AUDIO: Talking All Things Boxing with BJ Flores
DKO Boxing’s Edward Vazquez Battles Raymond Ford in Battle of Undefeated Featherweights Tomorrow Night

Phoenix, AZ (February 4, 2022)–TOMORROW NIGHT, DKO Boxing Management’s undefeated featherweight Edward Vazquez takes on Raymond Ford in a 10-round bout for the WBA Continental Featherweight title at the Footprint Arena in Phoenix.
The bout will be streamed live on DAZN (8 PM ET)
Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas is 11-0 with three knockouts and will be looking to establish himself by taking on former National Amateur champion and undefeated Ford.
Vazquez, who is the former WBC USNBC champion will look to add Ford to a victim list that already includes Everado Jhoao (1-0), Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0), Adan Ochoa (11-1), Irvin Gonzalez (14-2) and a 1st round stoppage over Ezequiel Alberto Tevez on November 5th in Irving, Texas.
Ford of Camden, NJ is a former National Golden Gloves champion is 10-0-1 with six knockouts, and is coming off an eighth round stoppage over Felix Caraballo on November 27th,
Vazquez is promoted by KO Night Boxing.
Edward Vazquez Press Conference Quotes
“This isn’t my first step up fight, I’ve had three before and I’ve won them all. I am well prepared, a six-week camp, no shortcuts and no corners cut, this is the best I’ve felt and the title is coming home to Texas with me.
“Ray is skillful, and he’s had good wins, I respect what he’s done, but he’s had one step up fight and he got a draw.
“You have to use your brain and outthink your opponent. Being fast and flashy is nice but only gets you so far. It’s the brain that wins fights and I have more of that than him.
“This is everything I have dreamed of and visualized; I feel I have been here before because I have seen it played out in my head. I am comfortable, well prepared and ready.”
UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION JULIANNA PENA AND FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION AMANDA NUNES TO COACH MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTS AND WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTS ON THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® SEASON 30: PENA vs NUNES
Las Vegas – The historic 30th season of The Ultimate Fighter®will see UFC® bantamweight champion Julianna Pena and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes go head-to-head as coaches for men’s heavyweights and women’s flyweights competing to make the UFC roster. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, May 3 on ESPN+, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the bantamweight title at a date that will be determined in the near future.
The Ultimate Fighter Season 30: Pena vs Nunes will feature a dynamic cast of 16 ascending athletes in the men’s heavyweight (265 lbs.) and women’s flyweight (125 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.
The entire twelve episode season of TUF 30 will be available exclusively on ESPN+, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning May 3. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 29 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service.
The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Julianna Pena, Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.
Undisputed UFC bantamweight champion Pena (12-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) returns to The Ultimate Fighter as a coach after winning season 18 in dominant fashion. She will look to teach her team the lessons and skills from her impressive career that has seen her secure victories over Amanda Nunes, Cat Zingano, Nicco Montano and Sara McMann. Pena now aims to show that she can beat Nunes as a coach, as well as a competitor, and build momentum towards their inevitable rematch later this year.
Nunes (21-5, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Pojuca, Brazil) is widely considered to be the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time. Despite her historic upset defeat to Pena late last year, Nunes remains confident that she will regain her lost title with a spectacular performance similar to those that earned her wins over Holly Holm, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey. She now plans on adding a successful The Ultimate Fighter season to her renowned resume on the way to exacting revenge over Pena.
Below is a full list of competitors scheduled to compete in The Ultimate Fighter 30: Team Pena vs. Team Nunes (name, age, professional record and fighting out of):
MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTS
Nyle Bartling | 29 | 6-0 | Unadilla, NE
Chandler Cole | 27 | 8-3 | Coeburn, VA
Jordan Heiderman | 30 | 5-0 | Norfolk, NE
Bobby Maximus | 43 | 5-4 | Salt Lake City, UT
Zac Pauga | 33 | 5-0 | Denver, CO
Eduardo Perez | 27 | 4-1 | Berkeley, CA
Mitchell Sipe | 25 | 5-2 | Bakersfield, CA
Mohammed Usman | 32 | 7-2 | Denver, CO
WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTS
Chantel Coates | 34 | 2-1 | Leavenworth, KS
Claire Guthrie | 26 | 3-1 | Denver, CO
Juliana Miller | 25 | 2-1 | San Diego, CA
Kaytlin Neil | 30 | 5-4 | Lindon, UT
Kathryn Paprocki | 28 | 3-2 | Denver, CO
Melissa Parker | 35 | 2-1 | Houston, TX
Helen Peralta | 33 | 4-2 | Fairfield, IA
Brogan Walker | 32 | 7-2 | Guam
*All athletes are subject to change
Visit the UFC.com for additional information and content to support your UFC coverage.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 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 sports and entertainment 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 17.1 million subscribers.
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
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.
About Pilgrim Media Group
Pilgrim Media Group, a Lionsgate company headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and scripted programming across all platforms. The company is behind hit series and projects like “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” the “Street Outlaws” and Wicked Tuna franchises, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Bring It!,” “The Ultimate Fighter” and “High on the Hog.” Among Pilgrim’s feature documentaries are the award-winning films “Soufra” and “Tre Maison Dasan,” now streaming on Hulu and PBS.org, respectively; revelatory profile “The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story” for YouTube Premium; and Sundance’s 2020 Festival Favorite Award winner, “Giving Voice.” Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) is a majority investor in Pilgrim.
Jamie Mitchell Defends WBA Bantamweight Title against Carly Skelly in Phoenix

New York (February 4, 2022) – Jamie Mitchell makes her maiden defense of the WBA Bantamweight title when she takes on Carly Skelly tomorrow night at The Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The fight will be streamed Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET
Mitchell of Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen’s Empire Boxing, won the title on October 9th when she defeated previously undefeated champion Shannon Courtenay in Liverpool England,
Mitchell (7-0-2, 4 KOs) will look to add Skelly as the 2nd consecutive undefeated opponent to her resume.
