New York City (August 23, 2017) Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is proud to announce the development of “The Real Deal Medical”, an initiative to revolutionize the standard of care for its athletes and all combat sports.
The Real Deal Medical team will consist of ARP-certified physicians from various specialties to provide the fighters with consistent medical care and maintain a medical history that will be able to track any changes in their physical or mental health. Through a partnership with Medical Arts Radiology, the Real Deal Medical will monitor the neurocognitive function of the athletes, as well as pre- and post-bout imaging studies to try to prevent any acute or chronic traumatic brain injuries.
Said boxing legend Holyfield, “The whole reason I got into the promotion game was to be the best and to do right by the fighters. This initiative demonstrates to the boxers and the rest of the world that we not only want what’s best for them during their careers, but we want what’s best for them beyond their careers. I really want to thank our committed doctors and Medical Arts Radiology for their dedication and efforts to improve the sport and protect the fighters.”
“I’ve had this vision for quite a while, and seeing it come to fruition is truly a blessing,” stated Eric Bentley, COO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “There is so much good that can be done with this initiative, and I’m very grateful that Evander and Sal Musumeci, our CEO, not only believed in this venture but embraced it. Also, on behalf of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, we are beyond proud to announce our partnership with Medical Arts Radiology and the vision Dr. Steven Tuzinkiewicz and his partners have to revolutionize the health and safety standards in ringside medicine.”
Continued Bentley, “I’ve had the opportunity to observe the sport from both the promotional and the regulatory side. Many fighters don’t have health coverage and the only time most of them see a doctor is when they fight. Each state has a different roster of physicians, as well as inconsistent medical requirements and standards. There is no way for there to be an efficient way to track each fighters’ history from state-to-state, fight-to-fight, and we’re going to change that. These athletes are risking their lives every time they step in the gym and step in the ring; we owe it to them to make sure they go home to their loved ones and do the best we can to make sure they’re able to live their lives comfortably once their careers are over.”
Said Dr. Steven Tuzinkiewicz, CEO of Medical Arts Radiology, “We are excited about our partnership with Real Deal Sports and Entertainment and look forward to contributing to the health of the fighters.”
About Medical Arts Radiology:
For over 70 years, Medical Arts Radiology has provided Long Island patients with the latest advances in diagnostic imaging. Their commitment to providing the highest level of care begins with its doctors, all board-certified with extensive experience and advanced specialty training. Medical Arts Radiology has 9 sites, which are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging. Their sites have also earned designation as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence by the ACR.
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New York City (August 10, 2017) Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment will present its first card in New York City as numerous contenders and world class prospects from the tri-state area will see action on Saturday, September 9 at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, New York, it was announced today by their COO, Eric Bentley.

Said Holyfield, “New York City is truly the capital of boxing and I always felt that way when I fought here. The toughest and best fighters and most knowledgeable and passionate fans are from here and this show will meet the standard that this city has set for decades.”

“Our team is thrilled to promote the first Real Deal Sports and Entertainment event in New York City at the Resorts World Casino in Queens on Friday, September 9,” said Bentley. “Unfortunately we had to postpone our original local date of August 11 due to some logistical issues, but we’re excited to promote this world class event for the great boxing fans in the Tri-State area.”
Tickets priced at $150 (VIP Ringside), $125, $75 and $50 can be purchased online at www.RWNewYork.com. Special VIP Packages are also available by emailing Info@TheRealDealBoxing.com. Resorts World Casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica NY 11420. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m.

In the main event, former WBC Featherweight World Champion ELIO “The Kid” ROJAS, (24-3-0, 14 KO’s), of San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic battles local fan favorite BRYANT “Pee Wee” CRUZ, (17-2-0, 8 KO’s), of Port Chester, New York in a lightweight battle scheduled for ten rounds.

Rojas will be looking to step back into the win column following a slugfest with boxing superstar Mikey Garcia on July 30, 2016 in Brooklyn, New York. Winning the WBC Featherweight World Title by defeating Takahiro Ao in July 2009, Rojas held the title for three years prior to a very close decision loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in April 2012 in Cancun, Mexico.

Victorious in his first sixteen professional fights the 27-year-old Cruz will look to get back on the winning track following a hard-fought loss to undefeated prospect Ryan Martin on March 18, 2017 at Madison Square Garden.

Co-featured in an eight round middleweight battle, Paterson, New Jersey’s IAN “Young General” GREEN, (12-1-0, 9 KO’s), faces off against hard hitting KEMAHL “The Hitman” RUSSELL, (11-1-0, 9 KO’s), of Kingston, Jamaica.

Just 23-years-old, Green has continuously impressed local boxing fans with each victory. Currently on a four bout winning streak, his most recent start resulted in a sensational win over fellow undefeated prospect Andy Mejias on March 23, 2017 in Randolph, New Jersey.

In a special feature attraction, former amateur standout EDGAR BERLANGA, (4-0, 4 KO’s), of Brooklyn, New York will make his highly anticipated hometown debut in a four round super middleweight bout against also undefeated SAADIQ MUHAMMAD, (4-0, 4 KO’s), of Rochester, New York.

Just 20-years-old, Berlanga was an outstanding amateur proudly representing his Puerto Rican heritage.

An eight-time national champion, Berlanga compiled an excellent amateur record of 162-17 and has quickly turned heads in the professional ranks, with each of his first four fights ending in knockouts in the initial stanza.

Also featured on the undercard is middleweight prospect DEVAUN LEE, (8-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Queens, New York. Holder of the New York State Middleweight Title, Lee returns to battle following a six round decision victory over Robelle Rogers on June 23 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky at the inaugural Real Deal Promotions’ event.
Undefeated Mexican welterweight prospect JULIAN SOSA, (8-0-1, 3 KO’s), will look to stay in the win column making his third start of 2017. Fighting in Brooklyn on April 22, Sosa stopped Emmanuel Valdez in the third round.
Fighting under the Real Deal Promotions banner for the first time, Brooklyn based welterweight CESAR FRANCIS, (1-0,) will look to continue his rise in the professional ranks. Pro debuting on March 11, 2017 in Atlantic City, Francis won a four round decision over Steve Moore.
Also fighting out of the legendary boxing borough of Brooklyn, 21-year-old KHALID TWAITI, (1-0, 1 KO), will take his first bow under the Real Deal Promotions banner. Twaiti stopped Michael Pridgen in the first round on February 11, 2017 making his professional debut.
Rounding out the undercard is the highly anticipated pro debut of acclaimed amateur, featherweight, SALEH ALMULAKI of Queens, New York.
Further information on these five undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

New York City (August 4, 2017) Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment has signed top undefeated cruiserweight prospect FABIO “Stone Crusher” TURCHI, (12-0-0, 9 KO’s) of Florence, Italy, it was announced today by their COO, Eric Bentley and Turchi’s Italian promoter Mario Loreni.

Stated Bentley about the signing, “Real Deal Sports & Entertainment continues to scour the globe for the best talent, and we believe Fabio is a diamond in the rough. We are excited to work with Mario Loreni to develop Fabio into a world champion, and hopefully he is the first of many that we can co-promote with one another. Fabio is an incredible talent with a stellar amateur career and is on the fast-track to make noise in a loaded Cruiserweight division. Who better to learn from than the greatest cruiserweight in the history of the sport, co-owner of our company, Evander Holyfield.”

Said Turchi, “Coming to the United States and fighting under the “Real Deal” banner is a dream come true, for me. When I was a young kid, and I couldn’t fight as I was too young, I used to enjoy the boxing games at the Playstation – and I ALWAYS picked Evander Holyfield. Now, years later, I can work alongside the real Evander… that’s really a dream come true.”

“Evander Holyfield is, by far, the best cruiserweight in boxing history: every other boxer can only hope to become the second one after him. I am confident that, under his guidance, I can properly work toward this goal and, hopefully, achieve it.”

“I am happy and excited about this partnership,” said Loreni. “Fabio Turchi has all of the tools to become a world champion and we all will work hard to help him make it – from both sides of the Ocean.”

Following a very highly decorated amateur career, Turchi has turned heads quickly since turning professional two years ago with his crowd pleasing knockouts in his native country.

Most recently the 24-year-old Turchi knocked out veteran Cesar David Crenz in the fourth round on July 15, 2017, earning the vacant WBC International Silver Cruiserweight Title.

Amassing a stellar amateur record of 106 wins and only 9 losses, Turchi was a four-time winner of the Italian Championships (2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013), a Silver Medalist in the 2011 Youth Olympics in Singapore and a Silver Medalist in the 2014 Military World Championships in Kazakhstan. He was also the Bronze Medalist at the 2010 World Youth Championships and Gold Medalist in the 2013 Mediterranean Games in Turkey.

