New York, NY (July 13, 2011) – DiBella Entertainment has added middleweight contender Brian Vera to its stable of fighters. Vera, 29, is a Mexican-American from Austin, TX, who is a straightforward brawler capable winning big fights, no matter what the odds are. In his 24-fight career, Vera (19-5, 12 KOs) has upset the applecart, and top middleweights, on several occasions.
In his last bout on June 24, Vera impressively stopped Eloy Suarez with a body shot in the eighth round.
“There are boxers, there are runners, and then there are fighters. Brian Vera is a fighter and he will give anyone in the middleweight division a fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Just look at his record and you will see that Brian Vera has never backed down from a challenge. That’s the kind of guy that anyone would be happy to promote.”
After winning fourteen consecutive fights between 2004 and 2007 to begin his career, Vera joined the cast of season three of The Contender reality television show. In his first bout as a member of the cast, he lost the first fight of his career, a second round knockout at the hands of eventual finalist Jaidon Codrington. Vera made his mark on the show, however, when he returned on the undercard of the finals bout between Codrington and Sakio Bika, by winning a clear cut unanimous decision over fellow show participant Max Alexander.
One fight later, in the biggest win of his career, Vera got off the deck to stop the then-undefeated and highly touted prospect Andy Lee in the seventh round in March 2008.
Since then, Vera has refused to back down from a challenge. He has gotten in the ring with some of the top names in and around the middleweight decision. His wins over Sebastian Demers and The Contender season one winner Sergio Mora have propelled him into a full-fledged middleweight contender. His losses to James Kirkland, Craig McEwan, Issac Rodrigues, and Maksym Bursak have only enforced Vera’s reputation as an all action warrior who won’t back down from a challenge.
“Fighting big names is what motivates me,” said Vera. “With DiBella Entertainment I want to take on all comers and eventually get my chance at the middleweight championship.”
Vera’s DiBella Entertainment debut is anticipated for this fall. Full details will be announced in the coming days.
For more information about DiBella Entertainment, including a list of all upcoming bouts, please visit www.dbe1.com, or follow Lou DiBella on twitter, @loudibella.
THREE BIG TITLE BOUTS FROM CHICAGO THIS FRIDAY ON GFL
NEW YORK / CHICAGO (July 13, 2011)—This Friday night in Chicago, one of the best cards top to bottom will take place as three title bouts will take place and all three have major implications on the world rankings.
The show will take place at the Club 7600 in Burbank, Illinois just outside of Chicago and is promoted by Cynthia Tolaymat and CFC Boxing Promotions.
The show can be seen LIVE all over the world on www.gfl.tv at 9pm eastern for just $9.99 by clicking:
http://www.gfl.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/Chicago_Fight_Night_II/1118
Former world Super Lightweight champion Vivian Harris (29-6-1, 19 KO’s) will take on Lanardo Tyner (24-4, 15 KO’s) in a twelve round bout for the USBO Welterweight belt.
Harris of Brooklyn, New York won his first sixteen fights and established himself as one of the prospects in the country. After suffering his first professional loss and a draw to Ivan Robinson, Harris ripped off nine straights wins which included his world title winning effort when he knocked out Diobelys Hurtado to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Lightweight title.
He defended the title three times which included two wins over German Oktay Urkal in Urkal’s homeland of Germany.
Harris was upset by Carlos Maussa on the Arturo Gatti – Floyd Mayweather undercard on June 25, 2005.
Harris won three straight over former Lightweight champion Stevie Johnston and world title challenger Juan Lazcano which set up a title shot against WBC champion Junior Witter.
Unfortunately Harris was stopped in seven rounds.
Harris is desperate for a win as he has dropped three in a row including being stopped by Lucas Matthysse; currant WBC Welterweight champion Victor Ortiz and his last bout to undefeated prospect Jesse Vargas.
Tyner of Houston, Texas won his first nineteen bouts before dropping fights to former world title challengers Mike Arnaoutis and Lamont Peterson. Tyner also lasted the distance before losing a twelve round unanimous decision to future WBC Super Welterweight champion Saul Alvarez.
Tyner scored the best win of his career when he upset Antwone Smith in a bout that was telecasted all over America on SHO BOX.
In his last bout, Tyner drew with Adrian Granados.
In a twelve round battle for the IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight title, Carl Davis (15-3 with eleven knockouts will take on former world title challenger Epifanio Mendonza in a twelve round bout.
Davis of Chicago spent his whole career as a Heavyweight with two of his losses being to then undefeated prospect Travis Walker and former world title challenger DaVarryl Williamson.
In his last bout, which was his first at Cruiserweight, Davis scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Arthur Williams on December 17th, 2010.
Mendoza of Barranquilla, Colombia is known for his punching prowess as he has amassed a record of 31-12-1 with twenty-seven knockouts.
He won his first sixteen by knockout whicj was highlighted by a first round stoppage over then undefeated Tukunbo Oljiade.
He later stopped undefeated Rubin Williams in forty-two seconds.
In 2007, he was stopped in four by Chad Dawson for the WBC Light Heavyweight title. In his next bout, Mendoza fought a tough battle with Jeff Lacy in a bout that Lacy got the majority decision victoty but many thought that the verdict should have gone to Mendoza.
Mendoza is coming off a second round stoppage over Josue Avilla on July 10th.
The third title bout will pit Albert Mensah and Andre Georges for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) International Jr. Welterweight title.
Mensah of Accra, Ghana has a record of 23-3-1 with ten knockouts.
He has spent his career in Ghana by winning many regional titles and will be making his American debut.
Georges of Windsor, Ontario has a record of 11-1 with six knockouts and has won three in a row which include wins over Tyner and in his last bout scored a split decision over former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley
FULL CARD THAT WILL BE SHOWN BEGINNING AT 9PM EASTERN:
12 Rounds—Cruiserweight title bout—Carl Davis (15-3, 11 KO’s) vs. Epifanio Mendoza (31-12-1, 27 KO’s)
12 Rounds—Jr. Welterweight Title bout—Albert Mensah (23-3-1, 10 KO’s) vs. Andre Georges (11-1, 6 KO’s)
10 Rounds—Welterweight title bout—Lanardo Tyner (24-4, 15 KO’s) vs. Vivian Harris (29-6-1, 15 KO’s)
6 Rounds- Super Featherweights—Eric Estrada (9-1, 3 KO’s)vs. Garvin Crout (11-9-1, 6 KO’s)
6 Rounds- Middleweights—Marlon Thomas (36-7-1, 21 KO’s) vs. Donatas Bondoravas (12-3-1, 3 KO’s)
6 Rounds- Jr. Welterweights—Adrian Granados (7-1-1, 5 KO’s) vs. TBA
4 Rounds- Heavyweights—Boban Simic (PD) vs. Khuzaymah AL-Nu BU’at (PD)
4 Rounds—Featherweights—Sergio Montes De Oca (3-0, 1 KO) vs TBA
4 Rounds—Welterweights—Antonio Canas (4-0, 3 KO’s) vs. Larry Ventis (4-0, 3 KO’s)
4 Rounds—Middleweights—Fernando Hernandez (19-12-2, 8 KO’s) vs. TBA
RODRIGUEZ AND WOLAK EXCLUSIVE HEAD-TO-HEAD INTERVIEW
This Friday night, Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14KO’s) and Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19KO’s) will step into the ring against one another, in their highly anticipated ten round jr. middleweight showdown, promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and being broadcast live on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” from the Roseland Ballroom in NYC.
The match-up has the boxing world buzzing in anticipation, as both Rodriguez and Wolak have exciting styles, and as anyone who has seen them before know, they always come to fight and leave everything they have in the ring. Before the two combatants step inside the ring, they both sat down to give their take on the fight.
