Dmitry Bivol has put his birthday celebrations on hold until after his latest WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title defence against Manchester’s IBO Champion Lyndon Arthur this Saturday December 23 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – shown live on DAZN as a pay-per-view event in the UK, US and over 200 markets worldwide.

The unbeaten pound-for-pound star, who turned 33 on Monday, hasn’t fought since he masterfully outpointed Mexico’s Gilberto Ramirez at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in November 2022 – the first ever World Title fight to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) famously handed Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez only the second loss of his career when he outpointed the multi-weight World Champion at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in May 2022 – and the humble master boxer could be facing another career-defining fight in 2024 should his long-awaited undisputed clash with IBF, WBC and WBO World Champion Artur Beterbiev get over the line.

Beterbiev faces Bivol’s Matchroom stablemate and former WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith in an eagerly anticipated defence on January 13 in Canada – but the World of Boxing fighter says he remains fully focused on the task at hand this weekend. 

“Every time I get in the ring, I think like this is the best opponent that I will face, and this is the hardest fight of my career,” Bivol told Matchroom Boxing. “It helps me to be focused and take my training campy seriously.

“Preparation for this fight has been good. I spent my time in Kyrgyzstan for my training camp. It was a nice time and I had good sparring. I had my last sparring on Monday before my fight on Saturday. Everything is good.

“Lyndon Arthur a good fighter and he’s a well-schooled boxer. He uses his jab a lot and he moves well. This is going to be a good challenge for me. His record and his IBO belt are an extra motivation for me.

“I try to be the best version of myself every time I get in the ring. I hope we’re going to win another title. It’s a new challenge for me. Then I can celebrate my birthday properly. My celebration on Monday was two training sessions!”

Bivol sent fight fans into a frenzy when he came face-to-face with Beterbiev at a glitzy gala event in Saudi Arabia ahead of the huge Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou event back in October, and the long-reigning WBA Champion believes they will finally share a ring in 2024 should they both get past their latest tests.

“It’s a big goal and when we signed the contract we discussed not only fighting against Lyndon Arthur, we discussed about another fight too for four belts. We discussed undisputed. They want to make this fight and they can make this fight. This is really good for me. It’s what I need.”

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ comes after the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.

Tickets for events and experiences in the zone can be reserved through the WeBook application by accessing the following link:
http://onelink.to/wbkapp

ESPN and Top Rank, together with DAZN, will bring “Day of Reckoning”, a double main event featuring heavyweights Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker, to ESPN+ PPV.

The event is available for purchase on ESPN+ PPV in the United States, in addition to DAZN PPV.  “Day of Reckoning” will take place on Saturday, December 23, live at 11 a.m. ET from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

ESPN+ subscribers can purchase the $39.99 PPV here, separate streaming subscription required.  New subscribers can sign up for ESPN+ here.  ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com and the ESPN App for mobile and connected TV devices.

“Day of Reckoning” is the third boxing event on ESPN+ from the ESPN and DAZN collaboration following the X Series PPV event in Oct. and Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz in August.

Double Main Event:

• Former two-time Unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (26-3, 23 KOs) will face Otto Wallin (26-1, 14 KOs), who pushed lineal champ Tyson Fury to the absolute brink in a 2019 thriller, Wallin’s only career loss.
• Power-punching American KO artist and former WBC world title holder Deontay Wilder (43-2-1, 42 KOs) co-headlines against former WBO World Champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs).

Additional PPV Highlights:

• Undefeated WBA Light Heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) puts his world championship on the line against Lyndon Arthur (23-1, 16 KOs). One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Bivol’s resume includes a May 2022 victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a Las Vegas PPV main event.
• The card also features many of the top 10 heavyweights in the world including former WBA titleholder Daniel Dubois, #1-ranked IBF contender Filip Hrgovic, #3-ranked WBC contender Arslanbek Makhmudov and #4-ranked WBC and WBO contender Frank Sanchez.

Read more about the full card at ESPN.com.

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok  

Follow @ESPNMMA: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok 

Schedule (All Times ET)

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to the APEX with an action-packed bout featuring No. 10 ranked middleweight contender Jack Hermansson and rising star Joe Pyfer. In addition, an intriguing matchup in the 185-pound weight class sees Brad Tavares take on Gregory Rodrigues. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HERMANSSON vs. PYFER takes place Saturday, February 10 in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will start at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. 

Octagon veteran Hermansson (23-8, fighting out of Oslo, Norway, by way of Uddevalla, Sweden) sets out with intentions of securing a statement victory. A versatile competitor, Hermansson has collected impressive wins against Chris Curtis, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Kelvin Gastelum. The Swedish-born fighter now looks to deliver a shutout performance against Pyfer.

Pyfer (12-2, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) returns to action looking to secure the biggest win of his career over a top ranked contender in his first UFC main event. The Dana White’s Contender Series signee has entertained fans with highlight reel finishes over Abdul Razak Alhassan, Gerald Meerschaert, and Alen Amedovski. Pyfer now aims to break into the rankings by defeating Hermansson in emphatic fashion.

Tavares (20-9, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Kailua, Hawaii)looks to secure back-to-back wins. Competing in the UFC for over a decade, Tavares’ resume contains victories over former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, Omari Akhmedov, and Antônio Carlos Júnior. He now aims to kick off the year with a strong performance over Rodrigues. 

Brazil’s Rodrigues (14-5, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) makes his third appearance in 12 months. Rodrigues’s elite hands have aided him in knockouts against Denis Tiuliulin, Chidi Njokuani, and Julian Marquez. He now looks to deliver another jaw-dropping finish against Tavares.  

Additional bouts on the card include: 

• Michael Johnson (22-19, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) squares off with Darrius Flowers (19-6, fighting out of Mason City, Iowa) at lightweight
• Top ranked featherweights Dan Ige (17-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii)and Lerone Murphy (13-0-1, fighting out of Manchester, England)battle
• Middleweights Rodolfo Vieira (9-2, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)and Armen Petrosyan (9-2, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia)collide
• Exciting welterweights Trevin Giles (16-5, fighting out of Houston, Tex.) and Carlos Prates (17-6, fighting out of Taubate, Sao Paulo, Brazil) meet
• Loma Lookboonmee (8-3, fighting out of Phucket, Thailand) sets her sights on fellow strawweight Bruna Brasil (9-3-1, fighting out of Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil)
• The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Zac Pauga (7-2, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) battles Bogdan Guskov (14-3, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) at light heavyweight
• Devin Clark (14-8, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.) faces off with Marcin Prachnio (16-7, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland)
• Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (39-11, fighting out of Beijing, China) is determined to hand Dana White’s Contender Series prospect Hyder Amil (8-0, fighting out of San Francisco, Calif. by way of San Rafael, Calif. ) his first loss
• Exciting welterweights Max Griffin (19-10, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) and Jeremiah Wells (12-3-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) lock horns
• Damir Hadzovic (14-7, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark by way of Gorazde, Bosnia) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Bolaji Oki (8-1, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark by way of Gorazde, Bosnia) at lighweight
• Bantamweights Daniel Marcos (19-10, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) and Aoriqileng (19-10, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) set for collision

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event. 

### 

About UFC^® 

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. 

About ESPN+ 

https://espnpressroom.com/us/espnplus/

About ESPN 

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – December 19, 2023 – USA Boxing today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with international superstar, professional boxer and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Jake Paul, to further amplify amateur boxing and its future champions ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This partnership between Paul and Team USA will be a joint effort to create a wave of excitement for boxing at this year’s Olympics, while educating USA’s best amateur boxing talent on the importance of building your skills inside and outside the ring. 

In recognition of Jake Paul’s significant impact on the sport and the awareness he brings to the sport for younger generations, USA Boxing is partnering with him to bring fans inside the world of Olympic boxing through its unprecedented access to his massive audience in 2024. The groundbreaking partnership serves as Paul’s next step in his mission to provide a platform for young fighters and amplify global interest in boxing, and represents the first time a professional athlete and influencer has partnered with Team USA for the Olympics in this capacity. 

This partnership with USA Boxing is the latest move by Jake Paul to ignite global interest in boxing with younger generations and to support youth boxing through MVP, his nonprofit work, and social platforms. Paul’s Boxing Bullies organization, his nonprofit established in 2021, aims to instill confidence, courage, and leadership in youth through the sport of boxing, while actively fighting back against bullying. Since its inception, Boxing Bullies has hosted events to educate hundreds of young boxers about the causes and impact of bullying, and the organization has independently renovated gyms in Puerto Rico, New York, Florida, and Arizona. In April 2023, Boxing Bullies partnered with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) to further renovate youth boxing gyms across the United States. In tandem, Jake Paul and MVP have dedicated business efforts to uplifting women and young prospects in the sport, launching the Most Valuable Prospects series in 2023 to spotlight the best up-and-coming talent in professional boxing and championing women’s equality in the sport. 

Paul will provide his experience in performing on the world’s biggest stages and his brand building acumen to mentor some of the most promising amateur fighters representing the US at this year’s Olympics, including Joshua Edwards and Morelle McCane who attended Paul’s latest professional fight vs. Andre August. Accompanying the team on their journey to gold, Paul will work side-by-side with Team USA boxers while they train at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training facility in early 2024 with famed coach Billy Walsh, before joining the team at their matches in Paris. Throughout this time, Paul will provide fans a rare inside look into what it’s like for athletes to train and compete for their countries at the Olympics.

