New boxing promotion, Probellum, launches by Richard Schaefer

[Ruthless-RKO]

Former Golden Boy Promotions CEO launches Probellum, a new global boxing promotion and media company

Probellum, a boxing promotion and media company, launched on Monday, the company's president, Richard Schaefer, told ESPN.

The company aims to take a global approach to the sport, using alliances in different territories - Europe, Eastern Bloc, Asia, Middle East and Africa among them - in an attempt to unify a fragmented industry.

Schafer said the company's plans include a heavy emphasis on supporting boxing from the grassroots level to major championship bouts. That includes an ambitious goal to promote, co-promote or support 100-plus events in Probellum's first year of business. Schafer estimates 80 to 90 percent of those events will take place outside the U.S.

"We're going to do our own events and execute network agreements as well, but we don't mind being co-promoters," said Schaefer, who helped architect Golden Boy Promotions into a powerhouse. "We want to make sure the fights the sport needs are going to happen. So we really want to have an all-inclusive approach.

"We want to work with every promoter. We want to work with every manager. These aren't just words. We're going to follow that up with action."

A key initiative, Schaefer said, is Probellum's digital platform, which will deliver original content, shoulder programming surrounding events and other boxing programming to the sport's global fanbase.

Schaefer's last venture was Ringstar, but he insisted Probellum is going to be vastly different. The major change, he said, is the team Probellum has formed.

Harrison Whitman, a key dealmaker and General Counsel at Top Rank for five-plus years, will serve as Chief Strategy & Legal Officer of Probellum. Eric Winter, a former media executive at UFC and Yahoo Sports, joined Probellum as Chief Operating Officer.

Anthony Petosa, an Emmy-award winning production executive who spent more than a decade at UFC, will shape the look and feel of original content on the platform. Anthony Catanzaro, who guided the career of former champion Paulie Malignaggi, is Vice President of Business Operations for Probellum. Catanzaro, most recently, was a boxing executive for Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Probellum also has a board of directors/advisors, Schaefer said, headed by the company's founder, Ali Shams Pour, a U.K.-based businessman who owns Glentoran FC and other sports properties. The Board of Directors also includes Florin Vasvari, a professor at the London Business School. The advisory board includes Ahmed Seddiqi, who has spearheaded the rebirth of boxing in the UAE.

"I really think this is an all-star team with access to capital but also passionate and experienced in boxing," said Schaefer, a former Swiss banker based in Los Angeles. "I think the oft-overused term 'dream team' is appropriate here.

"The strength of the team is going to give confidence to networks, confidence to sponsors and most notably, confidence to talent," Schaefer said.

Now that the company has launched, Probellum will focus heavily to "promote and lift markets that have maybe been neglected in the past," Schaefer said.

Chief among them, he said, is Africa. Schaefer pointed to the UFC's success there with heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.

"African fighters are often looked upon as opponents," Schaefer said. "We want to focus on markets that maybe haven't had champions before. Our goal is to eventually have a performance institute on every continent. We are having advanced talks in that regard as well.

"Boxing is a global sport and this is a global company," he added. "Maybe if you come out of the gate perceived as an underdog, the actions will speak louder. Our global vision and our global capabilities to execute will really set us apart. Boxing is not one market, boxing is the world."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Isn't is the more promoters, the ahrder to make fights?

Unless they're signing a lot of prospects and build them up and then match them together.

It's a media company too.

Are they getting a TV deal? is it going to be an app?

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Enlightened-One]

Ringstar fails. Probellum launches.

Part of me thinks that Richard Schaefer only performed an administration role when he was in charge of GBP (when De La Hoya was simply a drug-taking cross-dressing figurehead).

Perhaps it was Al Haymon that was really steering that ship.

Richard Schaefer hasn't achieved anything notable since he was ejected from GBP.

Maybe the guys he's aligned himself with might be able to make Probellum a success, but it's undeniable that Richard Schaefer's track-record has been very poor for the last seven years.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Probellum announces exciting news with multi-fight deal

Major global boxing and media company Probellum is pleased to announce a multi-fight, multi-year deal co-promotional agreement with Latvia’s LNK Boxing.

