Follow all of the action as Gervonta Davis defends his WBA Lightweight title against Rolando Romero. The action begins at 7 PM ET and will feature Erislandy Lara taking on Spike O’Sullivan for the WBA Middleweight title; as well as fights featuring Jesus Ramos taking Luke Santamaria and Eduardo Ramirez fighting Luis Melendez

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Round 1: Left from Davis

ROUND 2 Hard right from Romero…Another…Straight left from Davis..Left..

ROUND 3 Left from Romero..Hard left..Counter left from Davis..Straight left..

ROUND 4 Good right  to body by Romero..Straight right..1-2 from Davis…

ROUND 5  Left from Davis…stright left from Davus,,,Another..Right from Romero…Left to body from Davis,,

ROUND 6 Straight left from Davis…HUGE COUNTER LEFT AND DOWN GOES ROMERO..THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

ROUND 1 Left from Lara…

ROUND 2 Left from O’Sullivan…’

ROUND 3 Hard left to body by Lara…Good straight left…Right from O’Sullivan…Straight left from Lara

ROUND 4 Left to body from Lara…LEFT AND DOWN GOES O’SULLIVAN…

ROUND 5 Hard left from Lara…Right from O’Sullivan,,and another…Hook from Lara…Right from O’Sullivan

ROUND 6 Right from O’Sullivan…Body shot and hard left from Lara…Hook and uppercut from O’Sulliva..2 lefts from Lara

ROUND 7 Jab from Lara…2 body shots from O’Sullivan…Left from Lara..Hard left rocks O’Sullivan at the bell

ROUND 8  HARD LEFT ROCKS O’SULLIVAN…FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Ramos looks much bigger…Jab from Ramos…
Round 2: Left from Ramos…
Round 3: Left from Ramos backing Samtamaria up..Combination from Santamaria…Jab to the body..Hard left from Ramos…Trading body shots..Body shot from Ramos..Right hook…
Round 4 Uppercut from Ramos..Right Hook…Straight Left,,,
Round 5 Right from Santamaria..Right to body from Ramos…Left to body…Right to body
Round 6  Lefts from Ramos
Rounds 7 Jab and right hook
Round 8 Straight left…Right Hook from Ramos..Flicking Jab..Nice exchange
Round 9 Combination from Santamaria..Left to body from Ramos…Ramos working on the inside…Left to body
Round 10 Right hook from Ramos

98-92 and 97-93 twice for RAMOS

Round 1 Left from Ramirez…Right to body from Melendez…Uppercut and left
Round 2 Right from Melendez…
Round 3 Uppercut from Melendez…Left..Ramirez lands a left to the body..Left by Ramirez…Uppercut and combination from Melendez…Combination on ropes Ramirez..
Round 4 2 Uppercuts from Melendez..Body shot from Ramirez…Counter uppercut from Melendez…Right off the ropes..Straight left from Ramirez…
Round 5 Ramirez landing a combination on the ropes..Left…
Round 6 Right from Melendez..Left to the body..Ramirez lands a combination..
Round 7 Left from Ramirez..Straight left…another…Right from Melendez…Flicking Jab…Right hook from Ramirez…
Round 8 Jab from Melendez..Body shot from Ramirez..
Round 9 Right from Melendez..Left…Right from Ramirez at the bell
Round 10 Right and left from Melendez..Ramirez landing combination to the body…Jab from Melendez..Hook from Ramirez..Left rocks Ramirez

95-95; 96-94 and 98-92 RAMIREZ

Round 1: Jabs from Williams…Hard combination from Arias
Round 2  Big Right from Arias,,..Jab to Body from Arias..2 lefts to body
Round 3  Doctor Checking Williams before round..Hard right,,,
Round 4 Left hook by Arias..Right Hurts Williams…Right by Arias…Williams fires back…Arias working on the inside..Right over the top
Round 5 Left to body from Arias..Right to head…Left from Williams..Hard right and left hook from Arias..
Round 6  Good right from Williams..2 Rights from Arias..
Round 7 Combination from Arias…Right from Williams..
Round 9 Hard overhand right from Arias..
Round 10 Williams backpeddling…Arias lands a right..Right from Williams..Right from Arias..Head combination on the inside…Toe to toe action…

99-91 on all cards for Arias

BROOKLYN–It took one punch by Gervonta Davis to shut the mouth of Rolando Romero as Davis retained his WBA Lightweight title with a sixth round stoppage of Romero in front of a sold-out Barclays Center of 18,790.

The fight was a tactical first five-plus round with neither man averaging more than 20 punches per round.  

Finally in round six, Romero ran right into a perfect left to the face that had him sprawling into the ropes and down the canvas,  Romero got to his feet but was unsteady, and referee David Fields stopped the fight at 2:39.

Davis, 133.75 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 27-0 with 25 knockouts.  Romero, 134.25 lbs of Las Vegas is 14-1.

Gervonta Davis

“I want to thank God, first for this victory, second I want to thank Al Haymon, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, we did it again in New York City baby. Thank you New York City.  I won my first belt here and it was great to come back to New York City and do it again.

“I was thinking as this interview was coming up and as much as I wanted to be cocky, but I want to thank Rolly. I want to thank his team. We settled it like men inside the ring. I wish him the best in the future.

“I knew it was all about selling the fight. I’m glad we didn’t fight the first time because I was so emotional. But I’m just grateful to be in this position and to be able to come out with the win. He was strong for sure but it was a couple shots that I was getting warmed up and he caught me and I was like, ‘I can’t sit with him just yet.’ I know when to take it to my opponents and when to chill out. There was someone in the crowd and they were telling me to press forward and I was like, not yet. I got to loose him up a little more.

“The crazy thing is that I didn’t even throw it that hard. He just ran into it. He just ran into it. Something like when Pacquiao got caught. I didn’t even throw it that hard and he’s the one who ran into it, when he was talking that it was going to be me.

“I knew that I could get into his head, just from when we weighed in. I knew his goal was to move in front of me (on stage during the weigh in) so when he went in front of me he didn’t realize that the stand was coming to an end so I just tapped him and he fell.

“I’m here baby, whatever they want to do, I’m here. I want to send my condolences to Mr. Russell, he was someone who I came up with in the amateurs. I want to shout out the Russell brothers and send my condolences to them.”

Lara Stops O’Sullivan in eight; Retains Middleweight title

Erislandy Lara retained the WBA Middleweight title with an eighth round stoppage over Gary O’Sullivan.

In round four, Lara dropped O’Sullivan with a straight left.

In round eight, it was another straight left that rocked O’Sullivan and the fight was stopped.

Lara, 159.75 lbs of Guantanamo, CUB is 29-3-3 with 17 knockouts.  O’Sullivan, 159 lbs of Cork, IRE is 31-5.

Erislandy Lara

“This new style that I’m demonstrating is for all the boxers to show them how I can fight now, just being able to change up. He was a tough boxer, too.

“I’m a smart boxer, a slick boxer, that’s what I did tonight. I wait until he attacks and then I do what I have to do to win the fight.

“I saw the opening, he was leaving himself open and that’s when the left came in and knocked him down. I saw in the eighth round he didn’t have any more power and that’s when I stepped up and showed my power.

“I want to thank the fans that came to Brooklyn, Al Haymon and Luis De Cubas Jr. for setting up the big fights that I want to have for me. I’m still a force

Ramos Gets Family Revenge; Decisions Santanaria

Jesus Ramos avenged a loss that his uncle Abel had to Luke Santamaria, by winning a 10-round unanimous decision in a super welterweight bout.

