Chicago, IL (May 11, 2022)–On Saturday night, June 18th, Hitz Boxing will present a night of championship boxing at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.

The card will be headlined by two Illinois State Title matches.

In the eight-round lightweight title bout, the always exciting Daniel Buenaventura will take on Angel Barrera.

The fight is a rematch of the July 17, 2021 bout that saw Barrera squeak out a majority decision in a back and forth brawl that many Chicago boxing insiders called one of the best fights of the past 25 years,

Buenaventura of Chicago, has a record of 4-3, but that does not tell the story. The 20 year-old has been on the wrong end of debatable decisions, and is now riding a two-fight winning streak, with the latest being a third-round stoppage over Yamin Muhammad on April 1st.

Barrera of Chicago is 3-0 and is coming off a unanimous decision over Isaiah Varnell on November 24th in Rosemont.

In the eight-round super middleweight super middleweight State title bout, popular Jimmy Quiter takes on Simon Edward Buettner.

Quiter of Oak Park, Illinois is 4-1-1 with four knockouts. The 26 year-old Quiter won his first four bouts and will be looking to get back in the win column following his first loss that took place on April 21st to Mirady Zola.

Buettner of Carpentersville, Illinois is 8-1 with four knockouts. Buettner has wins over Sam Horowitz (2-0) and his last bout when he defeated James Ballard (10-2) on July 17, 2021 in Rosemont.

“I am very honored to be bringing back the state titles. It gives fighters, especially young fighters, opportunities to fight for a title that they can represent that state of Illinois. The belt will not only give fighters bragging rights, but it will plant the seeds for many matchups that the local fans will come out to see,” said Bobby Hitz, CEO of Hitz Boxing.

More Bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets Begin at $50 and can be purchased at the following:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hitz-boxing-presents-the-rosemont-rumble-2-state-titles-on-the-line-tickets-327403130577

New York, NY (May 13, 2022)-Four young prospects from the Split-T Management stable will be in action looking to stay undefeated this weekend.

Friday night in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, heavyweight Sonny Conto will headline a card at Parx Casino when he takes on Justin Rolfe in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Conto of Philadelphia has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 26 year-old. The popular Conto will be looking to once again thrill his hometown fans as he is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Mike Marshall on February 24th in Philadelphia.

Rolfe of Fairfield, Maine is 7-3-1 with five knockouts. The 30 year-old is a four-year-pro, and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Fabian Valdez on March 19th.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Conto weighed in at 228.1 lbs. Rolfe was 254.1.

Conto is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo by Mario Ortega Jr.

Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento, California, undefeated junior lightweight Kevin Montano takes on Corben Page in a four-round bout,

Montano, 24, of Concord, California is 2-0 with one knockout. Montano is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Delgado on October 8, 2021 in the same venue.

Montano started boxing at the age of eight under coach Gary Sullenger. Sullenger has remained with Montano through his amateur and now into his professional career.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals. He had had risen to the number-two ranked fighter in the country as an amateur.

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish is a graduate of Sacramento State, with a degree in Kinesiology.

Page of Redding, California is 6-20-1 with one knockout. The 33 year-old Has a win over previously undefeated Ricardo Garcia and is coming off a second round stoppage win over Guillermo Osorio Zarate on May 1, 2021 in Sonora, Mexico. Page has faced 12 undefeated opponents including former world champions Jose Pedraza and Oscar Valdez.

Both Montano and Page weighed in at 130 lbs.

Saturday night at The Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey undefeated welterweight Brian Ceballo will be in action when he takes on Gerald Sherrell in a bout scheduled eight-round bout.

Ceballo of New York is 12-0 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old has wins over Luis Alberto Lopez Longoria (1-0), Bakhtiya Eyubov (14-0-1), Ramal Amanov (16-0), and his last bout when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Larry Gomez (10-1) on December 3rd, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Sherrell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 10-2 with five knockouts. He has wins over undefeated Shakeem Hodge (5-0. He then joined the cast of The Contender and defeated undefeated Quatavious Cash (10-0). He also defeated Morgan Fitch (18-2-1). Sherrell is coming off a defeat to Clay Collard September 21, 2019 in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

On the same card in Newark, Khashad Elliott will make his second start as he takes on Tray Martin in a four-round welterweight bout.

Elliott, 21 of Plainfield, New Jersey is 1-0 with one knockout.

Elliott turned pro on October 9, 2020 with a First-round stoppage over Akeem Jackson in Las Vegas.

Elliott had an outstanding amateur career that saw him win 117 of 140 fights, and was a 10-time National champion in the 165-pound division.

Martin of Moberly, Missouri is 3-5 with two knockouts. The 22 year-old has won two consecutive fights and is coming off a four-round majority decision over Vincent Montgomery on April 16th in Arnold, Missouri

LOS ANGELES, MAY 13 – ‘Bad News’ Charles Conwell is picking Jermell Charlo to emerge as the undisputed super welterweight champion after his rematch with Brian Castano.

Conwell, one of the most talented contenders in the 154lbs division, believes Charlo will have too much variety for Argentina’s Castano in Carson on Saturday night.

The fight – which sees the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO belts on the line – is a rematch of their clash from July which ended in a split draw.

Former US Olympian Conwell, who returns to the ring on June 2, says as soon as the final bell sounded, he predicted the judges would be unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

But the unbeaten 24-year-old expects Charlo to be victorious this time, saying: “After the first fight, is it so difficult to choose a side but I feel like Charlo is more athletic, more able to come with a different style whereas Castano, I feel, has one style for size and his height.

CHARLES CONWELL SIGNS CO-PRO DEAL WITH PROBELLUM
MEET TROY WILLIAMSON – BRITAIN’S SUPER WELTWEIGHT STAR

“So, I feel like Charlo can be more unpredictable than Castano who is more predictable. You know how he’s coming out to fight.”

Conwell fights in Montreal next month against Abraham Juarez Ramirez on a co-promotion event between Probellum and GYM.

The American wants to use the fight as a springboard for an active second half of the year, which will end with him knocking on the door of a world title, potentially, with the winner of Saturday’s undisputed clash.

“The first fight was a really good fight and I thought it could have gone either way, either to Castano or Charlo, and so at the end of the 12 rounds I felt like it was going to be a draw.

“For the rematch, I want to say, Charlo. I’ve been going with Charlo, this whole time and I think Charlo will win, but I would not be surprised if Castano does it, given how close it was last time.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Conwell’s rise through the 154lbs rankings, as well as the other fighters in Probellum’s roster, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook?? 

