Uncasville, CT – One of combat sports’ fastest-rising stars continues his transition from the cage to the squared circle Saturday, January 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Mixed martial arts standout John Gotti III of Oyster Bay, NY, returns for his second professional boxing match at Winter Brawl, promoted by CES Boxing, the parent company of CES MMA, which promoted all six of Gotti’s MMA bouts.

Gotti, who is 1-0 as a pro in boxing, faces Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN, in a four-round cruiserweight bout. Tickets for Winter Brawl are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office.

Gotti is no stranger to the limelight; the highly-touted MMA welterweight prospect made is professional debut in the cage at CES 46 in Rhode Island in October of 2017 and went on to win his first four bouts by first-round knockout. Inactive for two years due to the pandemic, Gotti made his pro boxing debut in October, beating Albert Tulley by unanimous decision at The Paramount in Huntington, NY.

January 21 marks Gotti’s long-awaited return to CES; he last fought for the promotion in October of 2020.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John Gotti III to the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena and allow him to further showcase his talents inside the boxing ring,” said CES president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “John is a tremendous athlete and a skilled, instinctive fighter. He’s risen to the occasion each time he’s been tested, whether it’s MMA or boxing. This is not an easy transition for any fighter to make, but I have no doubt John will be as successful in the ring as he’s been in the cage and he will soon be on everyone’s radar in the boxing community.

Winter Brawl 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 and the long-awaited return of 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).

The event also features the highly-anticipated six-round interstate battle between Michael Valentin (7-1-1, 1 KO) of Providence, RI and the undefeated Kevin Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) of Brockton, MA; Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (15-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout against the dangerous Headley Scott (18-1, 12 KOs) of Jonesboro, GA; and super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs).

In another potential showstopper, undefeated welterweight Josniel Castro (9-0, 7 KOs), a Boca Raton, FL, native who’s fought his entire pro career in New England from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, faces one of his toughest tests to date in a six-round showdown against Quebec native and Boston resident Mitch Louis Charles (6-3-2, 3 KOs). Winter Brawl also marks the return of female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (3-1, 1 KO), who faces New Jersey’s Michaele Nogue (2-2) in a four-round bout, and Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (19-1-2, 12 KOs) in a six-round bout against Argentinian and 22-fight vet Victor Hugo Exner.

In preliminary action, Brockton heavyweight Chad Leoncello (1-0-1, 1 KO), fresh off his first career victory in November, faces Boston’s Wallace Nass Silva (0-4) in a four-round bout and MMA standout Mike Kimbel of Watertown, CT, makes his professional boxing debut against Robert Banks (0-1) of Monroeville, NY, also in a four-round bout.

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.

(Jan. 4, 2023) — Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, has inked a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 26-year-old Knyba, who was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, is scheduled to return in April on a to-be-determined card.

“Damian Knyba is a supremely talented heavyweight, and he is already a fan favorite among the passionate and knowledgeable Polish fans. I expect Damian to take a big leap forward in 2023,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Golota, Tomasz Adamek, and Adam Kownacki. With all due respect to those who paved the way, my dream is to surpass them and become the first Polish heavyweight world champion,” Knyba said. “I know there is a long road ahead of me, and I am ready for this journey. This is another milestone I’ve hit with my team, including my manager Lukasz Kownacki. With Top Rank behind me, the sky’s the limit.”

Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in June 2021 and went 4-0 with two knockouts before the calendar hit 2022. He made his United States debut in May 2022 with a six-round decision over Terrell Jamal Woods and followed that up with a first-round stoppage over Santander Silgado in Ranson, West Virginia. After a homecoming victory in Poland in October, Knyba received the call to fight on Top Rank’s Teofimo Lopez-Sandor Martin bill at Madison Square Garden in December. The Polish flags were out in full force as Knyba battered Puerto Rican veteran Emilio Salas en route to a second-round TKO. The Salas demolition earned Knyba a promotional contract and the distinction of becoming the first Polish heavyweight to be signed by Top Rank.

Miami, FL (January 4, 2023) Peter Kahn and Fight Game Advisors have announced the signing of undefeated and world ranked junior lightweight Henry ‘Moncho’ LeBron. The 25-year-old native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, currently ranked #7 by the World Boxing Organization, has compiled a stellar professional record of 17-0 with 10 knockouts.

Promoted by Top Rank, LeBron was excited to start working with the very highly respected Kahn, “I am very happy to start working with Peter Kahn. He has always provided extraordinary guidance and management for his fighter’s careers. I am very close to a world title fight and I can’t think of anyone better to manage me. This year will be very important to my career.”

“It’s an honor to be working with another great fighter from Puerto Rico,” said Kahn. “Henry is already an undefeated top 10 world title contender and I am grateful he’s entrusted me to help navigate his path to a world title. He has a great work ethic, high boxing IQ and is going to have a big 2023.”

Known for his exciting style and excellent counter punching, LeBron continued his impressive run of victories on September 23, 2022 with a dominant unanimous decision over fellow contender Andy Vences. The fight took place in front of thousands of Puerto Rican boxing fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and live on ESPN. His 2022 campaign also included explosive victories over Luis Lebron (no relation) on June 11, 2022 and Josec Ruiz on March 19, 2022; both fights emanating from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Prior to turning professional six years ago, LeBron was an acclaimed amateur winning the Puerto Rican National Championships four times in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Highlights included amateur victories over fellow highly regarded prospects Elvis Rodriguez and Karlos Balderas. His amateur career culminated in an outstanding record of 153-7.

Details of LeBron’s next fight will be announced shortly. For more information on Fight Game Advisors, visit their website www.FightGameAdvisors.com.

Social Media / Henry LeBron

Instagram / @MonchoLeBron

Twitter / @MonchoLeBron

Wichita Falls, Texas – Imperial Boxing has signed Wichita Falls native, featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a multi year managerial deal. 

The 18-year-old Emanuel Moreno is a six-ttime National Champion, with an amateur record of 141 wins and only 15 losses. 

Moreno started boxing at age six with Coach Mike Zapata. The duo won multiple national titles before Moreno made the jump to the paid ranks in November. In his professional debut, Moreno won a unanimous decision against tough veteran Christian Alejandro Silva in Oklahoma City. 

Trifon Petrov of Imperial Boxing is very happy to be able to add Emanuel Moreno to his team.

“Manny is a special talent. He is the full package, from amateur pedigree, to charisma, to fighting style. When Manny Moreno steps in the ring, he keeps you captivated. He has all the tools to become not just a world champion, but one of the best fighters in his generation,” said Petrov.

Moreno was a very sought after fighter, but ultimately he chose to sign with Petrov. 

“I had a lot of interest from a lot of other managers, but ultimately Trifon Petrov made a lot of sense for me. The work he’s done with his other fighters speaks enough. I’m very grateful for his belief in me, and with his guidance I am sure that I will reach my dreams in this sport. Being a professional is an exciting challenge for me. I have been perfecting my craft since I was six years old, and it’s time to show the world what I can do. We’ve put in countless hours in the gym, and on the road fighting and being ranked among the top amateur’s in the country. I am now looking forward to the future, competing on the professional level and working my way up to the top of this sport. I have ambitious dreams, and I feel I can achieve them all with Gods favor and in Gods Time. I’m very thankful for my family. My team. My friends and fans who have supported me on this journey. This is only the beginning,” said Moreno.

Emanuel Moreno is expected to be back in action in February. 

Irish Lightweight star Gary Cully has signed a multi-fight extension with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing as he continues to work towards a World Title opportunity in the 135lbs division. 

The 26-year-old from Naas kicked off a memorable 2022 by earning an impressive fifth-round stoppage win over Mexico’s former IBF Lightweight World Champion Miguel Vazquez on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s brilliant World Title win over Mick Conlan at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham in March.

‘The Diva’, who fights out of the Colosseum Gym and Unit 3 Fitness under the guidance of trainers Pete Taylor and Niall Barrett, then put pen to paper on a promotional deal with Matchroom in August before claiming a stunning first-round knockout win over Jaouad Belmehdi at Wembley’s OVO Arena in October.

“I’m delighted to sign a new deal and pledge my long-term future with Matchroom,” said Cully. “I’m only one fight into my first deal so for Matchroom to come to me so soon after initially signing with them and offer me a new deal shows the belief that they have in me. I’ve always believed that Matchroom are the best promotional company in boxing, and I’ve always seen myself and my career being aligned with Matchroom. To get this deal across the line is massive for me. As soon as we sat down and talked about the plans for the future it was a no brainer for me.

“2022 was massive for me, the biggest year of my career so far. To get the opportunity to fight Miguel Vazquez on the big Wood vs. Conlan card back in March and to beat him in the fashion that I did was a massive statement. I kicked on from there and signed with Matchroom at the start of August which was a massive step forward in my career. It was a huge step for me and something that I’d been working towards for a long time. To get my official Matchroom debut against Jaouad Belmehdi on a big Katie Taylor undercard and to get a first round knockout in 35 seconds was great statement. Two big wins and two big knockouts set me up perfectly for a massive 2023.

“2023 I believe is the year where I really become a star and become a name in world boxing. I want to fight early in the year and get some ring time and get active. A big aim of mine this year is to fight at Croke Park back in my home on the undercard of the big Katie Taylor rematch with Amanda Serrano. Hopefully all going well that gets over the line and I’ll be in a position for a big fight on that card. I hope to be co-headlining on Katie’s show in a big fight against a Jorge Linares or another big name in the division. Moving on later into the year I’d like to return to Dublin and headline my own show. I want to become a force and a name back in my home at the 3Arena. Lots of big plans in 2023, lots of exciting times ahead and lots of big nights.”

