ATLANTIC CITY (July 16, 2024)–On Friday night, July 26th, boxing returns to Tropicana Atlantic City as Boxing Insider returns for another exciting night of action.

Tickets are now on sale for $63, $103, $203 and $303 and can be purchased at the following link:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/boxinginsider-live-professional-boxing-atlantic-city-new-jersey-07-26-2024/event/020060CD00CE6AFA

The main event will feature former lineal world heavyweight title challenger Otto Wallin (26-2, 15 KOs) of New York via Sweden take on Onoriode Ehwarieme (20-4, 19 KOs) of Miami in a eight-round battle of big punching heavyweights.

The undercard will be filled with local and undefeated fighters.

In a six-round bout, undefeated Atlantic City native, Justin Figueroa (9-0, 7 KOs) fights Victor Mendoza Arreola (4-1, 2 KO) of Colorado Springs, Colorado in a junior middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts, Atlantic City native Bruce Seldon Jr, (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Isaiah Margheim (1-3) of Sandusky, Ohio in a heavyweight clash.

Jason Castanon (1-0, 1 KO) of New York battles Arvontae Dukes (2-0) of Bronx, NY in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Jacob Solis (4-0, 4 KOs) of New York puts his perfect mark on the line against James Abraham (2-1-1, 2 KOs) in an inter-borough battle of middleweights.

19-time National Amateur champion Marco Romero (1-0, 1 KO) of Kansas City fights Victor Pradis (2-0) of Covington, Louisiana in a scrap of undefeated super middleweights.

Stacia Suttles of the Bronx will make her pro debut against Kalindria Faria (1-1) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a four-round lightweight bout.

“Irish” Micky Ward will be in attendance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.

Micky Ward believes Demetrius Andrade will retain his WBO World Middleweight title when he defends against Irishman Jason Quigley at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday November 19, live worldwide on DAZN.
TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER.COM
Ward is no stranger to big New Hampshire bouts, winning two fights in the state in 1999 that set the benchmark for his Ring Magazine Fight of the Year with Emanuel Augustus in 2001 in Hampton Beach.

The Massachusetts legend with Irish roots could be forgiven for having split loyalties when he takes his seat next Friday night as Andrade and Quigley close a monster show with four World titles on the card, but the man that played a starring role in three epic battles with Arturo Gatti will be backing the Rhode Island man to retain his title and hunt down the unification battles he craves.

“I’ve known Boo Boo for years, he’s the real deal, he always comes to win, he’s a born winner,” said Ward. “I was telling him that this is the only time I am going to go against an Irishman as Boo Boo is my guy! He’s an elite fighter but he’s also a great kid. I wish Jason all the luck in the world in the fight, he’s a great fighter too but Demetrius is my man.

“I’ll be on Boo Boo’s side but I’m Irish and if it was any but Demetrius fighting, I’d be rooting for Jason but Boo Boo is like family to me, so I have to back him. Demetrius can really fight. He can switch, he’s got power, speed, he brings everything and he’s tough with a good chin, he’s the full package, an all-round great fighter that can adapt to any style.

“I know that the Irish fans are going to come out and they are crazy in the best way. If they are out in force it’s going to be loud, they are great fans and they get behind their guy.

“It’s great to have massive fights in New Hampshire. I fought here a few times and it’s great to see such a massive card coming to Manchester. I had the fight of the year here in 2001 with Emmanuel. It was a great fight, crazy fight and New Hampshire is close to me right up the street from Massachusetts, so it brings back great memories and I’m looking forward to next Friday.”

Andrade’s clash with Quigley is part of a massive quadruple header of World title action, with Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0 7 KOs) defending his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against José Velásquez (26-9-2 19 KOs).

It’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico in the long-awaited showdown between WBC World Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) and the fourth World title bout on the bill is the second step on the path to crowning an undisputed women’s champion at 140lbs as Kali Reis (18-7-1 5 KOs) takes on Jessica Camara (8-2) for the WBA, IBO and vacant WBO straps.

