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Attorney General Loretta Lynch says health care fraud sweeps across the country have led to charges against 300 people including doctors, nurses, physical therapists and home health care providers accused of bilking Medicare and Medicaid
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When "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo Jr., three-time world title challenger and former reality television star
RHODE ISLAND SUPER middleweight Angel Camacho Jr. (above) addresses the media to discuss his upcoming bout against fellow Rhode Islander Peter Manfredo Jr. (below), scheduled for Friday, May 13th, 2016 presented by CES Boxing at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. The undefeated Camacho puts his 15-0 record on the line against Manfredo, who comes out of retirement following a two and a half year layoff. The 10-round showdown headlines CES Boxing's latest installment of the 2016 Twin River Casino Fight Series, a nine-fight card that also features two title bouts and the debuts of three new dditions to the CES roster
MANFREDO JR. ENDS TWO-YEAR LAYOFF TO FACE UNBEATEN CAMACHO MAY 13TH
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 14th, 2016) -- Certain fights need no formal introduction or any additional explanation as to why they make sense or why you should care. Every so often, the names alone speak volumes.
When "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo Jr., three-time world title challenger and former reality television star, returns to the ring Friday, May 13th, 2016 at Twin River Casino for the first time in more than two years, he'll do so with the same unrelenting courage and confidence he's carried throughout the course of his career, again answering the bell against a hungry, up-and-comer, fellow Providence native Angel Camacho Jr.
The 10-round Manfredo-Camacho showdown headlines the latest installment of CES Boxing's 2016 Twin River Casino Fight Series, a loaded lineup featuring two title bouts and the Rhode Island debuts of CES' newest additions to the roster.
"These are the kind of fights the fans want to see in this modern-day boxing climate. These are the fights that will keep this sport alive," CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said. "On May 13th, you have two fighters willing to put everything on the line, one who is a Rhode Island icon and the other who needs to put aside his own admiration and respect for his opponent in order to earn his spot among the elite fighters in his weight class.
"We bring our fans major-league fights with major-league ramifications and that tradition continues May 13th. From top to bottom, you won't see a better fight card in New England or anywhere else in 2016. Every fight is competitive. Every fight is a pick-'em fight."
Tickets for May 13th are priced at $46.00, $66.00, $101.00, $151.00 (VIP) and $201.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.
May 13th is Manfredo's first fight since November of 2013, when he stopped Rhode Island's Rich Gingras in the 8th round of a scheduled 10-round bout. Coincidentally, Camacho's last win was also against Gingras via 8th-round stoppage in September for the then vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International Light Heavyweight Title.
Citing he feels "great," the 36-year-old Manfredo expresses a desire to make one more run to the top while leaning on his experience and ring generalship to carry him past the younger Camacho, who turns 33 in July.
"I had two and a half years off and when I approached Jimmy and told him I wanted to fight again, I said, 'Whoever you've got,'" Manfredo said at Tuesday's Media Day to officially announce the May 13th bout. "I feel young. I feel good.
"I'm already ready. If the fight were tomorrow, I'd be ready. If you feel good and you look good, then there's really no fear. There's nothing he's going to show me that I haven't seen. I've been in there with the best fighters in the world and have only lost to the best. I don't feel like he's on my level. I'm a better fighter than him. I've got a lot of respect for him, don't get me wrong, but I still feel like I'm on a different level."
Camacho shares in the respect and admiration for his opponent, a Rhode Island icon who he admits he grew up watching on public access and openly rooted for when Manfredo fought Joe Calzaghe for the super middleweight title in 2007. Now the two stand toe-to-toe May 13th and the stakes couldn't be any higher.
A win over Manfredo could propel Camacho's career to new heights. The 32-year-old Providence native is at the top of his game, having won each of his last three fights since ending a three-year layoff in November of 2014 with a win over Paul Gonsalvez. Since then, Camacho has beaten regional favorite Chris Chatman and Gingras, cementing his status as one of the top super middleweights in the northeast.
"I will win this fight and it's going to launch me into the stratosphere," Camacho said. "I'm getting the opportunity to fight someone I looked up to as a young buck before I even started boxing in the amateurs. I get to fight Peter Manfredo, my hometown hero? Absolutely, I'll fight him."
Manfredo's resume is well publicized. The Providence native rose to fame as a finalist on Season 1 of The Contender and became a global star with knockout wins over regional rivals Scott Pemberton and Joey Spina in 2006. Manfredo parlayed his newfound success into a Pay Per View bout in Las Vegas against Jeff Lacy in addition to world-title bouts against Calzaghe, Sakio Bika and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Upon returning to the regional scene in 2012, Manfredo dazzled in wins over Rayco Saunders and Walter Wright before knocking out Gingras a year later.
On May 13th, his latest return to Twin River highlights a tremendous lineup featuring two title bouts. In addition to Manfredo-Camacho, undefeated Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (12-0, 9 KOs) defends his UBF Northeast Title against Fort Meyers, Fla., vet Quinton Willis (10-3-2, 5 KOs) in an 8-round bout.
"I'm proud to be on this card," said Gray, who last fought in February in a unanimous decision win over Eduardo Flores. "The dude I'm fighting, I don't know anything about him. This is nothing new to me. I don't take him lightly. He's got 10 wins and five knockouts, but he has nothing to lose. He has three losses. I have everything to lose, but he's not going to take my belt. He's not going to win a round from me.
"This is either going eight rounds or not, because I'm not losing my '0' for anybody."
In a fight that could steal the show, regional standouts Nick DeLomba (8-1, 2 KOs) of Cranston, R.I., and the undefeated Freddy Sanchez (7-0, 5 KOs) of Worcester face off in a 6-round bout for the vacant New England Super Featherweight Title. DeLomba is looking to rebound from a first-round knockout loss to Gledwin Ortiz in September while Sanchez returns to the ring for the first time in two and a half months after suffering a no decision against Antonio Fernandes due to an accidental head-butt and subsequent cut over his right eye.
