PLANT CITY, Florida (July 11, 2022): The semifinal bouts for ProBox TV’s Last Chance Tournament are set for Friday, Aug. 5 at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

In this double main event, Mexico’s Antonio Moran (27-5-1, 19 KOs) will take on Texas native Michael Dutchover (16-2, 10 KOs), while San Antonio’s Kendo Castañeda (18-5, 9 KOs) will face off against Florida native Joseph Fernandez (15-4-3, 5 KOs). Both fights are scheduled for 10 rounds in the 140-pound division. 

The event will stream live globally on ProBox TV. Tickets for the event on sale now and start at $50, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at EventBrite.com or by clicking here.

The Last Chance tournament kicked off in May on the undercard of Pascal-Meng and initiated with eight fighters in the 140-pound division. All boxers were chosen based on having had a top amateur trajectory before initiating a promising professional career that took a few difficult turns in recent bouts. The winner of the tournament will get a Last Chance at revitalizing his career.

In the quarter finals, Moran beat Jeffrey Torres via unanimous decision, while Dutchover defeated Clarence Booth by split decision. Dutchover will look to outbox Moran, while Moran has emphasized his desire and ability to make it a war.

On that same night in May, Castañeda scored a first-round knockout victory over Sonny Frederickson, while Fernandez upset Zhiming Wang via decision. Castañeda is confident that he can score another knockout win, while Fernandez feels he has what it takes to win the entire tournament. 

Additional undercard information will be announced shortly. 

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About ProBox TV

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to the sport of professional boxing. Founded by former CEO of Iron Mike Productions Garry Jonas in partnership with the legendary Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Tarver, and Paulie Malignaggi, ProBox TV’s mission is to deliver real boxing fans an improved experience when watching and following the sport—all for the nominal monthly price of $1.99. Download the ProBox TV app or visit www.ProBoxTV.com to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit. 

PLANT CITY, Florida (July 9, 2022): Panamanian contender Cesar “Rainman” Francis (11-0, 6 KOs) captured the NABO Junior Welterweight Title with a unanimous decision win over former world champion Raymundo Beltran (37-10-1, 23 KOs) in a ProBox TV main event on Saturday evening in Plant City, Florida.

Francis won with scores of 96-93, 95-94 and 98-91.

“It was a great fight,” said Cesar Francis. “He made me think a lot. He’s very crafty. There’s a reason why he was a world champion. I know that I have great power, but I just have to let my hands go. I’ll look back at the tape and get better from this because I need to work on finishing my opponents. We’re going to keep working and keeping getting better and work on getting a world title.”

In the co-main event, Curtis Harper (14-8, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida scored an upset majority decision win over German heavyweight Christian Thun (8-1, 6 KOs). One judge it had it a 75-75 draw, but two other judges scored it 78-72 and 76-73 for Harper.

Undercard results:

·      Marques Valle (5-0, 5 KOs) of Lutz, Florida beat Jorge Rodrigo Sosa (3-5, 3 KOs) of Asuncion, Paraguay via knockout at 2:38 of the second round of a welterweight fight.

·      Julio Solis (8-0, 5 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico scored an eight-round unanimous decision win against tough and stubborn Emiliano Garcia (17-7-1, 14 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a super featherweight clash. Solis won with three scorecards of 80-72.

·      Dominic Valle (4-0, 4 KOs) of Lutz, Florida won via knockout at 2:39 of the fifth round against a very aggressive warrior in Manuel Guzman (8-6-1, 5 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a super featherweight battle.

·      Brandon Glanton (16-0, 13 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia defeated Deshon Webster (12-6-3, 6 KOs) of Lenxa, Kansas via knockout in a cruiserweight bout. After scoring two knockdowns earlier in the fight, Glanton ended matters at 1:58 of the fifth with a fight-finishing flurry.

# # #

Francis vs. Beltran was a 10-round fight for the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Championship. The event took place on Saturday, July 9 at ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida and was streamed live globally on ProBox TV. 

About ProBox TV

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to the sport of professional boxing. Founded by former CEO of Iron Mike Productions Garry Jonas in partnership with the legendary Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Tarver, and Paulie Malignaggi, ProBox TV’s mission is to deliver real boxing fans an improved experience when watching and following the sport—all for the nominal monthly price of $1.99. Download the ProBox TV app or visit www.ProBoxTV.com to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit. 

Rey Vargas became a two-division world champion as he won a hotly contested 12-round split decision over Mark Magsayo in a battle of undefeated fighters at The Alamodome in San Antonio.

It was a very close fight with each guy having success at different part of the fights.

In round seven, Vargas was cut over the left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round nine, Magsayo was able to send Vargas to the canvas as he landed a hard counter right hand. Magsayo was not able to capitalize and he let Vargas off the hook.

Vargas landed 196 of 667 punches; Magsayo was 132 of 451.

