January 21st Undercard Line Up

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922 or online at www.peltzboxing.com

LAS VEGAS (January 3, 2012) - Hall of Fame promoter Don Chargin, advisor for World Boxing Association ("WBA") and International Boxing Association ("IBA") light heavyweight World champion Beibut Shumenov, has responded to a press release issued by Frank Warren Promotions that claimed Shumenov turned down a unification offer to fight World Boxing Organization ("WBO") titlist Nathan Cleverly.

The press release announced that Cleverly will be defending his WBO title February 25 against Tommy Karpency in Wales. It also claimed: An offer went to WBA title-holder Beibut Shumenov to face Cleverly, but he said he would not be ready in time - although it could happen later this year.

Back in November, Chargin reached out to Warren, after reading stories that Cleverly was interested in a unification fight against Beibut.   Chargin spoke twice to Warren's matchmaker, Dean Powell, but Don didn't hear back until he received an email yesterday.

"I thought that it was strange to get an email just yesterday asking what it would take to get Beibut to come to the UK, especially where we had been talking by phone, and they never responded to our offer weeks ago for Cleverly to fight Beibut in Las Vegas," Chargin said. "The next day they announce a fight between Cleverly and Karpency? The truth of the matter is Beibut never turned down any fight against Cleverly because they didn't make an offer to us. We offered them a fight against Shumenov in Las Vegas and they never even responded to that offer, which, to me, means they turned it down. To say Beibut wouldn't be ready in time to fight Cleverly in two months is quite amusing. Beibut's been ready to unify since he first won the WBA title. I am terribly disappointed that they would make false statements like that."

Shumenov (12-1, 8 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, set a light heavyweight record for capturing a world title in the fewest career fights, 10, when (Jan. 29, 2010) he won a 12-round decision against Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas. In three successful world title defenses, Shumenov won a unanimous 12-round decision versus No. 1 mandatory challenger and previously undefeated Viacheslav Uzelkov (UDEC12), followed by a six-round knockout of three-time world champion William Joppy (KO6), and then his victory last July by ninth-round TKO versus three-time world title challenger Danny Santiago.

In only 13 pro fights, Beibut has defeated four world champions (Campillo, Joppy, Byron Mitchell and Montell Griffin), as well as three world title challengers (Uzelkov, Santiago and Epifanio Mendoza

For more information about Shumenov visit www.KZEventProductions.com.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (January 3, 2012) Star Boxing, New York City’s premier boxing promoter since 1992, is partnering with The Times Union Center in Albany, New York, on Saturday, February 4th to present “KO AT THE TU”, an action packed evening of world-championship professional boxing.

"The Albany, New York and Capital Region has long been a source of world-class boxers and terrific fights. Fans in that area of upstate New York have always been very supportive of the sport and we look forward to a long standing relationship with The Times Union Center to provide sensational evenings of entertainment”, said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.

Stated Bob Belber, General Manager of The Times Union Center; "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring a Heavyweight Title Fight and Championship Boxing back to the capital region.  With the fights taking place on a prime Saturday night at an affordable price, this is sure to be an event that Albany as well as our surrounding areas will be sure to embrace.  We are excited to host this event and with the support of the boxing community, we look forward to working with Star Boxing on future events.”

Headlining “KO AT THE TU” will be undefeated heavyweight prospect and defending IBA Heavyweight Champion Joe “The Future” Hanks. Fighting out of Newark, New Jersey, the 28 year old Hanks, 18-0-0 with twelve knockouts will face off against monstrous Cuban heavyweight Rafael “The Cajun Connection” Pedro.

Reminiscent of legendary knockout artist Mike Tyson, Hanks has caught the eye of fans and the media across the country with his crushing knockouts since turning professional five years ago. In his last start on December 3rd, Hanks scored a brutal second round stoppage over Franklin Edmondson in Greensboro, North Carolina. Dropping Edmonson with a left hook, right cross combination early in the stanza, Hanks finished the evening for Edmondson with a devastating right hand to the body.

Standing 6’7”, Pedro brings a record of 21-9-1 (15KO’s) into the world title clash with Hanks. On October 14th, Pedro, a native of Havana, Cuba, now residing in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, drilled Bobby O’Bannon to the canvas in the first round earning the stoppage in Chalmette, Louisiana.

With numerous early stoppage wins on his ledger, Pedro promises to come out swinging from the opening bell in search of the quick knockout of the equally aggressive Hanks.