"There's really not much to say about this fight," Sanchez said at Wednesday's pep rally / press conference in Worcester. "I'm just going to go in there and do what I've got to do. I do my talking in the ring."
Added DeLomba: "I've never worked so hard in my life or been as excited about a fight as I am for this one. You're going to see a whole new fighter on May 13th."
The undercard also features the Rhode Island return of New Haven, Conn., welterweight Jimmy Williams (10-0-1, 5 KOs), who puts his unbeaten record on the line against the hard-hitting Juan Rodriguez Jr. (12-4, 5 KOs) of Union City, N.J., and the northeast debut of CES' latest acquisition, lightweight Divante Jones (7-0, 5 KOs) of Columbia, S.C., in a 4-round bout.
Rivalries will renew May 13th in a highly anticipated rematch between Stoughton, Mass., super featherweight Travis Demko (4-0, 1 KO) and Mohamad Allam (2-1, 1 KO) of Holyoke, Mass. The two faced one another in September with Demko winning by unanimous decision in a 4-round bout. They will now settle the score May 13th in a 6-round bout.
"All the shit-talking is done. I don't have much to say. You all saw the last fight. This is going to be a different fight," Allam said. "I'm in a much better place mentally, physically. I've never trained like this in my life.
"When you see me, you're going to see a different person. I'm going to have everyone there asking, 'Who's that kid?'"
Also returning to Twin River, unbeaten Framingham, Mass., lightweight Julio Perez (4-0) faces Providence's Cido Hoff (0-0-1) in a 4-round bout, while two fighters from Worcester make their professional debuts.
Kendrick Ball Jr., the son of Gray's head trainer, Kendrick Ball, debuts in a 4-round super middleweight bout against Providence's Tunde Odumosu, trained by Rhode Island's Victor Fagnant.
"I'm thankful to Jimmy for allowing me to make my pro debut on this exciting card," Ball Jr. said. "I've been working hard and I'm ready to go in there and get the job done."
Also from Worcester, decorated amateur Jamaine Ortiz, another new member of the CES team, debuts in a 4-round super lightweight bout against Skowhegan, Maine vet Josh Parker (0-2-1). Ortiz signed a long-term promotional agreement with CES during a special announcement at Wednesday's rally. A former New England Golden Gloves champion, Western N.E. Golden Gloves titlist and semifinalist in the 2015 U.S. Olympic Trials, Ortiz turns 20 later this month.
"I'm very excited about being showcased on this card and I'm excited to be with the CES family," Ortiz said. "From here on out, it's going to be fireworks and the whole team is going to blow up. Worcester is going to blow up, and that's what I'm here to do, to showcase Worcester and show we produce great fighters."
Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information and use the hashtag #ManfredoCamacho to join the conversation.
-- CES --
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MAYOR HARP, NHFPL’S BROGAN: ALL BRANCHES NOW BOAST ACCESS TO GIGABIT INTERNET, ‘WI-FI’
New Haven – Mayor Toni N. Harp and New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) Director Martha Brogan announced today – to coincide with the start of National Library Week – that high-speed broadband internet access and improved Wi-Fi service is now available at the Ives Main Library and at all four of the system’s neighborhood branches. This upgrade is consistent with a Harp administration priority to bring public resources to bear and bridge the existing digital divide in New Haven.
“Today’s announcement signals terrific progress toward our goal of improved access to technology and increased digital literacy across-the-board in New Haven; library patrons citywide will now have at their fingertips gigabit speed in all their computer transactions,” Mayor Harp said. “The ability to use digital technology is now an absolute necessity in our culture – this new feature in all library branches gives all city residents the opportunity to participate fully in the high-speed exchange of ideas and information.”
“We’re excited to lead the way in in the City with gigabit speed service from all of our locations,” City Librarian, Martha Brogan, states, “knowing that many residents rely on the public library’s computers for a diverse set of tasks ranging from job-hunting and filing their income tax to reading online magazines and keeping up with local news.”
There were more than 140,000 log-ins registered from NHFPL’s 180 public workstations last year. Increasingly, library customers also access the internet from their personal e-devices—cell phones or tablets—and now they will have improved, secure wireless connectivity throughout the library system.
Through its state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and tech-savvy staff, who teach digital literacy and offer one-on-one computer consultations, the NHFPL plays a pivotal role in bringing digital access equity across New Haven’s neighborhoods.
The project is made financially feasible thanks to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) e-rate program which provides discounts to assist libraries and schools in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunication and internet access. Under the direction of NHFPL’s IT Manager, John Glendon, Digital BackOffice (Milford, CT) which manages NHFPL’s broadband services, designed and implemented the broadband and Wi-Fi upgrades.
As a partner with NHFPL, DBO Managing Partner, Ron Rich understands that “dependable internet service is critical for business, government, education and libraries” and DBO guarantees that the NHFPL wide area network will have less than 1 hour of unscheduled downtime per month. With support from DBO, NHFPL participates in the Connecticut Education Network (CEN), established in 2000 to integrate high speed fiber optics networks into educational institutions, including public libraries.
This initiative is integral to the CT Gig Project, a coalition of municipalities, where Mayor Toni Harp has taken a leading role, through a commitment to bring high-speed, low-cost internet to all residents and businesses in Connecticut.
According to a recent report on Lifelong Learning and Technology released by the Pew Research Center, “Technology assets are strongly tied to the likelihood that people engage in personal learning online. Those with multiple access options (that is, a smartphone and home broadband connection) are much more likely to use the internet for most or all of their personal learning – by a 37% to 21% margin – relative to people with one or no access options.”
