‘KING’ CALLUM WALSH TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LosAngeles, CA (March 2, 2023) Under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, CA, fast-rising Irish star ‘King’ Callum Walsh

(5-0, 4 KOs), is preparing for his next challenge against hard-hitting Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz, (10-1, 9 KOs), set for the Eve of St. Patrick’s DayThursday, March 16 at the Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. The highly anticipated headlining battle is scheduled for ten rounds in the super welterweight division.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 PromotionsHollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz will be broadcast internationally on UFC FIGHT PASS (Subscription SignUp / $9.99 Per Month).

Advance tickets for the live event priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $40 can be purchased at www.AgganisArena.comStudent tickets priced at $25 can be purchased at the Agganis Arena Box Office with valid student ID. The Agganis Arena is located at 925 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Below are comments from Team Walsh two weeks prior to the fight.  

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“We’ve had an excellent training camp, my sixth with Freddie and it’s amazing how much I’ve learned in the last year and half. My conditioning is the best it’s been, I’ve had great sparring the last few weeks and Freddie and I have a terrific game plan for this fight.”

“The trip to Boston for the press lunch a few weeks ago was very impressive. It was great to see all the local media who have taken such a strong interest in this fight. I know how tough Ruiz is, he’s been knocking everybody out and has predicted the same for me but on March 16 I’ll be ready to celebrate with the Irish in Boston.”

Freddie Roach, Trainer of Callum Walsh

“Callum has had a real spark in this training camp.  He’s been punching harder and crisper. It’s been our best training camp, for sure.  It’s obvious he understands how important this fight is and the significance of fighting in an arena filled with Irish boxing fans on the night before St. Patrick’s Day.  I can’t wait to show him off to Boston.”

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions

“We’re excited to bring big-time boxing back to boxing. The enthusiasm for Callum’s fight in Boston has been tremendous since we announced the event at the beginning of February. The rapidly increasing interest from fans and media has made this a must-attend event for New England boxing fans.”

“We’re very happy to feature many local fighters and work with Ken Casey of Murphys Boxing and Jimmy Burchfield of CES Boxing; having their fighters included in the event.”

“Callum has looked very sharp the last few weeks in training and we expect his performance on March 16 to continue his validation as one of boxing’s most talented young fighters.”

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Hollywood Fight Nights – Boston: Walsh vs. Ruiz is headlined by a ten-round super welterweight battle between fast-rising Irish star ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (5-0, 4 KOs), of Cork, Ireland and Spain’s Leonardo Di Stefano Ruiz, (10-1, 9 KOs). Walsh is guided by Boston legend and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Also, Boston boxing hero Danny O’Connor, (30-3, 11 KOs), will make his long-awaited return to the ring in an eight-round super welterweight clash against Luis ‘Vicious’ Garcia, (13-1-1, 9 KOs), of Richmond, CA.

In an eight-round lightweight clash, former WBA Super Featherweight world champion Andrew ‘El Chango’ Cancio, (21-5-2, 16 KOs), of Blythe, CA, battles Jonathan de Pina, (11-1-0, 4 KOs), of Boston, MA.

Fighting in the middleweight division over eight scheduled rounds, Francis ‘Frank the Tank’ Hogan, (13-0, 12 KO’s), of Weymouth, MA hits the ring against New Haven, CT native Jimmie ‘The Quiet Storm’ Williams, (18-10-2, 6 KOs).

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“JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT” A NEW BOXING EXPERIENCE TAKES JERSEY CITY BY STORM THIS SATURDAY NIGHT (3/4) 

Jersey City, NJ (March 2, 2023) – Star Boxing’s inaugural “Jersey City Fight Night” is just days away, set to take place at White Eagle Hall on Saturday night (March 4), in Jersey City, New Jersey. The unique venue calls for a unique fight night, which includes live music from Jersey City’s own, DJ Anthony Vera, a silent sports memorabilia auction and the chance to socialize with former and current professional boxers, athletes, celebrities and local businesses.

Doors to White Eagle Hall will open at 6:30 PM ET with action starting at 7:30 PM ET and fists flying soon thereafter. The live stream of the event will take place on the newly launched StarBoxing.TV at 7:30 PM ET.

In an 8-round bout, New Jersey born and raised super bantamweight, RAJON “PICASSO” CHANCE (E. Orange, NJ, 7-0-1 5KO’s) will fight MARTIN “EL GATO” DIAZ (Managua, Nicaragua, 18-14-2 8KO’S). Chance was a standout amateur, amassing a record of 135-15, with three national championships to his name. Chance returns to his home state of NJ for the second time, facing Diaz, who is a former WBA Fedecentro Bantamweight Champion. Diaz is a tough challenge for Chance having faced an opponent record of 68-8-3 in his last six fights.

Also, in an 8-round bout, undefeated super welterweight, JAHYAE “THE GOLDEN CHILD” BROWN (Schenectady, NY, 13-0 9KO’s) will take on, DENIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, who has made a habit of defeating Star Boxing prospects. Brown, who took his training camp to Las Vegas for the first time, is preparing for a pivotal 2023 that begins at “Jersey City Fight Night.” Born in Kenya, now residing in Silver Springs, Maryland, Okoth (4-5-1 2KO’s) has defeated former Star Boxing prospects Ronnie Austion, and the formally undefeated, Dylan Moran, by emphatic TKO. As Brown looks to transition from prospect to contender, he will need to bite down and avoid the fury of Denis Okoth.

In an 8-round bout, hometown heavyweight NORMAN “NO NONSENSE” NEELY (Paterson, NJ, 13-1 8KO’S) returns with vengeance on his mind, to face off with Lexington, Tennessee heavyweight, NATHAN BEDWELL. Neely, formerly the #1 rated US amateur, and five-time national champion, was on an undefeated warpath before getting stunned in his last bout, by an early first round right hand courtesy of veteran Rydell Booker. With the past behind him, Neely looks to get back to his winning ways when he meets Nathan Bedwell (7-19-1 6KO’s) at Jersey City Fight Night.

In a 4-round light heavyweight bout LOUIS “IL MARTELLO” MAIETTA (1-3-1) will make his way from the Bronx to Jersey City to fight LEVAN LOUTSOUPITZE (New York, NY, pro debut) in what is slated to be an exciting opening contest.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the card, “With Jersey City Fight Night we will be presenting not just a fight card, but a melting pot mixer from the moment doors open until the final bell of the last fight. From music, to mingling, to silent auctions, this event will blend a fun night out coupled with professional boxing action.”

JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. Tickets to “Jersey City Fight Night” are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting whiteeaglehall.com or www.starboxing.com. White Eagle Hall is located at 337 Newark Ave., Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:

Apply for “Jersey City Fight Night” media credentials: CLICK HERE!

*Only for accredited media members

NOTE: The scheduled 8-round super lightweight showdown between Ryan O’Rourke and Deshaun Johns has been cancelled due to O’Rourke coming down with an illness. Likewise, the previously scheduled 6-round super middleweight bout between Harley Burke and Joe Aguilar has been called off after Aguilar suffered a torn bicep late in camp.

All bouts are subject to change;

For more information visit: whiteeaglehalljc.com and StarBoxing.com

Guests can purchase tickets for all upcoming shows by visiting whiteeaglehalljc.com.

For the most up-to-date news on event announcements, follow:

White Eagle Hall on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Star Boxing on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

JERSEY CITY FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets Start at $50. Fight Night: March 4, 2023 at White Eagle Hall




LIVE VIDEO: Brandon Figueroa vs. Mark Magsayo: Press Conference | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING




INJURY FORCES SMITH OUT OF STEPIEN CLASH; MARCH 11

An injury has forced Callum Smith out of his Light-Heavyweight clash with Pawel Stepien at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday March 11.
 
The event will go ahead, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand), with Diego Pacheco’s WBO International Super-Middleweight Title showdown with Jack Cullen and Robbie Davies Jr’s Super-Lightweight fight with Darragh Foley now co-headlining.
 
Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs), one of the hottest prospects in American boxinglooks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle.
 
Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) was set to square off with Australia’s Liam Paro but will now face late stand-in opponent Foley (21-4-1, 9 KOs) over ten rounds, and the Australia-based Irishman arrives in Liverpool brimming with confidence following four straight wins.
 
Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and decorated amateur star turned Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail (6-0, 5 KOs) makes his highly anticipated Matchroom debut.
 
Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title, Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).
 
Refunds for tickets purchased for the March 11 event are available from the original point of purchase.




11TH ANNUAL UFC INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK™ TAKES OVER LAS VEGAS FROM JULY 3 – 9   

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that the 11th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place in Las Vegas from Monday, July 3, through Sunday, July 9, with several events taking place at marquee venues including the Las Vegas Convention Center, T-Mobile Arena, and Resorts World Las Vegas. As one of the tentpole events of UFC’s 30th anniversary celebration, UFC International Fight Week will be highlighted by the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the fully immersive and interactive two-day UFC X. The week-long celebration will be anchored by UFC® 290, which takes place on Saturday, July 8, at T-Mobile Arena.