Also featured at “KO AT THE TU” is a cruiserweight clash between former world title challenger David Telesco and highly regarded Puerto Rican prospect Vincent Miranda.

Long a favorite with East Coast boxing fans and a staple on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights, the heavy handed Telesco, 30-7-1 (25KO’s), is looking to re-start his career after a two year layoff towards making another run at a world title. 

The 26-year-old Miranda, a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, will be making his first appearance in the Tri-State area, bringing a record of 14-1-0 (8KO’s). Since suffering his only defeat in 2009, Miranda has rebuilt his career, winning all four starts in 2011 by way of knockout.

Also featured on the undercard will be undefeated prospect Kevin Rooney Jr. The 27-year-old Rooney, son of legendary boxing trainer Kevin Rooney Sr., brings a record of 2-1-0 (1KO), into the scheduled four rounder.  

Rooney Sr. was responsible for the early success of Hall of Famer Mike Tyson’s career, including his first three professional bouts in Albany among his many fights in upstate New York.

Additional bouts and much more information on “KO AT THE TU” will be announced in the coming days.

Tickets, priced at $75, $50, $40 and $30, are available through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000) or at the Times Union Center Box Office, (www.timesunioncenter-albany.com), and at all local Wal-Mart Music Centers.  Tickets are also available by calling Star Boxing at 718-823-2000 or on www.starboxing.com.

The Times Union Center is location at 51 South Pearl Street in Albany, New York, 12207.

MSG NETWORK TO RE-TELECAST WBA HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT:

ALEXANDER POVETKIN VS. CEDRIC BOSWELL

Tuesday, January 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Legendary Trainer Freddie Roach Joins the Broadcast Team

New York, NY (December 30, 2011) – MSG Network will ring in the New Year with a special re-telecast of the WBA Heavyweight world title bout between Alexander Povetkin versus Cedric Boswell. The fight, which originally aired on EPIX, will debut on MSG Network on Tuesday, January 3 at 8:00 p.m.

Undefeated heavyweight Povetkin scored an eighth round knockout of Boswell to successfully defend his WBA heavyweight title on December 3 at the Hartwell Arena in Helsinki, Finland. Boswell, after 17 years as a professional boxer, finally got his world title shot, but after suffering an injured shoulder early in the fight he eventually fell to the increasing pressure and barrage of punches from the Russian champion in the eighth round. The fight was Povetkin’s first defense of his WBA title.

Povetkin improved to 23-0 (16 KOs), while Boswell (35-2, 26 KOs) lost for the first time since 2003.

The broadcast team consists of former MSG boxing broadcaster and current WNBC sports reporter Bruce Beck, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael and legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who called the original EPIX broadcast from the MSG Network studios.

In a bout that has the makings of a match made in boxing heaven, former Heavyweight Champion Sergei "White Wolf" Liakhovich takes on top Heavyweight Contender "Fast" Eddie Chambers to open the new NBC Sports Network's Fight Night on January 21, 2012, at 9pm, at Asylum Arena in Philadelphia.

Sergei is a native of Belarus and grew up in the former Soviet Union. He attributes his upbringing to the type of fighter and person he is today. "Growing up in Belarus was the best life lesson for me. It prepared me for all the challenges that life brings." "It made me stronger and hungrier for a better life." Someone once said 'sports does not build character, it reveals it,' growing up in Belarus definitely helped build my character!"

Since he was 12 years old, Liakhovich always dreamed of becoming a professional boxer. When Sergei was young he would cut out articles from newspapers and magazines which featured fighters like Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. He envisaged becoming a boxing icon. "I knew that the United States was the most important place to be in order to make it big in professional boxing. When I was 23, I obtained one of my goals by coming to the US, it wasn't easy. Becoming World Champion at 29 was the next big accomplishment, now I intend to continue the dream by becoming a world champion again" Sergei said.

Commenting about fighting in a city with a rich boxing heritage, Liakhovich said, "Philadelphia has so much boxing history and true boxing fans. I grew up in the working class city, so this feels like going home to me. One of the biggest compliments you can have as a fighter is when you can turn a crowd that comes to support the home town guy into your own fans by the end of the fight. It happened in Pittsburgh when I fought Brewster and I think it will happen again in Philly."

