Hall of Famer Riddick Bowe Joins Team Fight to Walk!

 

New York, NY (December 30, 2014) – 2015 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former heavyweight champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe has joined Team Fight to Walk.

 

An elite heavyweight in his heyday, Bowe captured the undisputed world championship in 1992 after besting then-unbeaten Evander Holyfield. Bowe and Holyfield fought twice more, with Holyfield winning the rematch and Bowe dramatically stopping the future hall of famer in the rubber match. The Bowe-Holyfield trilogy is considered one of the greatest in boxing history. In addition to twice besting Holyfield, Bowe defeated former or future champions Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tubbs, Bruce Seldon, Michael Dokes and Herbie Hide.

 

Recently, Bowe met Team Fight to Walk co-founder Boyd Melson at the WBC Convention in Las Vegas where Melson received the Ambassador of Peace Award. The two started talking and Bowe immediately took an interest in the cause Melson fights for. Shortly after the convention, he agreed to join Team Fight to Walk and the fight against paralysis. 

 

“When Boyd told me what he was doing, I was amazed,” Bowe said. “I was familiar with spinal cord injuries after hearing about the accident Paul Williams was in a few years back and I know he’s fighting to walk again. But to hear that somebody donates all of their earnings in the ring when everybody else is concerned with keeping every penny possible is really something else. My goal is to help raise awareness and show people that even though things may be dim that there is a bright light (with the pending trials).”

 

“Spending time with Riddick at the WBC Convention was incredible on multiple levels,” said Melson. “When I told him about Team Fight to Walk’s mission, he immediately wanted to join. He told me that meeting my father and I was one of the best things to happen to him in a long time. I was incredibly honored to hear him say that because I grew up watching Riddick. He was a great fighter and his willingness to join Team Fight to Walk as he’s on his way into the Hall of Fame means the world to us.”

 

For more information on Team Fight to Walk or to donate, go to Teamfighttowalk.com. All questions about Team Fight to Walk or Spinal Cord Injuries can be emailed to Boydmelson@Teamfighttowalk.com.

 

Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Team Fight to Walk Publicist) –551-206-0578 or @kopublicity

Former Contender Gary Bell against the Ropes

 

New York, NY (October 26, 2014) – In his prime, Gary “Bring Da Pain” Bell was a noteworthy heavyweight. As an amateur, the Brooklyn native captured three New York Golden Gloves championships and had his sights set on a world title in the paid ranks.

 

In 1996, world champion and future hall of famer Evander Holyfield enlisted the ultra-aggressive Bell as a sparring partner leading up to his first bout against Mike Tyson. Throughout camp, Bell did his best to mimic Iron Mike and reportedly got the best of Holyfield during some of their sparring sessions. Impressed with Bell’s ability, Holyfield signed on to become his manager. The two sparred again for Holyfield’s rematch with Tyson. This time, Holyfield reportedly got the better of Bell.

 

The fearless Bell also spent time sparring with champion Lennox Lewis and the Tyson-esque David Tua, a rough and heavy hitting Samoan star that knocked out almost every fighter he faced. Ironically, Tua would have a major role in Bell’s future as a boxer.

                     

In 1999, the two met for the USBA title. A victory for Bell would mean he’d receive a world ranking and be on the shortlist as a potential opponent for the heavyweight division’s elite. Unfortunately, he was on the wrong side of a first round knockout. A few bouts later, Tua made a significant amount of money to fight Lennox Lewis for the world title and went onto have a successful career.Bell was never the same, fighting just four more times and ending his career with a second round knockout loss. Between countless rounds of sparring with the Holyfield’s and Tua’s of the world and 28 professional fights, Bell took a tremendous amount of punishment.

 

Shortly after his career ended in 2002, Bell showed the scary effects that boxing can have on a former fighter. Between memory loss, poor balance, slurred speech and a lack of focus, his associate degrees in both medical billing and AutoCAD weren’t enough to help him find a steady 9 to 5 job. With countless job interviews leading him nowhere, the desperate Bellcommitted multiple street crimes for money and is facing jail time for grand larceny and burglary.