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

                                                       MAIN EVENT – CRUISERWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS

Sergey Kovalev (196.5) vs. Tervel Pulev, (197.5)

Fort Lauderdale, FL Sofia, Bulgaria

34-4-1, 29 KOs 16-0-0, 13 KOs

                                                                  CO-MAIN – HEAVYWEIGHTS – 10 ROUNDS

Kubrat Pulev (248.5) vs. Jerry Forrest (233)

Sofia, Bulgaria Newport News, VA

22-2-0, 14 KOs 26-4-2, 20 KOs

                                                               CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Emiliano Vargas (133.5) vs. Mark Salgado (133.5)

Las Vegas, NV San Jose, CA

Pro Debut 1-1, 1 KO

                                                                          WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

Evan Holyfield (153) vs. Jurmain McDonald (153.5)

Atlanta, GA Jefferson City, MO

9-0-0, 6 KOs 6-5-0, 2 KOs

                                                                     SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS

Fernando Vargas Jr. (151.5) vs. Terrance Jarmon (148)

Las Vegas, NV Toledo, OH

5-0-0, 5 KOs 3-0-0, 1 KO

                                                                       JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS

Amado Vargas (130.5) vs. Anel Dudo (128.5)

Las Vegas, NV Aurora, CO

3-0-0, 2 KOs 1-3-0, 1 KO

Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Justin Rolfe in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout in front of a packed crowd at Parx casino in Bensalem, PA.

After two rounds of beating up Rolfe with hard power shots. Conto decked Rolfe with a big left hook in round three. Seconds later, it was another hard left jook from close quarters that sent Rolfe folding towards the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Eric Dali at 1:38.

Conto, 228.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Rolfe, 254.1 lbs of Portland, ME is 7-4-1.

Shinard Bunch viciously destroyed Marko Bailey in just 47 seconds of their six-round super lightweight bout.

Bunch jumped on Bailey and landed a devastating flurry of punches in the corner that had Bailey running to an adjacent corner only to be met by Bunch with more flush blows to the head and the fight was stopped by referee Shawn Clark.

Bunch, 144.2 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 19-1-1 with 17 knockouts. Bailey, 141.2 lbs of Durham, NC is 7-8.

Undefeated fighters Jordon Murphy and Antonio Dunton El scrapped their way to a hard fought spit draw in a super featherweight bout.

Murphy took a card 40-36; Dunton El won a scorecard 39-37 and a third tally was even at 38-38.

Murphy, 127 lbs of Bensalem, PA is 2-0-1. Dunton El, 128.9 lbs of Baltimore is 2-0-2.

Carlos Ramos stopped Jesus Arturo Guzman at the end of round three of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Ramos dropped Guzman with a perfectly timed counter left.

Ramos continued to land hard flush left hands until the referee pulled the plug on the bout at the end of round three.

Ramos, 129.5 lbs of Madrid, SPA is now 15-2 with 10 knockouts. Guzman, 128.6 lbs of San Yisidro, CA is 8-7.

Michael Crane won a four-round unanimous decision over Gerardo Martinez in a lightweight bout.

Crane, 140.4 lbs of Smyrna, DE won by scores of 39-37 on all cards and is now 4-5. Martinez, 149.4 lbs of Coatesville, PA is 5-3.

Christopher Burgos and Phillip Davis battled to a spirited four-round draw in a super lightweight contest.

Davis took a card by a 40-36 score. two cards read even at 38-38.

Burgos, 140.4 lbs of North Philadelphia is 3-5-2. Davis, 143.1 lbs of Worcester, MA is 2-5-2.

Quadeer Jenkins stopped Andre Himmon in the second round of their four-round middleweight bout

In round one, Jenkins dropped Himmon with an overhand right. In Round, Jenkins dropped Himmon with a left hook and the bout was stopped at 1:37.

Jenkins, 160.5 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 2-3 with two knockouts. Himmom, 161 lbs of Philadelphia was making his pro debut.

Undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC & WBO Super Welterweight Championship– 12 Rounds

Jermell Charlo – 152 ¾ lbs.

Brian Castaño – 153 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), David Sutherland (Okla.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 146 ¼ lbs.

Custio Clayton – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

Super Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Kevin Gonzalez – 121 lbs.

Emanuel Rivera – 121 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Carla Caiz (Calif.), Tiffany Clinton (Calif.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three more Hall of Famers are part of the most decorated telecast team in all of boxing: Emmy-Award winning event announcer Jim Gray as ringside reporter, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. and world-renowned Jimmy Lennon Jr., as the ring announcer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). 

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO II 

Charlo vs. Castaño II will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charloand WBO World Champion Brian Castañoin a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights as they again seek to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CharloCastano2, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

BLASTING OUT AN opponent in the first 10 seconds of a fight would normally be considered a great source of satisfaction for a fighter on the up. For Andrew Cain it resulted in a 12-round fight with the heavy bag.

The new WBC International Silver super bantamweight champion poleaxed the usually durable Pablo Ariel Gomez with pretty much his first shot of the fight in Telford last time out and subsequently carried the appearance of an agitated prizefighter who had too much left in the tank.

Gomez, it should be noted, was last stopped back in 2014 in two six-rounders early on in his career in his native Argentina, so being clubbed to the canvas was not a familiar experience for him.

This time it was all over in an official time of 19 seconds when you take into account the count and referee John Latham’s assessment of his ability to continue.

The Scouse firebrand Cain was in no mood to celebrate his early night.

“You know what, I went into the gym on the Monday and just had a fight on the bag, basically! I did 12 rounds, imagined it never happened, and just took it out on the bag.

“I took myself back to the occasion because it is easy to let it all pass you by when it happens like that and you don’t really learn nothing from it. So before the occasion passed me by I got in the gym and took myself back to the fight so I could learn a few things from it, rather than being a blow-out.

“To be honest, I knew it was a nice shot, but I thought the ref was going to let me go. I was just going to put him down again anyway so the ref probably did a good job.

“It would have been nice to get a few more in so no-one had anything to say, but the refs know what they are doing,” added the 26-year-old, who does acknowledge that the outcome was typical of him, given that he has bludgeoned eight of his nine opponents to date into an early submission.

“It is my life, as I say, and it is serious, isn’t it?”

Cain knows that his profile is increasing as people catch on to his explosive performances and powderkeg attitude to the fight game. There will never be a dull moment while he is going about his business and the public are starting to take notice.

“I don’t pay too much attention to all that but I suppose they must be,” he conceded. “You can’t really be denied if you do what I am doing, so it is gonna happen sooner or later.

“It definitely feels like it has picked up a bit, so I need to keep getting these fights and keep winning them. You can’t deny me then.”

Next up is Luis Moreno, 10-2 (6 KOs), in a defence of his title at York Hall on Friday May 20. Cain admits that carrying out due diligence on the threat in front of him is not really his thing.

“I have a look a couple of days out or when I get to the hotel because, you know what it is like sometimes, they fall off and they fall on all the time. I just leave it and when I get to the hotel I only end up watching 30 seconds anyway.

“It is just so you’ve got a picture of their face in your mind because you never know what they are going to do. They could fly at you, they could run, so you have got to be prepared for everything.”

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, 20 May are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or alternatively call: 01992 505 550 (office hours only).

Brad Foster v Ionut Baluta for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title takes place at York Hall on Friday May 20.

Also in championship action on the night will be Liverpool super bantamweight Andrew Cain, making a first defence of his WBC International Silver title against durable Mexican Luis Moreno.

Sean Noakes will make his professional debut at the famous East London venue with the Maidstone man – older brother of lightweight Sam – fighting at welterweight over four rounds.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, 20 May are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or alternatively call: 01992 505 550 (office hours only).

