MONTREAL (March 28, 2023) — Canadian Heavyweight Champion Alexis Barrière (9-0-0, 7KO) Returns to the ring on April 20 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montreal. His opponent, 34-year-old Mike Marshall (6-4-1, 4KO), of Danbury, Connecticut, is the reigning New England Heavyweight Champion.

Barrière returns to the ring just one month after a brilliant points victory on March 18 against Zamig Atakishiyev (8-1-1, 6KO), of Azerbaijan. Barrière, 27, a former member of Canada’s National Team, has been the most active boxer in the country for the past two years. Despite the COVID pandemic and the slowdown in activities, April 20^th will be his 10th fight in his 25- month pro career.

This event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu in collaboration with Bell Media.

“I am extremely impressed by Alexis’ development and progress over the past 2 years,” said GYM President Yvon Michel. “We are happy with this collaboration with New Era for the promotion of Alexis’ fights and I thank Yan Pellerin and Peter George for their trust. Alexis Barrière is a skilled, young heavyweight with strong fundamentals and superior ring intelligence. He has everything it takes to become a very big popular star.”

A total of 6 fights will be presented. fresh off his most dazzling career win last month over Francy Ntetu (17-5-0, 4KOs). light heavyweight Terry Osias (11-0-0, 5KOs) will be showcased in the co-feature, The 36-year-old Osias, who will be fighting his 10th fight at the Casino de Montréal, had to put his career on hold for more than a year, drawing on his great determination and profound resources to overcome a serious illness. Now, totally recovered and more resolute than ever, he intends to make up for lost time.

Undefeated flyweight Alexas “Iron Lady” Kubicki (6-0-0, 0KO), 19 years old only and already world ranked IBF #4, WBO #10, and WBC #14, is in an eight-round Special Female Attraction. The gifted southpaw has had an impressive career to date. In her last 2 fights, she has already registered 10-round victories against former world champions Isabel Millan (29-9-2, 9KO) and Maria Salinas (25-9-6, 7KO), both hailing from Mexico.

Also in action is veteran Yan Pellerin (13-2-0, 5KO), who  once again trades his status as a promoter for that of a boxer. This ever-popular former NABO Light Heavyweight Champion will face 27–year-old Mexican Alexis Olmos (7-4-0, 3KOs) in a 6-round clash.

Also on the program are light heavyweight Petar Gavrilovic (5-0-0, 1KO) and the explosive Kevin Menoche (7-0-0, 5KO).

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.ca, on the www.groupeyvonmichel.ca website, or by contacting GYM directly at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

Without advertising interruptions, will be available in French and English on the www.GYMboxe.tv platform for the modest sum of $29.99.

Card subject to change.

#GroupeYM #BarriereMarshall #CabaretduCasino

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ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):  

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 166 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.

BENSALEM, PA–Popular heavyweight Joey Dawejko stopped Mike Marshall in round four of their scheduled six-round bout at The Xcite Center inside Parx Casino.

In round two, Dawejko uncorked a wicked left hook that hit Marshall square in the right side of his head, and he fell on his back. Dawejko landed hard body shots with both hands.

Just after the 10-second clap in round four, Dawejko landed another quick and powerful left hook that sent Marshall down for a second time. Marshall struggled to his feet and the referee Eric Dali waved the fight off at the 3:00 mark.

Dawejko, 261.7 lbs of Philadelphia is now 22-10-4 with 13 knockouts. Marshall, 251.7 lbs of Danbury, CT is 6-4-1.

Daiyaan Butt won a six-round unanimous decision over Tyrone Luckey in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Luckey began to bleed from his nose.

Butt, 141.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 11-2. Luckey, 140.2 lbs of Galloway, NJ is 15-18-4

Nelson Morales won a five-round technical split decision over Christopher Burgos in a super lightweight.

The bout was stopped at 2:45 of round five as Burgos was unable to continue to due to an accidental headbutt.

Morales, 140.9 lbs of Scranton, PA is 3-1. Burgos, 142 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-6-2.

Soslan Alborov and Brendan O’Callaghan battled to a spirited four-round majority draw in a middleweight fight.

Scores were 40-36 for O’Callaghan and 38-38 twice.

O’Callaghan, 155.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-1-1. Alborov, 154.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1-1,

Bryce Mills won a four-round unanimous decision over Carlos Marrero in a super lightweight bout.

Mills, 142 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 9-1. Marrero, 142 lbs of Bridgeport, PA is 3-8.

Tyler Zwicharowski made a successful pro debut by stopping Andre Hinmon in round three of their four-round middleweight contest.

In round three, Zwicharowski battered Hinmon all over the ring until he put him down with a right hand. Zwicharowski was all over Hinmon that forced referee Shawn Clark to stop the bout at 1:18.

Zwicharowski, 162.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0 with one knockout. Hinmon, 166 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-2.

In a battle of pro debuting super featherweights, Devin Gantt stopped Tajiro Arakawa in round three of their four-round bout.

In round three, Gantt hurt Arakawa with a combination and he dropped him face-first with a hard left hand. Referee Eric Dali waved it off at 44 seconds.

Gantt, 126.3 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Arakawa, 128.7 lbs of New York, NY is 0-1.

Everlon Still won a four round unanimous decision over Derrick Vann in a super middleweight bout.

Still, 169.5 lbs of Voorhees, NJ won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 2-2. Vann, 166.5 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 2-5.

Joey Dawejko (21-10-4, 12 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will be headlining an eight-round heavyweight contest against Mike Marshall (6-3-1, 4 KOs), of Danbury, CT, at Parx Casino on Thursday, Sept 1.

Dawejko was at a crossroads in his career and contemplated retirement. He was trying to figure out the next phase of his life after boxing. Dawejko worked as a roofer back in the day, but decided it was time for him to be on the other side of the business and own his own roofing company. That led to him opening Tank’s Knockout Roofing, which has been a great success since starting earlier this year.

Tickets to the seven-bout card at Parx® are on sale now at:

https://www.axs.com/events/441129/xcite-fight-night-8-tickets?skin=parxcasino,

Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

This card will be streamed by FloSports via the web, the FloSports mobile app (iOS and Android), or connected TV platforms such as AppleTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio and others – for as little as $12.50 per month. Fight fans can subscribe with a monthly or annual membership today at https://www.flocombat.com/ to be ready for a full schedule of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE events in 2022.

One would think that owning your own company would be harder than having a day job, but Dawejko would disagree. “So early in my career, I was a roofer and I was working for somebody, and being out on the roof working 8-12 hours a day was a rough one. Now that I own my own company, it is a little different being able to rely on someone else to get the work done and stuff like that and me being able to train is a lot different. Having my own company and being able to do that is great.” Dawejko said.

This upcoming fight at Parx Casino on Thursday, Sept 1 will be a big fight for Dawejko. “This upcoming fight honestly, I’m trying to prove to myself that I am still worth it and I still have what it takes to go out and perform to my abilities and my expectations. Really this is a fight for me where I know that I am still hungry, and I know I still want to do this and that is what I want to prove to myself.” Daweijko still has the hunger and wants to see if he still has what it takes to make one more push to become a contender.

