Benjamin Simon ready for the big stage „Iron Ben“ to face Sam Soliman on April 1st in Berlin (live on Eurosport)
In the history of professional boxing there has never been a division as much dominated by German fighters as the middleweight right now. With Felix Sturm (WBA), Sebastian Sylvester (IBF) and Sebastian Zbik (WBC) there are three reigning world middleweight champions from Germany, and a fourth man is only waiting for his chance to get a shot at a title: IBF intercontinental champion Benjamin Simon will face Australia’s „King“ Sam Soliman on April 1st in Berlin in an IBF Elimination fight for the no. 2 spot and a possible shot against Sylvester.
“My goal is very simple: I want to fight for a world title this year and I want to become world champion”, states Simon.
So far the 28 year-old with the impressive physique of a bodybuilder has won 20 of his 21 pro-fights including 19 stoppages. But although he holds wins over rugged veterans like Rashid Matumla and Zoltan Kalocsai, the elimination fight against Soliman will be a big step up for “Iron Ben”.
“We know that this is Ben’s toughest test so far but we also know that he is ready for this fight” says trainer and manager Robert Rolle. “We have worked very hard to get to where we are right now. And if Ben shows at the fight what he is showing me in training every day, I am sure that he will simply destroy Soliman. I think Ben’s power will be too much for the Australian although we know that Soliman is very experienced and has been in the ring with some of the greatest fighters in the world.”
With his 37 years Sam Soliman is nearly ten years older than his German foe. He is a multiple (and multi-division) Australian and Pan Pacific champion and has challenged fellow Aussie Anthony Mundine for the WBA super middleweight championship twice (losing by ko and unanimous decision). Soliman holds wins over Sakio Bika (in October 2002) and Enrique Ornelas (in November 2006) and lost a close decision to Ronald “Winky” Wright in December 2005. He is the reigning World Boxing Foundation and IBF Pan Pacific middleweight champion and is certainly not just coming to Germany to collect his purse.
“Of course, Soliman will do all he can to win the fight“, says Simon. „But all he can won’t be enough against me.”
The elimination bout headlines a card put together by ARENA Sports-Promotion in association with Prime Time Event & Entertainment on April 1st at “digibet Pferdesportpark” in Berlin, Germany. Eurosport will broadcast live from Berlin on April 1st from 9.00pm to 11.00pm Central European Time.
Besides the middlweight clash between Simon and Soliman the show also features fast rising German heavyweight prospect Erkan Teper, heavyweight contenders Alexander Petkovic, Goran Gogic, Yakup Saglam and Gbenga Oloukun as well as light heavyweight prospect Varol Vekiloglu. In addition to that Prime Time director Eva Rolle presents two female IBF world championship bouts featuring Rola El-Halabi (vs. Irma Balijagic Adler) and Jennifer Retzke (vs. Eva Halasi).
“We are looking forward to a great night of boxing”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “I am sure that we will put together a great show with lots of interesting fights. Of course, we are taking a risk with the fight between Simon and Soliman. But if Ben wants to fight for a world title he has to prove that he can handle guys like Soliman and I am convinced that he will pass this test.”
Tickets for the show starting from 20,- Euros are on sale on www.prime-time-boxing.com.
THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP® CONFIRMS REMAINING BOUTS FOR UFC® LIVE IN LOUISVILLE
ALESSIO SAKARA vs. CHRIS WEIDMAN
BRIAN BOWLES vs. DAMACIO PAGE
JOE STEVENSON vs. DANNY CASTILLO
STEVE CANTWELL vs. CYRILLE DIABATE
THIAGO TAVARES vs. SHANE ROLLER
TAKEYA MIZUGAKI vs. REUBEN DURAN
ROB KIMMONS vs. DONGI YANG
ROUSIMAR PALHARES vs. DAVE BRANCH
IGOR POKRAJAC vs. TODD BROWN
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Live from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky
Tickets On Sale Now
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® is proud to confirm the remaining bouts for its first-ever event in Louisville, Ky. on Thursday, March 3. The fastest growing sports organization in the world heads to the KFC Yum! Center with a loaded card featuring explosive bouts between top UFC® contenders.
In addition to the main event welterweight fight pitting Diego “Nightmare” Sanchez against Martin “Hitman” Kampmann and the middleweight clash between Mark Munoz and CB Dollaway, UFC® officials confirmed today nine additional bouts set to take place in the Bluegrass State.
The remaining bouts include: Alessio Sakara vs. Chris Weidman, Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page, Joe Stevenson vs. Danny Castillo, Steve Cantwell vs. Cyrille Diabate, Thiago Tavares vs. Shane Roller, Takeya Mizugaki vs. Reuben Duran, Rob Kimmons vs. Dongi Yang, Rousimar Palhares vs. Dave Branch and Igor Pokrajac vs. Todd Brown.
