FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER GRZEGORZ PROKSA BATTLES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MORA ON JUNE 28TH IN JACKSONVILLE ON ESPN’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
PHILADELPHIA, PA (JUNE 12, 2013)—On Friday night, June 28th, Banner Promotions will present ESPN’s Friday Night Fights at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
In the main event, former Middleweight world title challenger Grzegorz Proksa will take on former WBC Super Welterweight champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora in a Middleweight bout that is scheduled for ten rounds.
Proksa of Jaworzno, Poland and now residing Redhill, England has a record of 29-2 with 21 knockouts. The 28 year old had won his first twenty six bouts which included winning the European Middleweight title on two occasions. He won the belt for the first time when he stopped former IBF World champion Sebastian Sylvester in three rounds. He reclaimed the belt as he avenged his defeat to Kerry Hope, by scoring an eighth round stoppage. Proksa is coming off a 6 round unanimous decision over Norbert Szekeres on February 9th. On September 1st, 2012.
Sergio Mora of Los Angeles, California won his first twenty one bouts and gained fame by winning the inaugural “Contender” reality show, as he scored wins over future world title challengers Jesse Brinkley and Peter Manfredo Jr., as well as current IBF world champion Ishe Smith. Mora, 32 years old, defeated Manfredo in the rematch before reaching the highlight of his career when he scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Vernon Forrest to capture the WBC Super Welterweight title on June 7th, 2008. Mora continued to put up good results. He battled three-division champion and future Hall of Famer Shane Mosley to a draw on September 18th, 2010 which headlined a Pay Per View card.
In the ten round co-feature, Brazilian knockout artist, Patrick Teixeira will take on Marcus Willis in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
The 22 year-old Teixeira of Sao Paulo, Brazil has a record of 19-0 with 17 knockouts. Teixeira has faced and knocked out the best Junior Middleweights in his native Brazil, such as Jailton De Jesus Souza (11-0); Eraldo Cesar Pereira (5-0); Dario Armando Matorras (13-1) and Pablo Aguero (3-0). In his last bout, Teixeira scored a 1st round stoppage over Luis Acevedo on January 12th.
Marcus Willis of Fort Myers, Florida has a record of 13-2-2 with 3 knockouts. The 26 year old has faced good competition and has quality wins over top prospect James De La Rosa (21-1) in an upset on April 12th in Las Vegas; undefeated Yolexcy Leiva (2-0); Jamond Bourgeois (2-0) and Christopher De La Paz (4-0).
The undercard will feature the 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist from the Ukraine Taras Shelestyuk, now undefeated at 3-0, with 3 knockouts as a professional; Heavyweight prospect Donovan Dennis (6-1-0, 5 KO’s) from Davenport, Iowa will battle local Jacksonville heavyweight Curtis Harper (7-2); Jacksonville heavyweight Chris Vendola will appear in a 4 round heavyweight scrap against Kareem Brann, a Jacksonville Corrections Officer and F.O.P. member in his professional debut; Jacksonville middleweight Steve Chadwick will also appear in a 4 round bout as well. The remainder of the undercard will be announced shortly. All bouts are subject to change without notice.
Doors open at: 5:30 P.M. (all times Eastern Time)
First fight at: 7:00 P.M.
First Bout on ESPN at: 9:00 PM
Tickets prices: $25, $35, $50, $75, $100, $125 & Tables $3,000 (Seat 10 People).
Tickets available at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Box Office – Tel.: (904) 630-3900, and on the Arena website: www.jaxevents.com .
CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW DATE MOVED TO THURSDAY JUNE 27TH AT THE DECK IN ESSINGTON, PA
ESSINGTON, PA (June 14, 2013)—Due to a scheduling conflict with the venue, This Thursday night’s (June 20th) inaugural Champions of Tomorrow boxing event has been pushed back one week to Thursday June 27th at the Deck in Essington, PA.
All tickets for June 20th will be honored.
