LAS VEGAS (July 14, 2014) – Tickets for the biggest rematch in recent memory, “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2,” go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15 at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

The repeat of what many are calling 11-time world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s toughest test to date against former WBA Welterweight World Champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana willtake place Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME PPV®.

Tickets for the live event are priced at $1,600, $1,200, $850, $600 and $350, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per person with a limit of four (4) at the $350 price range. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

With only one day left until tickets go on sale for this mega-fight, check out these facts about Floyd Mayweather and MGM Grand*.
Mayweather’s last nine fights have taken place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, including the May 3 first meeting of Mayweather and Maidana.
Mayweather’s September 2013 fight against Canelo Alvarez broke the Nevada boxing gross gate record of more than $20 million.
Mayweather has participated in three of the five biggest boxing gates in Nevada history, and seven of the 20 biggest boxing gates in the sport’s history.
“THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” was the fourth largest boxing gate in Nevada history
*Facts from Nevada State Athletic Commission official website

“MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2”, a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s 147-pound titles taking place Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the fourth fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc.

For more information go to, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @chinomaidana, @mayweatherpromo, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @ShoSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #­­­­­­­­Mayhem and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOboxing.

On Saturday, August 30th, fight fans will be treated to an evening of prizefighting under the stars, as the best of the San Antonio boxing community lace up and compete inside Wolff Stadium at “Battle at the Ballpark”.

Headlining the event will be undefeated Super Bantamweight prospect Javier “The Pitbull” Rodriguez (10-0-1, 1 KO).

The fulltime college student is looking forward to showcasing his skills in front of thousands of supportive Alamo City fight fans.

“This event is special,” states the 20 year old puncher. “It’s going to be exciting to put on a show and compete in the middle of the baseball field at Nelson Wolff Stadium.”

The main event of the evening will be a six round special attraction in which Javier will be pitted against experienced journeyman and rival Guadalupe Perez of Garland, Texas. Rodriguez believes that his style matches up very well with his 31 year old opponent, which should ultimately result in an entertaining scrap for the fans in attendance.

“It’s going to be a dramatic and action filled battle. The fans who come out to Wolff Stadium are going to see a war. Not just in the main event, but in every bout that’s scheduled on the fight card. This event will showcase all of the great talent that is currently fighting out of San Antonio.”

In the co-main event of the evening, undefeated Welterweight prospect Benjamin Whitaker (7-0, 2 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line when he faces the always tough Joshua Burns in a six round match.

Also on the card, the San Antonio boxing community will finally see the long awaited pro debut of highly touted and nationally recognized Lightweight Cresencio Ramos, as well as undefeated knock-out artist Armando Cardenas (4-0, 3 KOs) of Angel’s Boxing Club.

But the showstopper and headliner of the eleven bout event will be “The Pitbull” Javier Rodriguez. It’s a responsibility that the hungry young fighter takes very seriously.

“All I do is go to school and compete in the ring,” confesses the gifted 122 pound fighter. “I study and train. It takes a lot of discipline and it’s difficult at times, but the ultimate goal is worth it. I’m doing everything I can to become the next world champion from San Antonio.”

Although Javier admittedly doesn’t have a deep amateur pedigree, the San Antonio native believes that he possesses the physical and mental toughness to succeed in one of the most challenging sports on the planet.

“I didn’t have an extensive amateur background, so I’m learning new things and getting better with each fight. My biggest assets in the ring are my heart, will, dedication and intelligence. It’s a tough sport and it requires a lot of focus. If you don’t use your head and think about everything that’s happening inside the ring, you could get seriously injured.”

“But even that’s not enough. You also have to train and hard as you can when preparing for a fight. If you don’t have the tools to execute a well thought out fight plan, it doesn’t matter how intelligent you are in the ring. You could get hurt.”

“Boxing is entertainment, but it’s serious business. That’s why I work and fight as hard as I do.”

Despite recognizing how difficult the “sweet science” can be, Javier Rodriguez has an unwavering belief in his team and himself. A win at “Battle at the Ballpark” on Saturday, August 30th, will bring him one step closer to fulfilling his dream of eventually becoming the Super Bantamweight Champion of the world.

“This fight on August 30th is going to be exciting,” states the astute young pugilist. “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a show for the thousands who are going to come out and support all of the local fighters on the show. I’m really looking forward to performing for all of my great and supportive fans, and making new fans as well.”

“Should be a great evening of boxing at the ballpark!”

“Battle at the Ballpark: Rodriguez vs. Perez”, sponsored by “Bush’s Chicken!” of San Antonio, and promoted by Triple A Promotions and TMB Entertainment, will feature 11 action filled bouts in one great evening, for one great price!

Tickets are priced at $25 in General Admission, $50 at ringside, and $500 for special VIP tables for the exclusive August 30th presentation at “The Wolff”, and can be purchased at the ticket offices of Nelson Wolff Stadium (210-675-7275), or by calling 210-560-8181 & 210-387-6859.

LAS VEGAS (July 12, 2014)—Golden Boy Promotions and SHOWTIME® will deliver another explosive night of boxing from the renowned StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., when undefeated IBF Welterweight World Champion Shawn “Showtime” Porter (24-0-1, 15 KOs), of Akron, Ohio defends his belt against fellow unbeaten British star Kell Brook (32-0, 22 KOs), of Sheffield, England, on Saturday, Aug. 16, headlining a three world championship fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast.

In co-featured fights on the telecast, undefeated Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (23-0-1, 17 KOs), of Weslaco, Texas, risks his WBC Lightweight World Championship for a second time against mandatory challenger Daniel “Tremendo” Estrada (32-2-1, 24 KOs), of Mexico City, and WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (32-5-3, 21 KOs), of Sydney, Australia, will defend against unbeaten Anthony “The Dog’’ Dirrell (26-0-1, 22 KOs), of Flint, Mich., in a rematch of a wildly exciting and controversial 12-round split draw last Dec. 7.

“From the championship fight between Shawn Porter and Kell Brook, to Omar Figueroa’s defense of his lightweight title against Daniel Estrada, to the rematch that fans demanded between Sakio Anthony Dirrell, Golden Boy Promotions continues to deliver on the promise of a simple premise – bringing the best fights to fans of boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions. “The StubHub Center’s reputation as the home to some of the best fights in boxing is only growing, and we’re proud to put on three more great fights that will only help cement that reputation.”

Tickets priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges and will be available online atAXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849) and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 877-234-8425.

Unorthodox offensive machine, Porter, 26, will be making the second defense of the 147-pound belt he won in a close but clear upset 12-round unanimous decision over big favorite Devon Alexander “The Great” last Dec. 7. In his lone defense, Porter overwhelmed former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi, via ruthless fourth-round TKO last April 19 from Washington, D.C. Strong, fast, confident and physically gifted, Porter scored two knockdowns against Malignaggi while appearing to seriously hurt him throughout. He ended the one-sided bout with a clean right hand. The bout was stopped at 1:13 of the fourth round.

Regarding his upcoming defense, Porter, an amateur standout before turning professional in October 2008, said: “I think I have the edge on Brook with everything. I’m faster than he is, stronger than he is, quicker than he is, more athletic, and if you put all that in one fight, I’m going to be the winner.”

The world title fight has been a long time coming for Brook, 28, a power-punching, upright fighter who has been a mandatory contender for some time and was supposed to challenge Alexander three times during his reign only for the fights to be called off due to injuries. Then, Porter outpointed Alexander.

“I’m confident I’m going to win. I’m planning on bringing Porter’s belt to the United Kingdom with me,’’ said Brook, who is coming off a tougher than expected eighth-round knockout over Mexican welterweight champion Alvaro Robles last March 15. “I am fitter than ever and ready to go. I have been in training for a long time, so August 16 it’s the perfect date for me.”

Figueroa, 24, captured the then-vacant WBC 135-pound crown on a unanimous 12-round decision over Nihito Arakawa in a brutal slugfest that stole the show July 7, 2013, on SHOWTIME. Figueroa, despite fighting with a cut on his nose from an accidental headbutt, registered two knockdowns in a memorable slugfest in which 2,112 total punches were delivered in 36 minutes of non-stop action.

In his lone defense, the offensive-minded, crowd-pleasing Figueroa retained his crown with a 12-round split decision over amateur nemesis and fellow Texan, Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes, last April 26 at StubHub Center on SHOWTIME. Figueroa was victorious in a puncher versus boxer matchup by the scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 113-115.

Estrada, 29, who’ll be making his SHOWTIME and United States debut, has campaigned exclusively in Mexico. He’s won nine consecutive fights, five by way of knockout. At 5-feet-10 ½, he is three inches taller than Figueroa.

