Undefeated Cuban Sensation Sullivan Barrera Takes on Veteran Jeff Lacy Jan. 30 at Foxwoods

Mashantucket, CT:
Light Heavyweights Sullivan Barrera (14-0, 9 KOs) and Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy (27-5, 18 KOs) will face off for eight rounds of action on the undercard of the Dargan-Luis card Friday, Jan. 30 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Barrera, 32, is from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and made his professional debut in his new home state of Florida in 2009. He won all four of his fights in 2014, three by way of stoppage, and is making his second appearance at Foxwoods. In his last fight at Foxwoods, he stopped Eric Watkins in the sixth round. Sullivan has an impressive 64% (9 of 14) knockout-to-win ratio and his last three victories have come by way of knockout.

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credits:
Mike Gladysz/Main Events

“I’ve been in camp since the week after my last fight in November,” explained Barrera. “Camp was excellent. I had the chance to work on a lot of different things. I want to thank my team members, including the one and only GGG [Gennady Golovkin], who’s taught me a lot. I am very thankful to have such a great team.”

Barrera’s manager, Luis Molina added, “I am happy to once again have a chance to showcase Sullivan and continue working towards the ultimate goal to be world champion one day.”

This will be Sullivan’s third fight with world-renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez, the same trainer known for his work with middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and fellow Main Events’ stable mate Nadjib Mohammedi. Sanchez said, “Jeff Lacy is an experienced, ex-world champion, which cannot be taken lightly. Camp went well. The more time Sullivan and I spend together the easier it becomes for him to see our vision for his career and development towards a world championship and division domination.”

Barrera and Bryant
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Sullivan added, “I have really worked on many things during this camp; it’s amazing how much there is to learn. I am eager to get in the ring. Facing an ex-world champion in Jeff Lacy is going to be a tough test. I know he cannot be underestimated but I’m ready to go out there and give the fans what they want to see on January 30. It will be another victory and another step towards a world championship.”

Lacy, 37, made his professional debut in 2001 and remained undefeated for over five years. He is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Timothy Hall, Jr. in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida last month. “I’m looking forward to this fight with Barrera,” explained Lacy. “I am sure that by him wanting this fight with me he is too, and that is what hungers me more!” Lacy also has an impressive knockout-to-win ratio of 67% (18 of 27) so this fight is unlikely to go the distance.

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “After 14 fights, it’s time for Sullivan to start stepping up. Jeff Lacy was with Main Events early in his career. He’s a former world champion and a tough competitor. This is the right fight for Sullivan at this point in his career and an opportunity for Jeff to jump-start his own. We’re looking forward to a big year for Sullivan Barrera and it starts on January 30!”

About January 30
Presented by Main Events in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, the Jan. 30 edition of Friday Night Fights on ESPN2 and will take place at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. It features a ten-round lightweight battle between undefeated contender Karl “Dynamite” Dargan (17-0, 9 KOs) against Tony “The Lightning” Luis (18-2, 7 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Championship in the main event. The co-feature is an eight-round middleweight bout between Thomas Falowo (12-3, 8 KOs) against Russell Lamour (11-0, 5 KOs). The remaining undercard bouts will be announced shortly. Tickets are $40, $60 and $75 and available now through Foxwoods.com and the Foxwoods box office. The doors will open at 5:00 PM ET and the Friday Night Fights telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2.

FOLLOW US:
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
www.foxwoods.com
Twitter: @FoxwoodsCT
Facebook: facebook.com/Foxwoods
www.espn.com
Twitter: @ESPNBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/ESPN.FNF




Barthelemy picks up IBF Jr. lightweight Strap; Light heavyweight Savigne stops Lacy

rances-barthelemy
Miami, Florida got treated to Mike Tyson’s Judgement Day on Thursday, July 10 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and was shared around the country LIVE On FOX Sports 1.

Iron Mike celebrated his birthday week with an excellent show which staged a main event rematch between Argenis “La Tormenta” Mendez 22-3-1 (11KO) and Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy 20-0(12KO) for for Mendez’s IBF title. All night Barthelemy was content keeping the champ at jabs length offering an occasional 2 punch combination before moving into space. This kept the champ following the Cuban and creating certain pugilistic melanin for the previously fired up crowd. There was very little in-fighting and when an exchange seemed probable it was abandoned mostly by the Cuban letting Mendez off the ropes. The fight showed a little life in round 8 as the two engaged in some welcomed live boxery. Barthelemy was deducted a point in each of rounds 9 and 10 for low blows, however they did not look intentional. Barthelemy showed effort in the last round to put a tiny period at the end of a very conservative but yet successful performance. The final call was all three cards for the new champion Barthelemy. 115-111.

