Reno, NV (May 24, 2011) – ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra, will originate from Reno, Nev. May 27 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 when Ring Magazines No. 10-ranked heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (31-2, 27 KOs, World Boxing Council (WBC) #2, IBF #5, WBO #13, WBA #15) and former heavyweight world title challenger Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (35-2, 23 KO’s, IBF #7) are featured in co-main events. Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside at the Reno Events Center describing the action. The card is presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions.
Reno has a long and illustrious boxing history dating back to July 4, 1910 with the Jeffries-Johnson World Championship bout and many great champions such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Hector Camacho, Alexis Arguello and James Toney have all displayed their talents in front of the knowledgeable Reno fight fans.
“We are happy to be back in Reno with the FNF series. It is a city that consistently draws energetic and enthusiastic fans,” said Doug Loughrey, Programming Director for ESPN.
This Friday California’s Arreola will meet Kendrick “The Apostle” Releford (22-14-2, 10 KOs). Arreola has won his last three fights, including a third-round knockout over Nagy Aguilera in his last fight earlier this month. After the Aguilera bout, ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael wrote, “Arreola took it to Aguilera from the outset. He showed good hand speed and forced Aguilera to the ropes in the first round and unloaded a variety of punches. Arreola did more of the same in the second round. Aguilera ate numerous punches and it was surprising that he made it through the second round. In the third round, Arreola trapped him along the ropes early and was painting him with lefts and rights, but Aguilera somehow managed to remain upright. Aguilera survived that onslaught, but not for long. After a brief lull, Arreola was back to battering him repeatedly with vicious head shots from both hands until the referee jumped in to call it off at 1 minute, 58 seconds of the third round.”
Washington D.C.’s Thompson will meet Newark, New Jersey’s Maurice “Sugar Mo” Harris (24-14-2, 10 KOs, IBF #6) in a 12-round IBF heavyweight title elimination bout. Thompson has won four fights in a row, since his unsuccessful world title challenge against Wladimir Klitschko, including a fourth-round TKO over Paul Marinaccio in his last fight.
Thompson said of Friday’s Fight, “I’ve been training for this fight for about eight weeks. Mainly, I just want to keep a lot of pressure on Harris. You know, he’s been knocked out a few times. He had some head problems or something – that’s why he took time off. I want to give him reasons to remember that.”
Doors open at 4 p.m. with the first bout at 5 pm. The first ESPN televised bout is set for 9 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. PT.
Tickets for the May 27 boxing card at the Reno Events Center are priced at $100, $59.50 and $29.50 (General Admission). Tickets may be purchased at Reno Events Center, Eldorado and Silver Legacy’s Ticket Offices, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on line at www.ticketmaster.com.
Karim Mayfield Signs with Prize Fight Promotions, Returns June 17, 2011 on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights
San Francisco, May 24, 2011 – After signing a three year contract with Prize Fight Boxing Promotions, undefeated welterweight prospect, Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (13-0-1, 8 KO’s), makes his way back to the ring after a one year layoff.
The hard punching Mayfield who hails from San Francisco California, will battle Steve Forbes (35-9, 11 KO’s) in a ten round bout. The fight is set to take place in Austin, Texas on Friday June 17, 2011 and will be televised live on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights as the Co-Feature to Fernando Guerrero (21-0, 16 KO’s) vs. Michael Medina (24-3-2, 19 KO’s).
“It’s been tough getting fights over the course of my career but I’m ready to go,” said Mayfield. “Steve Forbes is a veteran fighter that has fought some high quality guys and I expect his experience will be a challenge. Now that I’ve signed with Prize Fight I feel my career will take off.”
“Karim is just the type of fighter that boxing needs. An action packed fighter willing to fight anybody, anywhere, any time. We are excited to be part of Team Mayfield’s journey to the top. A journey, for us, that will begin with June 17th against Steve Forbes on ESPN”, stated Prize Fight’s Russ Young.
Mayfield, who recently spent a few months in camp with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao continued, “After sparring with Manny my confidence is at an all time high because Pacquiao brought out the best in me. The experience I gained being in camp with him can only make me better.”
KEENAN COLLINS SCORES KNOCKOUT OF THE WEEK IN READING, PA
NEW YORK / READING, PA (May 24, 2011)—This Past Saturday night at The Soverign Center in Reading, PA, Jr. Middleweight Keenan Collins scored a destructive first round stoppage over Jorge Delgado which highlighted a six bout card and all the action is now available on-demand on www.gfl.tv.
The card, promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions is now available for just $9.99 by clicking: http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Fight_For_Hope/1050
Collins hurt Delgado with a big right hand for which Collins jumped on his prey. One more huge right hand crumpled Delgado to the canvas and the fight was stopped at the end of the first round.
Heavyweight’s William Miranda and Zeferino Albino fought to a four round draw.
Eilud Torres scored a six round unanimous decision over Travis Thompson in a Lightweight bout.
In a four round Jr. Middleweight bout, Grayson Blake scored a four round unanimous decision over Danny Lugo.
Osahon Omo-Osage and Cesar Gonzalez battled to a four round draw in a Super Featherweight bout
In yet another evenly matched fight, Randy Easton and Antonio Robertson battled to a draw in a heavyweight tussle.
– GFL is a pioneer in Internet Sports Broadcasting. Over the years GFL has broadcast more than 1000 live events with over 5000 combat sports videos in 196 countries. GFL is especially proud to have served greater than 3.3 million public viewers over the years with more than 150 combat sports related website affiliates in its network. GFL is now available on Roku, Android, IPhone, IPad, as well as other internet ready devices.