B£NZO IS BACK! RISING SUPERSTAR WHITTAKER FACES FORMER FOE ON AJ-USYK UNDERCARD
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – August 15th, 2022: Fresh from his incredible debut, rising British boxing superstar Ben Whittaker returns to the ring for his second fight this weekend as he faces a former foe in Saudi Arabia.
The Team GB Olympic silver medallist had everybody talking when he began his professional career in blistering fashion in Bournemouth just three weeks ago.
In a dazzling display, ‘B£NZO’ – who is also known as ‘The Surgeon’ – showed why many believe he is destined for world title glory as he blasted away Greg O’Neill with a devastating second-round stoppage.
Trained by SugarHill Steward, the 25-year-old matched his impressive in-ring prowess with an entertaining combination of bravado and showboating to immediately get fight fans excited about him.
And they won’t have to wait long for his next outing with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics hero now confirmed for a fight in front of 35,000 at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Jeddah on Saturday’s Anthony Joshua vs Oleksankr Usyk undercard.
Birmingham light-heavyweight Whittaker, 25, will go toe-to-toe with unbeaten Croatian boxer Peter Nosic (6-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round contest as part of the action-packed undercard, before the main card airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office.
Nosic, 23, boasts a 50% knockout record since turning pro back in June 2021.
Nosic and Whittaker are no strangers. On his amateur debut in 2015, the Croatian was stopped inside round two by the Brit – and Whittaker will be determined to repeat that feat in Jeddah.
BOXXER CEO and Founder, Ben Shalom said: “It’s great to have Ben back out so quickly on such a big show.
“His debut in Bournemouth was very impressive and we’re looking forward to a massive future.
“I’m sure we will see another entertaining performance in Jeddah and we look forward to seeing him boxing again on home soil very soon.”
Mickey Bey, Tevin Farmer travel far, wind up nowhere
By Norm Frauenheim –
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. – It was a fight that traveled, first from Ghana to Dubai and then to this town in central Arizona. It crossed a lot of time zones. Accumulated lots of miles. But it went nowhere.
In the end, there was no Mickey Bey-versus-Tevin Farmer in a ring, or on pay-per-view.
It just vanished Friday night like lost luggage. The way it disappeared probably got more attention than the advertised bout ever would have. It looked as if there just wasn’t interest in a lightweight fight between a couple of forgotten ex-champions
Farmer, who won junior-lightweight belt in 2018, is 32. Bey, who won a lightweight belt in 2014, is 39. Neither have fought in a couple of years.
That’s a tough sell on any map. Turns out, it was impossible in a growing community near Prescott, an old Western town known for Whiskey Row and its colorful history as Arizona’s territorial capitol. There are conflicting allegations about who’s to blame. What to blame.
For now, that leaves only one reliable guide. Follow the money. There wasn’t enough of it, at least not for Bey and Farmer. In an Instagram post midway through the undercard, they suddenly announced the fight was off, saying that the promoter failed to fulfill promises.
“The promoters, you know, pulled a little slick on us,’’ Bey said.
Bey and Framer weren’t even in Prescott Valley when they posted the news. They were in Phoenix, about 91 miles down the road. It appeared they posted the message while aboard a flight.
It was clear early Friday that they had decided they wouldn’t fight. According to several people who were at the formal weigh-in Thursday, there were signs that Bey and Farmer were unhappy.
However, their promoter, EJ Matthews of Bigger Than Life Entertainment said they share some of the blame. Both fighters were part of the promotion, Matthews said. Both Farmer and Bey have their own promotional entities. Their logos were on display on the ring ropes and throughout the arena, Findlay Toyota Center.
“They co-promoted, they’re partners,’’ Matthews said in the aftermath late Friday. “They couldn’t make their own deal.’’
However, Bey and Framer said they worked to save the fight.
“We did our due diligence,’’ Framer said.
Bey said: “We tried to bargain with them.’’
However, it’s not clear whether there was enough there. There’s no deal to make if there’s nothing in the pot. The fight was offered on RedemptionTV for $29.99. Bey and Farmer said on their post that PPV buyers should try to get their money back. But were there any buyers?
If a mostly empty Toyota Center was an indication, there weren’t many. The arena has 5,100 seats. Early in the card, there were maybe a 1,000 in the audience. Even that diminished, however, after Prescott junior-middleweight Danny Hilton (2-0, 2 KOs), promoted by Sweet Science Boxing of Phoenix, scored an early stoppage of overmatched Isaac Sifuentez (0-6) of Texas.
Hilton’s fans left the building and headed out to party after their hometown favorite won. They were never there for Bey-Farmer in the first place. Even if they had been, however, they would not have known that the main event was off.
The Bey-Farmer cancellation was never announced before or during the lengthy card. It only became known, word-of-mouth, when the fighters posted the news on Instagram.
There was no comment from the Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission about the cancellation and how it was handled. Executive director Danny Vella said commission directives prohibit him from commenting
Vella told 15 Rounds that any comment would have to come through a public information officer assigned to the regulatory agency by the Arizona Department of Gaming, which runs the commission. There was no public information officer at ringside Friday. Purses, recorded by the Commission for tax purposes, were also not disclosed. They haven’t been for about a year.
15 Rounds asked a public information officer repeatedly for the purse amount earned by super-middleweight David Benavidez last November for a stoppage of Kyrone Davis at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.
15 Rounds is still waiting for an answer to that question. And, now, another one.
Friday night’s craziness overwhelmed whatever attention there was on the undercard. A couple of noteworthy bouts:
Junior-featherweight Tramaine Williams (20-1, 6 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., displayed patience and poise in a unanimous decision over Filipino Jetro Pabustan (31-9-6, 9 KOs).
Phoenix featherweight Keenan Carbajal (24-3-1, 16 KOs) threw a huge right-handed uppercut for a third-round knockout of Brazilian Aelio Mesquita (21-8-1, 19 KOs).
AUDIO: The Abrams Boxing Show; Ep 16 w/Kenneth Sims Jr
VIDEO: The Abrams Boxing Show; Ep 16 w/Kenneth Sims Jr.
Teofimo Lopez stops Campa in 7
Former Undisputed Lightweight World Champion, Teofimo Lopez christened the 140-pound division with a seventh round stoppage over Pedro Campa at Resorts World Las Vegas.
That fight capped a perfect weekend for Split-T Management.
Lopez was dominant from the onset of the contest as he boxed and started to land some solid power punches as early as the second. With each ensuing round, Lopez begam to land more and more as he started to break down the Mexican warrior.
As the second half of the fight commenced, Lopez stepped on the gas and started to hurt Campa in round six. In round seven, Lopez dropped Campa with a hard right that was followed by a left. Lopez started to emphatically beat Campa until the bout was stopped at 2:14.
Lopez moves his impressive resume to 17-1 with 13 knockouts. Campa is 34-2-1.
Lopez said, “I was at 135 pounds for nine years. It was killing my body, since I was a teenage kid, man. We want Josh Taylor. We want these guys. We want {Regis} Prograis. We want {Jose} Zepeda. We want all the belts. We want to become two-time undisputed champion.”
“If Josh Taylor is too busy with his wedding and there’s nobody else around because the WBA belt is taken and the WBC is going to be fought with Zepeda and Prograis, then so fuc*ng be it,” Lopez said.
Zayas Stops Espadas in 5
Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Elias Espadas in a junior middleweight bout.
In round one, Zayas dropped Espadas with a left hook
In round five, Zayas landed a beautiful straight right to the head that sent Espadas down and the fight was stopped at 23 seconds.
Zayas, 153 lbs of San Juan, PR is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Espadas, 153.6 lbsof Merida, MEX is 22-5.
Zayas said, “I feel amazing. I’m glad to be back with a strap around me, a regional title, something amazing. It’s special to me to bring my first belt to the island. It’s a step closer to my goal of becoming world champion.
“I promise it wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t trying to hit him low. I guess the punches were just landing there. Referee {Russell Mora}, I want to thank him. He gave me a chance. I just listened to the corner, and they told me, ‘Hey, forget about the body.’ Let’s get these head shots and then we’ll start working the body. And that’s what we did in round four on.”
Jose Enrique Vivas pounded out an eight-round split decision over Edy Valencia in a featherweight bout.
Vivas landed 280 of 792 punches; Valencia was 257 of 750
Vivas, 127.8 lbs of Texcoco, MEX won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75. Valencia took a card 77-75.
Vivas is 22-2. Valencia, 127.6 lbs of Culican, MEX is 19-8-6.
Andres Cortes won a eight-round unanimous decision over Abraham Montoya in a junior lightweight fight.
Cortes landed 141 of 460 punches. Montoya was 108 of 427.
Cortes, 130.6 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 18-0. Montoya, 131 lbs of Mexicali. MEX is 20-4-1.
Troy Isley remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Victor Toney in a middleweight bout.
Isley, 156 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 and is now 7-0. Toney, 156.8 lbs of Youngstown, OH is 6-2-1.
In a battle of undefeated featherweights, Duke Ragan took a six-round unanimous decision over D’Angelo Fuentes.
Ragan, 126.6 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-0. Fuentes, 125.6 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 7-1.
Omar Rosario won a six-round unanimous decision over Esteban Munoz in a junior welterweight bout.
Rosario, 140.8 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 8-0. Munoz, 140.6 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 6-2.
In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Charlie Sheehy went the distance for the first time, but still was able to win a four round unanimous decision over Juan Castaneda.
Sheehy, 134.4 lbs of Brisbane, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Castaneda, 133.8 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 2-1-2.
CRISTIAN BAEZ TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
CORONA, CA (August 13, 2022) – Upset-minded lightweight power puncher,
Cristian Baez (18-1, 17 KOs), who is scheduled to battle Ruben “Ace”
Torres (18-0, 15 KOs), in the 10-round main event on Thompson Boxing’s
“Path To Glory” show August 20, 2022, is eager to get back in the ring after over a two-year layoff.
Tickets priced at $50, $75, $100 & $125, will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT.
Here is what Baez had to say about his recent training camp, his upcoming matchup with Torres, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“I have been training non-stop with my coaches, former boxer Arturo Quintero, and Eriky Alvarez at the Relentless Boxing Gym in San Jose, California. When this opportunity came up, I jumped on it. For those who saw the last fight I lost, I just lost focus, I was winning the fight and got caught. I am a different fighter now and because of that loss, I’m ready to shock the world on fight night. I’m finalizing a great training camp and I’m hungrier then ever.
On his matchup with Ruben Torres:
“He is a good fighter, talented, and young. I have sparred with a lot of bigger fighters, especially when I go to Hayward, California to spar with elite pros. I am very familiar with the style he has, and he will have to be the best version of himself to be effective, as I have done countless rounds with various fighters to prepare for this fight. I have trained relentlessly for this fight, and I don’t expect this fight to go the distance.”