Dawejko has fought all over the world but there is nothing like fighting in Philadelphia in front of his hometown fans. He enjoyed the experience of fighting in countries like Russia and Germany, but hearing screaming fans that are there to see him gives him more motivation.

“You walk out, and your song starts playing and you just have this like tunnel vision walking to the ring. It is a great feeling. It’s something else and not everyone can experience that. “

ADDITIONAL Q&A

What pushed you to start a roofing company?

“So honestly I was ready to retire from boxing and then Russell Peltz called me and worked it out where we would fight at home and back in front of my friends and family. I was looking for the next phase of my life after boxing because boxing has been my life full time for the past eight years. It was the right time for me financially and I wasn’t really worried about anything else. After talking to Russell, it got me back into boxing.”

How has becoming a roofer affected your boxing career?

“Back then it was tough because I was working so much and I wasn’t able to make it to the gym, but a few months ago my trainer, Mike Weaver, called and said listen we got this gym up here and why don’t you start coming in to stay loose. I decided to try it out. He was a fighter back in the day and he’s a little older than me but I kind of grew up with him but it could help me out and help him out with me being in the gym. I said I am going to go into the gym but not treat it as a fight that’s kind of where my motivation was to get to the gym. If I was treating this as a fight I would have felt like I had enough of this. So now it’s different I was just going in working out and now that a possibility for a fight coming it worked out perfectly. I was already in good enough shape where I can work out and get ready for the fight so it was perfect timing for me because I was going to the gym and stuff like that”

Highlighted on Joe Hand Promotions’ Labor Day Weekend Fight Card:

In a four-round middleweight bout, Soslan Alborov (0-1), of Philadelphia, PA, will take on Brendan O’Callaghan (2-1, 1 KO), also from Philadelphia, PA.

Lightweight fighter Bryce Mills (8-1, 4 KOs), of Liverpool, NY, returns to Philadelphia to face Carlos Marrero (3-7-3), of Bridgeport, CT, in a four-round super lightweight bout.

Daiyaan Butt (10-2, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will be competing against Tyrone Luckey (15-17-4, 11 KOs), of Galloway, NJ, in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Devin Gantt of Sicklerville, NJ will make his pro debut in a four-round lightweight bout against Taijiro Arakawa of New York, NY who is also making his pro debut.

Also making his debut is Tyler Zwicharowski of Philadelphia, PA competing in a four-round middleweight fight against Andre Hinmon (0-1) of Philadelphia, PA.

Derrick Vann (2-4) of Philadelphia, PA will face Everlon Still (1-2) of Voorhees, NJ in a four-round super middleweight bout.

Christopher Burgos (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, Pa will square off against Nelson Morales (2-1) of Scranton, PA in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/390007, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Veteran heavyweight fighter Joey Dawejko (21-10-4, 12 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will make a triumphant return to the ring Thursday, September 1 at 7 pm when he steps through the ropes at Parx Casino in an eight-round bout against Mike Marshall (6-3-1, 4 KOs) out of Danbury, CT. Dawejko, for training purposes, has been a sparring partner for former WBO/WBA/IBF world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua.

Dawejko continues to challenge himself in boxing while owning his own roofing company.

“There is no other better way to start your Labor Day weekend than with some great boxing at such a great venue as Parx Casino,” said Joe Hand, Jr. about our upcoming fight card.

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://www.parxcasino.com, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404), or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

In a four-round middleweight bout, Soslan Alborov (0-1) out of Philadelphia, PA will take on Brendan O’Callaghan (2-1, 1 KO), also from Philadelphia, PA.

Highlighted in separate bouts on Joe Hand Promotions Labor Day weekend fight card:

Daiyaan Butt (10-2, 5 KOs) out of Philadelphia, PA will be returning in a six-round super lightweight bout.

2014 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion Karl Wylie (1-0) out of Coatesville, PA will be returning to the ring in a four-round lightweight contest.

PHILADELPHIA–Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Mike Marshall in front of a capacity crowd at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia.

The show was promoted by Joe Hand Promotions.

Conto dominated the fight as he was able to land hard shots to the head and body. He was very effective with his jab that eventually set up some nice straight rights and left hook to the body. Marshall showed a good chin, but was never able to get any consistent offense of his own on-track.

Conto, 226.1 lbs of Philadelphia won by shutout margins of 60-54 on all cards is 9-0. Marshall, 248.8 lbs of Danbury, CT is 6-3-1.

In a crowd pleasing slugfest, Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Daiyaan Butt in a super lightweight battle.

In round one, Mills was cut on the left side of the forehead from an apparent headbutt.

In round six, Butt was cut badly over his right eye.

Mills, 141.9 lbs of Liverpool, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice to raise his mark to 8-1. Butt, 143.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-2.

Carlos Marrero won a six-round unanimous decision over Christopher Burgos in a super lightweight bout.

Marrero, 136.2 lbs of Bridgeport, CT won on all cards by 58-56 scores and is now 3-6-3. Burgos, of North Philadelphia is 3-5-1.

D’Angelo Fuentes remained undefeated with a six-round majority decision over Justice Bland in a featherweight bout.

Fuentes, 123.8 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 to remain perfect at 7-0. Bland, 126 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 5-2.

Eslih Owusu remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Evincii Dixon in a super welterweight fight.

Owusu, 155 lbs Worcester, MA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 7-0. Dixon, 155.2 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 10-28-2.

Jordon Murphy won a four-round unanimous decision over Nasir Mickens in a lightweight battle featuring undefeated fighter.

Mickens came storming out but was continuously picked apart by Murphy. Murphy, who is from Deerfield Beach, Florida but has a lot of roots in Bensalem, and it showed and was heard by a large throng of fans who came out to support him

Murphy, 128.8 lbs of Bansalem, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Mickens, 129.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-1.

Quadeer Jenkins destroyed Rahiem Cooke in the opening round of their four-round middleweight fight.

Jenkins was all over Cooke, hurting with him with the first punch and was was relentless until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight 64 seconds into the contest.

Jenkins, 159.5 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 1-2 with one knockout. Cooke, 158.3 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-2.

New York (February 24, 2022) – TONIGHT at Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia, undefeated heavyweight Sonny Conto returns to action when he takes on Mike Marshall in a six-round bout just a few blocks from his Philadelphia residence as headlines in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Conto, who turned 26 on February 12th, has a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts, will be making the 6th start in his hometown, and is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Joel Caudle on November 18th in the same Live! Casino ring.

Conto, who is managed by Split-T Management, is promoted by Top Rank.

Marshall of Danbury, Connecticut is 6-2-1 with four knockouts. The 33 year-old Marshall has a win over Justin Rolfe (4-1-1). The seven year-pro is coming off a defeat to Victor Faust on October 9, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Conto weighed 226.1 lbs. Marshall was 248.8 lbs.