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New York City (August 1, 2017) Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment has signed top welterweight contender Fredrick “El General Okunka” Lawson (25-1-0, 20 KO’s) to an exclusive promotional contract it was announced today by their COO, Eric Bentley and Fredrick’s manager Jacob Zwennes of Errol Hawk Sports Management of New Jersey in the United States.

Earlier this year, the heavy-handed Lawson returned to the ring with a plan to re-arrange the top of the 147lb. division. Coming off an extended layoff after losing to Kevin Bizier in an IBF final eliminator in November 2015, Lawson bounced back with a win over Sakima Mullings of Jamaica on March 11, 2017 to claim the WBC International Silver Welterweight title at the new Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana.

Fredrick said, “I’m excited for the opportunity Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is providing me to aid my climb back to the top of the division. I am grateful for the trust they have placed in me and I intend to make them proud. Of course, this has all been made possible by the relentless efforts of my manager and father figure Jacob Zwennes of Errol Hawk Sports Management who has stood firmly beside me in support of my dreams and aspirations. I am ever so grateful for the hard work he has put into rejuvenating my career”.

“We want these young warriors from all over the world to know that if they put in the effort and keep working hard, there will come an opportunity,” said Hall-of-Famer and co-owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, Evander Holyfield. “Fredrick can be a win or two away from a major opportunity and we believe that he will get there.”

Zwennes stated, “I knew I’ve found the perfect promoter for Fredrick soon after I engaged Eric Bentley of Real Deal Sports and Entertainment. Real Deal’s vision and road map was very aligned with Fredrick’s and we were both excited about embarking together on this journey in search of the world championship. Real Deal has some very novel ideas which I believe will revolutionize the boxing industry. One thing I want to say to the boxing world is that the calculus for the welterweight division just changed with this signing by Real Deal Sports & Entertainment”.

Prior to turning professional, Fredrick had a distinguished amateur carrier that saw him representing Ghana in numerous international competitions including two world championships in Chicago, USA and Milan, Italy in 2007 and 2009 respectively. He also won the gold medal in the African championships.

Lawson, who turned professional in 2011 has held the Ghana National Welterweight and West African Boxing Union titles as well as the IBF Continental Africa and IBF International Welterweight titles. He is the current WBC International Silver Welterweight Champion.

Photo Credit/Real Deal Promotions

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New York, NY – July 10, 2017 – Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is bringing its Real Deal Championship Boxing series to New York City. The first installment is set to take place at the Hammerstein Ballroom, on Friday, August 11th, leading into the city’s Dominican Day weekend, as part of a multi-fight agreement with the Manhattan Center Studios, Inc.

The televised portion of the event will be live on CBS Sports Network, and looks to carry on the momentum of the series’ inaugural event by pitting some of the sport’s rising contenders against one another in highly competitive and evenly matched bouts. The undercard, which will be live-streamed in its entirety on www.therealdealboxing.com, is expected to feature young, local talent who have been yearning for the opportunity to fight in their hometown since the state passed outrageous insurance regulations, essentially placing an insurmountable barrier on grassroots boxing in New York. This will be the first professional boxing event to take place in a Manhattan venue other than a Madison Square Garden property in almost 18 months.

“The main reason I got into promoting was to provide opportunities for today’s young fighters. Being able to bring our Real Deal Championship Boxing series to one of the greatest cities in the world shows the fighters and the fans that our company is the Real Deal,” said four-time world heavyweight champion and recent International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Evander Holyfield. “Our company is dedicated to building back the New York boxing scene and giving our fighters a chance to perform in front of their friends and families.”

“We are very grateful to our partners at the Manhattan Center who have worked diligently with us to structure a multi-fight deal with their properties. August 11 will be a great night of boxing and we hope the fans come out to show their support. It’s no secret that New York has become a very difficult place to run a successful promotion given the state’s new regulations to improve health and safety,” said Eric Bentley, Chief Operating Officer of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment and the former Director of Boxing at the New York State Athletic Commission.

“It should be noted that difficult does not mean impossible,” Bentley continued. “We are also taking the health and safety initiative into our own hands by assembling an in-house medical team to observe our fighters and provide them with consistent medical oversight throughout their careers. Most of these athletes risk their lives without proper health coverage, fighting in different states, each with their own medical standards and requirements, that often have inconsistent philosophies on what is or isn’t contraindicative to boxing. We are looking to change that and set a new standard in the sport. This is just the first step in how we will bring boxing back to New York and how Real Deal Sports & Entertainment will make its mark in the industry.”

VENUM and BEAUTY N THE BOX are proud sponsors of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment.

Additional information on the bout card and how to purchase tickets will be released throughout the week. For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

NEW YORK, NY – July 6, 2017 – Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment has officially signed Detroit-based prospect Janelson Figueroa-Bocachica to an exclusive promotional contract. Bocachica is also signed to manager David McWater’s company Split-T Management.

“We are ecstatic to sign an athlete with the limitless potential of Janelson. This kid is a phenom and there’s no doubt he’s destined to become a world champion once he fully develops,” said Eric Bentley, Chief Operating Officer of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “We are very grateful to Janelson and his team, especially his manager David McWater, for sharing our vision and believing that Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is the company to take Janelson to the next level.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, the 18-year-old is trained by his father Nelson Figueroa and was an amateur standout, amassing a record of 55-5. Starting at the ripe age of eight years old, Bocachica won many amateur tournaments, including the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Ringside Championships, 2012 National PAL Championships, and 2015 Detroit Open-class Golden Gloves. He was ranked number one in his division in the United States from 2013 to 2015, and sixth on the 2016 Independent Worldwide Amateur Boxing rankings.

Bocachica made his Real Deal debut on the undercard of the inaugural Real Deal Championship Boxing event in Louisville, Kentucky. He put on an impressive performance to move his undefeated record to 7-0, with four knockouts, as he won via shutout decision against tough brawler Leonardo Carrizales. Not only did Bocachica want to win, he was intent on exciting the crowd and did so with a dazzling display of punches that dropped Carrizales and had him in survival mode for the rest of the match. The pedigree and conditioning were evident as Bocachica, who was competing in his first six-rounder, controlled the pace and the ring with slick movement and fast combinations. Sporting the colors of his native Puerto Rico, Bocachica ended the fight with a rapid flurry. As the verdict was announced in his favor, it became clear that Bocachica is a prospect to watch.

“I am excited to sign with Real Deal Sports & Entertainment and to start my journey toward a world championship. With a legend like Evander Holyfield working with my team and guiding my career, there’s nothing holding me back,” said an elated Bocachica. “My hope is to win three different WBC titles in three different weight classes and defend them in memorable fights.”

For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

New York, NY/Louisville, KY – May 25, 2017 – Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, in association with Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues, has announced that its promotional debut will be a quadruple-header televised live on CBS Sports Net, on Saturday, June 24, at 10pm ET, from Freedom Hall, in Louisville, KY. The inaugural installment of the “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series, branded as “Evander’s Tribute to Ali”, will be a part of the local “I AM ALI” Festival in honor of Muhammad Ali, one year after the champ’s passing. Headlining the card will be the always-exciting heavyweight contender Derric Rossy facing Puerto Rican Carlos Negron in a 10-round bout with the vacant WBC Continental Americas title at stake.

“I am proud to bring this exciting card to Louisville, KY, as well as to the boxing fans around the world,” said Evander Holyfield, Co-Owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “We have entertaining fights featuring fearless competitors and this is how we want to set the standard for our company.”

“Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is determined to put on quality, competitive, entertaining bouts, and we believe that this debut event is undoubtedly representative of our company’s vision,” said Eric Bentley, COO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “The main event on June 24 is truly a crossroads bout, with highly touted Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron stepping up to challenge the seasoned gatekeeper Derric Rossy, who has been in with the best and will be hungry to keep his world title hopes alive. In the co-feature, Puerto Rican Olympian Enrique Collazo faces his toughest challenge in the battle-tested and always dangerous Steven Martinez. We will also be showcasing our newly signed, extremely talented junior lightweight contender Toka Kahn Clary, as he continues his comeback in a special attraction eight-round bout. A clash of welterweight prospects will open up the card, with Pete Dobson and Jeremy Nichols willing to risk their undefeated records.”

Over his 12-plus-year professional career, heavyweight Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) has proven his willingness to take on any challenge, always entertaining fans with his all-action style. Rossy, of Medford, Long Island, NY, turned pro in 2004 after winning the New York Golden Gloves tournament and has been promoted his entire career by Sal Musumeci, now doing business as President/CEO of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. His resume reads like a who’s who of heavyweight contenders, with battles against Eddie Chambers, Alexander Dimitrenko, Kubrat Pulev, Maurice Harris, Audley Harrison, Fres Oquendo, Vyacheslav Glazkov, Bermane Stiverne and Erkan Teper. Rossy holds impressive victories versus Gary Bell, Ray Mercer, Travis Walker, 26-1 Carl Drummond, 21-1 Joe Hanks and 16-0 Axror Muralimov, and has won numerous titles including the New York State, NABO, WBC Asian, WBC Fecarbox, WBC-USNBC, and the IBF North American heavyweight belts. He is coming off of a second-round stoppage win over Richard Carmack on December 10.

