Pittsburgh, PA (March 20, 2023) -Super Bantamweight contender Oleh Dovhun inched closer to a world title opportunity by making the second defense of the WBA NABA title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Centeno in a fight that headlined a five-bout card at The Priory Grand Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The card was promoted by Integrity Fighter Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Despite being cut on his left eyelid due to an accidental clash of head, Dovhun showed his class throughout the bout by boxing his way behind a consistent work-rate. Centeno hung in there, but Dovhun showed why he is a world-ranked contender and took the fight by scores of 100-90 on all cards.

Dovhun of Pittsburgh via Ukraine ups his perfect mark to 15-0. Centeno of Miami us 8-7-3.

Dovhun is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and managed by Integrity Fighter Management.

In the co-feature, Devaun Lee sent shockwaves by stopping previously undefeated hometown fighter Kiante Irving in round four of their six-round super middleweight bout.

Lee was able to withstand an early rush by Irving. Irving may have punched himself out as Lee started to take over in the second and third rounds. Lee started tagging Irving with flush shots until the bout was stopped at 2:03 of round four.

Lee of Queens, NY is 11-8-1 with six knockouts. Irving of Beaver Falls, PA falls to 11-1-1.

Joe Turk remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Isaiah Margheim in a heavyweight bout.

Turk of Pittsburgh is now 3-0-1. Margehim of Sandusky, Ohio is 1-3.

Jordan Zlacki took a four-round split decision over Eric Palmer in a welterweight battle.

Zlacki of Springdale, PA is now 3-5. Palmer of Uniontown, PA is 14-17-5.

The opening bout saw Devon Siegfried stop Matteo Gardner in a scheduled four-round fight featuring debuting cruiserweights.

In round three, Siegfried dropped Gardner with a right hook for the 10-count at 1:05.

Pittsburgh, PA (March 9, 2023) – World-Ranked super bantamweight Oleh Dovhun will defend his NABA Title against Juan Centeno on Friday night, March 17th at Priory Grand Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The night of championship boxing is promoted by Integrity Fighter Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Dovhun of Pittsburgh via Ukraine is ranked number-10 by the WBA on the strength of wins over Roger Blankenship (1-0) and. Daron Williams (7-0). Dovhun won the NABA Super Bantamweight title on November 13, 2021 with a 10-round unanimous decision over Glenn Dezurn (14-2-1). In his last bout, Dovhun defended his title with a 10-round split decision over Geram Eloyan on March 18, 2022 in Huntingtom, New York.

The 28 year-old Dovhun is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, and he is managed by Integrity Fighter Management.

Centeno of Miami, Florida is 8-6-3 with one knockout. The 27 year-old is a native of Miami by way of Managua, Nicaragua. Centeno has a win over Keithlan Franklin (4-1-1) as well as three undefeated fighters in Abel Aparicio (8-0), Luis Rivera (7-0) and Fernando Bahena (4-0-1). The wins over Rivera and Bahena are the two most recent results for Centeno, with the Bahena fight taking place on January 21 in Commerce, California.

An outstanding undercard will be headed by rising and undefeated super middleweight Kiante Irving taking on Devaun Lee in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Irving of Beaver Falls, PA is 11-0-1 with all 11 wins coming by way of knockout. The 29 year-old Irving is coming off a third-round stoppage over Brent Oren on October 29, 2022 in Washington, PA.

Lee of Jamaica, Queens, New York is 10-8-1 with five knockouts. The 35 year-old Lee was a contestant on The Contender, and has wins over Ian Green (8-0), Chris Galeano (10-0), Robelle Rogers (4-1), former world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo (37-7) and Carlos Rafael Cruz (17-1). In Lee’s last outing, he lost a 10-round decision to undefeated Timur Kerefov on September 24, 2021 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Popular heavyweight Joseph Turk (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Pittsburgh takes on Isaiah Margheim (1-2) of Sandusky, Ohio.

Eric Palmer (16-16-5, 2 KOs) of Uniontown, PA fights Jordan Zlacki (2-5, 1 KO) of Springdale, PA in a junior middleweight fight.

Former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion Devon Siegfried of Baden, PA. makes his pro debut against Matteo Gardner of Greensburg, PA in a cruiserweight battle.

The card will be streamed live on www.starboxing.tv

Tickets are available at BIT.LY/STPATSFIGHTS 

or by calling 412-728-3409. Email inquiries at integrityproboxing@gmail.com 

Priory Grand Hall is located at 614 Pressley St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA — Kiante Irving is ending 2019 on a high note with a fourth round stoppage over veteran fighter Carlos Garcia Hernandez last Saturday evening. Irving remained unbeaten, improving his record to seven wins, all by knockout.

The popular Reading middleweight, promoted by Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions, saw the fourth round for the first time since his September 2018 professional debut.

The two met at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh in a scheduled six round contest. Irving controlled the action throughout the fight, dropping the experienced Hernandez in the second round with a heavy right hand. The Puerto Rican fighter would finish the round, and survive until 2:32 into the fourth round, when a barrage of punches from Irving prompted Referee Ernest Sharif to wave off the bout.

It was the fourth fight for Irving in 2019, and the only one in his home state of Pennsylvania. He is expected to return in January 2020 in Washington DC.

For more information about Victory Boxing Promotions, visit www.victoryboxingpromotions.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Tori Nelson pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Sanna Turnunen to retain the UBF Middleweight title in the main event of the first ever fight card at The Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C.

Nelson controlled the action against Turunen bu out working her. Turunen was gritty in defeat, but Nelson took the fight in shutout fashion to the tune of 100-90 on all cards.

Nelson of Ashburn, Virginia is 19-2-3. Turunen of Finland is 4-2-1.

