Ballengee Group Acquires AC Sports Managment Bolster Combat Sports Division

“Dallas-based sports agency, Ballengee Group, has acquired AC Sports Management, adding a boxing division to their full-service conglomerate.

Dallas millennial, Adrian Clark, founded AC Sports in 2012.

“Timing is everything in boxing. I believe the same goes for business. Ballengee Group has been very supportive and vocal on adding boxing to their roster.
Our values and unique way of representing athletes matched up perfectly.” Clark stated.

Clark, 32, competed as an amateur boxer while earning his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.

Joining Ballengee Group provides Clark with a larger platform and proven resources as he looks to emerge as one of boxing’s leading representatives.

“It has been one hell of a journey for me. I survived entrepreneurship and took AC Sports Management to new heights, without any major backing.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from the fighters, promoters, and pioneers in the fight game. Now it’s time to take things to another level.”

Ballengee Group owners James and Alex Ballengee flew to New York April 20th to observe Clark in the heart of boxing, Madison Square Garden.

“After being around AC and seeing how he operates, we knew there was a match. It was just figuring out the details from there.

We did, and now we’re all excited for the continued growth of Ballengee Group and the success we’ve had in Combat Sports.” Stated Alex Ballengee.

Clark was named to Forbes magazine 4th annual ’30 under 30′ (Sports) list in 2016. Along with pro-athlete representation, Clark is a published author of (3) books.

Clark has negotiated for a portfolio of leading athletes including current IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. Willie Monroe Jr., Frank Galarza and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller,

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Chris Ousley, and former WBA Lightweight Champion, Jason Sosa round out the promising boxing division.”

“####”

“Ballengee Group is a full-service sports representation agency based in Dallas, Texas.

The firm represents baseball, football and combat sports athletes within its unique ownership structure.”




Everlast Worldwide and Clark partner to take ‘Protect Yourself at All Times’ global; educational symposium for fighters

NEW YORK, NY – Oct 16, 2018 – Everlast Worldwide, the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment and Protect Yourself at All Times (PYaAT) creator, Adrian Clark are partnering up to introduce the first ever PYaAT symposium.

In nearly all major sports there are player associations or governing bodies that control contracts, agent fees, health benefits, retirement plans and even regulates athlete representation. Boxing remains the only major sport without an organized association, nor a system to help the athletes within the business of the sport.

“Partnering with Everlast Worldwide to push the issue on educating the fighters and protecting them outside of the ring is a genius move. It will provide PYaAT a global platform and longer reach. Education is key, no matter where you’re from. We will make sure the knowledge is available for the fighters.” Clark stated.

PYaAT breaks the mold of the fighters beginning; and navigating their careers in the dark. The symposium will serve as a continuing education tool for fighters and their families. Along with the symposium, PYaAT will be providing exclusive merchandise and issuing a monthly newsletter with updated information in the boxing business.

Protect Yourself at All Times will also be included in Everlast most recent worldwide ad campaign, “Be First”. Clark will join the likes of Heavyweight champ, Deontay Wilder, Dustin Poirier and Mikaela Mayer as trailblazers; not afraid to go against the grain and be the first to do, or start something.

“Everlast’s Be First global ad campaign is committed to showcasing and supporting individuals that break ground and find unique ways to reach their goals.” said Chris Zoller, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Everlast. “Not only is Adrian blazing a new path for himself but for boxers everywhere. We are 100% behind him and what PYaAT does for the sport of boxing.”

Everlast and Adrian Clark have been collaborating on educating fighters on the business of boxing since 2016. The PYaAT Symposium will be a continuation of a multi-year partnership between Everlast and Clark which included a best-selling book, podcast and documentary.

Clark ended by saying, “Everlast has supported the entire PYaAT campaign from the beginning. Us taking our partnership to another level helps me reach my goal to educate as many fighters as possible, all over the globe. This is game-changing for fighters.”

About Everlast Worldwide Inc. The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Dustin Poirier and Deontay Wilder, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visit www.everlast.com.

About Adrian Clark: Owner of AC Sports Management, LLC and best-selling author from Dallas, Texas. Clark earned his degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. In 2016, he was named to Forbes: 30 Under 30 (Sports) as a game-changer for the sport of Boxing. For more information on PYaAT, visit www.acsportsm.com/pyaat.