Featured on the card will be Welterweight Tim Witherspoon Jr; Middleweight Isiah Seldon; Jr. Welterweight David Gonzales; Heavyweight’s Dante Selby and Zeferino Albino; Lightweight’s Joey Tiberi Jr and Tyrone Crawley Jr and Christian Steele
Tickets are priced at $75 for VIP; $50 for Ringside and $35 for General Admission and can be purchased at www.webtix.net or by calling 484 318 6133
The VIP Tickets will consist of a Meet and Greet with former and current world champions plus a buffet.
1st bout 7:30 PM and doors open at 6:30 pm
The event is sponsored by Concordville Nissan and Subaru, Bennys Barbershop in Springfield, Anthony’s Italian Restaurant in Drexel Hill, AC Cipolloni and Sons Construction & Cheerleaders Gentleman’s Club of Philadelphia
LAVARN “BABY BOWE” HARVELL TO TAKE ON PAUL VASQUEZ THIS FRIDAY IN WEST ORANGE, NJ ON ESPN FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS UNDERCARD
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (June 12, 2013)—This Friday night at the South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, undefeated Light Heavyweight prospect Lavarn “Baby Bowe” Harvell will put his perfect record on the line when he takes on battle tested Paul Vasquez in a bout scheduled for six rounds that will be one of the featured undercard bouts of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights.
The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions with the Harvell – Vasquez bout being in association with Gabe LaConte’s First Round Promotions.
Harvell, 25 years old from Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts and is getting back in the ring for the first time since last July 7th when he knocked out Mojeed Okedara in one round in Atlantic City.
“This training camp has gone well. My punches are strong and I have doing strength and condition”, said Harvell.
“I don’t know much about Vasquez but we prepare for anything”
Like many in New Jersey and the Jersey Shore area, Harvell was affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“The layoff was caused because my gym (The Atlantic City PAL) being damaged by Hurricane Sandy but everything is good now and we are ready to go.”
Said Harvell’s trainer Abdur Muhammad, “Lavarn is excited to get back in the ring. He has been looking excellent in camp and we do not know much about Vasquez but he is ready”
One man who has very high praise is longtime New Jersey fight promoter Gabe LaConte of First Round Promotions.
LaConte co-promotes Harvell and he sees a big future.
“I think Harvell is a born fighter”, said the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Famer.
“I have run across a lot of fighters such as Shannon Briggs, Charles Murray and Tracy Patterson and Lavarn is a natural born fighter. He doesn’t beat people, he annihilates them. He is one of those guys where you don’t get up and get your popcorn because you will probably miss an explosive knockout and we feel in the next eighteen months he will be fighting for a major title.”
Harvell is riding a four fight knockout streak.
Vasquez of Martinez, California has a record of 9-3-1 with 3 knockouts and has fought most of his career as a Cruiserweight.
In his last bout, he was on the wrong end of a close majority decision when he lost to former world title challenger Elvir Muriqi on March 15th in Whippany, New Jersey.
In the main event, it will be a battle for the WBA Interim Bantamweight championship as undefeated fighters Jundy Maroan takes on Juan Carlos Payano.
In the televised co-feature, Jorge Diaz squares off with Yenifel Vicente in an eight round Featherweight bout.
Tickets are priced at $35, $50, $75, and $100 Ringside (Rows 1-2). VIP Tables for 10 are also available that include dinner. To purchase, please call 888.612.4191.
On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30. The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey.
ELITE HEAT / MCGIRT BOXING TEAM SHINE IN COLORADO
NUTLEY, NJ (June 7, 2013)—this past weekend in Colorado Springs, two members of the Elite Heat / McGirt Amateur Boxing team stood out from the rest of the competitors and one of the most prestigious Colorado Springs International Tournament.
15-16 Year old 114 lb. Jr. National champion Shakur Stevenson won three bouts to win the championship belt in his class. Also Vito Mielnicki Jr. won thw 11-12 Year Old 75 lb. weight division not only won his three bouts to win his weight division but was also named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Boxing.