On what a win will do for his career:
“A win changes my life. I am in a position in boxing right now where I must come out victorious. I need to win to continue my dream of being a world champion. I have been out of the ring for some time, and this is a big moment for me to take a chance and skip the line to get back to where I once was. I am taking a big risk because I want the reward. A win here puts me back on television, and closer to fighting for in a world title eliminator.”
On fighting for Thompson Boxing:
“I am thankful to Thompson Boxing for their professionalism and how they have treated me as a fighter thus far, as well as putting me in the main event spot against their top fighter. They have put forth world-class boxing events for years, and to get a chance to headline a show is a major deal no matter who it is against. I am ready to perform and entertain the fans, the hard part is nearly over, we’re getting close to what I love to do, which is fight.”
Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.
“Path To Glory” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and
YouTube pages. In addition, Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson
Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable onApple and Google.
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For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.
Don King’s Open Letter to Frank Warren
Dear Frank,
I am very hurt, and terribly disappointed about the nasty things that you are saying about me. I have always held you in very high esteem. Your word has been your bond. You acknowledge to me that you owed me $200,000 dollars, and you guaranteed me with your word that you would pay me what you owed me. You said things were a little rough for you at the time cash wise but, that I have your word and your personal guarantee that when you were able, you would take care of the debt owed. With your word given to me that you would take care of the debt owed, that was good enough for me, my friend. Who is this guy pretending to be you mouthing out this total bullshit, if I owed you any money, why didn’t you sue me?
Friends don’t sue friends when a friend personally guarantees his debt obligations to his friend, unless they collectively come together to bring the truth and justice out to a business deal where other people are involved, your wonderful son George on the phone with me and my attorney, Tony Gonzalez, acknowledge during our negotiation your debt to me saying, “we can work my dad’s debt out or how can we work it out?” or something to that effect. The main thing is that he acknowledged the debt, which you had to tell him that you owe to me. That’s the great kind of relationship I thought we enjoyed between Frank Warren and Don King. Then, to hear this pretender Frank Warren say that our relationship was all total bullshit, was a shocking revelation and a deep hurting, great disappointment to me.
You and I have always had an honorable relationship, our word was given to each other with impeccable integrity between us, which goes over and beyond a contract or an agreement, which I have put into writing before, and I have acted accordingly, as your real true friend. Now, I refuse to get into a spitting contest with you for public discussion and review as to who is right and who is wrong. You know that the false narrative which you are expressing about me is wrong… And I know that the false narrative that you are expressing about me is wrong!!! More importantly, the new WBA Heavyweight champion, Daniel Dubois, not getting paid was absolutely wrong. All you had to do was to pick up the phone to answer one of the many requests by my attorney for your bank wiring instructions and tell me what amount you wanted to pay me on the old outstanding debt account or that you didn’t want to pay any amount at this time, on the old outstanding debt account. Then, me and you, as always, would come together, with or without any payment on the old outstanding debt account, and pay the new heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois his much-deserved full purse. But, not to pay him anything on his much-deserved purse because of the amount I deducted on our old outstanding debt account according to the facts on the records and the books of the old outstanding debt account, was a terrible mistake by Frank the pretender.
One discussion between my great friend Frank Warren and Don King would have resolved this non-existing problem. Our wonderful friendship between Frank Warren and Don King deserves a discussion to clear up this terrible misunderstanding. It begged for a discussion then, before the fight, and it continues to beg for a discussion now, after the fight. A discussion, not with the attitude of that pretender who claims to be Frank Warren, stating categorically that this is all bullshit… I don’t know who that guy is, that Frank Warren guy said I signed a contract with for Daniel Dubois, that I should honor the contract, that Frank Warren had nothing to do with the contract, it is between me and Daniel Dubois., Well I am here to tell you that is absolutely untrue. I signed a contract with Daniel Dubois’s promoter, who is Frank Warren. I had never spoken to Daniel Dubois before the fight, I had never seen Daniel Dubois live, before he came to America. Frank Warren’s company, Queensberry Promotions, brought to me a contract signed with a signature name Daniel Dubois and then told me to sign it, not Daniel Dubois. Also, Frank Warren’s company represented Dubois at the purse offer.
That’s the way it is in boxing, no promoter deals directly with another promoter’s fighter with the distinctively clear understanding that all business transactions concerning that fighter, inclusive of all payment to the fighter must be done through the fighter’s promoter. Why? Because in boxing the promoter of the fighter becomes the financier of the fighter. The promoter advances the fighter loans to train with, to take care of the fighter and his family when he’s not fighting. Additionally, he makes advances to his fighter for whatever his needs may be, and the only way that the promoter can get back the repayment of such advance loans is when the fighter fights, and his promoter must have a lockdown control of all monies due to be paid to his fighter, in order to get his money back, according to their agreement between the promoter and his fighter, inclusive of purse and sponsorship fees to be paid to his fighter, unless the fighter doesn’t have a promoter and he himself, personally, makes his own deal directly with a promoter.
Unfortunately, in the boxing business most fighters have a limited memory in their borrowing of advances and what they are willing to pay back. Which means that if you don’t have a lockdown control over all the monies to be paid to him, your fighter, you will be left holding an empty bag in regard to the promoter’s repayment of the monies he advanced to his fighter.
I taught my honorable friend Frank Warren to always be in control of his fighter’s income, which is not the case in this heavyweight championship fight, according to the pretender Frank Warren, “It’s all total bullshit”. I am honorably bound to deal with Frank Warren, his promoter, unless I am directed by Frank Warren to do otherwise. However, herein the honorable Frank Warren owes me an old outstanding debt. Which legitimately gives me the opportunity to deduct that outstanding debt of what Frank Warren owes to me, from what I owe to Frank Warren. So, the pretender Frank Warren wants to extricate the honorable Frank Warren from the equation by saying that I single handedly, unilaterally signed a direct contract with Daniel Dubois which Frank Warren had nothing to do with. So that being so, I must honor my signature that Frank Warren had me sign and separately pay Daniel Dubois directly with no deductions on the old outstanding debt that the honorable Frank Warren owes to me.
Without giving the honorable Frank Warren the opportunity to have a fruitful conversation with his great friend Don King. Who, no matter what the circumstances may be, would never throw his great friend Frank Warren under the bus. Now that’s a fact. However, that’s the dilemma, the pretender Frank Warren is suffering whether or not Don King who claims to be Frank Warren’s great friend, would throw the honorable Frank Warren under the bus or not. “That’s all-total bullshit!!!”, says the pretender.
Frank, please don’t let the pretender destroy your honor, credibility, and integrity. You have worked too hard to build up these golden principles, to let avarice and greed toss them asunder. Talk to me Frank, your wish is my command.
Don King
TONIGHT! SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th – MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS RETURNS LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM
Boston, MA (August 13, 2022)
Boston Boxing Promotions returns tonight, Saturday, August 13, 2022, with a night of professional boxing at the legendary Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Weigh-ins took place at Title Boxing in Burlington, Massachusetts yesterday and the card will stream live on www.combatsportsnow.com
Full Card – Subject to Change
Brandon Higgins vs. Dustin Reinhold
Chelmsford, MA Fall River, MA
6 Rounds – Welterweights
Carlos Gongora vs. Oscar Riojas
Boston, MA Laredo, TX
8 Rounds – Super Middleweights
Mykquan Williams vs. Saul Corral
East Hartford, CT. Agua Prieta, Mexico
8 Rounds – Welterweights
Juan Carillo vs. Victor Fonseca
Baranquilla, Columbia Tijuana, Mexico
8 Rounds – Light Heavyweights
Daniel Robles vs. William Parra Smith
Oxnard, CA Anchorage, AK
6 Rounds – Lightweights
Kenny Larson vs. Ryan Clark
Salem, MA Berwick, ME
6 Rounds – Welterweights
Nicolas Tejada vs. Carl Langston
Haverhill, MA Portland, ME
4 Rounds – Welterweights
Kody Koboski vs. Jay Gregory
Oxnard, CA Auburn, NY
4 Rounds – Junior Middleweights
Parade of Champions takes place tonight Saturday, August 13 at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com/Tickets. The event will stream live on www.CombatSportsNow.com
ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS
Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. In 2020, Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxing Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash last summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton
?in Windham, New Hampshire.
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EUBANK JR VS. BENN TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Tickets for the colossal catchweight clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn at The O2 in London on Saturday October 8, shown exclusively live on DAZN around the world and on DAZN PPV in the UK and Ireland, are now on sale!
Eubank Jr and Benn reignite the famous family feud 30 years on from their iconic father’s second showdown at Old Trafford in a sensational second-generation showdown that is set to be one of the most electrifying British boxing contests in decades.
Tickets for Eubank Jr vs. Benn are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £500, £1250 (VIP).
Former Undisputed Lightweight Champion Teofimo Lopez Back in Action against Pedro Campa on ESPN
NEW YORK (August 12, 2022)–Saturday night at Resorts World Las Vegas will see the return of former undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez move up to junior welterweight to start his quest of becoming a two-division world champion when he takes on Pedro Campa in a 10-round bout for the WBO International and NABF Junior Welterweight titles.
The fight, which will be televised by ESPN (10 PM ET) will serve as Lopez’ “Takeback” as he starts his road back to becoming world champion.
The fight heads a big weekend for Split-T Management as five fighters under the management banner will be in action between Las Vegas and Houston.
Lopez, who was the 2020 Fighter of the Year, will be back in the ring, looking to “Takeover” a second weight-class.
Lopez had a meteoric rise up the lightweight division as he scored many highlight-reel and spectacular knockouts over Vitor Jones (14-1), William Silva (25-1), Mason Menard (34-3) and Diego Magdaleno (31-2). Lopez won the IBF Lightweight title with a second round destruction over Richard Commey on December 14, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lopez followed that up by winning the undisputed title with a 12-round unanimous decision over pound-for-pound number-one Vasiliy Loamchenko on October 17, 2020.
Campa of Hermosillo, Mexico is 34-1-1 with 23 knockouts. Unbeaten in his last eight fights, which spans five years, the 30 year-old Campa has wins over Alejandro Milanes Gocobachi (1-0), Ulises Perez Torres (6-0), Ivan Ramirez (6-1), Dario Garibay (11-1), Jesus Nunez Rodriguez (14-1), Aaron Herrera (29-3-1), Juan Antonio Rodriguez (29-6-1), Domicio Rondon (15-3), Abimael Cruz Bautista (5-0) and his fight when he stopped undefeated Carlos Sanchez Valadez (22-0) in three rounds on March 19th in Chihuahua, Mexico.
Lopez weighed in at 138.8 lbs. Campa was 139.4
The bout will be televised live on (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).
On the Undercard, beginning at 6:40 PM ET on ESPN+, undefeated Omar Rosario will take on Esteban Munoz in a six-round junior welterweight contest.
Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 7-0 with two knockouts. The 24 year-old Rosario already has wins over Uriel Villanueva (1-0), Wilfred Mariano (3-0), Marc Misiura (2-0), Raekwon Butler and his last outing when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Rosa (4-0) on June 11th in New York.