Nathan Gorman (18-1, 12 KOs) returns under the bright lights to headline an action-packed night of free-to-air boxing on June 17 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, promoted by Wasserman Boxing live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

The hard-hitting heavyweight will face off against a confident Czech, Tomas Salek (17-3, 13 KOs), fresh from defending his national Heavyweight Title and looking to get into a firefight in this guaranteed earth shaker.

It has been over a year since Gorman last graced the ring, and the British power-puncher will be looking to pick up where he left off with a third straight win since his first career loss in 2019. A tremendous response since then, he will be looking to come back with a bang having missed a previous card due to illness.

“I’m coming there to throw the kitchen sink at him and put on a really good display,” said Gorman.

“I was due to fight on the Savannah Marshall show, but unfortunately, I came down with a bad illness. I believe things happen for a reason, and now I’m in a position to put on a good show with Channel 5. I’m just really looking forward to it.”

Standing in the way of a dream return for him will be 23-year-old Salek, who is coming to flex his greater knockout record on Gorman’s home turf. It will be an opportunity for Salek to right the wrongs from his previous appearance in the United Kingdom, and he’ll be insisting he puts on a spectacle to prove he has progressed.

“It is a big opportunity for me,” he said. “This will be my second fight in the United Kingdom, and I truly want to show that I am now much stronger physically, but mostly, much stronger mentally. I want to come back to the Czech Republic with Gorman’s scalp!”

Fans can also look forward to an electric British Super Flyweight Title Eliminator between two physically imposing fighters when ‘The Chosen One’ Marcel Braithwaite (12-3) will be aiming to get his fellow Liverpool faithful on side as he looks to get the better of the experienced former WBA Continental Bantemweight Champion Thomas Essomba (11-7-1, 4 KOs).

The M&S Bank Arena will be rocking when Braithwaite, the newly crowned WBC International Silver Super Flyweight champion, arrives to seize the spotlight and move towards ticking off more on his boxing bucket list.

“It’s a good fight. It’s perfect fight for where I’m at in my career and it feels like the stepping stone I need for me to get to the British title. That title is one of my ambitions, so I just need to put everything into my preparations to make sure I get there, which I will,” said Braithwaite.

“I’m really excited to have the chance to perform in front of my home crowd at such a great venue. I’ve always wanted to fight there, and that will be reflected in my performance. Everyone has Channel 5 too, I’ll be on two massive stages. It’s my time, and I’ll show that June 17.”

A rejuvenated Essomba comes to crash the Liverpool party off the back of necessary changes to his preparations. Singing all the right notes in the gym, he will be looking to control this fight as the older statesmen and kick on to a British Title.

“I’ve never had the training I have now. It’s the perfect time for me to show all the UK fans that I am a great fighter, and a great boxer. I have good people around me now and I believe in the work I’m putting in. People will see that Thomas Essomba deserves to be a British Champion, and maybe even more than that. For now, I’m only focused on the British Title. I know Marcel is a good fighter, and I respect him, but I am better.”

The card will also feature former Team GB fighter Chloe Watson, alongside the undefeated Paddy Lacey, Mason ‘Nutty’ Cartwright and heavyweight giant ‘Magic’Matty Harris. All live on Channel 5, as Wasserman Boxing presents yet another lively night of world-class boxing.

“The free-to-air revolution continues on June 17 as we head to the fantastic fight city of Liverpool for another outstanding night of boxing live on Channel 5,” said Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. “This time we have the big boys in action. Nathan Gorman is from fighting stock. He is an exceptional talent who we believe can go all the way. He faces a tough test in what should be a fan friendly affair against the big punching Tomas Salek. Alongside this exciting heavyweight attraction we will have an abundance of local talent showcasing their skills in front of the what I expect will be a lively audience at M&S Bank Arena.”

For more information and to sign up for exclusive pre-sale tickets, pleaseclick here.

In round seven, Cecchi was docked two points for launching her head into Romero.

Luis Enrique Romero Hits Canvas; Comes back to Shock Prodan in 7

Luis Enrique Romero had to get off the deck to come back and shock Maxim Prodan in round seven of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round six, Prodan landed a huge left hook that put Romero down. In round seven, Romero came out and landed a some vicious shots that forced a standing eight. With Prodan badly hurt, Romero landed some more hard flush shots for a second standing eight-count and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Romero of Venezuela is now 11-5-1 with seven knockouts. Prodan of Milan, ITA is 19-2-1.

Oranzo Birardi remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Ovidiu Enache in a cruiserweight bout.

Biradi of Italy is now 4-0. Enache is now 6-10.

Joshua Nmomah won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gabor Gorbics in a middleweight bout.

Nmomah of Italy won by 80-72 scores and is now 12-0. Gorbics of Hungary is 26-27-2.

In round four, Gorbics was cut around his right eye.

Daniele Reggi made a successful pro debut with a third round stoppage over Luca Barbessi in a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Reggi sent Barbessi to the canvas with a clipping right. After a furious start of round three by Barbessi, Reggi turned it around and dropped Reggi with a hard left and the fight was stopped at 50 seconds.

Reggi of Milan, ITA is 1-0 with one knockout. Barbessi of Verona, ITA is 0-4.

Former light flyweight world champion Angel Acosta needed just 77 seconds to take out Janel Rivera in their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in India, California.

Acosta hurt Rivera with a hard left hook and then landed about 20 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped.

Acosta, 112.8 lbs of San Juan, PR is now 23-3-1 with 22 knockouts. Rivera, 114 lbs of Vega Baja, PR is 18-9-3.

“I always train well for every fight, we knew Janiel was going to be a strong fighter and I didn’t want to under prepare for this fight,” said Angel Acosta. “I saw an opportunity to end the fight early and I took it. I had a great camp with Joel Diaz and I feel he got me ready for this. Naturally we trained to go the distance, but fortunately we ended it early and got a great victory. We want to go back to the gym train and look for another world championship shot, hopefully Julio Cesar Martinez or McWilliams Arroyo.”

Morales Decisions Torres

Victor Morales dropped Alberto Torres twice en-route to a 10-round unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

Morales scored knockdowns in rounds five and 10, and cruised home to the 100-88 victory on all cards.

Morales landed 142 of 586 punches; Torres was 70 of 288.

Morales, 125.6 lbs of Portland, OR is now 16-0-1. Torres, 125.4 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 11-5-3.

“I felt great, I was in great condition, and I felt like I dominated the fight,” said Victor Morales. “I was enjoying myself. I could’ve gone 15 rounds. Opponent was an awkward southpaw, but I broke him down and let my hands go. I felt the head butt. I was hoping it was him that got the worst of it, and then shortly realized it was me, but that’s boxing especially when you’re fighting a lefty. But overall I feel great about my performance today.” 

Garcia Decisions Olguin

Rudy Garcia remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Diuhl Olguin in a featherweight contest.

Garcia landed 124 of 465 punches; Olguin was 75 of 304.

Garcia, 125 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 13-0-1. Olguin, 124.8 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 15-23-5.

“I knew the fighter was going to be tough,” said Rudy Garcia. “He has a lot of experience and I had to adjust because he kept coming in with his head. Obviously, I got a head butt that stung me so we had to adjust mid fight and got the decision.  I had to go back to the amatuer mentality and outpoint him.”  

