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Al BERNSTEIN: ILLINOIS HOF INDUCTION “VERY SPECIAL”

Boxing Announcer Al Bernstein called his impending induction into the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame “very special to me.” Bernstein will be inducted at the organization’s Fourth Annual Induction dinner on Friday April 12 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Bernstein explained why this honor is so important to him. He said: “I grew up in Chicago and lived there more than half of my life. There is something undeniably important in getting recognition in your home area. When I was boxing in park district gyms as a teenager I could scarcely have imagined this kind of honor. I have been privileged to travel the world chronicling boxing on television for 38 years. I will always be able to trace my love of boxing and my development as a journalist back to my days in Chicago. Going into the Illinois HOF means a lot to me.”

Bernstein was the voice of boxing on ESPN from 1980 to 2004. For the last 14 years he has been the analyst on the Showtime Championship Boxing series. Al is an inductee in a number of Hall of Fames including the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Tickets will not be available at the door. To buy tickets, call 798-473-0682.

IN OTHER NEWS:

*Al will be doing a meet and greet appearance in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 20 as part of the grand opening of the Best Dispensaries. Al will be meeting with fans for photos and autographs and there will be a giveaway of some copies of Al’s book, “30Years, 30 Undeniable Truth About Boxing, Sports and TV.”

*Bernstein will return to the musical stage on Saturday May 25 when he performs at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30p.m. in the Piazza Lounge. He will do his “Tribute to the Champions….of The Great American Songbook.” Al has appeared at the Tuscany on four occasions as co-host of the Kenny Davidsen Show. “I’m happy to bring this show to the Tuscany. I get to sing these wonderful songs and tell some stories about how the music often intersects with great moments in my sports casting career. The Piazza Lounge provides a great atmosphere for live music,” Al said. For information on entertainment at the Tuscany Suites and Casino log onto website www.tuscanylv.com

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DECEMBER 1: BIG MEN AND BIG EVENT ON SHOWTIME PPV

Hall of Fame Boxing Announcer Al Bernstein has worked over 100 pay per view events, but the one he will announce on SHOWTIME PPV Saturday December 1 will feature two of the biggest fighters in one ring among all those shows—in size and personality. Al said, “Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are both huge men in the ring, but they are super sized outside the ring with big personalities. The combination of both of those things makes this event exciting.” The SHOWTIME PPV telecast from the Staples Center will begin at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST with a four fight card also featuring the return of WBA/IBF 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd vs. Jason Welborn.

Bernstein said, “ The heavyweight division has regained its footing as an important part of the sport’s appeal in the last couple of years.” He added, “This bout offers us an intriguing match-up of Fury, who previously had the lineal heavyweight title, against Wilder, who is defending his title for the 8th time and is thought of as perhaps the most dangerous puncher in boxing. They bring contrasting styles to this match-up as well as undefeated records. You can’t ask for much more than that.”

“SHOWTIME Boxing has had an amazing year in 2018 and this historically important PPV heavyweight title match brings a fitting close to the year,” Bernstein said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

*For the second year in a row Bernstein will serve as master of ceremonies for the USA Amateur Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. The

event will be held on Friday, December 7 in Salt Lake City. The inductees are: 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and professional world champ Andre Ward, 1988 Silver

medalist and pro champion Roy Jones Jr, legendary amateur and professional trainer Emanuel Steward, 2 time Olympic Gold medalist Claressa Shields, and long

respected USA Amateur ring official Tom Cleary.

*Al returns to the musical stage on Thursday, December 20 when he again performs at the Italian American Club in Las Vegas. He’ll pay tribute to the “Champions

of The American Songbook” in shows from 6-10 p.m. Joining Al on stage will be his son, singer/songwriter Wes Bernstein.

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To arrange an interview with Al Bernstein for radio, internet or print, please contact Adie Zuckerman at 847- 827-9212 or adie@albernsteinlive.com. To connect with Al go to Twitter @AlBernstein or www.facebook.com/albernsteinlive. To order 30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV, go to Http://j.mp/albernstein . To see his Boxing Hangouts and Quick Hits go to www.youtube.com/AlsBoxinghangouts .

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AL BERNSTEIN: PORTER-GARCIA A STYLE MATCH UP MADE IN HEAVEN

Hall of Fame Boxing Broadcaster Al Bernstein, who will be at ringside calling the Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter welterweight match on September 8, called the fight “one of the best style match-ups of 2018.” This fight is the main event of a tripleheader to be aired at 9p.m. EST/6p.m. PST live on SHOWTIME.

