(June 14, 2022) — Undefeated junior bantamweight star David “El General” Cuellar hopes to notch his seventh consecutive knockout in a 10-round main event Friday evening against former world title challenger Yader Cardoza at Auditorio Municipal in Torreón, Mexico.

In the world title co-feature, WBC female bantamweight champion Yuliahn Luna will make the second defense of her title in a rematch versus Jessica Gonzalez.

Cuellar-Cardoza and Luna-Gonzalez headline a loaded night of fights streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Cuellar (21-0, 14 KOs), a 20-year-old from Queretaro, Mexico, is one of his country’s dynamic young talents. He has not been taken the distance since September 2019, a run that has included stoppage victories over former world champion Moises Fuentes and longtime contender Ricardo Blandon. He knocked out Blandon in six rounds in February despite Blandon missing weight by more than five pounds. Cardoza (26-17-1, 8 KOs), from Nicaragua, challenged for the WBC light flyweight world title in 2013 and has fought many of this generation’s top lighter weight talents. After a two-bout losing skid, he’s 2-0 in 2022 with a pair of eight-round decisions.

Luna (23-3-1, 4 KOs) has won seven straight bouts and is looking to avenge one of the losses on her ledger. Gonzalez (8-5-2, 1 KO), from Mexico City, defeated Luna by 10-round decision in a 2014 non-title affair. Since the Luna victory, she has twice challenged for a world title, dropping a 2016 split decision to Liliana Palmera for the WBA 122-pound strap and a technical decision to longtime WBA 130-pound champion Hyun Mi Choi in 2017. Last September, she picked up the WBC Interim bantamweight title with a split decision over Tatyana Zrazhevskaya in Russia.

In other streaming action, unbeaten junior bantamweight Luis “Peluchin” Araujo (10-0-2, 7 KOs) will take on Hector Robles (11-5-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers. 
?? 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 

LONDON, JUNE 14 – Olympic gold medallist Hebert Conceição makes his long-awaited professional debut in Dubai this weekend.
The Brazilian middleweight is set to fight over six rounds at Caesers Palace on Saturday (June 18), against an opponent to be confirmed, as he starts his journey to become an “idol” of the sport in his country.

Conceição, who was referred to as Hebert Sousa in the Olympics, won gold by knocking out Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak in a dramatic final in Tokyo last August.

The 24-year-old now has his sights set on professional glory and bringing world title fights back to his homeland, where anticipation has been sky-high for confirmation of his paid debut.

“People have been stopping me in the street to asking me when my debut is going to happen – and now I can tell them!” said Conceição.

OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST SIGNS WITH PROBELLUM

HEAVYWEIGHT JALOLOV IN SHUDDERING KO WIN

“I have lost count of how many times I have watched that winning punch from the Olympics but now I am focused on adapting to becoming a professional fighter, so I have been doing a lot of training since Tokyo.

“I have missed fighting, but now I need two years to gain the right amount of experience and then, in the third year, I want to be fighting for the world title.

“I want to be the new idol in Brazil, and I want to make boxing even more popular than it already is in my country.

“It is not only a dream, but it is a goal for me to have a huge fight in my home city of Salvador and the state of Bahia is where most of the known Brazilian fighters come from.”

Conceição wants to live up to the expectations of fighters from his home state, including former two-weight world champion Acelino Freitas and Robson Conceição, the WBC’s No2 ranked super featherweight.

But the gold medal hero is also inspired by the country’s other combat sport stars, especially ex-UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

“I was hanging out with Anderson a few weeks ago in Dubai, and I spent some time training with him,” said Conceição.

“Anderson told me a lot about his life. We have a lot of things in common and I have been really inspired by his story.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Conceicao’s journey as a professional, 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).????

DANIEL DUBOIS IS back in the UK after his successful Stateside mission to take the WBA world championship belt from the champion Trevor Bryan and he now has a couple of big domestic targets firmly in his sights.

The 24-year-old, along with his promoter Frank Warren, called into the Talksport studios to reflect on his title-winning exploits before heading off for a celebratory meal where future plans were due to be mapped out.

Dubois conceded that he had installed himself as heavy favourite against Bryan before a blow was even landed and he views his triumph as a gateway towards some huge collisions, not least the winner of the forthcoming Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua rematch.

His newly-won WBA champion status will see to that he will be called upon to fight the unified champion when his mandatory turn comes around and Dubois insists he is more than ready to take the plunge into the elite heavyweight pool.

“I heard a lot of people say it and even though I thought it was a foregone conclusion I would win the fight, that fight was very big,” considered the winner of 11 championship belts as a professional. “It has set up a whole load of other matches down the line that are going to happen.

“This is what we are in this sport for, along with my dad and everyone who has been behind me from the beginning, this is what I’ve been pushing for. Now it is ahead of me, these big challenges are going to come,” he added, before being questioned on whether a fight with Usyk or Joshua appeals.

“Oh yeah, I am ready for the winner, line them up! I am waiting for this moment, I would prefer it to be Joshua, but whoever it is, it is the big league.

“I want to get a few more fights under my belt, with that belt, and defend it to really make my mark and leave a legacy as a champion.”

Frank Warren then threw the name of Dillian Whyte into the mix for a potential defence of his new belt and it was a suggestion that found favour with his young heavyweight star.

“That’s the fight. This is all business, there is no disrespect to anyone but I am coming to clean up and take out whoever is in my way.”

All the photos of Daniel Dubois’ trip to TalkSport and interviews by the Thames can be found here.
*Photos are free to use, but please credit Queensberry Promotions

“That’s the fight. This is all business, there is no disrespect to anyone but I am coming to clean up and take out whoever is in my way.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 13, 2022) – IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica has signed a co-promotional agreement with Golden Boy. The fearless fighter was last seen defending her world title for the fifth time on the undercard of Jaime Munguia vs. Jimmy Kelly on June 11. 

