(Jan. 22, 2024) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan, ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning organizations, returns in the 10-round main event this Thursday, Jan. 25 against Argentine veteran Billi Facundo Godoy at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada.

In the 10-round light heavyweight co-feature, unbeaten Venezuelan Alberto Ramirez takes on hard-hitting Ukrainian Artur Ziyatdinov.

Promoted by Eye of The Tiger, Bazinyan-Godoy, Ramirez-Ziyatdinov, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Bazinyan (31-0, 22 KOs) is a 10-year pro who has spent the majority of his pro career in Canada after moving from Armenia at 16. He made his U.S. debut with a decision win over Alan Campa in May 2019 and followed up with a third-round stoppage victory against Saul Roman that December. Last year, Bazinyan scored decision wins over Alantez Fox in February and Jose de Jesus Macias in June before defeating Ronald Ellis via sixth-round TKO in October. Godoy (41-7, 20 KOs), who has fought world title challenger John Ryder and eventual world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri, looks to extend his winning streak to four.

Ramirez (17-0, 15 KOs) notched a first-round TKO win against Jacob Dickson to capture the WBO Global cruiserweight title last January. He returned to light heavyweight with wins over Ricardo Adrian Luna in May and Gilbert Castillo Rivera in September. Ziyatdinov (15-1, 12 KOs) has only one blemish on his record, a decision loss to Gasan Gasanov in 2020. The Uzbekistan-born standout has since tallied three TKO wins.

In other streaming action from Montreal:

Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 KOs) vs. Marcos Barraza (23-3, 11 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Welterweights

Mary Spencer (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Sonya Dreiling (6-3, 2 KOs), 10 Rounds, Junior Middleweights 

Avery Martin Duval (10-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jesus Gomez Adorno (6-0, 2 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Lightweights

Jhon Orobio (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Juan Carlos Garcia (5-4, 3 KOs), 6 Rounds, Lightweights

Wilkens Mathieu (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Ivans Levickis (36-44, 22 KOs), 6 Rounds, Super Middleweights

Moreno Fendero (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Ricardo Lara (22-11-2, 10 KOs), 4 Rounds, Middleweights

Philadelphia, PA (January 22, 2024) — This Saturday Night, RDR Promotions opens up its new year with a massive 14-fight card at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

In the main event, undefeated welterweight Isaiah Johnson takes on Sebastian Gabriel Chaves in a six-round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 8-0 with six knockouts from Sicklerville, New Jersey is starting his third professional year and is coming off a third round stoppage over Marquis Hawthorne on May 27th in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Chaves of Buenos Aires, Argentina has a record of 5-7 with two knockouts. The 29 year-old is a six-year professional. Chaves has a win over Dorian Maidana (5-0). Chaves is coming off a loss to Greg Outlaw on November 10, 2023 in Philadelphia.

In another co-feature bout, undefeated Devon Lee of Las Vegas will take on veteran Rondale Hubbert in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Lee, 29 years-old is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Now a eight-year veteran is coming off a five year ring hiatus as his previous ring appearance took place on September 7, 2019 with a first round stoppage over Abel Sepulveda in Tijuana, Mexico.

Hubbert of Duluth, Minnesota is 15-27-5 with nine knockouts. The 35 year-old Hubbert is a 12 year-pro with wins over Winston Anderson (4-0) and RJ Lasse (12-1). In his last outing, Hubbert lost a decision to Joseph Fernandez on November 18, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Erron Peterson (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Christopher Arguello (2-15-1, 2 KOs) of Colorado Springs in a middleweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Pryce Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn will take on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain (2-1, 2 KOs) of Union City, NJ fights Callan Harley (0-2) in a welterweight bout.

Eliezer Olmeda (4-4) of Gloucester, NJ takes on Donte Turner (3-2, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis in a welterweight fight.

Hakeem Harmon (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Jalique Holden (5-0, 4 KOs) of Wilmington, DE squares off with Jacob Ray (0-3) of Covington, Kentucky in a junior lightweight contest.

Keith Jackson Jr. of Gloucester, NJ will make his pro debut against Tyler Nystrom (0-1) of Superior, Wisconsin in a middleweight bout.

Dante Selby (3-4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA fights Dominique Mayfield (3-1) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight battle.

Devin Price (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ will fight Dieumerci Nzau (11-16, 8 KOs) of Silver Spring, MD in a junior welterweight bout.

Steve Cunningham Jr, (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsburgh, PA will fight an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight contest.

Josh Aarons (0-3) of Williamsport, PA boxes Edwin Cortes (4-0) of Millville, NJ in a bantamweight contest.

Tickets are $65, $75, $100 and $130 and can be purchased at rdrboxing@yahoo.com

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC lightweight champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2024. The 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Frankie Edgar is one of the greatest athletes in UFC history,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Frankie had an amazing career and consistently fought the best athletes in the world across multiple weight classes for more than 15 years. He is a legend, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of International Fight Week this summer.”

Edgar will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining others in this distinguished category, including Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019), Georges St-Pierre (2020), Khabib Nurmagomedov (2022), Daniel Cormier (2022), Jose Aldo (2023) and Donald Cerrone (2023). The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 35 fights during his 17-year professional MMA career, Edgar compiled a record of 23-11-1, securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers BJ Penn, Urijah Faber, and Cub Swanson (Fight Wing), as well as notching wins against former WEC^® lightweight champion Hermes Franca, and former UFC lightweight champions Sean Sherk, Charles Oliveira, and Yair Rodriguez (interim). 

Edgar made his professional MMA debut in 2005, winning his first six fights across four MMA promotions before joining UFC.

Edgar made his UFC debut on February 3, 2007, on the prelims of UFC^® 67: ALL OR NOTHING, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Edgar defeated Tyson Griffin via unanimous decision and earned his first “Fight of the Night” bonus during his debut inside the Octagon^®.

Following the victory in his debut, Edgar would win five of his next six fights inside the Octagon, including impressive wins over former WEC lightweight champion Hermes Franca, and former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, en route to earning a title shot against former UFC welterweight champion and then-UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn at UFC^® 112: INVINCIBLE.

UFC^® 112: INVINCIBLE, took place on April 10, 2010, and served as the mixed martial arts organization’s first-ever event in the Middle East. Edgar entered the fight as a +620 underdog against Penn, who recently broke the record for the most consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses in his most recent bout as the main event of UFC 107.

The co-main event matchup would go the distance, with Edgar pulling off the upset by winning on each of the judge’s scorecards. At the time, the win served as the largest championship underdog victory in UFC history (ranks 3^rd today). His victory would also earn a nominee for “Best Upset of the Year” at the 2010 ESPY Awards.

Edgar and Penn would meet in an immediate rematch four months later at UFC^® 118: EDGAR vs. PENN 2 at TD Garden in Boston. This fight card made history as the first UFC event held in Massachusetts. Edgar would defeat Penn via unanimous decision to retain the UFC lightweight title.

His next title defense would come against a familiar opponent, Gray Maynard, at UFC^® 125: RESOLUTION. Maynard had defeated Edgar via unanimous decision in 2008, which served as his first loss as a professional.

UFC^® 125: RESOLUTION, took place on January 1, 2011, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Edgar and Maynard fought a close match for five rounds with the fight ending in a split draw. The fight marked only the second time in UFC history that a title fight ended in a draw and is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fights in history. The two would meet for a trilogy fight in the main event of UFC^® 136: EDGAR vs. MAYNARD 3, with Edgar defeating Gray via KO in the fourth round.

In 2012, Edgar fought former WEC^® and UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in consecutive events (UFC 144 / UFC 150) with the title on the line, before moving to featherweight to face champion Jose Aldo for the title in the main event of UFC 156. Edgar would lose his bid for the featherweight title but remained a contender in the division.

Over the next nine years, Edgar would compete in 16 bouts across the bantamweight, lightweight, and featherweight divisions, fighting in a rematch with Jose Aldo for the interim featherweight title at UFC 200 and the featherweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 240, respectively. He retired in November 2022 after a loss to Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281.

Edgar enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

UFC:

• Second in total Octagon fight time in UFC history – 7:57:10 (1^st at time of retirement)

• Tied for second-most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history – 8

• Third-most significant strikes landed in UFC history – 1,801 (2^nd at time of retirement)

• Sixth in takedowns landed in UFC history – 73 (4^th at time of retirement)

• Sixth in championship fight time in UFC history – 3:38:54

UFC lightweight division:

• Best significant strike defense in UFC lightweight history – 71.8%

Outside the Octagon, Frankie has been honored with several awards during his career, receiving Fight of the Year honors in 2011 by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards for his bout against Gray Maynard (UFC 125) and Fight of the Year honors in 2012 by ESPN for his championship match against Benson Henderson (UFC 144).

A native of Toms River, New Jersey, Edgar began wrestling at Toms River High School East. Following high school, he continued to wrestle at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, qualifying for the NCAA Division I Nationals each year. He resides in Toms River with his wife, Renee, and their three children.