 

Due to his condition and instability, Bell was seen on multiple occasions by forensic psychologist Marc Janoson. He ran multiple tests on Bell, showing an impaired thought process and various other personality flaws. His time with Bell led to diagnoses of Pugilistic Dementia, Bipolar I Disorder and Bipolar II Disorder. Dr. Janoson recommended multiple neurological evaluations and medicines that could potentially rehabilitate Bell.

 

Still, Bell is facing multiple years in prison instead of a mental institution where he’d be served best.

 

“Gary Bell is a very sick man,” said Mitchell Rose, who is assisting with getting Bell the proper help. “He’s looking at multiple years in prison and while it’s a fitting penalty for most, prison isn’t what he needs. Gary’s boxing career caused severe mental and physical damage that could only be helped if he’s in an institution where he’s given the proper medication. There have been many instances where mentally incompetent suspects in criminal cases were put into the proper institutions and not standard prisons because that is the proper way to rehabilitate them. We’re going to continue fighting for Gary to get the help he needs and not just throw him into a prison where he’ll never have the chance to become a functioning member of society upon his release."

 

To assist with Bell’s legal bills and assist him in getting the proper help, fans can donate via Paypal togarybellfund@gmail.com.

WBC heavyweight champion Bermane 'B. Ware' Stiverne Honored by Nevada Boxing HOF

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release     NBHOF host Rosie Perez & Bermane Stiverne LAS VEGAS (August 14, 2014) - World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight champion Bermane "B. Ware" Stiverne(24-1, 21 KOs) was honored this past weekend by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) at its annual awards dinner in Las Vegas. Stiverne was presented a Special Achievement Award by the NSBHOF for becoming the first Haitian-born World Heavyweight Champion. "It felt great to represent Haiti," Stiverne said, "but what really felt amazing was to receive it amongst legends like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Roberto Duran and Floyd Mayweather." Stiverne, who knocked out Chris Arreola(35-4) this past May to claim the coveted title belt vacated by retired Vitali Klitschko, is tentatively scheduled to defend his title for the first time later this year against mandatory challenger Deontay "The Bronze Bomber" Wilder (31-0, 31 KOs). During the NBHOF dinner, Stiverne spent most of the time with his head trainer, Don House, along with his long-time friend and former world champion, Kevin Kelley. However, Bermane was introduced to a few people he's always wanted to meet. "I had the honor to meet Evander Holyfield, the talented actress and host of the night, Rosie Perez, and Roberto Duran," Stiverne noted. "It's really funny how I used to watch these icons when I was a young kid." "I'm very happy Bermane is getting the recognition he deserves," Stiverne's manager Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management) added. "We've all worked hard to get him to this point but this isn't our destination point. He's gong a lot further. He has the WBC belt, the same one held by Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and so many other great heavyweights. Someday, we want Bermane talked about in the same way. We can't wait for his next fight so he can make a major statement."    For further information visit www.eottm.com, follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne, or Instagram @BermaneStiverne.

TICKET ALERT: Jennings vs. Perez, Geale vs. Macklin, May 24 in Corpus Christi and LIVE on HBO

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Corpus Christ, Texas (April 25, 2014) - Tickets are on sale now for the upcoming World Boxing Council ('WBC') Heavyweight Title Eliminator clash featuring undefeated and top rated heavyweights BRYANT "By By" JENNINGS of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and MIKE "The Rebel" PEREZ, fighting out of Cork, Ireland.  The bout will take place on SATURDAY, MAY 24, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texasand televised LIVE on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.  K2 Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions in association with Antonio Leonard Promotions, DiBella Entertainment, Grange Old School Boxing and Frankel Sports will bring you the action.