Estrada won the WBC Silver Lightweight Championship with a sixth-round TKO over Isaias Sampaio on April 19, 2013. Before that, Estrada scored a 10th-round technical decision over Arakawa in a match stopped after the 10th after Estrada could not continue due to a swollen right eye that was caused by an unintentional headbutt.

Unbeaten since losing a split 12-round decision to Reyes Sanchez in a scrap for the vacant WBC Silver Light Welterweight Title on Sept. 11, 2010, Estrada is coming off a third-round knockout over Hugo Armenta last Dec. 14.

Bika, 35, is no stranger to winning hard-fought, tough, tight, world title fights. He won the then-vacant WBC 168-pound belt with a 12-round majority decision over Marco Antonio Periban (116-112, 115-113 and 114-114) on June 22, 2013, on SHOWTIME and then boxed to a split decision draw (114-112, 110-116 and 113-113) against Dirrell despite getting floored in the fifth and losing a point for a low blow in the 11th round.

A 2000 Olympian for his native Cameroon, Bika felt he deserved the decision against Dirrell and took exception with the penalty for a punch the referee ruled south of the border.

“I feel I was fighting the referee as well,’’ Bika said. “The body shot was a legitimate shot. Not below the belt line. I got him on the belt line, Dirrell just wanted to milk it. I was the busier fighter and now I just want to fight the best ahead of me.”

While Bika was going 12 rounds for the ninth time, it was the first time Dirrell had gone past eight. Still, the younger brother of 2004 U.S. Olympic Bronze medalist and former world title challenger Anthony Dirrell was positive that he’d done enough to triumph. Upon hearing the verdict, a visibly upset Dirrell bolted from the ring.

“I want to apologize to the fans for leaving the ring like that, but I was just disappointed,” a frustrated Dirrell told SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray a few minutes later. “He hit low and head butted. I definitely want a rematch.”

Dirrell’s career has twice been seriously jeopardized; the first time in December 2006 when he was diagnosed with cancer and was sidelined for 20 months and again in May 2012 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered a broken lower left leg and left wrist. At the time he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Dirrell was 12-0 and had been boxing professionally for only two years.

A victory over Bika would cap a remarkable journey, and Dirrell is confident it will happen in the rematch.

“This fight has been on my mind since I heard the decision from our first fight,’’ he said. “I’m just real excited to get it. I know I can beat Bika, I know I have what it takes and that’s what it is. It just takes hard work and dedication to stay focused on the game plan.

“I could have done better the first fight. I don’t feel like he was hitting me with more shots than I was hitting him with, but I still think I won it. This time it will be convincing.‘’

# # #

Shawn Porter vs. Kell Brook is a 12-round fight for the IBF Welterweight World title promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the 12-round co-main event, Omar Figueroa defends his WBC Lightweight title against Daniel Estrada, and in the televised opener, the WBC Super Middleweight title is on the line when Sakio Bika defends his belt against Anthony Dirrell. The event will take place at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif., and will air on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

LOS ANGELES (July 11) – 2012 U.K. Olympic Bronze medalist Anthony Ogogo (6-0, 3 KOs) shoots for his seventh professional victory this Saturday at the Echo Arena in Liverpool when he faces off with Sheffield southpaw Wayne Reed (10-8, 5 KOs) in a six-round middleweight bout on the Tony Bellew vs. Julio Cesar Dos Santos undercard.

The matchup is the unbeaten Lowestoft native’s third of 2014, and it comes on the heels of his first win in Las Vegas, where he stopped Jonel Tapia in the third round on May 3.

“I’m really excited to be back in the ring and I can’t wait until Saturday night” said the 25-year-old Ogogo. “Fighting in Las Vegas was a fantastic experience and it’s great to be fighting back in Britain with my home support in Liverpool.”

“In every one of Anthony’s fights — most notably his May win in Vegas — he has showed the poise and power necessary to get a title shot and be a world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “Anthony delivers each and every time he steps in the ring, and I expect another great performance out of him this weekend.”

Ogogo vs. Reed will air on Sky Sports at 7pm British time on Saturday, July 12.

Tureano Johnson scored a 10-round unanimous decision over local favorite Tureano Johnson in a Middleweight bout at The Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.

The fight was fought at close quarters for most of the bout with Gavronksi having success early but Johnson’s more active style started to take over in the middle rounds and started battering the tough Gavrosnki. Gavronski looked fatigued going down the stretch and Johnson was able to capitalize on that by landing some hard shots to the head.

Johnson, 160 lbs of the Bahamas won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 15-1. Gavronksi, 159 lbs of Washington is now 14-1-1.

“I wanted to get back in the win column,” said Johnson, “Gavronski is a good fighter with a lot of heart so I take my hat off to him for going the distance with me. I learned a lot it this fight and I feel I still have room to grow as a fighter. My goal is to become a champion one day and I’m not going to stop until I accomplish it. My promoter Gary Shaw says he’ll get me a big fight so I’m just going to keep working hard in the gym. I’ll be back in the ring before you know it.”

Jonathan Maicelo scored a 10-round split decision over Art Hovhannisyan in a Lightweight bout.

Maicelo bixed well using his speed advantahe as Hovhannisyan tried to press forward with ploddimg agression. Hovhannisyan was cut over the left in the 10th round.

Maicelo, 134 1/2 lbs of Peru won by scores of 100-90, 97-93 and is now 18-1-1-1. Hovhannisyan, 134 1/2 lbs of Armenia won a card 96-94 is now 17-2-2.

“I trained really hard for this fight and my conditioning made a positive difference,” said Maicelo. “I knew Hovhannisyan was going to be tough and he brought the fight to me. My timing was on tonight and I was landing some clean shots. I’m looking forward to what Gary Shaw has planned for me in the future.”

Undercard Results

Kenneth Simms Jr. defeated Evan Woolsey via third round knockout.

Eduardo Martinez won a unanimous decision against Lavale Wilson.

Fatlum Zhuta vs. Shariff Woo Johnson ended in a majority draw.

Jennifer Hamann defeated Ariel Beck via unanimous decision

Chazz Witherspoon 235.4 – Tyabb Beale 255.4
Tim Witherspoon Jr. 148.9 – Jeff Lentz 147.6
Kevin Womack Jr. 146.9 – Anthony Prescott 146.8
Jamil Gadsden 154.2 – Nick Valliere 151.8
Matthew Gonzalez 161.1 – Rafael Machado 158.8
Louis Cream 149.7 – Malik Jackson 151.3

Venue: Riverwinds
Promoter: Silver Spoon Promotions
1st Bell: 7:30 PM / Doors 6:30 PM

TV: GFL.tv live / Comcast (delayed)

Photo By Thomas LaManna

Here are the main quotes from today’s kick-off press conference ahead of the fight between IBF Cruiserweight World Champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (28-1, 14 KOs) and former WBA Champion Firat Arslan (34-7-2, 21 KOs) on August 16 at the Erfurt Exhibition Hall in Thuringia, Germany.

Yoan Pablo Hernandez: It is good to be back – back to work! Even before my last fight in November last year, my health was on the downside and it got even worse by February. Finally, I am fit to fight again and I cannot wait to defend my world championship. Firat Arslan is a fighter my teammate Marco Huck had some trouble with. I respect the way he performs, already being 43 years old. I will be well prepared for Arslan as I do not want to go more than twelve rounds against him.

Firat Arslan: My deep respect for Yoan Pablo Hernandez, who is not only the defending IBF Cruiserweight Champion but also the best at that weight, courtesy of Boxrec.com. However, I will have a plan to beat him on August 16. The man who will help me to work this plan out will be Fritz Sdunek. With him and my friend Dieter Wittmann at my side, I am more than equal to Hernandez and his coach Ulli Wegner. My dream will come true – I will become a world champion again!

Tickets for their world championship fight on August 16 in Erfurt, Germany are available via www.eventim.de.

Philadelphia (July 11, 2014)– Fresh off his recent 7th round stoppage over Brian Rose on June 14 in Brooklyn, WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade (21-0, 14 KO’s) is in Liverpool, England this week as he is accompanying Vladine Biosse as he takes on undefeated prospect Callum Smith.

Andrade’s father/trainer Paul trains Biosse.

Andrade has gained lots of popularity in the United Kingdom following his win over Englishman Rose.

Andrade, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing has done a plethora of interviews with the British press, posed for many pictures with fans and signed autographs.

LONDON (July 11) – Mexican star Canelo Alvarez believes that Erislandy Lara will go down as one of the best fighters he will ever face.

The 23-year-old fan favourite Alvarez takes on the wily Cuban this Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live and exclusive on BoxNation, with both men looking to categorically prove that they are the light-middleweight division’s number one.