Refer to:
http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/03/22/lifelong-learning-and-technology/
The Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade 2016
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716 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 465-6867 Email: elmcityfreddyfixer@gmail.com Full Name of Organization Contact Person(s) E-mail Address Mailing Address City, State, ZIP Name of Director of Unit Organization’s Website Contact Telephones Day # Evening # Actual Number of Marchers Type of Unit: Type of Unit:Please c Please c Please checkeach category each category each categorythat applies to your marching unit. that applies to your marching unit. that applies to your marching unit. ⃝Band ⃝Drill Team ⃝Flag Squad ⃝Military Youth ⃝Cheerleaders ⃝Drum Corps ⃝Fraternal Organization ⃝***Motorized Unit ⃝Color/Honor Guard ⃝Elected Official ⃝Marching Unit ⃝Police Department ⃝Dance Unit ⃝Fire Department ⃝Military Unit ⃝Re-enactment Group ⃝Other: ***No Exceptions: Owners of motorized vehicles participating in the parade are required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance” with the parade application and must name the Elm City Freddy Fixer Organization and the City of New Haven as “Additional Insured” on the specified date of May 15, 2016. Please provide the required Registration and Acord 25 or Acord 27 forms with this application. MandatoryVehicle Information Vehicle Information Vehicle Information Oversized Vehicles Oversized Vehicles- The parade committee will strictly adhere to the following height and width restrictions: Vehicles can be no wider than 10ft and no taller than 12ft. The parade committee reserves the right to refuse entry of any float/trailer/vehicle that exceeds the stated parameters. Number of Vehicles (Maximum 2) Vehicle(s) Make, Model & License Plate Vehicle(s)/Float/Trailer Size **Name(s) of Driver(s) & Passenger(s) **Please make sure your driver(s) is able to present a valid Driver’s License on the Day of the Parade.This newly formed Parade Committee does not have files, photos, etc. of group descriptions from previous parades. Please provide a current brief description/history of your unit with this application that may be used by the Master of Ceremony at the Reviewing Stage. If available, please attach any photos which may be used in media releases to publicize the parade in various media outlets. Additional comments can be submitted on a separate sheet. Parade Application Fees: Please check Please checkthecategory category categorythat applies to your marching unit. that applies to your marching unit. ⃝$200 – MC Chapter ⃝$50 – Drum Corp ⃝$200 – Float ⃝$50 – Drill Teams ⃝$100 – Limousine ⃝$50 – Marching Units ⃝$75 – Vehicles (cars) ⃝ Certified checks and money orders should be made out to: Elm City FF Parade Committee. I/We recognize that the Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade (ECFF) is a family-oriented event and by submitting this application we agree to abide by the rules of conduct set forth in the Elm City Freddy Fixer’s Parade Orders for May 15, 2016. Additionally, the ECFF will not be liable for any injury that occurs in conjunction with the parade and/or any injury caused by a parade participant, whether intentional or unintentional. All parade participants agree to release the ECFF of any and all claims of liabilities, including vendors or any subcontractor(s) assisting vendors working with, or for a parade participant. Print Name (with Title) ______________________________________ Signature (with Title) ________________________________________ Date: / /2016 Note: Mail Submission to: Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade Committee – Application 716 Dixwell Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 465-6867
Photo courtesy of Kelly MacDonald
BOSTON FLYWEIGHT JOHNNY Campbell (left), seen here in a 2013 bout against Matt Doherty, returns to CES MMA on Friday, April 1st, 2016 at The Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino when he faces Pennsylvania native Matt Lozano on the main card of "CES MMA 34," airing live on AXS TV. Lozano, an 8-fight vet, is a late replacement for Rodrigo Almeida, who withdrew after suffering an injury in training camp
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 29th, 2016) -- You'd think a last-minute change of opponent would unnerve a fighter, or, at the very least, provide a minor annoyance when it occurs so close to showtime.
Johnny Campbell doesn't seem to mind. Rodrigo Almeida, Matt Lozano -- they're just roadblocks on his path to stardom.
"Opponents are only a minor detail," said the Boston-based flyweight, who stars on the AXS TV main card of "CES MMA 34" Friday night at Foxwoods Resort Casino's Fox Theater.
"The man looking in the mirror is my only real opponent. I'm ready for war of all kinds."
Campbell (11-7, 5 KOs) was originally supposed to face fellow Massachusetts native Almeida, but was forced to switch gears two weeks out when Almeida suffered an ankle injury. Some minor chest-bumping ensued between the two via social media, but Campbell quickly put it behind him and instead began focusing on his new opponent, Lozano (5-3, 1 KO), a 27-year-old Reading, Pa., native with amazing big-fight experience.
Five of Lozano's eight pro fights have occurred with either Bellator, Legacy or the World Series of Fighting, three of the most recognized promotions in mixed martial arts.
Campbell insists there aren't many differences between Rodrigo and his new opponent, therefore consolidating his training leading up to the fight, but that might not even be the biggest hurdle he needs to overcome by Friday. This will be Campbell's first fight on national television. He appeared at WSOF 20, but starred on the prelims, not the main card.
Cambell acknowledges his opponent is "hungry" -- "hungry enough to jump on a tough fight on short notice," he said -- but doesn't expect any of that to be a factor once the bell rings.
"Hunger isn't the key here, necessarily," Campbell said. "I'm going to be cool, calm and calculated. This is my time. I was born for these moments. He will crumble."
The tough-talking Campbell has never been one to back away from a tough fight. After losing to Matt Doherty in his first appearance with CES MMA back in 2013, he won his next six fights, including victories over regional standouts Kody Nordby, who recently challenged for the CES MMA Bantamweight Title, and Billy Giovanella.
Up next was his WSOF debut in April of 2015, which ended in a unanimous decision loss to New Yorker Darren Mima, who recently appeared at "CES MMA XXXI." Campbell jumped right back in later that year against two-time Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) vet Tateki Matsuda. Friday's fight against Lozano is not only a chance to end a minor two-fight skid, but a major opportunity to showcase his ability on a network synonymous with helping fighters get the exposure they need.