Since turning pro in 2020, Paul has collected multiple accolades for his commitment to the sport of boxing, including ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of the Year, Sports Illustrated’s 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, and the cover of Sports Illustrated’s “The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” issue, awarded specifically for his groundbreaking work to revolutionize the sport through equitable pay, providing a platform for young fighters, and his support of female boxers. Paul’s partnership with USA Boxing serves as the next step in his mission to elevate the sport and its future champions. 

“It has always been my goal to shine a spotlight not just on boxing as a sport, but on the people who work so hard to be the best within it,” said Jake Paul. “The mindset of pursuing greatness is one I both see and personally share with Mo McCane, Joshua Edwards, and the rest of Team USA’s boxing talent. The Olympics are the greatest stage in the world, and I’m honored to help bring awareness to USA Boxing and mentor these young, inspiring athletes as they fight for gold. Anyone who works hard enough to receive the honor to represent Team USA at the Olympics deserves a platform, so I’m looking forward to getting down to business in Colorado Springs with Coach Walsh and the rest of Team USA.”

“Within just three years of becoming a professional boxer, Jake Paul has become a standout inspiration to younger generations and has emerged as one of the most exciting, influential figures in boxing history,” said Mike McAtee, Executive Director of USA Boxing. “Jake’s mentorship will be a vital resource to the young athletes on Team USA to ensure they capitalize on building brand IP as they get the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage in the world at the most iconic contest in history – The Olympics. USA Boxing athletes pour everything they have into our sport and very few of them get the chance to compete for their countries. We want to make sure our athletes are recognized for this rare and outstanding accomplishment and are able to carry some of that well-deserved brand value with them to the next phases of their personal journeys. There is no one more suited to partner with USA Boxing in this capacity than Jake Paul, the awareness he brings to the sport for the youth is unparalleled and we could not be more thrilled to welcome him and his audience to Team USA.”

“Jake Paul has achieved unprecedented global stardom in the sport of boxing, utilizing his social and digital platform to sell more pay-per-views in his first eight fights than anyone in history,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “Jake’s dedication to helping young boxing prospects with their brand-building acumen, global audience, and championship mindset make him the perfect choice for this role and he will serve as an invaluable asset to amplify USA Boxing as we approach the 2024 Summer Olympics. MVP is proud to support Jake and the champions of tomorrow alongside Team USA, and we could not be more excited for Jake to meet and work with the team throughout their training camp in Colorado Springs through the end of the medal rounds this summer in Paris.” 

Ahead of Jake Paul and USA Boxing’s joint announcement, Team USA members Morelle McCane and Joshua Edwards also attended Jake Paul’s 9th professional bout against professional boxer Andre August on Friday, December 15th, which streamed via DAZN globally. The two top amateur talents accompanied Jake on his walk to the ring and created content with Paul during their visit. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, and @USABoxing or on Instagram via @JakePaul, @MostValuablePromotions, and @USABoxing.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

ABOUT USA BOXING

USA Boxing is the National Governing Body for Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States. USA Boxing is a non-profit corporation and a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, responsible for training, competition and development of the sport, as well as nominating athletes to the U.S. Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games Teams. With over 50,000 members, including athletes, coaches, officials, physicians and administrators, USA Boxing sanctions all Olympic-style boxing competitions in the United States and has a mission to promote and grow Olympic-style amateur boxing in the United States and to inspire the tireless pursuit of Olympic gold and enable athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence. Additionally, USA Boxing endeavors to teach all participants the character, confidence and focus they need to become resilient and diverse champions, both in and out of the ring. USA Boxing is one team, one nation, going for gold!

Sheffield, England – 19 December 2023 – GBM Sports will launch 2024 with a mega fight card in Sheffield on Friday 9th February at the Canon Medical Arena that will feature red-hot and unbeaten middleweight star Shakiel Thompson; European Super-Bantamweight Champion Thomas Essomba, who’s life story reads like a Hollywood script, and a blistering 50/50 English Super Bantamweight Title showdown between Stevi Levy and Ebonie Jones, all LIVE and FREE on TalkSPORT YouTube Boxing Channel.

GBM Sports Promoter Izzy Asif follows up his phenomenal ‘Clash on the Court’ event last October that officially opened the brand new Canon Medical Arena, the new home to the basketball teams the Sheffield Sharks and Hatters, with high praise from fans and media.

A breakthrough year for GBM Sports saw it secure a multi-fight broadcast agreement with the world’s largest sport radio station talkSPORT to live stream its events on the official YouTube Boxing Channel.

Undefeated Sheffield Middleweight Thompson (10-0-0, 6 KO’s), features on the card via Sky Sports and promoter BOXXER, faces a competitive test against a former European Kick Boxing champion in Gino Kanters.  

The fast rising Sheffield star has amassed an unbeaten ten-fight record with over half coming by stoppage and aims to deliver a powerful performance to demonstrate that he is ready to challenge for belts this year.

Sheffield based Cameroonian, Essomba (12-8-1, 4 KO’s) who made headlines around the world when he and his teammates from the Cameroon boxing team walked out of the athletes’ village at London 2012 and defected.

Just over a decade later and an incredible journey that could by turned into a Hollywood movie, Essomba was crowned European Champion in May when he sensationally dethroned Italian Alessio Lorusso in Monza.

Now calling Sheffield his home after being granted full citizenship in 2020, Essomba will make the first defence of the title on home turf against the tough Frenchman Konki (14-1-0, 1 KO).

Essomba said, “I’m just so happy to be defending my EBU title at home and looking forward to putting on a show for my Sheffield people.  A massive thank you to my brother Sunny Edwards and Chris from RCP Electric who have funded this fight for me and thank you to GBM Sports and Izzy Asif for putting the show on.  After all the messing around from the French team, I’m looking to causing Konki a lot of problems on the night.”

Levy (9-2-0), Norfolk’s first ever female professional boxer, and Portsmouth’s Jones (4-0-1), a former soldier in the Royal Engineers, collide in a real 50/50 battle with the Vacant English Super-Bantamweight title on the line.

A dearth of hot Sheffield talent from the GBM Sports stable will all feature as they continue to build their careers in 2024.

Unbeaten super-featherweight Faraqat ‘Frak’ Ali (8-0-0) defeated Mexican Christian Lopes Flores last time out and is now on the edge of contention to challenge for the first title of his career.

With three out of four opponents stopped early, dynamite punching prospect Nohman Hussein (4-0-0, 3 KO’s), who also works as an NHS Cardiac Arrest Practitioner, continues to raise pulses whenever he fights.

Former Sheffield Sharks basketball star Neptahali Nembhard (1-0-0) made a successful transition to boxing and follows up his pro debut victory when he totally outclassed Vasif Mamedov.

Conisbrough Welterweight Joe Hayden (11-0-0) looks to maintain his winning record as he looks to keep on course for his first title tilt.

Even more Sheffield boxers’ fighting out of the talent laden city feature on the card, starting with cruiserweight talent Sheldon McDonald (7-1-0, 2 KO’s), mentored by local legend Johnny Nelson, who aims to continue his 3-fight winning run with a victory as he targets titles.

Liam Cameron (21-5-0, 8 KO’s) is another boxer on the card with a remarkable life story that could be made into a movie.  The Sheffield favourite made a triumphant return in October by defeating Robbie Connor after five years out of the ring after serving a four year ban following a failed drugs test and alcohol issues.  Conquering his demons, Cameron is now focused on getting himself back into title contention.

Colourful unbeaten super-middleweight Red Johnson (4-0-0) is back to thrill the fans with his own brand of entertainment in and out of the ring.

Another incredible story on the card sees super-welterweight Owen Durnan (1-0-0) who overcame cancer to make his pro-debut with a victory just last month and now have his second fight.

Finally Bree Wright (Burbeary) (4-0-0, 1 KO) has turned her life around after she was close to taking her own life, suffering mental issues and family tragedies only to be inspired by Tyson Fury’s own comeback and now she is an unbeaten pro with an unbeaten record.

Promoter Izzy Asif is thrilled to put this card together and begin 2024 with a bang.  He said, “Boxing is a sport driven by the stories and characters in the sport and you won’t find a fight card with more real life Rocky stories than on this one.  Each one of them has an inspirational story and how they overcame the odds to be on this card.  GBM Sports promote great shows with in-arena entertainment for the fans to creates an electric atmosphere, but primarily it’s the fighters and fights that make it the event.  This is the start of a big 2024 for GBM Sports, our biggest year yet, where we intend to stage eight shows around the UK and really stamp our brand nationally along with our new broadcast partner talkSPORT.  Watch out!”

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 19, 2023) — The featherweight division will take center stage in a high-octane world title doubleheader on Saturday, March 2 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. 
 
In the main event, Uzbek phenom Otabek Kholmatov will fight Raymond Ford for the vacant WBA featherweight world title. This duel of unbeaten southpaws will see the WBA’s No.1 and No. 2 contenders making their inaugural world title appearances. 
 
In the co-feature, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez defends his IBF world crown against Japanese contender Reiya Abe. 

Kholmatov-Ford & Lopez-Abe will headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Thursday, December 21 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“Kholmatov and Ford are deserving challengers for the WBA world title. That is a true 50/50 fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Lopez believes he is the top featherweight in the world, and I know he’ll want to make a huge statement against a tough out in Abe. The fans at Turning Stone Resort Casino will be in for a real treat.”
 