Spanning more than 200,000 square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s entertainment activation space, UFC X, the organization’s fully immersive and easily accessible two-day fan experience, will be enhanced for UFC’s 30th anniversary to include larger brand and partner activations, live stage programming, expanded autograph sessions, and increased athlete participation, providing fans with unparalleled access to UFC champions and Hall of Famers, top-ranked contenders, and other UFC personalities.

UFC X will take place on Friday, July 7, and Saturday, July 8, at the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the premier meeting and conference venues in Las Vegas. Fans who attend UFC X will also have access to purchase exclusive merchandise at the UFC Store, while also having the opportunity to participate in numerous activities with brand partners. General admission tickets for UFC X start at $25 for one-day access and $45 for two-day access. All children ages 12 and under will receive free entry. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com. The first 3,000 fans who purchase UFC X tickets will receive a complimentary 30th anniversary gift. VIP packages will also be made available for UFC X at a later date through UFC’s Official VIP Experiences partner, On Location, at UFCVIP.com. UFC X will be produced by global full-service cultural marketing agency 160over90.

Fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for International Fight Week will also be able to enjoy ceremonial weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC® 290, on Saturday, July 8, at T-Mobile Arena. Details regarding the bout card for UFC® 290, as well as event locations and additional activities for UFC International Fight Week, will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.




LOADED THREE-BOUT SHOWTIME® BOXING COUNTDOWN SHOW TO STREAM LIVE THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 4 AT 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

ONTARIO, CALIF. – March 2, 2023 – A jam-packed lineup featuring a former title challenger and U.S. Olympian, a top prospect in his toughest test to date and an emerging unbeaten super lightweight will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation this Saturday, March 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Super welterweight contender Terrell Gausha will top the action in a 10-round showdown against once-beaten Brandyn Lynch that streams live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The lineup kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

Also featured in the ring will be sensational rising prospect Travon Marshall stepping up in competition to face the veteran Justin DeLoach Dock in an eight-round welterweight clash, plus unbeaten super lightweight Enriko Gogogkhia duels Samuel Teah in the 8/10-round opener.

The live streaming fights will precede the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by all-action former world champions Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo meeting for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (22-3-1, 11 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif. The 35-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Erickson Lubin. Following a KO of Jamontay Clark in March 2021, Gausha most recently lost a decision to Tim Tszyu last year after dropping Tszyu in round one. He will take on the 31-year-old Lynch (12-1-1, 9 KOs), a native of New Jersey who now resides in Los Angeles. Lynch is unbeaten since after his third pro fight, having avenged his only other blemish by winning a unanimous decision over Marcos Hernandez in May 2022 following a draw in their first matchup.

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (7-0, 6 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just seven fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall is trained by former contender Andrew Council and made a strong 2023 debut in January by stopping Shawn West in one round. He will be opposed by Augusta, Georgia’s DeLoach Dock (19-5, 10 KOs), a veteran who appeared on SHOBOX® and owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Domonique Dolton, Livan Navarro, Junior Castillo and Dillon Cook. He’s faced top competition at 154 and 147 pounds, having battled former unified champion Jeison Rosario and most recently welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis in November 2020.

Gogokhia (13-0-2, 8 KOs) will return to the ring after two 2022 clashes against fellow unbeaten Kent Cruz that both ended in draws. A 31-year-old former kickboxing pro, Gogokhia originally hails from Zigdidi, Georgia and now resides stateside in Woodland Hills, Calif. He takes on Liberia’s Teah (18-4-1, 8 KOs), who most recently scored a first-round knockout of Larry Fryers in September 2019. Now residing in Philadelphia, Teah, who has competed on SHOBOX, owns victories over current 130-pound world champion O’Shaquie Foster and super lightweight contender Kenneth Sims Jr.

The non-televised undercard will also include Dallas-native Miguel Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round middleweight fight taking on Dario Guerrero (1-3-1) and unbeaten featherweight Albert Gonzalez (3-0, 1 KO) facing Joseph Cruz (3-5, 1 KO) in a six-round showdown.

Rounding out the action is undefeated lightweight prospect Anthony Cuba in a six-round lightweight duel against Florida’s Darel Harris and unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel Blancas battling Kansas’ Kynndale Prather in a four-round attraction.

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ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. MAGSAYO

Figueroa vs. Magsayo will see a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, as hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa meets Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah García meet in a 10-round attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FigueroaMagsayo follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




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VIDEO: Jon Jones Media Day Interview




FIERRO: I WILL PROVE I’M THE DANGERMAN AT LIGHTWEIGHT

Angel Fierro has promised to take his headline chance with both hands on Saturday night and launch himself into the World title picture when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Eduardo Estela at Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN.
 
Fierro (20-1-2 16 KOs) defends his belt for the third time and the 24 year old is sitting pretty at #5 in the WBO rankings at 135lbs – no more motivation is needed for Fierro to keep hold of his title and put pressure on the big names at Lightweight to face him next.
 
‘Tashiro’ last defended the strap in October in Mexico City on a card topped by Mauricio Lara in ‘Bronco’s’ last fight before he defeated Leigh Wood in Nottingham to become WBA World Featherweight champion in Nottingham, England last weekend – and Fierro is using his friend’s victory as fuel to land his own dream title shot.
 
“I will show the world that I am a fighter at 135lbs who is ready for them,” said Fierro. “I am looking for my World title shot and ready to hunt the best down. Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Ryan Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Isaac Cruz; they are all on my list to fight next.
 
“I am focused on Eduardo, but once I win, I will have my hand up asking for my opportunity. I’ve been on the same card as Mauricio Lara and he motivates me a lot, knowing that a fellow Mexican friend got his shot and became World champion, and I know my chance will come soon. 
 
“Being another World champion that’s crowned from Mexico would make you a legend like so many of the great fighters from Mexico, and it would motivate the next generation looking to achieve their dreams, by showing that with sacrifice and discipline, your dreams can come true. 
 
“It’s my third defense, I know he is a strong and brave fighter, with a lot of character in the ring. I think he is one of the best fighters I have faced so far, and it’s one of the most important fights of my career so far. 
 
“The moment I knew I would be fighting him, I’ve been watching and analyzing him, because I know it’s a tough test. I think it will be a fight where we trade, we will see in the middle of the ring, looking for our chance. Neither of us want the fight to go to the judges. 
 
“It motivates me even more to fight at home, to be able to put on a great show for the people of Mexico. Everyone knows that Mexican fighters are brave and give everything in the ring, and I think that is what Mexican people and everyone likes to see, that a Mexican fighter goes to the ring and is not afraid of a tear-up.”
  
Eduardo Nunez will provide the co-main event action as he meets unbeaten Jesus Ceyca over ten rounds at Super-Featherweight. KO merchant ‘Sugar’ Nunez (23-1 23 KOs) has won all of his bouts inside the distance, and the 25 year old comes into the bout on the back of a tenth round stoppage win in Culiacan in September, his only fight of 2022. The Los Mochis man will be eager to keep his streak going on March 4, but will need to take the ‘0’ of local man Ceyca (17-0 8 KOs) to do so, who will be on home turf for his first action in 2023 and in his first ten round contest.
 
Elsewhere on the stacked card, 2016 Mexican Olympian Misael Rodriguez (12-0, 7KO’s) who will take on Aaron Guerrero (10-1-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight, and teenage sensation Yair Gallardo (2-0 2 KOs) is looking for a third straight first round KO and takes on KO artist Bernardo Jimenez (9-1 9 KOs) over six at Light-Heavyweight and the second pro fight for Uzbek Olympian Dilshodbek Ruzmetov (1-0) who meets Jesus Palomares (7-1-1 4 KOs) over eight at Super-Middleweight and there’s a pro debut for Eddie Hearn’s latest signing, Critic Bazaldua




TICKETS FOR STANIONIS VS. ORTIZ, JR. TO GO ON-SALE FRIDAY, MARCH 3! 

RLINGTON, TX (March 2, 2023): Tickets for the highly anticipated clash for the WBA Regular Welterweight Title between undefeated knockout artist Vergil Ortiz, Jr. (19-0, 19 KOs) of Grand Prairie, Texas and current undefeated World Champion Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs) will go on sale Friday, March 3. The 12-round championship showdown is set to take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus. The exclusive fight night will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN

Tickets for Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. will go on-sale at 10:00 am CT/ 8:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75 and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at UTATickets.com, AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply at https://emcevents.com/ortizjr_stanionis.html. Media credential applications are due by EOD April 17. 

