•  Jake Paul 183.6lbs vs. Tommy Fury 184.5 lbs
(Cruiserweight — 8 Rounds)

   •  Ilunga Makabu 198.5lbs vs. Badou Jack 199.8 lbs
(Makabu’s WBC Cruiserweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•  Ziyad Almaayouf 145.6 lbs vs. Ronnald Martinez 142.5 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•  Muhsin Cason 199.1 lbs vs.Taryel Jafarov200.5 lbs
 (Cruiserweights — 8 Rounds)

• Bader Samreen 138 lbs vs. Viorel Simion 138.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99.

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 25, 2023)–Three fighters under the Split-T Management banner will be on display in fights throughout the United States.

Junior Welterweight Joseph Adorno will take on Elvis Rodriguez as part of a big card LIVE on SHOWTIME® (9 PM ET / 6 PM PT). The bout will originate from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Adorno of Allentown, New Jersey is 17-1-2 with 14 knockouts. The 23 year-old Adorno is a seven year pro who has defeated Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kenneth Cruz (8-0), Damian Alejandro Soso (9-2) and his last bout when he scored a career best victory by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Hugo Alberto Roldan (21-0-1) on September 9, 2022 in Atlantic City.

Rodriguez of Los Angeles, California is 13-1-1 with 12 knockouts. The 27 year-old Rodriguez is considered one of the top fighters in the division with wins over Ramon Mascarena (6-0), Cody Wilson (9-2), Luis Alberto Veron (18-2-2), Juan Pablo Romero (14-0) and Juan Jose Velsaco (23-2).

Adorno weighed 140 lbs. Rodrigues was 139.8 lbs.

Saturday night at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, lightweight Otha Jones III will take on 63-fight veteran Raymond Chacon in a six-round bout.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio is 5-1-1 with two knockouts and will be making his first ring appearance in 22-months.

Adorno and Jones are promoted by GH3 Promotions.

In Detroit undefeated middleweight Joseph Hicks takes on Bilal Quintyne in a battle of undefeated fighters.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan 4-0 with four knockouts. Quintyne of Marietta, Georgia is 4-0 with one knockout.

Hicks was a stellar amateur where he was elected Captain of Team USA Boxing, National Golden Gloves Champion 2019. Three-time Eastern Elite Qualifier Champion (2017, 2018, 2019) & a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship (vacant) – 12 Rounds

Subriel Matías – 139.2 lbs.

Jeremías Ponce – 139.6 lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Patrick Morley (Ill.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.), Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jamal James – 146.8 lbs.

Alberto Palmetta – 147 lbs.

Referee: Ernie Sharif; Judges: Chris Wilson (Ariz.), Ludy Webster (Minn.), Jon Schorle (Texas)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Elvis Rodríguez – 139.8 lbs.

Joseph Adorno – 140 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Scott Erickson (Minn.), Patrick Morley (Ill.), Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.)

SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Welterweight Bout – 8/10 Rounds

Kudratillo Abdukakhorov – 146 lbs.

VeShawn Owens – 147   lbs.

Referee: Ernie Sharif; Judges: Kyle Shiely (Minn.), Scott Erickson (Minn.), Jon Schorle (Texas)

Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Derrick Jackson – 149 lbs.

Willie Jones – 147.8 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 149 lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Ludy Webster (Minn.), Mike Fitzgerald (Wisc.), Patrick Morley (Ill.)

Super Lightweight Bout – Four Rounds

Mikkel Spencer – 139 lbs.

Margarito Hernandez – 140 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Bobby Brunette (Minn.), Kyle Shiely (Minn.), Chris Wilson (Ariz.)

POST WEIGH-IN FLASH QUOTES

Here is what the fighters had to say following the weigh-in:

Subriel Matías

“I’m 30 years old and to this day, I don’t know what the canvas feels like. I’m going to be the one knocking him out. I told my mom ever since I was 12 or 13 years old that I was going to make her proud and become a world champion. This is my chance.

“It would be very exciting for me to win this fight by knockout, and I think that’s the way it’s going. The ‘Orgullo de Maternillo’ is going to win by knockout before the seventh round.”

Jeremías Ponce

“I didn’t come here on vacation. I want everyone to see that I’m here to win and prove that I’m the best. It’s going to be an outstanding fight. The fans are going to love it. We’re both winners and we both came here to win. You’re going to see an all-out battle.

“I’m very proud to write a new chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Argentina rivalry. I’m looking forward to showing everybody what Argentina can do inside the ring on Saturday night. I’m going for the knockout.”

Jamal James

“It feels good to be back fighting at home. I think the people missed me. We put in the work and now, I just want to give a great show. This fight is very important, but every fight is important. You have to take every fight very seriously and you can’t underestimate anybody. I’ll go out there and leave everything in the ring. That’s what I intend to do.”

Alberto Palmetta

“I hope I can win some fans here in Minnesota. But I also want to congratulate Jamal James because I like the way that he supports his community. Boxing is not just about thinking about yourself, it’s also about thinking about others. That makes you a champion. I hope that after Saturday, Minnesota won’t be too mad at me.”

Elvis Rodríguez

“It’s going to be just like he said, somebody is getting knocked out. But I’m going to be the one knocking him out. I’m focused on this fight one hundred percent. But when I win this fight, I want the winner of the main event. It’s going to be hard rock in Minnesota on Saturday night. Elvis is in the building!”

Joseph Adorno

“He’s scared. He thinks I’m just a walkover and that’s not going to happen. I’m a 135-pounder but I came up to his weight just to prove that I can hang with the elites.”

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as the expert analyst. 

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, who also serves as an analyst alongside Marquez on SHOBOX.

# # #

ABOUT MATIAS VS. PONCE

Matías vs. Ponce will see top super lightweight contenders square off as popular knockout artist Subriel Matías meets undefeated Argentine Jeremías Poncefor the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship on Saturday, February 25 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James in the 10-round welterweight co-main event as he battles 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta. Kicking off the telecast, exciting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez duels the hard-hitting Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

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

Criztec Bazaldua has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
 
The amateur sensation is set to make his professional debut on Saturday March 4 at the Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN over four rounds at Lightweight against Jose Bustamante (1-0). 
 
Bazaldua brings a glittering CV into the paid ranks, and the rangy southpaw exits the amateur code as the #1 ranked fighter at 139lbs in 2022, a six-time National champion and the 2022 WBC US Amateur champion.
 
The 18 year old has a stellar team behind him with Hearn and Matchroom joining world-renowned trainer Manny Robles, who is looking to make ‘El Flaco’ the first World champion he’s trained from the amateurs and manager Richard Moore, who guides the career of Somali Olympian and unbeaten Super-Bantamweight Ramla Ali.
 
“I am humbled and privileged to have signed a professional contract with the leading promotional company in Matchroom,” said Bazaldua. “It’s become the home for incredible Mexican talent, here and across the U.S with the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Jesse Rodriguez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Julio Cesar Martinez, and Mauricio Lara on the roster. I hope I can entertain La Raza and Latin fans equally over these next few years and win over their hearts.”
 