Alvarez, however, is aware of the threat that the man from Guantanamo presents and admits that when he hangs up the gloves Lara will be amongst the very best he would ever have gone toe-to-toe with.

“This fight is important because Lara and I are the best two fighters in our weight class. He might not have the most recognisable name, but in the boxing world, everybody knows he is the most dangerous opponent. This will be a very important victory,” said Alvarez.

“Without a doubt this is one of the best opponents that I’ll ever have. But I’m always going to look for tough opponents, tough rivals. I want to fight the best,” he said.

Despite the magnitude of this fight, this weekend’s bout will not be for a world title, something which has no bearing on the former unified 154-pound champion Alvarez, who will be looking to use his speed to overcome his well-schooled opponent.

“A title doesn’t matter to me for this fight. This fight is for honour, for glory. We’ll go for a world title next year,” said Alvarez.

“How will I beat him? With speed, movement and combinations. He’s a fighter that moves very well. He has a very tight defence, but the thing that he doesn’t move well is his feet, his legs.

“We know his style; he has a very difficult style. But we’ve prepared to break down that style. We worked for a difficult style, for a southpaw. Without a doubt we had the right sparring partners. It’s not an easy fight but we’ve prepared for everything,” said Alvarez.

31-year-old Lara is in equally buoyant mood, having finally been given his shot at the big time.

Now fighting out of Houston, Texas having defected from Cuba before the 2007 Pan American Games, Lara is unperturbed by Alvarez’s size advantage and says the boxing style he was raised with will help see him through.

“Every fighter that I’ve fought has been heavier than me and I’ve been able to deal with them, so we’re not worried about Canelo’s size. Everyone goes into the ring how they feel comfortable. I’m not worried about his weight on fight day,” said Lara.

“The Cuban style is the best style in boxing. Everybody knows that we win the most medals at the Olympics, at international tournaments. And that’s shown throughout our history.

“We’re going to wait for him. We’re going to see what he can show. I just keep working hard. Anybody who comes to this country is dreaming of this opportunity. I need to take advantage of it. I’m ready for this fight,” he said.

This weekend’s card will also see the return of Mexican idol Abner Mares, who makes his first appearance since his shock loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in August last year, when he takes on Jonathan Oquendo.

“I’m very excited to be back. It’s been 11 months [away] in a sport I love that’s given me everything. I’m very hungry to return, I’m a three-time world champion and I want more. I’m only 28 years old and I’m very determined,” said Mares.

“Oquendo is a young determined fighter, but if he’s been hungry for a week, I’ve been hungry for almost a year,” he said.

The stacked bill also has a rejuvenated Juan Manuel Lopez featuring, following his devastating second round stoppage of Daniel Ponce De Leon, when he takes on unbeaten Francisco Vargas.

The man who ran Danny Garcia extremely close in his last outing, Mauricio Herrera, is in action too and takes on interim WBA light-welterweight champion Johnny Perez.

Canelo Alvarez vs Erislandy Lara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

HBO’s hit late-night boxing franchise returns for an all-action tripleheader of fights from two sites when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: BRANDON RIOS VS. DIEGO CHAVES, SERGEY KOVALEV VS. BLAKE CAPARELLO AND JESSIE VARGAS VS. ANTON NOVIKOV is seen SATURDAY, AUG. 2 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, exclusively on HBO. HBO Sports teams will be ringside at both events, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Aug. 3 (8:00 a.m.) and 5 (1:00 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Aug. 3 (3:30 p.m.) and 4 (11:00 p.m.)

Presented from Las Vegas, the main event of the evening marks the 2014 debut of fan-favorite Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 22 KOs) of Oxnard, Cal. The former 135-pound champ has participated in a handful of classic throwback brawls in his young career and is determined to rebound after tough losses to Mike Alvarado and Manny Pacquiao last year. His foe in the ten-round welterweight fight is Diego Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs) of Buenos Aires, making his Las Vegas debut in just his second fight outside Argentina.

The middle bout is a 12-round world title fight at 175 pounds, as Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (24-0-1, 22 KOs) defends his light heavyweight crown against Australian Blake Caparello (19-0-1, 6 KOs) in Atlantic City. Surging to the top of the 175-pound division, the undefeated slugger is making his fourth appearance on HBO in 13 months, after delivering spectacular knockouts in his three previous bouts on the network. Kovalev, who now calls Ft. Lauderdale home, will face a formidable challenger in the undefeated Caparello.

The evening’s opening bout comes from Las Vegas, with undefeated hometown darling Jessie Vargas (24-0, 9 KOs) facing Anton Novikov (29-0, 10 KOs) of Kopeysk, Russia, in a super lightweight contest scheduled for 12 rounds. Vargas has displayed a willingness to meet any competitor, and will encounter a crafty southpaw in Novikov, his third undefeated opponent in his last four fights.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producers, Dave Harmon and Jon Crystal; director, Jonathan Evans.

Nutley, NJ (July 11, 2014)–On Friday night, July 25th, GH3 Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions will present a special night of boxing that will take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino and be broadcast live on Showtime’s acclaimed series, Sho Box: The New Generation.

This anniversary special broadcast will be the 200th Episode of Sho Box and will begin at 10 PM ET.

The event is sponsored by Modells Sporting Goods.

In the main event, Antoine “Action” Douglas (14-0, 9 KO’s) and former world title challenger Michel Soro (23-1, 13 KO’s) will square in a Middleweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds that will be for the WBA International title.

Three other eight-round bouts will make the broadcast as Super Middleweights Jerry Odom (11-0, 10 KO’s) takes on Vilier Quinonez (8-0, 5 KO’s) for the WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight title. Cecil McCalla (18-0, 6 KO’s) fights Oscar Godoy (13-2, 6 KO’s) in a Welterweight bout plus Lightweight Wanzell Ellison (11-0-1, 5 KO’s) boxes Tony Luis (17-2, 7 KO’s)

The combined record of the 8 fighters is a staggering 115-5-1 with 61 knockouts.

Douglas of Burke, Virginia has been one of the most talked about Middleweight prospects in the United States. The 21-year old has quality wins over undefeated Colby Courter (4-0) and Marquis Davis (8-0-2). In his last bout, Douglas was impressive in scoring a sensational 2nd round stoppage over former world title challenger Luca Messi (37-9-1) on April 4 in Parsippany, New Jersey.

The win over Davis was also televised on Sho Box.

Soro of Villeurbanne, France has an impressive record of 23-1 with 13 knockouts and will be making his American debut.

He won his first eighteen bouts including a win over David Makaradze for the WBO European Jr. Middleweight title.

That win set Soro up for a shot at WBO Jr. Middleweight champion Zaurbek Baysangurov.

Soro fought a great a fight and dropped Baysangurov in the 2nd round but the champion retained his belt in a close decision.

Soro has won five fights in a row which includes a win over Kris Carslaw (17-3) for the WBO European Jr. Middleweight title. He defended the title twice and in his last bout he scored a 5th round stoppage over Alexey Ribchev on June 7.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland has a record of 11-0 with 10 knockouts. 8 of those knockouts have come in the 1st round.

The 21 year-old Odom turned pro in 2012 and this will be his 12th fight in 20 months. He is coming off a 4-round unanimous decision over Edgar Perez on April 26.

Quinonez of Miami, Florida via Cuba has a record of 8-0 with 5 knockouts.

The 29 year-old turned pro in 2010 with a 1st round stoppage over Abdellah Smith. He also has a Eliseo Durazo (4-1). In his last bout, he stopped Edgar Perez in the 1st round on May 1.

McCalla has a perfect record of 18-0 with 6 knockouts. The 29 year-old native of Randallstown, Maryland turned pro in 2008 with a 4-round unanimous decision over Ivan Ziglar (1-0-1).

He also has wins over undefeated Antonio Walls (2-0) and Gary Lynch (4-0). In his last bout, McCalla scored a 6-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez on April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino..

Godoy of Watsonville, California is a tough and durable fighter who has several solid wins over the likes of Roberto Crespo (4-1), Richard Hargraves (3-0-1), Ricky Duenas (12-2) and his last bout when he scored a 6-round majority decision over Victor Fonseca (8-2-1) on March 14 in Tustin, California.

Ellison of Newark, New Jersey has a record of 11-0-1 with 5 knockouts.

The 25-year old turned pro in 2009 and is coming off a 6-round split decision over previously undefeated Iain Weaver on April 4 in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Luis of Cornwall, Ontario, Canada is known for his exciting style.

The 26-year old won his first 15 bouts with wins over solid veterans Adrian Valdez, Adrian Verdugo (13-1-1) and Aldo Valtierra.