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Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. is a 12-round fight for the WBA Regular Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #StanionisOrtiz




URUGUAYAN MIDDLEWEIGHT AMILCAR VIDAL EYEING HISTORY AS HE PREPARES FOR SHOWDOWN AGAINST ELIJAH GARCIA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

ONTARIO, CALIF. – March 2, 2023 – With the historic opportunity to become the country of Uruguay’s first world professional boxing champion inching closer with every victory, unbeaten WBC #9 middleweight Amilcar “Pety” Vidal is hard at work in the gym with 2022 Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated “Trainer of the Year” Bob Santos, preparing for his 10-round SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) clash against Arizona’s also unbeaten Elijah Garcia on Saturday, March 4 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Vidal (16-0, 12 KOs) and Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) will meet in the opening televised bout of a Premier Boxing Champions event topped by a high-powered matchup of former world champions, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title live. The telecast will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal is now under the guidance of top trainer Santos in their mutual adopted home of Las Vegas. The 26-year-old put together an impressive streak between November 2019 and November 2020, defeating three previously unbeaten fighters in a row, as he knocked out Zach Prieto on SHOBOX: The New Generation®, Leopoldo Reyna and Edward Ortiz. Vidal followed that up with a decision victory over veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in July 2021 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and has added three more triumphs since then, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz last July.

“I’m too close to lose now,” said Vidal during a break. “I am training with the will of the people of Uruguay and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who is also from here, and I have the best trainer in the world to get me past Garcia and the rest of the way to becoming my country’s first world champion.”

Vidal says that against the power-punching southpaw Garcia he’ll be looking to make a final statement in his case for a championship fight.

“There will be no denying me after this,” said Vidal. “I will make my final case for a title shot by destroying my opponent’s will and taking his undefeated record. He’s a good fighter, but this is history in the making that cannot be stopped.”

The 26-year-old Vidal and trainer Santos both agree that his experience and skills will be too much for the comparably untested 19-year-old Garcia.

“The lights and the people. The stakes. They make it harder if you’re not used to it,” admitted Vidal. “He’s not ready for me with just one notable win on his record.”

“In this sport, one punch can change everything, but I think Pety’s experience will be the big key factor,” added Santos. “That’s what will lead us to victory.”

Santos says he and Vidal aren’t working on any particular facet of the game to prepare, but rather just upping all of the South American’s considerable assets.

“Everything is great. I couldn’t be more pleased. He’s such a hard worker and a quick learner with so much attention to detail. A very strong kid with good power in both hands. He has a lot of good attributes and he’s also a tremendous person to be around. There’s no particular area we’re focusing on, just getting better every day, from top to bottom.”

Santos says he foresees little problem dealing with Garcia’s left-handed stance.

“Any time you fight a left hander they will present a problem because you don’t fight as many of them. That said, Pety is a veteran and he’s been in there against quality guys. He’s got a lot of experience and we’ve got some good quality sparring to get him ready. He will be prepared to make an impressive statement on March 4.”

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.




 JESUS RAMOS JR. AND ABEL RAMOS PHOENIX MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

PHOENIX – March 1, 2023 – Unbeaten rising star Jesus “Mono” Ramos and veteran welterweight contender Abel Ramos held a media workout in Phoenix, Ariz., on Wednesday as the Casa Grande-natives prepare for their respective showdowns on the David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant SHOWTIME PPV® undercard on Saturday, March 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Jesus, Jr., will battle fellow unbeaten Joey Spencer in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, while Abel will take on undefeated Cody Crowley in the pay-per-view telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased HERE through AXS.com.

At just 21-years-old, Jesus, Jr., (19-0, 15 KOs) has compiled an impressive record and achieved contender status by displaying potent power and boxing acumen heading into perhaps his toughest test to date against the unbeaten Spencer. For his uncle Abel (27-5-2, 21 KOs), March 25 is another opportunity for him to score a signature upset, having stopped former champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., in May 2021 in addition to a final round KO of Bryant Perrella in February 2020, turning the tide in a fight Abel trailed at the time of the stoppage.

Here is what Jesus Jr. and Abel, along with their trainer, Jesus Jr’s father and Abel’s brother Jesus Ramos, Sr., had to say Wednesday from Central Boxing Gym in Phoenix:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I feel like so far in my career I’ve taken big steps and faced tough opponents, and this won’t be an exception. It’s going to be a great fight.

“I feel like I do a lot of things well. My reach, my conditioning, the body shots that I throw, it’s all going to be important on fight night.

“I’ve been working hard with my strength and conditioning coach. We’re working on being more explosive and throwing more punches. We want to really increase the pace of the fight.

“I feel even stronger now than before my last fight. We’ve had time to make the necessary adjustments, so my focus is better than ever. I’m ready for this.

“I do feel like I’ve fought on some big stages getting to this moment, but no matter what, I can’t let the size of the moment get to me. This is my childhood dream. Now it’s become a reality and on March 25 I’m going to enjoy every moment of it.

“Representing Arizona means a lot. There’s not a lot of athletes or big names coming out of Casa Grande. If I can bring a world title back to Casa Grande, that would mean everything to me. That’s the main goal. I want to pave the way for the next generation, not necessarily just in boxing, but whatever they dream of.

“This is going to be fireworks, and we’re here to win. Whatever it takes. We’re winning on the night. Ideally, it’s going to be a stoppage in the later rounds.

“I’m here to make the best fights, and the most entertaining fights as well. I’m here to stay.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’m feeling really good. Training has been going great and I’m in top condition. We’re getting into those last couple weeks and getting everything sharpened up for the ring.

“I hope the fans get to see all the hard work that we put in here in Arizona pay off on March 25. I hope they appreciate the work ethic that we have and the excitement that we bring to boxing.

“Jesus, Jr., and I motivate each other. We’ve been training together for a long time and we motivate each other every day.

“We give each other pointers, but Jesus, Jr., is a kid who works hard. He doesn’t need much to get him going.

“The key for this fight is going to be to use the experience that I have and every trick that I know. I’m expecting an exciting fight.

“I’ve fought everybody since the beginning. I have a lot of rounds inside of the ring and I just have to make sure that I use everything I know in this fight.

“I really think that my resume and the opposition that I’ve fought, compared to Crowley, is going to be the biggest factor. I’ve got way more experience and it’s going to show on March 25. I’m predicting a win however it comes.”

JESUS RAMOS SR., Jesus, Jr.’s Father and Trainer, Abel’s Brother and Trainer

“It’s a great feeling to see Jesus, Jr., in this position. He put in all the hard work to get to where he is now. I’m really proud of him.

“My son is a very disciplined fighter and he’s very smart in the ring. I don’t think the pressure is going to get to him. He’s excited about the fight, but he’s focused too.

“I have to be hard on Jesus, Jr., because I don’t want to see him bleed in the ring. I have to train him hard. That’s what motivates me to keep pushing him harder.

“Jesus, Jr., is very close to that top level. He’s got good skills, he’s very strong and loves boxing. I really think he’s very close to a title shot.

“Abel is training really hard and he’s very motivated. This is a great matchup for him but also a make-or-break fight. I think it’s a perfect clash of styles to favor Abel. He has to win..

“If Crowley comes forward like he says he will, then, I think we can stop him in the middle rounds.

“I think the Jesus Jr. vs. Joey Spencer fight will be a more technical fight because both fighters know when to be cautious. I think toward the end of the fight, Joey Spencer is going to fade. That’s what we’ve been training for. We’re ready to go the distance and we’ll see what happens.

“March 25 is going to be a very special night for the Ramos family.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

Benavídez vs. Plant will see undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “The Mexican Monster” Benavídez and former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant meet in a high-stakes, 12-round showdown for Benavídez’s Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, March 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer will go toe-to-toe in a 10-round super welterweight scuffle, as each fighter looks to make their claim as the future of the 154-pound division. The action will also see rising lightweights Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela meet in a 10-round duel, while unbeaten welterweight contender Cody Crowley faces the hard-hitting Abel Ramos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezPlant, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




UNBEATEN SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER TIM TSZYU BATTLES FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON LIVE ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, MARCH 11 FROM SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – March 1, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to fight in front of his hometown fans when he takes on former world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison for the vacant Interim WBO 154-pound title headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, March 11 (Sunday, March 12 in Australia) from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast  begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/7:45 p.m. PT and features Tszyu, the son of former unified champion Kostya Tszyu, as he looks for a career-best victory against the veteran former champion Harrison. Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will join host Brian Custer, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares at the CBS Studios in New York City as a special guest. Hall of Famer Steve Farhood serves as unofficial scorer.

Tszyu had originally been scheduled to face Charlo in a January clash before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. Harrison, who arrived in Australia this week, has his own history with Charlo, having won his world title by defeating Charlo in 2018, before dropping their rematch. Now, the winner on March 11 will put themselves in prime position to not only face Charlo, but to become an undisputed world champion. The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu and Tony Harrison have both sought out the biggest challenges in the stacked 154-pound division and that continues on March 11 live on SHOWTIME from Australia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Wildly popular in his home country, Tszyu will have the home crowd edge, but this is precisely the kind of challenge that brings out the best in a fighter like Harrison. The 154-pound division has delivered classic fight, after classic fight, and March 11 certainly shapes up to be the next chapter in that story.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (21-0, 15 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his US. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I can’t underestimate Tony Harrison, but with the way I’ve been training, I’m extremely confident that I’m going to give my fans a big KO victory,” said Tszyu. “Full credit to him for taking the challenge and coming to Australia, but he’s going home empty-handed. It’s exciting that my fans in the U.S. will be able to watch this matchup on SHOWTIME and I hope they’re ready to see a great atmosphere and a thrilling fight.”