“I am delighted to welcome Criztec to the stable,” said Hearn. “This young man has bags of potential and with Matchroom, Manny and Richard guiding him, every key is within reach for him to unlock it.
 
“We are dedicated to unearthing young talents and guiding them to the very top. Criztec joins Puerto Rican talent Yankiel Rivera and Peter McGrail in the UK as the latest starlets joining the team, and we will continue to seek the best up-and-coming fighters all over the world and give them every opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
 
“Coaching amateurs was a long time ago and a different part of my career, but I decide to make an exception for two kids a few years back that I thought were destined to be exceptional and have been working with them since, as part of my professional stable. Criztec was one of them, the other being his sister Perla,” said Robles. “They’ve developed and grown so much in the last three years and have had the opportunity to train alongside and spar some of the best champions in the world that walk through the gym, week in week out. Criztec is a tough Mexican but also has that US boxing ability, standing at 6ft 1in as a southpaw at 135lbs, he could cause a lot of fighter’s problems.”
 
“Criztec is a rare kind of athlete that in my opinion has it all,” said Moore. “The ability to grow into a superstar in the ring considering the coaching team he has in his corner, his technical ability, which is testament to his amateur credentials and the opportunity to build a special connection to the people he represents like Julio Cesar Chavez and through his inspirational story in boxing transcend the sport.
 
“I know how hard it can be and how much energy needs to be invested from a manager to really ensure that the fighter has every chance to succeed in boxing, it’s unlike many other sports, having worked in a lot of others and other areas of sport before boxing. Often managers get a promotional deal signed and think their job is done. For me at this stage it’s barely started, and the real work begins. Aside from Ramla I’ve not made this kind of investment into any other fighters before because of what I understand it takes. Criztec will have my full commitment to helping him achieve his dreams and change not only his life but his families.”
 
Bazaldua’s debut comes on Matchroom’s first foray into Mexico in 2023 following three action-packed nights in 2022, with Angel Fierro topping the bill against Eduardo Estela.
 
Fierro (20-1-2, 16KOs) defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Uruguay’s once-beaten Estela (14-1, 9KO’s) in what promises to be an explosive main event. The WBO #5 rated Fierro is closing in on a coveted World title shot in 2023, but he must first get by the very dangerous Estela, who is coming off a career best win in November over previously undefeated Ruben Torres. Estela, who is promoted by former great Marcos Maidana who will be attendance on fight night, has a lone loss as a pro against rising Mexican powerhouse Mauricio Lara back in 2019. 
  
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.
 

Liverpool amateur sensation turned 6-0 Super-Bantamweight prospect Peter McGrail has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his debut under the promotional banner on the stacked Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien show at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11, shown live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

One of Merseyside’s most decorated amateur boxers, McGrail first broke through with bronze medals at the Youth Olympics and World Youth Championships back in 2014. The gifted southpaw then won gold at the European Championships in Kharkiv in 2017 before winning Commonwealth gold a year later in Australia. 

The 26-year-old, who trains out of the renowned Everton Red Triangle Gym on Albion Street under Paul Stevenson, was hotly-tipped for a Featherweight medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games but succumbed to a premature defeat against Thai fighter Chatchai-decha Butdee in the opening round. 

McGrail made his highly anticipated professional debut on Matchroom’s sold-out Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler show at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool back in October 2021, comfortably outpointing Ed Harrison over six rounds to kick off life in the paid ranks with a win.

He returned to the arena two months later for his second fight on the undercard of the sold-out Conor Benn vs. Chris Algieri and Katie Taylor vs. Firuza Sharipova double-header, earning his first stoppage win without a vest by halting Nicaragua’s Engel Gomez in just two rounds.

McGrail racked up four wins from four fights in 2022 – all inside the distance – to further establish himself as one of the exciting talents in the 122lbs division. He started the year by taking out Alexandru Ionita in Dubai before returning to Liverpool to score stoppages over Uriel Lopez Juarez and Alexander Espinoza. In his last outing McGrail stopped Hironori Miyake on the Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler undercard in Japan.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said McGrail. “I’m looking forward to being a part of more huge nights with Matchroom in my hometown and up and down the country and around the world. I always stay ready and I’m ready to go again on March 11 and put on another good performance. I couldn’t have asked for a better professional debut walking out in front of a sold-out arena on the Smith vs. Fowler undercard and I’ve banked some brilliant experience since boxing out in Dubai and Japan and headlining my own bill in Liverpool. I’m ready to crack on towards some titles. 

“I’ll fight anyone. I’ve always been like that since I was a kid. I’ve been in there with some top amateurs over the years and I wouldn’t shy away from anyone. I wouldn’t mind picking up some international titles to start climbing the world rankings, but if a domestic title popped up then I wouldn’t shy away from anybody. It’s coming very soon and it’s really exciting times for me. I’ve found my way now in the pros and it’s time to push on with the rounds and push on with the opponents and step up a few levels. Whichever way it works I’ll be ready. There’s going to be some great nights coming to Liverpool.”

“I’m delighted to welcome another Team GB Olympian to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Peter McGrail made his professional debut on one of our shows and I class him as one of the best prospects in world boxing. We’re developing an incredible stable of young talent. Peter is ready for ten-rounders now and will return to the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 11. Expect big things and big titles for Peter in 2023. I believe this young man will bring World Championship boxing to Liverpool for many years to come.” 

You can follow McGrail’s journey on Instagram: peter_mcgrail and Twitter: @peter_mcgrail

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

Tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena NOW.

World-Ranked John “Scrappy” Ramirez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Padilla in a super flyweight contest at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California.

Ramirez landed 231 of 716 punches. Padilla was 94 of 522.

Ramirez, 114.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 11-0. Padilla, 115 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 15-4-2.

“This wasn’t a tough fight for me,” said “Scrappy” Ramirez. “He wasn’t on my level. I made sure that the fight wasn’t boring for the fans here and made it as entertaining as possible. Even though I give myself a C for my performance because I should have never gotten hit, I was willing to take a gamble. I want the eliminator next.”

Manuel Flores remained undefeated by winning an eight-round split decision over Franklin Gonzalez in a super bantamweight fight.

In round five, Flores dropped Gonzalez with a solid left. In round six, Gonzalez was cut over his left eye as a result of a punch.

Flores landed 131 of 462 punches; Gonzalez was 103 of 466.

Flores, 119.6 lbs of Coachella, CA took two cards by 77-74 scores. Gonzalez won a card 76-75.

Flores is now 15-0. Gonzalez, 120 lbs of Los Teques, VEN is 25-2.

“This was a really good experience,” said Manuel “Gucci” Flores. “I’ve never gone a full eight-rounds before against a tough opponent like Gonzalez. This was a great test for me; I give myself a C-. I kept going to his head when his body was there. He was using some dirty tactics like head butting and such, but at the end I’m glad we were able to get the victory.”

Katherine Lindenmuth took a six-round split decision from Lorraine Villalobos in minimumweight bout.

Lindenmuth, 102.2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56. Villalobos took a card 58-56.

Lindenmuth is 3-1. Villalobos, 103 lbs of Los Angeles is 5-5.

Grant Flores made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Jorge Lopez in a four-round super welterweight bout.

Flores dropped Lopez in the first 10 seconds with a left hand. Later in the round, Flores bloodied the nose of Lopez and then landed a hard shot on the ropes that forced a referee stoppage at 2:35.

Flores, 149.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Lopez, 151 lbs of Queretaro, MEX is 0-2.

Stefanie Cohen won a four-round unanimous decision over Leanne Calderon in a bantamweight fight.

In round two, Cohen dropped Calderon with a right hand.

The knockdown was the difference as Cohen, 116.6 lbs of Miami won by scores of 38-37 on all cards and is now 3-1-1. Calderon, 117.2 lbs of Austin, TX is 1-3-1.

Zachary Spiller remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Kaleel Carter in a heavyweight bout.

Spiller, 265.4 lbs of Houston, TX is 4-0. Carter, 227 lbs of Bellflower, CA 3-4.

Heather Hardy kept hopes alive for another big opportunity by winning an eight-round majority decision over Taynna Cardoso at a packed Sony Theater in New York City.

Hardy, 134 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76 and is now 24-2. Cardoso, 133.4 lbs of Miami via Brazil is 5-2.

Terrell Bostic won a six-round unanimous decision over Clay Burns in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Bostic dropped Burns with a right uppercut to the chin.

Bostic, 137.6 lbs won by scores of 60-53, 58-55 and 57-56 and is now 8-1. Burns, 135.2 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 10-17-2.

Michael Hughes won a four-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales in a junior welterweight bout.

Hughes, 140.2 lbs of New York won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 4-1. Morales, 141.8 lbs of Scranton, PA is 3-4.

Tsendbaatar Erdenebat stopped Giovanni Gutierrez in round three of their six-round lightweight bout.

Erdenebat beat up Gutierrez and the bout was stopped after he landed a big flurry on the ropes at 1:46.

Erdenebat, 134.4 lbs of Los Angeles via Mongolia is now 5-0 with three knockouts. Gutierrez, 134.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 11-4-1.

Frederick Julan won an eight-round unanimous decision over DeCarlo Perez in a light heavyweight bout.

Julan, 174.6 lbs of Brooklyn via France won by scores of 78-74 twice and 79-73 and is now 13-2. Perez, 174 lbs of Egg Harbor, NJ is 19-8-1.

February 23, 2023–Weights for Friday night’s fight card at Hialeah, Park

Guillermo Rigondeaux 118.8 – Jesus Martinez 119.6

Ariel Perez De La Torre 122.2 – Yonfrez Parejo 123

Francisco Rodriguez 144.8 – Brodyx Gilman 149.8

Damian Lescaille 153.4 – Lucas McDonald 154.8

Yoanki Urrutia 160.8 – Luis Eduardo Florez 161.6

Carlos Fromenta 203.6 – Armondo Reeved 206.6

Jose Brayan Fonteboa 138.8 – Ashton Royal 139.6

Adlay Rodriguez 144.2 – Ryan Schwartzberg 147.

Gustavo Trujillo 235.8 – Jawaski Bethly 244.4

Promoter: Warriors Boxing

Venue: Hialeah Park

Stream: BXNGTV.COM

(Marc Abrams and Glen Johnson on the call)

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

ONTARIO, CA (February 23, 2023) – Thompson Boxing returns Friday, March 10, with “Path to Glory,” as Corona, CA native Louis Lopez (13-1-1, 4 KOs) takes on Angel Beltran (15-1, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico, in an 8-round welterweight main event clash. The headlining bout and its supporting matches will mark the one-month anniversary of the passing of promoter Ken Thompson, who will be memorialized with a poignant ceremony at the start of the show.

The co-main event will feature super welterweights Jesus Gonzalez (6-0, 2 KOs), of Riverside, California, and Keon Papillion (5-0, 4 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana, who will put their undefeated records on the line in a scheduled 6-round bout.

“I know this will be a difficult time for my Thompson Boxing family since we lost Kenny,” said Louis Lopez from his training camp, “but I will be in the best shape of my life to put on a great show. Mr. Thompson was a wonderful man, and his legacy will live on through us fighters.”

“I’m going to bring the fight to Lopez and make it a Mexican war,” stated Angel Beltran. “Winning this fight will be a big boost to my career. Lopez and I both have a lot to gain and a lot to lose in this fight, so I’m coming with everything I got. This will be a memorable fight for many reasons and mainly to honor a great promoter.”

From Thompson’s home office, general manager Alex Camponovo had this to say about March 10. “It will be a difficult event to produce because we know Kenny will not be with us, nonetheless, he would have never wanted us to stop and dwell for long – he would want us to continue building on his 23-year old legacy. So all of us at Thompson Boxing will do this one with heavy hearts, but proud to have worked for a great man.”

“Path to Glory” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, March 10th, 2022. Doors open at 6:00 pm PT, with a Tribute to Ken Thompson at 7:00 pm (promptly), followed by fights. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google.

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Featherweights, Rigoberto Hermosillo (12-4-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles, California, will battle Luis Montellano (3-11-3, 3 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico in a 6-round bout.

Opening the card will be a 6-round middleweight bout between Marcos Hernandez (12-6-2, 2 KOs) of Fresno, California, battling Jeremy Ramos (11-13, 4 KOs), of Colorado Springs, CO.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

“Path to Glory” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and 

YouTube pages.

For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

RIYADH, SA (Feb. 23, 2023) — Jake Paul, the international superstar turned professional boxer, decided to answer the critics. He will face a “real boxer” for the first time, the undefeated Tommy “TNT” Fury, in the eight-round cruiserweight main event Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fury (8-0, 4 KOs), the half-brother of Tyson Fury, has been dominant since making his pro debut in December 2018. Paul (6-0, 4 KOs), nicknamed “The Problem Child,” has become one of the sport’s most popular figures with standout showings over former MMA stars Tyron Woodley, Anderson Silva and Ben Askren. 

Fury and Paul have waged a years-long war of words, and that continued in Riyadh at Thursday’s press conference.

Paul vs. Fury will stream live on ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT), the exclusive digital distributor for the event in the United States. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and will be priced at $49.99.

In the co-feature, Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) will defend his WBC cruiserweight world title against former two-weight world champion Badou Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs).

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jake Paul

“We’ve picked this guy apart. We’ve studied him. He makes a lot of mistakes. He’s great on offense. He’s got a great jab. Lots of combos. Speed. Good footwork. Good movement. He’s a good boxer, but he’s not a great boxer. His lack of defense and lack of head movement is going to be exposed on Sunday.”
 
“I always take every fight seriously. I’ve fought UFC champions. Tyron Woodley was winning the UFC championship when I was on Disney Channel. So, when Tommy says that he’s been doing this his whole life, none of that means anything to me. I’ve always trained harder and tougher than all of my opponents. And I want it more. I have more of a why. I have more of a purpose. I’m Tommy’s end goal. This is the biggest opportunity of his life. He’s never been on a stage like this. He’s never gotten a payday like this. He was getting paid peanuts compared to this.”
 
