ProAmFightTalk with Juan Marshall

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Stevenson Ready for the Big Stage!

Baltimore, MD (August 7, 2014) – The majority of fight fans and media outside of the beltway area are likely unfamiliar with welterweight James “Keep’em Sleeping” Stevenson.

Best described as a boxer-puncher, the 31-year-old Baltimorean is 21-0 with 14 wins by knockout. Most of his bouts took place in Maryland but he’s long set his sights on leaving the Old Line State for bigger fights.

Unfortunately, Stevenson’s goal of making it to the next level was sidetracked by multiple tragedies.

In 2011 during a routine jog to prepare for a fight, a stray dog viciously attacked him, requiring Stevenson to get more than 20 stitches. Shortly thereafter, his father James “Woody” Stevenson Sr. passed away as did his mother-in-law. Stevenson’s promising career was put on hold as he had to console both sides of his family and provide additional financial assistance by working more hours at his day job.

“I love boxing to death but that was a very difficult time in my life,” said the soft-spoken Stevenson. “I had to help keep my family together and it was very hard on me, especially because of how close I was to my father. We had a great relationship and losing him was devastating.”

Stevenson resurfaced in September 2012 with a first round knockout and won five more bouts after the unexpected layoff, but still lacked a signature win.

Tomorrow evening, he’ll have the opportunity to go from prospect to contender when he battles fellow unbeaten Sammy Vasquez for the USBA title in the main event of a Fox Sports 1 card live from the CONSOL Energy Arena in Pittsburgh, PA August 8th at 9pm ET.

Vasquez, 15-0 (11 KO’s), does have a few notable advantages that are difficult to overlook. In addition to having a large fan base in the Pittsburgh area, he’s three years Stevenson’s junior, fought better competition and scored an impressive first round knockout on ShoBox in April. Stevenson however is not looking at Vasquez any differently than he did his first 21 foes.

“He’s jut another guy to me. He breathes just like I do and puts on his boxing shoes one at a time. The guys I’ve seen him fight aren't on my level, so to be honest I think he’s taking a big step up too!”

Stevenson also brushed off any concern about being on the wrong end of a hometown decision since he doesn't believe the judges will be needed.

“I’m not worried about the fight (being near his hometown). Anywhere I go, I make it my hometown. Tomorrow night, I’m going to do what I do best which is put people to sleep!”

Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Publicist) - 551-206-0568 or @kopublicity
knockoutpublicity.com

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

GFS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP PRESENTS DMV HONORS CELEBRITY WEEKEND OF CHAMPIONS

(Photo courtesy of GFS Entertainment)

Washington, DC - GFS Entertainment announces a fun filled weekend honoring DC's own World Champions in boxing. DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions event will take place at various locations in Washington, DC during the weekend of September 18 - September 21. This event will honor an era of 1990's boxing legends consisting of DC's own William Joppy, Keith Holmes, Mark 'Too Sharp' Johnson, Winky Wright, Sharmba Mitchell and Demarcus 'Chop Chop' Corley with the DMV Honors Sugar Ray Leonard Award. Other honorees include Derrell 'Too Sweet' Coley, Darryl Tyson, Andrew Council, Reggie 'Showtime' Green, Jimmy Lange, Melvin Foster and a host of other acknowledgements in the boxing community.

This weekend is guaranteed to bring an infinite amount of star power, politicians and more due to the caliber of events. The recognition of DC's legendary boxers has been overlooked for years but GFS Entertainment Group saw fit to honor the accomplishments of the five (5) World Champions and their fifteen (15) World Boxing Titles. This event will fuse DC's boxing, comedy, music, philanthropy and more with an endless list of creative production and fabulous events.

DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions LAUNCH

The DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions will launch its official events August 3, 2014, at Washington Court Hotel where professionals, celebrities, sports figures and VIPs will mix and mingle.

DMV Honors Welcome to DC Meet & Greet Press Conference

The DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions will kick off the weekend with an intimate welcoming reception, meet & greet and press conference. Media, sponsors, fans and attendees will have a chance to get a taste of what's to come for the remainder of the weekend.

DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions Golf Tournament

The DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions Golf Tournament will take place at a luxurious Country Club at Woodmore. A host of celebrities will play 18 rounds of golf while enjoying a great day of golf.

DMV Honors Night of Champions Awards

The DMV Night of Champions Awards Gala will be the highlight of the weekend which will be held at Warner Theatre. The red carpet black tie awards gala will feature Musiq Soul Child with special guest performances and more. The event will also feature a comedy roast hosted by Eddie Bryant with a number of DC's hometown All Star comedians such as Joe Clair, Billy Da Kid and more. The comedians will give a hilarious performance while roasting the boxing champs. The awards gala will honor the elite of DC boxing while recognizing one of the greatest from DC, Sugar Ray Leonard and the champions will receive the DMV Honors Sugar Ray Leonard Award.

DMV Honors Boxing Boot Camp

On Saturday, September 20, 2014 GFS Ent Group and DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions will hold the DMV Honors Boxing Boot Camp hosted by Floyd Mayweather Sr, Roger Mayweather and Jeff Mayweather.

DMV Honors Pro Am Weigh In & Pro Am Boxing Match

On Saturday, September 20, 2014 GFS Ent Group and DMV Honors Celebrity Weekend of Champions Pro Am Boxing Match will host a pro match featuring Hector Camacho Jr, DMV's rising star Jeff Lacey, Desmond Nicholson and host of other pro and amateur boxers at the Washington Convention Center. The match will feature notable local and national pro boxers.

There will be a press conference and weigh in prior to the boxing match to maintain the necessary professional exposure deserved for championship belts. The boxing match will grasp local, regional and national attention as we strive to produce one the best boxing events that not only highlights and supports our local talent but also national pro & am boxers. DC's former boxing world champions will then acknowledge and pass the glove onto the city's upcoming world champions. This event will unite boxers, boxing fans of all generations and also ignite the growing boxing scene in DC.

DMV Honors Casino Royale After Party

The DMV Honors Casino Royale After Party will take place following the boxing match. This event will feature a night of charity and fun while attendees enjoy Vegas style casino games such as Black Jack, Poker, Roulette, and Craps alongside entertaining Showgirls and more while witnessing special guest performances and more. The finale will be a great way to conclude not only a notable boxing match but also a celebration for a fun filled successful weekend.

EVENT ITINERARY

Sunday | August 3

9:00p | DMV Honors CWOC LAUNCH | Washington Court Hotel

Thursday | September 18

7:00p | DMV Honors Welcome to DC Meet & Greet Press Conference | Gaylord National Harbor

Friday | September 19

9:00am | DMV Honors CWOC Golf Tournament| Country Club at Woodmore

7:00pm | DMV Honors Night of Champions Awards | Warner Theatre

Saturday | September 20

10:00am | DMV Honors Mayweather Boxing Boot Camp | TBD

5:00pm | DMV Honors Pro Am Boxing Match | Washington Convention Center

11:00pm | DMV Honors Boxing Casino Royale Party | TBD

SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS

We have confirmed several notable celebrities such as TMT along with the Floyd Mayweather Sr, Jeff Mayweather, Roger Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr and others.

Tickets for the event will go on sale August 11, 2014. For more information and updates visit our website www.GFSEnt.com or contact us at info@GFSent.com. Also, stay up to date by joining us on social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram | @gfsent

Twitter | @gfsent

Facebook | GFS Ent & DMV Honors

Hashtags | #DMVhonors #DMVhonorsCWOC #CelebrityWeekendOfChampions #GFSent

Website | www.GFSent.com

ABOUT GFS ENT GROUP

GFS (Growing For Success) Entertainment Group was established to provide a high level of expertise in music, entertainment and marketing while giving back to the community. Our mission is to produce memorable events for all ages while broadening the scope of entertainment events in the DMV area. GFS Ent Group is also the Creators of DMV Honors which recognizes the accomplishments of individuals in the DC, MD and VA areas. www.GFSent.com

ABOUT DMV HONORS

DMV Honors is platform created to recognize recipients from the DC, MD and VA area (DMV) that have achieved or attained a significant amount of success in several aspects of their life while contributing to their communities and beyond. DMV Honors launched its first successful event January 2014 honoring Actor and Entertainer Anwan 'Big G' Glover of the Backyard Band and Steven 'Buggs' Herrion in March 2014. DMV Honors is presented by GFS Ent Group who intends to honor numerous individuals, businesses, organizations and more.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Congratulations To Gary "Digital" Williams On 9 Successful Years On His Blog "Boxing Along The Beltway"!

Gary "Digital" Williams is the most familiar face when it comes to the sport of boxing on both the amateur and professional levels. Today this is Digital's 9th year of having the most informative boxing blog in the DMV area also known as the Beltway Boxing area which comes from Gary's blog named "Boxing Along The Beltway". Gary has been covering boxing in this area for 31 years now. Boxing Along The Beltway became another outlet for Gary to keep the boxing fans in the DMV area updated on everything that pertains to boxing in the Beltway Boxing area. He posts everything the fans need to know about the fight cards in the area. If you want to find out what happened in the past, present, or future just go to Gary's blog, and you will find out. So if you've never seen the blog or you always followed it, in the famous words of Gary "Digital" Williams "Keep Supporting The Best Boxing In The World, The Boxing Along The Beltway, Take Care".

http://boxingalongthebeltway.blogspot.com

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Press Release From All-In Entertainment on Dusty Hernandez- Harrison's 23rd Consecutive Victory!

Welterweight Prospect Dusty Hernandez-Harrison Dominates At Madison Square Garden

Washington, D.C. Fan Favorite Remains Undefeated With Win at Storied Venue

New York, NY (July 27, 2014)- On the undercard of Saturday night's Golovkin vs. Geale World Middleweight Championship Bout, rising Welterweight prospect Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (23-0, 12 KO) kept his undefeated record intact with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision win over hard-hitting veteran, Wilfredo Acuna. The Southeast Washington, D.C. native fought a well calculated contest, winning every round on the ringside judge’s scorecards, 80-72.

“I am happy with my performance,” Hernandez-Harrison said. “I stuck to the game plan tonight, which I don’t always do. Usually I like to go in there and brawl. I am glad that I was able to get eight rounds in and my dad (trainer, Buddy Harrison) was pleased with it.”

World class trainer, Billy Briscoe, who has helped in the corner for Hernandez-Harrison's fights over the last year noted the young fighter's progression."I would give Dusty's performance tonight a ‘B,’" Briscoe said. "Building a fighter is like building a house. Brick by brick, you just want to make sure you're seeing improvements: big or small, every fight. This team is following that plan like a beautifully written script."

Hernandez-Harrison, a huge draw in the Nation’s capital, was cheered on loudly throughout the bout by the throngs of his fans who made the trip to New York to see him in action. Hundreds of passionate fans from Washington, D.C. crowded 7th Avenue in front of Madison Square Garden before the bouts as, Dusty greeted the buses that were chartered to drive the fans to NYC.

“We actually got to the locker room a little late because Dusty wanted to make sure he greeted the buses of people that came to see him,” Buddy Harrison said. “I love that my son cares so much about his fans; without the fans we wouldn't have these kinds of opportunities on the road, but now it’s time to fight at home.”

Dusty's Promoter, Jeff Fried of All In Entertainment, was pleased with their prospect's continued development. "Dusty's performance showed he is the best young Welterweight prospect in the World, as he used his extraordinary skill sets against a crafty, hard-hitting veteran that has been in the ring with some of the best in the World," said Fried.

"Dusty is right on schedule for major championship fights in 2015, and a continued step up in opposition throughout the rest of 2014. Every opponent steps in the ring with an enhanced drive to knock off boxing's next superstar champion. Dusty comes prepared, always," added Fried.

"I am looking forward to the challenges that are ahead and will continue to do my part working hard in the gym, studying tapes and always being prepared when I step in the ring," said Hernandez-Harrison.

Dusty is next scheduled to fight in his hometown of Washington, D.C. in September.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Top Rank Proves They Really Like Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed!

(Photo by Daniel Kucin Jr.)

MIKE “YES INDEED” REED SIGNS WITH TOP RANK
Professional boxer Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed now joins an exclusive class of boxers that have been promoted by Top Rank, including Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao.

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A. – Twenty-one year old light welterweight professional boxer, Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed, has signed a promotional agreement with Las Vegas-based, boxing promoter, Top Rank. Born in Washington, D.C., Reed trains in Clinton, Maryland, at Dream Team Boxing Gym, which is owned and operated by his father, trainer, and manager, Michael “Buck” Pinson.
Mike Reed understands the significance of his signing. Reed stated, “I am delighted to sign with Top Rank. They’ve been successful for a long time, and have promoted the biggest names in boxing, from Muhammad Ali to Manny Pacquiao. I am excited to have the same opportunities as the legends that came before me. Top Rank clearly has an understanding of how to market their fighters and they know how to build pay-per-view superstars. Team Reed is looking forward to having a long, successful relationship with one of the most prestigious promotional companies in boxing."
Reed continued, "This is a huge opportunity for me, and I will continue to work hard. I have the right people on my team and now add the security of a powerful, promotional company to help me reach my goal of winning multiple world titles. I’m grateful to everyone that has played a part in helping me reach this level, but I’m just getting started. I’m looking forward to representing the elite class of fighters from the DMV and the Beltway region.”
Coach Pinson discussed Team Reed’s reasons for joining Top Rank. “We wanted to join a company that does a great job of moving their fighters, and Top Rank is known for getting their fighters world championship opportunities. Many of their current fighters are world champions. We recently fought on one of their shows. They treated us well and were very professional."
Pinson added, "Before my son’s pro career even began, our team set a goal that within our first ten fights, we wanted to make a statement. During those ten fights, Michael fought some tough competition, and proved that he is a fan-friendly fighter, with extremely fast hands and power. Team Reed is very goal-oriented, and we are focused. We will be staying busy in the years to come, so make sure to look out for Team Reed."
Reed had a stellar amateur career, compiling an impressive record of 90-13. Reed was matched competitively during his first ten professional fights, has looked impressive, and remains undefeated. In his most recent fight on June 14, 2014, held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Reed won a unanimous decision over Alberto Morales. In that fight, Reed dropped Morales in the sixth round en route to his tenth professional victory. Reed currently attends the College of Southern Maryland, and is studying to become an accountant.

Follow Mike Reed on Twitter at @YesIndeed_Reed or https://twitter.com/YesIndeed_Reed

Follow Mike Reed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mike.y.reed.921

For any interviews or appearance requests, contact Lorin Chvotkin of Team Reed by email at Lbchoyas@yahoo.com or by phone at +1 (240) 498 1478.

Friday, May 9, 2014

Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed In Atlantic City On June 14th!

Undefeated Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed,

(9-0, six KO's) will be part of the Top Rank-promoted card on Saturday, June 14 in the Grand Ballroom of Bally's Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. There is no word yet on who Reed's opponent will be. The question is does this mean that Reed will someday be signed as a Top Rank Fighter?

To stay updated on Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed future career moves just follow him

on https://twitter.com/YesIndeed_Reed.

Tickets are on sale for $75 and $50 and are available through the Bally's box office or at Ticketmaster.com.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

A RISING BOXING STAR IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL - Mike Reed

A RISING BOXING STAR FROM THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed went undefeated in six pro fights during 2013, and is looking forward to continuing his success this year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Twenty-year-old light welterweight professional boxer Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed impressed the local boxing community in 2013 with his speed, strength, and boxing pedigree. Born in Washington, D.C., Reed currently trains in Clinton, Maryland, at Dream Team Boxing Gym, which is owned and operated by his father, Michael “Buck” Pinson. Reed went undefeated in 2013, and his pro record currently stands at 6-0, with 4 knockouts.

Mike Reed discussed his first year as a pro boxer. He said, “Last year, I did a great job dictating the pace in my fights and thought I showed good ring generalship. My training and conditioning allowed me to perform well in my fights, so I definitely want to keep that going. I’m happy that I stayed busy in my first year as a pro. Thank you to both Keystone Boxing and Top Flight Productions for letting me showcase my talents on their boxing cards in 2013. I am working hard to build a solid fan base, and very thankful for the way my supporters have come out to watch me fight.”

Coach Michael Pinson, who serves as Reed’s trainer and manager, was also pleased with theprogress made during last year. He said, “2013 was a good year, as we were able to get six bouts to build from. So far, Mike’s fights have all been great learning experiences. Several opponents were tough and came to win. I didn’t want easy fights in his first year as a pro, because you can’t learn from those. Transitioning from an amateur to a professional boxer can be very difficult. Mike handled it well.”

Reed then discussed some of his plans for the upcoming year. “In 2014, I want to continue with the same work ethic that brought me success last year. I will continue to listen to my father and my team, who always have my best interest at heart. It would be great to fight on some nationally televised cards, so that more people can see me fight. I would also like to continue my college education, do more charity work for my community, and continue to improve on being a good person. I’m frequently asked about which weight class I am best suited for. I can make 135 pounds, but I'm also comfortable fighting at 140 pounds. My team will make the right decision on that issue when the time is right.”

Coach Pinson agreed that the team was successful this year, but added, “There is room for improvement in 2014. It is important that Mike learns how to sit down on his punches, move his head more, work from different angles, and use his speed properly. I’d like to see Mike fight eight times this year. If he continues to impress everyone with his performances, he will eventually earn a solid ranking from a major sanctioning organization.”

Mike Reed remains unsigned and returns to the ring on Friday night, January 17, 2014, against Jorge Marquez (Phoenix, AZ/pro record: 4-1-0, w/ 2 KOs). Reed-Marquez is scheduled as a six-round bout, which will headline the Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

(Poster created by Ross Molovinsky)

Follow Mike Reed on Twitter at @YesIndeed_Reed or https://twitter.com/YesIndeed_Reed

Follow Mike Reed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mike.y.reed.921

For any questions, interviews or appearance requests, contact Lorin Chvotkin of Team Reed at Lbchoyas@yahoo.com or by phone at +1 (240) 498 1478.

*photo credits: courtesy of Juan Marshall