Securing another partnership with a leading promotional company is the latest statement of intent for Probellum, as they look to achieve their goal of working in collaboration with established promoters around the world in order to serve millions of boxing fans on a 24/7 365 basis.

LNK Boxing are universally viewed as the biggest promotional company in Latvia, having staged sold out events in the Baltic region for a number of years.

They represent some of the best fighters that Europe has to offer, including Ricards Bolotniks, who defeated Serge Michel, Hosea Burton and Liam Conroy to win The Golden Contract tournament in 2020, whilst also recently sharing the ring with world-ranked light-heavyweight contender Joshua Buatsi.

The deal will allow Probellum to co-promote events in Latvia alongside LNK Boxing, helping to build a ubiquitous, digital platform to compliment broadcasters and promoters, benefitting those in areas and territories who are passionate about boxing but do not have the necessary resources at their disposal.

“LNK Boxing is thrilled to announce this deal with Probellum, and we are confident it will take Baltic Boxing to the very top,” said Vadim Mikov of LNK Boxing. There are many young talented athletes that want to reach the world stage and now they have the chance.

“We have actively been doing shows since 2017, plus managing boxers and also operating boxing gyms, so with Probellum on board the future looks very bright.”

“LNK Boxing have grown tremendously over the last few years, and we’re delighted that Probellum are partnering up with them to take things to the next level,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Some of the very best fighters in the world have come out of Latvia in recent years, most notably cruiserweight champion Mairis Briedis, so we can’t wait to work alongside LNK Boxing to help build the sport in the region.”

Stay tuned to Probellum for even more huge announcements over the next few days.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Probellum announce ground-breaking multi-year co-promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing

Probellum partner with Wasserman Boxing

Major global boxing and media company Probellum can today announce a ground-breaking multi-fight, multi-year co-promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing.

The historic partnership between the two boxing giants will see a number of high-profile events take place in Germany, with the first scheduled for December 3, while further dates are also planned for Berlin in February and Cologne in May.

It means that several spectacular cards will be held in the region, giving fantastic opportunities to German boxers at home and on the international stage, while major stars from around the globe will also be given the chance to compete in Germany.

Wasserman Boxing was created earlier this year after Wasserman announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters. They boast an incredible line-up of fighters, featuring top German talent Vincent Feigenbutz, Abass Baraou, Denis Radovan, Leon Bunn, Patrick Wojcicki and Sophie Alisch, plus a host of international stars including Chris Eubank Jr, Filip Hrgović and Mairis Briedis.

Team Sauerland was founded in 1978 by Hall of Fame legend Wilfried Sauerland and is currently led by brothers Kalle & Nisse Sauerland. They have promoted more than 50 world champions and have broken box office records in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US and Latin America.

The partnership between Probellum and Wasserman Boxing is the latest step in Probellum's goal to promote the best and biggest fights around the world, regardless of promotional affiliation. Probellum aims to end the fragmentation between rival promoters and distribution platforms, in order to empower fighters and galvanize a global fanbase, whilst investing heavily in grassroots boxing.

“We are super excited to bring such a strong international partner to Germany,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman. “It’s amazing news for all the Wasserman Boxing fighters and German boxing fans. Many boxers are already in the world rankings and following the difficult Covid times, this will refresh the German boxing scene. We are excited to already announce the first dates and venues for the coming months, which will feature Germany’s finest boxers. This move will give us the strength to once again bring the big international names to Germany.”

“This is a massive move for German boxing,” said German boxing legend Arthur Abraham. “I faced the biggest names from the US and the UK in Germany during my career to become a global superstar and this will allow the future of German boxing to conquer the world.”

“We’re delighted to enter this ground breaking agreement with Probellum,” said Fahri Ecvet, COO of Global Football and Boxing at Wasserman. “This deal signals the start of a new era for German boxing. Fans can look forward to a series of incredible fight nights, while our Wasserman Boxing fighters will have the platform to become international stars.”

