CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2024 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is thrilled to announce the newest class of inductees to be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 5-8, 2025 in “Boxing’s Hometown” Canastota, NY.

The Class of 2025 includes Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao, “The Pazmanian Devil” Vinny Paz and Michael “Second To” Nunn in the Men’s Modern category; Yessica “Kika” Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis and Mary Jo Sanders in the Women’s Modern category; Cathy “Cat” Davis in the Women’s Trailblazer category; referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous) and referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous) in the Non-Participant category; broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg in the Observer category; Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous) in the Old Timer category and Owen Swift (posthumous) in the Pioneer category.

Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2025 can be found on www.ibhof.com.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2025 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 5-8th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.

COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“I am so happy that I have been selected to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This certainly is a wonderful Christmas gift. Throughout my career, as a professional fighter and a public servant, it has been my goal to bring honor to my country, The Philippines, and my fellow Filipinos around the world. Today, I am humbled knowing that in June, I will receive boxing’s highest honor, joining our national hero, Flash Elorde, as well as my trainer and friend Freddie Roach. I am very grateful to those who voted for me, and I look forward to celebrating with family, friends, and fans at Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York.” – Manny Pacquiao

“Thank God. I’ve been waiting on this moment for so long. God has truly blessed me. I want to thank the International Boxing Hall of Fame and all the voters. This is the highest achievement a boxer can have in the sport. As a small town guy from Iowa to reach the highest achievement in boxing makes me proud. This is the crowning moment of my career.” – Michael Nunn

“This is awesome! I love it. Wow! This is the best phone call I’ve ever taken! I’m so glad. Love it, love it, love it!” – Vinny Paz

“I gave everything to boxing. It was my work and my life but the most beautiful things in my life came from boxing. It is a legacy I will leave to my daughter. I’m amazed and this fills my heart so much. Boxing keeps giving me all the best.” – Yessica Chavez

“This is amazing news. I am overwhelmed. To be recognized by my peers is absolutely amazing. I am overjoyed.” – Mary Jo Sanders

“This is the most coveted award in the sport of boxing. I am truly humbled and thankful to the voting panel and to God for this honor.” – Kenny Bayless

“I’ve got a lot of great phone calls during my career – from Bert Sugar to be editor of The Ring to the governor to become the commissioner of New York. But this is the greatest boxing business call in my entire life. Am I dreaming? Is this true?” – Randy Gordon

“It’s a beautiful honor. I put my heart into it and all the colleagues I worked with over the years put everything into it as well and it’s an honor to represent them.” – Ross Greenburg

Complete event details can be found on www.ibhof.com. For more information on the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.

Connect with the International Boxing Hall of Fame through social media:

Facebook: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame

Instagram: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame

Twitter: @BoxingHall

Website: www.IBHOF.com

About the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the great sport of boxing. Located in Canastota, New York, it serves as a tribute to the world’s finest boxers and contributors to the sport, allowing boxing enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and tradition of boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

OFFICIAL RESORT CASINO OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

The multi-year partnership between Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame spotlights the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting tourism in Central New York. The partnership includes a series of nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend with several exciting events in Madison County and Oneida County throughout the four-day celebration.

Atlantic City, N.J. September 26, 2023 – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) proudly announces the roster of special guests attending the 7th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend, held from Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The guest list features notable boxing figures such as: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, James Toney, Vinny Paz, Gerry Cooney, Ray Mercer, Tim Witherspoon, Kelly Pavlik, Lamon Brewster, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Junior Jones, Reggie Johnson, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Eva Jones-Young, John Scully, Michael Olajide, Iran Barkley, Michael Nunn, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Jeff Chandler, Montell Griffin, Yaqui Lopez, Al Cole, Kali Reis, Hector Camacho Jr., Rodney Moore, Kendall Holt, Dave Tiberi, Nate Miller and William Joppy, to name a few.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 29th, with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, followed by the Friday Night Fight Presented by Hard Hitting Promotions at Bally’s Casino Atlantic City. On Saturday, September 30th, the Fight Fan Experience & Boxing Exhibits at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be open from 11:00am – 1:00pm