Munoz of San Bernardino, California is 6-1 with four-knockouts. Munoz is coming off a third round stoppage over Kenny Williams on April 15th in Ontario, California,
?Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images
Saturday night at The Bayou Center in Houston, Texas, three more distinguished fighters will be in action of a card that will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com
Undefeated welterweight Giovanni Marquez will take on William Marcell Davis in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.
Marquez, 21 years-old of Houston is 2-0 with one knockout. Vazquez turned professional on March 11th with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Nelson Morales. in his last bout, Marquez took out 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in two rounds on June 17th in Houston.
Marquez began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez.
Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.
Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight
Davis of Memphis is 5-13-1 with five knockouts. Davis has stopped two undefeated fighters, Terence Reed (2-0) and Michael Hughes (2-0).
Recent world title challenger Jessica Camara makes the trek from Montreal to take on four-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in an eight-round lightweight bout.
Camara has a record of 8-3 and is coming off a split decision loss to Kali Reis in a bout for Reis’ WBA/WBO Junior Welterweight world titles on November 19, 2021 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Camara also has wins over Erika Hernandez (5-1-1), Dalia Velazquez (5-1-1) and former world champion Heather Hardy (22-1).
da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-21 with six knockouts.
The 17 year capable veteran has wins over Paola Herrera (13-1-2), Paulina Cardona (9-2-3), Ikram Kerwat (9-1)
Both Camara and da Silva weighed 136 lbs.
Camara is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
Luis Acosta will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Abdel Sauceda in a lightweight bout scheduled for eight-rounds.
Acosta, 25 years-old of Houston is 12-1 with 11 knockouts.
Acosta, 25 years-old, won his first 12 bouts in impressive fashion. He is coming off a loss to Edwin De Los Santos on March 11th.
Sauceda of Monterrey, Mexico is 11-1 with seven knockouts. The 24 year-old has won four in a row and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Jullian Guillen on December 20, 2019 in Monterrey, Mexico
VIDEO: Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn – First Press Conference
EUBANK JR VS. BENN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Kalle Sauerland, Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing:
“It has been a long, long, road; not as long as some people think however. The starting gun was fired a little early when people thought the deal was done when we had not actually exchanged contracts yet, but we are dealing with a monster. Not a monster for the Heavyweight World Championship, not a unification, not a grudge match; we’re dealing with a family feud. A feud that started on the November 18, 1990 and one that made me fall back in love with boxing.
“The interest around what happened back then, 19 million viewing on terrestrial television, 500 million viewers around the world, you don’t need to sell it. At the same time, look at the gladiators we have up here. They have fought their way out of their father’s shadows in their own right. They sit up here now, and put it all on the line – family legacy, I don’t think there’s any title you could place on it that is bigger than that.”
Chris Eubank Jr:
“For him it’s a win-win and for me, if I lose to Conor Benn on October 8, I’m finished. My goal is to fight for a World Title in the next year. I can’t lose to Conor Benn and then expect to fight for a Middleweight World Title, it can’t happen.
“Nothing like this has ever happened before in the history of the sport, two legends went into a ring 30 years ago and inspired a nation. They became superstars and etched their names into not just boxing history, but British history. Now, 30 years later, their son who have both made themselves in the sport of boxing are going to get in the ring.
“The Eubank and Benn name are going to go to war for the third time. Nothing like this has ever happened before and I don’t think it will happen again, ever. That’s why I took this fight. We have to uphold those names to the best of our ability, that’s where it makes it personal for me. I have to make sure the Eubank name stays on top of the Benn name.
“If I’m at 100% then it’s a public execution. I’ll be 60% on the night and that’ll be enough to do whatever I want with you. I don’t hate anybody I would ever give anyone that type of power over me. I don’t even dislike Conor,” he said. “But at the same time this fight is personal. The things his father put my father through, I can’t forget and I can’t forgive. “I watched the mental toll and the injuries. Him going to hospital and losing half his tongue. I watched Nigel tell my father on national TV that he hated him. These are things I can’t forgive. This is a fight where our family names are on the line and we have to uphold them. That’s where it makes it personal.”
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“Well good afternoon everyone and welcome to this press conference in London to announce what I still can’t really believe. I’m sure many of you are sitting here can’t quite believe it as well. Eubank Jr against Benn. October the 8th, O2 Arena, live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.
“I wish we had seven O2 Arenas – this fight is an absolute monster. The biggest in British boxing, perhaps one of the biggest ever in the sport in this country. I’m delighted to be sitting here alongside our co-promoter Kalle Sauerland and Wasserman Boxing. Thanks to Kalle, Team Eubank, Team Benn for coming together to make this iconic fight.
“We all grew up with this rivalry. The greatest rivalry in British boxing. In 1990 I was 11 years old and I remember one of the greatest nights for our family, when Chris Eubank Snr stopped Nigel Benn to win the world Middleweight Title in Birmingham. Three years later I remember the night so clearly, a hazy night at Old Trafford, over 45,000 people, 15 million on terrestrial TV watched the rematch.
“Now almost 30 years on we get to see part three. An incredible moment, these two step up for what will be the biggest fight in British boxing.”
Conor Benn:
“I’ve said that numerous times. This is a fight that makes sense for now. The World Title is still the goal, but this is once in a lifetime. This is a fantasy fight for the British public. Forget about how far apart we were when I first turned pro, the names were still mentioned to me. Eubank was still mentioned to me before I even had my debut fight. It’s just been brewing, and the stars have aligned for October 8th.
“As Chris said, we’ve both walked the same road so you’ve got to respect that. I respect all fighters. But when we get in there we will settle the family business. I’m taking care of the family business. The last fight was a draw. It’s about time I set the score straight.
“At the end of the day it’s not my job to worry about what he thinks or what he does, or his team and how he’s approaching this. I worry about what I’ve got to do. I’ve always worried about what I’ve got to do, irrelevant of everyone else and what they’re doing. I’m focusing on delivering on October 8th. I haven’t failed to deliver. I haven’t tasted a loss, and I don’t plan on taking a loss on October 8th.”
Ronnie Davies:
“It’s unbelievable. I feel privileged to have been with his father for all of those years – 20 odd World Title fights with him. I’ve got the same again with his son, I was there when he was born and I’ve always been with him.
“I think it’s going to be a great fight. The first Eubank-Benn fight was brutal, I was in the corner and I could hear them saying, ‘is that all you’ve got, you’re punching like a girl’. You could hear the power. After the fight I said to Barry, ‘you can’t let them fight again, no man should have to go through that again’.
“I think this next fight will be just as brutal. They’ve both got that passion which I saw in their fathers. I knew them both well. I’ve got the greatest respect for Conor Benn and his trainer Tony Sims. I go back a long way with Tony. It’ll be a great fight. Eubank is too battle hardened and too big for Conor. Conor’s time will come again but he will get beat.”
Tony SIms:
“I think this fight was always aligned to happen, even from the first day that Conor Benn put gloves on. It’s always been spoken about. Like Conor said, it’s a fight for the British public, it’s probably the biggest fight of this decade or of this generation.
“Obviously I wanted to see the fight happen and I believe in Conor Benn. He’s so diligent in his training and the knowledge of his boxing game. I believe that the weight at 157 is what Chris Eubank’s team asked for, we agreed to that. I believe he will be strong at that weight, Conor Benn.
“He spars with all of the world level Middleweights and Super-Middleweights in my gym day in day out. When he fights these days I don’t put him in with Welterweights for sparring, I always go with Middleweights for sparring, because the Welterweights just don’t hold up to him. I know what he’s made of and I know what he can bring to the table.
“That was a big factor in taking this fight. Conor really wanted the fight, I spoke to Nigel on the phone about it and Nigel said the fight is ready to happen. We’re here now and October the 8th is not far away. Me and Nigel go back a long way and I was actually sparring with him around that time. I was at the second fight at Old Trafford. What great fights they were, they’ve lived on through the past 30 years.
“People still talk about those fights, and for this fight to happen now, I always thought this day would come. I always thought this fight would happen. The time is right now for it to happen. What a fight it’s going to be. Chris Eubank Jr is a great fighter and a fantastic athlete, Conor Benn is the same. They’re both their father’s sons and they both speak like theirs fathers and they both fight like their fathers. I expect a great fight on October 8th and obviously I’ve got confidence in my fighter Conor Benn being victorious.”
VIDEO: Teofimo Lopez vs Pedro Campa | OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN
Weigh-In Results: Teofimo Lopez vs. Pedro Campa
• Teofimo Lopez 138.8 vs. Pedro Campa 139.4 (Vacant WBO International & NABF Junior Welterweight Titles — 10 Rounds) Judges: Tim Cheatham, Patricia Morse Jarman and Dave Moretti Referee: Tony Weeks
• Xander Zayas 153 lbs vs. Elias Espadas 153.6 lbs (Vacant NABO Junior Middleweight Title — 8 Rounds)
(ESPN+, 6:40 p.m. ET/3:40 p.m. PT)
• Jose Enrique Vivas 127.8 lbs vs. Edy Valencia 127.6 lbs (Featherweight— 8 Rounds)
• Andres Cortes 130.6 lbs vs. Abraham Montoya 131 lbs (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Troy Isley 156 lbs vs. Victor Toney 156.8 lbs (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
• Duke Ragan 126.6 lbs vs. D’Angelo Fuentes 125.6 lbs (Featherweight — 6 Rounds)
• Charlie Sheehy 134.4 lbs vs. Juan Castaneda 133.8 lbs (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
MYKQUAN WILLIAMS, CARLOS GONGORA AND JUAN CARLOS CARRILLO WEIGH IN FOR TOMORROW’S “PARADE OF CHAMPIONS” EVENT IN MELROSE, MA
New York, NY (August 12, 2022) – A trio of DiBella Entertainment fighters will compete tomorrow night at Memorial Hall, in Melrose, MA, as part of Boston Boxing Promotions’ “Parade of Champions” event. The card will stream live as a pay-per-view via combatsportsnow.com, starting at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT.
“Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (17-0-1, 8 KOs), from East Hartford, CT, collides with Mexican Saul Corral, of Douglas, AZ, in an eight-round welterweight contest. Williams weighed in at 142 lbs., and Corral, 146 lbs. Williams, who captured the WBC USNBC Silver super lightweight title in 2019, is coming off of a fifth-round stoppage win in April. In January 2021, Williams earned an impressive victory on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series via 10-round unanimous decision against previously unbeaten Yeis Solano. Before his 2016 pro debut, Williams was a decorated amateur with a 45-13 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
Rated #12 by the WBC, super middleweight southpaw Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Gongora (20-1, 15 KOs), from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, and training out of Springfield, MA, squares off against Oscar Riojas, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, in an eight-round contest. Gongora tipped the scales at 170 lbs. and Riojas weighed in at 170.5 lbs. The former IBO world titlist is determined to rebound from his lone defeat last year. Gongora took up boxing at the age of 12 and had an extensive amateur career, nearing 400 fights, that included competing in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
Colombian Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo (7-0, 5 KOs), of Barranquilla, Colombia, takes on Victor Fonseca, of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, in an eight-round bout. Carrillo came in at 178.5 lbs. and Fonseca, 179.5. Last year, Carrillo captured the WBA Fedecentro light heavyweight title. He advanced to the second round at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Accumulating a record of 388-23, he was among Colombia’s most decorated amateurs, winning gold at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. Carrillo comes from a boxing family and, at age nine, followed his father and older brother into the sport.
