PHILADELPHIA (October 20, 2019)– -Heavyweight Darmani Rock remained undefeated after Maurenzo Smith retired on his stool after round two of their scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout at The Met Philadelphia.

The bout headlined an eight-bout card that was promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions and Live Nation.

Rock dominated the abbreviated bout by using his quick jab, and in round two started mixing in some hard right hands. Smith never seemed to be in serious trouble but for some reason pulled the plug on the bout following the 2nd frame.

Rock of Philadelphia is now 17-0 with 12 knockouts. Smith of Houston is 21-12-4.

Jeremy Cuevas stopped Rondale Hubbert in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

In round three, Cuevas whacked Hubbert with a huge left that sent him to the canvas. Seconds later, it was a booming left that sent Hubbert down a second time. Hubbert was sent to the deck again in the round with a left to the body.

Cuevas ended thing with another body shot in the 4th frame that put Hubbert down again, and referee Benjy Esteves stopped the bout at 1:46.

Cuevas of Philadelphia is now 12-1 with nine knockouts. Hubbert of Minneapolis, MN is 13-10,

Gadwin Rosa stopped Danny Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

Rosa landed hard head and body shots until referee Eric Dali stopped the fight at 1:10.

Rosa of Ocala, FL is 11-1 with nine knockouts. Flores of Mexico City is 15-18.

Christian Tapia remained perfect by stopping Jorge Santos in round two of a six-round super featherweight contest.

Tapia dropped Santos with a thudding left hook to the body for which Santos could not beat the 10-count at 1:56.

Tapia of Coamo, PR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Santos of Monterrey, MEX is 7-9.

Benjamin Sinakin stopped Ferris Golden in round three of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

Sinakin battered Golden in the 3rd frame until the fight was stopped at 1:43.

Sinakin of Philadelphia is 5-0 with three knockouts. Golden of Findley, Ohio is 1-1.

In an action filled round, Jan Carlos Rivera stopped Ricardo Escaeda in their four-round welterweight bout.

After a furious exchange to begin the bout, Rivera floored Escaeda with a thunderous left hand.. Moments later, it was a crushing left to the head that sent Escaeda down on his back, and the fight was stopped at 1:43.

Rivera of Philadelphia is 4-0 with four knockouts. Escaeda of Monterrey, Mexico 4-17-1.

Alejandro Jimenez remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jerrod Minor in a bantamweight fight.

Jimenez of New Hope, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice, and is now 5-0-1. Minor of Philadelphia is 1-8-2.

Saleem Kelly remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jordan Rosario in a welterweight contest.

Kelly, 148 3/4 lbs of Cliffwood, NJ won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Rosario, 146 3/4 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 3-10.

Photos by Deborah Carbone

PHILADELPHIA (October 18, 2019)– Weights for Saturday night’s card at The Met Philadelphia promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

Photo Credit / Samad Haq

Darmani Rock 278 – Maurenzo Smith 274.4

Jeremy Cuevas 139.2 – Rondale Hubbert 141
Gadwin Rosa 130.2 – Danny Flores 129.2
Christian Tapia 131 – Jorge Santos 129.4
Benjamin Sinakin 173.4 – Ferris Golden 170.8
Jan Carlos Rivera 144.6 – Ricardo Escajeda 149
Alejando Jimenez 118.8 – Jerrod Minor 120
Saleem Kelly 148.8 Jordan Rosario 146.8

***Derrick Webster weighed 174.8 lbs while his opponent Israel Duffus was 183. Duffus was overweight and the bout was cancelled.

Promoter: Hard Hitting Promotions and Live Nation
1st Bell: 7 PM ET / Doors 6 PM ET

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheMetPhilly.com or 1-800-745-3000. VIP Premium packages which include box seats, beer and cocktails, food options, private space, access to the Citi Grande Salle and other amenities are also available at 610-784-5438.

The Philly vs. Dallas Night of Live Boxing is the third in an ongoing series at The Met Philadelphia produced by Live Nation Philadelphia in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The Met Philadelphia once held regular boxing events from 1939 until 1954. Now, newly restored, The Met Philadelphia is again hosting live boxing events.

In addition to the Philadelphia and Dallas football teams competing on Sunday, October 20; the Philadelphia and Dallas hockey teams will tangle in Philadelphia on Saturday, October 19.

The Metropolitan Opera House held regular boxing events from 1939 until 1954. Now, newly restored, The Met Philadelphia will again hold live boxing events.

Originally built in 1908 by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein, the iconic venue recently completed a massive $56 million restoration that combines spectacular live entertainment with remarkable food and drink options to create an unparalleled guest experience. The venue’s transformation is the crown jewel of North Broad Street’s renaissance.