The bout can be seen on flocombat.com

PHILADELPHIA (January 25, 2022)—South Philadelphia heavyweight fighter Sonny Conto (8-0, 7KOs) puts his impressive undefeated streak on the line against Mike Marshall (6-2-1, 4 KOs) of Danbury, CT, in a six-round heavyweight fight at The Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel in Philadelphia, on Thursday, February 24th at 7 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday January 28th at 10am starting at $50, $75 and $125 and can be found at Philadelphia.livecasinhotel.com, AXS.com or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

In his previous sold out fight at Live! in November 2021, Conto scored a third-round knockout in front of the loud supportive hometown crowd.

Marshall is a veteran of the sport making his debut in 2015 and is coming into enemy territory trying to bounce back from a tough loss on the Wilder vs Fury 3 undercard.

Super lightweights Daiyaan Butt (10-1, 5KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA and Bryce Mills (7-1, 4KO’s) of Liverpool, NY will battle six rounds where Butt will look to extend his three fight winning streak.

Another highlight on the card is lightweight Jordon Murphy (1-0, 1KO) of Bensalem, PA will be making his second professional appearance competing in a four round bout.

The card will also feature super featherweight Frankie Trader (13-2-1, 3KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA competing in a six round contest. Trader will look to continue to climb the ranks, as he has won 3 straight bouts since making his return from a four and a half year layoff and reuniting with his head trainer Aaron Ford.

Super lightweights Christopher Burgos (3-4-1, 1KO) of Philadelphia, PA will battle Phillip Davis (2-5-1) in a six round bout. Burgos won his last fight in an all-out war in a rematch against Gerardo Martinez and will look to build on that win to gain some momentum.

Rounding out the card will be Gerardo Martinez (5-2, 1KO) of Coatesville, PA going against Seifullah Jihad Wise (4-8, 1KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a six round bout.

For press credentials contact Bam McCloskey at Brittany@JoeHandPromotions.com.

About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has transformed the South Philadelphia Stadium District into a nationally unrivaled one-stop destination to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, well-appointed hotel accommodations and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms that are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, over 2,100 slots and electronic table games, and 150 live action table games, including a dedicated poker room. New dining and entertainment options include the Zagat-rated #1 steakhouse The Prime Rib®; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and Guy’s Burger Joint; Philadelphia-favorites Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, Termini Bros. Bakery and Sang Kee Noodle Bar & Kitchen; Morty’s Deli and Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The property offers more than 15,000-square-feet of customizable meeting and event space, as well as ample, secure parking. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia was developed and remains owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies,?the premier developer of Live!?dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit?Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – @livecasinophl

QUINCY, Mass. (September 28, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced that New England heavyweight champion “Fly” Mike Marshall will fight on the high-profile October 9th Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III FOX pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 33-year-old Marshall (6-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, will take on undefeated Ukrainian prospect Victor Vykhrryst (aka Faust) in an 8-round bout

“This fight means everything to me,” Marshall said. “I’ve worked for this my whole life. To have this opportunity to showcase what I can do as a fighter is incredible. I signed with Chris (Granite State Promotions president Chris Traietti) after the (Steve) Vukosa fight (10-round split draw, this past June) and he’s really come through.

“I’m not the type of person to shy away from an opportunity like this that he gave me. I saw that he had gotten other fighters in big fights. Promoters like Chris don’t get the credit that they deserve. Fighters need good promoters and management teams like I have. At the end of the day, we need fights and to get paid.”

“Fighters like Mike represent how I want to build Granite Chin,” Traietti commented. “I want all my fighters (and most do) to have what I call the 3A mentality….anyone, anytime, anywhere…just pay us accordingly. Most promoters want to keep their guys in this tiny bubble making scraps. That’s boring, short sighted and creates a low ceiling. I want to sharpen my fighters up at home but then we go on the road to see what we got and make damn good money in the process.

“Mike didn’t even hesitate at this fight. He saw the opportunity and did what real fighters do, step up to the plate and get ready to go to bat. I appreciate the credit he throws my way, but he did the heavy lifting, he took the fights that me and his management team told him. This wasn’t an easy road for him. He had to take on some tough fighters and now he’s getting his just reward. In a few weeks it won’t just be the New England fight crowd that knows about ‘Fly’ Mike.”

Vykhryst, 29, will be making his United States debut as a professional against Marshall. A decorated amateur boxer, he won gold medals at the 2017 European Championships and 2019 European Games. The 6’ 5”, 235-pound Vykhryst, who has fought in Germany the past two years, is coming off victories against unbeaten opponents, 11-0 Jacek Krzysztof Piatek (KO1) and Wilmer Vasquez (11-0-2).

“He’s a big right-hander,” Marshall noted. “He has had experience fighting in the WSB (World Series of Boxing – 3-1), too. A fight is a fight and I’m not saying anything before our fight. I’ll show what I have during the fight.”

What could an impressive victory against Vykhryst, especially on the Fury-Wilder III platform, do for Marshall and his career?

Marshall responded: “Wow! More opportunities will open up with a win against this guy on this card. I think the floodgates will open. I’m so excited to be living out my dream. Most people don’t know I was an amateur for 10 years and we didn’t get paid. I’ve sacrificed a lot to get here. Somebody once told me: ‘Life isn’t about what you want, it’s about what you are. I can’t run, I’m answering the call.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @FkyMikeMarshall

DERRY, N.H. (August 29, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall dominated Jose “Olympico” Corral from start to finish, headlining last night’s “The Come Up” professional card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center, in Derry, New Hampshire.

An amateur card at night completed the day-night doubleheader, highlighted by three championship matches of the inaugural Granite Chin Invitational.

“This was a crucial set-up fight for Mike, who it appears will be fighting on the Fury-Wilder III card against,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “We hope to sign a contract next week. This was a big fight for Quintan Sumpter as well. We’ll find out next week, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. Despite this being a smaller Granite Chin show, implications were bigger, and Quinton may be fighting on Fury-Wilder III, too.

“The start to the Granite Chin Invitational wasn’t ideal, but we ended up with some good amateur boxers from New England. It takes time to build just like Granite Chin. I’m going to keep at it until I make this the marquee amateur tournament in New England.”

In a non-title fight, Marshall concentrated on a body attack early and often to wear down his tough Mexican opponent Corral (20-27, 12 KOs). The constantly learning Marshall, fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, worked 10 invaluable rounds in terms of his relatively young boxing career, winning a shutout decision (100 X 3, Corral penalized 1 point for hitting behind the head)

In the co-featured event, welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (6-0, 5 KOs) dazzled once again, methodically breaking down Dewayne Wisdom (7-59-2, 3 KOs), until the ending came by knockout via a single punch in round two.

In a battle of Springfield (MA) light heavyweights, Laurent Humes (2-0, 2 KOs) used stiff jabs and crisp counters to drop Jesus Cintron twice in the opening round, the final time with a body shot, for an impressive technical knockout win.

Light heavyweight Steve Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO), whose older brother Quinton fought one fight prior to his, flashed his skills from his southpaw stance, flooring Tahlik Taylor (3-19-1, 1 KO) twice in the opening round, the latter time ending the fight with a straight left to Taylor’s nose.

