Brendan Gibbons and Viva Promotions ink Elijah Pierce

Brendan Gibbons recently inked Elijah Pierce (18-2, 15 KOs), a top-10, world-rated junior featherweight contender from Midwest City, Oklahoma

If that last name rings a bell, it should. Brendan is the son of globally recognized promoter, agent, manager, and MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions’ president Sean Gibbons. Among many other champions and contenders Gibbons represents, Manny’s MP Promotions currently sport a huge conglomerate of champions and world-rated contenders. 

With older brother Parker Gibbons as the camp coordinator for Sean’s “Knuckleheads Boxing Gym” in Las Vegas, the training base for all Gibbons’ fighters, it is indeed an “all in the family” operation.

Brendan, and his “Viva Promotions”, are currently building a stable of contenders. The signing of Oklahoma’s

Pierce certainly brings a sentimental touch, as it was Sean’s Oklahoma City-based uncle Pat O’Grady who first taught Gibbons the ropes of all things boxing. 

Gibbons, under the direction of O’Grady, would mine every major and minor city in the state hosting weekly club shows with fighters of every and all levels in the sport. 

Later Gibbons would hook up with long-time friend, and fellow Midwest boxing legend, Pete Susens. They worked the “Knuckleheads Boxing Fraternity” which at one time was, without a doubt, the busiest boxing operation in the United States Midwest. The two managed and promoted dozens and dozens of fighters from 4-round opponents to world-rated contenders and champions. 

Brendan has been around the sport his whole life and is showing many of the gifts and instincts inherited from his father Sean, one of the most respected (and without a doubt hardest working) people in the sport.  

Pierce turned pro in the summer of 2016. Right from the start he started to show his attitude and desire to test himself against the best facing 5 fighters without a loss in his first 10 bouts.

Going 9-1, his only loss was to awkward southpaw Gio Cabrera who recently went 10 with powerful Isaac Cruz. 

In his next 10, after a razor-thin MD loss to very experienced Sulaiman Segawa, he has gone 9-0 and beaten a host of very experienced fighters. Now at 18-2, Gibbons likes what he sees and is eagerly anticipating getting his latest charge into the ring in the spring of this year. 

In a recent interview, it was clear Brendan was excited about his new signing.

“When I finally got a chance to see him fight, I was impressed with his ability and talent”, said Gibbons. “I believe with the guidance of Viva Promotions. Elijah will get the big opportunities he’s earned”.

Pierce, currently world-rated in the top 10 by the WBA and the WBO, has shown that with 15 KOs in 18 fights, he can both bang and box. And, he recently discussed how excited he is to be working with Brendan (and Sean) Gibbons. 

"I’m very excited to be part of Viva Promotions and the opportunity to work with Brendan Gibbons and Sean Gibbons. They’ve done a phenomenal job leading fighters to world titles and huge fights," Pierce said. "With Viva Promotions behind me, I know I’ll get the opportunities I deserve”, he said. “I’m looking forward to an explosive year and unveiling the true Elijah Pierce - Viva."

Prospect Elijah Pierce. Promoter Brendan Gibbons. Viva indeed!