“Anderson Silva is one of the greatest strikers ever. So, to go in there and outbox him and put him on the canvas—to me this is a speed bump and a cake walk.”

“I’m so excited for this fight because I can finally silence the critics who have said, ‘Fiight a professional boxer, fight someone your age.’ I agree. I haven’t proven that. But this is why this fight is so big. This is why I’m so excited. This is why I’ve given this guy multiple chances and paid him so much money to finally show up. And it really seemed like the only time he wanted to get into the ring is when I increased the amount of money. So, thankfully he’s here now.”
 
Tommy Fury

“I’m in boxing and have goals of becoming a world champion. So, if I’m going to do that, I can’t be dodging people like Jake Paul. The first two fights didn’t happen because of it being out of my hands completely. In the first fight, I had a broken rib and the doctors advised me not to fight. In the second fight, I went to the airport with my full team and we were ready to go, and we were denied access to the USA.”
 
“Third time’s a charm, and we’re here. I’m in super fit condition. I’m ready to go put this all to bed because for the past two and a half years it’s been, ‘When are you fighting Jake Paul?’ To even mention my name in the same sentence is disrespectful to me, a person who’s been boxing my whole life. I’m going to clinically knock this guy out early.”

“You’re getting put to sleep inside four rounds. Let me tell you. I’m not an old man. I’m a fresh, young fighter. I’m going to put you away. You had two very lucky escapes from this fight. You should have taken those escapes. You should not be sitting here right now because this is bad for you. You should have stuck to making easy money fighting old men and celebrities. I’m coming to take your head off.”

Ilunga Makabu

“I just want Badou to keep one thing in mind. I’m going to break your nose. I’m going to break your chin. I’m going to break your ribs. Thank you.”

“I’ve been a world champion for many years. I’m a dangerous boxer. There is no way Badou can take my belt. I’ll go back home with the belt and still be the WBC champion of the world.”
 
Badou Jack

“I’m here to take his belt, to win. I’m here to become the first Muslim fighter to become a world champion in Saudi. So, I am here to make history. Everybody’s got a plan until they get hit. I’m glad that he is confident.”

“I still feel young. I feel fresh. I want to keep going, and I am here to make history. Some people, they win a title in one weight class. I won in two weight classes. Now, I’m coming for the third. And new!”

Sunday, February 26

ESPN+ PPV (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)

Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, 8 rounds, Cruiserweight

Bader Samreen vs. Viorel Simion, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweight 

MIAMI, FL (February 23, 2023)—One of the most exciting fighters in the world, WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu will defend his title against the veteran Badou Jack on Sunday night on ESPN+ in Saudi Arabia as part of the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury card.

“Ilunga Junior Makabu will show why he is considered the best cruiserweight in the world,” said Makabu’s promoter Don King. “Makabu has all the tools to be one of the all-time greats.  After retaining his title, he’s ready to win the other belts to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion.”

Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs) will defend his title for the first time in a year.  He last fought Jan. 29 of this year in Warren, OH, winning a split decision over Thabiso Mchunu.  That victory was only his second defense of his title since Dec. 19, 2020.

Makabu won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in South Africa in scoring a unanimous decision over challenger Michael Cieslak  and defended the title 11 months later on Dec. 19^th and knocked out Olanrewaju in the 7^th round in Kinshasa.

Makabu, 35, who hails from the Republic of the Congo, has won 10 consecutive fights since his second career loss coming in the WBC World Cruiserweight Championship on May 29, 2016 when he got knocked out in the third round by Tony Bellew.  The bout was a slugfest as Makabu knocked Bellew down with a left hook in the first round.

Jack (27-3-3, 16 KOs), 39, who hails from Sweden, has won five consecutive fights, his last victory a split decision over undefeated Richard Riviera on Aug. 20, 2022.

Jack’s last title fight was his last loss on Dec. 28, 2019 when he fought Jean Pascal for the WBA Light Heavyweight championship as well as the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight title.  Jack lost a close split decision with two of the judges seeing the fight 114-112 for Pascal and the other judge seeing it in favor of Jack at 114-112.

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 23, 2023) – Undefeated Jr. Featherweight contender Ra’eese Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) has issued a challenge to fellow top-ranked fighter Luis Nery (34-1, 26 KOs), daring him to step into the ring for an all-out brawl. Aleem, currently ranked #2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), is looking to prove himself as the best in his division by taking on Nery, ranked WBO #3.

Aleem expressed his excitement for the potential matchup. He’s confident in his abilities and believes that he has what it takes to take down the formidable Nery. He’s calling out the Mexican fighter, daring him to step into the ring and prove his worth.

“I want to fight the best and prove that I’m the best,” Aleem said. “I know Luis Nery is a tough fighter, but I believe I have what it takes to beat him. I’m ready for this challenge and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the fans. I dare him to step in the ring with me.”

Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating a potential fight between Aleem and any of the current champions. These two elite Jr. Featherweights are on a collision course to fight the winner of Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs) vs. Naoya Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) should the two fight each other next. With Aleem’s technical skills and Nery’s power, the potential matchup promises to be a thrilling and explosive battle that will leave fans wanting the winner to face the champion.

Aleem, has been making a name for himself in the boxing world with his impressive performances in the ring. He’s looking to take his career to the next level by taking on the best of the best, starting with Nery.

“One thing’s for sure – this fight would be an all-out war,” Aleem continued. “With so much on the line, both of us would be leaving it all in the ring, giving fans a truly unforgettable fight. I hope Nery accepts this challenge so the fans can see two warriors go toe-to-toe with the winner getting a shot at the title.”

The potential fight between Aleem and Nery is sure to be a must-see event for boxing fans everywhere and will undoubtedly be a defining moment for both fighters. Will Aleem be able to prove himself as the top Jr. Featherweight contender? Only time will tell as he’s been ducked by everyone in the division.

Wasserman Boxing’s 2023 schedule gets underway with two unmissable free-to-air events, broadcast live and exclusive on Channel 5 in association with Infinitum Entertainment.

Manchester boxer Lyndon Arthur (21-1, 15 KOs) lands a dream World Title fight against Argentina’s Braian Nahuel Suarez (18-1, 17 KOs) on Friday March 24 at the University of Bolton Stadium, live and free on Channel 5.
 
The former WBO Intercontinental and Commonwealth Champion can become the first Englishman to claim the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title, and join a prestigious list of champions to have held the belt including Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr.
 
‘King’ Arthur gets his shot at world title glory following back-to-back stoppage wins. The 31-year-old scored a sixth-round TKO victory over Walter Gabriel Sequeira in September before defeating domestic rival Joel McIntyre in spectacular fashion inside the second round of their December bout.
 
Harlem Eubank (16-0, 6 KOs) continues his climb up the Super Lightweight rankings as he takes on Christian Uruzquieta (21-5-2, 8 KOs) on Friday March 31.
 
Eubank, the nephew of former two-weight World Champion Chris Eubank, will be looking to establish himself as the latest star from his famous fighting family when he returns to London’s legendary York Hall for another headline bout.
 
The 28-year-old is ready to begin his pursuit of title opportunities but knows he must first overcome tough opposition in the form of Mexico’s Uruzquieta, who will be looking to derail the Brighton man’s promising career and add a huge scalp to his record.
 