Brenes Decisions Perez

Jimmy Brenes remained undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Hector Perez in a welterweight bout.

Brenes landed 90 of 271 punches; Perez was 50 of 233.

Brenes, 146.2 lbs of Masaya, NIC won by scores of 40-36 twice and 38-38 and is now 2-0. Perez, 145.8 lbs of West Los Angeles, CA

“Perez gave me a good fight, he came to do what he needed to do. I came in and did what I needed to do to win and I am happy the judges also saw it my way. I know I still have a lot to improve and that’s what we are going to do. We are going to go back to the gym, train, and get better; that’s how world champions are made,” said Jimmy Brenes. 

Tudor Decisions Stubbs

Eric Tudor remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

Tudor landed 90 of 282 punches; Stubbs was 51 of 343.

Tudor, 154 lbs of Hollywood, FLA won on all cards by 60-54 scores and is now 3-0. Stubbs, 157.5 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-5.

“I am happy that I was able to dictate the pace of the fight and we are fortunate for the outcome,” said Eric Tudor. “We knew he was going to be a tough fighter, my job was to just maintain my composure. He did get me with some shots that I wasn’t supposed to get hit with. I am very happy with my performance, like I said I was able to keep my composure and I am glad we were able to go the distance, that’s what we train for.” 

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a must-watch women’s bantamweight contenders’ bout featuring former champion and No. 2 ranked contender Holly Holm vs. No. 5 Ketlen Vieira. Also on the card, a welterweight matchup will see No. 14 ranked Santiago Ponzinibbio take on Michel Pereira.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HOLM vs. VIEIRA will take place Saturday, May 21 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream exclusively on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT and the main card at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

Just weeks before she gets inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, former three-division boxing champion Holm (14-5, fighting out of Albuquerque, NM) has been showing off her striking prowess since joining the UFC in 2015. Since then, she’s made a name for herself by securing numerous highlight-reel knockouts, such as her victories over Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia. Now, Holm attempts to extend her two-fight win streak and reinsert herself into the title conversation.

Vieira (11-2, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) looks to add another statement victory over a former champion to her resume. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, she holds impressive wins over Miesha Tate, Sara McMann and Cat Zingano. Vieira now intends to snatch Holm’s spot in the rankings in her second consecutive UFC main event.

The Ultimate Fighter Brazil alumnus Ponzinibbio (29-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) aims to work his way up the welterweight rankings with a showstopping performance. A skilled striker with 14 first-round knockouts, he has earned notable wins over Neil Magny, Gunnar Nelson and Court McGee. Ponzinibbio now aims to defend his spot in the Top 15 against the surging Pereira. 

Pereira (26-11, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV.) plans to deliver another impressive performance against the toughest opponent of his career. The owner of 12 first-round finishes, Pereira has entertained fans with his victories over Danny Roberts, Niko Price and Andre Fialho. Now, Pereira hopes to further cement his welterweight run and break into the rankings for the first time.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• A clash of Dana White’s Contender Seriesalums sees Chidi Njokuani (21-7, 1 NC, fighting out of Saginaw, Texas) take on Dusko Todorovic (11-2, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia)
• Jailton Almeida (15-2, fighting out of Salvador-Bahia, Brazil) makes his UFC heavyweight debut against Parker Porter (13-6, fighting out of West Hartford, Conn.)
• Eryk Anders (14-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.) battles Junyong Park (13-5, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) in a middleweight bout
• Middleweights Joseph Holmes (7-2, fighting out of Garland, Texas) and Alen Amedovski (8-2, fighting out of Rome, Italy) lock horns
• Polyana Viana (12-4, fighting out of State of Para, Brazil) meets Tabatha Ricci (6-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) in an exciting strawweight bout
• Lightweight strikers Omar Morales (11-2, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Caracas, Venezuela) and Uros Medic (7-1, fighting out of Santa Ana, Calif. by way of Novi Sad, Serbia) square off
• Thrilling bantamweights Jonathan Martinez (15-4, fighting out of Plainview, Texas) and Vince Morales (11-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) look to steal the show
• An intriguing featherweight bout sees Chase Hooper (10-2-1, fighting out of Enumclaw, Wash.) return to action against Felipe Colares (10-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Elise Reed (5-1, fighting out of Hillsborough, N.J.) matches up with Sam Hughes (6-4, fighting out of Everett, Wash.) at strawweight

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

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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.

LOS ANGELES – May 12, 2022 – Unified WBC, WBA, and IBF 154-pound world champion Jermell Charlo and WBO 154-pound world  champion Brian Castaño received enthusiastic and fervent support from their respective fanbasesat a heated and boisterous final press conference on Thursday before they meet in a highly-anticipated rematch for undisputed status at 154 pounds this Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured unbeaten welterweight rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and undefeated Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton, who meet in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera, who squares off against Mexican contender Kevin González in the super bantamweight telecast opener of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Lions Only Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through AXS.com.

Both fighters made clear their intention to leave no doubt in their rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights, which was fought to a split-draw in July on SHOWTIME. On Saturday night they again will seek to become the first male undisputed super welterweight champion of the four-belt era.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Westin LAX:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I just have to be dominant. I have to be the best Jermell Charlo, that y’all are yet to see. I’m going to dominate this fight way differently than I did the last fight.

“Castaño is the same fighter as he’s been in every fight. He’s going to come and keep coming back up. I’m going to use everything I learned from that fight, on Saturday night. I’m going to take advantage of the things that I have that he doesn’t have. I’m going to use the skills I’m blessed with.

“I’m going to be stronger, faster and smarter than I’ve ever been before. Thank you Castaño, for giving me more time to prepare myself.

“I’m grateful for my opportunities. This is my time and I’m focused. He’s my target and I’m going to pop him. I know what I possess in the ring. I know who I am and I know where I come from.

“I’ve worked very hard since last July. I know with the dedication that me and Derrick James, along with my whole team, including Joan Guzman, put in, that we’re ready. All I have to do is go in there and put it all on the line.

“Knocking people out is what the f*** I do. That’s what I’m known for. I’m known for the power and I’m known for the speed. That’s what I’m doing.

“I didn’t finish him so I think that was the only mistake I made. I’m usually a closer. I have that on the back of my mind. One he’s hurt again, and hopefully it’s earlier than later, it’s over.

“There’s nothing he’s going to be able to do when we drop these bombs on him Saturday.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“I prepare myself very seriously for each and every opponent I have in front of me. This time, it’s Charlo, and I promise you that I’m going to be more than ready to give the fans a show on Saturday night.

“I thought fighting in his home state was a factor with the judges last time. I still think I’m the visitor here, but it has more of a ‘neutral’ feel to it than San Antonio did. My lesson I learned is to always have my guard up and be ready for whatever comes my way.

“It is going to be special to show everyone what I’m capable of, especially in front of the Latin fans here. This is the culmination of years of work. I’m anxious to go out there and prove that I’m the champion and give the Latin fans the show that they deserve.

“He can say whatever he wants. I could care less if he wants to knock me out. Let’s go out there and see if he can withstand my punishment for 12 rounds.