Vargas, 125.5 lbs of Otumbia, MEX won by scores 115-112 twice with Magsayo winning a card 114-113. Vargas is now 36-0. Magsayo, 125.5 lbs of The Philippines is 24-1.

“I’m at a loss of words,” said an emotional Vargas post-fight. “I worked hard for this. I want to thank God, my family, my trainer Nacho Beristain. The first title I won, I enjoyed it greatly, but this one is special. This win is for me.”

“It’s his today, no matter what, I’ll come back stronger, I’m disappointed but I did my best,” said Magsayo.

“I just kept moving forward and shrugging him off no matter what was happening,” said Vargas. “All that mattered for me was coming out with the victory in the end.”

“It wasn’t a power punch that got me,” said Vargas. “It was more of something that happened because of how I was moving. We were able to recover and come back strong.”

“When I had him down, the punch was straight, he did his job in the ring, running,” said Magsayo. “I applied the pressure and did what we trained for in the gym, but he was taller and he’s the man today.”

“It was a good, enjoyable fight,” said Vargas. “We felt comfortable throughout. I was sound technically. We were just going round-by-round and we got the result we expected.”

“I will rest and watch the fight and I’m going to train to fight again and will correct my mistakes for the next time,” said Magsayo. “Thanks to all my fans in the Philippines. I did my best and will come back stronger.”

“Now I want the unification bout,” said Vargas. “I want to fight Leo Santa Cruz. We’ve already talked about it with my team and I’m ready.”

Figueroa Stops Castro in 6

Former super bantamweight champion, Brandon Figueroa moved up to featherweight and stopped Carlos Castro in a scheduled 12-round bout.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Castro with a hard flurry on the ropes. That flurry includes a hard left to the body and head. In round six, Figueroa turned Castro around and landed a huge barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Figueroa, 126 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 24-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Castro, 124.5 lbs of Fullerton, CA is 27-2.

“I know Carlos Casto is a crafty fighter,” said Figueroa. “I had to be patient. I knew how to put the pressure on him, after the barrage of punches, I got tired and had to step back. I knew he was hurt. and I had him, and I had to put more pressure on him. I caught him clean with a good looping left hand and I had him, I just put punches together and I dropped him.”

“Carlos Castro has a lot of heart, he’s a proven fighter in the ring and I knew it would be hard to get him out of there,” said Figueroa. “I hurt him, I was waiting for that shot to the body, once I caught him clean, I knew he was hurt. I put my punches together again.”

“I’m pretty proud of myself,” said Figueroa. “I know there’s a lot of work ahead of me, especially if I fight the winner of the main event. I have to study my fight and get back to the gym.”

Martin Stops Marinez in 10

Lightweight Frank Martin remained undefeated with a 10th round stoppage over Jackson Marinez.

In round nine, Martin dropped Marinez from a hard straight left. In round 10, Martin backed Marinez up and landed a booming right that made Marinez sit on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Martin, 137.5 lbs of Dallas, TX is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Marinez, 138 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 19-3.

“I was ready to go the distance whether I got the knockout or not,” said Martin, who’s stablemate and promoter, unified welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. watched his victory ringside and later told Jim Gray of SHOWTIME that he expects to face WBO titleholder Terence Crawford in a blockbuster welterweight undisputed championship fight later this year. “Me and Derrick James worked hard in the gym. It was just a matter of me being patient and not being anxious.”

“I felt great,” said Mariñez. “I was very comfortable inside the ring. It would absolutely have been a different result had I had more than eight days to prepare.”

“I’m just an accurate puncher,” said Martin. “We had to really stay on the outside of the hook, I was doubling the two and trying to come inside with the hook.”

“The knockdown in the ninth changed the tone of the fight,” said Mariñez. “Maybe I could have been more careful. These things happen in boxing, and you just gotta be ready to roll with the punches. He had power, and so did I.”

“I was on him once I had him hurt, I was hungry, he was in deep waters so I had to get him out of there,” said Martin. “I’m right there with those top guys at lightweight, sit me at the table with them, whenever, I’m ready. I’m going to sit down with my team and hopefully get something big. At the end of the day we’ve won them all.”

Ramon Cardenas won an 10-round unanimous decision over Mitchell Banquez in a bantamweight bout

Cardenas, 118 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now is 21-1. Borquez, 117.5 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 20-2.

Rashidi Ellis remained undefeated by stopping late-replacement Jose Murrafo in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight fight.

In round one, Murrafo walked into a right from Ellis that put Murrafo on the canvas. Ellis then landed a vicious combination that was punctuated by a left to the jaw that put Murrafo to deck. A follow-up left hook and right hand forced a referee stoppage.

Ellis, 153.5 lbs of Lynn, MA is 24-0 with 15 knockouts. Murrafo, 146.25 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 13-11-2.

Derek Chisora evened up his series with Kubrat Pulev by winning a split decision in a 12-round heavyweight bout at The O2 Arena in London.

In round five, Pulev was cut on his left eyelid. It was a sloppy yet entertaining affair that saw each guy land some big shots throughout the contest.