PHILADELPHIA (October 9, 2019)–Hostilities between Philadelphia has been prominent for years on the gridiron and more recently in the Hockey rink, and on Saturday night, October 19th add boxing to the rivalry as Undefeated Heavyweight Darmani Rock will headline in an eight-round bout against Maurenzo Smith the 3rd installment of The Met Boxing Series on at The Met Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions and Live Nation.

The card, which will have several Philadelphia vs. Dallas matchups will fall on the weekend where The professional sports teams of each city will also meet in football and Hockey.

Rock of North Philadelphia, who is promoted by Roc Nation Sports, has a record of 16-0 with 11 knockouts.

The 23 year-old will be making his 3rd start of 2019 and his 6th appearance in his hometown. Included in his 16 victories is a 1st round stoppage over Carlos Cotto (8-1-1). Rock is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Raymond Ocheng on June 14th in Jacksonville, Florida.

Smith who is originally from Houston, but for the past five-years has called Dallas home, has a record of 21-11-4 with 14 knockouts.

Smith has wins over Robbie McClimans (3-0), Ty Cobb (16-4) and Donald Caples (21-5-1). Smith has also fought world champions Andy Ruiz, Shannon Briggs & Charles Martin.

Smith is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Marvin Hunt in June 15th in Forrest City, Arkansas.

Appearing in an eight-round super middleweight bout will be Derrick Webster (28-2, 14 KOs) of Glassboro, New Jersey taking in Francisco Javier Castro (28-11, 23 KOs) of El Paso, Texas

In six-round bouts

Jeremy Cuevas (11-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Rondale Hubbert (13-9-2, 8 KOs) of Fargo, ND in a super lightweight bout.

Gadwin Rosa (10-1, 8 KOs) of Ocala, FL fights Danny Flores (15-17-1, 8 KO) of Mexico City n a super featherweight contest

Christian Tapia (9-0, 8 KOs) of of Camden, New Jersey via Coaamo, PR takes on Jorge Luis Santos Guzman (7-8-1, 2 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in super featherweight fight.

in Four-round bouts:

Benny Sinkain (4-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ferris Golden (1-0) of Findley, OH in a battle of undefeated light heavyweights.

Jan Carlos Rivera (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on Ricardo Escajeda (4-16-1, 2 KOs) of Monterrey,Mexico in a welterweight fight.

Tahmir Smalls (1-0,1 KO) appears in a welterweight bout.

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheMetPhilly.com or 1-800-745-3000. VIP Premium packages which include box seats, beer and cocktails, food options, private space, access to the Citi Grande Salle and other amenities are also available at 610-784-5438.

The Philly vs. Dallas Night of Live Boxing is the third in an ongoing series at The Met Philadelphia produced by Live Nation Philadelphia in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The Met Philadelphia once held regular boxing events from 1939 until 1954. Now, newly restored, The Met Philadelphia is again hosting live boxing events.

In addition to the Philadelphia and Dallas football teams competing on Sunday, October 20; the Philadelphia and Dallas hockey teams will tangle in Philadelphia on Saturday, October 19.

The Metropolitan Opera House held regular boxing events from 1939 until 1954. Now, newly restored, The Met Philadelphia will again hold live boxing events.

Originally built in 1908 by opera impresario Oscar Hammerstein, the iconic venue recently completed a massive $56 million restoration that combines spectacular live entertainment with remarkable food and drink options to create an unparalleled guest experience. The venue’s transformation is the crown jewel of North Broad Street’s renaissance.

PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 25, 2019)–Weights for Friday night’s card at The Met Philadelphia.

Malik Hawkins 143.4 lbs – Andre Byrd 143.9
(NBA Title)

Branden Pizarro 138.7 lbs – Tre’Sean Wiggins 139.8 lbs
(Pa. State and NBA International Junior Welterweight Titles)

Gadwin Rosa 129.6 lbs Sulaiman Segwa 128.5 lbs
(NBA Title)

Darmani Rock 275.4 lbs – Mike Bissett 217.8 lbs
Christian Tapia 130.8 lbs – Raul Chirino 135.1
Benjamin Sinakin 172 lbs – Patrick Pierre 174.8 lbs
Josue Rosa 117.9 lbs – Lucky Holt 119.4 lbs
Thyler Williams 142.9 lbs – Abdiel Padilla 140.8 lbs

Promoter: Hard Hitting Promotions & Live Nation
Venue: The Met Philadelphia
1st Bout: 7 PM ET

Photo by Daniel Cork

PHILADELPHIA (April 5, 2019)–Undefeated welterweight Malik Hawkins will headline the 2nd Met Philadelphia Boxing Series, when he takes on battle-tested Fabian Lyimo the eight-round main event on Friday, April 26th at The Met Philadelphia.

The massive show is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions and Live Nation.

Hawkins of Baltimore, Maryland has a record of 14-0 with nine knockouts.

