UNDEFEATED JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT ALANTEZ "SLYAZA" FOX RETURNS TO THE RING JANUARY 9TH, IN CAZABON, CALIFORNIA

QUEENS, NY (January 6th, 2015) - Maryland's undefeated Junior Middleweight prospect, Alantez Fox (13-0-1, 4KO's), makes his return to the ring on Friday, January 9th, 2015 against Patrick Day (9-0-1 5KO's) from Freeport, NY. The eight-round bout will take place live on Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation, at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cazabon, California. The bout will be promoted by Dibella Entertainment and New Legend Boxing. Fox is excited to be back in the ring for his first televised fight. "This is my chance to prove to everyone watching as well as my promoters' New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment that I am ready to take things to the next level and beyond. I am trying to go all the way to the top. This win against Patrick Day legitimizes my skills as a serious prospect. It shows that I am not a fluke or some undefeated fighter with a padded record. This is not the last time you will see me on ShoBox. I don't plan on stopping here at all and hope to be back in the ring as soon as possible. I want to climb up in the rankings and fight tougher opponents. Hopefully sometime within this year or early next year I will be fighting in a title bout." "Fox is looking better and better each and every time he steps in the ring," said New Legend Boxing promoter Felipe Gomez."  "He's gaining the quality experience he will need to take his career to the next level and we are hoping that with a win here, we can get him a step closer to a title opportunity."

Jose Pedraza Wins IBF Elimination Bout against Michael Farenas

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

-2012 National PAL (Police Athletic League) Champion

-Three time New England Golden Gloves Champion 

-Rocky Marciano Amateur Boxing Tournament Champion 

-Silver Medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic


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

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

JOSE PEDRAZA 

ENTERS FINAL DAYS OF TRAINING CAMP

Photos By Jonathan Gaudier Universal Promotions

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

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

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

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

UNDEFEATED JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT BRYANT "PEE WEE" CRUZ RETURNS TO THE RING NOVEMBER 21ST, 2014 IN QUEENS, NEW YORK

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2014 RESORTS WORLD CASINO NEW YORK CITY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE QUEENS, NY (October 21st, 2014) - Port Chester's undefeated Junior Lightweight prospect, Bryant "Pee Wee" Cruz (12-0, 6KO's), makes his return to the ring onFriday, November 21st, 2014 as the Main Event against an opponent TBA. The eight-round bout will take place at the Resorts World Casino New York City in Jamaica, New York. The show will be promoted by New Legend Boxing as part of their "International Fight Night" series.   After scoring a win against Jose Morales (7-5, 2 KOs) in August, Cruz is excited to be back in the ring at the Resorts World Casino New York City in Jamaica, New York.   "I am excited to have the opportunity to fight for the New York State Junior Lightweight title" said Cruz. "My promoters, New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment along with my manager Kevin Crowley have done a great job helping to guide my career. I feel comfortable with them knowing that they are watching out for my best interests and moving me at a pace that will help me to learn as I advance through the ranks. The number one thing you look for in a promoter is someone you can trust and these guys have gone above and beyond what I could ask for. I train hard every day with my team and let my manager and promoters handle the business end. I know every time I step in the ring that I will be facing an opponent that will be tougher than the last. Every fight is a learning experience and I will continue to improve on my skills".   "Cruz is looking better and better each and every time he steps in the ring," said New Legend Boxing promoter Felipe Gomez.  "He's gaining the quality experience he will need to take his career to the next level and we are hoping to get him some TV exposure by early next year.    New Legend Boxing has tickets available, priced at General Admission $50, Reserved Seating $75, Ringside $125 and Ringside VIP $150 may be purchased by online at www.NewLegendBoxing.com or by calling (718) 487-4474.   Resorts World Casino New York City is located 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica, N.Y. 11420. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first fight starts at 7:30 PM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Soliman and Taylor Make Weight for Battle in Mississippi on Wednesday Night