NEW YORK (Sept. 29, 2014) – DiBella Entertainment, Warriors Boxing and Foxwoods Resort Casino will celebrate the 49th birthday of “Irish” Micky Ward with boxing fans attending the SHOWTIME Boxing Special Edition tripleheader on Saturday, October 4, airing live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Promoter Lou DiBella promoted Ward (38-13, 27 KOs) during the latter part of his career, including the epic Arturo Gatti-Ward trilogy. DiBella and Ward, who fought out of Lowell, Massachusetts, developed a special relationship that continues today.

“Of all the fighters that I’ve worked with, no one was more honest or gave more of themselves than Micky Ward,” DiBella said. “It’s a natural to celebrate Micky’s birthday in conjunction with a fight card in New England. Micky is forever New England’s fighter. Fans will get an opportunity to see a great night of boxing and to meet a fighter who may never get into the Hall of Fame, but will always be an icon.”

All 51 of Ward’s bouts were fought as a junior welterweight, including his last fight on June 7, 2003, against Gatti. During his 18-year professional career, Ward captured the (original) WBU title with an eighth-round TKO win over heavily favored, previously undefeated (22-0) Shea Neary in London, and also participated in three consensus “Fights of the Year”. Displaying a lethal left hook to the body, Ward’s other more notable victims included Gatti, Steve Quinonez, Reggie Green, Emanuel Augustus and Alfonso Sanchez, in addition to popular New England fighters such as Louis Veader (twice) and John Rafuse. Ward had a 3-1 (2 KOs) lifetime record fighting at Foxwoods.

Boxers expected to join Ward’s celebration include former WBA/WBC welterweight champion Marlon “Magic Man” Starling (45-6-1, 27 KOs), of Hartford; reigning WBO junior middleweight titleholder Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (21-0, 14 KOs), of Providence; 1955 World welterweight champion Tony “The Pride of Fleet Street” DeMarco (58-12-1, 33 KOs), of Boston; former WBO middleweight champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs), of Brooklyn; former WBA junior welterweight and welterweight champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs), former IBO middleweight champion and star of The Contender, Season I reality television show, Peter Manfredo Jr. (40-7, 21 KOs), of Providence; former world lightweight title challenger Tony Petronelli (42-4-1, 22 KOs), of Brockton (MA); “Connecticut Fighter of the Year” Luis “KO King” Rosa Jr. (17-0, 7 KOs), of New Haven, who is coming off a sensational win over Luis Del Valle in May; and Framingham (MA) welterweight and 2008 U.S. Olympic Team alternate, Danny “Bhoy” O’Connor (23-2, 7 KOs).

All ticketholders may enter a special “Micky Ward Birthday Contest” by registering between 6:30-7:30 p.m. at a table set up near the Fox Theater box office. Prior to each of the three televised bouts, the ring announcer will select a winner and that lucky fan plus a guest will sit ringside with Micky Ward for the entire fight and be able to take photos with him and get his autograph.

Undefeated Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (20-0-0, 12 KOs), of Las Vegas, by way of Cuba, will defend his IBF junior lightweight title against former world title challenger and IBF No. 3-ranked challenger Fernando David “El Vasco” Saucedo (52-5-3, 8 KOs), of Florencio Varela, Argentina, in the Oct. 4 main event.

In other 10-round fights on the threer-fight telecast: Willie “The Great” Nelson (23-1-1, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, Ohio, will be opposing Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan (34-1-1, 21 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., by way of Armenia, in a collision of once-beaten junior middleweights, former light heavyweight world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson (32-3, 18 KOs), of Las Vegas, by way of New Haven, Conn., fights for the first time in his home state in five years when he goes up against Tommy Karpency (23-4-1, 14 KOs), of Adah, Penn.

Tickets, priced at $150, $90 and $45, may be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, by calling the Foxwoods’ box office at 800-200-2882, or in person at the Foxwoods’ box office. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first fight starts at 6:30 p.m. The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing, with the main event promoted in association with Sampson Boxing and the co-featured Nelson-Martirosyan match promoted in association with Rumble Time Promotions and Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Recognized as sports television’s best storyteller and the leading TV platform for boxing, HBO Sports presents five of its acclaimed boxing documentaries on consecutive Thursday evenings this summer on HBO2. Featuring HBO Sports’ trademark blend of unseen archival footage, home movies, revealing interviews and unique storytelling, the festival launches June 26 with the powerful ALI-FRAZIER I: ONE NATION… DIVISIBLE and concludes with the celebrated 2013 presentation LEGENDARY NIGHTS: THE TALE OF GATTI-WARD.