Skelly (4-0-1) of Liverpool, England is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Dorota Norek on October 23rd in Liverpool.
Mitchell weighed 117.2 lbs Skelly checked in at 116.2 lbs
Jamie Mitchell Press Conference Quotes
“I am definitely ready to defend my title, it’s going to be a great night.
“You cannot doubt yourself no matter whether you are chosen as an opponent or you are the A-side. I knew I was going to go in there against Shannon Courtenay and do what I had to do. I have tremendous coaches and a great manager, and the belief I have in myself is phenomenal, so I have all the confidence I need to be a World champion.
“Carly is a great opponent for me, but I am going to show everybody why I am a World champion. Nothing has been given to me at all, I am going to go out and show my skills and capabilities.
“I’m not giving up nothing but ass-whoopings – no-one is getting this belt.”
WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie Mitchell talks about title defense with Carly Skelly
Also on the card will be undefeated light heavyweight Khalil Coe. Coe (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Flemington, New Jersey will battle Dylan O’Sullivan in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.
Despite just 34 amateur fights, Coe made the most of his opportunities as he was a member of the distinguished United States elite team. Coe gained his most prominence when he knocked out Olympic Gold Medal Winner and four-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar La Cruz.
Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.
O’Sullivan of Johnson City, Tennessee is 1-0, and made his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Jermaine Cooley on July 3rd in Gray, Tennessee.
The Fight will be streamed on DAZN.
Coe Weighed 179.5 lbs.; O’Sullivan was 177.9 lbs
Khalil Coe Press Conference Quotes
“The weight played a part in the draw. We started the cut late in camp, we forced it a little, but we’ve learned from it and we’re here and better for it now.
“It was a minor setback, but a lesson learned. It’s not something I want to forget, I want to remember it and grow from it, and never let it happen again.
“It showed me what I am capable of doing when I am not 100 per cent, so imagine what I can do when I am at my best.”
Photos by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
LIVE VIDEO: Thurman vs Barrios OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN | FOX Sports PBC PPV
WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR CUADRAS-RODRIGUEZ

First bell – 4pm MT
6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Aaron Aponte (139lbs) vs. Louis Jourdain (138.8lbs)
(Miami, Florida) (Quebec, Canada)
Followed by
6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
Adam Stewart (234lbs) vs. Alvin Davis (223.9lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona) (Miami, Florida)
Followed by
6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
Elijah Garcia (163.5lbs) vs. Antonio Hernandez (162.5lbs)
(Glendale, Arizona) (Kansas City, Missouri)
Live on DAZN – 6pm MT
4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
Khalil Coe (179.5lbs) vs. Dylan O’Sullivan (177.9lbs)
(Jersey City, New Jersey) (Johnson City, Tennessee)
Followed by
10 x 3 mins Flyweight contest
Lorenzo Smith (111.5lbs) vs. Fernando Diaz (111lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona) (Riverside, California)
Followed by
10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Featherweight title
Raymond Ford (126lbs) vs. Edward Vazquez (125.9lbs)
(Camden, New Jersey) (Fort Worth, Texas)
Followed by
10 x 2 mins WBA World Bantamweight title
Jamie Mitchell (117.2lbs) vs. Carly Skelly (116.2lbs)
(Las Vegas, Nevada) (Liverpool, England)
Followed by
12 x 3 mins vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight title
Carlos Cuadras (114.4lbs) vs. Jesse Rodriguez (114.1lbs)
(Mexico City, Mexico) (San Antonio, Texas)
VIDEO: Talking All Things Boxing with BJ Flores
VIDEO: Carlos Cuadras vs Jesse Rodriguez Plus Undercard Weigh-In
VIDEO: The FINAL Face-Off | Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams
CLARESSA SHIELDS & EMA KOZIN MAKE WEIGHT AHEAD OF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 LIVE ON PPV IN THE U.S. & CANADA

CARDIFF, WALES (February 4, 2022) – WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight World Champion Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields and unbeaten top-rated challenger Ema Kozin hit the scales Friday, weighing-in and facing off for the final time before they square off in the ring this Saturday, February 5 live from Cardiff, Wales in an event available in the U.S. and Canada on pay-per-view.
Shields tipped the scales at 159 pounds, while Kozin weighed in at 159.5 pounds, officially making weight for their championship clash.
The pay-per-view event begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT and is headlined by U.K. middleweight stars Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams squaring off in the main event. Shields vs. Kozin will serve as the co-main event of the lineup.
Shields vs. Kozin is the first in a lucrative multi-fight deal secured by Salita Promotions for Shields with promoter Boxxer and broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K. If Shields emerges victorious over Kozin, she can set up a long awaited showdown against WBO Middleweight World Champion Savannah Marshall. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat Shields has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks.
HOW TO WATCH THE February 5 – Claressa Shields vs. Ema Kozin PPV
TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, ____________Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as ____________well as leading operators in Canada.
Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV
#
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.
Female boxing icon Clampitt returns home to face upset-minded Wabik February 19 at Crowne Plaza Hotel
PROVIDENCE, RI (February 4, 2022) – Hurricane season is arriving early in New England this year as four-time world champion and living legend Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt continues her comeback Saturday, February 19 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI, in the main event of CES Boxing’s 2022 season opener.
The 45-year-old Clampitt (22-5-2, 7 KOs), a Warwick resident, faces Kim Wabik (4-1-2) of Revere, MA, in the six-round main event of “Rhode Wars,” a new fight series launched by CES in 2022 and hosted exclusively at the Crowne Plaza.
“We’re excited to bring our loyal fans a new perspective on boxing in New England with our ‘Rhode Wars’ series,” said CES president and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “Our goal is to continue furthering the careers of the region’s best young, up-and-coming talent by showcasing their ability on this new platform while also continuing to do what we do best – match New England’s top fighters against one another in the fights that matter most.”
To officially announce the event, CES is hosting a press conference open to the public and media Wednesday, February 9 at 3:30 pm at Arooga’s, located directly across from the Crowne Plaza at 615 Greenwich Ave., in Warwick.