To view Edgar’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/20312

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

In a war, and early Fight of the Year candidate Natasha Jonas won a 10-round split-decision over former 130-lb champion Mikaela Mayer to defend the IBF welterweight title in 10 exhilarating rounds at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

The bout saw both fighters basically exchange power punches in the center of the ring. Mayer, who fighting in her fourth weight class in as many fights could not miss with a radar right hand. Jonas, who had swelling under her right eye landed hard straight lefts and solid right hooks.

The fight was a thrilling affair that either combatant deserved to win, saw Jonas take two cards 96-95 and 96-94, while Mayer won a card 97-93.

Jonas landed 126 of 312 punches. Mayer was 149 of 493.

Jonas, 146 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2-1. Mayer, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-2.

Jonas said, “I had a good start. I landed harder and cleaner shots. I think toward the end she outworked me a little. I’ll give her a couple of the middle rounds. But I came on strong at the end.

“I know she is going to be absolutely devastated with the result because I’ve been there. It feels like the world is over. She is on my top two people that I’ve fought. She is very skilled. Her time will come again. She beat a lot of the champions. Please use that as motivation to become a two-weight world champion.”

Mayer said, “I thought I did enough to win. I would have given her the first round or two. But after that, I feel like I outpunched her. I landed the cleaner shots. At the end of the day, I think that this fight is worth seeing again. Like she said, it was one of the toughest fights she’s had. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side, but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again.

“It’s definitely disappointing. But what am I going to do? I just hope that Natasha will be the standup champ that she is and give me another shot at the belt. I feel like I deserve it. I think they want to see it. I only believe that rematches should happen if they’re warranted.”

Zak Chelli squeaked by Jack Cullen by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout,

In round three, Cullen was cut around his left eye.

Chelli landed 131 of 450 punches. Cullen was 66 of 371.

Chelli, 166.5 lbs of London won by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114 and is now 15-2-1. Cullen, 167.5 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-5-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated by winning an eight-round decision over Lila Dos Santos Furtatdo in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round one, Artingstall dropped Furtatdo with a straight left at the bell.

Artingstall, 124.5 lbs of Marklesfield, ENG won by a 77-75 tally and is now 6-0. Furtatdo, 124 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 9-2.

Stephen Clarke made a successful pro debut by stopping Vasif Mamedov in the third round of their four-round super middleweight fight.

Clarke was never challenged and in round three landed a series of punches that had Mamedov turning his back and referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 1:53.

Clarke, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Mamedov, 166.5 lbs of Southhapmpton, ENG is 3-50-5.

Aaron McKenna remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over late-replacement Mickey Ellison in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest

Mckenna dominated te action and began to batter Ellison until referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:21

McKenna, 168 lbs of Los Angeles via Ireland is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ellison, 171 lbs of England is 15-7.

NEW YORK (January 20, 2024) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Andreas Katzourakis will be in action tonight when he takes on Corey Caad at The GSH Events Center in Houston.

Katzourakis, 26 years-old of Los Angeles via Athens, Greece is managed by Split-T Management and brings in a record of 11-0 with nine knockouts.

Katzourakis has been fighting quality competition on his way up and already has wins over Edward Brown (7-1), Rodrigo Octavio Gonzalez (5-1-2) and his last outing when he stopped Raphael Igbokwe (16-4) in eight-rounds on August 25th in Atlanta.

Caad of San Antonio is 5-5 with two knockouts.

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 19, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer both made weight today ahead of their IBF World Welterweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Two-weight world champion Jonas makes the first defence of the IBF belt she captured last year, having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, while Mayer, the former IBF and WBO Unified World Super Featherweight Champion, looks to reclaim world honours as she moves up to challenge for Jonas’ welterweight crown.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10×2 mins – IBF World Welterweight Championship

Natasha Jonas – 10st 6lbs

Mikaela Mayer – 10st 6lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship

Jack Cullen – 11st 13lbs 5oz

Zak Chelli – 11st 12lbs 5oz

8×2 mins – Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall – 8st 12lbs 5oz

Lila Dos Santos Furtado – 8st 12lbs

8×3 mins – Super Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna – 12st

Micky Ellison – 12st 3lbs

10×3 mins – English & Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

Mark Jeffers – 11st 13lbs

Germaine Brown – 11st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

Jack Massey – 14st 8lbs

Steve Eloundou Ntere – 14st 5lbs

4×3 mins – Flyweight Contest

Mikie Tallon – 7st 13lbs

Adamu Yahaya – 8st 1lbs

4×3 mins Super Middleweight Contest

Ste Clarke – 11st 6lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 11st 12lbs 5oz

Watch Jonas vs Mayer live on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm with undercard fights available to watch live on Sky Sports Boxing’s YouTube channel from 5pm.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com

Amanda Serrano

On what to expect from Nina Meinke in the ring

“I’m expecting what every female fighter comes to do. That’s to fight. [Nina] has an opportunity to win all my belts, to show the world that she’s capable of beating Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano. I know she’s a tough, durable fighter and a very talented and skilled fighter, but I believe it’s going to be a great fight between both of us. Both of us really want this and we’re gonna prove to the world that there’s no backing down.”

On fighting at home in Puerto Rico

“Pinch me. It’s so surreal looking around and to be back at home as the Main Event. I am super honored. Thank you so much to MVP for putting on an amazing show and for putting me as the main event with Jake Paul as co-main event. He’s such a gentleman that he said, “this is your Island,” so he’s given me the opportunity and I’m super excited to be here, to have an amazing opponent, to come out and showcase women’s boxing once again. I can’t wait for Saturday, March 2nd. It’s going to be a beautiful night here in Puerto Rico.”

On giving up the WBC featherweight belt

“That definitely wasn’t a very easy decision for me. You know I worked so hard for all these belts, all these titles. And so to give up something that you really love and work hard for… It hurts. But if you believe in something you have to take a stand. I believe that women need equality. The first step was performing and succeeding and doing the 12-three minute rounds. And I think I just needed to do what I had to do. All these other organizations are supporting me 100%. So I believe in it and I took the stand and hopefully the WBC will come around one day.”

On Jake insisting Amanda be Main Event

“I’m used to performing, going out and sitting and watching Jake perform. Now it’s the opposite… I don’t mind being co-main event, and he said there’s no way in the world that he was going to be the main event. This is my Island. So I’m truly thankful for this opportunity. But it’s going to be kind of weird because it’s not only Jake that’s fighting, I have Krystal, Bomba, and Wanna and I have to watch all those fights before my fight. So, I’m gonna be a nervous wreck in the locker room, but I’m gonna be ready to go out there and perform.’

Jake Paul

On fighting in Puerto Rico

“It’s surreal. All the people here are so nice, and lovely. Meeting Amanda Serrano changed my life, and it’s an honor to support her in this big moment in front of her hometown, her home crowd. And it’s just an honor to be part of this amazing event – which, hopefully, should be the biggest event in Puerto Rican boxing history. It’s going to be a night to remember. I’m super happy, and grateful, even for all the people who came out here today, and showing support.”

On being co-main to Amanda’s main event

“She’s the queen of the island, and I’m just the supporting character on March 2^nd. This is her night to create history and put on a show, and I’m just happy to be along for the ride. I think most people are going to be rooting for Amanda Serrano, so she’s the main event, and I’m happy to support and be a part of that. That’s what I wanted, and to just take a backseat.”

On his Saturday, March 2 opponent

“He didn’t want to come today, because he said he just wanted to train – which I respect. He didn’t want to fly all the way here, he’s focused in the gym. But, he’s a professional boxer with an even better record than Andre August, and there will be an announcement coming soon. It’s another step up in competition, he’s won regional titles, etc. It’s another step up in competition and continuing to challenge myself on March 2^nd.”

On Neeraj Goyat

“Neeraj has made some noise. His callout video got 25M views. He’s India’s biggest and best boxer. So, it is interesting to me. It could be fun to go over to India, and knock him out in his home country. Maybe one day, but we’ll see.”

On his work with Boxing Bullies & donating his entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies

“Boxing helped save my life and put it on a good track and give me confidence. And I feel the need to share that with as many kids as possible. Because I believe if it helped me, it could help anyone out there. So that’s why I started Boxing Bullies, to grow the sport within the youth and get as many boxing gloves into as many kids hands as possible, and, to renovate gyms. We’ve renovated a gym in La Perla here, a gym in Dorado, and the mission keeps on getting bigger. We’re going to continue to renovate more gyms – I’m actually going to be donating my entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies, to renovate more gyms in Puerto Rico.”

“It’s the least I can do. Boxing Bullies has helped so many people already, and I want to continue the mission. One of the gyms is going to be an Amanda Serrano gym. So, I’m pretty excited about that and just continuing to grow the mission.”