“Facing Negron is another great fight in the right direction for my career,” said Rossy. “A tall, athletic and tough boxer like Negron is going to be a difficult task, but at this point in my career, there are no easy fights. I am looking forward to getting in the ring against Negron with the WBC Continental Americas belt on the line. There is a lot of excitement in the heavyweight division again and a win on June 24 will get me back in the rankings and ready to make some noise.”

Carlos Negron (19-1, 15 KOs) is a 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, from San Juan. Standing at 6’6”, he turned pro in 2009, and his only loss came in 2011. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak, Negron won the WBC Fecarbox title on September 9, 2016, with a first-round TKO over 20-3 Andy Perez. In his last bout, Negron knocked out 17-0 Cristian Galvez in two rounds, on December 19. The June 24 fight will be his first stateside appearance since 2010.

“I’m very excited to be back and put up a great fight for the fans in Louisville, KY,” said Negron. “Rossy is a good fighter, but I am ready to win this fight and capture the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to get to Louisville and get back in the ring on June 24.”

In the televised co-feature, San Juan, Puerto Rico’s hard-hitting prospect Enrique Collazo (11-0-1, 9 KOs), a 2012 Olympian, will square off against Steven Martinez in an eight-round middleweight contest, in what will be his toughest test to date. Collazo won the WBC Fecarbox middleweight title on April 22, 2016, with an eight-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas, then defended the belt last September. Having fought mostly at home in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, this will be Collazo’s first fight in the US since his February 2013 pro debut that ended in a draw.

Born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, but now based out of The Bronx, NY, Steven Martinez (17-3, 13 KOs) is trained by Marco Suarez and has been a pro since 2009. On December 19, 2015, Martinez earned his most impressive win, stopping 29-5-1 Jorge Melendez inside two rounds. He has never been knocked out, and two of his losses came via split and majority decisions. As an amateur, Martinez accumulated a 103-17 record and was a three-time New York Golden Gloves champion, three-time New York Metro champion, two-time Empire State Games champion and a National Golden Gloves champion in 2008, where he was voted the ‘Most Outstanding Boxer’ of the tournament.

Junior lightweight contender Toka Kahn Clary (21-1, 15 KOs) will continue his quest for a world title, competing in an eight-round special attraction bout. He has rebounded from his only loss last September with two wins by knockout. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Kahn Clary immigrated to the United States as a child, initially living in Philadelphia, PA, before settling in Providence, RI. Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. since his amateur days, Kahn Clary turned pro in 2012. A highly accomplished amateur with a 119-11 record, Kahn Clary began boxing at age 14 and was a National Golden Gloves champion and a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Welterweight up-and-comers “Pistol” Pete Dobson (8-0, 5 KOs), of The Bronx, NY, and Jeremy “J Flash” Nichols (7-0-1, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV, put their undefeated records on the line in the eight-round televised opener. A New York Golden Gloves champion, Dobson is a fan-friendly, aggressive volume-puncher who can box as well as brawl. While still an amateur, Nichols, originally from Long Beach, CA, gained invaluable experience as a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr. leading into the mega fight with Manny Pacquiao. Nichols is intent on testing himself, as Dobson will be his fourth unbeaten adversary upon turning pro in October 2015. Both Dobson and Nichols will compete in their first scheduled eight-rounder.

The stacked undercard off-TV will include Real Deal Sports & Entertainment prospects Devaun “Unique” Lee (7-2-1, 3 KOs), a middleweight from Queens, NY, and Louisville lightweight Carlos Dixon, a nationally ranked amateur and three-time regional Golden Gloves champion, in his pro debut. Two amateur bouts will open up the event.

Tickets for the live event on June 24, promoted by Real Deal Sports & Entertainment in association with Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues, are priced at $105, $79, $58 and $41. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster, online at this link: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Real-Deal-Championship-Boxing-tickets/artist/2374260?tm_link=tm_homeA_b_10004_6 or by calling 800-745-3000. Doors open at 6:00pm ET, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00pm ET.

VENUM is a proud sponsor of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment.

Louisville, KY – May 12, 2017 – Four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and his company Real Deal Sports & Entertainment announced today that he will kick off his “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series on Saturday, June 24, at Freedom Hall in Louisville, KY, in partnership with locally based Top Knotch Boxing and Kentucky Venues.

The undercard at Freedom Hall will consist of three amateur and eight professional bouts, including local boxers. Participants in the main event and undercard will be announced within the next 10 days.

The first installment of the “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series on June 24 will be branded as “Evander’s Tribute to Ali” that will air live on CBS Sports Net at 10pm ET. The fight card will be a part of the locally based “I Am Ali” Festival, which is a six-week celebration of the one-year anniversary of Muhammad Ali’s passing and his global impact and legacy.

“I’m proud to bring the inaugural event for the ‘Real Deal Championship Boxing’ series to Louisville, KY, and I am especially pleased to have it take place during the ‘I Am Ali’ Festival,” said Evander Holyfield. “I share many of the same principles as Ali, and this event allows me to pay tribute to his legacy.”

“Ali was an inspiration to me as I started my professional career; the integrity and sportsmanship that this event brings to boxing is one way I can give back to fighters to help them succeed, both in the ring and in life,” Holyfield continued.

“We are thrilled to welcome Evander Holyfield and Real Deal Sports & Entertainment to Kentucky for this exciting night of boxing,” said Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin. “Our state has a rich boxing heritage, and we have worked hard in recent months to cut red tape and remove unnecessary bureaucracy hampering the industry. As a result, Kentucky is able to once again host large scale, combat sports events. We anticipate that this will be the first of many to come and are grateful to Real Deal Sports & Entertainment for their vote of confidence.”

The CBS Sports Net broadcast will open with a tribute to Muhammad Ali hosted by Holyfield and narrated by CBS Sports Net commentator Benny Ricardo.

“Louisville loves sports, and we love to win,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “This event is a big win for our city, and another chance for us to welcome folks from around the nation and the world to the hometown of Muhammad Ali.”

The last professional boxing event held at Freedom Hall took place on July 30, 2004, when a relative unknown from England named Danny Williams shocked Mike Tyson by stopping him in the fourth round. Among the fights on the undercard that night, Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, defended her IWBF super middleweight title with a ninth-round TKO against Monica Nuñez.

“Freedom Hall is a major venue in boxing history, starting with Muhammad Ali’s professional debut in 1960 through Jimmy Ellis’ heavyweight world title elimination battle against Argentinean Oscar Bonavena in 1967, and Mike Tyson’s defeat in 2004,” said Jason Rittenberry, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues. “We are very proud and excited to partner with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment and Joe Reeves’ Top Knotch Boxing to bring the next generation of champion boxers to Freedom Hall and to the world.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to play a role in bringing championship-level boxing back to Louisville,” said Joe Reeves, founding partner of Top Knotch Boxing and board member of Louisville TKO, one of two beneficiaries of the event. “Louisville TKO strives every day to empower young men and women to build positive futures by offering a structured boxing program, positive reinforcement, academic support, and connection to the community. This event allows us to continue this focus on youth development.”

“Evander’s Tribute to Ali” takes place during the week of the “I Am Ali” Festival that highlights Muhammad’s core value of respect.

“Since losing The Champ in June, there has been a renewed interest in Muhammad Ali’s life from the community and the world. His work, both in and out of the ring, truly exemplifies why he earned the title of the ‘Greatest of All Time’,” said Muhammad Ali Center President and CEO Donald Lassere. “It is appropriate to bring back championship-level boxing to Muhammad’s hometown of Louisville, KY, where his professional career was launched. We’re excited to host it as part of the community-wide ‘I Am Ali’ Festival, running June 3 through July 15, which will celebrate Ali’s life and legacy.”
Part of the proceeds from the June 24 event will be donated to Louisville TKO and the Muhammad Ali Center to help support youth development activities in the Louisville area.

“Experience and history tell us that sports often change the lives of young people for the better,” said Karl Schmitt, Jr., President and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission. “Boxing provided Muhammad Ali the opportunity of a lifetime, and we especially are thrilled to help bring championship-level boxing back to Louisville to benefit two worthwhile causes.”

For media outlets interested in covering this event, please email: info@therealdealboxing.com.

