Tori Nelson to defend UBF Middleweight title against Sanna Turunen in Saturday, December 1st at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2018) – Tori Nelson will defend her UBF Middleweight world championship against Sanna Turunen in the ten-round co-main event on Saturday night, December 1st at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

That title bout will be the chief support fight to the previously announced main event between the returning Dusty Harrison taking on James Winchester in a ten-round super welterweight bout.

Nelson of Ashburn, Virginia has a record of 18-2-3 with three knockouts.

The 42 year-old Nelson is an eight-year professional who won the WBC Super Welterweight title with a 10-round split decision over Lorissa Rivers on July 29, 2011. On February 11, 2012 Nelson won the WIBA Middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Vashon Living.

On September 13, 2013, Nelson won the WIBA Welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Aleksandra Magdziak Lopez (10-1). Nelson made four defenses of the title over the likes of Kali Reis (5-1) and Mia St. John.

Nelson also captured the UBF Welterweight, Super Welterweight, Middleweight and Super Middleweight world titles, which included a win over undefeated and current world champion Alicia Napoleon.

Nelson has shared the ring with world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer. Nelson is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Tiffany Woodward on August 4th in Sterling Virginia.

“I have been lucky to travel the country, fighting for, and defending my world titles. I have fought everywhere, but surprisingly, living in Ashburn, VA, I have never fought in DC. Now to be a part of this groundbreaking show at the Arena of the Washington Mystics is very special to me. My opponent lost in her first chance at a world title, and I know she does not want to lose a second time. What she does not yet know is that she is traveling a long way to fight me, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that’s she does not leave with my belt,” said Nelson.

Turunen of Tuusula, Finland has a record of 4-1-1 with one knockout.

Turunen is coming off a loss to Hannah Rankin on June 16th in England.

Also on the will be 2018 National Golden Gloves champion Kiante Irving (2-0, 2 KOs) of Beaver Falls Pa, in a four round super middleweight bout against George Sheppard (1-4-1) of Virginia,

Irving, 24 years old, has had two consecutive 1st round stoppages, including his last bout when he took out Brandon Clark on October 20th in Pittsburgh.

“In the amateurs, I traveled everywhere, but never fought in D.C. I know that the audience here is as knowledgeable about boxing as any city in the country. I am hoping to put on a good show for them, and earn some new fans from DC. I am extremely grateful to the promoters, Erwin Pendergrast and Sean Magruder to give me this opportunity.”

In an eight-round bout, Alexander Johnson (16-4-1, 7 KOs) will take on Mengistu Zarzar (6-5-1, 5 KOs) of Palmer Park, MD in a light heavyweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (10-2, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on Juan Arturo Esquivel (10-8, 2 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a welterweight bout.

Sam Crossed (7-0, 5 KOs) of Greenbelt, MD will fight Twon Smith (3-1, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma City, OK in a cruiserweight contest

In four-round bouts:

Antonio Magruder (5-0, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC will fight Gabriel Gutierrez (7-5, 3 KOs) of El Paso, Texas.

George Harris of Washington, DC will make his pro debut against Lamar Lewis (0-3) of Arkansas in a heavyweight bout.

Jordan White (5-1, 4 KOs) of Washington, DC will take on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight fight.

Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore, MD will take on an opponent to be named in a middleweight contest.

Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.

DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.

The Matchmaker is Chris Middendorf.

Ticket Prices begin at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.




Dusty Harrison returns against James Winchester on Saturday December 1st at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (October 31, 2018) – Welterweight contender Dusty Harrison will return to the ring as he takes on battle-tested, James Winchester in the 10-round main event on Saturday, December 1st at The ESA- Entertainment and Sports Arena, (1100 Oak Drive, Washington, DC)

The card is promoted by Tricky Entertainment & DC Fightnight.

Harrison of Washington, D.C. has an undefeated mark of 30-0-1 with 15 knockouts.

Harrison, 24 years old was a decorated amateur who turned professional at the age of 17.

Harrison has racked up wins against Josh Torres (12-2-1), former world title challenger Michael Clark (44-11-1) & Tommy Rainone (22-5-1).

