Anvar Yunusov: Ready to Translate Success into the Paid Ranks

By Luis A. Cortes III

Tomorrow night, Kings Promotions returns to the SugarHouse Casino with a stacked card that will feature a former three-time Olympian in the main event.  Throughout the past several years, it has been noted that Kings Promotions, which is ran by boxing lifer Marshall Kauffman, has continued to put on entertaining shows for local crowds throughout Pennsylvania.  With his base of operations being in the Northeast part of the state, Kauffman has also established his promotional company along with other companies as a reliable source of competitive fights.  From the looks of the latest offering, on paper, tomorrow night's action looks to be no different. 

Highlighting the card will be the aforementioned three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (6-0)(3 KOs).  When speaking to Kauffman about the upside of Yunusov, the southpaw boxer-puncher from Tajikistan, he understands time is not really on the side of his fighter.  Yunusov, is already 32 years old, but like other former amateur standout stars from Eastern Europe, the hope is that all his international experience along with a lifetime in the sport will translate into a professional glory.  “He has the skills and the ability to be a World Champion, and after sparring with Tevin (Farmer), he got to see that he can compete with the best,” states Kauffman. “I hope to see him fight for a world title within the next year.” 

What Kauffman is speaking about is the fact that recently the current IBF Super Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer was preparing for his world title defense against Anthony Carroll also a southpaw from Ireland.  Yunusov was a key member of the camp as he got Famer prepared for the challenge of Carroll.  Yunusov did such a great job, that during the post-fight press conference, Farmer pointed at him and mentioned to all the members of the media that he played an important part in Famer's success that night.

Yunusov has relocated to the Philadelphia area, creating a new home base in the Northeast section of the city, which has a large Russian and Eastern European population.  He spends his time with his Russian manager, who likes to go by the name Russian Bill.  Yunusov knows limited English, so it’s Bill that tells the stories of how Yunusov loves to train and enjoys his mornings chopping wood and running through the woods.  If you listen to Bill enough, you get the sense that his fighter is ready to challenge anyone in the world, and that it’s a matter of time before he does just that.

Currently, Yunusov works with the same team that he always has, except for the addition of Rashiem Jefferson as an assistant trainer.  Jefferson works closely with many young amateur fighters and was himself  a hot prospect after a celebrated amateur career.  Jefferson is a great addition to the team as he has gained plenty of training experience working closely with Raul “Chino” Rivas out of TKO Fitness in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  Along with getting accustomed to the professional world of prize fighting, Yunusov is working hard on getting his children to join him in America.  While that personal situation gets sorted out, Yunusov will continue to develop as a professional fighter, with fights like tomorrow against Carlos Colon of Puerto Rico.  Once his personal life can truly be in order, with continued success, Kauffman’s idea of a world title fight may not be that far off for the super featherweight. 

As for the rest of the card, Brandon Robinson (11-2)(8 KOs) returns for the first time since losing late last year.  It was a tremendous fight, that has since gone on to win fight of the year honors for the Briscoe Awards (which is a local award ceremony for the Philadelphia fight scene).  Robinson is always in an entertaining fight, which can also be said about jr. welterweight Anthony Mercado of Puerto Rico.  Both fighters will fight in an eight round contest.  Mercado, like Robinson, had a great fight against Victor Vazquez of Yonkers New York, winning a close decision.  Undefeated Philadelphian Mark Dawson (5-0-1)(3 KOs) also will be in action in a welterweight fight. 

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at SugarHouse Casino website.

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Kings Promotions Presents Tuesday Night Fights Recap

Kings Promotions returned to the Sands Casino Event Center tonight with an eight fight card. Tonight's action was broadcasted on FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, and streamed by hundreds of thousands of viewers on Facebook Live. The main event featured an eight round bout between Anthony Mercado (12-4, 9 KOs) and Victor Vazquez (10-5, 4 KOs) for the WBF Silver International Junior Middleweight Title.

Mercado vs. Vazquez Part I? 

In the main event, Mercado started off the action immediately after the bell rang by throwing a series of hooks to the head and body of his opponent. Vazquez looked hurt in the second round, after Mercado landed a big multi-punch combo to his head and body. Mercado, despite the onslaught, was unable to land the decisive blow on the always tough Vazquez. Vazquez gained momentum in the final ten seconds of this round, and beat Mercado into the neutral corner leading up to the bell. Mercado clubbed Vazquez with huge right hands to the head in the third round. Later in the round, he knocked Vazquez down with a multi-punch combo, that was highlighted by right hooks to the head. An accidental headbutt late in the third round sent blood streaming down the side of Mercado's face. Mercado, sensing danger with the cut, landed several big hooks on Vazquez as the fourth round began. Referee Gary Rosato called a timeout to the action later in the round to have the ringside physician look at Mercado's cut. When action resumed, the two men beat the crap out of one another via a brutal exchange of punches in the middle of the ring. In the final ten seconds of the round, Vazquez connected with left and right straights to Mercado's head, that sent blood flying from the cut. Mercado returned to his corner a bloody mess, ensuring that his cutman earned his paycheck tonight. 

By the fifth round, both fighters' gloves and wrist tape were stained with blood from Mercado's wound. Mercado got nailed with a multi-punch combo as the final bell for the fifth round rang. Fortunately for him, he only had to worry about stumbling back to his corner... In the seventh round, Mercado winced with pain after connecting with a right hand punch. Most spectators feared the worse, that this battle would come to an end due to an injury. Mercado, a Puerto Rican warrior, recovered and exchanged big shots with his opponent as the round neared its end. As Gary Rosato called the two men out to the center of the ring to touch gloves before the eighth and final round, the exact happenings of the contest were evident from the blood stains all over his light blue shirt. Mercado, busted open, and Vazquez, eyes swollen up, both swung wildly at one another in the eighth, desperately trying to end the war as soon as possible. Both men hugged and the crowd roared as the final bell rang. The judges scored the bout 76-75 and 77-74 twice, all for Mercado. The question this writer has to ask is: When and where is the rematch? 

Aleem TKO's Santiago 

Las Vegas transplant from Michigan, Raeese Aleem (12-0, 5 KOs) continued his winning ways against Alcides Santiago (6-3, 5 KOs), Puerto Rico, in a super bantamweight bout. Aleem controlled the first three rounds by landing the cleaner and bigger shots on his opponent. Santiago was knocked down in the fifth round by an Aleem left hand to the head. Santiago's corner, on advice from the ringside physician, stopped the fight after Santiago took a beating in the fifth of a scheduled six round matchup. 

Jules Decisions Sosa in Four 

Featherweight speedsters, Felix Sosa (1-1, 1 KO), Jersey City, and Martino Jules (5-0), Allentown, fought in a four round contest. Jules answered the opening bell by coming out of his corner swinging for the fences on the unsuspecting Sosa. A right hook to the head sent Sosa crashing to the canvas in this round. Jules pinned Sosa up against the ropes and crushed him with a multi-punch combo for a second knockdown in the third round. Sosa pulled himself up from the canvas, but appeared to be on "dream street." Sosa survived the round, and stumbled dazed back to his corner. Sosa, knowing he was behind on the judges' scorecards, fought aggressively in the final round, but it was all too little, too late. All three judges saw the bout the same, 40-34, for Martino Jules. 

Keystone State Brawl 

In a Keystone State battle of super welterweights, York's James Robinson (5-12-5, 1 KO) came up short against Reading's Erik Spring (11-2-2, 1 KO). The two men fought a hard and close first round that set the tempo for the remainder of the six round contest. Robinson, looked winded by the fifth round, showing the effects of a tough contest. The fighters were involved in a vicious, punch-for-punch exchange as this round neared its end. Spring scored a knockdown in the final minute of the sixth round with a big left hook, that upon further review, may have been to the back of Robinson's head. Robinson, outraged by the knockdown call, leapt to his feet yelling at referee Shawn Clark. When the action continued, Robinson fought aggressively looking for a knockdown of his own before the bout ended. The judges scored the bout 59-54 twice, and 58-55 for Spring. 

Pay Day for Powell at Sands Casino 

Super middleweight prospect Money Powell IV (8-0, 4 KOs) may have faced and defeated the toughest opponent of his young career tonight in veteran Josue Obando (16-23-1, 12 KOs) of Mexico. Powell's power was on display throughout the six round contest, but the 20-year-old product of Fort Mitchell, Alabama (by way of Germany) just could not send his tough opponent down to the canvas. Powell opened up the fisticuffs by snapping Obando's head back with two left hands in the opening frame. Throughout the second and third rounds, Powell punished his opponent with shots that echoed throughout the Sands Casino Event Center. In the third round, Powell ran circles around Obando, all the while landing shot after shot on his visibly tired, yet iron-willed opponent. In the sixth and final round, Powell obviously ahead on the cards, again went into "track and field" mode as Obando, with his hands down at his sides, desperately attempted to stalk his opponent. The judges scored the bout 60-54 twice and 59-55 all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Money Powell IV. 

Madison Decisions Clarke 

Nicoy Clarke (2-2) fell to Colby Madison (7-0-2, 4 KOs) in a six round, heavyweight contest. Clarke, who fights out of Jersey City, was the smaller southpaw. Clarke spent much of the first round dancing (literally) as Madison connected on punch after punch. A frustrated Madison answered the second round bell as the aggressor, hammering Clarke with multi-punch combos, which left his eye bloodied and swollen. Clarke hit Madison with a left uppercut from the clinch seconds after his corner threatened to stop the fight if he didn't show them something in the third round. Clarke having survived the round with a second wind, danced his way back to his corner after the third round ended. Clarke went on to put his toughness on display as he battled through the final three rounds with a badly swollen left eye. On that note, mad props to his cutman for keeping the bleeding down on a bad cut. Madison looked tired by the sixth round and moved around the ring sluggishly, knowing very well he was ahead on the judges' scorecards. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Madison, 60-54 twice and 59-55.

Head Downed by Coffie in Two 

Michael Coffie (4-0, 3 KOs) faced Curtis Head (4-3, 3 KOs) in a heavyweight bout scheduled for six rounds. The Brooklyn native, Coffie, put his offense on display in the opening frame, knocking down Head with a straight left hand to the head. Head pulled himself up from the canvas only to be knocked down again with a right hook to the body as the first round approached its end. Coffie, smelling victory, continued what he started in the opening frame in the second, when he knocked Head down for the third time with a big left hand to the body. Coffie finished off Head seconds later with a right-left combo to the body. Referee Gary Rosato called an end to the action at 1:57 of the second round.

Robles Wins #4

Kenny Robles (4-1, 2 KOs) defeated Corey Gulley (2-3-2) in the third round of a junior welterweight contest scheduled for six rounds. Robles controlled the tempo of the opening frame. In the opening seconds of the second round, Robles knocked Gulley down with a right hand to the head. Robles went for the kill, and appeared to almost punch himself out midway through the round. Gulley battled back after being on shaky legs. Robles let his hands go in the opening seconds of the third round, but got caught with two hard counterpunches. These shots forced the fighter to fight more conservatively in the round. In the third round, Robles beat Gulley into the ropes with a multi-punch combo that sent his mouthpiece flying. Referee Shawn Clark saw enough at 2:13 of the third round.

Yet Another "Jersey Joe" Wins in Pennsylvania 

In heavyweight action, "Jersey" Joe Hanks (23-2, 15 KOs) knocked out Terrance Marbra (9-7, 7 KOs) at 2:26 of the first round. Marbra was sent crashing to the canvas by a big right hand to the head. The referee waived off the fight after Hanks clubbed Marbra into the ropes with left hands to the head and body. 

MW

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Kings Promotions Recent Results & Preview

Kings Promotions continues their busy schedule of providing action fights for the Philadelphia and North East Pennsylvania area fight fans. On Friday night, September 14th, a nine fight card took place at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.  The card was featured on Fight Night Live, which is streamed on Facebook.  So far over 200,000 fans have viewed the action. Below are the results from this great night of action. 

Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (6-0, 2 KOs) won a four round decision over Justin Johnson (6-18-6) in a welterweight fight. Tazhibay looked solid as he continues his development.  

James Bernadin (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Christopher Burogos (1-3-1) at the 2:19 mark of the third round. Bernadin came out firing power shots and withstood the game effort from Burogos, who tested the new professional’s stamina and will. Bernadin was able to land power rights that finally halted the fight.  

Yeri Andujar (1-0, 1 KO) stopped the returning Crystian Peguero (2-1, 1 KO) in the third round at the 2:36 minute mark. Peguero was considered the favorite, but was fighting for the first time in a year. Andujar blasted away at the body of Peguero from the start of the fight, which effectively broke down the favorite, who clearly suffered from his long lay-off.  

Dalyann Butt (2-0) out boxed Anthony Smith (1-3, 1 KO) over four rounds for a unanimous decision victory.  

Keeshawn Williams (3-0, 1 KO) also used the four rounds to out work and out box Farhad Fatulla (1-2).  

In a good bantamweight fight, Alejandro Jimenez (3-0, 1 KO) defeated Jerrod Minor (1-2-2, 1 KO). After four rounds, it was clear that Jimenez was the winner, as he applied effective aggression behind a good jab to land the more telling power shots.  

Former three time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (5-0, 2 KOs) proved yet again that he is a prospect to watch. After landing a crisp right hook that floored Angel Monreal (10-11-1, 3 KOs). Monreal rose to his feet and tried to survive with a jab. Yunusov would land a crushing straight left from his southpaw stance that ended the fight at 2:39 of the opening round.  

Terrell Williams (17-0, 13 KOs) got a great night of work and a quality test from David Grayton (15-3-1, 11 KOs). Williams landed a crushing straight right hand that dropped Grayton in the first round. After another right in the third put Grayton down, it looked as though it would be a quick night for Williams. Grayton proved his value as he battled through the early knockdowns to push Williams into the middle rounds. This forced Williams to prove that he is a true near future contender as he had to battle his own fatigue and the on coming assault from Grayton. It was a little too much, too late for Grayton as Williams lasted to the final bell wining a ten round decision. Scores were 97-92, 98-89, and 98-90.  

In the main event, Brandon Robinson (11-1, 8 KOs) warmed up in the second round and got to work landing hard body shots on Ernest Amuzu (24-4, 22 KOs).  Robinson's momentum continued into the third round and the two fighters started to exchange power shots when Robinson pinned Amuzu in the corner. As Amuzu escaped, Robinson landed a huge right hand bomb that made Amuzu walk backwards on spaghetti legs. Just as he reached the other side of the ring, Robinson landed a second right hand bomb that prompted the referee to stop the fight at the 2:04 mark of the third round. Robinson continues to improve, and at the age of 30 will be looked for more fights to rise up the ranks in 2019.     

Upcoming Kings Action:

On Tuesday night September 25th, Kings Promotions returns to the Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem, PA. Yet another nine fight card will take place that will feature a good eight round battle between Anthony Mercado (11-4, 9 KOs) and Victor Vazquez (10-4, 3 KOs). Both fighters have been improving as of late and Vazquez, who is co-trained by lightweight prospect Branden Pizzaro's father Angel Pizzaro, has impressed with his now disciplined jab, which he uses to set up his powerful right hand.  

Also on this night, featherweight prospect Stephen "Scooter" Fulton (13-0, 6 KOs) will continue his rise through the featherweight ranks as he takes on the tough Esteban Aquino (12-5, 7 KOs).  Fulton is a former National Golden Gloves and Ringside champion. Fulton is always in an entertaining fight, and with Aquino is looking to prove that he is a true challenger. Look for this fight to be no different. 

Other fights on this card will feature the following fan favorites: Erik Spring, Joe Hanks, Martino Jules, and heavyweight Michael Coffie.  

Tickets are still available and start at just $35. There is no bad seat in the house, and the Sands and Kings always provide fan friendly fights at a great price. Tickets can be purchased from the Sands Casino box office here.  

-Luis A. Cortes III

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Tyrone Crawley Interview

Philadelphia super lightweight, Tyrone Crawley (7-0) sat down for an interview with Matt Ward this evening at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia. Crawley is scheduled to fight Puerto Rico's Anthony Mercado (10-3, 9 KOs) in an eight round bout this Friday, March 2nd at the SugarHouse Casino. This bout is part of a seven bout card that is promoted by King's Promotions. The card is headlined by a bantamweight bout between Christian Carto (13-0, 11 KOs) and James Smith (12-1, 7 KOs). For more information on this action-packed night of boxing, visit the King's Promotions' website.

Check out their Bonus Round interview on both SoundCloud and iTunes:

Bonus Round - Tyrone Crawley Discusses his 3/2 Bout Against Anthony Mercado on SoundCloud

Bonus Round - Tyrone Crawley Discusses his 3/2 Bout Against Anthony Mercado on iTunes

MW

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