Jesus Martinez will make his professional debut on Friday June 10 at the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, live worldwide on DAZN, in the latest installment of Matchroom and DAZN’s fight series in Mexico, in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase Y Talento.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $150 PESOS FROM STAGEFRONT.COM
Martinez leaves the amateur scene as a 14-time US National champion, former International amateur champion and boasting a record of 137-9. The 17 year old from Del Rio, Texas, will campaign at Bantamweight and takes on Daniel Nunez Gomez (1-1) on his pro bow, and ‘Panterita’ is raring to make his first steps in the paid ranks.

“First and foremost, I’m really excited and pumped up to be on a Matchroom and DAZN show,” said Martinez. “I’m excited to be able to show the world all my skills and what I am about. I can’t wait for June 10 to show real fireworks.”

Earlier in the year, Martinez signed with new management company International Sports Group, founded by Hall of Fame great Joe Calzaghe and London fan favorite Darren Barker, as well as training with Robert Garcia. The former World champions made the teen sensation their first signing, and ex-Middleweight king Barker believes that they have a future champion on their hands.

“I’m excited to unleash Jesus on the pro ranks,” said Barker. “He’s a lovely lad and he can really fight, it’s in his blood. He’s got unbelievable amateur pedigree, I asked him why not wait to try to make the Olympics as you are number one in the country, but he said he didn’t want to be an Olympian, because his aspirations aren’t just to be a World champion, but a multi-weight champion. He’s a tremendous talent and a future star, there’s no doubt about it.”

Martinez’s pro debut is part of a stacked card in Mexico, headlined by a World title double-header as WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi defending his straps against Esteban 
Bermudez and Mayerlin Rivas will defend her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Isis Vargas Perez.

Jorge Castaneda and Eduardo Hernandez meet for the WBC International Super-Featherweight title in a huge fight for the division, Diego Pacheco (14-0 11 KOs) continues to be a must-watch talent and the 21 year old ticks off another major milestone as he stretches his legs over the ten round distance for the first time against Raul Ortega (10-2 7 KOs), Aaron Aponte fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks against Leo Leon Martinez (2-1 2 KOs) and Eddie Hearn’s latest signing, Anthony Herrera (2-0 2 KOs), faces Kennyn Valenzuela (5-2 4 KOs) in his first six rounder.

Carl Froch and Darren Barker own some of the best wins on away territory by British fighters, and the duo talk about fighting on the road with Chris Algieri on the latest episode of ‘The Rounds’.
WATCH EPISODE TWO OF ‘THE ROUNDS’ AS CARL FROCH AND DARREN BARKER JOIN CHRIS ALGIERI
Froch began life as WBC World Super-Middleweight champion with a thrilling final round win over Jermain Taylor in Connecticut in April 2009, and then in 2010-11, ‘The Cobra’ went on the road during the Super Six series to face Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson and Andre Ward.

Barker’s first World title action saw him face the formidable Middleweight king Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City in October 2011 and then returned to the same city in August 2013 to achieve his World title dreams in dramatic fashion against IBF king Daniel Geale.

Both men open up on those trips and more, including great stories on their sparring sessions together.

Carl Froch: “I enjoyed being on the road. When we boxed for England we were going to hostile environments and fighting top fighters back-to-back in nations tournaments, but I was always a nervous fighter. So, when I defended my title against Jermain Taylor in Connecticut, I was nervous about it all. 

“Not so much boxing abroad, but more that it was Taylor, a former undisputed Middleweight World champion. I saw him get out of this limousine for the press conference in NYC and he just looked like the don, he had this nice suit on and looked crisp and clean. I was just there with a hoodie and t-shirt and I was thinking ‘do I belong here?’ It was quite a daunting thing for me, and I was always quite nervous and apprehensive as a fighter, I was unsure of myself, and I was a new World champion and making my first defense. I didn’t really know if I belonged at World level and here I was fighting Taylor in America. I look back at that fight now and think how naive I was at that level and I just had to put all my trust in Rob McCracken and my fitness, my refusal to quit and my competitive nature, I like to win.

