PHILADELPHIA, April 10, 2024  —  Undefeated cruiserweight Muhsin Cason will be featured on a Philadelphia Boxing Card titled “Let’s Settle,” which includes ten of Philly’s Finest biggest name fighters on Saturday, April 27 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. The card will be streamed live on BLK Prime, beginning at 7 pm ET/ 4 pm PT.

LET”S SETTLE is promoted by Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions, their first promotion. Tickets – priced $50, $115, $175, $240 and $325 – are on sale and available at TicketMaster, at this link Here

Muhsin, The Muslim Boxer” Cason (11-0, 6 KOs) was born in Baltimore and calls Philadelphia home. “I love that so many of our Philly natives get to be on one card and show their skills,” said Muhsin.  “I haven’t fought in Philly since 2022 and I can’t wait till April 27. It’s going to be a really fun night of boxing.”

Muhsin is one of seventeen and Hasim “The Rock” Rahman is his oldest brother. While Muhsin lived and trained in Las Vegas for some time, “We now live on opposite coasts, but when I was in Vegas I saw Hasim all the time. He would come to the gym. He continues to give me insight on how to be focused and overcome the obstacles.”

Muhsin is presently juggling training while also in the Philadelphia Police Academy but will be prepared for his eight-round cruiserweight bout against DeShon Webster (12-7, 6 KOs). “Every  opponent is different, so however he comes out, I’ll adjust and get the win inshallah.”

Muhsin is trained by Philadelphian Rashiem Jefferson. Rashiem, who attended Dobbins/Randolph High School and graduated from Strawberry Mansion, was 15-1 as a professional, said this about Muhson: “I think Muhsin is becoming a more complete fighter as his career continues to grow, The experience he’s getting sparring fighters like Boots Ennis,  Jesse Hart and Junior Malachi and all the other experienced fighters that he gets to share the ring with and learn from is a privilege.”

“I think the sky is the limit for Muhsin as long as he keep working hard and he and his team make the right fights at the right time. Thus far he’s had some great opportunities and he made the best out of them all. I see him as a contender for a big title soon and making a lot of money. He’ll be ready for whatever this guy brings to the ring the night of the 27th.”

Jefferson has this to say about the card: “I think if everything holds up the way it’s presenting itself this card and the future cards will be the new way of boxing in Philadelphia. I love the way they are giving fighters an outlet to shine and that’s what it’s all about.”

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THE BLK PRIME CARD

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (30-3, 24 KOs) Philadelphia born and raised will fight in a eight-round light heavyweight bout following the main event. Hart will ride a four-fight win streak into April 27. He is the former NABF Super Middleweight Champion, the IBF USBA Super Middleweight Champion and the WBO NABO Super Middleweight Champion.

In the main event will be a ten-round heavyweight bout between Andrew “Beast” Tabiti (20-2, 16 KOs), former world title challenger, former NABF Cruiserweight Champion and former IBF Cruiserweight Champion and Junior Anthony “Hurricane” Wright (20-5, 17 KOs).

In the co-main event, an eight-round middleweight bout, undefeated Nikitia “White Chocolate” Ababy (12-0, 6 KOs) battles former WBF Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, IBF USBA Super Lightweight Champion and WBC USA Super Lightweight Champion Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-20, 9 KOs)

Philadelphia born Dylan Price (17-0, 11 KOs) will open the BLK Prime show when he battles Argentinean Ernesto Sebastian “Tito” Franzolini (19-14-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

The non-Televised Portion

Joey “Tank” Dawejko (27-11, 15 KOs), born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, will battle a one-loss Michigander Walter Burns in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

“Hank” Lundy (31-14, 14 KOs), born and raised in Philadelphia will fight Juan De La Cruz (11-22-1, 7 KOs) from Front Royal, Virginia in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Tariq Green (5-2-1, 3 KOs), also born and raised in Philadelphia, will be looking to complement his three-fight win streak in a four-round middleweight bout against Rancy Slanger (1-0), born in Ghana who now resides in nearby Levittown, PA.

Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO), born and raised in Philadelphia, will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Atlantic City native Aaron Newsome (2-4).

Philadelphian Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring after multi-year layoff to fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rican Kelvin Diaz.

Frankie Lynn (3-0, 3 KOs), a Chester, PA native, will fight in a four-round welterweight bout, anticipating that he adds to his perfect record.

Opening the show will be nineteen-year-old Philadelphian Richard Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), who made his professional boxing debut on February 17 with a first round knockout. He will battle Deron Eillis, making his pro debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

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At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

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NEW YORK (March 29, 2024) New York’s Kurt Scoby, one of boxing’s top rising prospects, made his debut under the DiBella Entertainment (DBE) banner headlining Broadway Boxing last year on June 29, facing former world title challenger Hank Lundy. The event, held at Sony Hall in Times Square, New York City, was promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Boxing Insider Promotions. Catch Scoby and all of the action from that card premiering on SNY this Sunday, March 31, at 7:00pm ET.

Trained by Don Saxby out of Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, NY, Scoby, now 13-0 (11 KOs), is coming off of three impressive wins in 2023. In his last fight, on August 18, Scoby earned a sixth-round stoppage win against previously unbeaten Narciso Carmona, of Sevilla, Andalucia, Spain, on DAZN as part of the Overtime series.

He began 2023 handing previously unbeaten Aussie prospect John Mannu his first defeat via second-round stoppage on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series on a card promoted by DiBella Entertainment. Four months later, Scoby was signed to DBE and making his New York debut against the experienced Lundy, of Philadelphia, PA.

“2023 was a breakout year for Scoby, who has the talent, power and charisma to become a star. He beat two undefeated prospects and a former world title challenger. Against Lundy, Scoob mixed in a devastating body attack with sharp shots upstairs to expertly dismantle the hard-nosed Philadelphia veteran. Tune in to SNY this Sunday to watch this impressive performance,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Boxing fans will get to see Scoby back in action soon, as he takes on the cagey Dakota Linger on April 19, returning to the Overtime series on DAZN.”

The June 29 undercard featured a gaggle of New York talent. In the co-feature, super welterweight contender Brian Ceballo, of New York, NY, battled Canadian Mitch Louis-Charles in an eight-round bout.

Undefeated welterweight Arnold Gonzalez, of New York, NY, squared off in a six-rounder against Colombian Alejandro Munera.

A pair of undefeated Ridgewood, Queens, NY residents, junior welterweight Mathew “Lefty Gunz” Gonzalez and junior lightweight Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, also competed in separate bouts. Gonzalez, a Puerto Rican southpaw, took on Terell Bostic, of Wyandanch, NY, in an eight-round contest and Cuadrado took on Dominican Yeuri Andujar in a four-rounder.

Since its inception in November 2003, Broadway Boxing has featured many boxing luminaries and world champions, including Vitali Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin, George Kambosos Jr., Jamel Herring, Jose Pedraza, Amanda Serrano, Miyo Yoshida, Andre Berto, Heather Hardy, Paulie Malignaggi, Peter Quillin, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Joshua Clottey, DeMarcus Corley and Randall Bailey, among others.

Boxing fans wishing to enjoy this premiere of Broadway Boxing can do so by tuning in to SNY on Sunday, March 31, at 7:00pm ET. SNY can be found on the following platforms (list not all-inclusive – see your local TV guide): DirecTV (639), Time Warner Cable (26), Verizon FiOS: (577 ,77), Cablevision (718, 60), Comcast (843, 73).  

DiBella Entertainment

Instagram: @DiBellaEnt

X (Twitter): @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt

Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2024  —  Philadelphia’s biggest name fighters and future stars will fill a loaded boxing card that takes place on Saturday, April 27 at Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University, streamed live on BLK Prime.

LET”S SETTLE is promoted by Dominic Walton’s Teflon Promotions, their first promotion.

Tickets, priced from $75, are on sale and available at TicketMaster, at this ink Here

SAVE THE DATE: there will be a press conference on Tuesday, March 19 at Liacouras Center.

“I’m super excited to bring Professional boxing to Philadelphia in a way that has not been part of the Philly culture in a long time,” said Dominic Walton. “I’m creating a platform to help Philly fighters become world champions. As a former boxer, with memories of the legendary Blue Horizon, I wanted to make a statement with my first promotion and that’s why April 27 is at the Liacouras Center, and all future shows will be on the same type, big stage.”

“This is the biggest show in Philadelphia,” said Jesse Hart. “The whole city is in an uproar. It’s Dominic’s first promotion and he’s doing it right. There is a lot of Philadelphia talent on this card – present fighters and future stars. Any of these fights could be a Philadelphia main event.”

“This card right here is a great card for the Philadelphia boxing fans and also the beginning for a new boxing promoter,” said Hank Lundy. “He’s going to take over Philly boxing. I’ve known Dominick for years and he’s here to stay. He’s putting Philly fighters back on the map!”

Walton added, “Not only am I excited to be a part of this event, I’m also excited to enforce that we need to make a change in Philadelphia. We need to stop the violence. We need to take our anger out in the ring instead of on the streets, and this is why the theme is LET’S SETTLE. We are excited about our plan to give back to the community and we have a huge announcement we will be making at the press conference.”

Fight Night Media Credential Requests

In the main event, Andrew Tabiti and Junior Wright will fight in a ten-round heavyweight bout.