He captured the WBC Continental Americas Jr. Welterweight title with a 1st round stoppage over Alejandro Barrera. He racked up two more wins before his 1st setback to Jose Hernandez.

Two more wins set up a fight with undefeated prospect Ivan Redkach. Luis fought a tough fight before dropping a 10-round unanimous decision on January 17.

Los Angeles, CA (July 11, 2014) Heading into the 2014 All-Star Break and seeking depth in their starting pitching, the first place Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired middleweight world boxing champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN to take the mound on Saturday night for their game against their Southern California rivals San Diego Padres at the famed Chavez Ravine stadium in Los Angeles.

“This is a terrific opportunity for Gennady, he’s been training up in Big Bear for his title defense against Daniel Geale in two weeks and his fastball has never looked sharper” said Tom Loeffler of K2 Promotions. “Although planned as an honorary first pitch by the Dodgers we’re confident that he can get through the first few innings unscathed.”

Said Golovkin, “I’m honored to throw out the first pitch on Saturday night. I’ve been training in Big Bear for my fight against Geale but look forward to having a great time on Saturday night at the ballpark.”

Sporting boxing’s highest knockout percentage with a record of 29-0-0 including 26 stoppages, Golovkin will head to mound at 6:55 p.m. PT for the honorary pitch prior to the 7:10 p.m. PT start of the third game of the Dodgers/Padres weekend series.

Golovkin will wrap up training within the next week and head to New York City for his WBA/IBO Middleweight World Title defense against two-time former world champion Geale on Saturday, July 26 from ‘The Mecca of Boxing”, Madison Square Garden on LIVE on HBO World Championship Boxing ® beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.

GOLOVKIN VS. GEALE is presented by K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and Grange Old School Boxing.

Advance tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 are available at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com

For fight updates on GOLOVKIN VS. GEALE via Social Media, follow HBO Boxing on Twitter at @HBOBoxing and Facebook at /HBOBoxing, in addition to on Twitter at Gennady Golovkin/@GGGBoxing, Daniel Geale/@RealDealGeale, Tom Loeffler – K2 Promotions/ @TomLoeffler1 and Gary Shaw Productions/@GaryShawBoxing. Use the hashtag #GolovkinGeale to join the conversation on Twitter.

Canelo Alvarez 155 – Erislandy Lara 155
Abner Mares 126.5 – Jonathan Oquendo 126.5
Juan Manuel Lopez 130 – Francisco Vargas 129
Johan Perez 140 – Muaricio Herrera 140

Toronto | New York (July 11, 2014) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Enfusion 20 from Mallorca, Spain this Saturday, July 12, at 2:30 p.m. ET, featuring some of Europe’s top kickboxing prospects.

Enfusion 20 will be aired live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV in the U.S. and nationwide in Canada.

The Enfusion female 54 kg world championship will be up for grabs as Morocco’s Iman Ghablou takes on England’s Iman Barlow.

In other featured bouts, Damian Garcia and Loren Jorge throw down in a clash of Spanish standouts, German Christian Brorhilker battles Dutchman Wendell Roche, Spain’s Kike Bonnin faces Germany’s Olli Koch, Spain’s Antonio Gomez takes on Portuguese prospect Ricardo Luiz, plus Spain’s Ruben Barnabe kicks off the festivities against Frenchman Thomas Alisier.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

July 11, 2014 – HBO Boxing presents “Road to Golovkin/Geale,” an exhilarating special examining the upcoming middleweight title fight between undefeated champ Gennady Golovkin and former two-time champ Daniel Geale. In a highly anticipated 160-pound showdown set for the big stage at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, July 26, Golovkin and Geale will finally meet in the ring. The encounter will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing ®.

The “Road to Golovkin/Geale” special will premiere Saturday, July 12 at 12:05 a.m. ET/PT on HBO. It will preview the long awaited meeting between two accomplished warriors who have been on a journey to confront each other in the ring. The special will provide all-new content including portraits of both fighters’ path to this significant summertime showdown on boxing’s leading television platform.

Golovkin, who had spectacular breakout year in 2013, brings a perfect 29-0 record with 26 KOs into the showdown. Geale, enormously popular in his native Australia, sports a professional ring record of 30-2 with 16 KOs. This marks his second fight in the United States.

The 15-minute special will also be available on the HBO On Demand® service, HBO GO® and at www.hbo.com/boxing as well as various other new media platforms that distribute the series.

Other HBO playdates: July 12 (12:05 a.m.), 14 (9:45 a.m.), 16 (2:15 p.m. & 10:45 p.m.), 20 (11:45 a.m.), 22 (12:00 p.m. & 2:55 a.m.), 25 (5:30 p.m. & 1:00 a.m.), and 26 (8:45 a.m.).

HBO2 playdates: July 13 (6:15 p.m.), 15 (9:15 p.m.), 17 (5:45 p.m.) 19 (7:15 p.m.), 21 (2:50 p.m.), 23 (11:30 p.m.) and 25 (11:10 p.m.).

All times are ET/PT.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 11th, 2014) – It’s the birthplace of The Beatles, known for its inventions and innovations in public health and social reform, as well as its eclectic nightlife and rich history of performing arts.

As far as CES Boxing’s Vladine Biosse is concerned, Liverpool, England, is just another city, another venue, another stop along the way, as he continues his slow, steady climb toward the top of the super middleweight division before Father Time has its say.

More than 50 years since the birth of Beatlemania, and 40 years since “Mr. Moonlight” Frankie Vaughan dominated the UK Top 40, Liverpool is bracing itself for “Mr. Providence” as Biosse (15-3-2, 7 KOs) faces his toughest test to date at Echo Arena.

The 32-year-old southpaw will challenge undefeated champion Callum Smith (11-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout Saturday, June 12th, 2014 for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International title, which Smith captured in October and defended for the first time in May with a second-round knockout win over Tobias Webb.

While Smith has already predicted a late stoppage Saturday, accounting for how long it’ll take him to adjust to a southpaw challenger, Biosse is playing it cool, offering no insight other than the promise to leave everything in the ring.

“I will give him hell,” he said.

In the cramped, competitive super middleweight division, Biosse is as tough as it gets. The former University of Rhode Island football player gave unbeaten prospect J’Leon Love “hell” in his last bout Feb. 28th in New York, taking Love into the 10th and final round before referee Benjy Esteves Jr. stopped the fight, a curious decision since Biosse had already absorbed Love’s best for nine rounds.

Though he’s yet to face the same level of competition Love has gone toe-to-toe with, the 6-foot-3 Smith is considered one of the most promising up-and-comers in the 168-pound weight class.

The youngest of four brothers – Paul, Liam and Stephen – all of whom boxed professionally, Smith came within a whisker of qualifying for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, losing a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals of the qualifier in Turkey.

As a pro, he’s won nine consecutive bouts by knockout, including his most recent fight in May in which he sent Webb to the canvas four times in the second round, and another dominant performance in April against 54-fight veteran Francois Bastient, whose corner threw in the towel in the third round when a short, right uppercut put Bastient halfway through the ropes.

The key for Biosse will be fighting effectively on the inside, which is the best way to neutralize Callum’s reach and soften his defense. In a scheduled eight-round bout against 6-foot-4 veteran Marcus Upshaw in January of 2013, Biosse got off to a strong start by boxing on the inside and staying away from Upshaw’s jab. Once Upshaw found his range, he peppered Biosse with combinations set up by the jab and eventually earned the stoppage 2 minutes, 25 seconds into the final round, sending Biosse to the canvas twice.

Biosse had won his previous three fights before the loss to Upshaw. Since then, he’s 1-1-1, including a win over Philadelphia’s Latif Mundy and a draw against Rhode Island’s Rich Gingras. Among his most notable wins are victories on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights against Joey McCreedy and Tim Connors and a unanimous decision win over intrastate rival and former regional title-holder Joey Spina.

Winning the WBC International title would go a long way toward putting Biosse in the mix among the elite fighters in his weight class. Over the past decade, seven of the nine fighters who held the WBC International Super Middleweight title went on to win world championships, a list that includes Mikkel Kessler, Otis Grant, Jurgen Braehmer, Mario Veit, Denis Inkin, Robert Stieglitz and Adonis Stevenson.

The Biosse-Smith fight is one of four title bouts on Saturday’s card in Liverpool, promoted by Matchroom Boxing. Former world light heavyweight champ Nathan Cleverly will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Inter-Continental Cruiserweight title against Argentinian Alejandro Emilio Valori in a 12-round bout.

“I appreciate the invite and the opportunity to come overseas for this fight and challenge the champion,” Biosse said, “but make no mistake, I am coming to win like I do every time out.