Ramos landed 158 of 625 punches; Santamaria was 142 of 560.

Ramos, 153.5 lbs of Casa Grande, AZ won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 19-0.  Santamaria, 154 lbs of Garden Grove, CA is now 13-3-1.

Jesús Ramos

“Yes of course (it was important to avenge the loss of my uncle). It wasn’t the way we wanted to win, but I think it takes two to tango and tonight I was the one who wanted to fight. I’m not really satisfied. I could have done a lot better but like I said, it takes two to tango and tonight Santamaria didn’t want to fight

“I could have pressed a little more, gone to the body a little more, he was kind of slippery in there, and I didn’t want to risk anything because he would counter so I was trying to stay composed and stay at my distance.

“I’m going to go back and watch the fight and grow. I went 10 rounds again and it’s going to help me mature a lot more.

“I want whoever they want to put in front of me. We’re going to keep going forward and take whatever fight my team thinks is best for me.

“I could improve on cutting off the ring a little and going to the body a little bit more. He was headbutting me and fighting a little dirty in there, so I didn’t want to get too careless.”

Luke Santamaría

“I thought it was closer than that. I thought we got the win. Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way. I moved up in weight. I thought he was going to be stronger than that. I thought we did enough to win the fight.

“The plan was to counter and slip his shots. I thought it was good enough to get the win but what happened happened and we can’t complain.

“We’re going to stay at 147. When you lose you dig a deep hole but we’ve dug ourselves out of the hole before and we’ll do it again. He never hurt me, never felt his power. I was good. I thought he was going to be tough. I’m just as tough as they come.

“The plan was to box him and to get him tired and it was working. I thought it worked.”

Ramirez Decisions Melendez

Eduardo Ramirez won a 10-round majority decision over Luis Melendez in a junior lightweight fight.

Ramirez landed 171 of 555 punches; Melendez was 193 of 659.

Ramirez, 130 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 27-2-4.

Eduardo Ramírez

“The first few rounds were even, but after that he only had his jab. I was able to hurt him. He tried to win going backwards and that’s no way to win.

“I want to fight for the world title next. I’m ready for any of the top fighters. I don’t shy away from tough challenges.”

Luis Meléndez

“I felt I won the fight. It’s part of the game. You just have to go back and keep training and just come back better.

“The last scorecard when they said it, I felt I won, without a doubt. My people know I won, the crowd knows I won, it definitely hurts when you travel here and you expect to win and it’s my first pay-per-view. Everybody at home was watching me. It is what it is. I just have to go back to the drawing board and get better. I’m still young. I felt I landed the crisper punches and out-boxed him. He never hurt me. Never.

“It felt great to hear the crowd cheering for me. It’s more of a Gervonta crowd, but they showed me love. It just comes with the territory. The judges didn’t think it was for me this time. It is what it is.”

Luis Arias won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jimmy Williams in a super welterweight fight.

Arias, 155.25 lbs of Boca Raton, FL won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 20-3-1.  Williams, 154 lbs of Plainfield, NJ is 18-8-2.

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated by stopping Jose Belloso in round three of their four round welterweight bout.

The time was 2:13 for Hackett, 145 lbs of Washington, DC who is now 4-0 with three knockouts.  Belloso, 145.75 lbs of Carson, CA is 4-1.

Adrian Benton remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a super lightweight bout.

Benton, 129.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 59-55 twice and 58-56 and is now 7-0.  Meza, 130 lbs of Gomez Pueblo, MEX is 8-7.

Arnold Gonzalez won a six-round split decision over Tracey McGruder in a welterweight contest.

Gonzalez, 146.4 lbs of New York won on two cards 58-56, while McGruder took a card 59-57.

Gonzalez is 10-0.  McGruder, 148.4 lbs of Rochester, NY is 6-3.

Cattino Oliver won a four-round unanimous decision over Jahdon Lewis in a super bantamweight fight.

Oliver, 118.2 lbs of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 2-0.  Lewis, 118.2 lbs of North Augusta, SC is 2-2.

Julica Pavilus won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Mia Ellis in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Pavilus dropped Ellis with a left hook.

Pavilius, 133.2 lbs of Port-a-Prince, HAI won by scores of 59-54, 58-55 and 57-56 and is now 3-5-1.  Ellis, 134 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 4-1.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a hard-hitting heavyweight contenders’ bout between No. 7 ranked Alexander Volkov and No. 8 Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Exciting featherweight contenders collide in the co-main event when No. 10 ranked Dan Ige faces undefeated No. 13 Movsar Evloev.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VOLKOV vs. ROZENSTRUIK will take place Saturday, June 4 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream exclusively on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 1 p.m. ET/ 10 a.m. PT and the main card at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT.

Decorated veteran Volkov (34-10, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) is looking for another dominant performance. Throughout his 13-year MMA career, he has netted spectacular knockout wins against Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum and Stefan Struve. Volkov now intends to put the heavyweight division on notice by finishing Rozenstruik in impressive fashion.

Seasoned kickboxer Rozenstruik (12-3, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) has utilized his elite striking arsenal to remain a fixture in the heavyweight division’s Top 10. With knockouts in each of his UFC victories, he has delivered exciting wins over Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski. Rozenstruik now has his sights set on dispatching Volkov with a highlight-reel performance.

Gritty competitor Ige (15-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii) looks to become the first fighter to beat Evloev and defend his spot on the 145-pound ladder. Throughout his UFC stint, he has delivered memorable wins against Edson Barboza, Gavin Tucker and Mirsad Bektic. Ige now hopes to steal the show with another highlight-reel finish.

Talented grappler Evloev (15-0, fighting out of Sunzha, Republic of Ingushetia, Russia) aims to continue his unbeaten run by securing the biggest win of his career. Since joining the UFC roster in 2019, he has earned notable victories over Hakeem Dawodu, Nik Lentz and SeungWoo Choi. Evloev now looks to enter the featherweight division’s Top 10 with another emphatic victory.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• The Ultimate Fighter Season 27 winner Michael Trizano (10-2, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.) squares off with Lucas Almeida (13-1, fighting out of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at featherweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Karine Silva (14-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) debuts against Poliana Botelho (8-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a flyweight bout
• Alonzo Menifield (11-3, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces UFC newcomer Askar Mozharov (25-7, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Odessa, Ukraine) in a light heavyweight matchup
• Felice Herrig (14-9, fighting out of Crystal Lake, Ill.) rematches former women’s strawweight title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-7, fighting out of Lodz, Poland)
• Joe Solecki (11-3, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) takes on Alex da Silva (21-3, fighting out of Balneario Camboriu, SC, Brazil) in an intriguing lightweight tilt
• Ode’ Osbourne (10-4 1NC, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) locks horns with Zarrukh Adashev (4-3, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan) at flyweight
• Niklas Stolze (12-5, fighting out of Magdeburg, Germany) moves down to lightweight to face Benoit Saint Denis (8-1 1NC, fighting out of Paris, France)
• Johnny Munoz (11-1, fighting out of Norco, Calif.) battles Tony Gravely (22-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) at bantamweight
• Jeff Molina (10-2, fighting out of Olathe, Kan.) aims to keep his momentum going when he takes on Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-6, fighting out of Aktobe, Kazakhstan) in a flyweight bout
• Rinat Fakhretdinov (20-2, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) debuts against Andreas Michailidis (13-5, fighting out of Athens, Greece) at welterweight
• Erin Blanchfield (8-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, N.J.) and JJ Aldrich (11-4, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) meet in a clash of rising flyweight prospects

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

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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 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.

