DiBella Entertainment

Statement from Lou DiBella Regarding the Cancellation of the Allan Green – Mikkel Kessler Bout

(August 25, 2010 – New York, NY) On Wednesday morning it was announced by Sauerland Events, promoter of WBC super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler, that due to an eye injury, Kessler was forced to pull out of the SHOWTIME Super Six: World Boxing Classic tournament. As a result, Kessler’s next scheduled tournament bout, a defense of his title vs. Allan Green, has been called off.

The following is a statement from Green promoter Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, on the cancellation and Allan Green’s future:

“First and foremost, I want to wish Mikkel Kessler a speedy recovery. Eye injuries are very serious, and I hope Mikkel does everything necessary to heal up and continue his career at the appropriate time.

“Obviously, all of Team Green is bitterly disappointed about not getting the opportunity to travel to Denmark for this great challenge. It is hard not to feel for Allan Green; this is the third training camp in the last year that he has had interrupted for various reasons beyond his control. In the coming days we will sit down with [Showtime Senior Vice President] Ken Hershman to discuss Allan’s future. We trust that Showtime will provide Allan with the opportunity to showcase his skills in a meaningful fight versus a world class opponent in the very near future.

DiBella Entertainment Roster Continues to Grow, Adds Detroit Prospect Brian Mihtar to the Fold

(August 23, 2010 – New York, NY) DiBella Entertainment’s ever expanding roster of world champions, top contenders, and the best prospects in boxing continues to grow with the signing of hard punching Detroit product Brian “The Lion” Mihtar (13-1, 10 KOs).

Mihtar, 30, has won four straight since his lone career setback, a tight six round decision loss to veteran Chris Gray in 2008. In his last outing, Mihtar easily outclassed former regional title challenger Robert Kamya.

"Words can't express how thrilled I am to be working with [DiBella Entertainment President] Lou DiBella,” said Mihtar. “My advisor [Greg Leon] and Lou have done a lot of great work together and I've put my trust in them. I know they're going to give me what I've always wanted, which is the opportunity. When they do, I know I'm going to deliver."

Mihtar turned pro in 2003 after a successful amateur career, which included two wins at the prestigious Fiesta Mexicana Boxing Championship, held annually in Detroit. Mihtar is also a leader by nature, having been named Captain of the legendary Kronk Gym team in competitions against rival gyms as an amateur on five different occasions.

His experience and his hometown are what prompted DiBella Entertainment to bring Mihtar on board.

“Brian is a good kid and a compelling fighter, and just being from Detroit speaks to his grit and determination inside the ring,” said Lou DiBella. “Brian will get the opportunity to test himself and prove his mettle under the DBE banner.”

Advising Mihtar through the process of choosing a promoter was Greg Leon, who also advises Showtime Super Six: World Boxing Classic participant Allan Green.

“DiBella Entertainment has a proven track record,” said Leon. “Lou and his company work tirelessly to ensure that their boxers receive opportunities that have eluded them, and it will only be a short amount of time before DBE gives Brian Mihtar what he's been asking for: the chance to allow his skills to propel him to the next level."

IBO Middleweight Champion Peter Manfredo, Jr. Signs Promotional Deal
with DiBella Entertainment

(August 17, 2010 – New York, NY) Peter Manfredo, Jr., the reigning IBO middleweight champion, reality TV star, and icon in the New England fight scene, has signed multi-year promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment. Manfredo (35-6, 19 KOs) is coming off a tenth round stoppage of former world title challenger Angel Hernandez in May.

“I am thrilled to sign a promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment,” said Manfredo. “This was made possible through the hard work of my team. My trainer, and dad, Peter Manfredo, Sr. has gotten me back to the basics which made me a world champion, and my manager, Larry Amry, Jr., has guided my career in a manner that has made signing with one of the top promoters in the world a reality.”

Manfredo, 29, of Providence, Rhode Island, has spent the vast majority of his ten-year career matching the mettle with the world’s best from 154-168 pounds. Manfredo holds wins over the likes of Ian Gardner, Grady Brewer, Scott Pemberton, Joey Spina, and former world champion Frankie “The Surgeon” Randall. He has also shared the ring with notables such as Joe Calzaghe, Jeff Lacy, and Sakio Bika.

In 2004, Manfredo was a cast member on the original season of The Contender. As part of the show, Manfredo showcased his talents with wins over Alfonso Gomez, Miguel Espino, and Joey Gilbert, despite losing in the finals to Sergio Mora.

Currently, Manfredo is riding a four fight win streak, with his last two wins taking place at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Despite having fought around the United States, and in three different countries, the Providence native is revered in New England, having fought his first 17 pro fights, and 18 in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Massachusetts.

“Peter Manfredo is one of the best hometown attractions in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Not only that, Peter has world class skills to go along with his fan base. While Peter will never be on a pound-for-pound list, he is a great Italian-American warrior, who continues in the tradition of Mancini, Pazienza, and Gatti.”

In addition to holding the IBO title at middleweight, Manfredo is also ranked #15 by the WBC. He will make his DBE debut this autumn as he looks toward more fights with the biggest names middleweight and super middleweight have to offer.

“With DiBella in my corner,” said Manfredo. “I have the strongest team in boxing, and I know that an opportunity to defend my title and fight other champions is now a reality.”

WHAT DO YOU FIGHT FOR is a philanthropic social movement campaign we are running on facebook. Every person in the world has a fight in life, regardless of how small or large, that drives them to achieve their goals.

For each story, picture or video submitted to our contest page on facebook, we are donating $1 to the Teddy Atlas Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of those in need in our communities. Submissions are voted on by the public, with one (1) grand prize winner receiving $5,000 to contribute to their fight and a VIP trip to a World Championship fight in Vegas.

FIGHT INQUIRIES?
Looking to fight on our next card?
Please contact Matchmaker Joe Quiambao at joe@dbe1.com

WANT TICKETS TO THE NEXT BROADWAY BOXING SHOW?
Call 212-947-2577 or Click Here