“[Kessler and the volcanic ash cloud] On Tuesday of fight week we had Sky News on and they were saying all the flights we grounded so I am thinking I am definitely not going, the US broadcasters aren’t going to be able to make it over, so it’s definitely off. We had a barbecue in the garden, I had a couple of cans of Guinness; I don’t drink much, and I had a couple of them in fight week! The next day my promoter rang me and said that the Sauerlands’s were sending a private jet and the flight was at 2pm. Private jet sounds glamorous but it wasn’t, it was a five-seater, it was bumpy all the way and Rob doesn’t like heights so he was white all the way and didn’t say a word, hanging onto the seat and looking at me, and I was winding him up saying ‘I think we’re bang in trouble here this plane is all over the place!’ 

“I crashed the weight which I never do, and at the weigh-in I felt weak. It’s the first and only time I ever did that, but I don’t want people to think I’m making an excuse, I felt good to fight and had a great 12 rounds against a brilliant fighter and I just didn’t quite do enough. But going over on the Wednesday under that ash cloud in fight week and being overweight, switching off, it was horrible. I believe that things happen for a reason though and in boxing you don’t win or lose, you win or learn. I learnt how to come back and in my next fight I fought Arthur Abraham and the WBC title was back up for grabs, that boosted my spirits and that loss then didn’t feel as bad. 

“The loss with Andre Ward felt worse. Andre is a fantastic fighter, very skillful, fast, hard to hit, good with his jab. I remember getting out of the fight thinking, I had a decent rounds in 10, 11 and 12, and I was getting into it and I thought, why didn’t I start earlier, why didn’t I get into it, why didn’t I believe in myself? But that’s what we do when we lose, we look for reasons.”

Darren Barker: “I never felt more nervous or under pressure in the States and I think a big part of that was the experience of fighting all over the world as an amateur.

“I flew into New York with Eddie Hearn and we were in and out for the Martinez press conference, I remember the American’s almost laughing at me for showing any confidence, even though I was undefeated and European champion, I just hadn’t fought anybody. I was confident in my ability, but it was the unknown, I had sparred hundreds of rounds with Carl, an elite level fighter, but it’s still sparring. I knew I was capable of being in there with elite fighters, but I didn’t quite understand where I was at the time. 

“I don’t have any regrets looking back at my career, but I have a slight one looking back at that fight because I think if I had believed in myself a little more, been more aggressive and forced the action more, then potentially I could have caused a huge upset. I’m not saying that it would have happened, I just wished I gave it a bit more. But the whole unbuild up was just the reason I chose boxing, I was on top of a huge skyscraper in New York for the presser and thinking, ‘this is it, I’ve made it’. I was walking up fifth avenue with Eddie and we walked past a shop with bright green trousers in the window and Eddie said: ‘you should buy them and wear them at the press conference for a laugh!’ I said: ‘no chance, I wouldn’t be seen dead in them!’ We got to the press conference and Sergio was wearing that exact pair of trousers! 

“The Repton club had a knack of churning out top quality Southpaws so I was never fazed at fighting them, I knew I would be able to compete with him and it was a great experience for me and one that was massively valuable going onto the Geale fight.

“I’d been to Atlantic City for the Martinez fight, so it wasn’t alien to me and I was driven to right that wrong. We had a similar game plan, to be aggressive but smart, on the front-foot and hold center of the ring. It wasn’t until I got in there that I realized how awkward he was, he had a knack of getting out of range, I was falling short and adopted a different plan to get on his chest and outwork him. 

“The moment I got put down in the sixth round, a lot of people know my brother Gary passed away, he was a very good fighter and if I had have lost that fight I would never have fought again, it would have been a box that hadn’t been ticked and it would have eaten away. So, I was just so prepared to leave everything in the ring that night that a body shot was never going to keep me down, fast-forward to the 12th round and hearing Michael Buffer say, ‘and the new’, I still can’t believe it. I achieved what I set out to do. 

“There were a lot of question marks over my toughness, but I always knew I was tough. You don’t do 12 rounds of sparring with Carl and not be tough! I always knew there was a fight out there to show everyone I was mentally and physically tough.”

Froch and Barker star in the second episode of ‘The Rounds’ and the first episode, featuring Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Daniel Jacobs talking about the highs and lows of boxing, can be found on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

Over the past two decades, esteemed fight face Mick Hennessy navigated stars such as Froch, Witter, Barker, Eastman and the Fury cousins (Tyson and Hughie) through the fistic jungle and on to international acclaim. Now the innovative promoter’s son Michael Junior is poised to enrich the family’s fighting legacy…between the ropes!