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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.

WBA Lightweight Championship – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 133 ¾ lbs.

Rolando Romero – 134 ¼ lbs.

Referee: David Fields; Judges: Ron McNair (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.), Robin Taylor (N.Y.)

WBA Middleweight Championship – 12 Rounds

Erislandy Lara – 159 ¾ lbs.

Gary O’Sullivan – 159 lbs.

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Allen Nace (N.Y.), Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.)

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jesús Ramos – 153 ½ lbs.

Luke Santamaría – 154 lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Mark Consentino (N.J.), Ken Ezzo (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Eduardo Ramírez – 130 lbs.

Luis Meléndez – 130 lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas; Judges: Bernard Bruni (Penn.), John McKaie (N.Y.), John Poturaj (N.J.)

Live Prelims on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel – Saturday, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Click HERE to Watch

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Luis Arias – 155 ¼ lbs.

Jimmy Williams – 154 lbs.

Referee: TBD; Judges: TBD

Welterweight Bout – 6 Rounds

Jalil Hackett – 145 lbs.

Jose Belloso – 145 ¾ lbs.

Referee: TBD; Judges: TBD

The most trusted and experienced team in combat sports will be on the pay-per-view call. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while renowned International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will handle blow-by-blow action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three additional Hall of Famers round out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy^® award-winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action with former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX analyst Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). Brian Campbell and Marquez, voices of the popular SHOBOX: The New Generation series, will be on the call for the live preliminary bouts streaming on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel alongside NBA champion Stephen Jackson of ALL THE SMOKE and former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams.

The executive producer of SHOWTIME PPV is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins Jr., the director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy.

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. ROMERO

Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Title against unbeaten No. 1 ranked contender and mandatory challenger Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28 live on SHOWTIME PPV from Barclays Center in Brooklyn headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two division world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending his WBA Middleweight Title against hard-hitting Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan in the co-main event. Plus, sensational young star Jesús “Mono” Ramos faces Luke Santamaría in a 10-round super welterweight showdown, while hard-hitting contender Eduardo Ramírez battles Puerto Rico’s Luis Meléndez in the 10-round super featherweight telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisRomero, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook      at          www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing     and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

CAGUAS, PR (May 27, 2022) — Puerto Rican super middleweight contender Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga is switching things up. Berlanga (19-0, 16 KOs) has moved training camp from the friendly New York City confines to his family’s homeland as he seeks recapture the knockout power that saw him score 16 straight first-round knockouts to begin his career.

Berlanga is readying to fight two-time world title challenger Alexis Angulo (27-2, 23 KOs) in a 10-round main event Saturday, June 11, at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Berlanga-Angulo will headline an all-Puerto Rican card — live in prime time on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ — the evening before New York City’s Puerto Rican Day Parade.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $66 are on sale now and are available at Ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

One of Puerto Rico’s great champions, International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductee Miguel Cotto, hosted Berlanga for a media workout Wednesday at Gimnasio Miguel A. Cotto Carrasquillo.
This is what Berlanga said ahead of his stiffest challenge to date.

Edgar Berlanga

“On June 11, I will give my Island a big win on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. I am are ready to win big for all my Boricuas. This is a dream come true for me. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get in the ring in Madison Square Garden, just like Tito and Cotto used to do. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, and it will not be easy, but I’m up for the task and I’m ready to do my own thing and put on a great show for all my people.”

“This fight will be big for my career. I’m ready to show up and show out as the new face of all Puerto Rican boxing. With this fight, I will set the tone and show everyone what I’m capable of. I have to win big and I will. Get ready for some fireworks.”

“I have been working very hard. I have been working on polishing all aspects of my game. You guys will see a real monster on June 11. A monster that has a lot of power, but also a monster that knows how to box and set things up. Don’t get me wrong, he is a tough fighter and he will come to fight, but I will break him down.”

“It feels great to train in Puerto Rico. We decided to do training camp on the Island because we knew that we had a big task ahead and we needed to be fully focused. As I said, I want to win big. This has been one of the best decisions I have made. It’s great to feel the support from the fans. That actually motivates me even more. I’m so ready! I can’t wait!”

Chloe Watson (2-0) says she is ready to shine as the Birkenhead-boxer prepares to face Fara El Bousairi (4-2, 1 KO) in front of her home fans as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Friday June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live on Channel 5.

The former Team GB boxer has spent her whole life preparing for a moment like this, fighting on a televised card in her home city, but a game El Bousairi is not travelling from Spain simply to make up the numbers.

“She’s got an impressive winning record, so she’ll be definitely coming to win,” said Watson. “I believe these are the fights where you’ll see me shine, and there’s no better way to do that than to have a good competitive fight in my hometown of Liverpool.”

This will be a rise in competition for Watson, as the Flyweight prepares for her third professional fight since debuting in November 2021. The talented fighter has enjoyed an active start to her promising career, and at 22 years old, she is still learning her trade and using all the sacrifice from her past to keep her eyes on her goals.

“I’m fighting for the 8-year-old me who first went into the boxing gym and fell in love. I’m fighting for the 10-year-old me who turned up to the gym day in, day out. I’m fighting for the 15-year-old me who pushed past the first hurdles to go on and achieve success after,” said Watson.

“Secondly I’m boxing for my family. My younger brothers, sisters and cousins – to show them that if you want to commit yourself 100% then anything is possible. That’s something that I strongly believe.”

Watson has previously highlighted such fighters as Natasha Jonas and Katie Taylor as huge inspirations to her career. She wants to follow in the footsteps of those who impacted her involvement in the sport by doing the same for the future crop of female boxers.

“To see the progress that women’s boxing has made; female and male boxers hardly get separated in gyms much,” she says.

“Seeing how much I have progressed over the past decade is obviously something I’d like to use to get others inspired and involved. There’s so many pathways and opportunities for female fighters to do the same thing I love, it’s just a bonus for me if it can encourage anyone.”

Being able to encourage others and make statements can be a little bit easier on terrestrial television, and she will be taking the most of the opportunity to get her name out on free-to-air television.

“To be on Channel 5 and have all them eyes on me gives you that extra push. It makes you want to be in great fights and stand out so you can move towards achieving your goals,” said Watson.

“I believe this opportunity is really going to take me to the next level, it’s something I’m grateful for and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling on 17 June.”

The eyes of her fellow Liverpudlians will be keen to witness a new rising star from one of England’s greatest fighting cities. On a long list of her motivations, being moulded by a community that wants to support each other and share successes is something that fills her with added hunger to perform come fight night.

“I’m from an area where everyone likes to help one another and see each other succeed, and I appreciate the people of this city,” she said.

“I feel amazing about fighting in Liverpool to be honest. It is the best city when it comes to boxing, everyone wants to box there, I’ve never heard of any fighter say they’re not excited when a fight gets announced in Liverpool because the backing is just unbelievable. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”

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. Featuring an electric British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator between Liverpool’s Marcel Braithwaite (12-3) and Thomas Essomba (11-7-1, 4 KOs), the professional debut of Aaron Chalmers, former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson (2-0) against Fara El Bousairi (5-2, 1 KO), plus the undefeated Paddy Lacey (2-0) , Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright (17-3, 7 KOs) and heavyweight giant ‘Magic’ Matty Harris (2-0, 1 KO). 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/

JASON CUNNINGHAM WILL take on the biggest challenge of his career when he goes up against South African superstar Zolani Tete at the OVO Arena, Wembley on July 2, with world heavyweight contender Joe Joyce also featuring on a bumper card filled with must win fights, it’s High Stakes, live on BT Sport.