Kholmatov (11-0, 10 KOs), a former international amateur champion, debuted as a pro in August 2021 and secured nine impressive victories before the year ended. The 25-year-old southpaw stepped up to face then-unbeaten Armenian Andranik Grigorian in March 2022, decisioning him after 12 dominant rounds. In his last fight, Kholmatov traveled to enemy territory to battle undefeated British contender Thomas Patrick Ward. The Uzbek powerhouse dropped Ward three times, forcing his corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for, and I will be ready,” Kholmatov, said. “I have no doubt. On March 2, I will become the new WBA featherweight champion of the world.”
 
Ford (14-0-1, 7 KOs) was a two-time national Golden Gloves champion before entering the paid ranks in March 2019. In 15 pro fights, he has only had one blemish, a draw against then-unbeaten Aaron Perez in March 2021. Since then, the 24-year-old native of Camden, New Jersey, has gone 6-0 with three knockouts, including wins over undefeated prospects Edward Vazquez and Richard Medina, as well as a victory over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno. Ford dropped Magdaleno twice en route to a 12-round decision win.
 
Ford said, “I’ve been waiting so long for this fight, and I’m already tired of talking about it. I’ve worked my whole life to put myself in position for this opportunity, and I will be leaving that ring on March 2 as a world champion.”
 
Lopez (29-2, 16 KOs), the fighting pride of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, captured the IBF strap by dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England, last December. In May, the 30-year-old traveled to Belfast and beat hometown hero Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO. Lopez defended his title against division mainstay Joet Gonzalez, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 hard-fought rounds in September. 
 
Lopez said, “My team and I are focused on Reiya Abe. I’m going to make my third title defense on March 2, and we’ll be focused on obtaining the victory and making a statement in order to get a unification fight against whomever is available.”
 
Abe (25-3-1, 10 KOs), the IBF No. 1 featherweight contender, suffered a few early-career setbacks before a breakout performance against then-undefeated Ren Sasaki in October 2020. The 30-year-old southpaw is unbeaten in five bouts since the Sasaki triumph. Abe captured his first regional title with a decision win over Hinata Maruta in May 2022 and defended it against Jinki Maeda seven months later. He is coming off a points victory in a world title eliminator against former two-division world champion Kiko Martinez. 
 
Abe said, “I am traveling a long way to fulfill my dream of becoming champion of the world. Lopez is a tough opponent, and I will give it my all to bring a world title home to Japan.”
 

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About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the March 2 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing hall-of-famers and legends of the sport have attended fights, promoted cards, or fought at Turning Stone over the last two decades, including Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miquel Cotto, Mike Tyson selected Turning Stone as the venue for his world debut as a promoter, and Muhammad Ali’s daughter Laila Ali made her boxing debut at Turning Stone and attended a fight in 2022 when she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate in June with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. 
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including NY Rec & Social Club, featuring TS Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book and elevated sports lounge, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.  

All roads lead to Jai Opetaia. That is the stern warning from the ‘King of the Cruiserweights’ himself as he prepares to remind the world this Saturday that he is the top dog in the division despite having to give up his IBF World Title.

The Australian is just six days away from his ‘Day of Reckoning’ with Ellis Zorro in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – live worldwide on DAZN PPV.

But the No.1 ranked fighter and reigning Ring Magazine World Champion will be without the IBF crown having been forced to vacate the belt earlier today.

With mandatory rival Mairis Briedis currently injured, a special appeal was requested by Matchroom, Tasman Fighters, Queensberry and Wasserman Boxing to the IBF to allow Opetaia to defend his crown against Britain’s Zorro this weekend.

But with the IBF denying Opetaia that opportunity, the Aussie has reluctantly relinquished his championship. Fired up, Opetaia now vows to do his talking in the ring and showing why he is rated as the best Cruiserweight on the planet.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show,” Opetaia told Matchroom Boxing.

“I cannot wait to get in the ring. It’s all outside noise and it’s also just fuel on the fire. It makes me want to perform even better. The thing is all roads lead to me. I am the Ring magazine World Champion, the number one in the division. I am the king of the Cruiserweights.

“We’ve definitely earned our spot on this card, which is the biggest in boxing history. I can’t lie, it’s been a rough journey. It’s been a rollercoaster to get to where we are, but we are here. 

“So, I feel like I’m the motivation to all my rivals. I’m working hard. I’m doing what I’ve got to. I’m focused on my own journey, and I’m not worried about them. 

“I’m locked in on Ellis Zorro and I’m expecting a solid version of him. He’s going to have to pick it up when he faces me. So, I’m pumped. I’m ready. I’ve earned my spot here – it didn’t happen by accident. And we just go out and we do what we do.

“We’re just getting started on this journey. We’ve got so much more to achieve in this in this game and we’re flying the Australian and Samoan flags very proudly. I’m honoured to be part of this card and a part of boxing history.”

The ‘Day of Reckoning’ comes after the ‘Battle of the Baddest’, which was held on October 28 during the opening of Riyadh Season 2023, in which Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou.

Tickets for events and experiences in the zone can be reserved through the WeBook application by accessing the following link:
http://onelink.to/wbkapp

Three February fight nights across the globe kick off what promises to be Matchroom Boxing’s busiest year yet. Crucial domestic clashes, World Title rematches and undefeated vs. undefeated showdowns whet the appetite for fight fans around the world – with all of the action shown exclusively live on DAZN.  

Matchroom’s UK schedule gets underway with a huge rematch at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle on Saturday February 10 as Welterweight rivals Conah Walker and Cyrus Pattinson do battle again following their thrilling clash at the Utilita Arena Birmingham back in August. 

Wolverhampton’s Walker (12-2-1, 4 KOs) sensationally handed former Team GB standout Pattinson (6-1, 4 KOs) the first loss of his professional career, flooring the Alnwich man three times on route to securing the biggest win of his career via an eighth-round stoppage.

All-action Pattinson gets an immediate shot at redemption, this time in front of his home crowd, as he looks to get his promising career back on track by putting his first loss behind him and continuing his climb towards title action in the 147lbs division.

Also featuring on the card is a fourth pro outing for exciting 21 year old Cameron Vuong (3-0 2 KOs) who takes on the experienced Ishmael Ellis (14-7) over eight rounds at Lightweight. 

The following Friday (February 16) Mexico plays host to another must-watch rematch as Adrien Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga run it back for the IBF Light-Flyweight World Title following their dramatic first meeting at the Casino de Monte-Carlo last month. 

Mexico’s Curiel (24-4-1, 5 KOs) ripped up the script by scoring a shocking one-punch knockout of South Africa’s defending champion Nontshiunga (12-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of their highly anticipated showdown in Monaco.

The 24-year-old makes the first defence of his World Title on home soil, determined to prove that his stunning knockout of the year contender wasn’t just a one off. Having tasted defeat for the first time in his career, Nontshinga is aiming to recapture his old belt to keep his dreams of unifying the division alive. 

Rising Super-Middleweight star Edgar Berlanga closes out an action-packed February on DAZN as he faces the toughest test of his career in the shape of Belfast’s Padraig McCrory at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

‘The Chosen One’ (21-0, 16 KOs) takes on his second Irish opponent in a row after widely outpointing Jason Quigley to retain his WBO NABO Title at New York’s Madison Square Garden Theatre in June. 

Unbeaten McCrory (18-0, 9 KOs) fights in the U.S. for the first time in his career, tasked with the challenge of derailing Berlanga’s rapid rise to the top of the Super-Middleweight division.

Elsewhere, Islington’s John Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) looks to build on his brilliant showing against pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez when he takes on his undefeated compatriot Jaime Munguia (42-0, 33 KOs) at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday January 27 – live worldwide on DAZN. 

“2023 has been an incredible year for Matchroom Boxing and our partners DAZN – and we’re not done just yet!” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We close out the year in incredible fashion next weekend in Saudi Arabia as Anthony Joshua, Dmitry Bivol and Jai Opetaia all star in one of the biggest cards ever put together. However, 2024 promises to be even bigger and better and I’m excited to announce our first three events of the year.

“It’s time for Cyrus Pattinson to show us what he’s made of when he faces Conah Walker in a must-win rematch with his career on the line. Adrien Curiel caused one of the biggest upsets in boxing this year when he sensationally dethroned Sivenathi Nontshinga in Monte-Carlo. He gets the hero’s return to Mexico where he will be looking to end Nontshinga’s dreams of unifying the Light-Flyweight division. ‘The Chose One’ Edgar Berlanga is out to remind everyone why he is rated as one of the very best Super-Middleweights on the planet when he takes on Belfast’s unbeaten Padraig McCrory. Watch all of our action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“After a stacked 2023 seeing the biggest names fighting in the biggest fights, we are delighted to be adding three shows to an already busy 2024”, said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “This year will see new matchups constantly added as we continue to deliver nonstop boxing action to subscribers and fight fans all around the world.” 

Further undercard announcements and ticket details will follow in due course.

Los Angeles, CA (December 18, 2023) Hollywood Fight Nights returns to the beautiful Chumash Casino Resort on February 23, 2024 headlined by an outstanding ten-round main event featuring Undefeated Gor Yeritsyan, (17-0, 14 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA battling Quinton Randall, (13-1-1, 3 KOs), of Houston, TX for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title, broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, tickets priced at $105, $85, $75, $65 and $55 are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online through the Chumash Casino Resort (3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460). Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. PT with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. PT.

