Broadway Boxing Opens 2012 with a Bang!
(January 21st) - Earlier tonight before a sellout crowd at New York City's famed Roseland Ballroom, DiBella Entertainment kicked off the 2012 season of its "Broadway Boxing" series with an exciting nine-bout card. Headlining the card was Brooklyn's undefeated NABF light welterweight champion, Gabriel "Tito" Bracero defending his title against former two-time world champion, DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley.
Both fighters looked to be in tremendous shape and spent much of the first round feeling each other out and looking to find their range.
In the second, an overhand left from southpaw Corley opened a nasty cut over the right eye of Bracero which bled profusely for the remainder of the round. Just as the 10-second bell was about to sound, Corley landed a monstrous right hook that dropped Bracero hard. Bracero beat the count but was on wobbly legs and bleeding badly.
Bracero came out boxing effectively in the third frame and looked to be getting his legs back before a huge overhand left dropped him again badly for the second time in the fight.
Bracero went back to boxing in round four and did well staying on the outside and working behind his jab.
Bracero tasted the canvas for the third time in the fifth when his glove touched the canvas courtesy of a straight left from Corley. Bracero came back strong after the knockdown and seemed to have the edge in the exchanges, but Corley was clearly the heavier-handed of the two fighters.
Bracero began to turn the tide in the sixth stanza as he again was able to stay on the outside and score with his jab and combinations while Corley was looking to land one big blow.
Bracero had another good round in the seventh and sent Corley to the canvas for a flash knockdown in round eight with a short straight right hand.
The last two rounds saw Bracero continue to box from the outside while Corley pressed forward landing the heavier blows. In the end, the judges scored it 96-90, 94-92, 94-92 all for the winner by unanimous decision, Corley. While it was the first loss on Bracero's otherwise perfect record (18-1) he showed the heart of a champion rising from the three knockdowns and getting himself back into the fight. With the win Corley improved to 38-19-1, 22KO's
MONAGHAN IMPROVES TO 12-0
In the co-feature bout of the evening, popular Irish-American light heavyweight prospect, Seanie Monaghan won a dominate eight-round unanimous decision victory in an absolute war over the iron-chinned Billy Bailey.
Monaghan who lives in Long Beach, NY, has quickly become a fan-favorite in New York City since turning pro in May of 2010 for his fan-friendly style and as advertised, Monaghan came out aggressive in the 1st, scoring well with both hands.
In the 2nd Monaghan landed a beautiful right hook to the body, left hook to the head followed by an overhand right, sending Bailey to the canvas and the pro Monaghan crowd into a frenzy. Monaghan jumped all over his opponent as the fight resumed and Bailey looked ready to go but luckily was saved by the bell.
Rather then lay down though the knockdown seemed to wake Bailey up, as he came out hard in the 3rd, turning the fight into a war. Monaghan was landing bombs almost at will, but Bailey would take them and then showboat to the crowd asking for more.
In the 5th Monaghan changed his game plan a bit and began boxing from the outside and mixing in a vicious body attack that seemed to take a bit out of his tough-as-nails opponent Bailey.
There was good action for the remainder of the fight and in the end Monaghan who improved to 12-0, 8KO's was awarded the decision by scores of 80-71, 80-71 and 79-72.
DEL VALLE KEEPS ROLLING
Undefeated world-rated contender Luis "Orlandito" Del Valle improved to a perfect 15-0 with a hard fought eight-round unanimous decision over tough Mexican, Jose Angel Beranza.
Beranza lived up to the Mexican boxing heritage and showed a lot of heart and a very good chin, but Del Valle was just too fast and too skilled, landing the hard and cleaner shots throughout. When Del Valle chose to stand and trade he got the better of the exchanges but to Beranza's credit he was able to land some looping blows.
In the end all three judges scored it in favor of Orlandito 80-72, 79-73, 78-74.
NAKASH WINS IN DBE DEBUT
In his first fight under the DBE banner, recent world-title challenger, Ran Nakash pitched an eight-round shut out over Philadelphia's Derek Bryant. Nakash, who was returning to the ring for the first time since dropping a competitive decision to WBO Cruiserweight Champion, Marco Huck in April of last year, got stronger as the fight went on, as he pounded away at Bryant, who was content on covering up and looking to survive. In the end all three judges saw it a shut out 80-72 for Nakash who improved to 26-1, 18KO's.
OTHER RESULTS
In the opening bout of the evening rising welterweight prospect Alex Perez scored an impressive 2nd round TKO over Josh Sosa.
The southpaw Perez came out aggressive in the 1st, hurting Sosa badly with two left uppercuts before dropping him with a hard right hand. Sosa beat the count, but Perez battered him badly for the remainder of the round.
In the 2nd it was more of the same from Perez, as he was just too strong for his opponent, dropping him again midway through the round with another hard right. Sosa beat the count but was in no shape to continue as the referee called a halt to the contest at 1:39. With the win Perez improved to 15-0, 9KO's while Sosa dropped to 10-2, 5KO's.
In a battle of junior middleweights, West Point Cadet, Boyd "Rainmaker" Melson bloodied and bruised toughman Sean Rawley Wilson winning an impressive six-round shut out decision.
Melson continuously battered Rawley round after round, scoring with crisp combinations. Rawley showed a good chin, but Melson was just too quick and too skilled. With the victory Melson improves to 8-0, 4KO's while Wilson drops to 6-6.
In a match-up of female heavyweights, Sonya Lamonakis and Carlette Ewell battled to an entertaining six round majority draw. The two wasted little time feeling each other out in the first and decided to go toe-to-toe for almost the entire round.
It was more of the same in the 2nd with each fighter landing hard shots from short distance.
Ewell looked to be tiring a bit in the middle rounds while Lamonakis counter punched effectively off the ropes.
There was good two-way action throughout the entire six-round contest and in the end the bout was scored a majority draw. With the decision Lamonakis record now stands at 6-0-1, 1KO while Ewell's stands at 15-7-1, 9KO's.
In an entertaining four-round heavyweight contest, Thomas "The Hitman" Hardwick improved to a perfect 4-0, 2KO's with a four-round decision over Richard Mason.
Hardwick came out fast in the first pressing the action. Mason landed a few counter punches from the outside, but Hardwick was the much busier of the two.
In the 2nd Hardwick rocked Mason hard, and jumped all over him, but Mason was able to survive the onslaught.
Hardwick came out more aggressive than ever in the fourth, looking to close the show in fashion. Hardwick rocked Mason several times and looked as though he was on the verge of stopping him, but to his credit Mason hung tough, taking heavy punishment for almost the entire fourth round. In the end Hardwick was awarded a shut out on all three judges score cards, 40-36.
In an entertaining junior welterweight match-up, Danny McDermott and Terry Buterbaugh traded heavy blows in the early going before McDermott settled in behind his jab throughout the middle rounds boxing from the outside against the hard charging Buterbaugh.
Round after round was close, as McDermott was the superior boxer but Buterbaugh kept pressing the action.
In the 6th and final round the two went to war, both looking to close the show, much to the crowd's delight. In the end the judges were split on the decision with one judge scoring it 59-55 for McDemott, while the other judge had it the exact same way for Buterbaught and the third judge scoring it even, resulting in a six-round majority draw. McDermott's record now stands at 9-3-2, 4KO's while Buterbaugh's is 6-6-3, 3KO's.
The next Broadway Boxing show will be held on March 8th at B.B. Kings. Visit www.dbe1.com for more information.
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
DiBella Entertainment builds upon the unique insights Lou DiBella developed as a television executive and matchmaker to combat the contractual exploitation of professional boxers. DiBella Entertainment creates a business model that shifts the balance of power from promoters to boxers; and establishes a legacy of matchmaking excellence, both in an effort to improve the health of the boxing industry. DiBella Entertainment represents its athletes with honesty and integrity all while making the best and fairest financial deals for its clients.
For more information visit us at www.dbe1.com, follow us at twitter/loudibella or check us out at facebook/lou.dibella
CONTACTS: Kevin Rooney Jr., DBE: (212) 947-2577, kevin@dbe1.com
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Alcine Comments on Huge Victory Over Lemieux
(December 13th) - This past Saturday, on Dec. 10, in front of a packed house at the Bell Centre in Montreal, former junior middleweight world champion Joachim Alcine (33-2-1, 19KO's) turned in one of the most impressive performances of his 12-year professional career in winning an exciting 12-round decision over the highly regarded hometown favorite David Lemieux (25-2, 24KO's).
Going into the fight, many viewed Alcine as a sacrificial lamb for the extremely dangerous Lemieux, who was coming off his first loss eight months earlier. All of the pre-fight talk leading up to the bout focused on how Lemieux was rededicated to the sport, had switched trainers, and was ready to resume his quest toward a world title. No one seemed to be paying much attention when Alcine calmly stated beforehand that he was finishing up his best ever training camp and that it was going to show come fight night.
When the fight started, Lemieux came out hard and fast as expected, bombing away with both hands looking to put an end to the fight quickly. Alcine had prepared for that though, keeping a high guard to block many of the shots and staying on his toes moving effortlessly around the ring. Alcine, now 35 years old, was looking more like the fighter who, in 2007, went into the backyard of undefeated WBA Light Middleweight Champion Travis Simms, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to take Simms' title in dominant fashion via 12-round unanimous decision.
By the middle rounds, it was clear that Lemieux was tiring and Alcine, 13 years his senior, was the fresher of the two, boxing beautifully and even staggering the heavy-handed Lemieux on a few occasions.
Heading into the championship rounds, the fight was close, but Alcine's experience proved to be the difference, as he was able to sweep the last four rounds on the scorecards to win a majority decision with two tallies of 116-112 in his favor and the third judge calling the bout even at 114-114.
With his career back on track, Alcine has big plans for his immediate future.