Films include:

ALI-FRAZIER I: ONE NATION… DIVISIBLE (June 26, 7:00 p.m. ET/PT) chronicles the remarkable events and personalities surrounding the fight that reflected the cultural divide of the United States in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. Regarded by many boxing observers as “The Fight of the Century,” the match featured two undefeated heavyweights squaring off at New York’s Madison Square Garden in a contest that was much more than a title bout. The documentary was awarded a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 2001.

SUGAR RAY ROBINSON: THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND DARK SHADOWS OF A CHAMPION (July 3, 7:00 p.m.) reviews the life of the man many consider the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in history. The Sports Emmy®-winning documentary explores his unparalleled ring career, the innovations he brought to the business side of the sport and his intriguing lifestyle.

JOE LOUIS: AMERICA’S HERO… BETRAYED (July 10, 6:45 p.m.) tells the story of the legendary boxer, born 100 years ago, and his tremendous impact on segregated America. The documentary reveals how the grandson of slaves became one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, served as an iconic figure in World War II and later carried himself with dignity and class through numerous setbacks.

KLITSCHKO (July 17, 6:00 p.m.) chronicles the dynamic brotherhood of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko from their humble beginnings in the Soviet Union to their dominance as reigning world heavyweight champions. A production of BROADVIEW Pictures funded by FILM-UND MEDIENSTIFTUNG NRW, the documentary was directed by Sebastian Dehnhardt and nominated for the 2013 Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Sports Documentary.

LEGENDARY NIGHTS: THE TALE OF GATTI-WARD (July 24, 6:30 p.m.) revisits one of boxing’s greatest rivalries: the three-fight slugfest between Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward. The blend of interviews, thrilling ring action and previously unseen archival footage presents a fresh look at the electrifying trilogy forged by two ring warriors.

Following its Thursday night presentation on HBO2, each documentary will also be available on HBO On Demand® and HBO GO®.

LAS VEGAS (April 12th, 2014) – With the city of Lowell on his back and millions watching on Pay Per View, Joey McCreedy will do his best to channel his inner Micky Ward on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The Lowell, Mass., light heavyweight will face reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas champion Sean Monaghan (20-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley rematch, promoted by Top Rank Boxing and available on HBO Pay Per View.

As the underdog against an undefeated champion, it’s a challenge similar to what McCreedy’s trainer, Ward, faced in 1997 when he battled unbeaten prospect Alfonso Sanchez, a fight featured prominently in the biopic film, The Fighter, based on Ward’s career and relationship with his half-brother Dicky Eklund. Sanchez battered Ward for six full rounds until Ward landed a left hook to the liver that sent Sanchez crashing to the canvas, cementing one of the most improbable wins of Ward’s storybook career.

“I’m going to shock the world just like Micky did,” McCreedy said. “I’m going to shock a lot of people.”

At the time, Ward trailed by nine points on one judge’s scorecard and eight on the other two. He had lost every round decisively. That killer left to the body, which became Ward’s go-to punch, not only ended the fight, but ultimately changed the course of both fighters’ careers. Ward went on to win the World Boxing Union (WBU) light welterweight title three years and finished his career with three epic battles against Arturo Gatti. Sanchez won only four of his next 10 fights and was out of boxing within the next decade.

Ward had nothing to lose that night when he stood toe-to-toe with Sanchez. He was a 32-year-old journeyman who had spent the past few years fighting at racetracks and ballrooms just outside of Boston. Sanchez was the undefeated, budding prospect destined for bigger and better things once he disposed of Ward, that is, until one punch changed everything.

Nearly two decades later, Lowell’s newest underdog, McCreedy (15-6-6, 2 KOs), faces similar odds against the undefeated champion – one of Top Rank’s most polarizing fighters – who’s already looking past McCreedy and onto to his next challenge.

Since losing to Providence’s Vladine Biosse on national television in 2010, McCreedy has slowly climbed back into the picture with wins in four of his last five fights, mostly against journeymen. Tonight, he faces his toughest test, a fight that could change everything the way it did for Ward 17 years ago.

