CARSON, CALIF. – April 21, 2022 – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño exchanged promises to deliver knockouts and revealed glimpses of the distaste they have for each other during a virtual press conference Thursday before their rematch for undisputed status at 154-pounds on Saturday, May 14 live on SHOWTIME in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The Charlo vs. Castaño rematch will come nine months after they went toe-to-toe for 12 grueling rounds in July 2021, with both men appearing hurt during the action before the bout was eventually ruled a split draw.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on Canadian Olympian Custio Clayton in an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus Mexican contender Kevin González facing Puerto Rico’s Emanuel Rivera in a 10-round super bantamweight attraction to kick off the telecast.

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. Ennis vs. Clayton is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JERMELL CHARLO

“Everybody wants to know how the rematch will be different. I’m considered a puncher and a boxer, and I’m planning to bring some tricks out of the hat this time.

“I hate that I didn’t close out the first fight the way I should have. I’m going to be better, faster, stronger and more relentless in this fight. I’m going to be the old school Jermell Charlo.

“You don’t give people like me opportunities again. I’ve fought for my whole life. I know that I have to seize this opportunity. I’m dead focused and laser sharp. I’ve been grinding since before his bicep injury. He gave me time to prepare my body. While he was playing games, I’ve been getting better. I’m going to have him hurting and crying. This isn’t about Castaño, this is about Jermell Charlo.

“I want to step up to the plate and be greater than I’ve ever been. I didn’t come this far to give up or let somebody like this come beat me. I know the mistakes that I made in the first fight and I’m ready to cross the ‘t’s’ and dot the ‘i’s’ on them.

“I’ve fought at this venue before. I’m not worried about the crowd. He knows that when we’re in there, it’s just me and him. I’m an evolved and more focused Jermell Charlo. I’m ready to go, straight up.

“I just want to show the world why the Charlo twins are where we’re at. I’ve been doing this way longer than Castaño. I’m going to let him keep thinking it’s cool, but he’s going to find out what it’s really like on May 14.

“His power isn’t important to me. I don’t care if he’s stronger now. It’s about skills and everyone is going to find out what the deal is on May 14.

“I thought I won the first fight, period. I hurt him way more. He may have edged a few rounds. I won the early rounds of the fight and the late rounds of the fight.

“I know I’m on a whole other level than he is and I’m going to present myself when it’s time. May 14 I’m going to be peaking. I’m going to let him keep talking, because I’m going to be dangerous in this fight.

“Everyone knows what I possess in the ring. I’m comfortable through the storm. I was made for this and bred for this. I’m comfortable being in this situation.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“Charlo knows that he’s going to have his hands full and that I won the first fight. I like to do my talking inside the ring, but I will say that I’m a warrior and I’m going to show that I’m worthy of this victory. I don’t care what Charlo says, I’m going to be ready for whatever comes my way.

“I want the knockout. I need it and I crave it. That’s my chance to redeem myself and prove that I should have won the first fight outright. I went into his home state and turned the crowd against him.

“I want the respect that I’m warranted and that I should be given from him. The first fight was a close fight, but the second fight is going to be even worse for him, because I’m knocking him out.

“This is what every fighter dreams of. This is what we all set out to do. You build your legacy fight by fight, then you get an opportunity like this and you have to make the most of it. I want to show the people around the world that I’m a winner.

“It’s all about me and him inside of the ring. I’m going to make him pay for everything he said and everything that happened in the first fight. I’m going to break him and I’m going to make him suffer.

“I watched the entire first fight from beginning to end and I studied it. I thought that I won by one or two points. I won the fight in the key moments enough where I should have come out with the win.

“The bicep injury occurred during a sparring session and I had to stop everything for a while. Charlo was saying lots of things about it and all I was trying to do during that time was recover. After coming back from that, I’m so happy because everything has been perfect physically. I feel better than ever going into May 14.

“This is going to be an electrifying fight. My only objective is to walk out of there with four belts. You won’t want to miss two fighters leaving it all on the line in the ring.

“A victory will make my dream come true. When you’re in the prime of your career and you have a chance like this, you just can’t let it go. I have the opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO II
Charlo vs. Castaño II will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño in 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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a thrilling bantamweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 5 ranked Rob Font take on No. 8 Marlon Vera. The co-main event will see former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski  go for his fourth consecutive win when he meets Jake Collier.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: FONT vs. VERA will take place Saturday, April 30 UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT.

Exciting striker Font (19-5, fighting out of Woburn, Mass.) entered the bantamweight Top 5 with a three-year undefeated run beginning in 2018. During this time, he secured exciting wins against former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, Marlon Moraes and Sergio Pettis. Font now aims to defend his spot in the rankings by becoming the first fighter to finish Vera.

Diverse finisher Vera (18-7-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabí, Ecuador) looks to continue his ascent up the 135-pound ladder with another show-stealing performance. Throughout his UFC run, he has earned memorable victories over former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, Davey Grant and Sean O’Malley. Vera now intends to stop Font to crack the division’s Top 5 for the first time in his career.

Arlovski (33-20 2NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) looks to extend his record for most wins in UFC heavyweight history to 23. A seasoned MMA veteran, he holds notable victories against former titleholders Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir and Tim Sylvia. Arlovski now has his sights set on dispatching another rising heavyweight to earn a shot at a Top 15 ranked contender.