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RUBEN “ACE” TORRES TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
CORONA, CA (August 12, 2022) – Undefeated lightweight, Ruben “Ace” Torres (18-0, 15 KOs), who is making a case for being the 2022 Prospect of the Year, is scheduled to headline Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on August 20, 2022. Torres, who is wrapping up training camp, will battle Cristian Baez (18-1, 17 KOs), in a ten-round main event which looks to be Torres’ toughest fight to date.
Tickets priced at $50, $75, $100 & $125, will only be available for purchase at the door the day of the event, which will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT.
Here is what Torres had to say about his upcoming fight with Baez, his recent training camp, and more.
On his recent training camp:
“I’ve given this camp my all. I know that a lot of people believe in me from friends, and family, to the media outlets labeling me as one of the next great fighters developed through Thompson Boxing. My goal is to work as hard as possible in the gym to be able to live up to the standards others have set for me. I am trying to not just be good, but great, and this camp reflects all the hard work that will be on display come fight night.”
On working with coaches Danny Zamora and Javier Gomez:
“I feel that the relationship I have with Danny Zamora and coach Javier Gomez is deeper than boxing. I took time off from boxing to go to school and, when I came back, they were both there for me. Together they were very serious about my dedication to the sport. I know that it isn’t just a business for them, they genuinely care about me and want what is best for me. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I don’t view them as coaches, I view them as people that will be on this journey with me till the end.”
On his upcoming matchup with Baez:
“I know that he is a talented fighter who at one time was signed to Golden Boy Promotions, but lost a fight, and people seemingly forgot about his talent. I didn’t. I know that this is the most motivated he has ever been because he has been out of the ring for nearly two years. I am sure he stayed in the gym and the Baez I am facing will be a guy who not just wants to get a check, but he also wants the respect he feels he deserves in this sport. I am training for this fight like it is a world title fight, since I know he is a dangerous opponent.”
On headlining another Thompson Boxing card:
“I am so grateful to the whole staff at Thompson Boxing. They have built me up to become a fighter who is in the running for the prospect of the year, and I want to be the next great fighter for this organization. Thompson Boxing is a family, and boxing is a sport that doesn’t have much community, especially as you become successful. I’m excited to headline another Thompson Boxing card. My next goal is to bring a world title to Thompson Boxing, and I know I will do it soon.”
Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.
“Path To Glory” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and
YouTube pages. In addition, Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson
Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable onApple and Google.
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For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.
ALBERTO PUELLO AND HECTOR GARCIA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – August 12, 2022 – A pair of top contenders representing the Dominican Republic will look to secure world titles as Alberto Puello confronts Batyr Akhmedov for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight belt, while Hector Garcia faces WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roger Gutierrez, in action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, August 20 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast is topped by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner returning to take on all-action former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa in a super lightweight showdown. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with Brandun Lee, one of the sport’s most exciting prospects and biggest punchers, taking on Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout.
Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
Puello and Garcia previewed their respective showdowns as they draw closer to their upcoming opportunity to achieve their world championship dreams. Here is what they had to say about those matchups, representing the Dominican Republic and more:
ALBERTO PUELLO
“I feel great. I’m focused on what has been an intense preparation with brand new challenges that I had never encountered before, but I am very satisfied with the results we have obtained ahead of the fight so far.
“This week is a lot more relaxed. We have been lightening our load as the fight gets closer. What’s left is keeping up our winning mentality, the one we always have, to then come out and shine on August 20.
“This is going to be the most important fight of my career so far, no doubt about it. The biggest opportunity I’ve had. I’m ready to seize it against a quality opponent that has given people a lot to talk about, that’s for sure. However, I’m ready to be crowned as champion and take the title.
“I don’t know much about Batyr Akhmedov. I saw his last fight against Argenis Méndez and the one he had previously against Mario Barrios, but not much more than that.
“My coach and I have Batyr studied up, having watched video of him, but that isn’t the most important thing for me anyway. I’m focused on me and on being 100%, because at the end of the day he could come out fighting in a totally different way.
“My family is currently in the Dominican Republic, and that is kind of tough for me. However, I talk with them every day and we are happy, because we know all of this is for the greater good and the future of the family.
“I expect this fight will be like my previous one and that I’ll be absorbing a lot of pressure from my opponent. I’ll be ready for it just like I was last time, since I’m a counterpuncher by nature.
“If I tell you that I don’t feel any pressure, I would be lying to you. You feel those butterflies, and that’s an awesome feeling, along with that commitment to make your countrymen and women happy by winning for your people. My mentality remains the same, I have to go out there and do my job.
“I have always felt the love and support from my entire country, and I’m sure that Dominicans will come out to show their support on August 20.”
HECTOR GARCIA
“I’m feeling good, very strong and in great shape. I’m in my optimal condition both mentally and physically. Now we are making the final touches and adjustments to be 100% on August 20.
“I’ve been thinking about what being in your prime is all about. I hadn’t had this kind of chance before, and keep in mind that I had always dreamt of being a world champ by 25, 26 years old, 27 max. However, my career has been an uphill battle that has taught me valuable lessons along the way while taking me on a wonderful ride I’m still enjoying at 30.
“I am my best self at 30 years old. The maturity, the experience, and the grit I have acquired through the years have brought me here. The time has come to take full advantage of this opportunity, and you would have to be crazy to think I am not about to take advantage of it to the fullest.
“The story will be the same as when I won last time against Chris Colbert. I couldn’t possibly thrill my family and my fans more than I did in my previous fight. It was sublime.
“I still train as if this was the last time I will ever fight. I never, ever take anything for granted, that’s forbidden. I train with the same effort and intensity as my first time, and I can’t afford the luxury of underestimating my opponent at any time.
“My preparation has been like night and day this time around with more time to get ready. Now I feel at 200%, while I wasn’t at 100% against Colbert. To be totally honest with you, I was more like at 80%. However, I knew that would be enough to defeat Colbert.
“I also did part of my training camp in Miami, and I felt right at home over there. The Dominican fans will definitely come out to support me, the mutual love was definitely there.
“My family is in the Dominican Republic, but my brother Oriolis García is always by my side. Their unconditional support is priceless for me, and I will do anything I can to make them proud.”
# # #
ABOUT BRONER VS. FIGUEROA
Broner vs. Figueroa will see four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner, one of the sport’s most notable attractions and biggest personalities, make his long-awaited return against all-action former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa in a 12-round super lightweight showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 20 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature top 140-pounders Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov squaring off for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship in the co-main event. Plus, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roger Gutierrez defends his title against unbeaten Hector Garcia in a 130-pound title clash. Kicking off the telecast, Brandun Lee, one of the sport’s most exciting prospects and biggest punchers, takes on Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout.
DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS WORLD RATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CARLOS GONGORA
New York, NY (August 12, 2022) – DiBella Entertainment has signed Ecuadorian super middleweight contender Carlos “Carlito’s Way” Gongora (20-1, 15 KOs). He returns to the ring this Saturday facing Oscar Riojas, at Memorial Hall, in Melrose, MA. The event, titled “Parade of Champions” presented by Boston Boxing Promotions, will stream live as a pay-per-view via combatsportsnow.com, starting at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT.
“Carlos Gongora is a dangerous, experienced and skilled fighter. I am happy to be working with my friend Mike Criscio on advancing his career,” said International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Gongora has proven that he is a threat to anyone in the super middleweight division and I look forward to helping him advance up the rankings toward a world championship opportunity.”
“I have always been valued as a fighter. I’m a two-time Olympian and very much loved by my people in my country of Ecuador,” said Gongora. “The only time that I didn’t feel valued as a fighter was in my last fight. I’m happy that I’m no longer in that situation, and very content that my manager, Mike Criscio, was able to land a deal with DiBella Entertainment. Lou’s experience is what I need. He’ll be able to find the fights that I want. Most importantly, what I see is that he values all of his fighters.”
Ranked #12 by the WBC, Gongora burst into the national spotlight when he upset previously unbeaten Ali Akhmedov by 12th-round knockout, in a Fight of the Year candidate, on December 18, 2020, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Hollywood, FL. Gongora dropped Akhmedov twice with his left uppercut in the final round to capture the IBO super middleweight world title.
The southpaw is looking to rebound from his lone defeat by controversial split decision against Britain’s Lerrone Richards in Manchester, England. The contest ended with tallies of 115-113 each way, and 116-112 for Richards.
Born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Gongora comes from a boxing family, as his uncle, Segundo Mercado, was a former pro boxer who twice battled Bernard Hopkins in the mid-nineties. Gongora took up boxing at the age of 12 and had an extensive amateur career, nearing 400 fights, that included competing in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
He has been managed by Mike Criscio and trained by Hector Bermudez for most of his professional career, which began in 2015. When he’s not home in Ecuador, Gongora lives and trains out of an old fire station that Bermudez converted into a boxing gym in Springfield, MA, called Universal Training Academy.
PARKER CONFIDENT NEW TEAM OF LEE & FURY WILL GET THE BEST OUT OF HIM
THE TRADING OF verbal jabs during an opening press conference was an unfamiliar experience for Joseph Parker, who is far more used to exchanging pleasantries with forthcoming opponents.
But with his proposed collision with Joe Joyce mired in confusion and delay for a considerable period before it was finally made official, there was an undercurrent of tension and ill-feeling in the air at the BT Sport studios when the two heavyweights got together to reveal that an accord had been reached and preparations can begin for September 24 at the AO Arena in Manchester which is being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office.
Parker told Dev Sahni in an exclusive UniBet Lowdown interview to be broadcast on the Queensberry YouTube channel on Saturday that he also had to endure the angst of fractured negotiations and he is happy that they will soon be able to trade leather along with insults.
“It was the first press conference I have been involved with that was quite fiery,” said the former world champion from New Zealand. “Because of the lead up to making this fight happen there is a lot of frustration from both sides. We were outnumbered at the top but, if (manager) David Higgins was here, he would have had a lot to say.
“Ultimately, it is great the fight is locked in now. We have a date, a venue and there are two guys who want to smash each other’s faces in.”
Joyce promised to inflict ‘dents’ to the facial features of the 30-year-old who now trains alongside Tyson Fury in the seaside town of Morecambe. Unsurprisingly, Parker says he intends to reciprocate.
“He can try his best! And I am going to do the same to him. He hasn’t fought anyone like me before. I am confident with the new team that I have – nothing wrong with the old team and we achieved great things together – with Andy Lee in my corner and Tyson supporting and helping me.