Callum Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) faces Igor Mikhalkin (24-3, 11 KOs) for the WBO Global light heavyweight title in a fight between two punchers where neither man will want to give an inch.

Meanwhile, destructive lightweight Sam Noakes (9-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBC International Silver title against the Spaniard Marc Vidal (13-2-5, 5 KOs) as the Maidstone man aims to make it 10 stoppages in as many bouts.

Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) will fight in London for the first time in front of a crowd, making a defence of his IBO International middleweight championship.

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July go on sale next week, fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive an email ahead of the onsale.

Cunningham, 31-6 (7 KOs), demolished the previously unbeaten French challenger Terry Le Couviour in Telford in mid-April in what was the second defence of his EBU belt. The Renaissance Man of British boxing will bid to join the elite by taking on the formidable force of ‘Last Born’ Tete, 29-4 (22 KOs), who has been a regular and exciting feature on UK fight cards.

The two-weight world champion last held a world title at bantamweight with the WBO championship belt previously in his possession. Prior to this he held the IBF super flyweight title, won by defeating Paul Butler in Liverpool back in 2015.

A shock defeat to John Riel Casimero in Birmingham in late 2019 prompted a move to super bantamweight and Tete returned to the ring in typical fashion with a first-round stoppage in Johannesburg in December.

The Commonwealth and IBF International super-bantamweight championships will be on the line for a clash that has got the potential to be a FOTY candidate.

Joe Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs) will be getting back into the ring against an established heavyweight contender as he closes in on a September clash with Joseph Parker in what will be a battle between No.1 and No.2 with the WBO. Following a lay-off due to injury, the Juggernaut will return to the scene of his last fight, a sixth-round stoppage of Carlos Takam in July of last year.

A bout of Coronavirus denied Callum Johnson a world title shot against Joe Smith jr in January. After making his recovery, he will go up against former world title challenger Mikhalkin for WBO honours.

The Germany-based fighter was defeated by Sergey Kovalev in 2018 at Madison Square Garden, having previously won and defended the IBO World light heavyweight title, as well as the EBU European title.

Sam Noakes seeks a perfect 10 against Marc Vidal as he currently sits on 9 wins and 9 KOs. Vidal, 33, has previously fought former World champion Kiko Martinez on two occasions – a points defeat and technical draw – and is a former European champion and European Union champion at featherweight.

Nathan Heaney is taking his Stoke City show on the road after overcoming the adversity of a first round knockdown last time out against Diego Ramirez before winning comfortably on the cards.

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner (7-0, 1 KO) fighting over six rounds, and Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut at the OVO Arena. The Norfolk Nightmare will make his bow in a four-rounder having recently signed with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

“The stakes are high for all the Queensberry boxers in action on July 2^nd at Wembley Arena, Live on BT Sport. Jason Cunningham vs Zolani Tete is about as even as matchmaking can be in Boxing and the same can be said regarding Callum Johnson vs Igor Mikhalkin. I’m predicting fan friendly action across both fights in matchups that will get the winners in the mix with the top guys in their respective divisions.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Heavyweight Juggernaut Joe Joyce back in action too. Joes had a frustration time since his demolition job on Carlo Takam last year. He’s not been as active as we or he would have liked due to a wrist injury and the delay to his showdown with Joseph Parker. We found out last week that Parker’s training schedule scuppered our plans for them to meet on July 2^nd, but it was important to us and Joe that he still fight after such a lengthy layoff with injury.

“The carrot for Joyce is a win on July 2 will set up a massive showdown with Parker in September. He needs to keep his focus, though, and deliver on July 2 as the big opportunities are now there to be taken for the Olympic Silver medallist.

“I am thrilled to deliver Jason Cunningham a massive fight and a huge test against Zolani Tete. Zolani has been with Queensberry for a long time, and we know what a top-class operator he is. Jason had no hesitation in taking the fight because his confidence is high, and he is an unbeaten fighter at super bantamweight.

“This is a fight between two top drawer and experienced campaigners that will bring out the best in each other and provide a treat for the watching public. It is a fight I cannot wait to see.

“The light heavyweight scene is hot at the moment and Callum Johnson will be looking to remind people why he believes he is top dog in the division. It was such a shame that his chance to prove it against Joe Smith jr fell through due to a bout of Covid-19 in January, but his time will come again and winning the WBC Silver title against the tough Igor Mikhalkin would put him right back in the mix.

“I am looking forward to seeing two of our crowd-pleasers in Sam Noakes and Nathan Heaney perform at Wembley.

“As well as seeing the much-anticipated debut of the giant Tommy Fletcher, it promises to be a thrilling night of action not to be missed.”

Tickets for High Stakes at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July go on sale next week, fans are advised to sign-up for Ticket Alerts at frankwarren.com to receive an email ahead of the onsale.

11-rated heavyweight Otto Wallin of Sweden cruised to a clear and workmanlike unanimous 10-round decision over disappointed hometown hopeful Rydell Booker tonight in the main event of Salita Promotions’ Detroit Brawl event in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Booker (26-6-1, 13 KOs) started out having some limited success, but the superior conditioning and harder punches of the world-class Wallin (24-1, 14 KOs) eventually wore the Detroiter down to an ever-worsening degree as the rounds progressed. By the end of the final round, Wallin had things all his way, landing punishing shots to the head and body of his fatigued foe.

The scores were 99-91, 100-90 and 99-91.

“I want to say thanks to everyone who came out,” said a happy Wallin, post-fight. “It’s my first time in Michigan and I really enjoyed it. (Tyson) Fury forgot about me. He doesn’t want to fight, but I’m still going to be the next heavyweight champion from Sweden, no matter who I have to beat.”

IBF #4, WBA #13, WBO #11 and The Ring #7-rated contender Shohjahon Ergashev kept his world championship run alive and moved to 22-0, 19 KOs with a unanimous eight-round decision over Luis Alberto Veron (19-4-2, 9 KOs) of Argentina.

Despite having never been down before, Veron found himself on the canvas twice from the power punches of Ergashev, once in the second from a straight left and again in the fifth from a body shot. Veron was also cut over the right eye in round seven. Ergashev lost a point in round seven for pushing down on the head of Veron.

Although he saw his current knockout streak come to an end, Ergashev was never in any danger and cruised to a 79-70 unanimous victory from all three judges.

In with a “step-up” opponent, fast-rising super welterweight powerhouse Marlon “The Savage” Harrington (8-0, 7 KOs) of Detroit passed the test with flying colors by dismantling former contender Azael Cosio (21-10-2, 18 KOs) Santa Marta, Panama via a dominant fourth-round KO.

Showing good ring generalship, Harrington was in control throughout, landing several choice uppercuts and body shots before a hard right hand left Cosio in a heap in the neutral corner at the :38 second mark. No count was necessary, as Cosio was pouring blood from the right ear from the force of Harrington’s blows.

Former amateur star turned undefeated professional middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) put on a body-shot clinic while taking out Argentinean veteran Bruno Leonardo Romay (21-10, 18 KOs) of Buenos Aires at 2:12 second round.

Boxing smoothly, Hicks was considerably faster than his South American foe. He whipped uppercuts to the chin and body shots to the pit of the stomach around his southpaw opponent’s wide left hands. He dropped a gasping Romay twice before referee Gerard White reached the 10 count.