The highlight of the weekend is the Red-Carpet Formal Awards & Induction Ceremony, taking place on Saturday night inside the Sound Waves Theater. Attendees will enjoy a unique opportunity to mix and mingle with other boxing luminaries and special VIP guests, as well as honor all who helped put Atlantic City on the boxing map. The Pre-VIP Cocktail Reception will begin at 5:00pm, and it leads into the Official Awards & Induction Program from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. After the Awards Ceremony, guests with VIP tickets will have the chance to experience the Post-VIP Reception, which includes a bonus fight watch party for Canelo Alverez vs. Jermell Charlo

The 2023 class members of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame include:

George Foreman, Shannon Briggs, David Tua, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, Jamillia Lawrence, Joe Hand Sr., Matt Howard, Rudy Battle, Benjy Esteves Jr., Arnold Robbins, Joseph Santoliquito, Lee Samuels They will be inducted alongside Posthumously & Pioneers such as Buster Drayton, Marty Feldman, Rocky Castellani, Frankie Polo, Joe Miller, Horace M. Leeds, “KO” Becky O’Neill and Willie O’Neill

For more information on event tickets, room reservations, and weekend schedules, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at: www.acbhof.com

The ACBHOF gives a special thanks to their partners and sponsors: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, Moustakas & Nelson Law, Quail Hill Realty, Gionta Management LLC, T&K Boxing Promotions, Sparbar Boxing LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia, and Fight Night Apparel

Las Vegas (March 7, 2019) – Five Time World Champion Vinny Paz has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 5th Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 10a.m to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Paz will make his 2nd appearance at this years’ Expo, and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Paz will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Pazman”.

Paz joins Devin Haney, Earnie Shavers, Al Bernstein, Michael Spinks, WBC, Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Vinny Paz
Paz had his name legally changed in 2001 but fought in the 1990s as Vinny Pazienza. “The Pazmanian Devil”. In 1991, he defeated the WBA world junior middleweight champion Gilbert Delé with a 12th-round TKO in Providence, becoming the second fighter in boxing history to win both the lightweight and junior middleweight world championships. Pazienza was forced to relinquish the title due to a serious car accident in which his neck was broken. Doctors informed him he might never walk again and would certainly never fight again. Paz tenacity and determination proved them wrong and made a miracle comeback just 13 months after the accident, by defeating future WBC world junior middleweight champion Luis Santana by a 10-round decision. His incredible life story about his resilience to overcome adversity was inspired and played out in the 2016 released Movie “Bleed for This”. Paz retired in 2004 with a remarkable record of 50-10, with 30 wins by knockout. Some of his most notable fights came against Roberto Duran, Roy Jones, Jr., Roger Mayweather and Hector “Macho” Camacho.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Andre Ward, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares Maricela Cornejo, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next couple of months leading up to the event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: [email protected]

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

LOS ANGELES (November 11, 2016) – No fewer than seven undefeated fighters will step into the ring on Friday, November 18, at Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, California, as Golden Boy Promotions showcases its growing list of prospects on the undercard of the highly anticipated 10-round welterweights showdown between former World Champions Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (22-6, 7 KOs) and Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (29-5-1, 21 KOs).

And Hollywood will come to the desert as former three-division world champion Vinny Paz – the subject of the new critically-acclaimed film “Bleed for This” starring Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart — will be the special VIP guest. The five-time world champion will be available to meet and greet fans in attendance at the Special Events Center before the televised portion of the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast.

From top to bottom, the November 18 show will give fans a glimpse of the future of boxing.