The 23 year-old has been a professional for five years, and has amassed wins over Cody Peterson (1-0), Errol Sidney (6-1-2), Carlos Soto (13-0-2), Raymond Serrano (24-4) and his last bout when he won a eight-round unanimous decision over Gledwin Ortiz on February 23rd at The Met Philadelphia.

Lyimo of Tanzania has a record of 23-9-2 with 15 knockouts. The 36 year-old is a 12 year-professional, has wins over three undefeated opponents. In his last bout, Lyimo went eight-rounds before dropping a unanimous decision to Ismael Garcia on March 30th in Hockessin, Delaware.

In the previously announced eight-round co-feature, -An intriguing eight-round junior welterweight contest between Branden Pizarro and Tre’Sean Wiggins.

Two titles will be on the line as Pizarro will defend his NBA Intercontinental title, while Wiggins will defend his newly-won Pennsylvania State Title.

Pizarro of Philadelphia has a record of 14-1 with seven knockouts. The 19 year-old, is a three-year professional, and is riding a six fight winning streak. Pizarro win the NBA Intercontinental title on November 16, 2018 with a unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez. Pizarro is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Zack Ramsey on February 23rd at The Met.

Wiggins of Newbergh, New York has a record of 11-4-1 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old Wiggins is a nine-year professional, and is not afraid to take on top competition.

Wiggins has a 1st round knockout of former world champion Jason Sosa. Wiggins has a win over Naim Nelson. In his last bout, Wiggins won the Pennsylvania State title with an eight-round unanimous decision over Samuel Teah (15-2) on February 23rd at The MET.

Also in an eight-round bout, Gadwin Rosa (10-0, 8 KOs) will fight Sulaiman Segawa in a super featherweight bout.(11-2, 4 KOs).

Rosa of Ocala, Florida is 25 years-old and has a win over Jonathan Irizarry (3-0). In his last outing, Rosa took care of Jorge Luis Santos Guzman in two rounds on February 23rd at The Met.

Segwa of Silver Spring, Maryland has a record of 11-2 with four knockouts. The 27 year-old has a knack of defeating undefeated foes as he has already defeated Ali Kasango (3-0), Djiby Diagne (3-0), Brian Gallegos (6-0), and Hector Lopez Jr. (10-0-1). Segwa also defeated Alejandro Salinas (9-1).

Two other eight-round bouts are on the bill.

Undefeated heavyweight Darmani Rock (14-0, 9 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Mike Bissett (15-11-1, 9 KOs) of Tampa, Florida.

In six-round bouts:

Christian Tapia (8-0, 7 KOs) of Coamo, PR fights Raul Chirino (13-10-1, 8 KOs) of Miami, Florida in a lightweight contest.

Miguel Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a flyweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Benny Sinakin (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Patrick Pierre (3-6, 1 KO) of New Orleans in a light heavyweight clash.

Josue Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Lucky Holt (0-3) of Hannibal, Missouri in a bantamweight bout.

Thyler Williams of Philadelphia (1-0, 1 KO) will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Malik Warren of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight.

TICKETS are $100, $75, $50 & $25 and can be purchased at TheMetPhilly.com or Please call 1-800-745-3000 to order your tickets by phone.

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 22, 2019)–An intriguing junior welterweight contest between Branden Pizarro and Tre’Sean Wiggins will be the co-feature bout of a huge night of boxing on Friday night, April 26th as part of the 2nd installment of the Met Philadelphia Boxing series.

Two titles will be on the line as Branden Pizarro will defend his NBA Intercontinental title, while Wiggins will defend his newly-won Pennsylvania State Title.

The show, which will be headlined by undefeated welterweight Malik Hawkins is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions along with Live Nation.

Pizarro of Philadelphia has a record of 14-1 with seven knockouts. The 19 year-old, is a three-year professional, and is riding a six fight winning streak. Pizarro win the NBA Intercontinental title on November 16, 2018 with a unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez. Pizarro is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Zack Ramsey on February 23rd at The Met.

Wiggins of Newbergh, New York has a record of 11-4-1 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old Wiggins is a nine-year professional, and is not afraid to take on top competition.

Wiggins has a 1st round knockout of former world champion Jason Sosa. Wiggins has a win over Naim Nelson. In his last bout, Wiggins won the Pennsylvania State title with an eight-round unanimous decision over Samuel Teah (15-2) on February 23rd at The MET.

THE FULL CARD WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

TICKETS are $100, $75, $50 & $25 and can be purchased at TheMetPhilly.com or Please call 1-800-745-3000 to order your tickets by phone.