2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion Quinton Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut, landing a strong right cross that knocked out heavyweight Gabriel Aguilar (0-1) in the first round.

In his professional debut, lanky middleweight Jamer Jones (1-0, 1KO) effectively used his decisive height and reach advantage, decking Carlos Galindo (1-18) three times in round one, and he closed the show in the second with a sweet left hook.

Undefeated heavyweight Dennis Nolan (3-0, 3 KOs) registered a one-punch knockout of Andre Nolan (0-2) late in the opening round.

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (3-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, landing one powerful right hand that left Jader Alves (0-12) leg-less and in trouble, when the referee waved-off the fight in the fourth round.

Cruiserweight Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro debut against a game Scott “Scotty Bombs” Lampert (2-3, 2 KOs), stopping him with one-second remaining in the third round.

Promising middleweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Baton Raton (F), floored Aquilano Brandao (0-7) four times en route to a first round technical knockout victory. Castro, who grew up in Lawrence (MA), dedicated the fight to his childhood friend, U.S. Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario, who died in the recent Afghanistan bombing.

Light heavyweight Jeff Esposito (1-0) won a 4-round split decision against Hiram Aponte (0-1) in a battle of pro debut fighters.

Local fan favorite “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (2-1, 1 KO) simply overwhelmed lightweight Brandon Ruffin (0-6), battering him to the canvas with a flurry of punches, and closing the show moments later with an overhand right midway through round one.

Two-time World cruiserweight title challenger Junior “Hurricane” Wright (18-4-1, 15 KOs) opened the afternoon segment of the doubleheader with a first-round technical knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino. Wright connected on a perfectly placed left hook to Trevino’s chin.

Three Granite Chin Invitational Champions Crowned

The Granite Chin Invitational, sanctioned by USA Boxing, winners were lightweight Jaydell Pazmino, welterweight Apostolus Lolas, and middleweight Wade Faria. Six non-tournament matches were also held.

QUINCY, Mass. (August 17, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall has the right attitude as he prepares to headline “The Come Up” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on August 28th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

“The Come Up’ is the name of the professional card being held during the afternoon session of a day-night doubleheader, separate admissions. The championship final of the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” will headline the evening portion of Pro-Am doubleheader.

Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury (CT), who was supposed to fight on the Fury-Wilder III card July 24 in Las Vegas, which was postponed until October 9th due to members of Fury’s camp contracting COVID-19. Instead of playing things safe, avoiding risk and waiting to hear if he’ll be fighting on the rescheduled Tyson-Wilder III PPV, Marshall is fighting Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-27, 12 KOs), in the August 28th 10-round, non-title fight main event.

“I was super excited to be on Fury-Wilder III so I could show everybody what I am capable of,” Marshall remembered. “When I heard Tyson had COVID and the fight was postponed, it disappointed me, but I got that opportunity and figure others will be coming. I stayed in the gym. I’m very happy Chris (promoter Traietti) got me on the card in the first place.

“This is the hurt business and I’m not one of those guys afraid of a challenge. I’m a fighter. The opportunity came up for this fight and I took it. I’m not one to sit at home waiting for a call. This is what I get paid to do. I’m focused on my job and not concerned about the uncontrollable.”

Marshall has won three fights in a row, all at the same venue as his August 28th fight, including his New England title-winning performance last November, when he took a unanimous 8-round decision from defending N.E. heavyweight champion Justin Rolfe. In his most recent fight this past June, Marshal fought 13-1-1 Steve Vukosa to a 10-round draw, for the vacant NABA – USA crown.

“Winning the New England title meant a lot to be because it’s my first as a pro,” Marshall added. “A lot of people thought that he’d win, and he was the defending champ. I went in there and did what I had to do and took home the belt.

“I proved that I could go 10 hard rounds with a veteran like Steve. A lot of guys on TV can’t do that. I thought I won, but he’s a veteran who is well known up there. I took care of business and imposed my will on him. Steve is a good guy; I gave him a lot of respect. I watched his training wars with James Toney.”

Rising New England prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), an undefeated welterweight from Holyoke (MA), is matched against 57-fight veteran Dewayne Wisdom in the 6-round co-featured event.

The Sumpter brothers from Pittsfield (MA), light heavyweight Steve (1-0, 1 KO) and pro-debuting heavyweight Quintin, will be in action in 4-round matches. Steve faces Tahlik Taylor and 2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion Quinn faces Wallace Nass Silva (0-1).

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Lynn, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura vs. Andrew Nolan (0-1), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Florida middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (4-0, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (0-1), Springfield’s pro-debuting middleweight Jamer Jones, Niagara Falls junior middleweight Anthony Leaks (17-7, 7 KOs), and Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

The championship finals of the “Granite Chin Invitational,” sanctioned by USA Boxing, with five title matches will highlight the all-amateur evening card featuring some of future New England future champions.

The most celebrated amateur in the finals, welterweight Arika Skkog (Nonantum Boxing Club), is the reigning USA Boxing Elite National champion, as well as a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. In the championship match, she will meet dangerous Emily Jones (Everybody Fights Rock), of Woburn (MA).

Nashua (NH) middleweight Mike Fontanez (Nashua PAL), a 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves Champion and 2-time USA Boxing Nationals silver medalist, takes on Portland’s (ME) Wade Faria (Portland Boxing Club).

Framingham (MA) welterweight Kenny Larson (Nonantum Boxing Club) is matched against faces Manchester’s (NH) Apostolus Lolas (Nashua PAL), Lawrence (MA) lightweight Jaydell Pazmino (Thrive Boxing) meets Worcester’s (MA) Jonathan Cortez (Worcester Boys & Girls Club), and Meriden (CT) featherweight Diego “King” Bengochea battles Framingham’s (MA) Fran Scata (Nonantum Boxing Club).

Matches subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $35.00 (general admission, $45.00 ringside) and $240.00 for a ringside table of four for Day Show / $25.00 (general admission) and $35.00 (ringside) for the Night Show. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Come Up (day show) and Granite Chin Invitational Finals (night show).

Doors open at 1 p.m. ET (day) and 7 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

QUINCY, Mass. (August 9, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall will headline “The Come Up” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on August 28th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

“The Come Up’ is the name of the professional card held during the afternoon session of a day-night doubleheader, separate admissions. The championship final of the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” will headline the evening portion of Pro-Am doubleheader.

Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury (CT), who was supposed to fight on the Fury-Wilder III card July 24 in Las Vegas, which was postponed until October 9th due to members of Fury’s camp contracting COVID-19.

Marshall will face his Mexican opponent, Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-27, 12 KOs), in the 10-round, non-title fight main event. Marshall is coming off a hard fought, 10-round draw with 13-1-1 Steve Vukosa, proving “Fly” is more than capable of fighting a proven veteran in a 10-rounder. Marshall is 2-0-1 in his last three fights, each at the New England Sports Center.

One of the brightest prospects in New England, Holyoke (MA) welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), is matched against 57-fight veteran Dewayne Wisdom in the 6-round co-featured event. Whitley is a member of Western Massachusetts’ first boxing family, cornered by highly respected former boxers Derrick and Darren, respectively, Denzel’s father and uncle. Denzel carries on the “Double Impact” nickname his father and uncle used during their pro careers.