In the co-main event, KeAndre Gibson (15-0-1, 7 KOs)of Las Vegas will take on the rugged Mahroni “Ruso Jr.” Montes (31-5-1, 21 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico’s in an eight-round welterweight fight. A battle of unbeaten fighters will open up Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, as Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch (17-0-1, 8 KOs) of Pittsburgh, PA will fight Issah Samir (14-0, 12 KOs)of Accra, Ghana in a six-round middleweight showdown.

In a six-round lightweight affair, rising prospect Oscar Duarte (8-0-1, 4 KOs)from Parral, Mexico battles fellow countryman Rony Alvarado (9-8, 5 KOs) of Juraez. Red-hot prospect Cesar Diaz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lancaster, California will appear in a four-round super bantamweight fight against Tabasco, Mexico’s Jose Naranjo (3-4-1, 1 KO). Also on the card, highly touted Golden Boy prospect Joshua “The Professor” Franco (7-0, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will face Felipe Rivas (19-16-4, 12 KOs) in a six round battle of bantamweights. Opening up the card, LA’s Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) will be taking on Cancun, Mexico’s Israel Villela (5-3, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight match up.

Tough Italian-American, Rhode Island fighter, Vinny Paz (50-10, 30 KOs) is a former five-time world champion having held titles in the lightweight, light middleweight and super middleweight divisions-as well as becoming the second fighter in boxing history to win both lightweight and junior middleweight world championships. Shortly after winning his junior middleweight world title, tragedy struck as Pazienza was forced to relinquish the title due to a serious car accident in which his neck was broken. Doctors informed him he might never walk again-let alone fight again. Determined to gain another world title shot and disobeying doctor’s orders, Paz maintained his workout regime and returned to the ring thirteen months later defeating future WBC World Jr. Middleweight Champion Luis Santana via a 10-round decision. Pazienza also went on to overthrow Roberto Duran twice for the IBC Super Middleweight titles. The 2016 film Bleed for This, starring Miles Teller and Aaron Eckhart is based on his injury and comeback to boxing.

Mauricio Herrera vs. Pablo Cesar Cano is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $45, $35, and $25. They can be purchased 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.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

LINCOLN, R.I. (July 7th, 2015) — Years ago, five-time world champion Vinny Paz passed the torch to Peter Manfredo Jr. as the new heir to the throne of New England boxing, and Manfredo Jr. delivered, winning 40 fights and garnering worldwide acclaim in an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade.

Nearly two years since hanging up his own gloves, Manfredo Jr. and the rest of Rhode Island’s boxing royalty are now lending their support to New England’s new generation of ring warriors, many of whom will appear on CES Boxing’s “Rhode To Redemption” card Friday, July 17th, 2015 at Twin River Casino.

Unbeaten welterweight Nick DeLomba, undefeated middleweight Khiary Gray and “Mr. Providence” himself Vladine Biosse have been tasked with carrying on the tradition of excellence in New England, a standard set decades ago by local legends Manfredo Jr., Paz and Gary “Tiger” Balletto.

“It takes the right guy, a guy that comes to fight and puts on a show. That’s what people want to see,” said Balletto, who won 26 fights by knockout and, along with Manfredo Jr., earned recognition for competing on The Contender reality television series.

“People don’t like to see great boxers. They like to see warriors. That’s what the three of us were.”

“We need a name — a big name — and we need him to be marketed well and he needs to win fights, be a little different than the average person,” added Paz, a five-time world champion who won his 50th fight at the age of 42. “I’m still waiting. I’m still waiting for the next ‘Pazmanian Devil’ to come around sooner rather than later.”

There’s potential for New England’s next great star to emerge July 17th. DeLomba, a Balletto protégé now 7-0 following a knockout win April 3rd over Joe Wilson Jr., faces his toughest test to date against 12-2 welterweight southpaw Juan Rodriguez Jr. of Union City, N.J. Gray, the Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight who also enters with a 7-0 record, fights for the eighth time in just 13 months in what will be his first six-round bout.