The 19 year old 6ft 1in middleweight is an amateur centurion who served a quality ring apprenticeship on both sides of the Irish Sea and as a spar hand within several of the capital’s most revered pro academies.

Now the angel-faced action man intends utilising dad’s influence to take the outside lane to the top in the paid sphere.

While licences and medicals are due to be issued, the intention is to unleash Michael into the profession on his dad’s show at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on May 25th headlined by Hughie Fury’s return to the ring against Chris Norrard, exclusively live on Channel 5.

‘I’ve got a very exciting, TV friendly style. I love to fight and, in future, when I need to, the public will enjoy seeing me go toe-to-toe. Once people see me in action they’ll begin to realise I’ve served a very hard apprenticeship and I belong at this level.” quips Junior in a soft tone that belies the spite and aggression for which he is lauded once his boxing gloves are laced.

The Noble Art has been a fundamental factor in Michael Jr’s existence since before he could recite his alphabet.

‘Boxing’s my life,’ states bright boy Michael, who attained five A Stars and five A grades at GCSE level whilst also competing at the highest level of amateur boxing.

‘I’ve been attending my dad’s shows since I was as young as four or five. Dad’s biggest stars from fighters, to trainers to managers and promoters, were always around. During my teens, Dad paid me to work part-time in his office, where I got a behind the scenes look of how the game really works! I’ve been surrounded by the fight game my whole life.

‘My Dad never wanted me to box but it was inevitable. I started badgering him as young as six or seven but, initially, he always told me: ‘No’. He said if I still wanted to do it when I was 11, he’d take me to the gym and we shook hands on the deal.

‘True to his word, on my 11th birthday, I was taken to the local Sevenoaks ABC gym and also when in Ireland the St. Monica’s club in Newry (where Michael remained for the whole of his amateur career under Owen Murphy). I had my first bout just two months later and was fast tracked. I’d attend the gym on Monday and Wednesdays, then practise on the pads at home with Dad, every other night.’

Over time, the teen terror – who subsequently joined Body Shots Academy later on as his English club, but was coached from the off by his father – evolved into one of the most seasoned starlets on the unpaid circuit, scouring the seas in search of the trials and tests that could accelerate his development.

‘I had well over 100 amateur bouts but at least 60% were in Ireland where my dad’s family are from. I must have won well over three quarters,’ recalls the eldest of Hennessy Senior’s three children.

‘As an amateur, I won multiple Box Cups, and multiple London, Ulster, Antrim and Nine Counties titles. Having got to the semi-finals and finals of a few different prestigious national tournaments, I believe that if there was fair play involved, I would also have national titles on my record.

‘But, truthfully, as an amateur, it was always just about learning and gathering experience to succeed later in the pros.’

Encased in a boxing bubble from birth was always going to bring advantages but Papa Mick, himself a useful amateur during his youth around the Old Kent Road, disclosed that, from his formative years in the sport, young Michael rejected any notion of being ‘silver spooned’ through the sport.

‘As Michael was lying in bed after his third win, aged 11, I complemented him on a brilliant performance. As I went to leave the room, he said with this huge smile ‘Dad, 3 and 0!’ recalls Mick the promoter turned teacher.

‘I returned to his bedside and told him: ‘Son, in amateur boxing, there’ll be a lot of heartbreak; politics and bad decisions. Sure, I can keep you on home shows, where you won’t fight as much and we can go on a long unbeaten run or I can take you on the road where sometimes you’ll lose, other times you’ll get shafted but you’ll certainly learn to fight. What’s it to be?’ Without blinking, he replied: ‘The road, dad!’

‘Consequently, Michael has been boxing at an elite level since the beginning. He’s been very competitive his whole career against National, Commonwealth, European and World medalists, and also holds some notable wins over some of them.

‘For the pros, he’ll definitely need to tighten his defence, mind. He’s very, very aggressive if left to his own devices but I intend for Michael to have a long and successful career.’

Despite his tender years, slender frame and cherubic features, Hennessy Jr is adamant that he possesses the hardware required to flourish within The Hardest Game.

‘Most of the other amateurs boxed pretty much the same, darting in and out, picking points but, from day dot, I had a pro style that distinguished me, set me apart,’ states Michael who now studies Business and Property Development through open study.

‘I’ve been moving around with pros and doing the long rounds, from a young age. I won’t need to make many adjustments for the pros.