Nakisa Bidarian

On arranging the Saturday, March 2 Serrano vs. Meinke fight in PR

“When we started working with Amanda a little over two years ago, it’s interesting that her first co-main event with us was her going to Jake’s hometown in Cleveland. He debuted in Cleveland against Tyrone Woodley, and Amanda Serrano was the co-main. So we talked to Amanda about giving her the proper homecoming that she deserves, given she is one of the greatest boxers of all time. It was always about coming to the Coliseo the right way, and giving her the platform to show the world how this island supports its biggest stars – male or female.”

On Jake’s opponent for Saturday, March 2

“We plan to announce on January 30. As you can imagine, matching Jake Paul is not an easy task. Because, never in the history of boxing has someone’s career in such an early stage been scrutinized in the way his has. In his 9^th fight, he fought a gentleman who was 10-1. A 10-1 boxer. Oscar de la Hoya, who is one of the greatest boxers in history, who had many amazing moments in boxing – in his 10^th fight, he fought a guy who was 10-4-3.  The legend of Puerto Rico, Tito, Felix Trinidad, in his 10^th fight, fought someone that was 10-4. They are unbelievable champions, and I think Jake aspires to be the same. But given the amount of attention that his fights get globally, we have to continuously find the right opponents that put him in a position that other fighters haven’t been through in this stage of his career.”

On Jake Paul donating his entire fight purse to Boxing Bullies

“He’s donating his entire purse to renovate gyms in Puerto Rico. A lot of people do a lot of good things, but this young man turned 27 yesterday, he was filming with Amanda all day long, and he said to me last night, ‘I want to donate my entire purse and do more for the youth on this island to experience boxing the right way.’ So, thank you, Jake.”

On Jake Paul’s fight schedule in 2024

“Our current plans are for him to fight in March. If he’s victorious, the plan is for him to fight in June or July again.”

Nina Meinke

On getting the opportunity to fight Amanda Serrano

“It was great, it was absolutely amazing. As soon as we got the information that we’re going to fight Amanda Serrano, I was right back in the gym preparing for it. It’s great to be here.” 

On fighting before an Amanda-supporting crowd

“This is boxing, and it’s all about the atmosphere, and it motivates me a lot, so I can’t wait for a full Coliseo, which I think is going to be sold out. I’m really looking forward to it.”

On the atmosphere in Puerto Rico

“I have to say, I’ve noticed it already: everyone is super friendly, and seriously this is what we need in boxing. It’s the support you get, even though we’re opponents. They just appreciate us as boxers, so I’m really happy.”

On fighting 12×3 and how she’s training for it.

“Well first of all, much respect for Amanda that she started all the equality in boxing. This is what we need. It’s not just talk — it’s doing it. I’m very proud to be part of it now, and for me it was no question not to do it. It doesn’t really change a lot for me, because I train with men anyway and we train three-minute rounds. The training is obviously more intense now, but still, I’m used to three-minute rounds. Like I said, I’m really proud to be part of this movement for women’s boxing.”

On how she can beat Amanda Serrano

“Well of course [Amanda is] a very strong boxer and I really respect her. But I’m also a very skilled fighter. I had a long amateur career and fought over 70 fights, so I’m also an experienced boxer. This is going to be a great fight. We will show the world that women’s boxing is very good and strong.”

Giving a gift to Amanda

“I’m so happy to be here. Thanks to MVP and my promoter and my team. We’ve got a little present for Amanda, which I’d like to give to her. [Shows gift] This is the Berlin Bear. It’s a symbol of our city, and I’d like to give it to you.”

Bomba Gonzalez

On fighting at home and on the Serrano vs. Meinke Card

First think, thank God. I’m happy to be on this big card on March 2. It’s a big opportunity to do my third defense in Puerto Rico. It’s been 7 years, and I have not fought in Puerto Rico. What’s bigger than the Choliseo? Over 19,000 people. I’m happy. I’m going to be ready.

On his upcoming fight vs. Rene Santiago on Saturday, March 2

Rene Santiago is a good boxer. I know he’s coming ready. This is his first chance and opportunity. I’m waiting for the best from Santiago. Same as me, I’m working hard with Amanda and Jordan and my father. We’re going to be 100%. I’m not struggling to make weight – I’m going to make that clear. I’m going to make weight March 1, and I’m going to become super champion at 108 pounds. 

On signing with Amanda Serrano

It’s big- this is the first time I have a manager, and they’re doing well. I feel happy, and I feel that my career is going in a good [direction]. I’m so happy, man, and just looking forward to what’s next. Krystal Rosado

On fighting at home in Puerto Rico

“I am very excited to be here in my hometown and home island of Puerto Rico with my people, with their support, which I know I have.”

On Fighting 3 min rounds

Just like Amanda Serrano has done, [placing] women’s boxing next to men’s boxing, I believe that it is important to keep that tradition up, to show that we are just as worthy and valuable in this sport as men are. 

On if she’s nervous to fight before a crowd of 19,000 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico

More than anxious, I’m very enthusiastic to show what I can do in front of my people, but my training keeps me from feeling the nervousness that typically people might feel. But the bottom line is: I’m not nervous. I’m enthusiastic.

January 18, 2024 (Saudi Arabia): H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced an agreement has been reached between world renowned boxing promoters Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing which will see the promotional outfits face-off in an historic five-versus-five fight night.

H.E. Turki Alalshikh said: “This type of agreement is what boxing fans have been waiting for, as the best champions worldwide are going to be a part of the five-versus-five fight night. Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events.” And added: “These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the globe more unforgettable sports events”.

This unique collaboration will take place during Riyadh Calendar and promises a thrilling experience for boxing fans worldwide.

The date and fight card will be announced at a press conference during the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight week in March.

Frank Warren said: “We’ve always liked a challenge, and this is a mouthwatering one. I honestly think this is one of the most intriguing events you could think of in boxing. A proper event to find out whose stable is stronger. I’d like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who is really changing the game, like we said right at the start. He’s injected a new energy into the sport. This Queensberry vs Matchroom fight night encapsulates all of the elements you want in an event as a promoter: Rivalry, characters, history and competition. It’s time to settle the score, who’s getting the bragging rights?”

Eddie Hearn said: “For decades it has been the Hearns versus the Warrens. Matchroom versus Queensberry. It is without doubt the most storied rivalry in the Sport. Now, thanks to the unrivalled vision of His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, fight fans witnessed a handshake that broke the internet – and now they will see the world’s leading promoters going hammer and tong to settle a score for the ages. It’s the best against the best and this unprecedented night of boxing in Riyadh will live long in the memory.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 18, 2024) – Super bantamweight WBO #5 contender Ra’eese Aleem (20-1, 12 KOs), is fervent about his desire for a rematch on U.S. soil with Sam Goodman (17-0, 7 KOs), following their intense bout in June of 2023. Aleem, determined to rectify the outcome of their last encounter, aims to secure a rematch with Goodman to prove his worth and showcase his growth as a fighter.

“I’m hearing Goodman wants to come to the States to secure a fight with a top name, and I’m ready for a rematch,” said Aleem. “I fought him on his home turf, now he should honor a rematch against me on my home turf. I lost a split decision and it’s only fair I get a rematch.”

Despite the loss, Aleem remains determined and is open to facing other formidable opponents if a rematch with Goodman can’t be made. Three other potential contenders on Aleem’s radar are Stephen Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs), TJ Doheny (25-4, 19 KOs), and Murodjon Akhmadaliev (12-1, 9 KOs). Aleem believes that a victory over either of these accomplished fighters would solidify his position in the super bantamweight division and propel him closer to his ultimate goal.

Aleem’s ambitious aspirations extend beyond his fights with top contenders, as he sets his sights on the reigning undisputed champion, Naoya Inoue (26-0, 23 KOs). Aleem is eager to climb the ranks and earn a shot at the coveted super bantamweight titles currently held by Inoue.

“I have learned from every fight, and I am ready to face any challenge that comes my way. A rematch with Goodman is my priority, but I am more than willing to take on Fulton, Doheny, Akhmadaliev, or anyone else who stands in my path. Ultimately, my goal is to become the super bantamweight champion, and Inoue is the man to beat,” concluded Aleem.

“I believe Aleem is one fight away from getting a shot at Inoue,” stated Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager. “One big win against a top contender will put him in a great position. Ra’eese has been training hard, waiting for his name to be called. I have no doubt, he’ll be ready to go when that time comes.”

LIVERPOOL, England (Jan. 18, 2024) —Two-division world champion Natasha Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs)this Saturday, Jan. 20 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the co-feature, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) will put his British and Commonwealth titles on the line against Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round rematch of their all-action 2020 slugfest that ended in a draw.

Jonas-Mayer and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters had to say.

Natasha Jonas

“This is a big statement. We’ve seen so many times that the best don’t fight the best for whatever reason. But I believe that for me to classify myself as one of the best of this era, I have to fight the best. I look at some of the boxers on list, the Katie Taylors and Chantelle Camerons, and they’ve beaten people in the top 10 pound-for-pound list. For me to be able to solidify a legacy for myself, I believe I have to do the same, and Mikaela is on that list.”