“This camp will be by far the best camp I have been involved in. Every other camp was great, but I am going to make this one the best.”
An amusing element of Joyce’s press conference patter was an occasional quack in reference to the thinking that Parker was seeking to duck this fight and seek alternative employment.
Far from it, Parker insists, adding that he wants reflections on his career to centre on his plan to take on all comers.
“I want to be remembered as a fighter who fought everyone. A lot of people were saying I wasn’t going to fight Joe Joyce and that I was ducking him, but it was the fight that we wanted and it is why we are here.
“Credit to him because he could have just waited, waited for his chance to fight for a world title, but he wants to put it on the line. Both fighters see this as the perfect fight and it is the most challenging fight out there for me and for him.
“It is challenging for me because he hasn’t been beaten and a lot of people think he is invincible and can take every punch out there. They call him the juggernaut, but I will show everyone what I can do in the ring.
“I am not sure what I am going to do. Whether I dance around and jab his head off, put the pressure on him. It will come together with Andy Lee and he is the person to come up with the perfect game plan.
“We execute it well and it will be a great night for Team Parker.”
Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.
WATCH HEBERT CONCEICAO MAKES PRO DEBUT LIVE AND FOR FREE
LONDON, AUGUST 12 – Olympic hero Hebert Conceição makes his professional debut on Saturday – and you can watch it live and for free.
The middleweight gold medallist from the Tokyo Games enters the paid ranks this weekend in Uzbekistan and this historic moment will be streamed at Probellum.com.
Conceição faces Danny Mendoza over six rounds at the Humo Arena in Tashkent as part of a LIFT Promotions event, which also includes fellow Olympic champions Faziliddin Gaibnazarov and Shakhobidin Zoirov, who struck gold at Rio 2016.
The live stream is also set to feature Cuba’s fast-rising super featherweight Jadier Herrera as well as Uzbek favourites, heavyweight Laziz Mullajonov and super bantamweight Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov.
Saturday’s main card is due to start at 8:30pm local time.
Conceição won his gold medal last summer when dramatically knocking out Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak in the final round but now he is focused on winning titles in the pro ranks.
Watch Hebert Conceição’s pro debut LIVE and for FREE at Probellum.com on Saturday.
To keep up to date with the latest news on Conceição, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.????
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??
About Probellum??? Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.
Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.
Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.
But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.
BENTLEY BACK IN YORK HALL CRACKER
BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION Denzel Bentley will defend his title against Marcus Morrison at York Hall on Friday September 16, live on BT Sport.
Also in action in Bethnal Green will be the ferocious Liverpool bantam Andrew Cain making a defence of his WBC International Silver title and Boxxer cruiserweight series winner Ellis Zorro will make his first appearance in Queensberry colours, taking on a tough operator in Dec Spelman.
Battersea man Bentley (16-1-1, 13 KOs) seized back his treasured Lonsdale belt when he beat the previously undefeated Linus Udofia back in May, having lost his title-holding status against Felix Cash just over a year before.
Bentley, 27, is now revved up and ready to go again against the 29-year-old Morrison (24-5, 16 KOs), who is back at middleweight after trying his luck at 168lbs in a challenge for the WBO International title held by Zach Parker in November of last year.
Morrison’s career reignited with the stunning knockout of Emanuele Blandamura in 2019 to win the WBC International Silver title and, two wins later, he accepted the challenge of taking on Chris Eubank jr and was defeated on points over 10 rounds.
Cain (10-0, 9 KOs) is quickly becoming the feared man of the bantam/super bantam range and his last two fights have resulted in brutal first round stoppages against statistically durable opponents in Pablo Ariel Gomez and Luis Moreno.
This will represent a second defence of his WBC International Silver title for the 27-year-old, who trains out of the Everton Red Triangle gym alongside Nick Ball and Brad Strand.
Zorro (14-0, 6 KOs), 29, kickstarted his cruiserweight mission by teaming up with the team at the Peacock Gym in Epping and, in May, threw his name into the hat for the Boxxer Series up in Manchester, leading to triumphs over James Farrell and the unbeaten pair of Jamie Smith and Ricky Reeves.
His tournament success resulted in being signed up by Frank Warren and his Queensberry journey begins over eight rounds against former English light heavyweight champion Spelman (18-5, 9 KOs), who has moved up to cruiserweight after taking on both Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde at 175lbs.
Also featuring at York Hall is teenage prodigy Royston Barney-Smith (2-0) taking on Birmingham’s Paul Holt (8-14, 2 KOs) over six rounds in his third professional fight at super featherweight. Willy Hutchinson (14-1, 10 KOs) will be looking to continue his revival at light heavyweight after making a successful comeback in June with a third round stoppage of Karel Horejsek in Telford.
Hackney super featherweight Frank Arnold (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight over eight rounds, Buckhurst Hill super bantam Adan Mohamed (4-0, 1 KO) and welterweight Khalid Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) from Brick Lane in London will fight in six contests, with Belvedere cruiserweight Arnold Obodai (1-0, 1 KO) and the debut-making middleweight Joel Kodua from Beckinham fighting in four-rounders.
“I am delighted to be putting on a show in London the week before all eyes will be trained on Manchester for the big Joyce-Parker heavyweight showdown,” said promoter Frank Warren.
“Denzel Bentley defending his British middleweight title against a dangerous challenger in Marcus Morrison is a proper York Hall scrap where entertainment is guaranteed. Denzel’s stock is on the up again and we were all proud of the way he reclaimed his belt against a good unbeaten opponent as the away fighter.
“Andrew Cain is quickly falling into the ‘must watch’ category of fighters and he is proving to be an incredible talent who is gaining fans all over the country, while I am also looking forward to launching the Queensberry career of our new cruiserweight Ellis Zorro and he will quickly be in meaningful title action if he can overcome the challenge of the tough Dec Spelman, who we know well from his previous appearances on our show.
“Our little superstar Royston Barney-Smith is definitely one to watch and I am also excited to be bringing Willy Hutchinson back towards title contention once again.”
Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, 16 September are on sale now exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.
VIDEO: Teofimo Lopez vs Pedro Campa | PRESS CONFERENCE
Press Conference Notes: The Teofimo Lopez Takeover Resumes Saturday Evening
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 11, 2022) — It has been nearly two years since Teofimo Lopez has fought on ESPN, and the former lightweight king is primed to return in devastating fashion. Lopez will make his junior welterweight debut Saturday evening in the 10-round main event against Pedro “Roca” Campa at the Resorts World Event Center at Resorts World Las Vegas.
In the eight-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas will face Mexican veteran Elias Espadas.Lopez-Campa and Zayas-Espadas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:40 p.m. ET/3:40 p.m. PT — features the return of Las Vegas-born junior lightweight contender Andres Cortes against Abraham Montoya. Undefeated prospects in action include middleweight U.S. Olympian Troy Isley, featherweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan, Puerto Rican junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario, featherweight contender Jose Enrique Vivas, and lightweight Charlie Sheehy.
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $40 are on sale now and can be purchased at Etix.com.
This is what the fighters had to say at Thursday’s press conference.Teofimo Lopez
“It feels great to be back here on ESPN, the greatest platform in the world. I can’t wait to show why Teofimo is the greatest of all time.”
“A true champion never gets distracted. At the end of the day, this ain’t my first rodeo. 21 years in the game. Blood, sweat and tears. Do your research. See it. Five-time world champion. We’re just here to dominate and do what we always do: entertain.”
“This guy is in front of me to stop my dreams and stop everything that we’re shooting for. Every time I go out there in the ring, I’m risking everything. I’m risking my life. We double down, every time. When it comes to me, it’s just me versus me, no one else. I thank God for that. He’s always in my corner.”
“My first loss? It was actually my 21st loss if we count the amateurs as well. So, I always bounce back. I’m always that type of person. The first step to success is failure. Saturday night there will be a lot of people tuning in.”
“Campa has that Mexican style of boxing. He’s going to be aggressive. This is going to be an all-out war. This is going to be a fight. And I’m very excited about that. I love competition.”
Pedro Campa
“I’m coming very well prepared. I know what I’m going to do in the ring because I know the kind of fighter who is in front of me. He is a great fighter in the world of boxing. But I’m concentrated. I’m very prepared for my fight.”
“We know the kind of fighter we will be fighting this Saturday. Honestly, I trained very hard because, as I repeat, we know the kind of opponent we have. Manny Robles is a trainer with a great understanding. He knows what he wants me to do, and I’m ready to obey what he says.”
“We can do interesting things in the ring. Firstly, I think I’m coming for the victory. By any means necessary, I want to take the victory to Mexico and for my people in Guaymas and Sonora.”
Xander Zayas
“It was a great camp. I feel ready. We’re going to put on a great show this Saturday night.”
“It’s about having your dreams and knowing what you want to do in life. I have my goals clearly laid out. I have no doubt that I can achieve each and every one of them.”
“We know that Elias Espadas is a Mexican warrior who is coming with a lot of motivation. He has never been knocked out. But I don’t feel any pressure. We are going to obtain the victory. We know what we have to do in the ring. It doesn’t matter how he will come. I will bring that regional WBO title back to Puerto Rico.”
Elias Espadas
“Xander is a great fighter. He is a young man who is on the rise. I feel confident, and I’m confident in the preparation that we have done. I know that this Saturday we will put on a great show.”
“The person who will win the fight is the one who most wants to win that night, and I have a strong desire to win. That’s why I say that it will be a great fight.”
“This Saturday, Mexico is coming out on top. He wants to win, and I want to win. And on Saturday, we will demonstrate that.”
Teofimo Lopez vs. Pedro Campa, 10 rounds, Vacant NABF & WBO International Junior Welterweight Titles
Xander Zayas vs. Elias Espadas, 8 rounds, Vacant NABO Junior Middleweight Title
ESPN+ (6:40 p.m. ET/3:40 p.m. PT)
Jose Enrique Vivas vs. Edy Valencia, 8 rounds, featherweight
Andres Cortes vs. Abraham Montoya, 8 rounds, junior lightweight
Troy Isley vs. Victor Toney, 6 rounds, middleweight
Duke Ragan vs. D’Angelo Fuentes, 6 rounds, featherweight
Omar Rosario vs. Esteban Munoz, 6 rounds, junior welterweight
Charlie Sheehy vs. Juan Castaneda, 4 rounds, lightweight
# # #
About Resorts World Las Vegas Resorts World Las Vegas was developed by Genting Berhad, a publicly traded Malaysian corporation registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission. The company has affiliated operations in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas. In partnership with Hilton, Resorts World Las Vegas integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus, including Las Vegas Hilton, the resort’s full-service brand; Conrad Las Vegas, Hilton’s lifestyle luxury brand; and LXR, Hilton’s network of independent luxury properties, which operates as Crockfords Las Vegas, Genting’s internationally renowned ultra-luxury brand. Resorts World Las Vegas features 3,506 guest rooms and suites, an innovative, next-generation gaming floor, world-class food and beverage options, a 5,000-capacity theatre, distinct nightlife venues, a curated retail collection of designer and boutique shops and more. The integrated resort weaves time-honored traditions of the international Resorts World brand into the fabric of Las Vegas, introducing a bold, fresh take on hospitality to the city with stunning design, progressive technology and world-class guest service. Resorts World Las Vegas is?Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™?with?Forbes Travel Guide,?a verification that ensures the resort has appropriate health safety procedures in place.?For?more information, visit?rwlasvegas.com?or find us on?Facebook,?LinkedIn,?Twitter?and?Instagram.
