Willie Monroe Jr. to defend NABA & NABO Middleweight titles against Bryan Vera on Friday, January 16 at Turning Stone Resort Casino on ESPN's Friday Night Fights

Philadelphia, PA (December 4, 2014)--On Friday night, January 16, 2015, Willie Monroe Jr. will defend his NABA and NABO Middleweight titles when he takes on Bryan Vera as part of an ESPN Friday Night Fights telecast at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Monroe of Rochester, New York has a record of 18-1 with 6 knockouts and is riding an 8-fight win streak. He is currently ranked number-3 by the WBA and number-7 by the WBO. He catapulted up the rankings on the strength of his Boxcino tournament win where he defeated Donatas Bondorovas, previously undefeated Vitalii Kopylenko and in the finals he won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Brandon Adams in a bout that took place on May 23, 2014 at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino. "This fight is a step up," said Monroe "I have a lot of respect for Bryan Vera.  Vera has fought a lot of top contenders.  A fight like this will show the boxing world that I belong at the top of the Middleweight division. Vera of Austin, Texas has developed into one of the biggest fan favorites in the sport due to his willingness to fight and defeat some of the biggest stars in boxing. The 32 year-old has wins over Javier Diaz (1-0), Samuel Miller (17-1), Max Alexander (14-1-1), a thrilling 7th round stoppage over two-time world title challenger Andy Lee (15-0), Sebastien Demers (31-2), two wins over Contender Season 1 champ Sergio Mora (22-1-2 & 23-2-2), a 10th round stoppage over former WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Sergiy Dzinziruk (37-1-1), as well as a 7th round stoppage over Donatas Bondorovas (17-3-1).  Vera is coming off of two spirited efforts against former WBC Middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.  In their first bout, most ringside observers and the millions watching on HBO believed that Vera should have been awarded the decision.  The rematch with Chavez is the highest rated fight on HBO for 2014. "I am excited for this fight on January 16," said Vera. "Monroe has a high ranking and with a big win on January 16, it will catapult me into another big fight and will set the tone for a big year in 2015." In the co-main event, the Boxcino 2014 lightweight champion Petr Petrov will also be in action as he defends his NABA & NABO Lightweight titles against an opponent to be announced. 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..

Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson & Larry Holmes

ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS June 6, 2014   *   Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY

VERONA, NY (June 4, 2014) -- Turning Stone hosted "Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes" today to promoted this week's ESPN Friday Night Fights (see fact sheet below), promoted by Iron Mike Productions, at the resort casino in upstate New York. Longtime sports columnist for the Syracuse Post-Standard and Syracuse.com, Bud Poliguin, served as the moderator, asking the two Hall of Famers and world heavyweight champions a series of questions, before the floor was opened for the many fans in attendance to ask Tyson and Holmes questions. Here are some of the highlights: Poliguin opened by noting Tyson and Holmes had a combined career record of 119-12, including a total of 44 world title fights between them. In 1988, Tyson, 21, stopped Holmes, 38, in the fourth round in Atlantic City for the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles Holmes:  "What I remember was Don King knocking at my door around 9 at night.  I was retired two years. Don said he wanted me to fight somebody he said he knew I could beat. I asked him who and he said, Mike Tyson.  I said I can't beat Mike Tyson. Don said, what if I give you 3 ½ million dollars, and I said: 'Where's Mike at?' I'm just glad he didn't kill me.  He knocked me down a few times but I didn't feel it because the first time he hit me I was numb.  After the fight Mike said he loved me and I said, 'Why'd you knockout my ass?' Mike's a great guy." Tyson:  "It was a great opportunity to be in the ring with one of the great fighters of all time.  It was a milestone in my career.  He didn't have time to prepare.  I never fought the great Larry Holmes.  I had no delusions; by all means, I didn't fight the Holmes who fought Ali.  "I was very objective in the ring, nothing personal, but I'd have hit my mother.  If I had mercy on him, he may have knocked my ass out.  He didn't have enough time to prepare when he fought me.  Don didn't give him the opportunity." Holmes:  "I'm glad Mike beat me that day or else I'd have nothing to talk about." Highlight fight of their respective careers HOLMES:  "Kenny Norton because so many people said I couldn't do it, my legs were too small, and I was just a copy of Muhammad Ali.  But I did the work and had the dedication." TYSON:  "Buster Douglas.  I needed that fight to make me a better person and fighter and have a broader perspective of myself and boxing." Concussions in boxing TYSON: "I'm sure I had some concussions.  When I signed my pro contract at 17 there was an unwritten clause that it was possible that you'd die.  We knew and saw it but didn't think it could happen to us." HOLMES:  "I never thought it would happen to me.  My style was to move here and there.  I didn't get hit hard too often.  Mike knocked me down, I got up, I thought the next was a slip, and he knocked me down again.  I thought I'd get up and hit him with an uppercut but my arm got caught in the rope.  I got hit hard by Ernie Shavers, too." TYSON:  "That was a feat of strength.  He looked like he got shot by a shotgun. It was amazing. HOLMES:  "I was amazed, too." Tyson as a promoter and a fighter to watch Friday night TYSON:  "We have a young kid from Pittsburgh, Sammy Vasquez.  He's a sensational fighter and a war veteran.  We've promoted two shows on ESPN and one on ShoBox.  In those three we either tied or broke the record for viewers.  I'm grateful to be on ESPN again." Favorite Boxing Movie HOLMES:  "Rocky, the first one, but I don't like the guy playing him." TYSON:  "Raging Bull." Sport they would have been in if not boxers TYSON: "Just a fighter, I never wanted to be anything but a fighter." HOLMES: "Fighter.....and running back for the Dallas Cowboys." FACT SHEET WHAT: "ESPN Friday Night Fights" professional boxing WHO:   Main Event - WBC FECARBOX & NABA Junior Middleweight Championships (10) - ESPN YUDEL JHONSON (15-1, 9 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Cuba vs. NORBERTO "Domonio" GONZALEZ (20-3, 13 KOs), Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Co-Feature - Welterweights (8) - ESPN SAMMY "The Who Can Mexican" VASQUES, JR. (14-0, 10 KOs), Monessen, Pennsylvania vs. "Smokin" JAY KRUPP (17-6, 8 KOs), Catskill, New York Special Middleweight Attraction (6) IEVGIN "The Ukrainian Lion" KHYTROV (4-0, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, New York by way of Ukraine vs. CHRIS CHATMAN (12-3-1, 5 KOs), San Diego, California Light Heavyweights (8) ISIAH THOMAS (12-0, 6 KOs) Detroit, Michigan vs. RAYCO "War" SAUNDERS (23-23-2, 10 KOs), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania WBC Latino Junior Welterweights Championship (8) JOHNNY GARCIA (19-1, 11 KOs), Holland, Michigan vs. JOHN WILLIAMS (11-3-1, 5 KOs), Charlotte, North Carolina Junior Lightweights (6) DENNIS GALARZA (3-0, 2 KOs), Miami, FL vs. GADIEL ANDALUZ (4-6, 2 KOs), Chicago, Illinois by way of Puerto Rico Lightweights (4) RYAN "Blue Chip" MARTIN (5-0, 3 KOs), Cleveland, Ohio vs. IAN JAMES (2-7-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, New York Junior Welterweights (6) SAM QUINONES, JR. (6-2, 2 KOs), York, Pennsylvania vs. GREG COVERSON, JR. (3-8-3, 2 KOs), Detroit, Michigan Light Heavyweights (4) LEO HALL (1-0, 1 KO), Detroit, Michigan vs. BOB WILDER (2-3, 1 KO), Akron, Ohio WHEN:            Friday, June 6, 2014 WHERE:          Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY TELEVISION:  ESPN Friday Night Fights PROMOTER:   Iron Mike Productions   PRE-FIGHT POST CONFERENCE:  12 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Turning Stone (open to public) OFFICIAL WEIGH IN:  5 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Turning Stone   TICKETS:         $60.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $15.00 on sale at the Turning Stone box office, by calling (315) 361-7469, at any Ticketmaster outlet (800) 745-3000, or visit www.Ticketmaster.com  INFO:           www.IronMikeProductions.com or www.TurningStone.com  OTHER:          Doors Open 7:00 p.m. ET, first bout 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN FNF starts 10:30 p.m. ET. -30- ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. 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, friend on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