“Doors shut quickly in boxing when the results don’t go your way. And we’ve both experienced that now. And none of us want that to happen again. So, to keep those doors open, to keep those opportunities open, and to keep those bigger dreams beyond this alive, I’ve got to focus on what happens on Saturday and make that dream come true.”

“It’s going to be a good fight. We’ve both got the I.Q. and the ability to box. We’ve both got the skill and the strength to fight if we need to. That being said, I think our styles will make a great fight. I’m not going to be a reactive fighter and wait to see what she pulls out the bag. I’m going to be putting on my best foot forward and making her worry about me from the get-go.”

Mikaela Mayer

“It’s not just about the belt. It’s not just about becoming a world champion again. It’s about challenging myself against the best, having those names on my resume and knowing that I did my absolute best to challenge myself against the other great girls in the sport so that I can truly say I’m a top pound-for-pound fighter of this era. That’s important for my legacy and for my fans because I know that these are the types of fights that they want to see.”

“Natasha has a ton of experience. She has that amateur pedigree. She’s gone up against plenty of different styles. And she’s had to learn how to adjust to those styles. Same with me. That’s why having that pedigree is such an advantage. We both have that.”

“It’s going to be a really strategic fight because she’s a southpaw and I’m orthodox. Obviously, I have a technician in my corner who is big on strategy and big on technique and he has a game plan specifically for that, which I absolutely have to follow if I don’t want to get in trouble after the fight.”

Saturday, January 20

ESPN+ (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT)
 

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer, 10 rounds, Jonas’ IBF Welterweight World Title 

Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli, 12 rounds, Cullen’s British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles

Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia, 10 rounds, middleweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila dos Santos Furtado, 8 rounds, featherweight

DETROIT – January 18, 2024 – Salita Promotions will launch the inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” event streaming live on DAZN with an action-packed night of fights on Tuesday, February 20 headlined by a 10-round all-Michigan showdown as Flint’s Ardreal Holmes Jr. defends his USBA Super Welterweight Championship against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington topping a card from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit.

February 20 will be the first “Big Time Boxing USA” event in a deal between Salita Promotions and DAZN to present a combination of talent development and championship cards. The live streaming action kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov face Britton Norwood in a 10-round bout in the co-main event.

Action on DAZN will also feature a battle of unbeatens, as Grand Rapids-native and U.S. National Amateur Champion standout Joshua Pagan battles Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight bout, plus undefeated Dearborn-native Da’Velle Smith competes in a six-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office. This will be the first boxing event at Wayne State Fieldhouse, the home to the Detroit Pistons’ G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, and comes after Salita Promotions delivered the first boxing event ever at Little Caesars Arena, the home of the Pistons, in June 2023.

“I’m very excited about the partnership with DAZN and the ability to promote our fighters to a worldwide audience,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “We are starting the “Big Time Boxing USA” series in one of boxing’s historic cities, which for decades was synonymous with the champions of Detroit, and at one of the city’s premier venues, the Wayne State Fieldhouse. I look forward to showcasing and developing boxing’s top talent in exciting matchups.”

“We are looking forward to working with Salita Promotions once again,” said Alfie Sharman, VP, DAZN. “With Dmitriy’s exciting stable, coupled with our best in class production and knowledge of the sport, we feel that together we can create something very special with these shows.”

Additional bouts on the undercard will see unbeaten Grand Rapids-native and USA Olympic Team Captain Joseph Hicks Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight contest, unbeaten WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Juan Carrillo (11-0, 8 KOs), coming off a win against fellow unbeaten Richard Vansiclen to face Florida’s Jose Cortes (10-4, 3 KOs) in an eight-round attraction and Mount Clemens’ Luis Quintero (7-0, 7 KOs) looking to stay unbeaten in a four-round super lightweight fight.

The 29-year-old Holmes Jr. (14-0, 5 KOs),  known in the ring as “Bossman,” is a 6’ 2” southpaw and 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate coming off a trio of impressive professional victories as his competition has increased. He earned 10-round unanimous decisions over Vernon Brown in 2022 and Ismael Villarreal in February 2023 before capturing his title in his most recent bout in June in Detroit. This outing saw Holmes emerge victorious via a technical decision over Wendy Toussaint, after a cut suffered by his opponent due to an accidental headbutt halted the fight in round eight.

“I’m thankful and very excited to be having my first title defense in my home state,” said Holmes. “The fans are going to be the winner on February 20, because this fight, and the whole card, are going to be action packed. I’m going to show all the fans in Detroit and watching on DAZN who the best guy at 154 pounds is. This performance is gonna put the whole division on notice.”

Trained in his hometown at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym, Harrington (10-1, 9 KOs) enters this fight off of back-to-back stoppage victories following a decision loss to Marquis Taylor in 2022. The 31-year-old dispatched of the previously unbeaten Gheith Karim in the first round in June, an impressive performance that he followed up by stopping veteran Ramses Agaton in round three in September.

“Training camp is in full swing and there’s no better way to start the year than to bring the title back home to Detroit,” said Harrington. “The fans can expect fireworks in this one. I’m coming to light up the ring for sure on February 20. Get your popcorn!”

Originally from Russia, residing in Detroit and trained in Miami with John David Jackson, Izmailov (11-0, 7 KOs) took another step toward contender status by picking up his belt with a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Charles Foster in June, establishing himself as a future force in the division. The 30-year-old owns two impressive victories in 2022, taking down previously unbeaten opponents Abraham Tebes and world rated Eric Murguia.

“My long-term goal is simple, to be the Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion,” said Izmailov. “I prepare seriously for every fight and I’m working hard with my trainer John David Jackson in Florida. I plan to showcase my skills and get one step closer to fighting the division’s best.”

Norwood (13-4-1, 10 KOs) will enter this matchup on a three-fight winning streak, including a first round knockout of the then once-beaten Nicolas Masseroni in April of last year. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Norwood has won seven of his last eight outings, including a decision over the previously unbeaten Andrei Odintsov in February 2020.

“I’m training with former world champion Joel Casamayor for this fight, and I believe that it’s going to be the difference on February 20,” said Norwood. “There’s only one reason I’m taking this fight, and that’s to step into the ring on fight night and take Izmailov’s head off and walk out of there with his belt.”

The 23-year-old Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) was prolific in 2023, earning five victories, including a third-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Ronnell Burnett in June. He began the move down to lightweight in his last bout as he shutout Braulio Rodriguez across six-rounds in October. Pagan won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis and followed that up by turning pro in January 2022.

Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs) has stopped every opponent he’s faced since turning pro in September 2021, and will step up in competition to challenge Pagan on February 20. All seven of Taylor’s wins have come in his hometown of Detroit, including his most recent triumph that saw him stop Carlo Nunez in two rounds last February.

Unbeaten since turning pro in 2021, Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) burst onto the scene by winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship with a first round knockout of Ricky Evans. The 23-year-old has continued his winning ways since then, picking up three triumphs in 2023. He stopped the previously unbeaten Kahydlian Woods and veterans Gyorgy Mizsei and Dedrick Bell last year as he hopes to launch himself into contender status in 2024.

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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. 

Montréal, Québec, Canada – 17 janvier 2024 — L’année 2024 marque la 20^e année de la fondation de Groupe Yvon Michel. Durant cette période GYM a organisé 171 événements, dont 72 au prestigieux et unique Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.  GYM a aussi présenté le nombre record de 57 combats de championnat du monde et a produit 8 champions du monde. Durant toute l’année 2024, GYM va célébrer !  À chaque événement, il y aura des cérémonies spéciales pour souligner ses accomplissements et ses anciens champions. Les détails seront publiés incessamment.

GYM a des projets pour présenter une année spectaculaire et fertile en émotions avec des boxeurs de chez nous. Déjà trois dates sont à l’affiche au Casino de Montréal; les 14 mars, 4 avril et 16 mai prochains.

Casino de Montréal, 14 mars, en vedette Mathieu Germain (23-2-1, 9 K.-O.)

C’est l’aspirant mondial et champion IBF Intercontinental des super-légers, Mathieu « G-Time » Germain qui sera la vedette principale du premier gala de GYM, le 14 mars au Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Germain qui détient le 9^e rang des aspirants à l’IBF a toujours l’ambition d’obtenir une opportunité de combattre en championnat du monde. Tant qu’il sera actif et victorieux, il sera en mesure d’améliorer sa position internationale et améliorer ses chances. Mathieu connaît une séquence de cinq gains consécutifs qui s’est amorcée avec une victoire sur Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 K.-O.), en mai 2021. Mathieu sera prêt pour les prochains défis : « C’est vraiment formidable de retourner au boulot et faire ce que je sais le mieux faire; boxer. Je cogne à la porte de gros combats, let’s go! »

Casino de Montréal, 4 avril, en vedette l’ex championne WBC Kim Clavel (17-2, 3 K.-O.)