The lack of respect he has for a fellow athlete bothered me. He said a lot of things that I thought were out of line. I don’t know why he’s all edgy and screaming and nervous. I’d rather him show that energy in the ring.

“There isn’t one specific weapon I have that’s better than him, because I tailor my style to my opponent. Charlo is going to see what I have in store for him. I’m more than ready to show that what I’ve prepared is more than enough to get the win.

“Charlo is a top-tier fighter. That’s definitely true. But at this level, everyone has power. Only one opponent has sent me to the mat, and it wasn’t Charlo. He’s strong, but there’s nothing about his power that truly stands out to me compared to other fighters I’ve faced.

“Saturday is going to be electric. The way that we’ve been spicing this up, we’re guaranteeing a spectacle. You’re not going to want to miss it.

“The first fight motivated me because I thought that I won. I learned that I can’t leave this fight in the hands of the judges. I need to leave no doubt that I’m the superior fighter.”

JARON ENNIS

“On paper, I don’t know if he’s my toughest challenge. We won’t know until fight night. We’ll see when we get into the ring.

“I don’t watch tape on guys that I fight unless I’ve seen them before. We had a great camp and we’re going to do what we do. Everyone is going to see me shine and make a big statement.

“Most definitely I’m extending my knockout streak Saturday. We’re not looking for it. We’re going to let it come, 19 in a row is definitely coming.

“We’re not looking past Clayton. We’re coming to do damage on Saturday and look good during it. I can talk about the future afterward, but right now I’m locked in on Clayton.

I know we have a banger of a main event, but I’m coming to steal the show. You know what my motto is, I’m in and out like a lottery.

“People are going to see me go in there and be seamless. This is just another day in the office for me. Another day, another dollar.”

CUSTIO CLAYTON

“This would mean everything to me. I took a fight that most people wouldn’t have taken. This is the type of fight that I needed in my career right now. That’s why I’m extremely prepared for this.

“I’m coming to fight. At the end of the day, we can’t say what’s going to happen, but I’m here to fight.

“Of course he’s confident he’s going to get a knockout, but I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“I haven’t been able to get the fights that I’ve needed. So we decided to take this one, even though it’s a fight that not a lot of people would have taken. This is the fight that I need to prove myself.

“It’s hard to say what his flaws are because I don’t watch a lot of footage. I don’t go by what someone did in their last fight. No one performs the same as they did in their last fight. I have to be prepared on Saturday to do what I’m capable of doing, which is stopping him from getting the win.

“I’m a very smart fighter with a great ring IQ. I haven’t been able to show everything yet, but I think that this fight will bring it out of me. This win would show everyone that I belong on his level.”

EMANUEL RIVERA

“I promise that I’m going to be 100% on Saturday night and give the best of myself. You’re going to see Puerto Rico come out on top again and I’m going to put on a show for everyone.

“This is going to open up a lot of doors and open up a better future for my family. That’s why I’m really coming in there as the best version of myself. This is going to be a tremendous fight.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports

“When we announced our schedule back in March, it was clear that the 154-pound division was going to play a big role in our plans. But we had no idea the results would be this spectacular. In a seven week span we’ve had every single one of the top six super welterweights fight on SHOWTIME. The goal, is to definitively answer the question without doubt, who is the best 154-pound fighter?

“Now we have the most important and meaningful fight in the 154-pound division on Saturday night. SHOWTIME Sports is proud to announce this second chance at history. This is a PPV quality card without the PPV.

“No other platform has this level quality and quantity for combat sports. May 14 is another Fight of the Year quality fight. No one else is consistently giving fans these types of matchups week after week. That’s what we do at SHOWTIME. We have the best fighting the best week after week.

“If you’re not watching this card, then you can’t call yourself a boxing fan. Last July in San Antonio there were 12 grueling rounds between two fighters trying to make history as the first undisputed male 154-pound champion in the four-belt era. If ever a matchup begged for a rematch, this is it.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO II 

Charlo vs. Castaño II will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charloand WBO World Champion Brian Castañoin a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights as they again seek to become the first ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis dueling unbeaten Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, Mexican contender Kevin González puts his unbeaten record on the line against Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CharloCastano2, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez will defend his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on Saturday June 25 at the Tech Port Center + Arena in San Antonio, live worldwide on DAZN and leading a stacked quadruple header of World title action.

Tickets starting at $35 (plus fees) go on sale at 10am CDT tomorrow (Friday May 13) – click here for more details
 Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt he won in stunning fashion in February, flooring former World ruler Carlos Cuadras en-route to becoming the youngest current World champion in just his 15^th pro-outing. ‘Bam’ will get a hero’s welcome on his home turf when he steps through the ropes in San Antonio for the first time as king of the world and only the third time in his career, boxing on his doorstep in his third and fifth fights in June 2017 and March 2018 respectively. 

The 22 year old could hardly face a stiffer test when putting his belt on the line for the first time, coming up against former two-time Super-Fly kingpin Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs). The Thai star was set to face Cuadras in a long-awaited rematch for the title in San Diego, only for Rungvisai to fall ill and be replaced at late notice by the new young champion. The 35 year old has a chance to get his hands on the coveted green and gold strap for a third time, having first held the belt in 2013 and then reclaiming it against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez three years later.

“Fighting a guy like Rungvisai is going to bring me to a whole new level,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a great fighter but this is my time now. You have to take risks in this sport, that’s what special fighters do. They said it was a risk me challenging for a World title fight on short notice and now they say it’s a risk taking on a fighter like Rungvisai but this is what I want. These are the types of fights you need so you can be remembered by the fans long after your career is done.

“I’ve always said that me and my brother are going to bring the big fights back to San Antonio and this is just the start of it. We are so proud to be from this city and we get that love back from the people there so this will be a special night.”

“Jesse might be the youngest current World champion, but this is a fight where he can prove he already belongs with the very best in boxing,” said trainer Robert Garcia. “We have a lot of respect for Rungvisai, we know what he is capable of, and he is a great, great fighter but I also know what Jesse is capable. I have so much belief in him, and I know he is ready for this.”

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for the WBC World title,” said Rungvisai. “I will be at my best to win the WBC World title and become the first three times WBC World champion in the history of Thailand. Thank you so much to Matchroom, DAZN, and the WBC for this opportunity.”

Rodriguez and Rungvisai lead a stellar night of action with three more World title fights on the bill, with Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo picking 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.

Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) has been out of action since that night, while Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) bravely rolled the dice to take on modern great Chocolatito as the headline act on the night Rodriguez won his belt.

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.

The fourth bout on the card has the most belts on the line, as undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs. McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) 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 of Alma Ibarra. Ibarra (10-1, 4 KOs) also then beat Wyatt in an eight-round decision in an eliminator for the WBA strap, dubbed the ‘Thrilla for Caskilla’, landing Ibarra the shot at McCaskill’s WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine World titles.

“Everyone is coming for the throne and it’s my job to protect it,” said McCaskill. 

“This is a good fight. This fight will confirm why Jessica is the queen of the Welterweight division,” added McCaskill’s trainer and manager Rick Ramos.