The Sumpter brothers from Pittsfield (MA), light heavyweight Steve (1-0, 1 KO) and pro-debuting heavyweight Quintin, are slated to be in 4-round matches. Steve faces Tahlik Taylor, while Quinn, the 2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion, faces Wallace Nass Silva (0-1).

“It will be nice to get one final show in Derry to close out a very successful 2021 at the New England Sports Center,” promoter Chris Traietti said. “On August 28th, we are going to highlight some of the brightest amateurs in the area and during the day, we are showcasing some of the best up and coming pros in New England. A guy like Mike Marshall is on the cusp of landing a huge fight on the national stage. Then there are fighters like Denzel who have been on the fast track to making a name for himself, and 2022 will be a breakout year for him. On top of that, fans will get to see Carlos Castillo, both Sumpter brothers and much more. It will be a fitting way to complete 2021 in Derry, but we will no doubt be back at the Sports Center in the spring of 2022.”

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Lynn, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura vs. Andrew Nolan (0-1), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Florida middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (3-0, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (0-1), Springfield’s pro-debuting middleweight Jamer Jones, Niagara Falls junior middleweight Anthony Leaks (17-7, 7 KOs), and Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

Five weight classes in the championship finals of the “Granite Chin Invitational,” sanctioned by USA Boxing, are scheduled at night featuring some of future New England future champions.

Welterweight Arika Skkog (Nonantum Boxing Club) is the most celebrated amateur in the finals having captured a gold medal at last year’s USA Boxing Elite National Championships, as well as being a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. She faces Emily Jones (Everybody Fights Rock), of Woburn (MA), in the championship match.

Nashua (NH) middleweight Mike Fontanez (Nashua PAL) squares off against Portland’s (ME) Wade Faria (Portland Boxing Club). Fontanez is a 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves Champion and 2-time USA Boxing Nationals silver medalist.

Framingham (MA) welterweight Kenny Larson (Nonantum Boxing Club) faces Manchester’s (NH) Apostolus Lolas (Nashua PAL), while Lawrence (MA) lightweight Jaydell Pazmino (Thrive Boxing) meets Worcester’s (MA) Jonathan Cortez (Worcester Boys & Girls Club), and Meriden (CT) featherweight Diego “King” Bengochea fights Framingham’s (MA) Fran Scata (Nonantum Boxing Club).

Matches subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $35.00 (general admission, $45.00 ringside) and $240.00 for a ringside table of four for Day Show / $25.00 (general admission) and $35.00 (ringside) for the Night Show. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Come Up (day show) and Granite Chin Finals (night show).

Doors open at 1 p.m. ET (day) and 7 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

DERRY, N.H. (June 26, 2021) –- “Breakout” main event fighters Steve “The Gentle Giant Vukosa and “Fly” Mike Marshall battled to a 10-round Granite Chin Promotions doubleheader last night, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

Granite promoted another day-night doubleheader, including a Pro-Am card during the afternoon sessions, highlighted by the semifinals of the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational, featuring some of New England’s top amateur boxers.”

The ageless Vukosa (13-1-1, 5 KOs), a former WBC U.S. heavyweight title holder, and Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), the reigning New England heavyweight champion, battled to a 10-round draw and the NABA United States title they fought for remains vacant.

It was clearly a difficult fight to judge as evident by the wide range of judges’ scoring: 99-91 for Marshall, 97-93 in favor of Vukosa, and 95-95.

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Vukosa and Marshall (back)

“We had a dynamic day and night,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said. “During the day, we had some of the top amateurs in New England and some local pros. At night, we had a packed house and entertaining fights. Although scorecards in the main event may not have reflected the fight, I don’t argue with the outcome, only the way we got there. I’ll talk to Steve and Mike and ask them if they want to fight again on our August 28th card. I’m not sure if Steve wants to continue fighting and Mike may be offered a bigger fight. We’ll talk soon and find out.”

In the co-featured event, former New England heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (6-2-1, 4 KOs) outworked his Mexican opponent, Jose Humbert “Olimpico” Corral (20-27, 12 KOs) from the opening bell to win a decisive 8-round unanimous decision for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

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New ABF Atlantic heavyweight champion Justin Rolfe

New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Boy” O’Han, Jr. (13-1, 7 KOs) retained his title with a workmanlike performance against gutsy challenger Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-15-4, 9 KOs), who was unable to answer the bell for the sixth round.

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Mike O’Han, Jr. (L)

In what was unquestionably the Fight of the Night, junior lightweights Kevin “El Gallo” Rodriguez (1-1) and Dee “Outlaw” Venable 2-6) went toe-to-toe for four entertaining rounds of non-stop action. Despite being penalized a point for a low blow, Rodriguez edged Venable on all three judges’ scorecards by the identical scores of 38-37.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs) floored Paulo Sousa three times en route to a third-round triumph by technical knockout.

Unbeaten Julien “Black Drago” Baptiste (3-0, 2 KOs) pitched a near shutout against Rodrigo “The Lion” Almeida (2-11, 2 KOs) for a 4-round decision.

Young welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (2-0, 2 KO) used an old-fashioned body attack and a right hook put Aquilando Brandao (0-4) on the canvas in round one. He beat the count, but it was ruled that he was unable to continue, resulting in a knockout for Goff.

An unanswered barrage of punches thrown by junior middleweight Carlos Abel Castillo led to the referee stopping the bout late in the first round against an overmatched Jay Gregory (0-4)

A wild opening round, in which heavyweight Marco Nasciemento (0-2) was dropped twice and then he decked Dennis Ventura (2-0, 2 KOs), was followed by a slower pace in round two. Ventura dropped Nasciemento again in the second and Nasciemento was unable to beat the count.

Lightweight Brandon Idrogo moved to 3-0 with his third knockout, needing only 50-seconds to secure a technical knockout of Tommy “T-Mike” Kenney (0-6).

Light heavyweight Steve Sumpler won his first pro fight by way of a fourth round TKO, when an accidental head but opened a cut over Saul “Spider” Almeida’s right eye so severe that the ring doctor halted the fight.

Fighting for the first time in more than three years, undefeated middleweight Jelame Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) got right back on the winning track, out-boxing Texas veteran Larry “Slo Mo” Smith for a 4-round unanimous decision

Promising middleweight prospect, Josniel “TG” Castro (3-0, 2 KOs) punished Jader Alves, who had two points deducted for holding and head butting, until the ring doctor stopped the one-sided fight after the conclusion of the third round. Castro recently signed a managerial contract with Shearns Boxing.

Nelson “Chino” Perez improved his record to 3-0 when his opponent, Dewayne Wisdom, was disqualified in the fourth round for repeated fouls and refusal to follow the referee’s orders.

Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demeck “Hightower” Edmonds (2-0, 2 KOs) needed only three punches and 21-seconds to stop pro-debuting Wallace Nass Silva in the evening’s first bout.