Kim Clavel a été la pugiliste québécoise qui a connu les plus grandes émotions en 2023. Elle a livré trois combats de championnat du monde à ses quatre dernières présences sur le ring dont deux combats avec deux ceintures majeures à l’enjeu. Même si elle a échappé de justesse son dernier combat, elle demeure parmi les meilleures boxeuses au monde non seulement de sa division mais aussi de toutes catégories confondues. Le 4 avril, est un nouveau départ pour la native de Joliette qui renoue avec le Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, où elle a connu ses plus grands succès. Elle est actuellement, à Cuba, en camp d’entraînement, avec des entraîneurs de l’endroit et elle participe à des entraînements avec l’équipe nationale féminine de Cuba. « Le 4 avril, je serai de retour sur le ring » de dire la charismatique Kim. « Ma passion pour le sport y est toujours. Le chemin n’est pas toujours simple mais boxer c’est ce que j’aime, et boxer c’est ce que je vais faire. À bientôt, je retourne sous la chaleur de la Havane pour un autre entrainement. »  Son retour à Montréal est prévu pour le 12 février.

Casino de Montréal, 16 mai, en vedette Mazlum Akdeniz (19-0, 8 K.-O.)

Le champion de la WBC international des mi-moyens et invaincu en 19 combats professionnels. Mazlum Akdeniz, de Longueuil, veut poursuivre dans la même veine. Le gaucher de 26 ans vient de remporter un combat très émotif contre l’excellent Sébastien Bouchard de Québec, à son dernier combat. En 2024, il entend démontrer qu’il appartient à l’élite de la division. Mazlum qui est un protégé de Moe Latif du gymnase Ring 83 a également ouvert son propre gymnase de boxe à Longueuil. L’endroit est devenu populaire rapidement et les nouveaux adeptes de l’entraînement de boxe y sont nombreux. « J’ai vraiment hâte de remonter sur le ring du Casino le 16 mai prochain et je suis surtout heureux d’y faire la finale pour la troisième fois de ma carrière. Merci à Yvon et GYM de croire en moi et de me redonner cette opportunité. 2023 fut une belle année, 2024 sera encore meilleure. » de dire enthousiaste le longueuillois.

Marie-Pier Houle, Caroline Veyre, Derek Pomerleau, Abed El Safadi

Les adversaires des finalistes et les autres combats seront annoncés d’ici quelques jours, mais il est assuré que les aspirantes mondiales Marie-Pier Houle (9-1-1, 2 K.-O.), Caroline Veyre (6- 0,  0 K.-O.) le jeune espoir local, Derek Pomerleau (6-0, 4 K.-O.) et le populaire Abed El Safadi (6 – 0 , 2 K.-O.) feront partie de l’un ou plusieurs des ces programmes. D’autres boxeurs locaux y seront également ajoutés. Le matchmaker de GYM, l’excellent Vincent Morin est déjà au travail.

Billets en vente :

Les billets seront en vente et disponibles à compter du 26 mars prochain sur www.ticketmaster.ca et directement chez GYM à info@groupeyvonmichel.ca. Il sera possible d’acheter des forfaits pour 2 ou les 3 événements combinés.

Les galas de GYM sont une présentation de Mise-O-Jeu en collaboration avec Bell Média.

À propos de Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel est une organisation de promotion de boxe professionnelle, fondée en 2004 par Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft et Bernard Barré, toujours actifs au sein de la compagnie la plus prolifique de l’histoire de la boxe professionnelle au Canada. Depuis sa fondation, GYM a mis sur pied 171 galas au Québec, tous télédiffusés au Québec sur RDS, TVA Sports ou Radio-Canada, et participé à 37 galas internationaux à l’extérieur du Québec. Huit boxeurs sont devenus champions du monde, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (2 fois), Oscar Rivas et Kim Clavel. 19 boxeurs de l’organisation ont livré 57 combats de championnat du monde conservant une excellente fiche de 30 victoires, 25 revers et 2 nulles. Durant cette période, les grands réseaux de télévision américains ont été plus actifs que jamais à venir au Québec afin de télédiffuser les événements les plus importants de l’organisation.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (January 17, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions has assembled a knockout undercard – including two, world championship defenses and scheduled performances of the next generation of top talent – for the main event clash between undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing and will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Scheduled for 12-rounds, Collazo is returning to the ring after a dazzling, knockout victory over Garen Diagan in front of his hometown crowd in Puerto Rico.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Oscar Collazo. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do on January 27 and leave the ring with our hand-raised. We have a good plan in place like all our previous fights, and we are ready to entertain in front of the people of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and on DAZN. Thank you, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for the opportunity to be on such a big card featuring a spectacular main event between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder.”

On the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Oakland, California’s William Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO).

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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 #GarciaDuarte

Jan 17, 2024

Top Rank Presents IBF World Welterweight Championship:

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer

Saturday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT

Live and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

Image

ESPN+ Available on ESPN.com and ESPN App on Mobile and Connected TV Devices

To Subscribe Visit ESPNPlus.com/Top Rank

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Jonas vs. Mayer will be presented live on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the main event, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer.

Having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF junior middleweight world titles, Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making the first defense of her welterweight crown, which she claimed after scoring an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt last year.

Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and former IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion, moves up in weight once again as she attempts to become a two-division world champ.

In other streaming action on ESPN+, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former foe Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs).

Calling the Action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

Top Rank: Real Time – All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night.
Who Do U Fight 4? – Learn what drives the next generation of Top Rank stars.
State of Boxing – Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+.
Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights.
Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Jonas vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Sat., Jan 20
2:00 p.m.
Main
Natasha Jonas (C) vs. Mikaela Mayer
IBF Welterweight

ESPN+

Co-Feature
Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli

Undercard
Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila Dos Santos Furtado
Undercard
Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia
About ESPN

About ESPN+

(Jan. 17, 2024) — WBC No. 1 junior welterweight contender Sandor Martin has signed a multi-fight co-promotional pact with Top Rank. Martin’s longtime promoter, OPI Since 82, and Top Rank are joining forces to secure the Spaniard his first world title shot. 

Two-weight world champion and pound-for-pound force Devin “The Dream” Haney is the current WBC junior welterweight world champion.

“Devin Haney calls himself ‘The Dream,’ but I am his worst nightmare. I will be the next WBC junior welterweight world champion. Whether he wants to lose his title to me in the ring or run up the scales to welterweight, the choice is his,” Martin said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my career with OPI Since 82 and Top Rank in my corner.”

“We are glad to have the support of Top Rank for Sandor’s next fights. He already proved his worth with Mikey Garcia and Teofimo Lopez,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “Next step will be the green belt!”

“We’ve had a front-row seat to Sandor Martin’s immense talent, and Top Rank is thrilled to be partnering with OPI Since 82 to help Sandor receive his well-deserved world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.  

Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) is a former European junior welterweight champion and a 13-year pro whose only defeats have come via narrow points verdicts. After spending the first decade of his career fighting primarily in Spain, the slick-moving southpaw authored the 2021 Upset of the Year when he toppled former four-weight world champion Garcia by majority decision in Fresno, California. 

Following a 10-round split decision defeat to Lopez in December 2022, Martin notched a pair of knockout victories in 2023 to maintain his status as one of the world’s top 140-pound practitioners.  

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, delivered a series of sensational fight nights in 2023 that were watched by millions on free-to-air television. 

And today, it can be confirmed that Wasserman’s 2024 schedule launches with a contest that will stake an early claim for Fight of the Year, as Baraou faces ‘The Savage’ Eggington in Telford. 

Baraou is Germany’s world-ranked former amateur star with designs on global domination, while Eggington is a British boxing cult hero after a barnstorming career packed with memorable blood and guts fights and title wins. 

Twice a winner of the domestic Fight of the Year, Eggington is bidding to become a two-weight EBU European champion, but Baraou has outstanding pedigree and is ready to live up to his billing as one of the best fighters of his generation from Germany. 

This tantilising clash of styles is certain to produce yet another fight that fans will go crazy for, live and free on Channel 5.  

Abass Baraou said: “I am incredibly motivated after finally confirming my shot at the European title and I can promise you that I won’t let this chance slip through my fingers. 

“Winning the prestigious European title on March 1 will be a major step on my mission to becoming a world champion and I plan on putting on a performance that sends out a statement to rest of the division. 

“Everyone in boxing knows that Sam Eggington is a warrior and has been in some great fights in his career, and our clash of styles will make for another thriller but make no mistake, I will emerge victorious.” 

Sam Eggington said: “March 1 in Telford is the night I write the next chapter in my crazy boxing story.  My fans will pack out the arena and roar me on to become a two-weight European champion. 

“I always deliver must-see fights, I have done so all of my career, but this one against Baraou could be the best yet.  Whether you’re at ringside or watching live on Channel 5, you’re in for one hell of a fight. 

“Baraou may have international amateur medals, just like Frankie Gavin did when we fought, but he has never faced a fighter like me, over 12 gruelling rounds, where I don’t let him breathe for a second.” 

BIG FIGHT ODDS WITH LADBROKES 

Abass Baraou – 4/7 
Sam Eggington – 11/8 
Draw – 18/1 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “What a way to start our big fight schedule for 2024! 