Shakur, Mielnick and the rest of the Elite Heat/McGirt Boxing Team will compete this weekend in Philadelphia against some of the best from the City of Brotherly Love.
UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT SENSATION ANTOINE “ACTION” DOUGLAS TO TAKE ON IBAHIEM KING ON JUNE 14TH AT SOUTH MOUNTAIN ARENA IN WEST ORANGE, NJ
Nutley, NJ (June 5, 2013)—On Friday night, June 14th, a special night of boxing will take place as Greg Cohen Promotions and GH3 Promotions will present ESPN’s Friday Night Fight’s at the South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey.
One of the featured fights on the undercard will pit rising and undefeated Middleweight prospect Antoine “Action” Douglas taking on his most experienced rival in Ibahiem King in a bout scheduled for six rounds.
Douglas of Washington, D.C. has shot out to a perfect mark of 7-0 with five knockouts and this will already be his sixth fight of 2013.
Douglas has been stepping up the competition with each fight and has already appeared on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights two times in 2013.
“I am always ready to fight, no matter how experienced he is or what his record is. I have the same mindset”, said Douglas.
“I have been working and sparring with southpaws. I am faster and stronger”
Douglas is not worried that King has 19 professional fights.
“I am faster, I have more skills and with my amateur background, I look at myself as being the more experienced fighter”
King of West Palm Beach, Florida has a record of 11-8 with two knockouts and is by far the most experienced for the twenty year-old Douglas.
This will be the seventh undefeated fighter that King will have faced which includes top prospects Abraham Han, Edwin Rodriguez, J’Leon Love and Delen Parsley. King is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Anthony McManaway on February 16th.
In the twelve round main event, it will be a twelve round Bantamweight battle of undefeated fighters as Jundy Maraon (15-0-1) of the Philippines takes on Juan Carlos Payano (13-0, 7 KO’s) of the Dominican Republic.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30.
The Richard J. Codey Arena at South Mountain is located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey.
For more information, call 973.731.3828.
JAMES DeGALE TO DEFEND WBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST STJEPAN BOZIC ON JUNE 8TH LIVE ON WEALTH TV AND WWW.WEALTHTV.COM
SAN DIEGO, CA (May 29, 2013)—On Saturday afternoon June 8th, Wealth TV is proud to be airing the WBC Silver Super Middleweight clash between 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Winner James “Chunky” DeGale and former world title challenger Stjepan Bozic in a bout scheduled for twelve rounds.The fight card can also be seen on www.wealthtv.com
DeGale of London has a professional record 15-1 with ten knockouts and in addition to being the WBC Silver Champion, DeGale is also the current European Super Middleweight champion.
After becoming a national hero by capturing gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, DeGale raced out to ten consecutive wins while capturing titles.
He has wins over Jindrich Kubin (5-0); Ally Morris (2-0-1); In his sixth bout he won WBA International Super Middleweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Sam Horton (15-1).
He defended that title once with a first round destruction over Carl Dilks (14-2). He went on to win the British Super Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Paul Smith (29-1). DeGale suffered his only blemish when he lost a close majority decision to British rival George Groves.
DeGale won the European championship with a majority decision over Piotr Wilczewski (29-1). He defended that belt twice with wins over Cristian Sanavia (45-5-1) and Hadillah Mohoumadi (13-2-1). DeGale picked up the WBC Silver championship with a decision over former world title challenger Fulgencio Zuniga.
In his last bout, DeGale demolished former world title challenger Sebastien DeMers in two rounds on May 17th in a bout that was televised live on Wealth TV and www.wealthtv.com
He is currently ranked in all four major sanctioning bodies (#5 WBC, #14 WBA, #6 IBF and #3 WBO).
Bozic of Zagreb, Croatia has a record of 26-6 with 17 knockouts.
Bozic won the WBF Super Middleweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Nader Hamdan. He defended that bout with a 7th round stoppage over former world champion Julio Cesar Vasquez.
Bozic challenged for the WBA Super Middleweight title but was stopped by Dimitri Sartison. Bozic also was stopped by former world champion Arthur Abraham.
