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.
Williams dominates Luckey in Hartford to keep perfect record intact
Hartford, CT (April 3) – The homecoming king put on a royal performance Saturday at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Headlining a long day of amateur and professional boxing in front his hometown fans for the first time, unbeaten Hartford super lightweight Mykquan Williams (17-0-1) earned his eighth career knockout win by defeating New Jersey’s Tyrone Luckey (15-17-4) via fifth-round stoppage.
The event, promoted by CES Boxing, featured four pro bouts with Williams closing the show in style with his first knockout victory since 2018. Luckey fought hard, but Williams dominated the bout and controlled the pace throughout, saving his best performance for the fifth round, where a visibly fatigued Luckey had trouble warding off the body shots. Luckey’s corner threw in the towel between rounds, resulting in a victory at the 3-minute mark of the fifth round.
The co-main was as good as advertised as Springfield, MA, featherweight Josh Orta (9-0) eked out 57-57, 59-55, 58-56 majority decision win over tough Puerto Rican challenger Jayron Santiago (8-9-1) to keep his perfect record intact.
The action was intense through all six rounds as both fighters stood toe-to-toe unafraid to exchange. Orta did his best work to the body, but also opened a cut under Santiago’s left eye at the end of the fourth that, while not high enough above the eye to deter Santiago, was enough of a distraction to allow Orta to close out the final two rounds.
Judge Glen Feldman scored it even, but Robin Hayes (59-55) and Peter Hary (58-56) scored in favor of Orta.
Springfield welterweight Jalen Renaud (8-0) also remained unbeaten with a hard-fought 58-56, 59-54, 59-54 unanimous decision win over Philadelphia’s Evincii Dixon (10-29-2).
Renaud boxed circles around Dixon for the first three rounds, working his left jab to set up the straight right while Dixon spent most of his time covering up and looking for an opportunity to counter.
Midway through the fight, Renaud began working the body more consistently and withstood whatever late flurries Dixon had in the gas tank. The end result was a clean sweep that wasn’t as close as it appeared on the cards.
In the opening bout, Hartford bantamweight Angel Gonzalez (9-0) kept his perfect record intact with a decisive, yet competitive, 59-55, 60-54, 60-54 unanimous decision win over 46-fight veteran Ira Terry (27-20) of Memphis.
Gonzalez controlled the pace of the fight and was the aggressor throughout, but Terry kept pressing forward, forcing Gonzalez to use his speed and footwork to stay out of harm’s way. Gonzalez did his best work during the intense, up-close exchanges, working the body effectively and mixing in short uppercuts to momentarily stop Terry’s progress. Gonzalez is now 9-0 and now 2-0 in his hometown, where he also won in September.
Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.
INFORMATION
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.
Opened in 2005, the Connecticut Convention Center is the Northeast’s most ideal location for trade shows, conventions, business meetings or any occasion demanding a dramatic riverfront setting. Overlooking the Connecticut River, the Center is situated in the heart of downtown Hartford’s Front Street District – a rapidly expanding entertainment hub teeming with new restaurants, bistros and entertainment venues. Limitlessly functional and endlessly customizable, the 540,000 square foot Connecticut Convention Center is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston. The Center combines ample meeting space – including 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000 square foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space – with visually stunning touches, creating the ideal backdrop for any event.
New “Showcase Boxing” main event Jeffrey Torres vs. Tyrone Luckey
QUINCY, Mass. (January 24, 2022) – Due to COVID-19, the “Showcase Boxing” main event has changed as Jeffrey Torres (9-1, 5 KOs) will now face veteran Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-16-4, 11 KOs) in the 8-round headliner, Saturday night, February 26, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Showcasing many of New England’s most promising and popular prospects, “Showcase Boxing,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com for $19.99.
“Showcase Boxing” will also mark Granite Chin’s first event in Massachusetts in more than 2 years, as well as being only the second professional boxing show ever in Framingham, which is located 23 miles west of Boston.
Luckey was originally scheduled to fight local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez (5-0, 2 KOs), who has pulled out because he contracted COVID-19.