In January live on ESPN Barthlemy knocked out Mendez with punches illegally thrown after the bell ending the second round. Mendez’ promoter, Iron Mike Productions appealed the decision and the fight was ruled a “no contest” with the IBF mandating this rematch.

Mendez fighting out of Brooklyn, was a 2004 Dominican Republic Olympian. He had an incredible 238-13 amateur record, highlighted by a gold-medal performance at the prestigious Pan-American Games, as well as winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships. Mendez captured the IBF crown March 9, 2013, stopping defending champion Juan Carlos Salgado in the fourth round.

Warriors Boxing-promoted Barthelemy, also 28, is a former Cuban Junior National Champion who lives in Miami. He originally became Mendez’ original mandatory challenger by way of a second-round knockout of Fahsai Sakkreerin last June.

Light heavyweight Umberto “El Don” Savigne 13-1(10KO) took out a very dormant and stale Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy 26-6(18KO) in just two rounds. Lacy offered very little competition and certainly did not look like a former world champion in this WBC FECARBOX light heavyweight title bout. From round one Savigne controlled every second right until the end where Lacy sat in the corner and ate punches punches until referee Sam Burgos stepped in and saved Left Hook from a sustained beating. The miserable end came at 2:04 of round two. Humberto Savigne is a 2 time Central American Championships Gold medalist and a 2 time Pan American gold medalist as an amateur. Humberto Savigne had over 400 amateur fights coming off of a KO win over undefeated Jackson Junior on ESPN March of 2013. Savigne is the current WBA fedelatin, WBO latin and WBC fecarbox Champion..

“My kid will be the next Pay-Per-View Superstar” – this is what Mike Tyson said earlier this week of 18 year old welterweight Erickson Lubin 6-0(5KO) who stepped up in completion when he faced tough Noe Bolanos 25-10-1 (16KO). The former national amateur champion Lubin, nicknamed “The Hammer” used his long reach to keep a nice distance while often connecting with his left hand; both straight and underneath onto his veteran Mexican counterparts chin. Lubin gained great experience and rounds while efficiently out boxing the 27-year old Bolanos and often landing the Left-handed hammer. “He is the best I have seen in forty years in boxing,” commented Pedro Rogue current USA boxing coach, and former coach of the Cuban National team. All three judges scored the bout 80-72. Over the course of his ten-year professional career, Bolanos has faced numerous contenders and highly regarded prospects including Vivian Harris, Victor Cayo, Ed Paredes, Luis Ramos Jr. and Rene Gonzalez. This was a great test for the young Lubin and will show his team the areas he can improve while stepping up.

Cuban slugger Yunier Dorticos 18-0(17KO) punched his way to a unanimous decision win over a blown up Edison Miranda 35-10(30KO) who weighed in at a career high 198 pounds moving all the way up from middleweight to the Cruiserweight division. Dorticos pushed the pace from the opening bell landing solid straight rights and uppercuts. Miranda’s experience aided his survival, however he looked like a middleweight fighting a Cruiserweight in terms of size, he was able to take the big punches from the hard hitting Cuban. By the end of the tenth and final round Miranda’s face showed the beating he took from the over sized Cuban. The cards read 99-91 and 100-90 twice.

Featherweight Dennis Galarza 5-0(3KO) looked sharp with a quick dismantling of Cody “Red Rooster” Walker 1-1 with a KO at just :58 of round one by way of excellently placed ripping body shots set up beautifully by boxing’s most important punch… a stiff jab.

Light heavyweight Leo Hall 3-0(3KO) picked up another KO win at 2:33 of round one. The Detroit native Hall had Juan Ortega 1-2-1(1KO) down from two excellent straight right hands, and then finished him off after he rose from an eight count with a nice assault.

Cruiserweight Ramon Luis Nicholas was Disqualified in the first round giving the win to Dakota Dawson 3-0(2KO). Dawson rocked Nicholas in round one and in return was knocked down by two big shots and another while Dawson had his knee down disqualifying him in Round one.




MIKE TYSON: “Kovalev and Stevenson Should Stop Avoiding My Fighter”

Miami, FL (July 3, 2014) Next Thursday night, July 10, top rated light heavyweight contender HUMBERTO SAVIGNE will battle former world champion JEFF “Left Hook” LACY from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and LIVE on FOX Sports 1.