Bernstein said, “The old boxing adage is that styles make fights. If that is true, and I think it is, then that makes the Danny Garcia-Shawn Porter fight potentially a terrific bout. Garcia is a master boxer-puncher who is a very effective counter puncher—with a lethal counter left hook. Porter is an aggressive hard charging fighter who only goes forward and use his physicality and volume to wear opponents down. It’s hard for me to see this as anything but an action fight.”

A lot is at stake for these two men—this match is for the vacant WBC 147-pound title. Bernstein added, “These are two of the top welterweights in the world, and both former champions. Each man lost by very narrow margins to WBA Champion Keith Thurman, and this fight could determine who gets a rematch to avenge that loss. This fight Is extremely important to both fighters.”

IN OTHER NEWS:

Al returns to the stage as a vocalist when he performs at one of Las Vegas’ great music hotspots, The Italian American Club, on Wednesday, September 19. He’ll do shows from 6 to 10 p.m. Al will again pay tribute to the Champions of the Great American Songbook. Sharing the stage with Al will be his son, talented singer/songwriter Wes Bernstein, who will perform some of his original songs and pop tunes from the last few decades. Al said, “This will be a really fun musical engagement for a lot of reasons, one being I get to share the stage with my son Wes. He has embarked on a great musical journey, and I’m glad to share an early moment of it with him.” For more information log on to www.iacvegas.com .

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HALL OF FAME BROADCASTER AL BERNSTEIN MARKS 15-YEAR MILESTONE WITH SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®

Legendary Boxing Analyst Has Been Part of the Biggest and Most Memorable Events In Boxing History Credit: SHOWTIME NEW YORK (June 13, 2018) – Legendary Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein has reached another career milestone: fifteen years of broadcasting the sport on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Bernstein provided expert analysis for the largest pay-per-view event in television history. He ranks the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao “Fight of the Century” the most significant broadcast of his career, one that spans three-and-a-half decades. “I have great memories throughout my more than 37-year television career, but the last 15 years at SHOWTIME have been the most productive and enjoyable,” said the Chicago native and longtime Las Vegas resident Bernstein. “I have worked with extraordinary colleagues both in front of and behind the camera as we chronicled some of the most important and exciting boxing matches of this era.” Bernstein was ringside providing expert analysis when Anthony Joshua TKO’d Wladimir Klitschko in the spring of 2017 in front of 90,000 raucous fans at Wembley Stadium in London for the IBF and WBA heavyweight world title belts. He places that at No. 2 on his biggest matches list, with Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor right behind that at No. 3. Mayweather also gets the nod at No. 4 as boxing’s all-time great dominated Canelo Alvarez in 2013. Bernstein’s fifth most memorable all-time SHOWTIME moment was in Manchester, England when Joe Calzaghe dominated Jeff Lacy in the mega-fight dubbed “Judgment Day.” “I’ve had a front row seat to watch great champions in great matches,” Bernstein said. “And I’ve participated in what I think is the best television production in the sport of boxing. I'm honored to have participated in this special period of SHOWTIME Boxing and I am energized by the great fights of today and the future of the sport.” Bernstein ranks the legendary Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo bout as the best fight he has ever covered, followed by Israel Vasquez vs Rafael Marquez 3 and then, the recent Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd barnburner from earlier this year. Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Orlando Salido 1 and the Klitschko-Joshua mega fight round out his top five best SHOWTIME fights. There have been dramatic upsets along the way during Bernstein’s SHOWTIME tenure, with Nonito Donaire vs. Vic Darchinyan ranking at the top of the list, followed by Ricky Hatton vs. Kosta Tszyu; Orlando Salido vs Juan Manuel Marquez; Austin Trout vs. Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward vs. Mikkel Kessler. “Al Bernstein is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced announcers in sports today,” said Stephen Espinoza, President of SHOWTIME Sports and Event Programming. “Over the past 15 years, Al has called many of the biggest events and greatest matchups in the sport of boxing, and brings a level of expertise unrivaled by any network. Congratulations to Al for what continues to be an exceptional career at ringside.” Bernstein, who before joining SHOWTIME covered everything from Major League Baseball to the Olympic Games and the NFL Draft, is also an accomplished writer and author. He won the Chicago Newspaper Guild’s Award for best news story in 1975 and published his first book “Boxing for Beginners” in 1978. His most recent work, an enlightening look back at his 30 years in broadcasting (“Al Bernstein: 30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths About Boxing, Sports, and TV”) was published in 2012. Bernstein has also appeared in a number of movies such as “Rocky V”, “Streets of Gold”, and “Play It to the Bone.” Bernstein has been recognized by multiple international and state Hall of Fames, but it has not always been about boxing for Bernstein, or even sports. He serves on the board of directors and is a spokesman for Caring Place, a Las Vegas facility that was co-founded by his wife Connie, which provides free services to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. Bernstein is also a singer and an expert equestrian. He has also performed as a vocalist for the past 30 years doing mostly tunes from the Great American songbook. He has appeared at many casinos in Las Vegas and around the country. Recently he has been performing at the Tuscany Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. As an equestrian, Bernstein participated in a number of celebrity rodeos as both a participant and grand marshal.