“This is going to be a great fight,” McCreedy said. “He’s in shape. I’m in shape. We’re both warriors. He’s undefeated for a reason. But he’s definitely looking past me. Reading some of his quotes, he’s already lining up other fights.

“That’s the biggest mistake he could make. I’m not coming here to lose or be anyone’s stepping stone.”

The similarities between what McCreedy will face against Monaghan and what Ward dealt with in this same city 17 years against Sanchez are so startling even HBO color commentator Roy Jones, who will call tonight’s card, referenced it during a pre-fight repartee with McCreedy at Friday’s weigh-in.

“He said he remembered when Micky was down and how they were all counting him out,” McCreedy said, “but one shot can change everything. I’ve talked to Micky about it a couple of times. He told me I’m getting the same opportunity he got.

“All the pressure is on [Monaghan]. I have nothing to lose. He’s their guy. He knows he’s in for a fight. He’s going to be careful. He’s going to be on his toes. He doesn’t want to get caught. Me? Just let everything go. Leave it all in the ring.”

Aside from imparting his wisdom on McCreedy, Ward also made sure his fighter arrived in Vegas in the best shape of his life. McCreedy worked extensively on his conditioning – “more running than I’ve ever done in my life,” he said – to make sure he won’t run out of gas in the later rounds, if the fight gets that far. McCreedy clocked in at 173 pounds, two pounds below the light heavyweight limit.

“Honestly, I did things in this camp I never did my entire career, things I should’ve done,” he said. “If I did, I’d be the one undefeated right now, but it is what it is. I just have to stay focused. I had incredible sparring this entire camp. I’m not going to die out in the fifth or sixth round like everyone thinks I will.”

This is a new, reenergized McCreedy, not the same carefree fighter who stumbled through his mid-20s losing to journeymen on his home turf in Rhode Island. He knows what’s at stake, and he knows what one big win can do for his career as he approaches his 30s. He’s got living proof working his corner.

“I’m all in. I’m not saying this is my last chance, but it’s a chance that can change my career,” he said. “It’s the chance of a lifetime, and I know it. My family knows it. My team knows it. They’re all here to support me. I’ve got the whole city behind me. It’s a great feeling. I’m going to give it everything I have.”

It’s probably just a scheduling coincidence, but the suggestion is there Saturday night in HBO’s decision to air its beautifully-done Legendary Nights: The Tale Of Gatti-Ward after the Mike Alvarado-Ruslan Provodnikov fight in Denver.

Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward stands alone. Their three-fight rivalry is called a classic because it can’t be duplicated. But that doesn’t mean we can’t hope.

Alvarado (34-1, 23 KOs) is smart enough not to promise one in junior-welterweight bout he knows will be challenging enough against Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KOs), who is already on the ballot for a Fight of the Year contender with his dramatic loss to Timothy Bradley in March. Classics are good for history. But they aren’t easy on careers.

“When I sit here and think about it, it’s kind of scary,’’ Alvarado said when asked about the Gatti-Ward parallel during a conference call. “Those dudes about killed each other. That’s a big step. Those are some big names to categorize ourselves with. It’s an honor to be in that kind of fight. We’ll see what happens. I am ready to perform and show greatness.’’

HBO’s documentary of Gatti and Ward, also junior-welterweights, is a poignant portrayal of two fighters who will be forever tied together by the violence they shared. They were Blood Brothers in the truest sense of the term.

“We could see in front of our eyes this bond starting to form,’’ ringside analyst and philosopher Larry Merchant says during the film. “It was a bond of pain and respect, and it couldn’t be written in a script. It had to be seen live; seen happening in front of our eyes.’’

Alvarado-Provonikov is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m., ET/PT. The Ward-Gatti documentary will follow the bout, scheduled for 12 rounds. Other HBO dates for Ward-Gatti film are Oct. 21, Oct. 24, Oct. 26. Oct. 30 and Nov. 3.

NOTES
· One of the best lines in Ward-Gatti came from Kathy Duva, who promoted the late Gatti. “At one point, somebody said he was sort of boxing’s answer to The Grateful Dead,’’ she said. “You had this same group of people that kept coming over and over and over.’’