Ranked as the #3 best female 105-pounder by ESPN.com and The Ring Magazine, Yokasta Valle is a world champion in two weight classes. She captured the IBF Atomweight World Title in 2016 and has held the IBF Minimumweight World Championship since 2019. The Costa Rican fighter has been undefeated since 2018 and has made five successful world title defenses. Valle was named 2021’s “Female Fighter of the Year” by the International Boxing Federation. Now, the world champion is looking to unify the division against any world champion up for the challenge. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity to be part of the Golden Boy family,” said Yokasta Valle. “This is a dream come true and a historic achievement for my country, Costa Rica. I want to thank Golden Boy and Robert Diaz for this great opportunity. I also want to thank my team, Marvin Rodriguez, Mario Vega and everyone who has made this great accomplishment possible.”

“Yokasta Valle is a talented, fearless fighter that I am proud to welcome to the Golden Boy stable,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are excited about her future, and we are looking forward to helping her accomplish her goal of becoming a unified world champion.” 

“I’m delighted to be working with Golden Boy to take Yokasta Valle’s career to new levels,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “Yokasta is a talented fighter with an aggressive, entertaining style. I know she will continue to deliver action-packed fights on DAZN, a platform that has provided amazing opportunities for women’s boxing. I want to thank Roberto Diaz and everyone at Golden Boy for making this happen. This is the start of a great relationship with MarvNation Promotions.”

ABOUT GOLDEN BOY:

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming, holds the exclusive rights to top boxers, and has promoted some of the biggest and highest-grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter and on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. 

ONTARIO, CA (June 13, 2022) – Looking to take is career to the next level, bantamweight Eros Correa (11-1, 8 KOs), has his mind on upsetting world ranked contender Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (18-1, 11 KOs), when the two clash in the 10-round main event on Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on Friday, June 17th, 2022.

?

This event will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900.

Correa gives his thoughts on his recent training camp, his upcoming bout with Sanchez, training in Las Vegas and more.

On his recent training camp in Las Vegas:

“This is a big fight for me, so I spent time in Las Vegas where I got some great sparring with a bunch of fighters that emulate Sanchez’ style. The beginning of camp was spent in the Bay Area, my hometown, where I did all my strength and conditioning. Once I got to Vegas I was in great shape, so all my sparring was sharp. I did all my training in Las Vegas at the Salas Boxing Academy, where I took my game to the next level.”

On his matchup with Saul Sanchez:

“Sanchez is very skilled and has been on a nice run of late, but this will be my first fight at bantamweight, my natural weight class. For my entire career I was taking fights at weights I knew I shouldn’t be fighting at. In this fight, everyone will see me at my strongest, and I know I’m going to win this fight. I have complete confidence in my ability to come out on top.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A victory against Sanchez will put me in position to get my career back on track. I had some setbacks when I first turned professional, but now that can all be forgotten with a nice win. This will be the turning point in my career that will take me to the place I envisioned when first started boxing, which is to be a world champion.”

On headlining a main event for the first time:

“This will be my firs main event and I’m going to leave everything in the ring, because I know a fight like this doesn’t come around often. Thompson Boxing is giving me this golden opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it. I have plans to upset Sanchez in front of all his hometown fans and move to the next level of my career.”

NEW YORK (JUNE 13, 2022)–Undefeated Welterweight contender Giovani Santillan threw out the first pitch at his beloved San Diego Padres game before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park

The San Diego native, who is managed by Split-T Management and co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing, wore number-one, threw a perfect strike that reminded fans of 1976 Cy Young Award winner Randy Jones.

“It was a great experience. Being born and raised in San Diego it was an honor to do this. The Padres have a great team, and being down on the field, and looking up in the stands, gave me the feeling of wanting to fight in a big stadium one day,” said Santillan.

Santillan has a record of 29-0 with 16 knockouts. His next bout will be announced soon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cet3r_uhSTn/

QUINCY, Mass. (June 13, 2022) – The undefeated Sumpter brothers, super middleweight Steve (5-0, 5 KOs) and heavyweight Quintin (4-0, 4 KOs), are making up for lost time in professional boxing.

Fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), the two members of Granite Chin Promotions’ growing stable got a relatively late start in boxing, both turning pro June 26, 2021, in Derry, New Hampshire. They have fought together two times and will do so once again June 25^th on “Road 2 Stardom,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on the first day-night professional boxing doubleheader in Massachusetts history. It’ll mark the first time the Sumpters have fought together in the Bay State as professionals.

Boxing fans will be to watch both shows via live stream, from the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts, at BXNGTV.COM for only $24.99.

“When Gunther Fishgold (the Sumpter brother’s manager) called me last year saying he had these two brothers from Pittsfield that I should take a look at,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said, “I didn’t hesitate because Gunther has been around the sport a long time and he has an eye for talent. I was immediately impressed with both guys and was eager to have the, be part of Granite Chin. They have been a blast to promote. Neither wants to be spoon fed, they want to hunt. They want bigger and bigger fight each time out, which as a promoter, makes my job a lot more enjoyable. They are hungry, humble, and they just get it. To make meaningful money in boxing, fighters need to take on meaningful fight. The future is bright for these guys.”

Steve is headlining for the first time, in his initial scheduled 8-round bout, against Florida veteran Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-6-1, 6 KOs) on the matinee card. “I feel good about it and I’m ready to step up,” Steve said about headlining in his first scheduled 8-rounder. “We’ve talked about 10-rounders. We’ll see how this goes and from there see what happens.

“I’ve seen him fight and I’m not worried about anything. He may have more experience, but that’s not going to work. He’s just another obstacle for me to get past. I’m more patient since my pro debut. I was a little frantic, too eager, and now I’m more selective. There’s always room for improvement, though, offensively, defensively, all-around. I want to keep improving in every way.”

Before Steve steps into the ring for the main event, Quinton will already have fought in his first scheduled 6-round bout versus Tracey “The Titan” Johnson (4-10-6, 0 KOs), the brother of world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade.

The 33-year-old Quinton, who is 4 years older than Steve, is coming off an upset victory against highly touted Timothy Hatfield (3-0), the 2-time New England Golden Gloves runner-up from Rhode Island, via a 4-round majority decision.