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AL BERNSTEIN TO HOST JOE MADDON’S “MAIN EVENT”

Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein will combine two of his passions, youth boxing and the Chicago Cubs, on Friday, May 25 when he serves as master of ceremonies for the "Main Event.” This annual event is presented by Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon, his Respect 90 Foundation and Cubs Charities with a portion of the proceeds going to inner city youth boxing programs. Nearly $400,000 has been raised so far to help these clubs. For ticket information for the event go to www.CubsCharities.com

Al hosted a special Boxing Hangout featuring Rick Vaughn Executive Director of the Respect 90 Foundation. This fun and informational video can be seen at www.youtube.com/alsboxinghangouts. Rick talks about the work Joe Maddon is doing in both Chicago and elsewhere to help youngsters and gives great insight into what makes Joe Madden such a special individual.

“As an ardent supporter of youth boxing as a way to help young men and women in inner cities and as a lifelong Cubs fan, I am delighted to participate in this event,” Al said. He added, “Joe’s organization has been very helpful to Chicago amateur boxing programs. So, Joe has not only helped bring Chicago a long awaited World Series title, he has become an important part of the community of my home town. I applaud him for that.”

The fourth annual Main Event, held at the Windtrust Bank Building, will feature youth boxing matches and appearances by many Chicago Cubs players and professional boxers from the Chicago area. There will also be a unique auction of sports related items.

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RESPECT 90 AND CUBS CHARITIES HOST MADDON’S FOURTH MAIN EVENT

FEATURING CUBS PLAYERS, COACHES, YOUTH BOXING AND SHOWTIME’S AL BERNSTEIN

CHICAGO, IL—The Respect 90 Foundation and Cubs Charities will hold their Fourth Annual Main Event on the evening of Friday, May 25, at the Wintrust Bank Building in Chicago. The event will begin at 6 p.m.

Cubs Manager Joe Maddon and Cubs players and coaches will attend this unique boxing event which features a hearty buffet dinner and cocktails, amateur boxing matches emceed by World Boxing Hall of Fame announcer and Chicago native Al Bernstein, and a live auction featuring premium items and experiences. The event is held in Wintrust’s grand reception hall in downtown Chicago.

In its first three years, the event has raised nearly $400,000 for youth boxing programs in Chicago.

Chicago native Al Bernstein is best known to a national audience as the voice of boxing for ESPN, as well as other sports such as Major League Baseball, and now since 2003, as the analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing. He also served as a boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Now in his 37th year in television, this World Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster is considered by many to be one of the most recognizable and respected boxing commentators in the sport.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit youth boxing programs in Chicago.

To purchase tickets, visit www.cubs.com/mainevent.

RESPECT 90 FOUNDATION

In 2015, Joe and his wife, Jaye, formed the Respect 90 Foundation. Respect 90 seeks to provide children and families opportunities to develop championship attitudes through sports, academics, and community involvement in all the places they call home: Chicago, IL, Tampa, FL, Mesa, AZ and Joe’s hometown of Hazleton, PA.

CUBS CHARITIES

Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities’ goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

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For More information Contact: Rick Vaughn, 727-741-7300 or rvaughn@respect90.org

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RESPECT 90 AND CUBS CHARITIES HOST MADDON’S FOURTH MAIN EVENT

FEATURING CUBS PLAYERS, COACHES, YOUTH BOXING AND SHOWTIME’S AL BERNSTEIN

CHICAGO, IL---The Respect 90 Foundation and Cubs Charities will hold their Fourth Annual Main Event on the evening of Friday, May 25, at the Wintrust Bank Building in Chicago. The event will begin at 6 p.m.

Cubs Manager Joe Maddon and Cubs players and coaches will attend this unique boxing event which features a hearty buffet dinner and cocktails, amateur boxing matches emceed by World Boxing Hall of Fame announcer and Chicago native Al Bernstein, and a live auction featuring premium items and experiences. The event is held in Wintrust’s grand reception hall in downtown Chicago.

In its first three years, the event has raised nearly $400,000 for youth boxing programs in Chicago.

