NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2019) – Having eclipsed the four-million views mark to close out the 2018 calendar year, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast opens the first quarter of 2019 with an outstanding six-card lineup featuring six different promotions and spanning five cities, beginning on Friday, Feb. 8 in South Philadelphia.

The free and interactive Facebook series rings its opening bell next Friday at 2300 Arena in South Philly by showcasing an exceptional, standing-room-only card put together by Raging Babe. Partnering with forward-thinking promoter Michelle Rosado on next week’s “Philly Special” featuring several undefeated prospects – including bantamweight Christian Carto (17-0, 11 KOs) and heavyweight Darmani Rock (13-0, 8 KOs) – FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is sure to get its 2019 schedule off to a hot start.

“We’re excited to partner with FIGHTNIGHT LIVE for our debut Philly event,” said Rosado. “The fights on the card and the fighters themselves have captured the attention of fight fans all over, even outside of the Philadelphia area, so we’re thrilled to give people the opportunity to see the fights live.”

Carto meets veteran southpaw Victor Ruiz (22-10, 15 KOs) in the main event, as the 22-year-old prospect looks to continue to make his case as a contender.Rock will fight in the card’s co-feature, while undefeated Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs) of North Philadelphia meets Derrick Whitley (4-0-1) of Springfield, Mass. in a special welterweight attraction. Amateur heavyweight standout Sonny Conto of South Philadelphia – a recent signee of monolithic promotion Top Rank – will also be featured in his pro debut as part of a seven-bout card.

“We couldn’t be happier to begin our New Year at 2300 Arena with the outstanding lineup that Raging Babe has assembled for the Feb. 8 ‘Philly Special,'” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’ve been able to showcase nearly 500 up-and-comers on our platform, and Christian Carto is special prospect who we’re really pleased to feature on Facebook. Darmani Rock always brings the thunder, and watch out for the pro debut of Top Rank signee Sonny Conto as well.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 450 fighters and 15 promotions during 26 live event broadcasts from 18 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 26-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 166,508 views per event and more than 4.3 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018,Season II shows have averaged almost 323,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 26-show series has seen a total of more than 4,329,206 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 377,000 collective live post engagements (more than 14,500 per show), including more than 293,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 46,000 comments and almost 16,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views and the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 86,000 fans and more than 92,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter and Spring 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

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 Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, 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, visitwww.everlast.com.

Photo By Darryl Cobb Jr.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Undefeated bantamweight prospect Christian Carto, of South Philadelphia, faces veteran southpaw Victor Ruiz, of San Diego, CA in the eight-round main event Friday evening, Feb. 8, at the 2300 Arena.

The Carto-Ruiz fight tops an eight-fight card, dubbed the “Philly Special” by promoter Michelle Rosado, of Raging Babe, in her first solo promotion in Philadelphia.

Carto, 22, has won all 17 of his pro fights, 11 by knockout. A pro since mid-2016, Carto has developed into one of the most popular fighters in the Philadelphia/Atlantic City area. In his last fight Nov. 9, Carto earned a six-round decision over Antonio Rodriguez, of Durango, Mexico.

Ruiz, 27, comes into the fight the more experienced of the two. He turned pro in 2011 and has boxed some of the best “little men” in the world. In 2015, in Corpus Christi, TX, he got off the canvas in the second round and went on to win an eight-round split decision over former IBF world super flyweight champion Daiki Kameda, of Tokyo, Japan.

Ruiz also boxed former WBC world-title challenger and current NABF bantamweight champion Oscar Negrete, of Rosemead, CA, losing their 2017 fight in Las Vegas, NV, via an eight-round decision. Overall, Ruiz is 22-10, 15 KOs.

“I’m eager to test my skills against (Victor) Ruiz,” said Carto. “We’ve watched tape and he’s got plenty of experience. Ruiz has fought some great fighters: McWilliams Arroyo, Oscar Negrete and current WBO Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete. As for 2019, I’m ready to start the year strong and I’m happy to be back in South Philly at the 2300 Arena. Training camp is going great. Billy (trainer Briscoe) and I will leave no stone unturned and we’ll be ready for Ruiz.”

Promoter Michelle Rosado: “This is no walk-in-the-park fight for Christian. If he wants to crack the world ratings, this is the kind of guy he needs to fight and this is the kind of guy he needs to beat. Ruiz has been in with some of the best at flyweight, super fly and bantamweight.”