Bozic is on a two fight winning streak with his last bout being a 2nd round stoppage over Gordon Glisic on November 23, 2012.
Said Wealth TV CEO Charles Herring, “We are very excited to continue to broadcast the ascension of James DeGale. With DeGale securing the WBC Silver Super Middleweight championship and with his recent decisive wins the Olympic Gold medal winner has put himself on a short list for a potential clash with Andre Ward or Carl Froch”.
An exciting undercard featuring undefeated Middleweight Chris Eubank Jr. (9-0, 4 KO’s); Super Bantamweight Kid Galahad (13-0, 6 KO’s) and Heavyweight Hughie Fury (4-0, 3 KO’s) will also be part of the card.
UPCOMING FIGHTS ON WEALTH TV
Saturday July 6th, It’s the Heavyweight rematch of the year when Tony Thompson (37-3, 25 KO’s) will look to make it two straight against David Price (15-1, 13 KO’s).
On February 23rd, Thompson shocked the boxing world by scoring a 2nd round knockout over Price. Price was undefeated and heading towards a Heavyweight title shot but Thompson landed the one big shot and changed the landscape of the Heavyweight division.
Price has instilled the services of Heavyweight legend Lennox Lewis for guidance. Will that help Price gain revenge or will Thompson repeat the result from February?
FIND OUT ON JULY 6TH LIVE ON WEALTH TV AND WWW.WEALTHTV.COM
The card can be seen on WealthTV nationally on Verizon FiOS TV channel 169 and 669 in HD, AT&T U-Verse TV channels 470 and 1470 in HD, along with over 100 cable systems across the country as well as on line viewing on numerous connected devices and via www.wealthtv.com.
About WealthTV
WealthTV is the premier lifestyle and entertainment network —the destination for exclusive and original programming, simultaneously transmitted in high definition and standard definition. WealthTV delivers to informative shows to its viewers, providing invaluable insights on what every American dreams of – from travel secrets to fast cars, from outrageous homes to live events, and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider’s perspective. For more information, please visit www.wealthtv.com.
BANNER PROMOTIONS AND THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS RE-INK WBO #1-RATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT JUAN CARLOS BURGOS
Orange, CA (May 23) – Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions are re-signing Tijuana’s crackerjack super featherweight contender Juan Carlos Burgos (30-1-1, 20 KOs) to a second promotional contract.
After coming extremely close to winning a world title why stop now?
Co-Promoters Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and Burgos held a press conference luncheon earlier today in East Los Angeles to celebrate the re-connection at the world famous Tamayo Restaurant.
“We know Juan Carlos Burgos can be the best 130 in the world. He is ranked #1 in the world by the WBO and he should be challenging for that title in the very near future. I’m happy to have been able to work with Burgos thanks to my friendship and association with Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo, I know we will continue doing great things together,” added Art Pellulo (President of Banner Promotions).
“We all saw what happened in New York and we know the next time out that Burgos will have his hand raised and be crowned world champion”, finished Pelullo
Said Thompson, “Juan Carlos Burgos should be recognized as the best 126-130 pounder out there. He has done a great job in every facet of his young career and today we will solidify his future and we will make sure he gets what he so eagerly deserves, a belt around his waist. Although he is 25 years old, he is a veteran of the sport as he started his professional career at the age of 16 and we know one day he will be considered as one of the greats. This is a happy day for our company.”
Said Camponovo, “we have worked very hard to make sure Juan Carlos Burgos stays with our family. We know of his potential and value it as such, we will show him the way and he will get there soon. He tried to capture that elusive belt twice, once he was close but inexperienced (Hasegawa), the last time he was robbed (Martinez) and got a draw, so we are hopeful that the third time will be the charm.”
“Mini” Burgos as boxing enthusiasts call him, has come razor close to winning a world title on two occasions. Last January, in New York City, the Mexican slugger was soundly beating Puerto Rico’s Roman Martinez and was the recipient of the worse judging seen in several years. After 12 rounds the fight was ruled a split draw and the Tijuana fighter was denied the WBO junior lightweight world title.