Andrew “Beast” Tabiti (20-2, 16 KOs), former world title challenger, is Chicago born and now resides in Las Vegas, NV. The 34-year-old made his Pro debut in 2012 and won his first ten fights by knockout. In his thirteenth fight, on May 13, 2016, he won the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) cruiserweight title, then added the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Cruiserweight title on August 26, 2017. He fought for the IBF world title in 2019.

“I’m Excited to Fight in Philly, where there’s big boxing community and where legends made,” said Tabiti. “I know the show will have a lot of fans and it’ll be a great night of boxing. My opponent has some decent competition, but ?I will show I’m on another level . He has no business being in that ring with me.”

Junior Anthony “Hurricane” Wright (20-5, 17 KOs) born and raised in Evanston, IL, is thirty-seven-years-old and made his pro debut in 2011. He won his first seven bouts by knockout and has fought for titles on three separate occasions, the last being in Riyadh in October when he succumbed to the undefeated NABF and World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental champion Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“How do I feel about fighting in Philly?  I love it!! It’s a great place, great venue,” said Junior Wright. “I’ve watch Tabiti a little bit. I know he boxes pretty good, moves good, and has power. I wouldn’t take the fight if I thought I couldn’t win. We’ve been training hard and I’m coming prepared to get the W.”

In the co-main, Nikita Ababiy and Cleotis Pendarvis will battle in an eight-round middleweight bout, with the winner looking to get a title shot.

Nikitia “White Chocolate” Ababy (12-0, 6 KOs) was born in Richmond, VA and now resides in Brooklyn, NY. Born in 1998, Ababy made his pro debut two weeks prior to his twentieth birthday, winning by first round knockout. He is coming off a win over a fourteen win and one loss opponent, his toughest opponent to date.

“This is going to be my first fight in Philly and I’m very excited to bring fireworks to the city,” said Nikita. “I don’t know much about Pendarvis, all I know is that he’s getting a good whooping! The plan is to get the job done, and look good doing it!”

Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (22-20, 9 KOs) from Lancaster, CA, is in his twentieth year in professional boxing. He is former World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental Welterweight Champion, IBF USBA Super Lightweight Champion and WBC USA Super Lightweight Champion.

The winner will be on the cusp of a title opportunity.

Jesse “Hard Work” Hart (30-3, 24 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and has been boxing professionally since 2012. Jesse won the NABF super middleweight title in 2014 and a year later added the IBF USBA and WBO NABO super middleweight titles with a knockout win against an undefeated Mike Jimenez. “Hard Work” made four successful defenses of the IBF and WBO titles which set him up for his first world title shot, which he lost by razor thin decision. Three wins later Hart fought for a world title once again, this time losing by another razor thin decision against WBO champion Zurdo Ramirez. Hart is currently on a four bout win streak, last three by knockout.

“Hank” Lundy (31-14, 14 KOs) was born and raised in Philadelphia and wears that Philly tough guy brashness on his sleeve. He is a former Universal Boxing Federation World Lightweight Champion and a two-time WBO NABO Lightweight Champion. He is also a former NABF Lightweight and NABF Super Lightweight Champion, WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Champion. He also fought pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford for his WBO World welterweight title. Hank will fight Juan De La Cruz (11-22-1, 7 KOs) from Front Royal, Virginia

“I’m coming for the knockout. There is no other way to win,” said Lundy. “All my life all I did was fight. Fight through everything. And when I get in there on April 27, I’m going to show everyone that those recent losses, it wasn’t me. I’m ready to put on a big show to say that even though I’m 40, I ain’t moving like I’m 40. I’m back and I mean business!”

Dylan Price (17-0, 11 KOs) was born in Philadelphia and now resides just over the Walt Whitman bridge in Sicklerville, NJ. The twenty-five-year-old made his pro debut in 2017. He became the NABF Bantamweight Champion with a unanimous decision victory a year ago February and successfully defended that title in his last bout in January at Boardwalk Hall. He will battle Argentinean Ernesto Sebastian “Tito” Franzolini (19-14-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

“I’m super excited about fighting in Philly,” said Price. “I know my opponent is tough, but nowhere near my level. I can’t see this fight going the distance, and yes, I’m going to knock him out.”

Joey “Tank” Dawejko (27-11, 15 KOs), born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love, made his debut as a professional in 2009. He won the FECARBOX heavyweight title in 2017. In 2023 he won the WBC USA Silver heavyweight title, closing strong by knocking down his opponent twice in the final round. On April 27, in an eight-round heavyweight scrap, Tank will battle a one-loss Michigander Walter Burns.

“Can’t wait to fight back at home in Philly. After taking a loss in my last fight, I’m ready to get back to the win column, with a big KO win!” 

Tariq Green (5-2-1, 3 KOs) born and raised in Philadelphia, will be looking to complement his three-fight win streak in a four-round middleweight bout against Rancy Slanger (1-0), born in  Ghana who now resides in nearby Levittown, PA.

Frankie Lynn (3-0, 3 KOs), a Chester, PA native, will fight in a four-round welterweight bout, anticipating that he adds to his perfect record.

Nineteen-year-old Philadelphian Richard Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), who made his professional boxing debut on February 17 with a first round knockout, will battle Deron Eillis, making his pro debut, in a four-round super welterweight bout.

Philadelphian Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to the ring after multi-year layoff to fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Puerto Rican Kelvin Diaz.

Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO), born and raised in Philadelphia, will fight in a four-round super lightweight bout against Atlantic City native Aaron Newsome (2-4).

Follow Teflon promotions

At https://www.teflonpromotions.com/

On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/teflon_promotions/

NEW YORK, NY (June 28, 2023) Tomorrow night, standout prospect Kurt Scoby (11-0, 9 KOs) will enter the ring for the first time since signing a multi-year promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment. Scoby will face Hank Lundy in the eight-round main event at Sony Hall in Times Square, New York City. 

When he steps into the ring on Thursday, among the many eyes who will tune in to see him embark on this next chapter in his career are a multitude of foster parents and additional trainers and mentors that Kurt Scoby has called his village over the course of his 27 years.  

Growing up in Duarte, CA, Scoby endured a hellish childhood, rife with abuse and neglect. He threw himself into sports, becoming a standout in basketball, football, and eventually boxing, craving the mentorship and stability that being an athlete offered. At 12 years old, after one too many close calls at the hands of his family, Scoby entered the foster system, determined to not become a statistic like so many of his peers. 

Scoby would live in 14 different foster homes over the years, sometimes for two weeks, sometimes for two months or more. He would lose his mother, who passed away from Lupus shortly after he entered the system. Much like the proverbial baggage he carried throughout these homes, he rarely unpacked his things, knowing that a move to the next foster home could be minutes away. He would grow to depend heavily on his intuition as he struggled to stay out of trouble, a skill that would come in handy as his boxing career developed.

Throughout his childhood, his coaches kept an eye out for him, particularly Joe Lopez, a football coach who would pick up Scoby from the motel he stayed in to take him to football games at the local college. Lopez considered adopting Scoby, but sadly he lost his life in a motorcycle accident when Scoby was 14. It was yet another tragic loss for the young man, who by now was learning to think with his head and not his heart.

Scoby first stepped into a boxing gym at 10 years old. Fighting in the streets was a way of life for the youngster, and while en route to an after-school brawl, he heard the ding of a boxing bell. His curiosity was piqued. He quickly fell in love with boxing, and would go on to amass an impressive amateur record of 130-20, including a win at the 2019 California Golden Gloves tournament.

In 2017, Scoby’s life changed forever when his daughter, Leo Noelle, was born, giving him a purpose beyond himself, and even more motivation to be successful.

Despite receiving a scholarship to Fresno State University for football as a running back, followed by three years studying criminal justice at Azusa Pacific University, Scoby continued to fight, ultimately leaving football to pursue his boxing career.

In 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, Scoby caught a flight to New York City for $11 to begin a new life on the East Coast. He quickly began training out of Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym, under the tutelage of head coach Don Saxby, and made his professional debut in September of that year, earning a first-round knockout against Pablo Luna.

In February 2023, he fought on a DiBella Entertainment-promoted event in Topeka, KS, dropping John Mannu twice en route to a second-round knockout, impressing both DiBella and viewers watching Showtime’s “ShoBox” series.

“I am hugely excited about signing Kurt Scoby. He has the talent and punching power to become a star. Everyone will love him as they watch his career progress,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He is an intelligent, well-spoken young man who has overcome every obstacle that has been put in front of him, while establishing longstanding relationships with everyone that has crossed his path. Scoob looks like a walking, talking action figure and has the charisma and smarts to succeed both inside and outside of the ring. His manager, Daniel Gonzalez, and I will work together to bring Kurt the right opportunities to reach his full potential and become the champion I know he is capable of becoming.”

“There’s no ‘side of the street’ talk when signing with DiBella Entertainment. Lou is a Hall of Fame promoter who has proven that he can make the big fights,” said Scoby. “Signing with DiBella makes all the sense in the world in my mind. I am very excited to work with DBE and am confident that their team, along with my trainers and management, will guide me toward achieving my dreams of being a world titleholder.”

“Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment are true professionals in the sport of boxing,” said Scoby’s manager, Daniel Gonzalez, Esq. “I know that, as a team, we will work together to make sure Kurt Scoby has the storied career that we envision for him. Lou’s track record for making boxing stars in New York City is undeniable. We are excited for this partnership and know that Kurt is going to be a force in the 140lb. weight division.”

If sports were a lifeboat during Scoby’s childhood, boxing is now his ship to command. When he begins his journey with DiBella Entertainment this Thursday at Sony Hall, he does it with the support of the village that helped raise him, and the poise and confidence of a fighter who has walked through fire and not only lived, but thrived

New York, New York, June 6, 2023 – Undefeated New Yorker Kurt Scoby will face his toughest test to date when he goes up against battle tested and Philly Tough Hammerin’ Hank Lundy in an eight-round super lightweight match-up in the June 29 main event at Sony Hall.

The fiull card, presented by Boxing Insider, will be streamed live, with no paywall, beginning at 7:30, at BoxingInsider.com

Tickets, priced at $95, $125, $200 and $325, are available at Ticketweb here

This edition of Broadway Boxing will also air on SNY on a delayed basis.

The card . . . 

Main Event – 8 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Kurt Scoby, 143.1 lbs. (11-0, 9 KOs) from New York, NY

Hammerin’ Hank Lundy, 139.8 lbs. (31-13, 14 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

8 Rounds – Super Welterweights

Brian Ceballo, 154.8 lbs. (14-1, 7 KOs), Brooklyn, NY

Mitch Louis-Charles, 153.2 lbs (7-3-2, 4 KOs), Quebec, Canada

8 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Terell Bostic, 139.8 lbs. (7-1, 1 KO), Wyandanch, NY

Matthew “Lefty Gunz” Gonzalez, 140.2 lbs. (12-0-1, 8KOs), Ridgewood, NY

6 Rounds – Weltwerweights

Arnold Gonzalez, 150.6 lbs. (11-0, 6 KOs), New York, NY

Alejandro Munera, 146.2 lbs. (8-7-4, 7 KOs), , Medellin, Colombia

Opener – 4 Rounds – Super Featherweights

Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, 130.8 lbs. (7-0, 3 KOs), Ridgewood, NY

Yeuri “Dinamita” Andujar, 131.4 lbs. (5-5-1, 3 KOs), San Cristobal, Dominican Republic

ATLANTA, GA (January 17, 2023) – Due to circumstances out of the control of BLK Prime, Ivan Redkach (23-6-1, 18 KOs), who was intended to fight Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight main event on February 25, will now be replaced with “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (31-12-1, 14 KOs).

Broner vs. Lundy, taking place at the Gateway Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will broadcast worldwide on BLK Prime PPV for $39.99. More details, including ticket sales and undercard bouts, will be announced at a later date.

Broner vs. Lundy promises to be a thrilling and action-packed matchup between two battle-tested warriors who are promising to go to war. The combination of Broner’s speed and power with Lundy’s grit and determination is sure to make for an unforgettable night of boxing.

Broner, the former four-weight world champion and Cincinnati native, has established himself as one of the sport’s most exciting and dynamic fighters today. He captured world titles in four weight classes and is known for his bold and confident style. He’s a fan favorite that always put on a show.

“I’m glad they found a worthy replacement in Hank Lundy,” said Broner, from his training camp in South Florida. “Unfortunately, Redkach had to pull out, but I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me. This is the AB show and I’m on a mission to bust up everyone in my way. Hank Lundy is in trouble. I’m going to put a beating on him.”

Lundy, hailing from Philadelphia, PA, is a seasoned veteran with an impressive resume having fought Terence Crawford, Jose Zepeda, and Viktor Postol. He’s known for his relentless pressure and never-say-die approach. He’s been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and always comes to fight. He’s a fan favorite guaranteed to put on a great show.

“Fighting Broner is something I’ve envisioned for a long time and now this opportunity has presented itself to me,” stated Lundy. “Broner has established himself as one of the best fighters in the world, but he hasn’t been active, so I’m going to take full advantage of his inactivity. Everyone knows that I will fight anyone and the big names run from me. So I’m telling everyone right now, I’m going to beat the shit out of this can man.”

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POMONA, CA (January 11, 2023) – Undefeated NABA super lightweight champion, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (8-0, 8 KOs), is ready to start his 2023 off with a bang as he returns to the ring February 4, 2022. Mercado faces his toughest opponent to date, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (31-12-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, in a scheduled 10-round co-main event at the LumColor Center in Ontario, CA. RED Boxing Promotions is the promoter.

“It feels great to be back fighting near my hometown, and I am ready to knock out another opponent,” said the 21-year-old Mercado, who calls Pomona, California his home. “I heard him say that he is making 38-year-olds look like 25-year-olds right now. After he fights me, he will feel his age and more than likely never want to fight again. I have a lot of respect for Hank Lundy, but he is too old and I’m going to send him into retirement once and for all!”

Hank Lundy has been in the ring with Terence Crawford, Viktor Postol, Jose Zepeda, and Thomas Dulorme, so its fair to say this is a major step up for Mercado.

“Hank has been in the ring with a lot of great fighters,” continued Mercado. 

“Now it is time for me to show that I am just as good as all those other fighters mentioned on his resume. I am calling out all a top lightweight and super lightweight contenders. No one is mentioning my name, now I have to fight veterans that most fighters in my weight class are avoiding to earn my respect in boxing.”

“You might call this a fight, but I will call it a statement,” concluded Mercado. “This is going to be a viral moment in which people will downplay what I do, but if they looked at Hank’s history, no one in my weight class will ever beat him the way I will on February 4th!”

Vergil Ortiz Jr. came off almost a year layoff to keep his perfect knockout streak intact as he stopped Michael McKinson in round nine of their welterweight bout at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

In round one, Ortiz was cut around the left eye from an accidental headbutt

In round eight, Ortiz landed a hard left hook to the body that dropped McKinson  In the opening seconds of round nine, Ortiz landed a big left to the body.  McKinson was hurt and the corner waved the towel and the fight was stopped at 27 seconds.

Ortiz, 146.6 lbs of Grand Prairie, Texas is 19-0 with 19 knockouts.  McKinson, 146.8 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 22-1.

Marlen Esparza Decisions Guzman; Retains Flyweight Titles

Marlen Esparza defended WBA/WBC Flyweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Eva Guzman.

In round six, Esparza was cut on the side of her left eye. Esparza was very pinpoint on her punches and won by scores of 98-92 twice and 99-91.

Esparza, 111.8 lbs of Houston, Texas is 13-1.  Guzman, 109 lbs of Marcay, VEN is 19-2.

Blair Cobbs Drops Hooker 3 times; Wins Decision

Blair Cobbs won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Maurice Hooker in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Cobbs dropped Hooker with a huge three-punch combination that was highlighted overhand right. In round two, Cobbs dumped Hooker again with hard straight left.  Late in the round, it was another straight left that put Hooker down again,

In round six, Cobbs was cut around the right eye from an accidental headbutt.

Cobbs, 146 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 97-90 twice and 96-91 and is now 16-1-1.  Hooker who came in over the contracted weight, weighed in at 150 lbs and Dallas, Texas native is now 27-3-3.

“This wasn’t an easy fight, it was a tougher fight than my last one, and this victory for sure has put me in the top ten rankings,” said Blair Cobbs. “I fought a tougher, heavier fighter. He could box and had an extremely long reach, but today I showed that I can go into deep waters, box, and give fans a show. I want to thank god for this performance, there is nothing stronger and greater than god. Today, I showed that I have more to give to the sport of boxing, that even through adversity Blair ‘The Flair’ will come out on top.” 

Melikuziev stops Janjanin in 3

Hard punching Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Sladan Janjanin in round three of a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout

In the first 30 seconds, Melikuziev landed a vicious left to the body that put Janjanin down in a lot of pain. In round two, Melikuziev landed some hard shots to the head that sent Janjanin down for a second time.  In round three, it was another vicious left to the body that sent Janjanin to the deck.  The fight was finally stopped when Melikuziev continued to land thudding punches and the fight ended at 2:18.

Melikuziev, 171 lbs of Indio, CA is 10-1 with eight knockouts.  Janjanin, 168 lbs of Boston, MA is 32-13.

“I didn’t know my opponent until recently so we trained to have a good camp and a preparation,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “After I dropped him with the body shot I was hoping he would keep going, we didn’t come here to end it one punch. We want to make sure we get some rounds in to gain some experience. But he was an awkward fighter, very uncomfortable but I think my training really showed off today.” 

19 year-old Floyd Schofield remained undefeated by taking out Rodrigo Guerrero in round six of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Schofield landed a right hand that put Guerrero on the canvas for a knockdown. Schofield dropped Guerrero for a second time in round four, and the bout was stopped after round five. The official time was 10 seconds of round six.

Schofield, 133.8 lbs from Austin, TX is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Guerrero, 134.6 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 26-15-2.

Alex Martin brushed himself from a first round knockdown to win a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Lundy dropped Martin with an overhand left.

Martin, 140 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 18-4. Lundy, 138.4 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 31-11-1.

Carlos Nava remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Rodolfo Hernandez in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round two, Nava dropped Ramirez with a big right hand. In round four, Nava delivered punishment and landed a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 36 seconds.

