WFC Presents Milestone 50th Event, Professional Boxing in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – March 28, 2016 – World Fighting Championships marks its 50th event milestone with a new beginning. The growing boxing and mixed martial arts crossover promotion makes its Pennsylvania debut when it presents WFC 50, live professional boxing, on Saturday, April 9th at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

WFC 50, currently slated for six bouts, sees heavyweight Jason Bergman (25-12-2, 16KO) versus Jesse Barboza (11-1-1, 7KO) in the North American championship main event bout. Fan-friendly, and popular in his home town of Pittsburgh, Bergman isn’t in for an easy fight with Barboza, who is currently in the midst of a 7-fight win streak. Bergman isn’t deterred, and plans to make a statement in front of his hometown crowd. The veteran is determined to move closer to world title contention with a win over an impressive prospect in Barboza.

In the co-main event, Tommy Karpency (25-5-1, 14KO) faces Paul Gonsalves (9-7-1, 4KO) in an 8-round light-heavyweight contest. Karpency made waves with a win over “Bad” Chad Dawson in 2014, and is seeking redemption after his loss to Canadian Light Heavyweight Adonis Stevenson in September, when he challenged the polarizing fighter for the WBC Light Heavyweight title. Karpency brings a wealth of experience to ring with him, having fought top competition since his debut in 2006, while Massachusetts-based Gonsalves will be in his first title fight on April 9th.

WFC 50 is a family affair for Karpency, who joins brothers Jeremiah Karpency and Dan Karpency on the card. Heavyweight Jeremiah (12-0, 4KO) looks to remain undefeated when he faces the more experienced Mike Sheppard (24-19-1, 10KO) for the WBA NABA US Heavyweight Championship. Younger brother Dan Karpency (5-0, 1KO) will be facing Eric Bledsoe (1-1, 1KO) in a four round bout at Middleweight.

“We couldn’t be happier that our milestone 50th event happens to be our debut in Pennsylvania,” said WFC Promoter Matt McGovern. The young promoter inked a multi-event deal with The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in late 2015. “We are going to give boxing fans and casino guests a high-quality, action packed night of fights, just as we’ve done in our previous 49 events. We are bringing three titles to Pittsburgh. We want to show the fans and local boxing community that we are here to stay.”

Tickets are priced at $100, $50, and $25, and are available along with VIP tables via the WFC website at www.worldfightingchampionships.com.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on fight night. First bell is at 7:00 p.m.