Heavyweight Darmani Rock will fight in the card’s co-feature, with welterweight Marcel Rivers, of North Philadelphia, heavyweight Sonny Conto, of South Philadelphia, bantamweight Alejandro Jimenez, of New Hope, PA, lightweight Gerardo Martinez of Coatesville, PA, bantamweight Jonathan Torres, of Bethlehem, PA, and bantamweight Jeremy Adorno of Allentown, PA rounding out the card.

ABOUT FEB. 8:
The Feb. 8 card consists of eight fights. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm. This event is all ages.

TICKETS:
Tickets are priced $50, $75 and $125. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-765-0922.

PHILADELPHIA, PA- -Christian Carto hopes to continue his rise through the bantamweight ranks when he headlines an eight-fight card Friday evening, Feb. 8, at the 2300 Arena.

Michelle Rosado, whose Raging Babe company makes its promotional debut in the Philadelphia market that night, has dubbed the Feb. 8 event the “Philly Special.” If Carto keeps winning, Philly and more importantly South Philly will have something special on its hands.

Hall-of-Fame bantamweight Joltin’ Jeff Chandler was the last world champion from South Philadelphia. He won the WBA world title in 1980 and held it until 1984 after nine successful title defenses.

The 22-year-old Carto enjoys a huge following from his South Philly backyard. He brings back memories of another Hall-of-Famer, Joey Giardello, who was the last great Italian fighter from South Philadelphia. Giardello boxed from 1948 to 1967, compiled a record of 98-26-8 with 31 knockouts and was the undisputed middleweight champion from 1963 to 1965.

Carto has a record of 17-0, 11 KOs, since turning pro midway through 2016. He comes from a family rich in boxing tradition. His grandfather and two uncles were pros: Nunzio Carto, Frankie Carto, Joe Carto. All three fought in the lighter weight divisions in the 1930s and 1940s and Frankie was world-rated at once time at 126 pounds.

“This is going to be a special night for me,” Carto said. “It’s only my second time fighting at the 2300 Arena as pro and I enjoy the atmosphere even when I’m just there to support other fighters. A big ‘Thank You’ to Michelle Rosado for including me on her first card in Philly.”

Once he gets into the world rankings, Carto could remind South Philly fans of some of their best Italian boxers of days gone by: heavyweights Joe Grim (Saverio Giannone), Gus Dorazio and Dan Bucceroni; light-heavyweight Mike Rossman (Michael DePiano); welterweight Eddie Giosa; junior welterweight Tony Falco; featherweights Lew Massey (Louis Massucci) and Eddie Lenny (Edward Setaro); bantamweights Tommy Forte and Bobby Wolgast (Anthony Giordano); Hall-of-Fame flyweight champion Midget Wolgast (Joseph Robert Loscalzo).

“I look to forward to having a strong start to 2019 and continue building my career,” Carto said. ” My sponsors and my fans show unwavering support every fight and I am indebted to them. A lot of people are behind me and I want to make them proud not only of me, but also of South Philly boxing. There’s been a lot of great fighters from South Philly and I hope to uphold that tradition.”

Growing up in South Philly, Carto played hockey. He was small compared to the other kids his age, but it was on the ice that he began to exhibit the tenacity that would carry him through tough fights as a boxer. He never allowed his size to slow him down. In high school, Carto missed class trips, dances and social activities to pursue his boxing career, and the sacrifices paid off when he won the 2014 National Golden Gloves at 108 pounds in Las Vegas, NV.

In subsequent years. Carto moved up to 114 pounds and finished third in the 2015 National Golden Gloves and won a bronze at the U.S. Olympic Trials at that weight that same year.

“This show is for South Philly,” said Michelle Rosado. “The 2300 Arena is in South Philly and it’s headlined by Christian Carto, the hottest fighter to come out of South Philly in years. I look forward to getting him the recognition he deserves locally and nationally through this “Philly Special” card. He is the Philly Special!”

Tickets to “Philly Special” are priced $50, $75 and $125. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-765-0922. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm.

Philadelphia, Penn. (November 2, 2018)–Millions of travelers drive on Interstate-95 each day. In each direction there are many billboards that are visible for miles. For the better part of the last month, two billboards in particular feature one of the hottest prospects in boxing in undefeated bantamweight Christian Carto.

Carto, who has been featured multiple times by SugarHouse Casino as the 21 year-old has developed a relationship with the casino as he has packed the fight venue on seven previous occasions.

“It’s really cool to see me up on these big billboards,” said Carto. “I didin’t know they were going up, bit it is very exciting to see it.”

Those massive billboards can only enhance Carto’s already huge fanbase.

On Friday night, November 9th, Carto will make his eighth appearance at SugarHouse Casino when he takes on 37 fight-veteran Antonio Rodriguez in the six-round main event of a seven bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto has signature victories over Alonso Melendez (14-1) and James Smith (12-1). Carto is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Javier Gallo on August 18th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Rodriguez of Durango, Mexico is a very capable foe as the 30 year-old has big wins over undefeated opponents Alonso Melendez (11-0); Junior Granados (12-0) and Luis Castro (7-0-2). Rodriguez also has wins over Jonathan Chavez (6-1-1), Granados (12-2-1).

“I don’t know too much about him,” continued Carto I know his is a Mexican fighter who likes to come forward. We share a common opponent in Alonso Melendez. I have seen that he is tough.”

This will be the 4th outing of 2018 for Carto, and with a win he will raise his mark to 2019, but the 21 year-old is continuing his learning process as he heads into the the new year.

“I feel that I started off well in 2018. I always want to do better, and I am own biggest critic. I feel that I should have done better in my last two fights. This training camp, which is my 2nd camp with Billy Briscoe as my head trainer, I learned a lot, so I know I will do better.”

With Brisoce manning the corner, Carto sees himself getting better with each fight in 2019.

“I can definitely see myself fighting for a regional title in 2019, but I am still earning, so there is no rush. With being with Billy, I would like to go out to a training camp with one of the champions to help them get ready for a big, which will help me even more.”

“I just want to thank Billy as well as my brother Frankie who has helped me a lot with the training. My father who helps with all the tickets and ticket requests. I also had some great sparring with a Romuel Cruz. I am ready for a great fight.

In a rematch of a draw that took place on August 10th at SugarHouse Casino, Ricardo Garcia (14-3-1, 9 KOs) of Santo Domingo, DR fights Tyrone Crawley (7-1-1) of Philadelphia in a eight-round junior welterweight fight.

In the a six-round bout, former National Golden Gloves champion Poindexter Knight Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Travis Castellon (16-2-1, 12 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a welterweight bout.

Also in a six-round bout, Frank Trader (10-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight 37 fight veteran Pablo Capul of San Diego in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

James Martin (2-0) of Philadelphia battles Denis Okoth (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Siaya, KY in a welterweight bout.

Pro debuters will square off as Maurice Burke of Philadelphia dukes it out with Brandon Bey of Bronx, NY in a junior welterweight contest.

Mark Dawson (4-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Chukka Willis (3-6, 2 KOs) of Emporia, KS in a welterweight bout.

There will be a press conference on Wednesday November 7th at 4 PM ET

The weigh in will take place on Thursday, November 8th at 6 PM ET.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

Philadelphia, Penn. (October 9, 2018)–Undefeated bantamweight Christian Carto will once again look to thrill the fans at SugarHouse Casino when he takes on an opponent to be announced in a ten-round bout that will headline a big night of boxing on Friday night, November 9th.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto of Philadelphia has a record of 16-0 with 11 knockouts, and is widely regarded as the most popular fighter in Philadelphia.

The 21 year-old Carto has been a professional since 2016, and is one of the top prospects in the bantamweight division.

Carto has signature victories over Alonso Melendez (14-1) and James Smith (12-1). Carto is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Javier Gallo on August 18th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Carto, who will be making his 4th start of 2018, will be entering a SugarHouse Casino ring for the eighth time.

Seeing action in the six-round co-feature will be 2017 National Golden Gloves champion, Poindexter Knight, Jr.

Knight of Philadelphia has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts.

Knight is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Gregory Averil Young (4-0) on August 10th at SugarHouse Casino.

Knight will be making his 3rd appearance at SugarHouse Casino.

Knight’s opponent will be announced shortly.

In an intriguing six-round junior welterweight bout, Ricardo Garcia (14-3-1, 9 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic will take on Tyrone Crawley, Jr. (7-1-1) of Philadelphia.

Rasheed Johnson (4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will face Vincent Floyd (3-5-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia in a six-round welterweight clash.

In four-round bouts, undefeated fighters James Martin (2-0) of Philadelphia squares and Denis Okoth (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Siaya, Kenya square off in a middleweight contest.

Pro debuter’s will get it on as Maurice Burke of Philadelphia fights Brandon Bey of Bronx, NY in a junior welterweight affair.

Frankie Trader (10-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia will see action against an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,891 slots, 103 table games, a 28-table poker room, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,700 people, and for six consecutive years has been voted a “Best Place to Work” by the Philadelphia Business Journal and for five straight years a “Top Workplace” by Philly.com. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.