Nava, 138.8 lbs of Pasadena, TX is 9-0 with six knockouts. Hernandez, 135 lbs of Mexico City is 30-11-1.

Figo Ramirez won a four-round unanimous decision over Francisco Bonilla in a bantamweight contest.

In round two, Ramirez was deducted a point for a low blow.

Ramirez, 117.4 lbs of Dallas, TX won by scores of 39-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Bonilla, 117 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is now 6-14-3.

Rohan Polanco stopped Dedrick Bell in round two of their eight-round welterweight bout.

Polanco landed a devastating left to the Solar Plexus that sent Bell down for the count.

Polanco, 147 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 8-0 with five knockouts. Bell, 146.8 lbs of Memphis, TN is 31-33-1.

CHESTER, PA (May 18, 2022)–On Saturday night, July 16th, undefeated bantamweight Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price will go for his first world title when he vies for the NBA World Bantamweight title at The Elevations Events Center in Chester, Pennsylvania.

The show is promoted by Price Promotions.

Price of Sicklerville, New Jersey is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. The 23 year-old is a five-year professional, will be making his 2022 debut, and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Rodriguez on July 31, 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Price’s opponent for the world title bout will be announced shortly.

Seeing action in the six round co-feature will be former world title challenger and local favorite “Hammerin” Hank Lundy in a junior welterweight bout.

Lundy of Philadelphia, has a record of 31-10-1 with 14 knockouts. Now 38 years-old, Lundy has been a professional for 16 years and has had a plethora of quality victories. Some of those wins were over Esteban Almarez (7-0), Jason Cintron (10-0), Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3), Dannie Williams (21-1), former world title challenger Ajose Olusegun (31-1), Angelo Santana (14-1), John Deperdang (10-1), former world champion DeMarcus Corley and Ezequiel Victor Fernandez (28-3-1).

Naheem Parker (4-0, 1 KO) of Canden, NJ takes on Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

Making his pro debut in a four-round middleweight bout will be Frankie Lynn of Chester, Pa.

Opponents and all bouts to be announced Shortly.

Tickets for this evening of championship boxing cost $250 for VIP with food and drinks, $150, ringside, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by clicking: http://pboxingpromotions.com/

Download the Profets App (will be ready in the first week of June) to View Pre fight Coverage as well as Season two of 7on7

Elevations Events Center is located at 

51 9th Street Chester, Chester Township, PA 19013

LAS VEGAS – No dispute.

Josh Taylor made sure of it, knocking down Jose Ramirez twice enroute to winning all of the pieces to the junior-welterweight title with unanimous decision Saturday night in front of a small crowd at Virgin Hotels and an ESPN audience.

 The judges scored it the same way. It was 114-112 — once, twice, three times — all for Taylor. The margin was only two points, a nod perhaps to Ramirez’ toughness. But the difference between the two was clear, indisputable. There was no argument. No need for a rematch.

Taylor moved toward an even bigger date, perhaps with leading pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford at a heavier weight, welter. But there were no lingering questions Saturday about who he was. There’s not a better 140-pound fighter on this planet or any other.

“I have been waiting for this moment all my life,’’ he said to a crowd of fellow Scots who chanted his name and waved the Scottish flag.

Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) seized the moment midway through the fight with all of his advertised guile and power. He had promised to knock out Ramirez (26-1, 12 KOs). But that was the only promise he didn’t keep. He knocked put everything else, including some early doubt.  

Ramirez was first to enter the ring, wearing a robe in bright colors and dark shoes. Taylor followed, clad in Scottish tartan and a waistband in gold. It was a clash of culture. A clash of colors. A clash of styles.

After a couple of days marked by escalating trash talk, they had finally arrived at the moment when they would communicate with hands bound in white gloves and loaded with dark intent.  

Ramirez was the first to strike. For three plus rounds, he moved forward throwing right hand leads with his first step toward Taylor. It appeared to surprise Taylor. For few moments, the Scotsman looked uncertain, even dazed. But he would recover, adjust and mount the fight’s second and third strikes.

Late in the fourth and throughout the fifth, Taylor seemed to regain his footing and eventually the momentum. He imposed his will, if not his superior height on Ramirez, moving forward in much the same way that Ramirez had in the earlier rounds.

In the sixth, Taylor caught, a left-handed counter that landed on Ramirez’ chin and dropped him onto the canvas. In the seventh, Taylor struck again, this time in the split second after referee Kenny Bayless separated them. Bayless stepped back from the break and Taylor fired a left uppercut.

Ramirez was back on the canvas, down for a second time. He got up. But the spring in that first forward step was gone.

Suddenly, Taylor looked bigger.

Looked stronger.

Looked to be in control.

He was.

“We used his aggression against him,’’ Taylor said. “No disrespect. I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.”

Ramirez wasn’t finished after the knockdowns. He never is. He carried on the fight with the resilience that has been a trademark to his career and his character. In the eleventh, an incoming Ramirez appeared to stun Taylor, who fell into him and then hung onto him. But it wasn’t enough and Taylor knew it. He waved a gloved right hand at the crowd, limited to 750 people by COVID protocol, as he walked to his corner after the eleventh.

One more round, and there would be no dispute.  

“I’ve got nothing but love for Ramirez. This week was no disrespect. It was all part of the mind games to get in his head, to make him more eager to jump in at me and be more aggressive, to use his aggression against him.

“I thought the scorecards were a little tight. I thought they were well wider than that. I wasn’t too happy with the selection of the judges, but I wasn’t going to moan. I was confident in winning this fight anyway.”

Ramirez said, “He took advantage of some of those clinches but, hey, I got back up and tried to give it my best and stay smart. I was never hurt. I was aware. I was just disappointed every time it happened. I tried to shake it off and get back to my rhythm. But it was overall a good fight. Hopefully, I get back and I learn from my mistakes. You win some and you lose some. 

“I felt like I landed some clean shots. It came down to the clinches. He would let his hands go as soon as he got his chance and I think I left it to the referee to do his part and it was a lack of experience on my part.”

Zepeda Decisions Lundy

Jose Zepeda didn’t have much time to celebrate. He won with precise punches. Then, he went back to work as a hopeful observer.

Zepeda (34-2, 26 KOs) kept himself in line for a junior-welterweight title with a unanimous decision, 98–92 on all three cards, over Hank Lundy (31-9-1, 14 KOs) Saturday in the Theater at Virgin Hotels.

Then, he took seat, hopeful for a shot at the winner of the next fight, Jose Ramirez-versus-Josh Taylor for all of the pieces to the 140-pound title. Zepeda, of Long Beach, Calif., looked solid against Lundy, a Philadelphia fighter. For 10 rounds, it was all business for Zepeda, who was coming off a wild Fight of the Year in October when he got up from four knockdowns to knock out Ivan Baranchyk. In 2019, he lost a majority decision to Ramirez.     

Sims Upsets Rodriguez via Majority Decision

The show began with an upset. Kenneth Sims Jr. scored it, opening the ESPN telecast for the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor bout with a stunner, a majority decision over junior-welterweight prospect Elvis Rodriquez at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels. Rodriguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs), of the Dominican Republic, started strong. But he appeared to tire midway through the eight-rounder. Sims (16-2-1, 5 KOs), began to catch up with him, rocking him with repeated blows and staggering him in the closing moments of a bout that ended with him leading on two cards, 78-74 on each. On the third, it was a draw, 76–76.  

Sims remarked, “I got a baby on the way, so that’s all the extra motivation I needed.” 

Mexican featherweight Jose Vivas overcame two knockdowns and a point reduction for a low blow to score a unanimous, yet narrow decision over Louie Coria of Moreno Valley, Calif. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) looked beaten in the third when Coria (12-5, 7 KOs) dropped him twice. But Rivas, a Manny Robles-trained fighter, came roaring back with an aggressive inside attack. Over the next five rounds, Vivas rocked him with repeated body blows. The judges noticed. All three scored it, 75-74, for him in the final fight on the ESPN+ portion of the Ramirez-Taylor card. 

Las Vegas junior-lightweight Andres Cortes (14-0, 7 KOs) relied on aggressiveness in a tough fight to stay unbeaten, scoring a 77-75, 78-74, 75-3 decision over Eduardo Garza (15-4-1, 8 KOs), a Texas fighter who kept it close with body punching throughout eight rounds of the fourth fight on Ramirez-Taylor card.  

Cuban featherweight Robeisy Ramirez (7-1, 4 KOs) combined precision and power to score repeatedly over six rounds for a one-sided decision over Ryan Allen (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas. Allen’s hands-down defense left him wide open for repeated blows from Ramirez throughout the third bout on the Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor card.  

Raymond Muratalia (12-0 10 KOs), a lightweight from Fontana, Calif.,  had all the advantages. His strength, size and power overwhelmed Jose Gallegos (20-11, 15 KOs) midway through the fifth round of a scheduled eight-rounder. It was over, a TKO, at 1:40 of the round during the second fight on card featuring Jose Ramirez-Josh Taylor at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tevin Farmer (29-4-1, 6KO) scored a wide unanimous decision and retained his IBF world super featherweight title against Jono “King Kong” Carroll (16-1-1, 3KO) at Temple University’s Liacouras Center, broadcast live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. Official scorecards read 117-110 and 117-111×2 for Farmer.

