LIAM SMITH:

“It’s just the win that matters regardless. I’d love to make a statement and stop him, but a win at any means necessary is the aim.”

“Nobody believes him [about coming in at 50%], maybe a couple of his phone carriers and ball carriers. He doesn’t believe that himself. His coaches, Roy and Ronnie, both have told you different, so we’ll see Saturday what shape he’s in.”

CHRIS EUBANK JR

“I’ve always wanted to win this fight by knockout. The fact that Liam is being a child up here it gives me a bit of extra incentive to embarrass him.” 

“I’m cutting weight right now, so I’m at a good solid 44-45 per cent right now, but I’ll be a strong 50 per cent on the night and that will be more than enough to take the man [out]”

“I actually weighed in lighter than Liam yesterday, so I guess that argument about weights is irrelevant now. Liam’s the bigger man. I’m comfortable, happy and glad to be back in Manchester.” 

ROY JONES JR, TRAINER OF CHRIS EUBANK JR

“When you’re a complete fighter, there’s no style to be caught between. Chris is a complete fighter now, so he can fight any style. 

“Smith is a highly dangerous opponent. He’s been in the ring with the likes of Canelo and knows his way around the ring. That pushes Chris even more to get ready and get prepared. If he chooses to use 40 per cent, that’s up to him. Our goal is to get him ready and then it’s up to him.”

JOE McNALLY, TRAINER OF LIAM SMITH

“I’m expecting a bit of Roy (Jones Jr), a little bit of ferociousness. I hope he brings everything because that’s what Liam’s prepared for.” 

“I believe the early rounds will be key, If Eubank allows Smith to take the the early rounds he might be forced into trying to get a stoppage. Eubank cannot take his foot off the pedal.

BEN SHALOM, PROMOTER

“I remember when I met Liam, he said, ‘get me the Eubank fight and I’ll sign with you.’ Now It’s a bigger fight than when Liam first mentioned it to me. 

“It’s just built and built, it’s got war written all over it and I think this is what British boxing really needs right now.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 18, 2023) YouTube Theater in Inglewood, Calif. hosted an exclusive media roundtable with Santa Ana’s Alexis Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) ahead of his NABO Welterweight title defense against Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs). The 12-round main event fight will be the first boxing event at YouTube Theater on January 28. Doors to the venue will open at 3:00 p.m. PST, and the worldwide broadcast on DAZN begins at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.

Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya and Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, discussed the intricacies of the venue and excitement leading up to its first boxing event.

ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA, NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:

“I’m super excited to be the main event again. After this fight, I feel like I will have the power to start calling out the big guys and demanding for the big fights.”

“I feel privileged to headline the first-ever boxing event to be held at the YouTube Theater. It’s going to be a great night of boxing on DAZN and I hope that everyone can tune in.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:

“2023 is a big year for Golden Boy and we have a huge slate of fights ready to go. YouTube Theater is such an intimate venue, and fans will feel the energy being so close to the ring.”

“January 28 has an excellent slate of fights. From the opening fight to the main event, fans can expect fireworks.” 

JASON GANNON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOFI STADIUM AND HOLLYWOOD PARK:

“Here at Hollywood Park and YouTube Theater, we couldn’t be more excited to host our first boxing match up on January 28.” 

“We think that this event will be an incredible part of the overall story here at YouTube Theater, hosting world-class fighters in partnership with Golden Boy.” 

###

Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://bit.ly/RochavsYoungCredentials. Media applications are due EOD January 20, 2023. Credential decisions will be sent by EOD January 23, 2023.

About YouTube Theater

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.

Uncasville, CT – Coming off his first career loss after 17 successful bouts, Chordale Booker could’ve done what a lot of fighters do these days. He could’ve pointed fingers. He could’ve made excuses. He could’ve cleaned house internally and found a new team.

Instead, Booker looked in the mirror and decided any necessary changes to whatever routine, tradition, or game plan that didn’t work would start with him. So the Chordale Booker you see Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in his long-awaited return to the ring isn’t necessarily a “new-look” Booker. It’s the same Chordale Booker with the same team and a new chip on his shoulder.

“I’m not the type of fighter that when they lose, they throw out the whole ship. That ship got me to 17-0,” said Booker, who faces middleweight Angel Hernandez in an eight-round bout Saturday on the undercard of CES Boxing’s Winter Brawl.

“We’re going to sit down, reassess what happened, and get back to it. I talk to my team like men. We’re going to come back stronger and better, and that road begins this weekend.”

Tickets for Winter Brawl are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or at the Mohegan Sun box office. The event is headlined by heavyweight “The Sicilian Nightmare” Juiseppe Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) facing “The Hungarian Hammer” Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event in addition to Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (15-3, 11 KOs) battling Dominican Dannis Aguero Arias (19-2, 16 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBC Silver 126-pound title.

The setback Booker (17-1, 7 KOs) is referring to is his April 30 first-round knockout loss to Austin Williams at Madison Square Garden, a wild anomaly on an unblemished record that began more than six years ago when he turned pro in 2016.

As a late bloomer, the Stamford, CT, southpaw has never fallen into the trap of taking bad career advice from those in the industry who don’t have best interests in mind. He started boxing at the age of 19 and turned pro at 24. So while 31 may be considered past the prime years for most fighters, Booker “absolutely” feels he’s in his prime, hence why he’s in no need to rush the process, even coming off a loss in April.

“My prime will hit different,” said Booker, who is managed by Paul Guarino of PG Sports. “I don’t care what anyone says about my age. It’s probably why I don’t get the same opportunities some of the young guys get, but I don’t have to be on the same path as everyone else.

“This is my own race. I’m not trying to compete with anyone but myself.”

When looking back at the fight against Williams, Booker admits he wasn’t in the right head space, perhaps pulled in different directions by distractions outside the right – life’s obligations that fans often forget professional athletes still have to deal with despite their place in the limelight.

At the same time, Booker also admits his meteoric rise to the top of the 160-pound division gave him some false illusions, the idea that he could “cut corners” from time to time and still succeed. He learned otherwise in April, and it might be the lesson he needed to turn the corner.

“I took it personal. That’s exactly what I did,” Booker said. “I don’t like losing. I don’t train this hard and give up everything I’ve got just to lose and be mediocre. I’ve spent some time taking the sport for granted. I’ve got a lot of talent and because of that I don’t do everything I’m supposed to.

“Not anymore. Every lesson we learn in life is because we’ve gotten too comfortable. I’m ready to move on to something bigger.”

The journey back to the top begins Saturday. Booker has a chip on his shoulder, plenty to fight for, and many prime years left as he begins the next chapter. Fighting in front of his hometown fans will be the icing on the cake.

“I’ve never fought at Mohegan, so I’ve very excited,” he said. “Nothing brings the best out of me like fighting in front of my friends and family. They’re excited to come out for this one. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am with the support I’ve been getting since we announced this fight. It’s been very motivating and I’m anxious to get back in that ring come Saturday.”