“Gary Cully enjoyed a Matchroom debut to remember and certainly caught the attention of the Lightweight division with an explosive first round knockout back in October,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I was so impressed with that performance that I wanted to extend this deal further so we can get some solid plans in place to see Gary become a World Champion at 135lbs. He talks the talk and can clearly walk the walk and I believe that ‘The Diva’ is going to have an even bigger 2023. I have full belief that if Gary fulfils his potential he can become the next star of Irish Boxing.”

You can follow Cully’s journey on Instagram: garycully and Twitter: @BoxerCully

The British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles will be on the lines as Ekow Essuman and Chris Kongo go head-to-head in a scintillating addition to the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

‘The Engine’ produced a comprehensive, unanimous points victory over BOXXER’s Samuel Antwi at the same venue last September to retain his British & Commonwealth titles and protect his flawless record (18-0, 7 KOs).

But Essuman will undoubtedly face a tough test in the form of ‘2 Slick’ Kongo in what promises to be a barnstorming title clash.

Kongo captured the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight crown when he defeated Sebastian Formella last June in London. And he’ll be hungry to start the new year in style by putting the first dent on Essuman’s burgeoning CV and claiming two prestigious titles.

Rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke is another sterling addition to the event which is broadcast live, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero is eager to ascend up the heavyweight rankings this year and will return to the scene of his last victory.

An opponent will be named in due course but Clarke (4-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to remind the division of his incredible power as he did last November when he outclassed Kamil Sokowlski over six rounds.

Another explosive heavyweight prospect is confirmed for January 21 too in Matty Harris.

The hard-hitting Coventry fighter (3-0, 2 KOs) burst on the scene in 2021 and last year added two impressive stoppages to his résumé, defeating Mait Metsis and Pawel Strykowski. An opponent for Harris will be named soon.

And unbeaten Scottish cruiserweight starlet Scott Forrest (3-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to showcase his talent on the night when he collides with Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta (7-5-0).

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom said: “These are four terrific additions to what is already a blockbuster card. Tickets are selling out fast with a bumper crowd all set for an incredible night of boxing in Manchester.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Elsewhere on the stacked pay-per-view card, Richard Riakporhe battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki, as local lad Jack Massey steps up to the heavyweight division to fight former world champion Joseph Parker. 

Final remaining tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 3, 2023 – A glittery lineup of rising young stars will highlight a three-bout streaming presentation on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page taking place this Saturday, January 7 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show, hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, starts at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and is topped by sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. battling Houston’s Omar Rosales in an 8/10-round super welterweight showdown.

The action will also see rising undefeated super lightweight knockout artist Brandun Lee in an eight-round attraction taking on Argentina’s Diego Luque, while unbeaten blue-chip prospect Travon Marshall duels San Antonio’s Shawn West in a six-round super welterweight matchup.

The live streaming fights will precede a SHOWTIME PPV telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by boxing superstar and five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight Title against unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.

The non-televised undercard will be highlighted by Washington D.C. fan-favorites and top talent from the DMV-area and its surrounding sections, including the return of the Peterson brothers. Former two-division champion Lamont Peterson takes on Michael Ogundo in a six-round super lightweight fight, while his brother and once-beaten contender Anthony Peterson steps in to face Raul Chirino in a six-round super lightweight tilt.

Rounding out the card is Lanham, Maryland’s Keeshawn Williams (10-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout against Argentina’s Gustavo David Vittori (26-11-1, 12 KOs), rising prospect and Washington, D.C.-native Jalil Hackett (4-0, 3 KOs) dueling Joel Guevara (4-8-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight fight and super middleweight Kyrone Davis (16-3-1, 6 KOs) facing Argentina’s Cristian Fabian Rios (23-15-3, 7 KOs) in an eight-round matchup.

Plus, Gervonta Davis-stablemate and once-beaten lightweight prospect Mia Ellis will step into the ring against New Hampshire’s Karen Dulin in a four-round attraction.

Representing Roseland, N.J., Mielnicki (13-1, 8 KOs) returns to the ring after completing 10 rounds for the first time in his career when he defeated Limberth Ponce via unanimous decision in October. The victory gave the 20-year-old his third triumph of 2022, after a unanimous decision over Dan Karpency in April and a stoppage of Jimmy Williams in July. Mielnicki first turned heads during his exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro. He takes on the 32-year-old Rosales (9-1-1, 5 KOs), who turned pro in August 2020, winning his first nine fights. A native of Mexico, he now fights out of Houston, Texas.

La Quinta, California’s Lee (26-0, 22 KOs) has stopped 15 of his last 17 opponents and is one of the sport’s most fearsome punchers. The 23-year-old has shown his boxing acumen in winning a pair of 10-round decisions in his last two fights, besting Zachary Ochoa in April and Will Madera in August. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee was also an accomplished amateur, going an estimated 195 amateur fights with only five losses and capturing gold at the prestigious 2015 U.S. Junior National Championships at 145 pounds. He will be opposed by the Cordoba, Argentina native Luque (21-10-2, 10 KOs), who took 140-pound contender Jack Catterall the distance in a 2016 bout.

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (5-0, 4 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just six fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall will fight near his hometown for the first time as a pro on January 7. He added two knockout wins in 2022, stopping Timothy Parks in March before blasting out Marcus Washington in June. He will face West (7-2-1, 4 KOs), who fights for the first time since scoring two victories in 2021. West brings experience fighting on bigger events, as he lost to Kenny Robles on a Davis undercard in 2019 and dropped a televised bout against Joey Spencer in August 2020.

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 3, 2023) — Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, hopes to open his 2023 campaign with a flourish.
 
Carrington will fight Juan Antonio Lopez in a six-round showdown Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Carrington-Lopez and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. The ESPN-televised heavyweight doubleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) is headlined by a crossroads battle between Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba and Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw, and 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello stepping up against Jonnie Rice in the co-feature.

Carrington (5-0, 3 KOs), the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, flourished in his first full year as a pro. He went 4-0 with a pair of knockouts, including highlight-reel finishes over Steven Brown and Yeuri Andujar. Carrington was scheduled to fight December 10 at Madison Square Garden, but his opponent had a medical issue that scrapped the bout. He makes his 2023 debut against Lopez (17-12-1, 7 KOs), an 11-year pro from Dallas, Texas, who has tested many of the sport’s top featherweight and junior lightweight prospects.
 
Carrington said, “I had an exciting 2022, but it’s time to step on the gas even more in 2023 and take over the featherweight division. I can’t wait to put my hands on somebody because I couldn’t fight on December 10. This is going to be a huge year, and it starts on January 14.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

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About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 14th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing legends including Oscar De Lay Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and many others, have all taken part in boxing events at Turning Stone over the years.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, annually the biggest and most star-studded weekend in all of boxing. This year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will take place from June 8 – 11.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND GO ON PRESALE TOMORROW (JAN 4) AT 12NOON ET AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 12NOON ET ON THURSDAY (JAN 5) AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda’s focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It’s time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line! 

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process. 

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this. 

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap. 

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4. 

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK – but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds. 

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

LAS VEGAS – January 3, 2022 – Unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García shared insights into his training camp as he prepares to take on boxing superstar and five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis on Saturday, January 7 in the SHOWTIME PPV main event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The stacked four-fight pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is topped by Davis defending his WBA Lightweight Title against Héctor Luis García, who seeks to become a two-division champion after earning the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship this year.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.

A 2016 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic, Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2022 with a triumph over Chris Colbert that many recognized as boxing’s Upset of the Year. The 31-year-old followed that up with a dominating decision victory over Roger Gutierrez to capture the 130-pound title in August, making him a top contender for 2022 Fighter of the Year. Here is what Garcia had to say about training camp in Las Vegas with top trainer Bob Santos, facing Gervonta Davis, and more:

On his recent training camp:

“Training camp for this fight has been something special as I’ve been taking all my strength and conditioning to another level. I’m running in high elevation, getting the proper sparring and everything has come together perfectly. I’ve had plenty of time to prepare for Gervonta Davis, so I’ll be the best version of myself on fight night. Bob Santos, my head trainer, is not only a masterful strategist, but he’s also controlling my diet, so my body is feeling great, and my weight is on point. The team I have around me right now is the best one I’ve had in my whole career.” 

On his matchup with Davis:

“Davis in my opinion is a top pound-for-pound fighter and one of the biggest punchers in boxing, so I know going into this fight that I’m an underdog. Not a lot of people are giving me a chance in this fight, but that’s what motivates me. I was in the same situation going into the Colbert fight, but this time I had a real training camp. I believe my style will give ‘Tank’ problems. I’m a southpaw with many tricks and I will be using all of them when I step in the ring on January 7.”

On what a win does for his career:

“A victory against ‘Tank’ will solidify me as one of the best fighters in the world. I already believe that in my own mind, but the world will realize how good I am after this fight. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank my team for all their support. Getting this fight has changed my life forever, but winning it will do wonders for everyone on my team.”

On fighting for his countrymen back home in the Dominican Republic:

“Everyone back home will be watching this fight, so I want to make them proud with a great performance. Right now, the Dominican Republic is making big news in boxing. (WBA Super Lightweight World champion) Alberto Puello is a world champion and Carlos Adames will be soon. All of us are family and we love the support we get from our people back home. Fighters from the Dominican Republic are on the rise and we are here to stay.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

PPV.COM will be offering Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia this Saturday, Jan. 7 in the U.S. & Canada for $74.99.