Said Tom Loeffler, “We are very excited about bringing more world-class boxing to the Chumash Casino Resort once again. Chumash is a tremendous property, in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, that boasts a rich boxing history.”

“Gor Yeritsyan vs Quinton Randall is a great matchup for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title. Gor is undefeated and coming off of a big win at Madison Square Garden last month. He’s in very tough against Quinton Randall who’s coming to win the title and take Gor’s undefeated record away from him.”

Yeritsyan, a native of Armenia, returns to action following a career-best victory on November 9, in New York City, an eight round unanimous decision over perennial contender Luis Alberto Veron. The 28-year-old native of Armenia is trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach.

“Gor is ready to take the next step up which makes this fight and this training camp all the more important,” Roach said. “Randall is a tough fighter and he has our full attention. Gor is very motivated to give the Armenian fans attending the fight a great show.”   

Stated Yeritsyan, “I am very excited because it’s my first main event on UFC FIGHT PASS and I’m fighting for a title. It means a lot for me because I came a long way for this. Now I am doing really hard work with my coach Freddie and the team. I must be 100% ready for this fight.”

The upset-minded Randall, unbeaten in his first 14 professional fights, looks to bounce back into the win column following a hotly-contested ten-round WBO International Welterweight title clash against Brian Norman, on November 16, in Las Vegas, NV.

“I have a point to prove, nothing to talk about. Just action on February 23,” said Randall.

Additional fights will be announced for this event shortly.

                                                ————————————————–

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6 Rounds Middleweight contest
Tursynbay Kulakhmet 161.7lbs
Fouad El Massoudi 162.1lbs 

6 Rounds Super Middleweight contest
Andrei Dascalu 166lbs
Angel Emilov 166.4lbs

4 Rounds Super Welterweight contest
Harvey Lambert 149.2lbs
Fabio Cascone 154.15lbs

6 Rounds Super Bantamweight contest
Tom Welland 126lbs
Yuri Zanoli 122.14lbs

6 Rounds Super Lightweight contest
Ben Marksby 143.8lbs
Kurt Jackson 141.15lbs

6 Rounds Super Welterweight contest
Travis Waters 149.8lbs
Mykhailo Sovtus 152.9lbs

6 Rounds Super Welterweight contest
Dan Toward 155.4lbs
Nikolas Dzurnak 153.9lbs

IBO World Super Welterweight title final eliminator
12 Rounds
Josh Kelly 153.8lbs
Placido Ramirez 153.2lbs

Jake Paul scored a one-punch, first-round stoppage over Andre August in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout at The Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Paul felt August with a jab and then uncorked a perfect right uppercut to the jaw that put August down and out on his back, and the fight was over at 2:32.

Paul, 199.4 lbs kf Cleveland is now 8-1 with five knockouts. August, 198.8 lbs of Houston is 10-2-1.

Jake Paul

On his first round KO of Andre August

“Man, I’m just really happy. You know, that’s that delayed gratification, working hard this whole entire year, and it just all paying off. You know, just the power of manifestation, that’s insane. Saying it all week, saying it in my meditation, visualizing it, and making it come into fruition, and it’s a real man. I’m trying to just take in and love it the whole entire moment, and look back on it, and have fun during this whole entire experience and that’s the biggest key for me right now and it’s going to be an amazing Christmas.”

“I think this [win] is the best one. Just the first round, calling it the whole entire week, not getting hit one time in the fight, and just setting him up for that. He kept on ducking low, ducking low, and I was like, okay, I’m going to throw the uppercut, but I got to make sure he keeps on ducking low, assessed him, set him up for it, and finished it through that day hard.”

On why he took the risk of facing Andre August

“[It was] a big risk big risk and people can be discredited or say what they want but they didn’t get in there with him he’s been doing it his whole life and you look at the guy he’s strong and he’s a risk, especially him not being a big name. Putting all the line against someone like him, everyone thought it was kind of crazy, everyone first thought, what, really? You’re going to do that? Why? Where? What’s going on? What’s the plan here? And it’s just one answer, to become world champion.”

On walking out to Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

“We just always had these vibes going in camp, and sometimes we’re playing different music, and one day we were sitting in the backyard, and this pal’s like, it’s Christmas, oh my God, they’ll start playing the Christmas hits. And that first song came on and I was like, this is what I’m walking up to.”

On converting haters to fans with his first-round knockout against a 10-1 pro

“If I was walking on water in front of everybody’s eyes, they would say I couldn’t swim. When you take this path, and you’re in the top of a sport, and you got there in three and a half years with the jealousy and hate and insecure people, all the time, of course, they’re gonna critique and find any little thing that they can to try to bring me down. But what they don’t know is that it’s just making me bigger, just making me stronger, just making me more motivated to go ahead and become world champion. This is one step closer. This guy was 10-1 [and] boxing his whole life. [He was a] three-time Golden Glove champion and he [was finished in] two and a half minutes. And I was just getting woke up for it, so…. shhh. Be quiet, y’all. Be quiet. At some point, you gotta turn that hate and be like, okay, fine, I’m gonna just jump on the bandwagon. All aboard, yo. Like, y’all went from haters and all this shit, like, we welcome everybody. If you hated me before, it’s cool, you know, I forgive you. Come to the fun side. I know you wanna dance to the Christmas jingle I want. I know you’re at home, like, itching like, I can’t, I can’t help it, I wanna dance! So just kick it up! Jump off the bandwagon! Get used to it. Get used to this. I’m gonna be here forever in this sport. Like I said, I predicted all this from the start. I made it happen [with] manifestation of reality. So keep the criticisms coming, but it’s not gonna do anything.”

On his punching power

“My coaches always told me before my first rope, but mainly Shane Mosley, he was like, you got popped, you hit hard, you hit hard. And I didn’t know. [I thought] he was like, you know, just gassing me up or something. Then after I dropped, gave him the first round, I was like, oh shit, okay, maybe I do have his power… And just from that Ohio milk, there’s something different. That stuff is insane. My bone density is on point.”

On Franchón Crews-Dezurn’s WBC super middleweight title win vs. Shadasia Green

“Great job, Franchón. I wish that Shadasia would have gotten it, but… It was a good fight. It was a great fight. Congratulations.

On the biggest thing he’s learned from boxing

“I wish I could summarize that man. It’s been thousands of hours in the gym, but I think more so just believing in myself and my ability, having fun out there, and surrounding myself with the right student. When Thurman, Jalion, and Larry Wade came in, the whole attitude changed and pushed me so much harder than I’d ever been pushed before. And that was really the difference maker. And really my boxing career didn’t start until after I lost because they came in, corrected my basic fundamentals that I had skipped by due to other coaches skipping by it and they pushed me, did thousands of drills on my footwork every single day, getting my mind right, surrounding myself with amazing people, and that really is what elevated everything. So, I just owe it to everyone else, you know, and the people around me, pushing me and wanting the best way.”

On returning to the old Jake Paul

“Yeah, like, just having fun when I’m in that mode, enjoying the sport, you know, dancing around in the ring, making jokes all the time, you know, talking trash to my opponents while I’m hitting them in the face. Before, I was just trying to do things too much and just like making everything perfect, technique, technique, technique, do this, do this, do this, do this. And just everything, the vibe of the can’t change, the coaches, Larry tells me every day, just be you, just bring that old, crazy motherfucker back. And he showed me the video of me with my tongue out, after I KO’d Tyron [Woodley], playing with my cut on my head, and he’s like, this isn’t here anymore, like you need to bring this back. And I just really remember that every day now, like he’s right, I just gotta be fucking crazy and bring back all the problems and the madness and fight like a dog and have fun, and that’s the difference here. You see me in the walkout, dancing in the locker room, messing around with my brother, getting on his shoulders during the broadcast, all of these things is what makes me special, and I just lost that in previous fights.”

On how lesser known boxers can make a name for themselves

“We live in a different boxing world now, in a different digital age in general, and it’s the fighters’ responsibility now to promote themselves. And once they realize that, and realize instead of sitting around on the weekend and playing video games in between the training sessions, they gotta be on TikTok and making YouTube videos and getting out there and going on interviews and podcasts and getting any opportunity they can to grow their name. That’s why I would just encourage everybody else. The promoter is dying. It’s now the responsibility of the fighter. That’s the new boxing world. Just hustle, man. Just hustle.”

On KSI 

“He’s chasing views as a 30-year-old man, and I’m chasing legacy and belts. All kudos to him. I hope he makes his wildest dreams come true.”

On facing Logan in WWE

“Man, I’m trying to be on his team. I don’t want to go up against him. He’s the dog in WWE. I’m trying to be his team partner.”

Crews-Dezurn Decisions Green to win WBC and WBA Interim Super Middleweight Crown

Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the WBC and WBA Interim Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Shadasa Green.

Crews-Dezurn landed 78 of 382. Green was 77 of 240.

Dezuen, who was the former undisputed champion and huge underdog won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 9-2, Greuen, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 13-1.

On MVP

“First of all, shout out to MVP. MVP is a great platform for women’s boxing. Shadasia [Green] was a great competitor and I always look to fight against competition. I don’t want it easy, I wasn’t built for easy. And a couple months ago, I didn’t even know what was next, but I think my journey wasn’t over. I wanna thank Peter Kahn, my manager, who’s always fighting for me just as hard as I fight in the ring. I want to thank my coaches [and] my husband, my team.