“Baraou vs Eggington is an absolute banger of a fight and we’re staging it at a venue which always lends itself to creating a great atmosphere. 

“Abass is one of the best super welterweights in the world, and winning the European title will act as a launchpad to world honours. 

“But Eggington is a British boxing hero who shows incredible bravery, toughness and a granite chin, time after time after time. 

“Last year was a record-setting one for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with millions of people tuning in to watch our events, and so we are setting our stall out for 2024 with this humdinger on March 1 in Telford.”  

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Boxing fans the world over are being treated to a cracking night of action to kick off 2024, and Ladbrokes is once again extremely proud to play a part in things.  
“Abass Baraou has been tipped by many for great things – world titles, even – but it’s safe to say he’ll be up against it in Telford as Sam Eggington will head into the ring with the local backing, and then some.” 

He added: “Baraou got the job done early last time he fought on British soil, but it takes a lot to knock down The Savage… all signs point towards another exhilarating night of Channel 5 boxing in March.” 

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2023):The undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K inaugurated the newly built Golden Boy Boxing Gym with a media workout for their upcoming 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title. The event is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, live from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
JAIME MUNGUÍA, FORMER WBO WORLD SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I began to train with Freddie Roach because he is an excellent trainer and has an incredible roster of current and former world champions he has worked with on an international level. It was a great decision to integrate our teams together.”

“I feel very good right now. I feel very strong, and I feel like this has been one of the best training camps I have had. It has helped me very much to be here in Los Angeles with Freddie, and it has encouraged me to keep my eyes focused on the job at hand and I believe we are going to make it to fight week in excellent condition. I feel like the fans will get to enjoy one of my best performances yet.”

“I honestly feel like I can knock John Ryder out. That’s what we are working towards. Obviously, once you step inside the ring anything can change. But we’re training to get inside the ring in optimal condition, and if we can’t get the knockout we will be making sure we get the decision.”

JOHN RYDER, FORMER WBO INTERIM SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“I’ve got two young children and a wonderful partner, so it’s not ideal being away in Los Angeles to train, but we have to make these sacrifices.”

“I want to go in there and make a statement. I’m here for a good time, not a long time, so I want the biggest of names and that’s the level that I want to be able to maintain – to make the biggest fights I possibly can make.”

“What better way to come back after the Canelo fight than with a headlining show in the United States against a top talent like Jaime Munguia?”

“I’m a different fighter now from when I fought Canelo. I believe I learned a lot about myself. I wish I could have had that type of fight 10-years ago. You learn a lot about yourself, your desires and how deep the fire burns. But, I am here now and the fire is still churning!”

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing and Zanfer Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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 #GarciaDuarte

LONG BEACH, CA (January 16, 2024) – CBN Promotions’ boxing series will kick off 2024 with “Super Brawl Saturday” this February 10th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. In the 10-round super featherweight main event, Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, will square off against Jose Luis Rodriguez (25-15-1, 13 KOs), from Monterey, MX. The 8-round co-main event will showcase Tayden Beltran (7-0-1, 4 KOs), from Huntington Beach, CA, vs. an opponent to be announced, in a lightweight bout.

Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810

“We want to start the year with a bang!” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “2024 should be a great year for us and the boxers featured on our show, we will expand our brand to give fans the best and most entertaining matches out there. For that reason, we are excited to announce that our events will also air live on FuboTV as we continue to reach more people in the U.S. and internationally.”

“Super Brawl Saturday” will mark the beginning of an exclusive television deal between CBN Sports and Entertainment and FuboTV, which will air all of CBN’s events live, in addition to their event’s library. “We are proud that FuboTV is now part of our television distribution plan that includes Fox Deportes, Estrella TV and FightStars Network, and we will not stop there. Our boxers and fans will benefit with the tremendous outreach and television platforms we are creating,” concluded Camponovo.

“Brace yourselves for an incredible journey as we elevate our boxing series production and reach larger audiences,” stated Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios. “Our aim is to extend an invitation to the Long Beach community and neighboring cities for all our shows. This is a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy an exceptional evening filled with thrilling boxing matches.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Super lightweight Leonardo Rubalcava (4-0, 1 KO) from Jurupa Valley, CA, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Super flyweight Stephanie Chavez (3-0) from Orange, CA, will battle Hailey Pasion (2-4) of Waipahu, HI. (6-rounds).

Super bantamweight Hector Lopez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Compton, CA, will face Rod Sarguilla (2-4), from Midsayap, Philippines. (6-rounds).

Opening up the show will be Jose Bravo (2-0, 2 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today a co-promotional deal with Sampson Boxing for 21-year-old IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs). Fundora is scheduled to defend her IBF title against Christina Cruz on the DAZN broadcast for Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder on Saturday, January 27.

“I am ready and prepared for my first title defense and I feel like nothing can stop me from winning,” said Gabriela Fundora. “Christina Cruz is a good fighter, but I am building my legacy as a champion and no one can stop me.”
“We were blown away by Gabriela’s performance in October, and are proud to have yet another world champion fighting under the Golden Boy banner,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “At just 21 years old, the sky’s the limit for her and I fully expect her to deliver a knockout performance in Phoenix on January 27.”

“Gabriela Fundora is an amazing talent who works non-stop in the gym to reach her dreams,” said co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “They say once you win a championship, confidence makes you an even better fighter, which is bad news for Christina Cruz. I’m looking forward to a sensational performance from boxing’s newest female star, “Sweet Poison,” Gabriela Fundora.”

A force to be reckoned with as one of the youngest of the current female world champions, at only 21-years-old Fundora has impressed fans and media alike. She was last seen in front of her native Southern California fans on October 21, 2023 at the Kia Forum, where she was able to stop and steal the IBF title from veteran champion Arely Muciño. Representing the Coachella Valley, Fundora comes from a highly respected boxing family. Having begun boxing at six-years old, she joined the professional ranks in 2021 with an unanimous decision victory over Jazmin Valverde. She went on to secure the WBC Latino Flyweight title on October 8, 2022 against Naomi Arellano Reyes and the WBC Youth World Fly Tania Garcia Hernandez on February 23, 2023.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

Las Vegas (January 16, 2024) –Tickets are now on sale for The Box Fan Expo for the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo that will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend.

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you!: https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:

The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2022 was another huge success. Over 3500 enthusiastic boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Fernando Vargas, David Benavidez, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramirez, Floyd Mayweather sr., Jorge Linares, Michael Spinks, Seniesa Estrada, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Badou Jack, Jessie Vargas, Mia St.John and many others …

Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing

The Box Fan Expo also played host to the third edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2022”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of thousands of boxing fans that attended the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event.

HELPING A GREAT CAUSE

The Box Fan Expo Invitational amateur show had an opportunity to collaborate and help Center Ring Boxing, a non-profit organization that was established in 1994 in the Las Vegas area. Their Mission is to facilitate programs for youth, ages 8 to 18 and their families. They promote and improve image of boxing as a sport and provide positive interactions that facilitate educational, physical, mentoring programs which is a great positive influence and mental growth for those young kids looking to improve their self-esteem and personal lives.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

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Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (15 January, 2024) – H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, proudly announces ‘Knockout Chaos’ headlined by former unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua in a mouth watering match up against MMA superstar and now Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou on Friday 8 March at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The event is being delivered to fans across the world by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Goldstar Promotions and GIMIK Fight Promotions.

Previously the WBA, IBF and WBO World Champion, Joshua completed a busy and successful year on 23 December 2023 when he defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds in a headline attraction on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh, a fight which marked his return to the elite end of the Heavyweight rankings.

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Ngannou entered the world of boxing when he competed in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against WBC World Champion Tyson Fury, which opened Riyadh Season on 28 October 2023. The fight boomed into life towards the end of the third round when Ngannou landed a left hook to the temple of Fury’s head and the champion was put to the canvas.

Ngannou winning the respect and admiration of boxing fans across the globe with a remarkable performance. Now, in what will be his second professional fight, Ngannou takes on the other most popular heavyweight on the planet.

H.E. Alalshikh states that: “‘Knockout Chaos’ is one of the most important events to take place in Riyadh Season so far this year, an occasion which will bring together yet more international champions from one of the most popular sports in the world.”

“I will be ready to go once the first bell rings.” Insists the two-time former unified World Champion Joshua“ I will approach this mission with laser focus until the job is complete. I am looking forward to returning to Riyadh and I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passion they have shown to myself and the sport of boxing.”

Ngannou pledges to continue silencing the doubters when he takes to the ring for his second professional fight.

“People have always doubted me and I always proved them wrong,” said the Cameroon-born star. ‘It is clear I am a trouble for elite boxers and AJ should prepare himself for a battle because I am like nothing he has ever faced. It is going to be another spectacle for boxing fans in Riyadh, only this time I have no intention of leaving it in the hands of the judges.”