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ABOUT REAL DEAL SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports & Entertainment will promote world-class and entertaining boxing events and will strive to be a company that does what is best for the sport and the fighters. With Holyfield’s vision to provide mentorship to athletes, prioritize fighter health and safety, and create innovative and interactive platforms for the fans, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment is at the forefront of revolutionizing the sport of boxing.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE TKO
Founded in 2015, Louisville TKO is a nonprofit organization that strives to empower youth by giving them tools to build positive futures. It depends on the support of individuals to fulfill its mission to transform the lives of youth through structured boxing programs and positive reinforcement.

ABOUT KENTUCKY VENUES
Under the Kentucky Venues brand of venues, entertainment, events and agriculture, two major convention and exhibition facilities — the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center — serve regional, national and international clients. Governed by the Kentucky State Fair Board, Kentucky Venues produces the Kentucky State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, Championship Tractor Pull, World’s Championship Horse Show, North American Championship Rodeo, and All-In Hoopfest.

For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

NEW YORK, NY – May 8, 2017 – Boxing legend and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield has officially announced that he has entered the promotional ring, launching Real Deal Sports & Entertainment (RDSE). Now on the opposite side of the negotiating table, Holyfield will mentor the careers of young fighters by maximizing their potential and providing them with the opportunities that he didn’t have starting out. Teaming up with the four-time world heavyweight champion will be Sal Musumeci, the longtime President of Final Forum Boxing, who will serve as RDSE’s President and CEO. The parent company of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment, headquartered in Long Island, NY, will oversee The Real Deal Boxing, the promotional entity, as well as a production company and an apparel line.

“Boxing was very good to me during my career,” said Holyfield, Co-Owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. “Now it is time to give something back to the sport that treated me so well.”

“I am proud to assemble the most respected, hardworking and intelligent team in the industry, starting with Evander right on through,” said Musumeci, CEO and Co-Owner of Real Deal Sports & Entertainment.

The company’s first move was to hire Eric Bentley, who has more than a decade’s worth of experience in the boxing industry, as its Chief Operating Officer. Bentley spent over seven years working for the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) as a highly-respected executive, first as an event coordinator before being elevated to Director of Boxing in 2014. He has also served as a top matchmaker for Final Forum Boxing and DiBella Entertainment.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to have the opportunity to oversee this company for Evander and Sal,” said Bentley. “I see unlimited potential for Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. After our initial conversation, it became an easy decision for me to leave my position at NYSAC and join the team. Evander’s main goal is to provide today’s fighters with the opportunities and knowledge he didn’t have at the outset of his career, which is a conviction this sport desperately needs and of which I’m proud to be a part. In the coming weeks, we will be rounding out our staff, expanding our stable of talented fighters and announcing several key partnerships and initiatives that will revolutionize the sport of boxing.”

Real Deal Sports & Entertainment has already begun to build its roster and is proud to announce the signing of several promising prospects and contenders. World-ranked Ecuadorian standout Jeyson Minda (13-0-1) won the South American middleweight title last August and is rated no. 15 by the WBA. The fearless, always-entertaining Devaun Lee (7-2-1), of Jamaica, Queens, won the New York State middleweight championship last March and has already handed three favorites their first defeat. Unbeaten New York welterweight prospect Peter Dobson (8-0), from The Bronx, is a fan-favorite whenever he fights, with his brawling style. Those three up-and-comers will join the Real Deal stable that includes heavyweight contender Derric Rossy (31-12) and undefeated Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jeremy Nichols (7-0-1).

“We are excited to announce the signing of these future stars,” said Bentley. “I am very proud to have them join our team and anticipate our roster growing with many more rising prospects searching for the right outlet to successfully guide their careers.

“Jeyson Minda had a stellar amateur career in South America and is a world-ranked middleweight just a few fights away from title contention.

“‘Pistol Pete’ Dobson is someone very special to us, as he is one of the most motivated boxers with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. He has traveled all over the country, constantly pushing himself outside of his comfort zone. He is willing to face anyone and his all-out aggressive style makes him a very crowd-pleasing fighter.

“Devaun ‘Unique’ Lee is another fighter who takes on all comers. He is the current New York State middleweight champion and he has fought six undefeated fighters thus far in his young career. He is a tough assignment for anyone and deserves the opportunity to showcase his talents to the world.”

The company has an agreement with CBS Sports Net and plans to air its “Real Deal Championship Boxing” series on the network on a monthly basis. Look out for a big announcement regarding Real Deal Sports & Entertainment’s first boxing event in the days ahead.

For more information, please visit www.therealdealboxing.com and visit us at Facebook.com/TheRealDealBoxing, on Instagram @therealdealboxing and on Twitter @therealdealbox.

Los Angeles – FOX Sports announces that four-time world heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and current featherweight world champion Abner Mares join the FOX Sports broadcast team as analysts for PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: WILDER VS. WASHINGTON live on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, Feb. 25 (8:00 PM ET), from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. In addition, FOX Sports and industry leader NextVR team to deliver the two-hour show in virtual reality.

Holyfield makes a special appearance as a guest analyst with the broadcast team of blow-by-blow announcer Brian Kenny, fellow analyst and long-time boxing trainer Virgil Hunter, Mares and reporter Kristine Leahy, during the exciting heavyweight bouts. The main event features the title fight between WBC world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) and unbeaten heavyweight Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington (18-0-1, 12 KOs), as well as the 10-round clash between hard-hitting Dominic Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs).

Holyfield reigned as both the undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion in a career that spanned more than three decades from 1984 to 2011. He successfully defended the undisputed heavyweight championship three times.

Holyfield and Wilder share a connection. Both were born in Alabama – Holyfield in Atmore and Wilder in Tuscaloosa, where he still resides. Holyfield has followed Wilder’s career since the 31-year-old champion was a member of the U.S. boxing Olympic team and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

There is another Olympic connection between Holyfield and Ugonoh’s trainer, Kevin Barry. Holyfield and Barry met in the semifinals of a light heavyweight bout at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The match was marred by controversy after Holyfield was disqualified in the second round for hitting Barry on the break. Because of the disqualification, Holyfield won the bronze medal for the U.S. team in the 1984 LA Games.

The fourth installment of PBC on FOX features the two heavyweight bouts, as well as a junior middleweight title fight. Once-beaten Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and undefeated Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) battle in a 12-round affair for a vacant 154-pound world championship.

Working with NextVR, the two-hour PBC on FOX show is also broadcast live in virtual reality. For the second year in a row, multiple cameras set up around the ring capture the action in immersive, high-definition virtual reality, providing fans with the best seat in the house. The PBC on FOX boxing experience is available for free through the NextVR app. Fans with a Google Daydream or Samsung Gear VR headset, along with a compatible smartphone, can access the virtual reality experience by downloading the NextVR app from the Oculus or Google Play Stores.

Once the fights are done on FOX, the boxing continues for two more hours on FS1 & FOX Deportes, with Kenny calling the action with analysts Mares and Hunter. That show is headlined by unbeaten prospect Caleb Plant (14-0, 10 KOs) against Ghana’s Thomas Awimbono (25-6-1, 21 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

On FOX Deportes, former featherweight world champion and 2000 Mexican Olympic team member Daniel Ponce de Leon joins blow-by-blow announcer Ricardo Celis to call the action in Spanish.

FOX Sports also presents PBC’s exciting Tuesday night series TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes. Follow on twitter at: @holyfield, @MrBrianKenny, @virgilhunter7, @abnermares, @KristineLeahy, @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fight is available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, fights are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 6, 2016 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the members of the Class of 2017. Inductees include three Modern category boxers who all enter the Hall in their first year of eligibility; Mexico’s three-division champion “The Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera,undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield and three-division champion Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia (posthumous). Non-participants and observers to be inducted include Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, veteran judge Jerry Roth, journalist / broadcaster Steve Farhood and broadcaster Barry Tompkins.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2017 and are very much looking forward to paying tribute to the new inductees in Canastota next June,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 8-11th in Canastota, NY. Over 10 events, including a golf tournament, banquet, parade and autograph card show, are planned. An impressive celebrity lineup of boxing greats of yesterday and today will attend this year’s Induction Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will be the Official Enshrinement Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds in Canastota, New York on Sunday, June 11th to welcome the newest members.

The Hall of Fame also released names of posthumous honorees: Eddie Booker in the Old-Timer Category; and ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Sr. in the Non Participant Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2017 can be found on www.ibhof.com

For more information on the events planned for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

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COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“I’m honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and I’d just like to thank Jesus for giving me the tenacity to not quit.”

– Evander Holyfield

“This is the best news for me. I’m very happy to hear this news that I have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and I am excited to go to Canastota!”

– Marco Antonio Barrera

“I’m going to use his words. What he used to say is, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, it’s how many times you pick yourself up to be successful.”

– Teresa Tapia, wife of Johnny Tapia

“Awesome. That is amazing news. I think it is so extremely meaningful for my family. My mom was brought to tears when she heard that he was nominated. She is 94 years old now and I guarantee you she is going to be at the ceremony with so much pride. Our whole family will. We are thrilled and honored.”

