Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former WEC^® and UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2023. The 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place during the 11^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^Ô this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Jose Aldo is the greatest featherweight of all time,” UFC President Dana White said. “From WEC to UFC, Jose helped us build the sport of MMA and UFC as a brand, as well as change the perception of the smaller weight classes and what they could accomplish inside the Octagon. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Aldo will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining others in this distinguished category, including Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019), Georges St-Pierre (2020), Khabib Nurmagomedov (2022) and Daniel Cormier (2022). The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 39 fights during his 18-year professional MMA career, Aldo compiled a record of 31-8 (24-7, UFC / WEC / PRIDE / Shooto Brazil), securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Urijah Faber and Cub Swanson. He also scored wins over former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar,former WEC featherweight champion Mike Brown, former Pancrase Korea lightweight tournament winner Chan Sung “The Korean Zombie” Jung, and former Shooto lightweight champion Alexandre Nogueira. 

Aldo made his professional MMA debut on August 10, 2004, as part of EcoFight 1, knocking out his opponent via head kick in 18 seconds. He would win nine of his next 10 fights across nine MMA promotions, including Pancrase, Shooto Brazil and Jungle Fights, before joining WEC in 2008.

Jose made his U.S. debut on June 1, 2008, on the prelims of WEC^® 34: FABER vs. PULVER, which took place at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, Calif. He defeated former Shooto lightweight champion Alexandre Nogueira via TKO (punches) in the second round. Jose would win his next four WEC fights via knockout, earning him his first title shot against champion Mike Brown.

WEC^® 44: BROWN vs. ALDO took place on November 18, 2009, at The Pearl at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas and served as Aldo’s first headlining event as a professional mixed martial artist. Brown entered the main event as the undisputed WEC featherweight champion with a 22-4 record and a 10-fight winning streak over three years.

Aldo, who entered the match on an eight-fight winning streak of his own, used his speed, kicks, flying knees and takedown defense to control the fight until mounting and ending the bout two minutes into the second round to become the new WEC featherweight champion.

Jose would win his next nine fights, defending the title each time and pushing his winning streak to an impressive 17 over eight years. During his title reign, he would serve as the final WEC featherweight champion and become the inaugural UFC featherweight champion in 2010, as the organization was absorbed by Zuffa.

After losing the UFC featherweight championship to Conor McGregor at UFC 194, Aldo would bounce back and capture the interim UFC featherweight title by defeating former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar at UFC 200 in 2016.

Over the next six years, Jose would continue fighting top contenders in the featherweight and bantamweight division, securing wins over up and coming fighters such as Rob Font, Marlon Vera, and Renato Moicano, as well as veteran Jeremy Stephens. He retired in September 2022 after a loss to top-ranked bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278.

Aldo enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

• Most wins in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 18

• Most title fight wins in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 11

• Most knockouts in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 11

• Most finishes in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 11

• Most consecutive wins in WEC history – 8

• Youngest champion in WEC history – 23 years old

• Highest takedown defense percentage in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 92.6%

• Tied for second-fastest knockout in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 0:08 seconds

• Tied for third-most knockdowns in UFC / WEC featherweight history – 9

Outside the Octagon, Aldo has been honored with numerous awards during his career, such as being acknowledged by Sherdog as Fighter of the Year (2009) and the Fighters Only World MMA Awards Fighter of the Year (2010). His 2014 fight against Chad Mendes was awarded Fight of the Year honors by ESPN, the World MMA Awards and MMA Junkie.

As one of the most popular combat sports athletes in Brazil, the film ‘Mais Forte que o Mundo – A Historia de Jose Aldo’ is a biographical movie that chronicles his life. In 2018, this film was nominated at the 46^th International Emmy Awards or best TV Movie / Mini-Series.

A native of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, Aldo trained in capoeira, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and luta livre (submission wrestling), excelling in all three. A talented martial arts athlete, Jose holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and luta livre. Aldo captured the bronze medal in the 2001 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships and won gold in the 2003 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships and 2004 CBJJO World Cup. He currently resides in Rio with his wife, Vivianne, and two children.