Sergei is pleased to be on NBC Sports Network's inaugural Fight Night show, "I am so excited to have the opportunity to be in the main event on NBC Sports Network's opening show. NBC is an important part of worldwide TV and to be chosen for this show was a privilege. Anyone who knows me knows that I give my all each time I step in the ring. I promise you nothing less on January 21st. In fact, since our styles match perfectly, when Chambers and I mix it up, it will be a night boxing fans will talk about!"

Promoted by Main Events, Peltz Boxing Promotions and Goossen Tutor, the non-televised undercard fights will begin at 7 p.m. Televised fights will begin at 9 p.m.Tickets are priced at $45 and $65 can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing, (215) 765-0922.

 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE (All Times ET)

Saturday, January 21, 9-11 p.m. - Philadelphia

Saturday, March 24, 10 p.m.-Midnight - Site TBA

Saturday, June 16, 9-11 p.m. - Site TBA

Saturday, December 8, 9-11 p.m. - Site TBA

ST. LOUIS (December 27, 2011) - The most dangerous puncher in the lightweight division, World Boxing Council ("WBC") Continental Americas champion Dannie Williams, sooner rather than later, plans to add the North American Boxing Federation ("NABF") belt to his growing collection.

The NABF crown is presently worn by flashy Philadelphia boxer "Hammerin" Hank Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs). The NABF ruled that Lundy make his mandatory title defense against the top contender, No. 2 rated Williams (No. 1 is unrated), but Williams' co-promoters, Rumble Time Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, were unable to successfully negotiate a deal with Lundy's promoter, Classic Entertainment and Sports.

The NABF has ordered a purse bid to be held January 4 with a 60-40 split in favor of the reigning champion (Lundy). Lundy vs. Williams has been tentatively scheduled for March, pending the outcome of the purse bid and, of course, Lundy accepting the challenge.

The 27-year-old Williams (20-1, 16 KOs), fighting out of St. Louis, has been dominant in his last four fights, respectively defeating Manuel Leyva (KO1), Oscar Cuero (DEC10), Antonio Cervantes (KO4) and John Willoughby (KO2).

What separates the multi-talented Williams from other lightweight contenders is his pure knockout power. Fans watching his fight last August against Cervantes on ESPN Friday Night Fights saw Williams' unbridled punching power, resulting in a devastating knockout that was the No. 1 highlight on the ESPN Sportscenter countdown.

"I'm looking forward to this fight," WBC #11rated Williams said. "It's a great opportunity for me. Lundy's a good fighter who comes to fight. I like him as a fighter, I really do, but he's been knocked out and dropped a few times.

"I'm a knockout puncher with 16 KOs in my 20 wins. I'm not talking about TKOs when the ref stops the fight. (Half of Dannie's stoppages have been pure KOs, including his last three.) The refs don't even start counting because they know my opponent is hurt. I know Lundy's going to try and use his speed, but I can box with him, and I hit extra hard. I hurt guys I fight. Lundy can talk all he wants but that's going to happen to him, too."

Williams is scheduled to fight January 6 in Key West, Florida in an eight-round bout against Mexican veteran Fernando "The Thief" Trejo (33-17-6, 19 KOs), who has only been stopped once, by Bobby Pacquiao, in his pro career.

"Dannie wants to fight the best lightweights in the world," Rumble Star Promotions president Steve Smith commented. "He won't dodge anyone. This is a fight fans will love to see -- two guys who fight, not dance. Sometimes, I think, people forget we're in the entertainment business and that fans make our business.

"The winner of this fight should be fighting for a world title by the end of 2012. I know the hardest puncher in the 135-pound division is 'Dangerous Dannie.' If Lundy thought (John) Molina could punch, just wait until he feels the power in both of Williams' hands. He won't be able to get up like he did against Molina. They'll have to quickly get the paramedics and doctor into the ring. With a chin like Lundy's, well, let's say I'm frightened for him."

Rated among the top 11 in three of the major governing bodies, as high as No. 4 in the WBC, Lundy is the former NABO lightweight champion who lost that crown 14 months ago, when he was stopped by Molina on ESPN Friday Night Fights in the 11th round. Two fights later, Lundy defeated Patrick Lopez by 10-round decision for the vacant NABF title. In his first title defense this past August, Lundy got off the mat in the fourth to knockout David Diaz in the sixth.