Presented by Iron Mike Productions, the Savigne/Lacy scheduled ten rounder at “JUDGMENT DAY” for the World Boxing Council (‘WBC’) Latino Light Heavyweight Title is the co-featured attraction to the highly anticipated IBF Super Featherweight Title Rematch between ARGENIS “La Tormenta” MENDEZ and RANCES “Kid Blast” BARTHELEMY.

Savigne is currently ranked # 3 by the WBC.

Boxing legend MIKE TYSON is adamant that Savigne is the future undisputed king of the light heavyweight division.

“Savigne can beat both Sergev Kovalev and Adonis Stevenson, he’s got as much power as they do but he’s also a very skilled and intelligent fighter. Boxing fans deserve the chance to see those two fight against someone who has a chance to beat them.”

Sporting a record of 12-1-0 with 9 knockouts, Savigne is on a ten bout-winning streak, having turned professional in 2009 following an illustrious amateur career for the Cuban National Team. Now based in Miami, Florida, the Tyson led charge is looking to repeat the recent success of fellow amateur standouts.

Continued Tyson, “ In just the last couple of weeks, two brilliant amateur stars have fought for world titles, Vasyl Lomachenko schooled the game but overmatched Gary Russell Jr. while Yuriorkis Gamboa stepped up in weight and was knocked out by the former United States National Amateur Champion, WBO champ Terence Crawford.”

“Savigne’s stellar amateur career was just as dominant as Lomachenko’s and Gamboa’s as well as Erislandy Lara’s and Guillermo Rigondeaux’s. His rise has been slower as he struggled for eight years to come to the United States and start a professional career. But now is clearly his time. The question is when will he get his shot at the current light heavyweight world champions who seem to prefer hand picked matchups based upon the criteria that the opponents don’t have knockout power.”

With 450 amateur fights, and recent wins over former world champion Richard Hall and undefeated contender Jackson Junior, Savigne hopes that a win over former world champion Lacy will seal the deal with the major networks and show them that he is ready to battle either Kovalev or Stevenson.

Lacy, 26-4-0 (18KO’s) has been chomping at the bit to get an opportunity to fight a top light heavyweight and is ready to try to return to the top of the rankings, fighting injury free for the first time since his loss to the long running world champion Joe Calzaghe.

“Savigne vs. Lacy promises action from the opening bell and with the card we’ve put together, boxing fans in Miami will see a card that will be talked about for years”, said Tyson.

Opening the FOX Sports 1 telecast will be the nationally televised debut of heralded and undefeated 18-year-old welterweight prospect ERICKSON “The Hammer” LUBIN clashing with Mexican veteran NOE “Platanito” BOLANOS in a scheduled eight round bout.

A sensational off-TV undercard for “JUDGMENT DAY” will be announced shortly.

For more information on “JUDGMENT DAY” please visit the website, www.IMPMIAMI.com. Advance tickets, starting at $49 may be purchased through www.Ticketmaster.com with V.I.P Ringside Table Packages also available.

The American Airlines Arena is located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, 33132. For more information, please visit their website at www.aaarena.com. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 8:00 p.m.

For additional information on Iron Mike Productions visit www.IronMikeProductions, follow on Twitter at @IronMikeProd and on Facebook at IronMikeProductionsOfficial.




Hot Light Heavyweight Prospect Sullivan Barrera Headlines Stacked Undercard on 6/21 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Hot Cuban light heavyweight prospect Sullivan Barrera (11-0, 6 KOs), who dazzled audiences at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA with his six-round unanimous decision victory over Larry Pryor on April 4, will face off against Lee “The Silverback” Campbell aka Alpha Male (7-0, 3 KOs) of Larinburg, NC in an eight-round light heavyweight battle. Campbell is also coming off a victory at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on April 4. He defeated Roberto Acevedo in an eight-round majority decision. Campbell is replacing Jeff Lacy, who was originally scheduled to take on Barrera but had to pull out due to managerial complications.

About the change of opponents the undefeated Barrera said, “I just want to fight. I am grateful that Campbell stepped in so I can keep this opportunity to fight on June 21. I am ready for whoever steps in the ring against me.” Campbell, also undefeated, replied, “I thank God for the opportunity to fight Barrera. Secondly, I want to thank Main Events for their support. I pray that all fighters exit the ring without serious injury. I am confident in my coach and team that we will give the fans a great show. I look forward to future opportunities.”

Acevedo vs. Campbell
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Another undefeated prospect, Khalib Whitmore (5-0, 4 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA is scheduled for four rounds of light heavyweight action but his opponent is still to be determined. Whitmore is coming off a second round KO over Antonio Liles on January 25, 2014 at the Sands Resort Casino in Bethlehem, PA.