Included in the day’s festivities on February 19 is the “Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational V,” an all ages, separate admission amateur boxing event beginning at 2 pm. “Rhode Wars” follows immediately at 7 pm. Tickets for both events are available online at CESFights.com.
In addition to the Clampitt-Wabik main event, “Rhode Wars” features several other intriguing all-New England matchups, including a six-round co-main event showdown between undefeated Providence, RI, super welterweight Lamont Powell (5-0, 1 KO) and Mitch Louis-Charles (6-2-2, 3 KOs) of Quebec who now lives and trains in Boston. In the bantamweight division, MMA-fighter-turned-boxer Daniel Cormier (1-0) of East Providence, RI, faces Christian Andrade (1-0, 1 KO) of Fairhaven, MA, in a four-round bout.
Super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (4-1, 1 KO) of New Bedford, MA, battles hard-hitting Akeem Jackson (5-4, 5 KOs) of Oxon Hill, MD, in a six-round bout and heavyweight Tim Hatfield (2-0, 2 KOs) of Providence, a former college football player for Brown University, battles Kaleb Slaughter (1-3-1) of Cincinnati, OH, in a four-round bout.
Clampitt returns to the ring later this month less than a year after ending her retirement at Cranston Stadium in June of 2021, where she fought Canada’s Olivia Gerula to a draw in her first fight since 2013.
Having won world titles in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, Clampitt is now campaigning exclusively at 135 pounds. She is one of several female fighters whose careers were launched by Burchfield during a time in which women’s boxing did not have the mainstream appeal it does today.
A pioneer in her field, Clampitt captured the first of her four world titles in 2003 with a unanimous decision win over Eliza Olson for the IWBF super lightweight crown and four years later dropped down to 135 pounds to defeat fellow icon Mia St. John for the IWBF lightweight title in 2007.
After retiring in 2010, Clampitt returned to the ring three years later at Twin River Casino Hotel and beat Dominga Oliva by unanimous decision. In 2019, she was among seven fighters inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in Nevada.
The return of Powell, the 28-year-old prospect who in 2018 survived a point-blank shooting outside of his home in Providence, will draw considerable buzz on February 19. This will be his first fight in almost three years, dating back to August of 2019 when he defeated veteran Ricardo Garcia by unanimous decision.
Mascarenhas and Hatfield step back into the ring following a busy, but successful, 2021. Mascarenas earned his first career knockout win in the aforementioned event at Cranston Stadium last June, pulverizing Connecticut’s Geoffrey Then. Hatfield launched his long-awaited pro career with two fights in span of 15 days, debuting in Springfield, MA, on November 27 with a first-round knockout win over Rodrigo Darocha and improving to 2-0 on December 11 in Orlando with a first-round knockout win over Jimmie Levine.
Cormier makes his first appearance with CES Boxing and his fourth overall with the promotion after stepping inside the CES MMA cage three times during his pro mixed martial arts career. He last fought for the promotion at CES 41 in 2017. He transitioned to boxing, training under the guidance of Jose Santos of 401 Boxing, and successfully debuted in August with a win over Josh Alvarado in New Hampshire.
Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.
INFORMATION
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence-Warwick is the first choice of those seeking the best in accommodations, convenience, service and sophistication in Rhode Island. A nine-time winner of the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Torchbearer Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the hotel industry, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has 266 guestrooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Whether you’re a business traveler seeking respite from a long flight, a family on vacation visiting nearby Newport, a trade association holding its annual convention, or a young couple planning a wedding, the Crowne Plaza is ready to satisfy your every need. Located 10 minutes from downtown Providence and two miles from T.F. Green Airport on a spacious landscaped 17-acre site featuring abundant, free parking, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is prepared to treat you like royalty.
Sunday: David Cuellar-Ricardo Blandon Junior Bantamweight Showdown Headlines Mexico Fight Night on ESPN+
(Feb. 4, 2022) — Junior bantamweight knockout artist David “El General” Cuellar will look to thrill the home fans when he battles Ricardo Blandon in the 10-round main event this Sunday, Feb. 6, in Cancun, Mexico. The 20-year-old Cuellar, from Queretaro, Mexico, is inching closer to world title contention.
Cuellar-Blandon headlines a packed card that will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Cuellar (20-0, 13 KOs) has won five straight fights by knockout, a run that began in November 2019. He went 2-0 in 2021, knocking out Karim Arce Lugo in nine rounds and stopping former world champion Moises Fuentes in the sixth. Blandon (15-4, 9 KOs) has never been knocked out, and two of his defeats have come by split decision. He fought last October, dropping a competitive decision to French prospect Elie Konki in France.
In other scheduled streaming bouts:
- Guadalajara-born junior featherweight prospect Cristopher Lopez (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will fight Nicaragua’s Dixon Flores (17-8-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Lopez has won eight consecutive fights since the lone draw on his ledger.
- Rising junior lightweight Rosario Sanchez (16-0, 10 KOs) will fight Francisco Lucero (10-3-4, 7 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
- Oziel Santoyo (13-1-1, 8 KOs), from Monterrey, Mexico, looks to make it 14 straight wins when he tangles with Brandon Perez (6-1-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round junior middleweight tilt.
- The ESPN+ opener features unbeaten featherweight Celex Castro (11-0, 8 KOs) in a six-rounder versus Julio Cesar Juarez (4-9, 1 KO).
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 17.1 million subscribers.
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
Super Welterweight World Champions Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño Set for Undisputed Title Rematch Saturday, March 19 from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles – Tickets Go On-Sale Today at 10 a.m. PT

| LOS ANGELES (February 4, 2022) – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño will meet in a rematch for undisputed status at 154-pounds on Saturday, March 19 from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.