"We are ecstatic to announce this fantastic co-promotional agreement with Wasserman Boxing," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "We have already established major partnerships with promoters around the world, and this is one of the biggest yet.

"Wasserman Boxing is one of the best entities in the entire sport, and it is a major statement of intent from Probellum to secure this deal. It will mean German boxing is taken to the next level, and it is an extremely exciting time for everybody involved."

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

[KiwiRider]

Triller have set the bar

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eimantas Stanionis Signs With Probellum, Continues Career-Long Relationship With Richard Schaefer

Eimantas Stanionis was among the first boxers signed by promoter Richard Schaefer at the start of Ringstar Promotions.

That relationship continues through present day, with the unbeaten welterweight now an integral part of Schaefer's latest creation.

Upstart boxing and media company Probellum—which officially launched in mid-September and with Schaefer serving as its President—signed its first boxer in Stanionis (13-0, 9 KOs; 1 ND), a 2016 Lithuanian Olympian and current unbeaten welterweight company. The announcement Monday was the latest made by Probellum, which has provided daily updates of professional partnerships formed since its inception and now delved into the promotional aspect of its business model.

"I'm thrilled to continue my relationship with Eimantas Stanionis," said Schaefer. "I've been working with him since after the Olympics in 2016, and he's on the verge of some tremendous fights."

Stanionis has been with Schaefer since December 2016, making his pro debut as a Ringstar-promoted fighter in April 2017. The entirety of his pro career has taken place on shows presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), a relationship that is expected to continue moving forward though just under a new promotional banner.

"The world is his oyster and it's great to work with him at Probellum. We already have a strategic partner in Lithuania, so there are a million opportunities for him. We're looking forward to continue working with PBC who have done a great job with Eimantas. With manager Shelly Finkel, Eimantas has one of the best teams in boxing."

Stanionis last fought in August, settling for a No-Decision with former welterweight titlist Luis Collazo. The Fox-televised main event at The Armory in Minneapolis ended just 0:29 shy of being registered as an official bout, as Collazo was unable to continue due to a cut inside of his right eyelid caused by a clash of heads. Stanionis was well on his way to winning the fight, doing so every way but officially in the end.

Prior to the bout, Stanionis picked up his career best win in a twelve-round, unanimous decision over former title challenger Thomas Dulorme this past April at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Probellum was formed with the understanding of partnering up with as many promoters as possible, taking a global approach to launching its brand. It's far removed from the business model Schaefer helped form with Golden Boy Promotions, which he ran from its 2002 launch through 2014 when he and Oscar De La Hoya went through an ugly and very public divorce.

Schaefer returned to the sport in late 2016, mostly working with PBC and signing Nonito Donaire along with a number of boxers from the 2016 Olympics including Stanionis.

"We're going to do our own events and execute network agreements as well, but we don't mind being co-promoters," said Schaefer, who helped architect Golden Boy Promotions into a powerhouse. "We want to make sure the fights the sport needs are going to happen. So we really want to have an all-inclusive approach. We want to work with every promoter. We want to work with every manager.

"These aren't just words. We're going to follow that up with action."

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Probellum are busy.

Stanionis
Badou Jack
Regis Prograis
————

Prograis was a free agent.

Stanionis was aligned with PBC. Mostly on FOX telecasts.

Badou Jack another PBC member. He usually appeared on the Mayweather promotion cards on Showtime.

These guys would probably not have gone with Probellum, had Schaefer not been behind it.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Schaefer was Standionis’ advisor..

Interesting to know, he also advises Nonito Donaire.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[margaret thatcher]

looks like he's got a real draw there in badou jack

[Ruthless-RKO]

[3132DW]

Signed Ricky Burns today.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Probellum has announced the promotional signing of Scotland’s only ever three-weight world champion Ricky Burns.

Burns (43-8-1, 16 knockouts) held world titles at super-featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight between 2010 and 2017.

