contender "Sucra" Ray Oliviera
 

Khiary Gray-Pitts, Worcester, Mass: middleweight (3-0, 1 KO)
 

Nick DeLomba, Providence, RI: welterweight (6-0, 0 KOs)

Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won "Casino of The Year" at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted "Arena Of The Year" at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Also in 2013, Mohegan Sun won "Casino of The Year" in 2 categories at the Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week's schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.

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.

Carcamo & Petrov advance to Boxcino lightweight finals with impressive victories in New Town, North Dakota

New Town, North Dakota (March 31, 2014)--Fernando Carcamo and Petr Petrov punched their tickets to the Boxcino lightweight finals with impressive wins over Miguel Gonzalez and Chris Rudd respectively this past Friday night at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge.   The bouts were televised LIVE on ESPN.   Carcamo outlasted Gonzalez via 8-round majority decision in a thrilling bout that saw many ebbs and flows.  The contest almost ended seconds into the bout when Carcamo landed a huge  left on the ropes that made the body of Gonzalez go limp and defenseless on the ropes and was ruled a knockdown.  Gonzalez did well to fight back and fought inside while trying to work the body.  Carcamo hit the body well and landed some solid shots from distance with both hands.  Gonzalez landed some decent power punches.  The two battled down the stretch but it was the knockdown and the body attack for Carcamo that proved to be difference as Carcamo won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76.   Carcamo of Sonora, Mexico is now 17-5.  Gonzalez of Cleveland, Ohio is 23-4.   "I thought the fight was stopped in the 1st round,"said Carcamo.  "The ref told me to stop punching.  I thought I did a very good job and I am looking forward to the final."   Said Gonzalez, "It was a hell of a fight.  Carcamo is a strong fighter but I was out-boxing him.  He is slow.  I got caught with a punch in the 1st round but I continued to fight like a champion."   Petrov scored a 4th round stoppage over Rudd   Petrov started out landing body and head shots in the 1st round.  Petrov hurt Rudd for the 1st time as he landed a few body shots on the ropes and landed a hard right as the two migrated towards the center of the ring.  Rudd tried to sit down and slug with Petrov but the Russian landed the harder blows.  Petrov started round four by landing a big right hand that sent Rudd to the ropes.  Petrov jumped on Rudd and landed a barrage of punches inside the wide attempts of Rudd and after taking too many head shots the fight was stopped 51 seconds into round four by referee Billy Johnson.   Petrov is now 34-4-2 with 16 knockouts while Rudd of Covington, Tennessee is now 13-2.   "I am very happy,"said Petrov.  "I did what I had to do.  I worked the body and broke him down.  We are very happy to going to New York for the finals," finished Petrov.   Said Rudd, "I fought hard.  The head shots hurt me.  I will work on getting better.  I will be back."   Carcamo and Petrov will meet in the finals on May 23 at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York.   The Boxcino middleweight semifinals will take place on Friday, April 18th at the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, New York as Brandon Adams will take on Raymond Gatica and Vitalii Kopylenko will take on Willie Monroe Jr.   Four of Banner Promotions prized prospects all scored exciting wins on the undercard.   2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner Taras Shelestyuk (8-0, 6 KO's) needed just 92 seconds to take out Romon Barber in a scheduled 6-round Jr. Middleweight bout.   Heavyweight Donovan Dennis (9-0, 8 KO's) scored his 4th consecutive stoppage as he took out Travis Fulton just 23 seconds into round two of their scheduled 6-round bout.   Michael Seals (18-0, 14 KO's) made a successful Banner Promotions debut by stopping Willis Lockett on cuts at 2:50 of round five of a scheduled 8-round light heavyweight bout.   In a terrific action fight, 19-year old Ruben Ozuna (2-1) scored a 4-round unanimous decision over Wayne Smith in a lightweight bout.  Scores were 40-36 twice and 39-36.   David Laque and Cody Land fought to a four round draw in a welterweight bout.

Boxcino 2014 lightweight semifinal weigh in plus interview videos and added weigh in pictures

New Town, North Dakota (March 28, 2014)--Below are videos and images of Thursday's weigh in plus interviews with the four semifinal participants of the Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament that will feature Fernando Carcamo taking on Miguel Gonzalez and Petr Petrov battling Chris Rudd.   The fights will take place at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.   The fights will be shown live TONIGHT on ESPN, ESPNDEPORTES+ and watchESPN at 9 PM ET.   Media outlets may use the videos for journalistic use by copy/paste the embedded codes on their websites.   Boxcino Lightweight semifinals weigh in 032714 Chris Rudd 032714 Fernando Carcamo 032714 Petr Petrov 032714 Miguel Gonzalez 032714       Miguel Gonzalez and Fernando Carcamo     Chris Rudd and Petr Petrov   Photo Credit: Shane Sims / Banner Promotions

Boxcino Weights

WEIGHTS FROM NEW TOWN, NORTH DAKOTA

Boxcino semifinal fighters, Chris Rudd, Miguel Gonzalez, Fernando Carcamo and Petr Petrov pose with 4 Bears Casino & Lodge General Manager Pat Packineau (Middle) at Thursday's weigh in Photo Credit:  Shane Sims / Banner Promotions For Immediate Release Fernando Carcamo 135.8 - Miguel Gonzalez 136 (Boxcino Semifinals) Chris Rudd 135.6 - Petr Petrov 135.6  (Boxcino Semifinals)  Michael Seals 173.4 - Willis Lockett 191 Taras Shelestyuk 152 - Romon Barber 152.8  Donovan Dennis 224.8 - Travis Fulton will weigh in tomorrow Ruben Ozuna 135.8 - Wayne Smith 134,6  David Laque 148 - Corey Land 145.2 Promoter:  Banner Promotions Venue: 4 Bears Casino & Lodge TV:  ESPN at 9 PM ET

Matchmaker Eric Bottjer gives Boxcino overview

New Town, ND (March 26, 2014)-- This Friday night at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota, The Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament semifinals will take place with 8-round bouts featuring Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 15 KO's) fighting Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KO's) and Fernando Carcamo (16-5, 13 KO's) taking on Miguel Gonzalez (23-3, 16 KO's).   The fights will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPNDeportes+ and WatchESPN beginning at 9 PM ET.   The tournament has been a critical success with the viewers and is the talk of social media.   One of the men responsible for identifying much of the talent that has been on display is Banner Promotions matchmaker Eric Bottjer.   Bottjer has been one of the most distinguished boxing men for the better part of two decades as he signed and developed many world champions.   Bottjer gives his overview of the quarterfinals and he breaks down what to look for in the semifinals.   "Petrov and Rudd were both big surprises because most people picked their opponents (Fedor Papazov and Yakubu Amidu respectively) to win in the opening fights," said Bottjer.   "Both guys now face opponents with completely different styles than what they faced in their opening matches, so the key to their fight is who can make the adjustment.  They both capitalized on fighting very aggressive fighters.  Now they are each fighting more accomplished boxers."   "Carcamo is the biggest puncher of the whole group of lightweights in the tournament and Gonzalez is the best boxer.  It is no secret on how each of them is going to fight."   "The fights in the first round were very good.  The semifinals will be at that level if not better.  The guy who wins this tournament would have defeated three good fighters on national television over a three-month period.  Whoever wins the tournament will establish himself as a world-class fighter and title contender," finished Bottjer.