Boxing Kings of the Ring Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes to Appear in Exclusive Interactive Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Wednesday, June 4

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Heavyweight boxing legends Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes will sit down for an exclusive "Kings of the Ring" moderated conversation, leading up to Tyson's Iron Mike Productions promoted ESPN boxing event at the resort ONEIDA NATION HOMELANDS (NY) (May 29, 2014) --  Renowned boxing legends and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes will participate in an exclusive, live discussion at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Showroom on Wednesday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m.  This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, "Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes," will feature an open dialogue between the two world-class heavyweights.  They will recount their famed 1988 championship fight,reflect on their remarkable boxing careers, and take questions from the audience.  Longtime sports columnist for the Syracuse Post-Standard and Syracuse.com, Bud Poliquin, will serve as moderator. This behind-the-scenes dialogue will take place just two days ahead of the June 6 bouts at Turning Stone Resort Casino that will be featured on ESPN's Friday Night Fights and promoted by Tyson's Iron Mike Productions. The nationally televised fights will be Tyson's second appearance at Turning Stone within the past year.  He made international headlines last August for his debut as a boxing promoter and intensely personal revelations at the event's press conference.  With strong roots in Upstate New York, Tyson has effectively established Turning Stone as his hometown ring. Turning Stone's world-class, four-season resort continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for boxing.  In addition to Tyson's recurring appearances, boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. also appeared at Turning Stone earlier this year for his promotion of Showtime's "SHOBOX - The New Generation" bouts.  "Kings of the Ring: A Conversation with Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes" is free and open to the public, Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Showroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Press opportunities will be available surrounding "Kings of the Ring" and ESPN FridayNight Fights, with further details to come.  Credentialed media interested in attending should contact Oneida Nation Public Affairs Manager Brett Stagnitti at (315) 829-8310or bstagnitti@oneida-nation.org ###             About Turning Stone Resort Casino A 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 To view this news release online, go to:   http://www.oneidaindiannation.com/pressroom/Boxing-Kings-of-the-Ring-Mike-Tyson-and-Larry-Holmes-to-Appear-in-Exclusive-Interactive-Event-at-Turning-Stone-Resort-Casino-on-Wednesday-June-4-260967141.html Follow us on Twitter: @TurningStone @OneidaNatnNews ABOUT IRON MIKE PRODUCTIONS (IMP): Founded in 2013 by CEO Garry Jonas and Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, Iron Mike Productions is a full-service boxing promotional company with offices located in Deerfield Beach, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada. 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, friend on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/IronMikeProductions.Official, or follow on Twitter @IronMikeProd.

Luis Looks to keep on rolling January 25!

 

 

Cornwall, Ontario, Canada (January 7, 2013) – Junior welterweight sensation Tony “Lighting” Luis has high expectations of where his blossoming career will take him during the next twelve months.

 

A multi-time Canadian amateur champion and former WBC Continental Americas titlist, Luis’ 2013 begins on January 25 when he battles well-regarded Miguel Gonzalez of Cleveland, OH. The bout takes place on ESPN Friday Night Fights live from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY and is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions.

 

Recognized as one of the top young talents in a nation flooded with quality prizefighters, Luis, 15-0 (7 KO’s), destroyed hard-hitting veteran Andres Ledesma last September in his United States debut. The popular 24-year-old is a perfect 4-0 with all 4 wins by knockout since moving up to the junior welterweight division.

 

Dubbed as “Silky Smooth”, Gonzalez won the 2008 National Amateur Championship in the lightweight division and came close to earning a spot on that year’s Olympic team. As a pro, Gonzalez has an outstanding 20-3 record with 15 knockouts. In his last bout, he dropped a decision to Mike Dallas on EPSN Friday Night Fights.

 

Regardless of the outcome from Gonzalez’ last fight, Luis expects a tough challenge on the 25^th.

 

“He’s a slick southpaw with a dangerous left hand,” the well-spoken Luis said of Gonzalez. “He’s fought some very tough fighters and won’t be flustered or fazed by anything. Like me, he had a ton of amateur fights against the best competition out there. I’ve got a good game plan and he’ll see what I’m about once we get into the ring.”