“I felt disrespected,” Quinton explained. “I felt like they looked at film and felt he could beat me. They chose me out of everybody. We were both undefeated and I fought in him his backyard. I stepped up for the fight. I’m a smaller heavyweight, 225 to 230 pounds (Hatfield is 6’ 7”, 240 lbs.), but once he felt my power in the first round, he became timid, and when he threw his jab, I countered. I love being the underdog.”

Quinton enjoys fighting on the same card as his brother, too. They were teammates on sports teams growing up, which competitively drove them to succeed, more recently as pro boxers.

“It’s good,” Quinton spoke about being one-half of the Sumpter brothers act. “We’ve competed with each other all our lives. We’ve been on the same teams. We haven’t faced adversity, neither of us have lost. We’re embracing it. I’m more than happy with the way I’ve been moved. Pittsfield is going to be in the house June 25^th.”

Hometown favorite, Framingham welterweight Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO) faces Brazilian cruiserweight Igor Pessoa (0-2) in the matinee’s 4-round co-featured event.

Also fighting on the matinee undercards, each in 4-round matches, are Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (2-2, 1 KO) vs. 62-fight veteran Rynell Griffin, New York cruiserweights Andrew “Hard Body” Nolan (2-5, 2 KOs) vs. Scott “Bombz” Lampert (0-4), Methuen (MA) junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Robert Bricks (0-10), and Florida light heavyweight Carlos Arredondo vs. Michael Medeiros (0-1).

Undefeated Holyoke (MA) welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (8-0, 6 KOs), headlines for the first time in the 6-round main event on the evening card against Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-4, 1 KO).

Intra-state rivals Nathan Balakin (3-1, 1 KO), of Tyngsboro, and Attleboro’s Bryan Urday (2-1) throw-down in the 6-round co-featured event for the vacant Massachusetts Welterweight Championship.

Undefeated Floridian welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs), a promising prospect with a solid New England fan-base, faces Bryan Goldsby (5-16) in a 6-round bout.

Warwick (RI) junior middleweight Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-2) meets Woburn’s (MA) Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs) in a rematch. Raymond won a 4-round split decision last November, but this fight will be contested over a slated 6-rounds.

In another 6-rounder, undefeated Lowell (MA) welterweight Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (9-0, 3 KOs) outs his undefeated record on the line versus upset-minded Argentinian Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-10, 7 KOs).

Brockton’s (MA) pro-debuting welterweight, a 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, takes on Rakim Johnson (6-17-1, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

Providence junior middleweight Rob “The Golden Child” Nolette (1-1, 1 KO) opens the evening card in a 4-round fight against DeWayne Wisdom (7-61, 3 KOs).

Both cards are subject to change.

Separate admission tickets are available for purchase at tickerriver.com (Search: Road2Stardom): day – $45.00 (general admission), $60.00 (ringside) and $750.00 for a table of 10; night – $50.00 (general admission), $75.00 (ringside) and $1,000 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 1:00 pm ET and 7 p.m. ET, respectively, with first bouts at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) will face Hungarian Peter Kramer (12-5-3, 8 KOs) in Liverpool on Friday June 17 as Wasserman Boxing presents another huge night of action, live on Channel 5.

Kramer will enter the ring full of confidence off the back of a big win, and will be looking to seize the opportunity of taking a big name like Josh Kelly to push for another title challenge.

The momentum of his last fight will also be married alongside the additional experience of the 32-year-old Hungarian. Kramer has fought in Britain before, and can boast the greater ring experience with eight more fights and over 20 more rounds.

Kelly has previously expressed his readiness to shine having been out of action since February 2021, and Kramer could face the wrath of the rejuvenated “PBK”.

“I can’t wait to give Liverpool, the United Kingdom, and the world the chance to see Josh Kelly at his best again,” said Kelly.

“I’m ready to do whatever, and that starts with a dominant display live on Channel 5 in Liverpool. I can’t wait to give my fans, and all fans of the sport, a masterclass come fight night.”

Live on terrestrial television, Kelly will have the perfect opportunity to get back on track as he continues his pursuit on fulfilling his world title aspirations.

Kalle Sauerland, Head Of Global Boxing at Wasserman said: “Josh’s talent is assured in that ring, and the fighting city of Liverpool gets to host it. With over a million viewers on Channel 5 last time, the country will get the opportunity to witness a refreshed and ready “Pretty Boy” Josh Kelly.”  

Due to a shoulder injury suffered in training, Marcel Braithwaite has been forced to pull out of the British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator against Thomas Essomba.

Heavyweights collide as Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) takes on Tomas Salek (17-3, 13 KOs) as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena. ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) also features alongside the professional debut of Aaron Chalmers and former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson (2-0) as she continues her undefeated start as a professional under the tutelage of Ricky Hatton, fighting over 6 rounds in the Flyweight division against Fara El Bousairi (5-2, 1 KO). The undefeated Paddy Lacey (2-0) and John Edwardson (2-0) will both be looking for wins in front of their home crowd, with Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright (17-3, 7 KOs) and heavyweight’s Hosea Stewart (2-0) and giant ‘Magic’ Matty Harris (2-0, 1 KO) also promising to provide Liverpool with more highlight moments. Promoted by Wasserman Boxing, live on Channel 5, in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets are available via https://www.ticketquarter.co.uk/

Long Island, NY (June 12, 2022) — You never know what will happen in the fight game. After two featured bouts fell out only days before the weigh-in and the other at the weigh-in, Star Boxing resiliently fought on, showing the tenacity with which has made the company the longest running, and most consistent promotional company in New York. Star Boxing still brought the fans an entertaining and exciting 42nd edition of the critically claimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York on Saturday night (6/11). As they say, the show goes on, and Star did so admirably without its main event or co-feature, reshuffling the four bout card and providing fights that did not disappoint.