Chisora landed 171 of 526 punches; Pulev was 200 of 796.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 116-112 tally. A third card was 116-114 for Chisora.

Madrimov and Soro Fight to a Technical Draw

Israil Madrimov and Michel Soro fought to a technical draw when Soro suffered a bad cut in the third round of their 12-round junior middleweight rematch.

At the start of round three, The two clashed heads, and Soro began to bleed badly over his left eye. The fight was the sequel to a December rematch that saw Madrimov score a ninth round stoppage, but the stoppage may have come after the ninth round bell had sounded.

Ali Decisions Rojas

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with an eight-round decision over Agustina Rojas in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 122.14 kbs of Greewich, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 6-0. Rojas, 122.3 lbs of Villeurbanne, ARG is 6-2.

Agyarko Decisions Maciej

Caoimhin Agyarko won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lukasz Maciej in a super middleweight bout.

Agyarko, 153.12 lbs of Belfast, NI won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-93 and is now 12-0. Maciej, 154 lbs of Lublin. POL is 28-5-1.

Wardley Stops Healey in 2

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated by stopping Chris Healey in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Wardley opened up with a hard combination that put Healey down to the canvas. It was the same thing in round two as Warley landed a hard combination that punctuated by a right hand that put Healey down and the towel was thrown in at 40 seconds.

Wardley, 238 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is now 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Healey, 275 lbs of Stickport, ENG is 9-10.

Solomon Dacres won an eight-round decision over Kevin Nicolas Espindola in a heavyweight bout.

Dacres, 230.1 lbs of Birmingham, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 4-0. Espindola, 257 lbs of San Pedro, ARG is 7-5.

Yousuf Ibrahim won a decision over Francisco Rodriguez in a super bantamweight bout.

Ibrahim, 120.1 lbs of Northhampton, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Rodriguez, 121.1 lbs of Alfacar, SPA is 1-7.

Atlantic City, NJ (July 9, 2022)–Tonight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, featherweight Edward Vazquez will take on Jose Argel in the main event at The 2300 Arena.

Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas has a record of 11-1 with three knockouts. The 26 year-old featherweight is a six-year professional who won his first 11 fights.

Those 11 wins were highlighted with victories over Brandon Arvie (11-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0), Adan Ochoa (11-1) and Irvin Gonzalez (14-2). In his last bout, Vazquez was on the wrong end of a very controversial decision as Raymond Ford was awarded a split-decision on February 5th in Phoenix, Arizona.

Most ringside observers, including the DAZN announce crew and a worldwide audience that watched the fight thought that Vazquez deserved to be the winner.

Argel of Carolina, Puerto Rico by way of Santiago, Chile, has a record of 8-3 with two knockouts. The 27 year-old Argel was a former amateur standout in Chile, and won his first eight-bouts. He has taken on three consecutive undefeated opponents. His last fight he lost to decorated prospect Haven Brady Jr. on March 26th in Las Vegas.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Vazquez was 128.8 lbs. Argel was 127.2

The fight can be seen live on BXNGTV.com at 7 PM ET.

DKO Boxing Management is composed of Jim Kurtz and David Dubinsky.

Vazquez is promoted by KO Night Promotions.

EW YORK – July 8, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS^® and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will dramatically step up his level of competition when he faces heavy-handed Hasim Rahman Jr., son of the legendary former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City in a cruiserweight bout scheduled for eight rounds. Tickets will go on sale July 12 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at www.msg.com. 

Paul and Rahman Jr. will go face-to-face for the first time since the announcement of the fight at a press conference on Tuesday, July 12 at 1 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden to preview their highly anticipated showdown. Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano will be in attendance as well to address her upcoming Unified Featherweight World Title defense against power-punching Argentine Brenda “La Pumita” Carabajal co-headlining the event on August 6. The press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

Rounding out the SHOWTIME PPV undercard are separate bouts involving two of the sport’s most exciting and rapidly rising prospects. Unbeaten knockout artist Brandun Lee (25-0, 22 KOs) and quick-fisted Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7 KOs) will look to take the next steps in their accelerated developments before Paul and Rahman Jr. settle their differences, and Serrano defends her Featherweight belts.

“Fury fumbled the bag for the second time in a row and went into hiding, so I’m going to step up, again, and take on a new opponent on short notice,” said Paul. “Nothing but respect for Hasim Rahman Jr., a professional heavyweight boxer with a 12-1 record who comes from a legendary boxing family. He’s bigger, he’s stronger and he’s more experienced. But guess what? I’m crazier. I’m raising the stakes and on August 6, I will get my respect under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.”

The 6-foot-3 Rahman Jr., who has fought as heavy as 278 pounds and has campaigned exclusively at heavyweight in his pro career, steps in for Tommy Fury, who withdrew from a bout with the famous influencer for the second time in eight months.