“Unfortunately,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti explained, “we lost Perez, but Jeffrey Torres was willing to fill in for him and, to nobody’s surprise, Tyrone was willing to work with everyone to make the change possible. He’s a fighter, not one of these guys that pretends to be one on social media, posting videos of himself hitting bags or highlight reel knockouts of them beating up some 0-8 guy picked up off a job site. Tyrone is willing to test any prospect to see if they are the real deal or not. Torres comes from a giant gym, and he had a solid pedigree, so, no doubt, Tyrone will have his hands full and vice versa. This will be a fun fight!”
Luckey, fighting out of Manahawkin, NJ, is the reigning ABF USA Mid-American Super Lightweight Champion. The always dangerous Luckey has been in against top prospects such as Mike Ohan, Jr. Jamaine Ortiz, Tyler Tomlin, and Frank Martin.
Torres, a native of Puerto Rico now fighting out of New Haven (CT), has won two in a row since suffering his only pro loss to 7-0 Josh Wagner last October.
The 6-round co-featured event matches high-flying welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (7-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), against Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-0), of Cranston, Rhode Island.
Denzel is a “legacy boxer” as the latest member of the “Fightin’ Whitley family,” trained by his father and uncle, Derrick and Darrin, who were respected pro fighters in New England.
Raymond, 31, made an auspicious pro debut this past November 13th, upsetting previously undefeated Julien Baptiste (3-0) by way of a 4-round split decision.
“This fight has all the makings for high action,” Traietti remarked. “’Keenan’ just upset a 3-0 prospect in his last fight, so his confidence is through the roof which makes him dangerous. On the other hand, you have Denzel looking to step up with each fight and get on television in the near future. He comes from a family with a long history if boxing. Denel really has all the pieces to be something special.”
One of the hottest welterweight prospects in the country, Boca Raton’s (FL) Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs), returns to New England once again to face Mexican veteran Juan Jesus Rivera Garces (18-27, 12 KOs), the former WBC Youth World Super Lightweight Champion.
Undefeated fighters Carlos Castillo (4-0, 3 KOs), a junior middleweight from Holyoke (MA) and Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (3-0, 3 KOs) are scheduled to fight in their first scheduled 6-rounders, respectively, versus Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-41-4, 3 KOs) and Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (2-11, 1 KO).
Veteran middleweights Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-15-1, 6 KOs), of Saint Petersburg (FL), and Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-50-4, 8 KOs), of Dallas, will open the evening in a 10-round bout.
Decorated amateur Felix Parilla (3-0, 3 KOs), of New Haven, has been added to the card in a 4-round fight against junior lightweight Weusi Johnson (3-19-1). Parrilla is a 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, as well as a 2018 National Golden Gloves silver medalist.
Also slated to be in action, each in 4-round matches, are light heavyweight Scott “Scotty Bomb” Lampert (2-3, 2 KOs) vs. Brazilian Leonardo Ladeira (1-6, 1 KO), Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Juan Celin Zapata (6-20-2, 4 KOs), Pittsfield junior middleweight Jamer Jones (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Maycon Ollder Da Silva (0-3), Framingham’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Kevin “Lucky” Lewis vs. crosstown rival Sal “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), and Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony Andreozzi (0-2) vs. Robert Bricks (0-8).
“I am excited to showcase a big chunk of the rapidly growing Granite Chin roster,” Traietti concluded. “I have been setting out for the last 2 years to really create a roster of exciting fighters who will be regulars on major networks in the near future. If you’re looking for a night of quality, high-competitive boxing, the Sheraton on February 26h is the place to be.”
Card subject to change.
Tickets are on sale for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SHOWCASE). Ticket prices are $50.00 (General Seating), $75.00 (Ringside), and $1,000.00 for a table of 10.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
Granite Chin Promotions returns to Massachusetts Nelson Perez vs. Tyrone Luckey to headline “Showcase”
QUINCY, Mass. (January 3, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its first event of 2022, “Showcase,” scheduled on Saturday night, February 26th, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.
“Showcase” will mark Granite Chin’s first event in Massachusetts in more than 2 years, as well as being only the second professional boxing show ever in Framingham, which is located 23 miles west of Boston.
“I am excited to be coming back to Massachusetts,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “Between changes occurring with the commission, then COVID, I just felt like it was a good time to step away for a bit, head up to New Hampshire and let things sort of settle in Massachusetts. Now that things are sort of back to normal, I feel like the time is right to bring our great club-show boxing back to Massachusetts. This card is going to be highly competitive from top to bottom. I have the roster now where I can both develop fighters and put on high quality local shows. 2020 was about making good relationships with other promoters and matchmakers; 2021 about developing a quality roster and keeping guys busy during a pandemic. 2022 is going to be geared towards becoming the face of quality local boxing shows and getting Granite Chin fighters on high-level, world-class cards all across the country.”
The 8-round main event will pit local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) against New Jersey veteran super lightweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-16-4, 11 KOs).
Perez is a native of Puerto Rico who lives in Marlboro (MA), which borders Framingham. A past New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur, Perez is coming off a dominating 4-round unanimous decision victory (40-34 X 3) December 4th against Raymundo Rios Cardies on a DAZN card in Manchester, New Hampshire. Perez will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout.
R – Perez Venable.jpg Perez (L) headlined the first pro boxing event in Framingham this past Oct 16th
(picture courtesy of Emily Harney/Fightography)
Luckey, fighting out of Manahawkin, NJ, is the reigning ABF USA Mid-American Super Lightweight Champion. The dangerous Luckey has been a gatekeeper of lightweight up to welterweight divisions having fought top prospects such as Mike Ohan, Jr. Jamaine Ortiz, Tyler Tomlin, and Frank Martin. Luckey has recent back-to-back victories against previously unbeaten Eduardo Aquilar.
Tyrone Luckey.jpg Tyrone Luckey
Hot welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (7-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), faces Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-0) in the 6-round co-featured event.
Denzel, the latest member of the “Fightin’ Whitley family,” is trained by his father and uncle, respectively, Derrick and Darrin, who were respected pro fighters in New England.
R – whitley_ferrara001.jpg Whitley (L) is well positioned for a breakout 2022
(pictures courtesy of Emily Harney/Fightography)
Fighting out of Warwick, Rhode Island, the 31-year-old Raymond made his pro debut this past November 13th, upsetting previously undefeated Julien Baptiste (3-0) by way of a 4-round split decision.
Additional bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.
Tickets will soon be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SHOWCASE). Ticket prices are $50.00 (General Seating), $75.00 (Ringside), and $1,000.00 for a table of 10.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @flymikemarshall
Tyrone Luckey is a throwback fighter, boxing career resurrected
QUINCY, Mass. (October 27, 2022) – In short two years, after signing a contract with Granite Chin Promotions, veteran New Jersey boxer Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey has gone from journeyman to legitimate opponent with a promising upside.
“Guys like Tyrone have a special spot for me,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti commented. “I’ve helped to build up his record, developed trust between us, and we’ll see where we go from here. He’s a big Dallas Cowboy fan and he really wanted to fight in AT & T Arena. He dreamed of fighting there and I got him on the Spence-Garcia card, and he got the biggest purse of his life
“He is a fighter’s fighter. Any promoter would be very happy to have 25 like him in their stable. His goal now is to make as much as he can over the next few years and get out with his health. He continues to trust me. He wants to be part of the team and I just signed him to a new 3-year deal. Tyrone has had a bit of a rebirth in his career.”
The former New Jersey Golden Gloves Champion had a 9-12-4 pro record, when he joined the Granite Chin stable, and since then Luckey has won six of nine fights, capturing the ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title along the way.
“I had no choice but to get better,” Lucky spoke about his resurgence the past two years. “It first changed when I started going to Gladiator’s Gym for help with trainer Shawn Darling. My career in boxing changed since the pandemic started.
The 36-year-old Luckey (15-15-4, 11 KOs), fighting out of Galloway (NJ), is a throwback fighter back to the days boxers only asked when and where they were fighting, no pickin’ and choosin’ soft touches. Evidence of his admirable attitude is the fact he’s fought in six different weight classes, from super featherweight to super welterweight, during his 11-year-pro career.
“I’m not afraid of anyone,” Luckey said. “I fight guys others avoid, even some that world champions wouldn’t fight. I’m able to fight in different weight classes because I know my body and how to properly get done in weight. Right now, I feel comfortable at 140 pounds, and I feel like I have a ton of power at 130 or 135 pounds. I’m naturally small, but psychologically, I’m always the bigger fighter no matter what position I find myself in.”
Luckey’s stock jumped in his last two fights, both against previously unbeaten Eduardo Aguilar, who was knocked out, respectively, in the first round and he couldn’t continue past the sixth round in their most recent fight, in which Luckey dropped Aguilar seven times.
A married man who is and endoscopy technician, Luckey has been saving his boxing purses to eventually buy a house.
“I plan to box until I’m 39, maximum of 40,” Luckey remarked. “I’ll call it quits and maybe become a trainer or pro bowler. I’m trying to get into a sanctioned league (he averages 215 and rolled a perfect 300 game in 2017).”
Luckey and Traietti, also a pro boxer, have a mutually beneficial relationship today. “Our relationship has always been great,” Tyrone confirmed. “I had a fight fallout and the matchmaker set me up with Chris, who was working a fight in Minnesota. He said that after the fight we could talk. He’s a good dude, great promoter. I’m glad our paths crossed because he’s put me in a new situation. I put my faith in him. It’s always love when we talk.”
“We hit it off right away,” Traietti concluded. “He’s easy to work with and will fight anybody. To his credit, he signed with me when it wasn’t really popular, not until 8 to 10 months later. Granite Chin has blown up and my some of my fighters have been performing on some of the biggest cards in boxing.”
Do you feel lucky? Tyrone Luckey certainly does and he’s finally cashing in on all his hard work and perseverance, fighting under the Granite Chin banner.
INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin
New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” O’Han, Jr. defends title vs. Tyrone Luckey
QUINCY, Mass. (June 10, 2021) – New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” O’Han, Jr. will make his first title defense against Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey in an 8-round fight on the “Breakout” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, July 26th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.
O’Han, Jr. vs. Luckey will be part of the evening card of another Granite Chin day-night doubleheader (separate admissions), headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), the reigning New England heavyweight champion.
O’Han, Jr. is a second-generation boxer. His father, Mike O’Han (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who fought professionally from 1983 to 1995. He was a sparring partner for Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Vinny Paz and Robbie Simms.
“I look up to my father,” O’Han, Jr. said. “I never saw him fight because his last was in 1995 and I was only one. He didn’t really want me to fight. I found boxing when I was around 14 or 15. Winning the New England title was the next step, defending it is step 2, and then whatever happens in the future will be another step. We had this planned since the beginning. I’m only 27 now. Even in the amateurs, we talked about not needing to rush.
O’Han, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Holbrook, MA, is a passionate fanbase that frows with each of his fights. He captured the vacant N.E. title last November, when he won a one-sided 8-round decision from New Hampshire welterweight titlist Ryan Dibartolomeo. O’Han’s most recent fight was this past April, in which he stopped Rynell Griffin in the opening round of their non-title fight.
“I love my fans,” O’Han added. “I feed off them. I have a lot of friends who come out to support me. I’m not sure how it’s gotten to this, but social media helps. My last fight was during the day, so even the kids from our gym (South Shore Boxing Club) had a chance to get out of the gym and watch a live fight.
“My opponent has fought some tough guys like Ryan Garcia (current WBC Interim World Lightweight Champion) and Jamaine Ortiz, who I sparred with for his last fight on ESPN+. I need to keep it simple and do what I’ve been doing to get another W.”
Upset-minded Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs) has won four of his last six fights.
“This fight is a logical step up for O’Han,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti remarked. “Now that he is an 8-round fighter, he needs to go up against other seasoned 8-round fighters, which is exactly what he’s doing against Tyrone. Tyrone is a rugged guy who comes to fight and has been in with a ton of talented guys. I have no doubt he will be looking for another upset.”
Former N.E. heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield, ME, will takes on Mexican challenger Jose Humberto “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs) In the 8-round co-featured event for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.
Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) is matched in his first scheduled 6-round bout against Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA.
Indianapolis junior welterweight Dewayne Wisdom faces Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-round match.
Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0) vs. TBA, 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 (2-5), 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) Salem, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Marco Nasciemento (0-1), Brandon Idrogo (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. New Bedford, MA lightweight Justin Morales (0-1), Jader Alves (0-8) vs. Worcester, MA middleweight Josniel Castro (2-0, 1 KO), 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), of Worcester, 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 (1-0) vs. TBA, 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.
Ty Tomlin Impressive in DiBella Entertainment Debut Scoring KO to Remain Unbeaten
MURFREESBORO, TN (May 15, 2021) – Last night, undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (11-0, 7 KOs), made a statement in his debut with new promoter, DiBella Entertainment, as he stopped battle tested veteran, Tyronne “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-14-4, 9 KOs), when Luckey was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round.
“I wanted to look good in my debut with DiBella Entertainment and provide an entertaining fight for my fans,” said Tomlin after the fight. “I felt I made a good impression with everyone watching. Luckey has faced world champions like Tevin Farmer, Alberto Machado, and emerging fighters like Ryan Garcia and Frank Martin. Winning this bout, and in the fashion I did, I felt I made a statement to everyone in the lightweight division.”
Tomlin, who was an offensive wrecking ball from the opening bell, landed some vicious body blows early, in addition to some powerful overhand rights, that led to his opponent’s demise. Luckey was fading from the colossal attack and after three rounds of punishment, it appeared only a matter of time before the knockout occurred, hence him not coming out for the fourth round.
“We trained hard for this fight, and the combinations Tyler was landing were the ones we practiced in the gym,” said Darryl Tomlin, Tyler Tomlin’s coach, and father. “We’re grateful to Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment for featuring us on this great card, and we look forward to being a part of upcoming shows, especially in Tennessee.”
Tomlin, a fan favorite, had fans driving from across the state to see him fight tonight.
“I want to thank everyone who drove to support me,” Ty Tomlin, continued. “I had people come from two-and-even-three-hours away just to see me fight. My supporters keep me motivated, and they’re a big reason I had this performance tonight.”
Social Media DiBella Entertainment Instagram: @DiBellaEnt Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment
CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (May 10, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (10-0, 6 KOs), is scheduled to make his promotional debut with DiBella Entertainment on May 14, 2021, in Murfreesboro, TN, against Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey.
With under a week left until fight night, Tomlin gives his thoughts on training camp, making his DiBella debut, fighting in front of this home state fans, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“All the hard work is done and now it’s time to get a lot of rest during this final week of training camp. This camp has been very vigorous, but after today, I’ll be in recovery mode till fight night. In sparring, my timing is right on, and I’m feeling strong. I got some good rounds in with Austin Dulay, and I’m in great shape.”
On his matchup with Tyrone Luckey:
“Luckey has been in the ring with some big names like Ryan Garcia and Tevin Farmer. He’s also fought a lot of guys with undefeated records, so I know he’s coming to fight. My father has a great game plan that we’ve been executing during camp. I’m going to stay disciplined to that strategy and make adjustments as the fight goes on. If I get him hurt, I’m taking him out.”
On making his DiBella Entertainment debut:
“This is a big deal for me and my family. All we wanted was a promoter to believe in us and help build my brand in our home state of Tennessee. Lou DiBella stepped up and presented a deal that we couldn’t refuse. As soon as we signed, he put me in as the main event bout for this upcoming card. I’m ready to take the next step in my career with a seasoned promoter who knows the business.”
On fighting in front of his home state fans:
“Because I’ll be the final bout of the evening, all my hometown fans will be able to see some good action fights from the ladies. This is going to be a fun event, a big party, and I’m happy to be the special attraction. I’m expecting a lot of family, friends and sponsors to be in attendance. I can’t wait to put on a great show.”
Matt Young of Tri-Star Boxing Promotions is the co-promoter of this event and Tomlin is advised by noted boxing manager Peter Fernandez, of Tampa, Florida.
Tomlin vs. Luckey is scheduled for eight-rounds and will be the main event on a “Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight” extravaganza. Tomlin’s bout will not be streamed on UFC Fight Pass®, which will be showcasing all the women’s fights, so local fans wishing to see his fight are encouraged to buy tickets well in advance to ensure entry.
Tickets, starting at $35, are On Sale Now and can be purchased online at Broadway Boxing Tickets. Fans wishing to support Team Short Fuse should purchase seats or tables labeled “Tomlin.” The event is co-promoted by Matt Young’s Tri-Star Boxing. Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, just outside of Nashville, TN. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. local time.
The remainder of the May 14 event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, and will feature a world class, historic evening of exclusively women’s boxing. Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight is headlined by an eight-round lightweight contest between popular, former WBO featherweight world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1, 4 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, and Montreal, Canada’s Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-2).
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS®, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.
Social Media DiBella Entertainment Instagram: @DiBellaEnt Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment
Spence Decisions Garcia to Retain Unified Welterweight Titles
14 Months after being involved in a gruesome automobile accident, Errol Spence Jr. retained the IBF/WBC Welterweight titles with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over former two-division champion Danny Garcia in front of 16,101 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Spence was very effective with his jab and pressure that would not let Garcia get off in the fight. Garcia was able to land some shots in between the pressure of Spence.
The right eye of Garcia began to sell in the 8th round. The activity of Spence was clear in the fight and won by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 twice.
Spence landed 187 of 707 punches; Garcia was 117 of 700. Spence out-Jabbed Garcia 84-14.
Spence, 146.5 lbs is 27-0. Garcia, 146.75 lbs of Philadelphia is 36-3.
ERROL SPENCE JR.“The moment is surreal. Coming back from the accident, I feel like I looked pretty good tonight.
“All training camp I felt good. I told people I didn’t want a tuneup fight. I proved to everyone that I’m the best 147-pound fighter in the world. “Danny Garcia pushed me to the limit, especially in training camp. I’ve watched him fight since he was an amateur. I knew he was a great champion and I had to be 100% ready.”
“I’m the taller fighter and he had shorter arms, so the jab made sense to use. Everything was set up off the jab. We were prepared to out point him using that jab. I think Lennox Lewis would be proud of me using the jab the way I did.
“I had a great training camp where I was sparring and taking punches. I wasn’t surprised when I had to take a punch in the fight. I had already been taking punches and I’ve always had a great chin anyway.
“I give my performance a B. I think I had a little bit of ring rust. But I was in such great shape and took everything seriously in training so that I would not be discouraged by that. I worked my jab and used my angles because that was my best move.
“I’m just thinking about seeing my kids tomorrow and hanging out on my ranch. I’m going to eat some good food and we’ll see what the future holds. It’s been a long year and a half, so I’m going to wind down for a week or two, then get back on it.
“It was a lifelong dream of mine to be a household name in Dallas and I’ve done that. I’m thankful to have that support. I was smiling walking to the ring because it was a long road back. It took a lot of trials and tribulations to get to this point tonight, and it all paid off. I’m here for a reason.
“I proved that I’m back and here to stay. I’m the unified champion of the world for a reason.
“I felt some of his punches, but it wasn’t enough to discourage me from coming forward. He was strong and I give him his kudos. He came to fight and tried to take my titles, but I defended it well at home.
“I’m glad that my hard work and path to get back ended with my titles around my waist again in my hometown in front of my home fans.
“I think I hurt him a bit, but Danny Garcia is very gritty and he’s not going to cower down to anybody. I thought I got him a couple times to the body, but I knew he wasn’t going to back down. He’s a real fighter.”
DANNY GARCIA
“He was the better man tonight. No excuses. I fought a hard and tough fight. He had a good jab and that was the key to the fight. He was also a bit busier than me.
“I just have to rebuild and see what we do next. I fought hard and I’m proud. All my losses were hard fights that I fought till the end, so I’m proud of my effort.
“I knew what he was bringing to the table. I just had to believe in my hook more and throw it more. I can’t make any excuses. We can only get better from here.
“His jab was rangy and threw my timing off a bit. That was the key to the fight. Everything else I feel like I adapted to. The jab was the only thing that was better than expected.
“I think Spence is physically stronger than Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter. They’re all on pretty much the same level, but Spence is the strongest one.
“I was trying to be more active. He did a good job taking away what I wanted to do. Everyone is looking for my left hook, so I thought my right hand could be the difference. I had some success going to the body with it. When two champions fight, one guy is going to be better on the night.”
Fundora Destroys Ahmed in 2
6’7″ Inch Sebastian Fundora took out Habib Ahmed in round two of their scheduled 12-round super welterweight bout.
Fundora obliterated Ahmed from the opening bell as he landed furious flurry of punches for both rounds before the fight was stopped at 1:30 of round two.
Fundora, 153.5 lbs of Cochella, CA is 16-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Ahmed, 152.5 lbs of Accra, GHA is 27-2.
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA “We just fought in an eliminator, so I’m pretty sure I’m high up in the rankings now. We’ll go back and talk about what’s next with my team. I may take a week off and enjoy the holidays, then come back strong with whatever is next. I want to fight anyone. The 154-pound division is stacked, so I’ll be ready for anyone.
“I had the time to admire my work in round one. I was happy to enjoy it while I had the chance after I landed that uppercut.
“We were ready for anyone who we had to face tonight. A win like this doesn’t surprise me because we were so prepared.
“I feel like I’m meant for this. I’ve worked so hard for this. Me and my father have worked on this dream since I was eight-years-old. By now, big stages like this feel normal to me.
“I don’t think I’m peaking yet. I turn 23 this month. I feel like I have a lot of room to grow. I’m going to be in this sport for a long time and I’m going to be champion, but we’re not there yet.
“We saw him buckle in the first round. I heard my dad yell from the corner that he was shaken. I knew he couldn’t take the power, so I decided to walk right through him.”
HABIB AHMED“I’m disappointed with how the fight went. I took the fight on short notice so I knew it would be difficult. But I was training hard and wanted to test myself.
“He’s tall and he’s a good boxer. I didn’t start working fast enough and he started working immediately. That’s why he got me with the uppercut in round one. That messed up my rhythm. I was surprised he came out so fast. “I’m still young and have a future in this sport. I’m going to get back in the gym, correct my mistakes, and come back better.”
Lopez Stops Santana in 10th
Josesito Lopez stopped Francisco Santana in the 10th and final round of their welterweight bout.
Lopez dominated the bout from the get-go as in round one. Lopez landed a big right that was followed by a left to the body that put Santana on the deck.
In round nine, Lopez scored a 2nd knockdown as he landed some hard hooks on the ropes. Lopez continued to batter Santana for the balance of the round and the fight could have been stopped there. In the 10th, Lopez dropped Santana again. The fight went on, but only for a few seconds more as Lopez landed a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:22.
Lopez, 146.2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 38-8 with 21 knockouts. Santana, 147 lbs of Santa Barbra, CA is 25-9-1.
JOSESITO LOPEZ“Santana is one of the toughest fighters out there not holding a belt. I’m never in an easy fight but, I’m always going to give it everything I have.
“He knew that if he made a small mistake, he was going to pay. I made sure he paid and I dictated the pace with my jab while utilizing good footwork against a tough fighter.
“I was patient. He’s a tough crafty fighter who can take good punches. He’s a solid fighter with a strong punch.
“You can’t deny me anymore. If I’m not in with the best, I’m in with the toughest. I want one of the world champions or one of the top fighters.
“It was a tough fight like I expected. I had to be smart in there, dictate the pace and pick my shots. We managed to do what we set out to do.
“The work I put in with Robert Garcia has showed in every fight. I get better each and every fight and come out with wins. Today I stopped one of the hardest guys in the sport to finish.
“I feel like I’ve gotten stronger, smarter and faster. I’ve improved in every part of my game thanks to Robert Garcia.
“I deserve to be fighting the best now. I’ve proved it. I’d fight the winner or loser of tonight’s main event. Not only am I as good as any of them, but I’m one of the most entertaining fighters in the division.
“We worked out positioning. We were maybe a little too cautious at times. But we wanted to break him down little by little. I was happy to be able to finish the job.”
FRANCISCO SANTANA
“He got me with a flash knockdown in the first round. He throws big wide shots and he caught me on the top of my head and messed with my equilibrium for a second. I was able to get up and go back to work.
“I thought I had something left, but after tonight I have to go back and talk with my family. I think that was my last fight. I was able to do a lot of great things in the sport. No fighter ever wants to hang them up, but I thank God that I was able to meet so many great people in the boxing world. I might be retired as a boxer, but I’m still going to be around this sport.”
Ramirez stops Flores in 5
Eduardo Ramirez stopped Miguel Flores in round fie of their scheduled 12-round featherweight bout.
In the beginning of round five, Ramirez landed a crushing left hook to the jaw that sent Flores crashing on his back. Flores got up with blood flowing out of his mouth, and the bout was stopped at 20 seconds.
Ramirez, 125.2 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 24-2-3 with 11 knockouts. Flores, 125.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 24-4.
EDUARDO RAMIREZ
“I’m very happy about the win. I worked very hard and I’m thrilled to get the victory tonight.
“This was all the result of the hard work I put into the gym. The Montiel brothers trained me well and it all paid off tonight.
“This was a last minute opponent. I didn’t get to train specifically for him. But I’m getting better every day in the gym, that’s my main focus. I feel like I can beat anyone in this division.
“I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Whatever my team wants to do, we’ll talk about it. I just want to become a world champion. I’ll be ready anywhere at any time.
“I always felt in control of the fight. My intensity dropped a bit in the third round, but my corner kept telling me to put the pressure on and I’d get the knockout. That’s exactly what ended up happening.
“I like to do it all in the ring. I can move around and box. But I love to go in there and fight inside. I’m learning so much day after day from training in Tucson with the Montiel brothers.
MIGUEL FLORES
“I was having fun in there. I thought I was doing better on the inside than the outside with him. We were putting on a good fight. He just caught me with one of those looping shots. It happens, it’s part of boxing. I’m a fighter and I’ll be back.
“I thought I hurt him with a few body shots and was coming on in the fight. I was effective on the inside. I thought I could have taken over, but he’s a crafty guy. It felt like an even fight.”
EARLY RESULTS
Isaac Avelar won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sakaria Lukas in a featherweight bout.
Avelar landed 225 of 686 punches; Lukas was 100 of 562.
Avelar, 126.8 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 17-2. Lukas, 127.6 lbs of Namibia is 23-1.
Vito Mielnicki Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Steve Pulluaim in a welterweight bout.
In round one, Mielnicki dropped Pulluaim with a right to the top of the head. in round two, he dropped Pulluaim with a left to the body.
Mielnicki landed 121 of 309 punches; Pulluaim was 47 of 247.
Mielnicki, 146.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ scores of 60-52 on all cards, and is now 7-0. Pulluaim, 144.8 lbs of Riverside, MO is 5-3.
Marco Delgado won a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Burley Brooks in a super middleweight bout.
In round five, Brooks was deducted a point for a low blow. In round six, he was deducted another point for the same infraction.
Delgado landed 95 of 387 punches; Brooks was 85 of 366.
Delgado , 170/6 lbs of Anaheim, CA won by scores of 59-53 twice with Brooks taking a card 57-56.
Delgado is 7-1. Brooks, 170.4 lbs of Dallas, TX is 6-1.
Juan Tapia won a eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Garcia in a super bantamweight bout.
In round six, Garcia had some blood on the bridge of the nose.
Tapia, 123 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 10-3. Garcia, 122.4 lbs of Dallas. TX is 13-3.
Frank Martin stopped Tyrone Luckey in round five of their scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.
Martin dropped Luckey twice in round two, once in round five and ended with a body shot at 2:31 of round five.
Martin, 138,6 lbs of Indianapolis, IN is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Luckey, 138.4 lbs of Long Beach, NJ is 12-13-4/