Collier (13-6, fighting out of Cuba, Mo.) hopes to further cement his heavyweight run by taking out his first former champion. A former UFC middleweight, he has delivered impressive wins over Chase Sherman, Gian Villante and Marcel Fortuna. Collier is now gunning for another finish at heavyweight by delivering a highlight-reel performance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Andre Fili (21-8 1NC, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with Joanderson Brito (12-3-1, fighting out of Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at featherweight
• Jared Gordon (18-4, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) meets Grant Dawson (17-1-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) in an intriguing lightweight bout
• Perennial fan favorite Darren Elkins (27-10, fighting out of Portage, Ind.) battles Tristan Connelly (14-7, fighting out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada) at featherweight
• Krzysztof Jotko (23-5, fighting out of Orneta, Poland) takes on Gerald Meerschaert (34-14, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a clash of middleweight veterans
• Daniel Lacerda (11-2, fighting out of Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Francisco Figueiredo (12-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Soure, Para, Brazil) at flyweight
• Gabe Green (10-3, fighting out of San Pedro, Calif.) meets unbeaten Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Yohan Lainesse (8-0, fighting out of Saint-Bruno, Quebec, Canada) in a welterweight bout
• Natan Levy (6-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Herzliya, Israel) and Mike Breeden (10-4, fighting Lee’s Summit, Mo.) each vie for their first UFC victory in a lightweight bout
• Gina Mazany (7-5, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) takes on Shanna Young (8-5, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) at flyweight
• Undefeated flyweight Tatsuro Taira (10-0, fighting out of Naha, Okinawa, Japan) debuts against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Carlos Candelario (8-1, fighting out of Hartford, Conn.)

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 21.3 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).

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.

LAS VEGAS (April 21, 2022) — Lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla, a Southern California dynamo with eight consecutive knockouts, is aiming for another show-stopping performance in Las Vegas. Muratalla will fight New Orleans native Jeremy Hill in an eight-rounder Saturday, April 30, on the undercard of the Oscar Valdez-Shakur Stevenson WBC/WBO junior lightweight title unification tilt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Valdez-Stevenson, an eight-round lightweight co-feature between U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis and Esteban Sanchez, and Nico Ali Walsh-Alejandro Ibarra will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Muratalla-Hill and additional undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Muratalla (13-0, 11 KOs) grew up fighting in his father’s backyard boxing ring in Fontana, a well-known cultivator of talent that saw everyone from Ryan Garcia to 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas step through the ropes. After a fruitful amateur career, Muratalla turned pro in Mexico in 2016 and worked his way up the SoCal circuit before signing a long-term deal with Top Rank. In 2020, he won two fights inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble and emerged as a contender to watch in 2021. Last November, he made the most of his opportunity on the televised Terence Crawford-Shawn Porter PPV undercard, stopping Elias Araujo in five rounds. Hill (16-2, 11 KOs) won his first 14 fights before a 1-2 skid that saw him drop competitive decisions to Steven Ortiz and Nahir Albright. He kicked off his 2022 campaign with a second-round knockout over Jonathan Perez in New Orleans.

In other undercard bouts:
Junior lightweight contender Andres “Savage” Cortes (16-0, 9 KOs), a Las Vegas native who recently inked a long-term contract with Top Rank, looks to make a hometown statement versus Alexis del Bosque (18-5-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder. del Bosque is 5-0-1 in his last six fights, while Cortes is coming off brutal knockout wins over Mark Bernaldez and former world title challenger Genesis Servania.

Cleveland-born lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason (1-0, 1 KO), who turned 18 years old earlier this month, goes for 2-0 in a four-rounder against Luciano Ramos (1-2). Mason made his pro debut last November as a 17-year-old, knocking out Jaylan Phillips in two rounds.

Recent U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (4-0, 2 KOs), from Alexandria, Virginia, will fight in a six-round middleweight bout against an opponent to be named. Isley has won two bouts since advancing to the Round of 16 at the Tokyo Olympics.

Rising lightweight Charlie Sheehy (2-0, 2 KOs), the Bay Area product with a pair of devastating knockouts to begin his pro career, goes for his third straight against New Orleans native Burnell Jenkins (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder. Jenkins has won two fights since losing his pro debut in 2019.

Junior welterweight prospect Antoine Cobb (1-0, 1 KO), Stevenson’s close friend and training partner, returns against the upset-minded Jaylan Phillips (1-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder. Cobb made his pro debut last October with a sensational first-round stoppage on the Stevenson-Jamel Herring undercard.
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting AXS.com.

Hialeah, FL / April 21, 2022 – When professional boxing returns to Hialeah Park for the second time this year on Saturday May 7, 2022 for Una Gran Noche de Boxeo Cubano 2, it’s not a stretch at all to say that Ulysees Diaz will be “the most interesting fighter on the card.”

Diaz is 41 years old, a veteran yet relatively inexperienced professional boxer, with only 13 pro bouts on his 12-1 (11 KOs) record dating back to his debut in January of 2017.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to telling the tale of the Cuban-born, Miami- based cruiserweight.

Start with the fact that he grew up in Miami with the incredibly accomplished rapper and singer Pitbull. “We’re like brothers,” Diaz said. “We’ve been best friends since we were little kids.”

Add that Diaz has an incredible social media presence, including 54,300 followers of his uly_monster Instagram page, that will create significant added exposure when Hialeah Park Casino, in association with Warriors Boxing and Rivalta Boxing, presents Una Gran Noche de Boxeo Cubano 2 on May 7.

And factor in that Diaz also holds the record for the fastest knockout in all of combat sports history, a three-second one punch KO of Daniele Benedetto in a Bare Knuckles Boxing bout, and it’s easy to see why promoter Henry Rivalta is excited to have Diaz on the card.

“He’s nicknamed ‘The Monster’ for a reason,” Rivalta explained. “He’s exciting in the ring, he goes right for the knockout, and he brings a big fan base with him. We’re thrilled that he’s on the card for Una Gran Noche De Boxeo Cubano 2!”

“I’m a technical brawler,” noted Diaz. “I’m not a kid anymore, so I push myself physically to keep in shape. I don’t take any days off from training, I eat well, and I get plenty of sleep.”

Diaz will fight on the early part of the undercard of Una Gran Noche De Boxeo Cubano 2 against an opponent not yet named.