Both IBF Middleweight Champion Sam Soliman and challenger Jermain Taylor were respectful to each other and thankful to their teams during a press conference/weigh-in held at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi, in advance of tomorrow(Wednesday, October 8) night's championship fight. Soliman and Taylor are headlining a mammoth 14-fight card that also features Andre Dirrell and a host of up-and-coming prospects and proven contenders. ESPN Wednesday Night Fights will broadcast the two main events and a four-rounder between Ahmed Elbiale and Dakota Dawson live.  Sam Soliman 160 vs. Jermain Taylor 159.8 IBF World Middleweight Championship André Dirrell 169 vs. Nick Brinson 168.8 Ahmed Elbiale 174.6 vs. Dakota Dawson 171.6 Carlos Velásquez 131.6 vs. Jean Javier Sotelo 131.4 Steve Lovett 176 vs. Ricardo Campillo 177 Phillip Jackson Benson 172.2 vs. Michael Gbenga 173.6 Joey Hernández 162 vs. Jose Miguel Rodríguez 157.6 Mario Barrios 125.4 vs. Abraham Rubio 127 Walter Castillo 142 vs. Shad Howard NA Justin DeLoach 156.2 vs. Joshua Snyder 155 Gervonta Davis 126.8 vs. German Meraz 125 BJ Flores 203.8 vs. Kevin Engel 190.8 Regis Prograis 142.2 vs. Mario Hermosillo 142.2 Erick Bone 142.6 vs. Peter Oluoch 144 Promoters: DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, in association with Soliman Stanley Promotions Venue: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi TV: ESPN Wednesday Night Fights (9 pm EST/8 pm CT) Tickets: priced at $89.95, $69.95, $49.95 and $29.95, plus tax and service charges, and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, or through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5:00 pm, with the first bout scheduled for 5:30 pm.

Flores' Career Finds New Hope Under Guidance of Haymon

NBC Commentator and Top Cruiserweight Contender Fights  This Wednesday Night in Biloxi Las Vegas-based cruiserweight contender BJ "El Peligroso" Flores (30-1-1, 19 KOs) has it all as a boxer, minus one important thing. An articulate and intelligent man with smooth on-camera delivery, Flores does excellent work in his regular role as a color commentator for NBC-televised boxing. As a fighter, he is clean-living and devoted to his craft, with a wealth of skills, an extensive list of regional championships won, and a work ethic in the gym that few can rival. The fact is BJ Flores could become an excellent ambassador for the sport of boxing if someone would just give him that one more thing... a chance at a world title. Flores will face Saint Louis, Missouri's Kevin Engel (20-10, 16 KOs) this Wednesday, October 8, at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi, on the undercard of IBF middleweight champion "King" Sam Soliman (44-11, 18 KOs) defending against former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor (32-4-1, 20 KOs). Presented by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, in association with Soliman Stanley Promotions, and broadcast live on a special presentation of ESPN Wednesday Night Fights (9 pm EST/8 pm CT), the night of boxing will also feature 2004 Olympic Bronze Medallist and WBC #9 contender Andre Dirrell (22-1, 15 KOs) taking on Albany, New York's Nick Brinson (16-2-2, 6 KOs) in the 10-round light heavyweight co-main event. Tickets are priced at $89.95, $69.95, $49.95 and $29.95, plus tax and service charges, and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office, or through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 4:45pm, with the first bout scheduled for 5:30pm. A buzz surrounded Flores when turned pro 12 years ago at age 23. Coming off a brilliant amateur career that saw him win the 1997 National Golden Gloves, as well as two (2001 and 2002) US National Amateur Championships at Heavyweight, he was universally recognized as one to watch. But 35-year-old Flores says promotional problems stalled his momentum and ground his once-promising career to a halt on more than one occasion. Since he signed with power-manager Al Haymon and advisor Luis DeCubas Jr., last April, however, Flores' bad career luck seems to be reversing and he may get that title shot someday after all. "2015 is going to be a big year for me," said an excited Flores. "This will be the year where it all takes off. I signed with Al in late spring and I've already fought May 10,June 26 and now October 8. I'm in a perfect position now and I'm ecstatic to have so much opportunity in front of me now, thanks to Al. I can't wait to show the world how well I can fight." Flores says DeCubas has also been instrumental in his career resuscitation. "Louis DeCubas Jr. has also played a big part in helping my career take off. We started working together last year, and since then, one thing after another has come my way. This kid really loves boxing and has been around it a very long time and knows and understands the business. He has been a great help." At the relatively advanced age for a fighter of 35, few would question Flores if he decided to make the transition from fighter to media figure. But according to him, that's not going to happen any time soon. "First and foremost I'm a fighter," he explained. "Commentating is something I started doing when I wasn't getting fights, but I'm still a fighter above everything else. For me, fighting for a world championship is not about the money. Boxing is my life. Since I was a kid I would stay home from school and watch boxing on tape. And now I have hope I will get the chance to see how far I can take it." The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is located at 875 Beach Blvd in Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information, call (228) 386-7111. On fight night, doors open at 5:00 and the action starts at 5:30.