Tickets for the live event go on sale TODAY at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Lions Only Promotions. # |
VERGIL ORTIZ, JR. TO FACE MICHAEL MCKINSON FOR THE WBO INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT TITLE

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 4, 2022): Undefeated knockout sensation, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs), of Grand Prairie, Texas will make his grand return to Los Angeles, when he faces off against the #3 WBO ranked, undefeated welterweight Michael “The Problem” McKinson (21-0, 2 KOs) of Portsmouth, Great Britain. The 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight title will take place at University of Southern California’s Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles, on Saturday, March 19 and will stream live, worldwide, exclusively on DAZN.
“I am excited to return to Los Angeles, my home away from home,” said Vergil Ortiz, Jr. “I have been training in Southern California for my entire career and can’t wait to put on a big show for all my SoCal fans. I am taking on an undefeated, world-ranked opponent in McKinson, but I am ready to show the world that I belong at the top of the division and am ready for a world championship title shot.”
“Firstly, I want to thank everyone behind securing me this opportunity,” said Michael McKinson. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I can’t wait to take America by storm. Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is an unbelievable talent that’s captured the eyes of everyone, but I’m about to come with a whole new box of problems. This fight changes my life, but winning this changes my future. This is huge for me, my family and everyone around me, I’ll give it everything.”
With a perfect knockout record, Vergil Ortiz Jr. has rapidly climbed the ranks of the welterweight division. He was most recently seen in an entertaining and fantastic TKO victory against the tough, world title contender Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas in August 2021. The 23-year-old has had an exciting career since his 2016 debut, knocking out contenders like Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon, and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker. On March 19, Ortiz, Jr. will be looking to keep his title, undefeated record, and #1 ranking when he faces Michael McKinson at USC’s Galen Center.
Ranked #3 in the welterweight division by the WBO, Michael McKinson is an undefeated fighter ready to put his undefeated record on the line to prove he has what it takes to take over the #1 position in the division. Hailing from Portsmouth, Great Britain, the 27-year-old has had an active career capturing titles including the WBC International Silver Welter Title and the WBO European and Global Welter titles. Now, fighting in the U.S. for the first time, McKinson will be looking to claim the WBO Intercontinental Welterweight title from Vergil Ortiz, Jr. on March 19.
“Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is one of the most exciting welterweights to watch in the sport today,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Since his professional debut, Vergil put the world on notice with his incredible punching power. Now, undefeated, with a perfect knockout record, Vergil is ready to fight against the elite in the division starting with the world ranked Michael McKinson.”
“I am so pleased to be able to deliver this fight for Michael – it really is a life-changing opportunity in so many ways,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director, Matchroom Sport. “Michael has got the style to beat Vergil, who for me is already a top five Welterweight in the world, a brilliant and powerful fighter. There’s only certain styles that can beat him, and Michael has a style to cause Vergil all sorts of problems. The money is always important as it’s a tough sport and you have to make every penny you can, but if Michael beats Vergil, he goes on to make multi-million-dollar purses.”
Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 19 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, 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 #OrtizMcKinson
Light Heavyweight Contender Pierre Hubert Dibombe Signs With Lee Baxter Promotions
FOSTER TO FEATURE IN WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR AT PROBELLUM’S UPCOMING DUBAI EVENT

| DUBAI – FEBRUARY 4, 2022 – The latest bout to be added to the?Probellum?Evolution card sees?WBC Silver super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie?Foster? face?Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov, holder of the?WBC International super-featherweight title, in a WBC super-featherweight world title eliminator.
Probellum’s?first?event of 2022 takes place over the course of two successive nights at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19, with?highly?anticipated?matches such as Sunny Edwards?(17-0, 4 knockouts)?versus Muhammad Waseem?(12-1, 8 knockouts)?and Regis?Prograis?(26-1, 22 knockouts)?versus Tyrone McKenna?(22-2-1, 6 knockouts)?already confirmed.? Fight fans can now look forward to watching?the?USA’s?Foster?(18-2, 11 knockouts), who signed to?Probellum?in November,?go head-to-head with?undefeated?Tajikistani?Yaqubov?(18-0, 10 knockouts)?on the opening night of the event, which will be headlined by the Middle East’s first-ever all-female world title fight, between France’s Estelle?Mossely?(9-0, 1 knockout)?and Argentina’s?Yanina?del Carmen?Lescano?(10-1, 2 knockouts).?Both?Foster and?Yaqubov?have held their respective titles since 2018?and will now face off?in a bid to become mandatory challenger?for the WBC super featherweight world title, currently held by?Mexican Oscar Valdez. “This fight between?O’Shaquie?Foster and?Muhammadkhuja?Yaqubov?is a fantastic addition to what was already a hugely exciting card,” said Richard Schaefer, President of?Probellum.? “With the winner earning mandatory status, and a guaranteed shot at the WBC super-featherweight world title, there is so much at stake, and we are really looking forward to what promises to be?a brilliant bout between?these?two talented boxers.”? The second night of at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 19, will feature British fighter Sunny Edwards, defending his IBF flyweight title against Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem.? Ticket prices start from 50 AED and are available to purchase now via?Platinum List?or in-person at The Irish Village, Al?Garhoud?and Studio City.? For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
| About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack. Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia). Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021. |
HEANEY PUTS PEN TO PAPER ON NEW DEAL
NATHAN HEANEY COULD hardly disguise his delight over his signing of a two-year extension to continue fighting under the promotional banner of Frank Warren and Queensberry.
The 14-0 middleweight from Stoke-on-Trent has been performing in Queensberry colours for his last four fights, resulting in four wins with three via stoppage.
The popular 32-year-old, with his trademark ring entrance, has become one of the best known and charismatic 160-pounders in the country.
Now, with a new deal safely tucked away in his locker, Heaney intends to continue his winning streak while working towards his ultimate goal of taking part in a marquee fight at the home of his beloved Stoke City.
“It was a massive day for me with getting the new deal sorted,” said Heaney, who completed the formalities with a visit to Queensberry HQ in Hertford. “Obviously when I got signed two years ago it was during the lockdown and it was a bit weird. It felt a bit disconnected really doing everything over email.
“It didn’t have that same feeling of going down to the offices and seeing Frank.