“Wild Thing” Pallerin defends ABF Atlantic title

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Yan Pallarin (L)

ABF Atlantic cruiserweight champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pallerin, fighting out of Montreal, successfully defended his crown against Angolan challenger Cristiano Pedro (2-4-1, 1 KO) in the afternoon card’s main event. Pallerin, who improved to 12-1 (5 KOs), methodically cruised to an 8-round unanimous decision by scores of 79-73, 78-72, 78-72.

In other afternoon pro bouts, lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (1-0-1) won his first pro fight via a 4-round unanimous decision over game Andy Aiello (1-5-1), cruiserweight Andrew “Action Packed” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) took a third-round technical knockout versus Jesus “The Juice” Cintron (1-19-2), cruiserweight Scott Lambert (2-2, 2 KOs) earned a first-round TKO win over Yhago Goncalves (0-4), Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (2-0, 2 KOs) finished off pro-debuting Andrew Nolan with a crisp right in the opening round, and Laurent Humes stopped Philipe Martins in the round in a battle of pro-debuting super middleweights.

Middleweight Wade Faria, welterweight Shea Wilcox and Jaydell Pazmino were semifinals winners in the inaugural Granite Chin Invitational, and they will advance to the championship round August 28th at New England Sports Center.

Complete results below:

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NIGHT CARD

MAIN EVENT — VACANT NABA UNITED STATES HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Steve Vukosa (13-1-1, 5 KOs), Quincy, MA

D10

Mike Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), Danbury, CT

CO-FEATURE – VACANT ABF ATLANTIC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Justin Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), Fairfield, ME

WDEC8 80-71, 79-72, 77-74

Jose Humberto Corral (20-26, 12 KOs) Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

(Rolfe won ABF Atlantic heavyweight title)

NEW ENGLAND WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Mike O’Han, Jr. (13-1, 7 KOs), Holbrook, MA.

WTKO5 (3:00)

Tyrone Luckey (13-5-4, 9 KOs), Manahawkin, NJ

(O’Han Jr. retained N.E. welterweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Dennis Ventura (2-0, 2 KOs), Salem, MA

WKO2 (1:39)

Marco Nasciemento (0-2), Woburn, MA.

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Demeck Edmonds (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA

WKO1 (0:21)

Wallace Nass Silva (0-1), Boston, MA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Steve Sumpler (1-0, 1 KO), Pittsfield, MA

WTKO4 (0:54)

Saul Almeida (0-14-4), Framingham, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Jelame Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)

Larry Smith (12-48-2, 8 KOs), Dallas, TX

       Julien Baptiste (3-0, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Rodrigo Almeida (2-11, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

Josniel Castro (3-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA by way of Puerto Rico

WKO3 (3:00)

Jader Alves (0-9), Woburn, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Carlos Abel Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WTKO1 (2:31)

Jay Gregory (0-4, 2 KOs), Auburn, NY

WELTERWEIGHTS

Denzel Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WTKO3 (2:26)

Pablo Sousa (0-21), Woburn, MA.

Eric Goff (2-0, 2 KOs), Weymouth, MA

WKO1 (0:37)

Aquilando Brando (0-4), Woburn, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Nelson Perez (3-0, 2 KOs), Marlboro, MA

WDQ4 (0:48)

Dewayne Wisdom (7-57-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Brandon Idrogo (3-0, 3 KOs), Ellenville, NY

WTKO1 (0:50)

Tommy Kenney (0-6), Rutland, VT

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

Kevin Rodriguez (1-1), Lawrence, MA

WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 38-37)

Dee Venable (2-6), Springfield, MA

DAY CARD

MAIN EVENT – ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Yan Pallerin (12-1, 5 KOs), Granby, Quebec, Canada

WDEC8 (79-73, 78-74, 78-74)

Cristiano Pedro (2-4-1, 1 KO), Lewiston, ME by way of Angola

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Alexis Barriere (2-0, 2 KOs), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieux, Quebec, Canada

WKO1 (1:31)

Andrew Nolan (0-1), Dover Plains, NY

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Andrew Perez (2-0, 2 KO), Lawrence, MA

WTKO3 (2:45)

Jesus Cintron (1-19-2), Springfield, MA

Scott Lambert (2-2, 2 KOs), Dover Plains, NY

WTKO1 (1:30)

Yhago Goncalves (0-4), Portsmouth, ME by way of Brazil

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO2 (2:32)

Philipe Martins (0-1, Marlborough, MA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Ian Garcia (1-0-1), Springfield, MA

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Andy Aiello (1-5-1), Bridgewater, MA

AMATEURS

GRANITE CHIN INVITATIONAL MIDDLEWEIGHT SEMIFINAL

Wade Faria, Portland Boxing Club WPTS (3-0) James Maner, Big Six

GRANITE CHIN INVITATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT SEMIFINAL

Shea Wilcox, Broadway Boxing WPTS (2-1) Apostolus Lolos, Nashua PAL

GRANITE CHIN INVITATIONAL LIGHT WELTERWEIGHT SEMIFINAL

Jaydell Pazmino, Intenze 978 WPTS (3-0) Dimas Colon, Thrive Boxing

SENIOR NOVICE SUPER HEAVYWEIGHTS

Jordan Lindsay, Portland Boxing Club WPTS (3-0) David Marshall, On Point Boxing

GRANITE CHIN INVITATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT SEMIFINAL

Shea Wilcox, Broadway Boxing WPTS (2-1) Apostolus Lolos, Nashua PAL

SENIOR NOVICE HEAVYWEIGHTS

Haiden Scott, TKP BoxFit WPTS (3-0) Liam Harrison, Seacoast Boxing

Theo Beuvelet, Private Jewels WPTS (2-1) vs. Dylan Goulart, On Point Boxing

SENIOR NOTICE WELTERWEIGHTS

Sam Williams, Seacoast Boxing WRSC1 (1:36) Joe Provenzano, Fenton Boxing Club

SENIOR NOVICE FEATHERWEIGHTS

Shyne Conce, Intenze 978 WPTS (3-0) Thomas Chin, Broadway Boxing Club

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INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (June 1, 2021) – The main event on the June 26th “Breakout” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, matches two New England heavyweights heading in opposite directions, Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).

The evening card of another Granite Chin day-night doubleheader (separate admissions) is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) who will possibly be fighting for the final time – win, lose or draw — and reigning New England heavyweight champion Marshall.

Vukosa, fighting of out Quincy, MA, is a former WBC U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which he captured in 2019 when he won an 8-round unanimous decision against Joe Cusumano (18-2, 16 KOs). During his 20-year pro boxing career, Vukosa’s gained invaluable experience sparring at the famed Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles as a sparring partner for world champions James Toney, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko. He’s also driven a bus for the past 15 years for the Mass Bay Transportation Authority, starting at 4 p.m. and finishing around 2 a.m., after which he does his run in. But he’s now 44 with a wife and three children and his boxing clock is ticking.