Local favorite, Erik Spring (1-0), of Reading, PA and Jamil Gadsden (0-4) of Newark, NJ will meet up for four rounds of junior middleweight action. Spring made his professional debut on April 24, 2014 with a four-round majority decision victory over Lionel Charles at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA. Gadsden is looking for his first professional victory since making his professional debut in 2012.

In an all-Jersey showdown two junior middleweights will make their professional debuts. Hakeem Bryant of Middletown, NJ and Al Johnson of Vineland, NJ are scheduled to face each other for four rounds.

Smith vs. Romero
Photo Credits: Rich Graessle/Main Events
Finally, Wellington Romero (3-0, 1 KO), the undefeated light welterweight from Newburgh, NY who defeated then-undefeated Gerald Smith on March 29 at the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall on the undercard of the Kovalev-Agnew fight will return to take on Mack Babb (0-2) of Brooklyn, NY for four rounds.

Jolene Mizzone, Main Events’ matchmaker, wanted to showcase Barrera on this undercard and to include a lot of local talent, “Barrera is an up-and-coming prospect that is eager to stay busy to show he belongs in the competitive light heavyweight division. The rest of the card is packed with local boxers looking to showcase their talent in front of their hometown fans.”

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “There are six undefeated fighters on this card (two facing each other) and two pro debuts (also facing each other). Everyone is matched well. This should be incredibly exciting for the fans in attendance at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.”

About June 21:

June 21 features Anatoliy “The Gladiator” Dudchenko and Nadjib Mohammedi in a twelve-round light heavyweight bout for the #1 position in the IBF live on NBCSN Fight Night from Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The co-feature includes a ten-round fight between Philly natives Karl “Dynamite” Dargan and Anthony Flores for the USBA Atlantic Coast Region Title. The Fight Night telecast will begin at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The card is presented by Main Events and Peltz Boxing, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The undercard is subject to change. Ticket are available at ticketmaster.com or at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs box office.

NBC Sports Live Extra:

NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, and tablets – will live stream Fight Night at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on June 21.
Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” the media industry’s effort to make quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

For desktops, NBC Sports Live Extra can be accessed at NBCSports.com/liveextra. The NBC Sports Live Extra app for mobile devices and tablets is available at the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and on select Android handset and tablet devices within Google Play.

All NBC Sports Network live events live stream to PCs, mobile devices and tablets through NBC Sports Live Extra, and to the digital platforms of participating cable, satellite, and telco services, via “TV Everywhere,” which is available on an authenticated basis to subscribers of participating MVPDs.

FOLLOW US:

Official Hashtag: #FightNight
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
Facebook: facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing
www.nbcsports.com
Twitter: @NBCSN
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NBCSports
www.peltzboxing.com
Twitter: @PeltzBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/PeltzBoxing
mohegansunpocono.com
Twitter: @mspocono




JEFF LACY RETURNS WITH THIRD ROUND STOPPAGE

jeff_lacy_short
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (December 1, 2013) Former world champion Jeff “LEFT HOOK” Lacy returned to action following an almost three year layoff with a stunning third round knockout of Martin Verdin at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The stoppage improving Lacy’s record to 26-4-0 (18KO’s) came at the 1:19 mark of the third stanza as Verdin’s corner advised the referee to stop the carnage in the scheduled eight round light heavyweight clash.

The full fight video can be viewed at the link below;

Utilizing a full array of his arsenal including his vaunted left hook, Lacy was satisfied with his victory.

“It felt great to be back under the lights and fighting in front of a crowd” said Lacy of the packed house at the World Fighting Championship’s promotion.

“There was some rust but that was to be expected, but I’m 100% healthy and I’m happy with my timing and my ability to put punches together in space.”

About his future Lacy stated, “I’ve got a plan to follow towards becoming a world champion again. Give me one or two more fights at this level than I’ll be ready for a top 20 guy.”

Lacy’s return was contested at the light heavyweight limit but the 2004 U.S. Olympian indicated a return to the super middleweight division would be in his future.

With the loss, veteran Verdin moved to 20-17-2 (11KO’s).

In undercard action Travis Scott improved to 16-0-0 (4KO’s) with a fifth round stoppage (1:32) over Donald Clark, 2-7-0 (1KO) in a scheduled eight round middleweight battle.

In the super middleweight division, Justin Thomas improved to 7-0-0 (5KO’s) with a third round stoppage (1:13) of Anthony Bowman, 10-48-2 (2KO’s).