Chicago native Al Bernstein is best known to a national audience as the voice of boxing for ESPN, as well as other sports such as Major League Baseball, and now since 2003, as the analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing. He also served as a boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. Now in his 37th year in television, this World Boxing Hall of Fame broadcaster is considered by many to be one of the most recognizable and respected boxing commentators in the sport.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit youth boxing programs in Chicago.

To purchase tickets, visit www.cubs.com/mainevent.

RESPECT 90 FOUNDATION

In 2015, Joe and his wife, Jaye, formed the Respect 90 Foundation. Respect 90 seeks to provide children and families opportunities to develop championship attitudes through sports, academics, and community involvement in all the places they call home: Chicago, IL, Tampa, FL, Mesa, AZ and Joe’s hometown of Hazleton, PA.

CUBS CHARITIES

Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities’ goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

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For More information Contact: Rick Vaughn, 727-741-7300 or rvaughn@respect90.org

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AL BERNSTEIN SELECTED FOR NATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME

Hall of Fame Boxing announcer Al Bernstein will be inducted to the National Boxing Hall of Fame in Montebello, Calif. on April 28. Bernstein joins a distinguished 2018 class of inductees that includes: Muhammad Ali, Jerry Quarry, Zora Folley, Bundini Brown, George Chuvalo, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, Juan LaPorte, Ruben Castillo, Richie Sandoval, Eddie Mustafa Muhammed, Miguel Diaz, Herb Santos, Michelle Chong. “It’s a unique honor to be inducted into this Hall of Fame with these great boxing figures. The National Boxing Hall of Fame has already shown me great hospitality and I look forward to a wonderful day on April 28,” Bernstein said.

Bernstein is already member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and several state and regional Boxing Hall of Fames. On May 11th he will also be inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Bernstein’s next SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING assignment comes on March 31 when he will call the action for the Anthony Joshua-Joseph Parker heavyweight title unification match from Cardiff, Wales. “This match follows on the heels of the thrilling victory of Deontay Wilder over Luis Ortiz, with Wilder defending his title. We should also expect fireworks in the Joshua-Parker fight. Our own brand of Heavyweight March Madness will end with two Champions and perhaps they will be headed on a collision course,” said Bernstein.

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To arrange an interview with Al Bernstein for radio, internet or print, please contact Adie Zuckerman at 847- 827-9212 or adie@albernsteinlive.com. To connect with Al go to Twitter @AlBernstein or www.facebook.com/albernsteinlive. To order 30 Years, 30 Undeniable Truths about Boxing, Sports and TV, go to Http://j.mp/albernstein . To see his Boxing Hangouts and Quick Hits go to www.youtube.com/AlsBoxinghangouts .

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Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2018

Hall welcomes five individuals; Las Vegas Thunder

LAS VEGAS – February 13, 2018 – The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame executive committee announced today the Class of 2018. This class includes Al Bernstein, Armon Gilliam, Forrest Griffin, Rossi Ralenkotter, Jim Reitz and the Las Vegas Thunder. Including this induction class, the Hall of Fame now consists of 104 members.

“The class of 2018 is accomplished in so many ways,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Jim Lambright. “We have outstanding athletes in their sport in Armon Gilliam and Forrest Griffin, a successful mentor in Jim Reitz, a leader in sports broadcasting in Al Bernstein, a community and business leader in Rossi Ralenkotter and one of the city’s foundational franchises in the Las Vegas Thunder. We are honored to bestow upon them the state’s highest sports recognition by welcoming them to the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame.”

Best known to a national audience as the voice of boxing, Bernstein has carved out a career of varied endeavors and achieved success in television, movies and as a live stage performer. He is considered by many as the most recognizable and respected boxing commentator for more than 35 years of broadcasting and serves as the analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing. Since May of 2003, Bernstein has worked on the Showtime Network. In 2012, Bernstein received the highest honor in boxing by being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He is one of only a few broadcasters to be so honored.

Nicknamed 'The Hammer' for his prowess inside, Gilliam played at UNLV from 1984-87 and was a key member of the Runnin’ Rebel's second NCAA Final Four team in 1987. That team finished the season with a 37-2 overall record and was 18-0 in Big West Conference play. During the magical 1986-87 season, Gilliam averaged 23.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game as a senior. He was a second-team All-American selection in 1987, and is seventh on the all-time UNLV career list in scoring with 1,855 career points. The 1987 Big West Conference Player of the Year, Gilliam was also named first team all-conference in 1987 and second team in 1986. He went on to play in 929 games over 13 seasons in the NBA.

