Split-T Management Fighters Andreas Katzourakis and Dontae Layne Impressive in Atlanta

NEW YORK (August 29, 2023) -Split-T Management fighters turned in impressive outings over the weekend.

Friday night in Atlanta, Andreas Katzourakis came off the deck to score an eighth and final round stoppage over Raphael Igbokwe in a middleweight contest.

Just 30 seconds into the fight, Igbokwe dropped Katzourakis with a short left.

That was short lived as Katzourakis turned things around and started to take control of the fight as early as round two.

In round five, Katzourakis had a big round as he hurt Igbokwe several times with big flurries. In round eight, Katzourakis poured on the pressure and landed 11 unanswered and flush shots that forced a referee stoppage at 2:18.

The performance from Katzourakis drew great reviews from fans who were commenting on social media, as most were looking forward to seeing the Greek warrior in action very soon.

Katzourakis, 160 lbs of Athens, GRE is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Igbokwe, 160 lbs of Houston, TX is 16-5.

Donte Layne made a terrific pro debut by stopping Nathan Mitchell in the opening round of their four-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Layne dumped Mitchell on the canvas with a hard left hand. Seconds later, Layne landed another hard left hand to the head that put Mitchell down and out at 2:29.

Layne, 166.8 lbs of Elmhurst, NY is 1-0 with one knockout. Mitchell, 166 lbs of Tupelo, MS is 0-2-1.

The 20 year-old Layne is a native of Elmont, New York.

Layne began boxing at the age of eight after his family would have backyard fights, and young Donte wanted to go to the gym.

Layne had an 85 fight amateur career that saw him go 74-11. He won the 2015 and 2017 Junior Olympics as well as a 2017 Silver Gloves title. Layne also won four U.S. National titles, which included the 2021 Elite National Championship and the 2022 Elite National Golden Gloves and National Championship.

He competed at 165 pounds and will campaign as a super middleweight in the professional ranks.

The 6’1″ Layne is trained by Anthony Santiago and Kenyatta Harris.

Mitchell of Senatobia, Mississippi is 0-1-1.

Saturday night San Juan, Puerto Rico, featherweight Yan Santana kept his perfect knockout streak intact as he stopped previously undefeated Jostin Ortiz Maysonet in round one of their six-round bout.

With the win, the 23 year-old native of La Romana, Dominican Republic is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Maysonet is the third straight undefeated fighter to fall to the emerging Santana and he is now 4-1.

Saturday night at The Showboat in Atlantic City, Split-T Management’s Christopher Pearson battled to a 10-round split draw with Derrick Webster in fight for the NBA Super Middleweight world title.

The bout was closely contested with Pearson landing the harder blows and very good body work.

Each fighter won a card 96-94 and a third card was even at 95-95.

Pearson is now 17-3-1. Webster is 29-4-1.




Split-T Management’s Chris Pearson Scores Unanimous Decision Win over Previously Undefeated Olympic Bronze Medal Winner Yamaguchi Falcao in Las Vegas


NEW YORK (May 3, 2019) –Middleweight contender Chris Pearson scored a major victory over previously undefeated Olympic Bronze Medal winner Yamaguchi Falcao in a 10-round bout at The Joint at The Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

The win netted Pearson the WBO Latino Middleweight title.

Pearson boxed very well as he befuddled Falcao, and consistently beat the former amateur star to the punch throughout the contest.

Pearson, who already held a win over Falcao in the World Series of Boxing, repeated the verdict of 2011 by using good head-speed that saw the judges scorecards read 97-93 and 96-94 twice.

The win will gain Pearson a high-ranking in the WBO, and improves the Trotwood, Ohio native’s record to 17-2.

This was the 3rd consecutive win for Pearson, who is managed by Split-T Management.

“My plan was to be patient and control the pace. I was able to capitalize on him being a bit slower then me,” said Pearson. “This win gets me back to where I need to be.”

“I’m blessed with this victory,” continued Pearson. “Nobody knows the trials I’ve gone through. If I can be someone that inspires, then I’ll be happy. I’m going to rest for a couple days and then get right back to the gym.”

The fight was the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook watch.