"The mindset for this one is 100 percent I'm blessed to be doing what I love in front of a huge audience on the biggest stage of my career," he said. "I'm going in with the focused intention of winning, not because I have to, but because I deserve this.
"I've sacrificed and given back and now I'm taking what's mine. My notoriety. My money. My fame."
Getting to the next level is sometimes all about being in the right place at the right time. Campbell, if need be, could look directly at his most recent opponent, Matsuda, who made the jump to the UFC at a modest 10-5 when Dustin Kimurasuffered an injury in advance of UFC Fight Night 50.
Anyone on Friday's card could be next, including Campbell or Lozano, making this a big, but perhaps short, night, especially with Campbell predicting major fireworks.
"Knockout finish, second round," Campbell said matter-of-factly. "I will land big shots and he will wilt."
Tickets for "CES MMA 34" are priced at $40.00, $60.00 and $100.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesmma.com, www.ticketmaster.com orwww.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or 800-200-2882, or at the Fox Theater Box Office. All bouts are subject to change. Showtime is 7 p.m. ET.
The five-round main event of "CES MMA 34" features the return of reigning CES MMA Welterweight Champion Chris Curtis (13-4, 5 KOs) of Cincinnati, who defends his title for the first time in a rematch against Philadelphia's Nah-Shon Burrell (12-6, 8 KOs), one of five televised bouts on the AXS TV Fights main card.
Curtis and Burrell fought one another in October of 2010 with Curtis winning by unanimous decision, Burrell's first loss in three pro fights. Burrell won his next six, including three in a row with Strikeforce before the promotion was bought out by the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).
The main card of "CES MMA 34" also features a middleweight bout between Calvin Kattar (14-2, 6 KOs) of Methuen, Mass., and Cortland, N.Y., vet Kenny Foster(11-10, 1 KO), a seven-time Bellator vet. Kattar last fought in 2013, beating Gabriel Baino for his sixth consecutive win, and is also remembered for defeating Saul Almeida at CES MMA's "Real Pain" pay per view event in Providence in 2012. The 5-foot-8 Foster boasts win over Lester Caslow and Eric Larkin and also went the distance against 30-fight vet Anthony Morrison at Bellator 108.
Heavyweight Steve Skrzat (8-7, 7 KOs) of Burrillville, R.I., faces Rollinsford, N.H., vet Kevin Haley (4-3, 1 KO). Also on the main card, Ludlow, Mass., lightweightLeon Davis (7-3, 1 KO) faces Lorawnt-T Nelson (7-4, 5 KOs) of Arvada, Colo.
Skrzat returns to CES MMA for the first time since 2011 having resurrected his career with wins in three of his last four bouts while Davis aims for his fifth win with CES MMA following recent victories over Jimmy Davidson and Andres Jeudi.
The "CES MMA 34" preliminaries feature four exciting bouts, including a middleweight showdown between unbeatens Carlos Candelario (2-0) of New Britain, Conn., and Syracuse's Luay Ashkar (2-0), plus the professional debuts of bantamweight Geoffrey Then and Michael Maldonado, both fighting out of Danbury, Conn. Then battles Merab Dvalishvili (1-2, 1 KO) of Long Island, N.Y., and Maldonado faces Stoughton, Mass., native George Nassar (1-0). The prelims also feature a light heavyweight bout between Cape Cod's Matt Thompson (19-10, 7 KOs) and Anton Berzin (3-1) of Philadelphia. The 29-fight veteran Thompson appeared for CES MMA in 2014 and defeated Eric Bedard via submission.
Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/ces.mmafor more information and use the hashtag #CES34 to join the conversation.
-- CES --
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The Terminator
Photo Credits: David Spagolo/Main Events
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Totowa, NJ: Main Events added another middleweight to their stable, which already includes former WBA World Champion Challenger Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (27-5, 20 KOs) and current top five prospect Arif "The Predator" Magomedov (17-0, 10 KOs), with the signing of "The Terminator" Virgilijus Stapulionis (17-3-1, 13 KOs*).
The 29-year old from Pasvalys, Lithuania started his career in 2005 a perfect 6-0 (3 KOs) before suffering his first defeat against the then-undefeated Thomas Troelenberg, who came into the fight with 17 wins. The Terminator would go on to redeem himself by winning his next four bouts, including a win over former ranked contender Richard Williams.
Shortly after that bout, Virgilijus would experience the first of two controversial losses in his career, against previously unbeaten and current ranked super welterweight Predrag Radosevic. The bout took place in his opponent's backyard of Montenegro and was halted in the ninth round after a cut above the eye of Virgilijus became a factor. The bout went to the scorecards, which awarded Radosevic the win in what many believed to be the wrong decision.
Virgilijus would face controversy again when he traveled to the backyard of Patrick Mendy of the United Kingdom. Stapulionis did what he had to do throughout the fight in order to secure the decision win. However, Mendy, the hometown favorite, would pick up the decision in a bout that many observers believe should have gone the other way.
The Terminator made his US debut in December of last year at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, California with a second round stoppage against Cesar Vila. Earlier this year he appeared on the Kovalev-Pascal II undercard in Montreal, Quebec, Canada where he earned a second round stoppage against Hungarian Laszlo Fazekas.
Stapulionis said, "I am so excited to be signed with Main Events. I want to be a champion and this is the next step to help me achieve that goal. I want to thank my team and my manager, Egis Klimas."
Virgilijus is managed by Egis Klimas who also manages WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey "Krusher" Kovalev. Egis said, "I am so happy to bring The Terminator to the United States and to work with Main Events to make him a star. We hope to make him a force in the middleweight division."
Main Events' CEO, Kathy Duva, added, "We are very excited to work with Virgilijus. He is more than willing to fight in his opponents' backyards. He has suffered some controversial losses, but also had his bigger wins in enemy territory. A fighter who has faced that level of adversity and is still willing to be a road warrior is exactly the kind of fighter I want to promote."
