Tampa, Florida – (August 20, 2018) –In a surprising about-face, Middleweight Connor Coyle has voluntarily relinquished his NBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title and William Silva has voluntarily relinquished his NBA Lightweight World Title.

“We were notified by Coyle’s and Silva’s promoter Fire Fist Boxing Promotions that they have chosen to go a different direction. The Promoter notified the NBA via email in early July. Fire Fist was made aware of champion obligations regarding defense of the belt, resulting in Fire Fist Promotions deciding to voluntarily vacate the titles,” said Damon Gonzales, President of the NBA.

Connor Coyle (8-0, 3 KO’s) from Derry, Ireland won the NBA Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Danny Pastrana on June 16, 2018.

William Silva (25-2, 15 KO’s) from Plant City, Florida won the NBA Lightweight World Title on March 3, 2018 against Rogelio Casarez.

We wish both of the fighters the best as they continue their pugilistic career.

NEW YORK (JULY 16, 2018)–Teofimo Lopez shined in a major step up bout as he dominated William Silva by scoring a 6th round stoppage in their lightweight bout that was the co-feature on ESPN.

The bout took place on Saturday night at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

In round one, Lopez dumped Silva with a left hook. Silva was bleeding from the nose, In round five, Lopez landed several hard hooks to the bloodied Silva, and then dumped Silva to the canvas in the corner.

Lopez came out in round six by landing three left hooks and a right that dropped Silva and the bout was called at 15 seconds.

Silva who came in with a record of 25-1, and is only loss was to Felix Verdejo on HBO, had never been knocked down before the fighter known as “Gordo” dropped him three times.

Lopez is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts. Silva is 25-2.

“I know everything is set up by the jab,” said Lopez. “The jab is the most important punch. I was playing with his mind. I was setting him up by letting him get comfortable and then to land the big shot. I hurt my hands, early in the fight but you prepare yourself for the worst possible. I just put everyone on notice that I’m coming for those world title at 135lbs!”

“I can’t remember ever seeing such a dynamic young performer as Teofimo Lopez. He’s going to be the best in the world,” said Split-T Management CEO David McWater.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

New York, NY (July 12, 2018)–Undefeated lightweight prospect Teofimo Lopez takes on his toughest test when he battles William Silva in a scheduled ten-round bout this Saturday night in New Orleans.

The 20 year-old Lopez (9-0, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, who was a 2016 Olympian representing Honduras, now fights out of Las Vegas. Lopez is the hottest prospect in boxing, and is coming off a sensational 1st round stoppage over Vitor Jones Freitas in Madison Square Garden. Lopez battles Silva in a bout that will take place at The Lakefront Arena, and will be the co-feature on the ESPN and ESPN Deportes broadcast that begins at 7 p.m. ET.

“Time to bring #TheTakeover to the big city,” said Lopez.

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