“This one was mint, I am so happy with everything and Frank was bloody brilliant. He knows I am never going to take the mick and he also knows I do my best to put on good shows and stuff.
“He was just brilliant, to be honest, and has been so great with me.”
Heaney now confirms that Project Potteries is underway in earnest with the plan being to showcase him on home soil.
“One million per cent. There has already been some discussion with Stoke City and some dates have been proposed but I don’t know if they might be too early in the year and Stoke are having some renovations done.
“That was the main objective of what we were speaking about really. We’ve got the two years and six fights in place so, in between that, we’d like to get the Bet365 Stadium in there.
“I’d love to fight around here anyway but the issue in Stoke is there are no venues. The only one I would want to fight in is the Kings Hall, but it is a 1,300 capacity and Frank knows I can sell pretty much double that.”
Before any glorious homecoming, Heaney will be back in action soon and he reports that a number of competitive names have been put forward.
“We have talked about some names who I would like to fight and there are some really good lads in there, but also winnable fights and hugely competitive.
“It is about building my profile as we go along because what we have in Stoke is unique and there are not many cases where a proper city just gets behind you.
“This is a story where you have got a lad from the small scene followed by 60 people to being one of the main people on Queensberry. It is a crazy tale, especially at the age of 32 as well.”
Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry Promotions
IRISHMAN CARROLL CONFIRMED AS DUBAI SHOW CO-MAIN

| DUBAI – FEBRUARY 4, 2022 – Jono Carroll will face Serif Gurdijeljac in the co-main event on the opening night of Probellum Evolution in Dubai next month.
Probellum’s first shows of 2022 take place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium over consecutive nights, on March 18 and 19, featuring world title fights and some of the most talented boxers from across the globe. For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. |
| About Probellum Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport. Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack. Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia). Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021. |
THURMAN VS. BARRIOS UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
LAS VEGAS (February 3, 2022) – Fighters competing on the Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios undercard previewed their respective matchups during a press conference Thursday before they enter the ring this Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Meeting face to face were rising unbeaten Jesús “Mono” Ramos and Vladimir Hernández, plus former two-division champion Luis Nery and unbeaten Carlos Castro, as they discussed their matchups taking place on the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The press conference also featured welterweight contender Abel Ramos and Luke Santamaría, plus exciting super lightweights Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez, who enter the ring in PBC action of FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, preceding pay-per-view action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at axs.com.
Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Michelob ULTRA Arena:
JESUS RAMOS
“Being on the pay-per-view now, this is an even bigger opportunity for me and I’m grateful for that. I have to also thank Hernandez for giving me the fight after his victory over Julian Williams. That makes this a really important fight for me.
“This is a step in the right direction. My team handles their business and I have to handle my part in the ring. I have a tough opponent in front of me and I’m ready for what he brings.
“I love that he’s durable. It’s a challenge and I like challenges. He has a rough style and that makes an exciting fight. There’s going to be a lot of action on this card.
“He likes to come forward, so I need to keep him at a distance and control him with my jab. I also believe that I can cause damage with my left. Either way, I’m going to be ready to adapt.
“In my last two fights I’ve grown a lot. Not all fights are going to end in knockouts. I know how to adjust and how to box. If I have to do that Saturday night, I’ll be ready.
“It means a lot to be in this position. My family has worked hard for this. None of this was given to us, we’ve had to work. That makes it even sweeter.
“I think beating Hernandez would make a big statement. He just beat one of the best in the division and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of.”
VLADIMIR HERNANDEZ
“I’m going to be on the lookout for anything he brings. I’m ready to provide an exciting fight, but we’ll also be ready for whatever he brings into the ring. I’m up for this challenge.
“I’ve had great sparring with southpaws in training. I’m going to give as good as I take. This is going to be back and forth and the fans are going to enjoy it a lot.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be on this stage and on a card like this. I want to thank my whole team and Ramos for giving me the chance to shine.”
LUIS NERY
“I’m very happy to be here. We are looking forward to having a great fight on Saturday night. We have studied Carlos Castro very closely and have seen specifically what he likes to do. We are ready for whatever challenges come our way.
“For this fight, I was able to prepare with more time than I had with Brandon Figueroa. It allowed me to zero in on my opponent and it’s made preparation go very smoothly.
“We shall see on Saturday if he can withstand my power or not. I have studied him closely, he’s a great fighter. It remains to be seen on Saturday what happens, but styles make fights and I think his style goes well with my style. I’m going to do whatever I can to have my hand raised on Saturday night.
“I’m here to fight the best. We are here at the top level and I’m not here to fight anyone below that level. I don’t dodge anybody. They presented Castro to me and I don’t dodge, so I accepted. I am ready. He’s actually the third straight undefeated fighter I’m going up against and that excites me.”
CARLOS CASTRO
“I’m feeling great. I want to thank God for this opportunity, along with my whole team and Luis Nery for this great chance to meet with him in the ring on Saturday night.
“These are the fights that as a little kid you always dream of. You dream of being on these stages and against fighters like Luis Nery. He’s a fighter who has been on this level, but I think it’s my time to show that I deserve to be on this stage and prove to myself and everyone else that I deserve to be in these fights.
“I learned a lot about myself against Oscar Escandon. I learned that I have to be patient and I have to be ready to roll once the bell rings. Escandon is a strong fighter and that was the first fight with my new team, plus I was coming off a layoff. Now, it’s time for me to shine.
“I think I have a lot to prove and to show that Arizona has a lot of talented fighters. I’ve known the Ramos’ for a while, since I was a little kid and I’ve known Carbajal for a while. It’s a blessing to share the same arena against different opponents on Saturday night.
“Like always, you prepare hard and prepare strong. But I think this is going to be a mental type of fight. Once the bell rings, he comes forward to knock your head off, but we’re mentally prepared for that. On Saturday night, you’re going to see an action-packed fight and may the best man win.
“Luis Nery has proved to be one of the best and I still consider him to be one of the best. I expect him to come out stronger than he ever has, so I’m really prepared for that. I believe a victory over Luis Nery should put me into a title shot.”
