Origins
A legacy forged in the heat of the ring.
Leadership
The people who run Cuka Boxing Promotions.
Ardian Cuka
Founder | Owner | President of Utah Boxing
Ardian Cuka is a driving force in the world of amateur and professional boxing, known for his tireless dedication to growing the sport across Utah and beyond. As the founder of Cuka Boxing Promotions and current President of Utah Boxing, Ardian has played a pivotal role in shaping the region's boxing landscape through over two decades of leadership and innovation.
Since 2009, Ardian has served as Chief of Officials and Vice President of the Utah Local Boxing Committee (LBC), where he has overseen more than 250 local events and 60+ regional and national championships sanctioned by USA Boxing. His deep commitment to integrity, fairness, and excellence has earned him the respect of athletes, coaches, and officials nationwide.
In the past two years alone, Ardian has successfully organized over 35 live events, demonstrating a rare blend of organizational acumen and passion for the sport. Now, with his eyes set on the future, Ardian is leading an ambitious push to elevate Utah boxing to the national stage — including large-scale mega-events, global pay-per-view access, and ticketing structures that mirror the world's biggest fight nights.
Jacob Cuka
Co-Owner | Entrepreneur | Musical Entertainment Producer
As Co-Owner of Cuka Boxing Promotions, Jacob Cuka represents the next generation of leadership — bringing fresh energy, creativity, and a modern vision to the brand. An entrepreneur and musical entertainment producer, Jacob combines business instincts with a deep understanding of live entertainment, fan engagement, and media.
Jacob's background in music and entertainment production allows Cuka Boxing Promotions to push beyond traditional boxing events — integrating high-quality production, sound, and atmosphere to create unforgettable show experiences for both fighters and fans. He is focused on building partnerships, enhancing the event experience, and connecting boxing with today's entertainment culture.
Working alongside his father, Ardian, Jacob is helping to shape the future of Cuka Boxing Promotions — blending proven boxing expertise with innovative entertainment strategies to bring the brand to a broader, global audience.
Focus Areas
- Co-Owner, Cuka Boxing Promotions
- Entrepreneur & Musical Entertainment Producer
- Live Event Production & Fan Experience
- Partnerships & Media Strategy
Nelson Hysa
"The Albanian Eagle"
WBO Global Heavyweight Champion
Nelson Hysa is from Shkodër, Albania, and began boxing in 2000. As an amateur he won a European medal in 2003 and multiple national and Balkan titles.
He turned pro in 2022 and is undefeated at 25-0 (23 KOs). He is a European Champion in the professional ranks and currently holds the WBO Global heavyweight title.
In August 2026 he defended that title at London’s O2 Arena, stopping Thomas Narmo in the second round.
Titles
- WBO Global heavyweight champion
- WBO European heavyweight (former)
- WBF Intercontinental / LBO International
John Heath
Attorney
John Heath serves as Attorney for Cuka Boxing Promotions, bringing more than 20 years of legal, business, and strategic experience to the organization. Known for his practical judgment and relationship-centered approach, he supports the promotion with sound legal guidance, business integrity, and long-term organizational success.
Born and raised in Sandy, Utah, John earned his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University School of Law and was admitted to the Utah Bar. Over the past two decades, he has led a consumer-credit-focused legal practice — combining legal knowledge, business strategy, and technology — and recently completed a Master of Business Administration from Southern Utah University.
Beyond the office, John stays active in community and international initiatives, including board service for his local Red Cross chapter, support for youth boxing in South Jordan, and leadership with legal publishing and events organizations operating in Dubai and Cairo.
Background
- Attorney, Cuka Boxing Promotions
- 20+ Years Legal & Business Leadership
- J.D., Ohio Northern University · Utah Bar
- MBA, Southern Utah University (2026)
Orel Gorce
Managing Director
Orel Gorce serves as Managing Director of Cuka Boxing Promotions — managing the details behind the scenes so greatness can happen in the ring.
Working closely with the leadership team, he coordinates day-to-day operations across events, athlete relations, logistics, and the guest experience that defines every Cuka Boxing show.
From planning to execution, Orel keeps the promotion running with precision — so fighters, staff, and audiences can focus on what matters most when the lights go up.
Luis Muca
Director of Technology
Luis Muca leads technology and digital operations for Cuka Boxing Promotions — building the platforms, tools, and systems that power the promotion behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
From the official website and fighter profiles to live-event workflows and content delivery, he ensures every digital touchpoint matches the championship standard the brand demands in the ring.
Working alongside leadership and operations, Luis keeps Cuka Boxing connected, scalable, and ready for the next level — from fight night production to the fan experience online.
Dea Karoshi
Social Media & Digital Engagement
Dea Karoshi manages the social media footprint and digital audience engagement for Cuka Boxing Promotions — driving the content, storytelling, and community that connect the brand with fans worldwide.
From crafting viral Instagram reels and daily posts to tracking audience analytics, she ensures Cuka Boxing's online presence is as explosive and engaging as the action inside the ropes. Keeping up with the latest trends and fight-night progress, Dea bridges the gap between the gym and the screen, capturing the raw energy of the fighters and the lifestyle of the brand.