It was the 26 year old southpaw challenger, Carroll, however, who got off to the quick start, making a concerted effort to bang Farmer to the body.

But after a brief two round “feeling out” period, the southpaw champion settled in and began countering Carroll to head and body, throwing counter uppercuts from in-close and ripping loaded counter lefts to the body. A clash of heads also caused a nasty cut over Carroll’s right eye, a cut that only worsened as the fight progressed.

In the middle rounds, Farmer, 29, began taking over as Carroll’s offense began to slow and his punches began to hold less steam. There was a lot of in-fighting in the middle rounds, welcomed by the “American Idol”, Farmer, who was content to let Carroll throw a few before firing back the more significant shots.

Although struggling to gain ground through most of the mid-to-late rounds, Carroll did rally in the eighth, scoring mostly with body blows.

As the tenth wound to a close, Farmer hurt Carroll with a short right, sending the bearded Irishman in full retreat. Farmer kept his foot on the gas, connecting with more shots, but Carroll was able to ride out the storm until the end of the round.

The championship rounds went to Farmer, as well, securing the victory and his title.

It was the third successful title defense, and first in Philadelphia, for Farmer, who won his belt against Australian Billy Dib last August.

Farmer, who early in his career, without proper promotional guidance found himself prematurely pitted against tough opponents. After just twelve pro fights, Farmer’s record already sported four losses and one draw. Seven-plus years later, those numbers remain unchanged.

Farmer’s last loss came via stoppage against Jose Pedraza in 2012.

For his part, Carroll gave a good account for himself in his first world title challenge and first fight on American soil.

The Dublin native is now winless in his last two contests, having fought to a draw against Frenchman Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1, 12KO) in December.

Katie Taylor Wins Another Title, Stops Rose Volante

In a world female lightweight unifier between two previously unbeaten champions, Ireland’s Katie Taylor (13-0, 6KO) added the WBO title to her collection (IBF, WBA), stopping Brazil’s Rose Volante (14-1, 8KO) in the ninth of a scheduled ten round contest.

Taylor, a former 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, started quickly, dropping Volante early in the opening round with a left hook.

Credit Volante, who not only survived the remainder of the first, but then dug in and stood toe-to-toe with Taylor for the duration of the contest. And although she battled and traded with Taylor, Volante was being battered round after round.

In the eighth round Taylor, 32, Taylor shot up off her stool and looked determine to end it, letting her fists fly. But Volante, who was making her third title defense, showed the heart of a true champion and refused to fold.

It wasn’t until the 1:40 mark of the ninth round that referee Benjy Esteves stepped in to stop the punishment and call a halt to the contest.

Taylor remains on track to land a megafight later in this year, either against 7-division champion and current WBO female super flyweight titleist Amanda Serrano or undefeated unified world female welterweight champion Cecelia Braekhus.

Maciej Sulecki Survives Gabe Rosado Surge In North Philly Brawl

In a classic Philly brawl that saw both fighters hit the mat twice, Polish middleweight Maciej Sulecki (28-1, 11KO) outlasted a late surge by veteran fan favorite “King” Gabriel Rosado en route to a ten round unanimous decision victory.

It took less than ninety seconds for action to heat up and big punches to land, as Sulecki, 29, found immediate success with his right hand, firing a right behind Rosado’s left ear that dropped him to the mat. Rosado, 33, was shaken, but not hurt, and was able to navigate his way through the rest of the first.

In the third round, Rosado, who was fighting in his hometown for the first time in seven years, started to gain a bit of momentum. Much like Sulecki, he started also finding a home for his own right hand, landing two nose-crunching rights in the third.

The middle rounds weren’t dominated by either fighter, but it was Sulecki and his rights that were getting the better of Rosado.

Things looked like they might come to an end in the eight when Sulecki landed a left hook-right hand combo that rocked Rosado and sent him to the canvas for the second time in the fight. A woozy Rosado was able to ride out the remainder of the round, much of which was spent with his back against the ropes in a neutral corner, dipping, diving, and dodging Sulecki punches.

Then in the ninth, in classic Philly fashion, Rosado battled back and worked the crowd into a frenzy. The former world title challenger landed a perfectly thrown counter right that exploded on Sulecki’s head, sending the Pole crashing to the mat. Sulecki beat the ensuing ten count, but was quickly met again by another Rosado right, this a looping overhand right, that crumpled Sulecki to the canvas yet again. Credit Sulecki who again beat the referee’s ten count before the bell signaling the end of the ninth round chimed.

In the tenth round, Rosado kept his foot on the gas, trying to end the fight with a single right hand. But Sulecki was able to weather the storm and survive.

In the end, all three judges scored the contest for Sulecki (95-91×2, 95-93).

Sulecki’s only professional loss remains a UD to former world middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in April 2018.

For Rosado, who was coming off a draw against Luis “Cuba” Arias in November, the result makes it only one win in his last five contests.

Sulecki is now positioned to face off against WBO middleweight titleist Demetrius Andrade.

Luke Campbell TKOs Adrian Yung In 5

Former world lightweight title challenger “Cool Hand” Luke Campbell (20-2, 16KO) made it three wins in a row since his 2017 defeat to Jorge Linares, stopping Adrian “Chinito” Yung (26-6-2, 20KO) in the fifth round of a scheduled ten rounds.

Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist, had it his way from the opening bell, controlling the fight from the onset. The British southpaw eventually broke through in the fourth round after a right hand forced Yung, who took the fight on short notice, to a knee.

In the sixth, the 31 year old British southpaw, Campbell, upped the pressure. After landing an unobstructed flurry of shots, referee Eric Dali jumped in to stop the contest at the 1:37 mark of round five.

Campbell remains the mandatory challenger for Mikey Garcia’s 135lb. WBC title. Garcia, of course, squares off against undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. tomorrow night on FOX PPV in Texas.

Raymond Ford Cruises To UD In Pro Debut

In his professional debut, nineteen year-old Matchroom Boxing featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) earned a four round unanimous decision against Weusi Johnson (3-11).

The former 2018 123-pound National Golden Gloves champion scored a knockdown midway through the first courtesy of a huge left cross, but was unable to stop Delaware’s Johnson before the end the round. No matter to Ford, though, as the Camden, NJ southpaw faced little resistance the rest of the way and cruised to a shutout victory. Scores were 40-35×3.

Yeleussinov Earns Wide UD Against Ortiz

2016 Olympic Gold medalist Daniyar “Kazakh Thunder” Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) remained undefeated, scoring a wide eight round unanimous decision against fellow welterweight Silverio Ortiz (37-14, 18KO).

Yeleussinov, a 28 year-old southpaw, started quickly, picking and landing his shots, while using fantastic footwork to keep the 439 round veteran, Ortiz, out of range.

From the third round on, the fight didn’t come as easy for the Matchroom Boxing prospect, as the distance began to close and exchanges increased. There was never a point where the Kazakh wasn’t in control, however, but Ortiz did score with loaded rights, albeit infrequently.

In the seventh, Yeleussinov scored a knockdown that culminated with a punch landing behind Ortiz’s head while he was already on the mat. Referee Benjy Esteves instructed the judges to score the knockdown, but also took a point away from Yeleussinov.

At the end of eight, official scorecards read 79-70 and 79-71×2 for Yeleussinov.

Sparrow Hammers Lundy, Scores MD Win

In a highly anticipated entertaining all-Philadelphia slugfest, Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3KO) scored a ten round majority decision over former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-8-14KO).

It didn’t take long for the two rivals to start exchanging some serious leather, and toward the end of the first round, the 35 year-old southpaw Lundy scored with a short left, followed by a straight right that seemed to grab Sparrow’s attention.

No long lasting impact, however, as the spry 25 year-old, Sparrow, flipped the script in the following round, scoring two knockdowns courtesy of right hands. The first came seemingly out of nowhere, when Sparrow launched an overhand right that caught Lundy flush on the left side of the head, sending him off balance, forcing his glove to touch the canvas. The ensuing knockdown came less than a minute later, as Sparrow countered a wild-swinging Lundy, shooting a straight right down Broad Street, sending Lundy crashing to the mat.

The resilient 241-round veteran Lundy dug deep, though, and came back the very next round and stood toe-to-toe with Sparrow, perhaps even nicking the round.

From the third on it was a seesaw affair, with both fighters willing to eat a few punches to land a few of their own.

Wild exchanges were commonplace almost every time an ensuing round neared end.

When it was all said and done, the three judges turned in cards of 94-94, and 95-93 and 96-92 for Sparrow.

The win is arguably the biggest of Sparrow’s young career, who’s other win of note came against Jose Lopez in 2017.

The result marks the second loss in a row for “Hammerin’” Hank and is his third in his last six contests.

Ballard Stops Fonseca For Second Time In Career

Undefeated super middleweight D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13KO) scored a fifth round stoppage over hardnosed Mexican Victor Fonseca (17-20-1, 14KO) to kick off a night of fights from Temple University’s Liacouras Center. It was the second time the 25 year-old Ballard and Fonseca squared off and the second time Ballard closed the show inside the scheduled distance. In 2015, the Golden Boy Promotions signee stopped Fonseca inside three rounds, and tonight he needed just two more, battering Fonseca around the ring until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight in the fifth of a scheduled ten.