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.

TOMMY FLETCHER COMPLETED a KO-hatrick at The O2 in November with a howitzer of an uppercut and with it he believes he delivered a message that the rhetoric is real.

The strapping cruiserweight, who goes by the name of the ‘Norfolk Nightmare’ took just 139 to poleaxe Jiri Krejci with a devastating left hand manoeuvre that the Czech was never going to recover from.

The 20-year-old’s trainer Mark Tibbs has long preached the bludgeoning power possessed by the 6ft 7″ prospect and Fletcher now suspects he is beginning to justify his journey on the hype train.

“Mark has said before many times that I have got proper punch power,” reflected the 3-0 Fletcher, who next features on the undercard of the blockbuster Artur Beterbiev-Anthony Yarde unified world light heavyweight title card at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport.

“It is not hype, it is real and when people see statements like that they want to see proof of it. They won’t take anyone’s word for anything and I think I really showcased what I am about in that fight.

“That uppercut is just another shot in my toolbox, to be honest. I wouldn’t say it is this devastating punch that I’ve been drilling.

“It was just clean, straight on the chin and put him straight over. I’ve got many more shots than that, which I feel I am strong at.

“At the end of the day, I feel that if I hit someone clean on the chin – whether it is a jab, backhand, left hook or whatever – I think they will be knocked out and that is my opinion on it.”

Rewind a couple of months to his second pro fight in Manchester and Fletcher was not quite so glowing in his assessment of his performance against Toni Visic.

However, Fletcher was the float on the night and went through the experience of playing the waiting game, switching his fight face on and off until finally getting the call following the main event.

“On my second fight I was a float and was having my gloves put on and then off. I didn’t get on until about 12.30am so it was a very long time to wait.

“I think it maybe impacted my performance a little bit, but I still got a stoppage with a fourth round knockout.

“For the fight I just had, I got off the bus, straight into the changing rooms, kit on and ready to roll. I had more energy, I wasn’t waiting about and was straight in there with a good support.

“I was on TV too, which adds to the spectacle of getting in there.

“I made a statement with a first round knockout and that is what I am about. People want to see knockouts and I think I am the man to tune in to watch.”

So make sure to tune in to BT Sport on January 28.

Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde for the WBC, WBO and IBF world light heavyweight titles takes place at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport. The bumper card also features the WBA world flyweight title fight between unbeaten fighters Artem Dalakian v David Jiminez.

Willy Hutchinson and Karol Itauma fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International light heavyweight titles respectively, with the show also featuring top prospects Charles Frankham, Umar Khan, Sean Noakes, Joshua Frankham, Khalid Ali and Masood Abdulah.

The show also features the highly-anticipated professional debut of World Youth Champion Moses Itama.

Tickets for Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

he world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, La., set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., via Canada.

In the co-feature, NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, N.Y., will defend his crown against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego.

The first title bout of the evening will pit WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, N.J. will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia.  

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25 and $50, while floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com for $19.99.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Don King:

About the main event: “Jonathan Guidry is a gentleman and a scholar and a really nice person. When he gets into the ring, he loses his identity. He forgets about everything and everybody. His focus will be on the man before him (Bermane Stiverne).”

About the event: “We’re going to have a ball at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday night.”

Jonathan Guidry vs. Bermane Stiverne

WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship

Jonathan Guidry:

“This is a big fight. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m going to be in better shape than I was in my last fight. This is going to be my biggest fight.”

Tre’Sean Wiggins vs. Nigel Fennel

WBA NABA Welterweight Championship

Tre’Sean Wiggins:

“I have another opportunity to showcase my talent. I’m ready. I put my heart and soul into the fight this weekend. I’m ready to show the world that I am ‘him.’ I’ll take the next guy and then the next guy. I want to be the next big thing.”

“Nigel (Fennel) is a good fighter, but it’s my time. I don’t care how fast he is and how strong he is. He has one mistake to make in the fight and then it’s over.”

Nigel Fennel:

“We’ve been working very hard. This fight was supposed to happen about a year ago. Some things came about and it didn’t happen. Now is the perfect time. We had a strong camp. I’ve been boxing for 13 years. It’s my dream, and my dream is coming true. I’m very excited and am going to put on a great show on Saturday.”

Ian Green vs. Alexander Castro

WBA CA Middleweight Championship

Ian Green:

“If you know me, normally I don’t talk much. All the hard work was done in the gym. I am here to show that I am not just the top middleweight. I am the best middleweight in the world. You’re all in for a treat on Saturday.”

Alexander Castro:

“I came here to be victorious against Green or whoever they put in front of me. I am grateful to be here and for this to be my first fight in the United States. I am going to be a great impression on my first show here.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX. – January 18, 2023 – Undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas and top contender O’Shaquie Foster previewed their battle for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they meet on Saturday, February 11 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

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

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is topped by Vargas on his quest to become a three-division world champion against the hungry challenger Foster, who steps into the ring to vie for a title for the first time.

Vargas will return to fight at the Alamodome after winning the 126-pound title at the arena in July 2022 on SHOWTIME. During the virtual presser, Foster, who fought on SHOBOX: The New Generation^® four times, revealed his own history at the venue, as he qualified for the Olympic Trials as an amateur at the Alamodome. Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

REY VARGAS

“I want to thrill the fans. So come at me with whatever you have. Let’s give the fans what they want.

“Alamodome is definitely a beautiful venue and a place where I have wonderful memories. This is another step for me toward history and there’s no better place to do it than in San Antonio. I’m looking forward to giving the fans a great show.

“Foster is very different from my last opponent. We’ve done a lot of different things in this training camp. We’re getting ready for the strategy that we think he’s going to employ. He’s elusive and he can be tough to catch.

“At the end of the day it’s about two guys in the ring trying to get the best out of each other. I’ve been in friendly and hostile environments in the ring. So I’m not worried about anything other than Foster.

“We’re coming back to a place where I have really good memories and I’m ready to do it again. I know that it’s a new weight class, but I don’t’ feel uncomfortable at all. I want to make history and do something that I’ll remember for the rest of my career.

“I’ve fought all kinds of styles, so nothing really surprised me. I have a hunch that Foster is going to come forward and be aggressive. If he fights me tactically, then I’ll be ready for that too.

“This is definitely an interesting challenge. I haven’t decided which weight I’m going to fight at afterward. I’m going to focus on the moment and this great fight that we’re going to have on February 11.

“I had a lot of important fights before the Mark Magsayo fight. I didn’t go from the bottom to the top in one fell swoop, I took the steps that were necessary to get to where I am.

“My power is definitely going to translate to 130 pounds. I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. The work that I’ve put into my power during training will definitely work in my favor.

“The Leo Santa Cruz fight is definitely something we’ve had our eyes on for years. There were some obstacles coming up, and that’s when this opportunity came up. I’m always up for new and exciting challenges and this was definitely one of them. I think this will be just as good of a fight as the Santa Cruz fight will be.”