“I’ve won fights, I’ve lost fights, I’ve been in the big stage, I’ve fought for a world title, I’m a single mom, I’ve been kidnapped, there’s not one thing that she can bring to the fight that I haven’t seen and surpassed,” said Ibarra. “She’s just holding what’s mine, I’m here to take them!!”

Los Angeles, CA (May 12, 2022) Triller Fight Club presents the highly anticipated return of TRIAD COMBAT on Saturday, June 11, at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, CA, and broadcast globally on FITE.

Tickets for TRIAD COMBAT starting at $80 are now on sale through this Direct Link. The Hangar, combat sports’ most fan-friendly venue, is located at the OC Fair and Events Center, 1011-1165 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The intimate club setting location has limited, ‘close to the action’ seating for 1,200 patrons with full drink and food service, a cigar lounge available throughout the evening and onsite parking adjacent to the venue. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00 p.m. PST with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. PST. More information on The Hangar can be found at www.SocaFights.com.

Utilizing two-minute rounds and a hybrid of boxing and MMA rules in addition to fighting in a triangular ring, the worldwide launch of TRIAD COMBAT was held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, in front of a sold-out crowd at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX with featured musical guests Metallica performing throughout the extraordinary evening. The event, broadcast internationally, thrilled the combat sports world of fans and media with its heightened and aggressive fast, paced style.

In the seven-round main event on Saturday, June 11, competing in the featherweight division, Andre ‘Mr. Highlight’ Ewell, (17-9) of Riverside, CA, battles Francisco ‘Cisco’ Rivera, (14-8), of Buena Park, CA. 

Co-featured over five scheduled rounds in the middleweight division, Sidiah ‘Rolling Thunder’ Parker (19-8), of Blanding, UT, clashes with San Bernardino, CA native ‘Curtious’ Curtis Millender (18-9).

Fighting in the light heavyweight division, undefeated Billy Elekana (4-0), of Las Vegas, NV, faces off against Moses “Motown’ Murrietta, (9-6), of Fontana, CA, in a scheduled five rounder.

Heavyweights will see action over five rounds as Jason Walraven (8-8) of California battles with Jack ‘The Outlaw’ May (11-8) of Whittier, CA. 

Competing at the 150lb. limit in a five-round tilt, Demarcus ‘Bang Em Up’ Brown, (6-9), of Murrieta, CA, hits the ring against Mike Segura, (10-7), of Lake Forest, CA.

In the bantamweight division, Vincent Colonel (1-2) of Arkansas faces off against Steve Mora (1-1) of Anaheim, CA.

Fighting in an amateur lightweight bout over three rounds, Alexander Vargas of La Habra, CA, battles Los Angeles’ Gabriel Hernandez.

Also, in the amateur ranks of the light heavyweight division, California native Troy Rallings fights an opponent to be announced over three rounds.

Rounding out the card, Andy Simental will battle an opponent to be named over three amateur rounds in the middleweight division.

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Launched less than two years ago, Triller Fight Club has already sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views in the past year, making it one of the top-selling combat sports/entertainment platforms. TrillerVerz’s widely acclaimed monthly series, including world-class professional boxing and musical Verzuz battles, has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 6,000,000 views. 

Triller entered into a definitive merger agreement with SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAC), in a transaction that would result in the combined company being named TrillerVerz Corp., and its common stock will be listed on Nasdaq, subject to completion of the conditions listed in the S4, which was filed recently by SeaChange (NASD: SEAC).

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Follow Triller Fight Club on social media: 

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub
Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2022)–Weights for Friday Night’s Fight card at Parx Casino

Sonny Conto 228.2 – Justin Rolfe 254.1

Shinard Bunch 144.2 – Marklin Bailey 141.4

Jordon Murphy 127 – Antonio Dunton El 128.9

Carlos Ramos 129.5 – Jesus Arturo Guzman 128.6

Christopher Burgos 140.4 – Phillip Davis 143.1

Gerardo Martinez 139.4 – Michael Crain 140.4

Karly Wylie 139.3 – Tyree Arnold 143

Quadeer Jenkins 160.5 – Andre Hammon 161

Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions

Venue: Parx Casino

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/390007, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Los Angeles, CA (May 12, 2022) The final press conference for TrillerVerz 5 was held today in Los Angeles just two days ahead of the sensational event emanating from the Kia Forum. The Trillerverz 5 ‘Lineage of Greatness’  includes legendary boxing families and a once-in-a-lifetime VERZUZ battle between Cypress Hill and Onyx.

Tickets starting at $31.00 are now on-sale through TrillerFightClub.com, TheKiaForum.com, and Ticketmaster.com at http://www.ticketmaster.com/trillerverz5. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday with the first bell at 4:00 p.m. PT. The Kia Forum is located at 3900 Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305.

The two-hour FREE preview broadcast on FITE starts at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT with the Pay-Per-View portion starting at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT also on FITE.

The entire event is produced by Superstar Nigel Lythgoe, the Triller Fight Club visionary and producer of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol” who has brought a brilliant new look and feel of combat sports to the forefront. 

Below are quotes from the participants at the final press conference which was moderated by Rocsi Diaz and Ray Flores along with Hall of Fame announcer Michael Buffer.

Sergey Kovalev

“I’m ready for anybody and anywhere. My promoter said Tervel Pulev, I’m ready always. I just want to make a great comeback and make all my fans proud of me.”

Tervel Pulev

“Thanks very much to Triller Fight Club for making this fight happen. I’m very excited to be facing clearly the toughest opponent of my career in Sergey Kovalev. My prediction is I’m going to remain undefeated.”

Kubrat Pulev

“Texas for Triad Combat was a great event and I hope that Saturday is the same for Triller Fight Club. I’m ready for this fight and I hope my opponent is also ready. I respect him, he is a good fighter, he had a good fight against Michael Hunter. But I’m different and on a higher level than his past opponents. This fight is very difficult for him, I have everything and he is going to find that out on Saturday night, I’m like a very intelligent, wild animal.”   

Jerry Forrest

“It’s a blessing and a pleasure to fight on this tremendous card. This is another chance to show what I can do. I feel like this is where I belong and everything has led up to this. I’m always in the gym so I’m in great shape and I’m ready. My approach for every fight never changes; I’m going to outbox everybody.”

Fernando Vargas Sr.

“I thought Triller Fight Club was the best plan for my boys. They love boxing. We’re excited about it and we’ve been working hard in preparation. My boys are going to show what their DNA is made of. They wanted to do what their father did and I’m here to support them 100%. I wouldn’t be here if they weren’t ready.”

Fernando Vargas Jr.

‘It’s definitely a privilege and responsibility to carry the last name, ‘Vargas’. I’m excited as the oldest to see my youngest brothers’ debut. Thanks very much to David and Egis and the whole Triller team for making it possible to have the three of us fight on the same card.”

Amado Vargas

“I can’t wait to watch my younger brother Emiliano make his pro debut. May 14 you’ll find out what the Vargas boys are about. We can all really fight.”