On winning back her WBC title

“This has been a journey. You see everybody’s running at the top. You guys saw me at my lowest in the UK, but I still have my head held high, and I still have high hopes. I’m going to keep going. I’m going to keep going. And my journey isn’t over because my journey isn’t for me. It’s for the little girls, the big girls, the old girls, the young girls, to have somebody look up to you and to God. So this is a special night for me. I dedicate this to my mom, and my tribe, a couple other people who lost dear ones, so thank you. Thank you.”

“I’m here to entertain you guys. I’m here to fight for legacy. And you always need that one character that’s going to give you all some entertainment. So, that’s me. Right.”

“I stamped myself in history and you can never take [away] being a champ, but tonight is very special. I’m trying to let it set in. I feel amazing, I feel blessed and I’m grateful. I just love the smile on my team’s face.”

On being slated as the underdog vs. Green

“I’m an underdog. I’m a top dog with an underdog mentality. So it’s not anything new to me. And they don’t have to believe in me. I believe in myself and I must have a team that believes in me. And you need inspiration, there you go.”

On her next fight

“The goal has remained the same. I want to go back to the UK. They gave me so much love and it’s a great joy. [My goal is to] go to the UK and run it back with Savannah Marshall. All the way down the line, at least before my last fight, I want to run it with my good sister, Claressa [Shields]. But we’ll see what happens. Maybe I blow up a win, maybe I go down a win. The opportunities are limitless.”

“We’re gonna take DMV over to the UK, so we’re gonna have fun. Woo!”

“[My next fight will be] probably second quarter of 2024. Like, I’m happy to be active. To get two fights in six months is amazing. I think I’m going to get better and better, but probably first or second quarter of 2024.”

On Shadasia vs. Savannah’s punching power

“I would say Shadesia has sharp power, like she’s got sharp inside punches, but Savannah has like leverage, because she’s a very tall, heavy-handed woman. She’s been like that since the amateurs. But yeah, yeah, yeah. I have no disrespect. Savannah is the bigger puncher.”

On settling bad blood with Shadasia Green

“I approached her and you know. I apologized, you know, for what I did, she apologized for what she did. At the end of the day, we two young women pushed into something and her goal was to get her name out there for people to know who she is. She’s accomplished that, she has a great future, she’s a good fighter. I have no ill will towards her. I respect her [and everyone] I share the ring with. [Shadasia,] thank you for sharing the ring with me.

On 3-minute women’s rounds

“We gonna throw hands regardless, as long as we’re compensated. For me, I’ve been in this game a long time, and I get paid, if I have to fight three minutes, I’m gonna be paid for three minutes. If I have to fight 12 rounds, I’m gonna be paid for 12 rounds. Nobody wants to do a job, and do extra in their job, and not get paid for it. I’m in prize fighting at this point. Respectfully.”

On what her mom could say if she could have been there tonight

“Go on, get it baby. I love you.”

Tellez Stops Navarro in 10th

Yoenis Tellez scored a vicious 10th and final round stoppage of Livan Navarro in a welterweight bout.

In round three, Tellez dropped Navarro with a hard right hand.

In round 10, Tellez landed a booming left hook that froze Navarro and he plummeted to the deck and the fight was stopped.

Tellez, 153.1 lbs of Santiago, CUB is 7-0 with six knockouts. Navarro, 153.8 lbs of Havana, CUB is 15-2.

Lorenzo Medina Stops Temple in 6th

Lorenzo Medina scored a shocking sixth and final round stoppage over Joshua Temple in a heavyweight bout.

In round two, Temple landed a right to the head that put Medina on the canvas.

In round six, Medina landed a left hook that rocked Temple. Temple was hurt, and Medina jumped on Temple and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 29 seconds.

Medina, 244.4 lbs of Hialeah, FL is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Temple, 221.8 lbs of St. Louis is 12-3.

Elijah Flores remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Javier Mayoral in a welterweight bout.

Flores, 149 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 7-0. Mayoral, 148 lbs of New Orleans is 6-4-1.

Alexander Gueche stopped Clayton Ward in round three of their four-round bantamweight bout.

In round four, Gueche landed a big right drove Ward to the ropes. Ward was hurt and could have received an eight-count, but the referee did not ruled that and two big shots later the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Gueche, 116 1/2 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Ward, 116 1/2 lbs of Cypress, TX is 1-1.

Zachary Randolph won a six-round majority decision over Michael Manna in a cruiserweight bout.

In round five, Manna was swelling under both eyes.

Randolph, 186 3/4 lbs of Fairmont, WV won by scores of 60-54, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 10-3-1. Manna, 191 lbs of Pittsburgh is 7-6.

MINNEAPOLIS – December 15, 2023 – Hard-hitting super middleweight contender Sena Agbeko has set out to earn the “African Rocky” moniker as the upset-minded Ghanaian enters his showdown against WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. tomorrow night in Minneapolis in the final SHOWTIME main event.

Agbeko has previously fought on the network twice, losing to Vladimir Shishkin in February 2021, a setback in his stateside journey, before beating the previously unbeaten Isaiah Steen on the network in October 2022, a career-changing victory that catapulted him toward Saturday’s title opportunity.

“I fought to get this fight back, because I deserved it,” said Agbeko, who had originally been scheduled to face Morrell in April before a ruling from the commission in Las Vegas. “I’ve already accomplished a lot, and tomorrow night I have the stage to prove that I’m the best. It’s perfect timing that my journey has culminated with the last SHOWTIME main event, and I’m going to make sure it’s a memorable night.

“Morrell’s team thinks that I’m just sheep going to the slaughter house, but what they don’t know is that I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

Dmitriy Salita, who has promoted shows on SHOWTIME and fought on the network himself during his fighting days, spoke to the importance of this opportunity for Agbeko and his belief that the fighter will take advantage when he steps into the ring tonight.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for me both as a promoter and a fan of the sport of boxing,” said Salita, the President of Salita Promotions. “I’m very excited and grateful to deliver this world title fight opportunity for Sena Agbeko, who’s been the underdog and overcome many challenges in the ring and outside to reach this moment. He has developed on SHOBOX and now graduated to a world title fight against one of the best in the division. He is ready and motivated to fight the fight of his life on Saturday night.

“To top it off, it’s the last SHOWTIME boxing event in its rich 37 year history. As a young kid I used to rush home from Starret City Boxing Club to watch boxing on SHOWTIME. And now years later our fighter Sena Agbeko is fighting in the main event on its final broadcast. It is bittersweet indeed.”

The final SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin tonight at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with Morrell vs. Agbeko topping a three-fight card.

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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. 

Regarding an incident on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the WBA Convention in Orlando that is virally making the rounds on social media, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to clarify that Australian WBA #1 middleweight Michael Zerafa was in no way involved in the violent altercation captured on video.

After a disagreement over mandatory bouts and interim titles at the convention, Lewkowicz was attacked and humiliatingly spit on by ?the son of Zerafa’s manager, CEO and Founder of Grant Gloves, Elvis Grant Phillips. ?

However, recent news reports could be interpreted as linking Zerafa to the melee that ensued and Lewkowicz wants it known that the fighter was not involved in the attack. In fact, Zerafa and his fiancée have since contacted Lewkowicz to offer their concerns for the 72-year-old veteran promoter’s wellbeing.

Lewkowicz has filed battery charges with the Orange County Sherriff’s Office over the cowardly attack.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

TOPPENISH, WASHINGTON (December 15, 2023)  —  Roy Jones Jr., legendary world champion boxer and now trainer and promoter, will have a selection of his prized fighters headline an action-packed fight card at Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington on January 25, 2024.

In the main event, undefeated Yakima born Andrew Murphy will fight in a ten-round super middleweight bout. German star and World Boxing Federation (WBF) women’s welterweight champion Ikram Kerwat will fight in the co-main event. The third of Jones’ fighters on the card is former Commonwealth Games and Asian Games Silver Medalist, lightweight Mandeep Jangra.

Promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing, tickets, priced at $60, $50 and $40, are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Legends Casino Gift Shop or on-line at Ticketmaster HERE

Doors open at 6 pm and first bell will be at 7 pm PT.

For media credential requests, click https://www.emccredentials.com/royjonesjr

“I am very happy to be promoting again back at Legends Casino with my good friend Greg Fritz and the rest of the fine people that work there. Legends provides me and my fighters with wonder hospitality,” said Jones. “I will be bringing with me some treats. One of them is Mandeep Jangra, who is an Indian fighter and very entertaining. The second is Andrew Murphy, who is a lot of fun to watch because he is always looking for that knockout. Another is my protégé, Ikram Kerwat, who has the fine combination of being very attractive and can also fight. I am really looking forward to January 25.”

Andrew Murphy (7-0, 5 KOs) was born in nearby Yakima, Washington and now resides in Pensacola, Florida. January 25 will be the twenty-three-year-old’s third fight at Legends Casino, each as a main event fighter. Andrew will be fighting in ten-round bout.

Ikram Kerwat (13-3, 5 KOs) was born in Tunisia and resides in Frankfurt, Germany. The thirty-nine-year-old made her pro debut in 2015 after having two children. In only her sixth pro fight Ikram won the WBC International lightweight title. On November 13, 2022, she won the WBC Silver super featherweight title and in her last bout, on June 24, Ikram won the WBF World welterweight title. Jones has been her trainer since 2017.

Mandeep Jangra (6-0, 4 KOs), born and raised in Kharian, India, had a wonderful amateur career highlighted by winning Silver Medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and Commonwealth Games. This will be Mandeep’s fourth bout under Jones’ tutelage.