– Jimmy Lennon Jr., son of Jimmy Lennon Sr.

“What an honor. It’s something you never think is going to be bestowed upon someone and when it is, it’s just a wonderful feeling not only for yourself, but for your family and the guys that were responsible for that happening and they were the fighters.”

– Johnny Lewis

“It feels terrific. I can’t describe it. I’m absolutely thrilled. I did a lot of title fights over the years – over 200. I’m thrilled.”

– Jerry Roth

“This is highest honor I could possibly receive. I have such respect for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. I’ve been a visitor so many times but next year will be special for obvious reasons. It serves as validation for a career that has been boxing, and pretty much nothing but boxing, for almost 40 years. I am truly touched and honored and I can’t wait until June.”

– Steve Farhood

“Wow. I’m really flattered. To be recognized by the boxing community in general and by my peers in the media in particular is the highest compliment I could be given as a broadcaster. You want the respect of your peers and that’s what I’ve always strived for. I couldn’t be happier.”

– Barry Tompkins

Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapi lead this year’s 1st year-names on the Hall of Fame Ballot, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m honored,” Holyfield said after being informed Tuesday night by ESPN.com that he was on the ballot. “What can you say when you’ve done what I’ve done? It do speak for itself. I had a good amateur career, became the first undisputed cruiserweight champ of the world and then undisputed heavyweight champ. I fought them all. I fought everyone who was the best at my time of boxing and did real well. If you’re the best, you’re going to be in the Hall of Fame.

“I fought everybody. I didn’t make up excuses on why I shouldn’t fight this guy or that guy. I fought everyone I was supposed to. I’m glad I played by the rules and became the champ. I fought and did my very best.”

“I became four-time heavyweight champ of the world,” said Holyfield, who was 18-9-2 with 10 knockouts against titleholders and Hall of Famers. “Would have been five if they gave me the decision I deserved against the Russian guy.”

The holdovers on the 30-man modern ballot are Yuri Arbachakov, Ayala, Nigel Benn, Sot Chitalada, Donald Curry, Chris Eubank, Leo Gamez, Genaro Hernandez, Julian Jackson, Santos Laciar, Rocky Lockridge, Miguel “Happy” Lora, James “Buddy” McGirt, Henry Maske, Darius Michalczewski, Sung-Kil Moon, Moorer, Orzubek “Gussie” Nazarov, Sven Ottke, Vinny Pazienza, Gilberto Roman, Gianfranco Rosi, Samuel Serrano, Meldrick Taylor, Fernando Vargas, Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. and Ratanapol Sor Vorapin.

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2016) – In continuation of the 30th anniversary year of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the network will feature four of its most memorable “UPSETS”. For the past three decades SHOWTIME Sports® has been home to countless upsets—some of the most shocking each year. Whether it be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING or, for the last 15 years, ShoBox: The New Generation, fighters often face their biggest challenges, their most fierce opponents, live on SHOWTIME.

It started in 1986 when Iran Barkley knocked out heavily favored Thomas Hearns and continued through this past weekend when Carl Frampton edged the favored featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz by decision in thrilling Fight of the Year candidate. To date, some 151 fighters have suffered their initial loss on ShoBox since the series premiere in July 2001.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of August:

· Thursday, Aug. 4: Josesito Lopez vs. Victor Ortiz

· Thursday, Aug. 11: Marcos Maidana vs. Adrien Broner – Ring Magazine 2013 Upset of the Year

· Thursday, Aug. 18: Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson I – Ring Magazine 1996 Fight of the Year and Upset of The Year; Holyfield was named The Fighter of the Year by The Ring and Boxing Writers Association of America

· Thursday, Aug. 25: Austin Trout vs. Miguel Cotto

These unforgettable battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) throughout the month of August and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Each fight will be wrapped with context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

“Throwback Thursday” Tidbits

Lopez vs. Ortiz – June 23, 2012 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

Former welterweight world champion Ortiz was set to fight Canelo Alvarez in September. All he needed to do was to win his upcoming match. After two fights with Andre Berto earlier in the year fell through, Ortiz took on the relatively unknown and inexperienced Lopez. Stepping up in weight and competing for the first time as a welter, Lopez became the “Riverside Rocky” as he shocked the boxing world by breaking Ortiz’s jaw and winning by TKO.

Lopez rallied to triumph despite swelling to his left eye from the end of the sixth round on. After nine rounds, he was trailing on all three scorecards (88-83, 87-84 and 86-85). But in the ninth of what had been a back-and-forth, seesaw, tough battle, Lopez connected late with a punch to Ortiz’s jaw that broke it on impact. Moments later, the skirmish was stopped when Ortiz said he could not continue because of a broken jaw. Lopez landed a fight against Canelo. The unbelievable upset remains the biggest victory of Lopez’s career.

Maidana vs. Broner – Dec. 14, 2013, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The unbeaten Broner, a 5-1 favorite to retain his WBA Welterweight World Title on his first defense, was instead dealt his first defeat.

A poised yet aggressive Maidana, the target of heavy trash talk all week, overpowered and dominated the brash Broner from the outset while putting him down for the first time in his career. In a surprisingly one-sided performance, Maidana scored knockdowns in the second and eighth and won a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 119-109, 116-109 and 115-111. While tying Maidana up after going down in the eighth, Broner absorbed what appeared to be an intentional headbutt. Broner’s reaction: He over-dramatized the effect of it, falling to the canvas in a heap and rolling over in agony. Maidana more than doubled Broner’s punch output, out-throwing him, 964-400.

After the decision was announced, Broner exited the ring hastily without being interviewed by SHOWTIME or congratulating Maidana. Fans booed at Broner as he made his way back to the dressing room. The victory propelled Maidana into two consecutive fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Holyfield vs. Tyson I – Nov. 9, 1996, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nev.

In one of the most legendary and monumental bombshells in history, Holyfield, who opened as a 25-1 underdog, bullied the bully and stopped Tyson on a TKO at 0:37 of the 11th round to capture the WBA Heavyweight World Title.

Holyfield, a built-up cruiserweight not known for power, utilized his reach advantage and superior strength to engage Tyson and fight him on his terms. The action was intense and non-stop; Holyfield applied constant pressure and kept in close to nullify Tyson’s power (left hook). Tyson landed hard shots, but only one at a time, and Holyfield took them all. As the bout wore on, Tyson wore down. With 20 seconds remaining in the 10th, Holyfield chilled Tyson with a right hand to the chin. A barrage of powerful combinations to the head and body sent Tyson staggering backward into the ropes. Tyson, out on his feet and defenseless, was saved by the bell. Thirty-seven seconds into the 11th, Holyfield landed a big right that left Tyson staggering again. Moments later, the referee stopped the fight. Holyfield was ahead by 100-93 and 96-92 twice.

A fight that was aired on SHOWTIME PPV® was supposed to be a mere formality for Tyson: he’d won eight straight since bowing to Buster Douglas in Japan and Holyfield was thought to be “washed-up” after three lackluster performances in a row. It was the third time Holyfield attained a heavyweight title; he was the first one to do so since Muhammad Ali. The Holyfield-Tyson rematch took place seven months later (June 28, 1997).

Trout vs. Cotto – Dec. 1, 2012, Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.

Cotto, a Puerto Rican hero and three-division world champion, was deemed unbeatable in New York where he was 9-0—7-0 at Madison Square Garden. He had a fight slated with Canelo Alvarez next. Seven months after dropping a competitive decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., all Cotto had to do was hook Trout, throw him back to sea and then, gear up for the deepest waters. It was that simple, but it didn’t go as planned. Trout won a controversial 12-round unanimous decision. He boxed beautifully to successfully defend his WBA Super Welterweight Title for the fifth time (119-109 and 117-111 twice).

With the majority of his passionate fans cheering and waving Puerto Rican flags, Cotto came on strongly in the middle rounds, trapping Trout on the ropes and keeping him there. He had his greatest success in the closing seconds of the 10th when he backed Trout into a corner and dazed him with a flurry of punches. The big crowd erupted. But southpaw Trout silenced them by cranking up the pressure and roughing up Cotto the last two rounds. Cotto was bidding for a fifth world title. Trout got the shot at Canelo.

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Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

NEW YORK (Jan. 28, 2016) – SHOWTIME Sports® is commemorating 30 years of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING with a year-long celebration that will highlight the biggest, most memorable and exciting SHOWTIME fights spanning four decades.

The network’s flagship sports series, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, was born on March 10, 1986 when “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler defeated John “The Beast” Mugabi by spectacular 11th-round knockout. Since then, the series has distinguished itself as the premium television destination for boxing’s brightest stars and countless significant events in the storied history of the sweet science.