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER

“Camp has been going great. This is the best camp I’ve ever had. I want to appreciate Vargas for coming up and challenging me for the title. We’re ready. I’ve had to take a lot of ‘0’s’ lately and Vargas is going to be another one on the list.

“Everything happens for a reason. I had a couple setbacks and had to get focused and weed out the bad energy in my life. Now I’m ready. I have history at the Alamodome myself. I qualified for the Olympic trials there, so it’s going to be a fun night.

“I’ll be the first world titlist to come out of my city, so I’d be making history for Orange, Texas and raising the bar for the next generation. I’m ready to show the world that I’m one of the top fighters.

“It didn’t matter who I was facing. I was ready for anybody. It just makes it better that he’s an undefeated two-time champion. He’s a current champion, so I should get all my props after the fight.

“I thought it was a close fight for Vargas against Mark Magsayo but I thought he pulled it out. He was a little more active.

“For me to be a better person, I had to separate myself from the crowd. I moved away from my hometown five years ago and I only go back to see my family. I’m just focused on what I have to do in the future.

“I don’t know why he thinks I’m going to come out aggressively at him. I come out with different styles every time I fight. If he tries to box me or walk me down, good luck. He needs to worry about what he’s going to do.

“It’s going to be fireworks. We put in real work. Every fight I come in with a different style, so for this fight I’m bringing all the tricks. I’m going to show the world that I belong and that I’m here to stay.”

#         #         #

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

QUINCY, Mass. (January 18, 2023) – Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs) is making a comeback from his 10-month retirement in the 6-round, co-featured event February 18^th against Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant USBF title at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

“Turf War 4”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), is being streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) will make his first title defense against challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA), in the 6-round main event.

The 31-year-old Rolfe, fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, hung up his gloves after his most recent  fight last May, losing to undefeated Philadelphia prospect Sonny Conto.

“I decided to stop fighting because I’d been coaching awhile and I have a 2-year-old son,” Rolfe explained. After the time off, I talked to Chris (his promoter Chris Traietti), telling him I was itching to fight again because I had some unfinished business. He gave me this opportunity to fight for the USBF title.

“I’ll have some normal concerns from having time off, but I had been fighting so hard for so long. I fought consistently and my body needed time away from boxing. I look different. This is, honestly, the best going into a fight. I’ll still be aggressive but not as straight forward. I took a step back and I still love boxing. It’s the ultimate for highs and lows. I still have fight left in me and I’m going to finish on my terms.”

A little-known fact is that Rolfe was a National Power Lifting Champion. In fact, his “Crazy Train” nickname came from when he set his personal best squat of 815 pounds while listening to Ozzy Osbourne’s song, “Crazy Train.” Rolfe’s powerlifting resulted in injuries and when he could no longer compete in his favorite sport, he found boxing.

Rolfe knows little about his opponent Gruber, who fights out of Fall River, Massachusetts, other than he had a limited amateur boxing career and lives considerably closer to Melrose than he does.

“I’m going into this fight humble, treating it like I was fighting a 20-0 guy,” Rolfe concluded. “No way he beats me if I use my power, speed, confidence and stay sharp. I think he will slow down; I take him out in the fourth or fifth round.”

Former New England Champion, welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), gets right back in the ring after his impressive performance this past December at famed Madison Square Garden, albeit in a loss to undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs).. Ohan faces veteran  Puerto Rican fighter Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight match.

Indian welterweight Vaibhav Singh “Ahir Boxer” Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs), a former WBC Asia Silver and Asian Boxing Federation welterweight champion, makes his United States debut against William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), of Alaska, in a 6-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard in a pair of 4-bouts is New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, versus Carlos Marrero III (4-8-3, 0 KOs), of Bridgeport (CT). 

Tickets are on sale and priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

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

INFORMATION :  

www,granite-chin-promotions.com

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to T-Mobile Arena with one of the biggest fights in UFC history as No. 1 ranked heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane and former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones collide in a Super Fight for the vacant undisputed heavyweight title.

UFC^® 285: JONES vs. GANE takes place Saturday, March 4 in Las Vegas with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be seen on ESPN, ESPNNEWS and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the night’s action starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with Early Prelims on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC^® 285: JONES vs. GANE tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 19 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Jones (26-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) returns to the Octagon for the first time since February 2020 with his sights set on cementing himself as the greatest of all time. Considered by many to be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in all of MMA, he holds the UFC records for most title fight wins (14), most light heavyweight wins (20) and the longest light heavyweight win streak (13). Jones now plans to make a statement against Gane and secure a second divisional crown for his legacy.

Former interim UFC heavyweight champion Gane (11-1, fighting out of Paris, France) intends to make the most of his second shot at gold by delivering a career-defining performance. A high-level striker, Gane has entertained fans with impressive knockouts of Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis and former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. He now aims to add his name to the history books by becoming the first man to finish Jones.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 7 ranked flyweight Viviane Araujo (11-4, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against No. 15 Amanda Ribas (11-3, fighting out of Varginha, Brazil)
• Bo Nickal (3-0, fighting out of Pleasant Gap, Penn.) makes his highly anticipated UFC debut against Jamie Pickett (13-8, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) at middleweight
• A thrilling welterweight contest sees No. 7 ranked Geoff Neal (15-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) battle No. 10 Shavkat Rakhmonov (16-0, fighting out of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan)
• No. 5 ranked middleweight Derek Brunson (23-8, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) aims to halt the momentum of No. 10 Dricus Du Plessis (18-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa)
• Former UFC bantamweight king Cody Garbrandt (12-5, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) returns to action against Julio Arce (18-6, fighting out of Bayside, N.Y.)
• Julian Marquez (9-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) locks horns with Marc-Andre Barriault (14-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Quebec, Canada) in a middleweight bout
• Exciting lightweights Kamuela Kirk (12-5, fighting out of Goodyear, Ariz.) and undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series alum Esteban Ribovics (11-0, fighting out of Cordoba, Argentina) plan to steal the show
• Da’Mon Blackshear (12-4-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) has his sights on securing his first UFC win against undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series alum Farid Basharat (9-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Former strawweight title challenger Jessica Penne (14-7, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) faces Tabatha Ricci (7-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)

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

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About UFC^®

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

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

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

MIAMI, FL (January 10, 2023)—Two championship fights are among the six undercard clashes that are part of “Let Freedom Ring!  Clash of the Champions!” boxing spectacular presented by Don King Promotions at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV via Canada in a 10-round title fight.

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com for $19.99.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott.  Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.

NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his title against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego in a 10-round bout.  Wiggins thrilled fans at his last defense of his title at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai as he knocked out Travis Castellon at 2:07 of the first round on June 11.

WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, NJ will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia in a 10-round title fight.   Like Wiggins, Green was impressive on June 11 at Miami Casino Jai-Alai in winning a unanimous 10-round decision over Anthony Lenk.  This will be Castro’s first fight in the United States.