“I’ve seen tapes and I respect Callum as a fighter, but I’m always and I always come to fight.”

Visit www.cesboxing.com for more information, follow CES Boxing on Twitter at @CESBOXING and Instagram at CESBOXING, or “like” CES Boxing on Facebook.

LAS VEGAS (July 10, 2014) – Two days before they enter the ring for “Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara and undercard fighters on Saturday’s SHOWTIME PPV® four-fight telecast took part in the final press conference at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand.

In the 12-round main event Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez takes on Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara. The co-main event will pit Abner Mares against Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo. The co-featured fight will match Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez against Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas. Finally, in the opening SHOWTIME PPV bout, Johan “El Terrible” Perez will be opposed by Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera. This exciting card comes to you live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME PPV.

Tickets are still available at the $750, $500, $250, $150, $75 and $50 price ranges, not including applicable service charges. Tickets are limited to eighteen (18) per person with a limit of eight (8) at the $75 and $50 price ranges. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the participants had to say at Thursday’s final press conference:

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBA & WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

“This fight is important because Lara are and I are the best two fighters in our weight class.

“He might not have the most recognizable name, but in the boxing world, everybody knows he is the most dangerous opponent. This will be a very important victory.

“How will I beat him? With speed, movement and combinations.

“You can’t predict a knockout; a knockout comes on its own. Sometimes, as much as you want it, it doesn’t come. If it comes, I will take advantage of it. But if it doesn’t, I will be ready for 12 rounds.

“I’m just waiting anxiously for the weigh-in. For many fighters this is the tensest part of training. We’re just waiting to weigh-in and fight.

“Without a doubt this is one of the best opponents that I’ll ever have. But I’m always going to look for tough opponents, tough rivals. I want to fight the best.

“A title doesn’t matter to me for this fight. This fight is for honor, for glory. We’ll go for a world title next year.

“He’s a fighter that moves very well. He has very tight defense, but the thing that doesn’t move well is his feet, his legs.

“I haven’t been watching or studying tapes. We know his style; he has a very difficult style. But we’ve prepared to break down that style. We worked for a difficult style, for a southpaw. Without a doubt we had the right sparring partners. It’s not an easy fight but we’ve prepared for everything.”

ERISLANDY LARA, WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion

“We’re ready I don’t think there’s much more to say. I’m ready for this fight and we’ll see you all July 12.

“Every fighter that I’ve fought has been heavier than me and I’ve been able to deal with them, so we’re not worried about Canelo’s size. Everyone goes into the ring how they feel comfortable. I’m not worried about his weight on fight day.

“We’re going to wait for him. We’re going to see what he can show.

“The Cuban style is the best style in boxing. Everybody knows that we win the most medals at the Olympics, at international tournaments. And that’s shown throughout our history.

“I just keep working, working hard. Anybody who comes to this country is dreaming of this opportunity. I need to take advantage of it.”

ABNER MARES, Former Three-Time, Three-Division World Champion

“I’m very excited to be back. It’s been 11 months [away] in a sport I love that’s given me everything.

“I’m very hungry to return, I’m a three-time world champion and I want more.

“I’m only 28 years old and I’m very determined. I want to dedicate this fight to Mexico.

“Oquendo is a young determined fighter, but if he’s been hungry for a week, I’ve been hungry for almost a year.”

JONATHAN OQUENDO, Featherweight Contender

“I won’t say too many things but I’m very well prepared to give everyone a good fight.

“I know the great fighter that Abner Mares can be and I prepared well for him. I know that Puerto Rico vs. Mexico always puts up good fights and this won’t be an exception.

“All I’m doing now is waiting for fight time so you can see the best Jonathan Oquendo possible.

“I’ve trained hard to give my maximum effort and I’m ready.”

JUAN MANUEL LOPEZ, Former Two-Division World Champion

“This is the fourth time I’ve come to Las Vegas to fight. The first three I won by knockout and I hope to continue that.

“This is a great opportunity for me to take full advantage of and I’m going to give it my all.

“I’m on a great card with so many great fighters and I’m going to give you a great victory.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS, 2008 Mexican Olympian & Super Featherweight Contender

“I’m very happy to be on this great card with so many great fighters. Being on this card motivates me to put on a great fight and make everyone happy.

“I had a great training camp in Mexico City and I’m prepared to give everyone a great fight.

“I’m going to give it my all and lay it on the line Saturday night.”

JOHAN PEREZ, Interim WBA Junior Welterweight Champion

“I’m well prepared, I’ve trained hard and I’m ready to give the public what they want to see – a great fight.”

MAURICIO HERRERA, Junior Welterweight Contender

“I’m real happy to be fighting on a big card like this under Canelo. I had a big fight with Danny Garcia and that’s what got me here.

“They put me with another tough guy in Johan Perez. I come well prepared and I want to show everyone who Mauricio Herrera is. What better way than on this great card.

“I’m going to give you guys a great show Saturday night.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President and Founder of Golden Boy Promotions

“On Saturday evening, July 12, eight hungry, determined, motivated and extremely talented fighters will enter the ring focused on honor and in search of glory. They seek the ultimate prize in boxing, which is to win by knockout.

“From experience, every time I said ‘I let the knockout come’, in the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘I want to knock this guy out’ and I have a great feeling that’s what we’re going to get Saturday.

“Canelo-Lara, is a matchup for the ages. It’s a matchup that doesn’t come by every day. You will be watching the best 154-pound fighters in the world today, in the same ring, for the same prize, for honor and glory.

“Who’s going to win? The fight fans. That is what its all about. Delivering the best of the best. “The whole card will be one for the ages. We have the much-anticipated return of a great fighter in Abner Mares, going up against a hard-hitting fighter in Jonathan Oquendo.

“When you match up Mexico vs. Puerto Rico you know you will get passion in that ring. There have been many great wars with this matchup and we will see more of that Saturday night.

“Juan Manuel Lopez is a tremendous fighter with explosive power, but more importantly he has the determination to get back on top of the boxing world.

“Lopez is facing an undefeated Olympian from Mexico who is determined to give it all for the honor and glory of his country, in Francisco Vargas.

“The opening bout I can guarantee will be a great one. Their fighting styles guarantee that. We have seen Johan Perez and Mauricio Herrera give us great heart and determination every time they’re in that ring.

“I have to admit, I took out a page of Dana White’s playbook, with stacking the cards from top to bottom, making sure that the fans are getting their early to watch exciting champions of tomorrow and today in these terrific fights.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer

“I appreciate everyone being here for this great fight Saturday. I just want to repeat a poem from a great Mexican composer, the time for words is over, “it’s time to fight with our fists in the ring”

“Bell man, ring that bell because Canelo and Lara are ready for Saturday night.”

EDDIE REYNOSO, Canelo’s Co-Trainer

“There’s nothing more to say, we had a great preparation. We have a great fighter, with great qualities that can fight any style. He’s ready to fight on Saturday night and to prove he’s the main guy at 154 pounds.”

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Lara’s Co-Manager

“We’re excited, you guys are going to see a great fight Saturday night. ’The American Dream,’ Erislandy Lara is going to win this fight Saturday night, no question and prove he is the best 154 pounder.”

BOB SANTOS, Lara’s Co-Manager

“We had a tremendous camp. Canelo is a great fighter, but on Saturday night Erislandy Lara is going to prove he is the best 154-pounder in the world, bar none.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“This is the fourth boxing event at MGM Grand this year, plus two last year and with that lineup there is no doubt that the biggest stars in boxing fight here at MGM Grand. Five out of those six are SHOWTIME events and we are very proud of our relationship with MGM Grand.

“For the last two years, SHOWTIME has been the exclusive home of the biggest events in boxing and Saturday will be just that, one of the biggest boxing events of the year, featuring the brightest young star in boxing.

“Canelo Alvarez has already shown his popularity in the Hispanic community, and we are now seeing his ability to crossover and attract all ethnicities across the country.

“A big part of Canelo’s popularity stems from his desire to face the very best opponents, and Erislandy Lara is just that, the very best challenge in the 154-pound division.

“It’s very rare we get to see consensus No. 1 and No. 2 ranked boxers in the same division face each other, but that’s exactly what we have and that what is drawing so much attention to this event.

“Add to that an undercard filled with intriguing storylines and the potential for explosive action, and you get the guaranteed excitement and entertainment on Saturday night.

“One element we’re very proud of is the fact that this card is filled with boxers built on SHOWTIME’s platforms. This will be Canelo’s fifth appearance on SHOWTIME, Lara’s sixth, Abner Mares has appeared eight times on SHOWTIME, this will be his ninth. ’JuanMa’ has appeared on SHOWTIME six times, Francisco Vargas four times and Mauricio Herrera twice.