To view Aldo’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/13233/jose-aldo-ufc-hall-of-fame.

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Liam Smith scored a fourth round stoppage over Chris Eubank Jr. in their scheduled 12-round middleweight fight at The AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round four, Smith hurt Eubank with a hard right in the corner that set off a vicious six-punch barrage that featured a left uppercut and a left hook that put Eubank on the deck. Eubank was badly hurt and tried hold on, but Smith landed another flurry of punches that put Eubank down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:09.

Smith of Liverpool, ENG is 33-3-1 with 20 knockouts. Eubank is 32-3.

Riakphore Stops Glowacki in 4

Richard Riakphore stopped former world champion Kryzystof Glowacki in round four of their scheduled 10-roud cruiserweight bout.

In round four, Riakphore hurt Glowacki with a hard right hand that drove him to the ropes. Four punches later the bout was stopped at 2:44.

Riakphore of England is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Glowacki of Poland is 32-4.

Essuman Decisions Kongo

Ekow Essuman won a 12-round majority decision over Chris Knongo in a welterweight bout.

Essuman of England won by scores of 116-113, 115-114 and 114-114 and is now 19-0. Kongo is 14-2.

Parker Decisions Massey

Former world Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jack Massey.

In round eight, Massey was deducted a point for holding. In round 10, Massey was cut over his left eye.

Parker of New Zealand won by scores of 97-97, 96-93 and 97-93 and is now 31-3. Massey is 20-2.

Clarke Stops Espindola in 4

Frazer Clarke remained undefeated with a stoppage after round four of his scheduled eight-round heavyweight bout with Kevin Espindola.

Clarke of England is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Espindola of Argentina is 7-7.

BETHLEHEM, PA--David Stevens remained undefeated with a final second knockout of Sean Hemphill in the eighth and final round of their entertaining super middleweight bout at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

The fight was full of action with both guys landing some solid shots throughout the contest. In the final round, the pressure of Stevens finally wilted Hemphill as Hemphill was floored with a hard three punch combination. Hemphill was wobbly on his feet, but was able to continue. He took three vicious punches that sent him down and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Stevens of Reading, PA is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Hemphill of New Orleans is 14-1.

David Stevens

“I felt like it was a good performance in front of my hometown crowd. I didn’t know how the judges had it scored and I knew I wasn’t executing like I should have been and I had to pick it up like my corner was telling me. Near the end I just had to stay relaxed.

“I know I didn’t have a great performance, so I don’t think it shows the 168-pound division much. I need a way better performance to start getting people’s attention and open doors and letting people know who I am.

“I think I could have done a better. Just improved on a little bit of everything. We were both breathing pretty heavy near the end there and I knew I just needed to keep pushing.”

Atif Oberlton remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Artem Brusov in a light heavyweight figt.

In round one, Oberton was cut over his right eye from a headbutt.

Oberlton of Philadelphia won by scores of 78-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 8-0. Brusov of Russia is 12-1.

Atif Oberlton

“I feel good and was glad I went the eight rounds. It really showed my conditioning. A lot of guys who have my type of record early on in their careers don’t take advantage of the opportunities and taking on opponents like I am.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. He’s a guy from Russia and he’s no slouch.

“I started a little slow, but that’s the thing about pro boxing is you have more rounds to show what you need to show. I’m proud of myself tonight.

“I love SHOWTIME. I’d love to come back and show more. I definitely want to fight on SHOWTIME again.”

Julian Gonzalez stopped Rosalindo Morales in a battle of undefeated junior lightweight.

At the end of round one, Gonzalez nailed Morales with a perfect straight right on the chin and knocked him flat on his back. Morales got to his feet sporting a bloody nose and very wobbly, but the bell sounded to end the frame. In round four, Gonzalez landed two hard rights that staggered Morales and the fight was stopped at 27 seconds.

Gonzalez of Reading, PA is 9-0-1 with nine knockouts. Morales of Elwood, PA is 9-1.

Jonathan Rodriguez took out Ira Terry in round three of their six-round bantamweight contest.

In round two, Rodriguez dropped Terry with a left hook. Rodriguez was all over Terry to start round three and landed some vicious right hands including hard right that snapped Terry’s head back and the fight was stopped at 53 seconds.

Rodriguez, of Bethlehem is 13-1-1 with five knockouts. Terry of Memphis, TN is 28-24.

James Bernadin remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Clay Burns in a lightweight bout.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0-1. Burns of Fort Worth, Texas is 10-16=2.

Thanjhae Teasley remained undefeated as he pounded Joe Sambrano over four-rounds over the welterweight bout.

Teasley of Bethlehem, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Sambrano of Pleasantville, TX is now 4-17-2.

In round four, the nose of Sambrano was bleeding.

Francis Oran made a thunderous pro debut with a first round stoppage over Marlon Haywood in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Oran dominated the action and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Oran of Bethlehem, PA is 1-0 with one knockout. Haywood of Kaokakee, IL is 0-2.

Terrell Jamal Woods and Moses Johnson fought to a split draw in a six-round heavyweight bout. In Round two, Woods landed a hard flurry of punches that caused a cut over the left eye of Johnson. In round four, Woods hurt Johnson bad on the ropes with a hard flurry. Johnson was able to fight back and scores were 58-56 each way and 57-57.

Johnson of Huntington, NY is 9-0-2. Woods of Houston, TX is 28-55-10.

Uncasville, CT – The weights are in and the stage is set as CES Boxing makes its 2023 debut tomorrow night at Mohegan Sun Arena with Winter Brawl, featuring 10 exciting bouts.

Winter Brawl is headlined by a 10-round featherweight showdown from the vacant WBC Silver title between Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (15-3, 11 KOs) of Worcester, MA, and San Cristobal, Dominican Republic native Dannis Aguero Arias (19-2, 16 KOs).

Tickets for Winter Brawl are available online at MoheganSun.com, or through the Mohegan Sun box office. The event will also stream live on Spectation Sports beginning at 9 pm ET featuring play-by-play from CES Boxing publicist Michael Parente alongside color commentator and New England boxing icon “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

Other bouts at Winter Brawl include Stamford, CT, light middleweight Chordale Booker (17-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showcase against 37-fight veteran Angel Hernandez (17-17-3, 11 KOs); New London, CT, super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs) in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs); and a four-round cruiserweight bout between John Gotti III (1-0) of Oyster Bay, NY, and Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN.

Listed below are official weights from Friday’s weigh-in. For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Irvin Gonzalez; Worcester, MA; 125.5

Dannis Aguero Arias; San Cristobal, Dominican Republic; 123.75

John Gotti III; Oyster Bay, NY; 175.5

Alex Citrowske; Saint Cloud, MN; 174.25

Alejandro Paulino; New London, CT; 134

Ryizeemmion Ford; Alliance, OH; 134

Chordale Booker; Stamford, CT; 154

Angel Hernandez; McAllen, TX; 151.2

Kevin Walsh; Brockton, MA; 130.25

Christian Otero; New York, NY; 133.5

Mike Kimbel; Waterbury, CT; 141.5

Robert Banks; Baldwin, NY; 141

Kendrick Ball Jr.; Worcester, MA; 174

Victor Hugo Exner; Felicia, Santa Fe, Argentina; 174.5

Josniel Castro; Boca Raton, FL; 153.5

Mitch Louis-Charles; Boston, MA; 154.5

Stevie Jane Coleman; Columbia, CT; 134

Michaele Nogue; Egg Harbor, NJ; 134.5

Chad Leoncello; Brockton, MA; 221

Gabriel Aguilar Costa; Sao Paulo, Brazil; TBA

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.

Uncasville, CT – The stakes just got a whole lot higher for Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez Jr.

With heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano unable to fight Saturday due to an illness, Gonzalez’s originally-scheduled eight-round bout against Dannis Aguero Arias will now be contested at 10 rounds for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Title as the new main event of CES Boxing’s 2023 season opener, Winter Brawl, at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Cusumano’s bout against Hungarian Istvan Bernath has been postponed, elevating Gonzalez to main-event status in his first bout in more than a year.

As an added bonus, Winter Brawl will stream live on Spectation Sports beginning at 9 pm ET featuring play-by-play from CES Boxing publicist Michael Parente. Dubbed “the future of combat sports,” Spectation Sports is a live sports streaming platform focusing on combat sports and sports gaming that features live events, an extensive video library, featured articles, and fighter rankings. A premium subscription is required to stream live content, starting with monthly passes as low as $19.99 that can be canceled at any time.

Doors open at 6 pm Saturday with preliminary bouts beginning at 7. Today’s official weigh-in is open to the public and begins at 4 pm at the Arena. Tickets for Winter Brawl are still available online at MoheganSun.com or at the Arena box office.

Saturday’s live stream features six bouts, including the main event. The others are:

• Stamford, CT, light middleweight Chordale Booker (17-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showcase against 37-fight veteran Angel Hernandez (17-17-3, 11 KOs)
• New London, CT, super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs)
• A four-round cruiserweight bout between John Gotti III (1-0) of Oyster Bay, NY, and Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN
• Mike Kimbel of Watertbury, CT, making his professional boxing debut against Robert Banks (0-1) of Monroeville, NY, in a four-round bout
• Undefeated super lightweight Kevin Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) of Brockton, MA, in a six-round bout against Christian Otero (4-2, 2 KOs) of New York City

After missing all of 2022 while recovering from elbow and hand surgery, Gonzalez (15-3, 11 KOs) fights for the first time since December of 2021 and now competes for the WBC Silver title, previously held in the 126-pound division by former bantamweight world champion Nonito Donaire and former world-title challenger Rocky Juarez.

The 31-year-old Arias, a San Cristobal, Dominican Republic native, boasts a 19-2 record with 16 KOs, including eight consecutive wins – all by knockout. Saturday is Arias’ United States debut.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.

Manchester, England – (January 20, 2022) – The time for talking is almost over. In a little over 24hrs from now, bitter rivals Chris Eubank Jr and Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith will enter the ring to bring their long-running war of words to a climactic conclusion.

The two middleweights are very different characters and both have stated an open dislike for one another. 

Fight week has seen their antagonism intensify by the day, with Smith particularly incensed by Eubank’s comments about economic conditions in his home city of Liverpool 

Today the two faced off for the final time before Saturday night’s showdown, with both making weight at the official pre-fight weigh-ins inside the Manchester Central events complex.

Bookmakers largely have the fight as a 50-50 contest, heightening anticipation for a bout which will send the winner forward to huge opportunities on the world stage while pushing the loser several steps back from a world title chance.

The fight airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office via pay-per-view, available to Sky subscribers and non-subscribers alike and priced at £19.95.

Co-main event fighter Richard Riakporhe was all business as he weighed in for his cruiserweight contest with former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki. 

Burberry model Riakporhe maintained the same icy visage he uses on the catwalk as he faced off with Glowacki in a high-stakes encounter which will step him up into world title contests if he wins.

And Manchester man Jack Massey was equally composed as he faced off with former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. 

It’s a huge challenge for the former cruiserweight champion, who is stepping up in weight to face the giant New Zealander in search of a victory which would change forever the lives of himself and his expectant partner.

Today’s official weigh-in results are below in stones / pounds / ounces:Middleweight Bout (12×3)

Chris Eubank Jnr 11st 5lbs 

Liam Smith 11st 5lbs Cruiserweight Bout (12×3)

Richard Riakaporhe 14st 3lbs 5oz

Krzysztof G?owacki 14st 1lb 5ozBritish + Commonwealth Championship Bout (12×3)

Ekon Essuman 10st 6lbs

Chris Kongo 10st 6lbs 5ozHeavyweight Bout

Joseph Parker 17st7lbs 5oz

Jack Massey15st 5lbs 3ozHeavyweight Bout

Frazer Clarke 19st 6 lbs

Kevin Espindola 20st 5 lbsHeavyweight Bout

Matthew Harris 19st 2 lbs

Jiri Surmanj 17st 10 lbs 5ozCruiserweight Bout (6×3)

Scott Forrest 14st 8 lbs 

Amine Boucetta 15st Lightweight Bout (4×3)

Frankie Stringer 9st 11 lbs 

Christian Narvaez 9st 9 lbs 5oz

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – January 19, 2023 – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) from New Orleans and David Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs) from Reading, Pa., both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their eight-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, January 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.

The co-feature pits undefeated prospect and Philadelphian Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) and the power-punching Russian now training in South Florida Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Plus, in a battle of two unbeaten Pennsylvanians, KO artist Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) from Reading faces Ellwood City’s Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout that opens the three-fight telecast.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action with former world champion Raul Márquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT host Brian Campbell also serving as an expert analyst, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The tripleheader is promoted by King’s Promotions.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Middleweight Eight-Round Bout

Sean Hemphill – 166 pounds

David Stevens – 165.7 pounds

Referee: Shawn Clark; Judges: Steve Weisfeld (NJ); Dewey LaRosa (Pa.); Adam Friscia (Pa.)

Light Heavyweight Eight-Round Bout

Atif Oberlton – 174.2 pounds

Artem Brusov – 173.7 pounds

Referee: Eric Dali; Judges: Steve Weisfeld (N.J.); Dewey LaRosa (Pa.); Anthony Lundy (N.J.)

Super Featherweight Eight-Round Bout

Julian Gonzalez – 129.9 pounds

Rosalindo Morales – 129.5 pounds

Referee: Shawn Clark; Judges: Steve Weisfeld (NJ); Dewey LaRosa (Pa.); Adam Friscia (Pa.)

Weights for Prelims to be streamed on King’s Boxing Facebook and Flo-Combat at 6:45 PM ET

Jonathan Rodriguez 118.5 – Ira Terry 117.5

James Bernadin 136 – Clay Burns 133

Thanjhae Teasley 145.3 – Joe Sambrano 147,4

Francis Oran 213 – Marlon Haywood 247.3

Moses Johnson 255.3 – Terrell Jamal Woods 239

FINAL QUOTES:

SEAN HEMPHILL

“I’m focused and hungry and this is the opportunity that I really wanted. I think I have the advantage in experience and a little bit of maturity knowing he’s younger than me. He has 11 fights and I have 14, which is not that much of a difference, but in terms of fighting and the many styles I’ve faced as a pro and in the amateurs, I feel like that will help me a lot. My height and reach advantage and the team that I have backing me and supporting me also is important.

“Buddy McGirt’s addition as a trainer has just let me know that the tools that I do have are really great tools and I just need to do more of it, using my jab, standing on my toes and taking little angles, trusting my defense. Buddy just assures me to keep doing what works best for me and staying sharp and helping me with different strategies and techniques.

“One of my greatest attributes is my height and my reach and being elusive on my feet and dancing around the ring a little bit. I definitely want to box him and keep him at the end of my jab and set up combinations here and there. But yes, it’s boxing for me. That’s what I do.

“I expect Stevens to come forward and to try and land power shots, a one-hit wonder type of thing. I had a great camp, did a few weeks in New York, worked with different guys up there, then a couple weeks in Florida, and had some really good guys to work with there so it’s been a really good camp for me.

“I would like to box but if I have to fight him, I will fight. I’m a fighter at the end of the day and if he brings it to me, I’m going to bring it right back. He’s the best guy I’ve fought on paper, and this is the biggest fight of my career.

“My dad was a two-time world kick-boxing champion, and I grew up in the gym and I was always around fighters growing up. But when I was a kid, I never pictured myself taking up boxing. I never really chose to do it until Hurricane Katrina happened, and I moved to Texas with my mom, and I was dislocated from my dad for awhile and I started wrestling in high school. I ended up moving back with my dad to New Orleans as a teenager and then I started going back to the gym and falling in love with the sport of boxing. I had my first competition at 15 and since then I made a commitment to myself that this is what I’m going to do.”

HEMPHILL’S MANAGER, ADAM GLENN

“Sean is someone who I’ve known for a really long time. When I first met him, he actually came up to New York to help one of my dad’s fighters get ready for a SHOBOX fight when he worked with [former prospect] Travis Peterkin. He was young but I felt like we really understood each other. We both had fathers who were in the sport and who we were really close to and his character and the person he is really attracted me to him.

“But he also has a lot of heart and a lot of dog in him. I want him to fight less and use the talent and skills more because he can make a lot of these fights really easy for himself. But if a guy brings it, he can handle it and seeing a talented, versatile guy like that, I thought he has a really high ceiling. He has world championship potential.”

DAVID STEVENS

“This means a lot to be fighting on TV and in a main event. It’s important that I show that I’m main-event material when I get up there. I’m just excited and ready to go.

“I feel like my power comes with me everywhere I go, especially when I rehydrate, especially when I put on those 10-ounce gloves.

“I don’t really see much in my opponent. He’s another man in there with an undefeated record so you have to teach him how to lose. He’s coming to take from me and I’m coming to take from him, but I don’t see much. I’m not really impressed. He’s an undefeated fighter so I’m sure he’s not going to lay down. I have to go in there and take it. I see length and movement. I’m not going to sleep on his power but that’s not one of the things that stood out to me.

“I’m a pressure fighter so I’m going to get into his face right away. That’s what we’re working on in camp. I’m trying to be a pest in there. I’m not trying to let him relax or set things up. I’m trying to get right on him.

“My trainer Ronnie Shields has brought a lot to the table. To me as far as trainers, he’s like a God. He always knows what to expect from an opponent. There’s been times when we’ve gone through five opponents in a week and he’s had something for each and every one of them. Ronnie brings a lot. He’s made a great impact on my career. He has me feeling nice and ready and confident before fights. A week in the gym with Ronnie and I feel like, ‘Yeah, I’m going to get this dude.’ No matter who it is.

“Ronnie has really helped me pick things up as far as attacking the body and using my jab, but I’ve always been a little bit of a body puncher, but he’s been on me about those things. Sean is pretty lengthy and likes to use his legs so we’re going to have to gas him out a little by going to the body and slowing him down. I’m trying to really show that I’m ready for high-level opposition. And the quicker I can get him, then I can show I’m ready to face guys that will get me ready for guys like Canelo [Alvarez] and [David] Benavidez and [Demetrius] Andrade.

“I’m the oldest of 12 siblings, so I have to be a good role model.”

ATIF OBERLTON

“I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m going to display all my hard work and talent and let that speak for itself. I’m just going to have a fun night of boxing.

“My confidence comes from just having to be confident because nobody was going to be confident for me. It was one of those things where I had to build myself up. The things that I went through early on in life showed me that you need to have faith in yourself or no one will.

“In boxing, I’ve had to prove myself over and over again to other people, and also to myself that I am the best in the business. I proved that as a child early in age, I proved it as a teenager, I’ve proved it as a man and I’m proving it now in the pro ranks as I’m continuing my career. As a child, I was always different. At the age of 14, I got Alopecia going into my freshman year of high school. That did something to my self-confidence as a young kid. Me having no hair made me completely different so I had to build myself up and boxing gave me a chance to do that. I believe the phrase, ‘Boxing is life’, because you can compare so many things that happen in life to boxing and you just have to keep fighting. That’s what world champions do.

“I just know that Artem Brusov is a Russian, and those guys come strong and they come in shape. I’m prepared for anything. I feel as though he isn’t anything that I haven’t seen before. I have international experience. I fought in the world championships in Russia before. I’m just coming to display the best me and put my boxing talent on display.

“This fight isn’t about proving anything to the fans or the media, it’s about proving to myself that I am who I say I am. It’s very important for me to look impressive in all my wins. I’m never really happy for an ugly win, but I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day. But we’re definitely looking to have a pretty win and continue to have pretty wins all the time.

“Coming up, you have to fight everything that you have to fight in life, along with your opponent. Coming up from Philadelphia is never easy. It’s every man for themselves and you have to show that you’re one of the special ones to go out there and shine and be a star.

“My favorite Philadelphia fighters are the old school guys. I like Tim Witherspoon, Eric Hunter was a good, technical boxer. I liked George Benton a lot. I love to study. I’m a huge student. Philadelphia is so rich in boxing. I recently watched Curtis Parker. He was an amazing fighter. I love to watch Michael Spinks. He dominated the light heavyweight division for a long time. I like to look at those who were in my shoes before me to see how they got it done and see what it takes to get to the next level. I recently got to meet him at an awards ceremony and I asked him a couple questions, like what he did for his conditioning, because I see that he always pushes through in his fights.

ARTEM BRUSOV

“I think this is a great chance for me. I’m facing a game opponent and he has a good record. But I’m not too bad either and I just really want to show the people a very good fight, I hope.

“For each fight I like to show different styles. Sometimes I can press, I can be a puncher, and sometimes I can box. It depends on the fight. Inside work will be important and we’ve been working on many things to prepare for this fight.

“This is a big step-up fight for me. We shall see in the ring. This fight will answer a lot of questions.

“I don’t mind fighting a lefty. I have been sparring a lot of southpaws and my last two fights were against lefties.

“There aren’t too many differences fighting in Russia and in the United States. In the U.S. I see that the fighters here throw more punches and come forward. It’s more of a show. It’s been hard to get people to fight me.”

JULIAN GONZALEZ

“I had a draw in my fight last April, and I’m OK with it. It was just a whole learning process. I fought through some adversity and was having some other personal issues. But I just feel like I needed it, to even just get me those six rounds because I was just knocking everyone out before then. I agreed with the scoring and the judges’ decision.

“I’m blessed and just excited. I can’t wait. I’ve never faced any adversity in the ring or been hurt or in trouble.

“I’m in there to go the distance, that’s what we train for. This is my first lefty and I focused on that in sparring.

“Someday I want to be one of the greats and want to hold some belts and hardware.

“Floyd [Mayweather] is one of my favorite fighters, just what he did both inside and outside of the ring. He’s a genius. Fighting-wise I like Canelo [Alvarez] and Errol [Spence] because I go to the body a lot. And Andre Ward. I look at everyone. I’m a student of the game.

“I’ve sparred in the past with Stephen Fulton Jr., and that was a great experience for me. Scooter’s one of the best and it gives me a lot of confidence. I was like a sponge and I just tried to soak it all up.

“Reading’s going to show out on Friday night. David [Stevens] is my guy. He’s a heavy hitter and he’s smart. He’s a dog, really. I can’t say much more than that.”

ROSALINDO MORALES

“Just to be on this platform and fighting on SHOBOX will change my life. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.

“I’m a pretty straight-forward fighter. I’ve learned a lot the last few years – the technical aspects of the sweet science. I like to say I am slick, at times. I don’t like to get hit. I mean, nobody does. I come as your typical Mexican fighter: Straight forward and a power puncher. Just do whatever I have to do to get the job done.

“My opponent has eight knockouts so I know he’s going to come forward too. He obviously has power and I have to be smart about it. I’m going to be the aggressor and take it to him. He’s young, I’m sure he’s strong. I know he’s going to try and overpower me.

“I work in a steel mill and it’s back-breaking work and 12-hour shifts. This is a dream come true and if I get a win on Friday night it could change my life.

“I’m lefthanded and can switch if I have to. I’m not technically comfortable with it, but if I have to do it, I can.

“I’m from San Antonio but moved to Pennsylvania at age 10. I’ve always wanted to go back and bring my family, but I haven’t been able to do that yet.”

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About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 87 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Tickets are $150. $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by clicking:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02005D87C94E4E6A

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 19, 2023) – Longtime Boxing correspondent, Bob Santos, originally from San Jose, CA, who has relocated to Las Vegas, NV, has been awarded the 2022 Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated “Trainer of the Year”. 

In 2022, Santos led super lightweight Hector Luis García (16-1, 10 KOs) to one of the biggest upset victories in recent history when they defeated the heavily touted rising star, Chris Colbert (16-1, 6 KOs). Santos took García into this fight, a main event bout televised worldwide on Showtime Championship Boxing, on two weeks’ notice, and dominated the fight.

Shortly after, Santos guided García in defeating Roger Gutierrez (26-4-1, 20 KOs) to capture the WBA super featherweight title. On the same night García defeated Gutierrez, Santos led Alberto Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) to win the vacant WBA super lightweight world title against Botirzhon Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs). Puello, like García, was a big underdog going into this fight. 

“Winning two world titles in one night is something I could’ve never imagined happening,” stated Santos. “It’s truly amazing to realize that I guided two Dominican fighters to world titles on the same day. The Dominican Republic has some of the best fighters in boxing right now.” 

Santos was also credited with the re-birth of Carlos Adames (22-1, 17 KOs), who now holds the WBC middleweight interim title after a huge 2022.  

“I have surrounded myself with good people and put God first,” Santos declared. “2022 was amazing and I am grateful to all the publications that have given me this award. I grew up reading Sports Illustrated and the Ring Magazine, so that is huge to know I am a part of history. I also want to say thank you to the smaller publications who have said nice things about me as well. It is a special time in my life. I like to be in the background, but I am learning how to accept the praise.”

Santos learned from some of the best trainers in the world, which include Joe Goossen, Emanual Steward, Ronnie Shields, Ruben Guerrero, Joe Chávez, and the great Chuck Bodak to name a few. He gives homage to everyone who he’s worked with during his accomplished career. 

“It’s important to remember this was a team effort,” said Santos, who many might remember for serving as an advisor to Robert Guerrero during his world title run to the pinnacle of boxing when he fought Floyd Mayweather in 2013. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and those I work closely with. I remember being in some of the best training camps, soaking up knowledge from some of the best minds in boxing. I made sacrifices, leaving my family for months, just to put food on the table. What I learned in boxing over the years cannot be taught in any university, you must live in the boxing gyms to become a great trainer. I want to thank all the great people in boxing that showed me the way.” 

Bob Santos’ success as a boxing coach is undeniable as being part of boxing’s biggest PPV events; Mayweather-Guerrero, Canelo-Lara, as well as boxing’s biggest gate sales; Davis-García. It is no surprise that he was awarded this prestigious award in 2022. He is an inspiration to all aspiring trainers who want to make their mark in the world of boxing.  

“When looking at the list of names who have won these awards it is humbling,” stated Santos. “Boxing is a lonely sport, and awards matter. Getting this award really helps me feel the sacrifices I’ve made in this sport has been worth it. It is always great to be told you do something well, but the job is not done. I have a lot of fighters who count on me, so though I am honored, I also have an obligation to be the best coach to my fighters and the best man for my family.” 

Notable names that Santos has worked with include Robert Guerrero, Joel Casamayor, Erislandy Lara, David Morrell Jr., Mario Barrios, Rances Barthelemy, Tomoki Kameda, Héctor Lizárraga, Livingstone Bramble, Eros Correa and Jose Celaya.

In addition to García and Puello, Santos also trains Cuban Olympian brothers Lenier and Dainier Pero, both highly decorated amateur heavyweights, WBA minimum world champion Erick Rosa, and is now taking over top ten middleweight Amilcar Vidal, from Uruguay. 

With over 30-years in the sport, this prestigious award is a testament to Bob Santos’ hard work and dedication. After a lifetime invested in boxing, Santos now has a career-defining award, after serving most of his career behind the scenes.