As noted, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has signed on with CBS Sports for a new boxing series called “Knockout Night at the D”.
The following press release has been issued, detailing Jim Ross’ new hire as a boxing analyst for CBS Sports:
“Knockout Night at the D” series
To air on CBS Sports NetworkHall of Fame broadcast team Al Bernstein, Jim Ross & Kevin Kelly
Tickets on sale for inaugural event Mar. 12 at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
Zab Judah returns in main event vs. Josh Torres
LAS VEGAS (February 23, 2016) – CBS Sports Network will be home of the new monthly professional boxing series, “Knockout Night at The D,” which officially launches Saturday night, March 12, at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC).
It has also been announced that the “Knockout Night at the D” broadcast team will feature a pair of Hall-of-Fame announcers, color commentator Al Bernstein and Jim “JR” Ross will handle blow-by-blow responsibilities, as well as former world featherweight champion Kevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley, who will conduct post fight and celebrity interviews.
The “Knockout Night at the D” series, created by the D Las Vegas and DLVC, along with Neon Star Media and Roy Englebrecht Promotions, will be held at the DLVEC open air venue located adjacent to the D Las Vegas. The inaugural event Mar. 12th, however, will take place inside the DLVEC’s 20,000-square-foot tent.
Eight “Knockout Night at the D” events are planned in 2016. There are three other series broadcast dates – April 16, May 13 and June 10 (subject to normal Nevada Commission approval) – with other dates to be determined in September, October, November and December.
“It has been our vision to bring outdoor boxing back to the city, so it excites us to see this dream of ours come to life at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center,” Derek Stevens, CEO of the D Las Vegas and DLVEC said. “We look forward to partnering with Neon Star Productions to present a series of incredible match-ups that will be talked about for years to come.”
Bernstein is arguably the preeminent boxing announcer in the world. In 1980, Bernstein joined ESPN as its boxing analyst. The 1988 Sam Taub Award winner for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism, Bernstein served as boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. A 2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Bernstein has been boxing analyst for Showtime Championship Boxing since 2003, as well as the main commentator the past four years for Channel 5, a terrestrial network in the United Kingdom.
“I am extremely happy to be a part of the ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series,” Bernstein said. “The venue is great, the event creates a lot of excitement in Downtown Las Vegas, and CBS Sports Network viewers will see excellent boxing on our telecasts. The operative word here is fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
The wildly popular Ross, who was the voice of the WWE, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Although he is best known for his work in wrestling, Ross is an experienced sports commentator who has called professional boxing and mixed material arts events. He has also developed his own brand of barbeque sauces and cookbooks.
“I am beyond excited to have this opportunity to broadcast big time, world-class boxing from the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas,” Ross remarked. “Working with Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, the best analyst in the game, and with the ’Flushing Flash’, Kevin Kelly, equates to a unique broadcasting trifecta. Ring the bell…it’s Slobber Knocker time!”
Kelley (60-10-2, 39 KOs) captured the World Boxing Council featherweight championship December 4, 1993 in Reno, by way of a unanimous 12-round decision, and he successfully defended his title twice against Jesse Benavidas and Jose Vida Ramos. Kelley, who lives in Las Vegas, is an experienced boxing analyst.
“I would like to thank the team of CBS Sports Net work, the D Hotel, Al Bernstein and Jim Ross for this life changing moment,” Kelley commented. “With my hands-on fighting experience and their knowledge of boxing, we come together perfect like a hand in glove.”
Five-time, two-division world champion Zab “Super” Judah (42-9, 29 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas, meets upset-minded Albuquerque, NM junior welterweight Josh “Pitbull” Torres (15-4-2, 7 KOs) in the Mar. 12th 10-round main event.
In the 8-round co-feature, Las Vegas fan favorite Chuy “El Huracan” Gutierrez (14-0-1, 4 KOs) faces lightweight Leon “The Third Generation” Spinks III (11-3-1, 7 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 ringside and $20.00 seated general admission, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or the D Las Vegas box office (702.288-2111). Suites are $1000.00, up to 10 guests, and includes a beverage package. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT.
The “Knockout at the D” series was developed in partnership with DLVEC and Neon Star Media.
CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.
INFORMATION:
Websites: www.dlvec.com, www.thed.com
Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvec, @DerekJStevens
Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/dlvec, www.Facebook.com/thedlasvegas
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @SuperJudah, @PitbullTorres, @ElHuracan88, @LeonSpinksIII
About the D Las Vegas: the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.
About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @DLVEC.
About Roy Englebrecht Promotions: The third-largest fight promotional company in California, Roy Englebrecht Promotions currently promotes the new Fight Club OC at The Hanger, on the grounds of the Orange County Fair & Event Center. Prior to the formation of Fight Club OC in 2011 and for the past 26 years, Roy Englebrecht promoted the highly successful Battle of the Ballroom professional boxing shows at the Irvine Marriott Hotel. Once the longest running pro boxing show in the country, 36 current or former world champions have fought at the Marriott, including Shane Mosely and Johnny Tapia.
About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results.
At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7. Visit is on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