“Jake Paul and I sparred two years ago and let’s just say I took it easy on the kid,” said Rahman Jr. “August 6 is not a sparring session. I am going to separate him from God’s conscience. My name is Hasim Rahman Jr., and I am going to knock out Jake Paul. Period.”

Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) and Rahman Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) are familiar with one another from their days as sparring partners. Rahman Jr. helped Paul prepare for his pro debut against AnEsonGib, which Paul won in spectacular fashion via first-round knockout in January 2020. When Rahman Jr. sparred Paul again to help him get ready for his second fight against the NBA slam dunk champion Nate Robinson later that year, Rahman Jr. praised his opponent for improving both his technique and punching power. Paul detonated a right hand that knocked Robinson out in the second round of their bout.

Rahman Jr. is inarguably the most experienced boxer on Paul’s professional resume. Rahman Jr. studied his craft under the tutelage of famed trainers like Emanuel Steward and Calvin Ford, learning how to fight ambidextrously, something his famous father never did. After growing up in the sport, Rahman Jr. amassed around 100 amateur fights, winning the prestigious Junior National Golden Gloves and Junior National Police Athletic League championships. Rahman Jr. turned pro in 2017 and jumped out to a 12-0 record with six knockouts, showcasing deft footwork and heavy hands.

In his most recent bout in April, however, Rahman Jr. was stopped controversially in the fifth round by James McKenzie Morrison, son of former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison. When the referee waived off the fight with Rahman Jr. on his feet, Rahman Jr. complained bitterly in the ring that he should have been allowed to continue against Morrison, who improved to 20-0-2 with 18 KOs.

Now, Rahman Jr. steps into this high-profile SHOWTIME PPV main event bout at Madison Square Garden with hopes of notching a turnaround win in the same fashion as his famous father and namesake. After suffering knockout losses in 1998 and 1999, Rahman stormed to prominence in 2001 when he decked Lennox Lewis with an overhand right in the fifth round to win the Unified Heavyweight World Championship in South Africa. In 2005, Rahman became a two-time heavyweight champion when he won a vacant title against Monte Barrett.

Lee, 23, has won 15 of his last 16 fights by knockout and has shown both one-punch power and the ability to out-box his opponents. He most recently dominated tough veteran Zachary Ochoa in April and has quickly established himself as one of the most talented 140-pounders in the division. 

Sylve, 18, is the first prospect signed by MVP and already finds himself boxing on the biggest stage in the world at Madison Square Garden on SHOWTIME PPV. The undefeated teenage sensation has stopped all of his opponents inside of four rounds with his quick-trigger reflexes, high boxing IQ, and heavy hands. He recently knocked out Giovanni Gutierrez in the first round in May during his MVP debut at lightweight.

The Paul vs. Rahman and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.  

NEW YORK (July 8, 2022)–Three fighters under the Split-T Management banner will be in action on Saturday night.

In Plant City, Florida undefeated brothers, Marques and Dominic Valle will look to remain perfect.

Marques will take on late-replacement Jorge Rodrigo Sosa in a six-round welterweight fight.

Marques has a record of 4-0 with four knockouts. The 23 year-old has a first-round stoppage over Leinidas Fowlkes (2-0) on his resume. Marques, who has had all over his contests halted in the opening round, is coming off a first-round stoppage over Robby Anthony Rose on February 25th in Plant City, Florida.

Sosa of Asuncion, Paraguay, has a record of 3-4 three knockouts. The 34 year-old Sosa is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to VeShawn Champion on March 25th in Philadelphia.

Valle weighed in at 153.6 lbs. Sosa will weigh in tomorrow.

Dominic takes on Manuel Guzman in a six-round featherweight contest.

Dominic, 21 is 3-0 with three knockouts. He is coming off a third-round stoppage over Nelson Colon Torres on February 25th in Plant City, Florida.

Guzman of Managua, Nicaragua is 8-5-1 with five-knockouts. The 31-year-old has wins over Reynaldo Jimenez (5-0) and Juan Carlos Flores (7-1). Guzman is coming off a first-round stoppage over Sean Johnson April 16th in Des Moines, Iowa. That fight was Guzman’s American debut.

Dominic Valle weighed 128.6 lbs. Guzman was 129.8

The Valle’s of Lutz, Florida are promoted by ProBox Promotions. The fights will be streamed on ProBox TV.

In Philadelphia, lightweight Damon Allen Jr. will take on Oscar Barajas in a six-round bout at the 2300 Arena.

Allen of Philadelphia is 16-1-1 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old is a nine-year professional and has a win over former world champion Gamaliel Diaz as well as Jayro Duran (10-2). Allen is coming off a unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau on October 25, 2019 in Philadelphia.

Barajas of Mexico, has a record of 17-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 31 year-old Barajas is a nine-year professional and has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1), Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2) and his last bout when he defeated Jerome Conquest at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on February 26th.

Allen weighed 135.1 lbs. Barajas was 136.2.