Tickets priced $25, $40, $60, $100 and $150 are on sale now and can be purchased at the American Bank Center Box Office, all TicketMaster Outlets & ticketmaster.com.

The winner of the 12-round bout will become the mandatory challenger for the WBC Heavyweight Title, which was vacated by longtime champion Vitali Klitschko earlier this year. Jennings and Perez are currently ranked #4 and #5, respectively by the sanctioning body.

Opening the telecast is a 10-round middleweight battle between two-time former world championDANIEL "The Real Deal" GEALE and perennial contender MATTHEW "Mack The Knife" MACKLIN.

The American Bank Center is located 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi, Texas. For further information please visit their website at

www.AmericanBankCenter.com

For fight updates on JENNINGS VS. PEREZ via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, Bryant Jennings on Twitter at @BYJennings, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions at @TomLoeffler1 and Gary Shaw Productions at @GaryShawBoxing. Use the hashtag #JenningsPerez to join the conversation on Twitter.

For additional Social Media updates for GEALE vs. MACKLIN using Twitter follow Daniel Geale at@RealDanielGeale and Matthew Macklin at @MattMacklinas well as DiBella Entertainmentat@DiBellaEnt using the hashtag #GealeMacklin

City Boxing Welcomes Two-Time Heavyweight Chris Byrd

GARY SHAW FIGHTERS MARCH UP WBC RANKINGS

NEW JERSEY (April 19, 2014) - Gary Shaw Productions is happy to announce the ranking updates of six GSP fighters, who have worked their way up the WBC ratings.  Fighting in a heavyweight elimination bout, is # 4 ranked contender Bryant Jennings (18-0, 11 KOs).  Former two-time Australian Middleweight world champion, Daniel Geale (30-2, 16 KOs), is ranked # 2.  At Lightweight (135 lbs), Rustam Nugaev (27-6-1, 17 KOs) is rated # 4, while the undefeated Alejandro Luna (17-0, 13 KOs) is # 10.  Thomas Dulorme (21-1, 14 KOs) is rated # 4 at Super-Lightweight, and Jose Pedraza (16-0, 10 KOs) is now # 5 at Super-Featherweight (130 lbs), putting Puerto Rico on the map. 

Daniel Geale is right back into title contention with his recent victory over world rated Garth Wood, and will now be fighting Matthew Macklin in a meaningful bout.  Geale is knocking on the doorstep of a world title bout.  Look for him to go all out against Macklin. 

Jennings possesses the athletic ability that hasn't been seen in the heavyweight division is some time.  His style some would say emulates Evander Hollyfield, because of his slippery defense and deceptive punching power.  As a late bloomer, Jennings is now coming into his own, getting better with each bout.  A world title bout against Wladimir Klitschko (61-3, 51 KOs) is on the horizon, should he beat Mike Perez (20-0-1, 12 KOs) in his upcoming title elimination bout.

Thomas Dulorme is on a roll, winning five fights in a row since his move to Super-Lightweight.  His recent win against former undefeated contender, Karim Mayfield (18-1, 11 KOs), has placed him in position to fight for a world title.  He's hoping to get in the ring with any of the champions at 140 lbs. 

Known as a pressure fighter, Rustam Nugaev has been unstoppable of late, destroying everyone in his path, winning his last five bouts by knockout.  He's on the cusp of a world title opportunity and would like to face any of the champions at 135 lbs.

Pedraza is a technical fighter with immense boxing skills.  His ability to adapt to any style makes him a problem for any challenger.  If need be, Pedraza who is a conventional right handed fighter, can switch his stance to southpaw and not lose any momentum during a fight.  He's seeking a fight with champion, Takashi Miura or any of the top contenders in his division.  Should Pedraza capture the WBC title at Super Featherweight, he could then move up to Lightweight and have a possible Puerto Rican showdown with Felix Verdejo.