‘Despite being tall and slim, I like to work inside, I love the body shots and working up close. Lee Wilkins, trainer and owner of Body Shots gym nicknamed me ‘Miguel Hernandez’ at 14 due to my initials and because I fought like a Mexican. It caught on with all the lads and the nickname Miguel seems to have stuck.’

And this most engaging of young men is intent on making quite a splash when he debuts sans singlet and with the free-to-air Channel Five cameras rolling, in Manchester on Saturday week.

‘I’m not at all nervous about this; just relaxed and excited,’ concludes Michael.

‘I’m going straight into six-threes. Four-threes would be too similar to an amateur fight. We’re unsure on the opponent at the moment,”

‘But whoever it is, I’m looking to put on a spectacular performance and, hopefully get, a kayo victory. It’s going to be the start of an epic journey to the top!

You can follow Michael’s journey on social media: @mhennessyjr

Tickets priced at £40 & £70 are available from http://vipboxing.tv/shop/vip-tickets/hughie-fury-saturday-25th-may-victoria-warehouse/ and 01942 874 241

Former IBF Middleweight champion Darren Barker has announced his retirement due to injuries following his December knockout to defeat to Felix Sturm According to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m so proud and happy at what I’ve achieved. When I won my first national (amateur) title as a kid I could have retired a happy boy then, so to have won all the major titles possible for me I’m a very, very happy man,” Barker said. “I did this all for my (late) brother Gary — we did it mate! I’m now looking forward to sitting back and being a keen fan and wishing all my fellow countrymen all the best in their careers.”

“I would like to thank my family for their support, without them none of what I achieved would have been possible,” Barker said. “My fantastic friends and all the fans that brought tickets to my fights and traveled the country and world supporting me, I really appreciate it and thank you.

“Tony Sims — he constantly got the best out of me and he’s more than a fantastic trainer. He’s a mentor and very good friend. (Promoter) Eddie Hearn and the rest of the guys at Matchroom Sport for getting me the big fights and elevating me to another level and, ultimately, getting me the fight that helped me realize a dream, and I’ve also met some friends for life there.”

“It is with both sadness and joy that Darren Barker announces his retirement from the sport today,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. “Darren has been an exemplary role model for any young fighter and a wonderful ambassador for boxing. The sport of boxing is in Darren’s blood.”

“Darren has overcome many adversities in his career,” Hearn said. “The greatest (was) the loss of his brother Gary at just 19, but a series of career-threatening injuries have made Darren’s journey even more remarkable and no one will ever forget that magical night in Atlantic City on Aug. 17, 2013, when Darren realized his dream by capturing the IBF world middleweight title against Daniel Geale.

“Unable to run in his preparation for that fight (because of the hip problem), Darren adapted his training and summoned the most incredible amount of mental desire to win. I will never forget Michael Buffer’s words ‘and the new…,’ a moment that made us all so proud but no one more than his late brother Gary. I feel that night took a piece of Darren’s soul and whilst in his preparation for the Sturm fight he showed the same amount of intensity and desire, the damage on his body and numerous operations meant that he was unable to give Felix the fight he needed to defend his title.

“(After) a visit to the hospital for treatment to his hip and the disappointment of losing his world title, Darren’s family a friends made their way back to the hotel. We shared a beer and just by looking in his eyes I knew it was all over but Darren Barker was at peace, the struggle was over but he had achieved all he ever wanted.”

IBF Middleweight champion Darren Barker will defend his crown on December 7th against long reigning belt holder Felix Sturm in Stuttgart, Germany according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We have been in discussions with Felix Sturm’s team since the Daniel Geale fight, and with purse bids approaching they made their intentions quite clear,” said Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Felix is the fight we want both financially and from a legacy perspective and once we were able to introduce our necessary demands, which included a potential second fight in the UK and neutral officials, then this was an opportunity Darren could not turn down.

“Even though defeat would lead to an immediate rematch in London, we are all confident that Darren will defend his title in style on Dec. 7 in Germany.”

Follow all the action LIVE from ringside at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City as Daniel Geale defends the IBF Middleweight title against Darren Barker. The action gets underway at 9:45 eastern/6:45 Pacific / 11:45 am on Australia/ 2:45 in the United Kingdom with the IBF Super Bantamweight title bout between Johnathan Romero and Kiko Martinez.