Tonight’s card, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, will culminate when hometown champion Tevin Farmer (28-4-1, 6KO) defends his IBF World Super Featherweight title live on DAZN (US) and Sky Sports (UK) against unbeaten Irishman Jono Carroll (16-0-1, 3KO).

Philadelphia, PA (December 19, 2018) — Former world title challenger, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy will take part in the eight-round main event on Friday night, March 1st at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with CES Boxing and Titans Boxing Promotions.

Lundy of Philadelphia has a record of 29-7-1 with 14 knockouts,

Lundy, who turns 35 on January 3rd, will be making his 9th appearance in his hometown.

The 13 year-professional has took the “Anyone-Anywhere” slogan into his career.

He has wins over Esteban Almarez (7-0), Jason Cintron (10-0), former world champion Richar Abril (12-1-1), Tyrese Hendrix (18-0-1), Omri Lowther (14-1), Patrick Lopez (20-3), former world champion David Diaz (36-3-1), Dannie Williams (21-1), Ajose Olusegun (31-1), John Delperdeng (10-1), and former world champion DeMarcus Corley.

Lundy challenged for the WBO Super Lightweight world championship, but came up short when he took on Terence Crawford on February 27, 2016 in New York.

Lundy has also fought world champions Ray Beltran, Viktor Postol and Mauricio Herrera.

In his last bout, Lundy dropped a close 12-round decision to undefeated Zair Abdullaev in September 7th in Russia.

Lundy’s opponent will be named shortly.

In the exciting co-feature, it will be an classic “Philly vs. Philly” showdown as Tyrone Brunson takes on Jamaal Davis in a 10-round battle for he Pennsylvania State Middleweight Title.

Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 27-7-2 with 24 big knockouts.

Brunson, who will be 34 years old, is a 14 year professional who started his career with a record 19 consecutive 1st round stoppages, has defeated the likes of James Morrow (8-1-2), Brandon Quarles (18-3-1) and former world champion Kermit Cintron (39-5-3).

Brunson entered The Contender Tournament, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Davaun Lee on November 9th.

Davis of Philadelphia has a record of 18-13-1 with seven knockouts.

Davis is a 16 year professional, who owns wins over Joey DeMalavez (2-0), Terrance Williams (4-1), Blake Mansfield (6-1-1), and in his last bout he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Troy Artis on November 17th.

Also seeing action will be undefeated welterweight Poindexter Knight (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; Super Featherweight Antonio DuBose (9-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia and cruiserweight Roy McGill (6-1, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in six-round bouts.

Undefeated super bantamweight Rasheen Brown (2-0) of Philadelphia; Welterweight Rasheed Johnson (4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia; Featherweight Yeuri Andujar (3-0, 3 KOs) of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic; middleweight James Martin (3-0) of Philadelphia and crusierweight Angel Rivera (4-0, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in four-round bouts.

King’s Promotions will stage a card on Friday, March 29th at SugarHouse Casino as well as the following dates at The 2300 Arena:

May 10th, October 25th and December 6th.

More dates and venues will be announced shortly

CHELYABINSK, Russia (Sept. 6th, 2018) — Boxing’s preeminent throwback fighter just added another 5,000 miles to his weathered travel log and now hopes to add an elusive world title to his resume.

Philadelphia’s “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (29-6-1, 14 KOs) returns to the ring Friday night in Russia to face undefeated WBC Silver Lightweight World Champion Zaur Abdullaev (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 12-round bout as part of a stacked fight card at the Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, less than 1,000 miles east of Moscow.

The event is promoted by RCC Boxing Promotions, owned and operated for two decades by German Titov. Originally named Titov Boxing Promotions, the promotion merged with the Russian Copper Company, a state-of-the-art copper mining company in Yekaterinburg, in 2016 to form RCC Boxing, which helped launch the careers of Russian stars Ruslan Provodnikov, Dmitry Pirog, and former cruiserweight world champion Grigory Drozd.

RCC also co-promoted an event in Yekaterinburg with Main Events in 2016 featuring two-time light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev, and is now working in conjunction with CES Boxing, which launched Lundy’s career in 2006 and has helped guide the 34-year-old Philadelphia lightweight to two regional titles in addition to a shot at the WBO world super lightweight title in 2016.

“In an era where fighters dodge fights because they don’t want to travel outside of their hometown or they worry about judges, officials and things they cannot control, Hank Lundy is what this sport needs,” CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said.

“There is no one more deserving of this opportunity. The one thing about ‘Hammerin” Hank is he never quits. He doesn’t listen to the critics. He stays in the gym and remains focused on winning a world title and he won’t rest until he’s the No. 1 fighter in the lightweight division, and we sure as hell won’t rest until we help him accomplish that goal. We’re fully confident we’re leaving Russia with the title and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

This is Lundy’s second trip to Europe, preceded by his 2013 showdown with former 140-pound world-title holder Viktor Postol in the Ukraine. The well-traveled Lundy has fought everywhere from Memphis to Montreal, including fights in Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Cleveland and Los Angeles, earning the reputation as boxing’s most feared road warrior.

Chelyabinsk, Russia is merely another postcard to add to the collection as Lundy aims to bring a world championship back to Philadelphia, a city rich in boxing tradition with the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Joe Frazier and Sonny Liston, all of whom won multiple world titles during Hall of Fame careers.

The landscape in Philadelphia has changed in recent years with Hopkins’ retirement, ushering in a new cast of rising stars hoping to claim the throne as the city’s best. As one of the area’s elder statesmen, Lundy has the opportunity to add even more clout as a world title-holder with a win over Abdullaev on Friday, which would no doubt be the biggest of his career.

“This fight for me is very big, and when I win it, it’ll put me back on top in the race for the big, green belt,” Lundy said. “The WBC Silver belt will change me and my family’s lives and I’m more than ready. I will not let this slip through my hands.”

The “big, green belt” Lundy is referring to is, of course, the WBC World Lightweight Championship, currently held by undefeated Mikey Garcia. The Silver belt was established by the WBC in 2010 to replace its interim title, and the WBC typically matches its interim champions with its world-title holders, meaning a victory for Lundy on Friday could set the stage for a future showdown with Garcia, a fight Lundy has coveted for quite some time.

“Mike, I’m coming for you,” Lundy said.

But first, Lundy must solve the 24-year-old Abdullaev, recognized as one of the top Russian prospects who competed in the semi-pro World Series of Boxing before making his official professional boxing debut in 2017. In just his eighth pro fight, he captured the WBC Youth Lightweight Title with a knockout win over Ardie Boyose and then added the Silver lightweight title to his collection two months later with a win over Deiner Berrio.

Born in Dydymkin, which is south of Chelyabinsk, Abdullaev comes from a long line of European fighters who’ve made quick climbs to the top of their weight class. Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko fought for a world title in just his second pro fight and won it in his third, albeit with 397 amateur fights under his belt. Abdullaev amassed an amateur record of 16-8, beginning at the age of 16, before his first World Series of Boxing match in 2016 and then turned pro a year later, making his rapid ascension in the lightweight division equally remarkable.

None of this fazes Lundy, who boasts a resume unlike most in pro boxing and has certainly been forced outside of his comfort zone more so than Abdullaev has in his short career. Lundy’s legendary track record, both at lightweight and super lightweight, includes bouts against pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford, Thomas Dulorme, Mauricio Herrera and Raymundo Beltran, who recently fought for the WBO World Lightweight Title.

Lundy also ended the career of former world champion David Diaz in Illinois and knocked off former WBA title-holder Richar Abril in 2010. He enters Friday’s fight fresh off a three-fight win streak, including a dominant performance over former WBO world champion DeMarcus Corley in his hometown in February.

Friday’s fight card also features a 10-round bout for the vacant IBF Youth Super Featherweight Title bout between Mark Urvanov (13-2, 6 KOs) and Nikita Kuznetsov (9-0-1, 4 KOs), plus a 10-round cruiserweight showdown between former world champion Denis Lebedev (30-2, 22 KOs) and former world-title challenger Hizni Altunkaya (30-2, 17 KOs) of Germany.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 9, 2018) – On Saturday night, a highly-anticipated battle between a former world champion and a world title challenger headlines a big night of boxing in the Championship City of Philadelphia, as Hard Hitting Promotions partners with Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to showcase a card featuring a number of undefeated fighters and rising area prospects. Fight fans from across the globe can catch names like Lundy, Corley, Webster, Cuevas, Rahman and Baumgardner beginning at 7 p.m. live from South Philly on any device wherever Facebook is available, as the easy-to-access combat sports platform delivers its second show of the New Year.

“Our Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series has showcased outstanding cards from New York to Chicago to Arizona to the heartland, and we’re really looking forward to capturing exceptional action on Saturday from the Fighting City – and the Championship City – of Philadelphia. Saturday’s card features so many fighters that all boxing fans have heard of, and some exciting prospects that Hard Hitting Promotions has been doing a great job of building in the Philly area,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series will deliver its 1,000,000th view live from 2300 Arena and we want to thank fight fans everywhere for their support.”