Instagram – ac_clark
Twitter – @TheAdrianClark
Facebook – Adrian Clark (AC)

Photo cred: David Spagnolo




Steele spoils Upsher’s comeback bid

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…. “Right idea, wrong fight”, those were the words of Dallas welterweight, Jonathan Steele who gained his 8th victory as a professional on WFC 87 at Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Steele, who entered the ring on Saturday with 9 fights under his belt squared off against the seasoned veteran, Steven Upsher, 25-5-1(6kos), who was attempting a comeback bid in front of his hometown crowd.

Steele dominated the fight from the opening bell, banging Upsher to the body, which ultimately led to the 31 fight veteran to quit in the 5th round of their scheduled 8 round bout.

“We took the fight on a two week notice. My initial fight on May 18th was canceled, and Upsher’s opponent pulled out at the last minute. I didn’t care what his record was, or who he fought. I knew he had never faced a guy like me before.” Steele added.

The 27-year old former United States Marine is managed by Dallas based boxing manager, Adrian Clark.




Frank Galarza inks with AC Sports Management

Jr.Middleweight contender Frank Galarza, 17-2-2(11kos) has hired Adrian Clark of AC Sports Management, LLC to guide his career moving forward. Galarza is coming off of consecutive losses against current Jr.Middleweight champ, Jarrett Hurd and former Jr.Middleweight champ, Ishe Smith.

The 31 year old from Brooklyn, New York is hoping to get back on track and finish his career strong.

“I know that I have a lot of fight left in me. The past 2 years were tough but that’s the business for you. I am glad to have the right team behind me, now. Big things ahead,” said Galarza.

Galarza climbed to contender status with a limited amateur background. His 2014 knockout of then undefeated John Thompson gave attention to the hard punching Brooklynite who has 11 knockouts in 17 of his wins.

Adrian Clark of AC Sports will come in as Galarza’s primary representative but he will be joined by Frank’s former manager, AJ Galante as a special advisor.

“It wouldn’t be right if AJ was not involved. I reached out to AJ and told him that I wanted to work for Frank but he (Galante) had to be on board. I am excited to work with Notorious FG and AJ. This will be a great team effort”. Clark stated.

Clark did not specify a date of Galarza’s return but mentioned that he has been in contact with a few promoters interested in signing Galarza.




Jr.Middleweight prospect Daquan Arnett partners with AC Sports Management

Daquan Arnett (15-1, 9 KO’s) has hired Adrian Clark, owner of AC Sports Management, LLC as his primary representative. Arnett has been out of the ring for 15 month (and counting). He is counting on Clark to get the ball rolling and get his promising career on track.

“I know I am going to be world champion, its just a matter of when. Once an opportunity presents itself, I am going to take full advantage. Bringing on AC is a plus because of how young and ambitious he is. He works in the best interest of the fighters,” said Arnett

Clark, 30 of Dallas, Texas is known for his work with Jerry Belmontes, James de la Rosa, Will Tomlinson (Australia) and most recently, Willie Monroe Jr. He is also the author of the book, Protect Yourself at All Times: A Guide for Professional Boxers.

“Daquan is a world class fighter and a guy who understands the business of boxing. He will be in contention for something big by early next year. I am honored that he thought to hire me.”

Despite the lay-off, Daquan is still young (24 years old) and has stayed in the gym. He is now training in Dallas, TX with friend, Errol Spence Jr.

The fighting pride of Orlando (FL), Arnett was a decorated amateur and since turning pro in 2011, he has put together a solid resumè. In his last 8 fights, four of Arnett’s opponents were undefeated. The only loss of his career came in 2014 against Eddie Gomez.

Arnett is looking to make his return to the ring in April or May.




Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes officially retires

Corpus Chrusti, Texas (January 4, 2017) –Former Lightweight world title contender, Jerry ‘Corpus Christi Kid’ Belmontes, 21-10(6kos) has decided to hang up his gloves and cross over to the business side of boxing.