Headlining the event is Biosse (15-6-2, 7 KOs), returning to Providence for the first time in two years and facing another stiff test against hard-hitting super middleweight Chris Chatman of Jersey City, a fixture on the New England circuit since challenging former Olympian and current world champion Demetrius Andrade in 2009.

“To make it as a boxer, you need to be able to sell tickets and sell yourself,” Manfredo Jr. said. “We need someone that can get in there and fight and make it exciting. I think you’ve got potential with the guys coming up here.

“What we have to do is we have get some fans to come to these fights and actually watch these guys and get hooked on them and say, ‘I want to see this kid fight again!’ That’s all it’s going to take. You get a couple of people and the word will spread. Like I said, you have to have them be entertaining and sell tickets. It’s all about the style of the fighters.”

“Boxing is a trade. Not everybody can get up and go to work 40 hours a week. Not everybody is going to be a millionaire, a doctor, a lawyer. It’s a great trade to have and that’s how it started in the Great Depression. People did it for money. When I fought, I fought for money, my family, and when you have a passion for it like that, you want to see it succeed and do well.”

Balletto urges local fans to support the lesser-known talent working its way up the ladder, which would be a big step toward winning back those who’ve been turned off in recent years by the theatrics and politics of boxing at the mainstream level.

“I think boxing is for entertainment, just like football and baseball. We’re supposed to be entertainers. To fight the way Floyd Mayweather fought against [Manny] Pacquiao, it wasn’t fair to the fans. That’s not what anybody wants to see, someone running and not getting touched, not trying to knock your opponent out.

“I never not tried to knock my opponent out. That was the goal every time.”

Who will be Rhode Island’s next heir to throne? That remains to be seen, but the talent is there, and July 17th could be an opportunity for the new generation of stars to grab the spotlight.

“I think Nick DeLomba is the up-and-comer in Rhode Island. He can get in the ring with anyone,” Balletto said. “He has natural defense. You know as soon as you get in the ring with somebody if you can hit them or not. If somebody is easy to hit they’re not going to last long in boxing. You really can’t teach defense, just like you can’t teach a fighter how to punch harder.”

“Tough, tough kid. Good fighter,” Paz added. “He’s young. You know what a journey this is, all the things that one individual has to encompass? I was lucky I had great parents. I was lucky I was so strong. I was lucky I had natural, gifted talent and good people around me. There has to be a lot of skill and luck involved and a lot of heart.”

With Manfredo Jr., Balletto and Paz still playing a prominent role in helping New England boxing flourish, the sky’s the limit for July 17th and beyond. Even with the torch being passed to a new generation, the forefathers will always be a part of the fabric in the northeast. The tradition continues next Friday at Twin River.

“Boxing will always be No. 1 to me. It’ll always be something I have in my heart,” Manfredo Jr. said. “I loved doing it. Anytime we see someone come up and do well, especially from Providence, we’re going to back them. It’s exciting.

“[CES president] Jimmy [Burchfield Sr.] knows the ins and outs. He’s been doing this forever. He helped me with my career, he helped Vinny, he’s helped everyone in Rhode Island with their career. He’s a good-hearted guy and he knows what he’s doing. All of these guys that come here, Jimmy’s the guy. As long as they do their part, Jimmy will do his part.”

“Jimmy’s beautiful for the sport,” Paz added, “but Jimmy can’t make them fight. That’s the key.”

Tickets for “Rhode To Redemption” are priced at $40.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The undercard features several regional rivalries, starting with a four-round junior middleweight bout between Wilson Jr. (3-2) of Hartford, Conn., and Andy Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) of Worcester, Mass., and a four-round heavyweight rematch between Jean Pierre Augustin (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Lawrence, Mass., and Solomon Maye (1-4-1, 1 KO) of New Haven, Conn. The two fought to a draw in April.

Also on the undercard, Framingham, Mass., super lightweight Julio Perez makes his pro debut against Boston’s Rafael Francis (0-4) and New Bedford, Mass., welterweight Scott Sullivan (1-1, 1 KO) returns to face Providence’s Angel Valdez (0-2), both four-round bouts. Lawrence, Mass., lightweight Jacob Solis (1-0) will make his Twin River debut and fight for the first time since 2012 when he faces Salem, Mass., vet Matt Doherty (2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout.