The fighting pride of Detroit, Mich., Harrison (29-3-1, 21 KOs) spent his early boxing career under the tutelage of the late Emanuel Steward in the legendary Kronk Gym. As a professional, the 32-year-old is still considered one of the most skilled fighters in the sport. Despite coming up short in his first two attempts at a world title, the third time was the charm for Harrison, who shocked the boxing world in December 2018 by outpointing Jermell Charlo to earn the WBC title. Their rematch one year later ranks among the best fights of 2019. Harrison and Charlo fought on even terms until Charlo stopped him in the eleventh round to regain the belt. Harrison returned to the ring for the first time since that fight in April 2021, fighting Bryant Perrella to a draw and most recently, dominated Sergio Garcia on his way to a unanimous decision victory in April 2022.

“I’m here on a mission,” said Harrison. “My only focus is on Tim Tszyu. I’m extremely confident in my abilities and in my training, but I know Tim is going to be tough competition. I can’t wait to see the crowd all out there to support him, because I’m going to give them no choice but to love me too. I hope he’s ready for 12 grueling rounds, because I’m ready to go as long as he can last.” 

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuHarrison, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




GOLDEN BOY SIGNS MEXICAN BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT GAEL CABRERA

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 1, 2023): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of 18-year-old Mexican bantamweight prospect Gael Cabrera. 

“I would like to express to Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez my sincerest gratitude for making my dream come true,” said Gael Cabrera. “Every fighter’s dream is to sign with the best promoter. I have done so with Golden Boy Promotions. They will guide me, they will polish me, and most importantly, they will be by my side to lead me to become one of Mexico’s next great fighters. I promise to work hard. I promise to be committed, and I promise to deliver a world title to my family when the opportunity presents itself.” 

“Gael Cabrera has the amateur pedigree and the heart of a champion that we look for in top prospects,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “He has been battle-tested amongst the best in his division in the amateurs and has the discipline to continue to improve his craft. We are excited to launch his professional career under our coveted promotional banner.” 

Hailing from Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, the pugilist is an eight-time State Champion, three-time Mexican National Champion, two-time Mexican National Bronze Champion, and the 2022 IBA Junior World Championship Silver Medalist. With more than 200 amateur fights under his belt, the naturally ambidextrous boxer-puncher has the solid foundation for a bright professional career. 

Cabrera began boxing at age 4 where the love for boxing was instantaneous. He developed his passion for the sport by watching his older brother, Misael, train at the gym. Misael, along with his trainers Gabriel Lopez and Gabriel Escarsega, have been an integral part of Gael’s development since day one. Gael trains at a small, humble gym next door to his home in Mexico that his father, his brother, and he have constructed. 

With his sights set to be recognized in Mexico as one of the best young prospects in his division once he makes his professional debut, he hopes to get closer to becoming a world champion within the next five years.

Gael Cabrera’s Instagram: @terrorcabrera__




HEANEY HEALED AND ALL SET FOR FLATLEY SEQUEL

NATHAN HEANEY REPORTS that his dashing good looks are still intact with his facial features having survived a brush with the dome of Jack Flatley back in September.

Heaney and Flatley were approaching the midway point of a fascinating title fight at the Manchester Arena when battle was halted after Heaney was sliced open above the right eye following a heavy clash of heads.

The fight was stopped on medical advice by referee Steve Gray and Stoke favourite Heaney was judged to be leading on all three cards, therefore retaining his IBO International middleweight title.

The Stoke vs Bolton rivalry will now resume at the Telford International Centre on March 25 when the pair will rematch with the WBA Continental title on the line.

Despite the severity of the wound, Heaney reveals that the fight night doctor adopted a less is more approach when it came to sewing up the gash.

“To be fair it actually healed, superficially, in about a week,” said the 33-year-old ‘Hitman’. “It was dead weird, it was like it never happened a week later. But, I didn’t get punched on it for at least eight weeks after, when I started sparring again.

“Now it is bang-on.

“He literally put four stitches in and I thought ‘is that it?’ for like a cut of that size. So he put four in and two of them fell out two days later!

“When I saw the surgeon in Stoke, he said the doctor at the fight did great because the less stitches you have, the less tight it is in the seal. If it is too tight, basically the skin dies in the seal where the pressure is too much and it doesn’t heal as well.

“So I was buzzing with that, really,” continued Heaney, who has recently sat down to assess his abbreviated night’s work in Manchester.

“I actually watched it back the other day because I hadn’t watched it for ages. The way I felt the fight was going was I was in complete control and I was picking the pace up going into round five.

“Even the round where the commentators had him winning, if I was being very generous, I’d give it a 10-10. I still thought I was winning it when I watched it back.

“He caught me with a right hand in round three, but just because he caught me with a shot doesn’t mean he was winning it, he just did better than he did in the first two when I was jabbing him.

“The way I saw it, I was controlling all the rounds and then picking the pace up. That is why I was moving more and throwing more combinations, which is what led to the head clash coming because he lunged in while I was moving in and out.

“That is how I felt it was going,” concluded Heaney, who went on to answer whether he feels the sequel will follow a similar pattern.

“I would imagine he has to start at a fast pace, but that is a double edged sword because it is a 10-round fight. Unless he believes he can go in there and stop me within the first five rounds… I don’t think he has got the power to do that.

“That is the only way he could change it, but if he gets to round five by setting a really high pace he has got another five rounds of me sticking the jab in his face and stuff.

“In the first few rounds you are gauging each other and setting a game plan. It wasn’t a terribly exciting first five rounds first time around and the exciting part would have been in that second half.

“Now we’ve got the chance to do it again with the crowd much closer this time because my guys were in the gods last time. I don’t think he felt the atmosphere like he will at this event because ticket sales have gone amazing, as always.

“It is a much tighter arena and it will be very loud in there.”

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday March 25, live on BT Sport.

The night will also see the return of former European super bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham (31-7, 7) to the ring. The Doncaster man will take on Miguel Gonzalez (33-3, 9) of Chile with the vacant WBO International strap at stake. 

Heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma (1-0, 1) will have his second professional fight over four rounds, while Raven Chapman (5-0, 2) will make a first defence of the WBC International featherweight title with The Omen will take on the Czech Lucie Sedlackova.

Also on the card, Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand (9-0, 3) will hit double figures as a pro with an eight-round assignment.

Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (7-0, 2) will also be in eight-round action, Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0, 1) will fight over six.

Light Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (4-0, 3) and Super Welterweight Ben Fail are both in action over six rounds.

Natty Ngwenya (1-0, 0) has his second pro outing, the first on a Queensberry show, in a four-rounder while Ilkeston super welterweight Jimmy Smith will make his professional debut, also over four.

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.




UFC® RETURNS TO KANSAS CITY WITH CRUCIAL FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDERS’ BOUT BETWEEN (#2) MAX HOLLOWAY AND (#4) ARNOLD ALLEN

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Kansas City, Mo. for the first time in almost four years with a star-studded lineup as former UFC featherweight champion and No. 2 ranked contender Max Holloway faces No. 4 Arnold Allen in a crucial matchup with title implications. Also, in another featherweight clash sure to produce fireworks, No. 14 ranked Edson Barboza battles Billy Quarantillo.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN will take place Saturday, April 15 at T-Mobile Center. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off streaming exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN tickets will go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, March 1 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 2 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: HOLLOWAY vs. ALLEN fight week credentials may sign up here.

Fan favorite Holloway (23-7, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) aims to make his first Octagon appearance of 2023 a dominant one. Among the greatest featherweights to ever compete in the UFC, Holloway holds the divisional records for most wins (18), most finishes (10), longest win streak (13), and total strikes landed (2,872). He now plans to earn his way back into the title picture by taking out a fellow top contender.

Allen (19-1, fighting out of Trimley St. Martin, Suffolk, England) intends on delivering his best performance yet in the biggest opportunity of his MMA career. Undefeated in the UFC since joining in 2015, he has worked his way to the Top 5 rankings with notable wins over Calvin Kattar, Dan Hooker and Gilbert Melendez. Allen now looks to leave no doubt against Holloway and stake his claim for a title shot.

Barboza (22-11, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returns to action aiming to add another spectacular highlight to his resume. An explosive striker, Barboza has delighted fans with finishes over Shane Burgos, Dan Hooker and Terry Etim. He now has his sights set on becoming the first person to KO Quarantillo in the UFC. 