Hall of Fame Promoter and Founder of Queensberry Promotions Frank Warren, added: “Friday 8 March in Riyadh will be another monumental event for the sport of boxing made possible by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his team, with who we have established a brilliantly productive working relationship. Riyadh Season has opened up new and thrilling frontiers for our great sport and, in Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, we have a further Heavyweight blockbuster that will surely capture the imagination of fans right across the world.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport and Joshua’s long time Promoter said: “This is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights in boxing and I am grateful His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh shares that view. We’re talking about two giants in Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, two men who look like they are carved out of stone, two devastating punchers. We are ready for another huge event in Saudi Arabia and a night full of drama. After AJ’s demolition of Otto Wallin he steps up against the former MMA Lineal champ. Francis has already proved his credentials in a thriller with Tyson Fury and comes into this clash full of confidence and fire. This is one of the biggest fights in the sport and one that can be over in the blink of an eye. When these two meet in Riyadh one thing is for sure… it will be Knockout Chaos!”

Manager of Ngannou, Marquel Martin of 3POINT0 Labs said: “Francis has proved he’s the baddest man on the planet against arguably the best boxer in the sport. Anthony Joshua has earned all the respect in the world for his accomplishments, but on March 8th he will realize he’s up against a man who has been through it all in life in Francis Ngannou. Thank you to His Excellency and the KSA for yet another epic Heavyweight showdown.”

To support one of the biggest fight in combat sports history, the event will also feature one of the most impressive undercards in boxing history.

The heavyweight division will take further shape when the Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) defends his WBO Interim world championship against former world champion Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) from New Zealand.

Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs), the WBC World Champion from Mexico will make a first defence of his belt when he takes on No.1 contender, the Liverpool featherweight firebrand Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).

Featuring on the card is a Battle of Britain at Lightweight, where top young contender and IBF European Champion Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) from England will challenge for the European Champion, Welshman Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs).

Also performing in Riyadh will be Australian Heavyweight hopeful Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs), who will be looking to make his name in the flagship division (opponent details to be included ASAP) plus Cruiserweight prospect Roman Fury (3-0, 1 KO), British Super-Welterweight Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs) and local Saudi Arabian Super-Lightweight Ziyad Almaayouf (4-0, 1 KO).

About Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of unique entertainment events, concerts, exhibitions and dining experiences. Riyadh Season 2023 commenced on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and the historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, followed up by the ‘Day of Reckoning’ on December 23 featuring Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker as the headline fights.

Anthony Joshua:
 
“Every fight leads to somewhere, so this fight is my everything; my soul, my spirit, my mind, my body. We’ll see where it leads me, right now, I’m not thinking about any championship belts, or anything. My main focus is Francis, realistically, it’s getting through an intense, focused training camp, because how I train is how I fight. If I get victory in my training camp I am sure I get victory on the night. We’ll put the belts on hold because my focus is on getting through training camp and getting to the fight successfully.
 
(On Ben Davison) “It’s really good working with him and the whole team at the academy. They have helped a lot. I still speak a lot with Derrick James in the States, but being home and having someone just as good, I’m just searching for greatness really. Continuously searching for greatness, how to elevate myself, push forward in every aspect of my game, and this is just another challenge and during each challenge I find out so much about myself. Even though I already know who I am, I know I am going to discover new things about myself and things that can take me to new heights. 
 
“He brings two arms, a body, like every other fighter does. But it’s his mind that is different. Everyone has their own unique mind. In terms of the frame and make up, I’ve seen people like him and he’s seen people like me many times before, but it’s his mind that I have to conquer in the ring. You have to take their soul and spirit, and I am looking for the challenge for sure, it’s going to be good, explosive. There’s many ways to skin a cat, I can counter-punch, he can counter-punch. We can both box, we can both trade, it’s going to be a good fight – and shout out to His Excellency, my promoter, my team at 258 for getting me in this position to showcase why I am the top Heavyweight in the UK. I’m not really concerned about the world, I’m trying to conquer where I live and make everyone know that I am the one that puts boxing on the map.”
 
Francis Ngannou:
 
“Thank you to my brother, His Excellency, for once again putting me in this position to live my dream and have all those great experiences like I had in Riyadh two months ago, it was amazing. Hopefully this will be the same thing.
 
“I’ve been sitting here and listening to people talking and even Eddie praising me, and I appreciate that, but at the same time, I am not sure if he wants me to sleep on his guy – but that’s not going to happen. I am just a beginner out here that’s going to train really hard and do everything as the underdog to win the fight. 
 
“I don’t take my last fight as a reference, I know exactly where I am at, I’m going to get better and better and that’s how I see things. I’m preparing for a tough fight, the Fury fight was great, but that’s in the past and I have a new challenge in front of me, and I take it more serious now than before because now I think there’s something more on the line, which is probably the Undisputed fight. So let’s see, I will do something that no-one has done before and I believe I have the tools to do that, starting with having the win over ‘AJ’ on March 8 in a big fight – not an easy fight, but a possible one and I am going to take it.
 
“I’m going to fight him, so what do you think I am going to do? I will look for his chin. That’s what you do in a fight, you try to hit someone on the chin or wherever to try to hurt him. I heard he doesn’t have a chin, I don’t know if it’s true or not, we’re going to find out and I hope that I have the opportunity to test that – that’s my wish.”
 
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
 
“Just to echo what Frank said, our thanks to the Crown Prince and of course, His Excellency. I likened this earlier, the whole experience, to Football Manager. Imagine being the biggest fan in boxing and having the ability to sit in a room and put fights together at the drop of a hat that the fans want to see. In just five months we’ve seen Fury vs. Ngannou, The Day of Reckoning, Fury vs. Usyk and ‘AJ’ vs. Ngannou, and so much more to come. This is such an incredible opportunity for boxing and it’s being delivered by someone that has an incredible passion for the sport, someone that’s unbelievably knowledgeable. I thought Ngannou and Fury was going to be a mismatch, and His Excellency told me I would be wrong. I said Callum Smith was going to beat Artur Beterbiev and he told me I was wrong. It shows he knows his boxing.
 
“I met Francis under a year ago in Las Vegas where he told me about his ambition to be in big boxing events. A guy with an unbelievable story, a very strong mind, but if I’m honest, I didn’t take him seriously. I have never known anyone to walk into a sport and compete and, in my opinion, and it was close, beat Tyson that night. It’s never been done before, and he might be unlucky that he’s not sitting here as the World Lineal Heavyweight champion on his professional debut.
 
“So now, we take him very seriously, and after that fight that we give him unbelievable props for, I said that the biggest fight out there outside of Fury vs. Usyk, is Joshua vs. Ngannou. We had signed the Joshua vs. Ngannou fight and as soon as that show finished on December 23, His Excellency said to myself and Frank, ‘we need to talk – what is the biggest event we can do on March 8?’ The answer was this and in my opinion you have the two biggest fights in the Heavyweight division happening within three weeks of each other in Saudi Arabia. It’s an incredible opportunity. For ‘AJ’, there’s big jeopardy in this fight. I truly believe he’s going to be the Undisputed Heavyweight champion, but he’s doing it the difficult way, going through what some might call immovable objects in the giant of a man to my left. The former UFC Heavyweight World champion, but now, a guy we take very, very seriously in the sport of boxing. ‘AJ’ is on a roll, he’s with a great team, and we cannot wait. This is a dream opportunity for the sport and we’re all so invested to give the fans incredible nights.”
 
Frank Warren, Founder of Queensberry Promotions:
 
“This is the fourth event of the Riyadh season and if it wasn’t for His Excellency and his team, the support of Riyadh Season and Saudi Arabia, these fights just would not be happening. That’s a fact. He has been instrumental in making these and previous fights happen, and instrumental in getting Eddie and myself sitting at the same table. We’ve just made another bog fight happen, his best against my best, we’ll make that event happen. This is just what boxing fans have crying out for, begging for us to make to make the fights which sometimes have not been financially viable to make, but now it’s changed. It’s happening so fast, and it’s one after the other, great fights, with fantastic undercards, it just keeps coming and coming and coming. We’re in the golden age of boxing, without a doubt, and if anyone doesn’t want to be on board then they are a fool. I’m very disappointed that Oscar De La Hoya should say what he said, he should know better than that; this is great for the sport. The fights are happening. And it’s down to His Excellency and his team, and at my age, I’m 72 next month, and I’ve never seen or been involved with anything like this in boxing. This is just brilliant, and if you are a boxing fan, you are in boxing heaven. So from me personally, and I think from everyone in boxing, thank you your Excellency for everything you’ve done to make these events happen.
 