Jeremy Cuevas 134.1 vs. Steven Ortiz 134.2
(Pennsylvania State Lightweight Title)
Malik Hawkins 144.9 vs. Gladwin Ortiz 146.3
Sammy Teah 139.1 vs. Tre’Sean Wiggins 140
(Pennsylvania State Super Lightweight Title)
Branden Pizarro 138.8 vs. Zack Ramsey 140.1
Gadwin Rosa 130.5 vs. Jose Luis Santos Guzman 129.2
Christian Tapia 135.2 vs. David Veras Pena 136.3
Emanuel Rodriguez 117.1 vs. Jose Lopez 116.1
Tamar Israeli 125.4 vs. Karen Dullin 123.5
Benjamin Sinakin 173.3 vs. Ronald Lawrence 173.3
Josue Rosa 118.7 vs. Willie Anderson 119.2

Promoter: Hard Hitting Promotions
Venue: Met Philadelphia
Facebook Fight Night Live

PHILADELPHIA — November 26, 2018 — Hard Hitting Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated super featherweight Tamar “Princess” Israeli to a promotional contract.

Israeli of Tel Aviv, Israel, now fights out of Las Vegas, and has a record of 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout.

The 27 year-old Israeli, who also has modeled all over the world, was recently introduced as the newest member of Team Hard Hitting on November 16th at The 2300 Arena.

Israeli began boxing at the age of 17. While living in France, she started modeling. When she moved to New York, she tried to continue to model, but she became focused on her boxing career.

“I was always getting into fights when I was little, so I put my anger towards boxing, and that is what got me started in the sport,” said Isareli.

Israeli began training at the famed Gleason’s Gym, and had 22 amateur fights.

She turned professional in February 11, 2017 with a 59 second stoppage over Khadija Sanders in Raleigh, North Carolina. Three months later she returned to Raleigh to score a 3rd round stoppage over Lashanda Tabron.

“I am excited and happy to sign with Hard Hitting Promotions. I can not wait to fight on one of their cards. I just was at their last fight card, which was a ShoBox card, and I see the type of fight cards that they put on. It is a classy operation.”

“We are very happy to have signed Tamar,” said Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz of Hard Hitting Promotions. “She has a lot of talent, and we look forward to continuing her career. She has a lot of charisma and feel she will become a real fan favorite on our shows, and eventually she will become a champion.”

Israeli also recently signed with manager Brian Cohen. Cohen, who manages a dozen high-quality female fighters, also has big hopes for his new fighter.

“I met her at Gleason’s and saw that she has a lot of talent. I don’t sign fighters unless they can fight, so she is just not another pretty face. She is a hard worker, and now that we have her under contract, she will get better.”

“I am happy to sign with Brian. I trust him 100%. He is very professional. It is what I needed for my boxing career. I can see what he has done with his other fighters, and I can see my future is very bright.”

“I got the nickname Princess because I loved watching Prince Naseem Hamed fight. He had a different style, and he was a showman. I like to entertain. Also people started calling me that because of my long hair”

Cohen said that he is working with Hard Hitting Promotions on a fight date for Israeli, which could come at the end of December or on Hard Hitting Promotions next card, which will be in February.

PHILADELPHIA — November 19, 2018 — This past Friday night, five members of the Hard Hitting Promotions stable scored big victories in front of a sold-out crowd at The 2300 Arena.

Samuel Teah scored a eight-round unanimous decision over Kenneth Sims Jr. in the co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation card.

The win was the biggest win of Teah’s career, who improved to 15-2-1. Teah put on a great performance in the fight, which saw many toe-to-toe exchanges. Teah landed more, and the harder punches, which thrilled the hometown crowd the was rooting Teah on.

Teah won by scores of 79-73 and 77-75 twice.

In fights that were seen live on Facebook Fightnight Live:

Branden Pizarro won the NBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight title with a six-round unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez.

Pizarro of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to raise his mark to 13-1.

Gadwin Rosa was systematic in winning a six-round unanimous decision over 114-fight veteran German Meraz to capture the NBA Intercontinental super featherweight title.

Rosa won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice over the durable Meraz, and the Ocala, Florida native stays perfect at 9-0.

Christian Tapia stopped Darnell Pettis at the end of round three of their scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

Tapia was dominant until the corner of Pettis had seen enough. Tapia of Coamo, Puerto Rico is 7-0 with six knockouts.

Light Heavyweight Benny Sinakin needed just 2:23 of the 1st round stop Darren Gibbs.

Sinakin scored one knockdown before the bout was halted due to a barrage of punches on the ropes.

Sinakin of Philadelphia is now 2-0 with one knockout.

“This was a huge night for Hard Hitting Promotions. We were able to showcase some of our younger talent with Branden and Gadwin winning their 1st of what we think will be many titles. Samuel Teah gave an incredible performance, and he beat a good fighter in Kenneth Sims Jr. Samuel will be in big fights, and he proved he can compete at the highest levels. We had an incredible turnout for this show and, we look forward to announcing our 1st card for 2019 real soon,” said Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz of Hard Hitting Promotions