Rising contender Quarantillo (17-4, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) seeks to break into the Top 15 for the first time. Known for his relentless cardio and pace, he owns thrilling victories over Alexander Hernandez, Gabriel Benitez and Kyle Nelson. Quarantillo now plans to secure his second Performance of the Night bonus in a row and begin his run toward title contention.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • No. 15 ranked light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov (12-0, fighting out of Nalchik, Russia) defends his undefeated record against Dustin Jacoby (18-6-1, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.)
  • Tanner Boser (20-9-1, fighting out of Alberta, Canada) makes his light heavyweight debut against Ion Cutelaba (16-9-1 1NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova)
  • In a battle of Top 15 bantamweights, No. 9 ranked Pedro Munhoz (19-7 2NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) faces No. 12 Chris Gutierrez (19-3-2, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.)
  • Featherweights Bill Algeo (16-7, fighting out of King of Prussia, Penn.) and TJ Brown (17-9, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) collide in a Fight of the Night contender
  • Kansas City’s own Zak Cummings (24-7, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) matches up with fellow veteran Ed Herman (27-15 1NC, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) at light heavyweight
  • UFC Hall of Famer Clay Guida (38-19, fighting out of Johnsburg, Ill.) returns against Rafa Garcia (15-3, fighting out of Imperial, Calif.) at lightweight
  • The record holder for most finishes in UFC women’s flyweight history, Gillian Robertson (11-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) aims for another signature stoppage against Piera Rodriguez (9-0, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela)
  • Top 5 flyweights lock horns as No. 4 Brandon Royval (14-6, fighting out of Lakewood, Colo.) meets No. 5 Matheus Nicolau (19-3-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
  • Dana White’s Contender Series alums Bruna Brasil (8-2-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Denise Gomes (6-2, fighting out of Niteroi, Brazil) clash in a strawweight tilt
  • Bantamweights Aaron Phillips (12-4, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) and Gaston Bolanos (6-3, fighting out of Dublin, Calif.) vie to secure their first UFC wins
  • Lando Vannata (12-6-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Daniel Zellhuber (12-1, fighting out of Estado de Mexico, Mexico) battle in a striker’s delight at lightweight
  • Joselyne Edwards (12-4, fighting out of Panama City, Panama) and Lucie Pudilova (9-6, fighting out of Pribram, Czech Republic) kick off the event at bantamweight

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Center

T-Mobile Center is Kansas City’s home for live entertainment and sporting events. Anchor to more than $8 billion of reinvestment in a revitalized downtown Kansas City, the award-winning venue operated by ASM Global has welcomed more than 12 million guests and transformed the live entertainment experience in the Midwest. For additional information or to join the conversation, follow T-Mobile Center on social media via Facebook: @TMobileCenter; Twitter: @TMobileCenter & Instagram: @TMobileCenter.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.comESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.




RYAN CLASHES WITH HOULE FOR WBO WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE IN CARDIFF

Sandy Ryan will clash with Marie-Pier Houle for the vacant WBO Welterweight Title on the undercard of ShavkatdzhonRakhimov vs. Joe Cordina at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday April 22, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Derby’s Ryan (5-1, 2 KOs) was last in action at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November, outpointing Argentina’s Anahi Ester Sanchez over ten rounds in the first defence of her WBC International Super-Lightweight Title.

The former Team GB star, who avenged her one and only loss to former World Champion Erica Anabella Farias at the Sheffield Arena last summer, steps up to 147lbs as she bids to become Britain’s latest World Champion.

Canada’s Houle (8-0-1, 2 KOs) has yet to taste defeat since joining the professional ranks back in June 2019, contesting all but one of her nine pro fights in her homeland, and the 32-year-old from Quebec is promising to inflict Ryan’s second defeat in the pros. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be challenging for a World Title in my next fight,” said Ryan. “The level of opponents I’ve faced since my debut proved how serious I am about becoming a big star in this sport.
 
“We respect Marie-Pier for accepting the fight when many didn’t and I’m ready to become a World Champion on April 22 in Cardiff. I want to give a shout to my team, Matchroom, my trainer Clifton and my manager Paul Ready for working hard on this.”
 
“This fight represents the culmination of my hard work since the beginning of my career,” said Houle. “It’s a huge opportunity for me to demonstrate the strength of character and perseverance that I have acquired over the years.
 
“I have a lot of respect for Sandy Ryan and I’m aware that it will be a tough fight, but I thrive on challenges, and I have no intention of leaving empty-handed. I would like to thank my promoter, Groupe Yvon Michel, for his trust in me.”
 
“I would like to thank Matchroom for this opportunity,” said Yvon Michel. “Marie-Pier Houle is ready to deliver an epic fight against Sandy Ryan on April 22 in Cardiff. We are proud to represent her and have full confidence in her abilities to conquer the WBO Welterweight World Championship Title. We will be there to support her every step of the way and we are convinced that she will give it her all in the ring to secure the victory.”

Ryan vs. Houle is part of a huge night of World Title action in Cardiff, Tajikistan’s Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) defends his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) in the main event, Welsh rivals Gavin Gwynne (15-2-1, 3 KOs) and Craig Woodruff (12-6-1, 4 KOs) rematch for the British Lightweight Title following their thrilling draw at the Bolton Whites Hotel last September, World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (28-2, 16 KOs) faces Alex Dilmaghani (20-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title, Manchester Cruiserweight Jordan Thompson (14-0, 11 KOs) puts his IBF European Title on the line against Swindon’s Luke Watkins (16-2, 11 KOs), plus there’s action for Swansea Featherweight Brandon Scott (4-0, 1 KO) and Swansea Light-Heavyweight Sammy Lee (1-0).

Tickets for Rakhimov vs. Cordina are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the Cardiff International Arena (cardiffinternationalarena.co.uk) NOW.




ZHANG WARNS JOYCE OF CHINESE POWER SURGE

ZHILEI ZHANG PROMISES that Joe Joyce will feel the Far East force when the pair collide at the Copper Box Arena on April 15, live on BT Sport.

Big Juggernaut and Big Bang will trade bombs with Joyce’s WBO Interim world heavyweight title at stake, with the pair fighting for the right to challenge for the full world championship, currently held by unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Joyce is renowned for walking through heavy fire without flinching, as evidenced throughout his career and last year in fights against Christian Hammer and Joseph Parker.

Zhang, who fought a final eliminator for the IBF belt against Filip Hrgovic last year and rocked the fancied Croatian, warns that being prepared to take punishment would be a risky strategy against himself.

“Joe Joyce has good punch resistance but he has never felt Chinese power,” is the chilling warning coming from the 39-year-old who hails from Zhoukou in China.

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang will be broadcast live in the U.K. on BT Sport and streamed live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Also featuring at the Copper Box will be the return of Denzel Bentley with a defence of his British middleweight title against Scottish challenger Kieran Smith. Peacock Gym puncher Bentley is back fighting in London after his unsuccessful WBO world title tilt against Janibek Alimkhanuly in November.

Former unified super-featherweight belt-holder Mikaela Mayer, fighting in the U.K. for the second time in a row, will make her lightweight debut against former two-time super-lightweight world champion Christina ‘Medusa’ Linardatou.

Commonwealth super bantamweight champion Dennis McCann will make a first defence of the title he won via defeating Joe Ham last time out, with his Queensberry iBox Gym teammate Sam Noakes defending his WBC International Silver and Commonwealth lightweight titles.

McCann made it a title treble at The O2 in November, with the 22-year-old Menace having won the WBC International Silver featherweight championship and the WBO Youth super bantamweight title in his previous two fights, beating James Beech Jr and Charles Tondo respectively.

Former amateur star Eithan James, winner of five national titles, is on the card in an eight round super lightweight contest. While another super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali will fight in a six-rounder with Dagenham super welterweight Joel Kodua fighting over four.

Tickets for the showdown between Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang on Saturday, 15 April at the Copper Box Arena, London are on sale now from: ticketmaster.co.uk

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry




STACKED UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED FOR ARTHUR-SUAREZ WORLD TITLE CLASH ON MARCH 24 IN BOLTON

Top local talent and rising stars are confirmed to feature on Wasserman Boxing’s first free-to-air show of 2023, live on Channel 5 from the University of Bolton Arena on Friday March 24 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) tops an action-packed event as he faces Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship.

An electric undercard will see Wigan’s James Moorcroft (18-2, 6 KOs) and Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (12-3, 2 KOs) put it all on the line in an epic Final Eliminator for the English Welterweight Title over 10 Rounds.

After three impressive wins in his beloved Merseyside, Bennett will be looking to pick up from his flawless wins against the likes of Mykhailo Sovtus, Rustem Fatkhullin and Lee Connelly to edge out an incredible eliminator matchup against his domestic foe.

Moorcroft will also be looking to build on the foundations of familiar surroundings when he returns for his third consecutive fight in Bolton. After a TKO win against Olaide Fijabi in September 2022, Moorcroft produced a dominant points win over Serge Ambomo to set up this tantalising bout.

Rickey Hatton’s Flyweight protégé, and former Team GB star, Chloe Watson (4-0) will be returning to take on Carolina Ornella Ferrari (3-2-2) at Flyweight. With the six-rounder confirmed, Watson will look to keep her undefeated record going following a dominant points victory over Minerva Gutierrez in November 2022 at York Hall.

Watson has not only impressed the likes of Hatton as she shows fantastic signs of improvement in each fight, the 23-year-old is showing maturity beyond her years as she continues to bank valuable rounds in her quest to become the next poster girl of British boxing.  