The May 7 festivities will be highlighted by two title fights, one featuring the undefeated Cuban heavyweight prospect and Mike Tyson look-alike Lenier “El Justiciero” Peró (6-0, 3 KOs) against Hector Perez (7-4, 3 KOs) for the NABO Heavyweight championship and the other pitting cruiserweight Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez (12-1, 11 KOs) against #15 IBF contender David Light (17-0, 11 KOs) of New Zealand for the WBO International Cruiserweight title.

Before the main events on the May 7 card, Cuban super-lightweight Orestes Velazquez (3-0, 3 KOs), coming off a victory in “the fight of the night” on the January 28 card at Hialeah Park, faces former WBO champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-9, 16 KOs), Cuban welterweight Livan Navarro (11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his only defeat to face tough Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz (37-29, 18 KOs), and Cuban super-bantamweight Ariel Perez de la Torre (7-0, 5 KOs) risks his undefeated status against the well-experienced Lucas Baez (37-21-5, 20 KOs).

Tickets for Una Gran Noche de Boxeo Cubano 2 are now on sale through the Hialeah Park web site at www.hialeahpark.com.

Alen Babic will look to keep his destructive knockout streak going when he takes on Adam Balski for the vacant WBC Silver Bridgerweight Title on the undercard of Joshua Buatsi’s huge domestic Light-Heavyweight clash with Craig Richards at The O2 in London on Saturday May 21, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).
 
The big-hitting Croat took six rounds to take out Frenchman David Spilmont on the undercard of Joseph Parker’s rematch with Derek Chisora last time out in December – taking ‘The Savage’s’ record to ten knockouts from ten fights since turning pro in July 2019.
 
Northampton’s WBC and IBF Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron (15-0, 8 KOs) defends her crowns against Argentina’s former World Champion Victoria Noelia Bustos (23-6) as she waits for a date for her huge Undisputed clash with WBA and WBO ruler Kali Reis.
 
Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr (22-3, 15 KOs) looks to build on his impressive stoppage win over Henry Lundy back in December when he puts his WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Title on the line against another American Javier Molina (22-4, 9 KOs).
 
Catford’s Ellie Scotney (4-0) was made to work hard as she battled past Jorgelina Guanini to earn the WBA Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight crown at the famous Alexandra Palace in February – she puts that belt on the line against Argentina’s former World Champion Maria Cecilia Roman (16-6-1).
 
Elsewhere on the card there’s action for Takeley Light-Heavyweight youngster ‘The Gentleman’ John Hedges (5-0, 1 KO), former Team GB Olympian turned Cruiserweight prospect Cheavon Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) and London Super-Lightweight talent Shiloh ‘Sugar Shy’ Defreitas (3-0, 2 KOs).

Harlem Eubank (13-0, 5 KOs) says he is going to put on a show when he faces Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd (17-6-1, 3 KOs) on Friday May 13 as part of an action-packed night of free-to-air boxing at the Indigo at the O2, live on Channel 5.
 
The 28-year-old returns to action following an impressive performance on the undercard of cousin Chris Eubank Jr’s grudge match with Liam Williams in February, which saw the Brighton boxer force former IBF Intercontinental Champion Viorel Simion to retire at the end of the fifth-round.
 
The exciting Super Lightweight now has the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of a huge television audience on Channel 5 as he looks to become the latest star name to emerge from his famous fighting family.
 
“This is a fight where I’m going to learn a lot and I think I’m going to show people a lot as well,” said Eubank. “It’s the perfect next step on my journey. I’ve got big dreams in boxing, big aspirations and this is a fight that will help me gain the experience I need to get to the next level.
 
“Boxing on Channel 5 is great. I watched my cousin Chris boxing on Channel 5 when he was coming up. There’s nothing better than terrestrial television when you’re going from the ground up. Channel 5 gives you that audience. It’s not just people who would watch boxing normally. It’s going to be people who might just flick on to Channel 5, see the boxing is on and tune in. I want to engage with these people to build my fanbase and to build the sport. I want people to see my fight, enjoy it, and then follow the journey from there.
 
“It’s been great since signing with Wasserman. They’ve provided me with the fights I need and kept me active. I got to fight on my cousin Chris’ undercard which was a big milestone for me, and now they’re looking to propel me onto the next stage and develop my career in the right way at the right time. This fight has come at a good time for me. Sean is a very experienced fighter and it’s going to be a good test but I’m going to come through with flying colours. I’m excited to get out there and put on a show!”
 
The return of Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs) against Xhuljo Vrenozi (18-4,3 KOs), Harlem Eubank (13-0, 5 KOs) versus Sean Dodd (17-6-1, 3 KOs) and the hotly anticipated British Middleweight Title clash between Linus Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) and Denzel Bentley (15-1-1, 13 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.
 
Tickets are on sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 21 – Paul Butler and Jonas Sultan squared off for the final time ahead of their WBO interim world bantamweight title clash in Liverpool. 

Sultan has stepped in as a late replacement for John Riel Casimero to face local hero Butler at the M&S Bank Arena in the headline fight at Probellum Liverpool on Friday night. 

Sam Maxwell came face to face with Alejandro Meneses ahead of their scrap for the IBO super-lightweight title with Peter McGrail and Jazza Dickens among those who also hit the scales at the Hilton Hotel. 

The packed card will be shown live, free and exclusive on Probellum.com with the opening bout of the night due to start at 4:30pm. 

MAIN EVENT? 

WBO INTERIM WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE 

Paul Butler (33-2) 117.8lbs 

Jonas Sultan (18-5) 117.6lbs 

8 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest? 

Peter McGrail (3-0) 124.4lbs 

Uriel Lopez (15-17-1)?124.2lbs 

? 
IBO WORLD SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE 

Sam Maxwell (16-0) 138.8lbs 

Alejandro Meneses (15-5) 139.2lbs 

? 
10 Rounds Featherweight Contest? 