Sam Crossed was fortunate to gain a split decision over Twon Smith in a cruiserweight bout.

At the end of round two, Smith dropped Crossed with a hard right hand. Crossed came back to land some solid shots, but was rocked again in round four. The fight was a close fight, but some in the crowd showed their disapproval when the scores were read 57-56 for Crossed and 57-56 for Smith.

Crossed, 189.6 lbs of Greenbelt, MD is 8-0. Smith, 187.6 lbs of Oklahoma City is 3-2.

Kareem Martin won a six-round unanimous decision over Andrew Rodgers in a welterweight bout.

Scores were 59-55 on all cards for Martin, 148 lbs of Washington, DC, who is now 11-2. Rodgers, 149 lbs of Elkhart, IN is 4-5-1.

Jordan White stopped Ndira Spearman in round obe of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

White landed a body punch that was followed by a left to the shoulder area, and Spearman went down for the count at 2:02.

White, 128 lbs of Washington, DC is 7-1 with five knockouts. Spearman, 128.2 lbs of Lavergne, TN is 1-4.

In a surprising result, Matt Murphy and undefeated Antonio Magruder battled to an entertaining draw in a welterweight bout.

Murphy rocked Magrider several times in round’s two and three, but Magruder came back to salvage the draw with a strong 5th frame.

Scores were 39-37 Magruder, and 38-38 twice.

Magrude, 147 lbs of Washington, DC is 5-0-1. Murphum 144.8 lbs pf St. Louis is 3-30-4.

Alexander Johnson won a six-round unanimous decision over Mengistu Zarzar in a light heavyweight bout.

Johnson, 177.8 lbs of Washington, D.C. won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 17-4-1. Zarzar, 182.2 lbs of Palmer Park, MD is 6-6-1.

Good looking prospect Kiante Irving stopped George Sheppard in round two of their scheduled four-round super middleweight fight.

In round two, Irving dropped Sheppard with a long right hand. Sheppard staggered to his feet, but the fight was called off at 1:06.

Irving, 163.4 lbs of Beaver Falls, PA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Sheppard, 163.8 lbs of Virginia is 1-5-1.

George Harris remained undefeated by stopping Lamar Lewis in round three of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Harris dropped Lewis with a hard combination. Harris finished Lewis off by rocking him seveal more times, and the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Harris, 218 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lewis, 235.2 lbs of Arkansas is 0-4.

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.

PITTSBURGH – August 29, 2018 – Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions has signed under-the-radar amateur Kiante Irving to a promotional deal. The 24 year-old middleweight is set to make his professional debut this Sunday in West Virginia.

A 6’3″ middleweight, Irving heads into Sunday’s debut with a National Golden Gloves Championship under his belt, having topped the 165-pound division in the 2018 tournament. Despite a slew of state and national titles under his belt, Irving began boxing late, compared to his peers.

He was 16 when he walked into Tom Yankello’s gym, having been drawn to the squared circle after being unable to find his niche in other sports. Raised by a single mom, boxing was an outlet for Irving, and served as an escape from the poverty and stress that ensconced his home life. It soon became clear that boxing would long be a part of his future.

A humble spirit, Irving kept his head down and his eye on the ball through various family traumas that included an eviction and his brother’s near-fatal battle with Chrohn’s Disease. His younger brother, whom he credits as an inspiration and role model, survived the brush with death to become a firefighter. Irving hopes to use his time in the ring to boost awareness of the disease, and to seize the opportunity to live out his dreams, much like his brother has done in recent years.
After his Golden Gloves Victory, Irving’s trainer Tom Yankello, and his brother and co-manager Mark Yankello, along with Irving, came to the decision that it was time to join the professional ranks. The two managers, operating under the banner Tom Yankello Boxing, Inc., connected with boxing promoter Chris Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions. Middendorf, who has helped build the careers of many of today’s world champions, seized the opportunity to work with Irving and the Yankellos.

“I am very excited to add Kiante to Victory Boxing’s stable,” said Middendorf. I had the pleasure of doing a series of shows in Pittsburgh with welterweight Sammy Vasquez, culminating in an ESPN and then a ShowBox show, and a series of events at Consol Energy Center [now the PPG Arena.] I can’t wait to be back in Pittsburgh, promoting another top prospect. It really is a tremendous sports town, and they really come out to support their local athletes.”

Middendorf was complimentary of the Yankello Brothers. “I have known his trainer and co-manager, Tom and Mark Yankello, respectively, by reputation for many years, and have enjoyed working with them. When Mark first spoke to me about Kiante, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with the Yankellos and promote Kiante Irving. With his stellar amateur career, he is ready to be a pro.”

The future looks bright (and busy) for Irving. “I plan to build and move Kiante the same way that I moved Ed Brown and Jaron Ennis. I have promised him a minimum of eight fights in his first year, and I know we will do more. He is a gifted athlete and it is going to be something to watch him develop into one of the top middleweights.”

For his part, Tom Yankello is excited about the young pugilist’s future with Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions. “I am very pleased with Victory Boxing Promotions. I have known Chris for many years, and he has a great resume and has been involved with building the careers of elite boxers such as Terence Crawford, Leo Santa Cruz, and Nonito Donaire. We know we’re in good hands, and that Chris knows how to move and develop Kiante.”

“I’m just excited to get my pro career moving,” said Irving of the signing. “My managers are confident, and I’m confident that we’re going to be successful under the Victory Boxing banner, and we will be getting right to work.”

Irivng makes his professional debut this Sunday at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, versus Philadelphia’s Vincent Burkhalter. Tickets are available at www.mademenboxing.com.