“So get to the MGM Grand early or tune in to SHOWTIME to see all the action.”

BOB BENNETT, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission

“I would like to thank all the fighters for their efforts this Saturday night and we wish you the very best and your continued success in the sport.”

RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment, MGM Resorts International

“We are excited to add to the heat of the summer with a fantastic showdown this Saturday. It’s a pleasure to welcome back the Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, who looks to leave the MGM with another victory.

“Welcome to Erislandy Lara, who returns after fighting at the MGM in 2010. The Cuban champion will no doubt bring a great show to the ring Saturday night.”

# # #

“Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara,” a 12-round junior middleweight fight taking place Saturday, July12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. In the co-main event, Abner Mares returns to the ring to face Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round featherweight bout. In the SHOWTIME PPV opening bout, Johan Perez defends his interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Title against Mauricio Herrera in a 12-round matchup. Also, Juan Manuel Lopez meets Francisco Vargas in a 10-round bout for the WBO International Super Featherweight Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP). For information visit www.SHO.com/Sports. Canelo vs. Lara will be shown on the big screen in movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. Information will be available at www.fathomevents.com.

Plus, SHOWTIME® will televise undefeated WBO Bantamweight World Champion Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda defending his title in a 12-round bout against No. 1-ranked contender Pungluang Sor Singyu during “Canelo vs. Lara: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live PPV event).

LAS VEGAS (July 10, 2014) – Their thrilling first fight last May left sports fans clamoring for more. Now, 11-time world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Marcos “El Chino” Maidana will do it again. “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana II,” a welterweight world championship fight announced today,will take placeSaturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV.

Ticket information and information about an upcoming five-city, cross-country press tour starting this Monday, July 14 will be announced shortly.

Despite the brutal nature of their first meeting, Mayweather has chosen to give Maidana a chance to redeem himself and earn a victory against the undefeated champion by facing him again in the storied MGM Grand Garden Arena. This exciting rematch will serve to test the skill and will of both men and finish what was started last May.

“Marcos Maidana is a tough customer and he gave me a fight that had me work for the victory,” said Mayweather. “His style is difficult at best, but with experience comes a way and will to win. I’m not one to give second chances in the ring, but I want to give the fans what they want to see. I will be as prepared as I always am when I step in the ring on September 13. I only see the outcome one way and that’s another successful night for me and my team.”

“The rematch with Mayweather is the only fight that really motivates me,” said Maidana. “I feel I earned it in the ring and Floyd owed it to me. I’ve already proved that I don’t care if the man I have in front of me is the best pound-for-pound champion. I was close to ending his reign last time. On September 13 he will not get away undefeated.”

“This will be another great test for Floyd as Marcos Maidana is hungry to prove he can not only give Floyd a good fight, but redeem his loss and hand Floyd his first defeat,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Maidana is clearly one of the best in the division and earned this opportunity to face Floyd once again. But that is a big mountain to climb and Floyd will be prepared as he always is to prove once again why they call him TBE, the best ever. It will be another great fight and action-packed evening for the fans.”

“SHOWTIME has established itself as the destination for the biggest, most exciting events in boxing, and we are proud to announce our next event with Floyd Mayweather,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “On May 3, the fearless Marcos Maidana attacked Floyd Mayweather with reckless abandon, landing more punches than any previous Mayweather opponent and giving Mayweather one of the toughest fights of his career. That peformance earned Maidana this rematch, and we are in for another electrifying night of boxing.”

“The first fight between Floyd Mayweather and Marcos Maidana was incredible and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to host the rematch at MGM Grand,” said Richard Sturm, president of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International. “These two world-class athletes put on a spectacular show in May and will do so once again in September when they step into the ring.”

“MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana II,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s 147-pound titles taking place Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the fourth fight of a lucrative six-fight deal with Showtime Networks Inc.

Their first meeting, “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana,” was an epic 12-round showdown that ended in a majority decision (114-114, 117-11, 116-112) in favor of the pound-for-pound champion Mayweather. Maidana came out of the gate with his trademark wild style, making Mayweather uncomfortable and keeping him on the ropes in the early rounds of the fight. Using his typical animalistic style, Maidana attacked Mayweather with punches from all angles and by the end of the night, had landed more punches on Mayweather than any other opponent Mayweather faced throughout his undefeated career.

This style contrasted in a beautiful symphony between the two fighters with Mayweather’s legendary defense on full display from the pound-for-pound great. After taking time to adjust to Maidana’s style, Mayweather was able to find his rhythm and use his expert technique to keep Maidana’s aggression from getting the best of him. Mayweather’s ring intelligence guided his game plan as he displayed a series of combinations and counterpunched effectively to win the fight. Both fighters left everything in the ring, but Mayweather’s undeniable ring savvy led to a 12-round majority decision for him over Maidana, but also left the fans clamoring for more.

Undefeated Floyd “Money” Mayweather, (46-0, 26 KOs), an 11-time world champion in five weight divisions, is boxing’s biggest star and its undisputed pound-for-pound champion. His speed, defensive prowess and ability to read his opponents have carried him to 46 victories over his already legendary career. Prior to the aforementioned exhilarating first fight between Mayweather and Maidana, Mayweather had already faced boxing’s most feared opponents and been a part of its biggest events. He solidified his worldwide popularity when he faced then-undefeated boxing phenom Canelo Alvarez last September. The mega-event, which set the record as the highest grossing pay-per-view event in television history with over $150 million in revenue, showed once again that Mayweather’s drawing power is unlike any other. During Mayweather’s extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over numerous world champions, including Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz, Miguel Cotto, Robert Guerrero, Alvarez and most recently Maidana, marking his 46th win. The Grand Rapids, Mich., native, who fights out of Las Vegas, averages more than one million pay-per-view buys per event, which is the highest pay-per-view buy average of any boxer in history, and is the only fighter to participate in two events which generated over 2 million pay-per-view buys each. In 2007, Mayweather co-headlined a pay-per-view event with De La Hoya, which generated the largest number of PPV buys in history. Mayweather has continued to rack up the accolades since defeating Maidana in May, as he has been named the world’s highest-paid athlete by Forbes and Fortune/Sports Illustrated for the last calendar year and nominated for “Best Male Athlete” and “Fighter of the Year” at this year’s ESPN ESPY Awards.

Thirty-year-old Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs) put on a show this past May when he stood toe-to-toe and challenged the king of boxing, Floyd Mayweather, before losing a majority decision that left the MGM Grand Garden Arena and sports world buzzing. More people than ever were able to gain an appreciation for the soft-spoken Argentine brawler with this great pay-per-view performance that earned him another shot at Mayweather. Maidana put himself on the map when he stunned the boxing world in December 2013 with a dominant victory over up-and-coming superstar Adrien Broner. Hailing from Margarita, Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana first emerged on the world scene in 2009, when he won the interim WBA Junior Welterweight World Championship with a stunning sixth-round technical knockout over Victor Ortiz. After three defenses of his title, Maidana lost a 2010 Fight of the Year candidate to Amir Khan, but he regained the belt with another classic against future Hall of Famer Erik Morales in 2011. In 2012, Maidana joined forces with renowned trainer Robert Garcia (2012 Trainer of the Year) and has since gone 4-1 with 3 knockouts with his only loss coming at the hands of Mayweather.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME 2™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD™, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ HD, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, FLIX ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to annual events including Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.sports.sho.com and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @chinomaidana, @mayweatherpromo, @goldenboyboxing, @ShoSports and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #­­­­­­­­Mayhem and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Las Vegas, Nev. – The Ultimate Fighting Championship® makes its long-awaited return to Tulsa, Okla. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at BOK Center with an action-packed card headlined by a five-round lightweight main event between former UFC champion Benson Henderson and surging contender Rafael dos Anjos. The UFC’s previous trip to Tulsa took place on Dec. 16, 1994, as Royce Gracie defeated Dan Severn.

Henderson (21-3, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) returns to the Octagon® following an impressive fourth-round submission victory over Rustam Khabilov. Boasting victories over Evan Dunham, Donald Cerrone, and Jason High, dos Anjos (21-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) knows that a decisive win over a former champion in Henderson is his ticket to a shot at the title.