"I'm ready to take care of business against anybody Lou DiBella puts in front of me. I can fight at 147, 154 or 160 pounds right now. I want the biggest and best fights out there for me. Sergio Martinez, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and 'Canelo' Alvarez are my top three targets right now, but, like I said, I'll fight anybody they put in front of me," said Alcine.
"With his stellar performance against David Lemieux, Joachim just showed the boxing world that his best days are still ahead of him. Joachim wants to fight the very best and Lou DiBella and I will work tirelessly to help him achieve his goals," said advisor Greg Leon.
CONTACTS:
Kevin Rooney Jr., DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, kevin@dbe1.com
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ESPN'S 2012 Friday Night Fights
Season Opens January 6th in Key West!
(December 12th) - On Friday, January 6th, DiBella Entertainment will kick off the 2012 season of ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" with what promises to be an action-packed night of boxing, outdoors at Mallory Square, in beautiful Key West, Florida. Headlining the card will be WBC and WBA #9 rated Super Middleweight, Dyah Davis (20-2-1, 9KO's), taking on hard-hitting Alfonso Lopez (22-1, 17KO's), in a 10-round match-up. Opening up the show will be a can't-miss junior middleweight showdown between DiBella Entertainment's highly regarded up-and-coming prospects, Steve Martinez (11-0, 9KO's) and Jonathan Cepeda (11-0, 10KO's). Martinez-Cepeda is scheduled for eight rounds.
"January 6th begins ESPN's 2012 season with a bang," said Lou DiBella, CEO and President of DiBella Entertainment. "You have two huge punchers in the Martinez-Cepeda match-up, and someone's '0' must go. This is a terrific opener almost guaranteed to be explosive. In the main event, Dyah Davis looks to continue his climb toward a world title shot against emerging contender Alfonso Lopez. This is a helluva way to kick off the new year."
"We are pleased to be starting off the 2012 Friday Night Fights season from Key West Florida with Dibella Entertainment. Coming off a spectacular 2011 we expect the main event of Davis VS. Lopez to deliver action and excitement for our boxing fans," said ESPN Director fo Programming, Doug Loughrey.
The Florida-native Davis, son of former Olympic gold medal winner and world title challenger, Howard Davis, is two fights removed from his most impressive victory to date, a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Marcus Johnson (20-0, 15KO's, at the time). Davis followed up that win with another unanimous decision victory over the always dangerous Darnell Boone in October. Davis is hoping an impressive showing on the nationally televised ESPN network will move him one step closer toward challenging for a piece of the super middleweight crown. First though, he must get passed Lopez, whose only defeat as a pro came in a disputable majority decision loss to former middleweight kingpin Kelly Pavlik.
Puerto Rican Steven Martinez, who hails from the Bronx, and is co-managed by NY Giants Running Back, Brandon Jacobs, is one of the most promising prospects to come out of New York in years. A three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion, and 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion, the 21-year-old Martinez has everything you look for in an up-and-coming prospect; size, speed, and knockout power in either hand. Martinez recently spent time serving as one of the lead sparring partners in helping prepare reigning Middleweight Champion Sergio Martinez defend his title against Darren Barker this past October. Martinez was one of the featured bouts on the undercard that night, stopping the always tough Jay Krupp in the fifth round of their scheduled six-round junior middleweight contest.
Like Martinez, Cepeda is another can't-miss prospect, and a former Golden Gloves Champion. Cepeda, who is of Dominican descent, and originally hails from New Jersey, now lives and trains in Florida, under renowned trainer John David Jackson.
The bout on the January 6will be the first scheduled eight-round bout for both Martinez and Cepeda, as well as the first time either will be featured on national television.
The entire show is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. The show will air live on ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes at 9PM ET. A complete list of the undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets will go on sale soon.
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Oosthuizen Holds onto Title Stopping Sierra in 11!
November 23rd, Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa: Thomas “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen, 17-0-1, 12Ko’s retained his IBO Super Middleweight title stopping Mexico’s Francisco “Panchito” Sierra , 24-5-1, 22Ko’s in the eleventh round.
Oosthuizen, in charge from the opening bell controlled the action until landing a crushing left prompting referee Adile Matika to call it at 2:59 of round eleven.
The Lou DiBella promoted Oosthuizen improves to 17-0-1, 12Ko’s while Sierra dropping his second straight falls to 24-5-1, 22Ko’s.
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Macklin Wants Martinez, Sets Stage for Massive 2012 Showdown
(November 14th) - You don't see or hear of many top fighters calling out the name of Middleweight Champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez. Martinez, the WBC Diamond belt Middleweight Champion, and 2010 "Fighter of the Year" is currently riding a four-fight win streak (W12 Kelly Pavlik, KO2 Paul Williams, TKO8 Serhiy Dzinziruk, TKO11 Darren Barker) that has seen him climb the pound-for-pound list, falling behind only Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, both of whom have so far expressed no serious interest in facing Martinez.
That being said it might come as a surprise to hear a fighter actually eager to enter the ring against Martinez, but that's exactly the case with Ireland's Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin. Macklin (28-3, 19KO's), the former European Champion, and WBA #4 rated middleweight in the world, is coming off a very impressive and entertaining showing on EPIX against "Super" WBA Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm, in which Sturm was awarded a highly controversial split decision in his home country of Germany, on June 25.
Looking to further his career and secure another major fight in the middleweight division, Macklin signed with Lou DiBella's DiBella Entertainment, also the promoter of Martinez. After signing with Dibella, Macklin traveled stateside, setting himself up in New York City with a plan to stay through the remainder of 2011 and promote his name to the large Irish communities within the New York City area.
"I'm enjoying life in New York. I felt it was important to move here so that I can build a fan base if I am going to fight here on a regular basis. I'm determined to give the city and the huge Irish community here a fighter to be proud of," said Macklin.
Macklin realizes that Martinez is vying for a shot at the only two fighters ahead of him on the pound-for-pound list, but he feels that if those fights can't be made, a bout against him, in New York City, on St. Patrick's Day, is next biggest event out there.
"I've proved throughout my career that the bigger the challenge and the bigger the stage the better I perform, and there's no bigger stage than fighting a guy considered to be among the top three pound-for-pound fighters in the world, in the Mecca of Boxing. Being in a massive world title fight at Madison Square Garden is the stuff every boxer dreams of and it's close to becoming a reality for me now. The fact that it will be on St. Patrick's Day is just the icing on the cake."
While Macklin is by no means underestimating Martinez, he is extremely confident in his chances against the champ, especially after being on hand to witness Martinez' last fight in person.
"I have a lot of respect for Martinez. What he's done after taking up boxing so late is remarkable, but he's really a natural light middleweight and I'm a big, strong middleweight. I believe that my size, strength and power will be too much for him. I think Darren Barker did better than people expected but I also think that Sergio underperformed that night. Maybe subconsciously he thought he was in for an easy night against Barker and wasn't at his best because of that. On that performance, he was lucky he wasn't in the ring with me because I would have knocked him out. He'll have to up his game tenfold if he wants to hear the final bell against me, but I would expect him to and I wouldn't want it any other way. I want to beat Sergio Martinez at his very best, with no excuses."
CONTACTS:
Kevin Rooney Jr., DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, kevin@dbe1.com
Tomas Rohan, Brian Peters Promotions, boxing@brianpeterspromotions.com
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Mansour Crying Wolf? Issues Challenge to Price Then Backs Down!
(Mansour / Price)
(October 28th) - Earlier this week, heavyweight contender Amir Mansour (15-0, 11KO's), in search of an opponent for his upcoming bout on December 2nd in his home state of Delaware, reached out to DiBella Entertainment to see if their undefeated heavyweight, Kelvin Price (12-0, 6KO's), would be interested in facing the self-proclamined "feared" heavyweight. Price accepted the offer without any hesitation only to be informed the following day that Mansour was no longer interested in the fight.
"I mean no disrespect to Mansour, but I don't know what happened here," said Price. "This guy goes around saying how no one will fight him, everyone fears him, but as soon as I was contacted about the fight, I said, 'let's get it on,' and then the next day he says he doesn't want it anymore. That just makes no sense to me. I was willing to go into his backyard and put my undefeated record on the line. I'm a former basketball player that started boxing extremely late, and I can't get a fight from these so-called beasts in the boxing game. If you're not willing to compete or prove yourself then just shut up with the propaganda!"
CONTACTS: Kevin Rooney Jr., DiBella Entertainment: (212) 947-2577, kevin@dbe1.com
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Rodriguez Decisions Rosinsky in Battle of Unbeatens,
Bracero Wins NABF Jr Welterweight Title,
Full Results from MGM Grand at Foxwoods 
(October 22nd) - Undefeated super middleweight Edwin "La Bomba" Rodriguez won a 10-round decision last night (Friday), sweeping every round on all three judges' scorecard, against previously unbeaten Will "Power" Rosinsky in the main event on ShoBox: The New Generation LIVE on SHOWTIME® from MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Connecticut.
Rodriguez improved his pro record to 20-0 (14 KOs), while the rugged Rosinsky, of Queens (NY), dropped to 14-1 (8 KOs). The exciting card, presented by DiBella Entertainment, drew 1640 fans.
"I know Will so well," Edwin said. "He's a very tough fighter. I knew I had to be on the top of my game and listen to Ronnie (Shields), who has a lot of experience and has worked with so many good fighters. I knew that I had to listen to him through the whole fight. We're still friends, probably closer friends now. 2012 is going to be a great year."
"I knew he had range because he's taller," Rosinsky noted. "I wasn't busy enough. Whether it was 100-90 or 96-94, I still lost. I'm happy it was on Showtime for people to see because, on paper, it looks like crap (100-90 X 3). It was a tough fight. I'm a work in progress and he's a star in the making."
Rodriguez, fighting out of Worcester (MA), effectively used his reach advantage, firing combinations off of a stiff jab, from the opening bell to the end. The 26-year-old Rodriguez, a native of the Dominican Republic, is rated IBF #5, WBC #6, WBA #8 and WBO #12.