"I can't wait for this fight," Williams' trainer Jack Loew remarked. "It's a great opportunity for Dannie. I think Hank Lundy is totally overrated. He's been matched very carefully; they've done a great job with him. He's a good fighter with some skills, but, if you fight somebody like Dannie Williams, you better not have a weak chin like Lundy's. Everybody saw what happened when he stepped-up against Molina. Diaz hurt him and he's not even much of a puncher.  

"We're ready to fight Lundy and I hope he takes on Dannie. He will not take a chin-check from Dannie Williams and for that the reason, unfortunately, I can't see them taking this fight. I honestly believe we're going to end-up fighting for the vacant NABF title."

Go online to www.RumbleTimePromotions.com for more information about Williams or any of his Rumble Time Promotions stable-mates.

December 27, 2011....Danbury, CT/Bronx, NY

The City of Danbury (Connecticut) welcomed home its newest champion, Delvin Rodriguez this past Thursday night at Danbury Billiards.

Over 200 proud fans packed into Danbury Billiards as Mayor Mark Boughton welcomed Delvin home from his unanimous decision victory over Pawel Wolak on the undercard of Cotto - Margarito at Madison Square Garden on December 3rd.   The bout was a rematch of their classic battle earlier in the year.

Mayor Boughton officially declared December 22, 2011 as Delvin Rodriguez Day in Danbury Ct.  

State Senator Michael McLachlan was also on hand to present Rodriguez with an award from the Connecticut State Senate as well.

Additionally, last week Rodriguez received other accolades as Sports Illustrated and Ring8 announced that the first epic fight between Rodriguez and Wolak was voted the 'Fight of the Year' for 2011.

SPRINGFIELD, MO (DECEMBER 26, 2011)--Tom Morris and FM promotions is glad to team up with Danger boy events/BJ Flores and Don King Productions for two important fights on January 28th. This event will take place at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield Missouri and is starting to turn into a very entertaining night of fighting. Five professional boxing matches as well as two professional MMA matches will make this a can’t miss event for the people in Springfield, Missouri. #3 WBO world rated Cruiserweight BJ Flores will headline in the main event and Cory Spinks and Sechew Powell face off in an important IBF Jr. Middleweight eliminator fight. Flores is starting to put Springfield, Missouri on the map as far as boxing goes, and he is building an increasingly large fan base in the Springfield area. Flores sold out the last event at the O’Reily Events Center and looks to do the same thing again at the Shrine Mosque on January 28th.


Five- time world champion Cory "Next Generation" Spinks will take on former title challenger and #4 IBF World rated Sechew "Iron Horse" Powell in a pivotal fight for both fighters in their respective careers. The winner will face Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF world title on the next fight and Don King has ensured that this fight will in fact take place on the BJ Flores card on January 28th. Spinks is hoping to fight for his 6th world title with a win over the very talented Powell.


WBO #3 World rated and NABO and NABA US champion as well as WBC Continental Americas champion BJ Flores, is in heavy training for his North American championship fight on January 28th. Flores will also be fighting for the recently vacated NABF title that was given up by Nigerian World Rated Lateef Kayode in place of facing the Flores. This will be Flores third North American title fight in the last 6 months and is starting to turn some heads with the large crowds that have showed up for his July and October fights. The world rated Flores has kept a very active schedule and his recent signing with iconic promoter Don King has seem to put a bounce in his step.

Flores says, "It is an honor to have two fighters like Cory and Sechew fight on my card on January 28th in Springfield, Missouri. When I got the call from Don yesterday he told me it was a done deal. I have grown up fighting with both of these guys and have followed their careers and this is sure to be a great addition to the card and a very exciting fight for the people in Springfield, Missouri. The fans in Missouri are very energetic and I couldn’t think of a better place to stage this important elimination fight!" Flores goes on to say “I will be fighting for the third time in six months and I’m just doing what I love to do. We have offered this fight to top American contenders Andres Taylor 21-1, Aaron Williams 21-3, James Cermack 17-2, Jeremiah Graziano 15-0 and Ed Perry 18-4. We hope to have an opponent nailed down by the end of the week."


When asked if Flores was disappointed in Lateef Kayode vacating the NABF title instead of facing him Flores said, “I understand boxing is a business. My attitude has changed. I want to fight often and the best opponents possible. After my loss to Danny Green I immediately wanted to fight a big name guy in the states. I wanted Kayode and he refused to fight me. I won the NABO interim title and instead of facing me he vacated the NABO title and I became full champion. When I moved into the #1 spot by the NABF and President Joe Dwyer informed Team Kayode that he had to face me next they said “we appreciate the opportunity but we will be vacating the title. So, I’m used to it. I’m just glad Mr. King has gotten behind this big event and is helping us promote and make it big!! Don is coming back and so am I!!"