 

In addition, Luis, who lives a few hours north of Turning Stone Casino and has a large fan base in Canada, believes there’ll be a solid turnout for this fight.

 

“We’re organizing a bus so people from Cornwall can come down to the fight. I’ve got great fans and they really support me. January 25 will be a great night for me and everything will go as expected if I follow the game plan.”

 

Tickets are available by going to Ticketmaster.com/event/00004983ADD5CF2D?artistid=850878&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=33 and fans can interact with Tony via Facebook at Facebook.com/tony.luis.14.

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS AND UNIVERSAL PROMOTIONS SIGNAMATEUR STANDOUT ENRIQUE "KIKIN" COLLAZO

 

December 19, 2012 - Former standout amateur boxer, middleweight Enrique "Kikin" Collazo of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has just signed a promotional deal with Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions.

As an amateur, Collazo won gold at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games held in Mayagüez, PR. In 2012, he won gold in the "Juan Evangelista Venegas Olympic Cup" in Ponce, PR and represented his country of Puerto Rico at the Olympics in London at the middleweight division.

"Adding Collazo to our stable is tremendous as we move forward to 2013," stated Gary Shaw. "Enrique brings an exciting style to the ring and together with my good friend Javier Bustillo, we plan to showcase him on an international stage."

"We are proud to add "Kikin" Collazo to our team" said Javier Bustillo, president of Universal Promotions "He is a warrior in life, is an example for our society, as he has raised his family, his brothers and our goal together with Gary Shaw is to fulfill his dream of becoming world champion."

Shaw continued saying, "I've very excited to be working closely with Bustillo in Puerto Rico to bring the best talent out of the Island.  Our already great stable of fighters is growing just as we planned and we feel we have the best fighters coming out of Puerto Rico."

Collazo's professional boxing debut is scheduled for Friday, January 25th at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Verona in the city of New York.

 

JAVIER FLORES MAKES GARY SHAW DEBUT

HBO BOXING AFTER DARK TRIPLE-HEADER

OCTOBER 27, 2012 AT THE TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

October 25, 2012 - The new acquisition of "Gary Shaw Productions", power puncher, Javier "el Chino" Flores (7-0, 7 KOs), will be in action this Saturday, October 27th on the undercard at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.  Flores will face off against California's Alberto Herrera (8-7-1, 5 KOs) in a non-televised bout scheduled for 8 rounds in the welterweight division.

"I have sacrificed myself like never before for this fight," said Flores, born and raised in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and trains in New Haven, Connecticut.  "To beat Herrera I will need to be well prepared."

As an amateur boxer, Flores had a record of 65 victories with 38 coming by way of knockout, and only 3 defeats.

Flores, who is a southpaw, is confident in the results he has obtained with his new trainer John Scully.

"We have seen great improvement in my speed and punching power.  I have felt more electric and confident in sparring, and we believe that after this great victory, the fans and Gary Shaw will be very pleased with my performance," commented Flores.

Herrera has gone the distance with various undefeated prospects, and recently (June) lost in the seventh round against Thomas Dulorme (16-0, 12 KOs) when he was unwilling to come out of his corner (RTD).

Three featured bouts will be televised live on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK®beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT. 

In the 10-round main-event, undefeated Puerto Rican standout, Thomas Dulorme(16-0, 12 KOs) takes on heavy-handed Argentine, Luis Carlos Abregu (33-1, 27KO's).  

The co-feature will showcase San Francisco's undefeated WBO/NABO Jr. Welterweight champion, Karim "Hard Hitta" Mayfield (16-0-1, 10 KOs) vs. Southern California's, Mauricio Herrera (18-2, 7 KOs).  

A 12-round IBF lightweight championship bout between champion, Miguel Vazquez(31-3, 13 KOs) and No. 1 contender, Marvin Quintero (25-3, 21 KOs) will open up the broadcast. 

Tickets for the October 27, HBO Boxing After Dark event range from $25 to $75 and are on sale at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office.  Call (315) 361-7469 or visit www.Ticketmaster.com.  Doors open up at 6:30 p.m. and the undercard begins at 7:30 p.m EST with the HBO live national broadcast starting at 10:15 p.m. EST.