12 ROUNDS IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–DANIEL GEALE (29-1, 15 KO’S) VS DARREN BARKER (25-1, 16 KO’S)

Round 1 Geale coming out jabbing…Barker gets in a right…right on the ropes…Left hook..Jab..counter right

Round 2 Left from geale..Right off the ropes…Barker lands a right to the body and two lefts on the ropes..Trading rights…20-18 Barker

Round 3 Counter right from Geale…Hard jab…right…Short right from Barker…Left hook..counter right,,,left…30-27 Barker

Round 4 Barker lands a right to the body…straight right on the ropes…Geale lands a right..right gets through the guard…good uppercut by Barker…good right…40-36 Barker

Round 5 Good body shot from Barker…uppercut..Cracking right from Geale…body shot…Left from barker…Right from Geale…trading body combos…3 punch body combo from Barker..50-45 Barker

Round 6 Good right from Barker..Hard right from Geale…straight right,,,HARD BODY SHOT AND DIWN GIES BARKER….Geale all over Barker,,,Barker turns it around and ricks Geale on the ropes…58-55 Barker

Round 7 Counter right from Barker..Right to body from Geale…Blood from left eye of Barker…Good shot from Barker…right…68-64 Barker

Round 8 Trading hard shots in the middle of the ring..left to body from Barker..Counter body from Geale…Barker lands a right…78-73 Barker

Round 9 Geale lands a right…Good 3 punches combo from Barker…88-82 Barker

Round 10 Right from Barker…left from Barker…3 punch combo from Geale…Barker lands a right..left from Geale…left and right from Geale…uppercut from Barker...97-92 Barker

Round 11 Straight right from Barker..Right from Geale.. good axtion in middle of ring…107-102 Barker

Round 12 Body combo from barker…Good right from geale..Geale lands a right…Hard left hook…right..Hard right rocks Barker..116-112 Barker

114-113 Geale…116-111 Barker…114-113 Barker

12 ROUNDS IBF SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE–JONATHAN ROMERO (23-0, 12 KO’S) VS KIKO MARTINEZ (28-4, 20 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Martinez lands a right to the body..3 body shots…Martinez lands a hard right that hirts Romero…Martinez landing upercuts…ripping rights…10-9 Martinez

Round 2 Romero lands 6 shots…Left hook..Martinez stalking…19-19

Round 3 Big uppercut from Romero..Little combo from Romero..Martinez lands a bod shot..Hard right from Martinez..29-28 Romero

Round 4 Body shot from Romero..uppercut…Martinez landing hard shots…Body shot…38-38 Martinez

Round 5 Blood streaming down the left side of the face of Romero..Hard right from Martinez…and another...48-47 Martinez

Round 6 They come out throwing hard shots…Martinez lands a right and uppercut..MARTINEZ RELENTLESS LANDING VICIOUS SHOTS…BATTERING ROMERO ALL OVER THE RING….FIGHT STOPPED

NEW JERSEY (July 11, 2013) – Gary Shaw Productions in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions are proud to announce Jhonatan Romero (23-0, 12 KOs) vs. Kiko Martinez (28-4, 20 KOs) for the IBF junior featherweight title as the co-feature attraction to Daniel Geale (29-1, 15KOs) vs. Darren Barker (25-1, 16KOs) live on HBO Boxing After Dark®.

The 12-round championship bout will take place at the Revel Casino-Hotel, Atlantic City’s newest and largest casino resort. Tickets prices start at $30 and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, and by calling 800-745-3000. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Romero, who hails from Colombia, recently captured the vacant IBF super bantamweight title when he traveled to Mexico and defeated Alejandro Lopez on his home turf.

“I’m very thankful to my promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing for getting me this fight on HBO,” said Romero. “In my last fight I accomplished my dream of becoming a world champion and now it’s time to defend it. I know Martinez is a big puncher but I believe my boxing skills will prevail in this fight. I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

Martinez who represents his country of Spain, is rated #15 by the IBF and won the vacant WBC Latino super bantamweight title in his last fight by way of knockout against Damian David Marchiano of Argentina. Martinez, known for his heavy hands, dropped Marchiano in rounds one and two before the referee stopped the bout. He’s looking to do the same against Romero.

“Romero is a very good fighter but he has never faced a powerful puncher like me,” Martinez said. “Once he feels my power he’ll know he’s in for a short night. My goal is get the knockout one way or another. The fans watching will witness an explosive fight from my end.”