BARTHELEMY DOMINATES SAUCEDO IN TITLE DEFENSE, MARTIROSYAN DEFEATS NELSON AND DAWSON SHOCKED BY KARPENCY SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Watch The Replay On SHOWTIME EXTEME^® Monday, Oct. 6 At 10 p.m. ET/PT

Photo Credit: Amanda Kwok / SHOWTIME

Click HERE To Download Photos

MASHANTUCKET, CONN. (Oct. 5, 2014) – Rances Barthelemy defended his IBF Junior Lightweight World Championship against Fernando David Saucedo with a dominating unanimous decision, scored 120-108 by all three judges, Saturday on SHOWTIME from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. 

Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs) controlled the bout from the opening bell and was the more active and accurate fighter, throwing 819 punches to Saucedo’s 382.  Saucedo (52-6-3, 8, KOs) tried to counter, but he wasn’t quick enough to land anything meaningful against the elusive Cuban. Barthelemy, who landed 50 percent of his power shots, employed a diverse attack of uppercuts, hooks and jabs and fought with his hands down and by his side for most of the fight. 

“It was a good fight,” Barthelemy said. “Saucedo is a veteran guy. In one moment, I thought I was going to knock him out, but he knows how to make the fight last. 

“I want Mikey Garcia. They say he’s the best. I say I’m the best. Let’s settle it.”

Saucedo didn’t win a single round and was outclassed in his United States debut. 

“I did everything I could,” Saucedo said. “We gave it our all but he is just a stronger and bigger guy. He’s a very good fighter, but he’s too big for this weight division.”

Vanes Martirosyan won a hard-fought unanimous decision over previously once-beaten Willie Nelson in a matchup of two top 10 ranked junior middleweights, scored 97-93 twice, 96-94. 

Martirosyan promised to win this fight for his promoter, the recently deceased Dan Goossen, and he delivered.  The contender was able to get inside the lengthy Nelson, where he did the majority of his damage with powerful right hooks. 

The pace picked up in the second half of the fight, with Martirosyan cleanly landing right shots and backing up Nelson. In the latter rounds, Martirosyan consistently threw wide shots around Nelson’s guard and opened up a cut under his eye in the eighth. Martirosyan’s power shots were the difference, with the Armenian landing 42 percent compared to Nelson’s 32 percent.

“We had to turn this into a fight,” Martirosyan said. “He is tall, he has long arms and it’s hard to fight a guy like that.  Around the seventh or the eighth I thought about [Diego] Corrales vs. [Jose Luis] Castillo and going to war. I knew we needed to dig deep to win this fight and that’s what we did.”

“It’s been a hard week for us. Around round eight, I thought about Dan and he made me fight hard. This was for Dan. I know he was watching me and this is for him. We love him and we miss him.”

Martirosyan’s trainer and Dan’s brother, Joe, agreed: “He asked us to win this fight and we honored that request as best as we could.”

Nelson, who was more accurate that Martirosyan with his jabs, disagreed with the judges’ scorecards. 

“I thought I won, but the judges saw otherwise,” Nelson said. “I can’t complain. Vanes has some nice pop and hand speed. He’s nothing special, but I felt he fought me differently than he has past opponents. I just need to keep fighting and keep moving forward and we’ll see what happens. 

“It was a good, tough fight.  What else would you expect from two guys in the top 10 in the division?  Of course I’d like another shot at him.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, underdog Tommy Karpency upset former light heavyweight world champion with a split decision victory, scored 96-94 Dawson, 96-94 Karpency, 96-94 Karpency.

Karpency (24-4-1, 14 KOs), who took the fight on short notice, was supposed to be a tune-up for Dawson (32-4, 18 KOs) as he climbed back from two tough consecutive losses to Andre Ward and Adonis Stevenson.  But Karpency fought with confidence and controlled the pace of the fight, which was contested almost entirely in the center of the ring. 

“I just came here to win, I had nothing to lose,” Karpency said. “I know I did enough to win and thankfully the judges got it right. I know it was close but I won hands down. I came here on short notice and I had to pace myself and make my punches count. I buzzed him a few times but couldn’t get him down. He was running. He thought he had the fight won.

“I believe that I belong in the top 10 in the light heavyweight division. I want to fight the best. I just beat a two-time former champ and I’m ready to fight the best.” 

Dawson didn’t throw any meaningful punches with his left hand in the second half of the fight and told to SHOWTIME announcer Steve Farhood that he hurt his left shoulder in the third round. 

“I hurt my shoulder in the third round,” Dawson said. “I landed more jabs than he landed punches. That’s [expletive]. They must want me out of the game. That’s crazy. I fought with one arm since the third round. Come on, man”