James Dickens (30-4) 126lbs 

Andoni Gago (25-4-4) 125.2lbs 

? 
8 Rounds Super Middleweight Contest? 

Rocky Fielding (29-2) 175.4lbs 

Timo Laine (30-17) 171.4lbs 

?
4 Rounds Bantamweight Contest? 

Will Cawley (1-0) 119.6lbs 

Marius Vysniauskas (2-12) 117.6lbs 

? 
4 Rounds Super Featherweight Contest? 

Harry Kinsella (Debut) 130lbs 

Christian Narvaez (16-38-6) 131lbs 

? 
4 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest? 

Joe McGrail (2-0) 122lbs 

Mohammed Alwarith (0-2) 121.6lbs 

4 Rounds Lightweight Contest? 

Frankie Stringer (Debut) 136lbs 

Simas Volosinas (7-102) Weighs in on day 

? 
4 Rounds Super Featherweight Contest 

Steven Cairns (2-0)?133lbs 

Jose Hernandez (4-41-1) 127lbs 

1630? 

6 Rounds Bantamweight Contest? 

Blane Hyland (5-1)?118lbs 

Stephen Jackson (1-15) 117lbs 

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 19, 2022) – Boxing returns to Las Vegas on May 5, 2022, as Reid Boxing will put on a spectacular Cinco de Mayo show, featuring two prospects putting their undefeated records on the line. Lester Martinez (11-0, 10 KOs), a power punching slugger from Guatemala City, Guatemala, will square off against Juan Abraham Villegas (17-0, 13 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, in a 10-round super middleweight main event bout.

The event titled, Thursday Night Fight Vibes, will take place at the Sahara Event Center. Tickets priced $20, $25, $35, $50, $75, $100 and $150 (VIP), are on sale now and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. The Sahara Event Center located on East Karen Avenue in Las Vegas, NV. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. PT, first fight starts at 7:15 p.m. PT.

The co-main event will showcase Robin Sirwan Safar (14-0, 10 KOs) vs. Christian Thomas (11-0, 9 KOs) in an additional battle of undefeated prospects putting their unbeaten records to the test. Safar vs. Thomas, an 8-round bout, will be in the light heavyweight division.

The undercard bouts will be loaded with more exciting fights as heavyweights DeAndre Savage (3-0, 3 KOs) and Antonio Zapeda (3-0, 3 KOs), will battle in a scheduled 6-round bout. Again, someone’s “0” must go.

Rising star, Able Mendoza (32-0, 25 KOs), will risk his unbeaten record against Ricardo Proano (11-4, 9 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Mendoza, who hails from El Paso, TX, has been making noise in the lightweight division, and promises to bring the heat on fight night.

Other undercard bouts:

Light heavyweight Britton Norwood (10-4-1, 7 KO) of Las Vegas, NV, will face Juan Higuera (4-0, 3 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Welterweight Jeremy Nichols (9-2-1, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, will battle Joseph Bonas (7-1, 6 KOs) of Detroit, MI. (6-rounds)

Super featherweight Sha’rhod Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, will face Shamar Canal (1-0, 1 KO) of Albany, NY. (4-rounds)

Welterweight Anthony Demonte (4-0, 3 KOs) and super bantamweight Andy Beltran (4-0, 2 KO) will all face opponents TBA.

POMONA, CA (April 20, 2022) – Lightweight sensation, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (5-0, 5 KOs), who has knocked out every opponent he has faced, will return on Thursday, May 12, 2022, against Jose Zaragoza (8-4-1, 2 KOs). The scheduled 6-round bout will take place in Montebello, California, at the Quiet Cannon Country Club, promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions airing live on UFC Fight Pass.

Mercado is one of the most active fighters in the lightweight division and has stopped his last four opponents in the first round, with his last being a 36-fight veteran in Daniel Evangelista Jr. (20-14-2, 16 KOs), who was thought could take him rounds. It is clear Mercado’s power is different compared to his peers. His upcoming fight against Zaragoza will be his third bout of 2022.

“I want to be the most feared lightweight in the world, I have stopped every opponent I have faced, and this fight will be no different as I plan to come out throwing bombs,” said Mercado, who looks to be the hardest-hitting lightweight prospect in the world right now. “I’m always looking for opponents to give me more rounds, but I’ve been getting them hurt early, and when that happens my instinct is to always go for the knockout. I know the next level of competition will be different where I will have to go the distance, but it’s been nice ending fights early. The goal is to stay as active as possible so I can get into the world title picture by the end of next year.”

Mercado will look to get his sixth knockout in a row on May 12th, and with his knockout power, appears to be one of the most exciting fighters in all of boxing.

“My only focus right now is winning a world title and bringing it back to the gym with my father,” continued Mercado. “Everything is secondary to that goal. In 2022 I’ve been extremely active and it’s making me a better fighter, my confidence is at an all-time high. I want to be respected as the best lightweight of this era. I am chasing greatness, I think a lot of fighters now are not fighting with the pride you’d see in fighters from the 80s, and I am built from that cloth. I’m definitely like to consider myself as a throwback fighter”

LONDON (April 20, 2022) —The drama surrounding whether Dillian Whyte would show up for Wednesday’s press conference was much ado about nothing. The WBC Interim heavyweight champion arrived on time, and he and WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight champion Tyson Fury exchanged more pleasantries than trash talk three days out from their showdown at Wembley Stadium (ESPN+ PPV, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT).

Fury will defend his crown on the world-famous football pitch Saturday in front of a UK-record crowd of approximately 94,000. This is what Fury, Whyte, Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren, and Top Rank President Todd duBoef had to say.