About Genting Group Genting Group comprises Genting Berhad (KLSE: GENTING), the holding company, and its listed companies Genting Malaysia Berhad (KLSE: GENM), Genting Plantations Berhad (KLSE: GENP) and Genting Singapore Limited (SGX: G13). Genting Group is involved in leisure and hospitality, power generation, oil and gas, property development, life sciences and biotechnology activities, with operations spanning across the globe, including in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, China, the United States of America, Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Genting Group is a leader in the global gaming and hospitality industry. Founded in 1965, Genting Group has more than 50 years of experience in developing and operating destination resorts in the Americas, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas, offering an unparalleled resort experience and iconic entertainment attractions to over 50 million visitors a year. For more information, visit?www.genting.com.
Two-Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Michael Spinks Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 17, in Las Vegas
Las Vegas (August 11, 2022) – Two-division world champion and Hall of Famer Michael Spinks has confirmed that he will appear at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.
Spinks will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over
the Mexican Independence Day weekend.
The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo
Spinks will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Spinks will also have merchandise on sale at his booth, and fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Jinx.”
Spinks joins Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramírez, David Benavidez, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.
About Michael Spinks
Spinks is a two-division world champion, having held the undisputed light heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985, and the lineal heavyweight title from 1985 to 1988. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Spinks is the brother of former world heavyweight champion, the late Leon Spinks, and uncle of Cory Spinks, a former welterweight and light middleweight champion. Spinks went undefeated in his first 31 professional fights, beating such opponents as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Marvin Johnson and Eddie Davis en route to becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Following ten successful title defenses, Spinks moved up to heavyweight, and as an underdog defeated long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; in doing so, Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight world champion to win the heavyweight title. Spinks only defeat in his professional career came to the hands of Mike Tyson on June 27, 1988. The International Boxing Research Organization and BoxRec rank Spinks among the ten greatest light heavyweights of all time.
About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.
Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.
Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.
Throughout the next several weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo
.
Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
JOEY SPENCER VS. KEVIN SALGADO & RA’EESE ALEEM VS. MIKE PLANIA VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LOS ANGELES (August 11, 2022) – Rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer and Mexican contender Kevin Salgado, plus undefeated super bantamweight contenders Ra’eese Aleem and Mike Plania, previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Thursday before they step into the ring on Sunday, September 4 during Labor Day Weekend in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Spencer vs. Salgado highlights PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Prior to the FOX broadcast, Aleem takes on Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
These two exciting matchups will lead up to a stacked FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, which is headlined by the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meeting in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at AXS.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:
JOEY SPENCER
“I’m not going to make any predictions other than the fact that I’m coming out there to win. He’d have to kill me to stop me. I’m going to fight until I’m either dead, or I’ve beaten him. I don’t care if I’ve knocked him out, stopped him, or win by decision. I’m going to beat him. He doesn’t have a game plan for anything that I’m coming with. He hasn’t seen the version of Joey Spencer that’s coming on fight night. So, I can promise him that his game plan is not going to be effective.
“Training is going well. Everything is going as planned, so I’m ready to rock and roll. I think fighting someone like Salgado is the next logical step. I also feel it’s going to bring the best out of me. I’m going to have an opportunity to really show my craft and what I have done since I was eight years old. I think that when you have pedigree, better competition brings the best out of you. I think that as I raise the competition level, I’m going to be able to bring another level of myself in the ring, another level of focus and preparation and I think that’s going to turn me into a better fighter.
“It means so much to have these opportunities. Being with this team and being able to have these opportunities to go out there and showcase our skills—not just me, but all the fighters under this banner have such amazing opportunities and I can’t say enough about that.
“I’m trying to make a statement to the entire division. I’m trying to put the division on notice. I’m trying to separate myself as a contender in this weight class. Salgado just had a tough fight with Bryant Perrella and drew with him. It was very competitive. I think Perrella beat Harrison and I think a lot of people would agree. Salgado came out and drew with him. This is an opportunity for me to show that there are levels. I’m ready to come out there and put on the type of performance that separates me from Salgado and the rest of the division. He said he has respect for me. I have respect for him. But when we get in there on fight night there will be no respect.
“I got done with my last fight and instantly wanted to fight a step up in competition. It was actually already the plan to do that. I was on the Charlo-Castano card, but my fight fell through and got pushed back. We were looking for an opponent like that, but it didn’t work for my schedule because I was about to have a baby. Instead, we just took an opponent, fought an untelevised fight and knew that the next one would be a step-up, 10-rounder in a big event and here we are.
“When I got out of my last fight, I said to myself, I don’t want fights like that anymore. I want fights that are going to really catapult me and push me to be at my sharpest. I feel like I’ve only shown very, very little of what I’m able to do in the ring. I feel like opponents like this will bring it all out of me. I have said it before, I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old. I was extremely accomplished as an amateur. I fought the best of the best as an amateur and was successful and won on an elite level. I’m not used to fighting opposition that doesn’t bring that out of me. I have more experience fighting guys like this.
“I really feel like this is going to bring out a better version of me. I have literally put absolutely everything into camp. No stone has been unturned for this fight. I’m excited for the bright lights. I’m excited for it to get chaotic in there and for it to be a good scrap. I know he’s going to bring it. He comes to fight and I come to fight. So it’s got to be a good fight. There is no room for complacency here.
“I’m just ready to make a statement that I’m ready for the top opponents. There are a couple of different opponents that I really want after this fight. I have those names in mind and I look forward to making some call-outs after I get done with this fight, possibly even during the interview after.
“I’m not looking past Salgado. He’s really the only name inside my mind. Before this fight was made, I thought about the fact that an awesome matchup would be me and Tim Tszyu. He’s been calling for Jermell Charlo, but I don’t think he’s necessarily done enough to deserve that title shot yet and I think Charlo feels the same way. If I come through this fight and make the statement I want to make, I feel that will be a fight the fans want to see and for him and for me, that’s a fight that would make sense. We’d give the fans a good show.”
KEVIN SALGADO
“Based on my strategy and what I see the fight being like, I’m confident that I will win by knockout around the fifth or sixth round.
“I feel great, I’m ready for this fight and I can’t wait. I am beyond excited and thankful. These kinds of opportunities are few and far between, so when you have them, you better grab them. I can guarantee you that I’m going to come out with a victory on September 4 and give the fans a great show.
“My brother (former super featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado) is always by my side. We both agree that this is an opportunity of a lifetime. We have to make the most of it. Joey is a great opponent, all respect to him. What my brother told me was that I need to stick to my strategy. Don’t get distracted, stay focused, follow the game plan and everything else will follow to take advantage of this chance of a lifetime.
“Outside the ring, we both respect each other. But once we step in the ring, he’s the enemy. And one has to annihilate the enemy. The goal is to vanquish the enemy and come out with a win.
“You’re going to see the changes and adjustments I’m going to make inside the ring when the time comes. What I do know is that Joey Spencer is a fast, agile counterpuncher. I can guarantee you that me and my team are crafting exactly the right strategy in order to be able to not let him do what he wants inside the ring.
“We are ready for whatever comes our way. I’m beyond excited to be a part of this card which has a lot of Mexican fighters and I’m proud to be one of them. Joey Spencer is the perfect opponent for me right now. I’d like to say that you face the good, the very good and the excellent opponents. You have to be ready for each and every one of them.
“The super welterweight division is chock-full of great fighters. The depth is incredible. The goal is to get closer to fighting for a world title and I can do that by fighting a Tony Harrison or a Sebastian Fundora. I’m up for any challenge that comes my way.”
RA’EESE ALEEM
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to fight on a stacked card and to be fighting a great fighter in Mike Plania. I’m excited to showcase my skills and talent on the big stage.
“I feel like I’ve been aging like wine. I haven’t been in a lot of wars and I have an extremely high boxing IQ. So, depending on what my opponent is trying to do, sometimes might dictate what I do. I feel like I do it to the best of my ability and I’m going to work to ultimately get the stoppage.
“If the knockout comes, great. He’s an extremely tough fighter, he’s never been stopped. I believe I am capable of making that happen. I just have to be the best version of myself and that’s what I plan on doing.
“I’m extremely grateful. This is a huge opportunity for me to show everybody who Ra’eese Aleem is and what I’m about. So many greats have fought at Crypto.com Arena, in Los Angeles, so I’m really excited.
“I have to remind people what I bring to the table. Boxing is a sport where you have to consistently prove yourself. You have to prove you belong, that a win wasn’t a fluke. That’s the hand I was dealt and that’s fine. I’m ready to reintroduce people to who I am.
“I don’t believe there is any pressure with having an undefeated record. It’s just a testament to how hard I’ve worked to remain undefeated. Every fight at this level is going to be extremely competitive and extremely hard. If it’s anything less than that, then I’ll have an easy night.
“I believe I’m ready for a world title shot, nothing short of that. It should have happened two fights ago. If I beat Plania, that’s the plan. The ultimate goal is to win a world title. I just have to make it to where I’m the mandatory so no one can duck, run, hide or make excuses. They either have to fight or vacate. That’s the situation I’m trying to put myself in.
“I’ve done this the right way. I worked hard to get here. I didn’t take easy fights. It’s been a long, hard journey, but at the end of the day, I know I belong. I am undefeated and I have fought top guys. Mike Plania is another top fighter and I plan on beating him also.
“I don’t believe Stephen Fulton is ducking me, or is scared of me, but I do believe that he’s not jumping to fight me. I don’t believe it’s a fight that he wants. My expectation is that my next fight is to be a world title fight. The ultimate goal is to get the win, look good and keep it moving then make the title fight.
“I don’t believe I’ve gotten the respect I deserve yet. Like I said earlier, boxing is a sport where you have to consistently prove yourself. That’s why I have to make a big statement to show everyone who Ra’eese Aleem is. For whatever reason, I’ve been overlooked or overshadowed, so I have something to prove.
“To hear Mike Plania talk about fighting toe-to-toe just makes me want to smile. I’ve never been in the ring with a fighter who was able to stand toe-to-toe with me. I don’t believe that’s his game plan. If it is, then good luck. I am a beast. I am prepared to go the distance but if he wants to go toe-to-toe then it’s going to be on and popping. I am an exciting fighter. I throw punches in bunches. I don’t run. I don’t hold and it’s going to be a real exciting fight on September 4.