Undefeated super welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) of Dearborn ran through pro debuting Milton Banks of Conroe, Texas. The power punching Mashhadi landed a pair of body shots, each producing a knockdown. And although Banks rose bravely from both, referee Frank Garza called a merciful halt at just 1:26 of the first.

Other Results:
Da’Velle Smith (3-0, 3 KOs) KO 1 (time 1:50) over Brandon Baue of Troy, Missouri.
Ferris Dixon Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) KO 2 (time :38) over San Antonio’s Daniel Arriaga.
ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

Raymond Ford will face unbeaten local talent Richard Medina at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday June 25 live worldwide on DAZN – with fellow young guns Marc Castro, Nikita Ababiy and Khalil Coe in action on the undercard of the quadruple header of World title action, led by San Antonio’s own Jesse Rodriguez making the first defense of his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai.
Tickets starting at $35 (plus fees) are on sale now – click here for more details
Ford (11-0-1 6 KOs) steps through the ropes in his fourth title fight and puts the WBA Continental Americas Featherweight strap on the line that he won by split decision in his last outing, edging out another unbeaten man in Edward Vazquez in Phoenix.

‘Savage’ is ranked at #8 with the WBA and is closing in on the top five and can make an impact in the IBF rankings too, with the IBF North American belt on the line and Ford currently sitting at #13 with the organization.

Those belts and rankings will have Medina (13-0 7 KOs) licking his lips as he fights for a title for the first time in career and on home turf. The 21 year old landed his seventh win inside the distance in his last outing in March, forcing Armando Frausto to retire after seven rounds of their clash in San Antonio.

“This is the third time in my last five fights that I’ve gone and taken on an undefeated fighter in front of their fans,” said Ford. “I don’t see any of these other prospects stepping up to the plate.

“They keep putting these guys in front of them and I’m going to keep handling my business. I know I’m going right to the top in this game and if I have to do it the hard way by fighting these guys in their hometowns, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Medina. “I want to thank my promoter Rick Morones of TMB Promotions and my manager Greg Hannley, and Matchroom for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to fighting in my hometown and putting on a spectacular show for my fans and family.

“Getting to fight on the undercard of one of my closest friends, ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who I’ve known practically my whole life and grew up fighting with, is an honor. I’m ready to showcase my skills to the world.”

Ford and Medina will close the ‘Before The Bell’ broadcast on a huge night of action in Texas, and the New Jersey talent is joined by more rising American stars on a stacked bill.

Marc Castro (7-0 5 KOs) tastes action for the third time in 2022 and does so against unbeaten Puerto Rican Jean Guerra Vargas (6-0 1 KO) over eight rounds at Lightweight. Castro landed his seventh win in the paid ranks earlier in the month in his fourth fight on a Canelo Alvarez card, and the Fresno talent is grateful to be so active as he continues to hone his craft and test himself against the hungry Vargas.

“I’m grateful to stay healthy and stay active,” said Castro. “I’m continuing to work hard daily and ready to put on a show for my supporters.”

Nikita Ababiy (11-0 6 KOs) fights for the first time in 2022, and ‘White Chocolate’ believes he’ll dazzle as he takes on Noe Larrios Jr (14-1 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Middleweight.

“I’m super excited to get back in that ring and show everyone what I’ve been working on,” said Ababiy. “I’m just excited for everyone to see me show out. I know everybody missed the White Chocolate, time to make some noise again and give the people the excitement they’re missing!”

Big hitting Light-Heavyweight Khalil Coe (3-0-1 2 KOs) is back in action in his fourth paid outing, and takes on unbeaten Dominican Joaquin Berroa Lugo (3-0 2 KOs) over six rounds.

“June 25, Big Steppa, we are back at it,” said Coe. “I’m fighting an undefeated opponent and these are the challenges I want. I know what I’m capable of and the ability I have and I’m excited to showcase my skills. This is opportunity for me to show just how good I am and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

Rodriguez and Rungvisai headline a huge night of action with those young talents joined by three more World title tussles.

Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) pick up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, where both men hit the canvas in the opening round and Arroyo touched down again in the second, before the action in New Hampshire in November had to be halted after Arroyo suffered a nasty cut from an accidental headclash.

World title clash number three on the bumper card will see IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios. The pair were set to meet in New Hampshire in November, but COVID ruled Rios out and he was replaced by game late challenger Jose Velasquez. Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) retained his belts with a near-shutout on the cards, going the distance for just the third time in his 10^th pro bout, and second as a World champion. Rios (33-3 16 KOs), the mandatory challenger for the WBA crown, goes for glory for the second time in his 36-fight career after challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC strap at 122lbs in August 2016.

Undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs against Alma Ibarra (10-1, 4 KOs). McCaskill ripped the straps from long-standing ruler Cecilia Braekhus on the streets of Downtown Tulsa in August 2020 and saw off the Norwegian in a rematch for her first defense in March 2021. The Chicagoan recorded the fourth stoppage win of her career in the second defense of the belts in December, ending Kandi Wyatt’s challenge in the seventh, and will face the tough test in the form of Ibarra.

BROOKLYN – May 26, 2022 – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, boxing’s hottest young attraction, and unbeaten No.1 ranked contender and mandatory challenger Rolando Romero squared off at a tense final press conference Thursday before they meet in the SHOWTIME PPV main event this Saturday, May 28 headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The unbeaten rivals headline the PPV telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and restated their intention to close the show Saturday night in emphatic style. Davis will return to the sight of his star-making 2017 knockout over Jose Pedraza that saw him capture his first world title and offer the first glimpse at the box office sensation he would become.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Brooklyn Marriott:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I want to thank everybody for coming out. I appreciate everyone who came out today and everyone who made this fight happen. I’m ready and I’m happy to be at this point. The talking is over and the time for fighting is now.

“We’ve been working hard in camp and we know that ‘Rolly’ is going to come out in round one and try to knock me out like he said. I’ll be ready for that. I’ll see everyone Saturday. The time is here and I’m ready.

“I’m excited to be back in Brooklyn and back at Barclays Center. This is a great city that always shows me love. It’s always been like a second home to me. I’m grateful to be back.

“I won my first title here in Brooklyn and then won a second title at Barclays Center as well. I feel like this fight at this arena is great for boxing.

“I’m maturing and I’m still learning as I walk this path. I have the people that I started with around me and I’m grateful. Nothing else to say except Saturday night is ‘Rolly’s’ due date.

“This is going to be fireworks. It’s going to be crazy in there. I just hope he doesn’t use his elbows like he does a lot.

“I don’t think he’s awkward. I just think he’s a guy who just started fighting. He’s like someone who just came into the gym. He’s like someone who thinks he’s nice now even though he hasn’t gotten it down pat yet. Real fighters know awkward fighters, he’s just a dumb fighter.

“I just want to show people that there are different levels when it comes to boxing. There are people that play boxing and there are people who have been doing this since they were kids. It’s time to show that I’m one of the guys who’s not to be played with. It starts with him and it’s going to continue.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“This guy Davis talks about everything but the fight. He’s taking this fight personally. My job is just to beat him up. He’s very emotional. That’s why I’ve been calling him out.

“He has a big head for me to hit. I’m not going to say what punch I’m getting him with, but you’re all going to see on Saturday night. This is ending in one round.

“I’m ready to get violent in the ring. I’m smiling right now, but Saturday is going to be different. I feel extremely calm in the ring. I get into ‘Rolly’ mode.