Tyson Fury

“We’ve had a great preparation. There are never any complaints from me. We always do what we can do in training camps and do the best that we can do on the night. I’m sure Dillian Whyte’s had a great training camp as well. He’s a good fighting man. The fans are in for a real treat. I know Dillian. I know him personally, and he knows me. And we’re going to rock n’ roll on fight night. We’re ready to throw down and treat us all to a hell of a barnstorm.”

“It’s been an amazing journey. From where I started all those years ago to the ups and downs and being away from boxing and being fat as f**k, 28 stone. To coming back and being mentally out, a druggie and an alcoholic—all of the rest of the stuff—I’m not ashamed of it. It’s a part of who I am. To coming back and getting back to the top of the world and having three big fights with Deontay Wilder over there in the U.S., and now being back in England after all these years, four years away, and now I’m fighting my old pal Dillian Whyte back at home for all the glory and all the belts. Who would have thought it? We’re looking forward to an awesome, memorable night. This will break all records.”

“Dillian Whyte is a good fighter. He is a good, strong, solid man. He’s big. He’s strong. He’s tough. He’s game. He’s got good power. He’s knocked out a lot of men. He’s had a good learning career as well. He’s got a lot of experience in the fight game. He’s definitely a man that needs a lot of respect. And that’s why I’ve given all this training camp we’ve had. I’ve had everything I can possibly do to train for this. I’ve haven’t left any stones unturned. I’ve trained as hard for Dillian as I have for Wilder or Klitschko

Dillian Whyte

“It means everything to me to be fighting in my home country, and especially because it’s for the world title at Wembley. It’s not too far from where I’m from. It means everything. It’s massive. It’s a moment I’ve been waiting for. It’s a big fight. Like Tyson said, we didn’t expect to be here. But I’m here, but I’ve taken risks time and time again. I’ve had a couple slipups along the way, but I’m here and I’m ready to go. You won’t hear any bullsh*t from me. I’m ready to go.”

On Not Showing Up to Promotional Events
“There was no strategy. There are two sides to his story. You only hear one side of the story because one side says a lot of things. Because I didn’t say anything, everyone was saying ‘you’re scared’ and ‘you’re hiding.’ I ain’t scared of sh*t. I ain’t hiding from sh*t. Stuff needed to get done. Obviously, the fight was signed.  But there were other things behind the scenes that needed to get signed. Me and Frank got together. Credit due to him as me and my team were trying to pick up the phone for a long time to get stuff done.”

“This is one of those fights where I’ve been working on being adaptable. I’m going to have to adapt, make smart decisions, when I need to do what and how I need to do it, and how I need to approach what I’m doing. So that’s it. There’s no strategy here. That’s it. I just need to go in there and do my thing.”

Todd duBoef

“This is more than boxing. This is the world of sport. This is a global epicenter for entertainment and sport. It’s a tribute to all of us in the room. It’s a tribute to Frank Warren, BT Sport and especially these two prizefighters who have brought it all for the many years and hard work in the gym to elevate the sport. The world is all going to be watching, not only 94,000. This is an honor to be a part of, and it’s going to be a wonderful night. We will all remember this.”

Frank Warren

“You’ve got the best heavyweight of his generation, the lineal champion and the WBC champion against a young man over there in Dillian who was been waiting…How long have you been waiting for this fight? 1700 days? He’s been waiting for this fight for 34 years. And it’s here now. He’s got the fight. And, we know he’s in great shape. But he’s got to train hard when you fight a guy like Tyson Fury. He’s told me that it’s been the best training camp that he’s ever had. So, you’ve got both of these guys in tip-top fighting condition. So, what are you going to get on the night of the fight? A great fight.”
UPCOMING FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE
Thursday, April 21: Fury vs. Whyte Undercard Press Conference
12:30 p.m. UK/7:30 a.m. ET/4:30 a.m. PT

Streaming on Top Rank’s YouTube and Twitter pages

Friday, April 22: Fury vs. Whyte Weigh-In
2:30 p.m. UK/9:30 a.m. ET/6:30 a.m. PT
Live on ESPN2 and Top Rank’s YouTube and Twitter pages

Saturday, April 23: Fury vs. Whyte Fight Day
PPV Broadcast
2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
CLICK HERE for ESPN+ Event Order Page

Fury vs. Whyte, 12 rounds, Fury’s WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine Heavyweight titles

Anthony Cacace vs. Jonathan Romero, 10 rounds, Vacant WBO International Junior Lightweight title

Isaac Lowe vs. Nick Ball, 12 rounds, Vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title

David Adeleye vs. Chris Healey, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Tommy Fury vs. Daniel Bocianski, 6 rounds, light heavyweight

PLANT CITY, Florida (April 20, 2022): The sweet science is about to experience a revolutionary change, and it all starts with two action-packed battles in the light heavyweight and featherweight divisions.

ProBox TV, the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to the sport of professional boxing, will host its first live broadcast on May 20 as IBF No. 1 Contender Fanlong Meng (17-0, 10 KOs) and former two-time world champion Jean Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) meet in a 12-round clash for a top spot in the 175-pound division.

In the co-feature, former champion Xu Can (18-3, 3 KOs) makes his highly anticipated return against rugged Mexican warrior Brandon Benitez (18-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round bout that is guaranteed to produce a war.

Ticket and undercard information for the event will be announced shortly. The entire event will be streamed live on ProBox TV from the Company’s Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

Meng is a 34-year-old southpaw who has been craving for a meaningful challenge. He made his professional debut in 2015 following a decorated amateur career where he represented China in the 2012 Olympic Games. Since then, he has captured two regional titles, the WBO Oriental and the IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Titles. The native of Chifeng City, China is eager to step up in opposition in order to put himself in line for a world title. But in order to do so, he’ll have to take on the toughest, most dangerous test of his career against a former world champion.

“I’m so excited to get back in the ring and face former world champion Jean Pascal on May 20,” said Meng. “This fight is so unique for a lot of different reasons. It’s my first time as the main event fighter. It’s the first time I face a former world champion, and it’s the first time we will live stream in China so that 1.5 billion people can support. It’s also my first time fighting on ProBox, my home turf. I’ve been training very hard here in Florida. Camp has been great. I can’t wait to put on a good show.”

Pascal is generally considered to be one of the top light heavyweights of the past 15 years. In 2009, he defeated Adrian Diaconu to capture the WBC Light Heavyweight World Title. He defended it twice before capturing the IBO Light Heavyweight World Championship in a unification fight with Chad Dawson.

Pascal eventually lost the belts in a 2011 rematch to Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, but had world title opportunities during the next few years against the likes of Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol. He will need to defeat Meng if he wants to remain a player in the division, and if age is a significant factor, then that means he’ll need to resort to using power and strength to stop the younger man early.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Pascal. “I’m back with a lot to prove and a fire under my ass. This fight with Meng is a great opportunity for me to get right back where I belong, the top of the division. He’s a good fighter. He’s undefeated for a reason, but he’s never been in with anybody like me. After this fight, he and Ahmed Elbiali will have something in common, losses to me in Florida in fights his people should have never made.”

Can is a former world champion who is known for his volume punching and relentless action. The native of Fuzhou, China captured the WBA Featherweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Jesus Rojas in January 2019. He made defenses against Shun Kubo and Manny Robles III before losing the belt against Leigh Wood in July 2021.

Can will look to bounce back against a tough challenge in Benitez, a 24-year-old native of Queretaro, Mexico whose only losses have come against undefeated boxers. Benitez will enter this fight coming off a four-fight win streak.

“I’m excited to return to the ring in this tough fight against Brandon Benitez,” said Can. “Fans know my style. They know that I like to throw lots of punches. So when it’s a fight between me and a Mexican warrior like Benitez, you know it will be a war.”

“I am ready and excited for this opportunity to face a former world champion,” said Benitez. “This is the opportunity I’ve been fighting for all my life. I know it will be a difficult fight where there’ll be a lot of punches thrown, but I will be in great shape to not only throw more than my opponent, but also to win convincingly.”

In addition to this double main event, ProBox TV subscribers will be treated with an innovative tournament series titled “Last Chance.” Additional details will be announced shortly.

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

As a business we have faced unprecedented levels of unfair scrutiny and criticism since the sanctioning by the US Government of Daniel Joseph Kinahan.

It is a matter of public record that Mr Kinahan’s involvement in MTK ceased in 2017, and despite repeated reassurances in this regard, unfounded allegations about his ongoing association with us and our fighters persist.

Since leading promoters have now informed us that they will be severing all ties with MTK and will no longer work with our fighters, we have taken the difficult decision to cease operations at the end of this month. 

MTK prospered because we always put the long term interests of our fighters at the heart of what we do. Our priority in the weeks ahead will be to ensure that our world class boxers are supported to find new partnerships as swiftly as possible.

MTK gyms are operated independently so will remain open for the foreseeable future. Further announcements will be made in due course.

Thank you to all the fans who have supported us over the last decade.

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 20 – Paul Butler will face WBO Intercontinental bantamweight champion Jonas Sultan in his huge homecoming fight at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena which tops a thrilling Probellum card on April 22.

With John Riel Casemiro being forced to pull out of facing Butler for the second time in the space of a few months, his Filipino countryman Sultan has been mandated to step up to fight for the interim bantamweight world title by WBO.

Butler (35-2, 15 knockouts) faces Sultan (18-5, 11 knockouts) after the Filipino’s unanimous decision victory over Carlos Carabello at Madison Square Garden in October.

The exciting Sultan – nicknamed One Punch – is unbeaten since his move up to bantamweight last year, also knocking out American Sharone Carter in August.

Speaking about the fight, Sultan said: “This is a big moment for me and I am hungry for it. There is a lot of hard work that has gone into my preparation and it was meant to be that I get in the ring against Butler this week.

“I will be dedicating this fight to my friend Ali Tazeem who tragically died last week. I have been training with him since we came over to the UK to prepare for this fight and I am 100% focused on bringing the belt home to his family when I win on Friday night.”

The huge bantamweight clash heads up the mouthwatering Probellum card which also sees Sam Maxwell’s IBO super-lightweight world title fight against Alejandro Meneses.

Local favourites Jazza Dickens, and brothers Peter and Joe McGrail complete the home interest in a night sure to entice a partisan local support in one of Britain’s boxing hotbeds.

The show will be join live, free and exclusive on Probellum.com

INDIO, CA (April 19, 2022) – Palmdale’s Joel Diaz, Jr. (26-2, 22 KOs) and San Diego’s Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-3-3, 17 KOs) hosted a media workout today ahead of their 10-round lightweight fight on Thursday, April 21st at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA. Also in attendance was undefeated prospect Manuel Flores (11-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, CA, who is set to face the veteran Victor Ruiz (23-12, 16 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in an 8-round super bantamweight fight.

The card will feature other Southern California prospect fighters including Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (11-0-1, 10 KOs) from Glendora, CA, taking on Jairo Lopez (27-14, 17 KOs) of Apodaca, Mexico in an 8-round co-main lightweight bout. Also on the card, San Diego’s top prospect Jorge Chavez (1-0, 1 KOs) is scheduled for a 4-round super featherweight fight against Miguel Marquez (0-2) from Phoenix, AZ. Finally, Los Cabos, Mexico’s Jan Salvatierra (7-1, 3 KOs) will participate in a 6-round flyweight event against Ernie Marquez (10-17-2, 3 KOs) of Fort Morgan, CO. The fights will be streamed live on DAZN worldwide and also on the Golden Boy Boing YouTube channel starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Below are what the fighter’s had to say about their upcoming fights.