Griffin entered UFC during the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter® in 2005. After earning a spot in the show’s finale, Griffin and fellow Hall of Famer Stephan Bonner engaged in a thrilling fight that is widely regarded as the launching platform for MMA’s current success and popularity. During his UFC career, Griffin held notable victories over Rich Franklin, Mauricio Rua and Quinton Jackson, at which time he captured the light heavyweight championship. Griffin ended his professional competing career in 2012 with a victory over fellow UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz. He ended his career with a record of 19-7. He currently serves as the Vice President, Athlete Development at Zuffa, LLC, which operates UFC.

As President/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Ralenkotter is responsible for marketing and branding Las Vegas and Southern Nevada as the world’s most desirable destination for leisure and business travel. Under his leadership, the LVCVA launched the most successful branding campaign in tourism history, which is best known for its oft-repeated tagline, “What happens here, stays here™.” Under Mr. Ralenkotter’s oversight, Las Vegas has been the world’s trade show capital for 23 consecutive years, hosting 54 of the largest 250 trade shows. In addition, Ralenkotter has been instrumental in the development of Las Vegas as a major sports destination, helping attract major events like the National Finals Rodeo, the NBA All-Star Game, the USA Sevens rugby tournament, two NASCAR race weekends, the Professional Bull Riders and more.  

After taking over the UNLV swimming program in the 1980-81 season, Reitz became the longest-tenured coach in UNLV athletics history. He steadily built the Rebels into one of the most successful squads on campus. The final tally after his 35 years included: 14 conference championships (highlighted by a run of 10 titles in the last 11 years by the men's program), 29 combined conference Most Valuable Swimmers, 16 combined conference Coach of the Year honors, and 17 combined all-time top-30 team finishes at the NCAA Championships.

The roots of professional hockey in Las Vegas arrived in 1993 when the father and son duo of Hank and Ken Stickney brought the Las Vegas Thunder to the city, as an International Hockey League expansion team. Many thought they were crazy to have hockey in the desert but they knew Las Vegas was ready when the puck dropped on October 15, 1993 in front of a sold out Thomas & Mack Center. Throughout the team’s history several notable NHL players would wear the Las Vegas Thunder jersey, including NHL stars such as Clint Malarchuk, Curtis Joseph, Petr Nedved, Alexei Yashin, Rod Buskas and Brent Gretzky. The Thunder proved that Las Vegas was a hockey city and the Stickney’s quest to bring hockey to the desert, truly paved the way for the future success of professional hockey in Las Vegas.

The six inductees will be honored Friday, May 11 at the Orleans Arena. For ticket information and additional details about the induction ceremony, please go to www.SNSHF.com. Updates are also available on Facebook (Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame) and Twitter (@SNSHF).

The Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization committed to recognizing the outstanding achievements by Southern Nevada athletes, both in the world of sports and the local community.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to organizations committed to the support and enhancement of Southern Nevada youth through active participation in programs designed to promote leadership, values and character through sports.

# # #Boxing

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AL BERNSTEIN VIDEO PREVIEWS SPENCE VS. PETERSON

Hall of Fame Boxing Broadcaster Al Bernstein has done one of his Quick Hits videos previewing the January 20th Errol Spence Jr. title defense against Lamont Peterson. The video, which includes Al’s keys to victory for both fighters, can be seen at www.youtube.com/AlsBoxingHangouts.

Bernstein will be ringside for this match at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in his usual role as analyst on the SHOWTIME telecast. Al said, “Errol Spence is clearly a potential star in boxing and his performance in winning the title against Kell Brook in England was remarkable. He is a relentless attacker who gives you no room to breath. But, Lamont Peterson is a superb fighter and former champion who has faced a list of terrific opponents in his career.  He is always prepared and covets this chance again on boxing’s center stage—he will not be easy for Spence to get past in his first title defense.”

Al said this is just the beginning of what he sees as a great year for SHOWTIME boxing and the sport in general.  He said, “We already have some great matches on our SHOWTIME schedule with more to be announced. 2017 was a great year for boxing and it appears 2018 will be just the same. There are great fights dotted throughout the sport’s landscape.”

IN OTHER NEWS:

Al Bernstein returns to the Tuscany Suites and Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, February 16, to again co-host the Kenny Davidsen Celebrity Cabaret Show in the Piazza lounge. Al will perform over a dozen songs in an evening that will pay tribute to the legendary Nat King Cole.  Al will have a busy weekend because the following evening he will be ringside at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in his normal role as analyst on the SHOWTIME telecast of the Danny Garcia-Brandon Rios match.

Al said it will be fun to mix music and sports together that weekend. He added,  "I know many boxing celebrities and fans will be at the Tuscany on Friday night to start off the boxing weekend and I am glad we can provide them a fun event to kick things off. It’s exciting for me to be co-hosting with  Kenny again and get to perform with his talented band. Great singers from shows in Las Vegas come by and join into the festivities every Friday night at the Tuscany for Kenny’s show and we have a great line-up ready to join me in paying tribute to the wonderful Nat King Cole. We will all enjoy singing tunes from his amazing song list.”

For more information on the entertainment at the Tuscany log on to www.tuscanylv.com.

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The OCTAGON and the RING turned 7 today!

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Ali & Holyfield to be inducted this Friday in USA Boxing Alumni Hall of Fame inaugural class

USA Boxing stars out to support and celebrate

USA Boxing Elite National Championships

Dec. 5-9 in Salt Lake City, Utah

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO (December 5, 2017) – The fledging USA Boxing Alumni Association will host a gala reception this Friday night (Dec.) 8, highlighted by the induction of the inaugural class of the USA Boxing Alumni Hall of Fame, at the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown in Salk Lake City, Utah.

The reception is being held in conjunction with the 2017 USA Boxing Elite and Youth National Championships and Junior and Prep Open, Dec. 5-9, also held in Salt Lake City.

Created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, --boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans -- The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

“The Alumni Association will bring together former boxers, coaches and official who have reached all levels of success in amateur boxing, as well as people who have all over for Olympic-style boxing,” explained Mike McAtee, USA Boxing Executive Director.  “This association will help expand our grassroots and create fight champions of USA Boxing and alumni members.”

“The Greatest” and “The Real Deal”, respectively, Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield, will be the first boxers inducted into the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame, joining two others, veteran coaches Roosevelt Sanders and Tom Coulter, also being inducted as charter members.

The late Ali is the lone three-time lineal world heavyweight champion of all-time, who as an amateur (known then as Cassius Clay), captured a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Holyfield was the first and remains the only undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion.  At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, Holyfield won a bronze medal as a light heavyweight, after a he suffered a questionable disqualification in his semifinals match.  Earlier this year, Holyfield started his promotional company, The Real; Deal Boxing.

A 1993 USA Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Roosevelt coached the U.S. Marines boxing team in 1975-1978 and 1988-2000.  He also served as assistant coach on the USA Olympic boxing teams in 1984 and 1992.

Coulter has been a boxing coach for more than 62 years, continuing to conduct boxing clinics today around the glove.  In addition to coaching the iconic 1988 USA Olympic boxing team, which captured eight individual medals, he was a consultant for the 1996 squad that won 14 meals.  A national boxing champion at Syracuse University, Coulter also coaches the U.S. Army Boxing Team.

International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Al Bernstein will serve as Master of ceremonies for Friday’s event.  “USA Boxing makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of young people ion a daily basis,” the voice of Showtime Boxing said,” and I am so honored to serve as emcee for the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception. This new arm of USA Boxing will be a terrific addition to an already great organization. I look forward to it.”.

Four Olympic medalists from Team USA will be in attendance: 1984 gold medalist Paul Gonzales, 1984 and 1988 silver medalists, respectively, Virgil Hill and Michael Carbajal, and 1972 bronze medalist Jessie Valdez.

Other boxing dignitaries who are confirmed attendees include 1992 Olympian Raul Marquez, Hall of Fame referee Steve Smoger, National Golden Gloves champion and NBC boxing announcer B.J. Flores, three-time New England Golden Gloves champion “Irish” Micky Ward, former Air Force Academy coach Eddie Welchers, Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves franchise tournament director Larry Fullmer and others.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events host by the Alumni Association, including Friday evening’s USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing,.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

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                 USA Boxing Alumni Association Open for Registration                            Inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception to be held in December Colorado Springs, Colo. — The newly created USA Boxing Alumni Association registration is officially open to take members.Membership, which cost $40/year, includes a t-shirt, keychain and e-wallet, as well as grants members access to a variety of special events that will be hosted by the Alumni Association.  Anyone possessing a love for the sport and looking to stay connected with amateur boxing can join by clicking here.“The Alumni Association will bring together former boxers, coaches and officials that have reached all levels of success in amateur boxing, as well as people who have a love for Olympic-style boxing,” stated Mike McAtee, USA Boxing Executive Director. “This association will help expand our grassroots and help create the future champions of USA Boxing and alumni members.”Members who join in the coming weeks will also have the opportunity to attend the USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception on Dec. 8, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah, which will induct the inaugural class of Muhammad Ali, Tom Coulter, Buddy Davis, Evander Holyfield and Roosevelt Sanders.  World renowned CBS and  SHOWTIME announcer and International Boxing Hall of Fame member Al Bernstein will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. “USA Boxing makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of young people on a daily basis, and I am so honored to serve as emcee for the inaugural USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Reception. This new arm of USA Boxing will be a terrific addition to an already great organization,” stated Bernstein. “I look forward to a great week.”In addition to Bernstein’s role as emcee, many esteemed members of the USA Boxing alumni community are scheduled to attend the inaugural event, including: Michael Carbajal, BJ Flores, Larry Fullmer, Virgil Hill, Raul Marquez, Steve Smoger, Jesse Valdez, Micky Ward and Eddie Weichers. The Alumni Association, which was created to champion a lifelong, mutually beneficial relations between USA Boxing and its alumni, including boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans, will help connect generations of champions, as well as help inspire and give back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions inside and outside the ring.For more information contact 719-866-278 or alumni@usaboxing.org.

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AL BERNSTEIN VIDEO PREVIEWS  OCTOBER 14 TRIPLEHEADER

Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein previews the October 14th tripleheader of 154 pound world title matches in his new Quick Hits video, which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/AlsBoxingHangouts.  WBA Champ Erislandy Lara will defend his title against Terrell Gausha, WBCTitleholder Jermell Charlo will battle Erickson Lubin and IBF champ Jarrett Hurd will take on former champ Austin Trout. These matches from The Barclays Center In Brooklyn, N.Y. can be seen on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING at 9 p.m. EST.

Bernstein, who will be serving as ringside analyst on the telecast, said in his preview video that “The 154 pound division is filled with talent and much of that talent is on display in this tripleheader.” He called the Charlo-Lubin fight “a potential fight of the year candidate.” He added, “We have four men on this card who are or where a world champion and a 2012 U.S. Olympian. This card should add to an already great year of boxing on SHOWTIME.” In the Quick Hits video Al offers insights on the style and history of all six fighters on the show.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Long a participant in Equestrian events, like the Ben Johnson Celebrity Rodeos, Al Bernstein will put on his Cowboy hat and serve as emcee on Saturday, October 21, when Barbara Callihan, owner of the Happy Hoofbeats Equestrian Center, presents the grand opening of the HHB Equestrian Trail Park of Southern Nevada. This is the southwest’s only IMTCA sanctioned Extreme Trail Riding course and center.  Al said, “I have spent many years riding my horses at Barbara’s equestrian center as she helped me prepare for events and helped me simply enjoy being a horseman. She has been a major force in Nevada’s Equine world. I have been emcee for many major events all over there world over the years, none more enjoyable to me than this one.”  For more information on the event activities go to www.happyhoofbeats.com.

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Al BERNSTEIN: CHICAGO RETURN IS SPECIAL

Hall of Fame #Boxing Broadcaster Al Bernstein, a Chicago native, will return to the Chicago area to call fights for television for the first time in almost two decades on Friday September 15 when he announces the “Rosemont Rumble: Going For 20-0” card  on CBS Sports Network. The card features undefeated light heavyweight Mike Lee seeking his 20th win against Anthony Quattrocchi (10-1-1). The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Bernstein, a Chicago native now living in Las Vegas, said, “It has been a long time since I have been in Chicago to announce fights on TV. The Chicago boxing scene has remained vibrant with Bobby Hitz Promotions as its main caretaker. and I am happy to be a part of that. For this evening Bobby joins forces with Round 3 Promotions  for what I expect to be a really good card.” He added, “My broadcasting career started in 1980 when ESPN televised many great cards in Chicago featuring fighters like James “Quick” Tillis, Mike Rossman and Johnny Lira. It was exciting for me to call those fights and I expect to have just as much fun announcing the Rosemont Rumble Friday, September 15.” Al will be joined on the telecast by his SHOWTIME Network partner Paulie Malignaggi and Ray Flores.

For more information on the event and or to obtain tickets log on to www.HitzBoxing.com.    

IN OTHER NEWS:

Long a participant in Equestrian events, like the Ben Johnson Celebrity Rodeos, Al Bernstein will put on his Cowboy hat and serve as emcee on Saturday, October 21, when Barbara Callihan, owner of the Happy Hoofbeats Equestrian Center, presents the grand opening of the HHB Equestrian Trail Park of Southern Nevada. This is the southwest’s only IMTCA sanctioned Extreme Trail Riding course and center.  Al said, “I have spent many years riding my horses at Barbara’s equestrian center as she helped me prepare for events and helped me simply enjoy being a horseman. She has been a major force in Nevada’s Equine world. I have been emcee for many major events all over there world over the years, none more enjoyable to me than this one.”  For more information on the event activities go to www.happyhoofbeats.com.