For more information on “Rhode To Redemption” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

LINCOLN, R.I. (March 19th, 2015) – The phone call couldn’t have come at a better time for Jean Pierre Augustin, even if he wasn’t quite sure it was real.

“I didn’t take it seriously at first,” said the Lawrence, Mass., cruiserweight boxer. “I thought it was a prank.”

But this was no joke. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance for the 27-year-old fighter to play a role in Bleed For This, the upcoming Chad Verdi-produced film based on the career of five-time world champion Vinny Paz.

Augustin (4-0, 2 KOs) landed the role of former world champ Gilbert Dele, whom Paz beat in 1991, and made a lasting impression on the cast and crew, specifically Verdi and Paz, who are now guiding Augustin’s boxing career, which resumes Friday, April 3rd, 2015 at Twin River Casino on the undercard of “The Revival,” presented by CES Boxing in association with Verdi Productions.

Tickets for Augustin’s Twin River and CES debut are priced at $40.00, $100.00 and $125.00 and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“This is a blessing for me,” Augustin said. “There’s no other way for me to describe it.”

“Vinny is 100 percent committed to training JP and making him a world champion,” Verdi said. “This is the main reason I agreed to become JP’s manager, and working with Vinny again is an absolute joy. Both Vinny and I feel JP has what it takes to become a champion, but it’s up to him to put in all the hard work and dedication needed.”

That part is nothing new for Augustin, who, with few connections on the local boxing circuit, needed the help of a sponsor at the beginning of his pro career just to pay his way onto various cards in West Virginia and North Carolina, where he amassed a 4-0 record with two first-round knockouts in 2014.

But the money from fighting wasn’t enough to pay the bills, so the Haitian-born Augustin found other ways to earn a living, working as a plumber, security guard and even a part-time Uber driver.

“I really didn’t know where my career was going,” he said. “I was basically living out of a suitcase moving from camp to camp, hustling here and there to get a job done and get some cash.

“I was pursuing a dream, but the dream really wasn’t taking me anywhere.”

Raised in Boston before moving to Lawrence at the age of 10, Augustin’s first love was martial arts, but it wasn’t “physical enough,” so, on the recommendation of his sensei, he took up boxing at a local gym.

“I instantly fell in love with it,” he said.

After 55 amateur fights (49 wins among them), Augustin finally turned pro in February of 2014. The struggle to land a spot on a card in New England with other promoters – “I just couldn’t get a fair shake,” he said – forced Augustin to remain a boxing nomad until he linked up with Verdi and Paz on the set for Bleed For This.

The rest is history. With Verdi as his manager, Paz as his trainer, and CES president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. as his promoter, Augustin now has an opportunity to build a fan base in New England and take his career to new heights. The journey begins April 3rd in a four-round bout against New Haven, Conn., vet Solomon Maye (1-4).

“Things have been unfolding quickly,” said Augustin, who has been training and sparring at Balletto’s Gym in Providence while also working with Rhode Island-based coach Vic Fagnant. “It’s not overwhelming, but it’s a lot to process.

“I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”

“The Revival” features the 10-round main event between Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) female super bantamweight world champion Shelly Vincent (13-0, 1 KO) of Providence and three-time world-title challenger Christina Ruiz (7-7-3, 4 KOs) of San Antonio, Tex. Both Vincent’s UBF title and the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) world title will be on the line.

Unbeaten Providence super middleweight Angel Camacho Jr. (13-0, 4 KOs) faces the dangerous Chris Chatman (12-4-1, 5 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., in the six-round co-feature, while undefeated welterweight Nick DeLomba (6-0) of Cranston, R.I., battles Hartford, Conn., vet Joe Wilson Jr. (3-1) in a six-round special attraction.