In celebration, SHOWTIME will go deep into its archive to reprise classic fights, grouping them together by a common theme each month. A new fight, each one wrapped with brief context and commentary from one of the network’s boxing experts, replays every “Throwback Thursday” night on SHOWTIME EXTREME throughout 2016. While Thursday night is the viewer’s destination for the initial replay of the classics, all the bouts for that month are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Plus, on the last Saturday of the month, a programming block including all of that month’s classics will air concurrently on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

The month of January has been dedicated to Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield and his Hall of Fame career. Thus far, SHOWTIME has presented a compilation from Holyfield’s cruiserweight career, plus Holyfield vs. Michael Dokes and Holyfield vs. Buster Douglas in entirety with both extraordinary Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson bouts airing tonight at (10 p.m. ET/PT, SHO EXTREME).

Each month’s live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event will include a segment in support of the 30th anniversary retrospective. Segments will include a vintage feature or a special guest which will connect the greats of the past to the modern era and that night’s main event.

Digital support each month will include short form, high-impact video components—complete rounds, highlights, exclusive interviews with the biggest stars and historic perspective from the personalities that color the rich history of boxing on SHOWTIME. Examples of the short-form content for January’s celebration of Holyfield are as follows:

Exclusive Interviews: “Evander Holyfield Reflections” is a series of digital shorts cut from a recent interview. Watch this clip as Holyfield remembers his 1997 rematch with Mike Tyson: http://s.sho.com/1nPcElI

Full Rounds: Tyson vs. Holyfield 1 | Round 11: http://s.sho.com/1nL4w5K

Bonus Features: Holyfield vs. Tyson 2: http://s.sho.com/23ttJ5g

Social Content: Douglas vs. Holyfield | Collision Course: http://s.sho.com/1nPwIEC

For much more, visit SHOWTIME Sports Channel on YouTube and SHOWTIME Boxing on Facebook or @ShoSports on Twitter.

Coming in February, SHOWTIME will celebrate its greatest “Rivalries.” Classic bouts for the month include Johnny Tapia vs. Paulie Ayala I and II, as well as the incredible trilogy between super bantamweight champions Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez. (A programming alert with precise dates and times is forthcoming.)

Other themes to be assigned to the months that follow include “Mike Tyson,” “Fights of the Year,” “Julio Cesar Chavez,” “Puerto Rican Stars,” “Upsets,” and “Floyd Mayweather.”

The celebratory campaign culminates at year’s end with a fans’ vote for the greatest knockouts in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING history.

# # #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

In 1990 Evander Holyfield was the mandatory contender for the Heavyweight Title then held by Mike Tyson. Though Tyson’s title defense was overdue, Tyson was permitted to engage in an optional title defense with James Buster Douglas. As we all know, Douglas won by knockout.

Thereafter all hell broke loose. Don King, at the time Douglas’ promoter, and one of the ratings organizations wanted a rematch, avoiding Holyfield. The other organizations were prepared to follow their rules and directed that the Holyfield mandatory take place.

Litigation ensued. Holyfield prevailed and fought James Buster Douglas. Holyfield’s career turned out to be legendary.

Now, 25 years later there is the identical scenario. Vyacheslav Glazkov won a title elimination bout to become the mandatory contender for the title then held by Wladimir Klitschko. There is a well-established rotation system among the ratings organizations when there is a unified champion. When Klitschko fought Tyson Fury it was after Klitschko’s mandatory with Glazkov would have otherwise been due (it was due in August). Following the rotation system, Glazkov stood aside and without any protest watched the Klitschko/Fury bout be scheduled, then postponed, and then rescheduled – all during the period when it would otherwise be his turn to fight the mandatory for the heavyweight title. He stood aside because of the rotation system, which made it the turn of the WBA/WBO to enforce their mandatories. However, everyone knew going into the Klitschko/Fury fight that it was Glazkov’s turn next.

A word on the rotation system. Again, we go back to Evander Holyfield. After Evander Holyfield defeated James Buster Douglas, he was the Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. A squabble erupted with the different ratings organizations demanding that he engage in different bouts. We were forced to go to Court and the Court enforced an equitable remedy, to wit, the rotation system under which the ratings organizations would rotate the mandatories for unified champions. This enhanced the likelihood of fighters maintaining unified championships rather than allowing them to be stripped due to simultaneous mandatory obligations, something which had occurred too often in earlier years. This rotation system is crucial to enhancing the ability of unified champions to keep their titles.

Of course, a title holder can always voluntarily give up a title. That is the Champion’s choice. However, there is nothing at all unfair about the rotational system or the mandatory system.

No one utilized the rotational system more effectively than Wladimir Klitschko. There is no criticism of this – it was his right.

But everyone involved knew that Glazkov had waited in line for his mandatory to be due. Everybody knew that the rules of the ratings organizations disfavored rematches and generally prohibited them when a mandatory was due.

Again, it was a voluntary choice for Klitschko and Fury to contract for a rematch. Main Events contacted the Fury camp, it was told that Fury could not negotiate because of the rematch clause. Subject to the rules, they had every right to do so even if it meant giving up a title. However, that voluntary choice was one that was made by the camps of Messrs. Klitschko and Fury. There should be absolutely no surprise or anguish that the rules, which are well-established, protect not only the Champion who is protected from being torn from a title by conflicting mandatories, but also the mandatory challenger who is forced to wait due to the rotation because the mandatory challenger is assured that his turn will, in fact, come.

*Note* Patrick English, Esq. litigated the cases referenced above.

The next documentary from ESPN Films’ Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 series will be “Chasing Tyson,” premiering on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Directed by the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Steven Cantor, the film examines why so many years went by before Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson finally met in the ring.

Holyfield was a journeyman boxer who had earned respect with victorious bouts against greats like Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and George Foreman. He won the heavyweight championship belt four times. But it was Mike Tyson’s outsized personality and ferocious punches that cast a commanding shadow over boxing in the 1980s and ’90s. Even when “Iron Mike” was in prison, the heavyweight division belonged to him. Meanwhile, Holyfield endured years of delay while waiting for the opportunity to take down Tyson.

Though Holyfield dramatically lost and recaptured the heavyweight crown, and then lost it again, even he understood that his career would ultimately be defined by how he stood up to Tyson – if he ever got his chance. By the time of their much-hyped and oft-delayed heavyweight title bout in November of 1996, Holyfield was 34 years old and considered past his prime. Four years younger, Tyson was heavily favored to be standing over another meek and easily vanquished opponent at the end. Instead, the world got not one, but two of the sport’s most memorable fights – for very different reasons.

Additional information, including film clips and director statements and bios, are available at espn.com/30for30. Follow 30 for 30 on Facebook (facebook.com/espn30for30) and Twitter (@30for30). 30 for 30 is presented by Volkswagen. Fans can join the conversation on social media using #ChasingTyson.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality documentary films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the decorated series 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and SEC Storied among others.

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The next documentary from ESPN Films’ Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 series will be “Chasing Tyson,” premiering on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Directed by the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Steven Cantor, the film examines why so many years went by before Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson finally met in the ring.

Holyfield was a journeyman boxer who had earned respect with victorious bouts against greats like Buster Douglas, Riddick Bowe and George Foreman. He won the heavyweight championship belt four times. But it was Mike Tyson’s outsized personality and ferocious punches that cast a commanding shadow over boxing in the 1980s and ’90s. Even when “Iron Mike” was in prison, the heavyweight division belonged to him. Meanwhile, Holyfield endured years of delay while waiting for the opportunity to take down Tyson.

Though Holyfield dramatically lost and recaptured the heavyweight crown, and then lost it again, even he understood that his career would ultimately be defined by how he stood up to Tyson – if he ever got his chance. By the time of their much-hyped and oft-delayed heavyweight title bout in November of 1996, Holyfield was 34 years old and considered past his prime. Four years younger, Tyson was heavily favored to be standing over another meek and easily vanquished opponent at the end. Instead, the world got not one, but two of the sport’s most memorable fights – for very different reasons.

Additional information, including film clips and director statements and bios, are available at espn.com/30for30. Follow 30 for 30 on Facebook (facebook.com/espn30for30) and Twitter (@30for30). 30 for 30 is presented by Volkswagen. Fans can join the conversation on social media using #ChasingTyson.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality documentary films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the decorated series 30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX and SEC Storied among others.

LAS VEGAS, NV. — Superstar heavyweight LENNOX LEWIS, the last undisputed heavyweight champion and who won an Olympic gold medal with a victory over Riddick Bowe and scored professional victories over boxing legends such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Vitali Klitschko, confirmed Wednesday that he will return to Las Vegas this weekend to attend the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s third annual induction gala at Caesars Palace on Saturday, August 8.

