Undefeated Lightweight Sensation Teofimo Lopez brings #TheTakeover to Pay-Per-View

NEW YORK (April 19, 2019)–Tomorrow night, undefeated lightweight sensation, Teofimo Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) continues his quest towards a world championship as he takes on highly-regarded European champion Edis Tatli (31-2, 10 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature of the highly anticipated Terence Crawford – Amir Khan Pay-Per-View card at Madison Square Garden.

The fight will be contested for the NABF Lightweight title, which is held by Lopez.

Lopez, the 2016 Olympian representing Honduras, has risen through the lightweight division at a meteoric rate as he scored 10 sensational knockouts in his 12 wins.

Saturday night will be the next progression as he is the chief support bout on a major pay-per-view card in the world’s most famous arena.

This will be the 5th appearance for Lopez at the Garden property (two fights in the big arena and two in the theater), and with a win, a Summer world title fight could be on the agenda.

In Tatli, Lopez is facing a tough and durable fighter, who has a record of 31-2 with 10 knockouts. Those two losses were by majority and split decisions. Tatli has competed for the lightweight world title and has held the European title for most of the last half-decade.

Lopez was 135 pounds and Tatli was 134.8 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in

Lopez is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank




Split-T Management Fighters Pick Up Four Wins In New York City

NEW YORK (April 12 2019)–This past Wednesday night at Sony Hall in the heart of Manhattan, four prized members of the Split-T Management stable had their hand raised in victory on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card.

In the main event, welterweight Ivan Golub defended his WBC USNBC title with an easy ten-round unanimous decision over Manuel Alejandro Reyes.

Golub used good body work in the beginning of the fight that slowly set up hard right hands, and the Ukranian came home with the victory by scores of 100-90 twice, and 99-91 to raise his impressive mark to 16-1.

Junior Middleweight Hurshidbek Normatov won a six-round unanimous decision over Calvin Metcalf.

Normatov of Uzbekistan established his jab early, and dropped Metcalf with a right hook in the 3rd frame. Metcalf (9-2) was able to survive, but it was to no avail as Normatov won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and his his mark to 8-0.

Five-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Brian Ceballo was impressive in stopping Ricardo Garcia in the 2nd round of their welterweight contest.

Ceballo of New York City decked Garcia in round two with a perfect right hand to the chin. Garcia was able to get to his feet, but Ceballo was able to pummel Garcia with a combination, and the bout was stopped at 2:33.

Ceballo, who is promoted by 360 Promotions raised his perfect mark to 8-0 while notching his fourth knockout.

Joseph Williams remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Mario Flores in a cruiserweight bout.

After being off for two years, Williams looked very sharp landing combinations to the head and body, won by scores of 60-54 on all cards to go to 13-0.

What made the win more impressive that Reyes was coming off a win over 16-0 Armando Pina.

Williams is looking to move down to the light heavyweight division by the end of 2019, and challenge for a title.




Split-T Management’s Fearsome Foursome on Display TONIGHT in the Big Apple

NEW YORK (April 10, 2019)–TONIGHT at Sony Hall in New York City, four members of the Split-T Management stable will be featured on Dibella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series.

In the main event, Welterweight Ivan Golub (15-1, 12 KOs) takes on Manuel Alejandro Reyes (11-4-1, 5 KOs) in a ten-round fight for the WBC USNBC title.

Golub of Brooklyn, New York via Ukraine has won two straight bouts since his lone, yet very controversial loss to Jamontay Clark. The 30 year-old is knocking on the door of big fights as he has wins over Kirk Huff (3-0), Tyson Harrison (2-0), Kendal Mena (20-2), Juan Rodriguez Jr. (12-3), Marlon Aguas (9-0) & James Stevenson (23-2). Golub is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Lanardo Tyner on August 18th.

Reyes is a capable opponent as he has wins over Dwain Victorian (4-1); two wins over Brian Jones (12-3), Steven Zayas (2-0). He is coming off his a defeat to undefeated Mykal Fox on November 21, 2017.

Golub weighed 146.6 lbs. Reyes was 147 lbs.

Hurshidbek Normatov takes on Calvin Metcalf in a six-round super welterweight contest.

Normatov, 26 was an amateur star from Uzbekistan, has a perfect 7-0 mark with three knockouts. Normatov already has wins over two undefeated foes in his career, and is coming off a 6th round stoppage over Alexis Gaytan on July 21st.

Metcalf of Kansas City has a record of 9-1-1 with two knockouts. The capable Metcalf has wins over Raymond Handson (5-0-1), Jose Louie Lopez (9-2), Marchristopher Adkins (9-2) and his last bout when he drew with undefeated Ethan Cooper on November 17th.

Normatov weighed 155 lbs. Metcalf was 154.4 lbs.

Five-Time New York Golden Gloves champion, Brian Ceballo takes on 20 fight-veteran, Ricardo Garcia in a welterweight bout.