The first two bouts of the night will feature a super lightweight attraction between Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Fl via Cuba against Nelson Morales (3-1) from Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic for 6 rounds.  The other six-round bout is a light heavyweight attraction for six rounds featuring Kenmon Evans (9-0-1, 3 KOs) of New Smyrna Beach, FL against Cleotis Pendarvis (21-13-2, 9 KOs) of Lancaster, CA. 

Three Cuban fighters will also be featured on the undercard.  Alex Michael Perez (4-11) will fight in a six-round middleweight attraction against Carlos Crus (2-9, 1 KO) of Deerfield Beach via Nicaragua.  Brayan Leon Salgado (1-1) will enter the ring in a four-round light heavyweight attraction against Salome Flores Torres (1-7) from Hastings, MN and the final Cuban fighter, Darian Favier Castro (1-1) will be in a six-round junior welterweight attraction against Ryan Schwartzberg (1-8-2, 1 KO) of Dania, FL.

Hialeah, FL / January 17, 2023 – Former two-time world boxing champion Guillermo Rigondeaux arrives at the ultimate career crossroads when he returns to action for the first time in a year on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Hialeah Park. 

With a professional record of 20-3-1 (13 KOs), the now 42-year-old Rigondeaux faces battle-tested super bantamweight Jesús Martinez, who will bring a mark of 33-17-1 (16 KOs) into the Hialeah Park headliner. 

Rigondeaux, who dropped decisions to Vincent Astrolabio in February of 2022 and John Real Casimero in August of 2021, has been sidelined since suffering severe facial burns and eye injuries in a freak kitchen accident at his home in Miami over ten months ago. 

“After the way he lost his last two fights and because of his time away from boxing, winning is just not good enough, Rigo must entertain,” said Alberto “Beto” Ferreiro, Sports Journalist and host of Café Deportivos con Beto.   “Rigondeaux is obligated to win big and to put on a good show for his fans if he expects another title shot.”  

Rigondeaux, the former WBO/WBA Super Bantamweight and WBA Bantamweight world champion will attempt to tap the fountain of youth in his 25^th professional fight as he looks to win for the first time since defeating Liborio Solis in February of 2020. 

“Rigo must attack and knock Jesús Martinez out,” added Ferreiro.  “That’ll be his only option if he wants to continue boxing at a higher level. Anything less than that will likely mean the end of Rigondeaux’s long professional career.” 

Tickets for what promises to be an action-packed card at Hialeah Park on Friday, February 24, 2023 are on sale at the Hialeah Park web site (www.hialeahparkcasino.com).  

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 17, 2023): Golden Boy announced a slew of undercard fights today, completing a stacked card for the first boxing event to be held at YouTube Theater in Inglewood on January 28. Doors to the venue will open at 3:00 p.m. PST, and the worldwide broadcast on DAZN begins at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.

“Golden Boy is going to make a statement in 2023,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Fans will be pleased to see that we’re starting the year on a fever pitch with a phenomenal card featuring potential world champions and some burgeoning stars I have personally discovered and stewarded – including main and co-main events Alexis Rocha and Floyd Schofield – in the state-of-the-art YouTube Theater.” 

The main event features Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) who is scheduled to defend his NABO Welterweight Title against Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round fight presented in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Rocha is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO, and will be positioned for a world championship eliminator fight if he wins. In chief support, Austin, Texas’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (12-0, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round match against Humacao, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado (17-4-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title which is presented in association with Davies Entertainment.

On hot pursuit to make history in the minimumweight division, Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (5-0, 3 KOs) of Villalba, Puerto Rico will face a new opponent from Monterrey, México, Yudel “El Guerrerito” Reyes (15-1, 5 KOs). Presented in association with Cotto Promotions, the classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fight will be a surefire hit with fans. Additionally, if Collazo secures the victory he will be knocking the door of a world title opportunity and the potential to make history as one of the fastest to become a world champion in his division having only turned professional in February 2020. 

“We are disappointed with the news that our compatriot Wilfredo Méndez won’t be able to fight me. In this sport anything can happen. We wish him a speedy recovery and wish him the best,” said Oscar Collazo. “I want to thank Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions who have worked very hard to ensure that the fight against Yudel Reyes continues to be a world title eliminator fight. I also greatly appreciate Paco Valcarcel from the WBO for the support to make this fight possible. 

“We know that the rivalry between Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is exciting and without a doubt we will write another chapter. I promise you, Yudel is not going to stop or get in the way of me, I will be a champion and he will be one more test on my way to the top. Expect the best of me on January 28,” concluded Collazo. 

“We are very excited because we have been asking for an important opportunity for some time and now it has been given to us. We are set for big fights and Oscar Collazo is a great challenge. I hope to put on a show for the fans that day,” said Yudel Reyes. 

Continues Reyes,“It feels good to be part of history like Chávez was with Macho Camacho, or Salvador Sánchez with Wilfredo Gómez, among others. We hope to give a great fight. I have fought a Puerto Rican before, Atenea Santiago, and I beat him to secure the NABO title. I hope to make history against Collazo, we are not going to disappoint the public and we are going to do our best for Mexico to get the victory.” 

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Indio’s Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (10-1, 8 KOs) is scheduled to fight a 10-round super middleweight match against San Diego’s Ulises Sierra (17-2-2). In a six-round super lightweight fight, Los Angeles fan favorite representing Mexicali, Mexico, Alejandro “Pinpon” Reyes (9-0, 5 KOs) will go up against Sedalia, Missouri’s Jose Zaragoza (9-6-1, 3 KOs). 

In a four-round super bantamweight match, San Diego’s Adan Palma (4-0, 4 KOs) will attempt to protect his prospect knockout streak against Anaheim’s Pedro Salome (3-1-2, 1 KO). Opening up the night, Westminster, Colorado’s Danny “Junebug” Garcia (3-0, 3 KOs) will fight in a four-round super featherweight bout against Barranquilla, Colombia’s Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (40-33, 32 KOs). 

Tickets for Rocha vs. Young are on sale and can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and https://www.goldenboypromotions.com/. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://bit.ly/RochavsYoungCredentials. Media applications are due EOD January 20, 2023. Credential decisions will be sent by EOD January 23, 2023.

About YouTube Theater

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.

CHESTER, PA (JANUARY 17, 2023)–Price Promotions who at this current time has one main goal, and one main focus and that focus is on Dylan Price. Dylan (Affectionately called) “Real Dyl” is a bantamweight contender that seems to be more times than not on the wrong end of the stick.

Price has won “Most Outstanding Boxer” in two National Tournaments, yet not many know of his name. He is a star, but at the lower divisions so… Well who the hell really cares, right? Now you have to also take into account that his father, David, is a very smart business mind so not too many promoters want to deal with that type of person.