Tickets for UFC® Live are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the KFC Yum! Center, Kentucky Exposition Center, Kentucky International Convention Center Box Offices or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or over the phone by calling 1-800-745-3000.
UFC® Live will be broadcast on VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
A winner of three straight, middleweight Alessio Sakara (fighting out of Miami, Fla. / 19-7, 1 NC) looks to keep his streak alive in Louisville. With four of his last five victories coming by knockout, “Legionarius” is sure to display his boxing prowess in an attempt to secure another Knockout of the Night award. Standing in his way is New York native and UFC newcomer, Chris Weidman (fighting out of Baldwin, N.Y. / 4-0). A two-time All-American wrestler at Hofstra University who trains under former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra, Weidman has finished opponents by both submission and TKO, and is seeking a dominant debut performance to make a statement in the Octagon®.
Former WEC bantamweight champion Brian Bowles (fighting out of Athens, Ga. / 8-1) makes his UFC debut with his sights set on reclaiming the 135-pound crown. The Hardcore Gym product will look to use his heavy hands and slick submissions to best his free-swinging opponent on March 3. Equally hungry to fuel a title run, Damacio Page (fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M. / 12-5) is as motivated as ever and ready to make a statement. “The Angel of Death,” who gets a shot to avenge his 2008 defeat at the hands of Bowles, expects nothing less than a standup war in Kentucky.
A three-time Fight of the Night winner and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Joe Stevenson (fighting out of Victorville, Calif. / 36-12) is a former number one contender for the UFC lightweight championship and winner of season two of The Ultimate Fighter ®. On March 3, he steps inside the Octagon for the 15th time to take on hard-hiting lightweight Danny Castillo (fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. / 8-3). “Last Call” joins UFC after a successful run in World Extreme Cagefighting®. The former collegiate wrestler, who trains alongside UFC bantamweight star Urijah Faber in California, hopes to keep the momentum rolling when he meets “Joe Daddy.”
A former WEC light heavyweight champion, Steve Cantwell (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. / 7-3) is looking to have the same success in the UFC. Nicknamed the “Robot”, Cantwell hits the UFC Octagon for the fourth time on March 3. His opponent is dangerous 6’ 6” striker Cyrille Diabate (fighting out of Rueil-Malmaison, France / 17-7-3), who expects to use his lethal array of knees and combination punching en route to victory in Louisville.
Having debuted with the UFC in April 2007, Thiago Tavares (fighting out of Florianopolis, Brazil / 19-3-1) has strung together several impressive fights, including three Fight of the Night performances. Coming off of a recent win over Pat Audinwood at UFC 119, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt looks to join the lightweight elite by besting three-time Division I All-American collegiate wrestler Shane Roller (fighting out of Dallas, Tx. / 9-3). The former WEC lightweight and two-time Submission of the Night winner has been victorious in six of his last eight bouts and is hoping that his UFC debut will be one to remember.
Takeya Mizugaki (fighting out of Kanagawa, Japan / 13-5-2) is an exciting striker who continually put on entertaining bouts in the WEC’s bantamweight division. Having headlined two WEC cards, including one in which he fought for the bantamweight title, Mizugaki is planning to introduce himself to UFC fans in dramatic fashion when he takes on Reuben Duran (fighting out of Redlands, Calif. / 7-2-1). The Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu fighter, who is unbeaten since 2006, is looking to make a statement in his UFC debut and will undoubtedly get that chance against one of the division’s top contenders.
Fighting inside the Octagon for the seventh time overall, Rob Kimmons (fighting out of Liberty, Mo. / 23-6) has found huge success with his submission game. “The Rosedale Reaper” has twice finished opponents with a guillotine choke, with one of those netting him a Submission of the Night award. He’ll take on South Korean-born Dongi Yang (fighting out of Seoul, South Korea / 9-1) in an exciting middleweight battle. “The Ox”, known for his aggressive fighting style, will look to defeat his opponent with his heavy hands, and secure his place in this competitive division.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Rousimar Palhares (fighting out of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil / 20-3) has won four of his six bouts in the UFC, and his impressive submission game has helped him get there. On March 3, “Toquinho” looks to add another talented name to his resume when he meets Dave Branch (fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y. / 8-1). Born in the Bronx, the Renzo Gracie-trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has won his last two fights inside the Octagon and is hoping to make it three in a row in Kentucky.