One thing for sure is that the fans of Springfield, Missouri are in for a real treat on January 28th. The fight will be held at the historic Shrine Mosque and tix can be purchased at the Box office or on Metrotix. 1-800-293- 5949 for tickets.

NEW YORK (December 19, 2011) - In only its third year of operations, Boxing 360 experienced a banner 2011, highlighted by Amanda "The Real Deal" Serrano capturing the New York City-based promotional company's first world title.

Boxing 360's Fighter of the Year clearly was 23-year-old Serrano (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a native of Puerto Rico who lives in Brooklyn, was 6-0 this past year with only one fight going the distance. Amanda twice defeated world title challenger Ela "Bam Bam" Nunez (DEC6) and TKO4) to complete their trilogy, in addition to knocking out Jennifer Scott in the opening round to capture the North American Boxing Federation ("NABF") featherweight title. In September, Serrano put Kimberly Connor (9-1-2) to sleep in the second round for the International Boxing Federation ("IBF") Super Featherweight Championship.

"I'm very happy with the progress and accomplishments our promotional company and its stable of fighters made this year," Boxing 360 founder and CEO Mario Yagobi said. "Amanda is our first world champion but we expect to have many more crowned in the years to come. We have a very good mix of multi-talented contenders and prospects. All of us at Boxing 360 are looking forward to a great 2012."

Veteran heavyweight Maurice "Sugar Moe" Harris (25-15-2, 11 KOs) split a pair of matches in 2001, however, his last action in a United States Boxing Association ("USBA") title defense resulted in an impressive victory by 12th round technical knockout of 25-4 Derec Rossy. Harris is rated No. 5 by the IBF and remains a world title contender.

WBC #5 super bantamweight Leon "Hurry Up" Moore (28-2, 22 KOs) moved from Guyana to New York City but, due to his record and experience, fought only once this year, winning a six-round decision versus Felipe Almanza. The reigning WBC CABOFE (Caribbean) and NABA champion, Moore is in position for a world title shot in 2012.

Buffalo light welterweight Nick "Hands of Gold" Casal (22-4-1, 17 KOs) resurrected his career, winning his two 2011 fights by knockouts, including a third-round TKO win of previously undefeated Michael Anderson (11-0-1).

One of the hottest prospects in the country is unbeaten junior featherweight Joel Diaz, Jr. (6-0, 5-0), who won all four of his fights this year by first-round knockout. The exciting 19 year old had three other fights cancelled this year and he is expected to have a breakout 2012.

Former world super middleweight champion Alejandro "Naco" Berrio (32-5, 29 KOs) isn't high on any top fighter's list of opponents, which is the primary reason for him fighting only once this year, a third-round TKO win against three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols.

Another Guyana fighter living in New York City, Lennox "2 Sharpe" Allen (15-0-1, 9 KOs), captured the WBC CABOFE super middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Kwesi Jones, to go along with his New York State title.

Undefeated middleweight DonYil Livingston (7-0-1, 4 KOs), who was an outstanding amateur who took off several years off before turning pro, was victorious in five of six fights this year with one draw. The 27-year-old boxer bounced back from his draw with a strong six-round decision against previously unbeaten (6-0) Kurtiss Colvin.

Power-punching Eudy "AK 47"Bernardo (11-0, 6 KOs), who moved to New York City, won all of his fights this year, including an eighth-round TKO of John Nolasco for the Dominican Lightweight Championship, and a six-round decision against former U.S. amateur standout Darnell Jiles (8-2-1), Jr. this past weekend in Rochester.

Visa problems prevented undefeated Kazakhstan welterweight Vitaly "Demyan" Demyanenko (19-0, 12 KOs) from fighting in 2011. The former PABA and WBO Asia Pacific champion will make his Boxing 360 debut in 2012.

Boxing 360 recently signed three more fighters from the Tri-State area: super middleweight Aleem "The Hammer" Whitfield (3-0, 3 KOs), super middleweight Travis "The Notorious" Peterkin (3-0, 3 KOs) and lightweight Bryan Acaba (2-0, 1 KO).

Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about any of its other fighters.