The fighting pride of Corpus Christi, Belmontes began fighting at age 10. He learned to use his great footwork and slippery style to build himself into a decorated amateur; winning 117 of his bouts. Jerry began his professional career under the Top Rank promotional arm. After a split with the company in 2010, Jerry later inked a deal with Main Events which was also short lived. His final pact with a promotional company came from Golden Boy which presented big opportunities against big names. In his 6 fights working with Golden Boy Promotions, Belmontes defeated former IBO champion Will Tomlinson (21-0-1). During his career, Belmontes had quality wins over undefeated Valentin Golovko (21-0), Daniel Diaz (19-4-1) and Joselito Collado (13-1), and earned a world title shot of his own versus amateur rival, Omar Figueroa. In controversial fashion, Belmontes was handed a split decision loss in which many thought he had beaten Figueroa.

The second half of Belmontes career was a downward spiral, losing 6 of his final 8 fights. He was stopped for the first time in his career by current WBA Lightweight champion Jason Sosa. In his final bout, Belmontes was defeated by Julian Rodriguez in Florida.

Belmontes faced 5 world champions, and had wins over 4 undefeated foes.

“It is weird retiring at 28 {years old} but I had a great career. I fought on TV, represented my city {Corpus Christi} and family name. I got to make a little money and was able to provide a different life for my wife and kids. Most importantly, I walk away in one piece and not in bad health.”

Jerry believes his career was indeed an education for him to guide fighters and help them on the business side of the sport.

“I learned a lot about the business of boxing in my 9 years. Although my time retired will be mostly spent with my wife and kids, I will be announcing the start of a new company with my manager {Adrian Clark} that will help educate and protect fighters.”

Belmontes is holding a press conference at the American Bank Center on January 11, 2017 in Corpus Christi, Texas to officially announce his retirement.




AC Sports Management Presents: “Protect Yourself At All Times: The Documentary”

Dallas, TX (October 24, 2016) – 2016 has been a huge year for boxing manager, Adrian Clark. Along with being named one of Forbes magazines top 30 under 30 game-changers in sports, he also created the ‘Boxer-Manager Agreement’, which serves as a contract for the fighters to sign manager’s. Most recently, Clark released his second book titled, ‘Protect Yourself at All Times: A Guide for Professional Boxers’ available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

The 30 year-old owner of AC Sports Management, LLC is now following up the Protect Yourself at All Times book with a documentary which is to release in the spring of 2017.

“The Protect Yourself at All Times campaign is something that is much needed in the sport of boxing. With no regulation in the sport to protect the athletes, I am making a conscious effect to bring awareness directly to the fighters in hopes to transcend the sport for the fighters.” Clark stated.

Clark is the strategic partner of Willie Monroe Jr who just won the WBO Intercontinental title on HBO PPV vs Gabe Rosado. He also represents James de la Rosa who squares off against Curtis Stevens on the undercard of Ward-Kovalev, Nov 19th on HBO PPV.




AC SPORTS MANAGEMENT SIGNS UNDEFEATED JR. MIDDLEWEIGHT BRYANT PERRELLA

DALLAS, TX. (JANUARY 14, 2014)– Bryant Perrella 3-0(2KO’s) has agreed to a managerial contract with Dallas based Sports Agent Adrian Clark (AC Sports Management). Perrella, a decorated amateur boosted an impressive record of 70-9 and a impressive showing at the 2011 Olympic Trials before losing a close decision to the eventual tournament winner Errol Spence. To begin his professional career, Perrella inked a deal with Top Rank; fighting in 3 bouts before parting ways with the promotional giant.

Now, a promotional free agent, Perrella is linking with Clark to make some noise in 2014 and earn another opportunity. “I just want to fight. I’ve been inactive long enough, its time to show and prove and the time is now”, added Perrella. In his last outing, Bryant outpointed Issac Holder (1-1) by decisio on February 22, 2012 in Palm Florida.

Clark who dabbles in managing NBA players such as CJ Miles of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jr. Lightweight contender Jerry Belmontes 18-3(5KO’s) is “extremely excited” to work with Perrella and guide his career. Clark says the hard hitting 154 pounder may fight January 25th in Florida.

“It is difficult to find anyone in Florida that will step in the ring with this kid; let alone spar him. I’ll continue to work for him on the back end but we are open to any and every opportunity to show he is for real”, Clark said.