Photo by Tom Hogan / Hogan Photos Golden Boy




LIVE FIGHTS: Watch Main-Event Yamaguchi Falcao & a stacked undercard #GoldenBoyFN




Split-T Management’s Chris Pearson Kicks Off a Big Vegas Fight Weekend Against Former Olympic Bronze Medal Winner, Yamaguchi Falcao, Tonight on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch


NEW YORK (May 2, 2019) –Middleweight contender Chris Pearson will take on undefeated former Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Yamaguchi Falcao tonight as part of a Golden Boy Promotions card at The Joint at The Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

The fight, which is a 10-round bout for the WBO Latino Middleweight title, will headline card on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch.

Pearson, who is managed by Split-T Management, has a record of 16-2 with 12 knockouts.

The 28 year-old Trotwood, Ohio native is on a two-fight winning streak, who already holds a win over Falcao in The World Series of Boxing.

Since turning professional in 2011, Pearson has wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Acacio Ferreira (14-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-0-1), Said El Harrak (12-2-2) and Janks Trotter (9-1-1).

Falcao, who was a 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner for Brazil, has a record of 16-0 with seven knockouts, has wins over four undefeated opponents, and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Elias Espadas on July 21st, 2018 in Las Vegas.

Pearson checked in at 159.4 lbs at Wednesday’s weigh-in. Falcao was 159.8 lbs.




YAMAGUCHI FALCAO TO FACE FORMER AMATEUR RIVAL CHRISTOPHER PEARSON FOR WBC LATINO MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE IN THE RETURN OF GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON FACEBOOK WATCH

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2019): Brazilian 160-pound contender Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0 7 KOs) will seek to settle the score against former amateur rival Christopher Pearson (16-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of the May 2 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The event, taking place just two days before the highly anticipated unification fight between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs, will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Falcao, a native of Espirito Santo, Brazil who lives and fights out of Plant City, FL, is an undefeated contender who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas in July 2018. A bronze medalist at the 2012 Olympics, Falcao is more than ready to fight the very best of the division, but he has a tough test ahead of him as he faces a former foe in a fight that is very personal for him.

“Thanks to Golden Boy for making this fight against Christopher Pearson,” said Yamaguchi Falcao. “I know him from the Olympic trials, and this match is personal. I am focused and ready to deliver an explosive performance and show the world that I am ready and willing to compete for a world title! All we need is the opportunity, and we will fight any top-ranked boxer in the world!”

Pearson is a 28-year-old contender who is coming off two knockout victories. Like Falcao, Pearson was a decorated amateur before turning professional, and he even defeated Falcao by split decision when they met in the World Series of Boxing tournament in 2011. Though the native of Dayton, Ohio has spent the majority of his career at super welterweight, he’ll look to take advantage of more opportunities at middleweight if successful against Falcao.

“I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity,” said Christopher Pearson. “I look forward to putting on an impressive performance May 2 and most importantly to getting my hand raised.”

The undercard of this event will feature two exciting fighters from Golden Boy’s new co-promotional agreement with Eye of the Tiger Management as Steven Butler (26-1-1, 23 KOs) of Montreal, Canada will fight for the WBC International Middleweight Title against a soon-to-be-announced opponent in the co-main event.

Erik Bazinyan (22-0, 17 KOs), a rising middleweight contender of Quebec, Canada who is also part of this co-promotional agreement, will defend his NABA & NABO Super Middleweight Titles against Alan Campa (17-4, 11 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in a 10-round battle.

Las Vegas native Francisco “El Alacran” Esparza (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight for the vacant WBC International Silver Featherweight Title against Aram Avagyan (8-0-1, 4 KOs) of Moscow, Russia in an eight-round bout.

Hard-hitting prospect Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (4-0, 4 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas will return in a four-round super welterweight fight against Mario Sosa (3-1, 3 KOs) of Tamaulipas, México.