Many in the boxing media including those on the HBO telecast found the scoring an abomination.
Offered Burgos, “I want to thank both my promoters, Ken Thompson of Thompson Boxing and Art Pelullo of Banner for having the confidence in me and in my career and to Alex Camponovo for guiding me along the way, I also have to thank my trainer Gerardo Espinoza and my manager Roberto Sandoval for being always there for me. All of them have given me the opportunity to get to a world title in two occasions and now is my turn to pay them back. I will be a world champion and that day we will have a big celebration because they have been with me during the happy and hard times of my career.”
Added Sandoval (Burgos’ manager), “The signing of a new contract is really not the main significance of this event. It’s the confidence of our promoters in a young boxer who will be a world champion and now he has to show it in the ring. We are thankful because we want to continue the good work we started some five years ago and I know that Juan Carlos can reach all his goals but with the people that really care for him and have been there since the beginning.”
Back in 2010, Burgos was blocked from winning the WBC featherweight world title while challenging Hozumi Hasegawa. That fight held in Nagoya, Japan ended in a unanimous decision in favor of the Japanese boxer.
Burgos, who is the nephew of former mini flyweight world champion Victor Burgos, has rattled off some impressive wins while fighting under the promotional banner of Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions. Wins over undefeated Luis Cruz and Cesar Vazquez established Burgos as a force in the 130-pound division. Other notable wins came against Ricardo “Piolin” Castillo and former world champion Cristobal Cruz.
There’s little doubt that Burgos will follow in the footsteps of other Thompson Boxing fighters who achieved world championship status such as Yonnhy Perez and Timothy Bradley. More than a few think it’s just a matter of time.
For press inquiries on Juan Carlos Burgos, please contact:
Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
HARRY JOE YORGEY TO REMATCH JULIUS KENNEDY ON SATURDAY JUNE 15TH AT THE VALLEY FORGE CASINO AND RESORT
VALLEY FORGE, PA (MAY 21, 2013)—On Saturday night June 15th, Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Boxing Promotions will present a great night of boxing at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort that will be headlined by an intriguing rematch featuring local favorite Harry Joe Yorgey ans Julius Kennedy in Jr. Middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds.
On March 15th, Yorgey and Kennedy battled to a disputed six round split decision for which Yorgey’s hands were raised in victory. Many in the crowd disagreed and the two will mix it up in the rematch.
Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA has a record of 26-2-1 with 12 knockouts and is looking to get back into title contention.
Yorgey was undefeated in his first twenty three bouts (22-0-1) with big wins over Ronnie Warrior Jr. (11-0-1); Jason LeHoullier (21-0-1) & Ronald Hearns (21-0) before losing to heralded Alfredo Angulo. Yorgey got back with three consecutive victories before being stopped in eight to undefeated Jermell Charlo on January 26th in Las Vegas. His last bout was the aforementioned draw with Kennedy.
Kennedy of Windsor Mill, Maryland has a record of 7-5-1 with three knockouts.
The thirty-three year old has quality wins over Inka Laley (3-0-1) & Aaron Pryor Jr. (12-1) as well as a draw with Jesse Nicklow (20-2-2). In his last bout, Kennedy dropped a six round unanimous decision to undefeated Alantez Fox on January 12th.
After losing to Yorgey, Kennedy was stopped by DeCarlo Perez in five rounds on April 19th.
In the eight round co-feature, it will be a Lightweight Philadelphia turf war between Tevin Farmer and Victor Vasquez
Farmer of Philadelphia has a record of 10-4-1 with 1 knockout and is riding a three bout winning streak.
Farmer has quality wins over Tim Witherspoon Jr. and Tyrone Luckey and has won six of his last seven with his only blemish losing to hot prospect Jose Pedraza when he took a fight on SHO BOX on just a few days’ notice. Farmer is coming off a four round unanimous decision over Jesus Bayron on April 26.