“Jhonatan is a very talented fighter that brings a lot of excitement to the ring with his active style,” said Shaw. “I believe he’s the best super bantamweight in the world today and I’m pleased that HBO will be televising his fight. He’s in a tough fight but I believe he’ll come out on top.”

“We are excited that Jhonatan ‘Momo’ Romero will be able to showcase his talent on HBO and make his first IBF title defense in front of a large U.S. audience,” said Alex Camponovo, executive Vice President of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Since winning the world title Romero has become a star in Colombia and we want him to make the crossover. We know Kiko Martinez will be a rigorous test for Romero but we can’t cut any corners at this level. It will be a great match because both men are ready to shine and more than willing to show their ability.”

# # #

About Revel Casino-Hotel
Revel Casino-Hotel: Gamblers Wanted. Revel offers casino players the newest and most expansive casino resort in the history of Atlantic City. Located along the city’s world-famous boardwalk, and designed to offer endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, the casino offers 130,000 square feet of gaming space, the largest contiguous smoking casino in Atlantic City, 2,400 slots – none more than a year old, 130 table games, the high-limit Pearl Slot Lounge and high-limit table game Ultra Lounge. Revel features 1,399 ocean view rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, lounges, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 14 restaurants serving world-class cuisine and down-home favorites, a collection of boutiques, nightclubs, a dayclub and live entertainment on its stages at The Social and Ovation Hall.

For additional information and updates, please visit www.revelcasino.com.

NEW JERSEY (June 25, 2013) – Revel Casino-Hotel, Atlantic City’s newest and largest casino resort, will proudly host the highly anticipated middleweight showdown between IBF titleholder Daniel Geale (29-1, 15KOs) and No. 6 rated contender from the UK Darren Barker (25-1, 16KOs) on August 17th. Gary Shaw Productions in association with Grange Old School Boxing, and Matchroom Boxing, will promote the event which will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

This is the first time a boxing event will take place at Revel Casino-Hotel since its grand opening in May of last year. Shaw is very excited to present the show and also the potential for bringing more events to Revel. He knows this card is an incredible opportunity to kick off boxing at the fantastically vibrant venue, Ovation Hall. Event start time is 7 p.m.

Tickets prices start at $30 and go on sale Thursday, June 27th at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and by calling 800-745-3000. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will begin at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

“You know how amazing it will be to break in a venue like Revel with an HBO tripleheader,” said Shaw. “I mean that is one heck of a way to open up boxing at any kind of first class hotel and casino. We’re excited for the card, but now we get the chance to do it at a quality location. I’ve been to Revel and I can tell you that everything about this place screams boxing, action, and total entertainment.”

“Fans will feel as though this place is catering to them. The venue is set up nicely to host cards big and small, and the people associated with Revel are smart, hardworking individuals. I’m happy to be working with my good friend, Revel executive Bernie Dillon, whom I had the pleasure of doing business with when I was with the New Jersey State Athletic commission. I can’t wait to work with him and his staff. The event itself will be incredible,” Shaw continued.

Shaw’s excitement is warranted, after all the main event stands alone as a much anticipated showdown in the middleweight division and fight fans are hopeful that this showdown will produce genuine fireworks.

“This is Daniel Geale’s first time competing in the states and U.S. fans that aren’t familiar with him are in for a big treat. Daniel is a quality fighter and I think he could be the best middleweight in the division right now. He isn’t just talented; he is a fighter’s kind of fighter with intentions of making hardnosed type of dog fights. His opponent’s style meshes well and we feel like this is not just a meaningful fight in the division, but also one that fight fans can really get behind as it will be not only competitive but will set up the next big fight in the middleweight division,” Shaw said.

Geale has spoken for a couple of years about fighting in the U.S. and now he is finally making good on that promise as he gets the chance to compete on U.S. soil in front of a major television audience.

“I’m excited to be on HBO because you can’t mention boxing without HBO. I will be exposed to many U.S. fight fans for the first time in my career thanks to my promoter Gary Shaw and Grange Old School Boxing. The feeling is overwhelming. I’m excited to perform in a city that has hosted so many legends such as Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Diego Corrales just to name a few. I will do my part to live up to what past legends have accomplished,” Geale said.

Gary Shaw Productions is staging a great boxing event come August 17th and fans will be in for a real treat, especially those fans fortunate enough to be in attendance at Revel.