The Allen – Barajas fight can be seen live on BXNGTV.com at 7 PM ET

PHILADELPHIA (JULY 8, 2022)–Weights for Saturday Night’s RDR Promotions card at The 2300 Arena

Edward Vazquez 128.8 – Jose Argel 127.2

Damon Allen 135.1 – Oscar Barajas 136.2

DeAndre Pettus 160.5 – Chukka Wills 163

Isaiah Johnson 141.6 – Rondale Hubbert 145.7

Boimah Karmo 152.7 – Daniel Jiles 151

Famous Wilson 162.7 – Vincent Randall 157.9

Najeem Johns 141 – Darryl Chamberlain 134.2

Promoter: RDR Promotions

Venue: 2300 Arena

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

(July 8, 2022) — Undefeated lightweight Keyshawn Davis has been forced to withdraw from his July 15 co-feature against Jair Valtierra due to an illness that interrupted his training camp. Davis (5-0, 4 KOs), a U.S. Olympic silver medalist, will return this fall.
 
The new eight-round co-feature will see Valtierra fight unbeaten Southern California native Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs), who was scheduled to fight on the undercard.
 
Arnold Barboza Jr.-Danielito Zorrilla, Muratalla-Valtierra and Richard Torrez Jr.-Roberto Zavala Jr. will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Ringside Ticket Inc., tickets starting at $29 are on sale now and can be purchased at Pechanga.com.

RISING FEATHERWEIGHT STAR Nick Ball will take on the Namibian Nathanael Kakololo in a change of opponent at the Copper Box Arena on July 16.

The ferocious Liverpool puncher will be making a first defence of his WBC Silver title he won by stopping Isaac Lowe at Wembley Stadium in April.

Ball was originally due to fight for the vacant British title against Nathaniel Collins, but the Scot was forced to withdraw due to injury and the battle for the Lonsdale belt will go ahead at a later date.

Kakololo, 33, holds a record of 14-3-1 with six stoppages and he last fought in May with a sixth round stoppage of Kasimu Hamad Haji. He won the African Union featherweight title in August 2019 and made a successful defence in the December before stepping up to fight for the WBO Intercontinental title in June of last year when he dropped a majority decision to the 27-0 Oleg Malinovskyi in Ukraine.

Kakololo comes into the Ball fight off a run of three straight victories, with two of the wins coming via stoppage.

The exciting card at the Copper Box is headlined by new middleweight contender Hamzah Sheeraz, who takes on Francisco Emmanuel Torres for the prestigious WBC Silver title.

There is a British title cracker between super middleweight bangers Lennox Clarke and Mark Heffron, with the Commonwealth title and IBF International belt also on the line.

Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann takes a big step up in opposition when he faces James Beech jr for the vacant WBC International Silver title, with fellow Queensberry iBox Gym member and new Frank Warren signing Pierce O’Leary makes his Queensberry bow at super lightweight.

The Southampton Snapper, Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner returns to the ring against Christian Lopez Torres over eight rounds ahead of entering into title contention next time out.

Also on the bill are elite level prospects Karol Itauma and Masood Abdulah, the light heavyweight and featherweight stars fighting over six and eight rounds respectively.

Featherweight Umar Khan, welterweight Khalid Ali, super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali and welterweight Sean Noakes complete the card.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to London. Big fight feels ahead of ‘Total Carnage’ this Saturday night at the incredible O2 Arena, live on DAZN around the world. This man Derek Chisora faces off against Kubrat Pulev in a huge Heavyweight matchup with an incredible undercard ready to go for your entertainment. We’re going to talk to everybody up here on the top table and the bottom table as well as we get ready for a big night at The O2.”

Derek Chisora:

“Let’s all be honest. I don’t know how many press conferences I’ve done in the past. It’s all the same talk to be honest with you. ‘Yes I have trained hard, I’ve hit the bag harder, I’ve sparred harder and I’ve done everything harder’. How many fights have I had? 45 fights. It’s the same chat. I just want to fight. We can all sit here and say, ‘I’ve trained hard and I’ve done this and done that’, it doesn’t really matter for me. All I want to do is just put my gumshield on, put my gloves on, walk out to the ring and fight. That’s all I want to do. I’m just excited for Saturday. My whole point right now is just bringing big fights, entertaining the fans and just doing what I like to do. I’m not tired, I’m just tired of your bullsh*t basically (to Pulev). I’ll be honest with you, if you’re a boxer and you don’t have the confidence then you’re in the wrong business. Mike Tyson always says everyone has a plan until they get hit. All the fighters here have a plan. Everybody wants to win their fight. It’s all about that last edge, who wants to go to the other end. That’s it. It’s all about when the bell goes and you know what time it is. My style is ‘f**ck it’, bite on the gumshield and let’s f****ing go for it. That’s what I’m bringing. I’m bringing that. This is what I love. You know what my plan is already. You know exactly what to expect. From the get-go we are going – there’s no two ways about it. I make myself go. Whatever he wants to do he can do. I think you (Pulev) beat me because we were in Germany, let’s be honest. Don’t worry about me. Just worry about yourself.”