· Here’s a new guide for the pound-for-pound ratings: If Floyd Mayweather Jr. won’t fight them, they should be ranked. That means Manny Pacquiao stays in this corner’s top five. Also, it probably means Bradley belongs there. After his victory over Juan Manuel Marquez, Bradley said he should be No. 3. He also said he wanted Mayweather. Don’t see that happening. Bradley’s tactical mastery makes him a problematic opponent, even for Mayweather, who probably wouldn’t fight a Top Rank boxer anyway.

· Marquez trainer Nacho Beristain’s sour grapes about Bradley’s split-decision at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center were insulting and more. They didn’t ring true. When Marquez agreed to the fight, Beristain told Mexican media that he didn’t like the bout. He said Bradley had the kind of style that always gave Marquez trouble. Beristain was right. Yet, he whined anyway. Give me a break.

· During an informal session with media members before Bradley-Marquez on Oct. 14, Gennady Golovkin said he would still like to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., despite Chavez’ messy performance and inability to make the contracted weight, 168 pounds, in a controversial decision over Brian Vera. The weight question is ballooning into issue that could knock Chavez off Golovkin’s list of possibilities. Golovkin says he’ll fight anybody between junior-middleweight (154) and super-middle (168). But he doesn’t want to fight a cruiserweight (200).

· And Top Rank has scheduled onetime Phoenix prospect Jose Benavidez Jr.,17-0 as a junior-welterweight, for a comeback on Nov. 16 in Laughlin, Nev. An opponent has yet to be determined. Benavidez hasn’t fought since he was rocked in a victory by unanimous decision over Pavel Miranda a year ago in Carson, Calif. It’ll be his first fight since undergoing further surgery on a troublesome right hand.

LOWELL, Mass. (January 31, 2013) — Chicago Fight Clubs Promotion is bringing professional boxing back to Lowell, Massachusetts – home of “Irish” Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund – on Saturday night, March 16 to kick-off St. Patrick’s Day weekend, at Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.

“CFC Fight Night” will be a reunion, of sorts, for people involved in the award-winning movie, “The Fighter,” which portrayed the lives of the Ward and Eklund brothers. Lowell fan favorites “Irish” Joe McCreedy and Sean Eklund, whose uncles are Micky and Dicky, will be showcased at home in Lowell for the second time as professionals. Dicky trains both fighters.

McCreedy (13-6-2, 6 KOs) will be fighting for the vacant United States Boxing Organization (“USBO”) light heavyweight title against an opponent to be determined in the 10-round main event. Eklund (11-4, 2 KOs) will be fighting in the eight-round -co-feature.

Three other Lowell boxers — light heavyweight Ricky Sylvester, junior welterweight Noun Soriya and bantamweight Mike Martin – will all be making their pro debuts.

World-class bantamweight Tyson “Prince of Haiti” Cave (19-2, 5 KOs), fighting out of Nova Scotia, Canada, will make his United States debut, while former world welterweight champion “Vicious” Vivian Harris (29-9-2, 19 KOs) returns from his brief retirement to fight for the first time in New England.

“”We packed the house on a Wednesday night (May 9, 2012 in first pro card held there in seven years) with Joey and Sean (CFC promotes both fighters) on top of that card,” Chicago Fight Clubs Promotion president Cynthia Tolaymat explained. “That was an incredible turnout, especially for a weekday, and a tribute to the passionate boxing fans in Lowell and surrounding towns. We’re really excited about going back to Lowell. We’ve been contacted by so many fighters in the area and are pleased to put three pro debut fighters on the card. Fighters from there are unlike those from other places. They just want to get in the ring and fight. They don’t care who they’re fighting, even if it’s a friend or stable-mate. They just want to fight and fans appreciate watching guys like that. The fighters there are very competitive and fans love the sport of boxing. We’re expecting a big, loud crowd and we’re in a larger arena, Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell.”

Also schedule to fight on the undercard are Quincy (MA) light heavyweight Chris Traietti (10-3, 6 KOs), an Iraq War veteran, exciting Lawrence (MA) junior middleweight Eddie “Thunder” Caminero, Chicago heavyweight Boban Simic (1-0, 1 KO), and Dracut (MA) middleweight Bernie Ongewe (0-1).

