Mike Tyson Joins List of Legendary Fighters who became promoters

Mike Tyson was the youngest heavyweight champion of all time and in 1987 voted, "World's Most Popular Athlete." Now he joins a select list of legendary fighters who became boxing promoters. Jack Dempsey Jack Dempsey, the "Manasa Mauler," stopped boxing after this fight against Gene Tunney. He promoted a few bouts before entering show business as an actor. Joe Louis Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber" is considered by many historians as the greatest heavyweight champion of all time. He retired briefly in 1948 and one of his first promotions was the Ezzard Charles - Jersey Joe Walcott fight for title Louis' vacated. Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali, known simply as, "The Greatest," is certainly one of the most famous people of all time. After his final bout in 1981against future champ Trevor Berbick he entered the promotional business under the banner "MAPS," Muhammad Ali Professional Sports. Mike Tyson Mike Tyson and business partner Garry Jonas formed Iron Mike Productions in 2013. Their motto: the best interest of the fighter comes first in any decision making. Mike will be in Minneapolis to see his IBF Champion Argenis Menedez defend his crown on ESPN Friday Night Fights January 3 at Target Center. Some other prominent fighters who also became promoters include Roy Jones, Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather. Video Release https://www.hightail.com/download/elNJck84Q1BlM1FVV01UQw Print Release https://www.hightail.com/download/elNJck84NDJ6NE4zZU5Vag

ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Previously known as Acquinity Sports, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotion company co-founded and led by CEO Garry Jonas. In partnership with Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, IMP is committed to changing traditional boxing promotion by advocating for its fighters' successes, inside the ring and out, throughout their professional careers and into retirement. For additional information go online at www.IronMikeProductions.com or follow Iron Mike Productions on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

Quotes & Pictures from the 2nd Annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

(L-R) Standing: NYSBOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy, Tony Graziano, James "Buddy" McGirt, Mark Breland, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad: seated: Junior Jones, Shelly Finkel, U.S. Congressman Peter King, Bobby Cassidy and Iran Barkley.  ( Picture by Peter Frutkoff)     NEW YORK (April 30, 2013) - More than 300 people attended this past Sunday's second annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8,  at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York, as 20 inductees from the Class of 2013 were honored. "This is the second year for the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame," NYSBHOF and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy explained.  "This is for New York but it could be the Brooklyn Boxing Hall of Fame with so many of this year's inductees from Brooklyn.  The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame is for New Yorkers and one by New Yorkers.  All of these inductees are responsible New Yorkers.  We remember their services from the 40s, 50s and 60s, when boxing was so big in New York, and it's big again today.  A lot of people in the audience will be inducted for years to come. The dream of Tony Mazzarella was to have the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame - New Yorkers for New Yorkers." The 2013 NYSBHOF inductees were (participants) Jack Dempsey (61-6-9, 50 KOs), Johnny Dundee (83-32-20, 17 KOs), Sandy Saddler (144-16-2, 103 KOs), Maxie Rosenbloom (207-39-26 (19 KOs), Joey Archer (61-6-9, 50 KOs), Iran Barkley (43-19-1 (27 KOs), Mark Breland (35-3-1, 25 KOs), Bobby Cassidy (59-16-3, 27 KOs); Doug Jones (30-10-1, 20 KOs), Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (50-8-1, 39 KOs); (non-participants) Bob Arum,  Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano,  Larry Merchant; Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard, and Don Dunphy, Each inductee received a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  U.S. Congressman Peter King (R-NY), a strong supporter of boxing who introduced his close friend, Bobby Cassidy, was a guest speaker.  "I congratulate all of the honorees today for their outstanding careers, especially my friend, Bobby Cassidy, for all he's done," Rep. King said.  "I introduced, with Senator McCain, a bill (Muhammad Ali Act) to protect fighters and now we've introduced another bill asking the President (Obama) to pardon Jack Johnson.  It's an injustice." The inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members, including Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers. Dave Diamante served once again as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Special guests in attendance included Vito Antuofermo, Luis Colazzo, Vinny Maddalone, Renaldo Snipes, Leona Brown, and Mia St. John. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. Quotes from some of the inductees and their pictures are below.  All pictures by Peter Frutkoff. Junior Jones:  "There are a lot of great fighters up here.  This is a great event recognizing New Yorkers.  I want to thank all of the people who were part of my team."    (L-R) NYSBHOF Nominating Committee member Henry Haschup, Junior Jones and Bob Duffy Iran Barkley:  "Teddy Brenner basically asked me, 'You think you can fight.'  I told him I was going to be champion of the world and he said, 'You're never going to be champion.'  You don't know how made he made me that day and I then beat everybody he put in against me.   "When I fought (Thomas) Hearns, nobody thought I could beat him, but I wasn't afraid.  I'm a Bronx guy and I was used to getting hits by bricks and bats.  I won with blood, sweat and tears.  I said to get ready to pick him up and carry him out."   (L-R) John Reetz, Iran Barkley and Bob Duffy Tony Graziano:  "It's an honor being here with all these greats and in the New York Hall of Fame."   (L-R) NYSBHOF Nominating Committee member Don Majeski, Tony Graziano and Bob Duffy.   Bobby Cassidy:  "I truly appreciate and I'm honored to be standing here today.  I started boxing in 1963.  Teddy Brenner said I was a million-to-one shot but his long-shot paid off.  Like a lot of guys, boxing saved me.  It was go in the ring or go to jail.  Everything I have is through boxing.  I was sent all over the world.  I was a fighter; just tell me where to show up.  I never turned down a fight.  I fought six opponents who fought for the title and beat four of them.  All I ever wanted was to fight for the title.  I never fought for the title and that really hurt me more than anything and I had 80 pro fights and 500 stitches. I'm a fighter and always will be. Standing up here makes up for never getting a title shot. I'm truly honored." (L-R) U.S. Congressman Peter King, Bobby Cassidy, Chris Cassidy, Bobby Cassidy, Jr. and his two children.    Mark Breland:"It's good to be here with all these guys.  I've always looked up to, and I don't know if he knows it, Tony Santana.  I sparred with Eddie Mustafa Muhammad.  It's an honor to be here and accept this award.  I had a lot of fights. I enjoy boxing; it's a lot of fun.  All my years in boxing, I always had a great manager, Shelly Finkel.  He's family."   (L-R) Master of Ceremonies David Diamante, Brian Adams, Mark Breland, Bob Duffy and Breland's son.   Shelly Finkel: Anyone in the sport knows there are two families - one at home and the fighters.  Somebody once asked me, when all is said and done, how do I want to be remembered?  That I cared about my fighters.  There have been so many incredible moments in the ring. I've had the greatest career with my fighters on the ring but, after the fighting, that I could help my fighters." (L-R) NYSBHOF Nominating Committee member  Steve Farhood, Shelly Finkel and Bob Duffy   James "Buddy" McGirt:  "This group of fighters up here, you don't understand, it'll be 100 years before you'd find a group of fighters like this.  In 1987, Iran Barkley took to training camp.  He didn't need to do that and I was just another expense.  But it helped me become world champion. In 1989, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad came to gym in Las Vegas everyday for five weeks to watch me train.  As a fighter there are certain things you never forget. On November 29th, 1991, Eddie yelled my name and gave me a thumbs-up.  It was the greatest night of my career.  Everybody was yelling and what I remember was Eddie yelling, 'McGirt.'" (L-R) NYSBHOF Nominating Committee member Henry Hascup, James "Buddy" McGirt, NYSBHOF Board of Directors member Tony Mazzarella, and Bob Duffy.   Eddie Mustafa Muhammad:  "This is special to me.  I am very appreciative and humbled to put me in the New York Hall of Fame with all these terrific fighters. But, if you invite me again to another festive occasion like this, please (jokingly) don't sit me between McGirt and Breland.  They're friends of mine, like family. Iran and I won many titles together.  I told him that, if he listened to me, he'd be a three-time world champion.  He looked at me like I was crazy.  I blew it....he became four-time world champion.  "Now, I have my newest world champion, Ishe Smith, and Chad Dawson.  I thank God for allowing me to transfer any skills, what I learned from my former trainers, to my students.  I've had 18 world champions in a young career.  After I retired, I didn't know what to do, and Bob Arum said I could train because he knew I was working with Mike McCallum, who became world champion.  I brought Floyd Mayweather his first world champion (Smith).  I'm a part of the 'Money Team' and thank him for having the trust in me to train some of his young fighters. "This is like winning a world championship.  I love this!" (l-R) Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, NYSBHOF Board of Directors member Tommy Gallagher and Bob Duffy.  About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association - hence, RING 8 - and today the organization's motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers. RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

2nd Annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this Sunday

NEW YORK (April 26, 2013) - The second annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8,  will be held this Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET),  at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. "We're all very excited about the second class being inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday," NYSBHOF and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said.  "All are of our inductees are legitimate New Yorkers who've each had significant impacts on the sport.  We expect to have more than 300 people there enjoying a memorable event." Legendary Jack Dempsey (61-6-9, 50 KOs) leads the 2013 posthumous participant inductees list that also includes Johnny Dundee (83-32-20, 17 KOs), Sandy Saddler (144-16-2, 103 KOs), and world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom (207-39-26 (19 KOs). Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Joey Archer (61-6-9, 50 KOs), Iran Barkley (43-19-1 (27 KOs), Mark Breland (35-3-1, 25 KOs), Bobby Cassidy (59-16-3, 27 KOs); Doug Jones (30-10-1, 20 KOs), Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (50-8-1, 39 KOs).                                                                                                                              Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are promoter Bob Arum, managers Shelly Finkel and Tony Graziano, television analyst Larry Merchant; and posthumously, matchmaker Teddy Brenner, promoters Mike Jacobs and Tex Rickard, and blow-by-blow television and radio announcer Don Dunphy,    2013 Inductee Bob Arum (Photo by Chris Farina)  Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF.  Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission and Waterfront Crabhouse.  Ring 8 has announced plans for a monument to be built in Long Island City with every NYSBHOF inductee's name inscribed. The inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members, including Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. Dave Diamante will serve once again as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Opening remarks will be made by Duffy, Melvina Latham, Chairperson for the New York State Athletic Commission, and U.S. Congressman (District 2) Peter King. The 2013 award presenters will be U.S. Congressman King (Cassidy), Ricardo Salazar (Jones), Bobby Bartels (Brenner), Duffy (Archer/Jones/Dempsey), McNair (Archer/Jones/Jacobs/Rickard), Majeski (Dundee/Rosenbloom/Saddler), Farhood (Dunphy/Finkel), Brian Adams (Breland), Henry Hascup (McGirt), Tony Mazzarella (McGirt), Hirsch (Arum/Merchant), Tommy Gallagher (Muhammad), and Terens. All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers. Special guests expected to attend include Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin, Juan Laporte, Vito Antuofermo, Renaldo Snipes and Mia St. John. Last year's Inaugural Class included (participants) Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri. Non-participant inductees from the Class of 2012  were judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cut-man Jimmy Glenn, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, The Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer, New York Daily News boxing reporter/cartoonist Bill Gallo, and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association - hence, RING 8 - and today the organization's motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers. RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

Jack Dempsey & Bob Arum lead 2013 Class Inductees into New York State Boxing Hall of Fame

Sunday, April 28  NEW YORK (March 6, 2013) - Golden-era heavyweight champion of the world, Jack Dempsey, and legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum lead a star-studded cast of 20 inductees into the second-year New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF). The second annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.n. ET), April 28, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York. "This is an exceptional group of inductees," NYSBHOF and Ring 8 president Bob Duffy said. "We are inducting legitimate New Yorkers in the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. All of these inductees have a significant impact on New York State boxing during their respective times. There are many other potential inductees but this is only our second year. We're confident that any deserving people who haven't been inducted yet will be inducted in due time. There's a process we're following. New York State was the driving force in boxing for more than a half-century and remains a major player in the sport, so we'll have many, many great boxing people to choose from over the years." Posthumous participants being inducted along with Dempsey (61-6-9, 50 KOs) are the first great Italian boxer based in America, featherweight Johnny Dundee (83-32-20, 17 KOs); two-time world featherweight champion Sandy Saddler (144-16-2, 103 KOs) Sandy Saddler, who is best known for his epic rivalry with Willie Pep; and world light heavyweight champion Maxie Rosenbloom (207-39-26 (19 KOs). Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Bronx middleweight Joey Archer (61-6-9, 50 KOs), three-division world champion from the Bronx, Iran Barkley (43-19-1 (27 KOs); Brooklyn's Mark Breland (35-3-1, 25 KOs),1984 Olympic gold medalist and two-time world welterweight titlist, Levittown light heavyweight Bobby Cassidy (59-16-3, 27 KOs); world heavyweight challenger Doug Jones (30-10-1, 20 KOs), Brooklyn's world bantamweight and super bantamweight champion Junior Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), Brentwood's light welterweight and welterweight champion James "Buddy" McGirt (73-6-1, 48 KOs), Brooklyn's world light heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad (50-8-1, 39 KOs). Non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF with Arum (Top Rank) are Shelly Finkel, manager of a NYSBHOF inductee from last year, Mike McCallum, as well as Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker; Tony Graziano, who managed last year's NYSBHOF inductee, Carmen Basilio, and world welterweight champion Billy Backus; Brooklyn's Larry Merchant, arguably television's greatest boxing analyst; posthumously: Teddy Brenner, longtime matchmaker for Madison Square Garden (1959-1973), boxing's premier blow-by-blow announcer on television and radio, Don Dunphy; powerful promoter Mike Jacobs, and Dempsey's promoter, Tex Rickard. Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission and Waterfront Crabhouse. Duffy also has revealed that Ring 8's plan calls for a monument to be built in Long Island City with every NYSBHOF inductee's name inscribed. The inductees were selected by NYSBHOF nominating committee members, including Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens. "I believe the people on our nominating committee are second to none for any nominating committee in boxing," Duffy added. "They're all very knowledgeable and passionate about boxing in New York State." All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers. Last year's Inaugural Class included Basilio and McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, and Emile Griffith, as well as the late "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri. Non-participant inductees from the Class of 2012 included judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cut-man Jimmy Glenn and, posthumously, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer, New York Daily News boxing reporter/cartoonist Bill Gallo, and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr. Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult ($125.00 for Ring 8 members in good standing) and $50.00 for children, and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available to purchase at the Waterfront Crabhouse (2-03 Borden Ave in Long Island City), or by calling Mazzarella at 718.729.4862 or Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $50.00 to $250.00, by contacting Mazzarella and Duffy. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. About Ring 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association - hence, RING 8 - and today the organization's motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.   RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need. Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $25.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, the third Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.

BROOKLYN BOXING: A History of World Champions and Championship Fights In NYC’s Storied Borough

BY STEVE FARHOOD

The opening night of big-time boxing at the Barclays Center serves as a link to history -- and a time when Brooklyn and boxing were linked as closely as Peter Luger’s Steakhouse and the porterhouse for two.

Boxing's ties to Brooklyn date back no less than 130 years:

* John L. Sullivan, who was the first heavyweight champion of the modern era, fought in Brooklyn in 1882, just before the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge.

* The legendary lightweight champion Joe Gans fought in Brooklyn in 1896 and 1897. In 1898, Brooklyn, which had been independent, became part of New York City.

* The great middleweight champion Harry Greb first fought in Brooklyn in 1917, one year after a Polish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker began serving hot dogs from a stand on Surf Avenue in Coney Island.

* Jack Dempsey fought an exhibition in Brooklyn in 1918, just as the population of the borough reached 2-million. (It is now estimated at 2.5-million.)

In fact, most of the stars of boxing’s golden age fought in Brooklyn at some point in their careers.  Tony Canzoneri (47 times) led the way. Native New Yorkers Rocky Graziano (18 times) and Benny Leonard (14 times) appeared regularly.  Sugar Ray Robinson, Jake LaMotta, Sandy Saddler, Kid Gavilan, Abe Attell, Kid Chocolate, Joey Giardello, Terry McGovern, Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Tommy Loughran are some of the hall of famers who fought in Brooklyn.

In all, there have been 37 world title fights in Brooklyn, most of them coming at various athletic clubs that have long since shut their doors.  James J. Jeffries won the world heavyweight title at the Coney Island AC in 1899, knocking out Bob Fitzsimmons.  The last world title fight was on August 5, 1931, when Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom retained the New York World light heavyweight title with a decision over Jimmy Slattery at Ebbets Field.

Eighty-one years later – on Saturday, October 20 -- there will be four world title fights on one card.

In one of those fights, Brooklyn’s own Paulie Malignaggi will make his first defense of the WBA welterweight title.  Eleven years ago, Malignaggi turned pro on the last major fight card in Brooklyn, at KeySpan Park (now MCU Park) in Coney Island.

Malignaggi is about as Brooklyn as it gets.  While you might associate Michael Jordanwith North Carolina, Al Capone with Chicago and Mae West with Hollywood, they were all born in Brooklyn as well.

So were a string of heavyweight champions:Floyd Patterson, Michael Moorer, Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs and Riddick Bowe-- all born within a few miles of one another.

Other recent champions born in Brooklyn include Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Junior Jones, Zab Judah, Luis Collazo, Mark Breland and Kevin Kelley.

The Dodgers left Brooklyn after the 1957 baseball season, and the demolition of Ebbets Field, the site of many a major fight card, began in 1960.

A new chapter in Brooklyn’s history begins on Oct. 20. The Dodgers aren’t likely to ever come back, but boxing has returned, and the Barclays Center is its new home.

#  #  #

World championship boxing returns to Brooklyn with an inaugural night of fights at the new Barclays Center on October 20 headlined by Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia against future Hall of FamerErik Morales presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Box Latino and supported by Golden Boy Promotions sponsors Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T.  In the co-featured attractions, Brooklyn’s own Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi puts his WBA Welterweight World Championship on the line against hard-hitting Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano, number one rated WBO middleweight contender Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillinof Manhattan takes on unbeaten Hassan N’Dam for N’Dam’s WBO Middleweight World Championship in a fight presented in association with Asventure Promotion and Devon Alexander faces Randall Bailey for Bailey’s IBF Welterweight World Championship in a bout presented in association with The Great Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.  The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).  Preliminary fights will air live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

The undercard is loaded with many of New York’s top fighters, including Brooklyn’s hot middleweight prospectDaniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs, former World Champion Luis Collazo, the Bronx’s rising star Eddie Gomez, former world title contender Dmitriy Salita and Brooklyn prospect Boyd Melson.

FORMER VETERAN BOXING JUDGE CHUCK GIAMPA APPOINTED TO SERVE AS RATINGS CHAIRMAN FOR THE RING MAGAZINE

LOS ANGELES, CA (Oct. 8) - Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC announced today that Chuck Giampa, who served as a top boxing judge for decades in the sport, has been named ratings chairman for THE RING Magazine, the international best selling boxing magazine which was founded in 1922.  THE RING, long considered by the industry as the "The Bible of Boxing," pioneered the concept of boxing rankings and has been awarding the prestigious Ring Championship belt to genuine world champions since heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey first received the belt in 1922. THE RING Ratings are compiled by the Ratings Chairman, the Editorial Board, and the Ratings Panel consisting of leading boxing journalists from around the world. Fights qualifying for the THE RING Championship belt are determined by the Ratings Chairman and the Editorial Board under the guidance of THE RING's Championship Policy.  Since then, over 300 additional Ring Champions have been crowned, with the most recent Ring Champion being Junior Welterweight, Danny Garcia on July 14, 2012. Giampa was appointed as a judge in 1984 and has had an illustrious career, judging many memorable championship fights including the Holyfield-Tyson II "Bite Night" fight and the Holyfield-Bowe "Fan Man" fight.  He has judged over 130 world championship fights in addition to many regional and international title fights in Italy, England, Wales, France, Germany, Panama, Argentina, Korea and Japan.  He retired from his position as a boxing judge in 2008 to pursue a career as a boxing consultant and continue as a sports columnist. "I love boxing and have stayed very involved in the sport since my retirement as a top boxing judge," said Giampa, who has recently spent his time as an international boxing consultant and sports columnist.  "I am honored to accept this position as THE RING Magazine Ratings Chairman and look forward to guiding the process of selecting future champions for THE RINGMagazine. I know how important it is for fighters to receive this title and I will make sure the process of selecting these worthy champions is fair and of the highest standards." About THE RING Magazine: THE RING Magazine is owned and published by Sports and Entertainment Publications, LLC and has been in publication for over 90 years.  THE RING Ratings are compiled by the Ratings Chairman, the Editorial Board, and the Ratings Panel consisting of leading boxing journalists from around the world. Fights qualifying for the THE RING Championship belt are determined by the Ratings Chairman and the Editorial Board under the guidance of THE RING's Championship Policy.  THE RING Ratings and Championship Policies can be found at ringtv.craveonline.com/ratings and also below.  THE RING RATINGS POLICY - The criteria by which THE RING rates fighters is as follows, in order of importance: (1) Results: This is the most objective criterion and takes precedence over all others. (2) Performance: How a fighter performs in a victory or defeat can be a factor to determine his place in the ratings. (3) Track record: A fighter's accomplishments in the recent past can be a factor to determine his place in the ratings, which includes quality of opposition. THE RING CHAMPIONSHIP POLICY - Championship vacancies can be filled in the following two ways: 1. THE RING's Nos. 1 and 2 contenders fight one another. 2. If the Nos. 1 and 2 contenders chose not to fight one another and either of them fights No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5, the winner may be awarded THE RING belt if the Ratings Chairman and Editorial Board deem the contenders worthy.  There are the seven situations in which a Ring Champion can lose his belt: (1) The Champion loses a fight in the weight class in which he is Champion. (2) The Champion moves to another weight class. (3) The Champion does not schedule a fight in any weight class for 18 months. (4) The Champion does not schedule a fight at his championship weight for 18 months (even if he fights at another weight). (5) The Champion does not schedule a fight with a Top-5 contender from any weight class for two years. (6) The Champion retires. (7) The Champion tests positive for a banned substance.