Kubrat Pulev:

“I’m sure in myself. I believe in myself. I don’t talk so much. I talk real and I’m honest. I just talk the truth. My team and I have had amazing preparation for this fight. We had very hard training in Bulgaria. We are ready for the rematch with Derek Chisora. I took this rematch because everybody needs a second chance. That’s why man to man I’ve given him a second chance. For the people it’s going to be a really interesting fight because there’s a lot of history behind this fight. We have old history and now we will see who is better than before. It’s very interesting. He has his style; my style is a little bit different. We’re going to see on Saturday who has changed. This is very important. My style is very precise. I like to work like a doctor or a professor. Every punch precise. This is sport, Heavyweight boxing. It’s not just billiards or something like that. Nobody can say what is going to happen. That’s why boxing is so interesting. I’m sure I am very good and very strong, and I have a lot of power and energy. Every round is going to be difficult for Derek Chisora. I’ve come here for the win. Now is a different situation because I see him, and he’s made good changes. I think he is smarter than before. He’s more balanced than before. It means he’s maybe better and I must be careful about that. He’s a stronger opponent than before. For me it’s very important and I think for him it’s also very important. That’s why we give everything and that’s why I’m sure he will give everything. It’s going to be a great fight. One of us must win. I hope the judges and the referee are honest. He says this is war but for me this is not war – I don’t hate him.”

Ivaylo Gotzev:

“Let’s get down to business Eddie. We have a man on a mission here and I second your opinion. I’ve only known him for 21 years. Right now, I’ve seen this man come to his absolute peak. He’s coming in at 100% and I’ve never seen him stronger. I’ve never seen him better. Last time we visited London it was very unfortunate that we had to perform at about 40%, so imagine 60% more to that power. He’s in a shape that I’ve never see him in before. Even last night I watched him train for the last time and I’ve got to tell you, the walls were shaking. The bags were cracking. This guy is here on a mission. You and me have some unfinished business right – there’s some titles on the line. As far as I’m concerned, all roads lead to London. You guys have all of the belts, maybe Saudi Arabia for you. First things first though we’ve got to take care of a very tough man in Derek Chisora. Much respect to him. He’s going to be a terrific challenge. Now we’ll let the two warriors speak.”

Israil Madrimov:

“Hello everyone. This is my first time in London. I like it here. I am feeling great. I am feeling good and I am ready for Saturday. Last time in Tashkan Soro was definitely hurt. The referee didn’t hear the bell and I didn’t hear the bell, so we have what we have. I’ll try to win better this time without any questions. Regarding the Charlo possibility, my aim is the same, I’m focused to become a World Champion.”

Michel Soro:

“Good afternoon everyone and thank you very much to all of you. After the controversial ending of the last fight I’m really happy for this fight to be rescheduled. I’m happy for the opportunity to fight him again. It’s a good thing for me to go through and I’ll do my best on Saturday. If there wasn’t referee issues, I think it would have been a different verdict for the fight. The referee didn’t hear the bell going so he left the fight to go on and that’s why the fight ended in the way it ended.”

Felix Cash:

“He’s a decent fighter. He’s tough. He’s been in with some big opposition. He’s been beat and few times before and he’ll be beat on Saturday night. I’m not looking past Saturday night; I’ve got to do a job on Alexander. I’ll get him out of the way on Saturday night and look good doing it. We’ll then look to get a World Title shot or something big afterwards.”

Vaughn Alexander:

“I’m grateful and thankful to be here. Yeah, I’m ready. Felix Cash is a great fighter. At this point, at 160lbs – I don’t think there’s anybody… all of the losses that I’ve had were at 168lbs. I’m an animal at 160lbs. Felix Cash is a good fighter but he’s going to have to be hitting like Chisora to beat me. I’m just where I need to be at 160lbs. The only reason that I was trying to be at 168lbs is because a lot of people at 160lbs didn’t want to fight me. I had to take risks and fights at 168lbs. I’m staying right here at 160lbs and I know I’m a problem here. A lot of people know that I did eleven and a half years in prison. I turned pro when I was 18. I was doing my thing, but I couldn’t leave the streets alone. I did eleven and a half years, but I trained extra hard when I was in prison. I didn’t lose focus. When I got out, I got right back to it and you know, I’m grateful to be here right now. I got some good wins and most definitely I’m going to be victorious on Saturday.”

Fabio Wardley:

“Everyone is talking about me next up for the British Title but that’s not going to happen if I don’t get through Saturday night. That’s the 100% focus right now – Kingsley on Saturday night. He’s a good, tough, durable and awkward opponent. Uncomfortable to fight, not always pretty. There’s going to be a few tricky situations that I’m going to have to figure out. I’m more than happy to do so. Once that’s done and dusted then we can start getting serious about me looking for the British Title. You can do it in sparring, and you can do it in training, on the bags and you can put yourself through 10/12/15 rounds going hard, but nothing compares to doing it on the fight night with your opponent in front of you. You need to know what your body feels like in those moments. I want to answer those questions as quickly as possible against the more kind of medium level opponents. I need to get those things ticked off as early as possible. An early night’s work is always good but I’m trying to get a few rounds in this time.”