In the main event on Saturday, Philadelphia’s “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (28-6-1, 14 KOs) looks to electrify his hometown faithful as the former world title challenger takes on former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (50-28-1, 28 KOs), in what will be the 80th career bout for the veteran. In the co-feature, super middleweight contender Derrick “Take it to the Bank” Webster (24-1, 13 KOs) meets hard hitting Colombian Francisco Cordero (38-9, 29 KOs). The card also features a number of intriguing prospects – including Alicia Baumgardner (4-0, 4 KOs) as she vies for the WBC International Female Super Featherweight strap, unblemished lightweight Jeremy “King” Cuevas (6-0, 5 KOs), heavyweight Hasim “Gold Blooded” Rahman Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) – the undefeated son of the two-time world heavyweight champion – and unbeaten cruiserweight Marcos Suarez (5-0-1, 1 KO).

“We’re honored and privileged to be able to bring such a sought-after main event – an attraction three years in the making – to Philadelphia. This will be one of those legendary fights in this city, one that boxing fans will really be talking about. People who love boxing will not want to miss this fight and won’t have to, thanks to our page and the Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel,” said Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions.

Over the first nine months of programming, the numbers on the 11-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of close to 90,000 fight fans tuning in per event and nearly one-million fans served.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) all topped 150,000 views, and collectively the 10-show series saw a total of more than 18,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 986,786-plus users across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 133,000 collective live post engagements (12,000-plus per show), including more than 92,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 17,000 comments and 5,000-plus shares.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Aug. 26 Foxwoods “Super Saturday” show stands out individually with 3,336 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves.”

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 79,000 fans and more than 81,000 followers.

On Saturday night, Feb. 10, live from 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Marc Abrams of AWE, NBC Sports Philadelphia, 15Rounds.com and AbramsBoxing.com. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter/Spring 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

Philadelphia, PA (February 5, 2018) – TODAY!! Lightweight contender “Hammerin” Hank Lundy and junior lightweight Frank De Alba will be guests on The Abrams Boxing Hour.

The show can be heard live around the world at 5:30 PM ET on www.wildfireradio.com and by clicking stream B.

Lundy (28-6-1, 14 KOs) will talk about his fight with former world champion DeMarcus Corley that takes place this Saturday night in Philadelphia.

De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KOs) will discuss his bout with Carlos Padilla that will headline a great night of boxing at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center on Tuesday, February 13th.

Marc Abrams will also breakdown the news and results of the past week and preview the week ahead in the world of boxing.

OFFICAL: World title challenger Hank Lundy (28-6-1,14 KO’s) of CES Boxing will continue his quest towards his goal of lightweight dominance when he battles former world champion DeMarcus Corley (50-28-1, 28 KO’s) in a eight round lightweight battle. Both fighters are ring veterans that have stated this fight is a must win if they are to continue on their path towards challenging the current champions in their respective divisions.

Hank Lundy of Philadelphia and CES Boxing has won two consecutive fights (including a victory last summer at the 2300 Arena), since his last defeat in early 2016 to current pound for pound king Terence Crawford. Although Lundy fell short in capturing the super lightweight championship, his valiant effort did not go unnoticed since he was fighting on an injured leg. Many believe to this date it is still the toughest test that Crawford has faced. Aside from Crawford, Lundy has also battled the likes of: Raymundo Beltran, John Molina Jr., Viktor Postol, Mauricio Herrera, and David Diaz. Lundy is known for never shying away from a stiff challenge and for always delivering a fan friendly fight regardless of the outcome. This fight with Corley should be no different.

DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley a native of Washington D.C. has been a professional since 1996. His close to eighty fight resume reads as a whose who of the best that the super lightweight and welterweight divisions have to offer. Corley a former super lightweight world champion has faced the past generations best including future Hall of Fame fighters Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Miguel Cotto. While Corley came up short in both fights, he more than held his own as he stunned Mayweather on several occasions early and had Cotto severally hurt. Corley has remained active including victories in his last two fights with one coming against Vivian Harris. Corley and Lundy share two common opponents, Viktor Postol and Thomas Dulorme.

Fighters from the growing stable of young talent at Hard Hitting Promotions will also be featured on the card. Branden Pizzaro (8-1, 4 KO’s) looks to rebound from his first professional defeat in December. After losing a competitive fight against another lightweight prospect. February 10th marks the beginning of a new chapter for Pizzaro who vows not to let one loss define his career. Jeremy Cuevas (6-0, 5 KO’s) looks to build off of his impressive 2017. In just six professional fights, Cuevas has had several statement victories and looks to continue that trend.

Super featherweight prospect Thomas “T.J” Velasquez (9-0-1, 5 KO’s) kicks off his 2018 campaign returning to the ring after fighting to a tough draw in his last fight of 2017. The son of former heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, heavyweight Hasim Rahman Jr. (3-0, 3 KO’s) will be in action as he tries to continue the legacy of the fighting Rahman family from Baltimore, MD.

Hard Hitting Promotions is coming off of a great 2017 campaign. Putting on shows in various venues throughout Philadelphia such as: The SugarHouse Casino, the Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University, the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City NJ, and the first promotional company to utilize the brand new Fillmore concert hall. A state of the art venue in the trendy Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. Moving forward Hard Hitting Promotions is pleased to announce that this fight card on February 10th will begin their relationship with the 2300 Arena.

2300 Arena is one of the primer venues in the city of Philadelphia for combat sports action. Throughout any given calendar year many high profile Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and Professional Wrestling events take place at the 2300 Arena. Hard Hitting Promotions is elated that they are able to share in the culture of delivering fan friendly events at this top notch venue.

Tickets for this Event will be available starting Monday, January 8th. In order to purchase tickets and get more information about Hard Hitting Promotions and the 2300 Arena please visit their websites or follow them on social media with the information below.

Social Media:

Twitter: @HardHitpromo

Instagram: @HardHitpromo

Facebook: @HardHitpromo

http://hardhittingpromotions.com/

http://www.2300arena.com/

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 25, 2017) – Former NABF and NABO lightweight champion, Hank Lundy hosted a media workout Wednesday at Joe Hand Gym in Philadelphia.

Here is what he had to say:

“It’s always good coming home. This was well deserved. I have a lot of fans and a lot of love and support in Philly. It’s a good chance for them to see me work and perform.”

“Training camp is good. I’ve been in camp with Shawn Porter. I got him ready for the Berto fight. I’ve been just waiting to turn it up and ready to fight.”

“You always got to train a little bit harden when fighting in your hometown. For every fight, I train like it’s a do or die fight.”

“I stay ready. I’m anxious. Anyone who thinks I’m slipping can come see me at 135 or 140, I got something for you!”

“135 is my home. I had to go back and forth because nobody would fight me. A phone call is right around the corner. I will step in as the opponent and shock the world once again.”

“Evangelista like to box. He’s not your typical come forward Mexican. He likes to box. At the end of day, I’ve been in there with every style.”

“I want a world title shot at 135. Everyone saw what I did at 140 against one of the best, Terence Crawford. Try me at 135. If I gotta go down to 130, I can do that too.”

“I took my little bundle and stick and have went state-to-state and traveled. I’m experienced. I’ve been in there with the best. It’s all business.”

“I want Robert Easter and Terry Flanagan at 135. I heard Easter called me, “Big Bro” but let’s go, let’s get in the ring and show them what brothers do!”

“I’ve been chasing Mikey Garcia for years! I’ve been calling him out for years! Now I hear he’s gonna fight Broner? I’m down at 135, see me!”

“Nobody wanted to fight Terence Crawford. I’m Hank Lundy. I’m a Philly fighter!”

“I’ve been calling for the Adrien Broner fight for years! I’m one of the realist. In Cincinnati, AB was trying to clown me. There is no more love. I want to fight him! His camps are easy work! I don’t entertain fake love. They think I’m a soft touch? They want me to come up to 147? Let’s go!”

“I don’t care about Mayweather vs McGregor. That is disrespectful to boxing! Floyd is good money, but I don’t respect it.”

ABOUT JUNE 2: The 10-bout card at the 2300 Arena is promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., CES Boxing, BAM Boxing, Raging Babe and Joe Hand Promotions. The event is sponsored by Coors Light and Parx Casino. Doors open at 6 pm. First fight 7:30 pm. Philly Fight Night will be produced and distributed live by www.GFL.tv beginning at 7:30 pm ET.

TICKETS: Tickets are priced at $40, $50 and $75. They can be purchased by phone at 215-765-0922 or online at www.2300arena.com.

WE’RE SOCIAL!: @PeltzBoxing, @CESBoxing, @BAMBoxingInc, @JoeHandPromo and @RagingBabe.

Philadelphia, PA—Hammerin’ Hank Lundy is coming home and he cannot wait.

The 33-year-old world-class lightweight makes his first start in Philadelphia in nearly eight years when he takes on Ricardo Lara, of Jalisco, Mexico, in the eight-round main event Friday evening, June 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

This will be Lundy’s first fight at the 2300 Arena, located in his backyard, and only his seventh hometown appearance since he turned professional 11 years ago.

Since leaving Philly to fight after 2009, Lundy has appeared in rings in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Indiana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Ohio, New York and California as well as Canada and the Ukraine.