A bloody 8-round super middleweight prospect battle between Brazilian LUCAS MARTINS (now 14-1 11KO’s) and Irishmen TONY BROWNE (now 5-2) had the crowd on their feet and hands clapping. Martins stood tall to the tough test of Browne as both fighters jockeyed for the upper hand in a fight that saw many ebbs and flows. Martins was quicker to the draw, mostly beating Browne to the punch in a very entertaining fight. Both fighters smoothly changed from orthodox to southpaw throughout looking for new angles. The fight turned into a bloody brawl in the middle rounds as a clash of heads caused a cut under the left eye of Browne, and a later clash of heads caused a cut over the right eye of Martins. When the decision was announced, it was Martins stiff jab, effective punches and “be first” mentality that would earn him the unanimous decision (78-73 x2, 80-71).

In a show stealer ZAY FLAHERTY (now 4-0 2KO’s) went to war with QUADEER JENKINS (now 2-4 2KO’s) over 4 rounds in the middleweight division. The fans were on their feet throughout the fight as chants of “Zay” flooded The Paramount. In the third round Flaherty and Jenkins stood tall in the center of the ring freely swinging with bad intentions. Midway through the fourth round, Flaherty’s commitment to the body paid its dividends as he dropped Jenkins with a punch to the liver. Thirty seconds later, another old fashioned liver shot sent Jenkins to the canvas again, but this time he wouldn’t beat the count. Flaherty took home the TKO4 victory.

2x NY Ring Master Champion RONNY REYES (now 1-0) made his anticipated pro debut against fellow pro debut, HECTOR BECERRA (now 0-1). This 4 round lightweight bout had many standout moments as Reyes and Becerra mixed it up from the opening bell. Reyes’ speed would prove to be the difference in the fight, as he controlled the pace, hurting Bacerra in the third round. The fight went to the judges who awarded the unanimous decision shutout to Ronny Reyes (40-36 x3).

In 4 rounds of action, DEQUINT HILL (now 1-1) defeated LOU MAIETTA (now 1-2-1) by unanimous decision (39-37 x3). Hill’s jab would be the difference in the fight, throwing it with power. Out of a clinch, Hill landed a right hand that had Maietta on shaky legs, but to Maietta’s credit he would shake it off and fight on. With the victory Hill gets himself in the win column for the first time.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about Saturday nights fights, “Last night’s fights were a testament to the ‘Rockin’ Fights’ series, with each fight being basically 50-50 exciting, fan friendly battles. Lucas Martins rose to the occasion and looked impressive against an extremely capable Tony Browne, and Zay Flaherty could well be a future fan favorite as he has compelling body-snatching action style. All the fighters should be proud, as well as the entire Star Boxing staff, as everyone pulled together and put on an exciting night of boxing in spite of the bad break curve ball we were thrown when we lost the Cletus Seldin and Tyrone James opponents. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but one thing you can hang your hat on is that Rockin’ Fights deliver thrilling action.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® makes its highly anticipated return to Salt Lake City, Utah with a blockbuster welterweight championship bout that will see Kamaru Usman run it back with No. 2 ranked contender Leon Edwards.

UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 will take place Sat., August 20 at Vivint Arena and will be available live on ESPN+ PPV. Tickets are set to go on sale to the public on Friday, June 24 and will be available through ticketmaster.com.

No. 1 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Usman (20-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of Auchi, Nigeria) looks to continue his dominant run atop the welterweight division by netting his 20^th consecutive win. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 21, he holds spectacular victories over Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice) and Gilbert Burns. Usman now aims to secure his sixth straight title defense by stopping Edwards in emphatic fashion.

Edwards (19-3 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) has amassed an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak since his first encounter with Usman in late 2015. A well-rounded competitor with KO power, he has secured memorable victories against Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos and Vicente Luque to earn his first UFC title opportunity. Edwards now intends to shock the world by dethroning Usman to achieve his dream of capturing UFC gold.

UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 marks the first event in Salt Lake City since UFC FIGHT NIGHT: RODRÍGUEZ vs. CACERES on August 6, 2016. The event is the result of a partnership with Smith Entertainment Group (Vivint Arena) and Utah Sports Commission.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 credentials may sign up here.

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Vivint Arena

Vivint Arena is the home of the NBA Utah Jazz with a basketball seating capacity of 18,306 and serves as the region’s premier sports and entertainment venue in downtown Salt Lake City. It welcomes more than 100 events annually with nearly two million guests as the community gathering place. Vivint Arena has hosted the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, 2002 Olympic Winter Games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament and two NBA Finals. The arena has featured some of the biggest names in the music world with Garth Brooks, U2, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones among the largest concert draws in the arena’s history. In 2017, the arena underwent a $125 million renovation on all six levels to upgrade amenities, including food offerings, rebooted technology, fully-cushioned seats in the lower and upper bowls, new entry plaza, and a 12,000-square-foot atrium at the main doors. More information at www.vivintarena.com.

About Utah Sports Commission

The Utah Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah’s economy, image, and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, and development of national and international sports. Since the 2002 Olympics and Paralympics, the Utah Sports Commission has attracted nearly 900 major events to the state. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities, and other related services. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers. 

?? 

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 

About ESPN

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

London, England – 11th June 2022 – A superb second-round bodyshot sent Fabio Turchi to the canvas in tonight’s BOXXER main event, ensuring that the next stop for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe (15-0, 11 KOs) will be world title contention .

Aired live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the main event saw London man Riakporhe drop Italy’s Turchi after just five minutes of fighting, his opponent’s corner throwing in the towel in recognition that their man was finished.

It was the first time Turchi had ever been stopped, an achievement underlining Riakporhe’s quality. Now ranked #2 with the IBF as a result of this victory, Riakporhe could be the next challenger for world champion Mairis Briedis.

Tonight’s undercard bouts played out as follows:

Lauren Price def. Valgerdur Gudstensdottir PTS 60-54

Almost one year on from her stunning gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics, Lauren Price started her professional career in emphatic style, comfortably winning all six rounds of her debut bout and displaying impressive hand speed and stinging straight punches throughout.