During that time, the Scottish hero earned wins over fighters such as Michael Katsidis, Kiryl Relikh, Roman Martinez and Kevin Mitchell, whilst also sharing the ring with the likes of Terence Crawford and Ray Beltran.

“We are ecstatic to announce the promotional signing of three-weight world champion Ricky Burns,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “Ricky is one of the best fighters of this generation, and there are still some huge nights ahead of him.

“Scottish boxing is at an all-time high at the moment with fighters such as Josh Taylor, Lee McGregor and Kash Farooq flying the flag, but Ricky remains a national hero. He hasn’t had the chance to fight in Scotland since 2017, and there are going to be endless possibilities for him after joining us here at Probellum.”

To this day, Burns remains one of the best Scottish fighters ever produced, having competed on 52 occasions in his illustrious professional career, with 13 of those being world title bouts.

He is the latest fighter to team up with Probellum, after former world champions Regis Prograis and Badou Jack joined earlier this week.

“I’m honoured to be signing this promotional agreement with Probellum,” said Burns. “I feel I’ve still got plenty left to offer in my career and I can’t wait to make my long-awaited return in the near future, hopefully with thousands of my fans in attendance.

“From my conversations with Probellum it’s clear that we share the same vision and goals, so I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring soon and having a powerhouse like them backing me.”

[margaret thatcher]

burns is kinda old news tbh

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Brandon Moore Inks Promotional Pact With Probellum

Probellum has announced the promotional signing of undefeated heavyweight contender Brandon Moore.

Moore (10-0, 6 knockouts) is the current WBC USNBC Silver champion, and extended his unbeaten run with a first round knockout win over Jesus Angel Nerio in Mexico on Saturday.

"Probellum is the natural fit for me. A new, fresh, innovative approach to the sport," said Moore. "Their business plan fits what I've been looking for and I'm excited with their help that I can get to the top of the heavyweight division.

"With Keith Connolly & Ryan Rickey as my managers I feel like I've assembled the best team on the planet to take me to the next level. I can't wait to show the boxing world what I have to offer, and I'm excited to get started."

Co-managed by Keith Connolly and Ryan Rickey, 27-year-old Moore is a promising heavyweight prospect.

"Brandon Moore is a young charismatic athletic mobile heavyweight. This is the perfect opportunity and Probellum presents the perfect platform," said Moore's co-manager Keith Connolly. "Collectively we will look to pursue the biggest and best opportunities for Brandon.

"People can expect to see him in big fights in the next couple of years as he climbs the ranks in the heavyweight division. Harrison Whitman and I have had extensive talks about doing business together and Brandon is the first of many top flight fighters we will be work together with in the coming years."

Standing at 6'6", the talented southpaw from Florida was also a successful amateur, and has spent time working alongside former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder during training camps.

"We're pleased to be working with Keith Connolly and Ryan Rickey to announce the promotional signing of Brandon Moore," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "There are a lot of highly-rated prospects in the heavyweight division, and Brandon might well just be the best of them all.

"The heavyweight division is in a great place at the moment, and it's going to be enjoyable seeing how Brandon's career develops over the coming years alongside Probellum."

Moore is Probellum's latest promotional signing, following in the footsteps of former world champions Regis Prograis, Badou Jack and Ricky Burns, who have also joined the team.

"I see Probellum as the perfect partner to further Brandon's career to the next level. Their leadership team have a rich history of success," said Moore's co-manager Ryan Rickey. "Also partnering with Keith Connolly as co-manager was a no-brainer.

"He's always been extremely insightful and looked out for his own fighters best interests. Our core beliefs and ideologies are the same.

"This is the first fighter we officially will work with together and I know Brandon will be wildly successful. The synergies between the team align perfectly."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Probellum signs Eduardo Hernandez

Probellum is pleased to announce the promotional signing of Mexico’s hard-hitting super-featherweight star Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez.

Hernandez (30-1, 27 knockouts) is arguably the biggest puncher in the 130lb division, with all but three of his wins coming inside the distance. His last 24 victories have all come by knockout, making him one of the most exciting fighters on the planet.