Davis defends the WBA Lightweight title. Also on the card will be the IBF Interim Welterweight tile bout between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Karen Chukhadzhian. Plus Rashidi Ellis vs Roiman Villa as well as Demtrius Andrade against Demond Nicholson

The fights begin at 9 PM ET and can be purchased at:

https://www.ppv.com/events/davis-vs-garcia

FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry are delighted to announce the signing of World Youth and European Heavyweight champion Moses Itauma to a long-term promotional agreement.

The highly rated Chatham-based heavy turned 18 on Thursday and joins his older brother, Olympic Youth champion Karol, in the Queensberry ranks and fighting on BT Sport.

Itauma won gold at the Schools, Juniors and Youth Europeans and his World gold came recently in November over in Spain. He is a two-time National champion, a Multi-Nation BoxCup winner and unbeaten in 24 fights as an amateur, with only one of them being a split-decision verdict at the age of 11.

Represented by CSM, the management group recently founded by Francis Warren, he now joins fellow heavyweights Tyson Fury, Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, David Adeleye and Boma Brown in sporting Queensberry colours.

“It is exciting for me because Frank Warren has been on the circuit for many years and is the man for the job,” said Itauma on teaming up with a Hall of Fame promoter. “It is going to be good and it is exciting times.

“For me now it is about stepping up quickly, really. I never really took up boxing to win world titles, I literally just kept going to the gym because we were like a little family at St Mary’s ABC. It was just good fun and then I started winning National titles.

“About two years ago I felt the amateur game wasn’t really for me and I started to grow out of it. I don’t think I’m special but I realised I was good at boxing probably when I started sparring Lawrence Okolie when I was 14-15 years old and was holding my own.

“I was then sparring Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua and was still holding my own, if not getting the better of it. When I was sparring Joyce and Okolie I was coming in wearing my school uniform having come straight from school and was yawning.”

Frank Warren, meanwhile, believes he is about to unleash a major force on the heavyweight scene.

“The booming British heavyweight division has now got a new player and this one is going right to the very top,” said the promoter. “For very obvious reasons, Moses was a young man in demand and I am thrilled that he has chosen Queensberry to guide and promote his career.

“We are the ones with a proven track record of taking young fighters to major title success and Moses is going to be in good company with our other elite prospects already taking steps forward in the professional ranks.

“Moses is an exceptional talent who is going to further light up the heavyweight scene in this country and globally.

“Moses possesses the ability to be a heavyweight great and I am sure the nation will get behind him and support his crusade to become a record-breaking world champion.”

Francis Warren of Champion Sports Management, added: “The future of heavyweight boxing is in safe hands with Moses, who is destined to become a world champion and dominate the scene for many years to come. That is the bold plan he himself has set out and it is up to us to deliver on it outside of the ring.

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Moses to the management company I have formed to take care of the interests of the growing band of young and hugely talented fighters I am privileged to represent.”

Moses Itauma’s professional debut will be announced at a press conference on Thursday 5^th January.

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.

White Plains, New York (December 30, 2022) – Before looking ahead to all of the possibilities the new year may bring, we look back through 2022 – a year that saw thrilling action and, at long last, the return of a full year of the sweet science.

2022 commenced with the return of the light heavyweight World Champion, the “COMMON MAN” JOE SMITH JR. who defended his WBO World Championship by 9th round TKO domination against Steve Geffrard at Turning Stone in January on ESPN. Originally, Smith was scheduled to fight heavy handed foe, Callum Johnson for his first WBO title defense, but the fight was scrapped after Johnson tested positive for COVID-19. In June, Smith courageously put his WBO World Championship belt on the line against unified world champion, ARTUR BETERBIEV, in a light heavyweight unification bout (WBO, WBC and IBF) at the Hulu Theater at MSG on ESPN. From the moment the fight was announced, boxing media and fans alike were clamoring over what was one of the biggest fights of 2022 – knowing the fighter who landed first would likely receive the glory. While it would not be Joe Smith’s night, he was applauded for his willingness and desire to be great, taking the biggest and best fight out there – something boxing desperately needs more of. Smith remains a top 5 world ranked contender and will be back in 2023 looking to get his Championship back.

The pride of East Hartford, Connecticut RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA burst onto the global boxing scene in 2022, with a preposterous and controversial split decision loss to top #1 world rated cruiserweight BADOU JACK in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this past August. In a bout where most did not give Rivera a chance, Rivera dictated the action for most of the fight and was on his way to a surprising victory. The 8th round included an inexplicable additional 58 seconds (3:58 illegal round), which changed the course of the fight. Social media was in an uproar after the bout. Rivera who was rightly upset, handled the situation graciously. While Star Boxing Hall of Fame Promoter Joe DeGuardia lobbied for a rematch, Badou Jack seemingly will have no part of it, happy to have gotten away with the controversial decision. Rivera in the meantime returned to action in December in Puerto Rico earning a second round TKO victory over Ariel Basconcel on ProBox TV. Rivera finished the year with a record of 22-1 17KO’s and will look to continue his momentum into 2023 – the year of “Popeye.”

MICHAEL “LONE WOLF” MAGNESI (21-1 13KO’S) also made his global boxing scene debut on the undercard of Joyce-Parker against ANTHONY CACACE in Manchester on BT Sport. The fight would was to be Magnesi’s third IBO Super Featherweight World Title defense. Magnesi expectedly got off to a hot start, looking to take care of business early. Cacace settled in, using his length to dictate the distance of the fight. Magnesi, who fought 7 rounds with a broken rib, gutted out the final rounds of the fight, but the judges scored the bout in favor of Cacace by split decision. Not to be deterred, Magnesi has vowed to come back for vengeance. While Magnesi lost his title, he is now world rated #12 (WBC) and #8 (IBF).

Heavyweight CARLOS TAKAM continued his fearless march into enemy territory and nearly caused a massive upset in 2022 over, “THE LION” ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV, in Makhmudov’s hometown of Montreal Canada. Makhmudov, who entered the fight with a perfect 100% knockout ratio was truly tested by Takam over their 10 round NABA, WBC Silver and NABF Heavyweight Title main event. After a first-round knockdown, Takam settled in and had the Montreal hometown crowd uneasy for the remaining 9 rounds. A pivotal 8th round would make the difference in the fight. Takam, who had taken the momentum in the fight and seemed to be on his way to a massive upset win, went for the KO and missed a wide, looping punch, causing him to be off balance and saw him tagged by a Makhumdov grazing right hand that sent an unbalanced Takam to the canvas. As a result, Makhmudov was able to get the nod by unanimous decision in a very close fight. Takam is currently rated #22 by the WBC and Star Boxing is working on his next bout.

Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount rolled on with three thrilling fight cards in 2022.

In March at “Rockin Fights” 41 on a thrilling five-fight card, #4 World Rated (WBA) Super Bantamweight OLEH “UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN defended his NABA Super Bantamweight title with a grueling split decision victory over Geram Eloyan, improving to 14-0 5KO’s.

“THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES finally returned to action after two years off due to Tommy John surgery and the COVID hiatus, with a vicious 4th round TKO over very well-respected Jimmy Williams to earn the ABO Super Welterweight Championship. On the same card, WENDY “HAITINA FIRE” TOUSSAINT devoured Travis Gambardella with a first round TKO victory.

In June at “Rockin’ Fights” 42, super middleweight, LUCAS DE ABREU MARTINS of Brazil defeated Star Boxing stablemate, Irishmen, TONY BROWNE by unanimous decision in the main event on the four-fight card.

In October at “Rockin’ Fights” 43 an injury riddled upset in October saw JOEL”SHOTGUN” SHOJGREEN knockdown and defeat, LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK in the ABO cruiserweight championship main event. Pinchuk was unable to continue due to a knee injury on a completely sold-out five fight card.

Star Boxing also planted its promotional flag at new venues in 2022, including Rivers Casino (Schenectady, NY) in April, Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University (Queens, NY) in May and Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall (Wantagh, NY) in November.

April’s Rivers Casino fight night featured four-fights topped by a WBC Continental America’s and NABA Gold Cruiserweight main event between Star Boxing stablemates, #16 world rated cruiserweight (WBC), the Italian tank, SIMONE “TYSON” FEDERICI who went to war with LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK in an electric main event. The two traded at will, jockeying for the upper hand in the fight. Federici would manage to pull away, earn the unanimous decision victory and returned to Italy with both belts in tow. Irish duo, “SUPERFLY” TONY BROWNE and “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” RYAN O’ROURKE each collected a win in their respective US debut’s at River’s Casino.

In May, Star Boxing promoted the first ever professional boxing match at the famous Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University, six-fight card that saw an upset in the welterweight main event when DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ lost a razor thin split decision to PAULO GALDINO of Brazil. Also featured was an all-out brawl as former multi time world champion, MAUREEN SHEA defeated CALISTA SILGADO in Shea’s return to NYC for the first time in nearly 12 years.

In November, Star Boxing promoted the first ever professional boxing match at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, that was a night of knockouts. On the five-fight card, former Irish prospect of the year, “THE SILENT ASSASSIN” RYAN O’ROURKE absolutely demolished Andreas Maier with a first round TKO at Star Boxing’s “Shore Wars” at Mulcahy’s in November. O’Rourke finished the year improving to 9-0 2KO’s. In the “Shore Wars” main event, “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES dominated German veteran, Omar Siala, by 2nd round TKO closing out the year with a pristine record of 13-0 10KO’s on the five-bout card.