Price grew and improved through the fight, getting comfortable in the scrappy, physical world of the professional side of the sport. She now looks to keep racking up professional fights and stepping up in quality of opposition all the way to World Championship level.

Zak Chelli def. Germaine Brown UD 98-92, 98-93, 97-94

This fight had fans on the edge of their seats from the second it was announced, and despite a tentative first round, and a general feeling out period in the early stages, the fight came alive and delivered on the hype from then.

Zak Chelli (12-1-1, 6 KOs) walked away a comfortable winner on the judges’ scorecards, having consistently landed the more damaging and effective shots in the middle and late rounds, allowing him to build his lead on the scorecards. Chelli had serious success with the overhand right hand throughout the fight, and profited from the majority of the pair’s exchanges.

Chelli is now the English Super Middleweight Champion and mandatory to challenge for the British Super Middleweight Championship. He’s now a big player in the stacked domestic 168lb division.

Viddal Riley def. Jone Volau KO RD 1 0:51

Viddal Riley (6-0, 3 KOs) showed why he is one of the most popular young fighters in boxing with a stunning one-punch left hook knockout against a tough opponent in Jone Volau. Viddal made a huge statement and now plans to fight twice more before the end of the year on his path up the rankings.

Chris Kongo def. Sebastian Formella UD 97-93, 98-92, 97-94

Chris Kongo (14-1, 7 KOs) had to dig deep and fight hard to take victory over a dangerous, tough Sebastian Formella, winning comfortably on all three judges’ scorecards with scores of 98-92,97-93, 97-94.

The early rounds were cagey, but a few perfectly timed 1-2 combinations in the 6th round gave Kongo control and he never gave it up, pushing on from there to develop his comfortable lead. Kongo came within a few clean shots of stopping the fight in the 10th and final round but Formella showed tremendous heart to stay on his feet and then fire back, defiantly reaching the final bell.

Ben Shalom called this fight “make or break” for Chris Kongo in the build-up, and Kongo lived up to the pressure and took victory, now positioning himself well in the division for big fights soon.

Jimmy Lee def. Ricky Starkey TKO RD 3 – 2:34

Jimmy Lee (2-0, 1 KO) made a huge statement of intent with his inch-perfect performance on the way to a 3rd-round-stoppage tonight. Commanding the ring from the start and consistently flicking out jabs from his low-lead hand and following up with powerful straight left hands.

Lee was barely touched by a game opponent in Ricky Starkey before switching stances multiple times and turning up the pressure in the 3rd round; leading to the TKO victory with under 30 seconds left in the round.

Jeamie TKV def. Jake Darnell – KO RD 1 2:47

Jeamie TKV (2-0, 1 KO) made a huge statement with a devastating knockout in the very first round of his bout with Jake Darnell.

Pushing Darnell from the very first bell, TKV was able to consistently land shots to both the body and head, wearing down a tough opponent that had only previously been stopped by Olympic medalist Frazer Clarke, before connecting with a destructive 1-2 that rendered his opponent unable to meet the count.

Jeamie TKV has shown he has dynamite power on the big stage and in only his second professional fight, and has put every British heavyweight on notice as a result.

Ebonie Jones def. Bec Connolly 60-54

Ebonie Jones (2-0-1) put on an explosive performance on the way to a shut-out victory over 6 rounds, landing clubbing shots from the first to the last round, while also managing the pace and controlling the distance in the quieter portions of the fight.

Jones looked seriously close to getting the stoppage at multiple points across the fight, but Connolly showed toughness and grit to make it the final bell. Ebonie Jones successfully bounced back from a draw in her last fight before tonight, showing why she deserves to be talked about as part of the new generation of British women’s boxing.

Shannon Ryan def. Gemma Ruegg – PTS 40-36

Shannon Ryan (2-0) put on a mature performance to cruise to a perfect points victory in her fast-paced fight with Gemma Ruegg, where Ryan walked away a 40-36 winner.

Watford’s Shannon Ryan varied her offense across the fight, firing to the head and body with both hands and countering Ruegg’s shots with perfect timing. Ryan is a seriously exciting upcoming force in women’s boxing and looks set for a star-studded career.

BOXXER: Riakporhe vs Turchi Results:

Richard Riakporhe def. Fabio Turcho RTD RD 2 1:53

Lauren Price def. Valgerdur Gudstensdottir PTS 60-54

Zak Chelli def. Germaine Brown UD 98-92, 98-93, 97-94

Viddal Riley def. Jone Volau KO RD 1 0:51

Chris Kongo def. Sebastian Formella UD 97-93, 98-92, 97-94

Jimmy Lee def. Ricky Starkey TKO RD 3 – 2:34

Jeamie TKV def. Jake Darnell – KO RD 1 2:47

Ebonie Jones def. Bec Connolly 60-54

Shannon Ryan def. Gemma Ruegg – PTS 40-36

Edgar Berlanga remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexis Angulo in a super middleweight bout at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

Berlanga, 167.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 20-0. Angulo, 160.6 lbs of Pitai, COL is 27-3.

Henry Lebron Decisions Luis Lebron

Henry Lebron won a eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Lebron in a junior lightweight fight.

In round seven, Luis Lebron began to bleed from his mouth.

Henry Lebron, 130 lbs of Aguadilla, PR won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 16-0. Luis Lebron, 129.8 lbs of San Juan, PR is 18-4-1.

Victor Santillan won a eight-round unanimous decision over Carlos Caraballo in a junior featherweight bout,

In round two, Santillan was cut on his right eyelid from a headbutt.

Santillan, 119.6 of La Romana, DR won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 12-0. Caraballo, 120.4 lbs of Guayanilla, PR is 15-2.

Dakota Linger shocked Josue Vargas with a second round stoppage in a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Linger landed a hard combination that had Vargas in serious . Linger knocked Vargas between the ropes for a knockdown. Linger was relentless until the bout was stopped at 2:06.