The fight card will also include some LOCAL BOXING TALENT. In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Renton, Washington’s Nicholas Mills (3-0, 2 KOs) and Canada’s Brandon Colantino (3-0) fight in a four-round bout; Union Gap’s Carlos Villanueva (5-3, 1 KO) will attempt to knock off Bend, Oregon’s undefeated Alberto Rivas (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round cruiserweight scrap; and in a six-round super featherweight clash of undefeateds, Mount Vernon’s Luis Gallegos (5-0, 2 KOs) battles fellow Washingtonian Josue Cadena (3-0, 1 KO). 

Live streaming information will be announced soon.

ROY JONES JR. was world champion at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight (undisputed) and in 2003 became the first former middleweight world champion to become world heavyweight champion in over 106 years when he beat John Ruiz to win the title. Throughout that stretch he was recognized as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Eddie Hearn and Peter Berg proudly announced that the Churchill Boxing Club will be relaunched as that Matchroom Churchill Boxing Gym as the world’s leading boxing promoter finds a first-class home in Los Angeles.
 
Matchroom’s stable of fighters will have a base in the west coast hotbed of boxing with the Matchroom Churchill Boxing Gym, and the promotional powerhouse will be able to call on the facility for media workouts and promotional activities around its events, fighters and commercial partners.
 
The Churchill Boxing Club opened in 2013 under the watchful eye of the critically acclaimed director, producer, writer, and actor Berg. The gym is currently home to seven pro fighters and has previously been used by the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Canelo Alvarez, Gennadiy Golovkin, David Benavidez and many more champions. Berg’s passion for boxing has been well documented and reaches beyond the gym, with him guiding the careers of many fighters, and this partnership with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom is a massing and meaningful moment for Peter and Churchill, as they step deeper into the world of boxing as respected and coveted members of the community.
 
“It’s a very venture for us with the launch of the Matchroom Churchill Boxing Club,” said Hearn. “I had the pleasure of coming here and watching Dmitry Bivol train and I believe it is one of the top gyms in the country with great management.
 
“Our business has become global in recent years and particularly with our move into America. I’ve had the pleasure of promoting some of the biggest names in American boxing and the biggest shows, but we wanted to do something different.
 
“It’s important for us to provide a facility for our stable of talent that we felt was trusted, elite, with top trainers and facilities, and with our long-standing relationship with Peter Berg, who has just as much passion for boxing as anyone we’ve ever met. We both have a vision for the sport, we both love the sport and Peter loves to see the top fighters in the gym and for it to flourish, and it’s an opportunity for our fighters to have a home in California.”
 
“One of the things that boxing needs is leadership, and responsible, quality, visionary leadership,” said Berg. “In my mind, Eddie Hearn is that leader, and I’m very happy and proud that our gym can be in business with the man who is going to lead the sport into the future. 
 
“We’re really proud to be in business with Matchroom and I hope that this is the beginning of a calling to pro fighters all over America that are looking for great training, a direct connection to the best promoters in the world in Matchroom, we’re open for business so come on down.”
 
Integral to the new venture, Charlie Sims will be the Head of Development at the Matchroom Churchill Boxing Gyn. Sims’ father and world-renowned trainer Tony leads the Matchroom Gym in the UK in Essex, and Charlie believes the Los Angeles gym will be as effective in housing and hosting champions.
 
“We have such a successful gym in the UK with Tony, so it was about bringing that over here,” said Sims. “The first time I walked into the Churchill Gym, I knew it was the right place. I was chomping at the bit to get this partnership going and I cannot think of two better stories to blend than Eddie Hearn and Peter Berg. It’s going to be a really exciting journey.”

Hamza ’Thriller’ Uddin is the latest bright British boxing prospect to sign with Matchroom – and the rising Flyweight sensation already has his sights set on becoming a future World Champion.

The former Team GB fighter is an eight-time National champion, with seven International golds and three GB titles to his C.V following a decorated amateur career.

The 20-year-old, who is trained by Raj Uddin and managed by Sam Jones, is also the youngest-ever two-time senior elite champion and an undefeated senior. Having conquered the amateur scene, Uddin’s signature to turn professional has been highly sought after. 

And having put pen to paper to make his debut in 2024 – live worldwide on DAZN – a confident and charismatic Uddin has immediately set himself the target of being a “legend” of the sport.

“I’m excited to use all of the experience I have gained to win more titles as a professional,” said Uddin. “Matchroom are the biggest boxing promoters in the world. For my dreams and aspirations, only Matchroom could cut it for me. Nobody else. Matchroom are the best in the world.

“I’m from a little place called Walsall but I have won eight National titles, three GB titles and seven International golds. I’ve been a part of the Team GB set-up and I’ve got a lot of accolades to take with me into the pro game. 

“My background is from Bangladesh. I believe I will be the first professional fighter from a Bangladesh origin, or certainly the first one of note. So I want to become the first British-Bangladeshi World Champion, something that has never been done before or not even been heard of. That’s a special piece of history that I want to create it in the near future. 

“My ultimate dream is to become a World Champion – but I want to become a unified, an undisputed and a multi-weight world champion. I want to be a legend in this sport, not just another boxer.”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn revealed he is thrilled to add Uddin to his world class stable of fighters – and hopes to introduce him on the big stage early in 2024.

Hearn said: “Hamza Uddin is some talent. Look at his amateur pedigree, it speaks for itself. He has a massive following in the Midlands and is all-action style will see him fast become a fans’ favourite when we unleash him in the professional arena. I’m delighted to have signed yet another thrilling prospect to our impressive ranks at Matchroom and we expect big things from Hamza in the future.”

EDDIE HEARN
 
I think that this is one of the fights of the year, the big unification match-up between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, the WBO and IBF World titles on the line. It’s so unique to see the best vs. the best, and this is unquestionably the best vs. the best of the division. When we signed Sunny, he said he wanted any champion at any moment, and Jesse has had an incredible run, and it’s unusual two see to young, undefeated guys in their complete prime who are willing to risk it all at this stage. No marinating fights, no stringing fights out, no fighting weaker champions – this is just the best vs. the best.
 
On the undercard, there’s so many well matched and important fights for everyone’s career, it’s a massive night not to be missed, live on DAZN.
 
JESSE RODRIGUEZ
 
This is the biggest fight of my career, no doubt, but I approach it the same way I always do; cool, calm and collected. There’s no need for talking, all my work has been done in the gym and on Saturday night, you’ll see that. 
 
I’ve always been this way, and this is nothing different, it’s just another day and on Saturday night I am ready to shine. Camp is done, training is done, we have the right game plan and come Saturday night, people will see everything we’ve been working on, my hand will be raised in victory, and I am taking his belt, his ‘0’ and it’s time. 
 
I respect him as a person, I said yesterday though that on social media he likes to talk but in person he doesn’t. If I didn’t want this fight, I wouldn’t be here. We wanted it and that’s why we’re here. I am going to do you like Julio Cesar Martinez did to your brother. 
 
We’re ready, he’ll see, just tune in on DAZN. Bam Rodriguez, unified champion on Saturday night.
 
SUNNY EDWARDS
 
The reason why I don’t talk in person is that if I started talking and bullying you the way I could; your trainer didn’t come to Orlando, and he’s not sat here – why? Because he is scared of what I say. Your whole team is on eggshells, no one wants to look at me, you have been walking doing sweat sessions last night; I just want to make sure you don’t have any excuses for your bad hand, bad jaw, that’s why I didn’t bully you. 
 
I know exactly who I am, I just didn’t want to bully a 23 year old kid because you wouldn’t have turned up otherwise. That’s why we’ve been chilling. You don’t know who you are, you don’t even know if you like boxing. You have been a nice, quiet little boy and now you want to say I don’t know who I am? You are the one that’s confused. Of course I shake your hand, you are a fighter. It’s not about talking shit, the reason I laid off you was I know how hard it was to get you and your team to accept this fight. You didn’t want this fight. On Saturday night you are going to be like your brother, retired. You have no heart for this.
 
Everyone says ‘game plan, game plan, game plan’ but it all goes out of the window when you can’t lay a glove on me. Facts. I’m not worried about this kid. 
 
MURODJON AKHMADALIEV
 
I am on the same page as you Eddie, I believe that I won my last fight. Yes, I gave up a few early rounds but from the fifth to the 12th, I won all the rounds, and I believe I was the winner of that fight. But that doesn’t matter right now, I have a tough opponent in front of me, he’s the best out of all the available fighters and I am taking him very seriously and I am here to take back what belongs to me.
 
KEVIN GONZALEZ 
 
It’s a really tough test, a difficult exam, but I am going to pass it with flying colors. My focus is completely on MJ, but obviously, if I win this fight, I could go to face the winner of Inoue vs. Tapales. This is another step in my process, and I am really ready for this fight.  
 
GALAL YAFAI
 
I’m on a big card here with Sunny and Bam, and I know [people are going to look to put me and those guys together in the future. But my eyes are firmly on Rocco on Saturday, to get the win and look good. It’s not enough to win nowadays, if I do, it’s how I perform that’s looked at. So, I need to win, look good and then I can sit back and watch the main event. 
 
If anyone saw me fight in the amateurs, I wasn’t a typical amateur. I was a front foot fighter and putting people down in the Olympic finals – and that’s not normal, especially for a Flyweight. But I am not going to sit here and big myself up too much, I do my talking in the ring, and we’ll see what happens on Saturday.
 
ROCCO SANTOMAURO
 
If you have ever seen me fight, I’m going to bring a good, entertaining fight. I always bring it and I am looking forward to facing an Olympic gold medalist and putting on a great performance, I’ll let my hands do the talking and bring how the W. I’m going to bring my experience, yes, he’s an Olympic gold medalist, but he’s only had five fights, so we’ll see how that plays out against a veteran in the ring.
 
PETER MCGRAIL
 
The likes of Ja’Rico O’Quinn they all watch me but when they get in there, it’s a completely different story. I’ve watched about two minutes of him, I’m always taking it each fight at a time and it’s another step-up. Last time out he was 17-0, this guy is 16-1, those are the types of tests we need, they’re all steppingstones to the World title fight and Ja’Rico is just another guy to step over on Saturday.
 
JA’RICO O’QUINN
 
I’m relaxed, I’m chilling up here in my slides. If I could, I’d put my feet on the table, I’m chilling, comfortable. I’m thankful to you Eddie to be on this platform. They have been loud as hell during this camp, in my DMs on Instagram and everything. He has to back that shit up now, we’re here now. Peter, you’re quiet over there now. He’s going to be running from me all night. I watched him, he’s a good kid, soft-spoken, he’s never been in anything real, and he’ll go into his shell on Saturday night. I always bring the fight, don’t worry about that.
 
CARLOS MUJICA
 
We gave everything in Detroit, as we will do on Saturday. I felt like I won that fight but we’re ready once again to give everything and get the victory.
 
ARTURO POPOCA
 
Thanks to God and to Eddie Hearn for this opportunity, we’re ready to put on a great fight on Saturday.
 
ALBERT GONZALEZ
 
It’s motivating to be able to perform on a card like this, I’m thankful, I’ve been working my ass off and I hope that come Saturday I’ll show that in the ring. The camp with Robert Garcia is no joke, we have the best of the best there in sparring, trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, I’m more than ready and confident not only in myself but in the rest of the team that we’re going to come over here and do what we do best, and that’s get the victory.
 
ALEXIS MOLINA
 
Thank you to Matchroom for the opportunity. We’re going to give everything for this fight, put it all on the line. I have been working hard in training camp and we’re ready to put on a show and take the victory home to Guadalajara.
 
JOE MCGRAIL
 
These are the fights I want to be in, I want to start pushing on now and keep building. I had my pro debut on a Matchroom show, and now I’m making my US debut on a Matchroom show, so thank you Eddie.
 
JUNAID BOSTAN
 
I’d like to thank Eddie Hearn and Tom Dallas for making the fight, and I was surprised they made the fight. In my last few fights, I’ve fought undefeated guys, Area champions, Scottish champion, and now I’m fighting this fool? I can’t believe it. We had a few opponents lined up, we accepted them all, but they fell through for whatever reason. I was asking for this to be made and didn’t think Eddie or Tom would make it, but I am glad it was. This idiot is getting beaten up differently on Saturday night.
 
I’m delighted to be on this card for my American debut, not a lot of people get this sort of opportunity so early in their career. I’m not just saying it because I dislike the guy, but I do honestly believe I stop him. 
 
GORDIE RUSS II
 
I’m ready to bust him up and send him back across the pond. He’s not ready for this in America. Let him fight the bums over there. He’s made a big mistake, I applaud him for strapping up and coming here, but it’s not going to be enough, I will stop you bro, and that’s real talk. He’s already in the books, I have him. He’s going to have to be carried out, on his back or face, this is not a game.

Jose Sanchez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Walter Santibanes in a action filled super bantamweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Sanchez, 124.4 lbs of Cathedral City, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 12-0. Santibanes, 124.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 12-3.

“I want to thank Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions for giving me the opportunity to fight for the first time in front of my hometown as the main event,” said Tito Sanchez. “This was a real war. The crowd’s cheers kept me going through the tough times, and with them having my back, I was able to push through and get the victory. My right middle knuckle was severely injured in the third round, but I made it 10-rounds with the Coachella Valley’s support.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Paul Mendez in a eight-round middleweight out.

In round one, Priest dumped Mendez with a hard right hand. Mendez was hurt throughout the round and landed a huge flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:09.

Priest, 161.4 lbs of Kansas City, KS is now 12-0 with eight knockouts. Mendez, 160 lbs of Delano, CA is 21-5-2.

“After my last fight, I made a lot of adjustments and I believe that’s what helped me get the knockout tonight,” said Eric Priest. “Training with Ismael Salas in Las Vegas has been great for my career – I have been able to rub elbows with top level fighters as well as current and former world champions who help me improve my craft. My message to the middleweight division is that if you didn’t know me before, you’ll know me now.”

Jorge Chavez remained undefeated by stopping Jerson Ortiz after round two of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round one, Chavez dropped Ortiz with a flurry in the corner. Chavez continued to punish Ortiz, and the fight was stopped in the corner after round two,

Chavez, 123.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Ortiz, 123.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 17-10.

Ricardo Ruvalcaba remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Irvin Macias in a welterweight fight.

In round five, Macias began to bleed from the nose.

Ruvalcaba, 141.6 lbs of Ventura, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 11-0-1. Macias, 142 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 15-4.

Justin Figueroa remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Jerome Clayton in a four-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fugueroa dropped Clayton with an overhand right to the top of the head. Late in the round Figueroa scored a knockdown on a right to the body.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Clayton with a straight right to the face. Figueroa ended things when he dropped Clayton with another body shot at 1:58.

Figueroa, 153.4 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 7-0 with six knockouts. Clayton, 154 lbs of New Orleans is 9-3-1.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to the APEX with a middleweight clash that will see No. 7 ranked Roman Dolidze battle No. 12 Nassourdine Imavov. Also on the card, No. 13 ranked lightweight contender Renato Moicano meets No. 15 Drew Dober.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: DOLIDZE vs. IMAVOV will take place Saturday, February 3 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will stream exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish with the prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Additionally, the finals for ROAD TO UFC Season 2 will air live at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on UFC Fight Pass from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 3, following the broadcast of UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: DOLIDZE vs. IMAVOV.

UFC Apex VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC octagon girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.com for more information.

ROAD TO UFC is a ground-breaking “win and advance” tournament that takes top MMA prospects from Asia and gives them a pathway to a UFC contract. Season 2 started with 32 mixed martial arts athletes, with eight competing in each of four men’s weight classes: flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight and lightweight. The athletes in ROAD TO UFC came from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The opening round took place on May 27 and 28 at the UFC Performance Institute Shanghai, and the semifinals took place following UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HOLLOWAY VS THE KOREAN ZOMBIE in Singapore on August 27. Following the conclusion of the finals for ROAD TO UFC Season 2, the four winners will be awarded UFC contracts.

Dolidze (12-2, fighting out of Batumi, Georgia) looks to deliver another signature KO in his first UFC main event. Known for his highlight-reel finishes, Dolidze rose through the middleweight ranks with bonus-earning stoppages of Jack Hermansson, Phil Hawes and Kyle Daukaus. He now aims to begin his 2024 campaign with a statement victory and break into the Top 5.

Imavov (12-4, fighting out of Paris, France) returns to the Octagon planning to reignite his run towards the title. A well-rounded competitor who has finished nine of his 12 victories, he holds notable wins over Joaquin Buckley, Edmen Shahbazyan and Ian Heinisch. Imavov now has his sights set on becoming the first person to finish Dolidze in impressive fashion.

Grappling ace Moicano (17-5-1, fighting out of Brasília, Federal District, Brazil) aims to build another win steak by defending his spot in the rankings. A high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, all 10 of his finishes have come via submission, including wins over Brad Riddell, Alexander Hernandez and Cub Swanson. Moicano now seeks to make quick work of Dober and turn his attention to the top of the division.

Knockout artist Dober (27-12 1NC, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) looks to add to his record for most knockouts in UFC lightweight history. Among the most exciting athletes in the division, Dober’s last seven wins have come by KO, including finishes of Ricky Glenn, Bobby Green and Terrance McKinney. He now plans to notch his biggest victory yet and insert himself into the title conversation. 

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 8 ranked flyweight contender Viviane Araujo (12-5, fighting out of Brasília, Federal District, Brazil) aims to hand No. 11 Natalia Silva (16-5, fighting out of Pingo D’Agua, Minas Gerais, Brazil) her first UFC loss
• William Gomis (13-2, fighting out of Paris, France) returns to action against Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) in a featherweight bout
• Gilbert Urbina (7-3, fighting out of Mercedes, Texas) meets Charles Radtke (8-3, fighting out of Naples, Fla.) in a welterweight contest
• Flyweight action sees Luana Carolina (9-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) take on Julija Stoliarenko (11-8-2, fighting out of Visaginas, Luthuania)
• Aliaskhab Khizriev (14-0, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan) defends his undefeated record against Makhmud Muradov (26-8, fighting out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan) in an exciting middleweight tilt
• Fan favorite Molly McCann (13-6, fighting out of Liverpool, England) aims for another signature KO against fellow striker Diana Belbita (15-8, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada) at strawweight
• Welterweights Themba Gorimbo (11-4, fighting out of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) and Kiefer Crosbie (10-4, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) collide in an all-action bout
• JeongYeong Lee (10-1, fighting out of Daegu, South Korea) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he faces Blake Bilder (8-1-1, fighting out of Costa Mesa, Calif.) at featherweight
• Nate Maness (15-3, fighting out of Henderson, Ky.) plans to knock Azat Maksum (17-0, fighting out of Rayimbek, Almatinskaia Oblast, Kazakhstan) from the ranks of the unbeaten in a flyweight matchup
• Landon Quinones (7-2-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) seeks to spoil the UFC debut of Dana White’s Contender Series signee MarQuel Mederos (8-1, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.)
• Heavyweight Dana White’s Contender Seriesalums clash as Thomas Petersen (8-1, fighting out of Webster, Minn.) meets Jamal Pogues (10-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)

ROAD TO UFC Season 2 Finale Bouts:

·         Flyweight Final: 22-year old dedicated finisher Jiniushiyue “Little King Kong” (13-2, fighting out of Sichuan, China) faces decorated national wrestler 21-year old Rei Tsuruya (8-0, fighting out of Chiba, Japan).