“I believe I’m going to come and be the best version of myself and ultimately dominating the fight. As long as I don’t go for the knockout, I think I’ll get the knockout early. I don’t see it going the full 10 rounds, but I’m just trying to be the best version of myself. I do see me being victorious in this fight.”
MIKE PLANIA
“I’m very excited for this match. I trained hard for this fight on September 4. It’s going to be good. My training has gone well and I’m 100%. I’ve stayed focused and I got this.
“This could be my coming out party. First of all, I respect Aleem. He’s a good fighter, a real fighter. But I’m here to give the fans the fight they want. I’m ready. So let’s see what happens on September 4.
“This is a big opportunity. I’d like to thank TGB Promotions and my team for helping me throughout this camp. I want to thank my sparring partners and to my trainer, Osmiri “Moro” Fernandez. He did a lot to help me and I feel I’ve had a good training camp. I’m excited to fight at Crypto.com Arena. This is a big fight and I’m ready.
“After this fight, my dream is to fight for a world title. That has been my dream since I was a kid. So I want to make that happen. I want the world title next.
“I expect Aleem, a good fighter, to fight toe-to-toe. I have confidence because I worked very hard in my training. No excuses. I want to fight toe-to-toe with Aleem. I have my game plan and I am ready for this. This fight I want to prove myself and show who is Mike Plania in the ring. September 4, you don’t want to miss this fight. Let’s do it.”
CLARESSA SHIELDS MIAMI/FT. LAUDERDALE MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
MIRAMAR, Fla. – August 11, 2022 – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields held a media workout in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area on Thursday as she nears her upcoming undisputed middleweight world championship showdown against longtime rival Savannah Marshall.
Shields vs. Marshall will take place on Saturday, September 10 from The O2, London and be available on ESPN+ for audiences in the U.S. Shields will bring the WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight titles into the showdown against Marshall and her WBO strap, in an event promoted by Salita Promotions and BOXXER in association with Hennessy Sports.
Shields will look to avenge the only loss of her amateur career and end a long war of words with Marshall that has reached a boil in recent years and which stems from Marshall’s points victory over Shields in a 2012 amateur bout.
Joining Shields on Thursday were her trainer John David Jackson and promoter Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. In addition, rising 20-year-old prospect Sarah Liegmann showed off her skills ahead of her bout on the Shields vs. Marshall undercard.
Here is what the workout participants had to say Thursday from Square Off Boxing & Fitness:
CLARESSA SHIELDS
On how she feels in training a month away from fight night…
“My body feels good and looks good too. I’m in great spirits. Everybody keeps asking me about my nerves. Sadly, I don’t have any nerves before any fight. I’m super excited to fight. I don’t know why, but I just enjoy it.
“Training camp is really the hardest part leading up to the fight. People say that the fight is going to be the hardest part, and I just don’t believe that the fight will be harder than me putting in three different training sessions per day with four miles of sprints and then me coming to the gym and doing the second session. I don’t believe that one night and a 10-round fight with Savannah Marshall, or any other woman, would be harder than my training.”
On the rivalry with Marshall…
“I don’t know if I dislike (Marshall) more, or was it Christina Hammer? I don’t know. I know both of them are just idiots. Savannah Marshall, she says some of the dumbest things… She said if she walked around calling herself the G.W.O.A.T. that her friends would slap her. As they should… You have one belt. Please don’t call yourself the G.W.O.A.T. Please don’t. The only people who I think have any right to call themselves the G.W.O.A.T. is Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Everyone else, zip it. Savannah Marshall, zip it. You’ve been pro for five years and only have one belt. Of course, your friends should slap you. I should slap you for you talking about wanting to be the G.W.O.A.T., or you’re the G.W.O.A.T. because you beat me 10 years ago.”
To those that are doubting her in this fight…
“To all of you that are doubting me, just make sure you apologize after the fight. Say, ‘We were wrong.’ You don’t have to say you’re the G.W.O.A.T. Just say, ‘We were wrong, you’re the best and we respect you.’ And that you respect my hard work and my accomplishments because (Marshall) was the fluke. Her beating me in 2012 before the Olympics was the fluke of her career. That was her biggest achievement. After that, downhill. It wasn’t a fluke that I won the 2012 Olympics because I won it again, and I won the world championships three times after that. So, she was the fluke, and she’s still a fluke because she’s knocked out a whole bunch of bums.”
On Marshall’s power…
“This whole talk is overblown. A lot of people don’t really realize how many haters I have. I’m one of the most sought-after women boxers and people pay a lot of attention to me, but I have a lot of haters because of how great I am. It’s kind of like I’m Floyd Mayweather, but in a woman’s body, you know.
“So, they want me to lose and they’re going to say anything to make her feel like she’s better. I mean look, I accept her knockout because they’re there. She’s 12-0 with 10 knockouts, but go and look at those girls’ records and then tell me whether she should be knocking them out, or not. And you’re going to say, ‘Yea, you should be knocking out somebody that’s 4-25. You should be knocking out somebody that’s 11-75.’ Plus, you’re fighting them on three days’ notice, a week’s notice. You’re supposed to knock girls out like that.”
On the importance of this fight…
“It’s important to win every fight. (Marshall) doesn’t hold a special place in my heart to where I want to beat her more than I want to beat anyone else in my life. No, that’s not it. I think that people that I think too highly of her. I think she’s a good fighter. I think she’s a big girl for the weight class. But she’s not as skilled as me. She’s not as smart as me, and she doesn’t know how to adjust. That’s what we’re going to see on September 10.”
JOHN DAVID JACKSON, Shields’ Trainer
On preparing Shields for Marshall…
“For this particular camp, there are some certain things we’re working on and that we can take away from Savannah. She’s good, but she’s not as good as she thinks she is. So, we just work on different things. Each fight is different for Claressa and we just want to go in there nice, relaxed and calm and not trying to knock her head off right away because you’ll get her, but it’s probably later than sooner. So, we’re just working on certain things to break Marshall down.”
On Liegmann’s development…
“Sarah has come a long way. She didn’t really box. She kickboxed. But now she’s starting to understand the game of boxing and she’s a lot better now. As time went on, when she came back to America, all the things I told her to work on she had worked on them… I saw the cream of the crop at 126-lbs and she has a shot. She definitely has a shot.”
DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions
“There are few male fighters in the history of the sport from the United States who at the peak of their careers have gone across the pond or to a different country to fight their rivals. Floyd Mayweather never left the United States when he was at the peak of his career. Oscar De La Hoya never left the United States during the peak of his career. All these guys, Olympic gold medalists, fantastic fighters, but Claressa is at the top of women’s boxing and is choosing to go across the pond to avenge her only loss in a very, very meaningful event. It’s that type of drive, personality and character that makes a great athlete and a great fighter.”
SARAH LIEGMANN, Unbeaten Prospect
On being a part of the September 10 fight card…
“It’s amazing to be here, train here and have the possibility to fight on this historic fight card. It’s a huge opportunity for me to show the world what I’m capable of. I’m 10 years in already in martial arts, now three years in boxing, and to be on this card just feels amazing.”
On training in Florida…
“To train here in Florida with John David Jackson and to see Claressa Shields training, she’s so inspiring.”
On the hope of becoming a world champion boxer…
“It’s my biggest dream to have the belts. I always wanted to compete. I’m a fighter from when I was a kid and all the way on. I always wanted to step in the ring. I always saw the heavyweight champions, like Anthony Joshua, Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury, and I always wanted these belts and to be the one.”
UNDEFEATED RISING STAR BRANDUN LEE TAKES ON WILL MADERA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® IN AN EVENT PRESENTED BY PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS
NEW YORK – August 11, 2022 – Brandun Lee, one of the sport’s most exciting prospects and biggest punchers, will take on Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout Saturday, August 20 live on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The newly added bout will serve as the opener to a loaded four-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast that now begins live on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Additionally, SHOWTIME SPORTS will offer live streaming coverage of unbeaten Cuban heavyweight standout Lenier Peró battling Joel Caudle in an eight-round bout and undefeated middleweight Fiodor Czerkaszyn taking on Gilbert Venegas Jr. in an eight-round duel via the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page prior to the start of the televised quadrupleheader. The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN streaming show begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will be called by SHOBOX® analyst and MORNING KOMBAT host Brian Campbell alongsideformer unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman joining as guest analyst.
The televised card is topped by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner returning to take on all-action former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa in a super lightweight showdown. Plus, top 140-pounders Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov square off for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship in the co-main event and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roger Gutierrez defends his title against unbeaten Hector Garcia.
Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) of La Quinta, Calif., has stopped 15 of his last 16 opponents and is one of the sport’s most fearsome punchers. Showing both one-punch power and the ability to outbox his rivals, Lee, 23, recently dominated tough veteran Zachary Ochoa in April and has quickly established himself as a force at 140 pounds. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee has kept up a busy schedule, fighting four times in 2020, three times in 2021 and now twice in 2022. He 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. Lee predicted a resounding victory on August 20.
“Madera is a technical fighter that will do whatever he wants if you allow him to, so it’s important that I check him right away,” said Lee. “I have been in training camp for 12 weeks now as I was going to fight on August 6th, but the show got cancelled. I’ve run more miles, sparred more rounds, and put in more hours in the gym than I ever have before. I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring next week and giving the people what they want: knockouts! I’ll be 26-0 at the end of the night, mark my words.”
Madera (17-1-3, 10 KOs), from Albany, N.Y., is a come-forward, aggressive fighter who has faced high-level competition in his career. In his last bout, Madera, 31, scored perhaps his biggest win when he stopped then 19-1 Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after the fifth round in October 2021. Madera owns a decision win over Thomas Mattice in February 2019 and a split-decision draw against Wesley Ferrer in 2017. Both Mattice and Ferrer entered their fights against Madera undefeated. In total, Madera has conquered three undefeated opponents since turning pro in 2013.
“I’d like to thank SHOWTIME for this opportunity,” said Madera. “I was training very hard for August 6th against Brandun Lee and am very happy we were able to reschedule the bout. Remember that people may doubt you at times, but never doubt yourself. If you work and strive for greatness, you will be rewarded. Big thank you to my team for the opportunity.”
A 2016 Olympian for his native Cuba, the 6-4 Peró (7-0, 4 KOs) made a successful stateside debut in January, earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Geovany Bruzon at Hard Rock Live. Now fighting out of Miami, the 29-year-old has fought professionally since 2019 and won five Cuban national championships throughout a stellar amateur career. He will take on Raleigh, N.C.’s Caudle (9-6-2, 6 KOs), who most recently earned a stoppage victory over then unbeaten Robert Sabbagh in February. That win snapped a five-bout losing streak for the 32-year-old, with those defeats coming against unbeaten foes.