A true Mexican Cowboy, Alejandro "El Charro" Luna is a young hungry 22-year old fighter who has power in both hands.  He also has the skill to switch stances and be extremely effective. His steady march up the rankings is gaining him the notoriety he needs to make a run for a world title shot.  With a massive fan base in Southern California, Luna's ready to challenge any top fighter in the Lightweight division.

"My guys are great men with the character to become stars in this sport," said Gary Shaw. "Geale is one fight away from a world title as is Jennings.  My goal is to get Dulorme, Nugaev and Pedraza in a mega TV fight against any of the current champions in their division by the end of the year.  With Luna, I want him to stay busy and keep him marching up the rankings.  I want to thank the WBC ratings committee for recognizing these future WBC Champions."

VINNY MADDALONE – MAURENZO SMITH LIVE THIS FRIDAY ON PANDAFEED.TV

PLUS UNDEFEATED CLETUS SELDIN; ALAN GOTAY AND WENDY TOUSSAINT HIGHLIGHT SIX BOUT CARD

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 18, 2013)—This Friday night, popular Heavyweight Vinny Maddalone returns to the ring when he takes on Maurenzo Smith in a scheduled eight round bout that will originate from the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York.

The event, which is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will be streamed LIVE all over the world on www.pandafeed.tv for $9.99.

Maddalone of Queens, NY has a record of 37-8 with 28 knockouts and is on a two fight winning streak.

Maddalone is known for his exciting style has fought the elite of the Heavyweight division in former world champions Al Cole, Evander Holyfield, Jean Marc Mormeck & Tomasz Adamek as well as top contenders Dennis Boysov and Tyson Fury.

Maddalone is coming off a 3^rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Richard Carmack (12-0) on May 11^th.

Smith of Houston, Texas has a record of 12-7-2 with 9 knockouts.

Smith has victories over previously undefeated Robbie McClimans and in his last bout, he scored a 2^nd round stoppage over Ty Cobb (16-4) on October 5^th.

Smith has also fought highly regarded Andy Ruiz Jr. (15-0); Joe Hanks (20-0); Aaron Green (8-0); Tor Hamer (19-2) and Joey Abell (28-6).

In the co-feature, Undefeated Jr. Welterweight Cletus Seldin will take on his most experienced opponent in Gilbert Venegas.

The scheduled eight round bout will see Seldin of Brooklyn, NY test put his undefeated mark of 11-0 with 9 knockouts on the line when he takes on the battles tested Venegas.

Seldin has stopped 8 straight opponents with the latest being a 3^rd round stoppage over Jonathan Cuba on February 23^rd.

Venegas of East Moline, Illinois is 12-11-4 with 8 knockouts.

He has quality wins such as a 3^rd round stoppage over world ranked Ed Paredes & undefeated Lance Williams as well as a draw with future world title challenger Jesus Soto Karass.

Venegas has also faced undefeated Lanrado Tyner, Yukeno Andino, Mike Jones, Jermall Charlo and his last bout he was stopped by Samuel Vasquez on October 12^th.

In a six round Lightweight bout, Alan Gotay (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Huntington, NY will battle Calvin (2-5) of Prichard, AL.

Anthony Karperis (4-2, 2 KO’s) will fight Michael Doyle (2-6. 1KO) of Prichard, AL in six round Jr. Welterweight bout.

Wendy Toussiant (2-0) of New York will square off with debuting Ahmed Tuba in a four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Max Tassy will box Daniel Pietch (1-2) of Ohio in a four round Cruiserweight bout.

JIMMY LENNON, JR. TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME THIS SUNDAY IN CANASTOTA, N.Y.

“IT’S SHOWTIME”

NEW YORK (June 6, 2013) – “IT’S SHOWTIME” for Jimmy Lennon, Jr., the world renowned and universally respected ring announcer who’ll be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday, June 9, in Canastota, N.Y.

Lennon, son of the late legendary ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr., started as a back-up to his famous father at the Olympic Auditorium and Forum in Los Angeles before coming to SHOWTIME in 1991. In a 30-year career, he has introduced fights in more than 32 countries, and is closing in on his 900^th world championship fight.