·         Bantamweight Final: Experienced, aggressive striker Xiao Long (26-7, fighting out of Hunan, China) faces well-rounded grinder Chang Ho Lee (9-1, fighting out of Goyang, South Korea).

·         Featherweight Final: Iconic aggressive strikerKaiwen (12-5, fighting out of Hunan, China) faces seasoned, intelligent tactician Yizha (24-4, fighting out of Sichuan, China).

·         Lightweight Final: Former UFC athlete and strong finisher Rongzhu (24-5, fighting out of Sichuan, China) faces power wrestler Shin Haraguchi (7-0 1NC, fighting out of Kagoshima, Japan).

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for media credentials to the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 233 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s active fighter roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

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ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2023) – Undefeated super middleweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) concluded a memorable 2023, knocking out Pachino “Chino” Hill on December 2nd in the second round, in his hometown of Houston on a Golden Boy Promotions card headlined by Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte on a live DAZN stream from Toyota Center.

The 27-year-old Fulghum was 6-for-6 in 2023 with six knockouts, all since May, increasing his perfect pro record to 9-0 with nine knockouts. In Darius’ six fights this year, he has only needed 16 total rounds to stop his six opponents.

In 2023, Fulghum started working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing Los Angeles-based company, in addition to signing an exclusive promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

“Everything that has happened in my boxing career has been perfect timing,” Fulghum commented, even when I was an amateur. I graduated (from college) in 2019, right before the pandemic, and I was able to work my schedule around to compete in The Nationals.

“I don’t know how I could have had a better year other than winning a world title, but that wasn’t realistic right now. I had a perfect year, six fights in seven months, all won by knockout. I learned so much this year in and out of the ring like the process. . I never take days off. I’m gaining all the experience I’ll need to get that world title belt. Everything has been in sync, and I give a lot of the credit to my family for always supporting me.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. All of his amateur accomplishments were achieved while he attended college.

Fighting at home as a pro for only the second time during his career, Fulghum wanted to do something special for his family, friends, and fans in Houston. He did just that…..

Team Fulghum came up with the idea for him to wear his Prairie View A & M cap and gown during his walk up to the ring and after the fight when his hand was raised in victory by referee Mark Calo-oy.

“I loved it,” Fulghum added. “Me and my team wanted to make my first fight in Houston something special. I’m so happy it came out really nice. Everything was absolutely ridiculous, Houston really showed up. I felt the love.”

If 2023 was a banner year, Fulghum plans to make 2024 a breakthrough campaign.

“I want to make noise in my division next year and 168 (lbs.) is tight,” Fulghum concluded. “People are starting to notice me, but I don’t have the leverage right now to call out anybody, never mind (David) Benavidez, Canelo (Alvarez), (Jermell) Charlo or (Jaime) Munguia. Next year, I want people to watch me fighting tough competition.”

Perfect timing!

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum

MINNEAPOLIS – December 14, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. and knockout artist Sena Agbeko went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event this Saturday, December 16 from The Armory in Minneapolis in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conference also featured exciting contenders Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela, who meet in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they rematch in the co-main event, plus all-action former world champions Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Andre Berto, who square off in a 10-round welterweight rematch in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The telecast had previously been scheduled to include WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio Cesar Martinez facing unbeaten Angelino Cordova, however that fight has now been postponed after Martinez experienced visa issues trying to enter the country.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“When you disrespect me, you’re gonna suffer. When you talk like that to my face, now it’s time for the punishment. I’m going to knock his ass out in the sixth or seventh round this Saturday night. My Christmas present for him is gonna be a knockout.”

“This is a great opportunity to headline the last fight on SHOWTIME. I was ready for him in April and I’m ready for him now. I’ll show him and anyone who doubts me.

“it’s going to be worse for him now. I’m better now than if we had fought in April. I’m taking him right out now.

“I’m really just focused on Agbeko. My body and my mental are 100%. I’m not thinking about David Benavidez right now. I’ll come for him after Agbeko. I’m taking this guy out first. 

“I feel great to have this opportunity. My family is coming here to watch me for the first time. This is my time and this is my moment. I want everything.

“Having my family here doesn’t put pressure on me. It takes the pressure away. It’s going to make me feel great and clear my head, since I don’t need to worry about how they are doing in Cuba anymore. Once I’m inside the ring, my focus will be fully on Agbeko.”

SENA AGBEKO

“I’ve always had the mindset that I want to be the top guy at super middleweight. I want to face the best. That’s what I’ve wanted since the beginning.

“I can’t hate a man who’s on the same mission as me. We both want to be world champion. We were supposed to fight in April, and I believe that someone went to great lengths to stop the fight from happening then.

“I wanted this fight because of what I know about myself. There’s so much that I’ve done that people have chosen to ignore. I just wanted a chance. I’ve just needed the stage to prove it.

“I fought to get this fight back, because I deserved it. I’m grateful to the universe, and to David and his team for accepting the fight.

“I truly believe that his team thinks I’m a sheep coming to the slaughter house. But they don’t know that I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

“This will be the culmination of everything I’ve ever dreamed of. It’s been a long 12 years. I’ve trained the whole time like I’m fighting for a world title. To win this fight Saturday night will mean everything to me. I want to add my name to a long line of Ghanaian champions.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“I’m not forced to do anything. I’m my own boss. This was the option that I chose. I’m tired of hearing him talk. I’ve always wanted to prove myself.

“He’s a sore loser, but he comes to fight. He’s gonna come to fight. I want to prove to the world and to his fans that he didn’t win. I’m gonna come dominate. I want him to take his loss like a man.

“It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. He dropped me in the first 30 seconds and he didn’t’ finish me. It says a lot about him as a fighter. He had 2:30 to finish me in the first round.

“He got tired. I landed so many jabs. Saturday night I’m gonna make him stop crying about this. I’m ready.” 

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I learned I have to keep my foot on the gas. It was pretty clear to everyone that I won. He said that I was a bum, but it looked like he was getting jumped in there. Everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be back.

“I made the adjustments that I had to make. Saturday I’m knocking him out. I had a tremendous training camp.

“I’m gonna knock this clown out. It’s over for him. I can see in his eyes that he’s scared. He said he had different plans after the first fight. But he had to come back here to face me.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“These fists are hungry and I gotta feed them. It’s been a long time coming. Things change, but like my dad always told me, ‘the older the bull, the stiffer the horn.’ We’re ready to go.

“The last time we fought, I was really a 135-pounder fighting at 147. I’ve grown into the weight now. It’s gonna be a lot different match now.

“We were both in Las Vegas out there running and doing our camps. I’m ready and I’m excited to do it again. When you run at that elevation in Las Vegas, there’s nothing like it.

“If you know Robert Guerrero, you know I come for war. We come no matter what. It’s just what we do. We’re warriors.”

ANDRE BERTO

“Anybody who follows me, they know I stay in shape. This is a fight that I felt like I always needed to get back. Same thing with Victor Ortiz. I shouldn’t have even stepped into the ring against Guerrero when we first fought. I’m on a revenge tour now before I leave this game.

Robert is a great fighter of course, and he did what he did. But I’m hungry for this one. I still think about situations from that fight back then. I’m hungry to get this one back. We had a hell of a training camp and we’re gonna get it.

“I wasn’t in the right space mentally or physically when we first thought. I only gained four pounds after the weigh-in. Even then he barely beat me. I’m not taking anything from Robert, because he’s a beast.

“Now, even at this age, I’m feeling like a beast right now. I’m focused right now. I didn’t pull any punches in camp. I had young studs pushing me every day. I feel good and I feel fresh.”

#          #          #

ABOUT MORRELL VS. AGBEKO

Morrell vs. Agbeko will see undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. battle knockout artist Sena Agbeko headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, December 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature exciting contenders Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they rematch in the co-main event, and all-action former world champions Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Andre Berto squaring off in a 10-round welterweight rematch in the telecast opener.

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

MINNEAPOLIS – December 14, 2023 – The previously scheduled matchup between WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio Cesar Martinez and unbeaten Angelino Cordova has been postponed. Martinez experienced visa issues trying to enter the country, forcing the bout to be rescheduled for next year.

The fight had been set to appear on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast this Saturday night headlined by undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion and Minneapolis fan-favorite David Morrell Jr. battling knockout artist Sena Agbeko from The Armory in Minneapolis and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The telecast will continue as a tripleheader.

Exciting contenders Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela will meet in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator as they rematch in the co-main event, while all-action former world champions Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and Andre Berto square off in a 10-round welterweight rematch in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

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