The 26-year-old Czerkaszyn (19-0, 12 KOs) will make his stateside debut on August 20 after adding three victories to his tally in 2021. Originally from Ukraine and now fighting out of Warsaw, Poland, Czerkaszyn turned pro in 2015 and owns three 10-round unanimous decisions on his record, hardly losing a round throughout the contests. He takes on Venegas Jr. (11-1, 7 KOs), an East Moline, Ill. native who last fought in April 2019 when he knocked out Adam Ealoms in round four. His lone defeat came in a 2018 showdown against veteran Kendo Castaneda, which he lost by decision after 10 rounds.
The stacked off-TV undercard will include former world champions returning to action as Sergey Lipinets (16-2-1, 12 KOs) faces Carlos Portillo (22-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight fight, while three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren (19-3, 5 KOs) takes on Francisco Portillo (17-11-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight affair. In addition, super lightweight contender Ismael Barroso (23-3-2, 21 KOs) competes in an eight-round fight against Fernando Saucedo (63-9-3, 10 KOs).
Rounding out the action is rising light heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton (5-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round showdown against Orlando’s Robert Burwell (9-6, 3 KOs) and super welterweight Evan Holyfield (9-1, 6 KOs), the son of former heavyweight world champion Evander Holyfield, in an eight-round fight taking on Jurmain McDonald (7-6, 3 KOs) in a rematch of their May encounter in which McDonald KO’d Holyfield.
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ABOUT BRONER VS. FIGUEROA
Broner vs. Figueroa will see four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner, one of the sport’s most notable attractions and biggest personalities, make his long-awaited return against all-action former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa in a 12-round super lightweight showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 20 from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature top 140-pounders Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov squaring off for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight World Championship in the co-main event. Plus, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Roger Gutierrez defends his title against unbeaten Hector Garcia in the telecast opener and rising star Brandun Lee faces Will Madera in a 10-round super lightweight bout that opens the telecast.
Paulino, Cusumano face new challenges August 20 at Summer Heat
Uncasville, CT – The fight night lineup keeps getting stronger in anticipation of CES Boxing’s long-awaited return to Mohegan Sun Arena.
Summer Heat, scheduled for Saturday, August 20 and promoted by CES Boxing, features the top fighters in the northeast showcasing their talents in one of the region’s preeminent combat sports venues, headlined by 6-foot-6 heavyweight Cassius Chaney from New London, CT, facing Troy, NY, veteran Shawn Miller in the 10-round main event.
The most recent addition to the card is unbeaten super featherweight sensation Alejandro Paulino, also of New London, battling dangerous Bronx, NY, vet Brandon Idrogo in a six-round bout that could steal the show on what is an already stacked fight card. The co-main event features hard-hitting Sicilian heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano facing the 6-foot-3 Dennis Ventura of Lynn, MA.
Summer Heat kicks off at 7 pm ET. Tickets are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or through the Mohegan Sun box office. August 20 marks CES’ first show at Mohegan Sun Arena since October of 2015, renewing a long-standing partnership between the region’s top combat sports promotion and one of the world’s foremost entertainment venues.
Paulino figures to be one of the region’s top attractions for years to come, eventually with the pedigree to headline a major show in the northeast. Next weekend, he faces his toughest test to date against the 24-year-old Idrogo, who boasts six wins – all by knockout.
A former New England Golden Gloves Champion and National Golden Gloves semi-finalist as an amateur, Paulino makes his third appearance with CES. In his first fight with the promotion, he recovered from an early knockdown to defeat Andrew Rodgers by unanimous decision. He returned in June to earn his ninth career knockout win, beating Aldimar Silva in just 54 seconds.
Paulino trains under the guidance of Big Sox Boxing Academy’s Roland Estrada, the father of former Olympian and heavyweight contender Jason “Big Six” Academy. Paulino have another familiar face in the arena next Saturday as his girlfriend, pro welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman of nearby Columbia, fights on the undercard in a four-round bout against Jesenia Rivas of Denver.
Fresh off his comeback win in June, Cusumano now faces the upset-minded Ventura, who boasts three wins by knockout. After a loss to Daniel Dubois a year ago, Cusumano relocated his entire training camp, earned his 20th professional win by knockout two months ago, and is now exclusively training out of Champs Boxing & Fitness in Danbury, CT, under the guidance of coach Dave McDonough.
Also at Summer Heat, undefeated Irish super middleweight Francis Hogan of Weymouth, MA, battlingCleotis Pendarvis of Lancaster, CA, in six-round bout; Stoughton, MA, heavyweight Sean Bey putting his perfect record and knockout streak on the line against Dallas’ John Shipman in a four-round bout; and lightweight Jonathan de Pina of Boston batting New York’s Christian Otero in a six-round bout; and rising welterweight prospect Gary Balletto III of Cranston, RI; battling Niagara Falls’ newcomer Jeremiah David Austin in a four-round bout.
Unbeaten Springfield, MA, welterweight Jalen Renaud, middleweight James Maner of Providence, RI; and New York City super middleweight Jahvel Joseph also appear on the card in separate bouts.
Additional details for Summer Heat are available online. For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATION
CES Boxingis 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.
JUAN HUERTAS DEFENDS HIS WBO LATINO LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST MIGUEL MADUENO ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 IN PLANT CITY, FL, STREAMED LIVE WORLDWIDE ON PROBOX TV AND THE PROBOX TV APP
PLANT CITY, Florida (August 10, 2022): Juan “El Olimpico” Huertas will defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight title against Miguel “Explosivo” Madueno ProBox TV’s September 9 main event. These two ‘banger/punchers’ will fight at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida and the card will be streamed live at PROBOXTV.com and the ProBox TV app.
“I cannot wait to fight on ProBox TV again,” said Huertas “My last fight was on ProBox TV and I came in as underdog against an undefeated fighter and knocked him out in the first round to win the WBO Latino title. On September 9, I’ll be looking for a KO repeat to defend it!”
“I’m ready to fight Huerta today,” said Madueno. “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and showcase myself. What better opportunity than this one for a belt and on a big platform. I was not successful in my last performance, but styles make fights and this one is the perfect match for me. Huerta is tough, I know he is, but I will show the world that I’m tougher and better than him.”
“El Olimpico” Huertas (16-3-1, 12 KOs) from Panama City, Panama, represented Panama in the 2012 Olympics and made his professional debut on May 15, 2013. In his last two fights, following a two-year pandemic forced hiatus, he won both via first-round stoppage. His most recent win, on June 17 in Panama City, he beat Jonhatan Cardoso to win the WBO Latino Lightweight title. Huertas is a former WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight Champion, winning that in only his seventh professional fight. He is also a former WBA Fedalatin Super Featherweight champion.
“Explosivo” Madueno (27-1, 25 KOs) is from Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico, now residing in Orange County, California. The twenty-three-year-old made his professional debut on January 27, 2017 and his September 9 fight against Huertas will be his first title fight of any kind. His last fight was the first and only loss of his professional career. His fourth professional fight was his only other fight that went the distance.
ProBox TV was founded by Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Tarver, Paulie Malignaggi and Garry Jonas. Miguel Cotto recently joined the team. As always, the ‘Big 4’ will be calling the action from ringside.
The ProBox TV bi-monthly schedule for the remainder of 2022 is as follows: August 19, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 26, November 4, November 18, December 2, December 9. There is also weekly original content produced by the founders including, podcasts, talk shows and in the gym content, plus monthly documentaries and behind the scenes content. All for the nominal fee of $1.99 per month. In 2023 there will be one live boxing event per month from USA, Puerto Rico and Mexico – that’s three live boxing events per month.
FRANK WARREN HAS bolstered the heavyweight contingent at Queensberry with the signing of professional newcomer Boma Brown.
The 6ft 6″, 18-stoner from North West London is the most recent recruit to a promotional heavyweight brigade that includes WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal world champion Tyson Fury, WBA world champion Daniel Dubois, WBC Silver, WBO International No.1 ranked contender Joe Joyce, plus emerging prospects David Adeleye and George Fox.
He is trained by Paul Stevenson at the Everton Red Triangle gym in Liverpool, where he counts the formidable trio of Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand as teammates and is looking to emulate their success on the Queensberry and BT Sport platform.
“I am buzzing to have signed with Frank and he is somebody who, since I started boxing, I have always looked at and thought it would be nice to meet him one day,” said Brown on his promotional union. “So I was kind of shell shocked more than anything to be meeting him, but it was really nice. He seems like a down-to-earth fella who comes from a humble background, he is somebody I can definitely relate to and want to impress as well, going forward.”
Brown, just turned 27, took up boxing after being inspired by the 2015 Las Vegas Showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. He was based in the Midlands where he was undertaking a degree course in Business and Law at Coventry University, where he ultimately graduated with a 2.1.
“I remember watching the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight years ago and it made me want to try out the sport. It sounds like a cliche, but once I tried it, I fell in love with it straight away and never looked back.
“I took myself to a local gym in Coventry called the Red Corner Boxing Club and did a few classes before they referred me to an amateur club called Bell Green and I boxed there before moving to Birmingham and joining Jewellery Quarter ABC, that was unfortunately closed down during Covid and we all moved to Pat Benson’s Boxing Club, which is the old Small Heath Boxing Club.
“So I boxed there and had 21 fights, with 14 or 15 wins. I would say I’m a puncher, anybody who has been in the ring with me or sparred me will talk about my power and it is something I do have in abundance.
“I won two Midlands titles and an Elite Midlands title belt as well.”
All roads led to Liverpool for the diehard Arsenal fan due to his girlfriend – and now new mother to a baby girl – returning to settle in nearby Warrington, so Brown re-established contact with trainer Stevenson after encountering him during his amateur days.
“Funnily enough, I boxed one of Paul’s lads in the amateurs and sort of just kept in touch with him on Facebook and stuff like that. Towards the back end of last year he reached out to me and asked what my plans were.
“With my missus about to have a baby we were moving back to Warrington so things fell into place a little bit. I told Paul the situation and he said to come over to Liverpool to have a few sessions and see how I found it.
“I did that, it clicked straight away and I have been there for four or five months now. So my life has totally changed and it is funny how things work out, what with moving to Warrington and it being close to Liverpool, leading me to a great gym and trainer.
“The mentality of the lads in the gym is rubbing off on me massively and you can see why they are doing so well. Being in the gym with them these last few months has been amazing, they have all welcomed me in nicely and I am starting to get the hang of it all. It is going to be a good ride.
“Frank said to me that he plans to get me started in September-October time and also mentioned that a Dubois or Joyce undercard would be a good place to announce myself.”
Frank Warren added on his new heavyweight: “Boma is going to be an exciting addition to the heavyweight ranks and we are blessed here at Queensberry to have such a stronghold in the division.
“The fact he is being trained and prepared by Paul Stevenson in Liverpool suggests to me that Boma can make a huge impact and go far in the sport. If Paul can conjure up a heavyweight version of Nick Ball or Andrew Cain then we really will be onto something special.
“We are getting to the point where we could fill a card with heavyweights and I am looking forward to seeing what Boma brings to the party in the near future.”
News on Brown’s pro debut date will be announced tomorrow…