In his last bout, Harrison took a ten-round unanimous decision over Thomas LaManna (21-1) to capture the USBA Welterweight title on September 15, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Winchester has a record of 20-13 with eight knockouts.

Winchester of Reidsville, North Carolina is a 15 year professional who has a win over John Butler (23-3) and has taken on fighters such as Matt Korobov, Glen Tapia, Luis Arias, Terrell Gausha and his last bout when he went the distance with top-prospect Jaron Ennis on March 31, 2017 in Philadelphia.

A bevy of the finest fighters from the Beltway region will be on display such such welterweight Kareem Martin (10-2, 3 KOs), who will take part in the eight-round co-feature. Also appearing in an eight-round bout will be light heavyweight Alexander Johnson (16-4-1, 7 KOs)

Seeing action in six-round bouts will be cruiserweight Sam Crossed (7-0, 5 KOs) and pro debuting heavyweight George Harris.

Fighting in four-round bouts will be junior welterweight Antonio Magruder (5-0, 4 KOs); junior featherweight Jordan White (5-1, 4 KOs); junior welterweight Tyrek Irby (5-0, 2 KOs); super middleweight Genc Pllana (2-0, 1 KO) and pro debuting middleweight Tyrell Boyd.

Tricky Entertainment has been promoting music, entertainment and lifestyle events in D.C. for the past ten years, and is run by Erwin Pendergrast.

DCFightNight is run by Sean Magruder, and this will be his second boxing show in DC.

The Matchmaker is Chris Middendorf.

Ticket Prices begin at $45 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.




LaManna decisions Velasquez in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY (JUNE 12, 2017) — This past Saturday, welterweight Thomas LaManna won an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez that headlined a card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show was the 8th consecutive capacity capacity crowd promoted by Rising Promotions at the Claridge

LaManna dominated the action with power shots that he landed behind a long jab throughout the contest. Velasquez was game as he took a lot of shots and landed an occasional power shot. LaManna sealed the deal in the final round when he landed a flush 4-punch combination that put Velasquez on the canvas.

LaManna of Millville, NJ won on all cards by scores of 80-71 to raise his mark to 23-2. Velasquez falls to 24-29-2.

“Velasquez was tough and durable,”said LaManna following the fight.

“I needed this fight, and now I would like to fight Kermit Cintron if he should win his fight with Tyrone Brunson on June 24th. Maybe he will stop ducking me, I want to fight a big name like Cintron, Zab Judah or a rematch with Dusty Harrison. We at Rising Promotions will be back here at the Claridge on August for our 9th event.”

Anthony Young won a eight-round unanimous decision over George Sosa in an entertaining welterweight contest.

Young was extremely active as he landed hard combinations with Sosa landing an occasional hard shot to the head.

Young of Atlantic City won by scores of 80-72 twice and 80-71 to raise his mark to 17-2. Sosa of Reading, PA is 15-9.

Donald Smith remained undefeated by winning a four round unanimous decision over Sidell Blocker in super featherweight bout.

Smith of Philadelphia won on all cards 40-36, and is now 5-0. Blocker of Pleasantville, NJ is 1-8-1.

Chris Thomas and Oscar Valdez battled to a four round majority draw in a middleweight contest.

Thomas of Beachwood, NJ took a card 39-37, while two judges saw it even at 38-38.

Thomas is now 6-0-1. Valdez of Batesville, ARK is 1-2-1.

Gabriel Pham won a six round unanimous decision over Edgar Perez in a light heavyweight bout.

Pham won on all cards 60-54 and is now 9-1. Perez of Chicago is 7-21.

Tomas Romain won a four round unanimous decision over Lamont White in a lightweight bout.

Romain of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37, and is now 3-1. White of Washington, DC is now 1-8.

Elijah Vines remained perfect with a 3rd round stoppage over Harry Tyrone Paige in a scheduled four round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Vines dropped Paige with a perfect right hook. In round three, Vines dropped Paige with a right to the body. Paige got to his feet, but his corner pulled the plug at 1:42.

Vines of Philadelphia is 4-0 with 4 knockouts. Paige of Batesville, ARK is 0-5.

Frederick Julan stopped Jose Valderrama in the 6th and final round of their light heavyweight bout.

Julan dropped Valderrama in round six with a body shot. Julan finished off the when he dropped Valderrama for a 2nd time with a right hook to the head, and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 5-0 with three knockouts. Valderrama of Manati, PR is 5-20.

Dan Pasciolla and LeMarcus Tucker battled to a majority draw in a rematch of Heavyweights.

In round one, Pasciolla began to bleed from his nostrils.

Pasciolla took a card 58-56. That was overruled by 57-57 scores.

Pasciolla of Brick, NJ is 9-2-3. Tucker of Batesville, ARK is 4-2-1.

Photo by Matthew Heasley




Thomas LaManna “I want my rematch with Dusty Harrison”

Atlantic City, NJ (January 25, 2017) – This Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on battle tested Eduardo Flores in a junior middleweight bout that will headline an eight-bout card.

The card is promoted by Rising Promotions

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 21-2 with 9 knockouts, and wants to avenge his September 15th defeat to Dusty Hernandez Harrison. But first he must get past the 52 fight veteran Flores.

“Flores has been in with numerous world champions,” said LaManna of Flores, who has competed with the likes of Kermit Cintron Carlos Baldomir and Diego Chaves. “He is a rugged veteran, and has only been stopped a handful of times, and the last time that happened, he was fighting a middleweight. He will come to fight. I am looking to one-up all the champions that he has fought.”

To do that, LaManna is looking to take a relaxed approach, and he is not going into the fight looking for a knockout.

“I believe in my boxing skills, ring generalship and I will get the job done. I plan a smart 8 rounds of boxing. It will be exciting because it will be packed inside The Claridge. I am looking to get this win and get back to a rematch with Dusty. Even though this fight is at junior middleweight, I am a welterweight, and I want that rematch.”

“I had an amazing training camp. The loss to Harrison made me hungrier, and that has motivated me even more than before.”

This will be LaManna’s fourth appearance at the Claridge. This will be ths 6th sold-out show and LaManna’s relationship with the hotel is helping a rebirth of boxing in Atlantic City.

“I have a great team behind me. The Claridge has been great to work with and we are planning four more big shows here this year.”

In the 6-round co-feature, Chuck Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, NJ takes on Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ in a light heavyweight bout.

Also in 6-round fight, Gabriel Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ battles Jose Valderrama (5-17, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in a super middleweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KO’s) of Mays Landing, NJ fights Demonte Cherry (1-2, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a heavyweight bout.

Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ will square off with Nahir Albright (0-1) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of New York takes on pro debuting Jose Jimenez of Ocala, FL in a welterweight tussle.

Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City will fight Weusi Johnson (1-2) of Wilmington, DE in a bantamweight card.

Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Thomas Roman of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight affair.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com




Tony Jeter explains Dusty Harrison situation

Columbia, Maryland (March 29, 2016) – Former world title challenger, Tony Jeter is upset about recent events surrounding a proposed fight with undefeated junior middleweight Dusty Harrison.

The fight was to take place on May 13 in Washington, DC which is where Harrison is billed from and not far from Jeter’s Columbia, Maryland residence.

It’s safe to say, the fight would have been a big local attraction.

“I received a contract and signed it immediately. That was on March 10th,” Said Jeter.

“As everyone knows, I am a promoter and had already announced, and then had to cancel my show that was to be on May 14 in Hanover, Pennsylvania. Then ten days later, I get the call that they were going in a different direction and the fight was off.”

Jeter does not lay blame on Harrison himself, but people in his inner-circle that may have put the kibosh on the fight.

“I believe it is the people around him who did not want this fight. His promotional team signed off on the fight, but it is those people who get in his ear on a daily basis are scared that Dusty could lose to me and their gravy train will end I guess,” continued Jeter.

Jeter knows the fight would be a tough fight, but it is a winnable fight and just as important, would be a terrific night for D.C. area boxing fans.

“This fight would be a great event for the D.C/Maryland area. It is a shame because they want to fight smaller guys. Blown up lightweight’s and junior welterweights. He has been fighting in the 150’s. I am 40 years-old and he is a 21 year-old undefeated kid who is talented. He has all the advantages. From what I was told, a member of his team hired an attorney and contacted his promotional company to stop this fight. I do not know what they are scared of. When will they cut the umbilical chord and let this kid fight someone.”