JOEL DIAZ, JR, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I feel on top of the world headlining a card on Golden Boy and DAZN. This is a big opportunity for me and I will make sure to take advantage of it.

“I have some unfinished business at 135. I went up to 140 because a had a good opportunity but I do feel like I still have a lot to do at 135. This weight is comfortable for me, and I want to continue where I left off.

“I do have to make a statement against Mercito Gesta to show who Joel Diaz, Jr. is. Inside of the ring you will see the brawler but we are going to be more patient and be ready to go the distance. I have a new trainer. I have new skills and I am ready to put those skills on display during this fight.”

MERCITO GESTA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I think my experience will give me the edge on this fight. I need to be smart and use my experience and speed to be able to secure the victory on Thursday.

“It’s a great comeback fight for me and for him as well. I know we have both been off for a while but I have kept myself busy, kept training to stay in shape.

“I have fought hard-hitting guys in the past. I have fought pressure fighters. When I faced Oscar Mesa he was also a hard puncher, a knock-out fighter, but I won that fight. So, it’s not new to me, I am used to this type of fighter. I feel confident in my abilities and fans will see that on Thursday night.

“I do believe that if I give a good performance on Thursday I will be put up on the list of the lightweight division and hopefully get bigger fights. I have been working very hard everyday even though I didn’t have a fight scheduled. I wanted to stay busy and stay in shape. Hopefully all the training and sparring will pay off and I will do very well on Thursday.”

MANUEL FLORES, BANTAMWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“This is going to be my second fight this year, but the first time in my hometown since 2015 when I was still in the amateurs. It’s a blessing to be able to have the support of my friends and family here in the Coachella Valley. I am now able to showcase my skills as a professional.

“My opponent has a lot of experience and I have made sure to prepare for it. I know he is a south paw so we have selected sparring partners that are lefties so I can have an idea of what it will be like to face someone like him.

“I want to get in as many fights as I can this year and staying active. I like that these shows are at Fantasy Springs, there is a big boxing fan base here.”

Tickets for Diaz Jr. vs. Gesta are on sale now, Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Gesta is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The fight is sponsored by

The fight will take place on Thursday, April 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #DiazJrGesta #GBFightNight

Queens, New York (April 19, 2022) – Star Boxing is pleased to announce the signing of 2018 and 2019 New York Ring Masters Champion (formally the Golden Gloves), RONNY REYES to a promotional agreement. Ronny will make his pro debut on Saturday, May 7 at Star Boxing’s “Borough Boxing” located at St. John’s famed Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York.

Ronny grew up on the Lower East Side of New York City, where he currently resides with his sister, who he helped raise. Now 25, Reyes is a college graduate with a degree from SUNY Delhi. When not fighting, Ronny is a certified personal trainer at Underdog Boxing and Fitness located in the Bronx, managed by Mainstreet Underdog. (3448 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10465). Aside form Ronny’s two Ring Masters Championships, over his 7 year amateur career, he was crowned 2019 Metro Champion and was a National Representative. He concluded his amateur journey with 25 fights winning 20.

Reyes had this to say about the signing,”It’s official! The signing is complete and May 7th we fight! We are going to put on a show. You are not going to want to miss it!”

Star Boxing brings professional boxing to Carnesecca Arena on May 7 for the first time in the famed venues existence. “Ronny Reyes is a good example of the local, NYC centric talent we hope to build through our fight series in partnership with St. John’s University. It all begins on May 7. Come and join us from the start,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. A massive “Borough Boxing” fight card will be announced this week.

Tickets for “Borough Boxing” are on sale NOW and can be purchased by clicking HERE. The fight card will be announced soon. Doors will open at 6:30 PM ET and fists will fly at around 7:30 PM ET.

“Borough Boxing” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on May 7, 2022 at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.

On Saturday, May 21, Benavídez will face former world champion David Lemieux in a 12-round showdown for the vacant Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title headlining live on SHOWTIME from Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see hard-hitting Cuban prospect Yoelvis Gómez taking on Mexico’s Jorge Cota in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com at the link HERE.

Here is what the roundtable participants had to say Saturday:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

On his aggressive style:

“Every fight I go into, I either want to get a knockout or a stoppage. I think I have five straight stoppages since I came back from my suspension. That’s the plan. I want to go in there and I don’t want to leave any doubt. The stoppage is always the main thing I go for.”

On facing David Lemieux:

“With the style that David Lemieux has, it’s basically tailormade for my style to go in there and stop him. But it’s not going to be easy. David Lemieux is really motivated too. He’s fighting for another title just like I am. He’s a big puncher. I’m going in there and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a fun fight.

“As one of the best super middleweights in the world, you have to work around your opponents not trying to exchange with you. You have to learn how to deal with adversity. I don’t want to be like Edgar Berlanga who says I didn’t knock this guy out because he was running from me the whole fight. You’re going to get people that run from you the whole fight. It’s up to you to figure that out and try to knock them out.”

On moving up to light heavyweight:

“I feel like besides Caleb Plant or Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade is the only other fight that makes sense. These other fighters I want are Caleb Plant, Jermall Charlo and even Edgar Berlanga. And if not, I think it might be time to go up to 175 pounds. I’ve been trying to make all these fights happen for a long time. I feel like right now, when I win the WBC interim title, I’ll have a little bit more leverage. But if I can’t make them happen, it’s because the fighters don’t want to make the fight with me happen.

On facing Canelo Alvarez:

“To be honest, right now I’m kind of forgetting about a Canelo fight because he’s over there doing his thing. He’s going to fight Bivol and then Golovkin. So, I feel like I have to take this route and fight everybody over here. At the end of the day, that’s going to give me the experience I need. Canelo is where he’s at because he has experience. He’s fought a lot of great fighters, so if I go the same route and fight all these great fighters and beat them, then I’ll have enough experience to go in there and have the confidence to beat Canelo.”