“He never knows what to say or how to react to anything. He’s taking this fight too serious. When have you seen him this skinny before a fight? He’s scared of me.

“You guys are going to see ‘Tank’ get knocked out in one round Saturday night at Barclays Center. Nothing else needs to be said.

“I got to this point faster than anyone else and I’m here for a reason. I’m the new face of boxing and everyone is going to see on Saturday when I knock ‘Tank’ out.

“All ‘Tank’ does is the same basic pad work like everyone else. They all get knocked out when they run into a big puncher. Just like his guy Adrien Broner, this is going to be an Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana sequel.

“I’m going to go in there and hit him with one punch and we’re going to be done.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Saturday night can’t get here fast enough. I’ve been in and around this sport for well over 45 years and I can honestly say that this is one of the most anticipated fights that I’ve been involved with.

“Come Saturday night, somebody is going to lose and somebody is getting knocked out. I know both guys are in tremendous shape. They’ve had excellent camps. No matter what anyone says, both guys have gotten up for this fight.

“In my eyes, this is a very dangerous fight for both guys. Sometimes there is a person who is supposed to win, but it doesn’t come out like that. Sometimes that person gets it done.

“Over the last year we’ve all seen Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao, Mikey Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Anthony Joshua and Chris Colbert all came into their fights knowing they were going to win the fight, and somehow they came up short.

“When you look at ‘Tank’, he’s doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s one of the best fighters in the entire world. When you look at ‘Rolly’, a lot of people talk about what he can’t do, but from experience, that looks different when you’re up in it in the ring.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“This is the third fight on a very intense six-week stretch of high-level boxing on SHOWTIME. It is part of an incredible run of top tier fights on the network. Now, we have this grudge match between one of the sports brightest young stars in Gervonta Davis, and his most heated rival, the power punching K.O. artist Rolando Romero.

“No other network is televising more meaningful, high stakes and entertaining fights. These guys all watch each other’s fights and they’re competitive and no one wants to put up a boring fight. I’m very confident that this streak of stoppages will continue. Neither fighter wants this to go 12 rounds.

“SHOWTIME televised the first boxing event at Barclays Center, and since then we’ve done 20 more, making Saturday our 22nd fight at Barclays Center. ‘Tank’s’ first fight at Barclays Center was memorable in itself, and since then he’s sold out venues in L.A., Atlanta and Baltimore, and now back to Brooklyn, where he’s on track for another sellout

“This will be ‘Tank’s’ 12th time fighting on SHOWTIME and we’re thrilled to have watched him grow up and mature into one of the biggest stars in boxing. When ‘Tank’ fights, it’s an event, and this one may be the most exciting one yet.

“When you talk about the young stars of boxing, ‘Tank’ is in a class by himself. There isn’t another young fighter in the sport who generates the buzz and excitement that ‘Tank’ does. But none of that matters on Saturday night.

“Romero has proven himself on SHOWTIME before. You can call him awkward or unorthodox, you can say anything you want. One thing you can’t argue with is ‘Rolly’s’ power. That’s what has everybody so intrigued.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. ROMERO
Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Title against unbeaten No. 1 ranked contender and mandatory challenger Rolando Romero on Saturday, May 28 live on SHOWTIME PPV from Barclays Center in Brooklyn headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two division world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defending his WBA Middleweight Title against hard-hitting Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan in the co-main event. Plus, sensational young star Jesús “Mono” Ramos faces Luke Santamaría in a 10-round super welterweight showdown, while hard-hitting contender Eduardo Ramírez battles Puerto Rico’s Luis Meléndez in the 10-round super featherweight telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisRomero, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

TEMECULA, Calif. (May 26, 2022) — Southern California 140-pound standout Arnold Barboza Jr. wanted the main event spotlight. He’ll get his opportunity to shine when he takes on Puerto Rican contender Danielito “El Zorro” Zorrilla in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown Friday, July 15, at the Pechanga Summit at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. 
 
Tokyo 2020 U.S. Olympic silver medalists Keyshawn Davis and Richard Torrez Jr. will return on the card, with Davis battling Jair “Kaiser” Valtierra in the eight-round lightweight co-feature. Torrez will open the televised broadcast in a six-round heavyweight special attraction versus Roberto Zavala Jr.
 
Barboza-Zorrilla, Davis-Valtierra and Torrez-Zavala 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.
 
Barboza (26-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is a nine-year pro who is closing in on a world title shot following a series of headline-grabbing victories. In April 2019, he knocked out former world champion Mike Alvarado in three rounds, a resounding Los Angeles homecoming that solidified him as a top contender. Barboza has won five bouts since, securing one-sided verdicts over Ricky Sismundo, William Silva, Tony Luis, Alex Saucedo, and Antonio Moran. He comes back following an 11-month layoff, the second-longest of his career. Ranked No. 8 by the WBO and No. 11 by the WBC, Barboza hopes a dominating win over his unbeaten foe will earn him that long-awaited title opportunity.
 
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. This fight will put the other fighters at 140 pounds on notice. We’re going to take full advantage of it,” Barboza said. “Zorrilla is undefeated, ranked, and coming off a great win. We’re going to make a statement on July 15. I want a world title shot soon, and I’m going to keep pushing forward and fighting whoever they put in front of me.”
 
Zorrilla (16-0, 12 KOs) is a native of a Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, who had more than 100 victories before turning pro with a second-round knockout in November 2016. The 28-year-old, ranked No. 10 by the WBO at 140 pounds, has diced through his opposition in the paid ranks with 11 knockouts in three rounds or less. He went 2-0 in 2021, edging past Ruslan Madiyev in March and knocking out former interim world champion Pablo Cesar Cano in two rounds in September. A renaissance man who has an associate degree in banking and cuts hair out of his home-based barbershop, Zorrilla can cut past the line of contenders with a victory over Barboza.
 
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank,” Zorrilla said. “We have been waiting for an opportunity of this magnitude. Arnold Barboza Jr. is a quality opponent, and I’ve always wanted an at-bat against a top contender. I am working very hard, and I will be at 100 percent on July 15 to continue my journey to a junior welterweight world championship.”
 
Davis (5-0, 4 KOs), the fighting prodigy from Norfolk, Virginia, has been on a whirlwind ride to stardom over the past year-plus. In February 2021, he turned pro on a Canelo Alvarez undercard in Miami, fought on another Canelo card at AT&T Stadium in Texas, earned his Olympic silver medal, signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank, and made his Top Rank debut in December with a second-round knockout at Madison Square Garden. He fought April 30 on the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson card at MGM Grand Garden Arena, knocking out Mexican veteran Esteban Sanchez in six rounds. Valtierra (16-1, 8 KOs), from Leon, Mexico, is a four-year pro who previously held the WBC Latino lightweight title. Last August, he suffered an upset knockout loss to Alberto Ruiz Ibarra. Three months later, Valtierra got back on the winning track with a convincing 10-round decision over Argentina’s Javier Jose Clavero.
 
“Every time I fight, I try to give the fans something to remember, and I’m excited to make my Southern California debut. I will put on a show for everyone watching on ESPN, that much I can guarantee,” Davis said. “We know Valtierra is coming to fight, and I’ll be ready to match whatever he brings.”
 