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Sullivan Barrera Training Camp Notes:
Ready for Anything
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Big Bear Lake, CA: As IBF number one light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) prepares for the biggest fight of his career against one of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters, Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs), at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California which will be televised live on HBO, the 34-year old from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is calm, confident and ready for anything.
Barrera trains in Big Bear Lake, California with legendary trainer Abel Sanchez. Sanchez is best known for working with IBF, WBA and WBC Interim Middleweight World Champion Gennady "GGG" Golovkin. Sullivan has taken advantage of working with his prestigious coach and being surrounded by other elite boxers like Golovkin. He said, "Camp has been great. I feel great. I am ready to make history on March 26. The best advice I have received was from Gennady Golovkin who told me to work my speed and to fight intelligently. Abel Sanchez told me not lose my cool and to stay focused at all times."
This advice has given Barrera the confidence he needs to face Ward, the former WBA & WBC Super Middleweight World Champion, as he makes the transition into the light heavyweight division. According to Sullivan, "[Ward] is considered one of the top three or four fighters in the world. I admire him a lot. He is a great challenge. I love what he has done. I also consider myself one of the best talents in the world. This opportunity is something that will prove to the world that I am at the top. I think I am getting him at the right moment because he is moving up. This is the perfect fight for me to prepare for the future 175 pound fighters who are at the elite level."
Sanchez believes Sullivan is ready for this challenge because he has been able to adapt Sullivan's Cuban skills with Abel's approach to create an entirely unique style. Explained Sanchez, "Sullivan has a style that is partly from the Cuban school and partly from my school. The attacking style that he has now is because of some of the things that we practice in the gym. It's just a matter of going at Andre and taking what he gives us. I wasn't trying to change his Cuban style, what I was trying to do is make him a little more aggressive. I wanted to make him stick out his punches a little more and have better balance. I wanted a little better positioning and technique with his legs. By adding the two styles together it gives us more opportunity for him to do what he has to do."
This unique style has given Sullivan the confidence he needs as he prepares to face Ward. He said, "If I have to box, I will box. If I have to attack him, I will attack him but I will be ready for anything as the fight goes on. I, like everyone else, recognize that Andre is a great boxer. I, too, am a great boxer. The only thing that is missing in my resume is that I haven't had the opportunity. I think this is the opportunity for me to prove that I am just as good."
Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, Ticketmaster, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Lyft, Zappos, BodyArmor, SAN Nutrition, Shoe Palace, The Waterfront Hotel and Visit Oakland. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the HBO telecast will be Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jayson Velez in a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (bit.ly/WardBarreraTix) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.
For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com, www.mainevents.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com,
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Other HBO playdates: March 21 (1:40 p.m., 5:15 a.m.), 22 (11:00 p.m.), 24 (4:30 p.m.), 26 (1:30 a.m.), 27 (11:45 a.m.) and 30 (9:50 a.m., 6:00 p.m.), and April 2 (1:10 p.m.) and 7 (10:05 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 17 (8:00 p.m.), 23 (2:00 p.m., 12:45 a.m.) and 28 (10:05 a.m., 10:00 p.m.), and April 1 (5:30 p.m., 2:15 a.m.), 3 (3:20 p.m.) and 9 (11:15 a.m.)
The show will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO® and HBO On Demand®.
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Tomasz "Goral" Adamek
Photo Credits:
Rich Graessle/Main Events
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Kraków, Poland: The upcoming heavyweight showdown between former light heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion Tomasz "Goral" Adamek (50-4, 30 KOs) of Poland and Eric "Drummer Boy" Molina (24-3, 18 KOs) Raymondville, Texas in Kraków on Apr. 2 at the Kraków Arena for the IBF Intercontinental Heavyweight Title will be distributed in North America by Integrated Sports Media for live viewing at 2 pm ET/11 am PT on both cable and satellite pay-per-view.
In addition to the live pay-per-view telecast in Poland as part of Polsat's Boxing Night series, US residents will be able to purchase the fight for pay-per-view on via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Vubiquity in the United States, as well as Rogers TV and SaskTel in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. Please contact your local cable or dish provider for more information. This event is presented by Polsat, Main Events and Don King Productions.
The pay-per-view telecast will also include several key undercard bouts: a 10-round cruiserweight fight between Mateusz Masternak vs. Eric Fields, a 10-round cruiserweight fight between Michael Cieslak vs. Francisco Palacios and additional bouts still to be determined.
Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, Adamek's promoter said, "Every time Tomasz fights back home in Poland we get numerous requests from his American fans who wish to watch the fight here. We are so excited to be able to provide them with an opportunity to watch this exciting fight here in the US."
NEW HAVEN’S PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO OPEN CITY’S GOLF COURSE TOMORROW
New Haven – Managers of the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees will officially tee off the outdoor (golf) season tomorrow when they open for play the city’s Alling Memorial Golf Club. Operators of the course have taken full advantage of the mild winter, snow-free fairways, and encouraging forecast to make the course playable at this early date.
Those interested in playing one of the first rounds of the season are encouraged to do so; more information about the facility is available at the following Website: http://www.allingmemorialgolfclub.com/.
At 7:46 PM, Officers were dispatched to the Ayah-H Market at 831 Orange Street. The woman behind the counter had reported a robbery.
According to Detectives, the crook, a moderately heavy-set white man, had brought a can of soda to the counter. He produced a dollar as if to pay for it. When the clerk opened the register, the crook “roared”, lunged over the counter and snatched about thirty dollars from the till. No weapon was involved.
During the robbery, the man scratched the clerk on her arm. Her injury is minor.
The perpetrator was described as standing about 5’08” – 5’10”. He weighs about 220 pounds. He wore a blue T-shirt over a long sleeve white shirt and blue jeans. He sports short greying hair and had a close shaved beard.