Caoimhin Agyarko:

“It’s a big moment for me on Saturday. I feel like I’ve got the right opponent in front of me to showcase my skills and showcase how good I am. I didn’t really think it would be as easy making the weight as it has been. I was 3lbs over this morning and 3lbs over after having lunch. I’m happy. I expect a tough fight on Saturday and look to make my mark in the 154lbs division. I’m thankful for the opportunities Eddie has given me. It’s going to be my second title fight in three fights. I’ll look to go and put a big performance in on Saturday night and then I’ll be knocking on Eddie’s door to make Belfast happen next year. I think a punch perfect performance, showing certain aspects of my style that I haven’t shown yet is the aim. I feel like this performance will come forward and allow me to box more and show the good footwork and fast hands. I’ll be able to show angles. I expect a tough ten rounds but I’m someone that finishes my dinner and if I have him hurt then I’ll close the show.”

Ramla Ali:

“I wanted to gain that experience in the US. I’ve always said that there’s some amazing talent out there. So testing myself against some of these talents in US was an amazing opportunity and allowed me to develop and progress not only my skills, but boxing in general. I’m really excited for what everyone is calling the homecoming, to box on Saturday in front of a huge London crowd. I sold quite a few tickets, so I’ve got a lot of support coming for me on Saturday and I know they’re going to fill the arena up with noise, and I’m really excited for that. Plenty of flags, plenty of drums, plenty of chanting. Expect all of that. I feel like that sort of atmosphere will not only hype me up, but it will also hype up my opponent. It will allow for a better fight.”

Augustina Rojas:

“Thank you very much. Hello everyone. I am ready to put in a very good performance this Saturday. I’m ready to show that Argentina is here and I am prepared for this fight.”

Solomon Dacres:

“I had a little shoulder injury – something that I was boxing through. Now I’ve got that fixed and I should be coming back a lot stronger. My last performance was good against Sokolowski, a lot of people have come unstuck against him. Now I just want to get active and get my name out there. I’ve gone a little bit under the radar. I’ve got the amateur pedigree – Team GB, one of the top amateurs. Now I’ve got to get active and put myself on the big stage. I don’t want to be held back or wait around. I know I’ve got the ability to do ten rounders in the next couple of fights and then go on to British Title fights maybe next year. I believe in myself and I want to build some big shows in Birmingham.”

Yousef Ibrahim:

“I just want to say thank you to Derek, Matchroom and DAZN for giving me this opportunity. There’s going to be fireworks on Saturday, I’m going to bring it.”

WBA Featherweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Mark Magsayo – 125 ½ lbs.

Rey Vargas – 125 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Jesse Reyes (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.)

WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Brandon Figueroa – 126 lbs.

Carlos Castro – 124 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Jesse Reyes (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Frank Martin – 137 ½ lbs.

Jackson Mariñez – 138 lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Wilfredo Esperon (Texas), Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas)

Note: Contracted weight is 138 pounds.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING PRELIMS

Stream Live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Rashidi Ellis – 153 ½ lbs.

Jose Marrufo – 146 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Ellis Johnson; Judges: Ursulo Perez (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.), Wilfredo Esperon (Texas)

Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Ramon Cardenas – 118 lbs.

Mitchell Banquez – 117 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Ursulo Perez (Texas), Jesse Reyes (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.)

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

Brian Campbell and his MORNING KOMBAT co-host Luke Thomas will call the action during the live stream bouts.  

#          #          #

ABOUT MAGSAYO VS. VARGAS

Magsayo vs. Vargas will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo take on former world champion Rey Vargas in a battle of unbeatens that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa taking on Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout in the co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained, unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles the Dominican Republic’s Jackson Mariñezin the 10-round telecast opener.

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

LONDON, JULY 8 – Joe McGrail will box for a second time in just 15 days after being confirmed to fight in Sunderland next weekend.

The Liverpool super bantamweight defeated Stefan Nicolae in Barnsley at the start of the month and is next in action on Sunday, July 17 at the Stadium of Light, on a Phil Jeffries promotion.

McGrail overcame illness in the build-up to his last contest to win comfortably on points and is raring to fight as often as possible to speed up his education in the pro ranks, after he left the amateurs in December.

“I want as many fights as possible by the end of the year, at least two but hopefully three, and I feel I am ready to move onto six rounders now,” said McGrail, who is 4-0.

“I feel as though I could’ve done six rounds in Barnsley, even though I had been ill, so I am ready for that step up.

“And so, I’m really happy to be getting the chance to box again, so soon after my last fight, on this show in Sunderland.”