Linger, 142.6 lbs of Buckhamon, WV is 13-5-2 with nine knockouts. Vargas, 142.6 lbs Aguadila, PR is 20-3,

Armani Almestica remained undefeated by stopping Eliseo Villalobos in the final round of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round one Almestica dropped Villalobos with a straight left.

In round six, Almestica continued to land clean shots, and the fight was stopped at 1:47.

Almestica, 134.2 lbs of Orlando, FL is 6-0 with six knockouts. Villalobos, 134.4 lbs of Simi Valley, CA is 2-3.

Orlando Gonzalez stopped Pablo Cruz in round five of their six-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Gonzalez landed a flurry in the corner that forced referee Danny Schivone to stop the bout at 1:00.

Gonzalez, 128 lbs of Agudilla, PR is now 18-1 with 11 knockouts. Cruz, 127.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 22-5-1.

Omar Rosario remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Julio Rosa in a junior welterweight bout.

Rosario, 140.6 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 7-0. Rosa, 139.6 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 4-1.

Frevian Gonzalez won a four-round unanimous decision over Refugio Montellano in a lightweight bout.

Gonzalez, 134.6 lbs of Cidra, PR won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 5-1. Montellano, 134.8 lbs of Dallas, TX is 2-1.

Christina Cruz won remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Maryguenn Vellinga in a flyweight bout.

In round four, Vellinga was cut badly on here forehead from a headbutt.

Cruz, 111.8 lbs of New York won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 3-0. Vellinga, 110.6 lbs of Park City, UT is 3-3-2.

Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Kelly in round five of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout at The Toyota Arena in Anaheim, California.

In round five, Mungua dropped Kelly with a left hook. A second knockdown occurred when Munguai sent Kelly down with an uppercut. Munguia was able to finish off Kelly with a hard right that was followed by a left that sent Kelly down for a third and final time and the bout was stopped at 2:57.

Munguia, 165 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-0 with 32 knockouts. Kelly, 164 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-3.

Duarte Stops Bernaldez in

Oscar Duarte stopped Mark Bernaldez in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round eight, Duarte landed a hard right that buckled Bernaldez. Duarte followed up with a big flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Duarte, 136.4 lbs of Perral, MEX is 23-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Bernaldez, 135.6 lbs of Vatabeto, PHL is 23-6.

Valle Decisions Villalobos; Retains Minimumweight Title

Yokasta Valle retained the IBF Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorraine Villalobios.

Valle, 104.6 lbs of San Juan, Costa Rica won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 25-2. Villalobos, 104.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 5-4.

Carlos Ortiz scored a stunning fifth round stoppage over previously undefeated prospect Evan Sanchez in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

The fight was a war for most of time, and in round five, Ortiz hurt Sanchez with a chopping left. Ortiz landed six unanswered punches which included another flush chopping left that sent Sanchez down and out at 2:59.

Ortiz, 151 lbs of Torreon, MEX is now 13-5 with 13 knockouts. Sanchez, 152,4 lbs of Parlier, CA is 11-1.

Former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo stopped Vincent Rodriguez in round one of their eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ocampo dropped Rodriguez with a left hook to the body, and he could not beat the count at 2:06.

Ocampo, 156 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 34-1 with 22 knockouts. Rodriguez, 154.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 40-11-1.

Pin-Pon Reyes stopped Moises Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Argel dropped Flores with an overhand right. Reyes then landed several hard shots, and the fight was stopped at 55 seconds

Reyes, 139.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 8-0 with four knockouts. Flores, 147 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-7-1.

Japhethlee Llamido won a six-round unanimous decision over Saul Hernandez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Llamido was cut over his right eye due to an accidental headbutt.

In round six, Llamido dropped Hernandez with a right hand.

Llamdio, 128.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hernandez, 132 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 17-16-1.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Hassan Coleman in a junior middleweight contest.

The fighters came out throwing wild punches, and in an exchange, Estrada landed a body punch that sent Coleman down in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Estrada, 153.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 3-0 with with three knockouts. Coleman, 153 lbs of Los Angeles was making his pro debut.

London, England – (11th June 2022) – BOXXER, the next generation boxing promotion and exclusive provider of boxing content to Sky Sports, today announced the signing of former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker  (30-2, 21 KO’s) to an exclusive long-term promotional agreement.

The former WBO heavyweight champion entered the professional ranks in 2012, having represented New Zealand at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and narrowly missed out on a place in the 2012 Olympic squad. 

His impressive mix of technical boxing skills and knockout power quickly carried him up the rankings and into world title contention, culminating in his winning the WBO World Heavyweight Championship in 2016 and holding it for two years.

Currently ranked #4 in the world by Ring Magazine, #2 by the WBO and #3 by the WBC, Parker’s presence in the upper echelon of the heavyweight ranks has never been in dispute.

Now just 30 years old, the New Zealand power-puncher can look forward to a renewed assault at world heavyweight championships under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banner.

“This is a massive signing for BOXXER. Joe Parker is one of the best heavyweights in world boxing and we are delighted to welcome him to the team. Every ranking body has him high in their list and now he’s entering his prime, we look forward to taking him back to world title opportunities and some huge events here in the UK,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder.

“In signing with Ben Shalom and BOXXER I’m excited for the next phase of my career, where I will become a two-time world champion on Sky Sports, the best TV platform in sports. I’ve had a great relationship with Sky Sports in the past, with many great fight nights against the leading British heavyweights – I’ll fight absolutely anyone put in front of me,” said Parker.

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, “I am absolutely thrilled that Joseph is joining the new era of Sky and BOXXER. This is a major announcement in the heavyweight division! 

“I have known Joe for years – he has always brought entertainment and will fight anyone. Moreover he is a charming gentleman and is revered over on our shores just like he is in New Zealand. We will get right behind Joe as he aims to become heavyweight champion all over again!”

News of Parker’s debut for BOXXER and Sky Sports will be announced in the near future.

By Norm frauenheim-

There are a couple of finishers, both forged by a relentless dynamic hard to counter, almost impossible to elude.

Then, there are a couple of craftsmen, both forged in the patient execution of fundamental skill that breaks down, busts up challengers, leaving them confused instead of confident.