The primary promoters choose to deal with people that can be told, and when confronted, will submit, but the senior Price was not really moved by the former nor the latter. However, there was one particular company that showed love to the Price’s. and that was Mayweather Promotions. They, particularly, Leonard Ellerbe were kind to the Price’s (In the way that they understand how to be) so that being said, David Price owes Leonard Ellerbe an apology. “I have done so via text and by voicemail and my final apology is in the form of this release” (how appropriate a word).

“However, as a whole, this industry is not without its share of undesirables. These individuals or even groups of individuals have conspired to keep my son Dylan and myself from mainstream boxing. I know, I know another bitter father that sees his son as something beyond his actual abilities. Well, riddle me this, if my son isn’t as good as I believe him to be, then why is it that to date we have never received a call from a matchmaker representing any of the minor or major promotional companies . Not even one can ever say that they have ever reached out with a possible match for my son. In other words if he isn’t what he thinks he is, then why not serve up another meal for one of your 118lb monsters? Why not have a seven- Time National Champion, Two -Time MVP that was 10-0, 11-0, 12-0, 13-0, 14-0 and is currently 15-0, with 10kos as an opponent for someone in your 118lb stable. All of the major boxing promotions have at least one 118lb boxer if not more, but still we are sitting here all by our lonesome. .. I’m sorry I digressed!!!!”

When Mayweather in their attempt to show love, had us featured on their Facebook channel in January 2019. We actually lost. Yes 15-0 Dylan Price has a loss! But Dylan also has a father who also has a heavenly Father who saw fit to have the Nevada State Athletic Commission make a random request to check this particular fighter’s urine, and to our surprise my former business partner and still close friend Doc Nowicki called me and said I was looking on Boxrec and Dylan’s name has an 0 beside it. I of course thought he was mistaken, but when I researched Boxrec, I saw the same. I immediately contacted the Commission and they confirmed that it was in- fact, accurate. He cheated, he cheated, he cheated, I celebrated!!!! But there’s not going to be much of a fuss surrounding positive news regarding a 115lb African American kid that had their record sponged due to cheating. Nope that gives those that were hoping that we failed more energy to galvanize.

Good plan but…………..the God that I serve saw otherwise. Long story for another time but this same individual has caught the eye of the former king ,and soon to be back on his throne to once-again be the king of the bantamweight division. That being future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Nonito Donaire.”

“The Filipino Flash” has agreed to be Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price’ trainer along with his beautiful wife Rachel. Rachel has proven that she is more than capable to function as the team’s lead strategist and strength Coach. The unlikely pair of families have in a relatively short period of time, developed a bond, a kindred spirit connection of some sorts.

Ok Listen you don’t have to have a THD in Theology to ask these questions;

1. Why would a fighter in the same division share information from the first 10 minutes that he met another fighter? Why would he tell him secret techniques that he had developed over the course of his career?
2. Why would a 40 year old, nine- time World Champion, that is still chasing greatness seeking an unprecedented 10th World Championship, decide to get on a plane, oh yeah, bring his wife at the bequest of the senior Price and assist them in training???
3. A 118lber former King who is seeking title number ten, decides to take on as a protégé another contender in his current division by the name of Dylan Price, weird right? Either way as I said…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………

“Nine-Time World Champion Nonito Donaire Confirmed For Price Promotions February 18th Boxing Card”

Price Promotions will be having their first Star Studded Event of 2023 which will also be their 3rd event since conception. These Star Studded Events are focused around one individual fighter by the name of Dylan Price.

In each of the events, Price Promotions has created their version of “24/7” or “All Access” entitled 7on7, “7 weeks, 7 episodes, 7 minutes welcome to 7on7”. The 7on7 series can be currently viewed on Price Productions Youtube Page. There are several pages with this name but we are the one with 27 Subscribers (as of January 14, 2023). Filming has also begun on 6 mini sitcoms (several of which feature Dylan Price) created by Dr. David Price, President and Founder of Price Promotions, DKP Productions and Price Productions LLC. He is also the senior partner in an app being developed called Profetsplus.com (Prophets for Profit). The youngest boxer in the family will be making his professional debut at 135lbs. The 18 year old Devin “Baby Boy” Price (sometimes Kristian; another story, another day) is excited about the opportunity to begin his professional career on Saturday February 18th.

This Star Studded Event will be held on Saturday February 18, 2023 located at the Elevations Event Center at 51 S 9th Street, Chester Pa 19013.

Tickets will be released on Wednesday February 1, 2023 and the fight will be available for purchase on Pay-Per-View at Profetsplus.com

        The Dream Team:

1. Fighter: Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price
2. Trainer: Nonito Donaire;
3. Trainer: David Price
4. Trainer: Wade Hinnant
5. Adjunct Trainer: Nate Campbell
6. Adjunct Trainer: Paulie Malignaggi
7. Strategist & Strength: Rachel Donaire
8. Cutman: Danny Davis
9. Chief Advisor: J Russell Peltz
10. Public Relations: Marc Abrams
11. Sponsor: APS, Shane Goodell
12. Matchmaker: TBA

Price Promotions is still seeking a dynamic matchmakers to assist with several bouts

ATLANTA, GA (January 17, 2023) – Due to circumstances out of the control of BLK Prime, Ivan Redkach (23-6-1, 18 KOs), who was intended to fight Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight main event on February 25, will now be replaced with “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (31-12-1, 14 KOs).

Broner vs. Lundy, taking place at the Gateway Center in Atlanta, Georgia, will broadcast worldwide on BLK Prime PPV for $39.99. More details, including ticket sales and undercard bouts, will be announced at a later date.

Broner vs. Lundy promises to be a thrilling and action-packed matchup between two battle-tested warriors who are promising to go to war. The combination of Broner’s speed and power with Lundy’s grit and determination is sure to make for an unforgettable night of boxing.

Broner, the former four-weight world champion and Cincinnati native, has established himself as one of the sport’s most exciting and dynamic fighters today. He captured world titles in four weight classes and is known for his bold and confident style. He’s a fan favorite that always put on a show.

“I’m glad they found a worthy replacement in Hank Lundy,” said Broner, from his training camp in South Florida. “Unfortunately, Redkach had to pull out, but I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me. This is the AB show and I’m on a mission to bust up everyone in my way. Hank Lundy is in trouble. I’m going to put a beating on him.”

Lundy, hailing from Philadelphia, PA, is a seasoned veteran with an impressive resume having fought Terence Crawford, Jose Zepeda, and Viktor Postol. He’s known for his relentless pressure and never-say-die approach. He’s been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and always comes to fight. He’s a fan favorite guaranteed to put on a great show.

“Fighting Broner is something I’ve envisioned for a long time and now this opportunity has presented itself to me,” stated Lundy. “Broner has established himself as one of the best fighters in the world, but he hasn’t been active, so I’m going to take full advantage of his inactivity. Everyone knows that I will fight anyone and the big names run from me. So I’m telling everyone right now, I’m going to beat the shit out of this can man.”