Bleed For This is the inspirational true story of Rhode Island’s Paz, who defied the odds by winning the third of his five world titles just one year after a near-fatal car crash left him with a broken neck and an uncertain future.

Executive produced by Martin Scorsece, Michelle Verdi and Joshua Sason and produced by Verdi, Bruce Cohen, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Pam Thur and Noah Kraft, Bleed For This stars Miles Teller (The Spectacular Now, That Awkward Moment and Generation X) as Paz; Golden Globe nominee Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Olympus Has Fallen, I and Frankenstein) as trainer Kevin Rooney; Katey Sagal (Married … With Children, Sons Of Anarchy) as Louise Pazienza; and Ciaran Hinds (Frozen, Munich, The Road to Perdition and Harry Potter) as Angelo Pazienza.

The undercard of “The Revival” also features several noteworthy regional showdowns, including a four-round junior welterweight bout between unbeaten Worcester, Mass., native Freddy Sanchez (3-0, 2 KOs) and Briam Granado (1-0, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., and a four-round super middleweight bout between Zachary Christy (1-0-1) of Warwick, R.I. (St. Petersburg, Fla.), and former amateur champion Bobby Flynn of Sandwich, Mass., who is making his professional boxing debut. New Bedford junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to face Cambridge, Mass., newcomer Yves Thevenin while unbeaten middleweight prospect Khiary Gray-Pitts (5-0, 3 KOs) of Worcester battles New Haven vet Greg McCoy (3-4-1, 1 KO).

For more information on “The Revival” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Nov. 6th, 2014) — On Friday, Nov. 7th, 2014, CES Boxing will team with Verdi Productions to give away 100 VIP ringside tickets to Bleed For This, the film based on the life and career of five-time world champion and Rhode Island icon Vinny Paz.

Fans who attend Friday’s boxing event, “Winner Take All,” at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., can win front-row tickets to be in the boxing scenes that will also be filmed at Twin River beginning Wednesday, Nov. 12th. CES Boxing and Bleed For This will also be raffling off restaurant gift certificates, flat-screen televisions, tickets to Rhode Island premiers, boxing gloves signed by Paz and actors from the film, plus a chance to have lunch with Paz himself.

Stars from the film will be on hand for Friday’s event, including actors Miles Teller (The Spectacular Now, That Awkward Moment and Generation X), playing the role of Paz and currently starring in Whiplash; Golden Globe nominee Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Olympus Has Fallen, I and Frankenstein); and Ciaran Hinds (Frozen, Munich, The Road to Perdition and Harry Potter); writer and director Ben Younger (Boiler Room and Prime); Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty and Silver Linings Playbook) and producers Noah Kraft and Pamela Thur.

Bleed for This is executive produced by Martin Scorsese and also stars Katey Sagal, known for her role as the iconic character Peggy Bundy on the now-syndicated hit series Married … With Children and her portrayal of Gemma Teller Morrow on Sons of Anarchy.

The film tells the true-life story of Paz, a five-time world champion who suffered a broken neck in a near-fatal car accident at the peak of his career. After months of recovery, Paz ignored doctors’ orders and returned to the gym under the guidance of former Mike Tyson trainer Kevin Rooney and made his triumphant return a year later, winning three more world titles before the end of his career.

Three thousand extras are needed to fill the Event Center at Twin River on Nov. 12th, including 1,500 from 6 a.m. to noon and an additional 1,500 from 1 to 7 p.m. Food and soft drinks will be served. All VIP winners from Friday’s event are required to be on set for the full 12-hour day.

For more information on the event or to sign up to be an extra visit www.bleedforthisevent.com or www.verdifilms.com. Anyone turned away due to capacity will be guaranteed another spot as an extra during fight scenes filmed at Providence’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center.

Tickets for Friday’s boxing event start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Box Office or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. Doors open at 6 and the first bout begins at 7 p.m. “Winner Take All’ is an all ages show. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

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.