In another mouth-watering domestic match up, Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Manchester’s Kane Gardner (15-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round Super Lightweight contest. “Sugar Kane” had an untouchable 2022 as he remained unbeaten in his three fights during the calendar year. With two victories coming by way of unanimous points wins, the highlight for Gardner came in his bout against Samuel Opaogun as he twice put the Nigerian down on the way to a fourth-round stoppage win.

Walker bounced back from a narrow English Welterweight Title loss to dominate Iliyan Markov in his backyard of Wolverhampton in May of last year. Walker has shown he is a class above in the professional ranks after a statement points win to claim the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship against Levi Ferguson to get his first taste of titles. In a clash that could swing either way, there could be a potential domestic title shot waiting in the wings for the man who makes it to the other side with their hand raised.

Another Mancunian features on the card at Cruiserweight, as Ashley Marron makes his professional debut against the experienced Daryl PearceTraie Duberry also makes his professional debut as he lines up a Cruiserweight clash over 4 rounds. The undefeated Nial Brown looks to build on his seven wins as he goes toe-to-toe with fellow Middleweight Bahadur Karami over 6 rounds.

Lyndon Arthur faces Braian Nahuel Suarez for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Championship on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5, promoted by Wasserman Boxing in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com.




Marques Valle, Otha Jones III and Joseph Hicks All Get Victories

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 27, 2023)–Three Split-T Management fighters came home with victories over the past five days.

It all started on Wednesday night as junior middleweight Marques Valle remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Jarrod Tennant in Plant City, Florida.

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to keep his unblemished mark at 8-0. Tennant of Los Angeles falls to 8-2.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions

Saturday night in Orlando, Florida, Otha Jones III won a six-round unanimous decision over 63-fight veteran Raymond Chacon.

The bout, which took place at The Caribe Royale Resort saw Jones win by scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise his record to 6-1-1.

Jones is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Also on Saturday. Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with a tough six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Quintyne in a super middleweight contest.

Hicks was sent to the canvas at the end of the opening frame. Hicks showed heat by shaking off the first round and coming back to get the better of the next five rounds in the crowd pleasing fight.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan won by scores of 57-55 and 57-56 twice to raise his record to 5-0. Quintyne is now 4-1.

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.




RDR Promotions set for Big Night of Boxing This Saturday, March 4th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, PA

NEWTOWN PA (February 27th, 2023)–THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a huge night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

In the featured six-round bout, rising and undefeated junior welterweight Isaiah Johnson will take on veteran Antonio Sanchez.

Johnson of New Jersey has had an explosive start to his career as he is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 20 year-old Johnson is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over William Parra Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Sanchez of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico is 7-15-3 with three knockouts. He has quality wins on his resume over Carlos Lopez (4-0), Bernard Leon Figueroa (10-1) and Courtney Jackson (21-3).

In a six-round bout, Roberto Gomez faces veteran Oscar Barajas in a junior welterweight bout.

Gomez of Mexico is 5-1 with five knockouts. Gomez is coming off a shocking stoppage win over Quadir Albright (6-0) on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32 year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

In Four-Round Bouts:

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on Boris Nde (4-1, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA in a welterweight contest.

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Raekwon Butler (5-4.3 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY in a super lightweight battle.

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia will take on debuting Ali Ellis of Philadelphia in a heavyweight battle.

First Bout at 5 PM ET

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




April 8: Jared Anderson-George Arias & Keyshawn Davis-Anthony Yigit Round Out Televised Tripleheader at Newark’s Prudential Center LIVE on ESPN 

NEWARK, N.J. (Feb. 27, 2023) Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson has climbed the heavyweight rankings with his devastating knockout power. The 6’4, 240-pound wrecking ball will face fellow unbeaten George Arias in a 10-rounder Saturday, April 8, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Anderson-Arias will be the co-feature to the WBC lightweight title eliminator between Shakur Stevenson and Shuichiro Yoshino

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis will face his stiffest challenge in the 10-round lightweight televised opener against former world title challenger Anthony Yigit.

Stevenson-Yoshino, Anderson-Arias, and Davis-Yigit will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $55 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Anderson (13-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, has notched five consecutive second-round stoppages, including a demolition of the normally durable Jerry Forrest last December. Anderson received international headlines for his work as Tyson Fury’s chief sparring partner, but he’s now forging his own path as boxing’s most decorated young heavyweight.

Anderson said, “This is the kind of fight I’ve been waiting for, a big fight between two undefeated heavyweights. I’m excited to once again be fighting on the same card as Shakur Stevenson. Don’t miss this fight. April 8 is going to a special night in Newark.”

Arias (18-0, 7 KOs), a Dominican boxer-puncher, began his pro career in 2014 and has toppled seven unbeaten fighters in his ascension to contender status. Arias continued that trend in his previous two fights, defeating Cassius Chaney and Alante Green by split decision. The New York City resident will give up five inches and roughly 20 pounds to Anderson. 

Arias said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to go to war with Jared Anderson, one of the most highly regarded heavyweights right now. I thank my team for helping me get to this position. I can’t wait to show my skills on such a big platform. On April 8, I will pull off the upset.”

Davis (7-0, 5 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, went 3-0 in the pro ranks before capturing a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In November 2021, he signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank and has scored four wins since, including a violent knockout over Omar Tienda at Prudential Center last year. In his most recent outing, the 23-year-old standout dominated former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos.

Davis said, “The Newark fans showed me so much love last time, and I can’t wait to give them another special performance. I’m going to make Yigit regret taking this fight. He’s been in the ring with some good fighters, but I’m on another level.”

Yigit (26-2-1, 10 KOs) is a Swedish contender who represented his homeland at the 2012 Olympics. The 31-year-old began his pro career the following year and scored wins over DeMarcus Corley and Sandor Martin before unsuccessfully challenging Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF junior welterweight title in 2018. Yigit bounced back with three victories before losing to Rolando Romero in July 2021. He is now settled as a lightweight and has knocked out his last two opponents. 

Yigit said, “I’m excited to get back into the mix. Huge respect to Keyshawn for taking this fight, but he’s young. Too young. He’s fast, I’m fast. He’s strong, I’m strong. He’s an Olympian, I’m an Olympian. My edge is my experience. I’m going to use it.”

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public in October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on FacebookTwitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.




Kenny “Lionheart” Larson challenges Mass. Welterweight Champion Denzel Whitley in battle of undefeated prospects

QUINCY, Mass. (February 27, 2023) – Style make fights and a potential instant classic in on tap March 11th in the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” main event, when undefeated Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) challenges defending Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) in the 8-round headliner, at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Springfield Championship Boxing 2”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

“This fight has all the makings to be one of those local fights that people talk about for years,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “You have a hyper aggressive guy like Kenny going up against a slick counter-puncher like Denzel. Both guys are undefeated and there’s a state title on the line. Kudos to both guys for taking this fight, one that nobody will want to miss.”

Larson, 33, is an ultra-aggressive fighter who constantly applies pressure on his opponent; Whitley’s an intelligent counter-puncher that breaks down the other guy in the ring. It figures to be an exciting showdown to determine who fights his fight. It’s so rare for a pair of undefeated prospects to fight each other so early in their professional careers.

“We are looking to showcase that we are both serious,” Larson explained. We both want to make statements! As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, fighting like I do in the gym, it doesn’t matter that I’m fighting him in his neck of the woods. (Whitley is from Holyoke, which is only 8 miles from the Springfield venue.) One night a fan said to me,

‘You fight with the heart of a lion.’ I couldn’t think of a better nickname for me. He (Whitley) beat Kris Jacobs (WMDEC8) in his last fight (to capture the vacant Mass. welterweight title) and I knocked out a guy (Ryan Clark) in the first round who defeated Jacobs.

“We’ll see what happens when the kitchen starts getting heated up (vs. Whitley). Everybody has a plan going into a fight. Anyone who knows me knows my assets and what I have for him. I’ve watched him (Whitley) on tape and saw a few things that interested me. I was kind of amused by what he had to say. Let the cards lay where they may and we’ll see what it comes down to. I’ll have people there for me. I’ve always had a huge crowd behind me since I was an amateur because of my fan-friendly style.”

Larson was a hockey player who didn’t pick up boxing until he was in high school. He started at a gym that wasn’t, as he described, super serious about boxing, more for fitness, and one day a friend suggested that he go to train at the Somerville Boxing Club., where he changed his life,  both in and out of the ring.  

“Everything there was serious,” Larson reported. “Things clicked and I had focus and direction. I had a substance abuse problem, drinking, but I changed addictions from drinking to boxing for the last 10 years. Today, I have no days off from boxing.”

Larson now trains out of Broadway Boxing in Everett (MA) with Joe Riccardi as his head trainer.

A native of Salem (MA), Larson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division.

The O must go for either Larson or Whitley. Fans will be the biggest winner!

The Cruz brothers, lightweight Isaiah (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Calixto (1-0), fighting out of Springfield, will both be in action in front of fans, family, and friends. In the 6-round co-featured event, Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz will face Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs) in the 6-round co-featured event, while Calixto meets Luis “Broccoli” Gerardo Avila (8-22-3, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke (MA); Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), and Springfield super lightweight Liz Humphries (0-1-1)

Card subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=CHIN&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc  or from any of the participating boxers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.