“Fans will get their money’s worth with this card and we will have two debuts that night: the American debut of middleweight world titlist and possibly the best fighter at 160lbs, Daniel Geale, as well as the debut of one of Atlantic City’s newest crown jewels, Revel.”

About Revel Casino-Hotel
Revel Casino-Hotel: Gamblers Wanted. Revel offers casino players the newest and most expansive casino resort in the history of Atlantic City. Located along the city’s world-famous boardwalk, and designed to offer endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, the casino offers 130,000 square feet of gaming space, the largest contiguous smoking casino in Atlantic City, 2,400 slots – none more than a year old, 130 table games, the high-limit Pearl Slot Lounge and high-limit table game Ultra Lounge. Revel features 1,399 ocean view rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens, lounges, a 32,000-square-foot spa, 14 restaurants serving world-class cuisine and down-home favorites, a collection of boutiques, nightclubs, a dayclub and live entertainment on its stages at The Social and Ovation Hall.

For additional information and updates, please visit www.revelcasino.com.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, IBF Middleweight champion Daniel Geale will take on Darren Barker on August 17th at The Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY and will be televised by HBO.

“Fighting in the United States for the first time is truly an honor,” Geale said. “I’m going to give the fans a great night of boxing while representing my country with dignity.”

“Barker has to be one of the toughest opponents I’ve faced on paper, but I’ve been in the ring with world titlists and it remains to be seen whether or not Barker can offer up anything extra,” Geale said. “He is a top-rated fighter amongst 160-pounders, but in the middleweight division that’s saying a lot because the entire division is dangerous. A guy in the top 10 at middleweight would be top 3-4 in almost any other division.”

Said Geale’s American promoter Gary Shaw: “This division is so good that everywhere you look you see tough fights, but Daniel could’ve taken an easier fight. There are easier fights out there compared to Barker, but Daniel wanted this fight. The winner will be in a position to be considered the best middleweight out there.”

“I’m going to have my hands full, that’s for sure,” Geale said. “Barker gave Martinez all sorts of fits, but he is an even better fighter now, and I think he has improved a great deal since the Martinez fight. I’m not sure Martinez could beat Barker now. Maybe Martinez planned on fighting Barker before he got too good? I want the fights that will give me the biggest challenges, and I plan on handling Barker better than anyone has. It won’t be easy, but that’s what I’ll attempt to do.”

“This is a golden opportunity for me, and I feel it’s my time to shine,” Barker said. “It’s been a tough journey for me, but I’m one fight away from realizing my dream and becoming world champion. I’ve dedicated my entire life to this sport, and since the Sergio Martinez fight I really feel like I’ve grown as a fighter. I can’t wait to bring that IBF world title back to the U.K.”

“This is the fight that Darren wanted so badly, and now he’s got it,” said Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “This is a wonderful fight between two incredibly gifted middleweights, it’s a pure 50-50 fight, and I know Darren is going to bring it home.”

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was at the Palm Restaurant in New York City where world Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and undefeated contender Darren Barker met the media in advance of Saturday’s world title fight in Atlantic City

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at Modells Sporting Goods in Times Square to capture the images of world Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez as he worked in advance of his his Saturday title defense against England’s Darren Barker in Atlantic City

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra attended a unique press event where Middleweight contender Andy went to several bars in New York City to promote his October 1st rematch with Brian Vera as part of the Sergio Martinez – Darren Barker Middleweight title card

New York, NY (September 13, 2011) – Undefeated junior middleweight Captain Boyd “Rainmaker” Melson of New York City will make his Atlantic City debut Saturday, October 1 at Boardwalk Hall.

Melson will face an opponent to be named in a six round special attraction bout prior to an HBO doubleheader headlined by the middleweight title showdown between champion Sergio Martinez and unbeaten challenger Darren Barker.

Sporting a perfect 5-0 record, Melson’s stopped his last three foes, most recently dispatching Zach Schumach in July. Melson, who had a multi-year layoff between his amateur finale and pro debut, is fighting for the fifth time in 2011 and feels that he’s making the strides to one day become a top-notch professional.

“It’s an honor to fight on this card and I’m working hard as I can in the gym in order to shine,” said Melson, a West Point Graduate who is currently doing Anti-Terrorism Training as part of his Army Reserve duties. “The more I fight, the more I believe I can compete against the world’s best fighters like I did in the amateurs.”