Detectives collected evidence from the scene and recovered a still image from the market’s surveillance system. They are hoping someone will recognize the perp and share that information with police.
Your tips can be phoned in at 203-946-6304. They may be made anonymously.
Photo courtesy of Will Paul
UNDEFEATED WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS junior middleweight Freddy Sanchez returns to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., on Friday, Feb. 19th, 2016 in CES Boxing's season opener when he faces Pennsylvania veteran Evincii Dixon in a 6-round bout. Sanchez is one two fighters from Worcester on the card, joining stablemate Khiary Gray, who puts his unbeaten record on the line in the 10-round main event against Cameron Sevilla Rivera for the vacant WBC Youth World Junior Middleweight Title.
The following are quotes from Monday's pep rally / press conference at Rocky's Food, Spirits & Music in Worcester to promote CES Boxing's February 19th, 2016 season opener at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I.
The upcoming event features Worcester's Khiary Gray (11-0, 9 KOs) in the 10-round main event against Washington's Cameron Sevilla-Rivera (6-2-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World Junior Middleweight Title, plus a 10-round co-feature bout between Providence, R.I., middleweight Kali Reis (7-5-1, 3 KOs) and New Mexico's Victoria Cisneros (12-18-2, 5 KOs) for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Middleweight World Title.
Worcester junior welterweight Freddy Sanchez (7-0, 5 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in a 6-round bout against Lancaster, Pa., vet Evincii Dixon and Alaskan middleweight Fatlum Zhuta (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to Twin River to face Greg McCoy of New Haven, Conn., in a 4-round bout.
Massachusetts junior welterweights Mohamed Allam (1-1) of Holyoke, Julio Perez (3-0) of Marlborough, Timmy Ramos (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Framingham and Travis Demko (4-0, 1 KO) of Stoughton are featured on the undercard in separate 4-round bouts.
Tickets for the Feb. 19th season debut are priced at $40, $75 and $125 (VIP) and are available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club.
For more information visit www.cesboxing.com or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing. Updates are also available at www.facebook.com/cesboxing.
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Cameron Sevilla-Rivera
Fife, Wash., junior middleweight
"First and foremost, I want to thank CES for the opportunity. I know they're putting their fighter through the ringer against someone who will fight back a little bit. He's a very come-forward fighter and I respect that. I'm excited to see what happens when he takes a step back."
Kendrick Ball
Trainer, Khiary Gray
"I want to thank our team, the entire team CES. I want to thank my team, Sean Fitzgerald, my cut man, Chico Lopez, my No. 2, my advisor, the new guy on our team, Tank [Steve Tankanow], and I'd also like to thank the [Camp Get Right] ladies and all the people from our gym who buy tickets. Also, Khiary's mom, Khiary's dad, for their whole support. February 19th, we're fighting for the WBC Youth World Championship. This is a big fight for us. We don't underestimate anyone we fight. We go into every fight with a game plan. Our first game plan is we're going to come home with the belt, we're going to bring it back to Worcester. Our second game plan is Khiary is going to go in and look as sharp as he did in his first 11 fights. People who know or have seen Khiary, the kid can fight. You've seen his power, you've seen his speed. This fight here, he's going to be a little more calm and we're going to pick this guy apart. I think once he starts feeling Khiary's power he's going to curl up and want to get up out of there. I understand he was saying, 'Can Khiary fight going backwards?' Well, he'll see that night we can fight going backwards, he can fight going to the side, he can fight going forward. We have a gear on us that can go anywhere we want to go, and for us to bring the belt back, we're going to put on a good show and we're coming back with the belt. Khiary, this fight here is real big. I think we're starting to move up the ladder and we're starting to get known more. Us bringing home this belt, it's going to open up a lot more eyes and we're hoping other guys will step up to the plate and take fights with us. We want to thank Jimmy Burchfield because we're 19 months into it going onto our 12th fight. It's overwhelming to be as busy as we are and as long as Khiary stays healthy and sticks to our game plan and sticks to our goals, the sky's the limit. Our goal is to be in the same shoes as Jose Rivera, to become a world champion and to do that, you need to be focused, dedicated and give 100 percent to what you need to do. For this fight right here, trust and believe we're going to give 100 percent and you're going to get the same results you've been getting, a 'W.' I'm not going to predict a knockout, but you will get a 'W.'
Jimmy Burchfield Sr.
CES Boxing President & CEO
"What this fighter [Cameron Sevilla-Rivera] from Washington doesn't know is not only what punching ability that this young fighter, this young champion [Khiary Gray] has, but when he starts hitting, I've never seen anyone work the body like he's been doing. Kendrick, it's just been amazing to see the body punching, because that's what breaks everything down. They've done a great, great job."
Khiary Gray
Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight
UBF Northeast Junior Middleweight Champion
"I just want to thank CES, my team, Kendrick [Ball], Chico [Lopez], Sean [Fitzgerald], Tank [Steve Tankanow], all my family, Camp Get Right, everyone that's been here supporting me. Come February 19th, you can expect a whole lot of action coming from me. I'm the main event, but I'm going to steal the show regardless. That's what I came to do. He says he wants to see me fight backwards. I can fight backwards, just like Ken says, sideways, forward, it doesn't matter. All the fights I've had, they've been knockouts. We don't go out for knockouts in the game plan, but if you make that mistake I'm going to capitalize on it and I'm going to stop you. Come February 19th, he better not make any mistakes, because I'm ending it in the first or third round."
Steve "Tank" Tankanow
Advisor / agent for Khiary Gray
"I never thought I'd be in this position again, but for the last year and a half, Sean Fitzgerald -- you know I managed him -- he'd come to my office every month and say, 'Tank, Tank, Tank! We've got a new fighter!' I'm not interested. Go home. A week later, 'Tank, Tank, Tank!' Finally, he wore me down. He got me to go to Twin River to watch the kid fight. I came back and he said, 'What do you think?' and I said, 'I don't like him, now go away!' A month later, he says, 'Tank, Tank, Tank! He's fighting again!' I went to the fight and said, 'He's getting better, but I'm still not interested.' This went on for three or four fights. Finally, I went to his last fight [December 18th] and saw him fight and I liked the way he fought. He fought a great fight. I said, 'Sean, you're starting to wear me down.' Finally, Kendrick and Khiary came in and said, 'We'd like you to work with us.' I didn't want to be a manager. I think Kendrick is a great trainer / manager. I'll be his agent. I'll navigate him through the pitfalls and the rises. I did it once before. I know how to get someone to be a world champion. I only came on board because I respect Mr. Burchfield. I've known him for 15, 20 years. I respect everyone involved with Khiary -- Kendrick, Sean, Chicho, who, I don't know if you're aware, Chico was the trainer of a world champion. This guy went over to Germany [in 2003] -- the three of us -- and Jose [Antonio Rivera] beat the German champion [Michael Trabant]. Three little guys from Worcester, whom nobody gave a shot, and he brought the world title home to Worcester, Massachusetts."
Kali Reis
Providence, R.I., middleweight
IBA Middleweight World Champion
"I am so excited. I have not fought on home ground, on USA soil, in well over three years. I'm a road warrior. I've been fighting the top, pound-for-pound, middleweight, welterweight, junior welterweight, every weight -- if I get the call, I go. I want to fight. I fight. That's what I do. I put the pound-for-pound, No. 1, undefeated WBO middleweight champ [Christina Hammer] on her ass. I didn't win, but I got her on her ass and that just tells you I'm supposed to be here. I'm ready to do work on February 19th. I've got to thank CES for finally giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills. I've been around CES and I've been around boxing forever. It's just a real honor to actually fight at home. I'm fighting a girl, Victoria Cisneros, who comes to fight. She's a WBC champion and she comes to fight. I don't put anything past any opponent I'm in front of. It's seek and destroy. I've learned a lot from these past fights. I've got losses on my record, but I've never been beaten. I'm ready for February 19th.
Freddy Sanchez
Worcester, Mass., junior welterweight
"Thank you guys for coming out. I promise February 19th I'll put on a show like I always do. Like I said, I don't know anything about this guy I'm fighting, but I'm just going to go fight my fight. That's about it."
Rocky Gonzalez
Trainer, Freddy Sanchez
"Freddy, as you guys know, gets underestimated because he looks skinny like he can't fight, but once he lands a good shot, the fight changes. He usually has to start chasing guys. I'm just going to keep working off of that and hopefully he knocks out everyone he fights. Pros, that's why you get 4, 6, 8, 12 rounds. People want to see knockouts and exciting fights. That's why I'm always pushing my guys to be exciting fighters. I always tell my fighters I'd rather lose getting knocked out trying than going the distance, getting the decision knowing you could've done more. If you see me pissed off in that corner, it's for a reason. I want to see an exciting fight."
Julio Perez
Marlborough, Mass., junior welterweight
"I'm in very good shape. I want to say thank you to CES for putting me on the card. I feel I'm in my greatest shape. I want to thank my coach who's always been there for me, my father, and thank you all for supporting me."
Mohamed Allam
Holyoke, Mass., welterweight
"I promise to give a show as I always will and as I always do and I'll continue to do so for the rest of my life. I promise you I'll give you the best I've got."
Jose Antonio Rivera
Worcester, Mass., native and former three-time world champion
"I'm honored to be here today with some future world champions. This is great support, everyone being here today. I remember when I was coming up, this is what we were looking for, this is what, as fighters, we strived for. This support, it's huge, because it helps the promoter keep running shows to keep helping us, the fighters. I'm very happy you guys are here and I'm sure the fighters are happy you guys are here. More importantly, make sure you're there on February 19th. That's what's going to count. There's a lot of talent here and you're going to see it on February 19th. Some of the things these fighters know, the hard work, a lot of people don't understand the hard work it takes to be a world champion, a lot of sacrifice. Those are the things a lot of people don't see. I want them to be successful, but I want to tell them something: It doesn't matter how hard you work in the gym, the sacrifices you make outside of the gym are what will help you become a world champion. You've got to eat, sleep and live boxing. You've got to take care of your body nutrition-wise, you've got to go to bed early, you've got to do your roadwork, you can't be going out partying. Sometimes there are no birthdays, no Christmas, no Thanksgiving. We've got to sacrifice, because if you sacrifice now, it's worth it later. When you become a world champion, then you can party. We'll all party. The city of Worcester will party. The city of Providence will party. Everyone will party after you do your work. It's like [New England Patriots coach] Bill Belichick says, 'Do your job.' On February 19th, you're going to see some talented fighters do their job. CES is going in the right direction. I've been in boxing for 24 years and I've seen CES grow tremendously. I wish they were where they're at now back when I started, but they're here now and that's all that matters. Take advantage of what they have to offer."
Bob Benoit
Former Worcester, Mass., light heavyweight boxer
"Years ago, we never had anything like this. Mr. Burchfield has his finger on the pulse of boxing. He knows what to do and he does it and he does it right. He does it right. Thank you all for being here tonight. We'll see you at the fights."
Rich Cappiello
CES Boxing matchmaker
"All of you fighters around New England, and the trainers and managers, you really don't understand what's standing in front of you. There are fighters I make fights for on a weekly basis, they've got to pack up and go out of town to fight. There is some really good, talented kids out there with upside down records, but they're forced to go out of town because they don't have the ability of having a guy in their area to build a following and build your record and learn along the way to create bigger opportunities down the road. This opportunity, this company, CES Boxing, they are a true boxing promotional company. I've got to tell you, I've dealt with every promoter in the world and in my honest opinion, there is positively no guy that grinds it out and that really feels and believes in this sport and who truly wants to impact in this business like Jimmy Burchfield. You need everyone to work, not just the fighters, but the trainers and managers and the fans, you've got jump on board and support these kids to keep this program going. We need the support from everybody. You've got the ground work, you've got the platform for huge opportunities that come within time. Get involved, because this is the company."
-- CES --
Photos courtesy of Ed Mulholland (Top Rank)
PHILADELPHIA'S HANK LUNDY (right), will host an open media workout Feb. 16th at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in Philadelphia to promote his Feb. 27th HBO-televised world-title bout against Terrence Crawford in New York City for Crawford's WBO Junior Welterweight Championship. The 10-round Lundy-Crawford is the main event of HBO's World Championship Boxing doubleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET. This is Crawford's fifth title defense while Lundy fights for his first world title.
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The grudge match for the unified light heavyweight world championship between Sergey Kovalev and Jean Pascal, a Vidéotron presentation in collaboration with Mise-O-Jeu, will be televised live in the United States on HBO beginning 9:45pm ET/PT. In Canada the event will be available on pay-per-view TV, please consult with your local cable provider. The card is promoted by Main Events and InterBox in association with German Titov Promotions. Tickets are on sale on at www.evenko.ca, at Centre Bell box office and at Club de boxe Champions in Montreal.
Workers imploded the old Hulton Bridge over the Allegheny River in western Pennsylvania on Tuesday
. The bridge was 107-years-old. (Jan. 26)
Photo courtesy of Will Paul
UNDEFEATED WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS junior middleweight Khiary Gray, seen here celebrating his UBF Northeast Title victory in September, will challenge Cameron Sevilla Rivera on Friday, Feb. 19th, 2016 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., for the vacant WBC Youth Junior Middleweight Title in just his 12th professional bout. Gray is 11-0 with 9 KOs. The Feb. 19th showdown against the Washington native Rivera is the 10-round main event of CES Boxing's 2016 season opener
For one night and one night only, the infamous green belt, one of boxing's most recognized symbols of excellence, comes to Rhode Island, and it'll either stay on the east coast or head west when the night is through.
:22:10 to 2:39:Unbeaten Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray (11-0, 9 KOs) faces his toughest test to date in the most important fight of his young career Friday, Feb. 19th, 2016 when he challenges Washington's Cameron Sevilla Rivera (6-2-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Title in the 10-round main event of CES Boxing's season opener at Twin River Casino.
Cameron Sevilla Rivera
Since making his professional debut in June of 2014, Gray's rapid climb includes 11 bouts in 18 months, a regional title (captured in September courtesy of a vicious knockout win over Kenton Sippio-Cook), and now a shot at the WBC Youth crown, an important step in the development of many young fighters since its inception in 1999.
The WBC Youth program is designed to provide fighters under the age of 24 with an opportunity to gain valuable experience as a precursor to challenging for a world title. The formula has worked; 47 of the fighters who've won WBC Youth titles over the past 17 years have gone on to win world championships, a remarkable footnote to a bout that needs no additional hype.
The list of former youth champions to graduate to world-title status includes 77-fight vet Humberto Soto, a WBC title-holder in two different weight classes; Kermit Cintron, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Juan Diaz, Chad Dawson, Devon Alexander and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley, who faces Manny Pacquiao for a third time April 9th in Nevada. Whoever wins Feb. 19th joins elite company.
Gray's loaded resume features eight consecutive knockout wins, seven in the first round. The 23-year-old right-hander hasn't
been past the second round since November of 2014. Rivera, also 23, won his first four professional bouts by first-round knockout and scored his fifth in August.
| won 5 of his 6 bouts by knockout, including four in the opening round. |
The Gray-Rivera main event is one of two title bouts on the Feb. 19th card. Female middleweight Kali Reis (7-5-1, 3 KOs) of Providence, a former International Boxing Association (IBA) champion and two-time world-title challenger, returns home for the first time in more than three years to fight for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) World Middleweight Title.
The well-traveled Reis brings plenty of big-fight experience to the CES' 2016 debut with a resume that includes bouts against three world champions, including unbeaten WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer, WBO Super Welterweight Champion Hanna Gabriel and reigning WBC 154-pound title-holder Mikaela Lauren. She also faced former World Boxing Association (WBA) Middleweight Champion Teresa Perozzi in Bermuda in 2014, scoring a knockout win in the third round.
Feb. 19th also features the return of five unbeaten prospect, starting with fellow Worcester native Freddy Sanchez (7-0, 5 KO), the hard-hitting junior welterweight who finished 2015 a perfect 4-0, ending with a well-deserved unanimous decision win over New Yorker Sidney Maccow in December.
Stoughton, Mass., junior welterweight Travis Demko (4-0, 1 KO) makes his first appearance since September while his last opponent, Holyoke, Mass., native Mohamed Allam (1-1) returns to Twin River in a separate 4-round bout in search of his first win since November of 2014.
Framingham, Mass., junior welterweight Julio Perez (3-0), who debuted in 2015 and swept the scorecards in three consecutive wins, faces Skowhegan, Maine, native Josh Parker (0-1-1) in a 4-round bout while fellow Framingham vet Timmy Ramos (2-0-1, 2 KOs) returns to Rhode Island two months after fighting to a draw against Cido Hoff, the only blemish on his record.
The special attraction of the night features Alaskan middleweight Fatlum Zhuta (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in his second bout at Twin River and first since December. The 27-year-old Albanian made his east coast debut in December, sending the overmatched Deivison Ribeiro to the canvas twice in the opening round to secure an impressive knockout win.
Tickets for the Feb. 19th season debut are priced at $40, $75 and $125 (VIP) and are available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club.
For more information visit www.cesboxing.com or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing. Updates are also available at www.facebook.com/cesboxing.
-- CES --
The Soulful Saturday At Thirty Plus With A LIVE Performance By Black Rob!