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SHOWTIME ANALYSTS PAULIE MALIGNAGGI AND AL BERNSTEIN JOIN CHICAGO’S RAY FLORES ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK NATIONALLY TELEVISED EVENT

Friday, September 15, 2017

“The Dome at the Ballpark”

Rosemont, Illinois

Chicago, IL (August 30, 2017) Fresh from calling the Floyd Mayweather – Conor McGregor Mega-Event for SHOWTIME PPV, award winning commentators PAULIE MALIGNAGGI and AL BERNSTEIN will head to Chicago to call the action on CBS Sports Network (10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT) for ROSEMONT RUMBLE: “GOING FOR 20-0” on Friday, September 15, 2017, at “The Dome at the Ballpark” in Rosemont, IL.

ROSEMONT RUMBLE: “GOING FOR 20-0” is headlined by the 10-round main event featuring

undefeated and world ranked MIKE LEE, (19-0, 10 KO’s), of Chicago, IL, defending his IBF-USBA Light Heavyweight Title against ANTHONY “The Quiet Storm” QUATTROCCHI, (10-1-1, 5 KO’s), of Follansbee, West Virginia.

Joining Malignaggi and Bernstein on the call will be Chicago’s own nationally known voice of boxing, RAY FLORES.

Malignaggi is a two-time world boxing champion and winner of the 2013 Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

“I’m looking forward to once again being in Chicago and monitoring the progress of the bright and talented Mike Lee as he goes for ‘20-0,” said Malignaggi. “Watching his progress through hard work and dedication has been a joy and I look forward to seeing and calling the next part of his journey on September 15.”

Considered one of the premier boxing analysts in the world, Chicago native Bernstein was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

“I am so delighted to be on the broadcast team for ROSEMONT RUMBLE: “GOING FOR 20-0” on September 15,” said Bernstein. “It’s a great card headed up by Mike Lee’s quest to get to 20-0. The card is filled with excellent fights and I love having a chance to return to my hometown and call some boxing. I hope to get to see and meet a lot of Chicago area boxing fans there.”

The nationally known and acclaimed Flores has been the ring announcer and commentator for

hundreds of world class boxing events across the country over the last ten years.

Said Flores, “I look forward to being on the call when Mike Lee goes for ‘20-0.’ Mike’s a consummate professional who carries himself with class inside and outside the ring. Chicago is a great fight city which is known for producing all action fighters and Mike Lee will no doubt entertain the fans as he always does on September 15th.”

Co-featured on September 15, middleweight contenders VITALY KOPYLENKO, (26-1-0, 14 KO’s), of Oxnard, California via Vasylkiv, Ukraine, and TRAVIS SCOTT, (19-3, 5 KO’s) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will clash in a scheduled eight round bout

Presented by HITZ BOXING and ROUND 3 PRODUCTIONS, remaining tickets starting at $40 can be purchased through www.HitzBoxing.com .

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AL BERNSTEIN VIDEO PRAISES WORLD BOXING SUPER SERIES

In his new Quick Hits video Hall of Fame boxing announcer Al Bernstein  calls the World Boxing Super Series “a great event for boxing.” He also said that the cruiserweight tourney would be the "best tournament boxing has ever produced.” The video can be seen at www.youtube.com/AlsBoxingHangouts.

This Quick Hits video focuses on the 8 man cruiserweight tourney which begins on September 9 with the match between WBO Champion Oleksandr Usyk  and former champ Marco Huck. Bernstein will address the 8 man World Boxing Super Series Super Middleweight Tourney in a future Quick Hits video. The single elimination cruiserweight tourney will unfold between this September and May  of 2018 with seven matches.  “I think the cruiserweight tourney could produce as many as 5 matches that will be mentioned as fight of the year candidates for 2017 and or 2018,” Bernstein said. He added, “2017 has been a great year for boxing and the World Boxing Super Series is like icing on the cake. I am not given to hyperbole, so I hope that gives my praise of the WBSS even more resonance.” For more information on this go to www.worldboxingsuperseries.com.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Al Bernstein will co-host the August 12 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner alongside Crystina Poncher. The dinner to be held at Caesar’s Palace will feature Hall of Fame boxing greats and popular active fighters. “This is only the  5th of these events and already it stands alongside the International Boxing Hall Of Fame weekend as the best place to see and meet boxing greats. I am honored to be able to co-host it and especially delighted to do it with Crystina, who is one of the best young broadcasters in sports.” For more information on the dinner and to purchase tickets go to www.nvbhof.com