“I’m still fighting because I love it,” Vukosa explained. “It’s hard to walk away from something you’re good at. This one fight and it could be the end. My wife will be happy. My body is starting to fall apart: hands, back and knees. They’ve been killing me. I used to be quick and fast, now I’m slow. I just want to have a good fight, win, or lose, but I want to win. I really enjoyed by days at Wild Card, those sparring sessions were like real fights, and my amateur days with trainer Jimmy Farrell.

“I saw my opponent when he won the New England title, I was impressed. (promoter) Chris (Traietti) called asking if I’d fight him, I accepted because I like to fight and a good challenge. I’m looking forward to the fight.”

The 36-year-old Marshall, fighting out of Danbury, CT, has won his last two fights, both on Granite Chin shows at the same venue as his upcoming match with Vukosa, including his N.E. title-winning performance last November against Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe. Marshall isn’t looking at his opponent as over the hill because of Vukosa’s advance age, but he does plan to make a statement that, hopefully, will get him positive exposure outside of New England.

“I know he’s a veteran pugilist, a pupil of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who was an awesome fighter in his own right,” Marshall remarked. “This is boxing, anything can happen. My job is to prepare for anything. I’ve had the best quality sparring in house with the No. 1 amateur heavyweight, Fernely Felix, Jr. My team works very hard, My manger, A.J. Galante, asked me to be sharper in my last fight (3-round KO of Tracey Johnson this past April), so I did what he asked me to do. My cornerman Austin Ampeoquio keeps me sharp with the mitts, and my head coaches David McDonough and Bennie ‘The Jet’ Little do a good job pushing me as well.

“I know Steve comes to fight and I’m looking forward to an exciting night of boxing. We are two warriors going toe-to-toe in the ring, putting on a show for boxing fans who really enjoy the sport of boxing, not this YouTube celebrity garbage that’s going on right now.”

“Steve ran into some bad luck after the Cusumano win,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “A few fights fell through, then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. We literally had a fight in Germany fall out the day we were set to leave for the airport. After that we lost a lot of the steam from the Cusamano fight and kind of had to reassess. He picked up a tune-up fight a few months ago, but we now have to either regain some momentum by winning a fight like this or finally have Steve ride off into the sunset. This fight with Marshall will be no picnic. He has burst upon the local scene with some impressive performances.

“Like many coming to the fight, I have no idea how this fight shakes out, which makes for a great main event. One thing I will say, despite what Steve like to make people believe, in the event he wins this fight, it won’t be his final fight. Zero chance of that! If Marshall wins, I have no doubt he will get a television fight in the very near future on a major network.”

In the 8-round co-featured event, former N.E. heavyweight champion Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield, ME, will takes on Mexican challenger Jose Humberto “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs) for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Holbrook, MA, will defend his title in an 8-round match against upset-minded Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs).

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Indianapolis junior welterweight Dewayne Wisdom will be in his 66th pro fight against Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0) vs. Aquilando Brandao (0-3), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Abel Castillo (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jay Gregory (0-3), Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rodrigo Almeida (2-10, 2 KOs), Framingham, MA light heavyweight Saul “Spider” Almeida (0-13-4) vs. pro-debuting Steve Sumpter, Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-4), undefeated Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs) vs. Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-47-2, 8 KOs), and Worcester’s (MA) 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Wallace Nass Silva.

The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will be headlined by ABF Atlantic Cruiserweight Champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) defending his title against Lewiston, ME challenger Cristiano Pedro, fighting out by way of Angola, in an 8-round fight.

Other pro fights, all 4-rounders, include Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New York’s pro-debuting Andrew Nolan, Methuen (MA), light heavyweight Andrew Perez in his pro debut vs. Jesus Cintron (1-18-2), Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York light heavyweight Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting super middleweight Laurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA.

The inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” tournament, pitting some of the best amateur boxers in New England in the semifinals round, in the USA Boxing-sanctioned event during the afternoon portion of the day-night doubleheader. The semifinals winners will advance to the tournament’s championship final August 28th at New England Sports Center.

Some of the top N.E. amateur boxers expected to compete include 2021 USA National Championships gold medalist Arika Skoog, the 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion out of Newton (MA); 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Tashawn Ward, a featherweight from Providence (RI); and middleweights James Maner, 2019 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from Providence, and 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez, of Nashua (N.H).

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25.00 (Day Show) / $40.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned). Unassigned ringside seating will be available at $35.00 per seat during the day show. The night show will offer ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) for $300.00 and are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: Granite Chin Invitational for the day show, Breakout for night show).

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (May 20, 2021) – “Breakout,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will feature two heavyweight title fights as part of another day-night doubleheader on June 26th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The night card is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between ageless Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and Mike “Fly” Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).

Vukosa, fighting of out Quincy, MA, is a former WBC U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which he captured in 2019 when he won an 8-round unanimous decision against Joe Cusumano (18-2, 16 KOs).

The reigning New England Heavyweight Champion, Marshall won his belt last November at the same venue as his upcoming fight with Vukosa, when the Danbury, CT fighter took an 8-round unanimous decision from Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe.

Former N.E. heavyweight champion Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), representing Fairfield, ME, will face his Mexican opponent, Jose Humbert “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs), in the 8-round, co-featured event for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

“I am excited to be coming back to Derry with another doubleheader, featuring open-class amateurs and local professionals,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “I try to grow and develop the Granite Chin brand every show. Bringing in an elite level amateur tournament is a great way to introduce local fans to the future of the sport and help me develop relationships with amateur boxers.”

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-4) in a 4-round battle.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts against opponents to be determined, are Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), and Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs).

A Pro-Am card will feature the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” tournament, pitting some of the best amateur boxers in New England in the semifinals round, in the USA Boxing-sanctioned event during the afternoon portion of the day-night doubleheader. The semifinals winners will advance to the tournament’s championship final August 28th at New England Sports Center.

Some of the top N.E. amateur boxers expected to compete include 2021 USA National Championships gold medalist Arika Skoog, the 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion out of Newton (MA); 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Tashawn Ward, a featherweight from Providence (RI); and middleweights James Maner, 2019 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from Providence, and 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez, of Nashua (N.H).:

The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will showcase ABF Atlantic Cruiserweight Champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) defending his title against Lewiston, ME challenger Cristiano Pedro, fighting out by way of Angola in an 8-round fight.

Other pro fights, all 4-rounders, include Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New York’s pro-debuting Andrew Nolan, Methuen (MA), light heavyweight Andrew Perez in his pro debut vs. TBA, Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York cruiserweight Scott Lambert (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Laurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA..

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25.00 (Day Show) / $40.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned). Unassigned ringside seating will be available at $35.00 per seat during the day show. The night show will offer ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) for $300.00 and are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: Granite Chin Invitational for the day show, Breakout for night show).

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
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Twitter: @Granite_Chin

DERRY, N.H. (November 15, 2020) — Professional boxing returned last night to New England Sports Center as Granite Chin Promotions presented “Gold Rush,” featuring three regional title fights, in Derry, New Hampshire.

Whitman (MA) boxer Mike Bad Man” O;Han, Jr. dominated Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-1-1, 1 KO) from start to finish in the main event, nearly pitching a complete shutout, winning every round on two of the judges’ cards, all but one on the other, to capture the vacant New England welterweight crown.

