LAS VEGAS, NV - Veteran matchmaker John Beninati has joined TKO Boxing Promotions, it was announced today by Chris Middendorf, it’s Director of Boxing Operations. 

Beninati, most recently with Gary Shaw Productions, will assume matchmaking duties for the fast rising Las Vegas based promotional outfit.

Said Middendorf about the addition of Beninati to the TKO Boxing team, "There are promoters who sign fighters like Dan Snyder and the Redskins sign football players; they want the great record, maybe the high ranking, so that they can plug them into a fight and get lucky. What we are doing is signing the best talent in the US and the world and as they develop, building our company around them. In order to do that right, you have to have the best matchmaking.”

“The fact is that there are only a handful of top quality matchmakers in the country, and we are excited to add one of the best of those in John Beninati to our company. I have known John for almost twenty years and it is terrific to have him at TKO. With five cards in May, four in June, and five in July, John is joining us at a very exciting time. And if he does a very good job, we might give him a day or two off in August!"

Said Beninati, “I’m very happy to be joining TKO Boxing Promotions. The fights that I’ve done for Gary, that’s the level of excitement that I plan to bring to TKO Boxing Promotions.”

“TKO has a great roster of terrific prospects; particularly Francisco Contreras who I think could be a future star in boxing. He’s already looked great in his first win on ShoBox and I’m sure he’ll be back on soon” continued Beninati. “There’s a real bright future at TKO with all their amateur stars.”

While at GSP, Beninati was critical in the ascent of the careers of world champions Timothy Bradley and Vic Darchinyan along with contenders Alfredo Angulo, Yonnhy Perez, Chris Avalos and Carlos Abregu.

Said Beninati, “I’m excited to be working with Chet and Chris and look forward to great success at TKO Boxing Promotions.