STARBOXING.TV BRINGS THE HEAT IN MARCH FOR ITS SUBSCRIBERS!

White Plains, NY (February 27, 2023) – STARBOXING.TV is scheduled for an electric month of fights in March with three professional boxing cards streaming LIVE and free to current “KO Plan” subscribers. The action will take place across the globe on three different weekends and includes multiple championship fights.

The StarBoxing.TV network now brings you the action direct to your mobile device or in-home entertainment system through the IOS app store, Android Google Play store, Roku or Fire TV devices.  Simply search for “StarBoxing TV,” download the application, create a login and begin streaming.

STREAMING LIVE IN THE MONTH OF MARCH ON STARBOXING.TV




LIVE VIDEO: Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury | POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE




Tommy Fury Edges Jake Paul by Split Decision

In a bout that was two years in the making, Tommy Fury won a eight-round split decision over Jake Paul in a cruiserweight bout in Saudi Arabia.

It was a tactical fight that picked up with Fury getting the better of the action by landing right hands. Paul fought back well and was able to get some good shots in.

In round five, Paul was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round six, Fury was deducted a point for holding the head down. In round 10, Paul dropped Fury with a hard jab. That was not enough as Fury won two cards by 76-73 scores. Paul won a card 75-74.

Fury is now 9-0. Paul is 6-1.

Fury landed 88 of 302; Paul was 49 of 157.

Fury said, “For the past two years, this is all that has consumed my life. Broken rib. Denied access. Everybody thought I was running scared. Tonight, I made my own legacy. I am Tommy Fury.
 
“All through these past two years, I had a dream and a vision that I would win this fight. And no one believed me. Now I can stand up and everybody can take note. It’s my first main event at 23 years old. I had pressure on my shoulders, and I came through.
 
“This is my first main event. I’m only going to get stronger, and I’m only going to get bigger. There were a lot of nerves going into that fight, but I override that. If he wants a rematch, bring it on.”
 
Paul said, “All respect to Tommy. He won. Don’t judge me by my wins. Judge me by my losses. I’ll come back. I think we deserve that rematch. It was a great fight. It was a close fight. I don’t know if I agree with the judges. I got a 10-8 round twice. So, it is what it is. I’ve already won in life, man. I’ve already won in every single way. I have an amazing family. Amazing friends. Amazing work ethic. I’ve made it farther than I ever thought I would.”

Badou Jack Stops Makabu; Wins Cruiserweight Title and Becomes 3-Division Champ

Badou Jack won the WBC Cruiserweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Ilunga Makabu.

In round four, Jack landed a quick right hand on the inside that sent Makabu down on his back.

In round nine, Makabu started to bleed from his Nostrils. In round 10, Jack dropped Makabu again with the right hand. In round 12, Jack landed a booming right to the head that hurt Makabu badly. A follow up flurry on the ropes forced a stoppage at 54 seconds.

Jack now becomes a three-division world champion with a record of 28-3-3 with 17 knockouts. Makabu of the Congo is 29-3.

Jack said, “I was standing there too much. My trainer told me to box and move. That’s not really my style. I mean, I box. But I also like to come forward and fight. Makabu is a hell of a fighter. He’s an African brother of mine. We used to be training partners. He is still my brother.”

Ziyad Almaayouf won an entertaining four-round split decision over Ronald Martinez in a welterweight bout.

After Almaayoud came out strong, Martinez landed a perfect right to the jaw that sent Almaayouf down. Almaayouf was able to right himself by landing hard punches that snapped the head back of Martinez that thrilled the crowd.

Almaayouf, 145.6 lbs of Saudi Arabia won by scores of 38-37 on all cards and is now 2-0. Martinez, 142 lbs of Ecuador is 3-2-1.

Muhsin Cason stopped Taryel Jafarov after the opening round of their eight-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, the first punch of the fight was a booming right by Cason that put Jafarov on the canvas. Jafarov had enough after the round, and the fight was stopped.

Cason, 199.1 lbs of Las Vegas via Baltimore is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Jafarov, 200.6 lbs of Azerbaijan is 18-6.

Badeer Samreem stopped Viorel Simion in the opening round of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Samreem dropped Simion with a hard right and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Samreem Dubai via Jordan is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Simion, 138.6 lbs of Bucharest, ROM is 23-10.




FOLLOW PAUL – FURY LIVE

Follow all of the action as Jake Paul takes on Tommy Fury in an much anticipated grudge match. The action begins at 2 PM ET with a 4-fight undercard that will feature the WBC Cruiserweight title fight between Ilunga Makabu and Badou Jack.

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8 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Jake Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) vs Tommy Fury (8-0, 4 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Paul 9 9 10 9 9 9 9 10         74
Fury* 10 10 9 10 9 9 10 8         75

Round 1: Fury going after Paul..Referee warning for holding..Jab from Fury..Right from Paul..Left hook..Right to body…Combination from Fury
Round 2 Jab from Fury..Right on the inside..Jab…Right down the middle…Jab..Right..Left hook from Paul
Round 3 Paul lands a jab…Jab..Jab..Counter left hook..overhand right…
Round 4 Hard right from Fury…Combination…4rights…Combination from Paul..
Round 5 Right from Paul..Right from Fury…POINT DEDUCTED FROM PAUL FOR HITTING BEHIND THE HEAD…Lett Hook from Paul..Jab..Big right from Fury
Round 6 Left hook from Paul..Uppercut from Fury…uppercut..Right..POINT DEDCUTED FOR FURY FOR HOLDING THE HEAD…
Round 7 Right from Fury..Overhand right from Paul..3 rights from Fury…Fury bleeding from around the left eye
Round 8 JAB AND DOWN GOES FURY…Right from Fury…Uppercut from Fury..

75-74 PAUL,,,76-73 Fury,,,,76-73 Fury

12 ROUNDS–WBC CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE–ILUNGA MAKABU (29-2, 25 KOS) VS BADOU JACK (27-3-3, 16 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
MAKABU 10 9 10 8 9 10 9 9 9 9 8   100
JACK* 9 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 TKO 107

ROUND 1 Left to body from Makabu…Body shot..

ROUND 2 1-2 From Jack…Right…Left to the body with Makabu..2 lefts 

ROUND 3 Right from Jack….Right from Makabu..2 lefts to the body…Big right hook..Chopping left..

ROUND 4 2 lefts to the body from Makabu..RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES MAKABU…Right from Jack

ROUND 5 Right from Jack..Right hand..

ROUND 6 Left from Makabu…right hook..Right to body,…Left 

ROUND 7 Right from Jack..Right to body..Big Right..Right to the body from Makabu…1-2 from Jack…2 rights to the body…

ROUND 8 Counter right from Jack

ROUND 9 Right from Jack…Blood from Nostril of Makabu…Right from Jack..Makabu coming forward…right to body and jab..Left from Makabu..Overhand right from Jack..Right at the bell

ROUND 10 Left from Makabu…2 hard rights from Jack….Right to body..Flurry from Makabu..Big left from Jack…3 more lefts.

ROUND 11 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MAKABU…Big right from Jack..Right to the body hurts Makabu

ROUND 12 BIG RIGHT HURTS MAKABU BAD….FOLLOW UP FLURRY AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

4 Rounds–Welterweights–Ziyad Almaayouf (1-0, 1 KO) vs Ronald Martinez (3-1-1)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Almaayouf 8 10 10 10                 38
Martinez 10 9 9 9                 37

Round 1: Almaayouf going after Martinez,,Big Right…Double jab followed by a right…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ALMAAYOUF…Right from Almaayouf
Round 2 Right from Martinez…Right uppercut…Big right from Almaayouf…Big left..
Round 3 Right from Martinez..Double jab from Almaayouf…Right over the top..Big right over the top..
Round 4 Double jab from Almaayouf..Left hook..Nice right to the body..Big right over the top..Left hook..

38-37 oN ALL CARDS FOR ALMAAYOUF

8 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Muhsin Cason (10-0, 7 KOs) vs Taryel Jafarov (18-5, 17 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Cason* 10                       10
Jafarov 8                       8

Round 1 1st PUNCH A BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES JAFAROV..Combination in the corner by Cason..Big right to the head..Right over the top…sweeping right from jafarov..Right to the body by Cason….THE FIGHT IS WAVED OFF IN THE CORNER
Round 2

8 Rounds–Jr. Welterweights–Bader Samreen (7-0, 6 KOs) vs Viorel  Simion (23-9, 9 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Samreen* KO                        
Simion                          

Round 1 Left hook to body from Samreen..Nice right…right to head…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES SIMION…THE FIGHT IS OVER

 




FOLLOW MATIAS – PONCE LIVE

Follow all the action as Subriel Matias takes on Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight title. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with Elvis Rodriguez against Joseph Adorno and Jamal James vs Alberto Palmetta

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12 ROUNDS–IBF JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTERE J-SUBRIEL MATIAS (18-1, 18 KOS) VS JEREMIAS PONCE (30-0, 20 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
MATIAS* 9 10 9 10 10               48
PONCE 10 9 10 9 8               46

Round 1: Ponce landing body punches..Right…Ripping upprcuts…Lefts from Matias..