"I believe Edwin will be world champion," show and Rodriguez' promoter Lou DiBella commented, "but not in his next fight or the one after that. He needs more work with Ronnie. The right guy won, but I had it, 7-3. If Edwin is No. 5, Will has to be in the top 10. This was a great, entertaining fight. Will can fight with anybody in the world. Edwin's not ready for Bute or those guys but he will be in late 2012, early 2013. There's no reason to rush him. The real winners tonight were all of the fans who watched this fight."
In the co-feature, also shown live on SHOWTIME®, undefeated Gabriel Bracero (18-0) captured the vacant NABF junior welterweight title, taking a one-sided 10-round unanimous decision from Daniel "The Hudson Valley Kid" Sostre (11-5-1). Bracero dominated from start to finish in a spirited fight in which the Brooklyn boxer outworked and consistently beat Sostre to the punch.
Crowd-pleasing junior lightweight Ryan "Polish Prince" Kielczewski (12-0) put on another dazzling display for his followers, winning all six rounds for a unanimous decision for Willie Villanueva (10-4). In his toughest test to date, Ryan K passed with flying colors, proving to be too quick and too slick for his over-matched opponent.
WBC #10 rated Dyah Davis (20-2-1) won a hard-fought six-round decision from always tough super middleweight Darnell Boone.
Unbeaten New Haven bantamweight Luis "KO King" Rosa, Jr. (9-0) had his way with Harvey Murray, cruising to a six-round unanimous decision in the walk-out fight of the evening.
Popular light welterweight Danny O'Connor (16-1, 4 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, turned in a workmanlike effort for a six-round unanimous decision victory versus a game Bryan "The Brick" Abraham in an entertaining match.
Unbeaten Swedish junior middleweight Badou "The Ripper" Jack stopped Eddie Caminero in the fifth round.
Brooklyn junior middleweights Delen Parsley (7-0, 2 KOs) and Frank Galarza (4-0) kept their unbeaten records intact. Parsley won a six-round shutout decision against Jevon Boisseau, while Galarza won a four-round decision over Daniel Lugo.
In the walk-out bout of the evening, Luis Rosa improved to a perfect 9-0, 5KO's with a six round unanimous decision over Harvey Murray.
Photo's credit DiBella Entertainment/Emily Harney
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Berto’s Continued Efforts Making Progress in Haiti!
(October 12th) - This coming January will be the two-year anniversary of the massive earthquake that hit Haiti, leaving the country devastated and in shambles, but for IBF Welterweight Champion Andre Berto, it seems like just yesterday.
After the earthquake hit, Berto, who lost multiple family members in the devastation, cancelled his upcoming title fight against Shane Mosley and traveled to Haiti to help in the relief effort. Berto spent weeks in Haiti before returning back to the States and resuming his professional career. His efforts have continued since then, including most recently when Berto made a large donation to the charitable organization, Generosity Water that enabled two water wells to be built, that provide drinking water for thousands of Haitians.
"It makes me smile from ear to ear to see the growing progress in Haiti and knowing that I am a part of it. Everyday that I train makes it all worth it because I know it will give me a platform through my fights on HBO to continue to bring awareness to Haiti. I don't want to be one of the people who just 'talk.' I want to be one of the people that actually steps up and does something, and that's what I am going to continue to do," said Berto.
"Andre made a commitment to Haiti immediately after the earthquake and he has put his heart, time and energy behind his promises. We at DiBella Entertainment are proud of him and his efforts," said Lou DiBella, Berto's promoter.
Below are links to videos of the two wells that were built thanks to Berto's donation.
#1: (click here) #2: (click here)
Mendez Say’s He Has the Answer to Broner’s Problem!
(September 16th) Super Featherweight contender, Adrien "The Problem" Broner (21-0, 17KO's) is scheduled to fight on HBO on November 26th, in his hometown of Cincinnati. But there is a problem. Broner, whose nickname, coincidently is "The Problem", is still searching for an opponent after the original one, WBO Champion Ricky Burns, chose to instead face Michael Katsidis, and in the process vacating his title. Golden Boy Promotions, Broner's promoter, is hoping to make the fight on the 26th for the vacant WBO title.
Fellow top-rated Super Featherweight contender, and recent world-title challenger, Argenis Mendez (18-2, 9KO's) believes he has the answer to "The Problem". Pick him.
The DiBella Entertainment promoted Mendez (IBF #1) is coming off a very entertaining, but highly controversial decision loss to Juan Carlos Salgado last weekend in Mexico. The bout was for the vacant IBF Super Featherweight Championship. Mendez was hoping to get an immediate rematch against Salgado, but a world title opportunity on HBO would be just as good.
"Mendez should be the IBF champion right now. He lost a close decision, due to hometown advantage. If Adrien Broner wants to be a champion, he has to fight top quality opposition. If Ricky Burns is stripped due to his unwillingness to fight, Broner and Mendez is a perfect championship match to replace," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
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Arroyo Decisions Sanchez in Great Action Bout
on Showtimes SHOWBOX The New Generation!
(September 10th) ) - In the main event of this week's edition of Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generartion, held at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota, fellow up and coming DiBella Entertainment prospects, Hector Sanchez and Vincent Arroyo engaged in a very entertaining ten round welterweight war.
The former Puerto Rican amateur star Sanchez a member of Team Puerto Rico Boxing, a group of fighters promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions and Universal Promotions and Arroyo both had a lot to prove, and let it all hang out for the entire fight.
After a bit of a feeling out first round, which saw Arroyo suffer a cut over hit left eye from an accident clash of heads, action picked up in the second with Sanchez landing a number of clean, hard left hooks that rocked the smaller Arroyo.
Sanchez looked to boxed from the outside, measuring Arroyo with a long jab, while Arroyo looked to work his way inside and score with flurries to the body.
Both fighters exchanged big shots in a very good action round in both the fifth and sixth. Each time one of the fighters looked to be getting the edge, the other would answer back with a big shot.
A huge left hook by Arroyo hurt Sanchez bad midway through the eight and had Sanchez on very wobbly legs and in recovery mode for the remainder of the round. Sanchez looked to tie Arroyo up, while Arroyo chased his opponent around the ring looking to land that one big punch that would close the show. Arroyo was able to land a few more big shots, but Sanchez was able to survive the round.
In the 9th, Sanchez still seemed to be on unsteady legs from the beating his took the round before, but to his credit he was able to stay on his feet and land some punches of his own against the hard pressing Arroyo.
The 10th and final round saw great exchanges from both fighters, as neither wanted to leave the decision in the judge's hands.
In the end the judges awarded Arroyo's aggresive style, giving him a hard-fought and well deserved unanimous decision victory. Two of the judges scored the bout 98-92, with the third scoring it 96-94. With the win Arroyo improved to 12-1, 6KO's, while Sanchez' record drops to 19-2, 9KO's.
CONTACTS: Kevin Rooney Jr., DBE: (212) 947-2577, kevin@dbe1.com
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Rooney Jr. Join DiBella Entertainment!
(September 6th) After working for over three-years as the full-time publicist and event coordinator for Star Boxing, Kevin Rooney Jr. has switched promotional outfits, and taken a full-time position with Lou DiBella's, DiBella Entertainment. Rooney will be taking over the position as DiBella's Executive Assistant and Director of Public Relations.
Rooney, the son of world renowned boxing trainer, Kevin Rooney, is graduate of Fordham University. Rooney began working for Star in the summer of 2008, and was an integral part in the company's success the last three plus years. In addition to his work on the Public Relations and Event Coordination front, Rooney also found time to embark on his own boxing career during his time at Star. The Publicist/Pugilist made his much publicized pro-debut this past April on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights", winning a four round decision over Dave Navarro. Rooney followed up that win with a first round knockout over Elmer Vera in NYC on July 15th. Now Rooney has decided to "take his talents" to DiBella.
"Kevin is a very passionate and hard working person, with both intellect and a boxing pedigree," said DiBella. "We are looking forward to watching him grow as a part of DBE and maybe even fight..."
"The first time Lou called me about it was actually at the weigh-in for my second fight. First he wished me luck, then he offered me a job. I remember saying to myself, if I win tomorrow this could turn out to be a really good weekend," said Rooney with a laugh. "Working for Lou is a huge opportunity for me and my career on the business side, and Lou also made it clear that I'd be welcomed to fight on any card of his I desired, so ultimately I felt that it was an opportunity that I just couldn't let pass me by. With his track record and background, not only is Lou one of the most respected promoters in the industry, but he is one of the most respected figures in the entire boxing world. I'm looking forward to furthering my education of the boxing game through Lou, and contributing to what is an already stellar team on staff at DiBella Entertainment."
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Undefeated Edwin Rodriguez Body Attack Stops Traietti in Two!
(August 20th) – Hometown hero Edwin“La Bomba” Rodriguez remained unbeaten, stopping intra-state rival Chris Traietti in tonight’s Broadway Boxing main event, presented by DiBella Entertainment, in the 400th professional boxing show ever held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Displaying more boxing skills and patience under for his new head trainer Ronnie Shields, Rodriguez outclassed a game Traietti (10-3, 6 KOs), who is an Iraq War veteran and college graduate.Edwin dropped a few right-handed bombs on Traietti in the opening round and a devastating right hand to Traietti’s ribs (left) left him unable to breathe properly and unable to answer the bell for the third.
“”That was my signature punch,” Rodriguez said about his damaging right to the body.“He’s a tough guy. I have a good trainer, Ronnie Shields, who worked with me on my jab and it was working good tonight. I want to fight for a world title soon.”
The 26-year-old Rodriguez, the reigning WBC USNBC super middleweight champion, is rated # 8 by the International Boxing Federation and #9 by the World Boxing Association, as well as #12 by the World Boxing Council and #13 by the World Boxing Organization.
Unheralded junior lightweight Ryan “Polish Prince” Kielczewski (11-0, 2 KOs) stamped himself as an action-packed fighter to watch, after belting James Lester (9-6) around the ring from the opening bell for eight full rounds. The fan favorite Kielczewski won an eight-round decision by lop-sided scores of 80-69 and 79-20 twice.
Full Results Below:
HEAVYWEIGHTS
KELVIN PRICE (11-0, 6 KOs), New Iberia, LAWDEC 6 (60-55, 60-54, 60-55) JOSEPH RABOTTE (11-17-1, 3 KOs), Atlanta, GA
SONYA LAMONAKIS (6-0, 1 KO), New York, NYWDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 57-57)TIFFANY WOODWARD (4-5-1, 3 KOs), Wilson, NC
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
EDWIN RODRIGUEZ (19-0, 143 KOs), Worcester, MAWTKO2 (3:00)CHRIS TRAIETTI (10-3, 6 KOs), Quincy, MA
JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
RYAN KIELCZEWSKI (11-2, 2 KOs), Quincy, MAWDEC8 (80-69, 79-70, 79-70)JAMES LESTER (9-6, 4 KOs), Detroit, MI
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
JOACHIM ALCINE (32-2-1, 19 KOs), Quebec, Canada DRAW8 (78-75, 74-78, 76-76) JOSE MEDINA (14-9-3, 6 KOs, Quincy, MA
4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
GABRIEL DU LUC (2-0, 0 KOs), Quincy, MAWDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) NOEL GARCIA (2-11-1, 1 KO), Springfield, MA
SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
LUIS ROSA (8-0, 5 KOs), New Haven, CT WDEC6 (59.55, 59.55, 59.55)SHAWN NICHOL (5-6, 5 KOs), Denver, CO
CONTACTS:
DiBella Entertainment – 212-947-2577 www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
Bob Trieger, Full Court Press, bobtfcp@hotmail.com, 978.664.4482, 978.590.0470
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Sturm Lowballs Macklin Offer to Return to the Scene of the Crime! Demands 40% of Macklin’s Future Earnings if Macklin Wins
(Macklin / Sturm)
(August 17th) Matthew Macklin emerged on the wrong side of a highly controversial split decision when he challenged for Felix Sturm's WBA world middleweight title in Cologne on June 25. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, who was covering the fight for EPIX, a U.S. television channel, said that the decision was a “highway robbery” and one of the worst decisions he had ever seen while a viewers poll on the website of German TV network SAT.1 spoke volumes with 76% of Germans polled believing that Macklin had won the fight as opposed to just 24% for Sturm.
Since the fight, Sturm has repeatedly claimed that a contract for the rematch has been sent to Macklin and he has accused his Irish rival of ducking out of a possible return bout. Sturm's own promotional company even went so far as to design a poster for a proposed rematch in Cologne in November. However, Macklin has yet to see any contract for the rematch and believes that the whole exercise is a publicity stunt designed to make it look like Sturm is pursuing the rematch when in reality the German wants no part of it.
“After the fight I felt it was important to stay dignified and not whine or moan about the decision. It was a blatant robbery and everyone saw that so I let other people have their say on the decision and some of the world’s most respected boxing people all registered their disgust. The decision spoke for itself so I didn’t really need to say anything.
“I don't believe in negotiating in public either, I think it's unprofessional but obviously Felix has made certain statements that I feel have to be corrected. For example, time and time again he has claimed in the media that we were sent a contract for the rematch within a couple of days of the fight. It's now been over seven weeks since the fight and we have yet to see any contract for a rematch. My manager Brian Peters has had talks with them and there has been some emails back and forth but no sign of any contract.
“The terms they spoke about were a joke, they were only willing to pay me a marginally bigger purse then for the first fight but the options they wanted on my future fights were ridiculous. When I beat Felix in the rematch they wanted 40% of my earnings over the next two years. It was crazy stuff and to me it just looked like Felix only wanted the rematch if he could use it as a “cash out” fight to see him into retirement and then use me as his pension fund for the next couple of years.”
Macklin recently signed a lucrative promotional contract with New York-based promoter Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment, who also promotes Sergio Martinez, the man universally recognized as the best middleweight in the world and a clash with the Argentinean is now very much on his radar.
“For Sturm to name call and diminish a fighter who kicked his ass on home soil is disgraceful,” said DiBella. “He lost and he knows that he as champion needs the rematch for his legacy. A real champion would fight the fight on neutral ground under fair terms. Felix has spent many years conducting himself as a true champion; act like it now.”
“As it stands the plan is to pursue a fight with Martinez for St. Patrick's weekend in Madison Square Garden next year, but if Sturm's people were to actually come back with a realistic offer then I would definitely want the Sturm rematch,” said Macklin. “Why wouldn't I? It would mean me getting my hands on the WBA title before the end of the year and make a clash with Martinez next year even bigger because it would be a unification fight.
“The Sturm rematch would be massive in Germany. I've been told from sources close to Felix that the first fight generated just under five million euros in revenue. That's serious money and the rematch would be even bigger. I'm not even looking for a 50/50 split to go back to his hometown and face the same obstacles all over again in terms of getting a fair decision, but the terms they are talking about are comical and insulting.
“I know what I'm going to be up against going out there again, I saw the scorecards afterwards and one judge gave Felix five of the first six rounds! I don't think even the most biased Sturm fan could have given him more than a single round in the first half of the fight.
“If he really wants the fight then why doesn't he put in a serious offer in a contract instead of spending his time moaning in the media, calling me a dirty fighter and a coward. The bottom line is Felix promotes himself so if he genuinely wants to make the fight as badly as he says he does then he can make it very, very easily.
“Alternatively, now that I'm promoted by Lou, if Sturm is really serious about setting the record straight why doesn't he leave the scene of the crime and fight me in New York with neutral officials and prove that he is a true champion.”
CONTACTS:
Meredith Greenberg/DiBella Entertainmaint, 212-947-2577, meredith@dbe1.com
Tomás Rohan / Brian Peters Promotions +353 87 637 2095, press@brianpeterspromotions.com
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DiBella Entertainment Inks Top Middleweight Contender
Matthew Macklin to a Multi-Year Promotional Deal 
(August 3rd) – DiBella Entertainment has added Irish middleweight contender Matthew “Mack the Knife” Macklin to its ever-growing stable of fighters. Macklin, 29, is an intelligent boxer-puncher, who has shown that he is not afraid to engage or press the action when necessary. He is currently ranked #4 by the WBA, #7 by the WBO, and #12 by the IBO, and has nothing but big fights on his mind as he joins the same promotional roster as middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and middleweight contenders Andy Lee, Brian Vera, Ronald Hearns, Peter Manfredo, Jr., and Ishe Smith.
There are times when a loss brings more positive attention to a fighter’s career than any of his previous victories. Coming off his most recent fight, a controversial loss to “Super” WBA middleweight titlist Felix Sturm, that statement could not be truer of Macklin, 28-3 (19 KOs). But now, Macklin is looking for redemption under a new promotional banner, a deal to bring him to the United States that was facilitated by Brian Peters, his manager since 2005.
“I am really happy to be signing with DiBella Entertainment,” said Macklin. “I’ve known Lou DiBella for many years. I met him in Manchester when Paulie Malignaggi fought Lovemore Ndou in 2008. We spoke about doing something together last year, but the timing wasn’t right. I feel that we’re now on the same wavelength. I’m excited about the future and I feel that I am in very good hands with Lou.”
Born in Birmingham, England, to Irish parents, Macklin was studying law at Coventry University while simultaneously competing as an amateur boxer. After winning the national senior Amateur Boxing Association of England welterweight title in 2001, Macklin made the decision to put his studies on hold, to the ire of his parents, in order to pursue a professional boxing career.
In Glasgow, Scotland, on the undercard of future featherweight champion Scott Harrison, Macklin stopped Ram Singh in just 112 second, on November 17, 2001. Going on to win his first nine bouts, six by knockout, Macklin built up enough of a reputation to challenge for the British junior middleweight title. Fighting Andrew Facey on November 6, 2003, Macklin lost a razor-thin 10-round decision by one point, with a score of 96-95.
Macklin bounced back from that defeat winning three straight before fighting professionally in Ireland for the first time against Michael Monaghan for the Irish middleweight title, on May 14, 2005, his 23rd birthday, at National Stadium in Dublin. Macklin won the belt with a fifth-round knockout, at 1:28 of the frame.
Three months after winning the Irish middleweight title, Macklin traveled across the pond to get his first taste of fighting in the United States, winning two bouts by knockout, stopping Leo Laudat in three in Atlantic City, and Anthony Little in two in Philadelphia.
Three fights later, Macklin would engage Jamie Moore in one of the best fights of 2006, in his second attempt to win the British junior middleweight crown. Fighting Moore at George Carnall Leisure Centre in Manchester on September 26, Macklin was quickly drawn into a brawl and the two continued to fight in the trenches for over nine brutal rounds, before the Irishman would succumb to a knockout halfway through the 10th frame.
“I fought Jamie Moore at the wrong weight,” said Macklin. “Although I shouldn’t have fought Moore’s fight, making weight was the problem in that bout. I felt weak, I had no stamina and no reflexes. I stayed at welterweight and junior middleweight for far too long. I am a middleweight.”
Maintaining a busy schedule over the next two years, Macklin would win his next six fights, three by knockout, including a 10-round decision over veteran Yori Boy Campas. Macklin then returned to his hometown of Birmingham to challenge Wayne Elcock for the British middleweight title on March 14, 2009, winning by TKO in the third. Macklin followed that up with a fight against Finnish Amin Asikainen six months later and destroyed him inside one round to add the European title to his collection.
After defending the European title in two of his next three victories, Macklin was poised to make a big slash on the world-boxing scene with a bout against former junior middleweight champion Winky Wright set for Las Vegas. However, that bout did not come to fruition when Wright pulled out after suffering an injury in training. A WBA eliminator against Khoren Gevor next presented itself with the winner to face Felix Sturm. Contractual issues led to Macklin pulling out of that contest, but he was rewarded with a direct shot at Sturm and, despite losing a highly controversial split decision on the champion’s home turf, made a statement with his dynamic performance.
“I went over to Germany and I proved myself. I felt that I won,” said Macklin, who lost the split decision by two votes of 116-112 for Sturm and a 115-113 tally in his favor. “I feel that if we fought 100 times, I would beat him every time. If it were up to me, I’d fight him next, although I don’t think he has any intention of pursuing a rematch with me. If he wants to fight me again, it’s an easy fight to make, as he is his own promoter. I think he knows that he cannot beat me. He’s not going to come to Ireland or England. Fighting Sturm in New York would be great, but I would go back to Germany if I had to. I’d expect a fairer crack at the fight. I think the German officials would be under a lot more pressure to make sure things were on the level, given the controversy of our first fight.
“I think the Sturm fight was an eye-opener for the boxing public at large. Sturm is a leading man in the middleweight division and I think I proved that I am among the top three middleweights of the world.”
DiBella Entertainment President Lou DiBella is excited about his new recruit.
“I viewed signing Macklin as a no-brainer,” said DiBella. “I have Sergio Martinez, the real middleweight champ, the best in the world. But clearly Matthew handled Sturm with ease and he has a claim at being the second-best middleweight in the world. He’s going to want a shot at Sergio and eventually that will make sense.
“I’m very, very happy with the deal,” he continued. “I happen to like the kid very much and that is part of it. There are certain guys who have very pleasing styles for TV. This guy rumbles but he also has skills. He’s fun to watch and made a case that he stands near the top of the middleweight division with the way he fought Sturm.”
Contact: DiBella Entertainment, 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
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Bracero Thrills Hometown Fans, Scores Second Straight
Knockout Win in Broadway Boxing Main Event 
(July 30th) – It wasn’t until junior welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero’s eleventh pro fight that he finally stopped an opponent inside the distance. Now, he looks like he’s making up for lost time. Bracero (17-0, 3 KOs) assaulted Floridian Danie van Staden (8-7, 4 KOs) for much of three rounds until a vicious right cross finished the night for good at 1:08 of round three in front of Bracero’s hometown fans at the Aviator Sports & Events Complex in Brooklyn, New York.
From the opening bell it was classic Bracero, with the local hero coming forward and pressing the action. van Staden fought back valiantly, but Bracero appeared to land at will as cheers of “Tito…Tito” rained upon the ring from his throngs of adoring fans. The onslaught of punches finally overcame van Staden in round two when a barrage of punches sent him to the deck. The brave van Staden rose as the round came to a close.
The third round was more of the same, and this time Bracero didn’t let van Staden hear the bell. Just moments into the round another barrage of punches, similar to the ones that put van Staden down for the first time, scored Bracero his second knockdown of the fight. Once again van Staden rose, but bravery would not be enough. Bracero continued pressing and moments later a picture perfect right cross sent van Staden down and out; a count was deemed unnecessary the bout was stopped immediately.
The punch, and its impact, was reminiscent of something off the fists of former world champion Randall “The Knockout King” Bailey, who was in attendance working van Staden’s corner. “It was so hard, I didn’t really feel it in my hands,” Bracero said of the winning shot. “I knew I had him.”
For Bracero, it was the second straight time he has ended a fight in dominating fashion. In June, he finished Guillermo Valdes in one round in a similarly devastating style.
“The only knock anybody had on ‘Tito’ was that he couldn’t punch,” said Lou DiBella, promoter of Bracero and Broadway Boxing. “Well guess what? Now he has added power to his fan friendly style of fighting. What is the knock now? He is becoming a complete fighter.”
Full Results from Brooklyn, NY:
Junior Welterweight: Gabriel Bracero (17-0, 3 KOs) TKO3 (1:08) Dannie van Staden (8-7, 2 KOs)
Flyweight: Melissa McMorrow (6-2-3) SD8 (78-74, 78-75, 75-77) Keisher McLeod-Wells (4-2, 1 KO) ---- McMorrow retains NY State Flyweight title
Light Heavyweight: Seanie Monaghan (8-0, 4 KOs) KO1 (1:29) Brian Bernard (10-9-2, 6 KOs)
Middleweight: Jonathan Cepeda (11-0, 10 KOs) TKO5 (:31) Rahman Yusubov (10-3, 8 KOs)
Light Heavyweight: Joe Smith, Jr. (7-1, 7 KOs) TKO2 (2:40) Santos Martinez (2-2, 2 KOs)
Light Heavyweight: Travis Peterkin (3-0, 3 KOs) TKO1 (1:50) Damion Reed (2-7-1, 1 KO)
Contact: DiBella Entertainment, 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.
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Broadway Boxing Results
from Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn
By: Coach "K" July 30th, Aviator Sports Complex, Brooklyn, NY: In the main event of Lou DiBella’s Broadway Boxing “Fighters Helping Fighters” card hometown favorite Gabriel “Tito” Bracero recorded his seventeenth straight victory in fabulous fashion.
The Tommy Gallagher trained jr. welterweight Bracero met Key West, Florida’s “White Lion” Dannie van Staden in the middle of the ring at the opening bell and wouldn’t let up until scoring his second straight win by stoppage.
Responding initially to the familiar chants of “Tito, Tito” Bracero answered Van Staden’s single punches with combinations to the head and body until an early clash of head late in round one leaving Van Staden cut on his forehead only appearing to enraged Bracero.
“Tito” picked up the pressure in round two controlling the middle of the ring firing and landing with sharp combinations to Van Staden’s body and head highlighted by a sharp bunch punctuated by a right to the body left hook to the dumping the game Floridian near the close of round two.
The third stanza mirrored the earlier two but just for a brief time as “Tito” unloaded a crisp volley of power punches dumping the “White Lion” for the second time. Van Staden again made it upright but Bracero would not let him of the hook cutting of the ring and catching Van Staden with a thunder right ending it with no count needed.
Bracero now 17-0, 3Ko’s continues his climb towards the top of the division as he appears to be settling in with his newly found power. The game Van Staden falling to 8-7, 2Ko’s will now get a well deserved 90 day rest.
In the co-feature NYS Female Flyweight Champion Melissa McMorrow successfully defended the title she won in June with a split decision over Eileen Olszewski scoring her second straight split decision win this time over hometown favorite Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells.
It was the second meeting between these two active flyweights with Wells winning a six round decision in their first meeting but the newly crowned champion McMorrow would not allow the slick Wells to repeat the result.
McMorrow started fast and kept her foot on the pedal until the closing bell. Staying low hands high McMorrow shadowed Wells for most of the bout charging in at times always coming up p[unching with both hands with her left hooks and straight right hands being her weapon of choice.
Wells circling using a good jab and some straight right hands had her moments trading with McMorrow at times but it was the champions relentless pressure was the difference and enabled her to retain her belt with a tightly contested 78-74 times two McMorrow, 77-75 Wells split decision win.
McMorrow advances to 6-2-3 while Wells coming up short falls to 4-2, 1Ko but no one I talked to would mind seeing a rubber match.
In the second co-feature Long Beach Long Island Irish light heavyweight Seanie Monaghan remained unbeaten making quick work of Saint Joseph, Missouri’s Brian Benard.
Monaghan trained by former USA Metro President Joe Higgins entered to the sound of chiming bag pipes and the roar of a large Irish contingent becoming regular attendees at the young Monaghans fights.
Monaghan appearing focused went on the attack at the opening bell controlling the center of the ring putting Bernard on his bike. Benard’s circling worked for a short while but it took the entertaining Monaghan less than half a round to catch up with the Missouri fighter first with a clean left hook, straight right combination putting Bernard on his heels then seconds later on his duff with an exploding straight right on the button turning out the lights at 1:29 of round one.
In other action heavy handed middleweight Jonathan “Conquistador” Cepeda stalked Dallas, Texas granite chinned Rahman Yusubov like a possessed brick layer doing his body work brick by brick slipping in the occasional cinder block. The bricks were coming in the name of left hooks to the head and body and the cinder blocks vicious uppercuts all landing squarely.
Yusubov came to fight offered up some exciting exchanges but Cepeda’s bricks were piling up until the referee rightfully seen that Yusubov was taking too much punishment calling it at 0:31 of round five. Cepeda improves to 11-0, 10Ko”s while tough Yusubov suffering his second straight loss by KO slips to 11-4, 9Ko’s.
Light heavyweight action saw the return of Mastic, Long Islands power punching Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr.’s return to action following his first defeat in which he battled two and a half rounds with a shattered jaw.
Smith trained by the “Fighting” Capobianco’s Gerry and Phil who added the distinguished Tommy Gallagher of “Contender” fame to the corner bringing a sense of calm allowing the heavy handed aggressive Smith to methodically break down Adrian, Michigan’s heavy handed Santos Martinez with a solid performance.
Smith fighting behind a tighter defense followed early instructions from the corner taking control of the middle of the ring with a pumping jab then firing in combination to the body and head and strategically tying Martinez up without getting clipped. The turning point of the fight came in round one when Smith backing Martinez to the ropes drilled him with a piercing right that appeared to zap the Michigan power puncher opening the door for big right hands and timely hooks allowing “The Bomber” to take control.
In round two Smith continued to control the center of the ring using smart angles again backing Martinez to the ropes with heavy jabs and viscious body shots. “The Irish Bomber” staying behind a solid defense increased the flashes of his standard offensive at one point firing off a nine punch combination. Smith stayed on the attack ripping left hooks and right hands to Martinez body until a final right to the body ended it at 2:40 of round two. Smith improves to 7-1, 7Ko’s while Martinez evens out at 2-2, 2Ko’s.
In the evenings opener Brooklyn’s “Notorious” light heavyweight Travis Peterkin blitzed Reidsville, North Carolina’s Damon Reed flooring him three times with volleys of power shots forcing the referee to call it at 1:50 0f round one.
Peterkin remains perfect at 3-0, 3KO’s while the 19 year old Reed drops to 2-7, 1Ko. ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Middleweight Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez
Signs New Deal with DiBella Entertainment,
Return to the Ring Slated for October 1st! 
(June 14, 2011) – On Tuesday afternoon in New York City, WBC Middleweight Diamond Champion and universally recognized top-3 pound for pound fighter, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KOs) signed a new multiyear, multimillion dollar deal that will keep his promotional interest with DiBella Entertainment (“DBE”) for the foreseeable future.
“This is an important day for DiBella Entertainment,” said DiBella. “Sergio Martinez has proved in his recent run of fights that is no challenge he fears and that there is no challenge he cannot conquer. Together, we will look to make the biggest fights against the biggest names in boxing and we won’t stop until ‘Maravilla’ is universally recognized as, pound for pound, the best in boxing.”
Martinez, 36, originally linked up with DBE in 2007 and has gone 7-1-1 over the span. The only blemishes on his record during that time were a close decision loss to Paul Williams in a fight widely heralded as the 2009 Fight of the Yea and a universally criticized draw versus former champion Kermit Cintron in 2009 in a bout where most people thought Martinez should’ve been awarded a knockout in round seven and then had done more than enough to win after 12 rounds.
After a victory over Kelly Pavlik in win the middleweight crowd in April, 2010 and a stirring second round knockout to avenge his loss to Williams in November, Martinez was named the 2010 Fighter of the Year.
Martinez began 2011 in a big way in March, stopping previously unbeaten Sergiy Dzinziruk in eight rounds.
“I’ve never had any doubt that DiBella Entertainment is the best promoter in boxing,” said Martinez. “I have no doubt that we will continue to do great things together. This is exactly what I wanted.”
Also in attendance at the signing, which took place at a local stationary store just a few blocks from DBE’s midtown headquarters, was Martinez’s longtime adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz.
“This is about finishing what we started,” said Lewkowicz. “I believe that in Sergio Martinez t we have a grand champion who is the best fighter in the world.’’
Martinez is scheduled to return to the ring October 1 on HBO against European middleweight champion Darren Barker (23-0, 14 KOs).
Contact: DiBella Entertainment, 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
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South African Prospects Thomas Oosthuizen and Issac Chilemba Sign with DiBella Entertainment
(May 30th) – This Memorial Day weekend, as families across the country gather around the grill, DiBella Entertainment is adding to its own family, announcing a weekend of new signings that will strengthen a stable that already includes some of the world’s best pugilistic talent. The final day of Memorial Signing Madness continues Thomas Oosthuizen and Issac Chilemba, two South African prospects vying for supremacy at the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, respectively.
In November, 2010 Oosthuizen, 22, and Chilemba, 24, took the ring in an attempt to determine which was the best in and around the 168 lbs. and 175 lbs. divisions in South Africa. Their bout was inconclusive, with one judge scoring it 115-113 for each man and the third scoring it even, resulting in a split decision draw.
Since they faced each other, both have continued to exert their dominance over everyone else. Oosthuizen (14-0-1, 11 KOs) stopped Columbia Evert Bravo in nine rounds in March to win the IBO super middleweight title. Chilemba (17-1-1, 8 KOs) has started 2011 with new consecutive decisions wins, over previously unbeaten Maxim Vlasov in February, and over Vikapita Meroro in March to win the WBC International title at light heavyweight.
DiBella Entertainment will co-promote Oosthuizen with Rodney Berman’s Golden Glove Promotions out of South Africa.
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DiBella and Warriors Sign Badou Jack
(May 18th) DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing are proud to announce the signing of undefeated super middleweight Badou Jack "The Ripper" (5-0, 4 KOs).
Despite starting boxing in his late teens, the 27 year old Swedish/Gambian is a former Olympian and six-time Swedish National Champion who went 122-28 as an amateur. Although fairly tall for a super middleweight, Jack enjoys fighting on the inside and working the body. He has a very strong uppercut.
"We're at the right place at the right time to sign a prospect like Badou Jack," said Lou DiBella. "He's a very promising boxer/puncher from an area not known for boxing. He's a natural."
Jack, who has moved his base of operations to Las Vegas, will have his first fight under the new promotional banner on the undercard of the Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinal clash between WBC super middleweight champion Carl "Cobra" Froch and Glen "The Road Warrior" Johnson at the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday, June 4, and televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).
"We're looking for big things out of Badou," added Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. "He's very strong and can box and punch. He brings a lot to the table and we're very excited to be working with him."
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Puerto Rican Sensation Jose Pedraza Lights up Broadway,
Stays Unbeaten in his United States Debut
(March 29th) – Under the bright lights of Times Square, 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Jose Pedraza won for the second time in as many pro bouts. Pedraza dismantled Corben Page in just one round on Tuesday night in the main event of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing presented by Coors Light, from the BB King Blues Club in Times Square.
Pedraza dropped Page to his knees with a straight right just moments into the contest. The hard-nosed Page, fighting out of Springfield, Oregon, rose to his feet and fought gamely, but hit the deck again just moments later as Pedraza landed a picture perfect jab. Although Page rose again, Pedraza proceeded to chase him around the ring until referee Joe Cusano waved off the contest at just 2:25 of the first round.
“I felt quick tonight, I had the power,” said Pedraza. “I can’t wait to come back to fight in New York again.”
Pedraza, a member of DiBella Entertainment, Gary Shaw Productions, and Universal Promotion’s Team Puerto Rico, plans to return to New York in June to fight during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.
Full Results from New York, NY:
Junior Lightweight: Jose Pedraza (2-0, 2 KO) TKO1 (2:25) Corben Page (1-2)
Middleweight: Darnell Boone (18-17-3, 7 KOs) SD8 (78-73, 77-74, 75-76) Willie Monroe, Jr. (10-1, 4 KOs)
Light Heavyweight: Seanie Monaghan (7-0, 4 KOs) UD4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Michael Glenn (2-3, 1 KOs)
Super Middleweight: Travis Peterkin (2-0, 2 KOs) TKO1 (2:33) Abdellah Smith (1-2, 1 KO)
Lightweight: Scott Burrell (3-0, 2 KOs) UD4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Jemell Tyson (0-1-1)
Junior Middleweight: Delen Parsley (5-0, 2 KOs) UD6 (59-55, 59-55, 58-56) David Lopez (3-5, 3 KOs)
Junior Welterweight: Gabriel DeLuc (1-0) UD4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35) Joal Alarcon (0-2)
Contact: DiBella Entertainment, 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff, Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg, Meredith@dbe1.com
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Full “Diamond Elite” Results and Post Fight Press Conference
Picture Credits: Teddy Blackburn/DBE
(March 12th) – The 2010 Fighter of the Year, world middleweight champion Sergio “Maraville” Martinez, destroyed previously undefeated Sergiy “Razor” Dzinziruk en route to an impressive win by eighth-round technical knockout to capture the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) Diamond Belt and retain his Ring Magazine belt, live on HBO World Championship Boxing at MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods.
Martinez (47-2-2, 25 KOs) outclassed Dzinziruk (37-1, 23 KOs) from start to finish, using his superior hand and foot speed, as well as his power against the reigning World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) junior middleweight champion. Martinez lived up to his nickname (“Maravilla” means “Marvelous” in English), dropping Dzinziruk in the fourth, fifth and three times in the final round
The “Celtic War” was just that and more as two exciting middleweights, Ireland’s Andy Lee (25-1, 19 KOs) and Scotland’s Craig McEwan, turned in an early Fight of the Year candidate. A tactical match-up of southpaws quickly turned into a spirited bout with both fighters doing serious damage. McEwan was leading on all three judges’ scorecards after eight rounds (77-75 twice and 78-74, but the fight dramatically changed when Lee unleashed a terrific right-left combination that sent McEwan to the canvas with less than 30 seconds left in the ninth. Going into the final round, the fight was dead even on two cards with McEwan leading on the third, 86-84. Lee came out for the final round and finished the show, pounding the game McEwan into submission as referee Steve Smoger jumped in to end the fight 56-seconds into the 10th as McEwan was going down.
“Diamond Elite: Martinez vs. Dzinziruk” was presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Banner Promotions. “Celtic War: Lee vs. McEwan” was presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Golden Boy Promotions.
Hot prospect Javier Fortuna (14-0, 11 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, knocked out upset specialist Derrick Wilson in the eighth round to capture the vacant WBC Youth featherweight title. Fortuna, a southpaw, decked Wilson in the third round and twice in the eighth, the last from a powerful, straight left that landed square on Wilson’s chin.
Complete Results:
FEMALE HEAVYWEIGHTS
Sonya Lamonakis (4-0, 1 KO), Turner Falls, MA WDEC6 (59-57, 59-57, 58-56) Tanzee Daniel (4-1, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Seanie Monaghan (6-0, 4 KOs), Long Island, NY WDEWC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36) Billy Cunningham (5-9, 4 KOs), Jackson, MS
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Sergio Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KOs), Oxnard, CA WTKO8 (1:43) Sergiy Dzinziruk (37-1, 23 KOs), Hamburg, Germany
(Martinez wins Diamond Belt)
Andy Lee (25-1, 19 KOs), Detroit, MI WKO10 (0:56) Craig McEwan (19-1, 10 KOs), Hollywood, CA
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Thomas Dulorme (10-0, 9 KOs), Carolina, Puerto Rico WTKO2 (2:30) Guillermo Valdes (12-3, 3 KOs), Miami, FL
Abraham Lopez (2-1-1), Oxnard, CA WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Andrew Jones (0-4-1), Buffalo, NY
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Javier Fortuna (14-0, 11 KOs), La Romana, D.R. WKO8 (2:27) Derrick Wilson (8-2-2, 2 KOs), Ft. Myers, FL
(Fortuna wins WBC Youth title)
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Top Prospects Gabriel Bracero and Mark Tucker Stay Undefeated Atop Action Packed Broadway Boxing
(Feb 10th, NEW YORK, NY) – Back on the big stage for his third consecutive Broadway Boxing main event, Gabriel “Tito” Bracero kept on winning, dominating gritty veteran Chris Fernandez over eight rounds to keep his perfect record intact on Wednesday night in front of a capacity crowd at the BB King Blues Club in Times Square, New York City.