He is currently ranked #5 in the world by the WBC, and at just 23-years-old, looks certain to have an extremely bright future ahead of him.

Hernandez is the latest big name to join forces with Probellum, following the huge signings of Regis Prograis, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Ricky Burns and Brandon Moore earlier this week.

Probellum advocates a fighter first approach, ensuring that the athlete is empowered and put ahead of everybody else, whilst also giving them the chance to fight all over the world, as Probellum is looking to end the fragmentation in boxing by working with all promoters across the globe to promote landmark events.

“I feel happy and blessed to be part of this movement, but more than that I’m grateful,” said Hernandez. “With my new manager Ferco Box, my advisory team and now adding Richard Schaefer and Probellum, I truly have the best team in boxing. Nothing will stop us.”

“It is a privilege to have somebody as exciting and talented as Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez join us here at Probellum,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “At just 23-years-old, Eduardo’s entire career is ahead of him, and we are certain it will be an extremely successful one.

“Mexico and boxing go hand in hand, and signing a world-ranked knockout specialist like Eduardo is the first step in what is going to be some big moves for Probellum in that country.”

News on when Hernandez will have his first bout after signing with Probellum will be announced in the near future.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

[margaret thatcher]

rocky was looking like a bit of a beast until his ko 1 loss, still very young and can have a bright future

[Bandog]

Thought it was a typo at first...

What's the probellum? Broner?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release | Arthur Biyarslanov, Eduardo Hernandez Ink Pacts With Probellum

Probellum has announced the promotional signing of 'The Chechen Wolf' - Arthur Biyarslanov.

Undefeated Biyarslanov (8-0, 6 knockouts) has gone from strength to strength since making his professional debut back in 2018, and showed the rapid pace he is developing at when last time out in just his eighth contest he defeated fellow unbeaten fighter Israel Mercado.

"I'm happy to welcome The Chechen Wolf Arthur Biyarslanov to the Probellum team," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "We've been looking to sign fighters that we know can compete at the very top for many years to come, and he certainly ticks that box.

"Already in just eight professional fights he has established himself as a key part of the lightweight division, and he will now be given the opportunity to showcase his skills around the world and compete in front of his loyal fans on some big events."

Widely known as 'The Chechen Wolf' - the 26-year-old also had an illustrious amateur career, representing Canada at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, whilst also winning a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

After leaving Russia as a child, Biyarslanov eventually settled in Canada, and has fought professionally in the country on three occasions, along with five bouts to date in the USA.

To date, Probellum has secured co-promotional agreements with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

The Chechen Wolf is the latest promotional signing for Probellum, after announcing deals with Regis Prograis, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Ricky Burns, and Brandon Moore.

"I am excited and delighted to join Probellum," said Biyarslanov. "I got the long-term contract I have been looking for and I believe Probellum will make my dreams come true through the opportunities they are going to present for me."

Probellum also announced the promotional signing of Mexico's hard-hitting super featherweight Eduardo 'Rocky' Hernandez.

"It is a privilege to have somebody as exciting and talented as Eduardo 'Rocky' Hernandez join us here at Probellum," said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. "At just 23-years-old, Eduardo's entire career is ahead of him, and we are certain it will be an extremely successful one.

"Mexico and boxing go hand in hand, and signing a world-ranked knockout specialist like Eduardo is the first step in what is going to be some big moves for Probellum in that country."

Hernandez (30-1, 27 knockouts) is arguably one of the biggest punchers in the 130lb division.

He is currently ranked #5 in the world by the WBC, and at just 23-years-old, still has a bright future ahead of him.

"I feel happy and blessed to be part of this movement, but more than that I'm grateful," said Hernandez. "With my new manager Ferco Box, my advisory team and now adding Richard Schaefer and Probellum, I truly have the best team in boxing. Nothing will stop us.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

[gregregegg]

Must be a big outfit if the have signed Sam jones as "tallent relations for the UK"

He seemed to be on a good thing with the managing, had a nice little team.