ABEL RAMOS
“I’m very excited. I want to thank all the media for being here. I had a great training camp. I was preparing for Josesito Lopez but it’s our job to fight. I’m glad I get to be on this undercard.
“Josesito was a come-forward pressure fighter, Santamaria has more boxing skills. At the end of the day, we’re all boxers and every time we spar, we always deal with different styles. It’s a bit of a change but the game plan remains the same.
“I’ve seen my nephew Jesus fight before me. I get more nervous when that happens. Fighting first is better because that way you’re more relaxed, you can sit back and enjoy the fight. When we both fought on the Andy Ruiz vs. Chris Arreola undercard, I was nervous watching him.
“I want to keep the momentum going. I feel I’ve hit my stride in the boxing game. My experience and all the fights I’ve had are showing in my boxing ability.
“I’ve always had boxing ability and that pressure style. I think mixing it up with both is working for me. It worked against Omar Figueroa and in training it’s worked for me. My style keeps evolving. The pressure is going to be good and, like I said, I have boxing ability as well. So I’m looking forward to doing both.”
LUKE SANTAMARIA
“I’m feeling blessed. I’m excited to be on this card with so many great fighters. When the date started getting closer, we pushed it a little more. When we got the call, we went even harder.
“I have to stay on my toes. Ramos is a fighter who pressures and doesn’t get tired of throwing punches. If we can stay on the outside, I think we’ll be okay. No matter what he brings, I just have to keep adjusting.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a lot of ring experience with different opponents. So the experience I’m getting is making me a better fighter. There was a time where I was struggling to get fights. All of a sudden, I started fighting tougher opponents on bigger stages, so I’m feeling blessed.”
RYAN KARL
“I feel great. There’s no other word for it. We’ve been working hard and we’ve had a long camp. I feel strong. It comes down to hard work. Skills play the bills. We’re going to come out there and we’re going to do our best. It’s going to be action-packed as usual.
“I’m very excited. It’s a big opportunity for me. As always, I’m going to take it and not waste it. It’s going to be a very fun card, exciting top to bottom. Tune in and watch us live on FOX then continue to the pay-per-view and you’re going to be thrilled.
“In the amateurs, I boxed. A lot of people don’t think I can box but I’ve got feet for days. I can do what I need to do. It’s hard for me at times because I love to fight, I love to be exciting, I love to put on a show. It’s just the thrill of it all. I can do all those things. I do think I have come back to my boxing skill but we’re focused on the ‘W’ more than anything. I guarantee that I’m still going to put on a show.
“You’re going to see a gunfight. That’s what we’ve talked about and we’ve used that word a lot. We’re going to have ice in our veins and we’re going to be ready to take care of business.”
OMAR JUAREZ
“I’m absolutely blessed to be here. I’m excited to be here back in Vegas and I’m ready to display all my hard work and dedication.
“I know my opponent is going to come and try to take everything from me. At the end of the day, we’re fighters. But I’m physically, mentally and emotionally in the best shape of my life. This camp was probably the best camp I’ve had to date.
“I’m not a one dimensional fighter, I can box and I can brawl. So whatever it is my opponent brings to the table, I’m going to be ready for it.
“It’s going to be a big Texas showdown. I’m excited. At the end of the day, I’m really blessed to have this opportunity. I’m going to take full advantage. It’s going to be action packed and very exciting. Like I said, whatever it is my opponent brings to the table, I’m going to be ready.”
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ABOUT THURMAN VS. BARRIOS
Thurman vs. Barrios will see former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman return to the ring to take on former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlines a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz will battle Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos duels Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battles unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.
Don’t miss this pay-per-view event! Buy now on the FOX Sports App or www.foxsports.com/ppv.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
Randall-Alvarez added to Feb. 24th RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS card
LAS VEGAS (February 3, 2022) — A title fight between decorated amateur boxer and undefeated professional, Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs), and Ivan “Zurdo” Alvarez (31-13-1, 21 KOs) has been added to an already loaded February 24th card on the 2022 RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® opener.
The semifinals of the World Cup Boxing Series’ (WCBS) inaugural “4-Man Lightweight Tournament,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, headlines the show streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, from Palenque De La Expo in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.
“I’m honestly shocked,” Randall spoke about fighting on this platform for a title belt. “I didn’t think I would get a chance like this so soon. I’m extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m a boxer-puncher, which is awkward for my opponents. I’m slick and smart.”
The 31-year-old Randall, fighting out of Houston, was a 2016 USA Nationals Championships gold medalist, as well as runner-up at the 2017 USA National Championships and Pan-American Games. He is stepping up as a pro against Alvarez, the former WBC Youth Mundo Hispanic light welterweight champion, in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Welterweight Championship.
“I believe my amateur background helps me a lot,” noted Randall, who will be fighting in his first scheduled 10-rounder. “I’ve been around the world and fought at the highest level. It helps me a lot!”
Alvarez, who will be fighting at home in Ciudad Obregon, has become a gatekeeper of the welterweight division. His most notable wins have been against Jorge Paez, Jr. (41-13-2) and Noe Bolanos (24-5-1), both by stoppage.
“I’m not concerned (about fighting in Alvarez’ backyard),” Randall added. “The best version of me is good enough. I won’t leave it up to the judges. My opponent is tough, and he has decent power, but I can handle it. I’ll stop him mid to late round.”
Quinton Randall.jpg
Quinton Randall (L) predicts KO win vs. Ivan Alvarez
The WCBS “4-Man Tournament” semifinals matchups are Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Rodolfo “Rudy” Flores (14-5, 6 KOs), Isai “Gaga” Hernandez (11-2-2, 7 KOs) vs. Irving “Poderoso” Castillo (11-2, 7 KOs).
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Also scheduled to be streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS are a pair of additional lightweight bouts.
Venezuelan knockout artist Fradimil Macayo (15-1, 13 KOs) takes on unbeaten Mexican fighter Armando Ramirez (5-0-1,2 KOs) in an 8-round bout.