#

About BLK Prime:

BLK PRIME is a subscription video-on-demand company that offers multicultural content to a diverse audience worldwide. To learn more about BLK Prime, visit: https://watchnow.blkprime.com/ and to order the pay-per-view, visit https://ppv.blkprime.com/pay-per-view. On social media follow #CrawfordAvanesyan, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

ARTUR BETERBIEV OFFERED up a nonchalant response when questioned over his former amateur rival providing some words of advice to his forthcoming opponent Anthony Yarde ahead of the world light heavyweight title clash at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28.

British challenger Yarde was perched next to the unified heavyweight champion Usyk at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December while Tyson Fury was quashing the threat of his old rival Derek Chisora.

He claimed the Ukrainian gave him some tips on how to go about taking on the formidable Canadian-based Russian.

Beterbiev was edged out by Usyk at both the 2011 World Championship and the 2012 London Olympics.

“I don’t know,” said the 37-year-old Beterbiev with a chuckle when asked if a few pearls of wisdom from Usyk would help Yarde in his quest to part him from the WBC, WBO and IBF world title belts.

“If it helps him, then good for him. What can Usyk give him?”

It was suggested that Usyk could impart the benefit of experience from fighting him.

“And?” said a still smiling Beterbiev, who was a little bit more forthcoming when it came to explaining why, when he stepped up to light heavyweight, Canelo Alvarez opted to challenge Dmitrii Bivol for one world title belt, rather than himself for two, at the time.

“Why do you think? You need to ask Canelo, not me. How can I answer this one? If it was a fight that came to me I would take it, but I am not dreaming about this fight.”

Artur Beterbiev was speaking to Dev Sahni for the Unibet Lowdown. To watch the full interview, click HERE.

Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde for the WBC, WBO and IBF world light heavyweight titles takes place at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport. The bumper card also features the WBA world flyweight title fight between unbeaten fighters Artem Dalakian v David Jiminez.

Willy Hutchinson and Karol Itauma fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International light heavyweight titles respectively, with the show also featuring top prospects Charles Frankham, Umar Khan, Sean Noakes, Joshua Frankham, Khalid Ali and Tommy Fletcher.

The show also features the highly-anticipated professional debut of World Youth Champion Moses Itama.

Tickets for Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

NEW YORK (January 17, 2023) — Abraham Nova won a action-filled 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Lopez in a junior lightweight fight at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York

Nova’s win highlighted a night that saw Split-T Management Fighters win six contests between Verona and Milwaukee.

In round five, Nova dropped Lopez with a right that was followed by a left to the jaw that landed during an exchange.

At the beginning of round six, Nova landed a hard right hand that hurt Lopez. Lopez was grabbing onto Nova but fell to the canvas for a knockdown.

In round 10, both guys brawled and landed some hard punches. Both were able to stay on their feet in the crowd pleasing affair.

Nova landed 111 of 462 punches; Lopez was 112 of 415.

Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 22-1. Lopez, 129 lbs of Glendale, CA is 16-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Brady was cut in his mouth.

Brady landed 108 of 397 punches. Cervera was 56 of 323.

Brady, 132 3/4 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72, 79-3 and 78-4 and is now 9-0. Cervera, 130 1/4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 13-4.

Dante Benjamin Jr. stopped Emmanuel Austin in the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a left-right and left to the head that put Austin down. Benjamin finished off Austin as he landed a big flurry of power punches that was highlighted by a booming right hand, and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 2:50

Benjamin, 174 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with three knockouts. Austin, 175 lbs of Panama City, FL is 6-1.

Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions. Brady and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank.

In Milwaukee, Rolando Vargas won an eight-round unanimous decision over Derrick Murray in a super lightweight bout.

Vargas of Milwaukee won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 is now 9-1. Murray of Saint Louis is 17-7-1.

Former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Mary McGee was impressive in stopping former world champion Dahianna Santana at 3:00 of round four of their welterweight bout.

McGee of Gary, Indiana is now 28-4 with 16 knockouts. Santana of New York is 40-14.

McGee is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Javier Zammaron made it two consecutive first round stoppages to begin his career as he took out Sean Williams at 67 seconds of their junior lightweight bout.

Zammaron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin is 2-0 with two knockouts. Williams was making his pro debut.

In the main event in Verona, NY, Split-T Management’s Stephan Shaw (18-1) dropped a close unanimous decision to Efe Ajagba.

Shaw is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.

Miami, FL (January 15, 2023) Peter Kahn’s Fight Game Advisors has signed Puerto Rican Female Amateur Standout Kira Tapia, to an exclusive, long-term managerial contract. The native of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make her professional debut against Clarice Morales in a four-round battle this Friday, January 20 at the Kissimmee Civic Center on the Undisputed Promotions’ “WARZONE” event, where a huge crowd of passionate supporters is expected.

The 33-year-old Tapia is a prize-winning amateur boxer including gold medals at the 2011 Pan American Games in addition to the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games. The charismatic beauty took a three-year break from 2016 to 2019 while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon along with the birth of her second daughter.

In addition to aligning with the Boxing Writers Association of America’s 2022 Manager of the Year, Peter Kahn, Tapia is trained by boxing legend Ivan Calderon.

Said Kahn, “It’s an honor to work with such a talent as Kiria. She is an incredible athlete and has represented Puerto Rico for so many years with so much success, it’s truly humbling that she has entrusted me to guide her on her journey to becoming a world champion and solidifying her legacy as a professional fighter.”

Stated an elated Tapia about the partnership, “I am very excited about everything that is happening in my career right now, it has taken a 180-degree turn, knowing that it is real that I am going to make my professional debut, and even more so that it is in a place where there are so many Boricua fans who are in need of their families, of their Island, of their people, of that union of people.  There is nothing else that fills me with emotion and satisfaction knowing that I am going to give all of them what we need so much as a people.  I want to take advantage of this very special moment to thank the person who, from the first moment I met him, has shown special respect for me, for my career, and even more so, for my family, Peter Kahn. He has shown me that he is committed to my career and the well-being of my family, I think he is the person with the knowledge and all the tools to make my dreams come true.  To all my Boricua people, thank you for the unconditional support you have given me throughout my career representing our island as an amateur, there will be a new chapter and this time as a professional. I look forward to seeing you in Kissimmee, Florida, it will be a night of many emotions and lots of adrenaline.”

Added two-weight world champion Calderon, “First of all, I want to thank Kiria and Peter Kahn for believing in me; we are going to give everything to become a World Champion and thank you to my Boricuas from Kissimmee for giving me the Puerto Rican support as they always do.” 

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Eltham Flyweight prospect and former amateur standout Maiseyrose Courtney has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

The 22-year-old South Londoner made a winning start to her professional career by comfortably outpointing Hungary’s Judit Hackbold over four rounds on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s Undisputed Lightweight World Title defence against Karen Elizabeth Carabajal at the OVO Arena in Wembley last October. 

Courtney, who is the first female boxer to train out of the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex, started boxing at just eight-years-old and went on to represent the famous Repton Boxing Club, winning six National Titles and fighting her way into the Team England set-up.

Trained by Tony Sims and Kevin Mitchell, Courtney joins a thriving Matchroom stable boasting some of the very best female fighters on the planet including Ireland’s Undisputed Queen Taylor, Undisputed Super-Lightweight ruler Chantelle Cameron and Unified Super-Featherweight Champion Alycia Baumgardner.

“It’s a dream come true to have signed a deal with Matchroom Boxing,” said Courtney. “From walking into the Matchroom Elite Gym a year ago and becoming Tony Sims’ and Kevin Mitchell’s first female fighter, to making my debut on Katie Taylor’s undercard and now this, it’s been an incredible few months.

“Now it’s time to repay the faith that Eddie, Tony and Kevin have shown in me. In 2023 I’m going to show the world why I believe I’m one of the most exciting female fighters around.

“I’ve been boxing my whole life, mixed it with some of the best boxers across the country and now finally I’ve got the right team in place to help build me into the World Champion I know I will become.”

“I’m delighted to welcome 1-0 Eltham Flyweight talent Maiseyrose Courtney to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Maiseyrose has lived and breathed boxing since she was a child and she has huge ambitions in the sport. Her achievements in the amateurs speak for themselves and I believe she will enjoy even more success in the professional ranks under the guidance of Tony Sims and Kevin Mitchell. I was really impressed with her debut performance on such a big stage right ahead of Irish legend Katie Taylor’s last defence of her Undisputed World Title and she looks like she’s made for the big stage. I look forward to guiding her throughout her career.”
 
You can follow Courtney’s journey on Instagram: _maiseyrose and Twitter: @Maiseyrose1

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (January 15, 2023) – The return of Cheatham County, TN, lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (14-1, 9 KOs), was a success as he won an 8-round unanimous decision over Gustavo David Vittori (27-12-1, 12 KOs). The fight took place last night at The Bruce Convention Center, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Tomlin won every round of the fight. Scorecards read 80-72 across the board.

“This is the start we were looking for, a good win over a tough opponent to start my year off right,” said Ty Tomlin, as he addressed the crowd after the fight. “I was gunning for the knockout, but this guy was tough, and he wasn’t going away. I hit him with some good shots, but credit to him, he took them and made it to the final bell.”

Tomlin is now looking to fight three to four more times, if possible, this year. His goal is to build his record up to 20-wins by the end of the year.

“I am hoping to stay active I would like to fight as much as possible,” continued Tomlin. “The good folks of Cheatham County have come out to support me in various cities, and I look forward to not just fighting here, but bringing the show on the road as well. This will be a busy year for me, and I am ready for whatever is in front of me.”

This event was promoted by One One Six Productions in association with DiBella Entertainment. 

Efe Ajagba won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Stephan Shaw at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Ajagba landed 111 of 430 punches. Shaw was 78 of 341.

Ajagba, 235 1/4 lbs of Ugledi, NIG won by scores of 96-94 on all cards and is now 17-1. Shaw, 239/5 lbs of St. Louis, MO is 18-1.

“I went back to the corner and they told me to let my hands go, keep throwing punches, my jab. I controlled the fight, so that’s how I won the fight,” Ajagba said. “He tried to land the big shots. I watched him to see what he was going to do. He kept throwing the jab, using the jab more.”

Rice Stops Vianello Due To Cut

Jonnie Rice stopped previously undefeated Guido Vianello in round seven due to a cut over the left eye.

In round six, Vianello was cut on the left eyelid. The cut was worse as the fight moved to the seventh round and the fight was stopped.

Originally referee Benjy Esteves ruled it a headbutt, but replays clearly showed it was a right that caused the cut. After checking with the TV monitors, the fight was ruled a stoppage win for Ri

Rice, 274 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas, is 16-6-1 with 11 knockouts. Vianello, 239 lbs of Rome, Italy is 10-1-1.

“I did it again… another undefeated fighter,” Rice said. “I’m not here to call anyone out right now. I’m going to enjoy this victory and then see what’s next.”

Abraham Nova won a action-filled 10-round unanimous decision over Adam Lopez in a junior lightweight fight.

In round five, Nova dropped Lopez with a right that was followed by a left to the jaw that landed during an exchange.

At the beginning of round six, Nova landed a hard right hand that hurt Lopez. Lopez was grabbing onto Nova but fell to the canvas fo a knockdown.

In round 10, both guys brawled and landed some hard punches. Both were able to stay on their feet in the crowd pleasing affair.

Nova landed 111 of 462 punches; Lopez was 112 of 415.

Nova, 129 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 22-1. Lopez, 129 lbs of Glendale, CA is 16-4.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Ruben Cervera in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Brady was cut in his mouth.

Brady landed 108 of 397 punches. Cervera was 56 of 323.

Brady, 132 3/4 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 80-72, 79-3 and 78-4 and is now 9-0. Cervera, 130 1/4 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 13-4.

Bryce Mills won a six-round unanimous decision over Margarito Hernandez in a welterweight contest.

In round one, Hernandez started bleeding from his left eye.

In round four, he was bleeding under his left eye.

Mills, 143 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1. Hernandez, 144 1/4 lbs of Yakima, WA is 3-4-1.

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Coria in a welterweight bout.

In round eight, Norman dropped Coria with a left hook.

Norman, 149 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 79-2 and 77-74 twice and is now 23-0. Coria, 148 1/4 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is now 10-5.

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Antonio Lopez in a featherweight bout.

Carrington, 128 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Lopez, 127.5 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 17-13-1.

Dante Benjamin Jr. stopped Emmanuel Austin in the opining round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Benjamin landed a left-right and left to the head that put Austin down. Benjamin finished off Austin as he landed a big flurry of power punches that was highlighted by a booming right hand, and referee Mark Nelson stopped the bout at 2:50

Benjamin, 174 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 5-0 with tree knockouts. Austin, 175 lbs of Panama City, FL is 6-1.

NEW YORK (January 14, 2023) — Tonight undefeated heavyweight Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw will headline a big night of action when he takes on hard-punching Efe Ajagba on ESPN that will highlight a night of action of Split-T Management fighters in Verona, New York and Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Shaw, who was originally slated to face Guido Vianello in the co-feature bout, moved into the prime spot after an injury.

Shaw, 30 of Saint Louis, Missouri is 18-0 with 13 knockouts. The 10 year-professional is regarded as one of the Heavyweights to watch.

Shaw has wins over Danny Kelly (9-2-1), Jonnie Rice (4-1-1), Joel Caudle (7-1-1), Donovan Dennis (12-3), Willie Jake Jr. (8-2-1), Gregory Corbin (15-2) and Lyubomyr Pinchuk (12-1-1). In his bout, Shaw won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rydell Booker (26-6-1) on November 22, 2022 in New York City.