Vasquez of Philadelphia has a record of 16-7-1 with seven knockouts and is always in action packed fights.
Vasquez has quality wins over Thomas McCuiston (1-0), Tyric Robinson (9-4-1) and Angel Rios (9-5). The “Blood and Guts” Warrior of Philadelphia has been in many memorable scraps. He is coming off a six round unanimous decision over Esteban Rodriguez on January 26th at Harrahs Philadelphia.
Frankie De Alba (7-1-2, 3 KO’s) of Bayamon, PR will take on Jamell Tyson (3-9-2, 1 KO) of Rochester, NY in a six round Lightweight bout.
In a six round Cruiserweight bout, Jeremey Stauffer of Reading, PA (7-2-2, 6 KO’s) takes on returning Kamarah Pasley (5-6, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA
Returning Lightweight Anthony Flores (9-4-1, 6 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Ramon Ellis (4-8-2, 2 KO’s) in a six round bout.
Todd Unthank-May (6-0, 2 KO’s) will see action in a six round Light Heavyweight bout against an opponent to be named.
Jovantae Starks (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN will take part in a six round Jr. Middleweight bout against an opponent to be named.
In a four round Lightweight bout, Travis Thompson (4-9-2, 3 KO’s) of Pottstown, PA will take on an opponent to be named.
Also in a four round Lightweight bout, Damon Allen (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named.
In a four round Featherweight bout it will be a battle of pro debuter’s as Tony DuBose will take on John Portillo.
Khalib Whitmore of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Brian Donahue (2-4-1) of Philadelphia in a four round Light Heavyweight bout
Tickets for this great evening cost $125 (VIP); $75 (Ringside); $45 (General Admission) and can be purchased at the following locations:
Kings Promotions
440 Elm Street
Reading, PA 19601
610-587-5950
Valley Forge Casino Resort
1160 1st Ave.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-768-3288
www.vfboxing.eventbrite.com
Empire Surplus Home Center
2741 Bernville, RD
Leesport, PA 19533
610-926-0500
2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDAL WINNER TARAS SHELESTYUK SCORES 2ND ROUND STOPPAGE IN ONTARIO, CA
PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 20, 2013)—This past Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Taras Shelestyuk scored his 3rd stoppage victory in as many fights when he took out Mario Angeles of Mexico.
Shelestyuk of Sumy, Ukraine sent Angeles down two times in the second round and finished him off with a barrage of punches that forced referee Raul Caiz to stop the bout at 2:04 of round two.
Shelestyuk is promoted by Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing.
“We are very happy with Taras. He had an outstanding performance and he is moving at a great pace”, said CEO of Banner Promotions Arthur Pelullo.
“He has fought three times in less than two months and he continues to get better with each fight”.
“Taras had another impressive victory in his 3rd fight, winning by knockout and he showed from the first round that each of his punches had power behind them”, said Shelestyuk’s manager Vadim Kornilov.
Shelestyuk trains out of the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.
PAUL FELDER AND BRAZEN BOXING CONTINUE TO BEST AMA
Philadelphia, PA – May 16, 2013 – At Cage Fury Fighting Championships 24 this past Saturday night, though the main card featured two title fights, it was the undercard showdown between Brazen Boxing & MMA’s Paul Felder out of Philadelphia and the highly acclaimed AMA Fight Club’s top prospect, Corey Bleaken, that stole the show.
The back story between these two camps goes back to CFFC 20, when Paul Felder quickly and dominantly put away the brash Rick Nuno (also from AMA) in a mere three minutes and fifteen seconds. Internet chatter and excuses ensued as much of the AMA faithful believed Felder’s destruction of Nuno to be a fluke. Yet, having earned a record of 4-0 at that point, with four KO/TKOs to his credit, one wonders how any educated fight fan could doubt Felder’s abilities.