In the co-feature of the nine bout show, WBO #7 light heavyweight Mark “TNT” Tucker also stayed perfect, winning a six round decision over Ray Smith. Other winners on the undercard were rising, unbeaten prospects Steven Martinez, Seanie Monaghan, and Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczewski, along with female sensation Keisher McLeod-Wells.
Broadway Boxing was presented by DiBella Entertainment, and sponsored by Lonsdale. The event will air in New York on SNY and nationally on Comcast Sports Net affiliates on a date to be announced.
Not surprising, chants of “Tito! Tito!” filled the BB King Blues Club from the moment Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) entered the ring and continued throughout the fight. It clearly served as a motivator for Bracero who had an answer for everything Fernandez (19-12-1, 11 KOs) threw his way. Not helping his cause, Fernandez was docked a point in round five for excessive use of his elbow.
The official scores were 80-71, 80-71, and 79-72 for Bracero.
“This is my second home,” said Bracero, referring to the BB King Blues Club where six of his last seven bouts have taken place. “I feel comfortable here; the fans comfort me.”
If Bracero was fighting at home, it was much different for Tucker, who had to shake off a fair amount of ring rust and drive up from his home state, Maryland. Having not been in the ring since June, Tucker needed a couple of rounds to find his range against the Ozell Nelson (trainer of Jermain Taylor) coached Ray Smith.
Once in rhythm, however, it was the world ranked Tucker who owned the ring, controlling the second half of the fight to pull out a six-round unanimous decision.
“He threw some big shots and most of them glanced off me,” said Tucker. “He was tougher than I expected, but I landed more punches than him and that’s how the scoring works.”
Full Results from New York, NY:
Gabriel Bracero (14-0, 1 KO) UD8 (80-71, 80-71, 79-72) Christopher Fernandez (19-12-1, 11 KOs)
Mark Tucker (15-0, 7 KOs) UD6 (59-55, 59-55, 59-55) Ray Smith (9-5, 3 KOs)
Seanie Monaghan (5-0, 4 KOs) TKO3 (3:00) Angel Gonzalez (2-4, 2 KOs)
Keisher McLeod-Wells (4-1, 1 KO) UD6 (58-55, 57-56, 57-56) Melissa McMorrow (4-2-3)
Boyd Melson (2-0) MD4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38) Marquis Bruce (0-1-1)
Ryan Kielczewski (9-0, 2 KOs) UD6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54) Wilshaun Boxley (6-8-1, 4 KOs)
Sidell Blocker (1-3-1) UD4 (38-36, 38-37, 38-37) Deano Burrell (1-1, 1 KO)
Steven Martinez (8-0, 7 KOs) TKO1 (1:01) Ishwar Amador (11-9, 7 KOs)
Joseliz Cepeda (3-1) UD4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37) Allan Benitez (0-1)
Contact:
DiBella Entertainment – 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
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Randall Bailey Drops Ouali Twice, Forced to Settle
for Controversial N/C in Belgium
“The Knockout King” Stays Focused on a World Title 
(December 10, 2010 – Antwerp, Belgium) Randall “The Knockout King” Bailey dropped Said Ouali twice before Ouali took a spill over the ropes, forcing a controversial no contest in their IBF elimination bout on Friday night in Antwerp, Germany.
The first round was déjà vu for Belgian fight fans, who in March witnessed Bailey knockout local favorite Jackson Bonsu in one round, when Bailey connected with his patented straight right in the bout’s opening moments. However, referee Rumerio Ruggieri claimed Bailey did not immediately make his way to the neutral corner, adding several additional seconds to the count.
“When I hit someone, I know where the neutral corner is. That’s my job,” said a distraught Bailey from his locker room Belgium. “[The count] was at least 15 seconds.”
Ouali survived the round, but it was more of the same in round two. Bailey dropped Ouali for the second time in as many rounds on another picture perfect straight right.
“When I threw that right, I knew it was going to land,” said Bailey. “Next thing I knew, he was looking at the sky. “
What happened after Ouali got up is what ultimately ended up halting the fight.
According to ringside reports, Ouali lunged himself at Bailey, causing both men to fall to the canvas, with Ouali on top of Bailey. Bailey arose with Ouali on his back, and immediately attempted to help Ouali back onto his feet. After getting back on the ground, Ouali reached for the ropes to brace himself, but lost balance and fell over.
Contrary to some reports coming out of Belgium, Bailey did not toss Ouali over the ropes. “I didn’t even know how he got to the other side of the ropes after I put him down,” said Bailey.
Ouali got the standard five minutes to recover and carry on with the fight, but ringside physicians deemed that he could not. The bout was ruled a no contest.
“We are working to get this injustice resolved,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, Bailey’s promoter. “We have already had conversations with the IBF about what will be done. The fact is, Ouali tasted Randall Bailey’s power and was on the verge of being another knockout victim at the hands of the most powerful fists in boxing.”
“I’m very disappointed,” said Bailey. “I trained so hard because I knew how important this was for me. In the end, I did what I had to do.”
Contact:
DiBella Entertainment, 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
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DiBella Entertainment Celebrates Big Weekend Victories
as Glen Johnson, Edwin Rodriguez, and Marcus Johnson
All Come Up Winners on National Television
(November 8, 2010 – New York, NY) From young to, well, not as young, DiBella Entertainment (“DBE”) is reveling in a big weekend of victories from some of its top talent. It all started on Friday night when two of the best prospects in all of boxing, super middleweights Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Marcus “Too Much” Johnson scored impressive knockout wins on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox: The New Generation series from the Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND. On Saturday, as part of Showtime Championship Boxing, 41 year old Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson, who is co-promoted by DBE and Warriors Boxing, knocked out Allan Green at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to advance to the semi-finals of Super Six World Boxing Classic.
On the un-televised undercard from Fargo, even more DBE talent came up victorious as welterweight prospect Antwone Smth (19-2-1, 11 KO) and middleweight contender Ishe Smtih (22-5, 10 KOs) notched wins.
The young guns, Rodriguez (17-0, 13 KOs) and Marcus Johnson (20-0, 15 KOs), both stepped in with the toughest tests of their career, with the 25 year old Rodriguez facing James McGirt, Jr. for the WBC USNBC super middleweight title, and Johnson squaring off with hard-nosed veteran Kevin Engel. Rodriguez wore down McGirt, forcing a ninth round stoppage, while Johnson scored a third round knockdown en route to a stoppage at the end of that same round.
“Marcus and Edwin have yet to look anything less than spectacular in their careers,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “They faced the toughest tests of their careers head on and passed with flying colors. It was another impressive step for two impressive prospects.”
Dan Rafael of ESPN.com said Rodriguez “showed poise and maturity as he took his time to break McGirt down” and called Johnson “one of the top prospects in the land” following their respective wins.
Come Saturday, it was the other Johnson’s turn as Glen Johnson finished off an otherwise competitive bout with DBE stablemate Allan Green with a right hand in round eight. With the win, Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) advances to the semi finals of SHOWTIME’S heralded super middleweight tournament, despite having to make the super middleweight weight limit for the first time in a decade.
“Glen proved against a game and determined Allan Green that he’s an extraordinary athlete and a complete anomaly for a 41 year old man,” said DiBella. “He adds dignity, class, and excellence to the semifinals of the Super Six. I thank Showtime and [Showtime Executive Vice President] Ken Hershman for their foresight including Glen in this great tournament.”
Contact: DiBella Entertainment – 212-947-2577, www.dbe1.com
Alex Dombroff – Alex@dbe1.com
Meredith Greenberg – Meredith@dbe1.com
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Lou Di Bella’s Broadway Boxing is a Hit Again as Bracero, Hamer, Douglin and Martinez Dominating and Local Prospects Entertain
By: John Sardelis
October, 6th Lou Di Biella’s Broadway Boxing returned to the legendary, BB King Blues Club & Grill, Time Square, New York: In the main event Brooklyn’s unbeaten welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero put an end to Colorado’s Terry Buterbaugh three bout win streak with a hard earned eight round unanimous decision.
The fight didn’t look as if it would go the distance early on when “Tito” rocked Buterbaugh with a heavy left hook in the opener but the rugged Coloradan held on to make the bell.
In round two and three Bracero picked up the pace landing combinations with Buterbaugh’s face showing the evidence. In the fourth round Bracero had his mouthpiece excised but was not hurt.
Buterbaugh showed he came to fight stepping it up in the fifth and possibly winning his only round in the sixth. Bracero finished hard scoring with big combinations bringing his hometown fans to their feet as “Tito” would get the nod with a 79-71, 79-72 times two unanimous decision. Bracero missing that one heavy shot remains unbeaten at 12-0, 1Ko as Buterbaugh drops to 6-4-1, 3Ko’s.
In the semi main feature New York heavyweight Tor Hamer returned to his winning ways leaving no doubt he’s back destroying Plainfield, New Jersey’s Terrel “Baby Bull” Nelson flooring the journeyman three times in the opening round. Hamer used a variety of shots flooring “The Baby Bull” first with a clean uppercut, again with a solid overhand right then closed the show putting his punches together with a brutal combination dropping Nelson for the third time prompting referee Gary Rosato to end it at 2:11 of round one. Hamer improves to 12-1, 9Ko’s while the “Baby Bull” falls to 8-11, 5Ko’s.