Q: Thank you guys for sitting down to talk to me before your big showdown. I’ll start with you Delvin, how has training camp been for this fight.”
DR: Camp has been absolutely great. I can honestly say this is probably the best camp I have ever had. I haven’t felt this good in a long time, if ever.
Q: What about for yourself Pawel?
PW: Camp was very good, and very tough, but that’s the type of fight this is going to be so I knew I needed a tough camp to get prepared.
Q: This will be your first fight at 154 lbs. Delvin. Do you think this is an advantage or disadvantage to you?
DR: I see it as a huge advantage for me. Like I said before this is the best I have felt for as long I can remember. I feel stronger and faster than ever my body is reacting so good from not having to cut the extra weight. I have a lot of boxing inside me and I feel like before my body couldn’t react to what my mind wanted it to do. Now there is no hesitation, I do twelve rounds now and it feels like nothing. I’m in the best shape of my life and everyone will see that this Friday night.
Q: Pawel, what is your take on him moving up in weight?
PW: I’d have to agree with Delvin, now that he doesn’t have to cut weight I’m sure he will be more physically fit and stronger than before. I’m expecting the best Delvin Rodriguez there is, and that’s what I have prepared myself for.
Q: Pawel, you are rated among all four sanctioning bodies, some people question why you would take a fight like this. What are you looking to prove in this fight?
PW: I know Delvin is a dangerous opponent, but this is very important to me to be fighting on ESPN against someone like Delvin. Not only is this a huge test for me, but I know that every time Delvin fights on ESPN he draws huge ratings, so by fighting him I will be seen by a huge audience. I’m looking to expand my fan base, and fighting on ESPN against a fighter like Delvin is perfect opportunity to do that.
Q: You have had some very unfortunate decisions go against you recently Delvin, do you view this as your opportunity to erase those decisions and start off fresh in your new division?
DR: Yes that’s exactly how I feel. This is great opportunity for me, I’m stepping up to 154 and in my first fight I have a chance to face a guy like Pawel where a win throws me right into the mix.
Q: You both are known for putting on exciting performances, without giving your game-plans away, how do you see the fight playing out this Friday night and can I get a prediction from both of you on the outcome?
DR: The only prediction I have is that it’s going to be a great, and exciting fight. I know it’s going to be a tough fight and that’s what I have trained for. The way I feel right now and the way I have prepared I am very confident. My boxing ability is going to come out and shine in this fight. I know I must be on my A-game because Pawel is a very tough guy. I can’t fall asleep with, must be alert at all times and because of that I honestly feel that he is going to bring the absolute best out in me.
PW:I don’t know what’s going to happen, ask me after the first or second round I should know better by then, haha. All seriousness though, I expect a hard, tough fight. The pace will be set very early, and we will see how the fight plays out. I expect the best of him and I know I am going to bring my best. Look there are no secrets here, I think most people know my style and they know Delvin’s style. They know what I have to do and what Delvin has to do to be victorious in this fight. Whoever can execute and whoever stays most true to their game plan will come out on top.
Q: Is there anything either of you would like to say in closing?
DR: Everyone should expect a great fight this Friday night. Everyone knows that they are getting a great performance in this fight. This fight is very important for both of us, and we are going to put our heart and soul into every round. This is definitely one fight you won’t want to miss. I think this is going to be one of best fights on ESPN in a really long-time.
PW: I think Delvin said it all. This is going to be a great fight. This sport is all about entertaining the fans, that’s exactly what this fight is going to be. I hope everyone can make it out on Friday night, and if you can’t make it to Roseland Ballroom be sure to watch it on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”.
Tickets are priced at $50, $75, $100 and $200 and can be purchased by calling Star Boxing at (718) 823-2000, or visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet, calling Ticketmaster 1 (800) 745-3000, or simply by Clicking Here. Doors open at 6:30PM, with the first bout scheduled for 7:00PM. ESPN will begin live coverage at 9PM ET.