Undefeated 19-year-old prospect Jorge “Jorgito” Cota (6-0, 4 KOs), the youngest in the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family, meets Guatemalan challenger Rene “Kampana” de Leon Mazariegos (7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 6-rounder.
Fighting off-UFC FIGHT PASS are two matches: Nazario Castro Nieblas (8-2, 3 KOs) vs. 17-year-old Javier “Totopo” Carriello Montes (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 6-round battle of Mexican featherweights, and Houston super lightweight Emmanuel Rojas (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis “El Faco” Angulo Bojorquez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico.
Card subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series
ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2013, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country and also in Mexico, Russia, and Japan. RJJ Boxing has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.
ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass.
WHAT TO KNOW: CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. EMA KOZIN PAY-PER-VIEW OVERVIEW

(February 3, 2022) – This Saturday, February 5, boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields will defend her WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight World Titles against unbeaten top-rated challenger Ema Kozin live from Cardiff, Wales in an event available in the U.S. and Canada on pay-per-view.
See below for information on the full pay-per-view lineup, where fans can purchase the pay-per-view and what’s at stake when boxing’s only two-division undisputed world champion Shields returns to the ring.
FULL LINEUP:
The 10-round Shields vs. Kozin fight will serve as the co-main event of the pay-per-view telecast that begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
In the main event, U.K. stars Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams will settle their war of words in a 12-round middleweight showdown, with the winner putting themselves in prime position for a 160-pound title shot.
Kicking off the telecast will be “bonus coverage” of unbeaten heavyweight Steve Robinson in a four-round showdown against Shane Gil.
Next will be an eight-round attraction featuring Welsh welterweight Chris Jenkins returning to action against former unified 140-pound champion Julius Indongo.
Directly prior to Shields’ fight, 21-year-old prospect Caroline DuBois will make her pro debut after a stellar amateur career that included a World Youth Olympic Championship and four European Youth Championship titles. The younger sister of popular heavyweight Daniel DuBois, Caroline takes on Lithuania’s Vaida Masiokaite in a six-round lightweight bout.
HOW TO BUY THE PAY-PER-VIEW:
The pay-per-view telecast will be carried in the U.S. and Canada widely throughout all cable, satellite and telco PPV platforms. This includes Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, DIRECTV, Dish, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as well as leading operators in Canada, including Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS.
Fans can also stream the pay-per-view through Fite.TV as well as the recently launched PPV.com service from iNDEMAND. PPV.com is the only PPV streamer to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports events and also allows viewers to interact with other fans, post comments, and upload video selfies, in addition to other activities.
WHAT’S AT STAKE IN SHIELDS VS. KOZIN:
Shields vs. Kozin is the first in a lucrative multi-fight deal secured by Salita Promotions for Shields with promoter Boxxer and broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K.
If Shields can emerge victorious over Kozin, who was recently named by ESPN as one of “next generation of stars in women’s boxing”, she can set up a long awaited showdown against WBO Middleweight World Champion Savannah Marshall. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat she has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks.
Make sure you tune-in to see Shields’ return to the ring as she looks to move one step closer to a superfight against Marshall later this year.
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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.
Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.
LIVE VIDEO: Carlos Cuadras vs Jesse Rodriguez Plus Undercard Press Conference
Kevin “Lucky” Lewis in grudge match making pro debut vs. crosstown rival Saul “The Spider” Almeida
QUINCY, Mass. (February 3, 2022) — Hometown favorite Kevin “Lucky” Lewis will make his professional debut in a grudge match against fellow Framingham fighter Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), one of the top MMA fighters in New England, on February 26th at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.
Last October, super middleweight Lewis was matched against Almeida, who weighed in considerably more than the contract weight, and their fight was cancelled. Lewis and Almeida will final square-off, albeit in a light heavyweight match.
“I weighed 168-pounds on the money,” Lewis explained. “He weighed in at 188. We had signed a contract two months before to fight at 168. It wasn’t suggested that I take the fight. I’ve gained 20 pounds and I am at that weight now.”
Lewis may be making his pro debut, but he’s sparred in more than 300 different gyms from across the U.S. and around the world, including the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and most recently Ireland.
“I am excited to finally make this fight happen after the fiasco that occurred in the fall,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti remarked. “Saul didn’t do right by Lewis in the first affair, but both guys seem eager to fight. Once both guys agreed to fight at a much higher weight, it only made sense to get contracts out to both guys and give them a chance to fight.”
The “Showcase Boxing” main event has changed after veteran Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-16-4, 11 KOs) withdrew from his 8-round fight versus Jeffrey Torres (9-1, 5 KOs) due to a family issue. Torres’ opponent will soon be announced.
“Showcase Boxing,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com for $19.99.
“Showcase Boxing” will also mark Granite Chin’s first event in Massachusetts in more than 2 years, as well as being only the second professional boxing show ever in the City Framingham, which is located 23 miles west of Boston.
The 6-round co-featured event matches red-hot welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (7-0, 5 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), against Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-0), of Cranston, Rhode Island. Denzel is trained by his father and uncle, Derrick and Darrin, who were respected pro fighters in New England, while Raymond turned in an impressive pro debut last November 13, upsetting previously undefeated Julien Baptiste (3-0) by way of a 4-round split decision.
Another rapidly climbing prospect, Boca Raton (FL) welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs), returns to his second home for a showdown with Mexican veteran Juan Jesus Rivera Garces (18-27, 12 KOs), the former WBC Youth World Super Lightweight Champion.
Holyoke (MA) junior welterweight Carlos Castillo (4-0, 3 KOs) and Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (3-0, 3 KOs) are slated to fight in their first scheduled 6-rounders, respectively, versus Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-41-4, 3 KOs) and Rodrigo “The Young Lion” Almeida (2-11, 1 KO).
Veteran middleweights Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-15-1, 6 KOs), of Saint Petersburg (FL), and Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-50-4, 8 KOs), of Dallas, will open the night in a 10-round bout.