Widely hailed for his smooth delivery, finesse and flawless pronunciation of difficult names, “The Classy” Jimmy Lennon Jr., always introduces foreign fighters in their native tongue. “Wherever I go, whether it is France, Germany, Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, I like to welcome the fans and the fighters in their language.”

Among many of Lennon’s memorable career highlights was working the Julio Cesar Chavez--Greg Haugen fight card in Mexico City with 135,000 excitable fans. Lennon announced Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield to the ring for the infamous “Bite Fight” and for Buster Douglas’ shocking upset KO of Tyson in Tokyo. He’s worked “close to 20 Tyson fights, which is more than anyone else,” Lennon said.

Lennon was raised in Santa Monica, Calif., not too far from The Home Depot Center in Carson where Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will take place. With Hall of Fame induction festivities in Canastota, New York, some 3,000 miles away, Lennon will work Friday night’s ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Along with Lennon, other luminaries being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame include  famed fighters Arturo Gatti, who died in 2009, and former light heavyweight champions Virgil Hill and Henry Maske, referee Mills Lane and affable British writer Colin Hart.

Lennon will be accompanied to Canastota by his wife of 20 years, Christine, and their teenage sons, James III, 16, and Alex, 13.

2012 U.S. Super Heavyweight Olympian Dominic Breazeale Turns Pro!

MAKES PRO DEBUT ON SHOBOX!   Press Release For Immediate Release

Los Angeles, California (October 25, 2012) - It was just over 4 years ago that Dominic Breazeale was pursuing his dreams of playing in the NFL and leading his team to a championship.  After going undrafted, Breazeale made the tough decision to swap his helmet and pads for head gear and leather gloves.  It was a good decision for the star quarterback from the University of Northern Colorado as he moved back to California and started training as an amateur boxer with hopes of reaching the 2012 London Olympic Games.    After a standout amateur career in which he captured the 2011 California Golden Gloves title, won the 2012 USA Boxing National Championships and placed 2nd in the Americas qualifier, Dominic reached his dream of representing the United States in the Olympic Games.  The United States Super Heavyweight showed heart and determination in his lone bout and came up short of a medal at the games.  Breazeale's goal when jumping from the gridiron to the ring was to become America's next Heavyweight Champion of the World.  His  journey to a world title will start on November 9, 2012 when he makes his professional debut on ShoBox, the New Generation at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.  Breazeale is excited to to turn professional and indicated that there are major differences between the amateur and pro ranks.  When asked about the transition, Breazeale stated that "the sport of boxing is completely different when comes to the amateurs and pros.  The amateur ranks is about scoring points on your opponent, whereas the pro ranks is more about imposing your will and hurting your opponent."  Dominic's pro career looks quite promising as he has surrounded himself  with the best in the business, starting with his adviser.   Breazeale chose to sign with one of boxing's most influential figures, Mr. Al Haymon.  On his feelings with signing with Mr. Haymon, Dominic noted that "I'm very happy and pleased to be working with Mr. Haymon as he is a very well known adviser and figure in boxing.  I wouldn't want to be working with anyone else."  As for his corner, Breazeale is under the tutelage of world-renowned and California Boxing Hall of Fame trainer John Bray.  Bray, an amateur standout and professional fighter himself, knows what it takes to be a great heavyweight.  Bray was part of the training camps of some of the best heavyweight's of this era, sparring with the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis.      Bray was also mentored and trained by legendary trainer's in Angelo Dundee, Lou Duva and George Benton.  When Bray was asked about his young fighter he had the following to say, "I've been in this business for over thirty years and this is one of the most naturally talented kids I've seen.  He is a work in progress and is very young to the game, but he shows a ton of heart and determination.  His work ethic is unquestioned and I believe he will do big things in boxing.  All of these attributes are key ingredients for becoming the Heavyweight Champion of the World ."