MCGRAIL HANDLES ‘TRICKY CUSTOMER’

PATRICK WARD SLAMS ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ WBA ISSUE

To keep up to date with the latest news on Joe McGrail’s pro journey, 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 has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

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.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????

LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2022) – Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr.’s protégé, undefeated middleweight prospect Andrew “White Lightning” Murphy (5-0, 4 KOs), will be fighting at home for the first time as a professional on July 14th in the 8-round, co-feature event on the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS card, at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington.

Murphy, 22, faces the top test of his young pro career, Isiah Jones (9-6, 3 KOs), of Detroit, in the Irish American’s first scheduled 8-round bout, for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Americas Middleweight Championship.

Murphy-Jones will be one of four fights slated to be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Two years ago, Murphy packed his bags and moved 2600 miles across the country from Toppenish to Pensacola (FL), where Jones is based, and how they eventually connected can best be chalked up as destiny.

First, Murphy attended Jones’ last pro fight on February 8, 2018, in Pensacola, watching his idol in action, and after the show he waited around outside the venue to catch a glimpse of RJ. Instead, he got the thrill of his life when, after talking to a member of Team Jones, Murphy was brought inside to meet living legend Jones.

In 2019, RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS promoted a show in Murphy’s hometown of Toppenish at Yakima Legends Casino, where Murphy met Jones once again. He was formally introduced to Jones by Roy’s former teacher, Marlene Cousins, whose daughter Holly Collins was a member of the Toppenish City Council. At that time, Murphy was a successful amateur boxer (32-4, USA rated No. 4), who had spoken in front of the council regarding PAL funding.

“None of this makes sense…..it was destiny,” Murphy talked about having Jones as his head trainer. “When I was 16, my mother moved to Pensacola – I don’t know why – and two years later, she asked me to move there to train. I had a place to live. I like it here and because of all the military people it’s like a city of adopted people like me.”

Rather than stick around to try and make the US 2020 Olympic Boxing Team with no guarantees, advised by Jones, Murphy decided to turn pro, which he officially did on his 21st birthday (March 27, 2021) in Mexico. He has fought twice in Mexico, two times in Alabama, and once in Atlanta. Fighting at home, though, is a dream come true for the kid from Toppenish with a bonafide superstar in his corner.

“This fight is a big deal for me,” Murphy explained. “There’s not a lot of positivity in Toppenish. To be successful, so far, and to have an NBA title shot in my hometown means a lot. A lot of my friends will be there and hopefully some kids will be inspired. Even as an amateur there weren’t too many opportunities for me to fight at home in such a small town. I’ve been a road warrior so far as a pro, but when I learned about this opportunity for me to fight at home, I said, let’s go! And I’m fighting there on July 14th.”

The Irish, of course, are known for their fighting spirit. Murphy isn’t 100-percent sure of his Irish ancestry but with a name like Murphy, his fanbase should grow exponentially as fans all over the world discover this potential rising star.

Being guided by one of boxing’s all-time greats could be intimidating for many young boxers, but Murphy and Jones have developed a special relationship.

“My dad told Roy to take care of me like I was his son,” Murphy noted. “I look like him now as a father figure. We really have a close relationship. I like working on his farm with him and going fishing. I’ve learned how to use my brain, the art of war. He was so athletic, I think that (Jones’ ring IQ) was overlooked. More than anything that’s what he passes on to his fighter, and that’s where the magic will happen.”

Unbeaten Quinton Randall (9-0-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Houston, headlines against Ivan “Cobra” Pandzic 14-1-1 (8 KOs) in the 8-round main event. The reigning WBC USNBC champion, 31-year-old Randall was a celebrated amateur who captured a gold medal at the prestigious 2016 USA Nationals, silver at the 2017 USA Nationals and 2017 Pan American Games.

Washington State intra-state rivals William Hernandez (8-2, 5 KOs), of Burien, and Wapato super lightweight Magarito Hernandez (2-2-1) – no relations – square off an 8-round bout, and middleweights Joseph Aguilar (2-0-1, 1 KO) meets Alarenz Reynolds (1-1) in a 4-round match to open the UFC FIGHT PASS live stream.

Fighting on the non-UFC FIGHT PASS segment of the card are welterweight Chris Johnson (7-0, 1 KO) vs. Devonte McDonald (1-1), lightweight Bryan Sanchez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro debuting Dyllon Cervantes, and light heavyweight Nick Mills (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Kelton Hall (2-1, 1 KO).

Tickets are reasonably priced at $90.00, $65.00, and $45.00 and available for purchase on site at the Legends Gift Shop, or by going online to https://www.ticketmaster.com/legends-casino-event-center-tickets-toppenish/venue/123450.

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first fight at 6 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).?

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.legendscasino.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: : /RJJBoxing /LegendsCasinoHotel /UFCFightPass /Andrew”WhieLightning”Murphy

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial @YNLegendsCasino @UFCFightPass, @AndrewMurphy0

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing @UFCFightPass @RealAndrewMurphy

ABOUT ROY JONES JR (RJJ) BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.