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Opponents will be named as soon as they are approved and signed.

“This show has a wider variety of fighters with popular local fighters like Traietti and Caminero, along with world-class fighters Cave and Harris,” promoter Tolaymat added. “These fighters really want to look good in front of their family, friends and fans. What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It will be an Irish-themed night of exciting, competitive fights and fighters.”

Tickets (all reserved) go on sale tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 1), reasonably priced at $42.00, $77.00 (floor) and $102.00 (ringside), and may be purchased online at the www.TsongasCenter.com; by phone at 866.722.8780; or at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell Box Office. Doors open at 7 PM/ET, first both scheduled for 8:00 PM/ET. Go to www.cfcpromotion.com, www.TsongasCenter.com, or www.irishjoemccreedy.com for additional information.

ABOUT TSONGAS CENTER AT UMASS LOWELL: Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is a Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) managed facility. Global spectrum is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 100 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Ovation Foods Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and Paciolan, the leading provider of venue establishment ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.

BOSTON, MA (November 19, 2012) – TD Garden announced today the main event for ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ on Friday, December 14, 2012 at 7:00PM is Danny O’Connor vs. Derek Silveira in a 10-round match at a catch weight of 145 pounds. Also competing in professional matches are undefeated junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski of Quincy and Portland-trained middleweight Russell Lamour. Five amateur matchups showcasing USA Boxing New England All-Stars will round out the evening. A memorabilia show presented by Saugus-based SportsWorld will accompany the event and ticket holders will have the opportunity to pre-purchase access to a limited pre-event autograph signing featuring local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz. Tickets for TD Garden Night at the Fights ($37.50 and $47.50) and VIP autograph event ($50, available to all ticket holders) are on sale now at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets.

Framingham’s light welterweight Danny ‘Bhoy’ O’Connor is looking for his 20th victory in the 10-round main event. He is a two-time national amateur champ and has a 19-1 professional record with seven KOs. O’Connor is ranked 15th in the world by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and 22nd in the World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings.

“Fighting at the TD Garden in front of all my fans is a dream that I have had since I put on the gloves,” said Danny O’Connor. “Derek is a solid fighter, but also a cocky guy with lots to say. That talking isn’t going to help him when it’s just he and I between the ropes.” In the past year, O’Connor commenced training under the tutelage of hall of fame trainer Ronnie Shields who claims O’Connor ‘is the most improved fighter in boxing’.

Both boxers are coming into this fight fresh off knockouts wins. Salem’s Derek Silveira retained his New England welterweight title when he knocked down William Correa in the sixth round of a bout on November 10.

“When the call came, I did not hesitate, I know I can beat him,” said Derek Silveira. “We’re both good boxers, but I think I’m the bigger puncher, the stronger man and just as fast. I honestly see nothing in Danny O’Connor that scares me.”

Quincy’s ‘Polish Prince’, junior lightweight Ryan Kielczewski will compete in front of his hometown crowd in an 8-round bout. Kielczewski won a silver medal in the 2008 national Golden Gloves tournament and will look to continue his undefeated streak, currently at 14-0. Russell Lamour, ‘The Haitian Sensation’ of Portland, Maine, will round out the professional matches in a 4-round middleweight bout. USA Boxing New England All-Stars and world-class prospects will make up the additional five amateur matched bouts. Remaining professional match opponents and amateur talent will be announced at a later date.

Boston’s boxing heritage runs deep. The first event held at the Boston Garden on November 17, 1928 was a ‘Boxing Carnival’ featuring a non-championship bout between featherweights Dick ‘Honeyboy’ Finnegan of Dorchester and Andre Routis of France. New England has a long and proud tradition of producing world champion boxers as well. Local boxing legends and World Champions Micky Ward, Tony DeMarco, Vinny Pazienza, Marlon Starling, and John Ruiz will be on hand to meet with fans and sign autographs at a VIP autograph event from 4-6PM. These limited tickets are available for pre-purchase by ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ ticketholders

Tickets for ‘TD Garden Night at the Fights’ are on sale at the TD Garden Box Office and Ticketmaster outlets. Event tickets are $37.50 and $47.50 and there is a separate, limited admission ticket to the VIP autograph event for $50, available to all ticket holders.