“Prior to the fight with Tyson and Ngannou, I genuinely, genuinely thought it would be a tough fight for a short period of time but thought that Tyson would get the better of him and win the fight very early on. But it turned out that Francis brought something to the boxing ring that I never expected, and that was that he could actually box. We knew he was a tough competitor, we knew he could punch, we knew he’s going to be a handful on the inside because that’s the way that MMA fighters fight, but he was more than that. He was a switch-hitter, he got his timing right, and he put Tyson through one of the toughest fights he’s been through in a long, long time. He put him on the floor, I will say I thought Tyson had an off-night and came through it all, but this guy making his debut like that surprised everybody. I take my hat off to ‘AJ’ for taking this fight because he’s fighting someone that, OK there’s video footage now and you can see what he’s done in a boxing ring which Tyson didn’t have the benefit of, but what has Francis learned? Is he going to be a better fighter? I think for ‘AJ’ he’s in a tough fight, it’s Knockout Chaos because they both have bombs ion their hands, and it will be interesting to see how the fight develops. I think it will be explosive and for the winner, the big fight is happening on February 17 with Tyson and Usyk, and would we like to see them with the winner of this fight? Everyone in boxing would love to see it.”
 
Dewey Cooper (trainer of Francis Ngannou):
 
“The Tyson Fury fight was no surprise to us. We told you all from day one what was going to happen. The same thing applies here. We expect fire, but at the end of the day, the flaming fists of Francis will finish ‘AJ’ on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.”

QUINCY, Mass. (January 16, 2024) – Two members of the growing Quincy, MA.-Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) stable of boxers, middleweights Antonio Todd (16-9, 9 KOs) and Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste, will make their Madison Square Garden debuts in separate bouts on the February 16th Top Rank card.

Todd, fighting out of Atlanta, faces 2020 Dominican Republic Olympian Euri Cedeno (7-0-1, 6 KOs), while Baptiste takes on hometown favorite Isaah Flaherty (6-0, 3 KOs). These two fights will be streamed on ESPN+ live from The Theater in New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.

“Fights like these and fighters like Antonio and Julien are what I am continuously trying to make Granite Chin all about,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “Fighters who will fight anyone, anywhere. It has been a pleasure working with these two and watching their careers develop. We have been together through highs and lows, but we stuck together and continue to achieve everything we can out of this rugged sport. Neither guy has ever shied away from a tough fight and now in February they are getting their just reward, fighting at the Mecca of Boxing. A lot of guys in boxing pretend to be ‘professional fighters’ but break out in hives when asked to step up. Not these two!”

Fighting at MSG – The Mecca of Boxing — for the first time has opposite meanings for the two GCP fighters; it’s just another fight for the battle-tested Todd, and a dream-come-true return home for Baptiste.

“I’ve fought in New York City before (Sony Hall), but this will be my first time fighting at Madison Square Garden,” Todd said. “It’s really no big deal for me, but it is for my coach. At this stage, nothing overwhelms me anymore. I do appreciate Chris getting me this opportunity.”

Antonio Todd

“It’s surreal for me to be fighting so quickly on a big stage like this,” Baptiste countered. “I remember speaking to Chris when my contract first started, and I said I wanted to fight at least once in New York City. In Madison Square Garden is above and beyond that and I’m so grateful to him for this opportunity.”

Julien Baptiste (R)

(picture by Emily Harney/Fightography)

Todd is a true throwback fighter who has fought all across the country, usually in his opponent’s backyard, and many feel that he’s a middleweight gatekeeper, which makes him feel that he’s disrespected in boxing.

“I do feel disrespected being called a gatekeeper,” Todd explained. “They (promoters/managers) want to see what their fighters have, and we’ll see that again in this fight. I’m the hitman at 160 (pounds). They keep sending them to me because I’m a tough test and I’m going to keep beating them. If they beat me, they suddenly go up in the ratings, but if I beat them I don’t get any respect.

“I just fight, I love it. Everybody wants to be king of the jungle, but nobody understands the hyena. I like riding the bull and being an underdog and that’s what drives me. I’m comfortable being uncomfortable. I can go anywhere to fight anybody, literally, and I’ll keep doing it until I get what I want….respect!

Todd, who will face Cedeno in an eight-round bout, has won his last two fights, including an impressive eight-round unanimous decision this past December, upsetting 15-1 Jaylon Pridgeon. Cedeno reached the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics, losing to the eventual silver medalist, and he’s coming off an eight-round unanimous decision last December over previously undefeated Yoanki Urrutia (13-0).

Baptiste is a native New Yorker who grew-up in the Huntington area but relocated several years ago to Woburn, Massachusetts. The reigning Mass. Middleweight Champion turned his career around two fights ago, when he worked hard to overcome performance anxiety in the ring.

“It’s very satisfying to go out there and do what I can do,” Baptiste spoke about his performance anxiety. “God gave me this talent and it’s that simple for me on the performance end.

“I started boxing when I lived in New York. I’ll have family and friends there and maybe some other fans who will be there watching (Mass-based Abraham) Nova fight (the ESPN headliner vs. O’Shaquie Foster for the WBA Junior Lightweight title).”

Baptiste captured the Mass. Middleweight title last August in his last fight, in which he knocked out defending champion Jamer Jones in round six. Baptiste’s opponent in a six-round match, Queens resident Flaherty, is 6-0 but he has never fought an opponent with a winning record until now.

“He’s very tough, strong, and he’s fought some good guys during his career,” Baptiste added, “but I am going to go out there and show the world what I’m made of. Training camp has been very, very tough for this fight, but it’s worth it because I am getting ready for him.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

LONDON, UK (January 16, 2024) – Future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker will look to steal the show as he returns to action on the undercard of the huge all-British showdown between unbeaten #1 and #2 world ranked light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez on Saturday, February 3rd at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Whittaker closed the year in style with a highlight reel knockout of Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj in Bournemouth. Now 5-0, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver medallist is aiming to kick-start the New Year with another spectacular performance when he takes on Swiss-based French fighter Khalid Graidia over eight-rounds.

Graidia returns to British shores having previously shared the ring with Whittaker’s domestic rivals Zach Parker, Ezra Taylor and Karol Itauma in London. Graidia also took British and Commonwealth Champion Dan Azeez the distance when they squared off in Milan in July 2023.

“The Surgeon is back and ready to start 2024 with another clinical performance. I’m putting the whole light heavyweight division on notice. Another big year is on the way so don’t miss the start of it on February 3rd,” said Whittaker.

“This is the start to a huge year for Ben Whittaker,” said BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom. “He will bring his star power to an already massive night for the light heavyweight division on February 3rd in London. Ben is a special talent and we expect to see him headlining shows and fighting for major titles this year.”

Having dethroned Franck Petitjean in front of a capacity crowd in Wolverhampton last year, Adam Azim makes the first defence of his EBU European Super Lightweight Title against undefeated former champion Enock Poulsen.

Rising featherweight star Francesca Hennessy and heavyweight hope Jeamie TKV are also confirmed for action in the capital. Hennessy, who has wowed fans with her explosive style since joining the paid ranks last year, goes in search of her third professional victory, while TKV looks to get back to winning ways having suffered his first career defeat to Igor Macedo in September 2023.

This event is presented in association with official partners Bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and IFX Payments.

Tickets starting from £30 are available via BOXXER.com

John Ryder believes he’s in with another top-level fighter in Jaime Munguia at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27, live worldwide on DAZN – but says that the unbeaten Mexican has weaknesses he can exploit.

Ryder spoke to the Matchroom Boxing Podcast about facing Munguia, training over Christmas and what he took from taking on Mexican megastar Canelo Alvarez – listen here
Ryder (32-6 18 KOs) is back in action following his courageous effort against Canelo Alvarez in Guadalajara, Mexico in September, where the Brit faced the Mexican ace in front of over 60,000 fans and won them over with his gutsy performance against the undisputed 168lb king. Ryder now heads to Phoenix for what promises to be another thrilling battle against a Mexican star, this time with unbeaten former Super-Welterweight king and defending WBC Silver Super-Middleweight champion Munguia (42-0 33 KOs).

The 27 year old thrilled fight fans in his last outing, a fight of the year rollercoaster in Ontario, California with battle-hardened Sergiy Derevyanchenko in June, with a 12^th round knockdown proving the difference for Munguia seeing off the Ukrainian in. Ryder knows that his January 27 foe is eyeing up his own clash with Canelo, but ‘The Gorilla’ believes Derevyanchenko exposed flaws in Munguia’s game that he can expose and use to pull off a second victory on American soil.

“Jaime won fight of the year last year and I am sure that this fight can be a candidate for fight of the year for 2024,” said Ryder. “He’s got an unbelievable record, 42-0, and he’s got the carrot being dangled of the Canelo fight, like I had against Zach Parker. That adds pressure, you know that is potentially next, so you have to go out there and produce, so it’s down to him now. I’ve had my shot at Canelo, I doubt I’ll get another one if I beat Munguia, but that is the aim, to be in the biggest and best fights possible. 

“I rate him, I think his record is not padded but he’s been well maneuvered, his last fight with Sergiy he showed some vulnerabilities, he’s made a trainer change to Freddie Roach and that might be a good thing, it might not be, we’ll see. I know what he brings to the table, he throws a lot of shots, and he throws them with bad intentions, but that’s when I think I can capitalize on him.

“Sergiy gave him all the problems in the world last time, it came down to the last round and he put him over and the scorecards showed that. So, I hope the fight is judged fairly, I get a fair roll off the dice and that’s all I can ask for.”

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