Lewis is the latest in a gaggle of stars who have announced they’ll attend the popular gala induction ceremony. In addition to Lewis the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has confirmed that Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Felix Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Roger Mayweather will also attend the high-profile event as the newest members of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Lewis, who was 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts and had a win over every man he ever faced in the ring, is one of the headliners of the NVBHOF’s 2015 class of inductees, chosen in the non-Nevada boxer category.

Lewis avenged the only two losses of his career, stopping both Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman after losing to them earlier.

Lewis was a classic boxer with a powerful punch. He’s probably best known for his 2002 win over Tyson, where he won every round before stopping him in the eighth round.

He held all, or a version of, the heavyweight title from 1993 until 1994 and then again from 1997 through the end of his career in 2003

Lewis had great success in Nevada and avenged both of his losses in Las Vegas. He was 8-0 in his Nevada career and won fights at both Caesars Palace and Caesars Tahoe.

In the latter part of his fighting career, Lewis joined HBO Sports as an expert analyst and was a familiar figure at ringside for many of the biggest bouts of the late 20th and early 21st century in Las Vegas.

The Hall was founded by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta. Its chief operating officer is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was an inaugural inductee into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. For more information, phone 702-3-NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), in association with Global Legacy Boxing (GLB) and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), made an official announcement this week, along with Lennox Lewis, that Light Heavyweight World Champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson will defend his titles against Tommy “Kryptonite” Karpency on Sept. 11 at Toronto’ Ricoh Coliseum in “The Revival: “KO in TO”.

The upcoming World Championship title fight card will also see Canadian Heavyweight Champ Dillon “Big Country” Carman defend his title against legendary Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Global Legacy President Les Woods s, :”I am so pleased to see The Champ, Lennox Lewis, recognized by the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. It’s a privilege and honor to call him my friend and to be a partner teamed with him in Toronto to promote Boxing in Canada.”

Growing up in the 1970s, young Evander Holyfield fell in love with boxing – in part – by watching ABC’s telecasts of professional and Olympic bouts.

Even as Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao pay-per-view bout in Las Vegas gives boxing its biggest showcase in years, “The Real Deal” believes television remains crucial to the sport’s future.

Holyfield appreciates not only ESPN’s links to ABC’s boxing coverage legacy but also the network’s franchise series Friday Night Fights – “it’s good for the boxing game” – and ESPN Classic. Many of Holyfield’s bouts from his 1990s heyday have been Classic staples, including his 1991 fight with George Foreman. Read full story on ESPNFrontRow.com.

ESPN All-in from Las Vegas for Mayweather Pacquiao

· For more information on ESPN’s week-long coverage from Las Vegas visit ESPN Mediazone.

· For behind-the-scenes stories and content, visit ESPNFrontRow.com

· For photos of ESPN in Las Vegas visit ESPN Images.

In what is surely the culmination of one of the unlikeliest reconciliations in boxing history, former Heayvweight Champion Mike Tyson will deliver the presenting speech for former Heavyweight Champ Evander Holyfield’s induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Tyson will present Holyfield, and then following Holyfield’s speech, will personally hand the NVBHOF Trophy to Holyfield in a “photo-op” for the ages. The memorable moment will take place Saturday night, August 9, in the beautiful Cohiba Ballroom of The New Tropicana, Las Vegas.

Holyfield and Tyson engaged in two fierce battles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 1996-’97. The “Real Deal” won both, first by an 11th-Rd TKO, and the rematch by 3rd-RD disqualification in the famous ear-bite fight. Despite the ferocity of both bouts, the two’s feelings have softened toward each other in recent years, appearing in features and even a commercial together.

Tyson called the opportunity to present Holyfield a “privilege and high-honor.” Evander’s response was quick and to the point: “That is great!” NVBHOF President and Founder Rich Marotta said “This is the kind of thing we showed is possible in boxing last year at our Inaugural Induction Ceremony. Former and even current rivals coming together under the same roof to celebrate boxing. Everyone checks those rivalries at the door. Tyson presenting Holyfield is sheer magic.”

Holyfield was selected for induction in the “Non-Nevada Resident” category along with George Foreman and Roberto Duran by the 35-member voting panel of the NVBHOF. Tyson was an Inaugural Inductee last year in the “Nevada Resident” Class.

Remaining tickets for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner are available on-line at: nvbhof.com
Tax-deductible tickets are $300 Gold Level, and $175 Silver Level. the $75 Bronze Level tickets are sold-out.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501(c)3, non-profit charity organization which donates to boxing-related and
Nevada causes.

Tommy Brooks knows a thing or two about heavyweights. The legendary American coach has trained a who’s who of heavyweight greats including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and the Klitschko brothers.

Brooks’ latest charge is British heavyweight star David Price (17-2, 15 KOs). Brooks has been overseeing the rebuilding process for the Olympic Bronze medalist, following back-to-back defeats to Tony Thompson.

The rebuilding process continues for Price when he takes on the hard-hitting Yaroslav Zavorotnyi (16-6, 14 KOs) at the Sport and Congress Center in Schwerin, Germany on Saturday, June 7th.

Ahead of Saturday night’s action Brooks offers his perspective on Price’s development.

‘’He is coming on like gangbusters, baby!’’ said Brooks. ‘’He has a real bright future ahead of him. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think he could make it all the way to the top.

‘’His losses to Thompson came because of inexperience. He didn’t know what to do. When he got dropped he jumped straight up. When he had Thompson hurt he ran right at him, you’ve got to set it up.

‘’But experience doesn’t fall out of the sky. He needs to be shown. That’s why I am here, to teach him, so that if he is in that situation again he knows what he has to do.

‘’You can tell he is really starting to understand what I am showing him. If he keeps listening to what I am saying, this time next year he will be ready for Vladimir (Klitschko).‘

New York, April 7—Mike Tyson hasn’t been in the ring in nearly a decade, but his popularity hasn’t waned. You would have thought that he had a championship fight on the horizon when 700 fans of the “Sweet Science” flocked to meet the former heavyweight champ at the Steiner Store on Saturday (April 5) in Garden City on Long Island. It took 12 security guards to escort “Iron Mike” from the signing because a massive crowd had gathered in Roosevelt Field Mall. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (June 28, 1997) and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran II (November 25, 1980) produced two of the most bizarre finishes in the history of boxing. The headlines blared “Tyson bites Holyfield,” and “No Mas.” Steiner Sports presented boxing aficionados the chance to meet these boxing legends, along with Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, at the ticketed event. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Tyson quipped that Steiner needed to put a fan in between he and Holyfield so that another brawl wouldn’t ensue similar to their heyday battles, but both former kingpins were all smiles during the many photo ops. Duran hugged just about everyone there, including Holyfield upon his arrival.

Holyfield and Tyson renewed their late nineties heavyweight rivalry. The duo had engaged in a pair of epics at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In the first on November 9, 1996 Holyfield outmuscled Tyson to score one of the most monumental upsets in boxing history. Holyfield became the first heavyweight since Muhammad Ali to regain the heavyweight title twice. The rematch was one of boxing’s most bizarre encounters on June 28, 1997, and saw Tyson bite off a piece of Holyfield’s ear to be disqualified by referee Mills Lane.

Like Holyfield and Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran battled in one of the most famous championship fights in boxing history. After Duran took the title from Leonard in a unanimous decision on June 20, 1980 in Montreal, a rematch was inevitable. Just five months later, on November 25 in New Orleans, Duran said “No Mas” and Leonard regained the belt. It gained its famous moniker at the end of the eighth round when Durán turned away from Leonard, towards the referee and quit by saying “No más.” To this day, Duran says that stomach cramps. Leonard was the winner by a technical knockout at 2:44 of Round 8, regaining the WBC Welterweight Championship.
Nine years later, Leonard again beat Duran in their third match up by unanimous decision on December 12, 1989, in a fight that didn’t have nearly the hoopla of the first two.

Leonard and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns likewise had classic encounters. They fought twice, once in 1981 and again in 1989, both are considered to be epics, both at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In their first encounter on September 16, 1981, for the undisputed Welterweight championship, Leonard beat Hearns by TKO at 1:45 in the 14th round when the referee stopped the fight.

After almost eight years, the Leonard-Hearns rematch finally happened. It was promoted as “The War”. Leonard (35-1 with 25 KOs) and Hearns (46-3 with 38 KOs) met on June 12, 1989 at Caesar’s Palace in a scheduled twelve-rounder for the WBC & WBO super-middleweight titles. Though Hearns had Leonard on the canvas twice, the judges scored the fight a draw, with both boxers retaining their respective titles. The decision was soundly booed, as most felt that Hearns had won.

Hearns and Duran fought only once for the WBO Super Welterweight championship. That was a dominating performance by the Hitman, who dropped Duran twice in the first round. After nailing Duran with a devastating right to the jaw in the second round, Hearns stepped back and Duran fell face first to the canvas. The fight was over.