Nationally decorated amateur Felix Parilla (3-0, 3 KOs), of New Haven, is in a 6-round fight against junior lightweight Ronny Arana (0-4). Parrilla is a 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, as well as a 2018 National Golden Gloves silver medalist.
Also scheduled to be in action in 4-round bouts are light heavyweight Scott “Scotty Bomb” Lampert (2-3, 2 KOs) vs. Stephen “Clubber” Langlais (3-1, 2 KOs), Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (3-0, 3 KOs) vs. Juan Celin Zapata (6-20-2, 4 KOs), Pittsfield junior middleweight Jamer Jones (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Maycon Oller Da Silva (0-3), Framingham’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Kevin “Lucky” Lewis vs. crosstown rival Sal “The Spider” Almeida (0-14-4), and Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony Andreozzi (0-2) vs. Robert Bricks (0-8).
Card subject to change.
Tickets are on sale for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: SHOWCASE). Ticket prices are $50.00 (General Seating), $75.00 (Ringside), and $1,000.00 for a table of 10.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. ET with the first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.
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“St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” changes New headliner is undefeated prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan
BOSTON (February 3, 2022) – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs) has been elevated to the headliner on “St. Valentine’s Day’s Massacre” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, February 12th at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The cancellation of the original main event between Adrian Sosa and Zack Kuhn resulted in a few changes. Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs) is now fighting another undefeated prospect, James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), in an 8-round Special Welterweight Attraction.
The 21-year-old southpaw Hogan, fighting out of Weymouth (MA), has knocked out each of his 9 professional opponents to date. The popular fighter was a celebrated amateur boxer, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championships.
“It’s Tank Time” once again, but this fight Hogan will be making his debut as a headliner, in addition to fighting in his first scheduled 8-rounder.
The 6-round fight between Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs) and Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12) has moved up to the co-featured event.
Perella’s (8-0, 5 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), was supposed to fight Mexican challenger Danny “Venado” Flores (15-26-1, 8 KOs), but he was injured during training, and he has been replaced by Kuhn. “The Slim Reaper” is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.
Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole” (2-0, 2 KOs), of Galway, is matched against Greg Hackett (3-20-1) in a 4-rounder. O’Toole was the 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist, who a powerful southpaw returning to the Boston area for his third pro fight.
Five 6-round bouts are on tap: South Boston super welterweight Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Houston super lightweight Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jaica Pavilus (1-4-1, 1 KO), undefeated Philly welterweight Tahmir Smalls (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Leonides Fowlkes (2-7-1), popular Dorchester featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, vs. Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), and super lightweight Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs),.
Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Southbridge (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Grimmett (0-5), as well as the Davidson’s older brother from Kansas City (KS), pro-debuting lightweight Marcell, a 2-time Ringside World and 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, vs. TBA.
Fighters subject to change.
Tickets are on sale for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room). Tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-valentines-day-massacre-21222-tickets-243038654157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets.
Doors will open at 6:30 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Welterweight Contender Samuel Vargas Faces Przemyslaw Runowski for the IBO International Welterweight Title on Sunday, March 13th from Rebel Nightclub in a Lee Baxter Promotions Event.

TORONTO (February 3, 2022) – All action welterweight Samuel Vargas (31-7-2) will take on Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski (19-2-0) in a 10-round main event on Sunday, March 13th from Rebel Entertainment Complex in an event presented by Toronto’s own Lee Baxter Promotions.
Following a defeat to welterweight star Conor Benn at the Copper Box Arena in London, England last April, Vargas is eager to showcase the skills that gained him international recognition as a gritty veteran. Returning to fight in his adopted hometown for the first time since 2018, Vargas looks to put on a thrilling performance in front of a crowd at Rebel Entertainment Complex.
“Fans make all the difference in the world” Vargas notes. “It was an adjustment having to go out there without them, and there’s no doubt I perform to my potential when I hear them roar. Being back in Toronto, having a chance to go for the IBO title in front of a packed house – I’m going to deliver one hell of a performance on March 13th.”
Having gone to war with elite fighters Errol Spence Jr and Amir Khan, Vargas views the bout with Runowski as a tough test on the climb back to facing world-level opposition.
Poland’s Przemyslaw Runowski looks to capture the IBO International Welterweight Title with his debut on the Canadian boxing scene. Fresh off of a loss against Michael McKinson last summer at Matchroom Garden’s Fight Camp 2, Runowski brings his athletic, built-to-last style to Toronto. The increased exposure his last bout provided on DAZN/Matchroom’s summer showcase means Runowski will bring a score of Polish fight fans to Rebel Entertainment Complex this March.
The fight card will also feature the return of two undefeated hometown standouts. Mississauga’s Amanda Galle (5-0-0), fresh off of a November super bantamweight victory against Jaica Pavilus (1-4-1), aims to continue her perfect professional career on home turf. The co-main event will see light heavyweight standout Nick Fantauzzi (10-0-0) return from a two-year hiatus to remind Canadian boxing fans why he’s a thrilling prospect in the division.
With top prospects and new Lee Baxter Promotions signings added to the card, Sunday, March 13th looks to showcase next-generation talent in a thrilling afternoon of boxing.
Tickets for the live event at Toronto’s Rebel Entertainment Complex which is promoted by Lee Baxter Promotions will be available soon and can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com.
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ABOUT VARGAS VS. RUNOWSKI
Vargas vs. Runowski will see former NABA Welterweight Champion Samuel Vargas take on durable contender Przemyslaw Runowski in the main event of a stacked Lee Baxter Promotions card from Toronto’s Rebel Entertainment Complex on Sunday, March 13th.
Doors open at 3:30 pm with the first bout taking place at 4 pm.
**NOTE: By entering Rebel Entertainment Complex, you agree to follow the current Ontario Government Department of Public Health Guidelines. All guests are required to present either proof of full vaccination (two weeks since your final dose) or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event date. For more information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website.
The event is promoted by Lee Baxter Promotions.
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