The nickname is Bam Bam. Bold and Bolder might be more appropriate for Brandon Rios, who isn’t afraid of promises or punishment.

Rios’ confrontation with Mike Alvarado on Oct. 13 at Carson, Calif., is generating buzz about a possible Fight of the Year. But Rios raised the bar, or at least the blood lust, for a junior-welterweight bout that could upstage the main event, Nonito Donaire versus Toshiaki Nishioka.

“A Micky Ward-Arturo Gatti kind of fight,’’ Rios said Thursday during a conference call.

For bruises, danger and drama, Ward-Gatti is the modern standard. It’s not the sort of fight that Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Andre Ward would seek. They see themselves as scientists who try to balance their craft with a sweet balance of offense and defense. Their philosophy has been heard for as long as there has been an opening bell. They live by one credo: Hit and not get hit. Delete the not from that formula and add as many hits as possible, and you’ve got a pretty good idea at what Rios hopes to inflict and perhaps endure.

That stretch of canvas between the ropes is no checker board for Rios, who is moving up in weight, to 140 pounds, after a controversial failure to make the lightweight limit, 135. He has no patience for what he calls “little chess games.’’

When Rios looks at the unbeaten Alvarado, he could be looking into a mirror. He sees a similar style and the same stubborn streak of pride that demands, if not welcomes, a walk though harm’s way.

“It’s going to be a bloody, massacre fight,’’ said Rios, who told trainer Robert Garcia that he has been dreaming about a chance to do battle in a fight that would be the equal of Gatti-Ward. “I’ve been telling Robert since I started as a professional I’ve been waiting for that type of fight and hopefully this is that fight.’’

Whether that chance will be there in an outdoor ring above the Home Depot Center’s tennis court, however, depends on Alvarado. Alvarado’s trainer, Henry Delgado, left it open-ended as to whether Rios will encounter the Alvarado he expects.

Fans and media have yet to see Alvarado’s boxing skill, Delgado says. His instincts draw him into exchanges from which there is no retreat.

“He makes it tougher than it has to be, because he’s a warrior,’’ Delgado said. “But we’ve got some surprises coming. We have options, lots of options.’’

Options are often forgotten after the first big punch lands, of course. That’s when even the most seasoned fighter reverts to what he knows and does best.

“He looks to come forward; I like to come forward,’’ said Rios, who says there’s nothing new about a heavier weight which he believes makes him stronger and able to hit with the power of a welterweight. “I don’t change my style.’’

Or his hopes of realizing a dream that many avoid like a nightmare.

Tyson can’t escape 20-year-old controversy
New Zealand’s withdrawal of Mike Tyson’s request to enter the country because of his conviction for raping Desiree Washington is just another sad chapter in a 20-year-old controversy.

Tyson, who was scheduled to speak at series of events in New Zealand, has long denied that he committed the crime. Legal experts, including Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz, criticized the 1992 Indianapolis trial and Tyson’s legal defense.

In 2001, Tyson underwent a lie-detector test in Phoenix, where he was living at the time. According to test results acquired by The Arizona Republic, Tyson was truthful when he said he did not rape Washington. But the conviction will always be on his record. Fair or not, it also will always be there for people seeking to make political capital out of it, no matter what he says or they believe.

AZ Notes
Unbeaten Phoenix prospect Jose Benavidez Jr. (16-0, 13 KOs) has a change in opponents for his undercard appearance on Donaire- Nishioka undercard on Oct. 13. Benavidez now is scheduled to face Pavel Miranda (17-7-1, 7 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico.

Iron Boy Promotions of Phoenix is back at Celebrity Theatre Saturday, Oct. 6, with a card full of young fighters, including Phoenix super-bantamweight Emilio Garcia (6-0-1) against Jensen Ramirez (2-1-1) of Tucson. Opening bell is scheduled for 6 p.m.

September 19, 2012 – INDIO, CA -“Irish” Micky Ward, the beloved retired junior welterweight boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts will greet fans along with his half-brother and former trainer Dicky Eklund at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. prior to the September 29 edition of TeleFutura’s “Solo Boxeo Tecate.” The event co-features former World Champion Julio “The Kidd” Diaz of Coachella facing Puerto Rico’s Hector Sanchez and Andrew “Chango” Cancio squaring off against veteran contender Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez.