Emiliano Vargas

“The pressure can either fold you or embolden you. My two beautiful parents support me in anything I do. This is something, fighting on the same card, we’ve been talking about for a long time and I’m ready for Saturday night. I’ve had a good amateur career and I’m ready to go pro. I’m blessed to have Triller Fight Club behind me.”

Evan Holyfield

“It’s blessing to fight on such a big card this Saturday night and apply everything I’ve worked on in training. I’m just taking my career one fight at a time, with each and every performance I’m able to show more of my skills. I’m sure Jurmain will bring the best out of me and I’ll bring the best out of him.”

“Yes, Mike Tyson of all people gave me advice before one of my first amateur bouts. ‘Don’t get too emotional, just stick to your skills and what you’ve worked on in training and you’ll be fine.’”

Jurmain McDonald

“I’m used to being the underdog and I’m comfortable in that role. I’m hungry and I’m definitely going to take advantage of the opportunity. I feel like it’s going to be an upset, just like Bivol.”

David Tetreault / President, Triller Fight Club

“A lot of the inspiration comes from Ryan Kavanaugh, he kicked off the whole Triller Fight Club experience with Tyson vs. Jones. Once we had Sergey at the top of the card, then I started working with the Vargas brothers and we had the opportunity to sign them. Then after bringing aboard the Pulev brothers, I wanted to find out what were the chances we could add the son of Evander Holyfield and Kathy said yes, immediately. We wanted to make this a novel or movie and came up with ‘Lineage of Greatness.”

Kathy Duva / President, Main Events

“Sergey looks so different as a cruiserweight, he looks big and strong. I’m used to seeing him all emaciated and drawn, it’s a totally different look for him. He is very goal driven and believes he is going to be a cruiserweight world champion and he’s always achieved every goal he’s made.”

Full Fight Card

Sergey Kovalev ,(34-4-1, 29 KOs) vs. Tervel Pulev, (16-0, 13 KOs) cruiserweights, ten rounds

Kubrat Pulev, (28-2, 14 KOs) vs. Jerry Forrest, (26-4-2, 20 KOs) heavyweights, ten rounds

Evan Holyfield, (9-0, 6 KOs) vs. Jurmain McDonald, (6-5, 2 KOs), welterweights, six rounds

Fernando Vargas Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), vs. Terrance Jarmon, (3-0, 1 KO), super welterweights, six rounds

Amado Vargas, (3-0, 2 KO’s) vs. Anel Dudo, (1-3, 1 KO), featherweights, four rounds

Emiliano Vargas, (Pro Debut) vs. Mark Salgado, (1-1, 1 KO) lightweights, four rounds

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Launched less than two years ago, Triller Fight Club has already sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views in the past year, making it one of the top-selling combat sports/entertainment platforms. TrillerVerz’s widely acclaimed monthly series, including world-class professional boxing and musical Verzuz battles, has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 6,000,000 views. 

Triller entered into a definitive merger agreement with SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAC), in a transaction that would result in the combined company being named TrillerVerz Corp., and its common stock will be listed on Nasdaq, subject to completion of the conditions listed in the S4, which was filed recently by SeaChange (NASD: SEAC).

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Follow Triller Fight Club on social media: 

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New York, NY (May 12, 2022) – On Saturday, May 14, heavyweight contender Jerry “Slugger” Forrest (26-4-2, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA, collides with two-time world title challenger Kubrat “The Cobra” Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs), of Sofia, Bulgaria, in a 10-round contest. The exciting bout will serve as the co-feature to Triller Fight Club’s “TrillerVerz 5: Lineage of Greatness” pay-per-view event, live from the Forum in Inglewood, CA, on FITE.TV and TrillerFightClub.com, priced at $29.99.

“Training camp went great. I never really stopped training following my last fight. I stayed sharp, working on technique and fundamentals. I’m coming into this fight knowing I deserved victories in my last two fights. Against Zhang, I got off the canvas three times and came back to dominate and nearly stop him. I made some mistakes, but it was a learning experience. Against Hunter, I beat a world-rated guy who gave Oleksandr Usyk a tough fight, and I proved that I belong with the top contenders. I controlled the tempo and landed the bigger shots. When you’re the B-side and you get a draw, that usually means you won. I left it in the hands of the judges when I should have knocked him out,” said Forrest. “I’m looking forward to this fight against Pulev. He is a very skilled fighter who has shared the ring with Joshua, Klitschko, and so many others, but I am faster and stronger than he is. He won’t be able to withstand what I bring for 10 rounds.”

“Jerry Forrest should be a top-ten world-ranked contender. In his last few fights, he has proven himself against touted, undefeated contenders, but was unjustly denied victories against Jermaine Franklin, Zhilei Zhang and in his rematch against Michael Hunter,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Facing an experienced fighter like Kubrat Pulev, who has only lost to the very best, Forrest has another opportunity to show the world that he belongs among the top echelon of the heavyweight division.”

Forrest is coming off of back-to-back slugfests that ended in controversial draws last year. On February 27, in Miami, FL, Forrest battled undefeated six-foot-six Chinese southpaw Zhilei Zhang, rising from three early knockdowns to control the remainder of their bout and nearly stop his adversary. In his last fight, on December 2, 2021, headlining TrillerVerz 4, at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Forrest fought a rematch against Michael Hunter and was the aggressor throughout their bout, tagging him often with his straight left and wearing him down. Most observers felt that Forrest deserved to win both bouts.

Forrest, whose father is a master chief petty officer in the US Navy aboard the USS Nimitz, was employed as a nuclear electrician for 10 years, working on submarines and aircraft carriers at the outset of his boxing career.

The former WBA Super-Middleweight World champion George Groves will stand ringside on Friday night, swapping gloves for the microphone, as Wasserman Boxing welcomes in a new era of Channel 5 boxing.

Casting his keen eye over all of the action, the former British Super-Middleweight champion is excited to see who comes out on top in the main event. A tremendously even and exciting bout for the British Middleweight Title between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley, that is guaranteed to get hearts racing.

“I think this is a really great domestic fight, one of them that people can get behind and really enjoy. They’re both long, loose punchers. They’ve both shown that their styles can leave them a little bit open defensively as they’re so committed with trying to attack, so it could end up being a case of who catches who.

“They’ve got exciting styles, and they punch with spite and venom, and they’ll probably be looking to take the other guy out,” said Groves.

Twice a former ABA Middleweight king, the opportunity to win a domestic title is an experience ‘Saint George’ can relate with. Amongst all the accolades available to boxers, the main event will offer the fighters an all-important chance at cementing their legacy in British boxing folklore.

“It’s one of them ones you really want in the locker to look back on. Even if you’ve got ambitions to go on and unify at world title level, you still want to pick up the British Title and have it as part of your history. Bentley had it before and lost it, but both men will be in there to win it.

“It’s a magnificent belt, and it still carries its weight in terms of its presence and its appeal. When two fighters come for the British belt, you always feel like you get a little bit more out of them, a little more entertainment. Both of them will be desperate to win it.”

Josh ‘Pretty Boy’ Kelly has kept the boxing world in suspense, and looks refreshed and excited ahead of his return fight live on Channel 5. Kelly suffered his first career loss against David Avanesyan last time out, but such a moment can make a fighter.