The show announcements come following an unbelievable twelve months for Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 that begun with a memorable British Middleweight Title scrap between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley in London and culminated with a dazzling display by Super Welterweight star Josh Kelly, that saw him wrestle the Lonsdale strap from local rival Troy Williamson in Newcastle.
 
With incredible viewing figures achieved across the year, including a 822,00 peak and 1.8million reach for Kelly’s British Title masterclass, and a 940,000 peak and 1.8million reach for Harlem Eubank’s points win over Tom Farrell, the future for free-to-air boxing looks bright.
 
In 2023, Wasserman Boxing’s stable of UK boxers including Josh Kelly, Lyndon Arthur, Harlem Eubank, Matty Harris and Chloe Watson will continue to get the opportunity to shine in front of huge terrestrial television audiences on Channel 5.
 
“We’re excited to start the year with two spectacular free-to-air events,” said Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman, Kalle Sauerland. “Lyndon has his world title opportunity, and the chance to become a star man in the Light Heavyweight division. Harlem Eubank is back as he looks to keep his undefeated record and continue his development into one of the leading Super Lightweight fighters on the scene. Two massive fights, two electric nights – both live and free on Channel 5 – don’t miss a moment!”

“Channel 5 is the only place where boxing fans can watch this fantastic sport for free. 2023 promises to be a huge year, kicking off with a world title fight in Manchester,” said Head of Sport at Channel 5, Caj Sohal. “Exciting fighters like Lyndon Arthur and Harlem Eubank will attract millions of viewers, and we are proud to work with Wasserman Boxing to continue to provide open access to great fights to all boxing fans.” 

Damon Letzer, Director at Infinitum Entertainment, said: “Infinitum are delighted to be working with Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 to deliver more free-to-air boxing. The stable of boxers is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to delivering some great nights of live boxing.” 
 

Tickets for Lyndon Arthur vs. Braian Nahuel Suarez and Harlem Eubank vs. Christian Uruzquieta are on sale now and available via WassermanBoxing.com

Manchester, England – (February 23, 2023) – A thrilling English championship bout, two Olympians and the promotional debut of an exciting super-middleweight prospect have today been announced for the undercard of the BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester event taking place Saturday March 25 at the AO Arena.

Headlined by Lawrence Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) defending his WBO World Cruiserweight Championship against undefeated, 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist David Light (20-0, 12 KO’s), today’s announcements revealed a March card packed with quality from top to bottom.

English title fights have a deserved reputation for producing some of the most exciting contests in boxing and that tradition looks set to continue in the evening’s chief support bout when Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s) and Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s) enter the ring to contest the vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.

Michael Gomez Sr was a firm favourite of fight fans in his home city of Manchester thanks to his all-action, no-nonsense fighting style. His son Gomez Jr – the current Central Area Super-Featherweight title holder – is continuing the family business and will have the Manchester Arena crowd behind him for his English title tilt.

Manchester’s storied arena played host to many a Gomez Sr bout and also hosted Gomez Jr’s professional debut in 2014, making it a fitting scene for his bout against the undefeated Grimsby man Giles, who is taking the first title shot of his career in this ten-round contest.

Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) – a bronze medallist for Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – is another fighter who counts Manchester’s arena as his second home, with three of his five professional bouts to date having taken place there. 

His sixth outing is by far his toughest test to date. Experienced American Rydell Booker (27-7-1, 14 KO’s) has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport. He lost a decision to Hall of Fame heavyweight James Toney in a 2004 world heavyweight title fight and went the distance with the highly-accomplished Filip Hrgovic and Kubrat Pulev.

Clarke’s fellow 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Karriss Artingstall – now 2-0 in the professional ranks – also returns to the ring in Manchester, with her opponent set to be confirmed in the coming days. 

Hotly-tipped super-middleweight prospect Callum Simpson (10-0, 8 KO’s) – the reigning Central Area champion – recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with BOXXER. Yorkshireman Simpson trained alongside former world champion Josh Warrington when he entered the professional ranks and has stopped 80% of his opponents thus far. 

Other names confirmed for the March 25th card today include Welsh featherweight Rhys Edwards (2-2), who faces Liverpool’s Brian Phillips (12-3, 3 KO’s), and the return to the BOXXER ring of welterweight Samuel ‘True Sensation’ Antwi (14-2, 6 KO’s), middleweight Aaron McKenna (15-0, 8 KO’s) and former Team GB member and Tri-Nations amateur champion Harvey Lambert (1-0), with opponents for the trio to be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

The confirmed card for BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester is as follows – with more to come:

12 x 3 mins  WBO World Cruiserweight Championship

Lawrence Okolie vs David Light

10 x 3 mins Vacant English Super-Featherweight Contest

Michael Gomez Jr vs Levi Giles

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

Frazer Clarke vs Rydell Booker

6 x 2 mins  Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall vs Linzi Buczynski

6 x 3 mins  Super-Middleweight Contest

Callum Simpson vs TBA

8 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna vs TBA

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest

Samuel Antwi vs TBA

6/8 x 3 mins  Featherweight Contest

Rhys Edwards vs Brian Phillips

4 x 3 mins Super Welterweight Contest

Harvey Lambert vs TBA

The event takes place Saturday, March 25 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

New York, New York, February 22, 2023  – – The official weigh-in took place today for Thursday’s fight card at Sony Hall, Times Square, NY.  

In the main event, former world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy plans to continue her resurgence when she battles former Brazilian champion Taynna Cardoso. In a featured bout, Mongolia Olympian and Asian Games Gold Medal winner Tsendbaatar Erdenebat versus former WBA Fedacaribe Super Bantamweight champion Giovanni Gutierrez. These two bouts are being promoted by BoxingInsider Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.

First bout scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.

Tickets, starting at $85 for General Admission are available HERE

The FREE live stream will take place HERE

The Card and weights . . .

8 Rounds – Super Featherweights

Heather Hardy, 134 lbs., 23-2, 4 KOs, Brooklyn, NY, Former World Champion

Taynnaa Cardoso, 133.6 lbs., 5-1, 1KO, Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Former Brazilian Featherweight Champion

6 Rounds – Featherweights

Tsendbaatar Erdenebat 134.4 lbs. 4-0, 2 KOs, Tsetserleg, Momgolia 

 Former Olympian & Asian Games Gold Medallist

Giovanni Gutierrez 134.8 lbs. 11-3, 6 KOs, Tipitapa, Nicaragua

?Former WBA Fedacaribe Super Bantamweight champion 

8 Rounds – Light Heavyweights

Frederic “French Revolution” Julan, 174.6 lbs. 12-2, 10 KOs, Brooklyn, NY via Paris

Decarlo “3medno” Perez, 174 lbs. 19-7, 6 KOs, Atlantic City, NJ

4 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Michael Hughes, 140.2 lbs., 3-1, 1 KO, Hell’s Kitchen, New York

Nelson Morales 141.8 lbs., 3-2, Scranton, PA via Dominican Republic

6 Rounds – Lightweights

Terell Bostic 137.6 lbs., 7-1, 1 KO, Wyandanch, Long Island, NY

Clay Burns, 135.2 lbs., 10-16-2, 4 KOs, Forth Worth, Texas

Former World Champion Heather Hardy (23-2, 4 KO’s), Brooklyn born and raised, is planning to bring “The Heat” Thursday night in mid-town Manhattan. Heather is a graduate of John Jay College in Brooklyn, began boxing in the gym at age twenty-four and made her professional debut at the age of twenty-eight. She is former WBC International super bantamweight champion, former WBC International featherweight champion and former WBO World featherweight champion.