They’re fun to watch. They’re also Generation Next, four fighters, 25 and younger, who figure to climb to the top of the boxing marquee, if not the pound-for-pound debate, within the next couple of years.

The finishers: 25-year-old super-middleweight David Benavidez and 24-year-old welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

The craftsmen: 24-year-old junior-lightweight Shakur Stevenson and 23-year-old lightweight Devin Haney.

The Future Four have all made powerful statements this spring on who they are and how they might impact the business.

Last Saturday, Haney (28-0, 15 KOs) unified the lightweight title with a jab, a traditional weapon and timely as ever. The defining punch summed up poise and patience that belie his years. George Kambosos Jr. never had a chance in losing a unanimous decision in Melbourne, Australia, his home country, mate.

On May 14, Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs/1 NC) continued to overwhelm anybody in his way. He scored his 19^th stoppage in his last 20 fights. He blew away a somebody, somebody named Custio Clayton, in a second-round knockout. There are a lot of somebodies on Ennis’ resume, which also includes a stoppage of Sergey Lipinets, a former world champion who had never been stopped. Still, Ennis’ skill and one-punch power are impossible to ignore, even if your name is Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr. According to reports, a deal for a long-awaited Crawford-Spence fight is close. If the fight in fact happens, it’s fair to say that Ennis will be at least mentioned as one who deserves a shot at the winner. That’s how fast he’s emerging.

A week later on May 21, Benavidez (26-0, 23 KOs) looked a like a force of nature in overwhelming David Lemieux in a three-round beat-down in front of roaring crowd in Glendale AZ, about seven miles from the Phoenix streets where Benavidez grew up. The victory was no surprise. Lemieux, brave and faded, was overmatched before opening bell. The stunner, however, was in the way Benavidez won. It was almost scary. It was violent. He was all momentum, a tsunami that looks as if it is just beginning.

In April, there was Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs), who throughout 12 rounds, left Oscar Valdez Jr. with no chance. For the last decade, Valdez was the one fighter who always found a way. Not this time. Like Benavidez, Stevenson figured to win. But nobody figured he would suffocate a fighter known for his resilience.

“Valdez is a hard out,’’ promoter Bob Arum said in a perfect summation.

Haney, Ennis, Benavidez, and Stevenson are following lightweight Tank Davis and bantamweight Japanese bantamweight Naoya Inoue into the elite. Both are older. Both, too, are entering their primes. Davis is 27, Inoue 29

Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) continues to flash his dramatic edge, finishing power, with a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero on May 28 in Brooklyn. It was a big crowd. A wild one, too, in a further testament to Davis’ growing box-office power.

Ryan Garcia, who spends more time on social media than he does in the ring, has been calling out Davis. Somebody needs to text Garcia (22-0, 18 KOs) an old line: Be careful what you wish for.

Then, there’s Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs). He might be the only fighter who creates a buzz at sunrise. Sunrise, at least, was when anybody in the United States saw him blow away accomplished Nonito Donaire in a second-round stoppage in Japan. It was more than just a rematch for the bantamweight title. It was re-affirmation of Inoue’s pound credentials. There’s a good argument that he should be No. 1, ahead of Crawford.

Inoue was mentioned as possible opponent for Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in mid 2015 when Gonzalez, a longtime flyweight champion, had moved up to junior-bantamweight. He also moved up to be the lightest pound-for-pound No. 1 ever. But it was a move up the scale, to junior-bantam, that got him knocked off the pound-for-pound perch. He lost successive fights to Thai Wisaksil Wangek in 2017.

Inoue, a champion at junior-flyweight, skipped a weight class (fly) and went straight to junior bantam and then bantam. He’s still unbeaten.

Davis and Inoue are the first to re-energize the pound-for-pound debate in a shakeup set in motion by Dmitry Bivol’s upset of Canelo Alvarez May 7.

The debate will continue. Maybe, Teofimo Lopez resurrects himself and his career in his first fight since his messy loss to Kambosos in November. Lopez has time on his side. He’s 24. He moves up, from lightweight to junior-welterweight, in a reported deal for an August 13 with Mexican Pedro Campa.

Maybe, there will be a Future Five.

For now, however, the future rests in the eight dangerous hands of four – Benavidez, Ennis, Haney and Stevenson.

WBC Interim World Light Middleweight Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora is currently making the rounds with fans, signing autographs and chumming around with all-time-great champions and other boxing dignitaries and at the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York.

Because the event was canceled each of the past two years, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the 24-year-old Fundora (19-0-1, 13 KOs), from Coachella, California, says he’s having the time of his life mixing with the esteemed panel of inductees from the three separate classes being honored (2020, 2021 And 2022).

The southpaw will also be available to meet with fans tonight at the ShoBox: The New Generation telecast (9 p.m. ET) emanating from the nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Trained by his father Freddy and with a sister, Gabriela, currently climbing the women’s professional boxing ratings as well, Fundora says he’s in his glory and hopes this is a preview to a dream he has for many years from now.

“I’m having a great time here with all the great warriors from boxing’s history and the thousands of fans who have been a pleasure to meet,” said Fundora. “And in addition to all the great male champions, I’m very honored to be here for the first-time honoring great female boxers as well. I hope one day my sister and I will join this list of greats and be inducted to this highly respected hall of fame.”

Quickly gaining a reputation as boxing’s pound-for-pound “King of Uppercuts,” 6? 5½ tall Fundora says if the Crawford vs. Spence superfight fails to materialize, incredibly, he’ll drop down to welterweight to face Spence or any other of the division’s champions. He is coming off an impressive nine-round demolition of also-top-rated Erickson Lubin last April.

“I can make 147, no problem,” said Fundora. “If Errol Spence is looking for a real fight with a towering chance to be dethroned, I’ll be there ready to go! Any welterweight world champion can get burned by the Towering Inferno. Just ask.”

#

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

2021 Olympic Gold Medal Bakhodir Jalolov scored an emphatic eighth round stoppage over Jack Mulowayi in the eighth and final round of theri heavyweight bout at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New Yiork.