Morganville, New Jersey southpaw jr middleweight Denis “Momma’s Boy” Douglin opened fast pounding Chicago’s Orphius White from ring post to turnbuckle forcing referee Harvey Dock to stop the beating at 2:10 of the opening rpound of their scheduled six rounder. Doughlin advances to 11-0, 7Ko’s while Orphius records his second loss dipping to 5-2-1, 3Ko’s.
Detroit, Michigan southpaw light heavyweight Isiah Thomas kept his zero mixing some solid boxing and solid punching dropping Youngstown, Ohio’s Anthony Pietrantonio three times twice in the first and again in the sixth blitzing the tough Pietrantonio winning a six round unanimous decision 60-51 times three. Thomas moves to 8-0, 5Ko’s while Pietrantonio returns to Ohio 6-7, 4Ko’s.
Bronx jr middleweight Steven Martinez remained perfect dropping and stopping Idaho’s Cheyene Ziegler with a pair of ripping left hooks to the body allowing referee Steve Willis to complete a full ten count. Martinez improves to 6-0, 6Ko’s while Ziegler slides to 3-6, 2Ko’s.
Freeport Boxing’s light heavyweight Seanie Monaghan remained unbeaten keep Queens, New York’s Borngod Washington winless winning his third bout in since turning pro in May with a 40-36, 39-37, 38-38 four round majority decision. Monaghan moved to 3-0, 2Ko’s while Washington still looks for his first victory at 0-6.
In female action and to the delight of New York’s loyal boxing fans hometown heavyweight Sonya Lomanakis battled Florida’s Alysia Williams-Stevenson trading bombs over four rounds of two way action with Lomanakis landing the cleaner heavier shots as her conditioning and aggressiveness helped earn her a 40-36 times three shutout. Lomanakis advances to 2-0, 1Ko as the game Stevenson despite loses her debut leaves New York 0-1 but with her head held high.
Bronx, NY cruiserweight Stibins Bujaj dropped and stopped Houston, Texas Raymond Brown to record his second straight Ko win moving to 2-0, 2Ko’s as Brown evens out at 1-1.
Promoter Lou Di Bella and matchmaker Joe Quiambao continue to succeed by keeping it simple. Evenly matched fights showcasing some of boxing's top talent and local prospects keeping New York's well versed and knowledgeable boxing fans craving for more.
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Broadway Boxing at BB King’s: Bracero Gets First Stoppage,
Mendez gets Lopsided Win, Monroe and Jackson Benson Impress and “The Irish Bomber” Remains Perfect!
By: Anthony Genovese (SBB)
July 28th, BB Kings, Times Square, New York: In the main event of Dibella’s Entertainments Broadway Boxing Show Brooklyn’s USBA Super Featherweight Champion Argenis Mendez used his superior speed, height and reach to floor fellow Broolynite Shamir “Isa” Reyes in the opening round of their eight round non title fight. Reyes appearing the stronger fighter attempted to use a head first pressure attack early until he ran into a tight Mendez left dropping the much shorter Reyes just before the closing bell of round one.
The bout turned into one of those fights that styles controlled the bout. Mendez the much sharper, skillful fighter threw punches from all angles pounding the mostly defensive Reyes. The bout was marred by some serious clinching as the much shorter Reyes was unable to establish himself inside.
Mendez appeared at times on the verge of total frustration as Reyes repeatedly dove in grabbing on or was continually backed to the ropes where he sank into a crouch on total defense. Reyes best effort was in the closing seconds of round eight landing three clean shots but Mendez remained patient and was rewarded for the nights work when the scorecards were read 79-72, 80-71 times two Mendez. Mendez advances to 17-1, 9Ko’s while Reyes ducks to 18-7-2, 7Ko’s.
In the semi main event Brooklyn Jr. welterweight Gabriel Bracero flattened Boca Raton, Florida’s Raymond Betancourt three times enroute to a fourth round stoppage, his first in eleven bouts. Bracero decked Betancourt in the first, second and fourth rounds before pounding the game Floridian with a variety of unanswered shots forcing referee Wayne Kelly to call it at 2:53 of round four. Bracero 11-0, 1Ko having recorded his fist stoppage immediately announced to the crowd now that the first has come many will follow. Betancourt falls to 8-5, 3Ko’s.
In Jr. middleweight action Phillip Jackson Benson removed Alexander Santana’s zero with sharp straight counter punches dropping the winging Santana a series of straight punches before pounding him out forcing referee earl brown to halt the action at 1:30 of round three. Benson moves to 6-1, 5Ko’s while Santana suffered his first loss slipping to 6-1, 3Ko’s.
Mastic, Shirley NY light heavyweight prospect Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. took a round to loosen up before blasting Chicago, Illinois Charles Wade with a straight right flush on the chin leaving him doing a “Second City” impression of a weeble, wobbling through the referee’s eight count. When the action resumed Smith a certified finisher moved in banging Wade with unanswered power shots from both sides prompting the referee to put a stop to the beating at 1:10 of round two. Smith remains perfect at 6-0, 6Ko’s while Wade continues to look for his second win falling to 1-8, 1Ko.
Unbeaten Rochester, New York middleweight Willie Monroe once again showed his fighting blood lines outclassing Fresno, California’s Loren Myers. Monroe the son of a middleweight contender in the 90’s, and great nephew to Philadelphia’s Willie “The Worm” Monroe who owns a 12th round TKO of “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler jabbed, turned and banged combinations off the head of the tough and rugged Californian opening a cut in the middle of Myers forehead leaving Myers unable to answer the bell for round four. Monroe remains unbeaten moving to 9-0, 3Ko’s while Myers drops to 7-9-1, 2Ko’s.
New York heavyweight Stivens Bujaj made his pro debut in fine fashion pounding Las Vegas, Nevada’s Calvin Rooks until the referee announced checkmate after round two giving Bujaj a TKO victory leaving him 1-0, 1Ko while Rooks who had a plane to catch dipped to 1-2-1.
Lou DiBella did it again! Whether its showcasing top ranked boxers, hot prospects or local talent the result is the same, an entertaining action packed night of pugilism leaving even the toughest boxing critic feeling satisfied.
Bracero Remains Unbeaten but Fortuna Steals the Show!
By: Rich Neary
December 1st, BB Kings, Time Square New York: In the main event of another entertaining edition of DiBella Entertainments evenly matched Broadway Boxing Brooklyn’s Gabriel “Tito” Bracero showed why he was nominated as Ring’s Prospect of the Year thoroughly out boxing Tulane, California’s Hector “The Mongoose” Allatore over eight.
Playing the role of the snake Bracero used some good angles and sharp combination punching to shutout the game Allatore 80-72 times three. Looking sharp Bracero controlled the action throughout but is missing that finishing touch. The only thing keeping Bracero from carrying the complete package is his lack of that heavy punch. “Tito” remains unbeaten at 13-0, 1KO while Allatore dropping his fifth straight falls to 16-11, 5Ko’s.
New York heavyweight Tor Hamer won a one sided eight round unanimous decision over Flint Michigan's “Only By KO” Demetrice King. Fighting at a dedicated pace Hamer controlled the action from bell to bell with neither fighter being hurt shutting out King 80-72 times three. Hamer winning his second straight since being upset by Kelvin Price in May moves to 13-1, 9Ko’s with Kinglosing his second straight and fourth out of last five slips to 15-19, 13Ko’s.
In what should have been the classic battle of boxer vs puncher Dominican Jr. lightweight, Javier Fortuna kept his zero and stole the show blasting out Pasaic, New Jersey’s Victor Venenzuela in one. To the surprise to most at ringside the usually slick Venenzuela came out and traded bombs with the heavy handed Fortuna who finished his nights work dropping Venenzuela out cold with a thunderous left right combo at 1:10 of round one with referee Arthur Mercante Jr calling over before Venenzuela hit the canvas. Venenzuela dips to 8-1, 1Ko while Fortuna remains unbeaten at 13-0, 10Ko’s.
Newark, New Jersey’s unbeaten southpaw welterweight Alex Perez picked himself up off the deck to go on and earn an eight round unanimous decision over Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s rugged Doel Carasquillo. Appearing unimpressed by Perez unbeaten record Carasquillo came to fight pressing Perez from the opening bell taking all Perez had to offer scoring a flash knockdown in round five.
Perez would use an educated right jab and some good movement to set up and score with some heavy combinations inside and out. It was an impressive boxing exhibition by Perez with Carasquillo’s aggression and heart helping make it an interesting fight. Perez keeps his zero at 13-0, 7Ko’s while Carasquillo drops to 14-17-1, 12Ko’s.
New York jr middleweight Delen Parsley won a tough fought four-round unanimous decision over Ecuadorian Eberto Medina. Parsley finished hard rocking Medina in the last minute of round four of the evenly contested fight to grab a 39-37 times three decision advancing to 4-0, 2Ko’s while Medina evens out at 5-5, 1Ko.
Female heavyweight Sonya Lamonakis held on to win a closely contested six rounder over Wilson, North Carolina’s Tiffany Woodward. Lamonakis who always is in action bouts produced another trading heavy shots with the willing Woodward to grab her third victory a 58-57, 58-56 times two unanimous decision to move to 3-0, 1KO while Woodward drops below .500 at 3-4, 2Ko’s.
Bronx’s unbeaten middleweight Steve Martinez showcased another evening of body work ripping Caldwell, Idaho’s David Lopez with both hands only to fall short of recording his seventh straight Ko when the gallant Lopez finished hard taking the final round. The judges scores were announced 59-55 times three advancing Martinez to 7-0, 6Ko’s as the light punching Lopez falls to 3-3-3, 0Ko’s.
In a pier one brawl Yonkers light-heavy Carlito Gonzalez took less than a minute to stop Astoria, Queens winless Borngod Washington in their scheduled four rounder. Gonzalez evens out at 2-2, 2Ko’s while Washington finds himself still insearch of his first win at 0-7, Ko’ed twice.
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