Working alongside the content and media teams, Dea keeps the global community hooked, growing, and hyped for every event — ensuring the Cuka Boxing story punches through the digital noise.
Erli Gorce
Director of Administration
Erli Gorce serves as Director of Administration for Cuka Boxing Promotions — keeping the organization organized, compliant, and ready for every event on the calendar.
He oversees internal operations, documentation, and administrative coordination across the promotion — supporting leadership, staff, and partners with the structure needed to execute championship-level shows.
Working alongside the management team, Erli ensures contracts, schedules, and back-office workflows run smoothly so the focus stays on the fighters, the fans, and fight night.
Devon Hicks
Athletic Boxers Director of Wellness & Treatments
Devon Hicks brings over two decades of bedside nursing experience to the corner of the ring. A graduate student training to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, he merges clinical insight with compassionate care for athletes fighting battles both within and outside the cage.
Beyond the clinic, Devon serves as a professional cutman and certified powerlifting and nutrition coach, helping athletes push their limits with discipline, purpose, and integrity. He believes every fighter deserves support that strengthens not only their body, but also their mind and soul — whether they're battling addiction, trauma, self-doubt, or an opponent across the canvas.
A man of deep faith, Devon is grounded by his dedicated wife and two children. In every corner of his life — the clinic, the gym, the ring, and the home — his purpose remains the same: to help people rise, rebuild, and rediscover the strength within them.
Jaye Alia
Director of Photography
Jaye Alia manages the visual storytelling for Cuka Boxing Promotions — creating cinematic video and photography that connects the brand experience with audiences worldwide.
Working closely behind the camera, he captures the raw energy of fight night, the intensity of the athletes, and the heart of boxing — ensuring every frame delivers a visually engaging experience that brings fans into the story.
From Brigham Young University–Idaho to the squared circle, Jaye brings more than four years of video production experience and a Communications degree with an emphasis in Video Production, backed by digital marketing certification that keeps the brand's visuals sharp, intentional, and ready for every platform.
Background
- Director of Photography, Cuka Boxing Promotions
- 4+ Years Video Production Experience
- B.A. Communications — Video Production, BYU–Idaho
- Certified in Digital Marketing
Coaches
Veteran coaches who develop fighters in the gym, on the cards, and across the amateur and professional ranks.
Ted Gurul'e
Head Coach | Sports Administrator
Ted Gurul'e is Head Coach of Cuka Boxing Promotions and a sports administrator with more than 40 years of leadership experience developing amateur and professional athletes, organizing competition, and strengthening boxing across Utah.
As a professional boxing coach for 10 years and an amateur boxing coach for 15, Ted has built training programs focused on technique, conditioning, strategy, and mental preparation — guiding fighters from their first steps in the gym to championship-level bouts.
He serves as Head Coach of Fullmer Brothers Boxing Club (14+ years), overseeing athlete development, mentoring coaches, and promoting discipline and sportsmanship in the gym and community. He is also Head Coach of Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves, leading team preparation, training camps, and competition strategy at regional and national levels.
As Vice President of USA Boxing – Utah (9+ years), Ted helps administer amateur boxing statewide — working with coaches, officials, athletes, and club owners to promote safe, fair competition and support tournaments, events, and athlete development programs.
Boxing Leadership
- Head Coach, Cuka Boxing Promotions
- Head Coach, Fullmer Brothers Boxing Club — 14+ years
- Head Coach, Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves
- Vice President, USA Boxing – Utah — 9+ years
- Professional Boxing Coach — 10 years
- Amateur Boxing Coach — 15 years
Tanner Gurule
Amateur Boxer | Coach
Tanner Gurule is a highly accomplished amateur boxer and coach from Utah with over 100 amateur bouts and more than a decade of experience in competitive boxing. A 6-time Utah State Champion and 6-time Rocky Mountain Regional Champion, Tanner is also a bronze medalist at the 2016 USA Junior Olympics, a bronze medalist at the 2021 National Golden Gloves, and a competitor at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
Beyond competition, he is deeply committed to the growth of the sport, serving on both the Utah USA Boxing Board of Directors and the Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves Board of Directors.
As a coach, Tanner combines elite competitive experience with technical expertise, ring strategy, and a passion for developing fighters — bringing a championship mindset to every athlete he works with.
Competition & Service
- 6-Time Utah State Champion
- 6-Time Rocky Mountain Regional Champion
- 2016 USA Junior Olympics — Bronze Medalist
- 2021 National Golden Gloves — Bronze Medalist
- 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Competitor
- Utah USA Boxing Board of Directors
- Rocky Mountain Golden Gloves Board of Directors
The Theatre of Combat
We believe the boxing ring is the world's last honest stage. At Cuka Boxing Promotions, we don't just host fights — we curate theatrical masterpieces where athletic prowess meets cinematic production. Our commitment to professional excellence ensures that every bout is a testament to endurance, integrity, and triumph.
Production
Lighting, timing, and presentation that keep the focus on the ring.
Fair cards
Matchups and weigh-ins run to professional standards.
Next up
Professional boxing events in Utah — cards for rising and established fighters, open to fans across the region.