Enter Corey Bleaken. Bleaken is an accomplished amateur wrestler who, like Rick Nuno, boasted a strong amateur MMA record and a 1-0 professional record when each of them faced Felder. Also like Nuno, Bleaken had never beaten a fighter with a winning record at either the amateur or professional level. It seemed a bit ambitious for AMA to believe taking on a 4-0 Felder would be the time that trend would end. But believe it they did, as Bleaken stated in interviews leading up to the bout that he planned on “destroying” Felder and avenging the quick, yet substantial, beating given to his teammate. Beliefs aside, the night belonged to Felder.
On paper the Felder/Bleaken fight appeared to be a classic striker versus grappler contest, but someone forgot to tell that to Felder and Bleaken. Both showed the fighting public that they could learn and use each other’s dominant skill-set as they put together performances that were both skilled and well rounded.
Almost as impressive as Felder’s newfound wrestling ability was Bleaken’s aggressive and effective striking against one of the most polished young 155 pound strikers in the region. The fight was truly a great display of skill, aggression, and determination from both combatants. Most casual fans in the audience (at least in my section) believed rounds 1 and 3 were all Felder and that a close second round belonged to Bleaken. In the end all three judges (as did I) scored the fight for Felder. But take nothing away from Bleaken, as I believe he was easily the second best 155 pound fighter on the entire card.
A matchup between Bleaken and CFFC poster boy, Bobby Fabrizi, would certainly be interesting, as Fabrizi has yet to post a victory against any fighter with a professional win. His wins come against opponents with a combined record of 0-5, so Bleaken would be a substantial test to clean up a cluttered CFFC 155 pound division.
The obvious question: where does the impressive Felder go from here? A CFFC title maybe? Word from CFFC Champion Sean Santella is that Corey Bleaken pushes around the Miller brothers. If that’s true, then… how good is Paul Felder? My guess is that the talented young Felder will be amongst the UFC’s most talent rich division in the next year or two.
ESPN News- Hopkins ordered to face Kovalev in next fight June 18, 2013Light heavyweight titlist Bernard Hopkins was ordered on Monday to face new mandatory challenger Sergey Kovalev in his next fight. […]Dan Rafael
- Garcia KOs Lopez in 4th; WBO title vacant June 16, 2013Mikey Garcia stopped Juan Manuel Lopez in the fourth round Saturday night, leaving the WBO featherweight title vacant after Garcia failed to make weight. […]Associated Press
- Mikey Garcia Dominates Juan Manuel Lopez June 16, 2013Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. […]Media
- Perez, trainer to Barrera and Vazquez, dies June 15, 2013Rudy Perez, who trained several top fighters and was revered as a great motivator, died Thursday in Mexico City after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. […]Dan Rafael
- Ex-boxing champ Bowe punished in MMA debut June 14, 2013Riddick Bowe now understands why people warned him that Muay Thai is a dangerous sport. […]Associated Press
- Hopkins-Murat fight called off due to visa issues June 14, 2013Light heavyweight titlist Bernard Hopkins, slated to make a mandatory title defense at age 48, is going to grow a little older waiting for the opportunity. […]Dan Rafael
- Maidana halts Lopez to win welterweight tilt June 13, 2013Hampered by a hurting hip, Marcos Maidana absorbed everything Josesito Lopez could throw at him for two rounds. When Maidana got his legs back under him, the Argentine brawler made sure Lopez didn't get another chance. […]Associated Press
- Adamek-Grano fight set for Aug. 3 in Conn. June 13, 2013Heavyweight contender Tomasz Adamek's opponent Aug. 3 will be Tony Grano, promoter Main Events announced Wednesday. […]Dan Rafael
- Promoter Hearn has two-fight plan for Froch June 12, 2013Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn has the perfect two-fight plan for super middleweight titlist Carl Froch, the biggest star in his stable of fighters. […]Dan Rafael
- Matchroom Sport signs British rising star Quigg June 12, 2013Scott Quigg, one of Great Britain's outstanding young talents, signed with Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn on Wednesday and was quickly added to his June 29 card in Bolton, England. […]Dan Rafael
- Hopkins ordered to face Kovalev in next fight June 18, 2013