“The day before he died, (former trainer) Hector Roca told me this would be my year,” said Hardy, who is dedicating the fight to Hector. “He said, ‘they all think you past your prime but i don’t think you hit it yet.’ We never stopped working from right after my last fight, back in the gym, just grinding and fixing old bad habits. Thursday night is my test, one step closer to fighting for a world title.”

Taynnaa Cardoso (5-1, 1KO) from Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil made her pro debut in 2017 and won the Brazilian featherweight title in just her second fight.

Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (4-0, 2 KOs) from Tsetserleg, Mongolia was on the 2016 Mongolian Olympic boxing team, losing a split decision in the quarterfinals. In the 2018 Asian Games, Tsendbaatar won the Gold Medal and was a finalist is the 2019 AIBA World Championship semi-finalist. He made his pro debut in 2018 and will be fighting in the USA for the first time.

Giovanni Gutierrez (11-3, 6 KOs) from Tipitapa, Nicaragua, made his professional debut in 2018. On July 27, 2019, Giovanni won the World Boxing Association Fedacaribe super bantamweight title with a fourth-round knockout. On December 12, 2019, he fought for the International Boxing Federation North American super bantamweight title but lost the via unanimous decision. His most recent title opportunity was a WBA Fedalatin title which he lost in 2020. 

Frederic “French Revolution” Julan (12-2, 10 KOs) was born in Paris and now resides in Brooklyn. He made his pro debut in 2016 and won his first ten bouts. Julan is looking to rebound from two tough decision losses, most recently at Madison Square Garden. Decarlo “3medno” Perez (19-7, 6 KOs), from Atlantic City, is a former USA New Jersey State Super Middleweight Champion and a Jersey Shore fan favorite.  His last fight was a tough, majority decision loss to Nadim Salloum at Sony Hall in December.

Michael Hughes (3-1, 1 KO) from New York, New York, Hell’s Kitchen born and raised, former NYC Golden Gloves Champion, is head trainer and trains at the famed Church Street Gym, will battle Nelson Morales (3-2).  The Dominican Morales now resides in Scranton, PA.

Terell Bostic (7-1, 1 KO) is a Long Islander, born and raised in Wyandanch, NY. He made his pro debut in 2015 and his only defeat came in his fourth fight on a split decision to an undefeated Omar Bordoy at the Paramount Theater in Huntingdon. Clay Burns (10-16-2, 4 KOs) was born in Alexandra, Louisiana and now resides in Fort Worth, Texas. He began is professional career in 2016 with a draw followed by three knockout wins. He has had an up and down career ever since.

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, Boxing Insider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  This will be Boxing Insider’s third professional boxing promotion.  It has promoted one amateur boxing event and two professional events, on October 13 and December 21, both at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

LAS VEGAS – February 22, 2023 – Fighters competing on the David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, March 25 took part in a virtual press conference Wednesday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising stars Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Joey Spencer going toe-to-toe in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event, plus 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.

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.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

JESUS RAMOS JR.

“I’m excited to be here. This is going to be a great card and a huge night. It’s a dream come true to fight at MGM Grand. I’m preparing myself to be my best on March 25, and I’m sure Joey is as well. I think this fight is really going to leave a mark on both of our careers and that people will really remember this one.

“This is not the kind of fight that people our age are taking. I wanted to take this challenge. I’m thankful to Joey for stepping up as well and I can’t wait.

“I was surprised that Joey asked to fight me. Guys usually go other routes and look for different fights. But I was excited. I knew what kind of fight this would be. This is a big fight on a huge card. That’s exactly what I imagined.

“Joey looked good in his last fight. I don’t expect him to be the same fighter against me. I’ve had step up fights like he had too, and I went back and made improvements. I’m sure he’ll do the same, but we’ll be ready.

“My dad [trainer Jesus Ramos Sr.] has made a lot of sacrifices and I’m very proud of everything he’s accomplished. He had to work and train us, because it was the only way to keep the gym afloat. These are the kind of fights that we dreamed of. This is a huge fight and I’m proud of where we’re at right now, but we still have a lot more work to do.

“Who knows what happens on March 25, this could be the start of a big rivalry. It’s going to be entertaining and do a lot for our careers. This only catapults us to the next step towards the bigger fights. We both want to be world champions.

“This new generation is hungry. We want to fight each other. It’s going to bring boxing a lot of big fights and entertaining nights.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m just enjoying every minute of this process. What excites me about this fight is that people are excited by it. Growing up as a boxing fan since I was eight years old, I looked up to the young guys who were still proving themselves. Those fights in their career when they first started fighting those big fights were significant. I just remember watching those fights so it excites me to have this first fight have significant meaning  for the rest of our careers.

“I actually asked for this fight in particular. You don’t see these fights in boxing often for a reason. A lot of times people hide behind their promoters. This fight is proof that if two guys want to get in the ring at any stage in their career, even if it doesn’t necessarily follow the specific script that boxing usually follows, you can make a fight that’s outside of the box.

“We’re both young and I think it’s a hot fight for the division. It’s a perfect fight to see who’s ready to go to the next level. So props to Jesus. I think we’re going to put on a great fight. Benavidez vs. Plant is a great fight but I think that this fight is going to be right up there as one of the showstoppers on March 25.

“I think I showed people a little bit in my last fight, but I think I’ve got a lot more to show and that was just a small piece of it. Every fight you gain more experience and I was happy with the performance and happy with the rounds, but at the same time, I’ve added a lot to my game since then. That’s what we focused on in this training camp.

“I think this is definitely a step up but I think it’s the right step up. I’m taking a step up against a guy who’s fresh, young, hungry and that’s a very motivating situation for me. It gets me excited and it fuels the fire that I have inside me.

“I think this is just the start. I think it’s the first fight that people are going to go back to when they look at our careers. I think we’re both going to have long careers and people are going to watch this fight for a long time. That’s a big deal for me. I want this fight to make a statement in the sport. I’m 22. He’s 21. For this to be our coming out party where we may go on to become world champions one day. And who knows? We’re both young so there may be more than one fight between us.

“I don’t see any way that this isn’t an entertaining fight. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m willing to go to the end of myself to get this win for my family. I’m sure he feels the same way.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“I missed the ring. I’m ready to get back and do what I do best and do what I love. Come March 25, I’m coming to put on a show.

“The layoff was more so to get my mind right. I hadn’t lost in over a decade. So it was something that hit hard. When you really love what you do, it’s no joke. I’m not accustomed to losing. I never got used to losing. The layoff was a gift to me. I really needed that.

“I’ll go back down to 130-pounds. I’ve been out for a year, so I wasn’t trying to kill my body to make 130 pounds. Especially when I didn’t have big names to fight there. A lot of people at 135 were calling my name. Valenzuela called my name before on TV, so I have to come give him an early Christmas present.

“I have to go back down and get my belt. That means going back to beat on [WBA 130-Pound World Champion] Hector Luis Garcia. Then I can come back to lightweight. I have something to prove, and the only way to do that is to beat up someone that people say has a lot of potential.

“I wanted to face someone who would come and bring a fight so that the world will see that I’m not playing. I don’t like swimming with fishes, I like swimming with sharks. 

“I always said that I wanted to fight at least one time at MGM Grand and now it’s my time to make it happen.

“The layoff wasn’t really about me finding myself, because I’ve always known who I am. I was doing it big and I think I got a little caught up. I had to settle myself down. I have to just continue to do what I do. A new chapter starts March 25.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m very excited to come back on March 25 on such a big card overall. Chris Colbert is a great fighter. I’m extremely ready. I’m prepared. I’m focused, and I’m ready to get the win.

“I know what my mistakes were. I know why I took that loss and I know how I felt during the fight. It was just a matter of me getting my stuff together, biting down and staying focused. That’s what I did this training camp.

“It’s been a very serious training camp with David Benavidez because he doesn’t like Caleb Plant, so everybody is fully locked in. It’s the perfect atmosphere for me to come back. Whatever reasons Colbert has for coming back, I have my reasons and I’ll be ready March 25 to put on a hell of a show and get my hand raised.

“The main reason I think I lost my last fight is because I was rushing a lot of things and not taking my time. I wasn’t making the most of my time and I was just going through the days, but now I’m reflecting every day on everything that I’m doing. I’m looking over everything that I’m doing and looking at every little detail.

“I have to give my full attention to Chris Colbert and not focus on a rematch with Edwin De Los Santos. Colbert is a hell of a fighter. I like his style. I’ve been watching him for a bit. It’s going to be a great fight. After I beat him on March 25, we can talk about a rematch with De Los Santos.

“Jose Benavidez Sr. is a very honest man. I’m very honest myself. We don’t lie to each other and we don’t point fingers. I took responsibility for the loss and for my performance and that was that. It was just time to take responsibility, grow up, be a man and continue doing what I love to do.

“Training with the Benavidez family is amazing. The energy in the gym every day since this camp started has been electric. I’ve just been feeding off of it. There’s no beef between me and Chris Colbert. I like him. But this is personal with myself. I have to do this for me and for my family. It’s a promise I made a long time ago and I will continue to go that route.”

CODY CROWLEY

“Fight time is getting close and there’s nothing I love more than fighting. That fire burns inside of me and each day I get closer to being able to hurt someone.

“I hope he’s been training in a phone booth, because that’s what it’s going to feel like in the ring. I don’t like to waste any time. So if you want to fight, I’ll meet you right there in the center of the ring. If you want to run, I’m coming forward and I’m coming to break my opponent down.

“I definitely took a long journey to get here, but it needed to happen for me to be in the position I’m in today. Getting this win will mean that nobody can take away what I’ve worked so hard for and earned. This has been a decade in the making as a professional.

“I’m definitely not looking past March 25. So Abel you better be ready. I’m coming to hunt you down. I’m sure he’s doing the same thing. Hats off to him for stepping up to the fire. I can see it in his eyes that he’s ready.

“Every opponent I face is the toughest opponent of my career. Nobody exists except the person in front of me. I’m sharp, I’m collected and I’m very eager to take on this obstacle.

“I still have a month of work to do. There’s plenty to do. My father took his own life six months ago and I’m fighting this one in his honor.”

ABEL RAMOS

“I’m excited about this fight card. There is going to be a lot of explosive action with me and Crowley. I think our styles are going to match up well for an exciting fight. I can’t wait. I have been training hard, putting in work, and I’m ready to give the fans a show. A phone booth fight is right up my alley. That’s what I want. It’s going to be great for the fans.

“I’m always competitive and fired up to take on a new challenge. That’s what has kept me motivated throughout the years. Watching the fighters that I have fought motivates me more to accomplish my dream to become a world champion, and I’m not going to stop until I get it.

“I am ready for war. I’m ready to get in there and fight and get the win at whatever cost. I am not intimidated by Crowley. I am a veteran and have fought every fighter. I go into each fight to win and make adjustments.”

“We are ready to do whatever it takes to win. That’s our goal right now. If it’s getting into a brawl, then let’s brawl. If it’s being smarter in the ring, then that’s what I’m going to do. The priority is to get a win. The fans are going to get their money’s worth because I’m ready to put on a show for them.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. PLANT

Benavídez vs. Plant will see undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David 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/sports, www.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.

MINNEAPOLIS – February 22, 2023 – Three undercard matchups, featuring a welterweight showdown and two unbeaten prospects entering the ring in separate bouts, will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation this Saturday, February 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show, hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, will stream live on the  SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page starting at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and is topped by welterweight contender Kudratillo Abdukakhorov taking on Minneapolis-native and Armory fan-favorite VeShawn Owens in an 10-round duel.

The action will also include unbeaten rising welterweight prospect Derrick “Diesel” Jackson in an eight-round bout taking on Willie Jones, plus sensational super lightweight prospect Mikkel Spencer faces Margarito Hernandez in a four-round attraction.

The live streaming fights will precede the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by top super lightweight contenders squaring off as popular knockout artist Subriel Matías meets undefeated Argentine Jeremías Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship.

The telecast will also see the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James in the co-main event taking on 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta. Plus, lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez duels Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Born in Uzbekistan and fighting out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdukakhorov (18-1, 10 KOs) rose to the top spot in the IBF rankings before dropping a December 2021 matchup with Cody Crowley. The 29-year-old made his U.S. debut in March 2019, defeating former title challenger Keita Obara by unanimous decision before following up with a wide technical decision triumph over former champion Luis Collazo in October of that year. He will meet the 31-year-old Owens (13-3, 12 KOs) in his seventh fight at The Armory in his hometown. Owens’ last outing saw him drop a decision to current WBA 140-pound champion Alberto Puello in December 2021, snapping a four-fight winning streak.

The 20-year-old Jackson (10-0, 5 KOs) turned pro at 18 in 2020 and stayed busy racking up his unbeaten record over the next two years. Representing Orlando, Fla., Jackson went eight rounds for the first time in his last fight, winning a unanimous decision over Damian Ezequiel Bonelli last October. He faces the 31-year-old Jones (8-2, 5 KOs), a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-native who owns an amateur victory over two-time world champion Regis Prograis in 2011. Jones most recently stopped Brian Jones in round three of their June 2021 matchup.

Spencer (2-0, 1 KO) is the younger brother of rising super welterweight Joey Spencer and turned pro himself August 2021 with a unanimous decision victory over Eliseo Villalobos. The 18-year-old from Linden, Mich., most recently knocked out Deljerro Revello in round four last September. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Hernandez (3-4-1), who fights out of Wapato, Wash., and most recently lost a decision to Bryce Mills in January.

The non-televised undercard will see lightweight prospect Breeon Carothers (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout against Indiana’s Kevin Schmidt (0-2), plus Puerto Rican bantamweight prospect Jonathan Lopez (8-0-1, 4 KOs) duels Brazil’s Eduardo Diogo (3-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round attraction.

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ABOUT MATIAS VS. PONCE

Matías vs. Ponce will see top super lightweight contenders square off as popular knockout artist Subriel Matías meets undefeated Argentine Jeremías Ponce for the vacant IBF 140-pound World Championship on Saturday, February 25 live on SHOWTIME from The Armory in Minneapolis headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the return of Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James in the 10-round welterweight co-main event as he battles 2016 Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta. Kicking off the telecast, exciting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez duels the hard-hitting Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

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

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 22, 2023) – Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready for his first world title opportunity. The Cuban southpaw will face former world champion Isaac Dogboe for the vacant WBO featherweight world title on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Ramirez-Dogboe headlines a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. 
 
Ramirez (11-1, 7 KOs) has won 11 fights since losing in his pro debut in August 2019. The 29-year-old joined forces with Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, who has helped channel his talents into a more professional style. As a result, Ramirez scored three consecutive knockout wins in 2022. He stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan and starched then-unbeaten contender Abraham Nova with a single straight left hand. Last October, he defeated Jose Matias Romero via ninth-round TKO. Ramirez will face the stiffest test of his career against the 28-year-old Dogboe (24-2, 15 KOs), a Ghanaian former junior featherweight world champion who hopes to conquer a second weight class.
 
Following a recent training session, this is what Ramirez had to say about his first world title shot:
 
“Main event. World championship on the line. This is what I have always wanted and have asked for since I became a professional boxer. I see this fight as the perfect stage from which to present my credentials to the world and make the case that I am the best fighter in the featherweight division.”
 
“For me, life has always been about continuously being hungry. Talent alone is not enough at this level. True success means continuing to evolve, moving ahead, and conquering hurdles and failures to become great. I’ve experienced true hardship in life, so moving up to the mountains for a few weeks won’t break me. It will only make me stronger, like all of the difficulties I endured on the road to where I am.”
 
“I am proud of my career as an amateur and being a product of the ‘Cuban School of Boxing.’ But I have always added my own elements to the equation. I want to come forward and entertain, too. ‘El Tren’ is not just a nickname, it characterizes who I am as a fighter. At the end of the day, boxing is for the fans. And if they find my style agreeable, I will not shy away from the responsibility of leading the way for many others who want to break the mold of the highly skilled but boring Cuban boxer. On April 1, I will fulfill the goal of becoming world champion, but I am convinced that my greatest accomplishments in this sport are ahead of me.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and available to purchase at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Paul vs. Fury will be live this Sunday, February 26, at 2 p.m. ET/ 11a.m. PT in English and Spanish on ESPN+ PPV, exclusive digital distributor in the U.S.  The pay-per-view can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV for $49.99, separate streaming subscription required. More information here.  The event takes place at Diriyah Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

In the much-awaited main event, international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will, at long last, face undefeated pro boxer Tommy “TNT” Fury, younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury.

Paul (6-0, 4 KOs) and Fury were originally slated to face off in December 2021, but Fury withdrew from the bout because of a medical issue.  Paul’s latest win against the legendary Anderson Silva won him ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year by dropping Silva in the 8th round.

Hailing from Manchester, England, Fury (8-0, 4 KOs) made his professional debut in 2018, winning by decision. He then knocked out his next four opponents, drawing attention from the boxing world. He most recently shut out Daniel Bocianski over six rounds last April on the Tyson Fury-Dillian Whyte undercard. Fury, a former Love Island reality TV star, is ready for the biggest moment in his professional boxing career. 

In the co-main event, former two-weight world champion Badou Jack “The Ripper” (27-3-3, 16 KOs) will challenge WBC cruiserweight world champion Ilunga Makabu (29-2, 25 KOs). Jack is coming off five consecutive wins, including three by knockout, while Makabu will be making the third defense of his title. 

ESPN.com

• Can Jake Paul Actually Fight? (Timothy Bradley Jr.)

Out Thursday:

• Can Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul?
• The Not-So-Unlikely Way Jake Paul could Win an Actual Boxing Title (Mike Coppinger)

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Paul vs. Fury (All Times ET)

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NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 22, 2023)–TONIGHT at The Pro Box Event Center, Junior Middleweight Marques Valle will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Jerrod Tennant in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Valle is managed by Split-T Management.

The 24 year-old Valle, fights out of Wesley Chapel, Florida and is undefeated with a record that reads 7-0 with six knockouts.

Valle has a first-round stoppage over Leonidas Fowlkes. In his last out, Valle defeated Luis Midyael via second round disqualification due to excessive holding on December 2, 2022 in Plant City, Florida.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions.

Tennant of Los Angeles is 8-1 with four knockouts. The 37 year-old Tennant is coming off a first round stoppage over Antoine Ellerson on August 13, 2022 in Houston.

Both Valle and Tennant checked in at the junior middleweight limit of 154 pounds..

The fight can be seen on Pro Box TV and Pro Box TV Youtube at 8 PM ET

QUINCY, Mass. (February 22, 2023) – Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense on the March 11^th “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” card against undefeated challenger Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs), of Salem (MA), in the 8-round main event, at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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

The 24-year-old Whitley, fighting out of nearby Holyoke (MA), captured the Mass. 147-pound division belt last November 19^th at MassMutual Center, when he won an 8-round majority decision over Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in the main event.

“I’m excited to be headlining again at home (Holyoke is only 8 miles from Springfield,” the fast-rising Whitley said. “The first show was good and this one will be great. Headlining here is something special for me. I love the energy I feel from the crowd.”

“Denzel is getting better with each fight and he is eager to step up in competition to show he is the best 147-pound fighter around,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “He jumped on the chance to showcase that against Kenny Larson, who has a good amount of amateur experience, comes from a great gym, and always comes to fight. Two undefeated guys going at it to prove they are ready for the next level. It is going to be an awesome main event!”

It’s extremely rare for two undefeated prospects to fight each other, especially so early in their pro careers. Larson, 33, won a 6-round majority decision from Ryan Thomas Clark (2-2, 1 KO) last November 23^rd in Windham, New Hampshire. 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.

“I’ve never seen him fight,” Whitley remarked. “I hadn’t heard of him until I was offered the fight. I’ve heard he likes to come forward and, if he does, this is going to be an exciting fight, because styles make fights. I’ve been training to fight somebody with his style. I can fight all different ways. I always adapt in the ring. I’ll come in a little different, but I still have my style. I learn about my opponent in the ring. I adapt to my opponent and then open up my arsenal. I’ll be ready.”

Whitley hopes to have three additional fights in 2023, including a fight for another title – regional or national – and in a 10-rounder for the first time by the end of this year.

First, though, he has to get past his toughest opponent to date, Kenny Larson.

In the 6-round co-featured event, Springfield lightweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs) will take on Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs).

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), Springfield super lightweight Calixto Cruz (1-0) 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.