With America’s first clinical trial for Spinal Cord Injuries tentatively scheduled for 2012, Melson is donating his entire purse for the sixth consecutive time to “Justadollarplease” in effort to ensure that he is doing his part so the necessary resources are available to make the trial successful.

“Approximately, 10,000 Americans are paralyzed annually from Spinal Cord Injuries. With limited government funding for Embryonic Stem Cell research along with the vast polarized views regarding the ethical aspect of conducting this type of research, the trial is looking at using Non-Embryonic cells to give human beings with Spinal Cord Injuries their God given right to walk again.”

Melson also acknowledged the importance of the trial and the impact it would have on paralyzed Americans.

“A successful trial would mean that a new FDA approved standard of care that treats Spinal Cord Injuries would be legal in the United States. More importantly, if everything goes as planned, this would be the first FDA approved treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries that would allow the once paralyzed to live their lives full of independence. Between my involvement in the pending trial and the expectations of those that will come to watch me fight, I have a lot to fight for and must perform better than ever before!”

In association with Justadollarplease, Melson created Team Fight to Walk, whose mission is to raise awareness within the boxing community about the importance of stem cell research for spinal cord injuries. Team Fight to Walk is comprised of Melson, IBF cruiserweight champion Steve “USS” Cunningham, title contender DeAndre “The Bull” Latimore, Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana and prospects Sid “The Messenger” El Harrak, Denis “Da Momma’s Boy” Douglin, Vinny “The Lion” O’Brien Ahmed “Prince of Egypt” Samir and Delen “Sniper” Parsley.

Tickets prices range from $50 to $300 and can be purchased on teamfighttowalk.com. Boardwalk Hall is located at 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ.

Melson’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Part 2

15rounds.com impeccable shutterbug Claudia Bocanegra braved the 90 degree weather this past Wednesday at 230 Fifth Avenue Rooftop in New York to capture the images of the announcement of Sergio Martinez October 1st title defense against Darren Barker in Atlantic City

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that world Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez will defend his title against Darren Barker of England on October 1st in either Atlantic City or Dallas.

The report indicated how social media played a big role in making this fight as Martinez’ promoter Lou DiBella and Barker’s promoter Eddie Hearn began fight conversations via Twitter.

“I’ve known Eddie since he was 11. Easy to make the deal,” DiBella said. “They’ve been wanting the fight and Sergio is willing to fight anyone. Barker has been calling out Sergio and he’s a pleasing TV fighter. He’ll come at Sergio and I think it will be an exciting fight, and there will be a lot of international interest, especially in the U.K. Barker’s never been beaten and he’s popular in England. He’ll have more people travel to the U.S. for this fight than travel here for (British world titleholders) Carl Froch or Amir Khan fights.”

“This is the fight we are doing,” DiBella said. “We met with HBO, they know our intention and our meetings have been positive. They know the situation. They are well aware that the fight has been offered to many top opponents. I believe we will have a deal with HBO completed this week.

“Out of the guys who are available, this is a guy who wants to fight Sergio,” DiBella said.

“Sergio would have fought any of them, but people are turning him down left and right, but Barker is a guy who wanted this fight,” DiBella said.

“One thing you can’t take away from Barker is he has the courage to face the best,” Martinez said. “He has the courage to face the best more than Cotto or Chavez. He has more courage than them. I am fighting an undefeated fighter. As I have always said, I am ready for anyone. Nobody else took a step forward to make this fight, but Barker did. I am very disappointed in Cotto. He has no balls to face me.”

“I believe that he was the best available contender,” Sampson Lewkowicz, Martinez’s adviser, told ESPN.com while at dinner with DiBella and Martinez on Monday night. “Cotto refuses to fight, Chavez Jr. is missing in action. Cotto doesn’t want any part of Martinez. Barker is qualified. He is the European champion, he is undefeated and hungry for the glory. There is nothing better than that — to be so hungry for the glory.”

“I don’t believe we’re getting the winner of Chavez versus whoever, but Sampson exacted a promise from the WBC and we’ll find out if they will honor the promise,” DiBella said. “I don’t think they will.”

DiBella said he is close to finalizing the HBO co-feature, which would pit Fort Worth middleweight Brian Vera (18-5, 11 KOs), a former participant on “The Contender,” against Ireland’s Lee in a rematch.

Martinez is the number one rated Middleweight and Barker is ranked sixth by the 15rounds.com rankings