Other bouts include:
Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace (#8) Demian Maia (19-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) vs. hard-hitting (#12) Mike Pyle (26-9-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
Dangerous welterweight finisher Jordan Mein (28-9, fighting out of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) vs. dynamic striker Brandon Thatch (11-1, fighting out of Denver, Col.)
Parisian middleweight Francis Carmont (22-9, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) vs. former title challenger Thales Leites (23-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
All-American wrestler Chas Skelly (11-1, fighting out of Arlington, Tex.) vs. Finnish featherweight Tom Niinimaki (21-6-1, fighting out of Turku, Finald)
Powerful puncher Aaron Phillips (8-1, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) vs. durable bantamweight Matt Hobar (8-2, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.)
Gifted striker Max Holloway (9-3, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) vs. Bosnian boxer Mirsad Bektic (8-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Aggressive flyweight Tim Elliott (10-5-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) vs. Brazilian veteran Wilson Reis (17-5, fighting out of Philadelphia, Pa.)

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HENDERSON vs. DOS ANJOS, go on sale Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. CT and are priced at $150, $100, $75 and $50. Tickets are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. Ticket prices do not include applicable service charges. Tickets are also available at the BOK Center box office.

A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers TODAY, Thursday, July 10, starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HENDERSON vs. DOS ANJOS will air live on FOX Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, Aug. 23 with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX Sports 2 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS™, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and on Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

Las Vegas, Nevada – UFC FIGHT PASS™, the UFC’s digital streaming service, is proud to announce UFCFIGHTPASS.com will be the place to see the eighth stacked card from the world’s leading all-female MMA promotion, Invicta Fighting Championships.

Invicta FC 8: Waterson vs Tamada will stream live on UFCFIGHTPASS.com on Saturday, September 6, from the Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO, and will be headlined by Invicta 105-lbs champion Michelle Waterson taking on Japanese contender Yusuko Tamada. The co-main event will see the vacant Invicta 115lbs division title contested by Florida’s Stephanie Eggink and Finland’s Katja Kankaanpaa.

UFC chief content officer Marshall Zelaznik said: “When we launched UFC FIGHT PASS last December, we said that we would never rest in bringing the best value to our subscribers. The addition of live and archived Invicta programming is going to be of enormous interest to our existing subscribers and will bring in new subscribers, too.

“We’re very excited to have these two fights headline our first Invicta live event on FIGHT PASS. This is a little bit of history, as it is the first time the UFC has been involved with the broadcast of a promotion not owned and operated by the UFC’s parent company, Zuffa LLC.”

Invicta Fighting Championships president Shannon Knapp said: “This is a great day for my company. Since the start of Invicta, I’ve been committed to providing the biggest and best possible platform for women athletes and, with this distribution deal with UFC FIGHT PASS, Invicta will reach the most passionate MMA fans in the world.”

Knapp added: “This new beginning for Invicta starts with a stacked card on September 6. Michelle Waterson is an amazing champion, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, and she has a tough first title defense against a very experienced challenger in Yasuko Tamada. And both Stephanie Eggink and Katja Kankaanpaa are going to go all out to win the vacant 115lbs belt.

“Also on the stacked card we have Ediane Gomes dropping down to 135lbs to take on Tonya Evinger and we have our first 155lbs fight with Veronica Rothenhausler vs Charmain Tweet.”

Invicta FC 105-lbs champion Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson added: “I feel like I just got a huge promotion at my job, fighting on UFCFIGHTPASS.com. I’m the type of fighter who can rise to the occasion and I can’t wait to show off all the improvements I’ve made to my game since my last fight in April 2013.

“I know my opponent has fought almost everybody in the division in Japan, has a lot of experience and has this real scrappy, southpaw jiu-jitsu style. It’s going to be a real challenge but I will be ready on September 6.”

The full card – all of which will stream live on UFCFIGHTPASS.com – looks like this.

Michelle Waterson –vs- Yasuko Tamada (105lbs title)
Stephanie Eggink –vs- Katja Kankaanpää (115lbs title)
Ediane Gomes –vs- Tonya Evinger (135lbs)
Michelle Ould –vs- Deanna Bennett (125lbs)
Roxanne Modafferi–vs- Tara Larosa (125lbs)
Peggy Morgan –vs- Irene Aldana (135lbs)
Alexa Grasso –vs- Ashley Cummins (115lbs)
Veronica Rothenhausler –vs- Charmain Tweet (155lbs)
Jody Esquibel –vs- Jinh Yu Frey (105lbs)
JJ Aldrich –vs- Delaney Owen (115lbs)

Tickets will be available soon.

In addition, all seven previous Invicta events are now available on-demand on UFC FIGHT PASS here, allowing subscribers to check out fights featuring talents like Waterson, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, former Strikeforce champ Marloes Coenen, early-career fights of UFC stars like Alexis Davis, Cat Zingano and Liz Carmouche and most of the cast of the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter®.

The Invicta FC library joins the libraries of PRIDE FC, Strikeforce, WEC, WFA, EliteXC, Affliction Entertainment and the UFC on UFC FIGHT PASS

All bouts live and subject to change. Visit UFC.com.

About the UFC
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Beijing, Singapore and Sao Paulo, the UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries to 800+ million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S. which includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network annually, The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. UFC also owns over 100 UFC GYM® locations,UFC.TV (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT™ (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC 360 (the internationally distributed magazine), a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, best-selling DVDs and Blu-rays, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, Octagon™ branded apparel and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit www.UFC.com and follow UFC at www.Facebook.com/UFC and Twitter: @UFC.

Boxing and baseball are about as American as apple pie.

Throughout this country’s long storied history in professional sports, the two iconic pastimes have given millions of fans some of their most memorable and dramatic moments, serving as virtual timelines in chronicling life’s most unforgettable and celebrated events.

On Saturday, August 30th, the two historic forces will merge to bring the Alamo City a singular event that is sure to capture the imagination of its most traditional sports aficionados, and bring the Summer of 2014 to a sensational close with a figurative and literal “bang”.

Triple A Promotions and TMB Entertainment will stage the highly anticipated “Battle at the Ballpark” at the beautiful Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, which customarily serves as the proud home of the San Antonio Missions Baseball Club every year.

The stacked 11-bout fight card will serve as a platform for many promising young fighters within S.A.’s boxing community.

President of TMB Entertainment and prolific fight trainer, Rick Morones Jr., expounds on the importance of the August 30th spectacle.

“This event is exclusively for the local talent here in San Antonio,” states the head coach of Team Morones Boxing Club. “In order for all of the promising young athletes within the local fight community to recognize their true potential in reaching the world class stage of boxing, it‘s imperative that they not only remain active, but also receive the opportunity to compete in front of their hometown supporters on a regular basis.”

“Talented undefeated prospects like Javier Rodriguez (10-0-1, 1 KO) and Benjamin Whitaker (7-0, 2 KOs), deserve to be in the spotlight of a San Antonio based promotion. That’s what this event at Wolff Stadium is all about; showcasing the best local fighters and cultivating an avid fan base for them here in San Antonio.”

President of the San Antonio Missions Baseball Club, Burl Yarbrough, has played an integral and invaluable part in bringing the fight game back to the ballpark.

“We’re very excited to bring boxing back to Wolff Stadium,” states the three-time Texas League Executive of the Year. “We’re looking forward to working with Rick Morones and building a relationship with the talented fighters here in San Antonio.”

The newly formed, San Antonio based entertainment group has slated some of the local boxing community’s most highly touted and promising young prospects.

Featured in the main event of the evening, undefeated Featherweight hopeful Javier “The Pitbull” Rodriguez will be taking on the always durable Guadalupe Perez in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first meeting was an action filled scrap that took place last year in Floresville, Texas, with Rodriguez scoring the competitive and hard fought majority decision victory.

The co-main event will feature one of San Antonio’s most talented commodities of the sport, unbeaten Welterweight Benjamin Whitaker. The gifted prizefighter will be taking on the upset minded Joshua Burns in a six round special attraction. Although the slick boxer/puncher will be competing against highly touted former Olympian Egidijus Kavaliauskas on August 9th in Glendale, California, look for this Alamo City star to shine at the “Battle at the Ballpark” with his perfect resume intact.

Also featured on the card will be undefeated Welterweight puncher Armando Cardenas (4-0, 3 KOs), unbeaten Junior Welterweight fighter Rick Nunez (2-0, 1 KO), and former WBC USNBC Super Flyweight title holder Felipe Castaneda (9-5-1, 4 KOs).

Making their professional debuts on respective bouts will be celebrated and nationally recognized Lightweight Cresencio Ramos and talented Junior Middleweight standout Daniel Baiz.

So get your tickets, peanuts, and cracker jacks and see the “Boys of Summer” battle it out under the stars at the ballpark!!

Tickets are priced at $25 in General Admission, $50 at ringside, and $500 for special VIP tables for the exclusive August 30th presentation at “The Wolff”, and can be purchased at the ticket offices of Nelson Wolff Stadium (210-675-7275), or by calling 210-560-8181 & 210-387-6859.

MACAO (July 10, 2014) – Two-time Chinese Olympic gold medallist and national icon ZOU SHIMING and undefeated Top-Five world-rated super middleweight contender GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ will headline Champions of Gold – championship boxing’s return to The Venetian® Macao’s Cotai Arena. Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with Tecate, All Star Boxing, Caribe Promotions and Foreman Boys Promotions, the Zou Shiming / Gilberto Ramirez boxing doubleheader will take place Saturday, July 19, and will be televised via same-day delay on HBO2, beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Remaining tickets for Champions of Gold can be purchased via Cotai Ticketing™. Prices start at HKD/MOP 80, with ferry and hotel packages also available.

Zou, just 15 months removed from his professional debut, will be stepping into his deepest ring waters yet, fighting in his first 10-round bout, against hard-punching veteran and three-time world title challenger LUIS “Chino” DE LA ROSA. For Zou, who has had only four professional bouts, De La Rosa could prove the ultimate litmus test on whether he can challenge for a world championship belt later this year. The telecast will open with Ramirez, world-rated in the Top-Five by all four major sanctioning organizations, defending his NABF and NABO super middleweight titles against “The One” JUNIOR TALIPEAU, who returns to the ring following a career-best victory.

Zou (4-0, 1 KO), from Guizhou, China, is one of China’s most revered athletes and has single handily revived professional boxing’s popularity in his native country. Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, Zou won his professional debut, on April 6, 2013, via a dominant four-round unanimous decision over gritty Eleazar Valenzuela. He followed that up with six-round unanimous decision victories last year over Jesus Ortega and Juan Toscano on July 27 and November 24, respectively, and celebrated his 2014 debut with his first professional knockout February 22, stopping Yokthong Kokietgym in the seventh round. All of his professional bouts have taken place at the Cotai Arena. An Olympic legend, Zou was the world’s greatest amateur light flyweight, capturing gold medals in the World Amateur Championships in 2005, 2007 and 2011, along with gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. He also owns an Olympic bronze medal from the 2004 games, making him his nation’s first Olympic medallist in boxing as well as its first boxing gold medallist in the World Amateur Championships and the Olympics. A victory for Zou, currently world-rated No. 6 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), could place him one giant step closer to a world title challenge this year.

De La Rosa (23-3-1, 13 KOs), of Barranquilla, Colombia, brings two-fisted punching power and an aggressive fighting style into the ring. A three-time interim world championship challenger and a former Colombian champion, four of De La Rosa’s last six victories have come by way of knockout, including his last fight, a second-round knockout of Deivis Marvaez. De La Rosa is currently world-rated No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Ramirez (28-0, 22 KOs), of Mazatlan, Mexico, is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the WBA and, No. 4 by the IBF. A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 23, has won both his 2014 bouts by knockout. In his last outing, on April 11, he captured the NABF and NABO super middleweight titles via a fifth-round knockout of two-time world title challenger Giovanni Lorenzo.

Talipeau (20-2-1, 7 KOs), a New Zealand native who fights out of Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia, was a former Australian middleweight champion who successfully defended the title five times during his two-year reign before moving up to the super middleweight division. Boasting a victory over two-time world title challenger Shannan Taylor, Talipeau enters this fight having won two of his last three fights by way of knockout. His most recent victory was a 12-round unanimous decision over Walter Crucce for the WBA Latin American super middleweight title. He is currently world-rated No. 14 by the WBA.

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About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.

For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.

About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.

Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.

Comprised of The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach.

Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….Macao Starts Here. For more information, please visit
http://en.cotaistrip.com.

LONDON (July 10) – Erislandy Lara has said he doesn’t owe Canelo Alvarez anything other than left hands as he prepares do battle with the Mexican superstar this weekend.

The Cuban light-middleweight takes on the dangerous Alvarez this Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on BoxNation, and despite being one of the divisions most avoided fighters says he isn’t indebted to the former unified champion for taking the fight.

“I don’t owe him anything other than left hands. I forced this fight. It wasn’t because he wanted to take this fight [that he agreed to fight],” said Lara.

“We’ve been after this fight for two years and I’ve been putting pressure on social media and interviews and jumping on stage, that’s what pressured him to take this fight.

“I know he didn’t want this fight, and on July 12th you’re going to see the reason why he didn’t want this fight,” he said.

The 31-year-old has earned a reputation as a slick and polished competitor having honed his skills in the fabled Cuban amateur system.

Having fled the Communist state and his home of Guantanamo to establish his career as a professional fighter, victory for Lara will see him fulfil a lifelong ambition of becoming one of boxing’s very best.

“I wanted to come to this country and fight the best. That’s what I wanted to do since my seventh professional fight,” Lara said.

“I was asking to fight for a world title. And championships come and go, but these are the types of fights that will leave history, so that’s what I plan on doing on July 12th.

“I always want to stand up and show why Cuban boxing’s the best – that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday,” he said.

Lara, who has only lost one fight in his 22 as a professional, that being a controversial points loss to Paul Williams in 2011, has vowed to do a number on the cinnamon haired Alvarez, a fighter who he believes is the perfect style for him.

“It’s a good style match up because I know Canelo’s going to try to press forward and press for action, and that’s a style I like. I like guys that come and fight, and I pick them apart, like I’ve done to several guys coming up,” Lara said.

“These are the fights I like. I like guys who come to fight and I like to put them in the dirt, and that’s what I plan on doing,” he said.

The much respected trainer Ronnie Shields, who has trained the likes of Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson, will be in Lara’s corner for the fight and agrees with his charge, though he says his power in this fight will compliment his skilled southpaw counter-punching.

“I think those guys with the come forward styles really complement Lara’s style. But at the same time Lara punches harder than people give him credit for, and on Saturday July 12th you’re going to see that,” said Shields.

“I think if you look at him everything has improved. I think there’s just an improvement in him on him being just a pure boxer. He’s probably one of the best counter punchers out there. You’re not going to find anybody else better.

“Lara, he fights anybody and everybody. Lara asked for this, he asked for every fight that he’s been in basically because nobody wants to fight him. He only wants to fight the best fighters, and this is why you’ll see him fight on July 12th with Canelo Alvarez,” he said.

Canelo Alvarez vs Erislandy Lara is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD & Virgin 546) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

West Deptford, New Jersey (July 10, 2014)–On October 30, 1979, Tim Witherspoon scored a 1st round knockout over Joe Adams in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Witherspoon went on to fight a memorable battle with Larry Holmes and then go on to become a two-ime Heavyweight champion of the world.

Witherspoon’s legacy still is going strong today as his cousin Chazz Witherspoon and some Tim Jr. both have carved out solid professional careers of their own.

Both Chazz and Tim Jr. will be in the ring this Saturday night at Riverwinds in West Deptford, NJ when Silver Spoon Promotions makes its promotional debut.

Chazz (30-3, 22 KO’s) takes on Tyabb Beale (9-4-1, 3 KO’s) in the eight round Heavyweight main event while Tim Jr. (10-4-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Jeff Lentz (3-0, 1 KO) in a 6-round Welterweight co-feature.

When asked about this special event and being able to fight on the same card as his cousin, Chazz Witherspoon said, “It is a great opportunity for the Legacy of the Witherspoon’s to continue. Big Tim is helping Tim Jr. out and fans will be able to see all of us on Saturday. I am looking forward to being able to share the card with Tim Jr. and have Tim Sr. in attendance.”

“I am looking forward to fighting on the same card as Chazz,” Said Tim Witherspoon Jr.

“I couldn’t do this without my father and it is a good opportunity for our family. One thing I always wanted to do is fight on the same card as my dad. He was just finishing up as I was starting so this is the next best thing.”

“I have been focusing on my own fight and I am looking forward to getting back in the ring as I have been off since January. I know Jeff Lentz is coming to win. He may be undefeated but he knows he is the underdog. I know he has a true warrior spirit and It will be a competitive fight. I am looking to put on a good show for the fans and I hope everyone has a good time.” Finished Tim Jr., who is trained by his uncle Steve Witherspoon.

In Four round bouts:

Kevin Womack Jr. (4-5-1, 2 KO’s) takes on Anthony Prescott (3-3-1, 1 KO) of Cherry Hill, New Jersey in a Welterweight bout.

Welterweight Nick Valiere of Forked River, New Jersey will make his pro debut when he takes on Jamil Gadsden (0-5) of Brighten, NJ.

Middleweight Matthew Gonzalez of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against Rafael Machado (0-1) of Philadelphia

Louis Cream (3-0) of Camden, NJ will fight Malik Jackson (0-3-3) of Newark, NJ in a Jr. Middleweight bout.