Groves has experienced the feeling of a high-profile loss in his career, but it never stopped him achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a champion of the world. He is eager to see positive changes in Kelly, expecting the time out the ring has been used to add to his world class talent.

“It’ll be tough, and he’ll have to show some mental resilience. Boxing is a tough game, and there’s some brutal decisions. I hope that’s what he’s been working on for the last year and a bit, filling in the gaps between his skillset and his explosive one-punch stuff, tightening up his defense, and just being comfortable with the pressure,” said Groves.

“It has been the ideal time for him to rebuild. I want to see something a little different from him on the night as well. He’s a tremendously talented fighter, and he’s still a work in progress. I am excited to see him back as he can still be one of Britain’s stars, if he can just make them adjustments.”

Harlem Eubank will be looking to leave Friday night with his hand raised and another win to add to his unbeaten record. The Adam Booth trained fighter will be looking to lean on his coach to continue progressing him through the ranks with a solid performance. Groves knows very well of ex-mentor Booth, and the gym in which so many champions have been moulded. Booth, a solid figure and an intelligent mind to have in your corner, can offer the home for Eubank to continue thriving.

There will be no guarantees of a walkover come Friday evening though, as Birkenhead’s experienced Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd will come to give viewers their money’s worth, live on Channel 5.

“Eubank will have been getting great work in with the guys at the gym, I’m sure. It’s a very talented gym he is a part of, and he seems like someone who is always in great spirits too. He talks well, always confident, thirteen wins and no losses – he’s moving along nicely.

“He’s in there with Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd, someone who is vastly experienced but does have a few losses on the record now. It should be a really good fight, one that Eubank will be expecting to win. Dodd will certainly make things difficult for him as the experienced professional he is.”

A fight card with massive potential, and all available for the terrestrial audience. Groves beat Eduard Gutknecht on Channel 5 in 2016, and has welcomed the return of the sport to the channel under Wasserman Boxing.

“These viewers may not all be sports subscribers, they may not be sports driven, but they’ll tune in to the boxing at the weekend. They’ll see a name, note a performance, and want to follow them from there.

“It’s another channel who are committed to boxing; Channel 5 have shown boxing for years now and they’ve had plenty of the elite fighting on there. They’ve shown it’s a good place to develop serious talent and cement yourself as a big name in British boxing. If you think about your (Josh) Kelly’s, your (Josh) Taylor’s, your Chris Eubank Jr’s – they’ve all been here before. Channel 5 should see there’s no ceiling to their ambition, and that they can take on the world.”

As for the involvement of George Groves, could standing that close to a boxing ring again rekindle the fire in his belly?

“I do enjoy standing on the safe side of the ropes now. It’s nice to be on the mic, throwing my two-cents in; I never knew I could talk so much,” said Groves.

“I’m thankful that Channel 5 have wanted me to come and dip my toe into the boxing world from a safe distance. I live it, breathe it, and study it; so now I have the chance to give my account of what we’ll see. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The hotly anticipated British Middleweight Title clash between Linus Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) and Denzel Bentley (15-1-1, 13 KOs), the return of Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) against Xhuljo Vrenozi (18-4,3 KOs) and Harlem Eubank (13-0, 5 KOs) versus Sean Dodd (17-6-1, 3 KOs) will top a stacked card in the capital as Wasserman Boxing launch their first free-to-air event live on Channel 5 on Friday May 13 at the Indigo at the O2, in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Limited tickets are still available via www.wassermanboxing.com

Manchester, England – (May 12, 2022) – The eight boxers taking part in Saturday night’s BOXXER Series Manchester: Cruiserweights tournament convened in Manchester today for a live random draw to determine the four quarter-final matches which will open the event.

Olympic heavyweight hero Frazer Clarke was on hand to undertake the draw, which was streamed live by Sky Sports, ipping his heavy hands into the sea of names eight times until every boxer was matched.

The resulting four quarter-final matches are below. The tournament airs live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm this Saturday evening, with the largest pot of tournament prize money in British boxing history on the line.

QF1 – Ellis Zorro (11-0, 6 KO’s) vs Jay Farrell (9-2, 5 KO’s)

The two most experienced fighters in the tournament face off in the very first round! Ellis Zorro walks into this tournament undefeated in 11 fights, while Jay Farrell can boast the same number of professional fights, but has suffered losses, albeit at a higher level than Zorro has fought at in the case of his Central Area title fight. 

Both fighters will have been hoping to use their professional experience to come through this first round in a pool of competitors where over half the competitors have three fights or fewer, but now neither will have the edge in that regard.

Farrell is known as the harder hitter, and often turns his fights into brutal battles of grit where he thrives, where Zorro is a slicker, slightly more evasive boxer. Which of the two can impose their will on the fight, and create the kind of fight they thrive in, should be a huge part of who can walk out the winner.

QF2 – Jamie Smith (3-0, 2 KO’s) vs Jack Fay (1-0-1)

The hugely successful amateur and rapidly rising professional Jamie Smith has emerged as a potential favourite to take victory in this edition of the BOXXER Series. 

Smith is a disciplined, come-forward fighter, wisely able to put pressure on an opponent while also not overly exposing himself to potential counter attack. He has a strong jab but can also do efficient work at closer ranges, having found stoppages with medium-range hooks already in his professional career.

Jack Fay comes into this tournament having already had to fight homelessness in the last two years, as well as the two opponents he’s faced as a professional in that time. He’s an aggressive power-puncher who doesn’t mind trading blows with his opponent. 

This provides a serious challenge for Smith, who might have to fight his urges and try to keep Fay at a distance in order to take victory.

QF3 – Ricky Reeves (2-0, 1 KO) vs Anees Taj (5-1, 4 KO’s)

A match-up between a former sprinter, and now teacher, and someone who holds all the necessary qualifications to be a lawyer holds intrigue from before the first bell has rung. Ricky Reeves is a solid all round boxer, who has already shown the ability to fight at long and close range in his professional career that has currently only lasted two bouts. 

Anees Taj has managed to notch up six contests in his professional career, following on from serious success as an amateur that almost took him to the Olympics to represent Pakistan. 

He’s a high-speed, high workrate fighter that could potentially thrive under the three round format of the fights in the BOXXER Series, where sheer output can have a huge impact on who takes the victory in these shorter fights.

QF4 – Sheldon McDonald (3-0, 1 KO) vs Ryan Cotterell (1-0)

Sheldon McDonald turned professional in boxing because former Cruiserweight World Champion Johnny Nelson saw him training and told him he was good enough. 

That kind of support should give him all the self-belief needed on Saturday night, and has given him the self-belief to take victory in all three of his professional fights. McDonald has a piston-like jab and follows it smartly with thudding right hands that have damaged all the opponents he’s faced so far. 

Ryan Cotterell comes into this tournament with the least professional experience, having only had a single professional fight in his career so far, which only lasted a single round. Cotterell is also the youngest in the tournament. 

However, he has been boxing for over 16 years, and has had the same trainer – who guided him multiple amateur championships before turning professional – for around 10 years. Cotterell has a pressuring style, and isn’t afraid to work the body as well as the head. He might be looking to bring this fight to a slightly closer range than McDonald might want it.