Apropos of something entirely unrelated to “The One,” I spoke with Don Turner last week, a delightful man of gradual delivery and enviable authority, whose words set me to remembering, Saturday, others of his words spoken in 1996 before his charge, Evander Holyfield, undid Mike Tyson: Tyson can punch, but he can’t fight.

While it is wrong to write Argentine Lucas Matthysse can only punch, and a character-measuring abomination to compare Danny Garcia’s father to Turner, it is not improper to guess Angel Garcia’s wager in preparing his son for Saturday’s co-main event victory over Matthysse was not unlike Turner’s wager 17 years ago: Just as soon as he punches you, son, you punch him right back, and see if he freezes.

There are very few hard punchers of any kind, and particularly those who can bring unconsciousness with a single blow, that respond effectively to someone hitting them back; it’s a skill many never cultivate while racing through the professional ranks because each heavy punch of theirs that does land changes the man across from them completely enough to make for power punchers a habit of relaxing and stepping forward to drop a period at the end of their sentence or, just as likely, reread the sentence and enjoy their prose. Manny Pacquiao is an exception to this, and for that he was exceptional: He was a puncher who, if you punched him back as he attacked you, he punched you again, and so it went till he dropped you – as experienced by Juan Manuel Marquez in his second fight with Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto in his only fight with Pacquiao.

Far more common is the reaction Lucas Matthysse showed Danny Garcia, which was an inactivity not entirely dissimilar from what Tyson showed Holyfield whenever they engaged. The secret to stop a force like Matthysse or Tyson (or Gennady Golovkin) is to promise yourself the harder he hits you the faster you will leap at him. It is what Garcia did in Saturday’s meaningful fight – “The One,” as it were – each time Matthysse landed clean, whether with a right cross or left hook; Garcia followed his plan, resolute in a belief that if Matthysse was striking him hard, Matthysse was overcommitted and therefore open to be struck hard.

Each time Garcia did this, Matthysse bore a greater resemblance to Vic Darchinyan, taking a step back and adjusting his trunks and touching his gloves and readying for a next lunging collision, than what great fighters he’d enjoyed a plethora of comparisons to recently – despite completing 9 1/2 years of prizefighting without a world championship (Garcia won a world title in his fifth year, and Floyd Mayweather in his second). The fighting impulse Matthysse forced Garcia to show, yet again, was probably the evening’s most impressive sight, whenever Garcia found terms of engagement equally favorable and engaged Matthysse directly, though just barely.

The evening’s second most impressive sight was Floyd Mayweather, simply put. On the occasions Mexican Saul “Canelo” Alvarez struck Mayweather with a clean punch, and they were infrequent enough to be named and numbered, Mayweather did exactly as he’d done when Mosley buckled him in a rare moment of carelessness and Cotto brought the pugilist out of him in 2012: Mayweather took a traditional fighting stance, hands up, legs bent, and punched the hell out of the Mexican. That Mayweather rarely gets hit anymore makes a generation of casual fans think he cannot withstand contact when he is struck, and that is ridiculous in the strictest sense of the word – worthy of ridicule.

Alvarez’s greatest asset Saturday was not his red hair, though that was how he got the fight years and accomplishments prematurely, but the brittleness of Mayweather’s right hand. Had Mayweather a right fist structurally reliable as Alvarez’s, Mayweather would have stopped Canelo, and Canelo’s promoter six years ago. Which is not to discount wholly Canelo’s performance Saturday, for he did land that crisp lowblow in round 4 and a well-placed shoulder in round 6, but to compliment the inconsolable bent Alvarez showed in Saturday’s postfight press conference. It was the humble posture his performance demanded; no accusing Mayweather of running, no flashing that gorgeous smile and proclaiming a hunger to get back in the gym Monday, no appealing to ethnic loyalty – “nosotros, los mexicanos, sabemos quien realmente ganó” – but a headbent befuddlement fitted to the occasion of his undressing by a man who, despite having only one more prizefight on his resume, was approximately five times the sweet scientist Canelo is.

Here’s an appropriate place, too, for recognizing Paulie Malignaggi’s insightfulness during Saturday’s Showtime broadcast. Malignaggi has become that rarest of professional athletes: a man capable of saying something intelligent about a subject other than himself. Malignaggi caught every nuance of Saturday’s main event confrontation, sometimes speaking over what cloying salesmanship cluttered the evening – like a just purchased car barking at its new owner “how about that handling? you see how bright those headlights are? This is probably the greatest automobile purchase anyone ever made!” – to share, in an instant, what Mayweather did to provoke Alvarez’s lowblow in the fourth and thraw his attack during the other 35:55 of Saturday’s fight, minutes nevertheless more suspenseful than most Mayweather affords, because the man across from Mayweather was very much larger.

A larger opponent is the only way this “Money May” deal remains compelling, and so let us have no more talk of a fight with little Danny Garcia in May. Even casual fans now know no one can outbox Mayweather, no style makes him fight, and in order to get their $74 again Mayweather will have to find himself a middleweight.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Tonight at 9:00 p.m. on MSG Network’s Friday Night Fights, hosted by John Duddy and Mark Breland: Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe (11/13/92).

This classic first bout between Holyfield and Bowe featured one of the greatest single rounds of all-time. In the 10th Round, Bowe sent a flurry of punches at Holyfield and then stunned him with a right uppercut that looked like it was going to end the fight, but Holyfield weathered the storm and by the end of the round had an exhausted Bowe reeling. Bowe would hold on for the last two rounds to take the unanimous decision.

Breland, who grew up with Bowe in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, notes that Bowe was labeled as slow and lazy as a kid, but proved everyone wrong by becoming a Golden Gloves, Olympic and, after this fight, a World Heavyweight Champion.

Breland also knew Holyfield well, as teammates at the Olympics, and says that the two fighters were hard to compare.

“Holyfield was a totally different type of guy. He was a guy with so much heart…you had to take it away from him to win. He was going to fight you to the end…he loved to fight.”

Friday Night Fights is part of MSG Network’s Summer Block Party. For more information go to www.msg.com/summer and join the conversation on Twitter with @MSGNetworks.

February 18, 2013 – With less than one week remaining before the undefeated heavyweight showdown between Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov, 14-0, 10 KOs, and Malik Scott, 35-0, 12 KOs, legendary trainer Don Turner weighed in with his opinion on Glazkov, the hard-hitting Ukraine boxer he has been working with to prepare for this fight. Turner, who’s worked with top-flight fighters like Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, and numerous other world champions, serves as a “training supervisor” for Glazkov.

“Czar has a great work ethic,” Turner said. “He’s very manageable, and unlike most of the fighters out there today, he doesn’t think he knows everything. He’s willing to work at his craft, unlike most heavyweights these days.”

Glazkov impressed in his last outing by stopping well-respected Tor Hamer after four rounds on December 22nd. The big victory was broadcast on national television, and served well as a coming out party for Czar. The fight with Scott, a 10-round main event on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night series on February 23rd, figures to give the 28 year old boxer another big stage to display his skills. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 10:30PM ET.

“He’s been in the gym since he was 10 years old,” Turner said. “He’s confident of what he can do, and his trainer, Eduardo Menshekov, is probably one of the best conditioners out there. So we know he’s always in shape. But the best thing about Glazkov is that he’s not afraid. He’s not going to run when he gets hit. He’s going to fight. This is where the great ones shine. They don’t back down when they get hit, and Czar has that quality. I think he can bring the whole package to the table.”

The fight with Scott is expected to be “Boxer vs. Puncher”, with Scott bringing the movement and Glazkov providing the power. With both fighters defending their undefeated records, the fight could turn into a bitter battle between the two. The old saying, “Somebody’s “O” has got to go”, definitely applies to this fight, but Don Turner is certain he knows which “O” will remain intact.

“The first time Scott gets hit, he’s going to need a track coach,” Turner said. “Czar will knock him silly. If Czar is the fighter I think he is, he’ll go hard and win this fight.”

And after that?

“I wouldn’t be averse to putting him in with any of these guys out there,” Turner said. “Czar wants to fight and he wants to be a champion.”

ABOUT FEBRUARY 23 FIGHTS

The February 23rd card is promoted by Main Events, Star Boxing and Goossen Tutor. The main event featuring Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov vs. Malik Scott, and the co-feature, Chris Algieri vs. Jose “Mangu” Peralta, will be shown live on the NBC Sports Network Fight Night telecast which begins at 10:30 pm ET.

Seven bouts are planned for the February 23 card to be held at The Paramount, 370 New York Ave, Huntington, NY. Doors open at 6:30pm. First fight is at 7:30pm.

Tickets priced at $200, $150, $125 $100 and $50 (standing room) can be purchased through Star Boxing 718-823-2000, www.starboxing.com, Paramount Box office 631-673-7300, Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 or www.Ticketmaster.com.

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