ROUND 2 Right from Ponce…Ponce crowding Matias…Ponce working on the inside..Left uppercut from Ponce..Matias lands a left hook..2 bog left hooks..

ROUND 3 Left hook from Ponce…another and another..Both guys just whaling away on each other on the inside…

ROUND 4 Left hook to the body from Ponce…counter right from Matias..Beautiful left hook..Left hook from Ponce

ROUND 5 Good combination from Matias..Left..Left…MATIS STAGGERS AND DROPS PONCE…..PONCE’S CORNER STOPS IT IN BETWEEN ROUNDS

10 Rounds–Welterweights–Jamal James (27-2, 12 KOs) vs Alberto Palmetta (18-1, 13 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
James* 10 9 9 10 10 9 10 9 10 10     96
Palmetta 9 10 10 9 9 10 9 10 9 9     94

Round 1 Combination from James…Jab…Right..Combination..
Round 2 Left from Palmetta…
Round 3 2 lefts from Palmetta…Right hook..left
Round 4  Jab and combination from James..Cuffing right hook..Jab and right hand..Combination to the body..left hook to the body
Round 5 Right from James..Another right to the head..Body shot from Palmetta…Counter by James..Right..Body and uppercut from James..2 lefts hooks to the body from James…Good counter right from Palmetta…Body shot…
Round 6 Good counter right hook from Palmetta…Right-left…2 counter punches from James..Right
Round 7 Right to the body from James…Hard right…Body shots…hard rights..Sharp right…Right hook to body from Palmetta…left hook from James..
Round 8 Left from Palmetta..Right hook to body..Right from James..Trading body shots…James lands a head shot..Right from Pakmetta..Chopping left…Left uppercut…right uppercut to body from James..Left to body from Palmetta…
Round 9 James lands a right…Straight left…James landing 2 rights to the body
Round 10 Combination from James…3 punch combination..Right hook to body from Palmetta..right uppercut.

99-91 and 98-92 FOR JAMAL JAMES

10 Rounds–Super Lightweights–Elvis Rodriguez (13-1-1, 12 KOs) vs Joseph Adorno (17-1-2, 14 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Rodriguez* 9 10 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10     96
Adorno 10 9 10 10 10 9 8 9 9 8     92

Round 1 Adorno Jabbing…
Round 2 Lead right hook from Rodriguez..Left down the middle…Body..Counter to the body..Adorno lands a jab and left hook..Body shot from Rodriguez…Lead right from Adorno…Combination Rodriguez
Round 3 Double left hook to Body shot from Adorno..Jab from Rodriguez..Short right to body from Adorno…Body shot…Right hook to body from Rodriguez…Double jab and right to body from Adorno…
Round 4 Exchanging jabs to the body…Left hook to the body…Lead right..Counter
Round 5 Right from Adorno…Lead right hook to body from Rodriguez…Counter from Adorno..Double right..Nice counter from Rodriguez..Left hook to head from Adorno
Round 6 Combination from Rodriguez…Left from Adorno..Combination from Rodriguez..Counter right from Adorno..Counter from Rodriguez…Left hook from Adorno..Right hook from Rodriguez..Counter right to body from Adorno
Round 7 HUGE RIGHT HOOK ROCKS ADORNO AND DOWN HE GOES…Rodriguez landing big shots, but Adorno landing some shots of his own..Big right uppercut from Rodriguez
Round 8 Jab from Adorno..Right hook from Rodriguez..Right hook to the body…Left…2 lefts from Adorno…straight right to the body..Counter left from Rodriguez..Right to body…Right hook rocks Adorno
Round 9 Straight left and right hook from Rodriguez..Lead left…Double jab from Adorno..Lead right to the body..Right uppercut from Rodriguez.Lead right…jab to the body…
Round 10 Counter right from Adorno..Straight left..combination from Rodriguez,,,Double left hook from Adorno……BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES ADORNO

97-91, 95-93 and 94-94 FOR RODRIGUEZ

 




Subriel Matias stops Jeremias Ponce To Win IBF 140 lb. Crown

Subriel Matias stopped Jeremias Ponce after round five to win the IBF Junior Welterweight Title in a blistering fight at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ponce came out firing punches in bunches. Ponce was all over Matias, but Matias was calm and fired back in between to starve off any sustained assault from Ponce. The pace continued throughout the fight with toe-to-toe action. Matias slowly started getting the better of these exchanges and in round five was starting to break down Ponce. Late in the round, Matias landed a flurry of punches that sent Ponce to the canvas. Ponce looked spent as he went to the corner, and his trainer/father stopped the bout.

Matias, 139.25 lbs of Fajardo, PR is now 19-1 with 19 knockouts. Ponce, 139.5 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 30-1.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Matias. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”

“I thought it was an even fight, but one punch can change everything and that’s what happened,” said Ponce. “Subriel is a tough, strong fighter and I knew what he was capable of.”

“I’m fine now,” said Ponce. “My team knows me, and they made the decision that they had to make. It hurts, but the most important thing is that I’m healthy.”

“I wasn’t really surprised,” said Matias. “Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”

“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”

Jamal James Decisions Palmetta

Jamal James won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Palmetta in a welterweight bout.

James landed 193 of 728 punches; Palmetta was 111 of 541.

James, 146.75 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 28-2. Palmetta, 147 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 18-2.

“I’m pretty sure everybody can see that layoff affected me,” said James. “I had a lot of rust in me. My legs weren’t sharp, my punches weren’t sharp, but I’m glad I was able to get in there. I liked that because it’s pushing me mentally and it made me step up to the occasion.”

“I thought it was an even fight,” said Palmetta. “I was the aggressor throughout against a former world champion, a taller opponent with longer reach than me.”

“I was trying to adapt,” said James. “I definitely felt like I won the fight but I believe I could’ve done much better. I know that I’m a lot sharper. I know that my endurance is a lot stronger. I just had a lot of time off and my body is still getting back in shape. I’ll be back for sure.”

“I also like to counter, but I ratcheted up the pressure in the second half of the fight,” said Palmetta. “Maybe it looked like Jamal James was superior in the first half because he kept being conservative and countering.”

“I know I can be a champion again because I was a champion before,” said James. “I have to stay focused. Stay in the gym and back and study this fight – actually, my last two fights – and step it up. Thanks to everybody in Minneapolis for coming and showing me love.”

Elvis Rodriguez Decisions Adorno

Elvis Rodriguez scored a 10-round majority decision over Joseph Adorno in a junior welterweight bout.

In round seven, Rodriguez landed a huge right hook that rocked Adorno and eventually sent Adorno to the canvas. In round 10,Rodriguez landed a little body punch and Adorno appeared to slip, yet was ruled a knockdown.

Rodriguez landed 90 of 316 punches; Adorno was just 69 of 320.

Rodriguez, 139.75 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 97-91, 95-93 and 94-94 and is now 14-1-1. Adorno, 140 lbs of Allentown, PA is 17-2-2.

“Ring rust was definitely a factor,” said Rodriguez. “Maybe the struggle was more mental than physical in a way, but the important thing is that I overcame it.”

“I thought I had him once I landed that right hook, but he got up,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a warrior and a good fighter… The seventh round was huge, that’s when I truly started to win this fight. I have to give credit to Adorno for being savvy and knowing how to keep his distance before then.”

“I thought the judges were blind,” said Adorno. “I can’t get a win with these judges. I don’t know how you see the fight 97-91. I thought I won every round except the ones he dropped me. He never out worked me at all. I had the jab in his face and was snapping him to the body. He couldn’t do anything. No way he won seven rounds. I thought 94-94 was okay because of the two knockdowns.”

“Like I said yesterday at the weigh-in, bring on the winner of the main event,” said Rodriguez. “And to my people in the Dominican Republic, just know that I’ll be back even bolder and even better next time.” 

VeShawn Owens scored an upset 10-round unanimous decision over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in a welterweight bout.

Owens, 147 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 14-3. Abdukakhorov, 156 lbs of Uzbekistan is 18-2.

Willie Jones shocked previously undefeated Derrick Jackson by scoring a one-punch first round stoppage in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Jones landed a perfect left hook to the head of Jackson that dropped him hard on his back and the fight was stopped immediately.

Jones, 147.75 lbs of Burlington, NC is 9-2 with six knockouts. Jackson, 149 lbs Orlando, FL is 10-1.

Mikkel Spencer made easy work of Margarito Lopez with a first round stoppage in their four-round super lightweight bout.

Spencer dominated the fight by landing fast power shots and culminating with a left that sent Lopez down and the fight was stopped at 2:18.

Spencer, 139 lbs of Linden, MI is 3-0 with two knockouts. Lopez, 140 lbs of Wapato, WA is 3-5-1.




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