O’Han used his height and length to his great advantage, effectively fighting the majority of the time on the outside, throwing crisp punches at the smaller Dibartolomeo, the reigning New Hampshire State 147-pound division titlist.

In the co-feature, Danbury’s (CT) “Fly” Mike Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs) took early command and pulled away from defending champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (4-2-1, 3 KOs), who was making his first title defense, to take home the New England heavyweight strap. The two fought in close quarters throughout 8-rounds, but Rolfe found himself on the ropes too often, and that’s where Marshall took advantage to win a decisive 8-round unanimous decision by scores of 79-71, 79-73 and 78-74.

In the afternoon show’s main event, Maine favorite son Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (19-5-2, 13 KOs) knocked out West Virginian Zack Kuhn (10-7-1, 5 KOs) to capture the UBO All-American welterweight title. Berry was stunned in the opening round, but he fought back gamely, exploding in the second round to floor his opponent three times, resulting in an impressive victory by way of a technical knockout when referee Leo Gerstel waved off the fight.

Promising middleweight prospect Frank “The Tank” Hogan (3-0, 3 KOs), a former New England Golden gloves champion hailing from Weymouth (MA), landed a blistering right hook to the body from his southpaw stance to knockout Cliff McPherson (2-16,1 KO) in round one.

A pair of Massachusetts welterweights, battle tested “Ruthless” Augustine Mauras (7-7-3, 3 KOs) and pro-debuting John Ferrera, put on an entertaining match. The fighters went toe-to-toe in an action-packed fight with Mauras pulling off a mild upset by winning a 4-round majority decision.

Undefeated New Bedford (MA) welterweight Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs unloaded a fierce body attack in the third round, dropping Tahlik Taylor (3-15-1, 1 KO) twice, and the end came early in the fourth, when Mkpanam went upstairs and sent Taylor to the mat with a sweet right.

In a battle of Woburn (MA) middleweights, pro-debuting Julien Baptiste (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Leonardo Ladeita (0-6) in the fourth and final round with a strong overhand right that landed squarely on his opponent’s jaw.

Boston lightweight Johnny DePina (3-0, 3 KOs), a multiple New England Golden Gloves amateur champion, needed only one punch – straight right-hand lead – to knockout Thomas Kenney, who barely managed to beat the count but referee Gerstel didn’t allow the fight to continue.

In opening bout in the evening segment of “Gold Rush,” Braintree (MA) welterweight Chris “Tumbaros” Tuburcio (1-0, 1 KO) had an auspices pro debut, pounding Jader Alves (0-3) onto the mat with a powerful right in round three, after which referee Jackie Morrell called the fight off.

The latest member of the Holyoke (MA) fightin’ Whitley family, welterweight Denzel Whitley (1-0), made short order of his pro debut, blasting out Caleb Denham (0-2) in the first round. Whitley floored Denham twice, both via quick rights on the chin, and referee Morrell halted the action after the second knockdown.

Albany (NY) junior welterweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez kept his perfect record intact, improving to 10-0 (7 KOs), outclassing Rynell Griffin until referee Gerstel had seen enough and stopped the fight in the fifth round for a technical knockout.

Heavyweight John Gruber, of Fall River (MA), registered his first pro win by taking a 4-round unanimous decision from Corey Morley (0-4-1).

Lowell (MA) heavyweight Zack “Shark Attack” Calmus (1-0, 1 KO) had a memorable pro debut, knocking out Yhago Goncalves (0-1) at the end of round one. Calmus hurt Goncalves with a short punch and referee Gerstel called the fight when he determined Goncalves was unable to continue.

Journeyman Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-44-2, 8 KOs) knocked out Jesus Cintron (1-16-2, 0 KOs) in a rematch of a fight this past August at the same venue, in which Smith won for the first time in nine years, a unanimous 4-round decision to a very late replacement in Cintron. Smith knocked down Cintron in the fourth round and he soon closed the show with a right that floored Cintron again, leading to referee Morrell to wave off the fight.

Maryland cruiserweight Larry “Hitman” Pryor (13-22, 6 KOs) overcame a wild start to defeat pro-debuting Scott Lambert, who came out of the corner throwing bombs. Pryor came out an exchange to drop Lambert early with a short right and midway through the opening round he unloaded a vicious straight right to drop Lambert for the second time. Referee Gerstel had seen enough, and he halted the action for a technical knockout.

Former New England Golden Gloves champion Josniel Castro (2-0), now fighting out of Worcester (MA), outclassed sturdy Saul “The Spider” Almeida en route to winning a unanimous 4-round decision. Castro had recorded the lone knockdown of the fight

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mike Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC8 (79-71, 79-73, 78-74)
Justin Rolfe (4-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME
(Marshall won N.E. heavyweight title)

John Gruber (1-2), Fall River, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-46, 40-35)
Corey Morley (0-4-1), Philadelphia, PA

Zack Calmus (1-0, 1 KO), Lowell, MA
WTKO1 (2:54)
Yhago Goncalves (0-1), Woburn, MA

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Larry Pryor (13-22, 6 KOs)
WTKO1 (1:18)
Scott Lambert (0-1 KOs), Dover Plains, NY

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), New Bedford, MA
WTKO4 (0:26)
Tahlik Taylor (3-15-1, 1 KO), Raleigh, NC

Larry Smith (12-44-2, 8 KOs), Dallas, TX
WTKO4 (1:34)
Jesus Cintron (1-16-2 (0 KOs), Springfield, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Francis Hogan (3-0, 3 KOs), Weymouth, MA
WKO1 (1:23)
Cliff McPherson (2-16 (1 KO), Cleveland, OH

Julien Baptiste (1-0, 1 KO), Woburn, MA
WTKO4 (2:18)
Leonardo Ladeira (0-6), Woburn, OH

Josniel Castro (2-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 39-33)
Saul Almeida (0-12-3), Framingham, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Mike O’Han, Jr. (11-1, 5 KOs), Whitman, MA
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-1-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA
(O’Han, Jr. won N.E. welterweight title)

Brandon Berry (19-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME
WTKO2 (2:50)
Zack Kuhn (10-7-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV
(Berry won the UBO All-America welterweight title)

Augustine Maura (7-7-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
John Ferrara (0-1), New Bedford, MA

Christopher Tiburcio (1-0, 1 KO), Braintree, MA
WTKO3 (1:01)
Jader Alves (0-3), Woburn, MA

Denzel Whitley (1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (2:09)
Caleb Denham (0-1-0), Boston, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Ray Jay Bermudez (10-0, 7 KOs), Albany, NY
WTKO5 (1:39)
Rynell Griffin (8-44-2, 2 KOs)

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jonny DePina (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA
WTKO (1:57)
Thomas Kenney (0-6), Rutland, VT

N.E. welterweight champion Mike O’Han. Jr.

(L-R) Justin Rolfe & Mike Marshall

N.E. heavyweight champion Mike Marshal

(L-R) – Zack Kuhn & Brandon Berry

UBO All America welterweight champion Brandon Berry