Ceballo 7-0 with three knockouts, is making his 2nd appearance in his native city, and has shown terrific boxing skills in hos early career. He is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Randy Fuentes on January 27th.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

Ceballo weighed 148.6 lbs. Garcia, who won his first 14 bouts, will be facing his 4th undefeated opponent, checked in at 148.6 lbs as well.

Undefeated cruiserweight Joseph Williams takes on Jose Mario Flores in a six-round bout.

Williams (12-0, 8 KOs) has shown his prowess and potential with quality wins over Joey Montoya (9-2-3), Chris Harris (2-0-2) & Lenin Castillo (15-0-1). In his last Bout. Williams stopped Felipe Romero in three rounds on April 22, 2017 at Barclay Center.

Flores of Woodbrodge, Virginia is 8-1-2 with four knockouts. Flores scored a big upset when he won a eight-round decision over Armando Pina (16-0) on November 10th.

Williams weighed at 198 lbs. Flores was 198.8 lbs

The fights can be seen live on UFC Fight Pass.

Photos by Joe Quiambao.




Video: Sonny Conto talks about KO over Omar Acosta




Dawson and Conto Get Big wins in Philly

NEW YORK (April 2, 2019)–Over the weekend, two highly regarded prospects under the Split-T Management stable, welterweight Mark Dawson Jr. and heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with victories in their hometown of Philadelphia.

On Friday night at SugarHouse Casino, Dawson took a unanimous decision over Jordan Morales in a six-round bout.

Dawson dropped Morales in round two with a left hook, and he never looked back as he kept Morales on end of his jab that Dawson followed up with some nice straight lefts.

Dawson, who was a former Youth National Champion and a quarterfinalist in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, has a record of 6-0-1.

Conto scored his 2nd straight 1st round knockout when he blasted out Omar Acosta on Saturday night at 2300 Arena.

The 23 year-old Conto landed a devastating left hook that nailed Acosta on the chin, that sent Acosta to the deck, and the bout was was stopped 75 seconds into the contest.

With the win Conto, a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves, will now head to Las Vegas and fight on the Tyson Fury – Tom Schwarz undercard on June 15th.




Split-T Management Triumvirate of Philly Fighters Ready to Shine in City of Brotherly Love

NEW YORK (March 29, 2019)–This weekend, three highly regarded members of the Split-T Management stable will look to shine in their hometown of Philadelphia.

On Friday night, undefeated welterweight Mark Dawson Jr. will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Jordan Morales in a six-round bout at SugarHouse Casino.

The next night, right down the road at 2300 Arena, welterweight Ray Robinson battles top-rated contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas in a ten-round bout that will be seen live on ESPN at 10 PM ET.

Earlier in the evening, undefeated heavyweight prospect, Sonny Conto takes on Omar Acosta in a four-round bout that will be streamed on ESPN +.

Dawson, who was former Youth National Champion and a quarterfinalist in the 2016 US Olympic Trials, has a perfect 5-0-1 with three knockouts, will make his 2019 debut will be making his 2nd consecutive appearance at SugarHouse Casino. He will now face Morales, who will be facing his 8th undefeated opponent in 10 outings.

The Dawson vs. Morales fight can be seen live on the King’s Boxing Facebook page.

Robinson, 24-3 with 12 knockouts has racked up wins over the likes of Sherzodbek Alimjanov (22-2), Aslanbek Kozoev (25-0-1), Ray Narh (26-2), Alberto Morales (11-1-1), former U.S. Olympian Terrance Cauthen (36-7) & Darnell Jiles Jr. (8-0-1) all while capturing the Interim NABA, USBA & NABO Welterweight titles.

Ray has a golden opportunity in a nationally televised contest to upend the number-one ranked Kavaliauskas (21-0, 17 KOs), and put himself in position for a major world title bout in 2019.

Conto (1-0, 1 KO) will return to 2300 Arena, where he made his pro debut on February 8th with a 1st round stoppage over Jimmie Levins.

In that fight, Conto, who was was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves, thrilled his huge cheering section, who will undoubtedly be there to support the South Philadelphia native on Saturday night.




Erick DeLeon and Eric Puente remain undefeated with wins in Costa Mesa

NEW YORK (March 25, 2019)–Two highly regarded members of the Split-T Management stable scored wins on Saturday night at The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

Junior Lightweight contender Erick DeLeon and lightweight prospect Eric Puente both kept their perfect records intact with wins on the Top Rank Promoted show,

DeLeon remained undefeated by stopping Jose Luis Gallegos in round six of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

DeLeon dominated the first four rounds by landing hard body shots that started to break Gallegos down. Gallegos dropped DeLeon in round five with a hard right hand off the ropes. That was short lived as DeLeon regrouped very nicely and started attacking Gallegos and began to hurt him with a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:35 of round six.

DeLeon was a three-time (2009-2011) National Golden Gloves champion as well as a Ringside World champion in 2008 and 2008 National Silver Gloves champion.