At the weight limit of 151lbs., Regis Prograis, 7-0-0 (5KO’s), stopped Miguel Alvarez, 4-10-1 (3KO’s), at the 2:59 mark of the third round.

Rounding out the card, Desmond “Body Shot” Brock, 5-2-0 (3KO’s) won a four round unanimous over John Revish, 10-8-2 (8KO’s) in the welterweight division.

For more information on WFC (World Fighting Championships), please visit their website at www.WorldFightingChampionships.com




JEFF “LEFT HOOK” LACY RETURNS NOVEMBER 30 IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

jeff_lacy_short
BATON ROUGE, LA (November 19, 2013) Former world champion Jeff “Left Hook Lacy will return to the ring on Saturday, NOVEMBER 30 against battle-tested veteran Martin Verdin in a scheduled eight round super middleweight clash at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Advance tickets for “Battle at the Belle/WFC 15” priced at $50 for Ringside and $25 for General Admission can be purchased by calling (530) 521-5807 or through World Fighting Championships (WFCFights.com). VIP Tables are also available for advance purchase.

The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino is located at 103 France Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802. Doors on the night of the event will open at 7pm with the first bell at 8pm.

“I’m anxious to get back in the ring,” said Lacy. “I’ve been training diligently for this fight and see this as the first step to becoming a world champion again.”

“We’re very excited to promote Jeff’s return to the ring. He’s been training for the last few months in Florida and is in excellent shape. The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino is a perfect location for his return and their team has been a pleasure to work with on this event,” said Matt McGovern of World Fighting Championships.

Fighting out of his longtime home of St. Petersburg, Florida, Lacy, 25-4-0 (17KO’s), returns following an almost three-year layoff, which commenced after his disappointing loss to Dhafir Smith on DECEMBER 11, 2010.

Upset minded local fan favorite Verdin, 20-16-2 (11KO’s), will be fighting for the fifth time in 2013 (2-1-1). He comes off a decision win over Rayford Johnson on October 5 in Louisiana.

Lacy won the world title on October 2, 2004 by knocking out Syd Vanderpool in Las Vegas and defended it four times while becoming one of the sport’s biggest stars.

A member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team, Lacy compiled a record of 209-12 as a highly decorated amateur.

A full undercard for “Battle at the Belle/WFC 15” will be announced shortly.

For more information on WFC (World Fighting Championships), please visit their website at www.WorldFightingChampionships.com

Further information and directions for The Belle of Baton Rouge Casino can be located at www.BelleofBatonRouge.com




Jeff Lacy Signs to Fight MMA Champion Nick Diaz


May 6, 2011 – The hottest fighter in the mixed martial arts landscape right now is Stocktons own, Nick Diaz. He is currently riding an 11-fight win streak and has been mentioned as a potential super-fight candidate to face-off against UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre at the end of 2011.

Due to the structuring of Diaz’s contract with MMA outfit, Strikeforce, he is in a unique position where he can contractually pursue a professional boxing career in addition to his mixed-martial arts title reign.

While rumors of opponents such as former champions Fernando Vargas and Roy Jones Jr. have been floated around, neither mans team have yet solidified a contract with the young champion.

A few moments ago, former IBF super-middleweight champion & devastating knockout artist, Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy, officially signed on the dotted line to square off against Diaz in the Fall of 2011.

Lacy possesses the type of dangerous punching power in both hands that can end the double digit win streak of the rugged Northern California champion.

Don Chargin states, “This is a very dangerous fight for both men. Not only is this fight dangerous but stylistically it is very intriguing. I expected more resistance from fight fans and media in regards to this match-up but its amazing as to the hundreds of calls and e-mails I’ve received from fans on both sides wanting to see this match-up take place. I’ve received more than a few inquiries from some other very high-profile boxers that want to step up and fight Nick. Its been a real whirlwind.”

Chargin continues, “I’ve been around boxing for quite some time and I’ve seen a lot of great, tough fighters in my six decades within the sport. I believe that if Nick had been one of those kids who had picked up boxing from a youth, he’d undoubtedly be a world-champion today. Sometime within the next 2 weeks I’ll be personally making the trek to Cesar Gracies gym to setup a private, closed door sparring session between Nick and a few nameless top-level contenders I have in mind.”

Can Jeff Lacy refocus his career to regain the once promising glory that lingered at his fingertips just a few short years back?

Can Nick Diaz’s granite chin withstand the devastating punching power of arguably the hardest punching 168-pound fighter on the planet?

These questions will definitely be answered before the end of 2011 as the fight titled, “Breaking History” is fairly self-explanatory.