Light heavyweight Igor Pokrajac (fighting out of Zagreb, Croatia / 22-8) has shown that he can be successful wherever the fight goes. The Croatian-born training partner of UFC heavyweight Mirko Cro Cop submitted James Irvin on the last UFC on Versus card, and has engaged in close battles with Vladimir Matyushenko and Stephan Bonnar. Todd Brown (fighting out of Osceola, Ind. / 15-1, 1 NC) will likely play the part of the hometown favorite as he was born in nearby Mishawaka, Indiana. “Bulldog” looks to use his superior striking to garner his first UFC victory.
For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
Ultimate Fighting Championship® – www.ufc.com
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over 12 UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s VERSUS network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries and territories, reaching 354 million homes worldwide, in 19 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.
About VERSUS
VERSUS prides itself on super-serving passionate sports fans across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 75 million homes, the network is the cable television home of the National Hockey League (NHL), IZOD IndyCar Series, Tour de France and Professional Bull Riders (PBR). VERSUS also airs NASCAR, NBA, UFC, college football and college basketball programming. The network is home to the best outdoor programming on television and airs original programs not available anywhere else, including The T.Ocho Show. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.
People’s Champ Boxing (PCB) is very pleased to announce the signing of world title contender Cornelius Lock
CHICAGO, IL (February 28th, 2011) People’s Champ Boxing (PCB) is very pleased to announce the signing of world title contender Cornelius Lock to an exclusive promotional contract. Mike Leanardi, CEO of PCB had this to say when announcing the deal; “I am very excited to welcome Cornelius Lock to People’s Champ Boxing. Corn is truly a world-class fighter who has an electric style and is a great addition to our team.” Lock, a former WBO NABO Champion, is currently ranked as the #11 featherweight contender in the world by the IBF.
Lock, also excited about the deal had this to say, “The media said it was over for me, I’ve been reading that type of stuff and it further motivates me. They haven’t seen the last of Lightning Lock, he’s back!”
Neither promoter nor boxer minced words regarding the goal of the new team: “After Corn gets a win or two under his belt, we will be looking for a world title fight and to win that title. We both have great confidence in Corn’s abilities and he has the heart of a lion. Because of that we know with the proper preparation he’ll be a world champion” said Leanardi. While Lock added, “The goal was always to win a world title and nothing has changed that. I know I can compete with anyone in the world and my fans still haven’t seen me at my absolute best.”
This combination was spawned from friendship that turned into a wise business decision for both parties Leanardi explained, “”I have known Corn personally for awhile now and I feel that helped make this a very easy deal to make. We got together and talked about where we think he is in his career and where he can still go. When it came down to it, we were in complete agreement and therefore; we decided to move forward.” Lock echoed the sentiment of his new promoter, “I have known Mike for awhile now and once we talked everything over, this was a no-brainer. I had other promoters interested in me but it came down to being on the same page and being in a comfortable situation.”
Lock joins PCB’s already impressive stable of fighters that includes Sande Otieno, Jermaine “Hawk” White and Jimmy “The Fightin’ School Teacher” Holmes. PCB will be announcing Lock’s next bout in the near future.
For more information regarding People’s Champ Boxing, please visit their home on the web at PeoplesChampBoxing.com, join their fan page at www.facebook.com/PCBoxing and follow them on twitter @PCBoxing.
VIDEO: Henderson vs. Feijao video
Former world champion Alejandro Berrio Back on right track fighting for Boxing 360
NEW YORK (Feb. 28, 2011) – Former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, the Colombian power puncher now living in New Jersey and fighting for Boxing 360, fought last Saturday night for the first time in North American since losing his title in 2007.
Berrio (32-5, 29 KOs), who has won his last six fights, stopped 3-time world title challenger Antwun “Kid Dynamite” Echols (32-16-4, 28 KOs) in the third round of their fight in Grand Island, Nebraska.
“We believe Alejandro Berrio can become world champion once again,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi said. “This was the next step for him on his way back to the top. We want to keep him busy and move him into a world title shot position.”
Berrio’s most notable victories came against previously unbeaten and present WBO titlist Robert Stieglitz four years ago by third-round TKO for Stieglitz’ IBF belt, and then 22-0-2 Yusaf Mack – fighting Otis Griffin March 4 in an IBF light heavyweight elimination bout — who Alejandro put to sleep in the sixth round nearly five years ago. Berrio also sent 2-time world title challenger Syd Vanderpool into retirement via a ninth-round stoppage in 2005.
Berrio’s first title defense against 20-0 Lucian Bute in the challenger’s backyard, Montreal, was unsuccessful. “I wasn’t properly prepared to fight Bute that night,” Berrio noted. “I’m coming back strong and want another shot at him or any of the other champions.”
Boxing 360 director of boxing Bob Duffy added, “Berrio is back on the right track. He’s living and training in New Jersey with a new lease on his boxing career. A few more fights and he’ll be ready to fight any super middleweight in the world.”
Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, Mike Mollo, WBC #3 super bantamweight contender Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, Emad Ali, NY State super middleweight title-holder Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Josh “The Juice” Harris, Angel “Toro” Hernandez and “King” David Estrada.
Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Berrio, Harris, Boxing 360 or any of its other fighters.
Hanna Gabriel to take on Melisenda Perez
Pro Debut of Kamil Laszczyk Rescheduled to March 4 in Woodhaven, NY
UFC® LIVE EVENT ON VERSUS IN LOUISVILLE ON MARCH 3 TO BE BROADCAST IN 3D
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over 12 UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s VERSUS network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries and territories, reaching 354 million homes worldwide, in 19 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.
Super Flyweight Sensation Patricia Alcivar Makes Her Hometown NYC Debut.
This Friday night, March 4th, undefeated Superflyweight sensation Patricia “Patty Boom Boom” Alcivar 3-0 (3KO) will be fighting for the first time as a pro in her hometown of Queens, NYC. Alcivar the former 2 time NYC Golden Gloves champion, and former national and international amateur champion will be featured on the first ever show promoted by New Legend Boxing Promotions. The show will take place at the Cordon Bleu Banquet Hall in Woodhaven, New York.
Tickets for the show are priced at $40; $60; and $80 with special VIP tables costing $1500 (seating for ten at the table) and can be purchased by calling 954-826-4557 or going towww.PatriciaAlcivar.com. Doors open at 6pm.
Cordon Bleu is located at
96-01 Jamaica Avenue
Woodhaven, NY 11421
Press Conference Quotes From Miami: Next Generation of Cuban Greats Headed to The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Photo Credit: Alexander Tamargo / Getty Images
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| (L to R) Yunier Dorticos, Rances Barthelemy, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas CEO John Unwin, Vilier Quinones, Yudel Johnson, Erislandy Lara |
MIAMI-A press conference was held to announce “Friday Night Fights at the Cosmopolitan” a night of world-class professional boxing at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, presented by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in association with Warriors Boxing and Blue Wave Group, and televised live on ESPN2’s “Friday Night Fights”.
“Friday Night Fights at the Cosmopolitan” will feature five fighters in the next generation of Cuban boxing stars: Erislandy Lara (15-0, 10 KO’s), light middleweight Yudel Jhonson (9-0, 6 KO’s), cruiserweight Yunier Dorticos (10-0, 10 KO’s), super featherweight Rances Barthelemy (10-0, 8 KO’s), and light heavyweight Vilier Quinones (2-0, 2 KO’s).
In attendance were all five fighters, as well as Luis DeCubas (Director of Boxing Operations – Blue Wave Group), Leon Margules (President – Warriors Boxing Promotions), all-time boxing great Jake LaMotta and John Unwin (CEO – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas).
Leon Margules
I am very excited to promote the inaugural boxing event at this wonderful property.
Luis DeCubas
These are all great Cuban fighters and they are going to make a name for themselves and become world champions. It’s Cuban Time at The Cosmopolitan.
John Unwin
I am excited about the partnership with Warriors Boxing, Blue Wave and ESPN2. This will be the first of many fight nights at the Cosmopolitan. Our casino has a very intimate setting and we are excited to make this a great boxing event.
Yudel Jhonson
I am grateful for this opportunity to fight at this great casino. I am excited that they are showcasing all my Cuban teammates. We are here to win and win big.
Erislandy Lara
This is an amazing opportunity to fight at this great property, the Cosmopolitan. I am ready to fight and I will go to Houston and train really hard for this event.
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| Jake LaMotta attends The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas “Fight Night” Press Conference. |
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| Erislandy Lara addresses The Crowd at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas “Fight Night” Press Conference. |
About The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort offering a decidedly different perspective, situated in the heart of The Strip. The resort’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The new 2,995-room resort features oversized, residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces. The Cosmopolitan’s luxurious resort amenities include a 100,000-square-foot casino; Sahra Spa & Hammam; three unique pool experiences at The Pool District; Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan, a multi-level integrated nightclub; and 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art convention and meeting space. An eclectic lineup of new-to-market retailers include AllSaints Spitalfields, Beckley, CRSVR Sneaker Boutique, DNA2050, Droog, Molly Brown’s Swimwear, Retrospecs & Co, Skins 6|2 Cosmetics and STITCHED. Signature restaurants include Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Comme Ça by Los Angeles Chef David Myers; Estiatorio Milos, by international restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Holsteins from Block 16 Hospitality; Jaleo and China Poblano restaurants by acclaimed Chef José Andrés; Scarpetta and D.O.C.G. by award-winning Chef Scott Conant; and popular steakhouse STK from The One Group.