Star Boxing signed a collection of new talent in 2022 that included Ukrainian super lightweight, IVAN “EL TERRIBLE” REDKACH (23-6-1 18KO’s), IBF Continental Africa Super Lightweight Champion, GEORGE “RED TIGER” ASHIE (33-5-1 25KO’s) of Accra, Ghana and three-time national amateur champion, undefeated super bantamweight, RAJON “PICASSO” CHANCE (7-0-1 5KO’s) – all of whom will make their Star Boxing debut in 2023. Star Boxing also signed undefeated super welterweight out of Schenectady, NY, JAHYAE “GOLDEN CHILD” BROWN who improved to 12-0 9KO’s in 2022 with victories over Keane McMahon on the June, Smith Jr.-Beterbiev undercard, and a 1st round TKO over Jader Oliveira in Maine in November. New York’s two-time Ring Masters Champion, “RUTHLESS” RONNY REYES signed and made his professional debut with Star Boxing in 2022 in thrilling bouts against Hector Bacerra in June (unanimous decision victory), Travis Crawford (split decision victory) in October and Shane Bridges (TKO victory) in December.

Looking forward to 2023, Star Boxing aims to continue to develop world class talent and promote exciting fights. Looking toward a big return in 2023 is recent inductee of the Suffolk County Police Department and undefeated super lightweight ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS, and devastating knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about 2022, “Yet another year down in our 30 plus year history – and we keep swinging. 2022 was a very busy year for Star Boxing. We spanned 9 countries with nearly 60 bouts and promoted some of the biggest fights in the sport, including multiple world champions fights. We wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year, and we cannot wait to kick off 2023 with a bang!”

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QUINCY, Mass. (December 29, 2022) – Back in 2011, Iraq War Veteran Chris Traietti founded Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) simply as a platform for him to continue his professional boxing career, not as the future business he now runs as one of the top under-40 promoters in the boxing industry.

The 37-year-old Traietti, who lives and works out of Quincy, Massachusetts, retired as a fighter in 2021 with a 30-4 (24 KOs) pro record, including the New England Cruiserweight title belt. Now, he has found a niche as a club-show promoter who also provides quality fighters for major events across the United States.

“After I lost to Eddie Caminero in 2010, Traietti explained, “I was in denial, thinking everybody was out to get me. I blamed everybody for my situation. Without a clue, I decided to promote my own shows to keep going. I put together a patchwork team. I lost to Edwin Rodriguez (2011) and didn’t want to be an opponent. Nobody (promoters) wanted to work with me, and I was my worst enemy. I disappeared. I then decided to get serious and got back in the gym with my trainer, Jimmy Farrell. No promoters would work with me, so I started doing shows to keep my career on life support. In 2015, I was contacted by (matchmaker) Eric Bottjer who was working for Roc Nation. He needed to put fighters on local shows. I had bigger names on my shows and started to make some money. I thought that I could do it as a fighter and promoter and got serious.

“In 2016, I had the Mike Lee fight. If I won, I thought I’d get some real offers to sign with promoters. I only had my trainer (Farrell) for 2 ½ weeks to work with and I basically trained myself. I didn’t know what I was doing and lost to Lee. I did get a call from Roc Nation, which was fizzling out but not dead, to get on a show in Marina Bay (Quincy, MA), and that was my last show working with Roc Nation. I was back promoting, but not making any money. I did get some wins. I started promoting audience shows in New Hampshire in 2017. (International matchmaker) Whitfield Hayden reached out to me, and I helped PBC by delivering fighters for a show in New York City. I have a key PBC contact ,and I was retired as a fighter. Money was coming in and I started signing good, rugged opponents, because I was on to something, surviving the test of time.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Granite Chin arguably promoted as many shows as any promoter in the country, creating a way to promote shows there like presenting doubleheaders(22 total fights) that drew 700 fans during the day, 1100 at night. It was a combination accomplishment. Not only did Traietti promote shows to build his fighters, other promoters and managers paid him to place their fighters on GCP cards. Word rapidly spread within the boxing industry and the GCP brand reached another level as Traietti gained more respect as a promoter and invaluable matchmaker.

Traietti realized this past year that he needed to change his philosophy to elevate his brand, focusing more on GCP shows in terms of putting on more competitive, entertaining match ups.

“We didn’t have the best of fights and I wasn’t doing my fighters justice,” Traietti said. “It was hurting our brand. I needed my guys to fight tougher opponents. I have fighters like Antonio Todd and Tyrone Luckey who will fight anybody, anytime. Other guys really stepped up this year as well. But my goal is for my guys to make as much money as possible and then leave boxing with all their facilities and no damage. Everybody on our roster has a place because this is a team. Each one has a special spot on the roster and plays roles in GCP’s growth. I sincerely mean that every fighter on my roster plays a critical role for the business, and I have a profound amount of respect for all my fighters. They make all of of this possible.”

Traietti and GCP has also found a home in Springfield (MA) – 90 miles west of Boston – where GCP recently had its best show at MassMutual with 1500 fans. Supported by an outside investor with boxing and business interests in Western Massachusetts, Gunther Fishgold, Traietti is tremendously encouraged about GCP’s future with its new base. The most promising fighters on GCP’s roster are a pair of newly crowned Massachusetts champions, Holyoke welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) and Pittsfield light heavyweight Steve Sumpter (7-0, 6 KOs). Traietti is also signing additional Western Mass. prospects.

“I see a clear path in Springfield,” Traietti commented. “Having Denzel on the GCP roster is huge. He passed his first step up in his last fight .We will be promoting our second show there on March 11^th. We plan to have at least 3 there in 2023 and by 2025, 4 or 5, and become the exclusive boxing promoter at MassMutual. Each show we have a bigger product. BXNG TV (live streaming) has been great, but my goal is to be promoting shows on network TV. I don’t think that’s out of the realm of possibility, but not in 2023. We will be building our product for something in the future like ShoBox in 2024/2025. Our guys are willing to take the tough fights. I’m looking to get Denzel and Steve bigger regional titles to help make every Springfield show better than the last one.

“I’m taken more seriously in the industry. I’m now known in this business. It’s wild! It was great to hear at Madison Square Garden for Mike Ohan’s fight introduction, when it was announced that he was represented by Granite Chin Promotions. It really took me back. Amazing to have people watching the fight on ESPN to hear that. I didn’t envision this back in 2021. I thought I’d have 300-400 people at our shows in an armory for as long as Granite Chin lasted. I had no idea that this would happen. I’ve survived the test of time, I think.”

If you really want to fight, Chris Traietti and Granite Chin Promotions are the way to go for real fighters only.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

NEW YORK (December 29, 2022) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has announced its 22-member Class of 2122. The 11th NYSBHOF induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 30, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

Tickets are priced at $160.00 per adult, $60.00 for children (under 16), and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as a 7-course dinner (prime rib, fish, or poultry) and open bar throughout the event. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 or depcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available, ranging from $80.00 to $200.00, by contacting Duffy. Go online at www.nyboxinghof.org or www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn’s 2-division (welterweight & light welterweight), 6-time World Champion “Super” Zab Judah (44-10, 30 KOs), Brooklyn’s 2-divbision World Champion (welterweight and light welterweight) Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi (36-8, 7 KOs), Plainview’s World Super Lightweight Champion Kathy “Wildcat” Collins (14-2-4, 3 KOs), Troy welterweight Kevin “Mr. Excitement” Pompey (32-18-3, 12 KOs), and Brooklyn World Super Lightweight World title challenger Dmitry “Star of David” Salita (35-2-1, 18 KOs).  

Posthumous participants being inducted are Poughkeepsie’s world lightweight challenger Johnny Busso (36-12-1, 15 KOs), Bronx middleweight Eugene “Silent” Hairston (45-13-5, 24 KOs), New York City’s NYSAC Featherweight World Champion Tony “Jimmy Pell” Pellone (51-19-6, 10 KOs), Bronx featherweight Mike “The Bronx Spider” Belloise (91-28-12, 21 KOs), New York City’s World Colored Heavyweight Champion Harry “Black Panther” Wills (70-9-3, 56 KOs), and Hempstead’s World Light Heavyweight World title challenger Eddie “Wildcat” Davis (34-6-1, 20 KOs).  

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Brooklyn trainer Hector Rocha, Brooklynn ring announcer Dave Diamante, Bronx commentator/producer/radio show host Tony Paige, Latham journalist Bob Mladinich, Brooklyn neurologist Barry Jordan, Brooklyn judge Robin Taylor, and Buffalo journalist Bob Caico.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn manager Izzy Zwerling, Manhattan manager Dave Wolf, Brooklyn trainer George Washington, and New York City manager/promoter Irving Cohen.

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2022 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF Nominating Committee members: Chairperson Jack Hirsch, Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde, Neil Terens, Jose Corpas, Bobby Cassidy, and Bob Duffy.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

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NYSBHOF

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon, and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein, and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan, and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018: Lou Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar, and Sam Taub.

No class of 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions

CLASS OF 2020: Jorge Ahumada, Alfredo Escalera, Freddie Liberatore, Dennis Milton; Lou Savarese and Merqui Sosa, Soldier Bartfield, Steve Belloise, Jimmy Goodrich, Tami Mauriello, Davey Moore, Freddie Welch, Don Ackerman, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Rick Glaser, Jack Hirsch, Max Kellerman, Dr. William Lathan, Julie Lederman, Ron Lipton, Kevin Rooney, Dan Daniel, Bobby Gleason, Flash Gordan, A.J. Liebling, Tony Mazzarella, and manager Dan Morgan.