DeLeon, 131 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Gallegos, 131 1/2 lbs of La Barca. MX, and has defeated undefeated fighters before, is 16-6.

Puente, Puente of Vista, California by way of Sinaloa, Mexico won a four-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Lopez.

Puente boxed very well, and raised his record to 2-0 with the unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 twice, and 39-37.

Puente won the 2016 National Youth Open Championship, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

DeLeon and Puente and promoted by Top Rank.




Otha Jones III Dazzles In Pro Debut in Verona, New York

NEW YORK (March 11, 2019)–21-time National Champion, Otha Jones III made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over rugged Giorgi Gelashvili at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Jones, who is managed by Split-T Management. was impressive by landing quick combinations against the tough fighter from New York. In round four, Jones registered a knockdown, and came home with the victory by scores of 59-53 and 58-55 twice.

Taking on such a tough opponent who came in with a 5-1 record, and had an amateur record of 110-10, and was a three-time national champion in his home country in the Republic of Georgia, in his maiden voyage, garnered Jones a lot of respect on social media after the fight, which was streamed live on DAZN.

Photo by Ed Mulholland_Matchroom Boxing

“I fought a good fighter who had a solid record in my 1st pro fight,” said the 18 year-old native of Toledo, Ohio. “I was very excited, and the crowd got to me which caused me to try to bang and knock him out. I just had to be reminded to keep my composure and stick to the game plan. I am looking to fight soon and want to fight great competition.

“A lot of people were questioning me when we chose Giorgi Gelashvilli as the first opponent. OJ3, himself wanted to show the world that he stood out from all the other prospects by making a statement and defeating another up and coming prospect, who was a 3-time national champion in his home country. This win makes him stand out like he did when he was among other champions in the amateur ranks,” said Jones Father/Trainer, Otha Jones Jr. “The world is going to see OJ3 is a force to be reckoned with and will no doubt be Eddie Hearn’s next star in boxing.”

“I am very proud of this young man. He looked for the toughest opponent Matchroom would give him, and he made a big statement,” Said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.




21-Time National Champion Otha Jones III to make Professional Debut on Saturday Night in Verona, New York

NEW YORK (March 8, 2019)-21-time National Champion, Otha Jones III will make his much anticipated pro debut when he takes on Giorgi Gelashvili in a four-round super lightweight contest on Saturday night.

The bout will take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, and will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 7 PM ET.

In Gelashvili, Jones is jumping right into the fire as Gelashvili has a record of 5-1 with three knockouts, with the only loss coming via split-decision.

The 18 year old Toledo native was among the top talents in the United States, as he compiled a staggering 283-13 amateur record highlighted by representing Team USA in several international tournaments including winning a Gold Medal at the International Youth Continental Americas Tournament and Silver Medal at the Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament as well as winning several national tournaments such as the winning gold medals in United States National Championships (Twice) and the World Championship Qualifier.

Jones was also a four-time State Wrestling Champion.

“I’m the next cash cow and I want all the smoke. I picked my opponent. I picked the best one out of the three opponents that I was offered. I believe with my team. no one can come close to beating me,” said Jones.

“This will be a great fight against super tough opponent that he and his father wanted. Everyone is very excited to witness Otha’s pro debut,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Jones checked in at 132 1/2 lbs. at Friday’s weigh in while Gelashvili weighed 134 1/4 lbs

Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.




Split-T Management’s Stephen Shaw, Isaiah Steen and Rolando Vargas Score Impressive Stoppages at Arnold Classic in Ohio

NEW YORK (March 4, 2019)-Three members of the Split-T Management stable scored impressive knockouts on Saturday night as part of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio.

Heavyweight Stephen Shaw raised his mark to 11-0 and notched his eighth stoppage as he stopped the very capable Donovan Dennis (12-5) in round three of their scheduled eight-round bout.

The win is very impressive for Shaw, as Dennis was a finalist in the highly-competitive Boxcino tournament, as well as pushing future world title-challenger Jarrell Miller in their ShoBox fight,

Shaw registered two knockdowns, with the 2nd resulting from a barrage of punches that had Dennis hit the bottom rope, and the fight was waved off at 2:08.

Middleweight Isaiah Steen of Cleveland, Ohio is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts with an explosive 6th round stoppage over veteran Chris Chatman (15-10-1).

Chatman had an impressive mark as he had defeated four undefeated opponents, and was able to hold world title challenger, Charles Hatley to a draw,

Steen scored two knockdowns, with the finish coming from a right hand at 31 seconds of round six.

WATCH STEEN’S KO

19 year-old junior welterweight Rolando Vargas of Milwaukee drilled Tamarcus Smith (2-2) at 2:41 in the 1st round of their four-round bout. Vargas is now 2-0 with two knockouts.

Vargas landed a huge combination that sent Smith down and out for approximately six-minutes

WATCH VARGAS KO

Shaw and Steen are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.