Torrez (1-0, 1 KO), from Tulare, California, is a 22-year-old southpaw who became the first U.S. Olympic super heavyweight medalist since 1988. He made his pro debut on March 4 in Fresno, California, knocking out Allen Melson in the second round. Torrez sustained a cut along his right eyebrow in the first round, which delayed his second outing by a couple of months. Zavala (2-1-1, 2 KOs), from Del Rio, Texas, has never fought outside Texas. He has never been stopped in the paid ranks and is coming off a four-round draw against the 2-0 Rudy Silvas. The 34-year-old has never weighed under 255 pounds as a pro and should have a significant size advantage over Torrez, who tipped the scales at 228¼ pounds for his debut.
 
Torrez said, “Ever since that cut in my pro debut, I’ve been counting down the days until my next fight. I’m thankful to be fighting on ESPN and back in my home state. If you don’t know why you should watch me, you will soon.”
 
Undercard action, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, includes SoCal lightweight sensation Raymond “Danger” Muratalla in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named. Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs), a 25-year-old from Fontana, California, has knocked out nine consecutive opponents. He last fought April 30 on the Valdez-Stevenson card in Las Vegas, knocking out the usually durable Jeremy Hill in three rounds.
 
The undercard will also see heavyweight contender Stephan Shaw (16-0, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and Las Vegas-born junior featherweight prospect Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-rounder against Pedro Salome (3-0-1, 1 KO).

Elite British boxing talent descended on Camden Boxing Club in London today for a range of Open Workouts ahead of the upcoming BOXXER: Riakporhe vs Turchi event taking place at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday June 11, live on Sky Sports.

The assembled boxers – including world cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe and English Middleweight Champion Germaine Brown, who defends against Zak Chelli, worked out for the assembled media and gave their thoughts afterwards.

Richard Riakporhe

faces Fabio Turchi in IBF World Cruiserweight Championship Eliminator

“My camp to prepare for this fight has done me so much good. I think this is going to be the best performance of my career.”

“I’m going to win a contest of punching power, if that’s what it becomes. 

“I just want to improve in every single way. At the gym we made a pact that we aim to improve every single performance, and we wanna give the fans what they want, they want to see a fight, they want to see knockdowns and knockouts. That’s what we train to do in the gym and that’s why people like to watch Richard Riakporhe.”

Viddal Riley:

Cruiserweight Prospect

“In the next 12 months I’d like to pick up a title. I don’t know which title yet.”

“Whenever I boxed in my last fight, I had the most success. Whenever I chased the knockout it got further away. So I’m just going to enjoy this fight, my first fight in London, my homecoming. And normally when I enjoy myself, a knockout follows.” 

“The only pressure on me is the pressure I put on myself. I know my full potential, I didn’t show it in my last fight because of the two years I’d had out of the ring. But I’m back to it now, I’m ready.”

Zak Chelli

English Super-Middleweight Contender

“I’m a higher rank than him, I’ve fought better opponents than him, he’s fought nobody really.”

“I think I’ve got better power than him. People think I’m not a technical boxer, but the better the boxer the better I fight.”

“I don’t believe this goes 10 rounds. God willing I’ll knock him out.”

Germaine Brown

Defending English Super-Middleweight Champion

“It’s gonna come down to who wants it more. Me and the team have a game plan and we’re gonna stick to it. It might go the distance but he comes forward a lot, he might walk into something.”

Chris Kongo 

faces Sebastian Formella in a Welterweight Contest

“I’m going to showcase everything I’ve been doing in the gym. All the drills I’ve been doing have been in my mind constantly. Watching videos of my opponent, watching videos of myself sparring. I make sure I watch it before I go to bed and when I wake up. When I’m at the gym I’m thinking about it constantly so I’m ready to perform now.”

“I believe I can stop anyone. If I put my mind to it, I believe I can get him out of there. The main thing I’m worried about is showcasing my skills. It’s not a big deal if I get the rounds in, that’ll be better for me. 

“I’m just thinking about every single round what I’m going to do to him… I’m not thinking about anyone else other than Formella. That’s all I’ve been thinking about since the fight was announced.”

“I’m gonna make a big statement come June 11th. I speak it, I believe it, and I can’t wait to showcase it.”

Jeamie TKV: 

Heavyweight

“I don’t feel pressure. Everyone has their own path, their own career. We’re all gonna get there at some point. We’re all gonna meet each other at some point. But I don’t feel any pressure, I feel like everyone has their own journey and this is my journey, how I wanna take it and how I wanna go is the way I’m gonna do it, so no pressure at all.”

“I’m just trying to entertain, I say it all the time. Not to say my last performance was a bad one but I just wanna put on an even better performance.”

Ebonie Jones:

Super-Bantamweight

 “I don’t think the best of me has been seen at all yet. If I don’t perform well on June 11th then there’s nothing else I can do because I’ve trained so hard for this fight.” 

“I want to show I can box. I’ve got a lot of skill and I don’t think that’s been shown completely yet”

“Obviously the aim is to get a world title, so I’ll fight whoever’s in the way for that”

Shannon Ryan: 

Super-Flyweight

“Ever since I was five years old, I’ve known I was born to be on a stage and I believe I’m good enough to be here. I don’t have the boxing accolades or the amateur background but I’m someone showing you can do this no matter what background you’re from. 

“I’m just so focused and dedicated to get myself to the top of my division. So the nerves are there, I can’t deny that, but this is what I love to do. I want to inspire younger people that no matter what you do, not just in sport but in life, if you put your focus to it and your mind to it you can achieve what you want.”

HOUSTON – May 26, 2022 – Unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. previewed his upcoming showdown against Kalvin Henderson before they square off in the co-main event of action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by the highly-anticipated duel between WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton and former unified champion Danny Roman.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster. The Fulton vs. Roman fight is promoted in association with Thompson Boxing.

After a prolific amateur career in his native Cuba, Morrell moved stateside and adopted Minneapolis as his hometown in the U.S. and thrilled the crowd at The Armory with electric knockout performances last December and June. June 4 will be the second fight that the 24-year-old will be trained by renowned coach Ronnie Shields in Texas, as he looks to again steal the show in front of his fans.

Here is what Morrell (6-0, 5 KOs) had to say about training camp, June 4 and more:

On his recent training camp:

“This training camp has been special because I was in great shape coming in, and I got to work on a lot of new things with my coach Ronnie Shields. I got to spar with some new faces, and I’ll be very sharp going into this fight. My body feels good and I’m healthy. No body aches or injuries, so I’ll be ready to shine.”

On his matchup with Kalvin Henderson:

“Henderson is a very durable fighter who has never been stopped. I’m aiming to be the first person to knock him out. He’s had a lot of time to prepare for this fight, so I know he’ll be coming in great shape. He also has a lot of power, so I must be at my best defensively.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A victory will set up a major showdown with David Benavidez or any of the top contenders or champions. It’s no secret that I’m coming for Benavidez. I know a great performance on June 4 will lead to some big-time fights, against some big-time names.”

On fighting in his United States hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota:

“Minneapolis is my city here in the United States. I’ve made a name for myself in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. I’m ready to set the city on fire at The Armory once again. The fans are incredible, and I can’t wait to give them another great night of boxing.”

#

ABOUT FULTON VS. ROMAN
Fulton vs. Roman will see unified WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion Stephen Fulton Jr. battle former unified champion Danny Roman in a matchup between two of the sport’s most consistently crowd-pleasing fighters headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 4 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. taking on Kalvin Henderson in the co-main event.

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

Lincoln, RI – For the first time in nearly three years, CES Boxing returns to Ballys Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort on Friday, June 24 with an all-star lineup featuring International Women’s Boxing Hall of Famer Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt continuing her comeback.