CLASS OF 2021:   Michael Bentt, Shannon Briggs, Verno Phillips, Donny Lalonde Johnny” Verderosa, Larry Barnes, Johnny Turner, Al Singer, Kid Norfolk, Patsy Giovanelli, Eddie Martin,  Battling Siki, Solly Krieger, Herbie Kronowitz, Tommy Paul, Lou Salica, Ron McNair, Don Elbaum, Ed Schuyler, Bill Verigan, Tom Hauser, Mike Silver, and Jill Diamond, Lou Stillman,  Bill Cayton, James Walker, John Condon, Irving Rudd, Richard K. Fox, and trainer Victor Valle. 

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ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues are only $30.00, and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

INFORMATION:

www.nyboxinghof.org

www.Ring8ny.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 29, 2022 – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, January 7 took part in a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The virtual event featured unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian, who meet in the co-main event for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title, unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis and hard-hitting Roiman Villa, who meet in a 12-round fight, and undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson, who clash in a 10-round super middleweight fight opening the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

JARON ENNIS

“My motivation is to one day be undisputed at 147 pounds. I’m motivated every day, so this is just another day in the office for me.

“It’s all about fighting the best. I want to fight all the top guys and the guys that everybody knows. But things don’t always go how they’re supposed to. Rashidi Ellis is next. That’s a great matchup.

“I feel like I just have to keep winning and doing my thing. On January 7 it’s another step toward me getting my hands on those titles. Maybe I have to talk a little bit more, but I’m really a vicious dog that just likes to bite.

“I don’t want to be somebody that I’m not. I’m going to be myself and be humble. I’m going to do this my way.

“I’m going to go in there and have fun and be smooth. We have to see what he brings to the table. My time is now. I want to win in dominating fashion, and that means a knockout.

“This is business as usual, with a suit and tie on. It’s time to work. Only difference is I brought in a new strength and conditioning coach for this one. I’m feeling great and I’m ready to rock and roll.

“You can always better yourself and get better at everything. We’ve been working on a lot of jabbing and a lot of pressure. But we’re really working on everything.

“It’s boxing, anything can happen. You can fight the best fighter in the world and you can knock him out in two seconds. The big names are coming, I just have to be patient.”

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

“I’m very motivated for this fight. There is a lot for me to prove in my first fight in the U.S. This is definitely going to be a hard fight, but I’m ready for it. I’m preparing to come in and win.

“I look at this fight as a challenge. I’ve been waiting to step up the quality of my opponents. I’ve wanted to fight a guy like Ennis for a while and I’m going to be ready for him.

“I’m going to the U.S. not to get a paycheck, but to give everyone a good fight. I’m not going to give up until I accomplish my goal.

“I want the fans to enjoy this fight. That’s a big part of my job. I’m going to be surprising everyone with what they see from me.

“I only have good things to say about Jaron. He’s a very high-level boxer. We’re watching each of his fights and specific moments in those fights. He’s on the same level with the champions.

“I want to keep fighting people at the top level. I want to put myself in line with all of the top fighters in the division.”

RASHIDI ELLIS

“I’m always in the gym training, so I’m going to be prepared for this fight. I was dealing with a lot in the past, but now I’m here and ready to keep pushing forward with my career.

“Villa has power, he’s tough and he comes forward. He’s also coming off a great win. I know he’s going to be tough, but I’m coming to beat him down.

“I feel like I’m the future of the welterweight division. If a fight with Jaron Ennis comes my way, why not? I’m ready.

“We’re going to find out how tough this test really is on January 7. I’m ready for all the big names at 147 pounds.

“He’s going to come forward and apply pressure, but I’ve been dealing with that my whole life. He can do what he wants. At the end of the day, I’m coming out victorious.

“I’m smart in the ring and I adapt. I don’t think people know about my power. I’ve got some thunder to go with my lightning.”

ROIMAN VILLA

“We’re going to have to wait until fight night to see if any of his words mean anything. I’m not trying to anticipate too much before the fight. In the end, he’s going to have to prove what he’s all about.

“This fight means a lot to me, because it gives me an opportunity to fight for a world title. Whatever happens, this is a fight that I’m going to give my best effort for.

“I’m going to keep being humble and keep doing my job. I’m coming to fight. If Rashidi wants to take me out, he knows he’s going to have to do everything in his power. I’m not going to be easy to take down.

“I’m going to go out there, do my best and finish the night with my hand raised. I’m feeling great and I know there’s only one way this fight ends.

“I feel strong and confident. As a fighter, you have to adjust to whatever comes your way. I know that I have all of the tools that I need to succeed.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“I’m on a new journey to be a three-division world champion. Nicholson is one of the few who accepted a fight with me. He stepped up to this challenge and I take my hat off to him. I’m looking to get in there with the top names.

“Every fight is a chance to make a statement. There’s not just one fight that catapults you. Every fight is high stakes to me. I don’t look past anybody. We’re both looking to take each other’s head off.

“I’m preparing to be on top. I don’t look past anybody, but I’m confident and I know what I can do. I want Jermall Charlo, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve got a left hand for him.

“I know that I’m in a position now to get the fights that I need for my legacy. There are big names in front of me. I’m looking to make the fights happen.

“I want people to hear from me. Directly from the source. This is me writing my own chapter and the truth will be told.

“I gotta bounce these gloves off Demond’s forehead. That’s what I’m coming to do. I want to put that leather on him. I need a performance that will make people say that they need to see me again.”

DEMOND NICHOLSON

“Beating Andrade would help me rewrite my story. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in the game of boxing. So this win is going to help me start a new narrative.

“I just have to go in there and do what I do best, which is box. I think Andrade is one of the sharpest boxers on the planet, he just has his own style. I just have to box the way I know how.

“I can definitely put the division on notice. My belief is that me beating Andrade won’t stop him from eventually getting the big fights he wants. My only objective is to win and shock the world. Then I can get the fights that I need for my own legacy.

“All of my losses pointed out a specific story that was going on in my life. After the Edgar Berlanga fight, I really had to sit down and map things out as far as life. I don’t look at those defeats as losses, I look at them as lessons. Now I’ve learned my lessons and it’s time to get on the biggest stage of my career.

“It’s time for me to show where I belong. I’ve never lost faith in myself. I know my power and I know where I stand in this world and in boxing.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

Uncasville, CT – With a new year comes fireworks, and CES Boxing is ready to light up the sky with an epic showcase next month at one of the world’s premier entertainment venues.

CES Boxing’s 2023 season opener, Winter Brawl, is scheduled for Saturday, January 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena and features a stacked lineup headlined by hard-hitting heavyweight “The Sicilian Nightmare” Juiseppe Cusumano facing “The Hungarian Hammer” Istvan Bernath in the 10-round main event.

Tickets are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office.

Fresh off his knockout win over Dennis Ventura four months ago at Mohegan, Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) returns to face the 6-foot-4 Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs), a two-time silver medalist at the European Union Amateur Boxing Championships who was born in Budapest and now fights out of Miami.

The 10-round Cusumano-Bernath showdown is one of 11 fights at Winter Brawl, which also features the long-awaited return of 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)plus a highly-anticipated six-round interstate battle between Michael Valentin (7-1-1, 1 KO) of Providence, RI and the undefeated Kevin Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) of Brockton, MA.

Returning from a 13-month layoff, Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (15-3, 11 KOs) steps back into the ring in an eight-round bout against the dangerous Headley Scott (18-1, 12 KOs) of Jonesboro, GA, and super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs), one of the region’s fastest-rising prospects, puts his undefeated record on the line in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs).

As an added bonus, the undercard also features a four-round cruiserweight bout between rising MMA star John Gotti III (1-0) of Oyster Bay, NY, and Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN. A standout with CES Boxing’s sister division, CES MMA, Gotti boxes for the second time in three months after making his pro debut in October. In another potential showstopper, undefeated welterweight Josniel Castro (9-0, 7 KOs), a Boca Raton, FL, native who’s fought his entire pro career in New England from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, faces one of his toughest tests to date in a six-round showdown against Quebec native and Boston resident Mitch Louis Charles (6-3-2, 3 KOs).

Winter Brawl also marks the return of female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (3-1, 1 KO), who faces New Jersey’s Michaele Nogue (2-2) in a four-round bout, and Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (19-1-2, 12 KOs) in a six-round bout against Argentinian and 22-fight vet Victor Hugo Exner.

In preliminary action, Brockton heavyweight Chad Leoncello (1-0-1, 1 KO), fresh off his first career victory in November, faces Boston’s Wallace Nass Silva (0-4) in a four-round bout and MMA standout Mike Kimbelof Watertown, CT, makes his professional boxing debut against Robert Banks (0-1) of Monroeville, NY, also in a four-round bout.

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.

SAN ANTONIO, TX. – December 28, 2022 – Tickets are on sale now to see two-division world champion Rey Vargas and top contender O’Shaquie Foster battle for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship 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.

After an extended run at 122 pounds, and following a dominant performance to become a 126-pound world champion in his last outing, Vargas will look to add his name next to the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and more on the list of Mexican champions to win titles in three divisions. He will get all he can handle from Foster, who has won nine-straight fights to put himself in position to fight for the title.

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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.

PHILADELPHIA – December 27, 2022 – Undefeated rising welterweight star and Philadelphia-native Jaron “Boots” Ennis held a media workout in his hometown on Tuesday as he prepares to take on IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event of a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The bout is part of a pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, headlined by undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis taking on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.  The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what Ennis and his father and trainer “Bozy” Ennis had to say Tuesday from the Philly’s Next Champ gym:

JARON ENNIS

“I haven’t watched any footage of my opponent but my team has been watching him. We have a game plan for what he does well.

“I’m definitely excited to have people coming from Philly down to D.C. for the fight. It’s only a couple hours away, so you’ll definitely hear Philly in the building.

“It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting at, I’m going to train just as hard. We prepare for every single fight like it’s a world title fight.

“I’ve just been watching a lot of Mike Tyson myself. He put a lot of punches together. Triple, doubles, same hands, lots of knockouts. He didn’t see too many late rounds. I’ve been watching him a lot this camp.

“I’m training all year round. The holidays don’t affect the schedule. I eat good, my weight is on point and everything is good. My last day off was on Christmas, but that’s only because Sunday is my normal day off. If it was on a Saturday, I would have trained.

“I feel like Errol Spence Jr. would fight me. I’m going in there with the intention of winning the interim title, then fighting Errol next. I think we can make it happen.

“I’ll move up to 154 pounds at some point for sure. I’m strong and I can move up and down if I have to. I’ll fight anyone at 154 or 147.

“It’s safe to say we’re looking to have a short night on January 7.”

“BOZY” ENNIS, Jaron’s Father and Trainer

“We don’t change up the preparation much fight by fight. We just keep trying to work harder and harder. We’re just putting in the work.

“I don’t watch the opponents, I let Jaron’s brothers do that. I watch the first round of the fight and then I go from there. If you start looking at one fighter too much, you can get into a bad situation if they get hurt and have to be replaced. We train to face any kind of style.

“We took our time. We’ve waited around. The only thing holding us up is that we knew Spence was the mandatory, but we knew he was working on the fight with Terence Crawford. We’re definitely looking to fight three times next year now.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

NEW YORK – December 27, 2022 – Two former Trainers of the Year will lead their young and undefeated fighters into the first SHOBOX: The New Generation card of 2023 as James “Buddy” McGirt’s promising super middleweight prospect Sean Hemphill faces off against Ronnie Shields-trained prodigy David Stevens in a tripleheader set for Friday, January 20 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Wind Creek Casino in Bethlehem, Pa.

The three undefeated matchups include fighters with a combined record of 61-0-1 and 43 knockouts. This marks the second consecutive year SHOBOX^® will open the new year featuring a tripleheader in which all six fighters enter fight night without a loss.

Four of the six fighters hail from the state of Pennsylvania with Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) of New Orleans, La., set to make his highly anticipated SHOBOX debut when he faces nearby Reading native, Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs), in an eight-round super middleweight bout. In the co-main event, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming Pennsylvania fighters as Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs), from Ellwood City, put their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

In 2002, McGirt – who worked the corner for such greats as Arturo Gatti, Antonio Tarver, Hasim Rahman and Sergey Kovalev – was named the Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year. A year later, in 2003, Shields – who has previously worked with such greats as Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield – was named Trainer of the Year by the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

The 27-year-old Hemphill was all set to make his SHOBOX debut last February against Joe George before suffering an injury in training forcing the cancelation of the fight. In October, the Hemphill-Stevens fight was called off as well during fight week because of injury.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“We enter our 22^nd year of SHOBOX with a card that features six undefeated boxers who all had solid amateur backgrounds,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “To have two young American standouts in our main event with Sean Hemphill and David Stevens facing each other this young in their careers just shows their yearning to take that step up. It’s the goal and desire of all these young fighters to turn from prospect to contender and we give them that chance and set the stage on SHOBOX.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Hemphill vs. Stevens – Eight-Round Super Middleweight Main Event

Hemphill made his pro debut in 2019 and has already reeled off 14 consecutive wins after a standout amateur career. In his last bout nearly a year ago in January, Hemphill scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeyson Minda in front of his hometown New Orleans fans. The 27-year-old known as “Silky” fought three times in 2021, four times in 2020 and six times in 2019. Stevens will be the first undefeated opponent of Hemphill’s career with multiple wins. Hemphill is managed by Adam Glenn, son of the late Jimmy Glenn, who owned the beloved Jimmy’s Corner bar in Midtown Manhattan and was a well-known, iconic figure in boxing circles. Hemphill was a member of Team USA during a stellar amateur career (55-12) that saw him rise to become one of the top light heavyweights in the country. His nickname “Silky” is an amalgamation of his dad’s nickname from his kickboxing days (“Spyder”) and his smooth fighting style – spiders produce silk.

“I am excited for the opportunity to fight on a big platform like SHOWTIME,” Hemphill said. “I have envisioned this for a long time, and it’s unfortunate I wasn’t able to make my SHOBOX debut in 2022. I have been hungrier than ever to display my skills and talent. I don’t know much about Stevens, but I am focused on what I have to do and handling business. A win will elevate me in every way possible. It is going to open people’s eyes and open the door for bigger fights and opportunities.”

Stevens fought three times in 2022. His busy schedule includes a second-round stoppage of Loris Barberio on July 23 and a first-round TKO of veteran Colby Courter on May 28. The 22-year-old Stevens of Reading, Pa., has stopped four of his last five opponents, relying on a polished skillset and aggressive, hard-punching style. He started boxing when he was 11 and went 60-8 in the amateurs. Among his amateur highlights, he is a two-time Junior Olympic gold medalist, a Silver Gloves champion, Ringside champion, USA Boxing Youth national champion and a Youth World Championships qualifier. 

“I am excited and anxious and ready to fight and show my talent to the world. When the fight was cancelled, I was disappointed because we could not get another opponent on short notice. I think Hemphill is decent. He is not better than me. A win will elevate me and open more doors for other opportunities. Fighting on SHOBOX is very motivating and it makes me push harder in camp.”

Oberlton vs. Brusov – Eight-Round Light Heavyweight Bout

The 24-year-old Oberlton has picked up three wins in 2022, most recently a second-round TKO over Christian Thomas. An active amateur, Oberlton competed in approximately 100 amateur fights where he won many tournaments, including the U.S. National Junior Olympics and was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion. Oberlton placed second at the United States Olympic Trials and was a favorite to be part of the Olympic team in 2020 before deciding to turn pro instead.

“This is a great opportunity that I’ve been waiting for,” Oberlton said. “I am just ready to go in there and prove myself. This is more about what I do rather than what he can do. This will be my official launch to ascend into the light heavyweight division.”

The 31-year-old Brusov is a native of Russia currently training in South Florida. He made his United States debut in late 2021 making fast work of Courtney McCleave with a first-round TKO in Myrtle Beach, S.C. He had a 101-22 amateur record and received bronze, silver and gold medals in national and international competitions.

“I am excited, and this is a good fight and opportunity for me,” Brusov said. “I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he is a tall southpaw, and I am ready to fight to show everyone what I can do in the ring. I know he was a good amateur, but so was I. I will win this fight. SHOBOX is a famous series, and this is a good chance for me to show people who I am.”

Gonzalez vs. Morales – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Gonzalez, from Reading, Pa., just over 40 miles from Bethlehem, will feel right at home on January 20. The 21-year-old has fought twice at Wind Creek Events Center, scoring first and second-round stoppages. All eight of the power-punching Gonzalez’s wins have come by way of knockout, and each stoppage has come inside of two rounds. Gonzalez fought five times in 2021, the year he turned pro, and most recently scored a second-round TKO over Eric Manriquez on December 10. The lone blemish on Gonzalez’s record is a six-round draw against Cuban prospect Ivan Jimenez. Going by the ring moniker “Gifted”, Gonzalez has sparred with Philadelphia’s unified 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr.

“This will be my first fight on national television, and I am thankful for this opportunity to showcase my skills to the world and show what I am all about,” Gonzalez said. “Morales is a tough fighter. He is a southpaw, awkward. I don’t think he is anything too special, but he is tough. A win will take me to the next level as people will see the type of skills that I have.”

The 29-year-old Morales was born in San Antonio but currently resides in Ellwood City, just outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. A crafty southpaw, Morales has relied mostly on his boxing ability to build his perfect 9-0 record but has shown off his power with recent back-to-back first-round KOs in March and June of this year. Morales stepped up to eight rounds for the first time in his most recent fight in October, a unanimous decision over 30-fight veteran Jesus Ramon Perez. Morales has two unanimous decision wins over previously undefeated fighters and will look to take another opponent’s ‘0’ on January 20. Morales, a former Marine, won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves at 141 pounds in 2016 and turned pro the following year.

“This fight has been a long time coming,” said Morales. “I have worked very hard for this, and I look forward to showing off my complete skillset on January 20th. I don’t know much about Gonzalez, but I do know that I plan on taking it to him and getting this win. I have been working hard my whole life for an opportunity like this and getting a win on this platform would mean everything to me.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

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, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

PALO ALTO, CA (December 27, 2022) – After a productive introduction into the world of Pay-Per-View boxing, BLK Prime, a Silicon Valley-based video-on-demand tech company, is full steam ahead for 2023. BLK Prime’s vision is to produce six major Pay-Per-View events in 2023, showcasing some of the biggest fights in boxing for the fans.

“The plan in 2023 is to make the most compelling fights in boxing,” said Chester Johnson, Vice President of BLK Prime Boxing. “The fans deserve to see the best fighting the best and we will do everything in our power to make that happen. We are open to working with everyone in the sport to bring back the glory days of boxing. Our platform is extremely functional and delivers a high-quality stream. Our cable and satellite pay-per-view distribution agreements with our domestic and international partners are in place for 2023 as well.”

The first event for BLK Prime in 2023 will feature former 4-division world champion Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) vs. Ivan Redkach (23-6-1, 18 KOs) in a highly anticipated welterweight matchup. The scheduled 10-round bout, promoted by Christy Martin Promotions, will take place in Atlanta, GA in February. More information will be announced at a later date.

On December 10, BLK Prime penetrated the core of PPV boxing by showcasing pound-for-pound king, Terence “Bud” Crawford (39-0, 30 KOs), who put his WBO welterweight title on the line against David Avanesyan (29-4-1, 17 KOs). The fight ended in round six with the knockout of the year when Crawford floored Avanesyan with a crushing right hook to the head. In the co-main event, superstar Cris Cyborg won a unanimous decision making her U.S. boxing debut a success, and solidifying a great night of boxing.

Officials at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb, stated tickets sold at the gate for Crawford vs. Avanesyan generated a massive amount of revenue for BLK Prime as it was the highest-attended boxing event where Terence calls home. In addition, global PPV buys exceeded expectations.

“I’m very humbled by everything that’s transpired in our first Pay-Per-View event,” continued Johnson. “Terence Crawford is an incredible fighter and proved he’s worthy to be showcased on the Pay-Per-View stage, as our buys did exceptionally well. Furthermore, we didn’t give away any outstanding complimentary tickets, so our gate did fantastically.”

Todd Grisham headed the star-studded commentary crew along with former world champions Zab Judah, Antonio Tarver, and Paulie Malignaggi, while Dave Ryan took control of the host desk, giving the production a prestigious look. In addition, Lupe Contreras and Miguel Flores managed ring announcing duties, with Cheyenne McCargo serving as the unofficial scorecard judge.

“2023 will be a big year for BLK Prime,” Johnson concluded. “We plan on implementing some innovative features to our shows that I believe will make our events more entertaining for the fans. I’m looking forward to kicking off the new year with an amazing event”

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About BLK Prime:

BLK PRIME is a subscription video-on-demand company that offers multicultural content to a diverse audience worldwide. On social media follow #BLKPrime, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME, on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 27, 2022) — The matchups have changed, but a high-octane heavyweight doubleheader will still go down Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.
 
In the 10-round main event, Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba will now take on St. Louis native Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw. Oscar Rivas was originally slated to fight Ajagba but had to withdraw with an eye injury.
 
Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello, who was scheduled to fight Shaw in the co-feature, will now face the upset-minded Jonnie Rice in a 10-rounder.
 
Ajagba-Shaw and Vianello-Rice will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and includes a 10-round junior lightweight tilt between Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Abraham “El Super” Nova.
 
“Stephan Shaw stepped up and has a tough task against one of the division’s biggest punchers in Efe Ajagba,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We’re pleased that Guido will remain on the card against a formidable opponent in ­Jonnie Rice. This will be a fantastic heavyweight doubleheader at Turning Stone.”  
 
Shaw (18-0, 13 KOs) went 3-0 with two stoppages in 2022, including a shutout eight-round decision over Rydell Booker in November. Ajagba (16-1, 13 KOs) is one of the heavyweight division’s hardest punchers and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Jozsef Darmos in August.
 
Vianello (10-0-1, 9 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian from Rome, has won three fights since a 2020 draw to Kingsley Ibeh. Rice (15-6-1, 10 KOs) has faced a host of heavyweight hopefuls, including Ajagba and Shaw. Following back-to-back losses in 2020, Rice re-energized his career with a fifth-round TKO over then-unbeaten prospect Michael Coffie in July 2021. He repeated the deed on New Year’s Day, outlasting Coffie via a 10-round unanimous decision.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

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About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 14th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing legends including Oscar De Lay Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and many others, have all taken part in boxing events at Turning Stone over the years.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, annually the biggest and most star-studded weekend in all of boxing. This year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will take place from June 8 – 11.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

LAS VEGAS (December 26, 2022) – Fast rising, undefeated North American Boxing Association (NABA) Super Flyweight Champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) and veteran Thai boxer Sirichai Thaiyen (64-4, 42 KOs) have accepted offers from the World Boxing Association (WBA) to throwdown in a 2023 WBA Title Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Flyweight World Champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco (18-1, 8 KOs).

The date, site and other details for the title eliminator are to be determined, Ramirez’ manager David Suh (3 Point Management “3 PM”) confirmed, after being informed of the title eliminator at the recent WBA Convention. Ramirez is rated No. 2 by the WBA, Thaiyen No. 3, and the No. 1 spot is unrated with the Ramirez-Thaiyen winner to be elevated into that position.

The entertaining Ramirez, 26, fights out of the mean streets of South Central, Los Angeles. He burst upon the boxing scene in his December 20^th pro debut, which he won by way of an opening-round knockout of Jose Otero Solis in Galveston, Texas. Despite limited opportunities for all boxers to fight during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramirez was placed on the fast track by 3 PM, fighting seven times in 2021, twice this year.

“Everything is happening so fast that it’s hard to believe,” Ramirez said. “This is what I envisioned before I even started boxing at 20. I said I was going to be world champion. I’m living what I’ve envisioned and that’s so insane because it’s really happening, I’ve never doubted myself. I have the balls to say what I’ve envisioned and then I go out and do it. There’s only one guy in my way (of a world title fight) and no way he stops me on a mission. He may have all that experience, but he’s never faced anybody like me. I’m on a mission for the belt, so I’m taking him out of the way. I’m not overlooking him, though. I’m taking the steps to prepare for this fight because this is boxing, and anything can happen.

“He hasn’t fought anybody who thinks like me or with my physical tools. The last guy who knocked him out (Artem Dalakian) fights like me. My ring IQ is higher than his (Thaiyen) ring IQ; I’m more physical, more of a savage than him. He can walk towards me all he wants, until I get him and put him to sleep.”

In his most recent action, “Scrappy” captured the North American Boxing Association this past May 14^th in Ontario, California, with a Knockout of the Year-caliber performance against Jan Salvatierra (8-1), who lasted only 2:25 in the opening round, blasted through the ropes and out of the ring.

“I’ve preparing for this fight for a long time,” Ramirez added. “I was back in the gym 3 days after my last fight, and I’ve been preparing for this moment. It was no vacation. I’m better now. I was supposed to have 2 or 3 fights that fell through, but everything happens for a reason. I’m still developing. Six months is a long time, but I’ve been making a good investment in my craft. I only gave fans 2 minutes in my last fight, and now I want to showcase my skills to everybody.

“I put myself in a dark place in training, pushing more and I’ve embraced the pain. I’m getting quality sparring and you need to be uncomfortable to get comfortable in the ring. Even on my morning runs, if my knee hurt, I just went for more. That’s the way to get mentally strong.”

The 32-year-old Thaiyen, aka Yodmongkol CP Freshmart, is the reigning Asian Boxing Federation Super Flyweight Champion, as well as a former WBA Interim Flyweight World and WBC Youth World Light Flyweight titleholder.

He is riding a 14-fight win streak dating back to 2018. He lost his only world title fights against Dalakian (16-0) in 2018 for the WBA Flyweight World Championship by way of a seventh-round technical knockout, Juan Carlos Reveco (34-1) in 2014 by fifth-round TKO in 2014 for the same title. The two world title fight setbacks were his only pro fights outside of his native Thailand, respectively, in Ukraine and Venezuela.

“I’ll fight this guy anywhere,” Ramirez concluded. “I’d go around the world and back, it doesn’t matter, because it’s my skill against his. He’s getting stopped in the late rounds. I’m going to showcase my skills, season him, and then finish him in the seventh or eighth round…. unless I happen to catch him earlier. I’m going to take care of him!”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @Scrappyboxing

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (December 26, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS) has signed arguably the leading Mexican prospect, undefeated super featherweight Oscar Alverez, Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs), to an exclusive promotional contract.

WCBS was launched in 2020 by CEO Terry Hollan and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor.

The 19-year-old Alvarez, physically speaking, is a boxing freak for a super featherweight, standing 6’ 3”with a 78” reach, which he has used to his advantage during his 15-month pro career, stopping each of his seven opponents.

“When do you ever see a 6’3” super featherweight,” Taylor asked. “It’s freakish to see somebody like that in front of you, and then you top it off with one-punch, knockout power, in addition to his accurate, precise combination punching, and surgical body-attack on the inside. That’s a handful for anyone to fight at any level.

“If I had to compare him to anyone right now it would be Sebastian Fundora (6’ 5” junior middleweight), solely on their similar physical attributes. If anything, I would say 6’ 3” at 130-pounds is a little more intimidating, given the average featherweight is 5’ 6”.

As an amateur, Alvarez Jr. started boxing at the age of 4 (see picture below), under the guidance of his father and current trainer, Oscar Alvarez, Sr. Alvarez’ amazing amateur career spanned more than 14 years, capped by back-to-back gold medals performances in the 2019 and 2020 Mexican National Championships, along with a Pan American Games bronze medalist in Cali, Colombia.

Alvarez, Jr. finished his amateur career in 2020 with an incredible 665-12 record. That’s right, he won 665 of 677 amateur matches.

“I have never seen an amateur record like this in my 20-plus years in boxing,” Taylor noted.

After capturing a bronze medal in the Pan American Games, Alvarez, Jr decided to turn pro rather than stay in the amateurs and pursue a spot on the 2024 Mexico Olympic Team.

“It was just time to turn pro,” he explained. “My style of an aggressive, intelligent counter-puncher is best suited for professional boxing.”

“Junior” selected one of fastest growing boxing promotional companies, WCBS, to direct him in the pro ranks.

“I am very excited to sign with World Cup Boxing Series,” he added. “I want to make my family proud and excite my fans every time I fight. I don’t care who I fight, I’ll be ready for anyone they put in front of me.”

Alvarez, Jr. made his professional debut on September 11, 2021, as a featherweight, scoring a first-round technical knockout over fellow debut fighter, Ivan Rabago, at Casino de Esperanza in Esperanza, Sonora, Mexico. Alvarez would make his hometown debut on a WCBS show on December 17, 2021, scoring another first-round TKO, and he was brought back just two months later in his hometown of Obregon, Sonora, Mexico on another WCBS show, where he scored another sensational opening-round TKO, grabbing the attention of Hollan and Taylor.

His toughest test came this past June 18th, when he made his USA debut at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California versus fan-favorite Brandon Cruz (8-2) in a scheduled 6-round lightweight bout. Alvarez, who was supposed to be just an opponent, turned out to be anything but, trapping Cruz on the ropes for a fourth-round knockout that silenced the partisan Southern California crowd.

“We’re already working on Oscar’s next fight, which will take place in late January 2023, and then, if all goes well with no major lumps or bumps, he will be part of our next 4-Man Tournament slated to begin in March 2023. At only 19 there is no rush, but with more than 600 amateur wins, we’re not going to hold him back either.”

Alvarez, Jr. joins a strong, growing family of WCBS fighters from Mexico, including former NABF / Latino Welterweight Champion Santiago Dominguez (25-0, (19 KOs), super middleweight contender Manuel Gallegos (20-1, 17 KOs), WBC Latino Lightweight Champion Luis Torres (17-0, 10KOs), as well as two other promising, young prospects, super lightweight Jorge Lugo Cota (11-0, 8 KOs) and lightweight Marco Cota Moreno (8-1, 6 KOs).

ABOUT WORLD CUP BOXING SERIES (WCBS): World Cup Boxing Series is your passport to the best online fights you’ll ever see. WCBS is the only active tournament and team fight series in professional boxing. For years, its creator Guy Taylor has been tasked with creating tough, competitive matches for promoters eager to test their rising prospects and contenders. The same mindset has now been applied to his latest creation, World Cup Boxing Series. For more information, please visit https://www.worldcupboxingseries.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

LAS VEGAS – December 24, 2022 – Undisputed Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo suffered a broken left hand in training and his much-anticipated, high-stakes defense against No. 1 contender Tim Tszyu, which was scheduled for January 28, has been postponed.

Charlo broke his left hand in two places – between the pinkie and ring finger and at the base of the thumb – after landing a punch in sparring at his gym in Houston on Tuesday. After visiting two doctors and a hand specialist in Houston, his hand has been placed in a cast. It will remain in a cast for two months and after it is removed, he will begin rehabilitation before resuming his training.

“I was sparring, and I threw this nice punch and as soon as it landed, I knew something was wrong. I felt my hand throbbing right away,’’ said Charlo. “I had two X-rays and an MRI to see what was wrong. It showed it was broken in two places. I hate this feeling. My hand will be in a cast for two months. I’m as disappointed as the fans, maybe more, because this was my first chance to defend the undisputed title.

“The way I am, I would have beaten Tim Tszyu with one hand, but the doctors and the boxing commission won’t allow that. It’s even more dangerous when a lion faces adversity and has to come back to defend the pride. I’ve been training since July, and I’ve been hitting harder than ever, and these are the things that happen when you push yourself to the limits. After my hand heals, I’m coming back stronger than ever to defend my legacy.’’

“This is not the news that anyone wants to hear because we’ve been anticipating this fight. But these things happen,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jermell didn’t take the easy route to become the undisputed super welterweight champion, so he knows that nothing comes easy. Tszyu better be ready, because Jermell will be stronger and hungrier than ever when he comes back.’’

“Charlo vs. Tszyu for the undisputed super welterweight title is one of the biggest and most anticipated fights on the 2023 boxing schedule, so we, like boxing fans around the world, are obviously disappointed to hear of Jermell’s injury and the resulting postponement,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “We wish Jermell a speedy recovery, and we look forward to adding this important fight back to the SHOWTIME schedule as soon as reasonably possible. We know both Jermell and Tim are anxious to give boxing fans the all-action fight that we have all been anticipating.’’

“I’m very disappointed,” said Tszyu. “I felt like the stars aligned for undisputed…but we move on. I’m ready to take on the next mandatory challenger. I’ll be back for Charlo once he is ready and healed.”

Charlo vs. Tszyu remains one of the best matches of 2023, as it pairs two hard-hitting boxer-punchers in a high-stakes bout with Tszyu attempting to dethrone the best 154-pounder in the sport. Charlo earned his position as undisputed champion by stopping Brian Castaño in May and unifying all four titles. He will look to add another big name to his pound-for-pound resume against the Australian star Tszyu, who hopes to join his father Kostya Tszyu as an undisputed world champion.

There is currently no new date for the rescheduled match. A new date will be announced soon.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Aaron Bowen has penned a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will begin life in the professional ranks campaigning at Super-Middleweight in 2023. 

The popular 23-year-old from Coventry enjoyed a hugely successful amateur career, becoming a five-time national champion, picking up gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 and winning a bronze medal in the Light-Heavyweight division at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

“I feel like I’ve done all I can in my amateur career,” said Bowen. “I’ve boxed all around the country and all around the world against good opposition and picked up some great experience. I just feel like now is the right time to turn professional.

“Matchroom are the biggest promotional outfit in the world at the moment. They put on the biggest shows, promote the best fighters and I feel like they can really push my career and push me to where I want to be in the future. 

“I’ve boxed some good opposition, Olympians, National Champions, and I’ve sparred the likes of World Champions throughout my career. It will be a different transition but one that I’m ready for. I feel like I’ve picked up good experience to take into the pros.”

Training out of the Box Smart Elite Boxing Club in Walsall under the watchful eye of trainer Gurpreet Singh, Bowen has already amassed an impressive loyal following and the former Team GB standout believe his fan-friendly style will be well suited to the paid ranks. 

“I feel I’ve got a box-fighter style; I can fight and I can box,” said Bowen. “I do like to fight, and as a pro the fans want to see fights. I can take one to give two back. That can set me up well for the pros. I’ve got 75 fights under my belt and I’ve learnt in every single one.

“I’ve got massive support. I’ve got a big following from Coventry and the Midlands area. I come to win every time and I fight to the last bell. I think the people from Coventry love that. It’s a small city and they get behind their people so it’s good signing with Eddie.

“It’s a win-win for both of us, Eddie likes big followings and my fans want to come and watch me on the big shows. I think this will be a good recipe for success. I want to have massive nights, whether it be London or Coventry. I want to sell an arena out. I want a 12-round war as well. I like fighting, so I want to give the fans what they want to see.”

“I’m incredibly excited about the signing of Aaron Bowen,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I was so impressed with his performances when I watched him at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. You can see the entertainment and the drama that Aaron is going to bring to the pro ranks. 

“I remember the huge support he had behind him and I believe that he has the potential to become a big star and a massive ticket seller in the Midlands area. His style is very easy on the eye and fans are going to love watching him fight.”

You can follow Bowen’s journey on Instagram: aaronbowenn and Twitter: @aaronbowenn

MIAMI, Fla. – December 21, 2022 – Undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a media workout in Miami on Wednesday as he prepares to defend his WBA Lightweight Title against undefeated world champion Héctor Luis García headlining a SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on Saturday, January 7 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest attractions and will need to dispatch the WBA Super Featherweight Champion Héctor Luis García in order to pave the way for the recently announced blockbuster clash against unbeaten star Ryan Garcia in the Spring of 2023.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.

Here is what Davis, along with his longtime trainer Calvin Ford, had to say Wednesday from the 5^th Street Gym in Miami:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“[Héctor Luis] Garcia is talking about getting the knockout, but we know he can just say that and end up fighting a different way. We don’t really know what’s going to happen until we get into the ring.

“I’m just locked in through the holidays. I’ll do some stuff with my kids, but other than that I’m totally committed to this fight and training for it.

“Going into a fight, any opponent is dangerous. He’s training hard and I know that someone like [Héctor Luis] Garcia isn’t just someone stepping in. He’s been training for me for a long time.

“I can’t just go in there and try to knock everyone out right away. I have to show that I have more than just punching power. I have skills to go along with my boxing IQ.

“Héctor is a sound fighter who’s beat some top guys. He’s a durable guy who’s coming to fight. He’s undefeated and he’s a great opponent. You can’t sleep on him. If you’re sleeping on him, he might put you to sleep.  

“Every fight is a steppingstone toward what I want to do. I feel as though this fight with Héctor is an important piece in all of it. I have to put on a good performance so that everybody knows that this is in their future.

“I think Ryan Garcia’s being lazy not taking a fight before our fight. I don’t know. When he was coming up, he was in the gym and everything and now he’s got some money and a little bit of fame and he’s partying and stuff like that. It happens to the majority of us, but it’s up to him to tighten up before it’s too late. 

“I am hoping that the Ryan Garcia fight will open up doors for everyone to make more big fights. It also shows that I’m not ducking anybody.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“Camp has been good, we’re just waiting to see everything transform in the ring. Obviously when you’ve been out of the ring for a long period of time, there are little things that you have to go back and correct. It’s also important that we do our best to preserve his body for what he’s got in front of him.

“We’ve got a tough task. This fight is more mental than physical. I think it’s similar to the Jose Pedraza fight because [Héctor Luis] Garcia is also an undefeated Olympian who’s a world champion. We’re just ready to go to that next level.

“I’ve been with Gervonta since the amateurs and now we’re at the level where he’s that guy. I’m looking to see Gervonta put his stamp on his brand as a fighter.

“The fight is going to depend on what [Héctor Luis] Garcia wants to do. Garcia had [former 140-pound champion and Davis opponent] Mario Barrios in his camp and I’m sure he got some pointers from him. I know he’s at a gym with great sparring, so he’s definitely getting a lot of looks. But we don’t know if he can do it inside the ring on the night.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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