Alexis Salazar (20-3, 8 KOs) of Tlaquepaque, Mexico will participate in an eight-round middleweight fight against Abraham Cordero (13-3-2, 7 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Falcao vs. Pearson is a 10-round fight for the WBC Latino Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fight will take place Thursday, May 2 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Falcao vs. Pearson are on sale now and are priced at $75, $50, $25, $10, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com

*Special Offer: Purchase a ticket for Falcao vs. Pearson and receive VIP seating to the Canelo vs. Jacobs weigh-in at T-Mobile Arena on Friday, May 3. The Canelo vs. Jacobs ticket stub must be presented at the Canelo vs. Jacobs weigh-in for VIP seating.

Media interested covering in Falcao vs. Pearsonmust be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hardrockhotel.com.
Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook
at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/hardrockhotellv/.
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using #FalcaoPearson

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About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit
www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.




Yamaguchi Falcao-Chris Pearson headlines May 2 in Las Vegas

Plant City, FL (April 15, 2019) – WBC Latino middleweight champion Yamaguchi Falcao will defend his belt against Chris Pearson Thursday, May 2 at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Falcao-Pearson is scheduled for ten rounds and will air live on DAZN. The bout headlines an outstanding evening of boxing brought to you by Golden Boy Promotions. Tickets from $15 are on sale by calling 702-693-5000 or online at hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/joint-falcao-vs-pearson-2019.php.

The two met in 2011 as part of the international amateur boxing event World Series of Boxing with Pearson winning a highly controversial split decision.

Fighting out of Plant City, FL by way of Sao Mateus, Brazil, Falcao captured a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics and is ranked #9 in the world by the World Boxing Council. As a pro, the skilled southpaw’s compiled a 16-0 record with 7 wins by knockout. Falcao was slated to fight Paul Mendez March 9 in New York but the bout was cancelled at the last minute due to issues with Mendez’ medicals.

During the last year and a half, Falcao’s repeatedly expressed his willingness to face any of the world’s best 160 pound fighters but must first get past a quality opponent.

Living and fighting out of Trotwood, OH, the hard-hitting Pearson has an excellent professional ledger of 16-2 (12 KO’s). The 28-year-old is no stranger to fighting on big platforms, most notably appearing on the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao PPV where he defeated Said El Harrak. After a setback against highly rated Justin DeLoach, he’s won his last two bouts by knockout and looks to make it three straight against Falcao.

“I am extremely grateful to be fighting on this platform,” said Falcao, who became a father last month. “It was heartbreaking when the Mendez fight fell apart on such short notice because I was looking forward to welcoming my son Roberto into this world after I beat Mendez but everything happens for a reason.”

He’s also pleased he’ll have a shot at redemption May 2.

“This fight is very personal to me. I’m planning to knock Chris out because he did not beat me the first time – the judges handed it to him! This is an even bigger opportunity than the Mendez fight because its two days before Canelo vs Danny Jacobs and now when I return home, baby Roberto will be waiting for me. This is my time to shine and show the world
I’m a problem in the middleweight division!”

Fans can interact with Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao.




Three of Split-T Management’s finest in action on Saturday night

NEW YORK (October 6, 2018) –Three elite fighters from the Split-T Management stable will be in action on Saturday night.

At The Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky, Welterweight Janelson Bocachica (11-0, 8 KOs) of Detroit takes on 19-fight veteran Juan Rodriguez of Haymarket, Virginia in a six-round bout

The 19 year-old Bocachica is showing power in the early stages of his career, as he is coming in off of four consecutive knockout victories.

Also on the card, Joshua Temple (7-0, 6 KOs) of Saint Louis, Missouri fights fellow undefeated fighter Khetag Pliev (4-0, 2 KOs) of Cincinnati via Russia in a six-round cruiserweight fight.

Temple, who was a former U.S. Amateur champion is looking to defeat his 3rd undefeated foe in his last four fights.

At Friday’s weigh-in Bocachica weighed 148.4 lbs, while Rodriguez 148.6; Temple 199.8 and Pliev was 200.2

At the Farm Bureau Building in Indianapolis, Indiana, former U.S. amateur champion, Chris Pearson (15-2, 11 KOs) of Trotwood, Ohio takes on 32 fight veteran Lenwood Dozier.

Pearson checked in at 162.5 lbs and Dozier was 158 lbs at Friday’s weigh in.