Fresh off her first win since 2013, Clampitt (24-5-2), a Warwick, RI, resident, faces 20-Web versionyear-old Texas lightweight Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes in the eight-round main event, one of seven bouts scheduled for June 24. Tickets are available at CESFights.com.

“There are few fighters in the history of this sport who work as hard and are as dedicated to their craft than Jaime Clampitt,” said CES president and Clampitt’s lifetime promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr.

“Since she returned to the ring, she’s been on a mission to prove that despite already having a Hall of Fame resume and an outstanding career, she’s still the present and future of women’s boxing. Jaime’s in another tough fight June 24 and her long-awaited return to Ballys is the perfect exclamation point on what will be another exciting night of professional boxing.”

A four-time world champion and women’s boxing pioneer, Clampitt beat Kim Wabik at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in February, her first victory since she defeated Dominga Oliva at Ballys in 2013. CES last promoted an event at the venue in November of 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the promotion to shift gears.

The Saskatchewan-born Clampitt is again back on the comeback trial after coming out of retirement in June of 2021. The aforementioned win over Oliva was her last bout prior to headlining CES’ outdoor showcase last summer at Cranston Stadium in Rhode Island.

The 45-year-old mother, wife, and business owner faces her latest challenge June 24 against a young up-and-comer who wasn’t even born when Clampitt made her pro debut in January of 2000. Miranda (5-1-1), a native of Houston, was formerly trained by ex-U.S. Olympic coach Kay Koroma, who coached the 2016 medal-winning team that featured future stars Claressa Shields, Mikaela Mayer, Charles Conwell, and Shakur Stevenson.

Clampitt’s star power can only be matched by that of CES’ newest addition, unbeaten super middleweight and 6-foot-2 southpaw Francis Hogan of Weymouth, MA, who inked a multi-year promotional deal with CES and will make his Ballys debut in a six-round bout.

A highly-decorated amateur who competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2019 before turning pro, Hogan (10-0, 10 KOs) is a six-time national champion, a former gold medalist at the New England Golden Gloves, and a member of the Iron Workers Local 7 union. In his lone appearance with CES in 2020, the then 2-0 Hogan stopped veteran Charon Spain in the fourth round of their scheduled six-round bout.

June 24 also features the long-awaited return of hard-hitting Sicilian heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano, who last fought in Rhode Island in August of 2019 and recently challenged WBA Interim World Heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. Cusumano (19-4, 17 KOs) is 6-1 lifetime at Ballys and will star in the eight-round co-main event.

Fresh off a win in his CES debut in March, rising lightweight prospect Alejandro Paulino of New London, CT, returns to the promotion to make his Ballys debut in a six-round bout. Paulino (9-0, 8 KOs) faced a major step up in competition at the Crowne Plaza in March against durable veteran Andrew Rodgers and survived an early knockdown to win unanimously on the scorecards.

Paulino, who trains under the guidance of Roland Estrada at the Big Six Boxing Academy in Providence, will be joined June 24 by stablemates Sean Bey and James Maner, both of whom are making their CES debuts.

Bey (5-0, 5 KOs), a hard-hitting heavyweight from Soughton, MA, who now lives and trains in Providence, has won each of his first five fights as a pro by first-round knockout and is scheduled to appear in a four-round bout June 24. Maner (1-0, 1 KO), a 2019 New England Golden Gloves champion from Providence, has one pro fight under his belt, a fourth-round knockout victory over middleweight Anthony Everett in February. He will also appear in a four-round bout June 24.

Brockton, MA, lightweight “King” Kevin Walsh is also set to make his CES debut following a second-round knockout win over Braulio Avila in April, his fourth career knockout. Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) will appear in a six-rounder for the second time in his career; the first was in January when he out-worked previously-unbeaten New England rival Nathan Balakin to earn a unanimous decision.

Stay tuned for full fight card details or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort, located in Lincoln, RI, is the state’s largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction. Formerly known as Lincoln Park and then Twin River Casino Hotel, the renovated facility offers 162,000 square-feet of gaming space with over 5,000 gaming positions. The casino operates over 4,100 slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 125 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, sports betting, and more. This unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, incredible food and drinks at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, and authentic Italian cuisine at Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis. The hotel at Bally’s Lincoln features 136 rooms and suites. Amenities include an indoor pool with a stone fireplace feature wall, multiple meeting space, a fitness center and an outdoor courtyard off the pool and lobby that is also available for special events. Guests may access the hotel from the casino’s north entrance.

LIAM DAVIES IS on a personal mission to win the British title in honour of his late grandfather, who inspired him to take up the sport.

Local man Davies takes on the champion Marc Leach for the Lonsdale belt at super bantamweight on June 11 at the Telford International Arena.

Davies, 26, visited his grandfather’s resting place three weeks ago and vowed not to return without the spoils of British title success. The 11-0 former holder of the WBC International Silver title attributes his accomplishments in boxing to both his grandfather and dad Tristan, who currently trains him.

Liam Davies was talking to Dev Sahni. Click to watch full interview.

“I lost my grandad before and I fell out of love with the sport,” reflected Davies of his family’s loss in 2011.

“My dad was a boxer at the time and when he took over the coaching everything was new. We’ve landed on our feet now, we’ve come a long way together and now we are reaping the rewards.

“He deserves it, we put in a lot of hours in the gym with a lot of kids and I’m glad we can be on this journey together.

“The win is going to be big for the whole family because boxing is a big part of family life for us. I am flying the flag at the minute and I have got that bit between my teeth to make them all proud.

“With my dad we have come a long way and now we’re near the top of the mountain. We have just got these last few steps to get through and we’re there.

“My dad and my grandad are the main reasons and I have always been in boxing because of those two.

“My grandad played a big part in my boxing, he was there from the start and we had a great relationship too. It saddens me sometimes that he is not here to see all this. I hope, wherever he is, he is looking down and is proud.

“I want to take the British title to him. I took the English and the British is next. Let’s see who can stop me from doing that. I don’t think there are many.”

Tickets for the show at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 11 June are on sale, available from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

LIAM DAVIES WILL challenge new champion Marc Leach for the British super bantamweight title on a big night of title action at the Telford International Arena on Saturday June 11, live on BT Sport.

Bury’s 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (3-0) will have his fourth fight at super featherweight over four rounds, while Nottingham light heavyweight Ezra Taylor (2-0, 1 KO), Telford bantamweight Raheem Muhammed (1-0) and Dewsbury super welterweight Amaar Akbar (2-0) will also be in action.

Tickets for the show at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 11 June are on sale, available from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Liam Davies was talking to Dev Sahni. Click to watch full interview.

Otto Wallin 241.5 lbs. vs. Rydell Booker 262.5 lbs.
Shohjahon Ergashev 141.2 lbs. vs. Luis Alberto Veron 143.4 lbs.
Husam Al Mashhadi 152.4 lbs. vs. Milton Banks 151 lbs.
Marlon Harrington 153.4 lbs. vs. Azael Cosio 153 lbs.
Joseph Hicks Jr. 163.4 lbs. vs. Bruno Leonardo Romay 164.6 lbs.
Da’Velle Smith 162.2 Lbs. vs. Brandon Baue NA
Ferris Dixon Jr. 131.6 lbs. vs. Daniel Arriaga NA

Promoter: Salita Promotions
Venue: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, MI
Tickets: Start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling 313.529.7604.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm.