Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Venezuelan KO Artist Ismael Barroso

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of lightweight southpaw Ismael Barroso to a promotional agreement. A huge puncher from El Tigre, Venezuela, Barroso (15-0-2, 14 KOs) has the visa issues that previously stalled his career resolved and is ready for another attack on the top of the lightweight division. "This is a fighter who could easily become a world champion," said Greg Cohen. "He's got tremendous punching power and he's relentless when he has an opponent hurt. I'm very proud to be working with him." Barosso won the Interim WBA Fedelatin Lightweight Title with a first-round knockout of Oscar Arenas (then 22-3) in October 2012 and defended it with a KO 4 over Winston Campos (then 17-2-4) in October 2013. The only blemishes on his record are a pair of draws in the first six fights of his career. He also won and defended the WBA Fedebol lightweight in 2012. "Barroso's manager, Osmiri Fernandez, and Ricardo Rizzo helped put this deal together and we're eager to get to work on finding him the opportunities that will bring him to the top of the division," continued Cohen. "We will have an exciting announcement about the first of those opportunities very soon."

Sampson Boxing's Fortuna, Rodriguez Score Victories in Mexico

Former WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (23-0-1, 16 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, scored a third-round TKO over Mexico's Manuel Castro (12-3, 11 KOs) last Saturday (November 16) on the undercard of the Arce vs. Carmona event at the Domo of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. With Fortuna in complete control throughout, the referee finally stopped the fight after an unanswered barrage. Unfortunately, seconds before the action was halted, Fortuna was cut for nine stitches by a head butt. Fortuna's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says his 24-year-old fighter has found new focus, working with new trainer Hector Bermudez in Troy, New York. "Javier looked very sharp in his first fight with Bermudez. He is ready to challenge anyone in the world at 126 or 130. With his new training techniques, he can do either division easily." Also on the undercard that night, fellow Dominican super featherweight Braulio "El Chavo" Rodriguez moved to 15-0, 15 KOs when Mexico's Oscar Arenas (26-8, 23 KOs) did not answer the bell for the fourth round. It was truly a breakthrough performance for Rodriquez in Mexico, as he won over the Mexican fans with his showmanship and power-punching fists. Entering the ring to boos, he left to chants of "You are Mexican. You are Mexican." "Braulio Rodriguez is a future star in boxing," continued Lewkowicz. "He has the kind of TV-friendly, unorthodox style that people appreciate, even ones who don't know him yet. He won that crowd over with his unique ability." ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.