On facing Caleb Plant:

“I hope Caleb Plant is serious about fighting in the second half of the year. I’m serious. We’ve let this fight marinate as long as possible. Now it’s going to be an even better position because once I get the WBC interim title against David Lemieux, there will be no excuse not to fight me. He said he wants the rematch with Canelo. Well, this is the best step to do it.”

On fighting in his home state of Arizona:

“I think fighting in Arizona again is going to be even better than last time. This time, it’s for the WBC interim title. A title fight against another great ex-champion. People out there love me. I have a lot of fans and supporters in Arizona. I’m excited. A lot of people are going to be there and I’m definitely going to put on a show.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

On a Benavidez vs. Plant matchup:

“It makes sense. I think one thing that the pandemic reminded everybody is that it can be taken away at any minute. This could all disappear. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that coming out of the pandemic, we have had no issue making tough fights. If you look at our schedule, it’s all tough fights. Nobody is getting easy fights. I do think that this has had an effect on people. These are fights that need to be made. Life is short, so let’s do it.”

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

On Saturday, May 14, Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño will meet in 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 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features rising welterweight star and pound-for-pound talent Jaron “Boots” Ennis battling unbeaten Custio Clayton in the co-main event.

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. Ennis vs. Clayton is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here’s what the roundtable participants had to say on Saturday:

JERMELL CHARLO

On not leaving the rematch in the judge’s hands:

“I want to knock this guy out. This is the Jermell from earlier, back when I was fighting four-rounders and I was trying to end those fights. I want to be that guy for 12 rounds now.”

On becoming undisputed at 154:

“This is one of the achievements a fighter can have – to fight to be undisputed, so I’m going to enjoy this moment and I’m going to have fun when I’m in there on May 14, five days before my birthday. I’m ready to win this fight impressively. I make all of my former opponent somebody – Tony Harrison, Lubin, all these fighters who fought me before. Nobody knew who Brian Castaño was before I fought him. And I hope I get the judges who really understand boxing. Everyone is used to me knocking everyone out that when I don’t knock someone out, it’s an issue. This is a skillful sport, you have to pay the bills for this.”

A different Charlo this time around:

“I’m locked in a little bit different this time. I’m more dedicated than I’ve ever been. I’m hungrier. I don’t know what’s next after this opportunity in my life and I’m glad that God gave me the opportunity to face the same guy and just put on a better performance. This is about me being the best Jermell Charlo.

“I was having back spasms (in his preparation for the last fight). I want to say that I came into this camp doing things the old school way now. At first, I was being superstar Jermell Charlo. I put that aside and now this is about me digging deeper into the Jermell Charlo that I really am and testing myself with my training and swimming, running, stuff that I went away from because of the stardom before.”

On fighting the winner of Spence-Crawford:

“I have no intention on fighting my stablemate (Spence). Terence Crawford can get that work. I don’t care about him. I don’t know him, and he doesn’t know me. We can make it happen. But when you have an emotional tie to someone, it’s like fighting my twin brother. Now like Spence said, if that money is right, and you put that brick bread out there, we’re going to get in there with anybody. We’re not going to turn down anyone, neither will Spence. But Crawford hasn’t done anything at 154. How do you want him to fight me? I’m trying to become undisputed right now. How are we talking about someone who hasn’t even fought in the division? How did he just jump from there to there? What connection does he have?”

On Facing Sebastian Fundora:

“This is what I do. When you become a champion like that, you have mandatory after mandatory after mandatory. You have all these people in the way. Maybe I’ll be the shot-caller and make the decision who I want to fight next. Fundora? Go fight someone else? Crawford? You guys fight each other. I’m busy.”

On his legacy:

“Once the story is written and the book is finished, everyone’s going to come back and say that Jermell Charlo did a really good job at 154. I held it down. I’m proud of what I’ve done in the division, but I have to get Castaño out of the way. I have to show all the fans why I’m the No. 1 guy that’s been the No. 1 guy for so many years. I possess a different type of strength. I have a different type of power when I punch. I’m the Hagler and Hearns put together and I have 12 rounds to do it.”

Hall of Fame bound if he beats Castaño?

“I might get an opportunity to make a move in my life like that. That’s what’s important. What’s important is leaving a legacy and I want to leave a legacy for my children and it’s not about right now. The legacy is for the future so I’m writing my book and if I don’t get the eyes and the viewers, that’s ok. I’m not begging to be the most popular boxer. I’m just doing this for my future.”

On criticism he stayed on the ropes too much in the first fight:

“In boxing sometimes, you have to fight off the ropes. Yeah, I could have done better by not being on the ropes. But I fought myself off the ropes. Who got hurt more? Who got buckled? To me, I want all the action. At the end of the day, maybe I won’t be on the ropes that much and get back into the center of the ring. He didn’t throw as many punches as he usually does against me. Why? Because he got hurt. The fight would have ended if he had thrown more punches. I’m going to smash him this time around.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

On Jermell Charlo:

“I want to go back to something about what ‘Mell said about appreciating him while he’s here, and that really resonated with me, and I hope it resonates with you because the sport of boxing needs boxers like Jermell Charlo. Not just in the ring – being passionate and athletic, putting on a show and entertaining people. But also doing things like this, outside of the ring. People are always saying, ‘We need personalities in this sport. We need larger than life characters.’ We have one here. We have a larger-than-life person in the ring and outside of the ring and I hear people say, “He’s angry, he’s this, he’s that.’ That is passion. What you’re hearing is not anger. It’s passion and a commitment to the sport, and I think Jermell is the kind of fighter that, when he’s gone, I think there will be a greater appreciation for him, and I think we need to appreciate him when he’s here because fighters like Jermell are critical to the health of the sport. They draw people in. They impress people in the ring. They attract eyeballs outside of the ring. You guys see it.”

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