Ajagba is known as one of the hardest punches in the heavyweight division. The Houston native by way of Nigeria is 16-1 with 13 knockouts. The 28 year-old has impressive wins over Tyrell Anthony Herndon (6-1), Luke Lyons (5-0), Nick Jones (7-0), Amir Mansour (23-3-1), Michael Wallisch (19-1), Ali Eren Demirezen (11-0), Iago Kiladze (26-4-1). In his last bout, Ajagba stopped Jozsef Demos in two rounds on August 27, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Shaw weighed 239.5 lbs. Ajagba was 235 1/4 lbs.

Shaw is co-promoted by Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment.

The fight will be broadcast live on ESPN at 10 PM ET

Also on the card in Verona, will be Split-T’s Abraham Nova taking on Adam Lopez in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Nova of nearby Albany, New York is 21-1 with 15 knockouts. The 28 year-old Nova won his first 21 bouts. In his last bout, he suffered his first loss as he dropped his fight to Robeisy Ramirez on June 18, 2022 in New York.

Lopez of Glendale, California is 16-3 with six knockouts. Lopez is a former NABF Junior Featherweight and Featherweight champion, and is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over William Encarnacion (19-2) on May 21, 2022 in Las Vegas.

Nova, who is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions weighed 129 lbs. Lopez was 129 lbs as well.

Undefeated junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. will see action in an eight-round bout against Ruben Cervera.

Brady, 21 years-old of Albany, Georgia is 8-0 with four knockouts. Brady fought four times in 2022 and he finished off the year by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over undefeated Eric Mondragon on October 29 in New York City.

Cervera of Santa Marta, Colombia has a record of 13-3 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old Cervera is coming off a decision loss to Carlos Balderas on May 21 in Las Vegas.

Brady was 132 3/4 lbs. Cervera was 130 1/4.

Also on the card is undefeated light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr taking on Emmanuel Austin in a six-round bout.

Benjamin of Cleveland completed his rookie year with a record of 4-0 with two knockouts. He is coming off a unanimous decision over Leandro Silva on August 27, 2022 in Tulsa.

Austin of New Orleans is 6-0 with six-knockouts. The 29 year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Juan Carlos Pitalua on May 4, 2022.

Benjamin weighed 174 lbs. Austin was 175 lbs.

Nova, Brady and Benjamin’s fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 5:30 PM ET.

Brady and Benjamin are Promoted by Top Rank.

In Milwaukee, three more Split-T fighters will be in action. In the main event, Milwaukee’s Rolando Vargas takes on Derrick Murray in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Vargas (8-1, 7 KOs) has won three in a row and is coming off a win over Charles Garner (6-1) on October 29th in Milwaukee.

Murray of Saint Louis is 17-6-1 with six knockouts.. He has wins over two undefeated fighters and in his last bout, Murray stopped former world champion DeMarcus Corley on October 29th in Jackson, Tennessee.

The co-feature will see the return of former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Mary McGee. McGee takes on Dahianna Santana in a six-round bout.

McGee of Gary, Indiana is 27-5 with 15 knockouts, McGee won the IBF Junior Welterweight title with a 10th round stoppage over Ana Laura Esteche on December 6, 2019. She defended her crown once with a ninth round stoppage of Deanha Hobb (8-1). In her last bout, McGee lost a 10-round decision to WBC champion Chantelle Cameron on October 30, 2021 in London.

Santana of New York of 40-13 with 15 knockouts. Santana is a former WBA Interim World Featherweight champion. She won the belt by defeating Francis Elena Bravo on June 28, 2014. Santana challenged for the world title on three more occasions. Santana is on a four-fight winning streak as in her last bout she won a unanimous decision over Mima Elizabeth La Hoz on July 10, 2022 In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

McGee is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Finally Javier Zamarron will look to make it two for two when he takes on debuting Sean Williams in a four-round featherweight bout.

Zammaron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin won his pro debut when he stopped Ahmond Rayshan Oates in the opening round on October 29, 2022 in Milwaukee.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 13, 2023) – WBO #1 Jr. Featherweight contender

 Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), the most avoided man in boxing, wants to welcome the undisputed bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue (24-0, 12 KOs), better known by his nickname “The Monster” to the 122 lbs. division.

“I would love to be the first man to hand Naoya Inoue his first loss,” said Aleem. “I believe Inoue is a true champion, one who is willing to take on all comers, unlike some of the champions in my division currently. He is regarded as one of the best fighters of his era, and I truly see myself as the man to dethrone him.”

Aleem fought only once in 2022, defeating Mike Plania (27-2, 14 KOs) on the FS1 prelim of Andy Ruiz vs Luis Ortiz. His lack of activity was not entirely his fault, as the division as a whole was at a standstill with both unified champions only fighting once, as well.

“We want this fight as soon as possible against ‘The Monster’,” said Greg Hannley, 

Aleem’s manager and CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “All good things have to come to an end, and Aleem is ready to become a legend, and to do that he must beat one. We’re ready to talk. This is a very makeable fight. Let’s give the fans the fight they want to see.”

For Aleem 2022 was a bit frustrating as despite being one of the best fighters in the division, he couldn’t land the big fight that he deserves.

“It is frustrating as time isn’t on my side, and I am looking to get the most out of my career – and these fighters have been avoiding me leading to severe droughts in my ability to display my skills in the ring,” concluded Aleem. “I am the only fighter who is calling out Inoue. Everyone else is scared. What is scarier, ‘A monster’ or ‘A beast’? Let’s put both of our undefeated records on the line and see!”

Billericay Middleweight prospect George Liddard has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 
 
The 20-year-old Essex native made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks by halting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Nikola Matic in two rounds on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with Jermaine Franklin at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November. 
 
As an amateur Liddard represented the Billericay and Wickford ABC and went on to clinch four National Titles and two International Gold Medals during an impressive stint before deciding to turn professional last year. 
 
Trained by two-time Lightweight World Title Challenger and fellow Hammer Kevin Mitchell alongside Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym, Liddard wants his dominant debut win to be the start of a special journey in the 160lbs division.
 
“Signing for Matchroom has been my goal  for as long as I can remember,” said Liddard. “For a boy from Billericay to have joined the biggest promotional company in the world, that just happens to be based around the corner from where I’ve grown up, is a dream come true.
 
“With Matchroom and my team of Kevin Mitchell and Tony Sims behind me I’m confident I can go all the way in the sport and fulfil my full potential. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to boxing on some big shows and putting on some great performances.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome talented Middleweight prospect George Liddard to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “George gave us a taster of what he’s all about during his impressive debut win last November and I’m excited to see how his young professional journey develops under the guidance of Kevin Mitchell and Tony Sims. George already enjoys a big following in and around Essex that will only grow as he moves up the levels. We’re looking to get George as active as possible in 2023 and we’ll have news on his next fight dropping soon.”
 
You can follow Liddard’s journey on Instagram: georgeliddard_ and Twitter: @GeorgeLiddard