A former North American Boxing Federation (NABF) and North American Boxing Organization (NABO) lightweight champion, Lundy boxed just twice in 2016. He challenged Terrance Crawford, of Omaha, NE, for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world junior lightweight title, but was stopped after five exciting rounds in Madison Square Garden. He bounced back late in the year in Cincinnati, OH, to earn a 12-round decision over John Delperdang, of Escondido, CA, to raise his pro record 27-6-1, 13 K0s.

Lundy has beaten David Diaz, of Chicago, IL; Patrick Lopez, of Venezuela, and Tyrese Hendrix, of Gainesville, FL. His setbacks have come against the best at 135 and 140 pounds—John Molina, of Covina, CA; Viktor Postol, of the Ukraine; Mauricio Herrera, of Riverside, CA; Raymond Beltran, of Phoenix, AZ; Thomas Dulorme, of Catalina, Puerto Rico—but Lundy vows to get his career back on track to another world-title opportunity.

“It’s a good feeling (fighting at home),” Lundy said. “At the end of the day, I have to train a little bit harder than I generally trained before coming home fighting in front of some of my fans and family.

“It sort of is added pressure, but I’m a vet in the game now and I know how to deal with that pressure. Also, you have to train a little harder because one thing people don’t know, when you fight in front of your hometown there’s a little more you have to put out. Actually, my camp started a little early just to deal with that problem.”

Lara, 25, will be making his first start outside of his native Mexico, where he compiled a 15-3 record, 7 K0s.

Some of the area’s top prospects will make up the undercard, including junior middleweight Isaiah Wise, welterweight Marcel Rivers, junior welterweight Scott Kelleher, lightweight Victor Padilla and featherweight Crystian Peguero.

CINCINNATI (Dec. 30th, 2016) — Eight months removed from major knee surgery, world-rated title challenger “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy returns to the ring tonight to begin his journey toward taking conquering boxing’s competitive 135-pound division.

The 32-year-old Lundy (26-6-1, 13 KOs), born and raised in the fighting city of Philadelphia, faces California native John Delperdang (10-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) World Lightweight Title in a 12-round bout at the B.O.O.M. Fitness Center in Cincinnati, presented by B.O.O.M. Promotions in association with CES Boxing.

Tonight’s fight is Lundy’s first since challenging pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Super Lightweight Title in New York in February. Shortly after the bout, Lundy underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and began the long road to recovery just three weeks later – against doctor’s orders – by returning to the gym to wage war on the heavy bag.

Lundy’s remarkable perseverance and determination has led him to tonight’s latest challenge against the 24-year-old Delperdang, who has stopped nine of 11 opponents with his only loss coming by a narrow majority decision to lightweight contender Rickey Edwards.

Lundy’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr., has echoed his fighter’s sentiment in regard to campaigning strictly at 135 pounds after moving up to 140 several times in the past for the opportunity to chase world titles and / or major paydays. The Philadelphia native is a threat in the lightweight division, so much so that other fighters in his weight class have spent years avoiding the inevitable, part of the reason Lundy has been forced to jump to the junior welterweight division.

Not anymore. The quest for dominance at 135 begins tonight and few fighters in the crowded lightweight talent pool boast Lundy’s impressive resume, which includes bouts against junior welterweight stars Crawford, Thomas Dulorme and Viktor Postol, plus 135-pound contenders Richar Abril, Raymundo Beltran and John Molina.

The outspoken Lundy rose to prominence as a reoccurring star on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights before graduating to network television, where he’s been featured on HBO and Showtime four times since 2014, including a dominant win over Angelo Santana on Showtime in two years ago.

After missing weight in 2015 prior to a scheduled bout against Petr Petrov, a bout Lundy agreed to on short notice, Lundy fought two of his next three bouts at 140 pounds, raising doubts as to whether or not he would – or physically could – return to the lightweight division, but he silenced the critics Thursday by tipping the scales at 134 pounds.

“I’m ready to make a statement at 135,” Lundy said last week. “I’ve been chasing a title down there, but had to jump to 140 because no one will fight me at 135. They know I’m a monster there.

“This year, I will be a world champion at 135, no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

“Starting Dec. 30th and going into 2017, we will fight at 135 pounds and fight for a world title. Hank deserves it,” Burchfield Sr. said. “He hasn’t backed down from anybody.

Tickets for the Dec. 30th Lundy-Delperdang bout are priced at $30.00, $50.00, $100.00 and $250.00 and are available by phone at (513) 409-2663 or online at www.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.boomfitnesscenter.com, www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

By Norm Frauenheim

Jose Benavidez Jr. is considering several options, including a move up in weight, in an attempt to re-ignite a career that has stalled since Top Rank thought about putting him in against Terence Crawford, yet decided on Hank Lundy.

Benavidez, unbeaten (24-0, 16 KOs) at 140 pounds, was considered a leading possibility for Crawford, who on Feb. 27 blew away Lundy in a fifth-round stoppage on HBO in The Theater at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

But Benavidez didn’t look good in scoring a unanimous decision on Dec. 12 over unknown Sidney Siqueira of Brazil on a Univision card in Tucson that featured emerging featherweight Oscar Valdez in a sensational victory.

The crowd booed Benavidez, whose rope-a-dope tactics are not popular. He said he had the flu. At the weigh-in, he was 152.4 pounds, 4.4 heavier than the contracted 148 for a non-title fight. Between rounds, he struggled to breathe.

It’s not clear whether that performance knocked the Phoenix fighter out of consideration for Crawford, whom he called out repeatedly before the Tucson card. But Benavidez didn’t regret the decision to fight, despite the flu.

“No, not at all’’ his father, trainer and manager, Jose Benavidez Sr. said from Hill Street Boxing in Los Angeles where he is training his younger son, David Benavidez, for an appearance on the Chris Algieri-Errol Spence Jr. card on April 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. “I mean, he was in the co-main event. In that kind of situation, you’re never right. Imagine the reaction if we had canceled out.

“At the same time, I knew he could beat the guy. It was a big risk. We knew he’d win. But we also knew he wouldn’t look good. But the crowd thought he should of stopped him. I thought he should have stopped, too. But he was sick.’’

The best that can be said is that Benavidez emerged from difficult night with his unbeaten record intact. Still, one of boxing’s brightest prospects six years ago faces an uncertain future. He no longer has the WBA’s interim 140-pound belt, according to his father. He took it from Mauricio Herrera about sixteen months ago in a decision as controversial as any in 2014.

After defending it once in a 12th-round stoppage of Jorge Paez Jr. last May, the WBA ordered a mandatory for the acronym’s regular belt against Italian Michele di Rocco (40-1-1, 18 KOs), an Italian. That’s when Benavidez found out what interim really means.

“They stripped him,’’ the senior Benavidez said. “It’s kind of ridiculous what they wanted. They wanted us to go fight over there. They wanted us to fight for very little money. Then, they wanted us to pay the sanctioning fee. It didn’t make sense.

“I mean, we were trying to fight Crawford, or Jessie Vargas, or Viktor Postol. Those fights make sense.’’

Dollars, too.

Now, common sense says it’s time for the 5-foot-11 Benavidez to move up to welterweight. He’ll be 24 years old on May 15.

“I think we go to 147 and stay there, unless something big breaks like Crawford, or Postol, or something like that,’’ Benavidez Sr. said. “He’s still young. The body hasn’t really changed much. He could definitely make 140 for a big opportunity. If not, we’ll just stay at 147.

“But I do think he needs big fights. So many of these guys he’s been fighting, there’s just no motivation.’’

Nothing has been scheduled, yet. However, Benavidez is expected to resume training with brother David next week in Los Angeles.

“We want to fight, but I don’t what’s going to happen,’’ his father said. “We’re just going to stay focused and try to regroup. Hopefully something comes up. You never know.’’

Emanuel Taylor , who in his last 4 fights fought former WBO world champion Chris Algieri, WBA Jr, Welterweight champ Adrien Broner, undefeated world rated Antonio Orozco, and rated contender Karim Mayfield, looked very sharp as he dismantled the rugged Wilfredo Acuna on the undercard of the Terrance Crawford- Hank Lundy fight at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, on Saturday night. The event was televised live on HBO.

Taylor (19-4 14KO Edgewater, MD) started fast as Acuna (16-19 11KO Nicaragua) was a willing participant as the two traded blows freely in the 1st round. Taylor, returning from a 9 month layoff showed no signs of rust as he punished Acuna with crisp combinations to the head and body. Acuna, to his credit, fought gamely and landed a few very hard blows which Taylor shook off.

As the bout wore on Taylor began to hurt Acuna with both head shots and body shots. Taylor opened up the 6th round with multiple hooks to the head of Acuna and continued the assault finally dropping the game Nicaraguan near the end of the round forcing referee David Fields to call a halt at the 2:29 mark of round 6.

Star Boxing promoter Joe DeGuardia had this to say about Taylor’s performance: “Emanuel is a skilled fighter in a very hot Jr. Welterweight division. He fought a very tough kid in Acuna who we have used in the past with Chris Algieri and Cletus Seldin and Acuna always comes to fight. In the past, Emanuel has fallen just short in a couple of close high profile fights (like Adrien Broner and Antonio Orozco), but after tonight he is now on the path to get another great opportunity in his quest to become a world champion”.

Taylor weighed 143.8 and Acuna 144.4 for the fight.

Link to Baltimore Sun article:
http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-86056556/

Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing, and
Facebook.com/StarBoxing.