Tag: Mohegan

(picture courtesy of CES Boxing)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (July 30, 2025) – With a dominant performance behind him and his sights set firmly on the future, undefeated junior middleweight Anthony “ATV” Velazquez (19-0-1, 14 KOs) is shifting into high gear as he inches closer to a world ranking and potential title shot in 2026.

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican-American standout from Springfield, Massachusetts, secured his 19th professional win—and 14th by knockout—on July 19 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, stopping the experienced Terry Chatwood (12-5-1, 6 KOs) in the fifth round.

Backed by longtime manager Gunther Fishgold, Velazquez is executing what they’ve dubbed the “ATV Plan”—a calculated strategy that calls for two more fights in 2025 (or one in early 2026) to build his resume, secure a world ranking, and position himself for career-changing opportunities.

“I felt very good, very confident in that fight,” said Velazquez. “I fought my fight, patiently breaking him down, and taking him out like I said I would. I can’t wait to get my next fight date. I’d be happy if I fought again in September; I like fighting back-to-back. The only way to get where I want to be is to stay consistent.”

Velazquez was sharp and methodical against Chatwood, showcasing continued improvement and finishing his opponent with a crisp left hook at the 2:26 mark of Round 5, moments after scoring an earlier knockdown with a precise left uppercut.

Though Velazquez believes he’s ready right now to face top contenders, he remains committed to the “ATV Plan.”

“Two more fights and I’m on it,” he said. “I feel I’m ready right now, but I’ll keep using my ring time to better execute, knowing I’ll be ready…

Continue reading

&ie=1&v=<%=SportsApp.Core.Version %>" /> { const stories = (data.searchTagResults || []).slice(0, 10); if (!data.ok || stories.length === 0) return; const sliderContainer = document.createElement(‘div’); sliderContainer.classList.add(‘slider-container-frontend’); const sliderWrapper = document.createElement(‘div’); sliderWrapper.classList.add(‘slider-wrapper-frontend’); stories.forEach(story => { const storyItem = document.createElement(‘a’); storyItem.href = story.link; storyItem.target = ‘_blank’; storyItem.classList.add(‘slider-item-frontend’); if (story.logo) { const img = document.createElement(‘img’); img.src = story.logo; img.classList.add(‘slider-image-frontend’); storyItem.appendChild(img); } const title = document.createElement(‘div’); title.textContent = story.title; title.classList.add(‘slider-title-frontend’); storyItem.appendChild(title); sliderWrapper.appendChild(storyItem); }); const prevButton = document.createElement(‘button’); prevButton.classList.add(‘slider-prev-frontend’); prevButton.innerHTML = ‘‘; prevButton.addEventListener(‘click’, () => { sliderWrapper.scrollBy({ left: -220, behavior: ‘smooth’ }); }); const nextButton = document.createElement(‘button’); nextButton.classList.add(‘slider-next-frontend’); nextButton.innerHTML = ‘‘; nextButton.addEventListener(‘click’, () => { sliderWrapper.scrollBy({ left: 220, behavior: ‘smooth’ }); }); sliderContainer.appendChild(prevButton); sliderContainer.appendChild(sliderWrapper); sliderContainer.appendChild(nextButton); const authorElement = document.querySelector(‘.authorName’); if (authorElement) { authorElement.insertAdjacentElement(‘afterend’, sliderContainer); } }) .catch(error => console.error(‘Error fetching stories:’, error)); } function waitForAuthorName() { const targetNode = document.body; const config = { childList: true, subtree: true }; const mutationWatcher = new MutationObserver(mutations => { const authorNameElem = document.querySelector(‘.authorField[data-name=”display”]’); if (authorNameElem) { let authorName = authorNameElem.innerText.trim(); //authorName = authorName.replace(/^Bys+/i, ”); //authorName = authorName.split(‘n’)[0].trim(); //console.log(authorName); if (authorName) { mutationWatcher.disconnect(); fetchAndDisplayStories(authorName); } } }); mutationWatcher.observe(targetNode, config); } function isAuthorPage() { return…
Continue reading

SEATTLE — On Thursday July 24th, the franchise launched its fifth annual Kicks for Equality campaign, a vibrant and meaningful initiative that brings together sneakers, social justice, and community impact.

 Backed by BECU and Symetra, the campaign is part of the Storm’s larger Force4Change movement, and it quickly became a fan favorite. This year’s lineup features one of a kind, hand-designed sneakers worn by Storm players and Head Coach Noelle Quinn each pair representing a cause chosen by the wearer. From mental health awareness to maternal healthcare, the messages stitched into every design are as bold as the kicks themselves.

“This is one of our favorite fundraising events of the year,” said Force4Change Executive Director Crystal Langhorne. “It highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, and social justice… and we’re able to raise money to support initiatives that help make a lasting impact in our community.”

All designs are brought to life by Seattle based artist Takiyah Ward, owner of Re-Sole 206, whose custom sneaker work has previously landed on the feet of Seattle sports royalty like Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and Pete Carroll. Ward’s 20+ years of expertise in customizing and restoring sneakers shine through in every player’s pair.

Fans can bid on the custom shoes in an online auction running through Friday, August 1 at 8:30 p.m. PST  but that’s not all. This year’s auction also includes autographed jerseys, a team signed game ball, and other collectibles, with all proceeds benefiting the Storm Foundation and its Force4Change programs.

In a league known for leading the way on and off the court, Kicks for Equality continues to prove that what you wear can speak volumes especially when it’s worn in the name of progress.

Continue reading

The PFL has their first African card this Saturday as they head to Cape Town, South Africa. They are bringing a really strong card with them as the event will feature a middleweight title fight between Johnny Eblen and Costello Van Steenis as well as a flyweight showcase featuring the biggest star in the promotion, Dakota Ditcheva.

That said, the rest of the main card is really solid. Kicking things off on the main card is a matchup between last year’s PFL heavyweight champion Denis Goltsov (36-8) and former Bellator light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson (18-6). Anderson had been begging for a fight and now he gets a big one.

Advertisement

Anderson moves up to heavyweight after winning the vacant Bellator title in March 2024. Bellator is obviously no more and Anderson has decided to move up and he’s going right to last year’s champion. Denis Goltsov is a very impressive 9-1 in his last ten fights. His lone loss was in the 2023 heavyweight finals where he was stopped by Renan Ferreira. Last year, he went 4-0 with four stoppages on his way to becoming the 2024 heavyweight champion.

PFL Cape Town

The next matchup on the card will be a lightweight showcase between Artur Zaynukov (16-4) and Takeshi Izumi (6-3). Zaynukov enters the bout having won five fights in a row including his PFL debut last October against Dedrek Sanders. Izumi will be making his promotional debut after spending his entire professional career in Japan. His last fight was back in March against Spike Carlyle in RIZIN where he won a unanimous decision.

The next featured matchup will feature the featherweight return of AJ McKee (22-2). The former Bellator featherweight champion is returning to the weight class where he…

Continue reading