Featured Bouts Include:
Philadelphia’s “King” Gabriel Rosado vs. Cayman Islands’ Charles Whittaker
Russia’s Sergey Kovalev vs. New York’s Lionell Thompson
Bethlehem’s Ronald Cruz vs. Miami’s Antoine Smith
NEW YORK – September 18, 2012 – NBC Sports Network continues its Fight Night series, Friday night at 9 p.m. ET with the main event featuring Philadelphia’s “King” Gabriel Rosado (20-5, 12 KO’s) and Charles “Killa” Whittaker (38-12-2, 21 KO’s) of the Cayman Islands at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.
Rosado, ranked third in the world among junior middleweights, takes on second-ranked Whittaker for the #1 position in the IBF Junior Middleweight division and the chance to fight for the IBF Middleweight Title.
Light Heavyweight Russian contender Sergey Kovalev (18-0-1, 15 KO’s) steps in to fight New York’s Lionell “Lonnie B” Thompson (12-1, 8 KO’s) in the swing bout. Also, Bethlehem-native Ronald Cruz (17-0, 12 KO’s) faces Miami’s Antwone “The Truth” Smith (21-4-1, 12 KO’s)in a welterweight bout.
Kenny Rice will serve as the play-by-play commentator for the telecasts, and will be joined by Hall-of-Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach and cruiserweight contender B.J. Flores. Chris Mannix will serve as the ringside reporter for each telecast.
2012-2013 NBC SPORTS NETWORK FIGHT NIGHT SCHEDULE
(All times ET and subject to change)
Friday, September 21
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Network
Saturday, December 22
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
NBC
Saturday, January 19
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network
Saturday, March 9
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
NBC Sports Network
About Fight Night: NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night series is collaboration between NBC Sports, Main Events and J Russell Peltz. The series premiered on January 21, 2012 with Freddie Roach and BJ Flores on the call, and Kenny Rice serving as reporter.
The first Fight Night telecast featured heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings and Maurice Byarm and originated from Philadelphia’s historic Asylum Arena. In 2013-2014, the series will feature six original telecasts on the NBC Sports Network and up to two broadcasts on NBC.
– NBC Sports Group –
ABOUT SEPTEMBER 21
The Smith-Cruz, Kovalev-Thompson and Whittaker-Rosado fights top a seven-bout card at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. First fight is 7.15 pm (ET). Tickets priced at $80 and $55 can be purchased through the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922), all Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) or at the box office at the Sands Event Center (610-297-7414). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com, www.SandsEventCenter.com and www.Ticketmaster.com. Luxury suite tickets at $130 apiece also are available. In Bethlehem, tickets are available at Deja Brew, Inc., 101 West 4th Street (610-865-2739) and at Pronto Insurance Notary, 232 East 3rd Street (610-419-6790).
NBC Sports Network will televise the Cruz-Smith, Kovalev-Thompson and Rosado-Whittaker fights, beginning at 9 pm (ET).
The card is being promoted by Main Events and Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem.
To find the location of the NBC Sports Network on your local cable, satellite or IPTV provider, click here:http://www.nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30092015/ns/sports/
Tweet the link to NBC Sports Network Fight Night channel finder: bit.ly/175UuU
Twitter: #FightNight
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