In round four, Jalolov was deducted a point for holding.

In round right, Jalolov landed a little left to the body that he quickly followed up with a crunching left to the head dumped Mulowayi on the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Jalolov, 251 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 11-0 with 11 knockouts. Mulowai, 242 lbs of Congo is 11-3-1.

“I’m feeling really good about the performance,” said the 27-year-old Jalolov. “The opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter. He was a really tough, durable guy. I landed some big shots on him and he can take a punch.”

“I thought I was going to stop him at the end of the sixth round when I dropped him, but the referee let him continue and the round was over,” said Jalolov, who was deducted a point for holding in the fourth round. “I thought that was the time. But I had to wait until the final round. I’m happy that I got the stoppage. I feel like I hurt him three or four times.”

Arias Defeats Green By Split Decision

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, George Arias took an eight-round split decision over Alante Green .

Arias landed 81 of 383 punches; Green was 58 of 405.

Arias, 219 1/2 lbs of New York won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 77-75 for Green. Arias is now 18-0. Green, 219 1/2 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 10-1-1.

“I definitely learned more than anything from this fight so I give my performance a C-plus or a B-minus because this is the type of fight that makes me go back to the gym hungrier and knowing there’s a lot more to do,” said Arias, who now lives and trains out of the Bronx. “But we were blessed this time because should he have been a little bit stronger, things could have been more disastrous.”

“Everyone who I face always trains for me a thousand percent better,” continued Arias. “He was real complete. He didn’t really necessarily have any weakness that I could exploit. The reaction time he had was really good and he had good inner footwork where it took me a little too long to get into a zone because every strategy I used he seemed to have a good reaction.”

Thonson Stops Tomlin in Five

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Chann Thonson stopped Tyler Tomlin in round five of their eight-round bout.

In round one, Tomlin began to bleed over his left eye. Thonson won every round, and in round five, Tomlin’s eye became a bleeding mess and the fight was stopped at 1:01.

Thomson, 132 1/2 lbs of Montreal is 11-0 with eight stoppages. Tomlin, 134 lbs of Cheatem County, TN is 13-1.

“I knew if I stayed in the pocket with him that the shots I was going to give him would put him away,” said Canada’s Thonson, who is trained by former Olympic bronze medalist and light heavyweight contender Chris Johnson. “Surprisingly, he was a little tougher than I thought because when I hit him hard, he wasn’t taking a step back. So eventually I knew that would be his own demise and it was just a matter of time.”

“I feel fine, I feel like I was in the fight. I just got caught with two overhand rights and I’m pretty sure one of them either broke or fractured my nose,” said the 22-year-old Tomlin. “It was in the second or third round when I got caught. I felt and it threw off the game plan as far as what I was trying to do. I got a little more hesitant than I should have. I just can’t get hit by those overhand rights.  SHOWTIME, that’s what they do, they put good fighters against good fighters. I felt like I was going to come out on top but we have to go back and watch film and see what comes next.”

ATLANTA, GA (June 10, 2022)–Weights for Saturday night’s card at Center Stage Theater in Atlanta.

Alfredo Angulo 176.2 – Fidel Monterrosa Munoz 175

Quatavious Cash 164.4 – Chukka Willis 164.4

Casey Dixon 174.6 – Dennis Maldonado 172.8

Raphael Akpejiori 255 – Terrell Jamal Woods (Will weigh in on Saturday)

Peter Dobson 153 – Rodrigo Damian Coria 151

Avril Mathie 117.8 – Judit Hachbold 115

Steve Geffrard 185.4 – Alex Theran 186.4

Dante Williams 208.6 – KeShawn Jackson 248.4

Patrick Harris 140.2 – Michael Ogundo 139.4

De Von Williams 143.4 – Darnell Peoples 143.4

Yannick Azangue 157.8 – Elia Carranza 162.2

Promoters: Prestige Boxing Advisory Group in association with BFC The Last Round Promotions.

Venue: Center Stage Theater

1st Bell:8 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets are $100, $250 and $500 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.com

The show will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com

LONDON, JUNE 10 – Archie Sharp has promised to send a message to world champion Shakur Stevenson by knocking out his opponent in Leeds this month.
The WBO’s No1 super featherweight contender, ends an eight month wait by returning to action at Elland Road on Saturday, June 18.

Sharp, 27, has been banging the drum for a fight with American star Stevenson and says by the end of 2022, he wants to have secured a shot at the unified title holder.

Essex fighter Sharp was sent a message on social media by Stevenson, in the wake of Joe Cordina winning the IBF crown, and insists it’s the clearest indication yet that the US man is rattled.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring, see my name up in lights and I can’t wait for the 18th in Leeds,” said the unbeaten Sharp.

“I will not be letting this fight go the distance. I am determined to make a statement on my return and after that, I just want big fights.”

OHARA DAVIES CONFIRMED FOR LEEDS SHOW

BRITISH BOARD ORDER WILLIAMSON DEFENCE

On Stevenson, Sharp added: “Stevenson mentioned me first and, at first, I just ignored him.

“But I got a notification on Saturday night after the Cordina fight, so I had to respond. I am living in his head, rent-free, and he’s gone out of his way to message me.

“All I will do is keep poking, keep poking and keep poking and see what happens because, at some point, the WBO are going to make me the mandatory challenger for his belt, and he’ll have to fight me.

“I know the bigger the opposition and the bigger the threat, the better I will be.”

Sharp has been the No1 contender at 130lbs since November 2021 and says a WBO world title shot is his priority.

But the 21-0 man says he will be keeping a close eye on his former sparring partner Cordina, after the Welshman won the IBF title in spectacular fashion, earlier this month.

“Joe and I have shared rounds in sparring,” he said.

“He is a nice kid, as good as gold but now he has something that I want. We’re familiar with each other and a fight with Joe is something I am also looking at.

“But ideally, I will get my shot at the WBO title first.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Sharp’s pursuit of a world title shot, 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).????