Ward, a blue collar athlete who overcame many obstacles in life and prevailed through determination and hard work, is regarded as a working class hero. He was a fan favorite known for his devastating left hook to the body and his ability to withstand punishment while waiting to land his trademark shot.

Ward and Eklund will bewill be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet and greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the September 29 event.

The brothers were the subject of the 2010 movie “The Fighter” which recounted Ward’s climb to fame. Ward was played by actor Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, who captured an Oscar for his portrayal, played Eklund.

Eklund is a former three-time golden gloves champion with over 190 victories as an amateur. He faced Sugar Ray Leonard in a professional bout televised by HBO in 1978.

Diaz vs. Sanchez and Cancio vs. Gonzalez are presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night and the first bell rings at 7:00 p.m. PT. The TeleFutura broadcast begins at midnight ET/11:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are on sale now and available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing , www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasyspringsresort.

NEWARK, NJ (August 22, 2011)—On Wednesday night September 14th at the Beautiful Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, Gulfstream Boxing and Gabe LaConte will present a night of world class boxing that has just been enhanced by the announcement that “Irish” Micky Ward and former Heavyweight champion “Merciless” Ray Mercer will be special guests in attendance.

In the main event, Michael Torres (13-2, 7 KO’s) of Newark, NJ will take on Mark Alexander in a ten round Jr. Welterweight fight for the New Jersey title.

Ward was regarded as one of the mist action filled fighters of the last quarter century as he consistently was in fight of the year candidates and fought everybody and anybody.

He finished his career with a record of 38-13 with twenty-seven knockouts and is most remembered for his trilogy with Arturo Gatti and a classic war with Emanuel Augustsus.

Ward has one of the most fascinating stories of any boxers. The story of Ward was made into an Academy Award nominated film: THE FIGHTER

Mercer was a 1988 Olympic Gold Medal winner who compiled a record of 36-7-1 with twenty-six knockouts, won the WBO Heavyweight title with a ninth round stoppage over Francesco Damiani. He defended the title with a five round destruction over Tommy Morrison.

Mercer also challenged former world champions Larry Holmes, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitshcko and Shannon Briggs.

Mercer also holds a win over former world champion Tim Witherspoon.

Aside from Torres and Alexander, the rest of the card is as follows:

Carlos Vinan (10-9-4, 2 KO’s) of Newark, NJ will take on Wanzell Ellison (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Newark, NJ in a sox round Lightweight bout.

In a six round Cruiserweight bout, Max Alexander (14-5-2, 2 KO’s) of Camden, NJ will take on William Bailey (10-20-2, 5 KO’s) of Chesapeake, VA

Thomas LaManna (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Millville, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a four round bout for the BAM Youth Jr. Middleweight title.

Popular Welterweight, Vinny O’Brien (2-1, 2 KO’s) of East Hanover, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a four round bout.

In a found battle of Newark based Middleweights, Eddie Edmonds (2-1-2, 1 KO) takes on Thomas Baldwin (2-0-1, 1 KO)

In a four round Lightweight fight, Tyrone Luckey (4-1, 4 KO’s) of Marlboro, NJ will take part in a four round bout against an opponent to be named.

In a four round Heavyweight bout, Tyabb Beale (4-3, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ will battle Taffo Asongwed (2-8-7) of Montreal, Canada

Two separate Heavyweight bouts scheduled for four rounds will round out the show that will feature John Lennox (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ and Jon Bolden (2-1, 2 KO’s)

Tickets priced $100 (Limited VIP), $50, & $30 (Very Limited) and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 973-350-9993 or 1-866-263-STAR

The Grand Ballroom at the Robert Treat Hotel is located at 50 Park Place, Newark NJ. Doors open at 6:30 PM, first bout 7:30 sharp.

Micky was walking his dog Wednesday when a stray dog approached him and attacked him. Micky tried getting in between both animals when all of a sudden the stray dog viciously attacked him.

Micky suffered bites on his arm and almost lost his index finger. He’s currently being treated in a hospital in Massachusetts and will be released on Sunday.

As for the dogs, Ward says he eventually shooed the stray away. Ward’s dog was unharmed.